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Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (3/13/23)

Raw gets Rated R!

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You Think You Know Me.

Raw prepares for WrestleMania, and the Rated R Superstar waits on Finn Balor to respond! Will Judgment Day come to Hollywood?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • Johnny Gargano & Dexter Lumis w/ Candice LeRae VS Dominik Mysterio & Damian Priest w/ The Judgment Day; win.
  • Cody Rhodes VS LA Knight; Cody wins.
  • Elias w/ Rick Boogs VS Bronson Reed; Bronson wins.
  • Austin Theory VS Angelo Dawkins; Theory wins.
  • Seth Rollins VS Baron Corbin; Rollins wins.
  • Bianca Belair VS Chelsea Green w/ Carmella; Bianca wins.
  • Street Fight: Kevin Owens VS Solo Sikoa; Solo wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Edge is here!

Just as he promised last week, the Rated R Superstar returns because he wants to end this with The Judgment Day! Fans cheer Edge on as he gets the mic to say, “Providence, I gotta tell ya, that never gets old, that’s why I do this. Listen, I know why I’m here. Providence, y’all know why I’m here. So Finn Balor, get out here right now so we can finally be done with this.” And so the Judgment Day appears on the ramp! They all smirk at Edge but Finn has the mic to say, “Here I am, Edge! Finn Balor, live and in the flesh! And for once, I actually agree with all these clowns, I wanna hear what you have to say. So please, do us all a favor and spit it out.”

Edge tells Finn that’s the thing, Edge isn’t here to say anything. Edge wants to end this. But Finn is gonna hide way over there, right? And if Edge were to run up on Finn, he’d just send “Lurch, Pugsley and Wednesday” after him. And then it’s the same old song and dance for another week. But a few weeks ago, Finn challenged Edge to a match at WrestleMania. But since Finn isn’t man enough to step closer, FINE! Finn has his match! Did they hear that? Finn’s going to WrestleMania! And if Edge thinks the beating at Extreme Rules was bad- “SHUT YOUR MOUTH!! Now you can hear me talk!”

For the last year of Edge’s comeback, he’s wasted it with Judgment Day. And before that, he was in front of a bunch of TV screens in the ThunderDome. Edge does not have time for this. He needs to accomplish what he wants to do before he runs out of time. So Finn pulled Judgment Day out from under Edge, and then made them better. Edge can admit it. Because Finn leaned into what those three with him are: bitter, immature malcontents. This is a weird hybrid, like an “Irish-Mexican-Australian-Puerto-Rican” emo delight. A bougie drink you’d get at a hipster coffee joint, but it has worked.

Every other week, they’ve left Edge laying, and made him say two words he never thought he’d say in “I Quit.” But then they still bashed Beth with a Con-Chair-To. “For the last year, you have tried to make my life a living hell. And a lot of the time, you’ve accomplished it. So the way I see it, there’s only one way that this can end. At WrestleMania, Edge VS Finn Balor, INSIDE HELL IN A CELL!!” Fans fire up hearing that! Finn scowls, and he says, “Edge, I’ve been to Hell before, and it spit me out. Because Hell couldn’t handle my demons! I’ll see you at WrestleMania. But until then…” The Judgment Day rushes up after all!

Priest gets on the apron, he and Edge fire hands, then Dom goes after Edge! Rhea gets in on the mugging, fans boo, but here come THE WAY! Johnny Gargano leads Dexter Lumis and Candice LeRae out and they fight the Judgment Day! Rhea throws Candice out, Lumis hammers away on Dom, but Edge and Gargano go after Priest! The Judgment day was to face Gargano and Lumis at some point tonight, will that be after the break?

 

Johnny Gargano & Dexter Lumis w/ Candice LeRae VS Dominik Mysterio & Damian Priest w/ The Judgment Day!

Raw returns and indeed, this match is under way! Gargano rains down fists on Dom in the corner, goes way past ten, and then lets off as the ref counts. Fans fire up, Gargano kicks and CHOPS Dom, but Dom kicks and headlocks. Gargano powers out, but Dom runs him over! Dom runs, but Gargano trips him! Gargano runs, dodges Dom and arm-drags him, to then arm-drag again! Gargano fakes Dom out and Dom gets mad. Dom storms up but Gargano rolls him up, SCHOOL BOY KICK! Dom flounders, Rhea panics, and Gargano wrenches. Dom breaks free to tag in Priest. Fans boo but Gargano is game for this rematch.

Gargano and Priest talk some trash, but then Gargano looks to Lumis. Fans fire up and Gargano tags Lumis in! The Tortured Artist seems to creep even the Punisher out. They circle, tie up, and Priest wrenches to a wristlock. Lumis rolls, kips up and wrenches back to then wristlock in return. Priest wrenches back, headlocks, but Lumis powers out. Priest runs Lumis over and dusts himself off. Fans boo but Priest soaks up the heat. Priest runs, but Lumis kips right up! Priest shrugs it off but Gargano taunts Priest not to be scared. Priest kicks low then ROCKS Lumis, then fires off hands in the corner! Priest HEADBUTTS, then lets off.

Priest whips Lumis corner to corner hard, but fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” Priest KICKS Lumis, whips him to ropes, but Lumis kicks back! Priest wobbles, into a DROPKICK! Priest falls out of the ring, he gets mad, and he runs back in, but into a drop toehold! Lumis floats to a facelock and he tags in Gargano. Lumis bumps Priest off Gargano’s boots, then Gargano wrenches. Priest ROCKS Gargano then dusts himself off. Fans boo but Priest scoops Gargano to SNAKE EYES in the corner! Rhea laughs, Priest tags Dom, and fans boo more as Dom rains down fists! Dom soaks up the heat as fans boo more.

Dom drags Gargano up, whips him corner to corner, then runs in, into KNEES! Gargano runs in to RAAN Dom away! Dom flops out of the ring, Gargano slingshots but Dom gets to the apron! Dom leaps, Gargano dodges and SUPERKICKS! Priest runs in, into an UPPERCUT from Lumis! Gargano then CANNONBALLS and takes out Priest and Dom! Providence fires up with The Way as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Gargano CHOPS Priest! And CHOPS again! Priest blocks the next chop to BELL CLAP! Priest then whips Gargano hard into the Judgement Day corner! Fans boo as Dom tags in but Dom stomps away on Gargano. Dom digs his boot into Gargano but the ref counts. Dom lets off, tags Priest back in, and Priest soaks up the heat. Priest sucker punches Lumis! Priest then runs to back elbow Gargano! Tag back to Dom, Priest hits BROKEN ARROW and Dom adds the SLINGSHOT SENTON! Cover, TWO! Rhea is furious about the count but Dom wraps Gargano up in a chinlock.

Fans rally for “Johnny Wrestling!” and Gargano fights up. Gargano throws forearms, but Dom knees low. Dom gives some Latino Heat, then hits Uno Amigo! And then Dos Amigos! Dom hits THREE AMIGOS and Rhea is happy. Cover, TWO! Rhea is furious again! Dom soaks up the heat, though, and he slaps Gargano around. Gargano stands, and he ROCKS Dom! And again! And again! But Dom ducks to dropkick Gargano onto ropes! Fans boo as Dom dials it up, but Gargano ducks the 619! Then SLINGSHOT SPEARS! Fans fire up while both men are down! Gargano and Dom crawl, hot tags to Priest and Lumis!

Fans fire up as Lumis fires off hands on Priest! Then he dodges a haymaker to hit a SPINEBUSTER! Dom runs in, into a SPINEBUSTER! Lumis runs to clothesline Priest in a corner, then he runs to clothesline Dom! BULLDOG for Dom! Priest kicks, misses, and Lumis hits a BIG back suplex! Kip up to leg drop! Cover, TWO! Lumis keeps on Priest, fireman’s carries, but Dom sneaks a tag! Priest slips free, but Lumis clotheslines him out! Dom GAMANGIRIS Lumis away, then sunset flips! High stack, with feet on the ropes! But Candice shoves those away! TWO!! Lumis and Dom DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE!

Rhea storms up on Candice, but is sent into steps! Candice kicks, but into an Electric Chair! And a SLAM on the barrier! But then Rhea turns around to see Lumis staring at her! Rhea waves hi and blows a kiss, Priest CLOBBERS Lumis! Fans boo but Priest roars. Priest drags Lumis up and into the ring, and hits a COMPLETE SHOT! Tag to Dom and Dom goes up! FROG SPLASH! Cover, GARGANO BREAKS IT! Fans fire up as Rhea freaks out! Priest gets in, but Gargano ducks the heel kick to SUPERKICK! Gargano then builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and Priest hits desk! But Dom WRECKS Gargano with a dropkick!

Dom hurries to get Lumis up, but Lumis slips free to clinch! THE SILENCE!!! Dom flails, but Priest hurries up! Hot tag, ROLLING ROUNDHOUSE! Choke grip, SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Cover, the Judgment Day wins!

Winners: The Judgment Day, by pinfall

Rhea laughs and celebrates with Priest and her little Dom-Dom! The Eradicator is going after the Queen, the Prince is going to settle things with the Rated R Superstar, will WrestleMania be facing its Judgment Day?

 

Backstage interview with The Miz.

Cathy Kelley says we’re on the Road to WrestleMania, so she wants to ask the host of WrestleMania- Wait, Chad Gable hurries over. He asks if anyone’s seen Otis. The Miz says he literally just got here, so no. Miz doesn’t travel with hits pets like Gable does. If Gable is looking for his missing dog, put up flyers. Miz has to- SHOOSH! That’s actually a good idea, Gable will go do that. A thank yew! Gable heads out and Miz asks Cathy what she was going to ask. Right, Cathy wanted to know if the Miz was interested in having a cohost. PFFF! Right! Cohost. Is Cathy interested in the position? Well-

No, there is only one star big enough to host Mania, and- Wait! Now Damage CTRL is jumping Trish Stratus! She wants a comeback, so here it is! They throw her into trunks, CLUB her down, then SMACK her off more trunks! Bayley, Dakota Kai & Iyo Sky then TRIPLE BOOT her down! Refs rush over to stop them but the damage is done. Will the star-studded Six Woman Tag now be in question after what we just saw?

 

Omos & MVP head to the ring.

The Nigerian Giant and his manager are here in person, because they’re going to be face-to-face with Brock Lesnar! Will the ring still be standing after Omos stands up to The Beast?

Raw returns and MVP has the mic to tell Brock Lesnar, “You are a brilliant athlete but a terrible tactician. You made a critical era in putting your hands on me a couple of weeks ago. But the worst, the biggest mistake you’ve ever made in your career was accepting a match against the 7’3″, 416 pound Nigerian Giant, Omos, at WrestleMania. Brock, I want you to understand-” WAIT! Here comes the pain! Fans fire up as Lesnar makes his way to the ring! Lesnar takes a quick lap, then takes off his cowboy hat and gets in the ring. Lesnar seems rather impressed seeing Omos in person. Fans are losing their minds seeing this moment, too!

Lesnar steps up to Omos, seeing he comes up to Omos’ shoulders, and then Omos raises his massive hand. Omos compares the fist to Lesnar’s face. Lesnar is again impressed. Omos offers a handshake, but fans chant for “SUPLEX CITY!” Lesnar shakes hands with Omos, but then Omos doesn’t let go! So Lesnar hits Omos low! Omos elbows Lesnar back and puts on a VICE GRIP! Omos shoves Lesnar up and out of the ring! Lesnar manages to land on his feet, and Omos says “This is MY house!” Fans boo, refs rush out to keep this from escalating, but Lesnar says it’s alright. He just needs his hat back.

A producer gives Lesnar his hat back, and Omos wants Lesnar to come back for more. Lesnar tips his hat and then leaves. Is the Beast intimidated? Or is he simply going to bide his time and plan on how to bring down the Nigerian Giant?

 

Cody Rhodes VS LA Knight!

The American Nightmare has a lot on his plate with the coming battle against Roman Reigns, but he’s taking on someone with a really big mouth! The Mega Star talked a lot online, but will he back it up against Cody? Or will Knight be speechless after taking on a fired up Cody Rhodes?

Raw returns and LA Knight makes his entrance. The bell rings, the two circle, and fans rally up. Cody and Knight tie up, go around, and fans rally for Cody but Knight puts him in a corner. Knight lets off, but then sucker punches Cody! Knight ROCKS Cody again, whips him to ropes, but Cody reverses to arm-drag Knight! Cody twists the wrist, brings Knight up and wrenches, but Knight reaches for ropes. Cody keeps Knight away from the ropes, but Knight wrenches back. Cody wrenches again, ducks the haymaker and he DECKS Knight! Cody wrenches Knight, hammerlocks, headlocks, but Knight pulls hair!

The ref reprimands but Knight puts Cody in a corner. Knight lets off at 4, but Cody shoves him away. The two talk some trash, Cody counter punches Knight! Cody shoves Knight, dodges him, then waistlocks. Knight switches, Cody trips Knight, then Cody runs to KNEE Knight down! Cover, TWO! Knight bails out but Cody builds speed! Cody DIVES, into a HAYMAKER! Knight drags Cody right out of the ring, but Cody blocks the barrier bump to bump Knight off barriers first! Cody storms up after Knight but Knight SMACKS Cody’s arm off the post! Fans boo but Knight soaks up heat. Cody RAMS Knight into steel steps!

Cody SMACKS Knight’s arm off the steps, SMACKS it off the post, then puts Knight in the ring. Cody goes up but Knight springs up after him! SUPERPLEX! Fans fire up while both men are down and Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and Cody fights a suplex. Cody suplexes Knight, holds him up, but Knight rakes the eyes! Knight then kicks and DDTs Cody down! Cover, TWO! Cody is still in this but Knight pie faces him around. Knight says, “You just thought I’d be practice, huh?” Knight wraps on a chinlock and he grinds Cody down. Fans rally, Cody fights his way up, and Cody pries the hold open! But Knight knees Cody low! Knight runs, but Cody blocks the kick to spin him, run and CLOBBER him! Cody then drops and RHODES UPPERCUTS! Cody goes to a corner, Knight runs in, but Cody goes up and over! Knight bounces off buckles, into the POWERSLAM!

Cody fires up and the fans are with him! Knight rises, Cody runs and springboards, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Cover, TWO! Knight survives but fans rally behind Cody. Cody runs and springboards again, but Knight catches him to a waistlock! SUPLEX SIDE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Knight grows frustrated, he cravats but Cody powers out! Cody dodges, goes up and up, SUPER CODY CUTTER! Fans fire up with Cody again and Knight staggers around. Cody dragon sleepers, for the CROSS RHODES!! Cover, Cody wins!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

The American Nightmare beats the Knight, but he isn’t done! Cody gets the mic to say, “I keep hearing these warnings from Mr. Heyman that I should stay out of Bloodline business. Well I reiterated, I do not work for the Bloodline, and I don’t work for Mr. Heyman. So if I wanna come out here, stand side by side with Sami Zayn, I can do that. If I wanna come out here and fight alongside Kevin Owens, I can do that! And I also hear Mr. Heyman say, ‘Don’t make this personal.’ Don’t make it personal? What a joke! It has been personal since I first appeared on this show at 21 years old in front of these same cameramen!

“It’s personal when week after week, I’m choked up, fighting back tears with every sentence. It’s personal when you wear a protective coat of armor, and I’m not talking about my robe. I’m talking about a tailored suit. And the reason I wear it is not because I think I am somebody. The reason I wear it is because I wanna be somebody. Mr. Heyman talking about acknowledging Roman Reigns? I acknowledge you, dammit. You need to acknowledge me! I am not perfect, but my time since I came back to the WWE has been perfect. I am undefeated. I grew up thinking that I was a prince in this industry.

“And I’ve got no crown, no chip, no Master Sword, no Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. And on April 2nd… When the sun goes down on Hollywood, it is going down on Roman Reigns’ generational run. On April 2nd, it’s not just those who’ve got the Rhodes and the Runnels blood pumping through their veins. It’s every single person who has followed me until the end! On April 2nd, I have waited my whole life, I will wait no more! On April 2nd, Roman Reigns, I pin you, I stick you in this ring, and I become the first Rhodes to say he is the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion!!” The American Nightmare is ready, will he live the dream in Hollywood?

 

Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.

Byron Saxton asks The Visionary his reaction to Logan Paul knocking him out with a sucker punch. “Logan~. Logan~! HAHAHA!” Last week, Logan acted like he won the lottery! And why? Because he DID! He landed the shot of a lifetime right on Rollins’ chinny chin chin! But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Rollins these last two years is that you can’t keep him down. And so next time Logan Paul and- Miz walks in. “Seth, Seth, Seth.” “BOO!” Miz gets spooked and says Rollins is just jealous that Logan knocked him out with one punch. Face it, Seth, you lost control of the narrative.

But what would Miz know? Except that he is the host of WrestleMania and he gets privileged information! For example, next week on Monday, Logan Paul conducts a live, WWE edition of ImPAULsive TV! And Miz also knows that he is expected as a guest. But then Baron Corbin walks in. His schedule cleared up, he’s available. Uh, sorry, Logan is all booked up. Then maybe with WrestleMania being two nights, Miz has a lot to do, he could use a cohost. They could take things over! Rollins laughs at that idea nd Miz says he has a lot of pull of Mania. But not that much pull. Oh, okay…

Then Rollins! Logan knocked you out, but Corbin’s a three-time Golden Gloves winner! Corbin can train you in boxing! Rollins tells Corbin that he appreciates the offer, he knows Corbin is going through some tough times. But to be honest, Rollins would rather learn boxing from his baby daughter. Aw c’mon! Corbin is trying here! And Rollins’ daughter is two years old! She doesn’t know anything! Rollins is lucky Corbin isn’t facing him, because Corbin would knock him out even faster than Logan did, and he’d take Rollins’ WrestleMania spot. Oh, really? Because that sounds like a challenge! Lucky for Providence, Rollins is in a fighting mood!

Let’s make it official! Rollins VS Corbin, tonight! See you out there! HAHAHAHAHA! Miz is intrigued. If Corbin handles Rollins, Miz will clear things with Logan. Corbin has a deal. Will the Lone Wolf finally get something to go his way tonight? Or will he just be an example to Logan of what Rollins is capable of?

 

Elias w/ Rick Boogs VS Bronson Reed!

The Drifter has been trying to teach the rowdy rocker a thing or two, but he might be the one to learn a lesson. Will Elias be swept away by a Tsunami here tonight? Or will the Colossal Aussie #WalkWithElias?

The bell rings and Bronson CLOBBERS Elias, drops a BIG elbow, then hits a ROLLING SENTON! Bronson dusts his hands off while Boogs takes notes. Bronson CLUBS Elias, HEADBUTTS him, then Bronson brings Elias up. Elias fires off forearms, CHOPS, but Bronson blocks the whip. Bronson whips Elias to a corner, to SPLASH! And then he bumps Elias off buckles, before he CLOBBERS him down again! Cover, TWO! Elias survives but Bronson clamps on a chinbar. Fans rally for Elias, chant for “BOOOOGS~!” and Elias fights up! Elias pries free but Bronson knees him low. Bronson whips Elisa but Elias holds ropes!

Elias elbows Bronson, BOOTS him from the ropes, then goes up! Elias leaps, into Bronson’s arms! Bronson pops Elias up but Elias lands on his feet! SYMPHO-KNEE! Elias runs, but into a LARIAT! Bronson ripcords, for the POWERSLAM! Bronson then drags Elias into the drop zone and he goes up top. TSUNAMI!! Cover, Bronson wins!

Winner: Bronson Reed, by pinfall

Hopefully Boogs’ notes say something along the lines of, “Don’t fight Bronson Reed ever.” Elias might be all washed up now, will he ever recover from that Tsunami? Will Bronson soon find himself going for gold?

 

Cathy Kelley waits outside the trainer’s room.

There is still not an update on Trish Stratus after what DMG CTRL did to her. But in comes Gable with his missing posters. Has anyone seen Gable’s number one guy? No? Well, when you do, give him a call. A thank yew. Gable heads out, but Becky Lynch & Lita come storming in! Cathy wants a comment from them, but they go into the trainer’s room first. Will the Man and the legend get a word from Trish herself?

 

Backstage interview with Kevin Owens.

Cathy brings up his coming Street Fight with Solo Sikoa, and notes that Kevin’s faced pretty much every member of The Bloodline to date. But he didn’t ask for help from Sami Zayn last week, why is that? Kevin says he did ask for help for a long time, but didn’t get it. What has happened lately is now Sami is the one asking Kevin for help, and with the history between them, is it really that hard to understand why Kevin doesn’t want to fight alongside Sami? Kevin swishes Sami the best, but he doesn’t want any part of it. Kevin is fine fighting on his own, he doesn’t need Sami. And for that matter, Kevin heard what Cody said earlier, he saw what Cody did for Sami last week.

Cody wants to help Sami, that’s his problem. But they talked last week, too, and Kevin told him then that he doesn’t want Cody’s help. Tonight, when Kevin is out there against Solo, do NOT come out there. Cody, you need to focus on Roman Reigns at WrestleMania. Cody has waited his whole life for this moment, and Kevin doesn’t want to be the reason Cody fails. So no matter what, Kevin does not wanna see Cody out there. Kevin will fight Solo, and whoever else he’s gonna bring, on his own. Just like he will keep doing. Kevin heads out, but does he really mean it when he wants to be solo against The Bloodline?

 

The Street Profits are laughing it up.

But then they spot Austin Theory walk in. It’s Baby Cena! GOO GOO GA GA! Where’s that RUTHLESS! AGGRESSION! Try Montez, partner! But no, he won’t. He’s like in 8 Mile: a choke artist! He ain’t got what it takes. Theory says this is great, all of it, really. Keep doing this because that’s all they’ve got. And chances are, in a couple of months, they’ll just be unemployed. But let’s talk about last week. Yeah, Theory got what he wanted, like he always does, and that is… Hold on, Theory is “rather humble” so he should give this it’s proper due. “The top ballot, the marquee match of WrestleMania, the biggest match, Austin Theory VS John Cena!”

And Cena had a lot to say, but why wouldn’t he? Theory is the biggest thing int he WWE. But the Profits? Not so much. Let’s talk about it. Who even is the toughest between them? Who has that backbone? Who has that fire? That desire? It’s gotta be… Dawkins! But uh, not Ford. When it comes to Ford, well, he’s just a big bag of jokes. The biggest joke is that when Ford is handed an opportunity, he lands flat on his face. But hey, Theory only wishes he could relate to that. But he can’t, because Theory always goes to the top. But that smoke! The smoke they want, the smoke they got. When it comes to that smoke, all Ford does is choke.

Dawkins steps up to tell Theory that Cena’s gonna humble him at Mania. But why wait? Dawkins will cook Theory tonight. Well, sounds great to him! But uh, Theory just thought of something. What’re the Profits doing at Mania? Oh, right. NOTHING! Theory laughs his way out, but will that smug smile be smacked off his face?

Austin Theory VS Angelo Dawkins!

Raw returns and the Profits make their entrance. The bell rings and Theory circles with Dawkins. They tie up, Dawkins shoots around to a waistlock and he SLAMS Theory down! Dawkins stays on Theory as he scrambles up and goes to ropes. The ref counts, Theory elbows Dawkins away. Theory bumps Dawkins off buckles, stomps him, but lets off as the ref counts. Fans chant, “BABY CENA!” but Theory tells them to shut up. Theory whips Dawkins corner to corner, Dawkins goes up and over, then keeps moving. Theory hurdles and rolls but Dawkins handsprings to DROPKICK! Fans fire up and Dawkins fireman’s carries! FLAPJACK! Cover, TWO!

Theory sputters and Dawkins talks smack. Dawkins brings Theory up, but he throws a body shot! Theory throws hands, he RAMS Dawkins into the corner again and again, but the ref counts. Theory lets off with a haymaker, then brings Dawkins back up. Theory snapmares, he clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Dawkins down. Dawkins endures as Theory says this is HIS time. Fans rally and Dawkins fights up. Dawkins throws body shots, but Theory CLUBS him down! Theory scowls, then he drags Dawkins up. Dawkins ROCKS Theory with a right hand! Theory falls to ropes, Dawkins storms up and whips, but Theory reverses.

Theory slides out to trip Dawkins and drag him out, then Theory RAMS Dawkins into barriers! Theory rains down fists and fans boo, but Theory hurries to RAM Dawkins back into the barriers! Fans boo more but Theory dares Dawkins to make jokes now. Theory says this is his time, but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Theory talks more trash while Dawkins is down in the ring. Fans taunt Theory more but Theory CLUBS Dawkins. Theory says Dawkins disrespected him, and he ROCKS Dawkins again! Dawkins is on wobbly legs but Theory brings him up. Dawkins clinches to an EXPLODER! Both men are down again and fans fire up! Theory drags himself up at the ropes but so does Dawkins. Theory swings but Dawkins counter punches! And again! Dawkins CLOBBERS Theory, CLOBBERS him again, but Theory kicks low. Theory whips, Dawkins hurdles and FLYING ELBOWS! Theory goes to a corner, Dawkins hits the CYCLONE SPLASH and ENZIGURI!

Dawkins keeps going, but Theory fights the underhooks to roll up, with tights! TWO, Theory swings but into the SILENCER! Cover, TWO! Dawkins grows frustrated but he stalks Theory to ropes. Dawkins brings Theory around, but Theory fights the Anointing! Theory runs, but into a POUNCE! Theory flops to the apron but Dawkins storms over. Dawkins drags Theory up but Theory HOTSHOTS him away! Then slingshot and SHOTGUN! Cover, TWO! Theory grows frustrated but then he shakes his head and smirks. Theory says this is about him! “It’s always been about me!” Theory stands up and he storms over to Dawkins.

Theory stands Dawkins up, points to the WrestleMania sign, but Dawkins cradles! TWO!! Theory escapes, but Dawkins sunset flips! TWO!! ENZIGURI! Theory goes to a corner, Dawkins runs in, CYLONE- FOREARM!! Theory fireman’s carries, for A-TOWN DOWN! Cover, Theory wins!

Winner: Austin Theory, by pinfall

The Now wins big and soaks up all the heat from Providence. But he isn’t done, he drags Dawkins into an STF!! Theory sends a message to Cena while also punishing Dawkins! Ford runs out and gets in the ring, but Theory gets away! Theory even copies, “You Can’t See Me!” Will Ford make Theory see him before WrestleMania?

 

Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.

The Wise Man cuts off Cathy’s introduction to say, “We have a problem. As in, #WeTheOnes have a problem. As in The Bloodline has a problem. We’ve identified that problem. You know what that problem’s name is? Kevin. Owens. Tonight, the Bloodline demonstrates we solve all problems, and the Kevin Owens problem will be solved by the Samoan Street Fighting Champion, Solo.” Heyman turns to leave but then turns right back around to say, “And then there’s Cody Rhodes! Cody Rhodes has a problem. Cody Rhodes has mistaken the fact that the truth shall set him free with the fact that the truth will imprison Cody Rhodes’ mind into making stupid mistakes like making this personal to Roman Reigns.

“And I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, ‘W-Well, it’s already personal to Cody Rhodes!’ Well of course it’s personal to Cody Rhodes! That’s what makes Cody Rhodes such a compelling and intriguing and riveting challenger in the main event of WrestleMania! But to make this personal… to Roman Reigns… by mockingly and sanctimoniously acknowledging his Tribal Chief on worldwide television… What a shmuck. Cody Rhodes, you want to acknowledge your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns? I’m gonna give you a chance to acknowledge Roman Reigns. Next week, live from St. Loui son Monday Night Raw, your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, will be here on Raw!

“And Cody Rhodes… You will ACKNOWLEDGE your Tribal Chief! And in that moment, you will make the biggest personal and business decision of your entire life. You will decide at that moment whether you are a challenger, or you are a problem. Because Cody, I assure you, you are a problem that Roman Reigns would love to personally solve.” Will the American Nightmare choose to be a problem from the Head of the Table?

 

Rey Mysterio is here!

Providence fires up for the King of Lucha Libre and the headlining inductee of this year’s WWE Hall of Fame class! Rey gets the mic to say, “Wow. Wow, wow, wow. Thank you.” Fans chant, “You Deserve It!” Rey says he must admit, it feels really good to be back on Raw. “Just last year, we were celebrating 20 years together. A huge celebration. And here we are, celebrating the biggest honors of my life.” Rey does have to be clear, though. This isn’t just his award. This award is made from the people who helped Rey build up his career. An award made from the fans that connected with Rey for all these years that he’s been in the business.

Rey says this award is not just for him. This award is for all of us! “So, straight up, from-” Wait. Here comes Dom! Dom ruined Rey’s moment on SmackDown, he’s doing it here on Raw. Dom “congratulates” Rey for becoming a WWE Hall of Famer. And he does actually deserve it. Rey put his entire life into the business, and Dom hopes it was worth it. Fans chant “YOU SUCK!” at Dom but Dom says Rey earned this honor, at Dom’s expense! Dom says Rey knows that’s right! But y’know what? Rey put his entire life for this business. Rey chose all of these strangers, instead of his kids! Fans boo and chant “YOU SUCK!” more.

Dom asks Rey how it feels. Is it an honor knowing that Dom went all those nights without having a father? How does it feel? Eighth grade, if Dom got good grades, they’d go out for his graduation. But guess what? That day, Rey was nowhere to be found, because he was at WrestleMania! Rey ditched Dom for Mania! And what else happened? When Dom turned 16, and Rey said he’d get Dom a new car. “What?” A new car. “What?!” Dom’s friends all showed up, they had new Mercedes. And Rey gets Dom a BMW?! And not even an M Series!

Fans boo Dom being a spoiled brat, but Dom tells Rey, “But you’re just afraid. Because I see you for what you really are. And that’s a sad, ugly excuse for a father. No, no, no. Excuse for a man!” Rey tells Dom to take that all back. Dom says that he’ll let Rey enjoy his HOF weekend in LA. But to make it a bit better, Dom challenges Rey to a match at WrestleMania! Fans want Rey to accept! Rey stares Dom down, and says, “I don’t know how many times I have to tell you: I’m not gonna fight my own son. Whether you believe it or not, I still love you, son, and I always will. There will be no match at WrestleMania.”

Fans boo as Rey goes to leave, but Dom asks, “That’s your guys’ Hall of Famer? That’s your guy? Huh? You’re just gonna walk away now? Huh, Mr. Hall of Fame? Yeah, that’s right. Do what you do, the only thing you know how. You ran away from Raw, you ran away from your entire family, and you ran away from ME!” Dom says the only thing Rey has ever taught him is what NOT to be! Rey feels that one, but he still doesn’t give into what Dom wants. Will Dom ever stop tormenting his own father?

 

Backstage interview with Becky Lynch, Lita & Trish Stratus.

Cathy is again waiting by the trainer’s room. Becky and Lita walk back out with Trish. Do we have an update? Becky says DMG CTRL is gonna get their heads kicked in, that’s the update. Lita says that divide and conquer game didn’t work, they should’ve finished the job. Trish agrees, because she’s been hit a lot harder than that. Now DMG CTRL has pissed her off. Becky, Lita and Trish head out, will they hunt down Bayley, Kai & Sky?

 

The Miz heads to the ring.

The Hollywood A-Lister is going to join commentary for this next match, because he wants to see if the Lone Wolf can take down the Visionary. Will Corbin clear out a spot for himself at WrestleMania?

Seth Rollins VS Baron Corbin!

Raw returns and Corbin is already in the ring. Rollins makes his entrance, and Providence is ready to #BurnItDown! They sing his song, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” but Corbin CLOBBERS Rollins from behind! Fans boo as Corbin stomps away and throws down hands! The ref reprimands, Corbin lets off to soak up the heat, but Rollins throws his jacket off. The bell rings, Rollins runs in but into a knee! Corbin ROCKS Rollins, fires off forearms and body shots int he corner, but lets off as the ref counts. Fans sing more but Corbin DECKS Rollins. Corbin drags Rollins up, throws more body shots, then runs, but Rollins fires hands in return!

Rollins has Corbin on the ropes, swings wild, then whips. Corbin reverses but Rollins ducks ‘n dodges and mule kicks! And front kicks! And DISCUS LARIATS! Corbin rebounds but Rollins ROLLING ELBOWS! Then Rollins runs to clothesline Corbin up and out! Fans fire up and sing again, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins builds speed, DIVES, and he sends Corbin onto the desk! Miz moves aside but Rollins goes to the apron. FLYING KNEE! Corbin falls over and fans fire up again! Miz tells Rollins to stop pandering to the fans! Rollins taunts “Mikey,” then goes back to Corbin. Rollins throws Corbin onto Miz!

Fans fire up as Miz falls over int he armchair! Rollins puts Corbin in the ring, SUPERKICKS, then runs. But Miz gest on the apron! Rollins PELES Miz! Fans fire up as Rollins aims at both Miz and Corbin! Rollins boosts off Miz to CURB STOMP Corbin!! Cover, Rollins wins!

Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall

Now that’s how you respond to a sucker punch! Fans sing for The Visionary, and Corbin doesn’t get to add himself to anything other than the loser’s column! Will Rollins watch next week’s ImPAULsive TV segment in person?

 

Gable keeps looking for Otis.

No one has seen him. Mustafa Ali walks over to say hey to “Chaddy Daddy,” and Gable asks Ali if he’s seen Otis. No, he hasn’t. But Ali also hasn’t seen Gable smile. You gotta be more optimistic! Sometimes, the thing you’re looking for is right around the corner. #BePositive, #MustafaMania. SHOOSH! But speaking of, Otis IS right around the corner, taking photos with the Maximum Male Models! Gable asks what this is all about! Wasn’t Mansoor supposed to have a match with Gable tonight? Mansoor says that actually, his chipped his nail while scrolling through Instagram, so they’re not cosmetically cleared until next week.

And Mace tells “Gollum” that tonight isn’t about matches. Tonight is about matching, and they’re working on OtÄ«s’ headshots! OtÄ«s?! Oh, Otis, Gable didn’t know. If he wants to do more than lift weights, then they can do that together! Gable will do some poses, too! Get some shots! NO!! Gable’s broken Mansoor’s camera! It must’ve been Gable’s “Sandoval Ick!” His what? You don’t know? Well, you clearly don’t watch Vanderpump Rules! Tom Sandoval is a DISGUSTING scab on the feet of his Bambi eyed mistress. And Gable… Is grosser than THAT! Come, OtÄ«s. There’s work to be done.

Gable says it’s okay, they may have missed their morning session, but they can cram an hour’s worth of work into 20 minutes. Otis is fine with that, but then Maxxine calls. Sorry, coach. Otis heads out with MMM, is this the end of the Alpha Academy?

 

Bianca Belair VS Chelsea Green w/ Carmella!

The RawEST Women’s Champion is doing her best to the be readiEST she’s ever been for WrESTleMania, but she’s got to deal with a Hot Mess. Will Bianca be rolling towards Hollywood? Or will Karen- Er, Chelsea get herself a golden ticket to that title without speaking to the (general) manager?

Raw returns as Chelsea makes her entrance, the FABULOUS Princess by her side. The bell rings and the two tie up. Bianca shoves Chelsea right away, and then eggs her on. Chelsea fires off slapping hands and Mella applauds, but then Bianca chases Chelsea to a corner. The ref backs Bianca off as Chelsea complains, and then Chelsea storms up on Bianca. Bianca pie faces her first! The two tie up, Bianca gets around to a waistlock, and she SLAMS Chelsea down! Chelsea fights up, throws Bianca away, but Bianca comes back to run Chelsea over! Chelsea turns to Mella for help, but Bianca whips Chelsea to ropes. Bianca then runs past Chelsea, dodges her boot, and runs her over again!

Fans fire up for Bianca as she drags Chelsea back up. Bianca whips, Chelsea reverses, but Bianca goes up to say kiss this. Chelsea runs in but Bianca goes up and over. Bianca then scoops Chelsea for a BACKBREAKER! STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Chelsea scrambles away to Mella and Mella gives her some tips. Bianca runs in, Chelsea dodges and Mella swipes at Bianca. The ref reprimands, but Chelsea runs to slide and trip Bianca. Chelsea spins Bianca around, the ref tells her to back off and so she does, but that allows Mella to FABULOUS KICK Bianca! Fans boo but Mella gets away with that. Chelsea covers, TWO!

Fans rally for Bianca but Mella says that was close. Mella coaches Chelsea up as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Chelsea soaks up the heat from the apron. But Bianca rolls Chelsea up to a cover, TWO! Bianca gets around, O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Bianca goes up the corner but Chelsea trips her up! DRAPING BACKSTABBER! Mella applauds but fans boo. Bianca crawls away, Chelsea stalks her to the corner, and she grabs the arms. Chelsea motorcycle stretches, but Bianca turns it around to send Chelsea into buckles! Chelsea staggers up, into a SIDEWALK SLAM! Fans rally for Bianca and she stands back up. Bianca runs at Chelsea and rallies with big forearms and clotheslines!

Bianca DROPKICKS Chelsea into a corner, then kips up to storm up. Bianca whips, Chelsea reverses but Bianca goes up and over to RAM into Chelsea! Bianca reels Chelsea in, to suplex! And then SLAM! Bianca kips up again but Mella gets on the apron. The ref reprimands, but Bianca’s handspring knocks Mella down! But Chelsea gets her knees up on the moonsault! Cradle, TWO!! Bianca escapes, but Chelsea SLAPS her! Chelsea then hooks Bianca up, ROLLING KNEE SMASHER! Cover, TWO!! Chelsea panics, she goes for the arms, but Bianca powers out! Bianca scoops, Chelsea slips free!

Chelsea wristlocks and ripcords, but Bianca dodges, only to run into a HARD forearm from Chelsea! Chelsea runs, into a spin and torture rack! KISS OF DEATH!! Cover, Bianca wins!

Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall

The KOD spelled disaster for Chelsea, and the EST holds up the belt. But Mella storms in, FABULOUS- NO, Bianca blocks it! But then Chelsea grabs the braid! Fans boo but Bianca DECKS Chelsea! Only for Mella to CLOBBER Bianca! But here comes ASUKA! Asuka runs down to the ring, she slides in, and Chelsea hides because she remembers the mist! But then Mella dodges and Asuka ROUNDHOUSES Chelsea! Bianca ROCKS Chelsea, Asuka URAKENS, and then Bianca hits a SPINEBUSTER! The Hot Mess pays for being a sore loser! But then Asuka picks up the title. She plays around with Bianca a bit, dances with the belt, but Bianca gets annoyed.

Asuka grins and all the blue mist seeps out! Asuka laughs and hands the belt back. Bianca is not amused. Asuka just keeps smiling and then takes her leave. Will the Empress of Tomorrow make Bianca see red? Or will she only see  blue when these two have their showdown in Hollywood?

 

Street Fight: Kevin Owens VS Solo Sikoa!

The Prizefighter has been a problem for The Bloodline for the better part of the last 12 months, and he looks to keep being that problem until The Bloodline falls! Will Kevin #JustKeepFighting until that happens? Or will the Enforcer of the Island cross one problem off the list on the Road to WrestleMania?

Raw returns and Kevin makes his entrance. He eggs Solo on so Solo meets him at the ramp! The bell rings right as they start throwing hands! Fans fire up, Kevin knees low and fires off haymakers! Kevin puts Solo in the ring, but Solo stomps Kevin down. Solo HEADBUTTS Kevin, CHIPS him against ropes, then whips him to ropes. Kevin reverses to CLOBBER Solo! Then SENTONS! Fans fire up with Kevin as Solo goes to the corner. Kevin runs in but Solo bails out. Kevin is annoyed but he just goes out after him. Solo UPPERCUTS Kevin first! Then RAMS him into barriers! Fans already chant, “We Want Tables!”

Kevin kicks and CHOPS and ROCKS Solo! Kevin whips, Solo reverse band Kevin hits barriers, but he comes right back to CLOBBER Solo again! Kevin scowls, he stands on Solo’s fingers, and then he ROCKS Solo with a haymaker. Kevin CHOPS Solo, stalks him, but Solo knees low! Solo CHOPS Kevin, SMACKS him off the desk, then SMACKS him off it again! Kevin blocks to SMACK Solo off the desk in return! And again! Solo staggers back, Kevin brings Solo around, and puts him in the ring. Kevin hurries back in but Solo SAMOAN DROPS him! Solo snarls, he storms up on Kevin and CLUBS him down!

Solo stomps away at the ropes, then grabs an arm. Kevin grabs the ropes but Solo stomps him down. Solo then drags Kevin to center for a FALLING HEADBUTT! Kevin scrambles away to the outside but Solo pursues. Solo looks under the ring, and he brings out a chair! And then another chair! But Kevin CLOBBERS Solo! And RAMS him into steel steps! Kevin brings out the TABLE! Providence fires up as Kevin sets that up, only for Solo to SUPERKICK him! Solo then TOSSES Kevin over the announce desk! Fans boo as Solo puts the table back under the ring, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Kevin is throwing chairs into the ring! The ref has to get clear of that last one! Kevin then hurries back into the ring, grabs a chair and pursues Solo to JAM him with the chair again and again! And then he SMACKS Solo on the back! Kevin gets in the ring and he sets some chairs up in a square. Fans fire up, Kevin makes the square more a rectangle, and then he drags Solo into the ring. Kevin ROCKS Solo with a right, makes him take a seat, then BOOTS him down! Solo lies down on the chairs, Kevin climbs, but Solo springs up to ROCK Kevin! Solo HEADBUTTS away on Kevin, then climbs up!

Fans freak out as Solo brings Kevin up! Kevin throws body shots! Kevin HEADBUTTS Solo, HEADBUTTS him again, and then HEADBUTTS a third time! Solo stays up, Kevin HEADBUTTS him again! Solo hops down, only to grab Kevin by his face! ROCKET LAUNCHER onto the WRECK-TANGLE!! Fans lose their minds, Solo clears the chairs out and the ref checks Kevin. Cover, TWO!!! Kevin survives and he rolls out of the ring, but Solo pursues again. Kevin kicks low and POSTS Solo first! Then POSTS him again! Then CANNONBALLS against the barriers! Kevin hauls Solo up to dump him over the barriers!

Fans fire up as this fight now goes into the crowd! Kevin ROCKS Solo, follows him along the back way, and throws more forearms! Kevin brings Solo to the stage, and RAMS him into the titantron! Solo staggers backstage to gorilla! Kevin pursues, but DOUBLE SUPERKICKS meet him! The Usos were waiting! This was the trap all along! Solo, Jimmy & Jey all drag Kevin back to ringside! Fans boo as the Bloodline mugs Kevin and then put him in the ring. Fans chant for “SAMI! SAMI!” but the mugging continues! DOUBLE SUPERKICKS!! Solo drags Kevin up, for the SAMOAN SPIKE!!! Cover, Solo wins!!

Winner: Solo Sikoa, by pinfall

Kevin knew the Bloodline would all jump him, and he was right! Kevin is left sputtering and drooling in the middle of the ring, will nothing stop The Bloodline from solving all their problems by WrestleMania?


My Thoughts:

A great Raw here, though I do feel like the Bloodline segments weren’t as strong tonight. It may have just been that they were actually more straightforward and about the action. Cody VS LA Knight was a random match but apparently built on social media. Cody of course won, he was gonna win against whoever he faced tonight, and he had a very good promo to follow. Heyman also had a good promo that responded in part to Cody’s. Kevin also had a good promo, and we got a great main event, even though it was only 15 minutes. And of course, Solo got help from The Usos. This was par for the course for the Bloodline but it was meant to prove Kevin is wrong on not needing anyone, as that moment where he reconciles with Sami is still coming.

Great stuff in the Judgment Day stories, from Edge and Finn officially setting their WrestleMania match. Hell in a Cell at WrestleMania is pretty big, and I kinda hope Finn mentioning “his demons” means he’ll be some sort of Demon Balor. Rey and Dom of course had another interaction, though Dom kinda repeated/reworded some of what he said on SmackDown. But Dom also added a bit of the element Michael Cole keeps bringing up about Dom being privileged and spoiled, and that was pretty funny stuff. Dom challenging Rey to a match is fitting of the story, and while Rey doesn’t want to, something’s gotta bring them to something for Mania.

Also, great transition from Edge’s promo into the Judgment Day VS Gargano & Lumis match. Gargano will be busy with Grayson Waller at Stand & Deliver, he doesn’t need to be part of Mania stuff, but I was hoping we’d get more in the way of the Women’s Tag Division. DMG CTRL beating up on Trish was a good way to hype the Six Woman Tag, but I of course was still hoping for a big tag title match. Maybe Backlash can do that to make WWE’s return to Puerto Rico even bigger. Plus, more time to build to such a match, or rather rebuild the Women’s Tag Division across Raw and SmackDown.

Bianca VS Chelsea with Mella ringside was good stuff. Bianca of course wins, but of course Mella and Chelsea beat her down to bring out Asuka. Asuka continues to come out in a very Yakuza kind of outfit (I’m thinking the games more than real-life Yakuza) is a neat look for her. Asuka is a Face but her teasing Bianca was a nice touch. I still think Asuka should win to make this new persona strong. Then good stuff from Theory and the Profits, though Theory maybe stumbled over his words a bit. Theory VS Dawkins was a really good match, and of course Theory won, but I like that he’s getting on Ford’s nerves. I said before that Cena isn’t winning the title at Mania, because he can’t be back full-time. But if they do it right, Ford can be the guy to dethrone Theory at Backlash.

Hilarious stuff from Gable all night, as well as “OtÄ«s” hanging out with MMM. We’re getting closer and closer to Gable fighting to keep Otis in the Alpha Academy or lose him to MMM completely, that’ll be good stuff. Bronson squashing Elias was also a thing, and I am hoping Boogs’ notes will be about as useless as last week about Lashley beating Elias. Good stuff from Miz, Corbin and Rollins, “Desperate Corbin” is definitely his new form. Corbin VS Rollins was surprisingly short, and almost hilariously because of how Miz ended up getting involved. Rollins will of course want to get involved with Logan’s segment next week, and that will be a lot of fun, too.

My Score: 8.6/10


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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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