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Mitchell’s WWE NXT Results & Report! (9/12/23)

The Man comes around!

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NXT White 'n' Gold Era

The Center of the NXT Universe hits the Big Time!

Tiffany Stratton has run her mouth, now it’s time to put up or shut up! Will the NXT Women’s Championship still be on Tiffy? Or hit the Big Time with Becks?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

  • NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Wes Lee VS Ilja Dragunov; Dragunov wins and will challenge Carmelo Hayes for the title at No Mercy.
  • Six Man Tag: Josh Briggs, Brooks Jensen & Myles Borne w/ Fallon Henley VS Drew Gulak, Charlie Dempsey & Damon Kemp; Gulak, Dempsey & Kemp win.
  • Dana Brooke w/ Kelani Jordan VS Lyra Valkyria; Lyra wins.
  • NXT Global Heritage Invitational Tournament, Group A: Tyler Bate VS Axiom; Bate wins.
  • The Creed Brothers w/ Ivy Nile VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe; The Creed Brothers win.
  • NXT Global Heritage Invitational Tournament, Group B: Nathan Frazer VS Akira Tozawa; Frazer wins.
  • NXT Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Becky Lynch; Becky wins and becomes the new NXT Women’s Champion.

PLAY BY PLAY

NXT Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Wes Lee VS Ilja Dragunov!

Both men came so close to winning the top title, if not for miscalculations. Wes went flying into the barriers while Dragunov went flying into Trick Williams. But now, the only obstacle left in the way is the other man! Who wins here to show Carmelo Hayes No Mercy?

The bell rings and the two rush in! Wes ROCKS Dragunov then fires off in the corner! Dragunov powers past him but Wes BOOTS him to a corner! Wes fires more hands, the fans duel, but Dragunov knees low! Dragunov swings, misses, and Wes fires off more hands! Dragunov ROCKS Wes this time, but Wes GAMANGIRIS! Dragunov flops and flounders while Wes lines up a shot. Dragunov blocks the kick! Dragunov throws Wes away, storms up to clinch in the corner, and Dragunov fires off shots! The ref counts, Dragunov brings Wes out to scoop but Wes slips free! Wes fires off fast hands, a kick, but Dragunov blocks to DECK Wes!

Fans fire up while Dragunov storms up on Wes. Dragunov UPPERCUTs, Wes ducks the Pele to basement dropkick! Fans fire up and Wes waistlocks! Wes drags Dragunov up but Dragunov switches. Wes fights the lift, arm-drags free, then ducks ‘n’ dodges and slides, but Dragunov CHOPS Wes inside-out! Fans fire up again as Wes sputters and Dragunov storms up on him again. Dragunov deadlifts and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Dragunov drags Wes up again, Wes reaches out, but the GERMAN SUPLEX hits first! Fans rally and duel, Dragunov GERMAN SUPLEXES but Wes lands on his feet! Wes snarls and Dragunov is a bit surprised!

Wes runs in to ROLLING KICK! Dragunov tumbles out of the ring, Wes builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp, but Dragunov gets up and staggers away. Wes just slides in the ring, and DIVES again! Another direct hit but Dragunov still stumbles along the barriers. Dragunov goes to the desk now, Wes DIVES into a PELE! Dragunov then hauls WEs up, GERMAN SUPLEX onto the desk! Fans are all fired up while NXT goes picture in picture.

The ref checks Wes while Dragunov seethes. Dragunov drags Wes off the desk to dump him onto the floor, then he drags Wes up to CHOP against the apron! Wes sputters but Dragunov pushes him into the ring. Dragunov CLUBS Wes down! Dragunov chinlocks and bends Wes back but Wes endures. Fans rally, Wes fights up, and Wes throws elbows! And body shots! And then he ROCKS Dragunov, but Dragunov PELES! And then rolls Wes up deep, TWO!! Wes escapes and Dragunov grows frustrated. Dragunov KNEES Wes in the side! And then KNEES him in the chest! Dragunov stomps away in the corner but the ref backs him off.

Wes sputters again but Dragunov stands him up. Dragunov whips corner to corner hard and Wes bounces back off the buckles. Dragunov storms up on Wes again to stand him up and whip corner to corner. Wes hits buckles hard again and falls over! Dragunov paces while Wes writhes, and then Dragunov stomps Wes at the ropes. And KICKS him in the back! Wes slowly rises up, Dragunov stomps him! Wes throws body shots, Dragunov CHOPS him down! Then stomps him more! Wes grits his teeth while clutching ribs but Dragunov stands him up in a corner. Dragunov CHOPS again, and NXT returns to single picture.

Dragunov MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Fans fire up while the ref counts, so Dragunov lets off, to then SPIN- NO, Wes blocks the backhand! But Dragunov keeps Wes from getting away to CHOP him in the stomach! Wes coughs and sputters, Dragunov reels him in, but Wes fights the bomb! RANA! Cover, TWO!! Dragunov escapes and fans fire up again. Dragunov rises first and he stalks Wes. Dragunov kicks Wes around, fans declare “This is Awesome!” as Dragunov throws hands and eggs Wes on. Wes hits back, the two fire forearms back and forth! The fans duel as the shots keep going, and Wes gets the edge!

Dragunov ROCKS Wes, Wes UPPERCUTS! Dragunov BOOTS, blocks a kick, and he spins Wes but Wes HEEL KICKS! Dragunov rebounds, into a BOOT! Wes DOUBLE STOMPS!! Fans fire up for “NXT! NXT!” as both men are down. Dragunov rolls his way to a corner, then drags himself up with the ropes. Wes runs in to CHOP! Fans cheer “Both These Guys!” as Wes fires forearms and CHOPS over and over! The ref counts, Wes lets off at 4, and fans fire up again. Wes runs in, but Dragunov blocks the chop! Dragunov CHOPS Wes right down! Dragunov roars, runs in, but into a SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!!

The fans cannot believe it and neither can Wes! Dragunov escapes but Wes brings him up. Dragunov fights the fireman’s carry with elbows and he just HAMMERS away on Wes! Dragunov waistlocks, but Wes fights the German Suplex! Wes kips up to headscissor, but Dragunov blocks to KNEE Wes low! Wes coughs, Dragunov hauls him back up to fire forearms and elbows, then he winds back to LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Wes survives and Dragunov is stunned! Fans are loving this as both men rise! Wes crawls to a corner, Dragunov stalks him and reels him in! But Wes throws more elbows as Dragunov tries to lift.

Wes makes Dragunov stagger back, then he backflips, CARDIAC- CAUGHT!? Dragunov spins Wes around, but Wes makes it a DDT!! Only for Dragunov to fall out of the ring! Wes goes to a corner, runs and FLIES! Direct hit over the corner!! Fans lose their minds, Wes hauls Dragunov up and puts him in! Wes climbs up the corner, but Dragunov SLAPS him first! Dragunov then goes up to join Wes, and goes to the very top! SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Roll through, and Dragunov roars from the corner! “SMASH!!” HAMMER FOREARM!! Cover, TWO?!?! Wes survives?! No one can believe this, but Dragunov won’t stop there!

“UN! BE! SIEG! BAR!!” TORPEDO- KNEE!!! Wes catches Dragunov but Dragunov stays up, to BLINDSIDE FOREARM!! Cover, DRAGUNOV WINS!!

Winner: Ilja Dragunov, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the NXT Championship)

A top level battle worthy of the title itself, but the Mad Dragon had more fire in his heart! But wait! Here comes… HIM! Carmelo Hayes tells Dragunov that it is time to settle this once and for all! Who survives when these two show No Mercy?

 

NXT shares footage of what happened at the end of last week’s episode.

Though the main feed cut to black, it was clear Bron Breakker tried to crush Von Wagner’s head with steel steps. Social media lit up with reactions, hoping Von was alright, and HBK even admonishing Bron. The locker room and fans were speechless as refs and medics checked Von. He was badly busted open, and needed a stretcher to get him out of there. He was taken to the hospital to be evaluated, Robert Stone by his side as his manager and friend. What is the status of Von Wagner? The statement reads that Von has a minor skull fracture, but given his history of surgeries, a timetable has yet to be determined for his recovery.

As for Bron Breakker, what repercussions will there be for the man who proved he’s #MeanerThanEvil?

 

Baron Corbin is here.

Fans are torn about #NoMoreBS Corbin making his way to the ring, but he seems torn about being here after being among the eyewitnesses to Bron’s brutality. Corbin gets a mic and he has the music die down. “Look, normally, I’d come out here, and you guys don’t like me, and I don’t like you. But we get that, we get it, we get it. Tonight is different, however. Seven days ago, I sat right there, and I watched something so vicious that the TV trucks had to cut the feed to black. I watched Bron Breakker literally crush Von Wagner’s skull between those steel stairs. I don’t like Von Wagner, and I’m not gonna stand out here and act like I do.

“Von Wagner’s entire story, everything with his head, his skull and the brain surgeries, it’s all very, very real. Bron knew that, and he took advantage of that. Look, I am no doctor by any means, but I can assure you, Von Wagner will never be the same again. Now Bron, I know you’re back there, and you’re watching this, I’ve got something to say to you so you need to come out here right now.” And so Bron does make his way out. And unlike Corbin, Bron is very happy with what he did, and Corbin says that is far enough. Corbin tells Bron that what he did last week to Von… Fans chant “You Got Tabled!” to rub in that Bron still lost to Von.

Corbin wants Bron to understand that what he did last week… Corbin isn’t sure how to put it into words. Fans have some words but Corbin says what Bron did… WAS FREAKIN’ AWESOME! Corbin and Bron celebrate together! The steps over Bron’s head, Corbin wasn’t sure if he was gonna do it, and then he did! HOLY CRAP! Bron and Corbin talk about the ambulances and the sirens. It was so cool! IDIOT!! Bron can’t believe Corbin really thinks he did that for Corbin’s approval. Bron did what he did because Von put him through a table, so he figured he’d end Von’s career! Fans boo but Bron says he can just see it. He closes his eyes, and he can just feel it.

Bron remembers the moment he smashed Von’s head. The chaos, the turmoil, the fear that it created in this room. Born didn’t just like it, he loved it! Corbin tells Bron that he appreciates Bron isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty. That’ll take him far in this business. But Corbin was gonna be nice and pay the fines. But clearly Bron doesn’t want that. Bron is so angry and #MeanerThanEvil, he ended Von’s career! Wow. Congrats. Try ending an Olympic Gold Medalist’s career at WrestleMania. Then take another gold medalist and end his career before it ever even starts! You wanna talk about evil? Corbin’s stood toe to toe with Taker in Madison Square Garden! And Roman Reigns all over-

Yeah, okay, Bron doesn’t care about Corbin’s accomplishments! Corbin is trying to say there are levels, and Corbin is on a higher level. Bron should want Corbin’s respect, and instead spits on it! Bron says he still doesn’t care! He doesn’t need that, he doesn’t want that! There is only one thing left for these two to do: Bron VS Corbin at NO MERCY!! Fans do like that idea, and Bron tells Corbin to do himself a favor. These next few weeks, call your family, your friends, your loved ones. Because Corbin is gonna leave the building the same way Von did last week! Corbin says Bron needs to learn that Corbin ain’t Von! Corbin then SLAPS Bron!!

Fans tell Corbin he messed up, but then Bron SLAPS back! Corbin SLAPS, Bron SLAPS, they throw hands, and security rushes in to stop this! These two wanna fight and fans wanna “LET THEM FIGHT!” But we have 18 days until No Mercy, who proves they’re the baddest of the bad in the WWE?

 

Josh Briggs, Brooks Jensen & Myles Borne do chin-ups backstage.

Fallon says it’s time, and it’s time to roll. The good ol’ boys and their new friend team up, will they be able to bring down Drew Gulak, Charlie Dempsey & Damon Kemp? Or will Gulak and his goons bully Myles even in the ring?

Six Man Tag: Josh Briggs, Brooks Jensen & Myles Borne w/ Fallon Henley VS Drew Gulak, Charlie Dempsey & Damon Kemp!

NXT returns as the Country Boys make their entrance. The teams sort out and Briggs starts with Kemp. The bell rings, Kemp takes a swing but Briggs blocks to scoop and SLAM! And then tag to Jensen, for a DOUBLE SCOOP SLAM! Then Briggs drops an ELBOW, followed by Jensen dropping an ELBOW! Dempsey runs in but Briggs trips him to stomp him! Jensen drops another elbow! Gulak runs in, into a DOUBLE BACK DROP! Fans fire up as the boys clear Gulak & Dempsey out, then Jensen runs to CHOP LARIAT Kemp in the corner! Jensen whips corner to corner, CHOP LARIATS, and repeat!

Kemp BOOTS Jensen, scrambles away, tag to Gulak! Gulak BOOTS Jensen, fires hands, then whips. Jensen ducks ‘n’ dodges and hits a RUNNING FACEBUSTER! Jensen has Gulak but Gulak headlocks! Tag to Dempsey, Gulak headlock punches Jensen and then runs in. Jensen TOSES Gulak, UPPERCUTS Dempsey, Briggs FLYING SHOULDERS Gulak down! Tag to Myles and Jensen hits an atomic drop, for Myles to follow up with a NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up with Myles and he brings Dempsey around. Dempsey throws hand, then GUT WRENCH SUPLEXES! Myles hurries, hot tags to Kemp and Jensen!

Jensen fires hands on Kemp, whips him to ropes, but Kemp holds ropes and KNEE SMASHES Jensen! Kemp whips, but Jensen WHEEL KICKS! Cover, Dempsey & Gulak break it! Borne & Briggs go after them, throw them out, and then Kemp and Jensen scrap! Jensen TOSSES Kemp, sees his boys are in trouble, and he hurries out to ROCK Gulak! Kemp runs in, Myles gets Fallon out of harm’s way and Kemp misses wide on Jensen! Myles and Fallon linger, but then he lets her back up. Jensen pushes Kemp into the ring, but Myles stops Jensen? And then SWINGS him into the post!? Is Myles a mole?!?

Kemp hits a URENAGE NECKBREAKER!! Cover, Kemp’s team wins!

Winners: Drew Gulak, Charlie Dempsey & Damon Kemp, by pinfall

The Golden Gopher gets the win thanks to Myles the mole, and Myles stands with the enemy! Fallon is beside herself for trusting Myles, but is this Myles giving in to the bullying? Or has this all been an act from the very start?

 

NXT checks in with Chase U.

The class bell rings and that ends lessons for today. Professor Chase wants everyone to watch Becky Lynch VS Tiffany Stratton in tonight’s main event and to take notes. Duke Hudson says he’s going to the Global Heritage Invitational Watch Party but Chase wants him to hold on. Did Duke see Thea last week? Chase is worried. Yeah, she’s entering those “Terrible Twenties.” Chase hasn’t even heard from her. Can Duke reach out? Say no more, sir! Duke is apparently Thea’s “bestie,” aka best friend, so they’ve been sharing- Oh. She’s turned off her location. Well, surely she’s alright, but Duke and Chase just don’t know what’s happening with her.

Speaking of, Thea and Jacy Jayne are hanging out again. Is Thea okay? Yeah. Well good, cuz those guys over there might be eyeing them. Isn’t that what eyes do? Yeah, no, she meant like they wanna talk with the two of them. Oh, like, right now? Really? Yeah, just hold on. Five, four, three… Hey, Jacy! How as the weekend? Good, she and Thea hung out. Cool, so what did they do? It was Thea’s birthday, so they went around town. Oh wow, did she stay up past her bedtime? Or did she have to get permission from Mr. Chase? They didn’t realize Jacy hung out with little kids. Jacy mocks their laughter and tells them to not talk to her like that!

Then Jacy SLAPS the tall one! Thea says yeah, she a grown ass woman, she don’t need no permission! And then she DECKS the other guy! And has the KIMURA! He taps, but she LOW BLOWS him! The bros run for it, and Jacy says well done. Thea says she doesn’t wanna look like some college kid. She wants to go shopping. Jacy’s got her. The two head out, is Thea continuing to transform into a different person?

 

Dana Brooke w/ Kelani Jordan VS Lyra Valkyria!

The Flex Appeal’s new edge seems to have her more on edge than anything. She was even paranoid that The Morrigan was trying to mentor-snipe her with Kelani! Will Dana establish herself as the alpha? Or will Lyra teach her a thing or two tonight?

NXT returns as Lyra makes her entrance. The bell rings and Dana tries to tune out the fans chanting for Lyra. The two circle, tie up, and Dana shoves Lyra away. Lyra says okay, storms up, but Dana waistlocks. Lyra switches, Dana fights the lift and throws elbows! Dana whips Lyra to a corner, but Lyra goes up and over and keeps moving. Lyra rolls over Dana’s drop down, Dana runs to get around the elbow, and tilt-o-whirls, but Lyra handsprings through the headscissors! Lyra ENZIGURIS Dana right down and Dana flops out of the ring! Fans rally, Lyra builds speed and she WRECKS Dana with a dropkick!

Fans fire up with Lyra and she puts Dana back in the ring. Lyra goes up but Dana YANKS her down! Lyra crashes down, clutches her head, but Dana stomps her! Dana handstands then drops knees! Cover, TWO! Dana grows frustrated but she drags Lyra up to whip her to a corner. Dana runs in to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Dana snarls, she drags Lyra up and cravats, but fans rally as Lyra endures. Lyra rolls, Dana holds on, but Lyra fights up again. Lyra rolls but Dana still holds on. Fans rally and duel, “Let’s Go, Dana!” “DANA SUCKS!” Lyra RAMS Dana into buckles, throws her away, and then counter punches!

Lyra fires off on Dana with haymakers and KICKS and a LARIAT! Lyra rallies, scoops, and she carries Dana around before the SLAM! Lyra staggers back but she comes back to kick, KICK and RAM into Dana! Lyra runs to SCISSOR KICK! Dana is down and fans fire up as Lyra storms around. Lyra stands Dana up, reels her in, NORTHERN- NO, Dana fights it to wrench and CLUB Lyra down! Dana tells Lyra to kiss this, then she whips her to a corner. Dana runs and handsprings but Lyra dodges! LEG LARIAT! Lyra hurries up top, fans fire up for the FLYING SPLASH! Cover, Lyra wins!

Winner: Lyra Valkyria, by pinfall

Dana’s change of attitude has not changed her fortunes, she suffers another loss! Lyra wants to show Dana respect for the match, and Kelani wants her mentor to accept it, so Dana does. But then Kelani has to keep Dana from going after Lyra?! Lyra sees that, and Dana “apologizes.” Just what is going on with Dana?

 

The NXT Women’s Breakout Tournament returns!

The very event that helped launch the careers of stars like Roxanne Perez, Kiana James and Fallon Henley will make it’s return! What stars of the future will show up and breakout?

 

Backstage interview with Eddie Thorpe.

McKenzie Mitchell is with the Alpha Wolf and brings up how fired  up he was in calling out Dijak. Has Thorpe had a chance to cool down? Eddie says that’s hard to do with a snake like Dijak. If it’s not the ring post, it’s the belt around the fist. Eddie is getting sick and tired of Dijak needing something extra. But then Dijak is on the tron! He says he’s out in nature looking for Eddie, but what happened? Did the spirts stop guiding Eddie after he lost two straight? Maybe the rituals, ceremonies and fairytales don’t work in the first place. Dijak tells Eddie to embrace his vicious, wild side, because right now, Dijak is marking his territory!

Dijak takes off his belt, to LASH the trees! Dijak laughs, but Eddie says they’ll pick this up another time. Will the Alpha Wolf finally tear Hard Justice down once and for all?

 

Dominik Mysterio is backstage.

And he comes across Carmelo Hayes. Dom jokes that the two of them can’t keep meeting like this. Melo says agreed. But Dom says what a “creative” solution to solving his challenger problem. What? Well, Dom had Dragon Lee and Mustafa Ali going after him, and he made them fight it out. Melo did the same with Wes and Dragunov! Way to be original, wink wink. Melo tells Dom that original is something Dom knows nothing about. But didn’t Dom finish that match screwing over Dragon Lee, the one man who’s beaten him? Let’s talk about it. Dom says they’ll be talking about Melo fighting Dragunov in Cali, a man Melo can’t beat.

Uh, check the stats, bro. Melo’s 1-0 against Dragunov. And after No Mercy, we’ll see who is still champ. Because to be honest, Dom ain’t cut like that. Dom brings up how Melo once said the North American Championship was The A Championship. And Melo was The A Champion. But now Dom IS the A Champion. Oh, okay. Well when Melo used to say that, it meant something way different than when Dom says it. But that’s cool. Next week, let’s put it to the test. Dom says he’ll talk to Mami about it. Yeah, you do that. Dom leaves, will he and Melo go Champion VS Champion next week?

 

Backstage interview with Becky Lynch.

McKenzie welcomes The Man back and Becky says it feels good to be home! Over the years, Becky has racked up astonishing accolades, but will tonight be the night Becky adds the NXT title to the list? That’s the plan! The last few weeks, Becky was reflecting on her time in NXT. Back then, it was just about surviving, about working harder than anyone else, just so she could have a seat at the table to get some scraps. And not a single person thought she was championship material, and yet here she stands, ten years later, and nobody can doubt her now. She’s still as passionate, maybe more so. Still as hungry, maybe more so.

And so here, The Man is ready to right some wrongs and walk out the NEW NXT Women’s Champion! But in walks Kiana James. Becky asks if she’s lost. No, she’s not. Just here to tell Becky that she doesn’t want Becky here! Especially not as champion! And Becky is just lucky it isn’t Kiana she’s facing or she’d send her home empty handed. Becky will take this as an application for the first ass kicking after Becky becomes champ. Kiana, the Man is gonna come around to NXT a whole lot more. Becky heads out, will she end Tiffy Time to bring all of NXT into the Big Time?

 

NXT Global Heritage Invitational Tournament, Group A: Tyler Bate VS Axiom!

The Big Strong Boi finally begins his journey through this round robin tournament, but he’s got some ground to cover already. Will he make it through the Undeniable Truth? Or will Axiom keep his own No Mercy hopes alive?

NXT returns as Axiom makes his entrance. Oh, and Meta Four is watching from their lounge. Last week’s theme was Frozen, so this week must be Jungle Cruise. The bell rings and we’re on the clock. The two circle, tie up, Axiom waistlocks but Bate wrenches free and wristlocks. Axiom rolls and rolls to get free, and the two reset. They tie up, Axiom spins and snapmares Bate, covers, ONE as Bate bridges up! Bate snapmares to cover, Axiom bridges up but Bate backslides, ONE! Axiom has the legs, then pulls Bate into a Bow ‘n’ Arrow! Bate pops free to cover, ONE! Axiom kips up and Bate handsprings, and the fans cheer. Dar says that was so-so but the two reset.

They tie up, knuckle lock, and Axiom rolls, trips and has Bate for a headlock. Bate kicks around, fans rally up for “POWER RANGER!” Axiom. Axiom whips, but Bate goes up and under and then ties up with Axiom again. Bate spins around, baits Axiom, and then he hops over. We get a glimpse of the viewing party guests, which of course is Duke Hudson, but also Dempsey and his friends, as well as Gallus with some pints. Bate then slides under, baits Axiom again, and then steps over to roll up, but Axioms its on it! But Bate sunset flips it! Axiom rolls through, Bate avoids his kicks, then UPPERCUTS! Axiom tumbles out hard and fans fire up!

Axiom gets back in and he shoves Bate! Bate shoves back, Bop up but Axiom avoids Bang to CROSS COUNTER! Bate is stinging from that one, but he swings on Axiom! Axiom dodges to DROPKICK Bate out of the ring! Axiom goes up and up and ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Direct hit but they both hit the desk! Meta Four is a bit surprised by that and Axiom puts Bate back in. Axiom climbs the corner, leaps again, CROSSBODY! But he bounces off the cover! Axiom hurries to ghost pin, ONE! Bate fireman’s carries! Fans fire up as the AIRPLANE SPIN starts! Bate goes around and around and around, about TEN times before he SLAMS Axiom down!

Fans fire up as Bate hurries after Axiom but Axiom bails out! Axiom is dizzy, but he’s still in this as NXT goes to break.

NXT returns and Axiom has Bate up top! SUPER BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Axiom drags himself up, Bate goes to the far side, and Axiom runs in, into a clinch! Bate hits an EXPLODER! And then kips up! Fans fire up for the SHOOTING STAR, into a TRIANGLE HOLD!! Bate fights, deadlifts, but Axiom lets go to ROUNDHOUSE! Bate wobbles, Axiom runs, but Bate ducks under the kick to ROLLING KICK! Axiom PENALTY KICKS on the rebound! Axiom waistlocks, Bate bucks the O’Conner, Axiom somersaults, into BANG! Bate runs, REBOUNDER into SPANISH FLY!! Both men are down and fans fire up!

The Watch Party is rather intrigued but Meta Four seems to keep clowning on this match. Doesn’t help that Dar’s costume is him riding a baby elephant… Bate and Axiom stir, Bate crawls to a corner and fans rally up. Axiom runs in, blocks a kick but not the KNEE! Bate goes up to FLYING UPPERCUT into a REAR NAKED CHOKE!! Axiom has Bate again and fans rally up! Bate fights, pries at the hold, sits up but Axiom is a backpack! But then Bate shifts him to a fireman’s carry! AIRPLANE SPIN AGAIN! But Axiom fights with elbows! And pops up to POISON-RANA!! Axiom fires up, brings Bate up, but Bate suplexes! BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!!

Axiom survives and fans fire up again! Bate goes back to a corner, goes up top, but Axiom GAMANGIRIS! Axiom climbs up after Bate, brings him to his feet, SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!?!? Bate survives, but into an ARMBAR!! Bate flails, moves around, ends up in another TRIANGLE HOLD! Bate deadlifts, but Axiom RANAS! Cover, TWO!! Bate has Axiom in the underhooks! TYLER DR- RANA!! Bate hits the REBOUNDER!! Fans are thunderous as Bate underhooks to TYLER DRIVER 97!! Cover, BATE WINS!

Winner: Tyler Bate, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Axiom earns o)

Dar doesn’t look happy, perhaps he’s worried The Big Strong Boi is gonna run the table? Bate has another match this Friday on Level Up, against Charlie Dempsey! Will Bate go 2-0 fast? Or will Dempsey find a way to get on the board?

 

Here are the NEW Group A standings!

Pete Dunne: 1-0-1, 3 points
Tyler Bate: 1-0, 2 points
Axiom: 0-1-1, 1 point
Charlie Dempsey: 0-1, 0 points

 

Backstage interview with Pete Dunne.

Kelly Kincaid asks Butch how he feels taking on Bate next Tuesday in a match that could decide the entire block. Dunne says everyone knows that he and Bate go way back. The finals of the WWE UK Championship Tournament, and the 2017 Match of the Year at TakeOver: Chicago. They even had their tryout match together, but to go even further back, Dunne was Bate’s first opponent ever when he was just 15 years old. But Dunne isn’t here to reminisce. HE’s here to prove he’s the baddest man in all of the WWE! And nobody brings out the Bruiserweight in Dunne than Bate. Bate, good luck next week, but you already know it’s FIGHT NIGHT!

 

The Schism meets.

Joe Gacy sighs, and says while Ava Raine’s loyalty is comforting, it is clear that their tree is dying. Ava says four roots may have turned to two, but there’s- NO! The tree is rotting. It is withered away and now they stand all alone. They are more isolated than ever before. Gacy touches the tree, and Ava touches it, too. What will become of The Schism after losing The Dyad?

 

Carmelo finds Trick Williams in the locker room.

What’s Trick watching? Gacy and Ava are talking about being alone. Strange cats, but Trick can relate. What? Trick ain’t alone. Melo always has his back. Yeah, yeah, sure. But Trick saw Melo has Dom next week, right? Yeah, Trick saw that. Champ on champ, talk about it! Judgment Day always on the funny stuff so maybe, Trick can be some extra hands out there, just like the good ol’ days. Melo says that’s cool, but he’s all set. But hey, Trick wants to do his own thing, so Melo’s letting him do it. Yeah, Trick did say that, but he didn’t mean like that. But hey, outside these walls, they’re boys. Yeah, Trick Melo Gang!

Wes is packing up in the background, but Melo and Trick say they always gonna be here. Trick and Melo shake hands, Melo heads out, is… Is Wes throwing away his locker label? Is Wes leaving NXT?!

 

The Creed Brothers w/ Ivy Nile VS Malik Blade & Edris Enofe!

Julius & Brutus get back into action after winning back their spots in NXT! However, they think they can just get back to the tag titles, and the young ‘n’ hungry duo of Malik & Edris won’t let them jump the line. Will Malik & Edris prove they’re #MoreThanARookie? Or will the Diamond Mine show they’re stronger than ever before?

NXT returns as Malik & Edris make their entrance. The teams sort out, Malik and Julius start. The bell rings and Malik SHOTGUNS Julius into Brutus! Tag to Edris, then Malik hits a BLOCKBUSTER! Edris goes up top fast, Malik FLIES out onto Brutus! MACHO ELBOW from Edris! Cover, TWO!! Julius survives the fast opening salvo, and then we see Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo up in the perch. Edris fires hands on Julius, whips but Julius reverses to CLOBBER him! Tag to Brutus, they get Edris up to fireman’s carry, and then JUMP KNEE SLAM COMBO! Cover, TWO! Edris survives but Brutus drags him up!

Brutus torture racks to SLAM Edris, then STANDING MOONSAULTS! Then SENTONS! Cover, Malik breaks it! Fans rally, Tony D’Angelo & Stacks are watching backstage. Malik drags Edris to the corner, tags himself in, but Brutus CLOBBERS Malik! Brutus SMASHES Edris, whips Malik, but Malik goes up and out and Edris DROPKICKS Brutus into the CROSSBODY! Fans rally as Malik tags Edris, and they hoist Brutus up for a BLOCKBUSTER HART ATTACK! Cover, TWO!! Brutus survives and Edris grows frustrated. Malik goes to his corner, Edris CLUBS Brutus and CLUBS him again!

Fans rally as Edris CLUBS Brutus more and more! Edris runs to FAMOUSER! Edris talks smack on Julius, but Brutus is hulking up! Edris CLUBS Brutus, tells him to stay down or he’ll hurt him! Edris runs, but Brutus POUNCES! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Brutus shoves Edris aside, hot tags to Malik and Julius! Julius clinches to OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Then an OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY for Edris! Another for Malik! Edris ROCKS Julius, but runs into the ROLLING SPINEBUSTER! But Malik is up top, he CROSBSODIES again! Julius rolls through with him!?

Fans are thunderous as Brutus tags in! Julius pops Malik up, BRUTUS BALL DOOMSDAY!! Cover, Creeds win!

Winners: The Creed Brothers, by pinfall

Edris is beside himself, but then the Creeds notice the former Los Lotharios. The Creeds egg them on, but then they see Hank ‘n’ Tank at the ramp. Only for Lucien Price & Bronco Nima to CLOBBER them! Those big boys all brawl their way out of the arena, everyone in the NXT Tag Division is ready for a fight! But who fights their way to getting their shot at The D’Angelo Family?

 

Becky Lynch prepares in the locker room.

Lyra walks in and Becky’s on guard, but then hugs Lyra. They’re both happy to see each other, and Becky congratulates Lyra on the win tonight. Thanks, thanks! Becky says Lyra is making everyone home in Ireland proud. Lyra tells Becky to do the world a favor and win that title off Tiffany. Oh she’ll do her best. They fist bump and Becky heads out. Will there be some major lass kicking here tonight?

 

Roxanne Perez is in the locker room.

She talks with the prospects about the return of the Breakout Tournament. It is a huge opportunity, and she should know. She won it and it changed her life. It all took off, from Iron Survivor to NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion and THE NXT Women’s Championship. Dani Palmer says it was a competitive field, too. Nikkita Lyons, Fallon Henley, even Tiffany Stratton was in it. Oh and Kiana. Roxie remembers eliminating her in the first round, and Kiana’s never been nice to her after that. Oh, they couldn’t tell. But Roxie just called her out is all. But then in walk Elektra Lopez & Lola Vice walk in.

What’s this about Roxie causing issues in the locker room? Uh, what? Roxie isn’t causing problems. Sounds like it to them. Well, Lola, you’re new here, but since your mom didn’t give you the memo, chaos is inevitable in NXT. So if you two want to come at her- Back off, Roxie. If you’re looking for trouble, she’s found it. Oh is that so? Lola has Elektra stand down, and tells Roxie’s new attitude is gonna get her in trouble real quick. Roxie’s not sure about that. Lola says after she’s done with Roxie, she’s done. And then Lola will win the Breakout Tournament. Lola & Lopez head out, but will the other prospects have something to say about that?

 

NXT Global Heritage Invitational Tournament, Group B: Nathan Frazer VS Akira Tozawa!

Time is running out on this round robin and this is the make-or-break match for the Rocket from the Jersey Islands! Can he make a case for being the Group B finalist? Or will the Stamina Monster become the Spoiler Monster here tonight?

The bell rings and the two tie up. Tozawa wristlocks, wrenches then wristlocks again. Frazer rolls, handsprings and WRINGS Tozawa! Tozawa BOOTS Frazer away and the two stand off. The Watch Party is still going on and Gallus is sure into this seeing the guy Joe Coffey just beat back in action. Tozawa and Frazer go again, Frazer wrenches to headlock and hits a takeover. Tozawa headscissors, squeezes tight, and fans rally. Frazer kips free, things speed up, and Frazer blows past Tozawa again and again to then DROPKICK him down! Fans fire up for that, and Frazer aims from a corner. Frazer runs in but is put on the apron.

Frazer ROCKS Tozawa first, then springboards, but Tozawa gets under. Frazer ducks the spin kick and he catches Tozawa as he slips under! Tozawa victory rolls, TWO! Tozawa blocks a kick, ducks another, and then GERMAN SUPLEXES! Fans fire up with Tozawa and he runs to SHINING WIZARD! Oro Mensah likes that as Tozawa goes up a corner. Fans rally, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Frazer flops out of the ring, so Tozawa builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp with the Tozawa Torpedo! Tozawa puts Frazer in and goes up! Fans bring back the “AH! AH! AH!” But Frazer springs up to get Tozawa!

Tozawa fires body shots first, and he shoves Frazer away! Frazer flips back to land on his feet, and he’s right back up! SUPER DUPER PLEX, and roll through to ANARCHY! Cover, Frazer wins!!

Winner: Nathan Frazer, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Tozawa earns 0)

Firstly, this ends Tozawa’s run, he is 0-3 in Group B! As for Frazer, he has kept himself alive for one more week! Can Duke Hudson beat Joe Coffey and force a three-way-tie? Or will the Iron King make this his kingdom?

 

Here are the NEW Group B standings!

Nathan Frazer: 2-1, 4 points
Joe Coffey: 2-0, 4 points
Duke Hudson: 1-1, 2 points
Akira Tozawa: 0-3, 0 points [ELIMINATED]

 

Backstage interview with Joe Coffey.

Kelly is with the Gallus Boys, and says that now, Coffey’s match with Duke is even more crucial. Joe says he’s been the odds on favorite since this started. The only person left is Duke? Joe will slap Duke about, and then he’ll finish Group B undefeated with SIX points, #GallusBoysOnTop! And then Coffey will go to No Mercy and snatch away the Heritage Cup from Dar. But uh, Duke is in the room and he walks over to say he isn’t good with numbers, so one of the Chase U students crunched them for him. And according to that math, Frazer’s win tonight means that if Duke beats Coffey next week, that’s a three way tie for Group B.

So underestimate the MVP all you like, but when Duke wins, he’ll have a new nickname: The Spoiler, Duke Hudson! Ya like that, ya flogs?! Duke heads out, fired up for the final round. Will Duke come through in the clutch? Or will this still be Gallus’ Kingdom?

 

Backstage interview with Mustafa Ali.

McKenzie is with The Beacon and says he is now the #1 Contender to the North American Championship, under “questionable” circumstances. Aw, Miss Mitchell, do not undermine Ali’s huge victory over the incredible Dragon Lee. Did Ali like how Dom officiated? No, but there’s nothing Ali can do about that, it is out of his hands. So then, what about after the match? She noticed Ali looked around and didn’t like the fans’ reaction. Ali says well they weren’t booing him, they were booing Dom! Did Ali get caught up in the moment? Sure. But when he realized his hand was being raised by “that outsider, that convicted criminal,” Ali took action!

Ali DECKED Dom, and wants us to know that he will be the one to reclaim that North American title for ALL of NXT! But then Dragon Lee walks in. Ali says hey, it’s him! Yes, yes, but uh, did Ali watch the match back? Of course! Like ten times! Absolutely amazing! Well, Dom’s count was too fast. Doesn’t Ali agree? Ali agreeing or disagreeing now is irrelevant. They can’t change it. However, at No Mercy, when Ali defeats Dom for Dragon, for McKenzie, for himself and for ALL of NXT, then Dragon will be the very first challenger. That’s only fair, right? Ali heads out and Dragon says that one thing’s true: Dragon ain’t done with Ali. But then will Dragon let this go as scheduled for the greater good?

 

NXT Media catches up with Wes Lee.

They know it was a heartbreaking loss to Dragunov tonight, but what’s next for him? Wes says Dragunov was the better man tonight, plain and simple. Wes said if he’s not going to No Mercy, then he’s going home. His wife is there to greet him with a kiss, and Wes explains that he did clear his locker out. Wes and Mrs. Lee leave, but is Wes ever coming back?

Wait, what’s going on now? GIGI DOLIN is THROWING Blair Davenport around and throwing hands! Gigi is giving the “NXT Prowler” a taste of her own medicine! Security and producers pull Gigi away but she’s not done with Blair! Blair is just as furious, what will it take for these two to settle things once and for all?

 

NXT Women’s Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Becky Lynch!

The Wrestling Barbie misspoke and created a whole mess of problems for herself with it! She “apologized” but The Man wasn’t having it, and so here we are! Will the Center of the NXT Universe still be Tiffany? Or will she be knocked off the #TiffyTop when The Man comes around?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Big Time trumps Tiffy Time!

The bell rings and fans fire up for Becky with “Welcome Home! Welcome Home!” The two circle, they tie up, and Tiff powers Becky to a corner. The ref counts, Tiff grins as she lets off and says she knows the rules. Tiff tells Becky to go back where she came from, NXT belongs to her! The two circle again, knuckle lock, and then Tiff kicks low. Tiff headlocks but Becky powers out. Tiff runs Becky over, blows her a kiss, and things speed up. Tiff handsprings over but Becky just sighs. Fans fire up, Tiff goes Matrix to dodge, then Tiff trips to cover, but Becky goes Matrix to slip free! Becky wags her fingers, she did it first, y’know.

Things speed up again, Becky shows she can cartwheel, too! Fans fire up, Tiff is mad, and things speed up. Becky catches the hurdle for a FLAPJACK, then she gets Tiff’s arm! Tiff scrambles to avoid the Disarm-Her, and she shoves Becky away. Becky smiles as she has Tiff all flustered. The two reset, tie up, and Tiff knees low. Tiff CLUBS Becky down, brings her up and bumps her off buckles. Tiff bumps Becky off more buckles, and then whips her to ROCK her in the back! Fans duel, “Tiffy Time!” “NO!” as Tiff whips gain. Becky ROCKS Tiff first! Tiff and Becky go forearm for forearm, Becky whips but Tiff reverses to kick low!

Tiff suplexes to hang Becky out to dry! Tiff then runs to HIP ATTACK Becky off the apron! Fans boo as Tiff flexes, and NXT goes picture in picture.

Tiff kisses her biceps but shrugs at the fans booing her. Becky hurries back over but Tiff is on her. Becky throws body shots, but Tiff hits back! Tiff SMACKS Becky off the apron, then taunts her as she stalks her. Becky body shots back, but Tiff throws another forearm! Tiff SMACKS Becky off apron again, then follows her along the way to CLUB her down! And SMACK her off the apron again! Tiff puts Becky in the ring, stalks her to a corner and stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, Tiff lets off, and Tiff brings Becky around to bump off buckles. Tiff RAMS into Becky, RAMS her again, and again! The ref counts and Tiff again lets off.

Tiff soaks up the heat, goes to the far corner, then paces around as Becky flounders. Tiff stomps Becky, but Becky throws body shots! And forearms! And UPPERCUTS! Becky runs, Tiff blocks but Becky throws more forearms! Becky runs, into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Tiff clamps onto Becky with a seated abdominal stretch! Becky endures, fans rally, and Becky fights up to her feet. Becky arm-drags Tiff away, then rolls her up! ONE!! Tiff runs up but into an ELBOW! Tiff tries again, but Becky BOOTS her! Becky LARIATS, then LARIATS again! Becky CALF KICKS and NXT returns to single picture!

Fans fire up as Tiff staggers away to a corner. Becky fires up with the fans and she runs in to forearm smash! Then a clinch, BECKSPLODER! Becky brings Tiff around but Tiff throws Becky out. Becky ROCKS Tiff from the apron, smacks her off buckles, then she climbs up! Fans fire up as Becky MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Becky keeps her cool as Tiff hangs in there. The fans rally up as Becky paces around, then steps over! Tiff rolls Becky up, TWO! Becky gets around, gets the arm, but Tiff whips her away, SKY HIGH! Cover, TWO! Becky is still in this, she’s tougher than that!

Fans rally, Tiff drags Becky to a drop zone, PRETTIEST- NO, Becky drags Tiff down! Tiff kicks Becky away but Becky comes back to ROCK Tiff! Becky runs in, only gets buckles, but she tosses Tiff out! Tiff HOTSHOTS Becky back! Tiff goes up top, but Becky ROCKS her! Becky climbs up after Tiff, and fans fire up as Tiff fires hands! Becky goes all the way to TEN! Then she brings Tiff up, but Tiff fights with body shots! Tiff SUPER GOURD BUSTERS! Fans boo as Tiff adjusts, to SWANTON BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and Tiff is beside herself! Charismatic Enigma she is not, but Tiff drags Becky up to fireman’s carry.

Becky slips free, shoves Tiff and kicks low! Underhooks, BUTTERFLY SUPLEX, to the ARMBAR!! Fans are thunderous as Tiff flails and reaches out! Becky pulls on that arm, Tiff kicks with her long legs! Tiff reaches out, ROPEBREAK! But Becky drags her away to a TRIANGLE HOLD! Tiff stacks it, TWO and Tiff deadlifts, but Becky RANAS! Becky stays on top for a cover, TWO! Tiff staggers up, she YANKS Becky into ropes! Then Tiffy runs to HIP ATTACK! Becky flops, Tiff runs to DOUBLE STOMP!! Cover, TWO!?? Becky survives the #TiffyToes and fans rally up! Tiff is frustrated and she dares Becky to get up!

Tiff runs in, clinches Becky but Becky slips around to shove her away! Tiff BOOTS Becky back, then PRETTIEST- Becky follows her?! SUPER RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP!! Cover, TWO!!! Tiff survives and fans can’t believe it! Fans cheer on “NXT! NXT!” for giving us this match! Becky reaches out but Tiff bails out. Becky goes to the apron, but Tiff TRIPS her! Becky hits apron, then Tiff RAMS her into steel steps! Tiff takes the hood off the desk!? Tiff wants to finish this one way or another as she drags Becky up! But Becky fights the bomb and gets to the barriers! Fans fire up as Becky throws hands in the front row!

Becky KICKS Tiff and she’s on the desk! Fans are thunderous as Becky aims, and Booker T clears some space! SUPER LEG DROP onto the desk! The desk doesn’t give, and Becky puts Tiff in the ring! Becky goes up top, to drop the MAN’S LEG!! Cover, TWO?!?!? But Becky has the DISARM-HER!!! Tiff endures, reaches out, but Becky pulls that arm!! Tiff fights around to the ROPEBREAK! But Becky drags her away! But Tiffy powers up to lift Becky! but Becky gets to the apron! Tiff runs in, into a KICK! And a ROUNDHOUSE! Becky goes up, aims again, and leaps, but Tiff gets under! Tiff kicks low and reels Becky in! POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!!!

Becky survives, kicking out by nanoseconds, and “This is Awesome!” Fans rally up as hard as they can as Tiffy pushes Becky to a corner. Tiff is frustrated, clutching her neck, but she tells Becky to go away! Becky ROCKS Tiff! Tiff ROCKS Becky! Tiff swings, into the clinch! She slips free, roll up, TWO!! Becky runs into a fireman’s carry! ROLLING SENTON!! PRETTIEST MOONSAULT- NO, Becky dodges! MANHANDLE SLAM!!!! Cover, BECKY WINS!!!

Winner: Becky Lynch, by pinfall (NEW NXT Women’s Champion)

INCREDIBLE! For the first time ever, Big Time Becks is NXT Women’s Champion!! Tiffany put up a fight worthy of a champion, but she still has a way to go, when and where will she come back for this belt? As for Becky, what new heights will she bring this title to now that she finally has it?


My Thoughts:

This was a really good episode of NXT that was sandwiched between awesome matches. For one, the flat out adrenaline rush of that main event finish! As powerful as her Heel Heat is, there is no denying Tiff is already a great pro-wrestler. I said it felt like things were booked into a corner, so what a great surprise that Becky wins and has that belt. Becky’s promo earlier said this was righting the wrongs, maybe HHHBK felt the same, because now Becky’s resumé is even stronger, she is now Grand Slam Becks! She also won the Royal Rumble, that’s Five Star Becks! And surely, this program was a nod that Tiff is going to be set up for a very similar career in the end.

The other awesome match was Dragunov VS Wes at the start, and that wasn’t just opening strong, that was opening with an instant classic. Dragunov beating Wes makes sense given where they were going with Dragunov and Melo, but what a wild development having Wes basically quit NXT! This could be his version of a call-up, but I don’t know, maybe Wes returns closer to Survivor Series and the big NXT event set for that time. Good promo from Melo and Dom to set up a Champion VS Champion match next week, that is going to be really good stuff, and Trick Williams probably does get involved despite the conversation he and Melo had because someone has to (try to) stop Mami!

A lot of other great stuff tonight. I just felt that as soon as Corbin started looking sad, he was gonna switch and be all excited about what Bron did to Corbin. At the same time, I figured Bron wasn’t gonna let Corbin be all chummy with him, and now we’re going to get a great match between those two. And while Von’s “recovery” is undeterminable, I would think Von shows up at No Mercy to confront Bron after he beats Corbin. Good promo from Mustafa Ali and Dragon Lee to keep Dragon in mind should Ali beat Dom. And yes, he should beat Dom. Ali is more of an actual NXT Callback than Becky and Dom are, Ali really should finally get a title, and this is a great time to do all that.

A part of me just knew Myles was gonna betray Briggs & Jensen in that Six Man Tag, it’s the more “dramatic” move. And I should’ve known there’d also be a wrinkle of Myles starting to have feelings for Fallon, that’s why he got her out of the way there. Not sure how that plays out in the end, other than Briggs & Jensen facing like Myles & Gulak as a team to try and get payback. But then what? How does Myles redeem himself? This is gonna be redneck Romeo & Juliet if Myles stays Heel but he likes Fallon and courts her while she’s Face. And then really good match between Lyra and Dana, but of course Lyra wins. Dana almost snapping on Lyra was a nice touch, she is all but Heel at this point.

Great news that the Women’s Breakout Tournament is on its way back, and I liked Roxie talking with the newer superstars about it. Can’t wait to see who is in that tournament and what will come of it. Roxie getting into it with Lola & Lopez is an interesting move, too, but it could be a good feud to hold Roxie over until she’s either ready for another title shot or just a straight call-up to RawDown. Also great just random Gigi and Blair brawl backstage, that needs to be a grudge match for at least the go-home episode. And fun little moment from Chase U to show Thea and Jacy hanging out and fighting off dude-bros. Feels like they could become an official women’s tag team, so let’s just hope the Women’s Tag Team Champions visit NXT for once.

Good little bit from Gacy and Ava, but it makes me wonder what the plan is for Rip Fowler & Jagger Reed, or perhaps, for Zack Gibson & James Drake. Could the Grizzled Young Veterans make a big return? The tag division is already stacked, with a really good match from Creeds VS Malik & Edris while all the other tag teams were watching. I hope we get to see what the new and improved Garza & Carrillo soon, and they could possibly set up a tag title match with Tony & Stacks for either No Mercy or the go-home episode. And if not the former Los Lotharios, then maybe a revived GYV could be the team to dethrone the D’Angelo Family.

And great stuff in the Global Heritage Invitational. For one, I like the watch party aspect, and we got good promos from the guys in there to hype up the many “must win” scenarios. And much like Tiffany, for all the Heel heat Meta Four accumulates, I do appreciate them having themes that go with Disney related stuff since they’re gonna be in Bakersfield for No Mercy. So far we’ve had Frozen and Jungle Cruise, can’t wait to see what next week will be. And of course, the matches themselves were great. Bate VS Axiom/A-Kid was really good but of course Bate won, he only just started. I have a feeling Bate runs the table, beating Dempsey this Friday, and at least draws with Dunne so that he wins the group by one point.

As for Group B, I am betting on that three way tie for first, and then we can have a Triple Threat match to settle things between Frazer, Duke and Coffey. That way, Frazer can snatch the win away from Coffey and Duke to then face Bate. Frazer VS Bate connects back to when they each held a Heritage Cup, and then either way, we get someone with a lot of history with Dar facing him for THE Heritage Cup. And no offense to Frazer, but he’s already had his time with Dar, this could be his chance to move on to the North American or even top title while Bate holds it down in the Heritage Cup Division.

My Score: 8.9/10


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Coverage

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

It’s Draft Day!

Published

on

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

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

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.

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

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

 

SmackDown throws it to the NXT Performance Center.

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

 

Corey Graves is in the ring.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Triple H is here!

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners: Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee, by pinfall

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

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

 

Bron Breakker VS Cedric Alexander!

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

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

Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall

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

 

Nick Aldis heads out.

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

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

 

Michelle McCool and Torrie Wilson are here!

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

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

 

The Bloodline arrives backstage.

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

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

 

Kayla Braxton is on stage.

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

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

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

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

 

The Dudley Boyz are here!

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

No Contest

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

 

B-Fab and the Street Profits meet up backstage.

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

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

 

The Final Testament speaks.

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

 

Teddy Long and JBL are here!

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

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

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

 

Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.

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

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

 

Cody Rhodes VS Carmelo Hayes!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

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

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


My Thoughts:

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

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

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

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

My Score: 8.8/10


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

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

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

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

Ratings:

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

Results:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#1 Contender: Frankie Kazarian vs Josh Alexander

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

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

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

ASH by Elegance vs Xia Brookside

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

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

Sami Callihan vs The Good Hands

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Overall Score: 6/10

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

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


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