Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (7/14/23)

Is Bianca ready for Asuka?

Published

10 months ago

July 14, 2023

Steven Mitchell

The EST finally gets her rematch!

Bianca Belair still owes Asuka for those blue mist fingers to the face, so she finally gets her rematch here on SmackDown! Will the EST reign once again? Or will the Empress of Tomorrow keep her throne by any means necessary?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Sheamus & Ridge Holland w/ Pete Dunne VS Pretty Deadly; Pretty Deadly wins.
Zelina Vega VS Bayley w/ Iyo Sky; Bayley wins.
WWE United States Championship Invitational Tournament Fatal 4 Way: AJ Styles VS Santos Escobar VS Pete Dunne VS Grayson Waller; Escobar wins and advances to the finals in two weeks.
WWE Women’s Championship: Asuka VS Bianca Belair; Bianca wins by disqualification, Asuka retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is backstage.

Main Event Jey is wary rolling alone without his brother, Jimmy, but he isn’t going to back down. Will he get an answer out of Roman Reigns about his challenge for the Universal Championship?

Bianca Belair heads to the ring!

The EST is going to face Asuka for the WWE Women’s Championship later tonight, but she wants to have one last word before then. Fans cheer as she gets the mic to say, “People always say things like, ‘Patience is a virtue’ and ‘good things come to those who wait.’ But man, is it hard to be patient and wait, especially when you want something so badly.” Fans cheer that. Bianca feels like she’s been waiting forever to get her rematch with Asuka. It’s been since May 27th, Night of Champions, just for her opportunity to get her title back. And hold up, let’s not even talk about all the hoops she had to go through to get at what should’ve been hers in the first place.

“So tonight is the night. No, matter of fact, tonight is MY night!” Fans like the sound of that! Bianca says she will show Asuka that patience IS a virtue, but that vengeance is sweet! Tonight, Bianca will give Asuka exactly what she deserves: A KOD, a 1-2-3, and Bianca strutting out of here as the NEW- Wait! Here comes Charlotte Flair! The Queen goes to the ring, with her pyro going off, and stands face to face with Bianca. Charlotte feels all fired up! Raleigh, North Carolina, did Bianca get you fired up? The fans cheer because she did. Charlotte says no offense to Asuka, but Bianca is the one who’s gonna win.

In fact, Charlotte’s gonna manifest this win in Flair Country! She feels Bianca will be the new WWE Women’s Champion. And when Bianca does, there won’t be any confusion on who is next in line. Bianca knows “the line starts and ends” with Charlotte. Well she wouldn’t say it that way, but respectfully, face to face, Charlotte is next. So when Bianca wins, it will be Charlotte Flair VS Bianca Belair for the WWE Women’s Championship. What does Bianca say? The fans like the sound of it, and Bianca mulls it over. Bianca won’t jinx herself right now because she is focused on Asuka. But if Bianca does win, what would be bigger than The EST VS The Queen at SummerSlam?

Fans really like the sound of that! Charlotte thinks on that. IF Bianca wins, it is on! And Bianca says Charlotte is right, Bianca IS ready for Asuka. Charlotte and Bianca shake hands, Charlotte lets out a “WOO~!” and the deal is struck. But Asuka is watching backstage, already ready with her ring gear and face paint. Will Asuka make sure these SummerSlam plans include her?

The Brawling Brutes are at gorilla.

Sheamus is fired up, tonight is the night! Butch here will get through in the United States Championship Invitational Tournament, and then Sheamus & Ridge Holland finally get payback on those “two bleedin’ dancin’ Muppets,” Pretty Deadly.” Ridge says those two keep talking about “Friday Night SnackDown,” but they get eaten alive. Dunne says iiiiit’s FIGHT NIGHT! The Brutes head out, that tag match is up first! Will Kit Wilson & Elton Prince wish they were still trying to survive in NXT?

Sheamus & Ridge Holland w/ Pete Dunne VS Pretty Deadly!

SmackDown returns and Pretty Deadly makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Sheamus starts against Elton but Elton bails out! The fans boo but Sheamus laughs at Elton, because he grabs Kit! Sheamus TOSSES Kit into the ring, fires off haymakers, but then Elton rushes in. Sheamus catches Elton for a ROLLING SENTON! And then Sheamus picks Kit up, ROLLING SENTON onto Elton! Fans fire up as Sheamus clotheslines Kit out! Elton BOOTS Sheamus, whips him to ropes, but Sheamus blocks hip toss and stares Elton down. LARIAT! Tag to Ridge and Sheamus whips Elton to a corner.

Ridge runs in to SPLASH, then he feeds Elton to a scoop SLAM! Cover, TWO! Ridge fires off on Elton, HEADBUTTS him to a corner, and then fireman’s carries. Elton fights free, and he CHOP BLOCKS a leg! Elton UPPERCUTS, tags Kit, and Pretty Deadly mug Ridge! Fans boo but Kit UPPERCUTS! Kit ROCKS Ridge, tags Elton, and holds Ridge in place for Elton to UPPERCUT! Ridge staggers, Elton tags Kit back in, and they CLUB Ridge down. The ref counts, Elton tells Sheamus to stay back, but Ridge picks up both Pretty Deadly! DOUBEL BACK DROP! Fans fire up and Ridge tags in Sheamus!

The Celtic Warrior storms in, Kit begs for mercy! Kit kicks but Sheamus blocks it to DUMP him out hard! Ridge scoops Elton and puts him on the top rope! Fans fire up as Sheamus makes Kit smile before the BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! They go past ten to get TWENTY, then TWENTY-FIVE, and then SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns and Elton stomps away on Sheamus at the ropes. The ref counts, the fans boo, but Elton tags to Kit. Kit drops the leg on the apron! And then Kit CLUBS away on Sheamus! Kit storms into the ring, drags Sheamus up, but Sheamus throws body shots! Kit UPPERCUTS Sheamus down! Tag to Elton and they both stomp away at the ropes! The ref reprimands and counts, Kit exits but Elton CHOKES Sheamus on ropes. Elton lets off at 4 to throw crossface forearms! Tag back to Kit, they CLUB and stomp Sheamus, and then Elton taunts Sheamus as Kit makes Sheamus smile!

Fans rally for Sheamus and he fights up to his feet! Sheamus ELECTRIC CHAIR DROPS Kit! Fans fire up while both men are down, but Elton goes around the outside to YANK Ridge down! Kit UPPERCUTS Sheamus and hits a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Sheamus is toughing it out, but Kit stomps him down and goes up the corner. Kit leaps, but into a KNEE! Both men crawl, hot tags to Ridge and Elton! Ridge back drops Elton away! And then OVERHEAD SUPLEXES Kit! And then another back drop for Elton! Kit runs, into a POWERSLAM! Fans fire up with Ridge and he runs in to SPLASH Elton!

Ridge SPLASHES Kit! Ridge SPLASHES Elton! And OVERHEAD SUPLEX into Kit! Kit flops out and Ridge roars! Fans fire up and Ridge brings Elton up. Ridge suplexes to a FISHERMAN DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Elton survives and bails out. But Sheamus goes up the corner?! FLYING LARIAT takes out Kit! Sheamus still puts Elton into the ring for Ridge to hit a scoop and NORTHERN GRIT! Cover, Kit breaks it! Sheamus BROGUES Kit! Elton DUMPS Sheamus out, and then he goes after a buckle pad! Ridge runs in, into the bare buckle!! Elton goes up top, SUPER LEG DROP! Cover, Pretty Deadly win!

Winners: Pretty Deadly, by pinfall

They may not be deadly but they are sneaky! They take advantage of Ridge’s already damaged neck, and they snatch this win from the Brawling Brutes. But will Dunne make up for this by winning tonight’s Fatal 4 Way?

BREAKING NEWS for next week!

Next Friday, July 21st, SmackDown will be on Fox Sports, FS1! And on that night, there will be a face-to-face of Roman Reigns and Jey Uso so they can discuss the “rules of engagement” in the Bloodline Civil War’s final phase! Plus, the other United States Championship Invitational Fatal 4 Way of Rey Mysterio, Sheamus, LA Knight and the returning Cameron Grimes! Check your cable guide and your DVR so you don’t miss a thing!

Backstage interview with Grayson Waller.

Cathy Kelley is with the Aussie Icon, and asks him if he is surprised he managed getting himself a championship opportunity this early in his SmackDown career? To be honest, nope! He had his first SmackDown match against the Hall of Famer, Edge, and if he had more than 15 minutes to get ready, he would’ve won! But that’s okay, he “swam.” Now everyone is talking about Grayson Waller, including… THE ROCK! Every week, his family is imploding right in front of him, but he’s worried about Waller. If he wants that Grayson Waller rub and that clout, he knows where to find Waller.

But tonight, Waller is up against three of the best SmackDown has to offer, and he’ll have his hand in victory because that is the Grayson Waller Effect. “If you smell what I’m cookin’. HAHAHA!” The 21st Century Success Story is ready to go viral again, but will it be for all the wrong reasons?

SmackDown has a medical update on Jimmy Uso.

Ruptured rib cartilage will keep him out of action for the foreseeable future, will he at least be watching as Jey goes after the Tribal Chief?

Adam Pearce finds Charlotte on her way out.

He asks where she’s off to, and she says she knows he doesn’t like competitors getting involved in championship matches. And Charlotte has a hard time letting things go, so before he even asks, she is leaving. Really? Yes. Charlotte feels good about Bianca, and about her SummerSlam match, so she’s leaving. But as Charlotte exits, Bayley enters and says, “Charlotte’s not the only one who feels good about tonight.” Iyo Sky holds up the Money in the Bank briefcase and Bayley laughs. Damage CTRL heads out, but then Charlotte steps back in. “Well on second thought, I think I’ll be staying.” Is the Queen going to make sure the Evil Genius doesn’t ruin her plans?

Zelina Vega VS Bayley w/ Iyo Sky!

Speaking of those plans, La Muneca may not ben Miss MITB, but she could have an impact on what happens tonight. Will she remove the Role Model from the equation tonight? Or will Bayley say ding dong bye-bye to Zelina?

SmackDown returns as DMG CTRL makes their way out, Bayley waving around the green ponytail they snipped off Shotzi’s head. The bell rings and Bayley CLOBBERS Zelina! Bayley sends Zelina out of the ring, goes out after her and SMACKS her off the desk! Bayley brings up how she cut Shotzi’s hair, and she SMACKS Zelina off the desk again! Bayley goes into the ring, Zelina staggers over but Bayley drags her up tot he apron. But Zelina ROCKS Bayley back! And again, and then POSTS her! Fans rally as Zelina puts Bayley in the ring and goes up the corner. Zelina leaps, METEORA! Cover, TWO!

Bayley gets up, swings but misses, and Zelina tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Zelina then kicks low, TWIST OF FATE! Cover, TWO! Zelina rolls but Bayley blocks the kick to throw the leg down! Bayley stomps Zelina, then grabs LA CHANCLA! Bayley says this is for Michael Cole! But Zelina hits a CODE BREAKER! Zelina grabs LA CHANCLA~! Fans fire up as Zelina SPANKS Bayley all around! Bayley bails out, the ref takes the sandal away, but then Bayley HOTSHOTS Zelina! Zelina falls, Bayley hurries in, ROSE PLANT! Cover, Bayley wins!

Winner: Bayley, by pinfall

The Role Model pulls off the victory and then taunts Zelina with Shotzi’s hair. Will Bayley & Iyo continue to give the SmackDown Women’s Division a “makeover?” Wait, Shotzi is on the tron! And she tells Bayley that if she thought cutting her hair would intimidate or scare her, like she has some kind of control over her… Does Shotzi look scared to you? Shotzi brings up an electric razor as she says, “Do I look like someone you can control? DO I!?” Shotzi says she may be a little weird, but she is also in control. And she will show Bayley just how chaotic she really is! She buzzes her hair off right before our eyes! And laughs as she does it!

Shotzi says she’s not scared, BAYLEY is scared! Shotzi’s in control. So what if she’s a little weird? DMG CTRL are definitely creeped out. Is Bayley going to regret bullying to wrong person?

The OC talk backstage.

They are all fired up for Styles’ opportunity, and he says he’s waited long enough. Styles is gonna win in the Fatal 4, and then they can all party tonight! But will tonight be phenomenal?

Jey Uso heads to the ring!

The fans fire up for the one left standing. What will Jey say about what is coming next? We find out, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Jey has the mic. Fans chant “USO! USO!” as Jey takes a moment to compose himself. “Y’know what? Growing up, me and Jimmy: inseparable. I’m talkin’ glued at the hip. If I’m there, he’s there. And if he’s there, I’m there.” Fans cheer that, and Jey says having brothers is a great thing. But there’s something about being twins that makes them special. Twins know. If he’s sad, Jey’s sad. If Jimmy’s happy, Jey’s happy. And if Jimmy’s mad, Jey’s mad. But if Jimmy’s hurt, Jey’s hurt, too! Just never in a million years would Jey think Jimmy gets hurt by his own family members!

Jey says he respects the hierarchy, the culture, their grandparents, mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, but Roman! Please believe that when it comes to you, Jey disrespects all of you! Fans cheer that! Jey tells Solo, yeah, he gonna spank little brother like he did last week! And Wise Man, you been puppeteering this family for 40 YEARS! But guess what? All that stops right here! Fans really liek the sound of that! Jey says he is the REAL Head of the Table, the REAL Chief, and he is MAIN EVENT JEY USO! Fans fire up with Jey but then “ladies and gentlemen,” here comes Paul Heyman.

Fans boo as Heyman and Solo make their way out, and Heyman keeps his introduction going. And he introduces the Enforcer of the Bloodline, Solo. But Solo is not here to enforce Heyman’s will, nor to enforce victory for the Bloodline. Solo is here to enforcer the peace. Solo storms up to the ring and Heyman tells Jey that they’re just stepping into the ring. Nothing is going to happen but a conversation because Jey knows how this works. It has worked this way long before any of them were even born. This was handed down from Afa & Sika and their father and his father, etc.

Next week, here on SmackDown, Roman and Jey will be face to face, and they will discuss the rules of engagement. Jey is annoyed but Heyman says here tonight, this is just a chat. Heyman understands Jey is angry, hostile, filled with vengeance and wants to manifest revenge for Jimmy. And that anger and hostility, that righteous indignation on behalf of his family, that makes him sound more and more like a Tribal Chief every single day. Fans boo and Jey scowls at Heyman for what he’s implying. But Heyman looks to Slo and says Solo is right. Jey has no self-awareness. He doesn’t understand!

Jey doesn’t have the conscience needed to be the Right Hand Man. Doesn’t Jey understand? What happened to Jimmy is all Jey’s fault. Fans boo but Heyman says Jey rose up against the Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, and wanted to become the head of the family, the protector of everyone’s children, and the conscience and good will. Jey wanted to take this family, but Heyman should just talk to “Jim!” This is your favorite “jew-so” to ask you if you understand why you’re in the hospital. It is all because of your twin brother, Jey! Fans boo again and Jey shakes his head.

Heyman says in Samoan and English, he doesn’t know how Jey can ever forgive himself. How can Jimmy ever forgive Jey? Their father, Rikishi, will never forgive him! Their MOTHER will never forgive him! Heyman loves the Usos! And yet he’ll never forgive them! Their Tribal Chief, Roman…! Reigns…! Will never forgive Jey! Wait, Solo wants to talk?! Heyman hands the mic over, and Solo says, “What happened to Jimmy… that’s all on you. But me? I’ll never forgive you, either.” Fans boo as Solo drops the mic. And the brawl is on! Jey dodges to SUPERKICK Solo out of the ring! Fans fire up and Heyman freaks out!

Jey looks at Heyman and Heyman REALLY freaks out now! Fans want him to do it, and Jey grins. Jey creeps up on Heyman but Heyman says he still loves Jey! But Solo gets back in to CLOBBER Jey! Heyman runs away, Solo stomps away, and then Solo prepares the thumb! SAMOAN- TACKLE from Jey! Jey rains down forearms and fans fire up! Heyman crawls in with a chair, but Jey SUPERKICKS Heyman first!! And then Jey DIVES onto Solo! Fans are thunderous as Jey stands tall again! Heyman sits up in a daze, and he sees Jey eyeing the chair. Fans still want him to do more, and Heyman panics!

Heyman says he wants Jey to be Tribal Chief! Jey says not good enough! But Solo returns, so Jey JAMS him! And SMACKS him out of the ring! Solo & Heyman retreat but the message is clear! Jey is not backing down, no matter what anyone says! Will Jey free the family from the tyranny of Heyman and the Tribal Chief?

Adam Pearce talks with Bianca and a referee.

He is preparing them both for how Charlotte and DMG CTRL are both still in the building. In fact, Bayley & Iyo can be seen lurking in the back, just waiting for this. Will the EST be ready for Asuka and everyone else? Or will tonight become even more chaotic?

Austin Theory heads to the ring.

The WWE United States Champion is the one who put this “Invitational” together, so he wants to see it with his own eyes. Will the Now be at all worried about who comes out of this first Fatal 4 Way?

WWE United States Championship Invitational Tournament Fatal 4 Way: AJ Styles VS Santos Escobar VS Pete Dunne VS Grayson Waller!

SmackDown returns as Waller makes his entrance, followed by Styles. Theory is on commentary, he likes Michael Cole’s explanation of the tournament. The bell rings, Waller talks trash on Styles but DECKS Dunne with a sucker punch! Then Waller bails out, and he talks trash with Theory. But Dunne storms up to FLYING FOREARM Waller into Theory! Escobar rolls Styles up, TWO! Victory roll, TWO! Escobar CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS, then runs, but into a DROPKICK! Escobar falls out of the ring, Dunne is there to CLOBBER him! Dunne hurries in and stares down Styles. But Waller returns, so Styles DECKS him!

Styles and Dunne circle, they fire off forearms and haymakers, then Dunne runs. Styles blocks a kick, ducks the enziguri, and waistlocks. Dunne fights free, trips Styles, and jackknife bridges! TWO as Styles bridges up! Styles spins Dunne but Dunne fights the backslide. Waller joins in to trip and double roll-up, TWO! Styles and Dunne glare at Waller. Waller swings, Dunne blocks, and Styles DECKS Waller again! Dunne and Styles reset and fans rally up. Styles and Dunne fire off haymakers again! Escobar CROSSBODIES in to wipe them both out! Waller CLUBS Escobar, then he does drop steps.

Waller brings Escobar to a fireman’s carry but Escobar slips free, shoves and DROPKICKS! Waller sits down, but Escobar brings him up. Escobar CHOPS Waller in the corner, then spells out “L W O!” Escobar whips, Waller reverses, but Escobar goes up to headscissor! Waller blocks, kicks Styles as he storms up, and then hands Escobar off to Styles so he can LEAP FROG ATTACK Escobar! Dunne returns, Waller rushes in but runs into a SNAP GERMAN! Dunne STOMPS the hands, then BUZZSAWS Waller down! Styles ENZIGURIS Dunne! Escobar KNEES Styles! Styles PELES Escobar! Fans fire up as all four men are down, and SmackDown goes to break!

SmackDown returns again and Waller has a headlock on Dunne. Dunne throws body shots but Waller throws knees. Escobar returns but Waller hits him with a LEG LARIAT! Waller talks trash on Dunne, but Dunne bends Waller’s fingers! Fans fire up as Dunne SNAPS those digits! Dunne runs in but Waller TOSSES him out! Styles storms up to fire off the Phenomenal Blitz! Waller falls over even before the lariat, so Styles runs to SLIDING FOREARM! Waller staggers to a corner, Styles runs in to clothesline! Styles fireman’s carries to USHIGOROSHI! Cover, Dunne breaks it with boots! Theory tells Michael to watch out, insulting him.

Escobar ROCKS Dunne, puts him in a corner and CHOPS him! Escobar brings Dunne around, stomps Styles and then KICKS Dunne in the corner. Escobar puts Dunne up top, to GAMANGIRI! Escobar then climbs, whistles and SUPER STEINERS Dunne at Styles! Styles catches Dunne for a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Escobar KICKS and stomps Styles, then goes up a corner. But Waller throws body shots! Waller climbs up after Escobar, throws some elbows, then cravats. But Dunne joins in to GAMANGIRI Waller! Fans fire up as Dunne climbs up. Waller ROCKS Dunne, Styles ROCKS Waller!

Styles and Dunne look to each other, shrug and climb up together! The fans fire up as Escobar goes up even higher! SUPER SUNSET FLIP SUPERPLEX POWERBOMB COMBO!!! Now Theory is worried because “This is Awesome!” All four men take a corner, and Escobar says “L W O!” DOUBLE KNEES to Styles! DOUBLE KNEES to Dunne! And DOUBLE KNEES to Waller! Fireman’s carry, PHANTOM DRIVER!! Cover, Styles AND Dunne break it! Fans rally, Waller flops out of the ring but Dunne, Styles and Escobar stare down. They all stand, and they fire off hands! Escobar CHOPS Dunne, Dunne CHOPS Escobar!

Dunne ROCKS Styles, Styles fires off on Escobar! Escobar blocks the back hand, Dunne ENZIGURIS Escobar! Styles kicks Dunne and reels him in, but Dunne slips outta the Clash to ENZIGURI! Dunne clotheslines Styles out, Escobar leaps in, into a HAYMAKER! Cover, Waller breaks it!! Waller drags Dunne up, Electric Chair Lifts, but Dunne gives him knuckles to the forehead! Waller sits down, into a BUZZSAW! Dunne roars, runs in, but Waller TOSSES him! Waller slides and- NO, Dunne dodges and ASAI MOONSAULTS! But Escobar builds speed, ARROW FROM HELL!! Escobar puts Dunne in and fans fire up!

Escobar gets Dunne up, PHANTOM- PHENOMENAL FOREARM!! Styles hits outta nowhere, then hauls Dunne up! But WAIT! There’s a fight going on backstage, the OC is fighting off KARRION KROSS!!! Kross has Karl Anderson in the KROSSJACKET!! Kross lets Karl go, and shouts at Styles, “We’re not done yet.” Styles hurries out but Waller CLOBBERS him! Then SLINGSHOT STUNNER on Dunne! But Escobar is up top! FROG SPLASH onto Waller!! Cover, Escobar wins!!

Winner: Santos Escobar, by pinfall (advances to the finals)

The Emperor of Lucha says he will be campeon, but Theory says Escobar has no chance because Theory is the greatest. However, there is still next week’s Fatal 4 Way, who will be meeting Escobar in the finals in two weeks?

Adam Pearce now talks with Asuka.

He is surely telling her to be aware of the same things he told Bianca about. And again, Iyo & Bayley are lurking in the background. Will the Empress of Tomorrow defy the odds and make it out of Raleigh still champion?

The OC regroups.

Gallows checks his jaw and Anderson catches his breath. Seems Scarlett even got Mia as she clutches a shoulder. Styles helps Karl up and checks him. Kross is right, though. This is NOT over. Styles vows to get payback, but when and where will he battle with the apocalypse?

The Street Profits wait outside.

Angelo Dawkins checks his phone. “He” said he’d be here by now. But Montez Ford points out a stretch limousine pulling in, that has to be him. He said he’d be here so here he is! Dawkins says okay, he got it. They wait, the driver opens the door, and out steps… BOBBY LASHLEY! The All Mighty says hey to the Profits, and makes sure they’re ready to talk. Oh they sure are! The three step into the limousine and it pulls away. What business could these three be working on?

Rey Mysterio speaks.

“It has been almost one year since my career was full of uncertainty. But after joining SmackDown, well, I gained a new family in the LWO. A Hall of Fame ring, and now, I’m looking for championship gold. And after next week’s Fatal 4 Way match, one step closer to the United States title. BOOYAKA!”

Cameron Grimes speaks.

“I was ecstatic when I got the call that I was in the United States Championship Invitational. What better way to show that I belong than by winning that Fatal 4 Way next week? I’m confident that I’m going TOOOOO THEEE MOOON~!”

Sheamus speaks.

“I’m so over this, yeah? Twice now, I’ve had Theory beat, and twice now, his new friends have come and interfered and cost me the United States Championship. That little Cena wannabe has weaseled out so many times, I’ve lost count. And now, I gotta mow through three other men just to get another crack at him? Well bring it on, fella! And as for those three other lads are standing across from me, get outta me bleedin’ way, and know that Theory is mine.”

LA Knight heads to the ring!

The fourth man in the second Fatal 4 Way is here in Raleigh, with a mic, and the fans are all fired up! Knight takes a second to hear them all out before he says, “Lemme talk to ya!” Knight says that all of a sudden, he’s everywhere, huh? “YEAH!” Everybody wants to use HIS name, everyone on the internet wants to use HIS name to get views and clicks! “YEAH!” Well call it what it is: He is the best decision this company’s ever made. He stands head and shoulders above, NOBODY back there can touch him! “YEAH!” So let’s just go ahead and talk about the worst decision ever made: United States Title Invitational? NAH-NAH!

Theory’s title is in trouble! Not because five guys are vying for it, but because KNIGHT is coming for it! “YEAH!” Theory has to understand something. You can call Knight the Mega Star, or even The GOAT. “But sooner or later, one way or another, you will be calling me champ! YEAH! Cuz who’s game is it? With everybody saying…” “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!!” Knight says three men are getting dropped on FS1, but will he really make it past the King of Lucha, the Celtic Warrior and the Carolina Caveman?

WWE Women’s Championship: Asuka VS Bianca Belair!

The Empress used some truly dirty tactics to take the then Raw Women’s Championship from The EST at Night of Champions. And with a lot of hoopla and rigmarole, Bianca had to bide her time until this very moment. Will Bianca unleash all of her pent up frustration to take this title back again? Or will she still not be ready for Asuka?

SmackDown returns as Asuka makes her entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who heads to SummerSlam!

But wait, Bayley & Iyo are in the crowd as fans with tickets, copying what Bianca did weeks ago. The bell rings and the two rush in, but then Asuka gets around to pull the braid! Asuka throws Bianca down, KICKS her, then runs, but Bianca ducks the sliding kick! Bianca kips up, eggs Asuka on, and things speed up, Bianca runs Asuka over! Asuka scrambles to a corner, Bianca whips but Asuka reverses only for Bianca to reverse and hip toss! Asuka goes to a corner, Bianca RAMS into her! Bianca then climbs up and rains down fists! The fans count along and Bianca goes all the way to TEN, but then Asuka slips out!

Asuka yanks Bianca around by the hair, but Bianca whips Asuka away. Bianca runs in but Asuka drop toeholds her into buckles! And KICKS her in the back! Asuka goes corner to corner, Bayley mockingly cheers, but Bianca catches Asuka into chicken wings! GlamEST Slam off the buckles! Torture rack, but Asuka arm-drags free! And then hits a CODE BREAKER! But Bianca comes back to CLOBBER Asuka! Fans fire up while both women are down and DMG CTRL “cheers” them on. A standing count starts, but then here comes Charlotte! She’s also “a fan” at ringside as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns once again and Asuka runs in, to get run over! Bianca DROPKICKS Asuka, then spins her around to a suplex! Bianca kips up again and fans fire up. Bianca handsprings to MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Charlotte pretends to be a bit surprised by that. Bianca runs in to RAM Asuka in the corner, then she hoists Asuka up top. Bianca climbs, brings Asuka up, but Asuka resists the superplex! Asuka swings but Bianca backflips away! Asuka MISSILE DROPKICKS Bianca down! Cover, TWO! Charlotte really did seem tense there but Asuka keeps her focus. Asuka drags Bianca up to a waistlock.

Bianca resists, bucks the O’Conner, and then slips out to the apron. Bianca ROCKS Asuka, jumps in but Asuka dodges to POP-UP KNEE! Bianca rebounds, but into a takedown! FUJIWARA! Bianca powers up and around to gut wrench Asuka, for a POWER- NO, Asuka fights free! Bianca still catches Asuka for a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Bianca handsprings again, into an ASUKA LOCK!! But Bianca fights out of the body scissors to a cover, TWO! Asuka kicks, Bianca ducks, chicken wings and- VICTORY ROLL! Bianca goes tumbling out of the ring, and Asuka CODE BREAKERS in the ropes!

Fans fire up as Asuka howls, and Asuka goes to the apron. SLIDING- NO, Bianca dodges the kick to torture rack! KISS OF DEATH onto the desk!! Fans are thunderous while Asuka sputters, but here comes DMG CTRL! But also Charlotte! And Charlotte intercepts Bayley with a BOOT! Bianca is shocked, and Charlotte says she just saved her! But Iyo POSTS Charlotte! Iyo reminds Bianca who has the briefcase, but then Charlotte runs in! Iyo dodges, the SPEAR hits Bianca!!

Winner: Bianca Belair, by disqualification (Asuka retains the title)

Iyo then CLOBBERS Charlotte with the briefcase! DMG CTRL still has control of the situation, and they decide to go for it! They drag Asuka into the ring, Bayley has the briefcase and tells the ref to do it! Iyo is already up top, but Asuka springs to life! BLUE MIST to Bayley!! Asuka snatches the belt and runs! Iyo is furious as another opportunity slips through her fingers! But between Charlotte clashing with Bianca and Miss MITB still a threat, will Asuka have to watch her back all the way through the summer?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown here, with another great Bloodline segment. The FS1 commercial did spoil some of what Heyman was going to say, but a “rules of engagement” meeting is certainly to determine what exact stipulations the match between Roman and Jey will have, as perhaps even an agreement that there will be no more brawling as we approach SummerSlam. As such, great brawl here tonight where Jey takes care of Solo and Heyman. Also, I’m really intrigued to see where things are going between Lashley & the Profits. It would seem WWE doesn’t want to split the Profits up, even amicably, so a Face take on the Hurt Business might not be so bad.

Really good tag match from Brutes VS Pretty Deadly, but of course Kit & Elton cheat. That blowoff should happen at the SummerSlam go-home, and then they move on to new feuds as I don’t see Pretty Deadly circling back around to the tag titles so soon after losing to Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn on the MITB go-home. Great little surprise in this US Championship contenders tournament, but also a lot of great promos and story tie-ins with it. Good promo from Waller where of course he thought he was winning, and clever use of the OC group segment to give Kross a target so he could distract Styles. Escobar winning is a great move, he and the LWO need something to keep going.

With that, good promos from the next four competitors. But with Escobar in, you can be sure Rey won’t be. Sheamus also has this Pretty Deadly feud going, I don’t think he makes it. Fans love LA Knight so much, I would think he has to win or the fans would be really disappointed. And then either Escobar or Knight could win in the finals, but again fans really want it to be Knight, so maybe Knight VS Theory is our SummerSlam match. And either way, Theory just needs to lose already. He’s a decent Heel but he could use some freshening up as a Face. Theory knows how to be funny and all that, so maybe, like John Cena, going Face could help him. (Yes, Cena used to be Heel when he first started his Thuganomics character, and then turned Face.)

And then, while it went how I expected, I still like what we got out of the Women’s Championship story tonight. Zelina is fed to Bayley, but then Shotzi sends a great message to Bayley by shaving maniacally her head. Also, Shotzi did this for a real-life reason, her sister has been diagnosed with cancer so this is a show of solidarity. I certainly hope and pray Shotzi’s sister is okay, and I would hope that Shotzi wins her rematch with Bayley. Meanwhile, great stuff where Charlotte and DMG CTRL were ready ringside during the great main event match. As such, logical move that they end up “ruining” that match, and logical move that Asuka avoids the cash-in. Pretty sure I said this last week, but SummerSlam should be no less than a Triple Threat, and of course Iyo will still camp out.

My Score: 8.7/10

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

24 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!