Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (5/12/23)

The Tribal Chief returns!

Published

12 months ago

May 12, 2023

Steven Mitchell

Who will be ACKNOWLEDGED?

SmackDown holds their part of the World Heavyweight Championship Tournament, and the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, makes his return! What will the WWE Universal Champion have to say about The Bloodline’s victory at Backlash?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament Triple Threat: AJ Styles VS Rey Mysterio VS Edge; Styles wins and advances to tonight’s main event.
WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament Triple Threat: Bobby Lashley VS Austin Theory VS Sheamus; Lashley wins and advances to tonight’s main event.
Cameron Grimes VS Baron Corbin; Grimes wins.
WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez VS Bayley & Dakota Kai w/ Iyo Sky; Liv & Raquel win and retain the titles.
WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament SmackDown Finals: AJ Styles VS Bobby Lashley; Styles wins and advances to Night of Champions.

PLAY BY PLAY

WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament Triple Threat: AJ Styles VS Rey Mysterio VS Edge!

What a phenomenal way to open SmackDown! Seth Rollins waits on the other side of the bracket, and three men he’s very familiar with are starting off this side of the bracket! Who takes the first spot in the SmackDown finals?

The bell rings, the three circle, and Rey fires off on Edge! Styles joins in, fans boo, but then Styles hits Rey. Styles whips Rey to a corner, runs in, but into an elbow! Rey goes up, Electric Chair lift and sunset flips, but Styles rolls through, only for Edge to O’Conner Roll! TWO and Edge runs into Rey’s cradle! TWO, and all three men stand off, but only for a second before Edge BOOTS Styles right down! Edge ROCKS Rey and then goes back for Styles. Edge stomps Styles, then goes back to Rey. Fans rally for Edge as he ROCKS Rey, then whips him corner to corner. Edge runs in, Rey puts him on the apron and GAMANGIRIS!

Rey HOTSHOTS Edge, but then Styles trips Rey. Styles lifts Rey but Edge slingshots! SUNSET CATAPULT COMBO! But styles rolls through to CATAPULT Edge onto Rey! And then Styles runs in, but Edge FLAPJACKS him onto Rey! EDGE-O-MATIC! Cover, TWO! Styles stays in this but Edge keeps focus. Edge throws forearms, fans rally up, and Edge whips Styles corner to corner. Styles hits hard and falls back, then Edge runs to BOOT Rey out of the ring. Fans rally up and Edge goes back to Styles. Styles fires off the Phenomenal Blitz! LARIAT, then SLIDING FOREARM! But Rey returns and shoulders into Styles.

Rey runs, but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Styles stans but Edge kicks him low! Edge whips, Styles reverses but Edge holds ropes. Styles clotheslines Edge up and out! Styles goes to Rey now, whips him corner to corner, but Rey goes up and over, tilt-o-whirls and RANAS! But Edge returns! Rey dodges him to tilt-o-whirl and RANA him, too! Fans fire up but Styles kicks Rey. Styles runs, sunset flips, but Rey slips through to BUZZSAW! Rey has the fans fired up but Edge grabs Rey. Rey ELBOWS Edge, springboards, but into Edge’s arms! Edge BOOTS Styles, then FALL AWAY SLAMS Rey!

Rey and Styles are in one corner and fans fire up as Edge looks over. Edge goes to the other corner, and he takes aim! But Rey & Styles KICK Edge first! Rey kicks Styles, wheelbarrows Edge, Edge throws Rey but Rey RANAS Styles! Rey kicks Edge, hops on, SUNSET BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Edge flops to the apron, fans rally up, and Rey goes after Styles. Rey fires forearms, whips him to ropes, but Styles reveres. Rey slides under, Styles mule kicks. Styles whips, Rey slides, into Edge’s arms! But then Styles WRECKS Edge into giving Rey a DRAPING DDT! Fans fire up as all three men are down and SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns, Styles and Rey are at the ropes, and Styles suplexes Rey up and over, only for Rey to slip free and land safe on the apron. They brawl with forearms and haymakers, but then Edge SPEARS them both to the floor!! Fans lose their minds and the ref checks all three men! Rey staggers up first, Edge follows him, and Edge puts Rey into the ring. Edge covers, TWO!! Rey is still in this and Edge is beside himself. Rey crawls, Edge stalks him then stomps him into a corner. Styles slowly rolls into the ring but Edge stomps Rey more. Edge sees Styles, storms over, but Styles to sees him out hard!

Styles staggers but Rey walks up to him. Rey throws forearms, then an ENZIGURI! Styles goes to a corner, Rey runs in, but Styles catches him! Roll and CALF CRUSHER! Rey endures, but Edge joins in with a CROSSFACE! Rey endures two submissions, and Styles fights Edge! Edge lets Rey go, but then HEADBUTTS away on Styles! Rey gets free completely now, and Styles gives Edge some HEADBUTTS! They both throw haymakers, the fans are with Edge, and Edge gets around Styles, but Rey leaps in to DOUBLE RANA! Edge and Styles are both on ropes, so Rey dials it up, to run into a DOUBLE DROPKICK!

Edge and Styles get up, they DOUBLE LARIAT each other down! “This is Awesome!” as all three men are down! Rey crawls, Edge stirs, and Styles sits up. Rey goes after Styles with a KICK to the leg! Rey whips Styles to ropes, but Styles reverses. Rey dodges, comes back, and DROPKICKS Styles down! Rey keeps moving, but Edge BOOTS him down! Styles returns, he runs in but Edge sends him into buckles! Edge crawls over to where Styles is, then drags himself up the corner. But Rey ROCKS Edge first! Rey climbs, fires forearms, then positions things just right. Rey goes up, but Styles CLUBS Rey first!

Styles brings Rey out, RUNNING POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Rey survives, he and Styles are both down, but Styles sits up first. Styles goes back to Edge and fans rally up. Styles throws haymakers on Edge, climbs up after him, and CLUBS him into position. But Rey CLUBS Styles! Rey climbs up, SUNSET FLIP SUPERPLEX COMBO!!! Cover on Styles, TWO!!! Styles survives and Rey is shocked! Rey calls his shot, he dropkicks Edge onto the ropes, and Rey dials, only for Styles to trip him up! Styles aims now, springboards, but Edge gets under! Edge runs in, styles avoids the Spear but the SEATED SENTON hits!

Rey sees Edge on ropes, dials it up, but Edge blocks the 619! Step through, into the EDGE-U-CATOR!! Rey endures, Edge leans on the hold, but Styles rises! Styles rushes in, Edge drops Rey to get Styles! Edge puts Styles in the EDGE-U-CATOR!! Styles endures, claws his way forward, and he’s in the ropes! But Rey hits a 619 on Edge!!! Rey goes up top, FROG SPLASH SPEAR!? Edge counters just in time, but the PHENOMENAL FOREARM flies in!! Cover, STYLES WINS!

Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall (advances to later tonight)

And that was a phenomenal finish to this match! Styles is in it to win it, but who meets him from the second Triple Threat? Well, why wait?

WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament Triple Threat: Bobby Lashley VS Austin Theory VS Sheamus!

Talk about an all mighty FIGHT NIGHT! The Rocky Mountain Machine was robbed at Backlash by the still WWE United States Champion, but he could get his revenge while also getting closer to new gold! Will Lashley, Theory or the Celtic Warrior join Styles in tonight’s main event?

SmackDown returns and Lashley makes his entrance, followed by The Now, Austin Theory. The bell rings, and Theory bails out? Fans boo but he shrugs. But then Sheamus and Lashley go out to get him! They keep him from running away, and they just batter him down! Fans fire up and Sheamus pushes Theory back in. Theory hurries to a corner, only for Lashley to RAM into him! Lashley turns Theory for a NECKBREAKER! Sheamus drops a KNEE on Theory, then fireman’s carries. ROLLING SENTON! Lashley runs to clothesline Theory right out of the ring! Fans fire up now that it’s between the Fella and the All Mighty.

Lashley swings, misses, the haymakers fly, but Lashley clinches. Sheamus fights free, fireman’s carries, but Lashley slips out to FLATLINER! Sheamus goes to a corner, Lashley RAMS into him now! Lashley throws back elbows over and over, then runs corner to corner, to RAM into Sheamus again! Sheamus sputters and goes along the ropes, but Lashley stays on him. Lashley ROCKS Sheamus, runs, but into a scoop! POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Lashley is tough but Sheamus is mean, he CLOBBERS Lashley from behind! Sheamus drags Lashley up but Lashley shoulders into him! Lashley then suplexes!

Sheamus fights, throws body shots, then wrenches to HOTSHOT! Sheamus CLUBS Lashley on the back, turns him around, but Theory runs in! Sheamus moves aside so Theory CLOBBERS Lashley off the apron, and then Sheamus grabs Theory! Sheamus ROCKS Theory, turns him around, and gives Theory the BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Fans count along, Sheamus goes to TEN, and Theory flops down! Fans fire up with Sheamus while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Lashley runs in to CLOBBER Theory outside the ring! Fans fire up and Lashley brings Theory up to fireman’s carry. Lashley POSTS Theory and fans fire up more! Lashley sees Sheamus in the ring and the two stare down again. Lashley gets back in the ring, he and Sheamus circle, and fans rally up as the two start throwing hands! They go back and forth, harder and harder, and it’s just a scrum! Sheamus throws body shots, whips, but Lashley reverses. Sheamus KNEES Lashley away, runs, but into a LARIAT! Lashley is feeling it and the fans fire up. Lashley runs corner to corner, but into BOOTS!

Sheamus skins the cat to the top rope! Lashley staggers up, and Sheamus FLYING- NO! Lashley catches Sheamus for an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Lashley stalks Sheamus, full nelsons, but Sheamus fights it off! Theory somersaults and SHOTGUNS! Then he CHOP BLOCKS Sheamus! And DECKS him with a forearm! Cover, Lashley breaks it up! Lashley drags Theory up, he fires off haymakers, then he whips Theory to a corner. Lashley runs in, into a BOOT! Theory somersaults again, to SLINGBLADE! Cover, Sheamus breaks it now. Theory RAMS Sheamus into the corner, then stomps away! Theory digs his boot in while fans boo.

Theory sees Lashley get up, so he clotheslines him out! Payback for earlier, and then Theory goes out after him. Theory RAMS Lashley right into steel steps! Fans boo but Theory soaks it all up. Theory sees Sheamus stirring in the ring, he slingshots and somersaults, but into an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Fans fire up as Sheamus grins. Sheamus watches Theory rise, and Theory sees he’s in a bit of trouble. Theory rushes in but Sheamus CLOBBERS him! And CLOBBERS him again! Then CLOBBERS him in a corner! Sheamus whips corner to corner to clothesline and fireman’s carry! Sheamus goes up the corner!

Fans fire up as Sheamus tucks Theory, for the SUPER WHITE NOISE!! Cover, TWO!! Theory survives and Sheamus grows frustrated. Sheamus looms over Theory, gives Theory his last rites, and reels him in for a Canadian Rack! Theory sunset flips out of the cross, TWO!! Sheamus KNEES Theory in the face! Theory sputters away and fans fire up again! Sheamus hears the Volunteers, and they all echo “BROGUE! BROGUE! BROGUE!” But Lashley SPEARS Sheamus! But Theory POSTS Lashley!! Theory covers Sheamus, TWO!! Theory doesn’t steal it like he did at Backlash and that shocks him more than anything!

Theory hurries to get Lashley, but Lashley swings on him! Theory dodges, ROCKS him, then fireman’s carries! A-TOWN- NO! Lashley fights out, then MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTERS!! Fans fire up as a bloodied Lashley hauls Theory up! HURT LOCK!! Theory pushes off the ropes but that’s not enough! He tries again, still not enough! Sheamus BROGUES Theory!! Lashley TOSSES Sheamus and he covers Theory, Lashley wins!!

Winner: Bobby Lashley, by pinfall (advances to later tonight)

True redemption from Backlash as Lashley beats Theory the way Theory beat him! But if the All Mighty bleeds, does that mean Styles stands a chance?

Adam Pearce talks with someone on the phone.

How great is the main event? Think about it: AJ Styles VS Bobby Lashley, two former WWE World Champions, and the winner goes on to Night of Champions. This couldn’t have worked out any better. What a main event! But in walks Grayson Waller! Pearce says bye to the person on the phone to say hello to the SmackDown draft pick. Waller, congrats on coming to SmackDown. Waller says SmackDown should be congratulated for picking Waller. Even though it was a little late, but Pearce can make it up to him. Whoever wins tonight in the main event, Styles or Lashley, you put them in the hotseat on the SmackDown debut of the Grayson Waller Effect! That’s viral, right?

Pearce actually agrees, that’s a great idea. It is official! Waller loves it! He can get used to being on Fridays. But then, will Waller’s SmackDown debut be phenomenal or all mighty?

Cameron Grimes VS Baron Corbin!

Speaking of the SmackDown draft picks from NXT, the Cash Money Caveman of Carolina is here to make his in-ring debut, all because the Lone Wolf had to call him “Mr. Irrelevant.” Will Grimes show Corbin just who’s irrelevant here tonight?

But then Corbin gets a mic to say, “Look everybody, it’s Cameron Grimes, SmackDown’s very last pick in the draft.” Corbin is surprised Grimes even showed up. That takes gut all on its own. And Corbin gets it, Grimes is trying to make a name for himself. But in about two minutes, Grimes will be flat on his back, wishing he was back in NXT. Corbin chuckles, the bell rings, and Grimes hits the CAVE-IN!!! Cover, GRIMES WINS!!

Winner: Cameron Grimes, by pinfall

Forget two minutes, that wasn’t even 10 seconds! Corbin loses because he stuck his foot in his mouth, will Grimes go #ToTheMoon here on SmackDown?

Roman Reigns heads to the ring!

The University of Tennessee cheers since The Tribal Chief is actually here! He leads the way for Paul Heyman, Solo Sikoa & The Usos as they stand on stage. The WWE Universal Championship is raised, as are the fingers, for the pyro to go off. But what will the Head of the Table have to say about all things Bloodline? We find out, after the break.

SmackDown returns and the Bloodline has moved into the ring. Roman lifts the belts for the second round of pyro, and the Bloodline raise the fingers. Heyman has the mic, The Bloodline revels in the cheers and jeers for a moment, and then Heyman hands the mic over to Roman. Roman says, “Knoxville, Tennessee! ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” Fans are torn, but plenty chant for “ROMAN! ROMAN!” Roman continues with, “Y’see, that’s what greatness garners. It garners respect. But regardless of reactions or not, this is one thing that must be respected.

“There’s a lot of talk about royal families and families of importance in the wrestling business here, but let’s be honest: there’s only one. Every man in this ring, every man in this ring main evented both nights of WrestleMania. And I know you’re probably saying we’ve only done two nights for so long, but, let’s just say this. We’re the only ones that will ever main event both nights of WrestleMania. And the success, it doesn’t stop there, we just kept pushing along into Backlash. Even when the Tribal Chief isn’t there, somebody’s gotta step up. And who stepped up this time, huh? Solo stepped up!”

Fans are torn again as Roman looks at The Enforcer of the Island. Roman says he must admit, “There was a little concern when we first got Solo up here on the road, because let’s be honest, he’s in the ring with some of the best of all time. Excuse me, not some of the best, the best of all time. And when you get thrown into the deep end, you can either sink or you can swim. And let’s be honest, Solo swims like a shark. If there’s every a problem, he eliminates it. Look at the Riddle problem. Handled, right?” Solo nods, but he brings up Kevin and Sami. That’s how good Solo is! He’s still concerned with that problem!

Roman tells Solo that Kevin and Sami- But then the fans start chanting for “SAMI! SAMI!” and “KEVIN! KEVIN!” Roman says not to worry about that anymore. Those two aren’t a problem. They’re not the problem. But there is a problem. A real problem, an actual problem, but it is not Sami & Kevin. “The problem… are your brothers.” Fans are stunned and the Usos aren’t sure how to react to that. Roman walks over to Jey & Jimmy, and he asks what they thought was going to happen. That they were gonna lose in the main event of WrestleMania and no one talks about it? That they were gonna beg for a rematch and then dedicate it to him for some reason, and then lose?

You dedicate a match to Roman and then you lose!? Roman’s not attached to the tag titles, why are they dedicating something like that to him!? He’s not IN a tag team, he’s the greatest singles wrestler of all time! “We literally have Hall of Fame tag teams in our family, and you dedicate it to me? You disrespect our bloodline and dedicate a tag team championship match to me?” The Usos aren’t sure what to say but Roman says he tried to take some time off, and what do the Usos do? They embarrass him! They misrepresent him, the Bloodline, and the family! They know better than this. APOLOGIZE!

Fans say “NO! NO! NO!” but the Usos look at each other. Roman says don’t look at each other, look at him and apologize! Roman tells the Usos that he doesn’t want anything to come out of their mouth unless it is “I’m sorry” or “I apologize, My Tribal Chief.” The Usos still aren’t sure, and Jimmy starts to chuckle. Roman doesn’t like that, but then the fans are even louder with the “NO! NO! NO!” Roman says he wouldn’t listen to the “idiots.” He’d just apologize. Roman gets closer to Jimmy and says he’d listen up and apologize. Jimmy says this is too much. Oh, so Roman’s just here to make them smile? Are they doing their Goodfellas commercial again?

Roman is here to pop Jimmy, he’s a clown now? He pie faces Jimmy as he asks, “Who’s the clown?” Fans boo and Jimmy scowls. Roman dares him to do something. Heyman gets out of the ring just in case… Fans chant “WHOOP SOME ASS!” But then Jey steps up, to apologize for them both. “We apologize, Uce. Alright?” But if Roman gives them one more shot, they’ll bring those titles back to the Bloodline. Roman says that’s right, those titles will come back to the Bloodline. “Wise Man, fill ’em in.” Heyman returns to the ring, takes the mic back and thanks Roman.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the Tribal Chief has shown up here tonight with a game plan already in hand. The Tribal Chief, this week, authorized me to pull every string, to flex our Bloodline muscle with the Board of Directors, and here it is. The Undisputed Tag Team titles come home to the Bloodline at the Night of Champions! When Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn will lose the tag team championships to…! SOLO… and Your Tribal Chief, ROMAN! REIGNS!” Jey is livid now but he can’t do anything about this! Roman says at Night of Champions, they do what they always do: they represent for The Bloodline.

And Roman dedicates this victory and their reigns to the greatest tag team of all time, Afa & Sika, the Wild Samoans. Jey is still livid, Jimmy is speechless, but their hands are tied as Roman takes the responsibility away from them. Will the Head of the Table have only more gold on his plate after WWE’s return to Saudi Arabia?

Backstage interview with Damage CTRL.

Kayla Braxton is with Bayley, Iyo Sky & Dakota Kai, and Bayley says, “Crushing over Roman Reigns much? Huh? This is supposed to be our interview time. But y’know what, I get it. Roman and I have so much in common. We’re both Grand Slam Champions and we’re both exceptional leaders. Even when things don’t exactly go as planned.” But Bayley tells Iyo not to worry, Bayley will take the blame for what happened at Backlash. She pushed Iyo too hard, and maybe Iyo wasn’t ready yet. Iyo rolls her eyes as Bayley continues to say, “But like Roman, sometimes leaders need to take things into their own hands.

“And that’s exactly what I’m gonna do tonight when Dakota and I exert our dominance and win back the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships! So Kayla, why don’t you go tell Roman that SmackDown belongs to Damage CTRL! HAHA!” The Role Model leads the way, but will DMG CTRL really take control? Or will the champions still be #LivingLarge?

The Usos grumble backstage.

They hear the LWO laughing and Jey gets mad. Is something funny to them? Joaquin Wilde says ain’t nobody speaking to the Usos, they were talking in Spanish and stuff. Jimmy says the LWO must’ve seen what just happened out there and now everything’s funny. How ’bout Jimmy kicks them in the face? Cruz asks what’s wrong with them, they all start shouting, Zelina tries to keep the peace, but then Rey & Escobar walk over. Escobar says it’s not the LWO’s fault that the Tribal Jefe doesn’t love them no more. Now that’s funny. The Usos decide to leave, but what will it take for them to cool off from what Roman did?

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez VS Bayley & Dakota Kai w/ Iyo Sky!

SmackDown returns as DMG CTRL make their entrance. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see just who controls the Women’s Tag Division.

The teams sort out and Dakota starts against Raquel. They rush in, Dakota tilt-o-whirls but Raquel easily stands up against the crucifix takedown. Dakota shifts to a sunset flip, still not enough power and Raquel drags Dakota right up! Raquel whips Dakota to the corner, runs in and RAMS into Dakota! Tag to Liv, Liv taunts Bayley and Raquel whips her in to body block Dakota! Then Liv whips Raquel to SPLASH Dakota! Snapmare and basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Liv keeps cool and Bayley coaches Dakota. Dakota PELES Liv down! And we see Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn, the NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions, watching this match gleefully.

Dakota rolls Liv, TWO, but Dakota Oklahoma Rolls, TWO! Liv trips Dakota, covers, TWO! Dakota ROLLING ELBOWS Liv and Liv sits down in a daze. Dakota struts around, Bayley yells at Michael Cole to talk about it, and Dakota bumps Liv off buckles. Tag to Bayley, she and Dakota bring Liv around to double whip. Liv holds ropes, BOOTS Dakota, then rolls Bayley up! TWO but Liv hurries to whip Bayley. Bayley reverses, Liv goes up and over, but Dakota waistlocks. Liv slips under, dodges the haymaker, but Bayley CLOBBERS Liv! Cover, TWO! Alba & Isla pretend to be surprised while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and both Liv and Bayley are down. Fans rally, both women crawl, hot tags to Dakota and Raquel! The former friends meet again, and Raquel rallies! Dakota ducks a lariat but not the SOUTHPAW! Raquel then scoops to FALL AWAY SLAM! Dakota goes to a corner, Raquel SPLASHES her, then scoops to FALL AWAY SLAM again! Dakota’s in a drop zone, Raquel runs in, but Dakota avoids the Vader! Hot tag back to Bayley! But Raquel choke grips each of them, to DOUBLE CHOKE SLAM! Fans fire up, Liv tags in, and Raquel helps her RAILGUN BACK SPLASH! And then POWERBOMB SWING!

Raquel just CLOBBERS Bayley and Dakota with Liv, then BOMBS her onto Bayley! Dakota runs in to BOOT Raquel down! And then she runs up on Liv, but Liv TOSSES her right out! Liv runs in at Bayley, SHINING WIZARD in the corner! Liv hoists Bayley up top, climbs up after, but Dakota sneaks a tag. Bayley and Liv brawl with body shots, then Bayley slips under! Dakota GAMANGIRIS Liv and Bayley brings Liv out! Dakota climbs, for the DOUBLE STMOP BOMB!! All three women are down and Dakota jammed her leg! Alba & Isla mock the pain as Dakota crawls to Liv. Cover, Raquel breaks it!!

Bayley crawls to Dakota and drags her back to the corner. Bayley tags in, she hurries after Liv, and she has the ref check Dakota. Bayley gets Iyo to get a title belt! But Raquel stops that! And Liv bumps Bayley into Iyo! Roll-up, Liv & Raquel win!!

Winners: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)

Bayley is stunned! But there’s also a bit of deja vu as the DMG CTRL cheating only backfires on them, just like Backlash! How will DMG CTRL ever live this down?

The Brawling Brutes console Sheamus.

Ridge Holland says not to worry! They can go get some pints. #YESBOY~! Pretty Deadly is here on SmackDown, and they say hey. Well, look at that, SmackDown’s newest tag team, straight from NXT. So who is Pretty and who is Deadly? Hah. Anyway, Elton Prince & Kit Wilson are new to Friday Night SnackDown, and they wanna know how to fill these forms out. They got their names, but the rest is unclear. Like, for example, “Mr. Butch,” did you put primary language as “unintelligible grunts?” Ridge keeps Dunne from rushing them, but then Kit has to ask Ridge if he got confused by all the big words and needed mum to help.

Sheamus holds Ridge back now, Pretty Deadly say “Sorry about that loss.” Sheamus glares as Pretty Deadly walks away, but he does agree to those pints. Ridge’s treat, of course. Will the Brawling Brutes all bounce back soon enough? And will Kit & Elton watch themselves before they end up pretty dead meat?

Bianca Belair is here!

Knoxville cheers for their own as the longEST reigning women’s champion of the modern era makes her way to the ring. Bianca gives kisses to her family in the front row, then gets in the ring for this championship celebration! And look at all that pyro! But uh, then Asuka shows up…? The Empress of Tomorrow did join SmackDown along with Bianca through the WWE Draft, but she also lost to Bianca not too long ago. Asuka enters the ring, and offers a handshake. Fans chant for the EST, perhaps to encourage her. Bianca accepts the handshake, but then gets BLUE MIST!! Asuka is a sneaky one!

Bianca flails and writhes while Asuka laughs and enjoys her handiwork. Fans boo but Asuka blows kisses as she leaves. Refs and medics get Bianca water and towels, but will Bianca make Asuka regret ruining her homecoming?

WWE World Heavyweight Championship Tournament SmackDown Finals: AJ Styles VS Bobby Lashley!

The Phenomenal One beat the King of Lucha and the Rated R Superstar, but the All Mighty beat the Celtic Warrior and The Now. Only one gets to face Seth Freakin’ Rollins at Night of Champions, who wins that golden ticket to Saudi Arabia?

The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up and the two approach. Styles slips around to CHOP and forearm but Lashley doesn’t budge. Styles and Lashley approach, Styles dodges again to fire off more shots! Lashley snarls and storms up to Styles. Styles ends up cornered, but then he dodges Lashley’s haymaker to fire off forearms and CHOPS! The ref counts, Styles lets off, and Lashley glares at him. They circle, Lashley corners Styles again, and the fans duel. Styles swings on Lashley but Lashley blocks and knees low! Lashley bumps Styles off buckles, throws down elbows, and then he stomps away!

The ref counts, Lashley lets off, and then he hauls Styles up. Lashley throws forearms, runs side to side, but Styles dodges! Styles CHOPS, fires off forearms, CHOPS again, and keeps Lashley on the ropes with kicks. The ref counts, Styles lets off, but Lashley blocks the whip. Lashley then TOSSES Styles out of the ring! Styles flounders, Lashley goes out after him, and he drags Styles up to RAM him into the apron! Styles drops to his knees but Lashley fireman’s carries him, to POST him! Styles is dazed and Lashley fires up while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Lashley looms over Styles. Blood trickles down Lashley’s face, his stitches having popped open, but he still stands Styles up. Styles throws body shots but Lashley knees low. Lashley CLUBS Styles on the neck again and again, then whips Styles to ropes. Styles kicks Lashley, KICKS the leg, KICKS it again, then KICKS it again! Styles stomps the leg, stomps the foot, but has to catch his breath. Styles runs, but Lashley CLOBBERS him! Lashley rains down forearms, digs them into Styles’ forehead, then ROCKS him with another. Lashley drags Styles up, whips him to a corner, and then runs in, only for Styles to catch him!

Styles rolls Lashley, to the CALF CRUSHER! Lashley endures, reaches out, but then grabs Styles to DRIBBLE his head off the mat! Styles lets the leg go and Lashley drags Styles back up. Lashley stands Styles up but Styles fires off the Phenomenal Blitz! Styles KICKS the leg out, rains down fists on that bloody welt, and then DDTS Lashley down! Cover, TWO!! Lashley flounders to a corner but Styles stalks him. Styles throws hands on the wound, then he brings Lashley up. Styles fireman’s carries, but Lashley slips off! Lashley clinches to FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Styles survives and Lashley snarls through his crimson mask.

Lashley drags Styles up, gut wrenches to a Canadian Rack, and hits the CLIFF- NO, Styles lands on his feet! SLIDING FOREARM! Lashley flounders and hobbles away, but Styles runs in! Lashley catches him to the full nelson! HURT LOCK!! Styles endures, pries at the hold, reaches out, and steps through the rope! Lashley lets go at 4, and Styles flops to the apron. Lashley goes out to SMACK Styles off the steps! Lashley then brings Styles around to throw hands. Fans duel, but Lashley fireman’s carries again. Styles slips free to POST Lashley! Lashley staggers, into a PELE! Lashley crawls, Styles pushes him into the ring.

Styles aims from the apron, he prepares that elbow pad, and he springboards, PHENOMENAL- Fireman’s carry! Lashley catches Styles and brings him around, but Styles slips off and wants the leg! Styles rolls Lashley but Lashley rolls through, deadlift suplex! But Styles knees free! Styles fires off shots, runs, but into a scoop! Styles fights but Lashley still hits the POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Lashley hurries to haul Styles back up, but Styles resists the full nelson! Styles throws elbows, but Lashley throws haymakers! Styles goes to a corner, Lashley runs in, but Styles moves! Lashley POSTS himself!!

Styles then KNEES Lashley into the post! Lashley staggers away, Styles takes aim! PHENOMENAL FOREARM!!! Cover, Styles wins!!

Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)

A phenomenal start to SmackDown, and a phenomenal finish to SmackDown, because AJ Styles is heading to the title match! Styles stands by the belt on stage, and the OC rush out to celebrate with him! Will Styles be a phenomenal new World Heavyweight Champion?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown, with great action and great build to Night of Champions. Great stuff in the SmackDown half of the World Heavyweight Championship tournament, especially that first Triple Threat. The constant action and how the opponents were quite literally used against each other reminded me of the Triple Threat of Samoa Joe VS Christopher Daniels VS AJ Styles way back when in TNA Impact. Then the second Triple Threat was really good at playing up the opportunistic finish Theory pulled on Lashley and then flipping it. But ouch, Lashley really did get a bad welt and cut off the steel steps.

Styles VS Lashley was great stuff, but maybe held back by how Lashley got that welt and cut. Styles winning is fine, I’m doubtful anyone was gonna beat Rollins anyway, and you can check my article from Raw on why it’s gotta be Rollins anyway. We also got good stuff in promos to play off these results, like Pretty Deadly taunting The Brawling Brutes to get themselves in their first feud, and Grayson Waller wanting to interview whoever the main event winner was for his own debut. Styles winning in this case also works because he’s already had beef with Waller when Styles did that quick visit to NXT.

I almost busted up laughing at Grimes squashing Corbin, just… wow! Corbin has been the butt of jokes for WWE, but I would not have thought they’d do this to him. But hey, great for Grimes, he deserves to get going somehow. Maybe Grimes can take the US title off Theory. Good promo from Bayley before the really good tag title match, and as I figured, DMG CTRL cheating costs them the win. The big surprise was Alba & Isla watching this match, but who knows, there could be something big in the works. Raquel & Liv will surely beat Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green on Raw, and then maybe Night of Champions gives us Women’s Tag Champs VS Women’s Tag Champs.

Speaking of women’s titles, I’m a little surprised it was Asuka interrupting Bianca’s title celebration and not either Rhea Ripley wanting to do something about how they’re both champions of the other brand, or someone completely different wanting their first shot at Bianca. That said, of course Asuka was gonna mist Bianca, and we’re getting that match one more time around. Bianca has the record for longest reign now, so maybe now she can drop the title? We’ll have to wait and see. But where Rhea is going to face Natalya and surely win, I wouldn’t be surprised if Bianca beats Asuka one more time, and then we get Rhea VS Bianca at some point in the near future.

And of course, the Bloodline story continues to be so very good. I had a feeling Roman was going to put Solo in the tag title situation over at least one Uso, like he sticks it to Jey for talking with Sami in secret, but he instead also inserts himself into this. Once again, Sami is proven right about how Roman was not for the Usos dedicating things to Roman and then losing, but uh, are Sami & Kevin really going to Night of Champions? They’ve been against Saudi Arabia shows, never being on one in any capacity, so was I right to fantasy book a title match on TV that Kevin & Sami lose? Now that fans have been told about Roman & Solo VS Sami & Kevin, that move would feel like a ripoff. I guess that’s another “wait and see” move.

My Score: 8.8/10

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

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

18 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Steven Mitchell

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

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.

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

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

SmackDown throws it to the NXT Performance Center.

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

Corey Graves is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Triple H is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall

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

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

Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander!

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

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

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall

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

Nick Aldis heads out.

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

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

Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson are here!

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

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

The Bloodline arrives backstage.

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

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

Kayla Braxton is on stage.

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

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

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

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

The Dudley Boyz are here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

B-Fab and the Street Profits meet up backstage.

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

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

The Final Testament speaks.

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

Teddy Long and JBL are here!

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

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

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

Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.

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

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

Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

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

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

My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

My Score: 8.8/10

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

Coverage

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

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

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2024

Andrew Balaz

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Ratings:

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

Results:

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander

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

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside

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

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands

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

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

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) April 26, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

Overall Score: 6/10

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

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

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