Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (1/12/24)
Will the Role Model lead by example?
Once more, Bayley takes on Bianca Belair!
With the EST gunning for Iyo Sky and her WWE Women’s Championship, Bayley steps in to block! But will Bianca Belair just get another win off Bayley? Or will Bayley finally come out on top?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Grayson Waller w/ Austin Theory VS Cameron Grimes; No Contest.
- Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde w/ Zelina Vega VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo w/ Santos Escobar; Garza & Carrillo win.
- Bianca Belair VS Bayley w/ Damage CTRL; Bianca wins.
- Carmelo Hayes VS Austin Theory w/ Grayson Waller; No Contest.
- Six Man Tag: AJ Styles, LA Knight & Randy Orton VS Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa & ???; changed to…
- 3v2 Handicap Match: AJ Styles, LA Knight & Randy Orton VS Jimmy Uso & Solo Sikoa; Styles, Knight & Orton win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Grayson Waller w/ Austin Theory VS Cameron Grimes!
Last week, A-Town Down Under was standing up for Logan Paul (since no one else was gonna), and they couldn’t take a joke from the Carolina Caveman. Will Grimes feel that Grayson Waller Effect? Or will he cause a Cave-In in Cornhusker Country?
But wait! As Grimes makes his entrance, THE BLOODLINE attacks him!! Jimmy Uso & Solo Sikoa mug Grimes while Paul Heyman makes his way to the ring. Waller & Theory are laughing and enjoying this while fans boo and refs rush out. Security follows but Jimmy & Solo clobber them all! Producers and Nick Aldis storm out next, but this is clearly the Bloodline’s response to Roman Reigns being put in a Fatal 4 Way as punishment for his own actions. A-Town Down Under clears out of there for Heyman to take the ring. Heyman would appreciate it if the jeers were directed elsewhere. “We’re not the bad guys here.”
“The bad guy is that villainous James Bond wannabe right there, Nick Aldis. Nick Aldis put YOUR Tribal Chief in a Fatal 4 Way match at the Royal Rumble, where it’s practically guaranteed that the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship of the World will be lost by Roman… Reigns.” Aldis storms up to the ring while Heyman says that this doesn’t make Jimmy the bad guy, this doesn’t make Solo the bad guy, and it certainly doesn’t make Roman the bad guy, let alone Paul Heyman into the bad guy. The bad guy IS Aldis. Nick…! Aldis! Aldis snatches the mic!! Fans fire up while Heyman keeps Solo back.
Aldis tells Heyman, “First of all, disabuse yourself of the notion that this is a conversation between two equals, because it isn’t. The Fatal 4 Way match at the Royal Rumble? That’s a done deal. This is the second match in as many weeks that have been ruined by the Bloodline. It will not happen again. And the Bloodline, you can’t ruin the main event of tonight’s show, because tonight in Lincoln, Nebraska, The Bloodline are IN the main event of tonight’s show.” Fans like the sound of that! Lincoln, you’ve braved the cold, so tonight, you will get the Phenomenal AJ Styles teaming with L A Knight “YEAH!” and Randy Orton…
And they will be facing all THREE members of The Bloodline, Solo Sikoa, Jimmy Uso, and Roman… Reigns! Fans REALLY like the sound of that! Heyman is halfway between grinning and frowning, and he tries to take the mic back. Aldis holds on tight, so Heyman leans in. “You know as well as I know Roman Reigns is not here in Lincoln, Nebraska tonight.” Fans boo but Aldis says “Oh… You’re right! Roman Reigns has once again started something that he doesn’t seem to want to finish. So, the Bloodline, you have until the main event of tonight’s show to find a third man if you’d like. And if not, well then I guess it’s a 3-on-2 handicap match. Good luck, Mr. Heyman.”
It’s about to pop-off in Cornhusker Country! Will Jimmy & Solo suffer for the arrogance of their Tribal Chief? Or will they pull of a miracle of finding someone who doesn’t hate their guts?
The Bloodline regroups backstage.
Jimmy hopes Solo heard what just happened out there. Two against three because ain’t nobody teaming with them, Uce! They gotta find someone? Heyman says don’t worry, he let Roman know, he’s on hold. But don’t worry, there is a locker room full of people kissing up to Heyman, wanting to join the Bloodline. Relax, Heyman will find them somebody. Don’t worry. Jimmy says he IS worried, though! Solo, you worried? Solo is stoic as he says, “I never worry.” Will Solo start worrying if it still ends up 3v2 tonight?
Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde w/ Zelina Vega VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo w/ Santos Escobar!
The new era of the Latino World Order has been marred by the arrogance and betrayal of the Emperor of Lucha Libre. But Santos says there is a natural order: the weak are consumed by the strong. The new era of Legado Del Fantasma is here, will they do to Cruz & Wilde what has already happened to Rey Mysterio? Or will Santos’ new familia let him down, too?
SmackDown returns and Santos has joined commentary. The LWO makes their entrance, La Muneca by their side. Santos claims they can’t call themselves LWO anymore. HIS team is LWO: Legado World Order! The teams start brawling, the bell rings, and Wilde dodges Humberto to clothesline Humberto and himself out of the ring! Cruz SHOTGUNS Garza down, and then he fires off hands. Cruz CHOPS Garza, Garza shoves back, but Cruz ducks ‘n’ dodges and RANAS! Fans fire up with Cruz as he talks trash on Garza. Cruz fires off on Garza in a corner, lets off to run in, but Garza pops him up. Cruz lands on the ropes to springboard MISSILE DROPKICK!
Garza scrambles but Cruz sends him out. Humberto returns but Cruz TOSSES him out! Wilde joins in and the fans fire up. LWO FLIES to take out Garza & Humberto! The fans fire up again and Santos admits, that wasn’t bad. But he taught them everything they know, just not everything he knows. Cruz puts Garza back in but Garza kicks low. Garza calls to Humberto, tags him in, and they mug Cruz. Humberto whips, follows, but Cruz arm-drags! And arm-drags again! Humberto fights up, tags Garza, and they whip Cruz. Humberto hurdles, Cruz ducks ‘n ‘dodges, but Garza holds the ropes open, sending Cruz to the floor!
Fans boo but Santos laughs as his former amigo flounders. Humberto sits Cruz on the apron for Garza to PENALTY KICK back down! Santos says nothing’s stopping his guys, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Cruz fires haymakers on Garza! Garza shoves, blocks a kick, then slips around to hook Cruz up in a Gory Especial! Tag to Humberto and he slingshots, GORY BOMB CUTTER! Then the Chancery to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Fans boo but Humberto stomps Cruz. Humberto swipes at Wilde but Wilde gets away, so Humberto goes back to chinlock Cruz. Cruz endures, fans rally up, and Vega coaches Cruz up. Cruz fights up to JAWBREAKER free! Hot tag to Garza and he drags Cruz back. Cruz hops up, slips out of the back suplex, and ducks under to hot tag Wilde!
Fans fire up as Wilde rallies on Garza! DROPKICK! Fans fire up more and Wilde fires off haymakers. Wilde whips, Garza reverses but Wilde ducks ‘n ‘dodges and goes up, around, and backslides! Garza rolls through but into a SOMERSAULT DDET! Cover, Humberto breaks it! Cruz whips, Humberto reverses and tosses Cruz out! Wilde dumps Humberto out! Wilde goes up the corner, but who is he aiming for? Garza trips him up, so it no longer matters! Santos enjoys seeing that as Garza CHOPS Wilde! Garza calls to Humberto, tags him in, and they both climb up. They DOUBLE ROCKET LAUCH Wilde!
Garza whips Cruz into steel steps! Humberto MOONSAULTS but lands through as Wilde moves! Humberto rebounds, sunset flips, and deadlifts to SPINNING BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Wilde survives and even Santos has to admit, that’s impressive. The fans fire up, Humberto drags Wilde up and tags Garza. Humberto Electric Chair Lifts but Wilde POISON-RANAS free! Garza SUPERKICKS Wilde to a corner, runs in, but only gets POST! Humberto staggers his way over, but Cruz MISSILE DROPKICKS him down! Cruz then runs, goes up and up and ESCALARA TONRILLO!! Direct hit at the ramp and the fans are thunderous!
But wait, here comes Carlito! Santos was just waiting for this! He dares Carlito to come get him, but Carlito BLINDSLIDES him from the crowd!! Caribbean Cool beats up on Santos all over ringside, then TOSSES him over barriers! The brawl spills into the crowd and the fans love it! The teams are rather stunned by this, but then Wilde wheelbarrows Garza! Garza blocks, sits on the cover, and holds ropes!! LEGADO STEALS THE WIN!
Winners: Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo, by pinfall
Even with Carlito being an ace up the sleeve, Garza & Carrillo run away with the victory! Will Santos’ new familia take down the LWO by any means necessary?
Nick Aldis meets with Carmelo Hayes.
Aldis says Melo impressed a lot of people during his run in the United States Championship Contender’s Tournament, including Aldis himself. Melo says blue does look good on him. But since he’s here, he’ll shoot his shot. The Royal Rumble is- Wait, A-Town Down Under interrupts, telling Aldis they need to talk. What is with these shenanigans? What kind of show is Aldis running here? Waller wins by forfeit, right? Right? Aldis says he was in the middle of something. Oh, what is Melo even doing here? Need more of the Waller rub? Melo asks Waller what he’s doing here. Melo’s beaten Waller so many times already.
Theory says it’s a fluke. Melo isn’t on Waller’s level. Oh, yeah, that’s true. Melo’s on the level above Waller. And Melo is getting real sick of Waller, so maybe they should run it back. Waller says he’d love to, but he just wrestled, he needs his cool down. But Theory is hungry tonight, he can do this. Aldis likes that idea. It is a done deal. Melo says it’ll be A-Town Down Bad tonight. Theory & Waller head out, cocky as ever, but will they feel rather deflated after facing… HIM?
The LWO regroups backstage.
They are upset about how things just went down with Legado, but then Heyman, apple in hand, says hey to Carlito. Heyman doesn’t want Carlito to think of this like Eve temping Adam with an apple or anything, but Carlito teaming with The Bloodline… That’s cool. Carlito chuckles and says yeah, Carlito is looking for a fight. But with Santos Escobar. But thanks for the apple. Heyman says that was supposed to be a package deal! Well, will this snake have to look elsewhere to find his naive target?
Logan Paul speaks.
Still sporting the black eye Kevin Owens gave him, the Maverick United States Champion tries to get Kevin’s attention on the tron. Logan “apologizes” for not being live tonight, but he never goes to Nebraska and he was busy. With his lawyers. Because this black eye isn’t just a black eye, it’s evidence. Turns out, that cast on Kevin’s hand is a liability. Not just for Logan but for their match. Because if Kevin thinks he can just stroll into the Royal Rumble with that cast- Or no, with that weapon, then Logan won’t just beat Kevin in the match but in the court of law. Logan will run Kevin’s pockets so deep, Kevin will forget he’s wearing pants.
Logan wants Kevin to consider this: Yes, Logan is ready for the fight, but is Kevin ready for a fair fight? Little cheater cheater, pumpkin eater. Because if Kevin is still wearing the cast by the time their match is up, consider the match cancelled. See you soon, KO. Hypocrisy aside, is the Prizefighter going to have no choice but to go into that fight with one hand metaphorically tied behind his back?
Tyler Bate meets Pete Dunne backstage.
They sit down in the lounge area, and while the Big Strong Boi has his chai latte with oat milk, he hands the Bruiserweight standard black coffee. Dunne thanks him, and they cheer. Just like old times, isn’t it? Bate thanks Dunne for the call, he knows Dunne’s been having a rough go of it. Dunne says he can handle things on his own, he just couldn’t have a tag match without a tag partner, y’know? Bate wants Dunne to just admit it already. Dunne had a smile when he saw the Big Strong Boi debuting on SmackDown. And he also has to admit that they had fun breaking Pretty Deadly’s fingers and kicking their heads in.
Bate knows Dunne, they’ve been friends for years. Dunne is trying to find himself, but Bate can help. Shut up, mate. Okay, okay, here’s an idea. They can work on some mindfulness techniques. Breathing exercises, meditation, yoga. Bate knows Dunne loves it. Dunne tells Bate to slow down. Don’t make him regret giving Bate the call. But yeah, it was a good laugh kicking Pretty Deadly’s heads in. But that was a one and done. The Brawling Brutes are also the past. They can each focus on themselves in the New Year, okay? Bate says this is their chance, though! They can finally show the world what British Strong Style is about! Unbelievable Tekkers!
Bate wants Dunne to remember, “Make a name for yourself.” Who told Dunne that? So look inward and ask yourself, “Who was that guy? What is that name going to be?” Well…? “Butch” opens his mouth, but what does he say?
Bianca Belair VS Bayley w/ Damage CTRL!
The EST wants to become the next WWE Women’s Champion, and she is still fighting her way through Iyo Sky’s team- Er, Bayley’s team, to get what she wants. But as such, will the “team leader” be the Role Model for DMG CTRL? Or will nothing stop Bianca from getting back to the gold?
SmackDown returns as Bayley makes her entrance, Asuka, Iyo, Kairi & Dakota following behind. Bianca says they just had to bring all five to handle her. The bell rings and the two circle while the fans rally for “E S T! E S T!” Bayley laughs at that, then ties up with Bianca. Bianca powers Bayley to a corner, Bayley turns things around and the ref counts,. Bianca powers Bayley all the way to the opposite corner! The ref counts, Bayley pulls hair to get out, then rolls Bianca up, TWO! Fans boo but Bayley says she almost had Bianca there. The two reset, circle again, and they tie up. Bianca rolls Bayley now, ONE!
Bianca rolls Bayley again, ONE! Bianca tries a third time, ONE!! Bayley LARIATS Bianca down! Fans boo but DMG CTRL cheers Bayley on. But then Bianca kips up! And she runs Bayley over! Fans cheer, Bianca taunts DMG CTRL then runs, but Bayley avoid the handspring. So Bianca says kiss this! Bayley runs in, but Bianca wrenches and wristlocks. Bayley goes through the ropes, then back in, and she has Bianca’s arm around the rope. The ref counts, Bayley lets off but Bianca storms up. Bianca waistlocks, Bayley switches, but Bianca switches back. Bianca SLAMS Bayley down, then holds on as fans fire up.
DMG CTRL coaches Bayley but the fans are still on Bianca’s side. Bianca drags Bayley up, but Bayley throws elbows. Bayley is free, she runs, but Bianca sidesteps, drops down, hurdles and back drops! It wasn’t high but it was hard! Then Bianca hits a STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally for Bianca, she brings Bayley up and whips her to a corner, then runs in. Bayley BOOTS back, runs up and BLINDSIDE LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Fans duel, “Let’s Go Bayley!” “BAYLEY SUCKS!” Bayley drags Bianca up to fire a forearm. Bianca goes to ropes, Bayley revels in the cheers and jeers, then stalks Bianca to a corner.
Bayley brings Bianca up but Bianca scoops to SLAM! And then scoops to SLAM again! And then scoops, holds Bayley up, then SLAMS her again! The fans fire up, but Bayley YANKS Bianca onto ropes! Bayley CHOKES Bianca, lets off and distracts the ref with talk about her back, but then no one in DMG CTRL takes a shot. Bayley is upset, they don’t understand why, so Bayley YANKS the rope to jam Bianca up. Bayley talks things over with DMG CTRL, but Bianca torture racks! Bayley flails, holds the ropes, so Bianca puts her on the apron! Bianca ROCKS Bayley, bumps her off buckles, and lets her tumble down!
Bianca aims, to PLANCHA! Down goes Bayley and DMG CTRL is stunned as SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns as Bayley thrashes Bianca around with a top wristlock. The fans duel, Bianca endures, and Bayley even CLUBS Bianca’s shoulder and ribs. Bianca fights her way up to her feet, but Bayley CLUBS her down! And CLUBS her again! DMG CTRL cheers, Bayley CLUBS away on Bianca more, then goes back to the top wristlock. Bianca still endures, the fans rally for her, and she fights up again. Bianca throws elbows, body shots, then rolls Bayley up, TWO! Bayley is up to knee Bianca low! Bianca goes to a corner, Bayley clotheslines her down! The fans boo, Bayley whips corner to corner but Bianca reverses and reels Bayley in, SPINEBUSTER!
Fans fire up while both women are down! DMG CTRL rallies and cheers Bayley as she goes to ropes. Bianca stands, and she runs Bayley over! And runs her over again! And DROPKICKS! Then kips up! Then runs in at the corner to RAM into her! Bianca climbs up and she rains down fists! The fans count along, but Bayley trips Bianca at four! Bayley has Bianca in the ropes, to run and KNEE her out of the Tree of Woe! Then a cover, but the ref says they’re in the ropes! Bayley says she saw it, okay? Bayley then ties Bianca’s hair around the ropes! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Bianca is now anchored to the bottom rope!
The ref reprimands and tells Bayley to untie the hair! Bayley CLUBS away on Bianca, then runs up to KNEE Bianca into buckles! The ref says to stop but Bayley keeps going. But Bianca dodges and uses her hair to trip Bayley! Bayley falls mouth first into buckles! Bayley checks her teeth, but Bianca BOOTS her down! Bianca unties herself, and fans fire up as Bianca drags Bayley to the apron. Bianca SMACKS Bayley off the apron, SMACKS her again, and then bends her against the post! The fans fire up as Bayley endures, but Bianca lets off as the ref counts. But Bayley grabs hair to YANK Bianca into the post!
Fans are torn, the ref tells DMG CTRL to stay back, and Bayley goes out after Bianca. But Bianca gets around, torture racks, and TOSSES Bayley into the post!! Bayley sputters and coughs, Bianca drags her up and into the ring, then gets moving to RAM Bayley into a corner! And again, and again, and again! Bianca whips corner to corner hard and Bayley falls back! Bianca gets Bayley up to suplex high and hard! The fans fire up as Bianca again kips up! Bianca runs up and climbs up, to rain down fists! The fans count along and this time Bianca gets to TEN! Bianca wants more, but Bayley slips out and pulls Bianca’s hair!
Bianca stays up to YANK Bayley back in! Now we get going on another round of TEN! Bianca blows a kiss, backflips, and reels Bayley into a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! DMG CTRL is worried but the fans rally up. Bianca runs side to side, handsprings and MOONSAULTS onto knees! But Bianca blocks them! Bianca flips Bayley over to scoop, but Bayley slips free and uses hair to send Bianca into buckles! DMG CTRL cheers again and Bayley runs in. Bianca TOSSES Bayley away! And she runs again, HANDSPRING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Bayley survives, DMG CTRL is relieved and Bianca is frustrated.
The fans rally and duel, Bayley takes a swing but Bianca dodges to then ROCK Bayley! Torture rack, but Bayley fights free, schoolgirl roll into buckles! Bayley drags Bianca to a drop zone and she goes up top! MACHO ELBOW! Cover, TWO!! Bianca survives and DMG CTRL is losing their cool! Bayley drags Bianca up but Bianca RAMS her back into the corner! Bayley ELBOWS back! And she trips Bianca, high stack, feet on the ropes! The ref sees them! Bianca sunset flips, but they’re in the ropes again! Both women get up, Bianca runs in but Bayley TOSSES her out! The ref warns DMG CTRL but Bayley distracts with talks of a bad knee.
DMG CTRL still doesn’t do anything?! The ref sees Bayley signaling, he suspects something, but for once, DMG CTRL is playing fair. Bayley is upset by that, she fires off on Bianca then puts her in the ring. Dakota says Bayley’s got this! Bayley gets back in, but Bianca Oklahoma Rolls! TWO, Bayley runs but Bianca follows, to SPEAR! Fans fire up and Bianca dares DMG CTRL to do something. Bianca then torture racks, to KISS OF DEATH!! Cover, Bianca wins!
Winner: Bianca Belair, by pinfall
DMG CTRL is stunned! Though, is that a smirk on Asuka’s face? Just what is going on within the group? Is Iyo Sky gonna have to handle Bianca herself now?
Kevin Owens speaks.
“Logan, buddy, I heard everything you had to say, unfortunately. Because I don’t really like hearing you talk at all. But I see what you’re doing, and I get it. Look, if you wanna call this a liability and an unfair advantage for me, this cast, you can do that. But we both know that’s not what it is. If this is an advantage for anyone, it’s you, because I have a broken. But unfortunately for you, it’s not going to keep me from being at the Royal Rumble. But again, after seeing your face, and that bruise, that black eye, everything, I understand what you’re trying to do, I get it.
“So how about this? I think we need to talk about this whole thing, the lawsuit, and whatever you’re threatening, let’s talk about it face to face. Next week, on SmackDown. Where you get to have the biggest honor of your miserable career: by being a guest on the Kevin Owens Show. What do you say? I hope to see you there. Never thought I’d say I hope to see Logan Paul…” The Prizefighter invites the ImPAULsive Influencer to his show, will they come to an agreement? Or just to blows?
DMG CTRL regroups backstage.
Iyo Sky complains in Japanese that Bayley messed this up. But then Bayley asks them what was going on out there. Dakota has Bayley go off to the side to explain that the ref was looking right at them. What were they supposed to do? Bayley just wanted a little help. Yeah, but they didn’t wanna cause a disqualification. Dakota just thought Bayley would be good to face Bianca on her own. This plan for DMG CTRL to have all the gold includes Bayley winning the Rumble on her own. Yeah, but Dakota knows they’re stronger together, right? Yes, but… Look, forget it. It’s done, let’s look ahead. Bayley’s got this! She’s still got the Rumble to win, okay? It’s all good.
But while Bayley was talking with Dakota, we can clearly see Iyo, Asuka & Kairi talking among themselves. What are the three joshi thinking as it pertains to Bayley as “leader” of DMG CTRL?
Bobby Lashley & The Street Profits are here!
And they’re skipping the suits and rolling up in style tonight! They have no suit jackets and they’ve rolled up their sleeves as they storm to the ring. The All Mighty gets the mic and paces around as he says, “AOP and Karrion Kross, last week, y’all tried to take us out. You thought jumping us from behind was gonna get you the upper hand? Oh, no, that just got you into a fight that you can’t win. See, because when we have an issue with somebody, we will confront them face to face, and we settle things. We don’t take the cowardice approach. We don’t go lurking in the darkness or hiding in the shadows. We walk down to this ring, we roll up our sleeves, we clench our fists, and we get ready to fight!” Fans like the sound of that!
Lashley tells Kross that if he and his boys wanna settle this issue with them, then come down here and they can all do it right here, right now! The lights go down, and then Paul Ellering is on stage! He then points to the tron, and a video plays. Kross says that for the last several years, his purpose has been to show the world just how corrupt it really is. Scarlett says he does that by breaking people, on the inside. But now they will just break people on the outside. Lashley is a lucky guy. For now he and his “embarrassing” Profits are at the top of the list. “To be deconstructed.” And who better than two of the most dangerous men this world has ever known?
Akam, Rezar, the Authors of Pain, and “the most sadistic and inhumane person this world has ever had the displeasure of knowing,” Paul Ellering. They are “The Final Testament.” The video ends with the words, “The End is Near.” Lashley & The Profits still stand their ground, but will they all be made to #FallAndPray?
Paul Heyman is stressing out.
The Wise Man seems to have come up empty on his promise. But then Pretty Deadly walk over and address “Lord Heyman,” that they have a proposition. Th-th-they… stammer a lot, but they get out that they are the best tag team on SmackDown, and heard Heyman was looking for people. They could be a team, “a fantastic shower of physical excellence,” all for Heyman. They’d make a great team for Heyman. They shoulder lean and Heyman hopes they realize that only one person teams with Jimmy & Solo against Styles, Knight & Orton. Oh, right, uh… Hmm… Elton “remembers” Kit has something to do, and Kit “remembers,” too.
That’s a real shame, if only this was last week. They acknowledge everything Heyman does, they bid him adieu, and hurry away. Heyman is so frustrated, almost in tears. Will Heyman find someone, anyone, to help Jimmy & Solo?
Lashley & The Profits return backstage.
They’re still looking for a fight, so Heyman walks over! Heyman says he and Bobby have known each other a long time, right? He is sorry about the treatment Lashley’s getting from Kross, but as a friend, please, Heyman wants to do Lashley a favor. Lashley can work out that frustration alongside Jimmy & Solo against the three “shmucks,” Styles, Knight & Orton. Lashley says yes, they have known each other a long time. But the only time Lashley wants to be in the ring with the Bloodline is when he’s standing across from Roman Reigns. Lashley & the Profits head out, and Heyman struck out again.
Carmelo Hayes VS Austin Theory w/ Grayson Waller!
Melo may not be the one facing Logan Paul for a title, but he’ll be damned before he lets A-Town Down Under try and look down on him. Melo may be going for tag titles with Trick Williams on NXT, but will he show he can go solo here tonight?
SmackDown returns and Theory makes his entrance, Waller by his side. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Theory puts Melo in a corner, but the ref counts. Theory talks trash, pie faces Melo, and he says he runs SmackDown. Melo frowns, and he headlocks and grinds the hold. Theory pries free, headlocks back, but Melo powers up and out. Fans rally behind Melo as he CHOPS Theory! Theory brushes that off, but Melo headlocks again. Theory lifts but Melo hits a flying takeover. Theory headscissors, Melo kips free, both men stare down for half a second, then tie up again.
Melo headlocks, Theory powers up and out. Melo ducks the lariat, hurdles and ducks, to then DROPKICK! Theory falls over and the fans fire up! Melo says Theory’s about to find out about HIM. Theory stays in the corner and the ref keeps Melo back. But then Theory cheap shots Melo and CLOBBERS him! Fans boo but Theory drags Melo up to scoop him, only for Melo to slip free. Theory bucks the O’Conner, goes out to the apron, but Melo BOOTS Theory as he rams in. Then FADE AWAY! Fans fire up while Theory flounders, and Melo SLINGSHOT APRON DDTS!! Melo is all fired up and so are the fans as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Theory has Melo in a chinlock. Melo throws body shots to get free, then JAWBREAKERS! Theory staggers to a corner, Melo runs up but Theory drop toeholds him into buckles! Theory then somersault SHOTGUNS Melo down! Waller taunts Melo as he bails out, but backs off so Theory can fetch Melo. Fans boo but Theory soaks up the heat. Theory puts Melo in the ring, high-fives Waller then hurries up. Theory brings Melo up, aims for the outside, but Melo fights the suplex! Theory throws body shots, tries again, but Melo fights the suplex again! Theory throws more hands, but Melo suplexes him using the ropes!
Fans fire up and Waller has no idea what to make of what he just saw. Melo goes to the corner and drags himself up. Theory runs in, Melo ELBOWS him away! Melo then wrenches, cravats, KNEE SMASH and then atomic drop! And a CHOP! Fans fire up as Melo haymakers and CHOPS on repeat! Melo ROCKS Theory, whips, but Theory reverses, only for the FLYING CLOTHESLINE to hit! The fans fire up, Melo tilt-o-whirls, LA MYSTICA! Cover, TWO! Theory survives but Melo keeps his cool. Melo sees Waller slide in but Waller bails out. Theory runs up, Melo punches him first, but Theory kicks low.
Theory whips, Melo arm-drags to a cover, TWO! Theory ghost pins, TWO! Melo bobs ‘n’ weaves but Theory ELBOWS him! Theory reels Melo in, Melo wrenches out to SUPERKICK! And FIRST- NO, Theory blocks the First 48 to put Melo up top! Melo throws hands, Theory keeps him on the top rope but Melo BOOTS him away! Fans rally for Melo but Theory come right back, ARABIAN PRESS FLY!! But that was a ROUGH landing for Theory! The ref checks both men, and the ref calls it here.
No Contest
Theory took himself out with that hard landing, perhaps trying too hard to prove himself worthy of bigger and better. Will Theory be alright to get back in the ring? Will Melo have to find another way to prove himself Rumble ready?
BREAKING NEWS for next week!
After an exchange on social media, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships are on the line as Kayden Carter & Katana Chance make their way to SmackDown to face Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn! Will the party be rolling even through #Hotlanta? Or will the Wicked Witches finally take those titles back? And speaking of championships, Roman Reigns will return so that he, AJ Styles, LA Knight and Randy Orton can all sign on the dotted line to make their Universal Championship Fatal 4 Way official! Will the Tribal Chief still be the Head of the Table with three men coming for his throne?
The Bloodline regroups.
Jimmy says he never doubted the Wise Man for a second! Who did Heyman get? Jimmy, Solo and…? Heyman says he interviewed every member of this locker room this evening, and there is not one man here worthy to stand beside The Bloodline! Auditions are over! No more! No more tryouts, no more people talking to Heyman. He has full faith in Jimmy & Solo! He is NOT worried! Jimmy says he IS! Solo steps over and says he’s not. The Enforcer looks ready to handle all three on his own, so Jimmy says if Solo ain’t worried, he ain’t worried! NO YEET! But will Solo & Jimmy have no chance when the numbers aren’t in their favor?
3v2 Handicap Match: AJ Styles, LA Knight & Randy Orton VS Jimmy Uso & Solo Sikoa!
But wait! Just as The Viper makes his entrance, Solo & Jimmy attack! They want to even things out their own way! SUPERKICK! SAMOAN SPIKE!! Fans boo as Orton sputters and refs rush out! Did The Bloodline just turn this into a 2v2? We’ll see, after the break.
SmackDown returns and it seems Orton is out of action for tonight. Even so, The Phenomenal One makes his entrance, followed by The Mega Star. The teams sort out, Styles and Knight arguing, so Jimmy CLOBBERS Knight! Styles fires off on Jimmy, but the ref stops him so Jimmy fires off on Knight. Jimmy UPPERCUTS Knight, whips him to ropes, but Knight turns things into a NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Knight brings Jimmy up, ROCKS him, then tags Styles. They double whip, double ELBOW, then Styles drags Jimmy around to bump him off buckles. The fans rally as Styles CHOPS Jimmy, then bumps him off more buckles.
Styles CHOPS, the fans cheer him on, and Styles tags Knight back in. They mug Jimmy, Knight fires haymakers then stomps and JABS on repeat. The fans chant “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” with every stomp! The ref counts, Knight lets off at 4, and he puts Jimmy in the ropes to CHOKE! The ref counts, Knight lets off to go side to side, and he STRADDLE ATTACKS, “YEAH!” Cover, TWO! Knight tags Styles, they mug Jimmy more, then Styles snapmares to run and SLIDING FOREARM! Cover, TWO! Styles and Jimmy stand, Jimmy UPPERCUTS! Styles wobbles, Jimmy CHOPS him down! Jimmy runs, into a DROPKICK!
Jimmy staggers up, and Styles clotheslines him up and out! Fans fire up as Jimmy slumps on the floor, but Solo gets in! The ref reprimands, Knight runs in, but solo catches him to a choke grip! But Styles & Knight both kick low, then JAB! CHOP! JAB! CHOP! “YEAH! WOO~!” echoes out as they fire off on Solo again and again! These two are working together on common enemies, and they DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE Solo up and out! Fans fire up for the Phenomenal Mega Stars as SmackDown goes to break!
SmackDown returns again and Solo clamps onto Styles with a shoulder claw! Styles endures, the fans rally up, and Knight coaches Styles up. Styles fights up, throws body shots and then haymakers. Styles runs, into an ELBOW! Styles flounders to an open corner, and Solo rains down fists! The ref counts, Solo lets off and he goes to the far corner. Solo runs back in, to HIP ATTACK! Fans boo more but Solo watches Styles flounder to ropes. Solo CHOKES Styles on the ropes, the ref counts, and Solo lets off. Styles flounders, Solo stalks him and CHOKES him on more ropes! The ref counts, Solo lets off, and Jimmy gets a cheap shot in!
Knight storms over but Jimmy strikes a defensive stance. The ref has Knight back off and tells Jimmy to get on the corner. Solo tags Jimmy in, they split the wishbone on Styles! Styles writhes, Jimmy taunts Knight, and Jimmy stalks Styles. Fans rally for Styles but Jimmy puts him in the corner. Fans chant “JEY IS BETTER!” Styles fires off hands on Jey and Solo! Styles ROCKS Jimmy, PHENOMENAL BLITZ! Fans fire up while both men are down! Knight reaches out, Styles crawls over, but Jimmy holds onto a leg! Solo is on the outside, he runs over but Knight dodges! Knight sends Solo into steel steps! But that means Styles misses the tag!
Jimmy reels Styles in to back suplex but Styles lands on his feet! And then dodges the lariat to PELE! Fans fire up as Styles and Jimmy are back down again! Styles crawls, Knight is there this time, but Styles hesitates. Styles says Knight ditched him before, but Knight says he had to handle Solo! Jimmy runs up, Styles dodges, the SUPERKICK hits Knight! Things keep moving, Styles and Jimmy DOUBLE CROSSBODY and they both fall down! Fans fire up as everyone is down, but Jimmy calls to Solo. Solo is back on the corner, he reaches out, but here comes Randy! The Viper doesn’t care how his throat is feeling, he wants to fight The Bloodline!
Fans fire up as Orton storms up and Heyman is furious! Styles figures why not, hot tag to Orton! Orton rallies on Jimmy with big LARIATS! Then he DECKS Solo! Then he dodges Jimmy to SNAP POWERSLAM! Fans fire up, Jimmy goes to the apron, and Orton storms over. Orton has Jimmy in the ropes, for the DRAPING DDT! Lincoln is all fired up and Orton hears those voices in his head! Jimmy rises, but he rolls Orton up! TWO, SUPERKICK!! Orton wobbles, and RKOS!! Cover, Orton’s team wins!
Winners: Randy Orton, LA Knight & AJ Styles, by pinfall
Heyman frowns, but then Solo attacks Orton! Solo stomps Orton down, aims his thumb, but Styles springboards in, PHENOMENAL FOREARM!! Fans fire up, Knight is back, and he says B F T for Solo!! Styles and Knight argue about the misunderstanding earlier, but Orton sees Solo getting up. RKO!! Orton then sees Jimmy on the outside, and UPPERCUTS him! Styles joins in, they mug Jimmy, and then Knight also joins in. Orton pulls steel steps apart, to RAM Jimmy down! Knight TOSSES Jimmy into the timekeeper’s area, and then Orton clears off the desk! Orton, Styles & Knight drag Solo over, and here’s a message to Roman! SHIELD TRIPLE BOMB through the table!!
The fans are thunderous as the Mega Star, Phenomenal One and Apex Predator all stand tall together! Meanwhile, Heyman makes a call to Roman Reigns. Will the Tribal Chief find a way to survive when the odds aren’t in his favor?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown here, great stuff from the Bloodline as always. Them “ruining” Grimes VS Waller was a pretty good way to respond to the Fatal 4 Way news, but kudos to Aldis standing his ground as GM and making the main event. Great promos from Heyman failing to find people to join Jimmy & Solo, but of course Solo & Jimmy go after Orton in hopes of keeping it to 2v2. But in the end, Orton makes the comeback at the right time and his team still wins out. Great ending brawl and the bomb through the desk. But the Fatal 4 really lends itself to Roman pitting the other three against each other, and he’ll definitely start dividing them as soon as next week’s contract signing.
Melo getting a match out of Waller & Theory bragging was a good move, but that Arabian Press going wrong was definitely NOT planned. Really bad timing for something like that to happen, A-Town Down Under was finally starting to blend. Maybe they’ll adjust and give us Grimes VS Waller “as intended” next week. Great tag match out of LWO and “Legado World Order,” with Santos on commentary really trying hard not to be happy watching. He’s clearly still great friends with Cruz & Wilde and just likes seeing them do well alongside Garza & Carrillo. Great addition of Carlito going after Santos, and we’re definitely getting a Six Man Tag from this.
Speaking of Six Man Tag matches, really good promos from Lashley and from Kross to hype up their trios going head to head soon. I also really like Lashley telling Heyman that he wants to take on The Bloodline, that can be a great faction feud on like the other side of WrestleMania or something. As for Kross’ faction being named “The Final Testament,” that is a fitting name given all this apocalyptic theming that also ties into the “All Mighty” and “Profits/Prophets” religious theming. Pretty sure Final Testament wins the first round because AOP is on their return push, but there might also be the split of 2v2 AOP VS Profits and 1v1 Kross VS Lashley that really determines who gets ahead in title match races.
Bianca Belair is definitely getting the title shot after that great match with Bayley. And a great detail of the DMG CTRL dysfunction in how, for being Heels, DMG CTRL chose not to behave like Heels so as to gaslight Bayley and cost her that match. Dakota being the intermediary between Bayley and the rest of the team, this is all adding fuel to the fire of DMG CTRL kicking Bayley out, putting all the blame on Bayley and making her feel like the weak link. If Charlotte wasn’t hurt, I’d think she and Bayley then end up allies being that they’re the NXT Horsewomen and all that, but Bayley will probably end up all alone right now because Charlotte’s hurt. And Sasha Banks is asking for a lot of bank to get her to come back, so don’t count on that return any time soon.
My Score: 8.8/10
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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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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!
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.
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