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Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (5/2/23)

What’s next for NXT?

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NXT White 'n' Gold Era

It’s a golden curtain call for two teams!

The WWE Draft sent Fyre & Dawn to SmackDown, and Carter & Chance to Raw! Who will be the women’s tag team champions on their last night in NXT?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • NXT North American Championship: Wes Lee w/ Tyler Bate VS Drew Gulak w/ Charlie Dempsey; Wes wins and retains the title.
  • Gigi Dolin VS Jacy Jayne; Jacy wins.
  • Axiom VS SCRYPTS; Axiom wins.
  • Dragon Lee VS JD McDonagh; JD wins.
  • High Stakes Showdown: Joe Coffey w/ Gallus VS Joe Gacy w/ The Schism; Gacy wins and The Dyad will challenge Gallus for the NXT Tag Team Championship.
  • Dani Palmer VS Tatum Paxley; Dani wins.
  • NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships: Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn VS Katana Chance & Kayden Carter; Fyre & Dawn win and retain the titles.

PLAY BY PLAY

NXT superstars were taken in the 2023 WWE Draft!

Indi Hartwell, Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn, Apollo Crews, Zoey Stark, JD McDonagh, Pretty Deadly, Katana Chance & Kayden Carter, Odyssey Jones, Jinder Mahal & Indus Sher, Grayson Waller, then Von Wagner and Xyon Quinn as free agents, here’s to their futures on Raw and SmackDown!

 

NXT North American Championship: Wes Lee w/ Tyler Bate VS Drew Gulak w/ Charlie Dempsey!

The Cardiac Kid survived the technical savagery of Charlie Dempsey, but now he’s taking on the Philly Stretcher! The Big Strong Boi is watching his back, will this title stay on the #WesSide? Or will Gulak still find a way to grind Wes into dust?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see just how styles make fights!

The bell rings and the two rush in! Wes SHOTGUNS Gulak, then fires off fast hands! Gulak bails out but Wes builds speed, only for Dempsey to get in the way! Fans boo, but Gulak sneaks in to roll Wes up! TWO, but Gulak throws body shots! Gulak gut wrenches Wes up but Wes RANAS to a cover! TWO!! Gulak escapes in time and headlocks. Wes powers out, drops and hurdles, but Gulak gets him for a sunset flip! TWO!! Incredibly close but Wes body shots, KICKS and KICKS! Then DOUBLE STOMPS! Fans fire up for Wes and he watches Gulak sit up. Wes drags Gulak up with a facelock and whips him to a corner.

Wes runs Around the World but blocks a boot! Wes ROCKS Gulak, then puts him up top. Fans chant “Which Side?” “WES SIDE!” Wes climbs up, throws hands, but Gulak blocks the superplex! Wes goes up even higher, but Gulak uses that to counter! Wes fights the Super Gourd Buster, but Gulak SHOVES him away! Wes backflips through, but Gulak FLYING LARIATS! Cover, TWO!! Another close call and fans fire up! Gulak grows frustrated but he grits his teeth and glares at Wes. Gulak stomps Wes at the ropes as fans rally up. Gulak ties up the legs, Wes throws hands, but Gulak gets those wrists to STOMP! Cover, TWO!

Gulak glares at Bate, talks some trash, but fans boo. Gulak clamps onto Wes’s arms and gets the chinbar! Wes endures this stretch and fans rally up. Wes fights up, throws elbows into Gulak’s legs, but Gulak spins Wes around to ROCK him! Wes trades shots, ROCKS Gulak, but Gulak ROCKS Wes! They go back and forth, Gulak gets the edge, but Wes ROCKS him again! And again! Wes fires off body shots and palm strikes! And kicks, and then a snapmare and basement dropkick! Fans fire up again as Wes watches from a corner. Gulak goes to the opposite corner, Wes runs in to UPPERCUT!

Wes ENZIGURIS, then he waistlocks. Gulak holds ropes to stop the German Suplex so Wes CLUBS him! Wes tries but Gulak bucks him! Gulak bails out and tells Dempsey it’s okay, he’s got this. But Wes DIVES and takes Gulak out at the ramp! Fans fire up, Wes puts Gulak back in, and then hurries in. But Dempsey drags Wes back out! Fans boo, but Bate runs in to CLOBBER Dempsey! Fans fire up, but Gulak gets Wes’s hair! Wes says SHORYUKEN! Wes then flips up and in and CARDIAC KICK! Cover, Wes wins!!

Winner: Wes Lee, by pinfall (still NXT North American Champion)

Bate slides in to celebrate with Wes! That title does stay on the Wes Side, but uh, is the Big Strong Boi looking at a golden goal?

 

Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn speak.

The Fire Keeper says, “The future is difficult to predict. That’s why we allow the spirits to navigate us. And now, our imminent direction is towards Friday Night SmackDown.” The Wicked Witch says tonight is their final night on NXT, but one last “unholy séance” to commence. Fyre tells Kayden Carter & Katana Chance, “you’ve been the staples of this tag team division, the torch bearers, for so long. But tonight, we extinguish your final flame.” And Dawn says, “We are taking our tag team titles with us to SmackDown, and in doing so, we will set the fate for not just SmackDown, but all three brands.”

Tonight, Fyre & Dawn leave the hallowed grounds were they first came together as one. They leave NXT not in the light, but in darkness. Will these enchantresses cast one last spell on the NXT Universe?

 

Trick Williams is in the ring.

Trick says let’s get right to business. Everyone saw what happened last week with Bron Breakker. Trick won’t lie, he put Melo int he hospital! Melo is still banged up tonight! But we all know that Melo is a fighter! And Trick’s known since day one. He doesn’t mean day one in NXT, he means day one in high school! That’s right! Trick Melo Gang went to the same school, WJ Kenan High! Trick transferred in, checked out the ladies, but also checked out for who he could hang with, who he could roll with, and who he could get buckets with!

And as the saying goes, game recognizes game. He was sitting at the lunch table, “them nasty ass sloppy joes weren’t the only things being created.” Trick Melo Gang was also being created! That’s why Melo is Trick’s brother, and no one is closer with each other! They always gonna be here! Fans cheer that. Trick says last week, he took the Spear for Melo as a knee jerk reaction. It just happened like that. And he’d do it again if he needs to. In other words, Trick & Melo is like Shaq & Kobe. Melo don’t miss, but when he does, Trick got the rebound. That’s why at Battleground-

Wait! Here comes Bron! Bron tells Trick, “I guess we know who the tough guy is in Trick Melo Gang.” Bron speared Trick and put him in the Recliner, but Trick’s still here. And Bron speared Melo through the wall and put him in the hospital. So guess Battleground will be a lot easier than he thought. Trick says Bron is accepted the challenge then? Bron says the last thing he wants to ever do is represent “these stupid ass people ever again!!” Fans boo because the feeling is mutual. They even start a “Bron Breakker Sucks~!” chant.

But Bron says two things: one, he doesn’t like the idea of Melo being champion; two, Bron has the unique opportunity of humiliating Melo in his hometown in front of his fans, friends and family. That is what gets Bron’s attention. So relay this message for him, would ya, Trick? Bron pats Trick’s shoulder, but Trick tells him not to leave just yet. Melo’s surely watching right now. Last week, Bron blindsided Melo, but he also blindsided Trick. Trick says to handle this like men. Bron smirks as Trick eggs him on. There’s only one man in this ring right now. Bron already put Melo in the hospital. He’d hate to do the same to the mouthpiece.

Oh, Bron ain’t about to fight no mouthpiece! Melo doesn’t need a mouthpiece. And Trick has both the gift o’ the gab AND the gift o’ the jab! Bron just mad the fans never loved him like they do Trick Melo Gang. Matter of fact, Bron can get on out of here, talk all the trash he wants, and Trick will smack that spray tan off him until he’s black ‘n’ blue. Bron smirks, and says if Trick wants to do this right now, guess what? It doesn’t matter what Trick wants! Nor does it matter waht the fans want! Bron is calling the shots. So here’s what happens: Bron VS Trick next week, as a “preview” of NXT Battleground. Bron will break Trick in half!

Will Melo return to a battered and broken best friend? Or will his best friend get even for him before Battleground?

 

Backstage interview with JD McDonagh.

McKenzie is with the Irish Ace and congratulates him on being drafted to Monday Night Raw. She says tonight is his last NXT match and it is against Dragon Lee. JD says he has waited 21 YEARS to become #MondayNightMcDonagh. That means that he has a two-decade sized chip on his shoulder that he’s bringing to Raw. So you better believe all those heavy hitters- Noam Dar walks in with his Heritage Cup to say that it is so great to see JD again. Congrats! But hey, Noam needs a favor. For old time’s sake, in his match with Dragon, could JD uh… pop a knee cap? Rip a ligament? Make sure Dragon doesn’t walk out so he can’t go after Noam’s Heritage Cup. Deal?

JD says that as slimy, sneaky and slithering as Noam is, JD knows all he cares about is that Heritage Cup. It’s why Noam never gave JD a shot at it. So JD has some advice: stay away from him. If you don’t, if you piss him off, JD will just take that cup with him to Raw. So much for the deal between old “friends.” But will JD still do damage to Dragon as his way of saying good-bye to NXT?

 

Gigi Dolin VS Jacy Jayne!

After beating the Toxic Traitor 1v1, the Toxic Avenger thought her path to the top was clear. Jacy made Gigi regret that and screwed her over at Stand & Deliver. Jacy then doubled-down by dragging Gigi’s little brother into this, and now Gigi’s little brother is here to watch his sister in action! Will Gigi finally break this toxic cycle? Or will Jacy make sure there’s no happy ending?

NXT returns and Jacy makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two trash. Then Jacy kicks! Gigi blocks but Jacy dodges, only for Gigi to dodge and fire off forearms! Gigi whips, Jacy reverses and hits low! Jacy whips but Gigi reverses to send Jacy right out! Fans rally and Gigi goes to the apron, but Jacy blocks her kick! Jacy trips Gigi and she smacks off the apron! Jacy goes up then CANNONBALLS Gigi to the floor! Jacy talks trash right to Gigi’s brother, Miles, and then goes back to Gigi. Jacy puts Gigi in the ring, pushes her to a cover, TWO! Jacy CLUBS Gigi, fans rally up, but Jacy CLUBS her again!

Jacy talks more trash to Miles, then wrenches to WRING Gigi’s arm! Then she SENTONS, and KICKS Gigi, then MULE KICKS! Cover, TWO! Jacy says this is what Gigi wanted, and she fireman’s carries. Gigi fights free, half nelsons, but Jacy fights free to SUPERKICK! Gigi staggers, but she SUPERKICKS right back! Gigi grits her teeth and fans fire up with her! Gigi runs, dodges, ROUNDHOUSES, then ROUNDHOUSES again! Gigi wrenches and ROUNDHOUSES, to then STO! Cover, TWO! Jacy stays in this and crawls to a corner. Gigi storms over, drags her up in a waistlock, but Jacy holds ropes!

The ref reprimands, Jacy throws elbows! Gigi staggers, but she dodges to CLOBBER Jacy from behind! Jacy bails out, Gigi pursues and she RAMS Jacy into the barriers! Miles cheers his sister on and Gigi SMACKS Jacy off the steel steps! And fires off Kawada Kicks! Gigi high-fives her brother, then drags Jacy up again. Gigi puts Jacy in the ring at 6 of 10, but Jacy goes to the apron. Jacy is busted open! Gigi drags her up, but Jacy YANKS her into the post! Gigi clutches her bad arm! Gigi stands, into the CYCLONE KICK!! Cover, Jacy wins!

Winner: Jacy Jayne, by pinfall

Jacy grins through her crimson mask, and then she PUNTS Gigi in the side! Fans boo as Jacy goes out after Gigi and RAMS her into steel steps! And then again! Jacy sits Gigi against the barriers, SLAPS her around, and shouts at Miles if this is what they wanted for their lives. Refs stop Jacy and she leaves, “It’s always been about me! I’m the star, not your loser sister!” Will nothing stop this Toxic Grudge?

 

Axiom VS SCRYPTS!

This is almost a superhero comic or movie come to life, but the Undeniable Truth sees the wicked wordsmith as anything but his “archnemesis.” Will Scrypts show Axiom they are like Batman and The Joker? Or will Axiom show Scrypts he’s just a joker?

As soon as Axiom is in the ring, Scrypts slides out from the shadows! Axiom dodges the leg sweep but not the DROPKICK! Axiom scrambles up, the bell rings, and Scrypts fires off on Axiom! Scrypts CHOPS, whips, but Axiom reverses and dodges to springboard and arm-drag and DROPKICK! Cover, ONE! Axiom waistlocks, Scrypts bucks him but Axiom comes back with a kip up! NORTHERN LIRHGTS, into the ARMBAR! Scrypts scrambles and gets the ROPEBREAK! Axiom lets go and Scrypts goes out, but Axiom BOOTS him from the apron! But Scrypts YANKS Axiom off the apron!

Axiom staggers away, Scrypts gets space, to run and leap off the desk for a PARKOUR ATTACK! Direct hit and down goes Axiom! Scrypts puts Axiom in the ring, then covers, TWO! Fans still lose their minds over that flipping attack, and Scrypts ROCKS Axiom with a forearm. And then CLUBS him! Scrypts whips but only gets a glancing blow on Axiom. Scrypts kicks Axiom around, whips him to ropes again, but Axiom slides around to get a SLEEPER! Scrypts flails, pries at an arm, and hits an ELBOW BREAKER! Scrypts then elbows Axiom, goes up a corner, but Axiom follows right after! SLEEPER!

Scrypts fires off elbows and Axiom falls back. Scrypts adjusts to QUEBRADA! Cover, TWO!! Axiom survives and Scrypts grows frustrated. Scrypts looms over Axiom, kicks him around, and eggs him on. Scrypts says Axiom is weak and pathetic! Scrypts pie faces, but Axiom ROCKS and CHOPS on repeat! Axiom whips, DROPKICKS, and roars! Fans fire up and Axiom GAMANGIRIS in the corner! Then HALF HATCH SUPLEXES! Fans fire up again as Axiom goes up a corner. Scrypts stands, Axiom leaps, but Scrypts DROPKICKS first! Scrypts wants Axiom to get up, and he aims from a corner.

Scrypts runs in, but Axiom blocks his copycat dropkick! Axiom flips Scrypts for a V-TRIGGER!! Cover, TWO!! Scrypts survives but Axiom takes aim now! Scrypts crawls to a corner, Axiom runs in, but Scrypts gets under the ratio! CORKSCREW CROSSBODY! Scrypts then hurries up top, writes in the air and flips, into a SUPERKICK! Fans fire up and Axiom takes aim again! Scrypts stands, into the GOLDEN RATIO!! Cover, Axiom wins!

Winner: Axiom, by pinfall

Scrypts tried to write Axiom off as a fraud, but he just felt the real deal! But then Axiom surprises everyone by offering Scrypts a hand up. Scrypts accepts it, but he sucker punches Axiom! So Axiom ROCKS Scrypts! And YANKS the mask  off! It’s REGGIE! And Axiom SUPERKICKS him down!! Talk about being exposed! Is this the end of Scrypts’ story?

 

Josh Briggs and Fallon Henley talk at the bar.

Mostly about the weather, like the big tornadoes going on. Brooks Jensen walks in and Briggs asks how he’s holding up. Jensen’s fine. He just wants to apologize- Fallon says they already went over this. Jensen doesn’t need to apologize, they’re all good. Things were said, punches were thrown, but at the end of the day, they’re family! Well, if Jensen can’t say sorry, he’ll say thanks. Thanks for not dropping him like a hot brick. Well, Briggs thanks Jensen for taking his damn head off with that lariat! That reminded Briggs how hard Jensen can go. Heck, Briggs is the one with hands of stone! Fallon’s just glad to have things the way they were.

Jensen says that does feel good. But uh, seeing Fallon looking at the bills, Jensen did learn some things from Kiana. He can tell them all those stories later. The bar is PG. No, no, no! The business stuff! Oh, yeah, that “power dressing” stuff? Well, he looks much better right now. No, guys! The land this bar is on is worth a lot, so maybe the Henleys can get an investor to help, or just sell a piece they’re not using. All that profit can set them up for life, do whatever they want, and still have cash left over. Well, okay, smartie pants! But then a couple girls ask Jensen if he wants to get some drinks.

Jensen appreciates the offer, but he’s getting caught up with his friends. Maybe another time. Have a good night. Wow, little Jensen really has grown up. Cheers!

 

Dragon Lee VS JD McDonagh!

The Wonder Boy is just getting started, and the Irish Ace is on his way out. Will Dragon have the honor of sending JD off to Raw? Or will JD be the one on top on his last night in NXT?

NXT returns and JD makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. Dragon offers a handshake but JD kicks it away! Dragon shrugs that off to circle with JD. They tie up, Dragon headlocks but JD powers out, only for Dragon to run him over! Cover, ONE, but Dragon wrenches to a wristlock. JD spins, fireman’s carry takeovers, but Dragon wrangles JD with the wristlock! Dragon wrenches, JD spins and pulls on the mask. JD arm-drags but Dragon still has the wristlock! JD rolls, pulls the mask again, and MONKEY FLIPS! Dragon still has the wristlock! Fans rally, JD fights up, and JD pulls the mask again!

Fans boo but JD has Dragon in the mask. The ref counts, but JD throws a body shot, then a CHOP! JD brings Dragon out, headlocks and grinds, but Dragon powers up and out. JD runs Dragon over, things speed up, but Dragon  hurdles to then MONKEY FLIP! JD staggers up, into a DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! JD flounders but Dragon kicks him around. Dragon brings JD up to whip him to a corner. Dragon runs in to JUMP KICJK, leg sweep, COMBINACION CABRON! Fans fire up and Dragon rains down forearms on JD! Dragon lets off to go corner to corner, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Fans fire up even more!

Dragon keeps going, he HYDRAULIC DROPKICKS again! Fans say “UNO MAS!” but wait, Dar has snuck out to ringside. Dragon is distracted for just a second, and JD SHOTGUNS Dragon down! Fans boo but JD drags Dragon up. JD puts Dragon in the Tree of Woe, then rains down fists. The ref reprimands but JD backs off. JD goes corner to corner but Dragon sits up! JD posts himself right on his necessary evil! Dragon gets free of the Tree, rallies on JD with big elbows, then whips him to a corner. JD bounces off buckles, into a back drop! And then into an atomic drop! Dragon runs to clothesline JD out of the ring!

JD falls at Dar’s feet, and the ref has Dar back up. The fans fire up with Dragon Lee as NXT goes picture in picture.

Dragon stares at Dar but Dar stays back as he cheers JD on. Dragon fetches JD and whips him into the apron! Dragon puts JD in, storms up on him, and brings JD up to underhook. TIGER BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! JD hangs tough but Dragon drags him back up. Dragon whips JD hard into a corner, then storms up to rain down fists! Dragon goes all the way to TEN, but JD pushes him away! Dragon returns, JD dodges and then trips Dragon from the apron, for the TORNILLO SPLASH! Both men are down and fans rally up. JD sits up first, he brings Dragon up, and CHOPS him right back down!

JD stands Dragon up again, to scoop and BACKBREAKER! Dragon writhes while JD catches his breath. JD runs to drop AX HANDLES! Cover, TWO! JD huffs and puffs but he drags Dragon up with a facelock. JD snap suplexes, covers, TWO! JD is annoyed by that, and Dar signals for him to break something. JD KNEES Dragon in the side, then wraps on a body scissor squeeze! Dragon endures, fans rally, but JD pulls on the mask! Dragon throws elbows but so does JD. JD keeps up the squeeze, rolls to a cover, TWO! JD still keeps Dragon down while NXT returns to single picture.

Dragon throws elbows, fans rally up again, but JD just puts on more pressure. Dar talks to the cup that they don’t have to worry, JD will put Dragon down. But Dragon throws elbows on JD! JD lets Dragon go and fans rally up. JD CLUBS Dragon right down! JD drags Dragon up to hoist to the top rope. JD CLUBS Dragon more, climbs up again, and he pulls at the mask strings! Fans boo and the ref reprimands! Dragon throws elbows but JD CLUBS away on him! JD pulls at the strings but Dragon elbows JD down! Dragon adjusts, leaps, and CROSSBODIES! Fans fire up for Dragon as he and JD flounder.

Dragon goes to the corner, JD storms up but Dragon counter punches him! And again, and again! Dragon whips, JD reverses but Dragon RANAS! JD bails out and Dragon builds speed to FLY!! Direct hit with the tope conjilo! Fans fire up again as Dragon puts JD in the ring. Dragon climbs up top, and DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! JD survives Dragon’s Coup De Grace and he crawls to the apron. Fans rally as Dragon follows JD out there. Dragon drags JD up, but JD CHOPS! Dragon CHOPS! JD CHOPS! Dragon CHOPS! JD shoves, Dragon V-TRIGGERS! JD flops and Dragon drags him back up!

But JD fireman’s carries! APRON DEATH VALLEY!! Both men fall to the floor and fans are thunderous for “NXT! NXT!” A ring count starts and both men are down at 5 of 10. Fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” and both men stand at 7. JD RAMS Dragon into the desk at 8! JD slides in the ring. but Dragon slides in at 9.99!! JD can’t believe it and the fans are loving it! JD drags Dragon up for Kawada Kicks! And then a CHOP! Dragon roars and BOOTS JD! Dragon eggs JD on, JD ROCKS Dragon! JD runs in, but into a SNAP GERMAN! V-TRIGGER! POISON-RANA!! Dragon keeps moving, but JD LARIATS him inside out!!

Fans are thunderous again but Dar says that was just so-so. JD drags Dragon for more Kawada Kicks and another CHOP! Dragon ROCKS JD! Fans say “This is Awesome!” as the forearms go back and forth. Dragon gets the edge, JD gives more Kawada Kicks! And a SLAP! And then a POWER- NO, Dragon slips out to SIT-OUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!?! JD survives and now Dar can’t believe it! Dragon goes to the apron, then the corner. Dragon climbs up, JD slowly rises, and JD hits ropes to trip Dragon up! Fans boo but JD goes up after Dragon. JD drags Dragon up top, but Dragon trips JD!

Dragon throws forearms on JD, JD is in the Tree of Woe now! Dragon stands up, but JD sits up! JD HEADBUTTS Dragon again and again! JD stands up, brings Dragon with him, SUPER SPANISH FLY!!! JD roars and fans are thunderous! Suplex, BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!?!? Dragon survives and no one can believe it! JD gets Dragon’s arm, DEVLINS- DESTROYER!!! Dragon turns it around, but JD flops out of the ring! Dragon pursues, fans again hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” Dragon puts JD in, but Dar takes a swing! Dragon dodges it to SUPERKICK Dar! Dragon goes back to JD, but gets a HEADBUTT!!

Ripcord, DEVLINSIDE!!! Cover, JD WINS!

Winner: JD McDonagh, by pinfall

The Scottish Supernova helped the Irish Ace come away the victor in this instant classic farewell match! Will JD have the hot hand when he debuts on Raw next week? But then Dragon gets up and DIVES onto Dar! Fans fire up again as Dragon fires hands with Dar all the way to the back! Will the Wonder Boy get after Mr. Supernova 11’s cup anyway?

 

KC Squared talk backstage.

Katana Chance tells Kayden Carter that technically, a Raw tag team is facing a SmackDown tag team for the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships! This has never happened before, and that is wild! Kayden agrees, and says that Fyre & Dawn can try to use their magic 8 ball to conjure up whatever ghosts they want, but we know what’s really gonna happen: Fyre & Dawn are NOT bringing those titles to SmackDown. And how long have those two even been a team? Four months? But how long have these two been a team? Four YEARS. Hell, it’s like Four-EVER! And they have the most successful title defenses, AND the longest reign in history! They’ve got this!

Kayden says, “At the end of the day, this is where it started, this is where we became best friends, and if this is our last night in NXT, we’re going out as tag team champions.” Katana says there’s no other way. And y’know what this feels like? A hug moment. No. No! Katana hugs Kayden anyway. Will these best friends be champions in the end? Or will their NXT run simply end?

 

The Schism watches Joe Coffey.

Specifically, they watch his workout routine video he posted. Joe Gacy says, “Mr. Coffey is impressive. Friends, tonight, I will give my own body for the Schism. I will endure pain and punishment for our collective good.” Jagger Reed says Gacy’s sacrifice will not be in vain. Rip Fowler says if Gacy does them this honor, The Dyad will dethrone Mark Coffey & Wolfgang to claim tag title gold for The Schism. #FourRootsOneTree. They head out, but Ava Raine says that Gacy can do this for The Dyad, and then do something for himself. Gacy smiles, but will he be the one to knock the Iron King off his throne?

 

NXT Anonymous reviews the string of ambush attacks.

First Nikkita Lyons, then Wendy Choo, and now Sol Ruca, and still no leads on who it is. Will we ever find out whodunnit?

 

High Stakes Showdown: Joe Coffey w/ Gallus VS Joe Gacy w/ The Schism!

In a battle of Joes, only the strongest can stand tall! But will Coffey cross off Rip Fowler & Jagger Reed as tag title contenders for the rest of Gallus’ reign? Or will the Schism Boys be on top?

The bell rings and the Joes tie up. They go around, break, and tie up again. Coffey puts Gacy in a corner, fires off hands, but Gacy dodges to fire off clothesline after clothesline! Coffey turns it around for k nee after knee, then some mule kicks! Gacy grabs that foot, stands up, but Coffey breaks free and ROCKS Gacy! Coffey runs to CROSSBODY! Cover, ONE!! Gacy gets up, blocks a kick, trips Coffey and KNEES him down! Gacy then waistlocks, but Coffey fights with elbows. Gacy ripcord SLAMS Coffey, then SENTONS but onto knees! Coffey saves himself, then runs in, but into an URENAGE! Cover, TWO!

Gacy clamps onto Coffey with a chinbar, and we see The Diamond Mine watching backstage. Coffey fights up, arm-drags free, but Gacy returns to whip. Coffey goes up and around in the corner to UPPERCUT! Gacy gets up, but Coffey fires boxing elbows! Coffey whips, Gacy reverses but Coffey dodges to CLOBBER Gacy! And then clinch and OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Cover, TWO! Gacy is hanging tough but Coffey keeps on him. Gacy blocks the whip, ROCKS Coffey, then back suplexes! Cover, TWO! Now Coffey is hanging tough and fans rally up. Gacy runs in at the corner but into a HAYMAKER!

Coffey goes out and climbs up, to MISSILE DROPKICK! Gacy flounders away, The Schism panics, but Gacy stands up into the GLASGOW SENDOFF! Gacy hits buckles, staggers, and into ALL THE BEST FOR THE BELLS!! Cover, Rip helps Gacy get the ROPEBREAK! The ref didn’t see that but Gallus did! Markus & Wolfie chase The Dyad around the ring, then they start brawling! This distracts the ring, Jagger ends up in the ring, and he gets ALL THE BEST FOR THE BELLS! Ava jumps in as the ref reprimands Jagger, and she stares Coffey down. Ava then claims Coffey hit her!! The ref asks what happened, but Gacy hits the UPSIDE-DOWN!!! Cover, Gacy wins!!!

Winner: Joe Gacy, by pinfall (The Dyad have an NXT Tag Team Championship match)

The Diamond Mine shake their heads, they figured Ava would get involved. And Ivy’s sick of it! Will the Diamond Pitbull do something about that particular root? As for Rip & Jagger, will they bring those NXT Tag Team Championships to sit under The Schism’s tree?

 

Dani Palmer video chats with Sol Ruca.

The Sol Surfer says Dynamic Dani looks incredible! Dani thanks her for designing the new gear. And tonight, Dani dedicates this one to Sol. Also, she’s just casually doing the splits between boxes. Hank & Tank come in and pump Dani up! She’s so ready! Go get it, girl! Dani heads out, Tank & Hank say this is what she’s been training for. She’ll nail it. And then they look up to see “Big Oba.” They ask if he’s gonna watch Dani’s NXT debut. Obi doesn’t say a word, he just heads off. Will Dani be ready to finally level up?

 

NXT Media catches up with Eddy Thorpe.

He’s all done with training for the day, but he’d be in here all day if he could. What’s he been working on? A lot of side-to-side lateral movement. The title scene’s got a lot of fast moving athletes, but then Damon Kemp walks over. He has some trash, can Eddy throw it away for him? Um, sorry, he’s supposed to clean up after Damon? Yeah, Eddy’s the new guy, duh. Don’t get hot. Didn’t Eddy say he used to sleep on gym floors? Damon just thought he’d make him feel at home. Eddy says that’s not the funniest joke. Yeah, true, the funniest joke is Eddy thinking he can hang with Damon in the ring.

Well then let’s take that bet! Oh, “Young Boy,” Damon said he liked you, but don’t make him put an end to the hype train before it really takes off. Eddy frowns but will the Alpha Wolf get his chance to face the Golden Gopher soon enough?

 

Dani Palmer VS Tatum Paxley!

The dynamic collides with the dangerous as two young and hungry superstars meet in a first-time-ever showdown! Will Dani be just a hop, skip and a jump away from title contention? Or will Tatum take the spotlight away for herself?

The bell rings and Tatum rushes right in! They tie up, Tatum puts Dani in a corner, but lets off as the ref counts. Tatum TOSSES Dani, but Dani handsprings through! Tatum rushes in, Dani dodges to a waistlock, but Tatum switches. Dani trips Tatum, has the leg, turns Tatum over, and ties those legs up in a deathlock toehold! But Tatum drags Dani off the hold to get a hammerlock. Dani rolls, kips up, and wrenches. Tatum wrenches and wristlocks but fans rally for Dani. Dani rolls, flips and wrenches to a headlock. Tatum powers out, throws a body shot, and whips Dani to a corner.

Dani goes up and over, handsprings, goes up and RANAS! Then she DROPKICKS Tatum down! Dani kips and jackknifes, TWO! But Dani headlocks right away! Tatum fights around, Dani avoids the headscissors, and the two move around. They stand, Tatum powers out and she avoids Dani’s up ‘n’ over to CLUB her! Dani ends up in the corner, Tatum storms up and stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, Tatum lets off and she brings Dani up. Tatum gut wrench SUPLEXES, then laughs as she covers, TWO! Dani hangs tough but Tatum drags her up. Dani shoves Tatum, Tatum shoves Dani, and Tatum CHOPS!

Tatum throws Dani down by her hair to STANDING SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Tatum clamps onto Dani with a chinlock and thrashes her around! Fans rally up as Dani endures, and Dani reaches out. Tatum bends Dani back with the chinlock but Dani fights to her feet. Tatum reels her into a COBRA TWIST! Dani endures, pops free, switches and puts Tatum in the COBRA TWIST! Tatum switches, Dani drops and KANGAROO KICKS! Dani avoids the splash! Dani then runs in, ducks ‘n’ dodges, BIG ELBOW! And then another! Dani keeps moving, Tatum blocks a kick but Dani breaks free to DOUBLE KNEE! NECKBREAKER!

Dani runs in, Tatum dodges, O’Conner, but Dani slips out to shove Tatum! Tilt-o-whirl REVERSE DDT! Fans fire up with Dani and she goes up the corner! Tatum is down, for the FROG SPLASH!! Cover, Dani wins!

Winner: Dani Palmer, by pinfall

Dynamic indeed! She stuck the landing and has a big win, will Dani dive headlong into the title scene?

 

Class is in session at Chase University.

Well, it would be, but Thea Hail asks where Professor Andre Chase is! He’s never late! Never! Oh, wait, everyone is seeing something on social media. Duke Hudson asks what it is, and Thea says Mr. Chase cancelled class for today. He’s not feeling well after his match with “the man who shall not be named,” Bron Breakker. What should they do? Bake him cookies? Get him flowers? Book him a session with Dr. Tom? Thea is worried, but Duke knows exactly what to do! Duke gets up and calms everyone down. There is no reason they should fall behind in the curriculum over the “tragedy” of Mr. Chase losing to Bron.

So, even though Duke is not prepared, he brings out a HUGE binder with the words “Duke University Curriculum 2023-2024” and takes over for today. They will learn about… the WWE Draft! The first ever draft was 2002. But then someone has a question. Is there no pop quiz today? What did he just say? No pop quiz…? Duke looks this guy in the face, and tells him to hold up that test paper. In fact, everyone hold up your test papers! They all obey, and Duke says RIP IT UP! They rip it up! NO MORE POP QUIZZES~! YEAH!! They all cheer Duke on. Duke University. Has a nice ring to it. But will Chase like the sound of it when he gets back?

 

Robert Stone looks up the Beverly Brothers.

As Von Wagner said himself, Von Wagner’s father was part of this tag team. Von sits with Stone to look through the album. Yeah, that’s the Beverly Brothers at SummerSlam ’92, Wembley Stadium, against the Natural Disasters. Stone will say this, that crowd was great. Yeah, and it was for the WWE Tag Team Championships. Was Von upset when they lost? Stone, Von wasn’t even born yet. Fair enough. But sure, Von’s dad may never have been champion, but he had some injuries and stuff. Von vows he will be a champion. Wait, is this little on? No, no, that’s nothing. Von doesn’t wanna talk about that.

Stone wants Von to realize, he got drafted as a Free Agent! He can called to Raw or SmackDown at any time, so Von has to be more open with him. What IS that picture? Von says he doesn’t have to talk about anything. This is enough for tonight. But Stone opens the album back up and looks at the pick of Von with what appears to be a surgical scar on his head. What happened in Von’s past?

 

NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships: Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn VS Katana Chance & Kayden Carter!

One way or another, both teams are moving on to the main roster. But this is about both who takes these belts with them to the big leagues, but also about pride as a team. Will the Unholy Alliance continue to shine all the way to Friday Night SmackDown? Or will KC Squared make these titles Raw?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who takes a bow for this curtain call!

The teams talk a little trash, sort out, but then Fyre & Dawn just attack! They CLUB KC Squared down, throw them out, and then go out after them! Dawn keeps after Carter while Fyre brawls with Katana. Carter ROCKS Down, dodges Fyre, and then gives Katana a boost for a DOUBLE CROSSBODY! Fans fire up with KC Squared and they get Fyre in the ring. The bell rings, but Fyre back drops! Katana sunset flips through, TWO! Fyre kicks low, brings Katana up and bumps her off buckles. Tag to Dawn and she stomps away! Dawn taunts Kayden but Katana ROCKS her! Katana slides under, ENZIGURIS, and tags Kayden!

Kayden kicks and throws Dawn out! Fyre runs in but Kayden kicks and throws her out, too! Kayden goes to the apron, SUPERKICKS Dawn then CROSSBODIES Fyre! Katana PLANCHAS Dawn and fans fire up! The party is rocking as NXT goes picture in picture.

Katana & Kayden fetch Dawn into the ring, then Katana SMACKS Fyre off the apron for good measure. Kayden covers Dawn, TWO! Dawn CLUBS Kayden, drags her over, and Fyre tags in. Kayden whips Dawn away but Dawn runs her over! Things keep moving, Fyre trips Kayden and Dawn taunts her. Fyre then spins Kayden into a BIG forearm! Fyre stalks Kayden, and drops a big knee! Cover, TWO! Fyre snarls, stomps Kayden, then bumps her off buckles. Tag to Dawn and they dig boots in. Dawn RAMS into Kayden, brings her out and snap suplexes! Float to a cover, TWO! Dawn throws Kayden down!

Tag to Fyre, she and Dawn handoff, then feed to the TARANTULA! The ref counts, Dawn lets go at 4 and Fyre covers, TWO! Fyre is frustrated but she clamps on a chinlock. Fyre squeezes Kayden, leans on the hold, but Kayden endures. Kayden fights to her feet, but Fyre wrangles her right back down! Fyre grinds Kayden into the mat, thrashes her around, but Kayden fights up again to arm-drag free! NXT returns to single picture as Kayden avoids the knee! Fyre hobbles, Kayden elbows her away! Fyre comes back, but only gets buckles! Hot tag to Katana and she sweeps Fyre, ROCKS Dawn and BULLDOGS Fyre!

Katana keeps moving, and she RANAS Fyre away! Fans fire up as Katana fires off forearms and CHOPS, shouting, “Those titles are OURS!” Fyre shoves Katana away, but Katana comes back to A-LIST LARIAT! Katana then pushes Fyre down to hit the SOMERSAULT AX KICK! Cover, TWO! Katana drags Fyre up, whips her to a corner, then runs in to tag Kayden. Fans rally, Katana snapmares Fyre and sets up with Kayden, they double springboard, STANDING MOONSAULT LEG DROP COMBO! Kayden covers, TWO!! Fyre hangs tough but Kayden drags her up. Fyre fires body shots then CLUBS Kayden!

Fyre whips, Kayden holds ropes and BOOTS back! Katana sneaks a tag, Fyre runs into a shoulder and table top! Kayden gives Katana the wheelbarrow boost, SPLASH onto knees! Fyre JAWBREAKERS Kayden and PUNTS Katana! Tag to Dawn, she drags Katana up while Fyre climbs! BACKSTABBER and SWANSTON!! Cover, Kayden barrels in to break it! Fans fire up while all four women are down! “This is Awesome!” as Kayden hooks Fyre up, hammerlock to BLADERUNNER! Dawn ROUNDHOUSES Kayden! Katana rolls Dawn! TWO!! Dawn rushes in, Katana dodges to CODE BREAKER!

Katana hurries to her corner while fans rally up. Kayden tags in, Katana goes up, HIGHLIGHT REEL!! Cover, but Fyre breaks it!! Fans fire up again while all four women are down! Katana wipes her bloody nose while she regroups with Kayden. Dawn and Fyre regroup on the other end and fans rally back up. Tags to Fyre and Katana! But all four women step up to BRAWL! Fans are thunderous, Kayden TOSSES Dawn but Fyre ROCKS Katana! Fyre SUPERKICKS Kayden! Katana runs up but Fyre whips her. Katana reverses, runs in but into a BOOT! Fyre goes out to the apron, BOOTS Kayden, then climbs!

Katana stands, Dawn runs in, but Katana ducks the kick to shove her at ropes! This trips Fyre up, for Katana to spring up and fire off! Fyre fights back, Kayden sneaks the tag! Kayden CLUBS Fyre, goes up after her, and Katana joins in. Fans fire up as KC Squared bring Fyre up, for a DOUBLE SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!?! Fyre survives and shocks everyone! Kayden thinks of what to do, and she hurries to get Katana up. KC Squared reset, tag and turn, HIGHLIGHT- NO, Katana has to leap at Dawn first with a CROSSBODY! But Fyre RAMS Kayden into buckles! Fyre storms up, Katana dodges to RAN-

NO, Fyre SWINGS Katana into Kayden! And then she brings Katana back up, and Dawn tags in! Pop-up into the Gory Especial! WICKED FACEBUSTER!! Fyre DIVES onto Kayden! Dawn covers Katana, Dawn & Fyre win!!

Winners: Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn, by pinfall (still NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions)

Fans aren’t sure what to make of this, but the titles are still in the clutches of this wicked duo! Will Fridays now be the home of the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championships?

 

Dijak speaks.

“Ilja Dragunov. I gave you fair warning: don’t show up to the arena. And now look at you. Your ribcage? Smashed. You didn’t seem like much of a mad dragon when you were trapped under that garage door gasping for air. So helpless. But don’t worry, Ilja, I left a small piece of you to finish off next week, because I DON’T CARE WHO YOU ARE! I CAN BREAK ANY MAN!! And next week, Ilja, I’m finally going to break YOU.” Will Unbesiegbar not survive #HardJustice?

 

Apollo Crews finds Trick in the parking lot.

Trick congratulates Crews on being drafted back to Raw, and Crews says he appreciates that. And Crews saw Trick challenge Bron to a match. Trick says he’s gonna handle business, and Crews says that’s admirable. And while Crews has had his wars with Trick Melo Gang in the past, he just wants to say before he leaves, he sees a lot in Trick. Trick has the ability to take over NXT if he wanted. Melo has the spotlight now, as he deserves. But Trick is the definition of a superstar. Crews knows the others only wish they had the same gifts Trick does. Don’t let that talent go to waste. Keep grinding, keep busting your ass, and next year, it could be Trick’s name called in the Draft.

Trick says Crews doesn’t know how much that means to Trick. They shake hands and Crews tells Trick to give Bron hell. Will Trick be able to break through against Bron Breakker?

 

Indi Hartwell is here!

Thanks to the WWE Draft, the NXT Women’s Champion is going to Raw! But right now, she has the belt on her shoulder, a cast on her foot, and a mic in hand. Fans chant “You Deserve It!’ in regards to the title and the draft pick. Indi says, “One thousand, three hundred and 30 days ago, I stepped through the doors of the WWE Performance Center for the very first time. I was a freshly-turned 23-year-old, with a hope and a dream. Because I was a fan of the black ‘n’ gold era. Women like Bayley and Charlotte and Asuka, who carved their own way in this industry. Legends who helped build the division to what it is today. Women who helped make this championship one of the most important titles in WWE.

“No one ever thought that I was gonna achieve this goal. They counted me out, people doubted me, until I found… The Way.” Fans cheer that! Indi says it was a family, with Johnny Gargano, Candice LeRae, Austin Theory, and #SexyDexi. That is where she formed a bond with them, but also with the fans. Fans cheer that, too! Indi says she got married right here in this very ring! A WWE wedding with no interruptions? Indi couldn’t believe it! Just like she couldn’t believe she was atop that ladder with the NXT Women’s Championship at Stand & Deliver.

“A lot of people say they wanna be a fighting champion, but you don’t always get an opportunity to prove that. Last week, I was in the medical room with a high ankle sprain, about to be taken out of the match, and I thought, ‘Hell no!'” Fans cheer because Indi got her ass back out to the ring and showed everyone she IS the best in the division! Indi wasn’t gonna let her title run end on the medical table. Fans chant for “Indi Wrestling!” And then, came Friday, and Indi got drafted to Monday Night Raw. Fans cheer that even more! “You Deserve It!” Indi thanks them for that. It has been a few days, and she still can’t believe it.

Come Monday, May 8th, Indi’s new home will be Raw. But right now, just like when she was 23, the most important thing is NXT and this title. So starting next week, there will be a tournament to crown a NEW NXT Women’s Champion, culminating at Battleground in Lowell, Massachusetts. “Ladies, good luck.” And one more thing before she goes. These are words Indi lives by: Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. Fans cheer that as Indi gives one last long and sorrowful look at the title. She kisses it goodbye, then sets it down on the mat. And now, how to get out of the ring…

Fans cheer as DEXTER LUMIS slides out from under the ring! He gives a smile and thumbs up, and then helps his wife out of the ring. #InDex says goodbye to NXT one last time. Will nothing stop Indi from being Impressive on Raw? And who will be the next woman to pick up that title? Wait, Tiffany Stratton appears to grab the belt! But so does Cora Jade! They tug-o-war over it! Only for LYRA VALKYRIA to CLOBBER them both! Ivy and Tatum and just about EVERY woman in the locker room rushes out! They all brawl, refs hurry to stop this, but fans are loving it! Will it be nothing but chaos until NXT Battleground?


My Thoughts:

A great NXT to follow the WWE Draft, and at least some things were cleared up after what felt like miscues between NXT and main roster. Despite there being a tag title match tonight where both teams were moving on from NXT, it is heavily implied that the champions will pull a Kevin Owens style call-up. Fyre & Dawn had an awesome match with Kayden & Katana, and Fyre & Dawn retaining makes sense given the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Liv Morgan & Shayna Baszler, are on Raw. Fyre & Dawn bring the NXT titles to SmackDown, probably feuding with a team there but also teams on NXT. Maybe we’ll finally get some triple branded competition again with both WWE and NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions going back and forth between Raw, SmackDown & NXT.

And as Indi said in her great promo to close the show, we are getting a tournament to crown a new champion at Battleground, as I was hoping for the moment Indi was drafted. We got a great bit of chaos to close the night, but of course Cora and Tiffany were the first two of the roster to go out and grab the belt, it fits both of their characters. But as such, it’d make for a much better finals if at least one of them wasn’t in the finals, and then someone else entirely wins the belt. Lyra did strike them both down, maybe Lyra finally gets a title after having multiple delays, both in NXT UK and here in NXT.

For that matter, where the hell has Blair Davenport been since Mandy Rose buried her and Meiko Satomura at World’s Collide? Gigi Dolin and Jacy Jayne should also be a big part of that tournament, they had a really good match tonight. I feel like Jacy got bloodied the hard way, that was quite the drip and since when has WWE had blood? At the same time, Gigi and Jacy can wrap up their feud without the belt, escalating to some kind of No Disqualification match for the winner to then challenge the new champion over the Summer. And at that point, it could be anyone, so we’d be getting a fresh match-up in time for the SummerSlam season.

I loved the Chase U segment, because I just felt for the longest time that a “Duke University” pun was in the works, and here it was! Chase will surely be upset, and this could be leading to Chase VS Duke after all. Dijak has a good promo calling out Dragunov, but I’m pretty sure Dragunov will win their match. And really good segment from Stone and Von, surprisingly. Using Von’s dad and his career in story made sense, but wow, are we getting some worked shoot of Von’s real life? Is Von no longer going to be big meaty meathead and actually have something we can sympathize with? I’m not sure how to feel about that.

Great opening title match from Wes VS Gulak, and of course Bate counters Dempsey as part of the finish. But Bate eyeing the title, I would definitely love seeing Wes VS Bate for the North American Championship at Battleground. That one could go either way, as Wes has been a great champion but Bate’s been deserving of something for some time. Trick had a great promo segment with Bron to set up a match which will of course be Bron’s tune-up before Battleground. Apollo also had a great promo with Trick that honestly felt like his genuine feelings. Trick really is great on the mic and in the ring, he’s bound to get some kind of title in his NXT run.

Good promo from Eddy Thorpe and Damon Kemp, especially since it was a subtle reference to the NJPW Young Boy to Young Lion system. Eddy has to win against Damon and then throw it in Damon’s face that he should clean up after him. And I do appreciate that NXT Anonymous posted that highlight reel of the attack segments, and putting a scroll of possibly real fan comments, not just a bunch of kayfabe comments. The real-life answer is that a coach at NXT is pushing the women’s roster too hard in strength training, because there is at least half a dozen other injuries we haven’t even seen played out as an attack, but could totally be put that way for kayfabe’s sake.

Great match out of Axiom and Scrypts, though it makes that random match they had on Level Up months ago all the more random. This should’ve been the first thing we’ve ever seen from these two so that we’d be even more surprised. But Axiom winning was of course the right move, and wow, I didn’t think he’d demask Scrypts here! Everyone already knew it was Reggie, but it’s great that we can finally say it’s Reggie and get from Reggie why he became Scrypts in the first place. And great debut match from Dani Palmer, but I feel like her ring gear could be better. Lots of little straps here and there, but all different colors, that makes it a bit of a mess. It’d be better if they were all the same bright color. Just my opinion.

Great match from Gacy VS Coffey, and I just knew The Schism was going to cheat to help Gacy win so that The Dyad can get their tag title match. Given that Zack Gibson & James Drake are still here as Rip Fowler & Jagger Reed rather than being released as they asked, I hope that means HHH & HBK are going to do big things with them. The Dyad winning the tag titles could be a good move, especially since it feels like Diamond Mine is going to feud with The Schism. Or, perhaps The Diamond Mine stops The Schism from cheating, furthering their feud, and then Gallus feuds with The D’Angelo Family for all that mafia stuff. Well, Gallus VS Tony & Stacks could still happen even without the titles, the winners challenging for the titles at Battleground.

And just an awesome match from Dragon Lee VS JD McDonagh. Given JD is moving on to Raw, I did not see him winning. Wrestling is always about putting someone who is sticking around over, using someone who is on their way out. But since JD is simply moving to Raw and not leaving WWE, he goes over to have momentum for when he shows up on Raw and starts whatever story HHH has planned. As for Dragon and Dar, Dragon losing because of Dar is the perfect way to get their feud going, and they are definitely fighting for the Heritage Cup. Still hoping for a tournament there myself, as Dar’s attempt to keep Dragon away from him, but chances are, they’re going to be more direct in this feud.

My Score: 8.8/10


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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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