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Mitchell’s WWE Elimination Chamber Results & Report! (2/18/23)

The final stop before WrestleMania!

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WWE Elimination Chamber 2023

Will Sami Zayn pull off a Montreal Miracle?

Before Cody Rhodes challenges for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania, Sami Zayn gets his shot at Roman Reigns! Will the Great Liberator drastically change the WWE’s landscape?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Raw Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Elimination Chamber: Asuka VS Liv Morgan VS Raquel Rodriguez VS Carmella VS Natalya VS Nikki Cross; Asuka wins and will challenge Bianca Belair for the title at WrestleMania.
  • Bobby Lashley VS Brock Lesnar; Lashley wins, by disqualification.
  • Mixed Tag Match: Edge & Beth Phoenix VS Finn Balor & Rhea Ripley; Edge & Beth win.
  • WWE United States Championship Elimination Chamber: Austin Theory VS Seth Rollins VS Bronson Reed VS Johnny Gargano VS Damian Priest VS Montez Ford; Theory wins and retains the title.
  • Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns w/ Paul Heyman VS Sami Zayn; Roman Reigns wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

It’s the Elimination Chamber Kickoff Show!

Join Kayla Braxton, Kevin Patrick, Wade Barrett and Pete Rosenberg in discussing, analyzing and predicting all the action that’s going to heat up tonight!

 

Backstage interview with Austin Theory.

Byron Saxton catches the United States Champion as he’s arriving and says he steps inside the “grueling” Elimination Chamber against “five of the fiercest WWE superstars.” Theory says let’s look at those five. Johnny Gargano is a stay at home dad. Montez Ford, how’d he even get into this thing? This isn’t a tag team match. Bronson Reed is just a massive waste of space. And then there’s Damian Priest, a former US Champion! We forgot all about that when Theory became champ. And Theory’s “favorite,” Seth Freakin’ Rollins. AKA Seth “The Past” Rollins! Every time Theory beats Rollins, Rollins goes further and further into the past.

“And that’s exactly what’s gonna happen tonight to all five of those superstars. Because the reality is, we are in the now, and I am the Forever Champ. And they are all just lucky that they get to experience Austin Theory Live. How ’bout that?” Theory laughs his way towards the locker room, but is his ego going to bring him down when the odds are not in his favor?

 

“On this path to glory…”

“… forward is the only way. No matter the danger, you must face it head on. The fear is bitter. The obstacles, unrelenting. You freeze or fight. And man, that’s cold. But when the storm hits home, it hits big. The Chamber calls, and the only way out is in.” Face the danger, brave the Chamber, and grab glory with both hands!

 

Raw Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Elimination Chamber: Asuka VS Liv Morgan VS Raquel Rodriguez VS Carmella VS Natalya VS Nikki Cross!

Having cleared out Bayley and Becky, The EST awaits a new challenger for WrestleMania. The Empress of Tomorrow, the LIVing Embodiment, Ricky Desperado, the Fabulous Princess of Staten Island, the Queen of Harts, and Anarchy Incarnate are all fighting to win, but who will survive the steel to head for gold?

Asuka makes her entrance first, followed by Carmella, who eggs Asuka on while she’s in a pod. Mella goes to her corner, and then Raquel makes her entrance. Fourth out is Nikki, and she’s more than excited to be back in the Chamber. This leaves Natty and Liv to start, which Montreal is excited for. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Natty hits a headlock takeover. Liv fights up, powers out, but Natty runs her over. Natty stares Liv down and smiles, then things speed up. Natty rolls, Liv whips, but Natty hurdles and comes back to waistlock, O’Conner Roll! TWO, Liv rolls Natty, TWO! The two stare down and fans fire up.

Natty and Liv reset and circle, tie up, and Natty waistlocks. Liv elbows free and Natty goes to a corner. Liv runs in, Natty throws her up and out, then ROCKS her with a right. Natty goes out after Liv but Liv whips her into the steel chains! And then again! And again! And again! Natty falls and Liv sits her up for a kiss on the cheek. Liv then goes up the chains to DOUBLE STOMP Natty down! Fans are torn and Liv catches her breath. Liv then digs Natty into the chain and pushes her head through them! Natty struggles to get free, she throws hands but Liv kicks her low. Liv runs in but is sent into a pod!

Liv staggers, Nikki laughs, and Natty SMACKS Liv off the pod again! Fans cheer Natty and she brings Liv back up, to SMACK her into the pod again! Nikki watches with a big grin while fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Natty says okay, and she SMACKS Liv back into the pod! Natty then hauls Liv up but Liv pushes back. Liv swings, but into the lift, rebound and TOSS into the chains! Now Natty puts Liv through the chains for a motorcycle stretch! The countdown is here, and the first one out of their pod is… RAQUEL! Big Mami Cool ROCKS Natty with forearm after forearm! Raquel then RAMS shoulders and runs Natty over!

Raquel drags Natty up, whips her to ropes, but Natty kicks back! Natty runs, into a LARIAT! Raquel drags Natty back up, waistlocks, but Natty resists the lift. Liv runs in, but Raquel BOOTS her! Raquel SLAMS Natty, then whips Liv to a corner hard! Liv bounces off buckles, Raquel brings Natty up and whips her in. Natty runs into Liv, and Raquel revs up to run in, STINGER SPLASH SANDWICH! Raquel then TOSSES Natty away, and scoops Liv for a FALL AWAY SLAM! Fans fire up and Raquel BOOTS Natty down! Raquel goes out after Natty, she brings Natty up into a fireman’s carry, and RAMS her into the chains! And again! And again!

Raquel drops Natty, fans are a bit torn, but Raquel stands Natty back up. Raquel hauls Natty up in an Alabama Lift, but Liv jumps on! But Raquel catches her! Natty sunset flips to BOMB Raquel into chains! Fans fire up as all three women are down! Natty throws Liv into the ring, storms up on her, and she grabs the legs. Natty stomps Liv’s stomach, but Liv blocks. Liv BOOTS Natty away, then monkey flips her! But Natty holds onto the legs, only for Liv to roll her up! TWO! Liv kicks, KICKS and springboards, but Natty throws her to Raquel, who catches her! NECKBREAKER CODE BREAKER COMBO!! Natty covers Raquel, TWO!

The countdown is back, and next out is… NIKKI! Nikki RAMS into Natty, CLOBBERS Raquel, and then SPLASHES Liv! She SPLASHES Natty, then SPLASHES Raquel! Nikki keeps going, another SPLASH for Liv! But Raquel POSTS Nikki! Raquel runs in, but posts herself! Natty elbows Nikki, whips, but Nikki reverses and sends Natty out! Liv kicks, KICKS, but misses the enziguri on Nikki! Nikki TOSSES Liv, then she grins as she sees everyone else is down. Nikki grabs Liv’s legs to CATAPULT her into a pod! Nikki drags Natty up, RAMS her into the chains again and again, then goes to Raquel to do the same!

Nikki digs Raquel’s face into the chains, and chinbars to really twist Raquel up! Raquel can only endure, and Nikki lets off to scare Mella. Nikki digs Raquel’s face into the pod! Mella mocks Raquel’s pain and Nikki throws Raquel down. Nikki then looks up, and decides to climb! Fans fire up as Nikki gets on top of Mella’s pod, throws her jacket around, and then away. Nikki aims, and SUPER CROSSBODIES!! Down go Raquel, Natty AND Liv! Fans are thunderous and Mella can’t even! Nikki grins and waves to fans, and the countdown is back. Next into the pod is… CARMELLA! She hurries to cover Liv, TWO!

Mella covers Natty, TWO! Mella waves at Asuka to taunt her, but Nikki sneaks in. Mella gets right up against Asuka’s pod, saying she’s not afraid. But then Nikki slithers up and Mella is creeped out. Mella wants back in her pod! Mella stays safe but fans boo. Nikki turns around, and Raquel picks her up! To RAM her through Mella’s pod!! Mella runs away and wants to borrow Raquel’s pod for safety! Fans lose their minds over what Raquel just did, and she drags Nikki up out of the wreckage. Raquel TOSSES Nikki in, covers, Raquel ELIMINATES Nikki! But Liv is up top, she leaps for a FLYING CODE BREAKER!!

Raquel flounders away, Liv chases after, springboard, but Raquel tosses her to the chains! Liv clings onto the chains to climb! Natty CLUBS Raquel but that just pisses Raquel off! Raquel BOOTS Natty, goes back in and hauls Natty up, to RAM her into a corner! Raquel puts Natty up top, throws forearms, then climbs up after her. Natty and Raquel fight, Natty slips under, but Raquel holds ropes! Raquel rains down fists and even stomps Natty into sitting down! But Liv is up on top of Asuka’s pod! SUPER FLYING SUNSET BOMB!! Mella covers, TWO!?!? Raquel survives and no one can believe it! And the last countdown is here! TIME FOR ASUKA!!!

Asuka BOOTS Mella before she can get in a pod, then dribbles her off the glass! And then off chains! Fans are thunderous, “ASUKA’S GONNA KILL~ YOU!” Mella is pushed into the chains while Asuka smiles! Asuka then brings Mella around to URAKEN! URAKEN! SOBAT! KICK! URAKEN! But Mella ducks the roundhouse and Asuka kicks pod! Asuka hobbles, but she keeps moving, SLIDING KICK on Mella! Fans fire up, Asuka wraps Mella up in a waistlock, GERMAN SUPLEX! Raquel and Asuka stare down and fans fire up again! Raquel swings, misses, but she blocks a backhand to RAM Asuka down!

Asuka’s back up, she tilt-o-whirls to an IRON OCTOPUS!! Raquel endures but Asuka pulls on that bad arm! Raquel powers up, powers Asuka into a fireman’s carry, but Asuka slips off to POST Raquel! ROUNDHOUSE! MISSILE DRPKICK from Liv! Cover, TWO!! Natty ROCKS Liv, gets her up, but Liv fights free! CODE BREAKER! ObLIVI- FABULOUS KICK!! Natty gets Liv for a SHARPSHOOTER!! Liv endures, reaches out, crawls her way forward, but Natty drags her back! Liv bites her hand to ignore the pain, and she powers her way forward again! Asuka clamps onto Liv’s arms! RINGS OF SATURN!!

Liv endures, but she’s fading! Liv is OUT, Asuka & Natty ELIMINATE her!! Fans are bummed by that, but now Natty and Asuka stare down. Natty blocks, Asuka blocks, and Asuka wants the arms but Natty arm-drags free! Natty has the legs, SHARPSHOOTER!! FABULOUS KICK! Mella covers Natty, and ELIMINATES her! We’re down to three and Mella laughs at the haters because she’s one of ’em! Mella stares Asuka down, and she sees Raquel stand up. Mella runs in but into an elbow! Asuka kicks, but Raquel lifts her! Mella CHOP BLOCKS Raquel, Asuka URAKENS! FABULOUS KICK! ROUNDHOUSE! FABULOUS KICK! SLIDING KICK! Double cover, they BOTH ELIMINATE Raquel!

FABULOUS KICK on Asuka!! Cover, TWO!!! Asuka survives and Mella is furious! Mella vows to be the one going to WrestleMania, and she aims again. Asuka blocks the kick, ANKLE LOCK! Mella hops on one foot, rolls Asuka into a cover, TWO!! Asuka has the cover, TWO!! Mella rolls Asuka again, TWO!! But into the RINGS OF SATURN!!! Mella endures, flails, but she QUITS! ASUKA WINS!!

Winner: Asuka, by submission (NEW #1 Contender to the Raw Women’s Champion)

NO ONE was ready for Asuka! But will Bianca Belair be the readiEST she’s ever been for this WrestleMania showdown? Or is there no such thing with the Empress of Tomorrow?

 

Bobby Lashley VS Brock Lesnar!

The All Mighty and the Beast have gone back and forth over the last year, and being thrown over the top rope in the Royal Rumble was the last straw for Lesnar. Lashley has become more than a rival, he is an obsession of Lesnar’s. Will Lesnar get even with Lashley while getting Lashley out of his head? Or will Lashley finish Lesnar off once and for all?

The bell rings and the two tie up. Lesnar RAMS Lashley to a corner! And RAMS him again, and again! Then OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplexes! Montreal fires up as Lesnar RAMS into Lashley again, and again, and then knees away on Lashley! Fans chant “SUPLEX CITY!” but Lesnar clotheslines Lashley up and out first! Lesnar paces around while Lashley stands. Lesnar goes out after Lashley, CLUBS him on the back, and then puts him in the ring. Fans fire up but Lashley gets moving, and he SPEARS Lesnar!! Cover, TWO!! Lesnar survives but Lashley knows to just aim again. Lesnar slowly stands, Lashley runs back in, to SPEAR again!!

Lashley soaks up the heat and he wants Lesnar to stand up again. Lesnar rises, and Lashley stalks him. Lesnar resists the full nelson, he gets his hands between Lashley’s, and then fireman’s carries! F5!! Cover, TWO!! Lashley survives but Lesnar keeps his cool. Lesnar stands up first, fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!” so Lesnar fireman’s carries again. F5!! Lesnar crawls to the corner, TWO!!! Lashley survives again, so fans say, “ONE MORE TIME!” Lesnar figures what the hell, he’ll go again! Lesnar fireman’s carries, but Lashley slips off! Lashley shoves, dodges, and SPEARS!! Lashley fires up, and he demands Lesnar stand!

Fans boo but Lashley stalks Lesnar. Lesnar rises up again, Lashley clamps on, HURT LOCK!!! Lesnar is caught in the All Mighty’s full nelson, and he’s fading fast as Lashley puts on the pressure! Fans rally up, Lesnar powers up, and Lesnar LOW BLOWS Lashley!!

Winner: Bobby Lashley, by disqualification

Lashley had Lesnar, so Lesnar threw the fight! But Lesnar is pissed, and he grabs the ref! F5!!! That’s a fine! Lesnar gets Lashley again, another F5!!! The Beast just demolished the Rocky Mountain Machine, and fans still want that “ONE MORE TIME!” Lesnar drags Lashley to the apron, kicks him out of the ring, and he heads for the announce desk! Lesnar clears it off and fans fire up for another F5, through the desk!! Fans lose their minds as Lesnar is standing tall. Lesnar then drags the ref out! And he F5s the ref onto the wreckage!! Well, that’s another fine. Lesnar doesn’t care, but what happens to his Road to WrestleMania?

 

Mixed Tag Match: Edge & Beth Phoenix VS Finn Balor & Rhea Ripley w/ Dominik Mysterio!

The Rated R Superstar wanted to create a group to elevate this generation. What he got was a monster he could not control. But now, it has escalated to a level where there is no going back! Will “the Grit Couple” break The Prince & The Eradicator for what they did back at Extreme Rules? Or will there be no stopping what The Judgment Day has become?

The teams sort out and fans sing along with Edge’s theme song. Finn and Edge start, they circle, and they tie up. Finn waistlocks, headlocks, but Edge powers out. Finn runs Edge over then flexes at Beth. Fans boo, but Edge runs Finn over! And BOOTS him! Edge goes after Finn in the corner to rain down fists! Fans count along, all the way to nine, then Edge adds on for TEN! Tag to Beth, Edge whips her in to RAM Finn! Beth sets up, PO-EDGE-RY IN MOTION! But now Rhea gets in and fans fire up! Beth and Rhea circle, talk some trash, and Rhea pushes Beth. Beth pushes back, then they throw hands!

They tie up, are in a deadlock and go around. Rhea headlocks, Beth throws body shots then whips Rhea away. Beth LARIATS but Rhea stays up! Rhea talks trash and boops Beth in the forehead. Rhea LARIATS, but Beth stays up! Beth says, “Eat this, bitch!” They throw DOUBLE LARIATS again and again and again! It’s fitting that they have Bull Nakano face paint! Beth runs, ROCKS Rhea, but Rhea kicks back! Rhea ROCKS Beth, Dom whispers advice to Mami, and then hurries away. Rhea and Beth step to each other, and Rhea calls for a Test of Strength. Beth says hell yeah, and she ties up with Rhea. Fans chant “F YOU, DOMINIK!”

Rhea and Beth go shoulder to shoulder, and Rhea has Beth on her knees! But Beth powers up to push Rhea back! So Rhea kicks low, pump handles, RIP- NO, Beth slips free! Chicken wings! Rhea fights free, elbows Beth, but Beth runs and CLOBBERS Rhea! Rhea bails out, Domi distracts but Beth chases him off. Beth goes out after Dom, but Rhea runs in, only for Beth to dodge! CHOP, CHOP and whip into the steel steps! Dom is freaking out as Beth drags Rhea back up. Beth puts Rhea in, stomps her down, and then CLOBBERS Finn! Beth goes up but Finn distracts the ref. Dom grabs at Beth but she kicks him away. Dom trips Beth up!

Edge runs after Dom, CLOBBERS Finn, and Dom runs away to the back! Rhea CLUBS Beth, grins and brings Beth up by her hair, and puts her in a Tree of Woe! Rhea stomps a mudhole into Beth, fans sing “HEY HEY HEY! GOOD-BYE!” to Dom. Rhea drags Beth up, SLAMS her back down, then brings her back up. Dom returns, apparently having found some guts backstage. Rhea CLUBS Beth, shoves her into ropes, and CLUBS her again. Rhea stands Beth up to shove her, but Beth ROCKS Rhea! Rhea ROCKS Beth, fans chant at Dom, and the forearms continue to fly! Beth kicks low, ROCKS Rhea with haymakers, then BLASTS Finn!

Rhea picks Beth up! Beth reaches but can’t reach Edge! So she DDTs Rhea! Fans fire up while both women are down! Beth crawls, but Finn appears from under the ring! Finn trips Edge! Then ELBOW DROP to the floor! Fans boo but Beth is stuck, and Rhea SPLASHES in the corner! Rhea drags Beth out, pump handles, RIP- NO, Beth slips free again! Beth has the chicken wings but Rhea runs to RAM Beth into buckles! Rhea drags Beth up the corner and chicken wings the arms! Dom cheers Rhea on but Beth elbows away on Rhea! Beth is free, she blocks a boot to CHOP Rhea! And CHOP her again!

Beth climbs up after Rhea, but Rhea throws hands! Beth CLUBS away on Rhea, stands her up, and Dom freaks out over the SUPERPLEX! Rhea flounders and even Dom felt that one! Fans are thunderous while both women are down and Dom shouts at Rhea to get up. Rhea and Beth crawl for their corners, but Finn runs in to drag Beth back! But then Beth BOOTS Rhea into Finn! Hot tag to Edge! Edge rallies on Finn, FLAPJACKS him, and fans fire up! Finn staggers, into a kick! But he wrenches out to trip and DOUBLE- NO, Edge avoids the stomps, trips Finn, and puts Finn in the EDGE-UCATOR! Rhea runs in, but Beth SPEARS her!

Beth has Rhea’s legs, and it’s another EDGE-UCATOR! Rhea keeps Finn from tapping, and Dom distracts the ref! Beth lets Rhea go, but Rhea HEADBUTTS her for it! Rhea grabs brass knuckles to DECK Edge!! Rhea helps Finn cover, BETH BREAKS IT! Rhea gets on the apron, Beth kicks her right back off! Beth fires off on Rhea, Rhea kicks her away, but Finn rains down fists on Edge! Fans boo as Finn goes up the corner. But Beth TOSSES Dom into the ropes! Finn gets tripped up! Rhea RAMS Beth into barriers! But Edge CLUBS Finn, turns him around, and goes up after him. Edge CLUBS away on Finn, then clamps on!

Finn holds the ropes to resist, but Rhea adds on! Beth also joins in! The ladies POWERBOMB the men! Fans are thunderous as Beth fires up! Rhea and Beth DOUBLE LARIAT! All four are down, and Dom sees his opening! Dom looks under the ring, he brings out chairs, and Rhea bails out to that side. Rhea drags Beth out while Dom moves the steel steps around! Rhea brings Beth to those steps, SMACKS her off them, and Finn keeps Edge down. They’re upping things from Extreme Rules! Rhea has a chair, but Beth avoids the chairshot! Beth SMACKS Rhea off steps! And then chicken wings, to GLAM SLAM Rhea to the floor!

Edge gets Finn for the IMPALER! And then Edge DIVES onto Dom! Edge gets back in, and he- SLINGBLADE from Finn! Finn aims, runs in, but into a SPEAR!! An then Beth joins in, SHATTER MACHINE!! Cover, The Grit Couple wins!!

Winners: Edge & Beth Phoenix, by pinfall

Judgment Day just faced the consequences of their actions, Edge & Beth stand tall! Is this the end of the war between creator and creation? Or will Finn and Rhea just want revenge further down the line?

 

Paul Heyman talks with Roman Reigns.

“My Tribal Chief, Montreal is now your city. There’s nothing ‘Zayn-y’ about Montreal. Tonight, Montreal becomes the centerpiece of your Island of Relevancy!” Roman nods while finishing his C4 Energy. Heyman thanks Roman, but will Montreal be absolutely “Zayn-y” by the end of tonight?

 

WWE United States Championship Elimination Chamber: Austin Theory VS Seth Rollins VS Bronson Reed VS Johnny Gargano VS Damian Priest VS Montez Ford!

The Now says he is the future and the forever, but the odds are not in his favor. Will Theory be the one who ends up the past? Or will he somehow survive the Visionary, the Colossal, Johnny Wrestling, the Punisher and the Highest Flying Profit?

Theory makes his entrance first, so he’s saved from having to start the match and run the table. Next out is Ford, so the red Solo cups rain down. Then Bronson makes his entrance, followed by Priest. That leaves Gargano and Rollins to start the match. Fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” for Rollins as he circles with Gargano. The two tie up, Rollins wrenches an arm to a wristlock, but Gargano spins, wrenches and wristlocks back. Rollins rolls, wrenches, WRINGS Gargano, but Gargano kicks him away! Sweep and cover, ONE! Sweep and cover back, ONE! Fans fire up for this opening exchange, and now fans duel between Rollins and Johnny Wrestling.

The two reset, they feel it out, and fans chant for ‘BOTH THESE GUYS!” Gargano arm-drags Rollins sidesteps and things speed up. Gargano hurdles, schoolboy but Rollins avoids the kick! Gargano avoids the stomp, sunset flips, TWO! Rollins high stacks, TWO! Sunset, TWO! Ghost pin blocked, TWO! Ghost pin completed, but Rollins stands up with a fireman’s carry! Gargano elbows free, goes to the outside and ROCKS Rollins! Then slingshots, but into underhooks! But Gargano back drops free! Rollins lands on his feet, ROCKS Gargano, but Gargano SLINGSHOT SPEARS Rollins to the floor!

Fans fire up but that was a bit double-edged for Gargano. The countdown is here, and first out is… THEORY! The champ BOOTS Gargano, throws hands on Rollins, then throws Rollins into chains! Then he clotheslines Rollins into the ring! Theory throws Gargano into chains, digs him in, and says, “This is MY time! MY time!” Theory talks trash on both his former mentors, then bumps Rollins off buckles. And off more buckles. Theory RAMS into Rollins again and again, then snapmares to stomp him down! Theory goes back to Gargano and RAMS him into a pod! Fans boo but Theory talks trash on them, too.

Theory ROCKS Rollins, has him in a corner, then whips corner to corner. Rollins bounces off buckles, and Theory hits a BACKBREAKER! Theory BLASTS Gargano, ROCKS him, and then “no look” DECKS Gargano! Theory mocks the fans singing Rollins’ song, but Rollins ROCKS Theory! Gargano ROCKS Theory! They pinball Theory between them, haymaker after haymaker! And then a CHOP! Fans fire up and Theory wants mercy! Theory says the fans are singing, and he makes it seem like the fans only care about Rollins! Theory reminds Gargano of their time as The Way! Gargano seems up for that, but then he DECKS Theory!

Fans fire up as Gargano goes after Theory, who hides in his pod! Theory pulls a Mella, but Rollins opens the other side up. Gargano grins, Theory turns around, and Rollins fires off on Theory! Rollins dribbles Theory around, then Gargano joins in! They both beath Theory down! The countdown is back, next in is… PRIEST! The Punisher CLOBBERS Rollins, TOSSES Gargano, then BOOTS him! Rollins gets in but Priest kicks and ROLLING ELBOWS! Priest back elbows Gargano in a corner, back elbows Rollins in a corner, repeat! Priest hits BROKEN ARROW on Gargano! And then he runs at Rollins, but Rollins dodges to kick low!

Rollins underhooks, Priest slips out, DIRTY DEEDS! Priest then COMPLETE SHOTS Gargano! Cover, TWO! Priest waits on Rollins to stand up, and he choke grips for SOUTH OF- NO, Rollins flips free! But Priest JUMP KICKS! Priest wrenches, UNPRETTIER! Cover, TWO!! Priest prepares the hand again and Theory cheers him on. Priest ROUNDHOUSES Theory! Priest then runs to go up the ropes and SENTONS onto Theory! Fans fire up while Priest stalks Rollins. Priest scoops Rollins, but Rollins blocks the lawn dart into chains! Rollins drags Priest into the ring, but Priest slips off to BELL CLAP! But Rollins PELES!

Gargano BUZZSAWS! Theory SOMERSAULT SHOTGUNS! Priest SPINNING ROUNDHOUSES! Fans fire up as Priest stands tall! Priest drags Gargano into a drop zone and he goes up the corner. “This is Awesome!” as Priest reaches the top. But Rollins is right after him! SUPERPLEX, and roll through to FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! The countdown is back, and next out is… BRONSON! And he CLOBBERS Theory! And he CLOBBERS Rollins! And he CLOBBERS Gargano! Rollins CHOPS, but Bronson doesn’t budge! Bronson spins Rollins around, grabs Gargano, URENAGE REVERSE DDT COMBO!

Fans fire up as Bronson stomps around. Bronson whips Gargano into Rollins, then SPLASHES them both! Bronson puts Gargano up top, CHOPS him, then brings Rollins around to fireman’s carry. Gargano is added on top, Bronson carries them both for a DOUBLE SAMOAN DROP!! Cover on Rollins, TWO! Rollins is still in this but Bronson watches Priest stand. Priest and Bronson throw hands, Bronson HEADBIUTTS! Priest ROCKS Bronson, goes up the ropes, but Bronson catches him! GERMAN SUPLEX into chains! Priest staggers, Bronson runs in, SPLASH against the pod!! Priest flops over and fans want that “ONE MORE TIME!”

Bronson tells the fans to shove it, and he goes up the corner. Theory runs over but Bronson HEADBUTTS him! FLYING SHOULDER knocks Theory for a loop! Bronson stands Theory up, and RAMS him into a pod! The countdown is back, and of course, FORD is in! Bronson meets him at the door, but Ford BACKHANDS him! “SUCK IT!” ENZIGURI! But Theory suplexes Ford! Ford slips free, runs and CLOBBERS Theory! Then mule kicks, front kicks, and ENZIGURIS! Theory wobbles, into a SPINEBUSTER! Fans fire up with Ford as he stands over the champion! Ford says A-Town Down? NAH! Off comes the elbow pad!

Ford runs side to side, but Bronson CLOBBERS Ford! Bronson grins, but Theory elbows him! Theory fireman’s carries Bronson!! But Bronson slips off, reels him in, POWERSLAM! Gargano returns, bobs ‘n’ weaves and fires off boxing elbows! Fake-out 52! BUZZ- NO, Bronson gets under the kick to Electric Chair! But Rollins FLYING LARIATS and Gargano uses that to POISON-RANA Bronson!! Ford covers, TWO!! Bronson survives, all six men are down around the Chamber! Priest stands first, Gargano follows but flops back down. Gargano crawls after Rollins and Theory, Ford sees Priest! ford FLIES, but into a choke grip!

Priest lifts but Ford slips out, only for Priest to LARIAT him back down! Priest drags Ford back up, reels him in, RAZOR’S- NO, Ford grabs the chains! Ford kicks Priest, climbs up higher, and Rollins goes after Priest! Ford goes all the way to the ceiling! Ford is hanging up there like a bat as the others gather! SUPER DUPER CROSSBODY!! Ford bowls over everyone and Montreal is losing its mind!! Ford has Bronson in the ring, but Bronson fireman’s carries! Ford fights free, to SUPERKICK! Bronson just fires up!? DOUBLE SUPERKICKS from Ford & Gargano! Bronson’s still up, so Rollins adds on, TRIPLE SUPERKICK!!!

ONE FINAL BEAT!! CURB STOMP!! And FROM THE HEAVENS!!! Cover, Ford ELIMINATES Bronson!! Though technically, it took everyone! Fans sing “HEY HEY HEY! GOOD-BYE~!” to Bronson as everyone else stands up. Priest ROCKS Ford, Rollins CLUBS Priest! Gargano adds on, they mug Priest but he fights back. Theory CLUBS Rollins, bumps him off buckles, Priest ROCKS Gargano! Theory TOSSES Rollins, goes out after him, and Priest does the same to Gargano. Rollins ROCKS Theory in return but Theory trips Rollins! CATAPULT, but Rollins clings to the chains! Rollins climbs now but Theory climbs after him!

Gargano and Priest are also climbing, just on the other side of the pod. Rollins SMACKS Theory off the chains and down goes Theory! Gargano throws hands and sends Priest down. Gargano and Rollins are back to back as fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins and Gargano nod and smile, then Rollins CHOPS Gargano! They brawl up on top of the pod and fans fire up! Rollins dribbles Gargano off the glass! Gargano sits down, Rollins sees the others gathering. Rollins drags Gargano up, SUPER- RANA!!! Gargano sends Rollins flying onto everyone else!!! Fans lose their minds all over again as all five men are back down!

Priest stands up and fans again declare “This is Awesome!” Priest has Gargano by the ear, and he blocks Gargano’s forearm. Gargano avoids the haymaker to SUPERKICK! TORNADO DDT to the floor! Theory runs in, but into a SUPERKICK! Ford runs in, into a SUPERKICK! Gargano sees Theory go to the other side, he takes aim, ONE FINAL BEAT to the floor!! Fans are thunderous as Gargano aims at Priest! GAMANGIRI, and then ONE FINAL- UPPERCUT! Crucifix lift, RAZOR’S EDGE! Cover, Priest ELIMINATES Gargano! The Bad Guy would be proud as Priest soaks up the heat from Montreal.

Priest DECKS Rollins, then DECKS Ford! Priest KICKS Rollins around, then UPPERCUTS! Priest BOOTS Ford back down, then fires off more kicks on Rollins. Rollins blocks, and he swings, but Priest blocks! They go back and forth, Rollins kicks low and underhooks, but Priest wrenches out to ROUNDHOUSE! Priest reels Rollins in but Ford climbs. Priest lets Rollins go to ROCK Ford! Priest climbs up after Ford, choke grips him, but Rollins adds on! Ford and Rollins hit a BLOCKBUSTER POWERBOMB! Cover, Ford ELIMINATES Priest! Ford avenges Dawkins’ loss to Priest, and now we’re down to three!

Theory stirs off on the side, Rollins and Ford stand in the ring. They stare down, Ford mocks the conducting of the fans. “OH~! OHH~! OHHH~!” Rollins ROCKS Ford! Ford ROCKS Rollins! Repeat! Ford gets the edge, but Rollins ducks the backhand to ROLLING ELBOW! Turn and- Mule kick from Ford! Front kick! But Rollins ducks the enziguri! Back suplex, but Ford lands on his feet to ENZIGURI! Fans fire up as Ford then FLIES to take out Theory!! And then he FLIES to hit Rollins! And he throws Theory to that side, to FLY and take them BOTH out!! Ford throws Theory in but Theory fireman’s carries!

Ford slips free, slips around, clinch to the ROCK BOTTOM! Ford says “SUCK IT” to Theory and he goes up top! FROM THE HEAVENS onto knees!! Rollins CURB STOMPS! Theory BLASTS Rollins, covers Ford, and ELIMINATES Ford! Fans boo, but Rollins and Theory are the last two left. Fans chant “YOU SUCK!” at Theory but he doesn’t care. Theory stands Rollins up, but Rollins SUPERKICKS! Rollins gets Theory up, LIGER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Rollins and Theory are both down, refs call help for Ford. Fans applaud as Ford manages to sit up. Refs and security help Ford out of the ring, Rollins aims at Theory.

Theory sits up, Rollins runs in, but Theory dodges! Fireman’s carry, but Rollins slips free! Underhooks, PEDIGREE!!! Rollins aims and Theory flounders up, but LOGAN PAUL slips into the cage! TO BUCKSHOT ROLLINS!!! And then he CURB STOMPS him!! Fans boo and the refs reprimand but Logan leaves. Theory waits on Rollins, he fireman’s carries, A-TOWN DOWN! Cover, Theory wins!

Winner: Austin Theory, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)

One big mouth helps another big mouth survive, and Logan tells Rollins to keep running his mouth. Will the ImPAULsive Influencer have hell to pay? Will The Now only have an even bigger ego after tonight?

 

Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns w/ Paul Heyman VS Sami Zayn!

For 902 DAYS, the Tribal Chief, the Head of the Table, the Island of Relevancy has held onto gold. But after an almost year long journey, the Great Liberator has broken away and regained the respect he is owed! Will Sami’s homecoming be a perfect one? Or will he NOT be the one to end Roman’s reign?

Roman makes his entrance first, the Wise Man and only the Wise Man at his side. Roman raises the belts for the pyro, then continues to the ring, even as fans chant, “F YOU, ROMAN!” Needless to say, Montreal does NOT acknowledge Roman as their Tribal Chief. Roman again lifts the belts for the second round of pyro. Fans already sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” and then they erupt as Sami makes his entrance! The introductions are made, the belts are raised once again, and we see if Sami makes a Montreal Miracle happen!

Fans start up the “F YOU, ROMAN!” chants. Roman is amused by that as he and Sami go to corners. The bell rings, “OLE~! OLE OLE OLE~!” starts again, and Roman stares Sami down from across the way. Sami wants Roman to hear how fired up Montreal is for SAMI, but Roman is stone faced. Sami steps forward and fans fire up even more! They’re already red hot and there hasn’t even been a punch thrown! Roman is confused and annoyed by that, but he keeps cool. Sami paces, Roman smirks and Heyman says Montreal will acknowledge Roman. Roman and Sami finally circle, and the fans get back to the “F YOU, ROMAN!”

Roman gets angry now, because Sami raises his hands and the fans cheer him! Sami tells Roman it’s as he said, Roman has to take on all of Montreal tonight. The two finally tie up and fans fire up! They go around, Roman headlocks, but Sami powers up and out. Roman runs Sami over, fans boo, but Roman holds up the finger, #HeTheOne. Roman also uses that finger to hush the fans, but they just keep booing. Sami stands up again, and he circles with Roman. They tie up again, Sami waistlocks to a headlock and fans fire up as he grinds Roman down! Roman powers up, powers out, and he ELBOWS Sami down!

Fans boo but Roman soaks it all up while Sami goes to a corner. Roman talks trash on Sami, then circles with Sami again. Fans continue to chant, “F YOU, ROMAN!” and that gets on Roman’s nerves. Roman and Sami circle, tie up, and Roman headlocks again. Sami endures, powers out, and he drops this time to then throw Roman up and out! Fans fire up and Sami builds speed! Sami FLIES to take down Roman at the ramp! Fans fire up even more, especially the Zayn family at ringside! Sami brings Roman around, puts him in the ring, and bumps Roman off buckles! Sami climbs up to rain down fists! Fans count along, all the way to TEN, and Sami goes past it!!

Sami goes fast ‘n’ furious with both fists, he gets roughly TWENTY! Sami pushes Roman away, goes up the corner, and leaps to FLYING ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Sami keeps cool as he stands over Roman. Sami brings Roman up to bump him off more buckles. Roman staggers, Sami goes up the corner again, but Sami leaps into an UPPERCUT! Fans boo but Roman shakes out the cobwebs. Roman grins, throws Sami out, and then goes out after him. Roman SMACKS Sami off the apron, then gets space. Fans boo but Roman tells them to shut up. DRIVE-BY DROPKICK! Sami staggers away and Roman puts him in the ring.

Fans rally behind Sami, but Roman grins as he stalks Sami. Sami staggers up, and he CHOPS, but Roman doesn’t budge! Roman DECKS Sami with a forearm! Fans boo, Roman dusts himself off, and he says, “C’mon! C’mon! I thought about this all week, and that’s all ya got?” Sami sits up, goes to ropes, and fans chant ‘ROMAN SUCKS!” Roman wags his finger, but he walks up into a CHOP! And a CHOP! And another CHOP! Sami ROCKS, runs, but into another UPPERCUT! Fans boo but Roman dusts himself off again. Heyman laughs at Sami while Roman stalks him to a corner. Roman looms over Sami in the corner and says he wanted Sami’s family to be his family.

Roman fires off point-blank lariats again and again as fans boo. Roman won’t stand for that, and he TOSSES Sami out of the ring! Roman lets Sami’s family cheer him on before he goes out after him. “This was never meant to be like this. I didn’t do this. This is his fault.” Roman makes Sami look at his wife, then pushes him down! Roman says he wanted them to be close, but Sami betrayed him! Roman brings Sami around to HEADBUTT him! Sami flops to the ring, fans tell Roman off, but Roman stands Sami up again. “You don’t deserve this, you understand me?” Roman pie faces Sami, puts him in the ring, and gets in at 8 of 10.

Fans rally for Sami but Roman paces around him. Roman waits on Sami to stand, and Sami throws a forearm! Fans fire up as Sami fires more shots, but Roman kicks low. Roman checks his jaw and his ear, then he whips Sami, Sami rebounds, goes up and over, and LARIATS!! Fans fire up as Sami and Roman are both down! Sami fires up, Roman is in a daze, and Heyman looks worried! Sami storms up to fire haymakers on Roman! Sami whips, Roman reverses, but Sami CLOBBERS Roman! Fans fire up more as both men stand back up. Sami clotheslines Roman up and out of the ring! Roman staggers about, Sami goes out after him!

Sami bumps Roman off barriers and rains down fists, right in front of his wife ‘n’ kids! The Zayn family and Montreal fire back up, “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” and Sami puts Roman back in. Sami gives his wife a big kiss and fans fire up more! Sami climbs a corner, but Roman ROCKS him first! Roman climbs up, throws hands, then stands Sami up. But Sami resists! Sami throws body shots and fans fire up again! Sami CLUBS away on Roman’s back, then SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMBS!! Cover, TWO!! Roman survives by a split-second and no one can believe it! Heyman is relieved, but fans rally back up.

Sami staggers, he brings Roman up, and he waistlocks, but Roman fights with elbows! Roman elbows away again and again, then clinches for the ROCK BOTTOM! Cover, TWO! Heyman is shocked but Montreal fires up again! Roman wags his finger, saying this isn’t Sami’s comeback. Roman goes to a corner, Sami flounders to the other. Roman locks ‘n’ loads, he runs in, but gets caught! EXPLODER INTO BUCKLES!! Fans are thunderous as Sami goes to the other corner now! HELLUVA- SUPERMAN PUNCH!! Cover, TWO!! Sami survives again but Roman’s too tired to be upset! However, Heyman is plenty upset on behalf of his Tribal Chief.

Roman sits up and Sami flounders. Sami makes it back to a corner but Roman soaks up all the heat from Montreal. Roman lets out the battle cry, “OOAH!” Roman runs in, but is sent into buckles! Roll-up, TWO!!! Roman escapes by nanoseconds, but he staggers into another CORNER EXPLODER!! Sami aims again, but he decides to lock ‘n’ load! Fans are thunderous, Sami runs in, SUPERMAN PUNCH!! And then the HELLUVA KICK!!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Roman survives by the thinnest margin imaginable and Montreal cannot believe it! But Montreal rallies up again as Sami goes back to the corner.

Roman flounders up into the corner again, Heyman is freaking out, but Sami runs in. Roman bails out! Fans boo, but Sami goes outside, and runs at the corner! DAREDEVIL- UPPERCUT!! Roman takes out Sami as Sami goes back to an old favorite! Roman then decides to go around the way, build up speed, and he SPEARS just the barriers!! Sami got the better of Roman there! Sami puts Roman in, hurries to the corner, dodges a superman punch to BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!?!?!?! Roman survives again and Heyman is thanking God for that one! Sami is growing frustrated because he’s used all his best stuff!

Montreal still rallies behind Sami, though, and that fires him back up! Sami drags Roman back up, reels him in, but Roman blocks the Blue Thunder with a headlock! Roman ELBOWS Sami, RAMS Sami into the ref! And then Roman throws back elbows that also get the ref! Roman runs, into a HELLUVA KICK!!! Cover, but there’s no ref!!! Sami would’ve won already!! Sami is beside himself but Heyman shouts at Roman to get up. Sami checks on the ref, but the ref falls out of the ring! And then JIMMY USO appears! SUPERKICK on Sami!! SUPERKICK again!! And then a whip, to a SUPERKICK!!

Jimmy hurries up top while fans boo! USO SPLASH!! Jimmy drags Roman over, a new ref arrives and counts, TWO!?!?!?!? Sami survives and Montreal is thunderous! Jimmy and Heyman cannot believe it, but Sami still isn’t done! Sami flounders, Roman sits up, and Roman seems confused by how Sami is still conscious. Fans sing as hard as they can but Sami’s strikes don’t hurt. But then he gets fire and the haymakers fly! Roman staggers, runs up, and he grabs Sami by the face to HEADBUTT him! Sami leans against ropes, Roman gets up in Sami’s face and pie faces him as he says, “You understand me?”

Sami ROCKS Roman instead! Roman swings, Sami dodges! BOOT, and then haymakers! Sami fires off stomps and the ref counts! Sami lets off, Roman bails out, but Sami BOOTS Jimmy!! Sami turns around, into a SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? Roman just can’t understand how Sami is still in this! Montreal probably doesn’t either, but they’re loving every second of it! Sami crawls after Roman but Roman tells him Sami ruined his life! “I tried to like you!” Roman says Sami is NOTHING without Roman! Roman upgraded Sami and this is how he repays Roman!? All of Montreal will suffer with Sami now!

Roman SLAPS Sami! And slaps him again and again! Sami SLAPS back!! And then dodges! SUPERMAN PUNCH takes out the ref! SUPERMAN PUNCH from Sami! SUPERMAN PUNCH from Roman!! Both men are down, and we need another ref!!! Heyman is almost amused by that. Roman realizes that, too, and tells Heyman to hurry. Heyman goes under the ring to bring out a chair! Heyman sends that in to Roman, and Roman looks to Sami as he flounders to ropes. But wait! JEY IS HERE!!! Jey stands between Roman and Sami!! Roman is furious that Jey would choose now, in this moment, to defy him! Or is Jey here to rejoin the Bloodline?

Roman tells Jey, it’s either Sami or the Bloodline. Roman holds the chair out to Jey, fans chant “NO! NO! NO!” but Jey takes the chair! Roman tells Jey to do what Sami couldn’t. Roman talks trash to Sami, but then Jey hesitates. Heyman and Roman are confused, but if it’s like that, then Roman takes the chair back. Roman pie faces Jey! And again! Sami runs in, but Roman dodges! Sami’s SPEAR hits Jey!!! And Roman SMACKS Sami with the chair! And again! And again! And again! Not even Heyman can watch this! Fans boo as hard as they can while Sami writhes and flounders! Sami tries to stand, falls back over, and Roman aims again!

Roman runs in, SPEAR!!! Cover, the first ref returns, and Roman wins!!

Winner: Roman Reigns, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Universal Champion)

Just as the Tribal Chief looked to be in checkmate, he found a way to survive! Jimmy gets back in the ring, and Roman has him go after Sami! Jimmy rains down fists on Sami and fans boo, but HERE COMES KEVIN OWENS!! The other son of Montreal is here! Jimmy goes out but Kevin fires off fists on him first! And then RAMS him into the barriers! Kevin glares at Roman, runs in, and he SPEARS Roman! Kevin rains down fists, kicks low, STUNNER!! Kevin dodges Jimmy, STUNNER!! Fans fire up again as Kevin goes out to bring Jimmy around, POP-UP POWERBOMB through the announce desk!!

Kevin then spots a chair! Fans fire up as Kevin gets in the ring with it, and he storms up to Roman. But Heyman gets in the ring to attack! Well, “attack” might be an exaggeration. Kevin turns around and Heyman panics. Fans tell him he messed up, but Heyman says he’s always been a fan of Kevin’s! STUNNER!! Roman stands up again, Kevin takes aim, but Sami is also up on his feet. Kevin looks to Sami, and Kevin hears the fans singing. Kevin lets Sami go ahead, HELLUVA KICK!! Montreal’s favorite superstars stand tall, and even though Sami didn’t bring home the gold, maybe he and Kevin can make amends.

As for Roman, he survives his fight, having pulled off a different kind of Montreal screwjob. But if it took all this to deny the Honourary Hab, will he not stop the American Nightmare?


My Thoughts:

A great Elimination Chamber event, though the level of action didn’t make up for some of the results. While Lesnar VS Lashley was going about how every Lesnar match does, that was a ripoff of a finish. Lesnar blatantly low-blowing Lashley was not very Lesnar of him. They should’ve tried to recreate the finish from Crown Jewel for it to backfire somehow, but whatever, Lesnar still has to look strong. There’s a good chance they still have another match at WrestleMania before Bray Wyatt gets his turn. Bray wanted the winner, but also whoever “made it out alive.” Bray will surely address this on SmackDown for clarity, but it could be night one: Lashley VS Lesnar for the final time, night two: winner from night one VS Bray.

The Grit Couple had a great tag match with Finn & Rhea, and of course Dominik did his best to be the one to tip the scales. He got a lot of Heat, as he should, but to my surprise, the Grit Couple wins out with Finn taking the loss. If not for Rhea having her title match against Charlotte Flair, Rhea and Beth could totally have a 1v1 match to parallel what I would think is Edge VS Finn 1v1 at Mania. Great stuff from both Elimination Chamber matches, and while Asuka didn’t clear out everyone, she still got the win and she is going to have a great story and match with Bianca Belair. And as I said just last night for SmackDown, Asuka has to win at Mania, it’d be a ripoff otherwise.

The US Championship Elimination Chamber was even more intense, and hot damn did Montez Ford look amazing throughout. Now, Ford did also scare us by how well he appeared hurt, but as soon as Logan Paul showed up, it was clear it was a work. Logan costs Rollins, there’s a Mania match, and that helps Theory win so he can continue on towards Mania. More than likely, Theory VS Cena happens at Mania to play on the whole “Theory is the next Cena” talk from not too long ago. Also, great first WrestleMania Hollywood 2023 movie reference  commercial where Rollins was Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker and Becky was The (Bat) Man. I hope we get more of those as soon as Monday.

And of course, just amazing, amazing stuff in the main event. Montreal was just as fired up tonight as they were last night for SmackDown, and they were so ready for a result that sadly wasn’t gonna happen. Even I was hoping they were going to call an audible because then Montreal would just erupt and possibly fly into space. But we still got Roman and Sami pushing the limits of how much damage they could take, we got the Usos showing up, but naturally they’re on opposite ends. Jimmy is 100% Team Roman, but Jey looked to be just as stuck in the middle as he was at the end of the Royal Rumble event.

I love the tease that Jey could’ve hit Roman like Sami did, but he hesitated because this story still has more chapters to it. I would’ve liked if Kevin Owens showed up during the match to make the save rather than after, but I suppose if Kevin showed up before Sami lost, then the mood still would’ve been down. Kevin showing up after lifts Montreal up just a bit, and it shows that things could be fixed between him and Sami to do the tag title run. They’ve kept things intriguing up to this point, they will surely keep it that way all the way to Mania.

My Score: 8.9/10


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Coverage

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

on

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


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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!

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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.

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:

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.


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