Coverage

Mitchell’s ROH Results & Report! (2/1/24)

ROH gets NJPW Strong!

Published

6 months ago

February 1, 2024

Steven Mitchell

ROH, it’s time to get Filthy!

The ROH World Tag Team Champions, Matt Taven & Mike Bennett, step onto the Proving Grounds against NJPW Strong’s Fred Rosser & “Filthy” Tom Lawlor! Will The Kingdom still be undisputed?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

Spanish Announce Project VS Kameron & Allen Russell; SAP wins.
Nyla Rose VS Emmy Camacho; Nyla wins.
Six Man Tag: The Iron Savages & Jacked Jameson VS KM, Braxton Hunter & Jon Cruz; The Iron Savages win.
Dalton Castle VS Aaron Solo; Castle wins.
ROH World Tag Team Championships Proving Ground Match: The Undisputed Kingdom VS Fred Rosser & Tom Lawlor; The Kingdom wins and denies Rosser & Lawlor a title match.
Ethan Page VS Slim J; Ethan wins.
Billie Starkz VS Killa Kate; Billie wins.
The Righteous VS The Infantry; The Righteous win.
Queen Aminata VS Reiza Clark; Aminata wins.
Gringo Loco VS Bad Dude Tito; Tito wins.
Four Corner Survival: Trish Adora VS Kiera Hogan VS Diamante VS Red Velvet; Velvet wins.
Four Corner Survival: Jack Cartwheel VS Alex Zayne VS Blake Christian VS Lee Johnson; Johnson wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Lexi Nair finds Dalton Castle loitering backstage.

She walks up to The Peacock and he says hey. She asks what he’s doing here. Castle says “John TV” is in the other room, and he wants them to wash him smash Johnny’s face in! No, Lexi doesn’t want that! But Castle still busts in, scares Mr. & Mrs. TV, and grabs a trash can! But Johnny shouts, “Suspend him, Jerry! Suspend him!!” Jerry Lynn was right around the corner!? Johnny says Castle should be suspended for attempting to throw trash at Johnny and his wife, Taya! Taya says Castle also threw cheese at them last time, and it wasn’t even good cheese! It was cheddar!

Jerry asks Castle if he came in here for a fight. Castle denies it but Johnny & Taya say yes he was! Castle says good to see you, Jerry, did you get the email? Yes, Jerry did got that email, and he says Castle’s friend will get his match on ROH. Sweet! Wait, what friend? Is he imaginary~? Hah! But y’know what? Have Castle’s “friend” face Johnny TV so Castle can see what being “TV Ready” means! HAH! Jerry says okay then, it’s official. Next week, Johnny TV VS Castle’s friend. Johnny says Castle’s friend is going to Slam Town! And Taya says clean that suit, it stinks. Mr. & Mrs. TV head out, and Lexi does agree, Castle should clean his suit.

Castle says he doesn’t stink, JOHNNY stinks! And he throws his cheese at the wall! But is Castle’s friend real? And if so, who is it?

After Spanish Announce Project VS The Russell Brothers…

Angelico & Serpentico came out on top, but then Maria Kanellis-Bennett and her “baby boys,” Griff Garrison & Cole Karter appear on stage. And Karter is wearing the mask they STOLE from Serpentico! SAP rushes out to chase them down but Maria and her boys get away! When and where will the South African Stud & #SNAKEMAN have their revenge?

Backstage interview with Ethan Page.

Lexi is with All Ego and says while he’s gonna face Slim J tonight, she wants to throw back to the last time they spoke, where Ethan mentioned aiming for the ROH World Television Championship. Does Ethan still feel he is on the right path? Uh, yeah, he does. If you went to his house to ask his family, his kids, no, they don’t think so. Every week when he comes home, they don’t care whether he won or lost, just that he came home emptyhanded. His daughter says to him, “Daddy, you said on TV you’d win a title for me.”

Ethan tells Gabby that a promise is a promise, and to keep the promise, that while he may be coming home emptyhanded, his family has sent him with full hands. And this outfit. This outfit is brought to you by Gabby Page, her imagination and her two favorite colors: purple and pink. The colors don’t matter, but the person that picked those colors does. His promise to his daughter is what matters. So yes, the path he is on also matters. His match with Slim J definitely matters. And so does continuing his momentum towards Kyle Fletcher and the ROH World Television Championship.

So Ethan now promises to win tonight, next week, and so on, and wear these colors, this gear, every single match he has until the day his hand is raised while the other hand is holding gold so he can return home NOT emptyhanded ever again! So Ethan believes he is on the right path. And since now that his daughter will be with him during every single moment of this journey, finally… yeah, this is happening. Lexi wishes him luck and she does love pink ‘n’ purple, too. Yeah it is growing on him. Ethan wears his daughter’s favorite colors, but will he be wearing everyone’s favorite color in championship gold?

Dalton Castle VS Aaron Solo!

The Peacock’s friend, real or otherwise, gets the fight with Johnny TV next week, the fight Castle wants. But will Castle prove he is more than “TV Ready” when he takes down Aaron solo?

Wait, where is Castle? The substitute Boys hurry backstage again, and they drag out a catering cart with Castle slouched all over it! Castle sits up, takes a sip of water, and he leads the way down the ramp. Fans cheer Castle on, but is he going to be able to light it up like he always does?

The Code of Honor is barely upheld, and the bell rings. Castle doesn’t let Solo go! The fans rally for Castle but Solo grabs ropes! The ref reprimands, Castle lets go then runs in, but Solo ELBOWS him! Solo then ROCKS Castle, but Castle shoves him back. Castle runs in but Solo dumps Castle out! Solo cheers himself on but fans boo. Solo mocks Castle feeding The Boys, then eggs Castle on. Castle huffs and puffs as the count climbs, and he gets up on the apron. Solo RAMS into Castle then POSTS him! Castle staggers around, throws a fit, but Solo goes out to CLUB Castle! Castle shoves, Solo dodges and CLUBS Castle again!

Solo RAMS Castle into railing, whips, but Castle reverses and Solo hits the apron edge! Fans fire up for Castle as he flounders into the ring. Solo slides in and CLUBS Castle down! Solo mocks the fans, but Castle throws body shots! Castle RAMS Solo into a corner! Castle throws elbows, says Solo has bad manners, and then runs in. Solo BOOTS Castle, SUPERKICKS and SCREW HIGH KICKS! Solo laughs but fans boo. Solo soaks up the heat, runs in, but Castle blocks, ELBOWS and LARIATS Solo down! The fans fire up again and Castle shoots in to EXPLODER! Solo flounders now but Castle storms up on him.

Castle whips, Alabama Lifts, and BANGAAAAA~RANG! Cover, Castle wins!

Winner: Dalton Castle, by pinfall

Even disheveled and disgruntled, Castle reminds us why he is a former ROH World, ROH Television and ROH Six Man Tag Champion! And he tells Johnny, “Your face…? SMASH!” The Peacock is on the hunt, will he get his time with Johnny TV? Or will Castle’s “friend” tear Johnny down for him?

Backstage interview with Nyla Rose.

The Native Beast barges in as Lexi starts introducing something else, and says, “Well, well, well, well, well. If it isn’t the Quaker Oatmeal man! Just who I wanted to talk to.” Where’s Lexi’s friend? Oh, sorry, was Lexi doing something? Cool, let the cameras hang around, we need witnesses for this. Where is Lexi’s little friend? Lexi laughs and says Billie’s busy with a thing. But she is here tonight! In a match! And the ROH Women’s Television Championship tournament, too. Oh, right, of course. Lexi, Nyla isn’t sure what she’d do without her. Lexi’s a dang good reporter. Nyla has no idea what she was doing, maybe her mind was somewhere else. She’s gonna go do something else then.

Oh, really? Okay, cool. NO, LEXI NAIR!! Nyla told you last week that she wants Billie Starkz HERE, right in front of her! Same place as the wonderful people are, because Nyla has something important to say. Lexi’s onboard, right? Y-yes… Great! They’re such a good team! Lexi’s an excellent minion! Why isn’t Billie? Why? They both graduated “from that dumb little school Athena set up.” Actually… Nyla realizes, they will be near Athena’s dumb little wrestling school. Next week is Athena’s hometown! Now if memory serves, Nyla has: taken over Athena’s show; taken over Athena’s minions; and taken Athena’s “rule of the roost,” as they might say.

So uh, Nyla thinks that what Lexi needs to do is get her little friend her, talk sense to her, and have her fall in line. Cuz Nyla would “hate” to do to Billie what she did to that “John Legend lookin’ cameraman” from last week! Or to an upstanding reporter. Now we wouldn’t want that, right? N-no, that’d be crazy. Yeah, that’d be insane! Insane. Because Nyla doesn’t just bring the chaos. “Get this through your head! I AM the chaos!!” The self-proclaimed NEW Overlord has issued her final warning, will Billie heed it?

ROH World Tag Team Championships Proving Ground Match: The Undisputed Kingdom VS Fred Rosser & Tom Lawlor!

Matt Taven & Mike Bennett are now THREE-TIME ROH World Tag Team Champions, and aren’t looking to change that any time soon. But they’re up against some NJPW Strong competition tonight. Rosser & Lawlor have gone from rivals to allies, can they then go from contenders to challengers? Or will the Kingdom finish this in 10 minutes or less?

The Code of Honor is upheld, and then Rosser and Lawlor shove and even SLAP each other to get fired up! The bell rings, and The Kingdom BLINDSIDE Team NJPW Strong! They stomp and CLUB away, then Taven CHOPS Rosser. Taven whips, Rosser barrels through the chop to run Taven over! Taven ends up in a corner, Rosser gives him CHOPS and haymakers on repeat! The ref reprimands, Rosser lets off to whip, but Taven reverses. Bennett gets a cheap shot in, but Rosser DECKS him for it! Bennett grabs at Rosser’s leg but Rosser kicks him away. Rosser turns around, into Taven’s LEG LARIAT!

Taven rains down fists, the ref reprimands but Taven tells him to shut up! Tag to Bennett, and he feeds Rosser to Taven’s BOOT! FOREARM then MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Bennett drags Rosser up, CHOPS him in the corner, fires off forearms, then CHOPS again! Bennett wrenches and whips corner to corner hard! Rosser drops in the corner, Bennett tells fans to shut up, and he stomps Rosser. Bennett CHOPS and ROCKS Rosser, whips corner to corner, but Rosser reverses. Bennett bounces off buckles, and staggers into Rosser’s back drop! Hot tag to Lawlor and he fires forearms and CHOPS!

Lawlor wrenches to WRING Bennett out in the corner! Bennett stands, Lawlor and Bennett trade forearms, and fans rally up! Lawlor and Bennett keep going back and forth, neither backing down! Bennett ROCKS Lawlor but Lawlor ROCKS Bennett! They keep trading forearms, then Lawlor throws body shots! Lawlor hoists Bennett up, for a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Taven coaches Bennett but Lawlor DECKS him! Bennett kicks low, CHOPS, and Lawlor wobbles. Bennett powers up, runs, but Lawlor follows. Taven trips Lawlor just enough so Bennett can SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO!

Taven says time is running, so he tags in. Taven goes up, Bennett hits a BRAINBUSTER! Taven hits the AURORA FROG SPLASH! Cover, Rosser breaks it! Taven protests, Rosser backs off, Bennett tags in. Bennett stomps Lawlor, drags him up, but Lawlor JUMP KNEES! Fans rally up as Lawlor and Bennett stir. They rise up, and they go back to throwing forearms! Lawlor ROCKS Bennett, Bennett ROCKS Lawlor, repeat! Bennett SUPERKICKS, then GERMAN SUPLEXES! But Lawlor rises to KNEE Bennett down! Fans rally up again as both men crawl! Hot tags to Taven and Rosser! Mr. No Days Off RAMS Taven, CHOPS Bennett, but Taven kicks low!

Taven & Bennett double whip but Rosser breaks the line to DOUBLE LARIAT! Rosser hits an OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY on Bennett, then drags Taven to the apron! APRON BACK SUPLEX! Taven writhes, Rosser shoves him in, and Rosser covers, but Bennett breaks it! Lawlor BOOTS Bennett, Rosser puts Taven in a corner, and Lawlor headlocks Bennett for a BULLDOG into Taven! Lawlor & Rosser then send Bennett back into Taven, for Rosser to then send Lawlor in, DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! They each get someone, STEREO GUT BUSTERS!! Sliding FOREARM for Taven! Rosser covers, TWO!!

Taven survives, but Lawlor & Rosser rally the fans. Rosser CLUBS Taven, clinches, but Taven fights! Rosser still powers on the CROSSFACE CHICKEN WING!! Lawlor intercepts Bennett with a REAR NAKED CHOKE!! The Kingdom endures submissions, and Taven falls back! Bennett fades, but he falls onto Rosser! The Kingdom is still alive, but time is running out! Bennett and Lawlor trade CHOPS on the outside! Lawlor ROLLING ELBOWS Bennett down! Lawlor & Rosser coordinate, but Taven drops down, DOUBLE ROLLING ELBOWS collide!! Lawlor falls out, Bennett gets him for a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER to the ramp!!

Taven gets Rosser up, but Rosser slips out of the Climax! CROSSFACE CHICKENWING!! Bennett tags in and runs in, BOSTON BAYONET! Then feed back to Bennett, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER and JUST THE TIP of the knee! Taven drags Rosser up, he and Bennett coordinate, THY KINGDOM COME!!! Cover, The Kingdom wins!!

Winners: The Undisputed Kingdom, by pinfall (denies Lawlor & Rosser a title opportunity)

With just seconds to spare, Taven & Bennett slam the door shut on Team NJPW Strong! But with as hard as they’re having to finish this in 10 minutes, will there come a time when a team catches them slipping? Or will The Kingdom always be undisputed?

Ethan Page VS Slim J!

We heard the All Ego mission statement, and he wants to keep that promise to Gabby. Will the streak build momentum? Or will Ethan’s daughter have her trust busted by the OG investment?

The Code of Honor is rejected by Slim and the bell rings. Fans boo but Ethan and Slim circle. They tie up, go around, and Ethan puts Slim in the corner. The ref counts, Ethan lets off and there’s trash talked on both sides. Slim then uses the ref to SLAP Ethan!! Slim pretends like that was the ref but Ethan knows better. Even so, he runs into a BOOT and RANA! Ethan ends up in a corner, but he comes back to CLOBBER Slim! Fans fire up and Ethan suplexes Slim for a stall, and he gets the fans fired up for the SLAM! All Ego is all fired up and the fans are with him as he cobra clutches and fisherman lifts!

Ethan carries Slim around. The fans want those golden shoes and Ethan says they’re gonna come flying right off! Ethan hits the CHIMERA SLAM! Ethan goes to the apron, tells Slim to get up, and then steps in, but Slim uses the ref as a shield! Ethan moves the ref aside, Slim runs up, SHIRANUI! Cover, TWO! Slim is frustrated but he drags Ethan back up. Slim ROCKS Ethan with a haymaker, then storms up in a corner. Ethan kicks low but Slim fires off haymakers! Ethan throws body shots, but Slim cording holds so he can throw LARIAT after LARIAT! Slim then wristlocks, runs, and FLYING REVERSE DDT! Cover, TWO!

Slim clamps onto Ethan with a chinlock. The fans rally up for Ethan but Slim tells ’em to shut up. Ethan stands but Slim hops on for a SLEEPER! Ethan starts to fade, but the fans rally harder. Ethan powers back up and RAMS Slim into buckles! Slim holds on, so Ethan THROWS Slim away! But Slim ENZIGIRIS Ethan down! Slim grins, goes up the corner, and MOONSAULTS but FLOPS as Ethan moves! Ethan goes to a corner, Slim runs in, but into an ELBOW! Ethan then ROCKS Slim, and ROCKS him again! Slim shoves, Ethan LARIATS on return! And then back drops Slim to a corner!

The fans fire up with Ethan and he runs corner to corner, to FOREARM! Ethan keeps moving, Slim dodges the lariat, but runs into a scoop! Slim slips free but Ethan ELBOWS, runs, and BOOTS Slim inside-out! Ethan deadlifts Slim into the POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Slim survives but Ethan doesn’t hesitate! Ethan hoists Slim up and the fans fire up, for the EGO’S EDGE- RANA!! Slim runs back in, wheelbarrow to FLATLINER! Cover, TWO!! Ethan survives and Slim is shocked! Slim hurries to get Ethan to a corner. Slim RAMS into Ethan, hoists him to the top, and ROCKS him! Slim flexes, and he wants to Electric Chair Lift?!

Ethan CLUBS away on Slim, Slim staggers away, and Ethan RAMS into him. Then the HEADSHOT!! Ethan hauls Slim back up and the fans are thunderous for the EGO’S EDGE!! Cover, Ethan wins!

Winner: Ethan Page, by pinfall

And the win streak continues to five! Ethan is laser focused, will he get his shot at the Aussie Arrow soon enough?

Billie Starkz VS Killa Kate!

The Prodigy, the Top Minion, Athena’s right hand woman, is preparing for the ROH Women’s Television Championship tournament, but she also has a Native Beast after her. Will Billie be able to focus on her match? Or will she lose to a real Killa?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and the fans rally up. The two tie up, go around, and Billie waistlocks. Kate wrenches free, wristlocks, but Billie spins and slips through to wristlock back. Kate powers her way through to a cording hold, then wristlock. Billie spins, breaks free, then headlocks. Billie grinds the hold and holds on as Kate tries to power out. Kate throws body shots, powers out, then dodges. But Billie dodges back, sunset flips, TWO! EDDY GORDO KICK! Fans fire up as Kate flops out of the ring and Billie grins. Billie then builds speed and she DIVES, into a FOREARM!

Kate shoves Billie back in, runs up and wrenches to ELBOW! And KICK! And then suplex, only for Billie to slip free! Billie wrenches, cravats for a KNEE SMASH, then HEEL KICKS! Kate staggers to a corner and the fans fire up. Billie says that new belt is hers, and she runs corner to corner. Kate dodges, runs back in, blocks boots, but Billie rebounds to KICK! Billie goes up the corner, but Kate hits low! Kate climbs up, fires forearms, but Billie CLUBS her in return! Billie HAMMERS away on Kate, then shoves Kate down. Billie sneers, goes to the very top, but Kate gets under the jump. Kate runs in but is sent into the corner!

Billie hoists Kate up in an Electric Chair Lift! And then makes that a DRIVER! Cover, Billie wins!

Winner: Billie Starkz, by pinfall

Billie proves she is more than ready for that title tournament! She mockingly gives the Code of Honor handshake, as she learned from Athena, but will she learn to “fall in line” behind Nyla? Or will Billie really lean into that rebellious teenage phase for this one?

Rachael Ellering speaks.

“The brackets are about to be released for the Women’s TV title tournament, and baby, I tell you what. I’m feeling real good. Tough couple months here pushed me to my limit, but y’know what? My girl Leyla has had my back through it all. And I can’t lie to you guys, she’s right here supporting me.” Rachael has Leyla get on camera and says she couldn’t just leave her standing there. But quick recap: the brackets are about to drop, and their preparations are gonna pay off. Yeah, Leyla says at the end of the day, this is gonna be some tough competition. But they’re used to that. And whatever we get, they’re gonna…

Rachael says how crazy would it be if they ended up having to face off in the first round. They both laugh cuz that would be wild. Real crazy. But they both know that Leyla is so prepared, ready for anything, better than ever, she’s gonna crush it. Same to Rachael. She’s been killing it. Whatever we get, they’ll make it work. So guess what? Release the brackets, Hirsch & Ellering are ready! But will their “crazy” idea end up becoming reality?

Backstage interview with Red Velvet.

Lexi is with The Chef and notes she is part of the “co-main-event” tonight, a big Women’s Fatal 4 this close to the tournament. How is she feeling? She’s feeling great! Confident, and with momentum. The tournament is right around the corner so all eyes are on the ROH Women’s Division. But after tonight, when she defeats Trish Adora, Diamante and former fellow Baddie in Kiera Hogan, all eyes will finally be on Velvet. And then everyone will see The Chef is always cookin’. Velvet heads out, will she be the one serving L’s tonight?

Lexi finds Castle in the “bowels of the arena.”

Lexi grumbles that she’s not a babysitter. The Peacock is scooting around with a janitor’s bucket and Lexi tells him to step out. Lexi says a lot has happened recently, and would like some clarification on who this friend facing Johnny TV next week is gonna be. Castle apologizes about earlier tonight, and he thought he was that close to smashing Johnny TV’s face in. But what does he do? Jerry Lynn’s the worst, right? Yeah, it happens… But again, could he please give us some insight as to who Castle’s “friend” is? Next week, right? Yes, he’s facing Johnny next week. Well, this guy’s a good wrestler, that’s for sure.

Okay… What’s his name? Oh, uh… Well, Lexi wouldn’t know this guy. Okay, but what’s his name? Just a letter even! Castle says he doesn’t go to this school. What? So he’s not signed to ROH? Well, no, cuz he’s new. New to wrestling, new to ROH. Then how about some clues. Height? Eye color? Castle says next week, his “friend” is going to face John TV, so tune in. Yes, okay, but Lexi is just trying to do her job so- Castle flops into a laundry basket and says he is done, goodnight. Then he drapes a curtain over himself. Where are his shoes!? Night, Lexi. Lexi storms off, but is this going to be a case of the hypothetical friend getting his match with Johnny TV?

Four Corner Survival: Trish Adora VS Kiera Hogan VS Diamante VS Red Velvet!

It is ladies first for tonight’s co-main-event! This match will go a long way to finalizing those ROH Women’s Television Championship Tournament brackets, who proves they should be the number one seed?

The Code of Honor is upheld by all four, though more reluctantly by Diamante. The bell rings, Velvet swings on Adora but she blocks that. Kiera runs up but Adora shoves her away, and then they both run in, so Adora DOUBLE LARIATS them! Diamante fires forearms with Adora and fans rally up. Adora swings, Diamante ducks! Diamante uppercuts but Adora dodges! Kiera rolls up Diamante while Velvet rolls up Adora! TWO! Velvet arm-drags Kiera, but Adora scoops and BACKBREAKERS Velvet! Diamante SHOTGUNS Adora! Kiera is in a corner, Diamante runs in but into a BOOT! Diamante comes back, but Kiera drop toeholds her into buckles!

Kiera HIP ATTACKS Adora, BOOT WASHES Velvet, but Diamante dodges to clothesline! Diamante sits Kiera down, runs in and HYDRAULIC DROPKICKS! Fans fire up, things speed up and Velvet CALF KICKS Diamante! Cover, Adora deadlifts Velvet away! Velvet throws elbows and mule kicks, then body shots! Adora avoids the Buzzsaw to BASEMENT GERMAN! Bridging cover but Kiera breaks that! Kiera then runs to hit the STEP-UP LEG DROP! Cover, Diamante SPLASHES it! Velvet fires off hands on Diamante! Diamante dodges then runs up, but Velvet slips out to the apron! Diamante still ROCKS Velvet!

Diamante brings Velvet into ropes, HOTSHOT NECKBREAKER! Adora stands, Diamante tilt-o-whirls and RUSSIAN LEG SWEEPS! Cover, Kiera breaks it! Kiera Oklahoma Rolls Diamante, TWO! Kiera BOOTS Adora, stomps Diamante, then ROCKS Velvet! Kiera storms up to fire forearms on Adora, then she kicks Diamante out. Kiera fires forearms again, runs and DIVES onto Diamante! Diamante tumbles up the ramp and Velvet CROSSBODIES at Adora! Adora catches her, to POWERSLAM her! Kiera goes up now, and she CROSSBODIES, only to get caught! Adora hits a POWERSLAM again!

Diamante returns, fires forearms, and then cravats. SLICED- NO, Adora denies that to LARIAT TUBMAN!! But Diamante flounders out of the ring! Kiera runs up to HIP ATTACK Adora! Kiera runs at Velvet but Velvet DUMPS her out! Then Velvet DOUBLE KNEES Adora, and then hits THE MIXER! Cover, Velvet wins!!

Winner: Red Velvet, by pinfall

She called her shot and she won this fast ‘n’ furious Fatal 4! Will Velvet be the one holding the gold in the end?

Four Corner Survival: Jack Cartwheel VS Alex Zayne VS Blake Christian VS Lee Johnson!

And now for the gentlemen! Whether it’s the ROH World Television Championship or THE ROH World Championship, the winner here could easily call their shot! Will it be the acrobat, the Sauce, All Heart or Big Shotty that moves into pole position after tonight?

The Code of Honor is upheld, the bell rings, and the fans rally up. Jack says wait! Who wants to see a cartwheel? The fans fire up for that! Jack powers up, and then he CARTWHEELS! The fans cheer, the others applaud, and then Zayne says let’s get another one! The fans join in on that, “One More Time!” Jack powers up again, to CART- Blake SHOTGUNS him! Fans boo but Blake knows this is about winning, not having fun! Then he runs up, only for Zayne & Lee to dodge, double kick and double whip! But Blake handsprings to DOUBLE BACK ELBOW! Blake trips Zayne and has him and Lee on ropes, DOUBLE 619!

Fans are torn as Blake springboards in, TORNILLO CROSSBODY! Blake flexes but Jack returns to waistlock! Blake breaks free but Jack uses cartwheels to evade! Jack wants a cutter but Blake denies him! Blake puts Jack on the apron, brings him in for a suplex but Jack fights it. Zayne adds on with a waistlock on Blake! Blake holds ropes to deny the German Suplex, and then Jack FLAG POLE SWEEPS the legs out! Then he slingshots to POMMEL ELBOW DROP! Cover on Blake, TWO! Cover on Zayne, but Lee drags Jack up! Jack throws elbows, switches, and back suplexes. Lee lands on his feet to NECKBREAKER! Cover, Blake breaks it!

Blake brings Lee up, ROCKS him, then whips him to a corner. Lee reverses, runs in, but Blake BOOTS him! Zayne storms over but Blake leapfrogs Lee to SHOTGUN Zayne! Blake then half nelsons Lee, uses him to LARIAT Zayne, and then HALF ‘N’ HALF suplexes Lee away! Blake kips up, fans are torn, but Blake dusts himself off. Blake aims at Zayne in a corner, runs in, but into a BOOT! Jack runs in and goes up, but Zayne puts him up top! GAMANGIRI! Blake runs in, but he’s sent into Jack’s knees! Zayne then uses Blake as a pommel horse so he can SUPER RANA Jack! Then he GERMAN SUPLEXES Blake onto Jack!

Blake and Jack are a stack, but Lee uses them to step up and DESTROYER Zayne!! The fans are thunderous, “This is Awesome!” as all four men are down! Lee rises, he fires himself up and the fans are with him. Lee dragon sleepers Jack but Jack fights free! Jack fireman’s carries, but Lee slips free! BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Jack survives, Lee is stunned, but Zayne brings Lee up! Scoop and BAJA BLAST! Zayne goes up a corner but Blake is after him! Blake CLUBS Zayne, POSTS him, then climbs up over him, to then tie up the legs! Corner assisted CLOVERLEAF!! Zayne can only endure because there’s no disqualifications!

Blake then leaps to MACHO ELBOW Lee!! Cover, Jack breaks it! Fans fire up for Jack and he gets Blake up. Jack ROCKS Blake, ROCKS him again, then kicks and whips. Blake reverses, but Jack scarecrow rebounds, cartwheels through, but Blake victory rolls, to SPLASH! The fans are fired up again as Blake WRECKS Lee with a dropkick! Blake skins the cat, goes again, and he DIVES Lee at the ramp! The fans fire up again, Blake sees Zayne is still in the ring so he hurries up a corner. Zayne stands, Blake aims, and Blake- NO, Zayne dodges the stomps! But Blake comes back to TACKLE Zayne through the ropes!

Blake hurries back to the apron, he takes aim, but Jack YANKS Blake down! Fans fire up as Jack goes up! But Zayne hurries up to CHOP! Zayne climbs, he brings Jack up but Jack fires body shots! Jack ROCKS Zayne and Zayne hops back. Blake returns, SPANISH FLY to the floor! The fans lose their minds, but Jack is still on the corner! He sees all three targets out there, he builds speed and he FOSBURY FLOPS! Lee & Blake go down and the fans are thunderous with Jack! Jack puts Lee back in, storms his way up to the top rope, and then CARTWHEEL ELBOW FLOPS as Lee moves! Lee spins Jack around, half nelson to the dragon sleeper, SAVING GRACE!! Cover, LEE WINS!!

Winner: Lee Johnson, by pinfall

Big Shotty with the BIG win! It is only a matter of time, but will Lee Johnson be a champion in ROH sooner rather than later?

My Thoughts:

Another really good ROH, and at least this was under two hours. Still a little disappointed that the “co-main-events” were each under 10 minutes so that they both fit into the last 30 minutes of the show. I know people gotta get in the ring and get paid, but ROH has gotta trim the filler to give more time to the stuff that’s supposed to matter. Like, it’s nice of them to give some shine to the local indie wrestlers, as we got out of SAP VS The Russell Bros and Aminata VS Reiza, but I dunno, I just feel like both Fatal 4 Ways were time crunch versions. It is fun for the Fatal 4 Ways to be fast and furious, but it also just seems a shame we didn’t get even more good stuff from all involved.

I will say, great wins for Velvet and Johnson from those matches. Velvet is going into the tournament strong, and Johnson should get himself a shot at something. Ethan Page had a great match with Slim J, and between that and the really good promo beforehand, Ethan is definitely getting an ROH World TV Championship match. And Johnson isn’t dethroning Eddie Kingston at this point, so I guess that leaves going after Wheeler Yuta and the ROH Pure Championship, even though that style of match is the opposite of this high speed stuff Lee’s been winning. But I still stand by what I said years ago watching AEW Dark: Lee Johnson (along with Ben Carter/Nathan Frazer) is a future star, and that’ll happen if Tony Khan doesn’t waste him.

Rachael and Leyla had a good promo hyping up the tournament bracket, they are definitely having that opening round match with each other now, even though that seems like a real waste to me. Great story stuff tonight with Dalton Castle, from him almost smashing Johnny TV but getting caught by Jerry Lynn. They clearly want us thinking this “friend” is just a workaround for Castle to face Johnny under some alternate identity, but they could be very clever and make it someone who really is new to ROH. In which case, I have no idea who that could be, but it’d be a lot of fun. It’ll still be fun if it’s just Castle putting on a luchador mask and pretending he’s some other person, but I feel like it is just too obvious if they’re going through with Castle’s “friend.”

And great story stuff with Nyla Rose. Great promo with Lexi, and Nyla of course won her match. But it is clever that she is fighting and beating students of Athena’s. Billie gets a good win, too, and as I’ve said before, she is definitely on a collision course with Nyla. That’ll be a great opening for Athena to return, she helps Billie beat Nyla so that Billie has momentum going into the tournament and Athena has momentum going into her title match with Nyla.

My Score: 8.6/10

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

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Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 2.1.2024

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Mitchell’s AEW Dynamite Results & Report! (1/31/24)

AEW Coverage

Mitchell’s AEW Rampage Results & Report! (7/26/24)

It’s the ROYAL RAMPAGE!

Published

2 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Steven Mitchell

Who will be waiting in the wings for the AEW World Champion?

In the wake of Blood & Guts, twenty men compete in the Royal Rampage battle royal! But who will stand tall at the end as the next #1 contender?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

2024 Royal Rampage: ??? wins and will challenge for the AEW World Championship at AEW Grand Slam.
Lance Archer VS ???
Kris Statlander w/ Stokely Hathaway VS Leila Grey; wins.
Fatal 4 Way Tag: Private Party VS The Righteous VS The Outrunners VS Rush & Kyle Fletcher w/ Don Callis; win(s).

PLAY BY PLAY

The 2024 Royal Rampage!

While Bryan Danielson will challenge Swerve Strickland for the AEW World Championship at All In, that is for All In. This match will see TWENTY of the best battle it out for a shot at the AEW World Championship on September 25th! Who survives here in Texas to go to New York for AEW Grand Slam?

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

Coverage

Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (7/26/24)

SmackDown throws down the gauntlet!

Published

4 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Steven Mitchell

Who will make it to the end?

While SummerSlam is on the horizon, SmackDown prepares NEW #1 contenders to the WWE Tag Team Championships, through a gauntlet match!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

LA Knight VS Santos Escobar; Knight wins.
WWE Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Gauntlet: The Bloodline wins and will challenge DIY for the titles.
Bayley & Mia Yim VS Nia Jax & Tiffany Stratton; Nia & Tiff win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Nick Aldis is on the phone.

He has a lot going on, but he’ll call back. The Bloodline steps up, and Aldis says sorry, given their actions last week with Cody Rhodes & Kevin Owens that gave Tonga Loa an eye injury, Loa is not cleared to compete. So unfortunately, The Bloodline must forfeit their spot in the tag team gauntlet. Tama Tonga asks what Aldis just said, but Aldis says he heard just fine. Forfeit? They ain’t forfeiting nothing! Solo Sikoa has Tama stand down. And he appreciates Aldis’ concern, but The Bloodline is not forfeiting. Understood? Loa is part of The Bloodline, but so is Jacob Fatu! So instead, it will be Tama Tonga & Jacob Fatu in that match. If that’s okay with Aldis.

Aldis says it is, actually. They’re still in. Solo tells Fatu to bring those titles back home. Solo wants all the titles on SmackDown. The Samoan Werewolf steps up to replace The Silverback, will any of the other teams survive that match now?

LA Knight heads to gorilla.

And he tells the cameras, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” The Mega Star says we’re making a pitstop before SummerSlam. Santos Escobar couldn’t remember how many times he’s been dropped on his head by Knight, so Knight will be the professor, class is in session, and we’ll teach Santos some history. Then in Cleveland, Logan Paul isn’t learning math, he isn’t learning statistics or English. But he will be taught what it’s like to get his keister kicked in by the Mega Star! YEAH! And no matter what class, the curriculum is always the same, with everybody saying… L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!! Knight makes his way out, will he be rolling into SummerSlam? Or will Santos pass the test?

LA Knight VS Santos Escobar w/ Elektra Lopez!

The bell rings, Santos runs up but Knight dodges to JAB! JAB! JAB! Santos headlocks, Knight powers out but Santos runs him over. Things speed up, and Knight hip tosses! And then arm-drags! Knight has the armlock, the fans rally, but santos fights up. Santos pulls hair, the ref reprimands, but santos puts Knight in a corner. Santos whips, Knight reverses to WRING the arm and drop a leg on it! Knight wrenches and YANKS the arm again and again. “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, then ELBOWS Santos down! The fans fire up with Knight and he RAMS Santos into a corner. Knight climbs up to rain down fists!

Fans “YEAH!” all the way to seven times before Santos YANKS Knight down! Santos kicks and stomps Knight in the corner. The fans boo but Lopez mocks Knight’s “yapping.” Santos CHOPS LARIATS Knight! Santos CHOP LARIATS again, then reels him in for a snap suplex! Santos stands up, brings Knight up to SLAM him down, then he steps through for a SHARPSHOOTER! Knight scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Knight then stands to fire off haymakers! Knight whips, and he LARIATS Santos down! Knight brings Santos up but Santos drop toeholds him into ropes! Santos distracts the ref and Lopez SLAPS Knight!

Santos runs in to 619! A shot taken at Rey Mysterio, and Santos soaks up the heat while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Santos DOUBLE KNEES Knight in a corner! Cover, TWO! Santos is annoyed but he clamps on a cobra clutch. The fans rally as Knight endures. Knight fights up, throws body shots, then runs, to SWINGING NECKBREAKER! Knight whips, Santos reverses and scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Santos is annoyed again and he stalks Knight to a corner. Santos says this is not Knight’s game, it’s Santos’s! Santos rains down fists in the corner but lets off as the ref counts. Santos soaks up heat, but Knight ELBOWS him back! Knight whips Santos hard to a corner, then SHOVES him in!

Knight stomps a mudhole, “YEAH! YEAH!” Knight goes corner to corner to KNEE Santos down! Knight whips, Santos reverses but Knight ducks the lariat to kick and DDT! Cover, TWO! Santos stays in this, Lopez coaches him, but Knight is on him first. Knight lifts Santos to a torture rack, but Lopez slides in! The ref stops her, that distracts Knight, and he lets Santos down. Lopez backs off as Knight storms over, and Knight goes back for Santos. Santos ELBOWS Knight! Santos runs, but into a POP-UP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up while both men are down! Lopez again gets on the apron but the ref tells her to stop.

And here comes LOGAN PAUL! ONE LUCKY- NO, Knight dodges to LARIAT! Logan falls, but Santos SUPERKICKS! Santos brings Knight around, fireman’s carry, PHANTOM- NO, Knight slips free to B F T! Cover, Knight wins!

Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall

But then Logan CLOBBERS Knight after all! The fans boo as the Maverick stomps away on Knight! Logan drags Knight up, but Knight RAMS him into a corner! Knight stomps away on Logan now, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight runs corner to corner, but Santos KNEES Knight down! The Emperor helps the champ up, and they beat Knight down together! Then Santos drags Knight into the drop zone for Logan as he goes up top. Logan FROG SPLASHES Knight! The fans boo but Logan soaks it up. Logan leaves Knight down and out, but will Knight be the one leaving The Land with the gold?

Backstage interview with Naomi.

Byron Saxton asks her why she thinks Blair Davenport initially showed her respect, only to then attack her from behind. Naomi doesn’t know the issue with Blair is, because she hasn’t even done anything to the newbie! But Blair is playing mind games, which won’t work. Naomi has something for Blair, though. Not only will Naomi make Blair #FeelTheGlow, but she’ll respect it! And then in step Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair, and they say that’s right! Blair is a Lame, and she gets what is coming. Just like Alba & Isla will. Speaking of, Bianca & Jade are gonna call out the champs-for-now and handle business.

Naomi says go handle it, then. The StrongEST Duo heads out, will they be able to get that rematch with the wicked witches?

Backstage interview with Logan Paul.

Byron catches up with The Maverick and asks him what happened. Logan says that’s an appetizer for SummerSlam, the first course of a three course meal. Logan will whoop Knight, in his hometown, in front of his friends and family, everyone he knows and loves. Plus, he got off the phone with “Mr. Cleveland” himself, and there will be a surprise homecoming planned just for Logan. Then can we get an idea of what- Nope! Silly question. But tune in next week, it’ll be a great night.

Logan promises Knight that he won’t just be facing the US Champion at SummerSlam. Knight will be facing the pride of Cleveland, the ultimate underdog turned top dog, and Knight ain’t ready for that. YEAH! Logan is more confident than ever, but will that make things that much sweeter when LA beats Cleveland’s own in his hometown?

Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair head to the ring!

Just as promised, they’re here to call out the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Bianca & Jade get the mics, and The EST says she loves the fans and would stay her all day, but she’ll cut to the chase. Alba & Isla have been ghosting Jade & Bianca ever since winning at Clash at the Castle. Alba & Isla said they’d be here tonight, right? Right. And they’d bring the titles, right? Right. So where they at? The StrongEST Duo looks around, and tell the champs to stop duckin’ ‘n’ dodging. Come to the ring with the belts, and get these hands. The music hits, but then Alba & Isla hit from behind! The Unholy Union beat down the former champs!

Alba digs her boots into Jade, then CLUBS her down. Isla drags Bianca up but Bianca fights free! Bianca spins Isla, torture racks, but Isla lands safe on the apron! Only for Bianca to DECK her! Jade then grabs Alba, and hoists her up to THROW her out onto Isla! And in heels! The fans fire up while Alba & Isla regroup and retreat. Will there be no running from the storm that is coming for them?

B-Fab talks with the Street Profits.

It’s time to do this. It’s their moment, their time. And in steps Terence Crawford! The boxing champ is here, and he shakes hands with everyone. B-Fab says The Profits may not be Crawford, but tonight, they will be whooping feet! And from Ford to Crawford, Black Airforce Energy, go do your thing on August 3rd. Crawford appreciates that. But for real, he’ll be watching them, too. Good luck out there. They hug it out, Dawkins is ready to turn up! Will the Profits be up and win their golden tickets to the titles? Or will taking on five other teams be a tall order even for them?

Tiffany Stratton looks at her Money in the Bank briefcase.

It is being held together by colorful tape after what Bayley did to it last week. Nia Jax walks over and says don’t worry, she’ll get Tiff a brand new briefcase that will be perfect for her. And Tiff could cash in on Bayley tonight, but Nia has that guaranteed match at SummerSlam, and Nia would hate Tiff dropping the title so soon. Tiff says she’d never do that to Nia. Besides, Tiff just wants to get revenge. Nia says she thought so. Tiff still pouts over her busted briefcase, but will she and The Queen of the Ring bust up Bayley and Michin in return?

WWE Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Gauntlet!

Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa are still champions after facing A-Town Down Under a second time, so now it’s on to something new. Six teams are going to compete until only one team stands tall, who survives to go for the gold this summer?

The first team out? The newest combo of Baron Corbin & Apollo Crews, who are ready to #BurnTheShips and sink the competition! Their opponents? Legado del Fantasmo’s Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo! Will they look to add to the legacy and finally grab those tag titles?

Baron Corbin & Apollo Crews VS Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo!

The bell rings and Legado just attacks! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but the cousins stomp away on Corbin. Angel stays in to stand on Corbin, Berto RAMS Crews into steel steps! Angel then runs up, but Corbin dodges and SPLASHES! Corbin reels Angel in for a short arm LARIAT, then he reels him in for an ELBOW! Then a SIDE EFFECT! Cover, TWO! Corbin stands Angel up but Angel CHOPS! Tag to Berto, and Angel sidesteps so Berto can GAMANGIRI! Roll-up, SUPERKICK, and Corbin tumbles out! Berto DIVES and down goes Corbin! Legado stands tall while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Berto drags Corbin up, manages a fireman’s carry, but Corbin fights free with elbows. Corbin ducks a buzzsaw but not the ENZIGIRI! Berto runs corner to corner but Corbin TOSSES him into buckles! DIY are watching backstage, hot tags to Angel and Crews! Crews rallies on Legado, mule kicks and BOOTS Angel, then dodges Angel to LEAPING LARIAT! The fans fire up with Crews as he kips up! Angel takes a swing, Crews gets under to GERMAN SUPLEX! Crews holds on, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES again! And GERMAN SUPLEXES again! Angel flounders, fans fire up, and Crews goes corner to corner to SPLASH!

Crews pushes Angel out of the corner, goes up top, and FLYING- KNEE from Angel! Angel underhooks to TIGER BACKBREAKER! Cover, Corbin breaks it! Berto runs up to LARIAT Corbin up and out! But Corbin drags Berto out to RAM him into steel steps! Angel KNEES Crews, reels him in, WING- NO, Crews slips free! Corbin sneaks a tag, Crews BOOTS! END OF DAYS! Cover, Corbin & Crews ELIMINATE Legado! But no time to rest, here come the Street Profits!

Baron Corbin & Apollo Crews VS The Street Profits!

Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins take their time stepping up to the ring, and Ford starts against Crews. They circle, Crews kicks then whips. Ford goes up and over then handsprings away. Ford smiles, Crews smiles, and things speed up! Crews handsprings over Ford’s dropdown, then he hurdles! Crews drops then DROPKICKS Ford, and he brings Ford back up. Crews suplexes, holds Ford up, but Ford slips free to back suplex! High and hard for Crews, Dawkins tags to cover. TWO!! Crews is somehow still in this, but Dawkins brings him up. Dawkins whips, Crews goes up and over and keeps moving. Crews jumps the dropdown then whips.

Crews hurdles., Dawkins handsprings, and DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down! Hot tag to Corbin, hot tag to Ford! Ford fires hands on Corbin, but Corbin UPPERCUTS! Ford falls to the apron, but he RAMS back in! Ford slingshots, into a HAYMAKER! The golden gloves hit hard, and then Crews says let’s do it! Corbin runs, Crews TOSSES him out onto the Profits! The fans fire up as the Wolf flies, and SmackDown goes back to break!

SmackDown returns again and Corbin has Ford up top! Ford fights with body shots, then he HEADBUTTS Corbin down! Corbin hurries to his feet, and gets under Ford’s leap! Corbin BOOTS Ford, goes up, and he FLYING LARIATS! B-Fab panics but Corbin hauls Ford up for a POWERBOMB! Flip over, but then Ford ENZIGIRIS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Corbin and Ford crawl, hot tags to Dawkins and Crews! Dawkins rallies on Crews, but Crews avoids the splash! Crews comes back to SPLASH! Crews runs, but Dawkins ducks to ENZIGIRI! Crews comes back to ENZIGIRI!

The fans fire up with Cres, but Dawkins catches him for a FALL AWAY SLAM! Cover, Corbin breaks it! Ford runs up, Corbin DECKS him! Corbin runs in at the corner, but Ford dodges and Corbin POSTS himself! Dawkins runs at Crews but Crews DUMPS him out! Ford and Crews stare down, then they both build speed! They both FLY out onto the other’s partner! The fans are thunderous, Crews puts Dawkins in, and then Crews goes up top. “This is Awesome!” as Crews FROG SPLASHES but has to roll through! Dawkins DECKS Crews with a big right! Tag to Ford, and Dawkins brings Crews up.

Dawkins whips, pop-up, REVELATION! Cover, Profits ELIMINATE Corbin & Crews! Corbin & Crews put up a valiant effort, but the Profits move on to face… #YESBOY! Pretty Deadly!

The Street Profits VS Pretty Deadly!

Kit Wilson & Elton Prince run up, run in, then Elton bails out! Kit rolls Dawkins, TWO! Kit hurries to cradle Dawkins, TWO! Kit tries a roll-up again, with tights! TWO, and Dawkins FLAPJACKS Kit down! Kit flounders, Dawkins tags Ford. The Profits double whip,. then CLOBBER Kit! DIY likes that, and then the Profits hit a BACK SUPLEX SPLASH! Elton runs in, but he gets a DOUBLE FLAPJACK onto Kit! Ford covers Kit, TWO! The fans rally, Ford CLUBS Kit, then brings him up. Kit RAMS Ford, swings, but into a back suplex! Elton tags in and Kit slips free. Ford kicks and suplexes, but Elton CHOP BLOCKS Ford!

But Elton miscalculates, Kit still takes a BRAINBUSTER! Elton stomps Ford around, drags him to a cover, TWO! Elton pushes Ford to the corner, Kit tags in, and they stomp away on Ford’s leg as Elton holds it down! The ref counts, Kit UPPERCUTS Ford, then he tags Elton. Now they stomp the leg while Kit holds it! The ref reprimands, Kit lets off and Elton ROCKS Kit with a right. Pretty Deadly say “YES BOY~!” They sing it, even, still pitching their musical. Tag to Kit, but Ford fights with body shots and elbows! Elton blocks a kick, hands it to Kit, and Elton KNEES Ford’s hamstring!

Ford grits his teeth, clutches his leg, but Kit cravats to CHOKE him against ropes. Kit lets go, Elton DECKS Ford, and Kit basement dropkicks! Kit drags Ford around for a HALF CRAB! Ford clamps onto the ROPEBREAK! So Kit DDTS the leg! The fans rally for Ford but Kit taunts Dawkins. Kit then sucker punches him! Kit goes back to Ford, the ref stops Dawkins, and Kit stomps away on Ford’s leg. Kit pulls on the foot, but Ford resists the turnover! Ford kicks at Kit again and again, but Kit still steps over! Ford fights and BOOTS free! Elton tags in, but hot tag to Dawkins! Dawkins rallies on Elton, then whips.

Elton reverses but Dawkins hurdles and UPPERCUTS! The fans fire up with Dawkins and he aims at a corner. Dawkins runs in to CYCLONE SPLASH! ENZIGIRI! Cover, TWO! Elton survives but the fans rally up. Dawkins whips Elton, Elton grabs ropes and BOOTS, then tag to Kit. Dawkins ROCKS Elton and whips, but Elton reverses. Hurdle and DDT! Kit covers, TWO! Dawkins survives, Pretty Deadly seethes, but Kit tags Elton. They run UPPERCUT after UPPERCUT, then Elton RAMS Dawkins so Kit can UPPERCUT again! Fireman’s carry, ASSISTED GUT BUSTER! Cover, Ford breaks it!

The fans are thunderous and Kit is furious! Kit whips but Ford reverses and TOSSES Kit out! Elton DUMPS Ford out! Dawkins ROCKS Elton! Ford tags, Dawkins lifts Elton, BLOCKBUSTER DOOMSDAY!! Cover, Profits ELIMINATE Pretty Deadly! But here comes The OC’s Gallows & Anderson! We hit the halfway point of this gauntlet, will the Profits survive? Or are things about to get Too Sweet? We find out, after the break!

The Street Profits VS The Good Brothers!

SmackDown returns as Karl Anderson JUMP KICKS Ford! Then Luke Gallows SPLASHES in the corner! Anderson snapmares, covers, TWO! Ford survives but Anderson stalks him to ropes. Anderson CHOKES and CLAWS Ford, but he lets off as the ref counts. Anderson snapmares Ford, clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Ford down. Ford endures, reaches out, and the fans rally. Ford fights up, throws body shots, and pries the hold open, but Anderson kicks low! Anderson CLOBBERS Ford, covers, TWO! Ford is still in this but Anderson drags him up. Anderson whips Ford to the corner hard, then tags Gallows.

The Good Brothers mug Ford, then Gallows runs to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Gallows stands Ford up to scoop and SLAM him! Tag to Anderson and Anderson covers, TWO! Anderson brings Ford up and around to scoop and SLAM! Cover, TWO! Anderson clamps on a neck wrench, and even pulls on Ford’s ear! The ref reprimands, Anderson lets go, and fans rally up. Tag to Gallows. the Good Brothers mug Ford more. Gallows then brings Ford around, snap suplexes, and covers, TWO! Gallows HAMMERS away with elbows, then clamps on a chinlock. Ford endures, the fans rally up, but Gallows leans all his weight on Ford.

Ford fights up to his feet, throws body shots, but Gallows CLUBS him down. Gallows scoops Ford, but Ford swings around to DDT! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Both men crawl, hot tag to Anderson! Anderson whips Ford to an open corner, runs in, but Ford TOSSES him out! Anderson slips apron and falls to the floor! Gallows runs up but Ford DUMPS him out! Hot tag to Dawkins! Dawkins builds speed and he FLIES onto The Good Brothers! Dawkins avoids hitting the desk and the fans are thunderous! Dawkins roars, puts Anderson in, and then runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!!

Anderson is frustrated but he tags Gallows. The Good Brothers haul Dawkins up for a fireman’s carry. Anderson runs but Ford trips him! Dawkins rolls Gallows up, PROFITS ELIMINATE GOOD BROTHERS!! The fans fire up and yet… That leaves The Bloodline for last. As if this team wasn’t dangerous enough, the Profits are practically running on fumes at this point! Can Ford & Dawkins survive? Or will they fall victim to the Samoan Werewolf and Good Bad Guy? We find out, after the break.

The Street Profits VS The Bloodline!

SmackDown returns again and Tama beats Dawkins down in a corner! The fans chant “SOLO SUCKS!” but Tama tags Fatu. They DOUBLE HEADBUTT Dawkins down, then Fatu drags him up. Fatu bumps Dawkins off buckles, runs in and SPLASHES! Tag to Tama, and he runs up, gets a boost from Fatu, BIG CANNONBALL! Dawkins goes down but the fans chant, “WE WANT ROMAN!” Solo soaks up that heat while Tama CHOKES Dawkins on ropes. The ref counts, Tama lets off, and Solo CHOKES Dawkins now! B-Fab protests but Solo gets away with that. The Bloodline raise their ones, then Tama tags Fatu.

The mugging continues, and Fatu HEADBUTTS Dawkins down. Solo says that’s right, take them out. Fatu CHOKES Dawkins then HEADBUTTS! The ref backs Fatu off but that lets Solo get a cheap shot in! Fatu BITES Dawkins’ fingers! Fatu then stomps him around, and he runs corner to corner, but Dawkins dodges! Fatu’s splash gets him stuck on the ropes! Solo is upset as Dawkins crawls for his corner! Fatu slumps back, the fans rally as hard as they can, hot tags to Tama and Ford! Ford LARIATS, LARIATS then dodges to SPINEBUSTER! Tama flounders, Ford SUPERKICKS Fatu! Ford drags Tama up but Tama slips around to back suplex!

Ford lands out! Ford kicks, KICKS and- NO, Tama ducks the enzigiri! Tama CLUBS and whips but Ford reverses! Ford runs up, but Tama puts him on the apron! Ford ROCKS Tama, climbs up and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Tama stays in this, and DIY is intrigued. Ford hurries up the corner again, but Tama ROCKS him! Tama goes up to get Ford, SUPERPLEX! Cover, Dawkins breaks it! Fatu runs in but Dawkins TOSSES him back out! Tama runs to slip and trip Dawkins up! The Bloodline mugs Dawkins, but Ford FLIES over the corner!! Down goes everyone! Ford rises and the fans are thunderous again!

Ford puts Tama in, climbs back up, and Solo is stressing out! FROM THE HEAVENS, but Tama moves! Fatu tags in, Ford hobbles up, into a LARIAT! Fatu DIVES onto Dawkins and takes him out! Fatu returns for Ford, but Ford dodges and runs, but into the POP-UP- DDT!! Ford takes Fatu… NO, Fatu is rising! POP-UP SAMOAN DROP!! Fatu then puts Ford in the drop zone, BEST MOONSAULT EVER!! Cover, Bloodline wins!

Winners: The Bloodline, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the WWE Tag Team Championships)

Replacing Loa wasn’t a detriment, it only made the team stronger! And now that they’re targeting the tag titles, will The Bloodline dominate under Solo Sikoa like they did under Roman Reigns?

Grayson Waller & Austin Theory interrupt!

They don’t care what Corey Graves & Wade Barrett are talking about, they’ve got stuff to say. Last week, they would’ve beat Cody Rhodes & Kevin Owens easy, if not for Terence Crawford! But they’re not just talking about it, they’ll do something about it! That little 120 pound Terence is walking around backstage, so y’know what? Terrence is gonna come out and apologize to the greatest team of the world! Oh, wait, is he scared? Nope, here comes Terence Crawford! The fans cheer as Omaha’s own undefeated and undisputed champion makes his way out. Waller says this is a big moment. The pound for pound top boxer in the world is in the ring with them!

And the thing is, Terrence, last week, you disrespected ATDU. Terrence handed Cody a chair, so it is only fair he apologize to them. The fans boo but Waller says they don’t understand. This is not just for helping Cody, but for thinking he belongs in the ring with A-Town Down Under. Terrence might be the best boxer, but this is pro-wrestling. And look at Waller when he’s talking! If Terrence takes one more step, Waller’s boy Theory will knock you out! Theory says he isn’t trying to- BLAM and Terrence knocks Theory out!! Waller bails out, what was that about apologizing? Waller helps Theory out of the ring, is Theory going to come to his senses about this “team?”

Cody Rhodes speaks.

The American Nightmare is part of the Japan live tour, doing what he promised in bringing the Undisputed WWE Championship all across the globe. But he takes a moment to reflect, and do something wrestlers shouldn’t do and look back. Cody looks back on his win at the Royal Rumble, nearly having his WrestleMania main event taken from him, only for the people to help him take it back. He reflects on the fight of his life against Roman Reigns to do what he said he’d do, and #FinishTheStory. He was surrounded by friends, family, fans, a conquering hero, and The Bloodline was no more. Or so he thought.

“But this new doppelganger version, a pack of wild cats with nothing to lose, running around and feasting on anyone who stands in their way… Chaos reigns without a true lion to lead the pack. And because of that chaos, now I sit here alone. My friends, my allies, my partners, Randy Orton and Kevin Owens, destroyed trying to fight by my side while I watched. I head to SummerSlam a man on an island. A man who has the deck stacked against me. A man who will have to fight with every ounce of pride and energy that I have. But I also head into SummerSlam the champion.

“And I know that i have to bring all of my fire and passion to this fight, because I owe it to the people to defend this championship and not let it slip back into the hands of The Bloodline. Solo Sikoa is a dangerous man. He stepped up, declared himself the new Tribal Chief. He has proven he is ready to take on that mantle of responsibility and do whatever it takes. I used to think Solo wan’t ready. But now, not so sure. I need to look into his eyes and see what kind of man he really is. Before we battle it out int he main event of SummerSLam, I challenge you to meet me in the ring next week, face to face, one on one.

“So I can look into your eyes and see if you are indeed ready. Because in this moment of solitude, I know that I am.” The American Nightmare is ready for another fight of his life, but will he be leaving The Land still on top of the mountain?

Backstage interview with Andrade.

Byron Saxton says last week, El Idolo had an incredible match with Carmelo Hayes, and he won. So what is next on the agenda? Well, Andrade is thinking United States Championship. But then Carmelo Hayes steps in and says, “Just because you beat me one time, you think this is over?” It isn’t over until Melo wins. Oh, no, Melo is done, because he missed. Oh, is that so? How about how the crowd didn’t miss Andrade the last two years he decided to leave. Put it in perspective: LeBron James, one of the greatest, even he has an off night. Happens to the best of us. Okay, but Melo isn’t LeBron. He’s more like… Bronny Jr.

Melo says yeah, he is like Bronny, because it’s his time now! So step aside! Andrade says if he wants one more match, then okay. Melo says that’s all it’s gonna take. Melo leaves, not shaking Andrade’s hand. But will Andrade make sure The Message gets through to H1M?

Bayley & Mia Yim VS Nia Jax & Tiffany Stratton!

The Role Model has the title, and that puts a target on her back. The Queen of the Ring is waiting for SummerSlam, and even then, Ms. Tiffy in the Bank can strike at any moment. Will the Head Baddie in Charge help Bayley get past the bullies? Or will nothing stop the Irresistible Force and #TiffyTime?

Oh no! Nia attacks Michin from behind! She and Tiff stomp Mia around, even as the ref reprimands. Nia HEADBUTTS Mia, Tiff says this is what she gets, and Nia whips Mia hard into steel steps! But here comes Bayley! Bayley has a kendo stick and she runs off Nia & Tiff! Bayley stays by Mia’s side, but can Mia even compete now? Nia & Tiff set the briefcase aside, and same goes for the kendo stick and title belt. Tiff steps in, Bayley still wants this fight even with Mia down and out. The bell rings, Bayley runs up to THESZ PRESS! Bayley rains down fists, Tiff powers out, but Bayley hits another THESZ PRESS!

Tiff gets up again< Bayley headlocks, but Tiff powers out. Bayley hits buckles, Tiff headlocks, but Bayley powers out. Tiff runs Bayley over, says it’s time, and runs. Tiff handsprings over Bayley’s drop down, shows off, then dodges Bayley! Bayley KCISK a leg out, then rains down fists! The fans cheer, Tiff slips free but Bayley runs to SLIDING ELBOW! And SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Bayley keeps her cool, Mia checks her arm, and Bayley CLUBS Tiff down. Bayley stomps Tiff, taunts Nia, then brings Tiff around. Tiff RAMS Bayley into buckles! Tiff stomps away, lets off as the ref counts, then struts around.

The fans are torn as Tiff stomps Bayley. Tiff whips Bayley to the corner, but Bayley uses that to CLOBBER Nia! Tiff ROCKS Bayley, pushes her down, then taunts Bayley. Tiff whips, Bayley slips out to the apron and ROCKS Tiff back! Bayley BOOTS Nia for good measure, then HOTSHOTS Tiff! Cover, TWO! Bayley clamps onto Tiff, and Mia is up! The fans rally, Bayley brings Tiff up and wrenches, but then Nia YANKS Mia down! Nia fireman’s carries to SAMOAN DROP to the floor! Tiff HIP ATTACKS Bayley, then TIFFY STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives but she and Mia are in bad shape as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and Tiff stomps around. She runs up to STINK FACE Bayley! Nia must’ve taught her that one. Tiff drags Bayley to a corner, TWO! Tiff drags Bayley up onto ropes, then CHOKES her! Tiff lets off as the ref counts and YANKS the rope. Bayley sputters, Tiff whips her to a corner hard, and Bayley falls to the mat. Tiff soaks up the cheers and jeers, then she drags Bayley up. Tag to Nia, they double whip Bayley hard into their corner, then Nia SPLASHES! Tiffany handspring back ELBOWS! Nia drags Bayley out, covers, TWO! Nia taunts Bayley, soaks up heat and mocks the fans’ tears.

Nia brings Bayley up but Bayley fires hands! Bayley leaps on to GUILLOTINE! But Nia RAMS her into a corner! Bayley flops down, and Nia stands on Bayley’s back! The ref counts, Nia steps off, and she soaks up more heat. Nia bumps Bayley off buckles, tags Tiff, and Tiff runs in, to SPLASH Bayley! Tiff brings Bayley out, CLUBS her, and clamps on a chinlock. Bayley endures, the fans rally up, and Mia clutches her back while down on the outside. Bayley fires body shots, Tiff shoves her to SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Tiff is annoyed but she drags Bayley over. Tag to Nia, and Tiff feeds Bayley to Nia’s scoop and SLAM!

Nia runs to drop an ELBOW! Cover, TWO! The fans rally but Nia sits Bayley up into a cobra clutch! Bayley endures, pulls Nia’s hair, and fights up to her feet. But Nia RAMS her into the corner! Tag to Tiff, and Nia RAMS Bayley again. Tiff stomps Bayley around, puts her in a corner to whip corner to corner, then she handsprings in! Bayley catches Tiff in a waistlock! GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans fire up while both women are down! Mia rises again and the fans rally! Bayley crawls, but so does Tiff. Hot tag to Nia, and she CLOBBERS Bayley! Nia whips Bayley to the corner, runs in, but Bayley dodges! Nia POSTS herself, Tiff tags in!

Tiff grabs Bayley’s legs but Bayley BOOTS her away! Hot tag to Michin! Mia rallies on Tiff, hits a NECKBREAKER, then a FLAPJACK! Mia kips up and roars! The fans fire up, Mia KICKS Nia while hitting the TORNADO DDT on Tiff! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives but Mia builds speed to DIVE onto Nia! Down goes Nia and the fans fire up again! Mia heads up a corner, and MISSILE- NO, Tiff avoids the dropkick! Tiff tags Nia, Nia runs in, but Mia dodges! Bayley sneaks a tag, Mia ENZIGIRIS! Bayley runs to KNEE Nia down! Bayley puts Nia in a drop zone, then climbs up! MACHO ELBOW!! Cover, TIFF BREAKS IT!

The fans fire up and Mia storms in! Mia & Bayley mug Tiff then TOSS her! Nia hoists Mia up! Bayley makes the save, but the ref gets Mia out of there. Tiff CLOBBERS Bayley with the briefcase! Nia CLOBBERS Mia, then sets Bayley in the drop zone! A-NIA-LATOR!! Cover, Nia & Tiff win!

Winners: Nia Jax & Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall

The Queen and “Princess” of the Ring stand tall together, having crushed the WWE Women’s Champion! Will they do it all over again in Cleveland to crown a NEW WWE Women’s Champion? Or can Bayley find a way to survive SummerSlam?

The Bloodline speaks.

Solo Sikoa tells Cody Rhodes, “I will see you face next week. The same night that my colleagues will bring back the tag team titles to The Bloodline, the night before I bring back the Undisputed WWE title to The Bloodline, at your expense. In one weekend, The Bloodline will handle family business. And if Roman Reigns got a problem with that… You know where to find me. So he can end up like Randy Orton, Kevin Owens, and Cody Rhodes, and ACKNOWLEDGE ME.” Solo is again adorned with the red ula fala, and The Bloodline raises the ones. But will they be the ones ruling over SmackDown after SummerSlam? Or can Cody overcome the odds once again?

My Thoughts:

A very good SmackDown, but clearly prerecorded from last week, given a lot of SmackDown stars are part of the Japan house show tour right now. The main clue was that they’re still in Nebraska, with Terrence Crawford making another appearance. Now yes, they also gave Cody a promo where he confirms he’s in Japan, but WWE social media has been sharing video of Jade, Bianca and Bayley being overseas as well, so they definitely had to tape this before today. But even so, Terrence Crawford also had a good segment getting to humble A-Town Down Under, and this will be just another reason Theory leaves Waller.

Very good promo from Cody to call out Solo, and good response from Solo after. Solo keeps bringing up Roman, so you gotta think Roman is returning next Saturday to make sure Solo doesn’t win the title. Though, that’s because we’re definitely getting Bloodline winning the tag titles. I can’t be sure if Loa’s bad eye is legit or kayfabe, but I’m pretty sure Bloodline was winning the gauntlet either way. Awesome stuff in that match, though also scary stuff like Crews taking that back suplex. I appreciate them wanting to go a little harder for the moment but they gotta be careful. And great showing from The Profits especially, so who knows if they feud with Bloodline after next week.

Really good promo from Knight leading into his match with Santos, and great match from Knight and Santos. Great win from Knight, but of course Logan Paul shows up to go after him. Now, Logan standing tall tonight almost feels like the go-home on the title, but then they are still doing a segment next week. If Knight not only ruins the homecoming but ends up standing tall in a brawl, then unfortunately for Knight, Logan is going to retain the title. Andrade said he wants said title, too, before being interrupted by Melo. There’s a good chance Melo beats Andrade next week with some shady tactics, but it would bide some time if Logan’s gonna still be champ and needs another Face contender.

Good promo from Naomi to put Blair on notice, and good segue into Jade & Bianca calling out Alba & Isla. Alba & Isla doing the sneak attack sets up the tag title match quite nicely, but Jade & Bianca standing tall gives us the go-home math that Alba & Isla retain. For that matter, they have Great American Bash first, so they’re definitely retaining through NXT to then go to SmackDown and retain again. They’re being less spooky now, but I wouldn’t mind if Alba & Isla at least used something sneaky to win so that Jade & Bianca aren’t necessarily weakened by the loss.

Good promo from Tiff and Nia to again nod towards Tiff getting a custom briefcase, and them making that loose promise that Tiff won’t cash in on Bayley yet. Very good tag match tonight with Mia playing up being beat up for most of it. Even then, Bayley and Mia almost won if not for a briefcase shot, so that technically protects Bayley in the loss. Now, regardless of what might happen next week, I’m still sticking by Bayley “surviving” Nia, only for Tiff to try a cash-in. Tiff promised Nia that Nia would get her shot, but once that’s over, Tiff can go right for Bayley, and then who knows how that goes.