Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (2/10/23)

The Bloodline will be tested!

Published

1 year ago

February 10, 2023

Steven Mitchell

Will the Monster of All Monsters & the King of Flight escape the Uso Penitentiary?

With dysfunction returning to the Island of Relevancy, can Jimmy & Jey Uso get back on the same page and hold onto their SmackDown Tag Team Championships? Or will Braun Strowman & Ricochet #GetTheseHands on some gold?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Drew McIntyre & Sheamus VS Hit Row w/ B-Fab; McIntyre & Sheamus win.
Lacey Evans VS Carmen Harress; Evans wins.
SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The Usos VS Braun Strowman & Ricochet; The Usos win and retain the titles.
Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green VS Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez; Liv & Raquel win.
WWE Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Rey Mysterio VS Mad Cap Moss VS Karrion Kross VS Santos Escobar; Moss wins and will challenge Gunther for the title next Friday.

PLAY BY PLAY

“Ladies and gentlemen…”

Paul Heyman is already in the ring, holding onto the belts as he introduces himself. As the Wise Man, he is here tonight to “drop a few pearls of wisdom on you. Ever since Brrrock Lesnar and I conquered the Undertaker’s undefeated streak at WrestleMania, I don’t offer predictions, I deliver spoilers. Well kids, I’ve got a bunch of them here tonight, so have your notepads ready. The Island of Relevancy is under a two-pronged attack. Here on SmackDown, the number one challenger at the Elimination Chamber, Sami Zayn.” Fans cheer that name, but Heyman says Sami is a “crazed, psychopathic rebel. An InZayn competitor.”

Fans chant for “SAMI! SAMI!” and Heyman pauses. “Here’s your first spoiler of the evening, ladies and gentlemen: Sami Zayn is not here this evening.” Fans boo but Heyman continues, “Sami Zayn challenging Roman Reigns for the… C’mon, let’s be serious. Can you imagine Sami Zayn as your Undisputed WWE Universal Heavyweight Champion?” Fans all cheer because they can! Heyman says “The Gates of the Island of Relevancy are not just under attack here on SmackDown, it’s happening on Monday Night Raw, as well, with the winner of the 2023 Men’s Royal Rumble, Cody Rhodes.” Fans also cheer that name.

Heyman says “Cody Rhodes, who backed me into a corner on Monday night and said, ‘All I wanna do is fight for a wrestling championship~, and everybody takes it so personal~.'” Heyman didn’t know the American Dream Dusty Rhodes raised an idiot for a son. “You dumbass! Personal? Personal? It couldn’t be more personal! These are not wrestling championships. This is the centerpiece of the Island of Relevancy. This is the very plasma that runs through the veins of the Bloodline. It is the air that we breathe, it’s the reason for our existence, it’s why we are here in WWE. It’s the family crest of the Anoa’i & Fatu DYNASTIES!

“This is everything. It’s the tribe of which Roman Reigns is the chief.” Fans boo but Heyman says that Sami at Elimination Chamber and Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania, “without these titles, there is no Island of Relevancy. Without these titles, there is no Bloodline. Without these titles, there is no Paul Heyman. Ladies and gentlemen, without these titles, there is no Roman… Reigns.” But wait! Fans cheer because Sami IS here!! Heyman turns around and is stunned! Sami paces around Heyman, looks at the WrestleMania sign, then stares Heyman down. Sami holds his hand out, and Heyman reluctantly hands over the mic.

Sami says, “Alright, Paul. Calm down. Look at you, you’re sweating, you’re nervous. Don’t worry, I’m not gonna hurt you, okay? But if I wanted to, I could’ve by now. Don’t you think that’s a little weird? That you’re talking about this being the lifeblood of the Island of Relevancy, and if I wanted to, I could’ve dropped you like a bag of dirt. And no one is here to protect you. If this was a month ago, Solo would’ve already been here, Samoan Spike, I’d already be on the ground. If this was a month ago, Jimmy Uso would’ve been here, barrage of Superkicks, I’d be on the ground. If this was a month ago, Jey Uso would’ve been with ’em!

“But this isn’t a month ago. And you’re out here all by yourself. And I think you know why. Because you know what every other member of the Bloodline knows: Roman Reigns’ days as Universal Champion are numbered! Roman Reigns is off the rails. And now the walls are closing in, and everything is crumbling. Look what happened: I left the Bloodline! Me! Jey Uso walked out on his own. That was his decision! What do you think happens next? What do you think Jimmy Uso does next? You think Jimmy Uso sides with his abusive cousin? Or will he side with his twin brother that he shared the womb with? What do you think happens next?

“What do you think happens with Solo the second Roman saw he can think for himself? That he was coming up with me, coming out with the Usos. He pulled him in tight. He keeps him by his hip. Paul, how long do you think that goes until that blows over? And even you, Paul. You! The Special Counsel, the Wise Man for Roman Reigns, two years plus you’ve done nothing but… Let’s be honest, the way you look at Roman Reigns, little weird. A little weird, a little creepy, quite frankly. You look at him like the sun shines out his ass. But now, here you are? Talking about life after Roman Reigns. Life after the WWE titles are gone.

“You know what every other member of the Bloodline knows: The Bloodline is on its way out.” Fans cheer that! Sami continues to tell Paul, “I know you’re in the business of not doing predictions, you do spoilers. Here’s one. I’m gonna tell you exactly how many days Roman has left: EIGHT. Eight days from tonight, in Montreal, at Elimination Chamber, that is the time that Roman Reigns has left!” Fans like the sound of that, too! Sami and Heyman talk off mic, and then Heyman holds out his hand. Sami chuckles and brings Heyman in! He wants Heyman to listen very carefully. “Tell Roman he doesn’t need to worry about Cody. Because I am gonna be the one to take him down!!”

Fans LOVE the sound of that! Sami drops the mic, hurries away into the shadows, but will his spoiler become reality? Will the Great Liberator free those titles from the Island of Relevancy so that he can meet the American Nightmare in Hollywood?

The Brawling Brutes fire up backstage.

Ridge Holland & Pete Dunne get Drew McIntyre & Sheamus ready for Fight Night! The Celtic Connection is taking on Hit Row, but will it be the newest banger on the long list of banger after banger?

Drew McIntyre & Sheamus VS Hit Row w/ B-Fab!

SmackDown returns and Hit Row is in the ring. Then McIntyre & Sheamus make their entrances and head to the ring. The teams sort out and McIntyre starts with Ashante THEE Adonis. Adonis talks trash about how McIntyre & Sheamus bailed on the tag title tournament, that’s a forfeit, that’s a win for Hit Row. But Adonis pokes McIntyre in the head, so he gets a GLASGOW KISS! Adonis ends up in a corner, McIntyre runs in to clinch and OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Fans fire up and McIntyre aims! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” But Dolla drags Adonis out of harm’s way! Tag to Sheamus and he runs in around the way to CLOBBER Adonis!

Fans fire up and Sheamus brings Adonis up. Sheamus puts Adonis in the ring, Dolla talks some trash to distract! AIR-DROP, and then Adonis is on Sheamus at the ropes! Adonis fires off hands, lets off at the ref’s count, but Dolla gets a sucker punch in! Adonis runs in, whips, but Sheamus reverses to reel Adonis in! IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Sheamus TOSSES Adonis to the apron, and has him on the ropes! Dolla runs in, misses, and gets a KNEE for it! And then Sheamus stands Dolla up! Fans are thunderous for the BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Sheamus goes all the way PAST ten to give Dolla TWENTY-SIX!

But Adonis hops on again! Sheamus blocks the takedown to shift into a WHITE NOISE! Fans fire up with Sheamus again, he aims from a corner, beats his chest, but Dolla runs in! CLAYMORE outta nowhere! McIntyre kips up and bails out, so Sheamus runs in to BROGUE! Cover, Celtic Connection wins!

Winners: Drew McIntyre & Sheamus, by pinfall

What was that about already having beat these two? The warriors waylaid Hit Row, but now the Viking Raiders send a message. Sarah Logan says, “I hear the gods calling to me. They have chosen two warriors, once destined for greatness, and now sentenced to sacrifice.” Erik tells Drew McIntyre, Ivar tells Sheamus, and Sarah tells them both, “The chill in the air is not the winter. It’s pain, it’s suffering. Next week, it’s… destiny.” Sheamus & McIntyre aren’t worried, they’re ready for what’s coming! Will the Celtic Connection be able to thwart Ragnarök?

Jimmy Uso is on the phone.

He wants Jey to pick up. Tonight’s the night, so hit him back when you get this message. Jey may not be Roman’s right hand man, but will he still be Jimmy’s day one?

Karrion Kross speaks.

“Tonight, this Fatal 4 Way match is mine.” Scarlett tells him, “You know what you have to do. I wanna hear you say it.” Kross says, “I am going to make Rey Mysterio suffer, and I am going to put him down.” Mr. & Mrs. Doomsday smile, but will the King of Lucha Libre have the last laugh?

Jimmy is still on the phone.

He still gets Jey’s voicemail so he tells him to call back. Jimmy is all but pleading, will Jey answer the call?

Lacey Evans VS Carmen Harress!

The Model Soldier had a successful return to action, but the mission is not complete until she is on top of the SmackDown Women’s Division. Will this match simply be the next step in the plan?

The bell rings and the two circle. Lacey doesn’t take Harress seriously with the bright colors. They tie up, go around, Lacey waistlocks to SLAM Harress down! Lacey stomps Harress to the ropes, CHOKES her on the ropes, then CLUBS away with crossface forarms! The ref reprimands, fans boo, but Lacey lets up. Harress rolls her up! TWO, Lacey wrenches and WRINGS Harress into buckles! Lacey then dribbles her into those buckles! Lacey lets off, ROCKS Harress with forearms, then whips her corner to corner hard! Harress bounces off buckles, but Lacey just does push-ups. Fans boo but Lacey runs up to headstand and swinging BRONCO BUSTER!

Lacey tells fans off as they boo, but Lacey gets up on the corner. She demands fans salute her but they boo instead. Lacey storms up on Harress, WOMAN’S RIGHT! “Did you hear me?! HUH!?” Lacey makes Harress salute, “You nasty things!” COBRA CLUTCH!! Harress taps, Lacey wins!

Winner: Lacey Evans, by submission

Mission successful, but she isn’t letting off! Harress is a ragdoll before Lacey is satisfied. Will Lacey show no mercy until she gets the title, and the respect, she demands?

Jimmy grows frustrated.

Jey keeps sending him to voicemail. Heyman is there and figures that means he hasn’t made contact with Jey. No. Jimmy’s been trying all day. Even his girl’s house, his emails and his DM’s. Nothing! Jey needs to hit Jimmy back but he hasn’t called back once. This is the biggest night! Jimmy can’t defend tag titles without a partner! What does Heyman think? Heyman’s too busy with his pocket square! Heyman asks Jimmy with all due respect. Heyman was out in the ring talking about the family, but he gets taken hostage by a “psychopathic Canadian.” The Mohegan Sun casino has guards for every person playing blackjack, yet not one member of the family came out to help?

Jimmy says he was busy helping Jey! But no one is here! Solo’s not here, either! Wait. Heyman can help Jimmy defend the titles, right? Heyman says Jimmy knows better. Jimmy will have to go it alone. Jimmy vows his brother will be here tonight. He will. But is Jimmy telling himself that? Time is running out, because that match is NEXT!

Sonya Deville talks with Adam Pearce.

She wonders why she’s not part of the Elimination Chamber match. He has to explain it to her, because she’s just not understanding. Pearce says Sonya just had a title match! Sonya sarcastically asks if that was at Elimination Chamber, because she’s pretty sure those are two different things. But in walks Chelsea Green. She’s looking for the SmackDown manager, as she has to file a formal complaint about the Raw manager. Sonya asks who the hell is this? Pearce explains to Chelsea that he is the manager of both brands. Oh, well, okay, rude. How is she to know that? And just so he knows, Chelsea has facial amnesia. Is this discrimination? No.

Chelsea asks if Sonya can believe how Pearce is talking to them. No, because there is no “them” here. Pearce stops everyone there. They both want special treatment, but here, you win to earn those opportunities. Which means these two have a lot in common. But here’s what they’ll do. Instead of filing complaints, Sonya and Chelsea will team up to face two women who ARE in the Chamber: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez. Good? Cuz it’s official. Pearce leaves, Sonya and Chelsea are both unsure about this. Will the Pride Fighter and the Hot Mess be a mess after tonight?

SmackDown Tag Team Championships: The Usos VS Braun Strowman & Ricochet!

Jimmy & Jey have held onto these belts specifically the entire 572 DAYS of their historic reign, but could that all fall apart here tonight? Or will Jey come through for his brother against the Monster of All Monsters & King of Flight?

But as Jimmy makes his entrance, it’s just Jimmy. Braun and Ricochet both wonder how this is gonna work, but the introductions are still made. But wait! Jimmy spots Jey up in the crowd! Jey has come through for his brother! Even Ricochet and Braun are happy to see the brothers hug it out. The introductions are finished, the blue belts are raised, and we see who are the ones, after the break!

SmackDown returns and the teams sort out. Jey and Ricochet start, tie up, and Jey wrenches the arm to a wristlock. Ricochet rolls, kips up and flips over, but Jey reels him in for a headlock. Ricochet powers up and out, but Jey runs him over! Fans fire up as the Usos raise the fingers, #WeTheOnes. Things speed up,. Ricochet hurdles then rolls off Jey’s back. Ricochet rolls under, handsprings, but Jey dodges to CLOBBER Ricochet! Ricochet goes to ropes, Jey is on him and tags Jimmy. The Usos mug Ricochet, Jimmy HEADBUTTS Ricochet, then has him in a corner. Jimmy whips corner to corner, Ricochet goes up and over!

Things keep moving, Ricochet handsprings to BACK ELBOW Jimmy down! Cover, ONE, but Ricochet clamps on with a facelock. Jimmy fights up, but Braun tags in, and the challengers mug Jimmy! Bruan whips corner to corner hard and Jimmy drops in the corner. Braun stares Jey down as he talks some trash. Braun storms up on Jimmy, CLUBS him, and then whips corner to corner again. Jimmy bounces off buckles, Ricochet tags in and gets a boost from Braun, BIG back body block, to a SPLASH, to a DROPKICK! Cover, ONE!! Jimmy bails out and Jey regroups with him. They talk it out, Jimmy gets back in the ring.

Jimmy and Ricochet reset, circle, and tie up. Fans rally as the two are in a deadlock. Ricochet wrenches, trips Jimmy then STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Ricochet drops elbow after elbow, covers, ONE!! Ricochet is frustrated but Braun says to stay on Jimmy. Ricochet does but Jimmy powers him back Jey tags in before the whip, Ricochet ducks ‘n’ dodges, but runs into the SAMOAN POP! Jey then SUPERKICKS! Ricochet flies out of the ring! The ref has Jey stay back, but he and Jimmy are standing tall as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Jey rains down forearms on Ricochet! Jey lets off, throws up the finger, and then brings Ricochet up. Ricochet throws body shots, then forearms, but Jey shoves him away. Jey blocks a kick, flips Ricochet but he lands on his feet! Jey UPPERCUTS Ricochet down! Braun dares Jey to do something to him, but Jey tags Jimmy. The Usos drag Ricochet up, put him in a corner and then rain down fists! The ref counts, Jimmy lets off at 4, then backs up. Ricochet slowly rises, Jimmy starts the “UCE! SO! UCE! SO!” But Ricochet DROPKICKS Jimmy first! Jey is shocked while both men are down!

Ricochet and Jimmy stir, they crawl, and Jimmy keeps Ricochet from Braun! Fans rally both ways as Ricochet reaches out! Jimmy whips Ricochet away, but Ricochet SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODIES! Fans fire up, both men crawl again, and it’s thunderous in the Mohegan Sun! Hot tags to Jey and Braun! The Monster of All Monsters rallies with big shoulders, then he DECKS Jimmy! Braun runs corner to corner to SPLASH Jey! And then he stands Jey up to CLUB him in the chest! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Braun wants Jey to get back up. Jey flounders to ropes, Braun runs in, but Jey dumps Braun out! SUPERKICK keeps Braun out!

Jimmy leaps, but into an UPPERCUT! Jey DIVES, and he knocks Braun into the desk! SUPERKICK puts Braun back in the ring! Jey hurries up top, to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Braun is still in this and the fans rally up again. Jey brings Braun up, but Braun scoops Jey! Jey slips free, SUPERKICKS, but Ricochet tags in! Ricochet springboards, CROSSBODY! And LIONSAULT! Then STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO!! Jey survives the aerial assault and fans fire up again! Ricochet grows frustrated, and the fans rally up for “UCE! SO!” Ricochet fireman’s carries Jey, but Jey claws free! Jimmy tags in, Ricochet HEEL KICKS Jey!

Jimmy runs in, into a tiger wall kick! But Ricochet blocks a kick, only for Jimmy to DRAGON WHIP! Braun tags in off the rebound, Ricochet V-TRIGGERS Jimmy! Jimmy rebounds into a scoop! MONSTER SLAM!! Braun tears off the shirt and fans fire up! Braun tells Ricochet to go up! Tag and Ricochet gets on Braun’s shoulders! MONSTROUS SWANTON!! Cover, Jey drags Ricochet out!! Fans are shocked, as is Braun! Braun snarls, “This is Awesome!” as he goes out and gets on the tracks! STROWMAN EXPRESS into the desk!! Jey dodges at the last second and Braun derails himself! But Ricochet FLIES to take out Jey!

Ricochet fires up and so does Mohegan Sun! Ricochet climbs up and aims at Jimmy, but Jimmy UPPERCUTS! Jimmy climbs up after Ricochet, brings him up, but Ricochet resists with body shots! Jey sneaks the tag, Ricochet ROCKS and shoves Jimmy down! Ricochet adjusts, SHOOTING STAR on Jimmy! USO SPLASH on Ricochet!! Cover, The Usos win!!

Winners: The Usos, by pinfall (still SmackDown Tag Team Champions)

The Usos come through for each other like always, and they are still the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions! 572 days and counting, will nothing and no one stop these two? But what about the Bloodline as a whole? Is Jey back in the fold? Or did he only do this for his brother?

Rey Mysterio speaks.

“Karrion Kross is an evil human being. But I’ve been an underdog my whole life, and there’s nothing that’s gonna prevent me from winning today’s Fatal 4 Way and move on to become the new Intercontinental Champion.” The King of Lucha is ready to face Doomsday, but will time still run out?

The Usos regroup backstage.

Jey says he always has Jimmy’s back. Day One! They’re twins! But Jimmy has to ask him something. It’s been hell since Jey left, so is he in? Or is he out? Jey says he doesn’t know yet. Heyman is spying on this conversation! Jey leaves, Heyman walks up and pretends to not know what happened. What did Jey say? Nothing, he just left. Heyman says, “Yeet.” But will he say something to The Tribal Chief?

Natalya is here!

Fans cheer as the Queen of Harts goes to the ring and gets the mic. “Connecticut! It feels so great to be back on SmackDown and headed to the Elimination Chamber. But there is something I wanna get off my chest, something that’s been weighing heavily on my heart. For the first time in 15 years, Shayna Baszler took me out. Shayna broke my nose and I saw red. Long after the blood had dried, I was still seeing red. That’s because Shayna took something from me. So I took from Shayna, who’s nothing more but a cheap knockoff version of Ronda Rousey. See, I took Shayna’s spot in the Elimination Chamber.

“And next week in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, I’m gonna win Chamber and I’m gonna punch my ticket to WrestleMania! And Shayna Baszler’s gonna go back to carrying Ronda Rousey’s bags!” But speaking of, here comes Shayna! The Queen of Spades has her own mic. “Knockoff Ronda? You’re calling me a knockoff Ronda Rousey? I am sick and tired of everyone dismissing my accomplishments!” Fans chant “Knockoff Ronda!” at her, though. Shayna says the truth is, she was fighting before Ronda, was competing in rings all over the world before Ronda, and signed to the WWE and winning titles before Ronda.

Shayna steps in the ring and says she doesn’t need anyone telling her she’s in Ronda’s shadow. WAIT! Here comes Ronda!! The Baddest Woman on the Planet goes right to the ring, looks Shayna square in the eyes, but then looks at Natty. Shayna keeps Ronda away from Natty to still stare her down. But then she sucker punches Natty! Shayna and Ronda beat Natty down! They drag Natty up and isolate an arm, but here comes SHOTZI! She owes them some, and she fires off on them both! But that’s 2v1! Shayna’s KNEE knocks Shotzi down! Ronda SAYANAGIS Natty, isolates the arm, and Shayna KNEES the arm!!

Natty bails out, Ronda throws Natty’s hat at her. Will the Baddest Women on the Planet look to change the Chamber plans with just eight days left?

Sami Zayn finds Jey Uso backstage.

Sami shrugs, and welcomes Jey back. Sami can’t imagine what Jey’s going through and won’t put him in a tough spot. He just knows Roman pretty well, and Jey knows Roman even better. Sami can’t imagine Roman letting Jey forget what happened at the Royal Rumble. Which, by the way, Sami didn’t get a chance to say it, but it meant the world to him. So all Sami will say this: “We’re eight days away from something huge. We’re on the verge of seeing something that on some level, I know you’ve wanted to see for a long time, and it’s that man going down. And I don’t know how I’m gonna do it, but I’m telling you, he’s going down, okay?

“And all I wanna tell you is that you don’t have to go down with the ship, okay? There’s a way out of this. There’s a way out for you. That’s all I’m saying. And I don’t know if we’re going to get a chance to talk like this again, and in case we don’t, I just wanna let you know, I acknowledge you.” Sami offers a fist bump, and Jey says to get out of here with that. Sami’s leaving, but first… Jey fist bumps back! Sami hurries away, will there be a new order of things come February 18th?

LA Knight is on the phone.

The Mega Star claims everyone is trying to talk to him right now. But hold on, he’ll call you back. Megan Morant is there, and she notes that this is the first time we’ve seen Knight since losing the Pitch Black Match at the Royal Rumble. Knight says, “No no no, wrong, we’re not talking about that right now. We’re not talking about Pitch Black, not talking about Bray Wyatt, that’s done, it’s in the past. We’re looking forward. We’re in the future. What is the future? The future is L A Knight, YEAH.” Knight heads out, but just what will the future be?

Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green VS Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez!

The Pride Fighter wants second chance after second chance while the Hot Mess insists she be just handed things on a silver platter. Will either of them get what they want? Or will the LIVing Embodiment and Big Mami Cool just give them what they deserve?

The teams sort out and Liv starts against Sonya. They tie up, go around, and Sonya headlocks. Liv powers up and out, Sonya runs Liv over and then soaks up the heat. Sonya runs, Liv drops to then hurdle and roll back. Sonya jumps over but Liv SHOTGUNS her down! Fans fire up and Liv runs in to back body block! Liv runs in again, another back body block! And then a SHINING WIZARD! Liv pushes Sonya down, goes up, and leaps, into a KNEE! Sonya covers, TWO! Sonya snarls but she clamps onto Liv. Chelsea wants a tag but Sonya bumps Liv off buckles. Chelsea tags herself in and brings Liv up to whip her back into buckles.

Chelsea drags Liv up to motorcycle stretch STOMP Liv into buckles! Cover, TWO! Cover again, ONE!! Chelsea is furious but fans rally for Liv. Chelsea tags Sonya, they mug Liv, and Sonya throws hands. Liv elbows back, goes to a corner, and BOOTS Sonya! Sonya runs in again but Liv goes up and over! Sonya hits buckles but she pulls Liv’s hair! Sonya throws Liv to the corner, but Liv ROCKS her first! Liv elbows Chelsea, ROCKS Sonya again, but Chelsea grabs hair! Sonya run sin, Liv slips away and Sonya DECKS Chelsea! Hot tag to Raquel! Fans fire up as Raquel rallies on Sonya! Sonya dodges one but not the LEFT!

Fans fire up as Raquel scoops Sonya for a FALL AWAY SLAM! Sonya is down, Raquel runs and goes up the corner, TWISTING VADER! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Sonya survives but Raquel is after her. Sonya BOOTS Raquel away, then she crawls over to hot tag Chelsea! Chelsea panics, wants to tag back out, but Raquel TOSSES Chelsea into the ring! Chelsea staggers up, swings, but ends up BLASTING Sonya! Now Chelsea panics, and then Raquel hoists her up! Tag to Liv before the TEXANA BOMB! And then Raquel sets Chelsea up for ObLIVion!! Liv gets a boost from Raquel, POWERBOMB SENTON!! Cover, Liv & Raquel win!

Winners: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez, by pinfall

Raquel and Liv win big as a team, but Elimination Chamber is a free-for-all! Will either of them be the one heading to WrestleMania to face Bianca Belair?

Mad Cap Moss speaks.

“Well, I know things haven’t exactly gone my way recently. But tonight, in the Fatal 4 Way, all that’s gonna change.” Emma says, “Yeah, you got this, babe.” Moss says, “Yeah, I do got this. Because when you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good, you play good. And thanks to you, babe, I look great!” Moss has new ring gear and Emma says he looks so good. After the W tonight, Moss says he’s on to Gunther and the Intercontinental Championship. Will Moss be no joke in this massive main event? We find out because that match is next!

Michael Cole has a sit-down interview with Charlotte Flair.

Cole says he can’t believe we’re just 50 nights away from WrestleMania “and the battle between the 14-time Women’s Champion, Charlotte Flair, and the Women’s Royal Rumble winner, Rhea Ripley. You guys have a lot of history together. Three years ago, you won the Royal Rumble, however Rhea Ripley challenged you, and you put her in her place. Now Rhea thinks that it’s her time. It’s her time to shine, it’s her time to rise, and she believes that everyone will rise for Ripley.” Charlotte ponders on, “She thinks.”

Charlotte tells Cole that three years ago, Rhea challenged Charlotte because she knew Charlotte was the mountain she had to climb, that beating Charlotte would put her on top. And so, they had their WrestleMania match, and she was impressed by Rhea. Rhea did great. But Rhea was young, green and not ready, and Charlotte won. Now Rhea says three years later, she’s ready. Well, Cole, Charlotte would hope so! This is how Charlotte feels. Three years later, and Charlotte is still saying the same thing: there are levels to this. She said it then, she’s saying it now.

Cole asks then if Charlotte feels Rhea is on Charlotte’s level. Charlotte smiles, and says, “It’s gonna take more than just three years to get on my level. And Rhea said I put her in her place three years ago? No, I didn’t put her in her place three years ago. I taught her a lesson three years ago. Now, April 1st, in SoFi Stadium, in front of 80 thousand fans, now I’m gonna put Rhea Ripley in her place, once and for all.” The Queen has spoken, but will she be able to keep her crown against the Judgment Day’s Eradicator?

BREAKING NEWS!

Next week’s SmackDown before Elimination Chamber is going to be huge! The Viking Raiders warned McIntyre & Sheamus of what is coming, and that match is happening in Montreal! As will a tag match of Shayna & Ronda VS Natalya & Shotzi as both sides look to settle scores! Which sides will be left standing on the Road to WrestleMania?

Santos Escobar speaks.

“Not only do I look like a champion, I compete like a champion. The WWE Universe is about to find out why Santos Escobar is best suited to challenge Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship, and why El Legado del Fantasma is the future.”

WWE Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Rey Mysterio VS Mad Cap Moss w/ Emma VS Karrion Kross w/ Scarlett VS Santos Escobar!

Der Ring General has been a dominant champion, but a line of challengers has formed. Speaking of Gunther, he and Imperium watch in a VIP skybox. He is going to watch this with his own eyes, will it be the King of Lucha, the Jacked Joker, Mr. Doomsday, or the Emperor of Lucha who heads for gold?

SmackDown returns and the bell rings. Kross rushes Rey, Escobar fires off on Moss! Moss turns it around on Escobar, Rey turns things around on Kross! Rey rains down fists while Moss RAMS his shoulder in. Escobar turns things around on Moss but Moss ROCKS him! Kross FLAPJACKS Rey, but then Moss CLOBBERS Kross! They brawl, Moss whips but Kross reveres and sends Moss right out of the ring! Kross whips Rey hard into buckles, then grins as he stands over the legend. Escobar and Kross talk it out, come to an understanding, until Escobar attacks from behind! Kross TOSSES Escobar out in return!

Kross BOOTS Rey down! “I’ve been waiting a long time!” Kross puts Rey up top, but Rey fights back with forearms! Rey leaps to SEATED SENTON! Rey keeps moving, but into another BOOT! Scarlett likes what she sees and Kross stalks Rey to a corner. Kross runs in but into a BOOT! Escobar slides into THROAT CHOP, then CHOP! Rey runs in, Escobar gives him a boost to RANA Kross! Moss returns to CLOBBER Escobar! Rey dodges Moss to CROSSBODY, but Moss catches him! FALL AWAY SLAM into Escobar! Moss whips Escobar to a corner, RAMS Kross, then RAMS Escobar! Then back to Kross, then back to Escobar, and repeat!

Fans fire up as Moss keeps goin, but Kross dodges and Moss posts himself! Kross forearms Moss, runs in but into a drop toehold into buckles! Escobar forearms Moss, dodges Kross and KNEES him down! Fans fire up as Escobar and Rey stare down now. They circle, and then tie up., Rey whips, things speed up, Rey sidesteps to then follow, wheelbarrow and- NO, Escobar tosses Rey away to CALF KICK! Cover, TWO! Escobar whips Rey but Rey goes up and out and ROCKS Escobar! And GAMANGIRIS! Rey hurries up top, leaps, FLYING RANA! Escobar staggers up, Rey runs in, tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!

Escobar keeps moving, but Kross trips him up! Escobar BOOTS back! Escobar gets up to drag Rey, but Rey monkey flips his way to a RANA and Escobar is on ropes! Rey dials it up, but Escobar bails out to KICK back! Escobar knuckle locks, mule kicks Moss and Kross, but Rey CHOPS! Rey goes up and LEAPS to CROSSBODY Kross! Moss is up, Escobar builds speed, ARROW FROM HELL!! Down goes Moss at the ramp and fans are fired up! As for Imperium, they seem mildly impressed as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns once again and Kross fires off an elbow, forearm and ROLLING ELBOW on Escobar in a corner! Escobar flops over, Kross covers, TWO! Emma coaches Moss, Vega coaches Escobar. Kross taunts Rey, hauls him up, and hits an EXPLODER! Kross stomps Moss to keep him down, then covers Rey, ONE!! Kross is frustrated, but Scarlett coaches him to keep on them all. Kross stands Moss up but Moss JAWBREAKERS! Moss dodges, runs and runs Kross over! But he keeps going to CLOBBER Escobar! And then he CLOBBERS Rey! Moss is all fired up and fans rally. Moss turns Kross but Kross ROCKS him with a forearm!

Kross runs, into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Emma is frustrated for Moss but he sees Escobar coming! Moss catches the crossbody to an suplex, but Escobar slips out to shove, victory roll, TWO!! CALF KICK! Cover, TWO!! Fans rally, Rey lurks and runs in, but Escobar drop toeholds! Escobar whistles, steps through, Rey shoves him away! Escobar DECKS Kross, sunset flips Rey, but Rey rolls through to basement dropkick! Cover, Moss breaks it! Kross waistlocks, Moss elbows free! Moss back suplexes Rey but Rey slips onto Kross to hit a DDT! Rey KICKS Moss away, but Escobar fireman’s carries! PHANTOM DRIVER!! Cover, MOSS BREAKS IT!!

Fans fire up as all four men are down. Emma rallies the fans and coaches up Moss while Gunther still seems rather stoic. Escobar GAMANGIRS Moss from the apron, goes up, but Moss ROCKS him first! Moss climbs up after him but Escobar hits back! They brawl, Moss scoops Escobar, but Escobar fights free! Escobar CLUBS Moss into sitting down, then he goes back up top. SUPER STEINER on Moss! Cover, TWO!! Moss survives and Kross runs in,. Kross CLOBBERS Escobar out but Rey shoulders in! Rey slingshots but Kross stays up out of the sunset flip! Kross lifts Rey, kicks low, reels him in, but Rey fights the bomb!

Rey RANAS and Kross is on ropes! Rey dials it up, 619!! Fans fire up as Rey takes aim, only for Scarlett to trip him up! Fans boo but Kross aims, KROSS HAMMER!! But Moss is up top! Kross ROCKS him first, but Escobar CROSSBODIES Kross and himself out! Moss has a choice, he chooses MACHO ELBOW on Rey! Cover, MOSS WINS!!!

Winner: Mad Cap Moss, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE Intercontinental Championship)

Even Gunther is shocked! Moss gets the biggest win of his career, and is moving on to the single biggest match of his career! Will Moss make Gunther the punchline when SmackDown rolls into Montreal next Friday night?

Heyman walks up to Jimmy in the Bloodline suite.

Heyman congratulates Jimmy, and says he was on the phone with the Tribal Chief. He’d put Jimmy on the phone with him, but there’s no reception in here. But Roman is proud of Jimmy because Jimmy was right, Jey is very loyal to him. But Roman has a mission for the Usos. The Bloodline’s got all this in Montreal figured out, but Roman needs an “on television” perspective. The Usos are to stay home and watch SmackDown on television. Because sometimes you see things on TV that you don’t see when you’re here live. Heyman gives Jimmy a lot of pats on the shoulder, then heads out. Jimmy isn’t sure what Heyman meant by that, but will he see for himself?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown to really build momentum towards Elimination Chamber, and even next week’s go-home show. In fact, that go-home is going to be huge! I would not have thought Moss would win the Fatal 4 Way here tonight to face Gunther. But at the same time, I’m pretty sure Moss is gonna eat that L so Gunther gets one more defense in before WrestleMania. Moss has been great in the ring since his NXT days, and he’s finding himself again without the “make bad jokes” gimmick. Maybe he can just be “Riddick Moss” at some point, too, but there’s still a lot of potential for him down the line.

Natty showing up to talk trash on Shayna was an interesting move, but it clearly gave a reason for Ronda to return and get into a tag match alongside Shayna. Shotzi returning was also a good touch since she was also “injured” by Shayna & Ronda. I’m thinking Shotzi takes the loss, though, so that Natty is spared just 24 hours away from Elimination Chamber. And while I was hoping we’d get a stipulation on McIntyre & Sheamus VS Viking Raiders, we’re at least getting that match so that’s good enough. The Celtic Connection won in the tournament, so there’s a chance the Vikings cheat out a win, and there’s a tiebreaker made, and that has the stipulation.

Good interview promo from Charlotte, with it putting things from 2020 in her perspective. And also, it helped us to know that the SmackDown Women’s Championship is going to be part of night one, so perhaps the Raw Women’s Championship is night two to balance the weekend. Decent squash win from Lacey Evans, but with the titles all tied up in stories, she’s definitely going to spin her wheels until after WrestleMania, and even then she might only get into a feud with someone else who has nothing else to do. If she were a Face, she could be getting on Chelsea Green’s case for being whiny and spoiled.

Chelsea & Sonya had a good promo with Pearce, and of course they lose to Liv & Raquel to give Liv & Raquel momentum going towards Raw’s Six Woman Tag and the Elimination Chamber match. Asuka is still the frontrunner for that match, but any number of stories could come out of Elimination Chamber, and the WWE Women’s Tag Division desperately needs something. Liv & Raquel could be one team, Ronda & Shayna will surely be another, and with how things are going on Raw, Mia Yim & Candice LeRae could be another, and we could end up with a Fatal 4 Way.

And obviously the Bloodline story continues to be the best stuff of the night. Heyman had a great opening segment with Sami. Sami hit all the points, and we can only hope he’s got it right about Jimmy and Solo. Jimmy also did great in his segments, being worried about whether or not Jey would show. And of course Jey showed, because Sami was right that Jey cares more about Jimmy than Roman. The tag title match was great stuff, but the promo segments that followed explained why this wasn’t the main. Heyman is going to play the Usos against each other, as Heyman surely saw Jey talk with Sami on the broadcast, which he did his best to convey to Jimmy.

No Usos next week means Roman will only have Solo as his bodyguard, but maybe Sami will be the “Master Strategist” and not risk fighting Roman in a brawl just 24 hours before their title match. Elimination Chamber 2023 is going to be the most must-watch it has been in a long time, largely because of this story.

My Score: 8.8/10

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

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

16 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Steven Mitchell

And with the first overall pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects…

The WWE Draft returns for 2024, the first four rounds being right here on Friday Night SmackDown! With champions protected, who ends up where to challenge them?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega & Carlito VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo; Rey & Dragon win.
Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander; Bron wins.
WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton; No Contest.
Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes; Cody wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.

Kayla Braxton is with the Wise Man and says that here on night one of the Draft, there are already rumors circulating, including those about The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. Heyman will clarify these are not rumors regarding The Tribal Chief, Roman… Reigns. These are facts! Ladies and gentlemen, Your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, has voluntarily withdrawn from eligibility for this year’s Draft. That is not a negative but a positive. Who built SmackDown since the Pandemic? Roman Reigns. Who is the biggest star in the entire industry? Roman Reigns. Why would Roman Reigns hog the number one draft pick spotlight when he won’t be returning in the immediate future?

Read into his words, Kayla, that is not what a real Tribal Chief would do. Instead now, the pressure is on Nick Aldis. Because if Roman Reigns isn’t the first draft pick, then who is? The first two picks make history in a brand new era. And Heyman doesn’t know about you, but he is intrigued. No Tribal Chief up for grabs, who gets their opportunity to shine in the spotlight?

SmackDown throws it to the NXT Performance Center.

Jackie Redmond says the emotion down here is palpable! There is excitement, hope, and a little bit of nerves. But for these NXT Superstars, tonight is the culmination of a lifetime of hard work, dedication, a little bit of luck and a whole lot of self-belief. It was just last year that the NEW WWE Tag Team Champion, Grayson Waller, was hoping his name would be called. And it is funny this is NXT, but time to buy a vowel, throw in an E! Who is next? We find out tonight! The draft pool is deep, who rises to the top of the list?

Corey Graves is in the ring.

Corey welcomes Cincinnati and all of us at home to night one of the 2024 WWE Draft. Understandably, the GMs have their hands full, so Corey will be moderating the contract signing for the WWE Championship match that takes place next Saturday for Backlash: France. Without further ado, it’s the #1 contender, The Phenomenal AJ Styles! Styles makes his entrance, taking a seat at the table on camera right. And now, the Undisputed WWE Champion, the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes! Cincy fires up and sings along, “WHOA~ OH~!” as Cody makes his entrance and gets his pyro before joining everyone in the ring.

Styles looks over the contract, absolutely tuning out the fans going wild for “CODY! CODY!” Styles then gets the mic to say before he signs, he doesn’t know if we realize that we’ve got two Georgia boys about to mix it up for the first time, and for the biggest prize in the game. Styles understands why they boo, but they gotta know that he doesn’t respect LA Knight, LA Knight got under his skin. He accepts that. But that’s why Styles lost at Mania. But what happened? Styles got his composure back and realized that he is Phenomenal. Styles BEAT Knight to earn the right to face Cody Rhodes at Backlash.

Now unlike Knight, Styles does respect Cody. They hadn’t crossed paths yet, but they’ve been down the same roads. They had to prove themselves outside of the WWE. And Styles is willing to believe that the same man who gave him advice a long time ago gave Cody the same advice, on how to stand on their own two feet and be the men they are today. That man was The American Dream, Dusty Rhodes. The fans cheer for “DUSTY! DUSTY!” Styles learned a lot from Dusty. Styles gets a little emotional thinking about Dusty, he was a good man. Dusty taught Styles how to carry himself, and to carry the weight of a championship.

And Styles looks at this WWE Championship here. The weight of this isn’t just the leather and gold. And at Backlash, we see if Cody can carry it. Styles goes back to his table, signs the contract, and then hands it off to Corey. Corey brings that to Cody, and Cody picks up his mic. “So… Cincinnati…! Whadda we wanna talk about? Certainly, we can talk about respect. There is not a locker room on Earth that you’ll find where everyone in it, every single person, they all respect AJ Styles. Last week, I went on to say you are the modern day Excellence of Execution. I respect the roads that you have traveled down to get here, the parallel paths that perhaps you and I have.

“Mutual respect, much respect. But that respect goes by the wayside at Backlash. I can feel it in your words to a degree. You’ve been here before. And it seems you’re implying that I cannot carry the weight of that championship. Well, good thing the man who trained me not far from where I sit now used to tell me all the time, it’s not about winning the title, it’s about keeping it.” The fans cheer that. Cody says boy does he respect Styles’ familiarity with Cody’s last name. But when you put C O D Y in front of it on this paper, that means they’ve never touched before. That means Backlash is a level playing field.

That means no matter how Phenomenal Styles is, this isn’t a dream match for Cody. It’s a must-win! Cody signs while the fans cheer, and it is official! Cody even throws the pen to the crowd as a free souvenir. Cody then offers a handshake, and Styles says y’know what? It was a beautiful thing to see Cody #FInishTheStory and win the title. But it’s a shame that Cody’s title reign will end at Backlash. Styles still shakes Cody’s hand, and then walks away. Cody picks up the belt and holds it high, will he get to hold it high again in Lyon, France?

Triple H is here!

Just as Cody was on his way to the back, The Game makes his way out here! HHH raises Cody’s hand, then invites him over to the podium. HHH welcomes us to the first round of the 2024 WWE Draft. It is a night that changes the landscape of the WWE going into the future, and things are a bit different this year. As the GMs ponder their next steps, they have to understand it is about protecting the roster they have as it is making the roster they want. Meaning that when they use their picks, they have just as much of a chance gaining a superstar as they do losing one they already have.

HHH just felt that since champs are protected and Cody will be staying here on SmackDown, maybe Cody could help read the SmackDown picks and HHH can read the Raw picks. And since SmackDown goes first, Cody reads first. Cody takes the card to say that with the first pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects… The E S T, Bianca Belair! The stongEST, fastEST, roughEST, toughEST stays on Friday nights! HHH reads that for the second pick of the 2024 WWE Draft, Raw selects… YEET! JEY USO! Monday nights will still have Main Event Jey Uso! And the fans “YEET!” Cody says for the third pick, SmackDown selects… NXT’s Carmelo Hayes!

The fans fire up as SmackDown manages to snag… HIM! The former NXT Champion makes history again by being the first NXT superstar to be chosen this high in the Draft! HHH says that’s a hell of a pick. But then the fourth and final pick of this first round, Raw selects… SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS! It is still going to be Monday Night Rollins as the Visionary stays on the red brand! Cody and HHH shake hands, and then Melo makes his way out! Melo has the mic to say when they talk about who’s next up, about who’s the hottest out, they don’t call them “the hottest out,” they just call him “Carmelo Hayes.”

The fans chant “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” to remind Melo how he’s leaving NXT. Melo says okay, okay. But then to Cody Rhodes, ever since Cody won the title, he’s been talking about “If you aim for the king, you best not miss.” Well, funny how that works. Because when Melo shoots, Melo don’t miss. And as a first round draft pick, what better way to shoot his shot on SmackDown than to shoot it right at Cody? Melo leaves the mic with Cody but Cody picks it up to say, “Fortune certainly favors the bold, but I dunno. You folks don’t wanna see me in action tonight, do ya?” The fans go wild! Oh, but what if Cody forgot his gear?

Oh that’s right! He didn’t forget his gear! And this title right here, for Cody, means absolutely 100%, Melo’s on! They shake on it, and we’re about to see a huge first-time-ever showdown! But will this bold first move work out for… HIM?

Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee w/ Zelina Vega & Carlito VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo!

The LWO is still not convinced Legado Del Fantasma had nothing to do with the beating that took the Boy Wonder out ahead of WrestleMania. Will the King of Lucha help get to the bottom of things? Or will Angel & “Berto” make it as easy as ABC, 1-2-3?

The teams sort out, Dragon runs up on Humberto but Humberto LARIATS him down! Humberto drags Dragon up, tears the shirt away and CHOPS! Humberto whips, Dragon ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Humberto tumbles out, Dragon builds speed and FLIES! Direct hit and down goes Humberto! The fans fire up as Dragon pushes Humberto into the ring, goes up a corner, and then CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Dragon facelocks to drag Humberto up, but Humberto wrenches out to CLUB Dragon down. Humberto waistlocks but Dragon throws elbows. Angel tags in as Humberto shoves Dragon. Dragon ducks but Angel holds ropes open, and Dragon tumbles to the floor!

The fans boo and LWO hurries to check on Dragon! Angel & Humberto just soak up the heat as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and both Dragon and Humberto are down! They crawl, hot tags to Angel and Rey! The fans fire up as Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Angel ends up in a corner, he puts Rey on the apron, but Rey ROCKS Angel! Rey goes up to SEATED SENTON! Rey keeps moving, wrenches and kicks, then hops on! CODE RED! Cover, Humberto breaks it! The fans boo but Humberto hauls Rey up. Rey fights and RANAS Humberto up and out! But Angelo kicks, scoops, but Rey slips free! Angelo kicks low, reels REy in, and underhooks, but Rey fights those to RANA Angel onto ropes! Rey dials it up to 619!

Tag to Dragon and he takes aim! Angel stands, into the tilt-o-whirl, PROJECT DRAGON!! Cover, LWO wins!

Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall

Carlito and Zelina hug it out with the team, but then Santos Escobar & Elektra Lopez walk out here. Santos says whoa, whoa, whoa, hold that celebration. Because Santos is many things, but a liar is not one of them. And when Santos said he did NOT attack Dragon that night before Mania, he meant it. Elektra has been working for weeks to track down the security footage from that night. And Rey… Oh, Rey. What you’re about to see, you will find very, very interesting. The footage plays, and it was CARLITO!! Carlito throw Dragon around backstage! No one can believe it, because of how well Carlito fooled even Dragno.

Speaking of, Carlito RAMS Dragon into Rey, then hits a BACKSTABBER! Never has that move’s name been more fitting! Carlito runs away in a panic, and Rey stands back up in a rage! Santos says he told Rey that he was right all along. They were supposed to be family, and yet look how that turned out. How will the LWO recover from this shocking development?

Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander!

The Big Bad Booty Nephew has been making a case for himself ever since showing up on SmackDown, and he’s already bringing the straps down! Is he going to break PRIMED Alexander while also breaking match time records? Or will Cedric prove he’s too fly for Bron?

The bell rings and Cedric dodges Bron to CHOP and ROCK! Cedric whips, Bron reverses and Cedric handsprings, into a SPEAR!! Cover, Bron wins!

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall

Well, hard to say if that’s an all-time fast match, but that was a fast match! QR Code stuff going on, but will we all see Bron take the world by storm?

Nick Aldis heads out.

And waiting is Tiffany Stratton. She asks if he saw what she did last week. Wait, of course he did. Because she is the Center of the Universe. She dropped Naomi and Bayley, where is her title match? Aldis tells Tiff to look at his watch. It is NOT set to #TiffyTime. And he was this close to sending her to the back of the line. But then someone convinced him otherwise, good for her. Tonight, she goes 1v1 with Naomi again, and the winner faces Bayley for the title at Backlash. Whose stupid idea was that?! Bayley says DING DONG, it was hers. It is a win-win situation here. If Naomi wins, she gets the match she got cheated out of.

And if Tiff wins, then she’ll find out when she attacks the Role Model. Tiff gasps as she has a #TiffanyEpiphany. Bayley should be ringside for that match so she can see Tiff do what Bayley couldn’t, and that’s beat Naomi. Tootles. Tiff leaves, but will the only thing she gets is to #FeelTheGlow?

Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson are here!

One is a former WWE Women’s Champion, the other is a WWE Hall of Famer, but they’re both here to present Draft picks! Michelle says with the first pick of the second round, SmackDown selects… The Viper, Randy Orton! SmackDown will still have to watch out for an RKO outta nowhere! Torrie says that with the second pick of the second round, Raw selects… BRON BREAKKER! We just saw Bron make quick work of opponents here on SmackDown, but now he’s gonna be rampaging on Raw!

Michelle says that with the third pick of the second round, SmackDown selects… NIA JAX! The Irresistible Force may have to change targets from the Women’s World to the Undisputed Women’s title, but will she be unstoppable all the same? And with the fourth and final pick of this round, Raw selects… LIV MORGAN! The Revenge Tour will still be part of Monday nights, will we watch Liv rise to the top?

The Bloodline arrives backstage.

Paul Heyman is there to greet them and open the door to the SUV. He apologizes for not being faster about that, but Solo Sikoa asks The Bloodline if they’ve been drafted. Not yet. Then give Solo the details. Okay, well, Roman Reigns withdrew right before the show began, and then Solo keeps adding members, so no one really knows what they’re getting if they draft The Bloodline! Solo sighs, and here comes Tama Tonga. Heyman asks they be patient but Solo wants Heyman to repeat that for him. Heyman gets scared, but then KEVIN OWENS jumps in! Kevin fires off on Tama, security and refs rush in to stop it!

The Prizefighter wants Solo’s “MFT” to bring the fight like he did last week! Security still drags Kevin away, but will he get that fight he wants?

Kayla Braxton is on stage.

SmackDown returns and Kayla welcomes us back to the show. And please welcome out the first overall pick, Bianca Belair! The fans fire up as The EST walks out on stage, and Kayla congratulates her on being the first overall pick. But let’s talk Backlash. Breaking news, Bianca and Jade Cargill are going to challenge for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships, against the Kabuki Warriors. How satisfying would it be to dethrone them on the stage of this magnitude? Bianca says so satisfying. She really hopes Jade gets drafted to SmackDown because given all this history with Damage CTRL, all the partners by her side, Bianca has never been the one to finally end it with them.

For everything they’ve done to her and this division, Bianca feels Jade is the perfect woman to help her end this. Now, DMG CTRL is falling apart piece by piece, and that final piece is the tag titles. So once Bianca & Jade take the gold at Backlash, the Kabuki Warriors won’t even have a reason to come back to SmackDown. But wait, they’re here now! Asuka & Kairi walk out here and Kayla moves aside. The Empress of Tomorrow and the Pirate Princess taunt the EST, but here comes The Storm! Jade makes her way to stand right by Bianca’s side. The four shout and argue, but this will be settled on May 4th!

WHOA! Tama and Kevin are brawling their way out here! The ladies move aside so the gentlemen can brawl all the way down to ringside! Tama hits low, gets in the ring, but Kevin pursues! Kevin TACKLES Tama, but Solo CLOBBERS Kevin! The fans boo as The Bloodline beats Kevin down! The refs hurry out here but clearly Solo’s Bloodline won’t listen! Tama DECKS producers, DECKS guards, HEADBUTTS them, throws hands and even THROWS the guards! Tama and Solo beat Kevin down again, but here comes Randy Orton! The Viper is still on SmackDown and he’s still pals with Kevin, so here he comes!

Orton DECKS Tama, fires hands on Solo, then RK- NO, Solo gets free and gets away! Orton wants to pursue, almost runs Jamie Noble and refs over to do it, but the Bloodline has gotten away! The fans cheer Randy on, and KAevin even hugs him! But then Kevin and Randy try to give chase! Security stops this, when and where will we see #RKKO strike down Solo and Tama?

The Dudley Boyz are here!

The fans fire up as Bubba Ray & D-Von are both here for the next round of picks! Cincy chants for “E C DUB! E C DUB!” Bubba and D-Von look at the cards, it’s hard to read. So out come the glasses! Bubba says with the first pick of the third round of the 2024 WWE Draft, SmackDown selects… L A KNIGHT! YEAH!! The Mega Star stays on Fridays! D-Von says with the second pick of the third round, Raw selects… RICOCHET! Mondays still has the One and Only, is Ricochet going to bring that WWE Speed Championship home to Raw, too?

Bubba says with the third pick of the third round, SmackDown selects… THE BLOODLINE! That means Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga and Paul Heyman are staying right here on Friday nights. And D-Von says with the final pick of this round, Raw selects… SHEAMUS! The Celtic Warrior just got back, but he won’t have to worry about going anywhere else but Monday nights.

WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton!

It’s time to run it back once again! The Glow got robbed by the Spoiled Rich Girl, but supposedly, it’s #TiffyTime. Will Naomi prove there’s no such time on the clock? Or will Bayley be the one feeling the Backlash over giving Tiffany one more chance?

The bell rings and Naomi hits a THESZ PRESS! Naomi rains down fists, Tiffy shoves her away and goes to ropes, but Naomi gets up in Tiff’s face. Naomi whips, Tiff holds ropes to bail out and fans boo. Naomi scowls, runs in and WRECKS Tiff with a dropkick! Naomi then gets Tiff up, SMACKS her off the apron, and then SMACKS her off it again! And again! Naomi puts Tiff in, goes up a corner, but Tiff gets under the jump! Naomi runs back up but Tiff YANKS her into ropes! Tiff runs to HIP ATTACK! Naomi sputters, Tiff scowls and drags Naomi up, to then put through ropes. But Naomi RAMS into Tiff!

Naomi reels Tiff in, for a HEATSEEKER! Tiff flops to the floor, and then Naomi SPLIT LEG DROPS! Naomi says it’s #NaomiTime, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Naomi runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Naomi survives and Tiff is frustrated but the fans rally up. Tiff drags Naomi up, whips her to a corner, but Naomi goes up and sunset flips! TWO! Tiff escapes, knees Naomi low, then whips. Naomi slides under the lariat to then mule kick! Then she headscissor SPIKES Tiff down! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives but barely, and Naomi keeps her cool. Naomi headlocks, but Tiff shoves her into buckles! Tiff runs, but Naomi follows, DOUBLE RUNNING FACEBUSTERS take them both down! The fans fire up as the two rise!

Naomi KICKS, ROCKS and ROCKS Tiff again! Naomi fires shots again and again but Tiff knees low! Tiff reels Naomi in, but Naomi wrenches out to ENZIGIRI! And then BUCKLE BULLDOG! But then NIA JAX attacks Bayley!? Nia SMACKS Bayley off buckles, rains down fists, and this momentarily distracts Naomi. Naomi refocuses, but by now, Tiff’s slipped away! Nia KICKS Bayley in the side, so Naomi goes out to ROCK her! Nia POSTS Naomi and that throws the match out!

No Contest

The fans boo as Nia ruins the fun, then runs Bayley over! Nia smiles as she blows kisses to Cincy. Tiff smiles, she drags Naomi up and puts her in the ring. Then she drags Bayley in! Tiff wants a repeat of last week as she puts them side by side in the drop zone! Tiff then goes up and up for the PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Tiff says it’s her time, but the #1 contendership is still in question. Who gets their shot at the Role Model at Backlash?

B-Fab and the Street Profits meet up backstage.

Angelo Dawkins has a “WHO-DEY” sign, but Montez Ford is wondering where Bobby Lashley is right now. B-Fab says calm down, he’ll be here. Byron Saxton walks over and apologizes for interrupting. He doesn’t know what the Draft destination for this group will be until Monday Night Raw, but we do know that The Profits will challenge A-Town Down Under for the WWE Tag Team Championships. YESSIIIIIIR~! B-Fab says it doesn’t matter where they get drafted. The Profits are going to take down A-Town Down Under and take those titles. Then they’ll have their first class tickets right back to SmackDown.

SmackDown? Did someone say SmackDown~? In walk Austin Theory & Grayson Waller, showing off the titles. And Theory says you can’t have SmackDown without the GREATEST undefeated tag team of all time. And sorry, Dawkins, but these are championships, something the Bengals know nothing about! B-Fab keeps Dawkins back, but then in steps Bobby Lashley! The All Mighty scares Theory & Waller right off, and Dawkins says see y’all next Friday! Will there be nothing keeping these Profits down the night before Backlash?

The Final Testament speaks.

Karrion Kross says good evening. What’s going on here? You guessed it! More random acts of violence! Just follow him. Kross & Scarlett lead the way to show The Authors of Pain beating down New Catch Republic! Rezar beats down Pete Dunne while Akam victimizes Tyler Bate! Paul Ellering says they will know about sacrifice! Kross says whether they get drafted to Raw or stay on SmackDown, the violence will continue until they get what they want! So sayeth The Final Testament!!

Teddy Long and JBL are here!

The Hall of Famer General Manager and the Hall of Famer WWE Champion are both here, ready to give us the fourth and final round of picks tonight! Teddy gets right to it! The first pick of the fourth round, SmackDown selects… AJ STYLES! The Phenomenal One is really an obvious choice, because one way or another, the WWE Championship stays with SmackDown! JBL says the second pick of the fourth round, Raw selects… THE ALPHA ACADEMY! Raw keeps Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri & Akira Tozawa, A THANK YEW~!

Teddy says with the third pick of this round, SmackDown selects… ANDRADE! A big move as now El Idolo will be part of Friday nights. And with the final pick of this fourth round, Raw selects… NXT’S Kiana James! The Calculator, the former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, has the Raw hat to put on, and after a quick hype package, Jackie Redmond is there to interview her. Kiana, congratulations! You are heading to Monday Night Raw! How much does this mean to her? This means the world to her. She is filled with gratitude, but also knows every decision she has made up to this point has been by design to get her here.

Kiana is so proud of her time in NXT, but she’s ready to show Raw why she is the One Percent. Was she surprised? Of course she was! HBK is here to wish her luck and congratulations. Is Kiana going to start the hostile takeover of the Raw Women’s Division?

Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.

Kayla is with the SmackDown GM and says that with night one in the books, how does he feel about SmackDown’s selections? He feels really good about them. SmackDown’s future is bright, he can’t wait for the new recruits to show up and show out for the blue brand. But he also wants to turn attentions to Backlash, because he’s got some new matches to announce! The first PLE in France, this is exciting stuff, Kayla. Aldis says that the WWE Women’s Championship will now be on the line in a Triple Threat! Bayley VS Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton! Will the odds make it that much harder for the Role Model to succeed?

There’s one more match to announce, but Aldis will let the GM GOAT take it from here. Teddy Long steps in, and don’t forget. We’ll talk about this tag team match. The Bloodline VS Kevin Owens & Randy Orton! Holla, players. Solo & Tama will have to face The Viper and the Prizefighter, will #RKKO strike fast and strike hard?

Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!

The American Nightmare just put pen to paper for his match with the Phenomenal One, but he isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. The former NXT Champion is shooting his shot, but will this be nothing but net? Or will it be a frustrating airball?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, the fans rally for Cody as he puts Melo in a corner then arm-drags him away. Melo runs up, Cody headlocks, Melo powers out then drops. Melo hurdles, but Cody kicks low to RHODES UPPERCUT! Melo staggers to ropes, the fans fire up, but then melo throat chops and springboard FLYING LARIATS! Melo says that’s why he’s a first round pick! But then Cody CLOBBERS him! Cody asks if Melo’s ready for this, and SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns once again and Cody has a headlock. Cody hits a takeover, Melo flails and kicks around, but Cody grinds him down. Melo pushes with his forearm, then headscissors, but Cody kips free. Melo CHOPS, the fans “WOO~!” but Cody brushes himself off. Melo pie faces Cody! Cody fires forearms on Melo, then whips, but Melo reverses. Melo ELBOWS Cody, then runs up to KICK him in the side! Melo fires forearms and CHOPS in a corner, then throws body shots. Melo digs his boot in, the ref counts, and Cody goes to another corner. Cody eggs Melo on, Melo storms up, but Cody puts him in the corner to CHOP!

Cody swings, Melo dodges and CHOPS! Cody turns things around to CHOP! The fans rally, Cody whips corner to corner, then he back drops Melo away! Melo staggers up, Cody runs, and he rallies on Melo with forearms! Cody goes up and over in a corner but Melo tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! Melo springboards, FADE AWAY! Cover, TWO! Cody survives that flying DDT, but we see the NXT roster all fired up watching Melo take it to the champ. Melo sits Cody up, drags him into a facelock, but the fans rally for Cody. Cody fireman’s carries but Melo slips free to dragon sleeper! Melo grins, but Cody cradles! TWO!!

Melo swings, Cody boots, then Cody springboards to BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Melo flips inside-out, Cody covers, TWO! Melo is still in this and he snarls up at Cody. Melo gives a forearm, Cody gives it back, and the fans rally up. Cody scoops Melo, storms around, and then hits a RUNNING POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Melo survives and Cody grows frustrated. Cody pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and then Cody goes to ropes. Cody springboards again, CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Melo survives yet again, proving why he’s a former NXT Champion, on top of NXT North American Champion! But then Cody drags him up!

Cody back suplexes, Melo lands out of it, then FIRST 48! Doe goes Cody and Melo goes up! Melo is setting up for the game winner! NOTHING BUT- NO, Cody avoids the flying leg drop! Melo rolls through, Cody dodges to SUPERKICK! Cody brings Melo around, but Melo gets free! They both run, both springboard, but completely miss each other, and Cody takes a rough landing! Melo drags Cody up, reels him in, but Cody wrenches out to dragon sleeper! CROSS RHODES!! Cody shakes out the bad arm but still makes the cover, and Cody wins!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

Melo took his shot but it was blocked! Even so, Cody sits Melo up to show him respect and tell him he’s still the future. But did this match end up more of a trap game for Cody after that crash landing? Or will he be alright in time for Backlash and his phenomenal opponent?

Speaking of, Styles sneaks right into the ring! Cody sees him in time and Styles stays back. Cody and Styles stare down, but Styles says it was that close. Styles offers a handshake, and Cody takes it. There’s still respect here, for now. But will nothing stop Styles from turning Cody’s story into a tragedy after all?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown to open the WWE Draft but to also set up Backlash. To recap, SmackDown took Bianca, Melo, Orton, Nia, LA Knight, The Bloodline, Styles and Andrade while Raw took Jey, Rollins, Bron, Liv, Ricochet, Sheamus, The Alpha Academy, and Kiana. Many of those choices made sense, as picks won’t be wasted on keeping champions on brands, and just need to be used to keep most stories alive and change up a few others. Kiana is perhaps one of the more surprising moves, but well-deserved. She has been a solid character and solid in-ring performer almost from the start, she’s a solid addition to Raw.

Bron of course demolished his opponent tonight, it’s just a shame it was Cedric and not local enhancement talent. But Bron will also be a good addition to Raw, but maybe he can move past his squash match phase and get right to story. Melo being a first round pick was great stuff, and he had a great promo with Cody to give us tonight’s main event. That double springboard whiff was definitely a timing problem, but at the same time, a Fade Away countered into a Cody Cutter would’ve been way too epic just for TV. Cody with a great win, and we got a really good contract signing segment, but you can bet Cody retains.

Really good tag match from LWO VS Legado but naturally Rey & Dragon won. I knew it was only a matter of time before Carlito was outed, and how he handled being exposed was pretty good. And with Andrade being drafted to SmackDown, you just know that means Andrade joins the LWO. The Final Testament attacking New Catch Republic was a wild moment, I almost thought Ellering was going to use the pliers in his hands to grab at fingers. Maybe we get that next week for SmackDown in France. Good promos from A-Town Down Under and the still technically unnamed faction of Bobby Lashley’s. As great as The Profits are, it feels like Theory & Waller will cheat to retain.

Really good promo with Tiff and Bayley to set up Naomi VS Tiff round 3, but I did not think Nia Jax would disrupt all that. A Triple Threat at Backlash is good stuff, it will protect Bayley if she loses, but can also protect Naomi and Tiff if Bayley uses them against each other to win. Good promo from Bianca that then turned into the shouting match of Bianca & Jade with Kabuki Warriors. Their tag title match is official, and I’m pretty sure Bianca & Jade win. I also liked that this segment ended up having Kevin and Tama brawl right through it. Orton saving Kevin was a great move, RKKO VS Solo & Tama is going to be awesome stuff, I can’t wait to see it.

My Score: 8.8/10

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

Coverage

Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.25.2024

We just got done with Rebellion, and Under Siege is two weeks away! Gotta see how these dots connect!

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2024

Andrew Balaz

Rebellion had quite a few returns, Mike Santana, Sami Callihan and Broken Matt Hardy. All three of these guys could easily be main event players, and its nice to mix up and expand what felt like a rather small pool of potential challengers.

Under Siege is only like 2 weeks out, so we’ll see how the dots connect in such a short period of time.

.@AJFrancis410, Rich Swann, and rap legend @BunBTrillOG are IN THE HOUSE Meanwhile, @joehendry announces he will deliver an apology to Fir$t Cla$$ NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT! pic.twitter.com/4GNe2xWfyU

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Ratings:

Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz: Santana wins via Spin the Block – ** 1/2
#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander: Josh wins via Grapevine Ankle Lock – ***
ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside: Xia wins via School Girl Roll-Up – ** 3/4
Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands: Sami Callihan wins via Cactus Driver ’97 – SQUASH
Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth: Eddie wins via Boston Knee Party – *** 1/4

Results:

Did @NicTNemeth say BROKEN? @MATTHARDYBRAND has arrived in the iMPACT Zone! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/HbkUangt6e

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

A weird opening that is just framed to put Nemeth and Hardy together against The System. Feels a little awkward, but who knows how it will play out.

.@JordynneGrace vs @miyu_tjp NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT will now be for the Knockouts World Championship! pic.twitter.com/YnKZjb9yjx

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Mike Santana vs Myron Reed w/Trey Miguel & Zachary Wentz

Ahh I didn’t really pay attention to Santana’s theme at Rebellion, but its pretty damn cool. Good stuff.

Rascalz blindside Santana early, but the heel advantage doesn’t last more than a few moves. Santana whips Myron from corner to corner, hits a few Hip Attacks before Myron finally dodges one and starts using his unique offense and agility to his advantage. Matrix dodge, into an Leaping Outside Back in Slingshot Codebreaker. Some more offense and Santana powders to the ramp, Myron jumps over the rope and tries a Flying Cutter, but Santana blocks it, turns things around, gets pushed forward and hits the Rolling Cutter. Santana takes out the Rascalz, heads back into the ring, Myron tries to catch him unawares but eats the Spin the Block off the rope run! Santana wins fairly quickly.

Maclin’s music hits, he tries to employ the help of The Rascalz to attack Santana, but as soon as Maclin positions himself to get in, The Rascalz bail and flip off Maclin. Maclin makes it out of the confrontation relatively unscathed, but at least we know where he’s going for Under Siege probably.

OH FUCK ME WITH RUSTY KNIVES. Because Cardona is hurt Kon is paired with SDL, and she just challenges Jordynne and PCO to a tag match. WHY!? STOP IT. This is hot garbage.

Josh Alexander comes out…I wonder who’s Super Finisher he’s gonna conveniently kick out this time? Brian Myers? Frankie Kazarian? Rich Swann? Because yes, I’m still annoyed that Hammerstone has been in TNA for half a sandwich, he already connects with a Super version of his finish on tacks, and that’s not a finish. Oh Kaz’s music hits. Okay, so time for Josh to kick out of Fade to Black or Flux Capacitor. Kaz talks smack, says he won his match too so he should have a say in who’s number one contender. Josh challenges him, Kaz says not right now, but a referee runs out and says the match is official.

#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander

Kaz throws his jacket on Josh’s head, and attacks him with some strikes before Josh fights back and throws Kaz out. Commercial break, we see Kaz misses his Apron Guillotine, Josh goes for the Low Crossbody but Kaz dodges and Josh goes flying. Kaz starts throwing some chops and claws at the cauliflowered ears of Josh. Russian Leg Sweep from Kaz for a near fall. Josh swings wildly and Kaz ducks the strike and levels Josh with a Lariat.

Josh blocks a Vertical Suplex attempt, but Frankie pulls off a Fisherman’s Suplex after a few overhead strikes for a near fall. Josh stands up and connects with a straight right, rocks Kaz, Back Body Drop, into a Charging Forearm, Rolling Senton, 2 count! C4 Spike attempt countered into a Back Stabber and then Chicken Wing, but Josh fights it off, rolls through and into an Ankle Lock, Kaz kicks off and into a Head and Arm Cradle for a near fall and then the Guillotine Leg Drop into Slingshot DDT spot from Kaz for another 2 count!

Fade to Black, but its fought off, Big Boot but then Kaz counters the next move with a Power Slam into the Springboard Guillotine Leg Drop, but Josh grabs the Ankle Lock! Locomotion German Suplex time from Josh, Halfhatch Suplex after the Germans, floats over for a 2 count! C4 Spike attempt again, but Kaz fights it off, dumps him over the top rope, slingshots him in and into the Cutter for a near fall for Kaz! After the 2 Kaz grabs a chair and chain, the referee stops the chair of course, so he tries the chain, EY runs down and grabs the chain so Kaz pulls the Eddie Guerrero and the referee admonishes EY, but doesn’t DQ Josh. So as Kaz is busy laughing at EY, Josh picks the ankle, Ankle Lock with the Grapevine, Kaz taps.

Tensions are sky-high between @alexhammerstone and @JakeSomething_! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/LLCUJOCy7H

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside

Both are jawing at each other and then throw hands before Xia gets the upper hand with a Headscissors from the Top Turnbuckle, Charging Knees, a Flurry of Kicks, but when the ref forces some space in the corner, ASH is finally able to dodge and work over Xia with her Twisting Body Splash, a few choking moves, a corner Stomp into a Snap Suplex for 2. ASH is in charge elegantly, but the referee keeps forcing space on both of them when they go for corner attacks. Xia manages to take advantage a little, but ASH regains control, kicks Xia up the ramp and then lands her Cartwheel Back Elbow up the ramp. It actually looks pretty cool executed like that.

Headlocks and Hair Pulling to keep Xia down and using energy to kick out. ASH is getting frustrated but Xia is remaining persistent. ASH goes back to the Headlock, but Xia fights up, Jawbreaker, Back Elbow, Kick to the gut and Drop Toe Hold sends ASH face first into the middle buckle. Xia rips off 4 Double Knee Smashes to the back of ASH’s head into her Flying Crossbody for a close 2! Xia pulls her up, but ASH spins out, then Xia slips it, but ASH kicks her in the chest and deposits her to the outside and demands a count from the referee. Iceman puts Jeweled Knuckles/Rings on ASH’s hand, the referee catches her, removes the stuff from her fingers and Xia hits the School Girl Roll-Up for the flash win.

Fraud has thrown the Ballot Box Battle into chaos, but also paved the way for an explosive showdown between @TheTreyMiguel and @The_Ace_Austin NEXT WEEK to determine the #1 Contender for the X Division Championship! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/lYHrtgNrc3

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands

So the Good Hand Jobs are about to do their job to Sami. I’m just gonna assume Sami beats the hell out of both and wins with a Cactus Driver ’97. If anything interesting happens I might actually cover it, but come on now.

.@SteveMaclin has a proposition for @FrankieKazarian #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/XY6lMdmSWo

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Kaz makes a Metallica reference with the “Wash Your Back So You Won’t Stab Mine”…and Sweet Amber is the only good song on St. Anger. So…I ain’t mad.

Eddie Edwards w/Alisha Edwards & Brian Myers vs Nic Nemeth

A little early ground wrestling and headlocks for control from both men. Nothing super flashy to start until we get to the rope run and Nemeth goes for the Flying Body Press to drop Eddie. Before Nemeth can follow up, Lish grabs his foot. Nic does have his brother Ryan in the crowd, trying to get chants going and do the old school ‘power up the babyface’ thing, but Eddie has been in control since Lish got involved. Simple offense, chokes, strikes, Snap Suplexes, Knee Drops, simple yet effective. But then Eddie ducks his head too early, Nemeth kicks him in the face, bounces his head off the buckles a few times, Dropkick sends Eddie reeling to the corner, Nemeth starts the 10 Count Punches but Myers hits the apron to distract and Eddie manages to slip the situation and push Nemeth to the floor.

Commercial break happens, Nemeth is trying to fight back with Chops, but a Kitchen Sink from Eddie puts Nemeth on the floor again! Clubbing blow from Eddie, but Eddie then misses the Hip Attack in the corner and Nemeth counters with the Rude Awakening into the 10 Count Rain of Elbows. Fame Ass-er miss, Eddie tries something but Nemeth turns it into that hesitation DDT for 2! Tuning up the band starts to build and Eddie powders to avoid it. Nemeth throws Eddie back in, goes to the top, but Eddie crotches him, rises up and hits the Superplex into Tiger Driver for 2! Eddie starts mocking with Tuning Up the band but Nemeth hits his own Superkick into an Olympic Slam for 2!

Both men just trade strikes Fighting Spirit style, Eddie says “Always Trust the System” and Nemeth shuts him up with a Headbutt. Danger Zone is blocked, Boston Knee Party gets ducked, they level each other with Lariats! Myers and Ryan Nemeth start fighting to distract the referee, Moose hits the ring and hits Nemeth with the belt. Eddie lands Boston Knee Party and The System wins again!

Overall Score: 6/10

A lame opening segment, a squash match, ASH by Elegance getting her first loss, and a weird way of just pulling the number one contender out of mid air makes for an awkward show. Also Kon still be involved in, literally anything, is negative. However, I can say there was a ton of stuff thrown at the wall this episode, so there’s a chance that some things landed better with other people than myself. The ballot segments were amusing, they overused the “I need to talk to you Santino” gimmick a bit much and personally I feel like having Jake versus Hammerstone is booking yourself into a weird corner.

But hey, the main event was fun, Nemeth getting laid out to the point that there could be a story reason to take him out of the Under Siege match. Kaz with the Metallica reference was pop worthy and I guess its a lot of ‘let’s see where it goes’ kind of angle creation. So it wasn’t complete trash, but its definitely a wait and see episode.

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