Results
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (4/12/24)
And NEW…!
Adrenaline, in my soul!
WrestleMania 40 saw the landscape change in a major way as both Bayley AND Cody Rhodes are the NEW champions of WWE and SmackDown!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- WWE Universal Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier Triple Threat: LA Knight VS Bobby Lashley VS Santos Escobar; Knight wins and advances.
- Bron Breakker VS Cameron Grimes; Bron wins.
- WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton; Naomi wins and will challenge Bayley for the title next week.
- Chelsea Green & Piper Niven VS Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair; Jade & Bianca win.
- WWE Universal Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier Triple Threat: Rey Mysterio VS AJ Styles VS Kevin Owens; Styles wins and advances.
PLAY BY PLAY
Cody Rhodes is here!
Detroit fires up as The American Nightmare makes his way to the ring as the NEW WWE Universal Champion! They sing his theme song and get the pyro, “WHOA~ OH~!” And of course, the second round, too. The fans then chant “You Deserve It!” Cody has the mic and takes a moment as the fans all chant his name. Cody then says, “So, Detroit…! What do you guys wanna talk about? This past Monday, I was out here doing some talking, and I was interrupted by… The Rock.” The fans boo and chant “ROCKY SUCKS! ROCKY SUCKS!” Cody says as The Rock’s music hit, Cody thought of someone he knew from Detroit and what they’d say.
It went a little like this: Who the hell told you tonight was open mic night, b*tch!? AKA Brandi. Forgive Cody for cursing already, he isn’t sure what’s gotten into him. But when Rock was here, the air got colder, the mood changed, and Rock placed something in Cody’s hands, and he instantly knew what it was. A wartime overture, if you would, something Cody had gifted The Rock. It was uncomfortable, awkward, but Cody believed The Rock when he said he was going off to Hollywood, and Cody believed even more when The Rock said he one day come back, looking for Cody. Well, Rock, you do not have to look very far, Cody will be standing right here.
The fans cheer, and Cody continues by saying that is in the rearview. We must now look forward. Three weeks from now, Cody hops on a plane for the first of the WWE’s international Premium Live Events: Backlash France! And Cody will face one of the six competitors we’ll see here tonight. It could be Santos Escobar, who fans boo. It could be Rey Mysterio, who fans cheer. Could be the fastest rising star in all of WWE, L A Knight “YEAH!” Can’t talk about LA Knight without talking about AJ Styles. AJ and Cody, two of the only four men who were ever NWA World and WWE Champion. Then there’s… Bobby Lashley! Fans are a bit torn on The All Mighty.
Cody again says, “Bobby Lashley!” and the fans are again torn. Cody says we also can’t forget his friend, Kevin Owens. The fans really cheer The Prizefighter! But like all friends who are also wrestlers, Cody and Kevin each think they’re better, and there’s only ever one way to find out. So if Kevin will forgive Cody, but it is not lost on Cody that we are very sold out here in Detroit. Cody will briefly turn his back on the main camera so he can see everyone here tonight. The fans cheer as Cody goes to the other side and the fans cheer again. Cody says this is all so fresh to him. He is no longer a hunter but he is the hunted.
So his message for those six men tonight: If you come at the king, you best not miss. “For those on the blue brand, on SmackDown, who claim to be unfamiliar with me, I will make it easy for you. My name is Cody Rhodes. Once Undesirable, Become Undeniable, and NOW… Your UNDISPUTED WWE Champion!” The fans cheer that! Cody was able to #FinishTheStory with Roman Reigns, but who will start a new chapter with him on the road to Backlash?
The Bloodline is backstage!
More specifically, Paul Heyman follows behind Jimmy Uso & Solo Sikoa, only to find their suite is now Cody’s suite! Kevin Owens walks up and says sorry, but they’re not invited inside. There might be a broom closet down the hall, though. Solo says he’ll take care of Kevin, and the rest of this. Heyman says hold on. Winning and losing matter now. There are consequences to losing. Bloodline loss. That is the champion’s locker room, and Cody is champion. If they want that room back, the title has to come home to The Bloodline. That is by order of The Tribal Chief. Roman Reigns may not have the title, but he still has authority, will The Enforcer find his way to the American Nightmare?
WWE Universal Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier Triple Threat: LA Knight VS Bobby Lashley VS Santos Escobar!
Across WrestleMania Weekend, The Mega Star won and so did The All Mighty. The Emperor of Lucha, however, did not, so he is ready to redeem all of Legado Del Fantasma through this match! Who takes one step closer to the Universal Championship right here on the SmackDown After Mania?
SmackDown returns and Lashley makes his entrance, seen off by The Pride. Then Santos makes his entrance, surprisingly not seen out by Legado. But as a WWE YouTube exclusive revealed, Santos has a plan for tonight, and Legado did not take out Dragon Lee before WrestleMania. But if not them, then who?
The bell rings, Santos ROCKS Knight, but Knight and Lashley go after Santos! They double whip, Santos grabs ropes and bails out, so Knight rolls Lashley up! TWO, Knight gets around but Lashley switches. Knight escapes before the Hurt Lock is on, and Knight whips. Lashley reverses to send Knight out, Santos laughs at Knight, but Lashley DRAGS Santos into the ring! Knight trips Lashley to drag him out, and they throw hands! The fans fire up, Santos DIVES to take out Lashley and Knight! The fans boo but Santos grins as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Lashley has Santos down now! Lashley drags Santos back into the ring, brings him up and bump shim off buckles. Lashley hoists Santos up top, throws hands, then climbs up to join him. The fans fire up but Santos resists the superplex! Santos throws hands on Lashley, Lashley gives those back, but Santos knocks Lashley away! Knight springs right up after Santos instead! Then Lashley adds on! TOWER OF DOOM! Lashley covers Santos, TWO! Lashley hauls Santos right up, Canadian Rack, but Knight dropkicks legs out! Knight then runs up on Lashley, CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Cover, Santos KICKS it apart!
Santos DECKS Knight then HAMMERS away! Santos GAMANGIRIS Knight to a corner, runs corner to corner at Lashley and DOUBLE KNEES! Santos fires up, reloads, and he runs at Knight, DOUBLE KNEES! Knight staggers, Santos fireman’s carries, but Knight slips free! Knight shoves, scoops and POWERSLAMS! Then Knight drops the JUMP ELBOW! The fans fire up with Knight and he aims at Santos. But then LEGADO attacks! Angel y Humberto are Santos’ insurance policy, they double whip to TRIPLE POWERBOMB!! The fans boo but then Lashley CLOBBERS Santos, ROCKS Angel, but gets mugged!
The fans boo, but then here come The Profits! Montez & Dawkins fire off on Angel & Humberto! UPPERCUT for Angel, ENZIGIRI for Humberto! The fans are thunderous as Dawkins runs, but Elektra Lopez stands in his way! But then B-Fab BOOTS Lopez down! The fans fire up as Dawkins then runs up, but into a POP-UP KICK! Ford FLIES out onto them instead! The fans are thunderous but Santos sneaks up to roll Lashley! TWO!! Lashley escapes that, and he clinches Santos for the FLATLINER! Lashley fires up, he storms around, and he takes aim! But Santos dodges, Lashley POSTS himself! So Knight hits the B F T!! Cover, Knight wins!
Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall (advances to the #1 contender’s match)
All of Motor City says “YEAH!” as now Knight moves forward! Will the Mega Star soon get himself a ticket to Lyons, France?
Backstage interview with the LWO.
Kayla Braxton is with Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee, Carlito, Zelina Vega, Cruz Del Toro y Joaquin Wilde and notes Santos falling short in that Triple Threat. With all the history between LWO and Legado, any comments? Rey says plain and simple, that was karma. Whether it was Ridge Holland’s attack on Cruz last Tuesday, or Legado’s attack on Dragon last Friday, it all inevitably comes back to bite you. Kayla says Santos denied Legado attacked Dragon, but of course he would. Carlito says that, as the kids might say, Santos is all cap. But to keep it real, Santos should realize the truth will eventually surface, no matter how you twist it.
But tonight, Rey’s focus is on AJ Styles and Kevin Owens. Rey has done many things over the past couple years: His Hall of Fame induction; forming the LWO. But deep down, Rey truly believes that he has one more run at the top as WWE Champion! Mark his words! The LWO heads out, but will the King of Lucha Libre be able to add to his already top tier career?
The Bloodline heads to the ring.
Solo Sikoa leads the way as he, Jimmy Uso and Paul Heyman walk down the ramp. What will they do when they have orders from The Tribal Chief?
SmackDown returns and Heyman has the mic to give his introduction. And tonight, by order of The Tribal Chief, The Bloodline offers no excuses about what happened at WrestleMania. They don’t blame John Cena, they don’t blame The Undertaker, they don’t even blame Jey Uso. “Ladies and gentlemen, accountability is a very big word on the Island of Relevancy, and Your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns has ordered that we accept accountability. At WrestleMania 39, what happened? Roman Reigns entered the ring focused, Roman Reigns entered the ring strategic, Roman Reigns entered the ring unemotional.
“Cody Rhodes took his eye off the ball for just one second. He was distracted by Solo. Admittedly, that’s Cody Rhodes’ fault for not preparing for Solo to distract him. And what happened? Just like that, Your Tribal Chief took advantage and defended the title. At WrestleMania 40, Cody Rhodes flipped the script on Roman Reigns. What did Seth Rollins say? Seth Rollins is a Visionary. Seth Rollins told the truth. Seth Rollins said to Cody Rhodes, ‘I will be your Shield.’ The one piece of unfinished business in Roman Reigns’ life! So when Roman Reigns had a chair in his hand at WRestleMania 40, and he could’ve SMASHED Cody Rhodes with it… Legal, Bloodline Rules… He didn’t.
“Why? Because after ten YEARS of waiting for revenge on Seth Rollins, for waiting on revenge of that betrayal in and of The Shield, Roman Reigns gave in to temptation. Roman Reigns was distracted by his lust for revenge on Seth Rollins, he took his eye off the ball. Cody Rhodes was prepared. Cody Rhodes was strategic. Cody Rhodes was focused. Cody Rhodes was ready. And like that, it was over. Ladies and gentlemen, your new Undisputed Champion… is Cody Rhodes.” The fans cheer that! Heyman says like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Your Tribal Chief, Ro- Solo stops Heyman there?!
Solo repeats Heyman’s words: “Losing and winning matters, right? So there’s consequences to losing, right? Right?” Heyman says yes, that’s right. Then those consequences should be change. Solo pushes Heyman aside, and then he looks at Jimmy. Jimmy says Solo meant him!? He’s big bro, man! Back down! Solo holds his arms wide, and hugs Jimmy? Solo says he is Jimmy’s brother. Okay, then. So someone else attacks Jimmy!! TAMA TONGA?!? Tama stomps away on Jimmy, rains down fists, and then drags Jimmy up for headbutts! The fans are losing their minds as the Good Bad Guy throws off his hoodie, but then Solo has him stand down.
Solo tells Tama to get Jimmy up so Tama stands Jimmy up. Heyman is freaking out, as Solo SAMOAN SPIKES Jimmy!! And SAMOAN SPIKES again!! AND AGAIN!! Heyman is almost in tears as Solo SAMOAN SPIKES AGAIN!! Solo roars, and Tama raises his finger to the sky. Heyman fears for his own life but Solo has him step forward to join them. Heyman raises his finger, then gets on his phone to call Roman Reigns. Wait, Solo snatches the phone?! Solo STOMPS the phone!! That’s as much of an assault on Roman as it is anything! Solo signals Tama, and Tama gets a chair! They put Jimmy in the corner, and they wedge the chair into his face!
The fans are again freaking out as Solo tells Jimmy, “I love you.” Solo goes to the far corner while Heyman begs for mercy. Fans chant for “YEET! YEET! YEET!” but this is NO YEET! FULL METAL HIP ATTACK!!! The fans boo as hard as they can but Solo and Tama take their leave, Heyman reluctantly following. Is The Tribal Chief no longer the Head of the Table?
Bron Breakker VS Cameron Grimes!
He may no longer be an NXT Tag Team Champion, but this is still the Big Bad Booty Nephew, and he is looking to go full-on SmackDown! Will he make the Carolina Caveman wish Bron won last Tuesday night?
The bell rings and the two tie up. Bron gets around to waistlock and SLAM Grimes down! Bron holds on to SLAM Grimes again! Grimes fights with elbows, then headlocks, but Bron blocks the takeover! Bron back suplexes, Grimes lands on his feet and CLUBS Bron int he back! Grimes waistlocks, Bron bucks the O’Conner, then he builds speed to STEINER-LINER! The fans fire up and bark for Bron as he hauls Grimes up. Bron RAMS Grimes into a corner, RAMS him again and again, then lets off as the ref counts. Grimes goes to another corner, Bron whips him corner to corner. Bron runs up, blocks a boot but not the ENZIGIRI! Or the SUPERKICK!
Grimes goes up and up and CROSSBODIES into a POWERSLAM! The fans fire up as the straps come down, and Bron SPEARS!! Cover, Bron wins!
Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall
Bron says he’s got the best spear in the business today, and this definitely supports that argument! Will nothing and no one stop Bron from breaking through to that next level?
AJ Styles speaks.
“Tonight isn’t just another match. Tonight is where I fix what went wrong at WrestleMania. Rey Mysterio, Kevin Owens, you’re collateral in my path through LA Knight and to the Undisputed WWE Championship. Y’see, I am gonna demolish everything and prove a point. This isn’t personal, it’s necessary. You’re in the way of something much bigger than you can think of. And I will step over both your dead bodies to get to what I want. So LA Knight, I hope you’re taking notes. Because the damage I cause tonight will be just a taste of what you’re gonna get next week. And I promise, it will be phenomenal.”
Bayley is here!
Detroit fires up as the Role Model makes her way to the ring as the NEW WWE Women’s Champion! Bayley feels that energy and is just as fired up! Bayley gets a mic while the fans chant “You Deserve It!” Bayley revels in that a moment before she says, “Damn that feels good! Thank you!” She wants to soak it in cuz it’s been awhile. But she feels so good and so proud to call herself your new WWE Women’s Champion! Now, we all know this isn’t her first time, she’s retained titles at Mania and lost titles at Mania. But this one feels so damn special. This one’s different. Not because she had to defeat someone she used to call a friend in Iyo Sky.
It’s because she gets to call herself a champion for this brand new and exciting era, where this title doesn’t just mean she’s the best. It means she’s the best in the most talented locker room she’s ever been part of! Even more than that, what makes this special, and it might sound cheesy but it’s because of all the fans. Bayley says that from the bottom of her heart that these 11 YEARS of her career, the fans have been here through the ups, the downs, the injuries and the setbacks. And when every time she didn’t think she had anything else to give, the fans were fighting for her! Online, in line, at PLEs and house shows, they never gave up on her and she thanks us for that.
The fans cheer for Bayley again, and she thanks them. She is so excited to start this brand new journey. So let’s start off with a brand new opportunity! Wait, here comes Tiffany Stratton. Tiffy says “Honestly, I thought it was a little rude I wasn’t given an opportunity at WrestleMania. I mean, who better than the Center of the Universe herself to shine on the Grandest Stage of Them All? And you’re clearly building to some sort of Open Challenge, and well… I accept. Because~, it is Tiffy Time.” The fans are torn on that, and Bayley says this is embarrassing. Nice to meet you, Tiffany, and sorry to burst your bubble, but no, this wasn’t an Open Challenge.
Bayley had someone in mind, it wasn’t Tiffy. This person has Bayley very excited to see again. This person is a legend in the making, made a big return at the Royal Rumble, and it’s Naomi! NAOMI!? She couldn’t even win a title if it glowed in the dark! But here comes Naomi after all! The fans fire up as Naomi storms right down to the ring! Naomi gets in the ring, she and Bayley hug it out, but Tiff says they were in the middle of something. And BTW, Tiff already beat Naomi. The fans boo and Naomi takes off the fur coat to tell Tiff she’s got her on the wrong night. Sure, Tiff beat her before, but here’s what Tiff doesn’t know.
Naomi’s earned every single thing she’s gotten int he WWE, and she doesn’t plan on stopping now! So Bay, Naomi can’t accept the offer just yet. First, Naomi has to take on Clueless Tiffany right here, right now! The fans like that! Will Naomi make sure Tiff can #FeelTheGlow and then some? Or will Tiff make sure it’s her time one way or another?
SmackDown returns with Kayla Braxton by the trainer’s room.
Kayla knows we’re all trying to process what we saw in Jimmy being taken out by Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga. Heyman exits the room and Kayla asks for an update. Is Jimmy okay? But then Tama walks over and Heyman shuts up. Tama tells Heyman that “By orders of The Tribal Chief.” What?! Roman wanted this to happen!? Solo walks up and shows off the taped thumb. Solo smirks and leaves, and Heyman asks what the hell that means! Is this Roman lashing out at the family’s failures ahead of his own?
WWE Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton!
We return to the ring as this match is already underway. Tiff whips Naomi but Naomi slides under then comes back to SHOTGUN! Naomi kips up, the fans fire up, and Naomi runs in, uses the ropes and hits a BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Tiff is still in this but Naomi keeps her cool. Bayley is still ringside to coach Naomi. Naomi drags Tiff up, wrenches and snapmares, then KICKS her down! Naomi then drops a leg, brother! Cover, TWO! Tiff is tough but Naomi stays on her by dropping a knee on the elbow! Naomi drags Tiff around again, for an ARM WRINGER! Tiff writhes, the fans rally up and Bayley applauds.
Naomi clamps onto Tiff with a top wristlock and grinds her down. Tiff endures, fights up, and RAMS Naomi into the corner! Tiff runs up to clothesline, then she RAMS into Naomi! And again! And again! The ref counts, Tiff shoves Naomi down, and then Tiff clamps on a chinlock. Tiff thrashes Naomi, stomps her, then taunts her. But Naomi throws body shots! And a KNEE! Tiff falls, Naomi covers, TWO! Naomi whips Tiff to a corner, Tiff reverses, but Naomi goes up and gets Tiff for the TWERK ATTACK! The fans fire up as Naomi kicks Tiff away, then runs back up. Tiff YANKS Naomi into the ropes!
The ref reprimands but Tiff runs to HIP ATTACK! Naomi sputters, Tiff is upset over Naomi getting cheeky, and she stomps away! Tiff CLUBS Naomi, CLUBS her again, then pushes Naomi to a cover, ONE! Naomi stays in this but Tiff stays on her. Tiff whips but Naomi DROPKICKS back! Tiff goes to a corner, Naomi runs up but Tiff puts her on the apron. Naoi blocks a punch to ROUNDHOUSE! Tiff wobbles, Naomi brings her in, but Tiff RAMS into Naomi! Then Tiff POSTS Naomi and Naomi slumps from steps to floor! The fans boo, Tiff checks her chin, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again as Naomi fights up out of a chinlock. Naomi JAWBREAKERS free, Tiff staggers away, and Naomi goes to a corner. Tiff runs up but into an ELBOW! Naomi then goes up, Tiff blocks the boot but not the REBOUND ENZIGIRI! Bayley cheers Naomi on as she CROSSBODIES Tiff! And CROSSBODIES again! Detroit fires up as Naomi ducks ‘n’ dodges and goes up, up and FLYING CHUCK! Tiff flounders, the fans fire up with Naomi and she runs corner to corner for a HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! And then a BOOT! And another BOOT! Naomi drags Tiff into the drop zone, the fans fire up, Naomi hits a SPLIT LEG DROP! Cover, TWO!!
The fans are torn as Tiff survives, but she’s not a former NXT Women’s Champion for nothing. Tiff checks her nose, Naomi full nelsons her! Tiff fires elbows, then she bucks the O’Conner. Naomi rolls through but sits up into TIFFY STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! Tiff is shocked, but Naomi shows why she’s a former SmackDown Women’s Champion! Tiff drags Naomi, fireman’s carries, but Naomi fights with furious elbows! Naomi whips, Tiff reverses, but Naomi goes up! No twerk this time as Tiff makes it an Alabama Lift! ALABAMA SLAMA! The fans fire up while Tiff tells Bayley that she’s coming for the title!
Tiff goes to the corner, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER misses as Naomi moves! Tiff comes back, into a jackknife bridge! NAOMI WINS!!
Winner: Naomi, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE Women’s Championship)
Tiffy talked trash at the wrong Tiffy Time, and now Bayley will give Naomi that opportunity she promised! Will all of WWE soon #FeelTheGlow?
A-Town Down Under celebrates their win!
At WrestleMania, the Undisputed Tag Team Championships were on the line in a Six Pack Ladder Match, and the SmackDown belts came home thanks to Austin Theory & Grayson Waller. The biggest WrestleMania championship match in history, but who was all there? Snoop Dogg, Drew Barrymore, Lil’ Wayne, they’re all fans of A-Town Down Under! But let’s talk about Grayson Waller. First Mania, title match! Streak 2.0 beginning right here! And let’s talk Theory. Last year, walked in and walked out US Champion, made Cena look like he was nothing. Now they leave SmackDown Tag Team Champions, it’s like Theory is allergic to losing gold!
Waller & Theory toast themselves as the “greatest undefeated tag team champions of all time,” and you’re welcome.
Nick Aldis and other tag teams finish watching this.
New Catch Republic and The Profits all look to their General Manager. He says they’ll figure out new challengers next week. Then will Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins look to build on their Triple Crown resumés? Or will Tyler Bate & Pete Dunne finally reign together?
Logan Paul speaks.
The Maverick sends a selfie video to say, “Ey, what’s up, WWE Universe? Are you mad? I hope so. I would be mad, too, if I were you. Because the outside just walked in, beat two legends at WrestleMania. Well, one legend. Kevin Owens is kind of a dunce. But Randy Orton, hey, brother, who’s the real legend killer? I walked in the champ, I walked out the champ. Retained and remained like I said. What did you expect? It was the biggest WrestleMania ever. That was not a surprise to me. I was a part of it! Every event I’ve been a part of has been the biggest event WWE’s ever had. Is that a coincidence? No! Do the math!
“650 MILLION impressions on social media based on this WrestleMania. 200 million of those came from me! And my team, The Prime Team! IShowSpeed Prime bottle, Logan Paul. It is a new era, as we’re all saying. The #LoganPaulLevesque Era. Your United States Champion, out.” But when and where will The Maverick return to stroke his ego? Will someone deflate it the moment he steps back in the ring?
Chelsea Green & Piper Niven VS ???
The Hot Mess complained to Nick Aldis that her facing Jade Cargill on Raw was “reckless endangerment.” But Aldis would never do that to her and the Scottish Viper, right? In fact, Chelsea would love if she and “Lil’ Miss P” were drafted to SmackDown in a few weeks here. They’re ready to show what they can do as a team, hence this tag match tonight! But just who did Aldis find? The lights go down and the wind is blowing! “A storm… is coming!” Chelsea forgot that Jade Cargill is ON SmackDown! And her partner? Bianca Belair, who else? Will Chelsea & Piper wish they just stayed on Raw?
The teams sort out and Chelsea starts against Bianca. Chelsea swings, misses, and Bianca hits a SPINEBUSTER! Chelsea scrambles away to tag Piper, and the fans fire up as Piper calls out Jade! Bianca points to Jade, but then Piper grabs the braid! Piper whips, Bianca handsprings through! Bianca comes back, but into a scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Piper lines up a shot, runs up and CANNONBALLS in the corner! Piper then goes up and up and mocks the braid, before she VADER FLOPS! Hot tag to Chelsea, hot tag to Jade! The fans fire up, Chelsea runs away but there’s no Piper!
Jade grabs Chelsea for a SPINEBUSTER of her own! And a SUPERKICK! Jade chicken wings Chelsea for the JADED!! Cover, Jade & Bianca win!
Winners: Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair, by pinfall
One of the most dominant wins you could imagine, this could very well be the strongEST, the fastEST, the roughEST, the toughEST and the B E S T team ever! Will they solidify that by going after the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships together?
Backstage interview with Kevin Owens.
Byron Saxton is with the Prizefighter and brings up tonight’s massive opportunity. Winning the Triple Threat tonight advances things to next week’s #1 contender’s match, a shot at the WWE Universal Championship on the line. Any final thoughts before heading to the ring? Yeah, Kevin asks Byron if he’s noticed these really cool camera shots where they just follow someone. Kevin wants to try that. Mind if he borrows the mic? Sure, here you go. Byron lets Kevin have the mic and Kevin walks and talks, the camera following him. Winning the WWE Championship of course is the most important thing to everyone here.
And oh, look, this Detroit Tigers MLB Legacy belt. Kevin likes tigers. Kevin takes that with him now, brushes that CM Punk shift off the table, and then continues on. The real title Kevin wants is THE WWE Championship, and now AJ Styles, Rey Mysterio, they stand in his way. Kevin can only hope AJ is suffering from LA Knight PTSD while Rey… Well, Kevin and Rey have more in common than you think. They both have sons that ended up way taller than them, and Kevin’s son is awesome, not a huge disappointment. But that’s not on Rey, that’s more on Dom and that Dom just sucks.
But with as much respect as Kevin has for both guys, the bottom line is… They’re in his way of what he wants. So that means he’ll kick both their asses! Jamie, take the mic, and Bruce, hit his music. The staff does as told, and Kevin makes his entrance, the Legacy belt still on his shoulder. Will Kevin win here to get one step closer to THE belt he wants?
WWE Universal Championship #1 Contender’s Qualifier Triple Threat: Rey Mysterio VS AJ Styles VS Kevin Owens!
SmackDown returns as Styles makes his entrance, followed by Rey’s. The LWO sees Rey off, the bell rings, and the three stare down. Styles KICKS Kevin, ROCKS Rey, then brawls with Kevin. Styles KICKS and CHOPS Kevin, but Rey ROCKS Styels! Styles ROCKS Rey, whips, but Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges ‘n’ tilt-o-whirl RANAS Styles into the ropes! Kevin clotheslines Styles up and out first! Rey KICKS Kevin, runs and rolls, but Kevin denies him the rana. Kevin kicks and whips, Rey slides, but into Styles’ fireman’s carry! APRON DEATH VALLEY! Kevin goes out, dodges Styles and CHOPS! Kevin whips, Styles goes up and over barriers1
Kevin runs up, Styles ROCKS him! Styles goes up but Kevin trips him! Styles hits barriers, flops tot he floor, Kevin says “SUCK IT!” CANNONBALL against barriers! The fans fi reup, but then Rey SEATED SENTONS Kevin down! Rey stands as Detroit fires back up, and SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Styles CLUBS Rey. Kevin kicks and CLUBS Styles! Styles KICKS Kevin, ROCKS him, then he CHOPS Rey! ENZIGIRI for Kevin, but Rey whips Styles. Styles reverses, Rey holds ropes and BOOTS back! Kevin returns, Styles ELBOWS him away, but Rey goes up to jump back, only for Styles to catch him. Styles back suplexes Rey onto Kevin but Rey uses that to DDT Kevin! Rey then dodges Styles, QUEBRADA and DDT! Cover on Styles, TWO! Styles stays in this for him and Kevin but Rey keeps his cool. Rey runs to WRECK Kevin with a dropkick, then he goes back for Styles. Styles THROAT CHOPS!
Styles runs, Rey drop toeholds him onto ropes! Rey dials it up, but Styles blocks the 619! Styles fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI! Kevin runs up, into an atomic FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Kevin stays in this for him and Rey, but Styles drags him up. Styles fires hands in a corner, puts Kevin up top, but then Kevin throws hands back! Kevin HEADBUTTS Styles away, Rey DROPKICKS Styles out! Rey ROCKS Kevin, climbs up after him, and the fans fire up. But Kevin hooks Rey, SUPER FISHERMAN BUSTER! Kevin proves he is superplex-proof! Cover, Styles breaks it! Styles storms up on Kevin and brings him up, but Kevin ROCKS Styles!
Kevin runs up but Styles ELBOWS him! Styles goes up, Kevin avoids the Quebrada to SUPERKICK! Kevin whips, POP UP- NO, Styles slips free to PELE! Styles reels Kevin in, calls his shot, but Rey SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODIES! The fans fire up as Rey brings Styles back up. Styles reverses the whip, Rey ELBOWS him back! Rey wheelbarrows, Styles stops that, and Kevin waistlocks Styles! DOUBLE GERMAN SUPLEX!! The fans are thunderous as all three men are down, “This is Awesome!” All three men stir, and Kevin rises first. Kevin sees Styles and Rey at the ropes. Kevin runs at Rey to MONKEY FLIP him at Styles, Rey RANAS Styles onto the ropes!
Kevin runs up, Rey DUMPS him out! Rey redials to 619!! Styles falls back, Rey hurries up to the apron, but Kevin STUNNERS!! Kevin goes up top, SWANTON BOMB onto knees! Styles drags Kevin into the drop zone, then goes up! But Rey anchors Styles’ foot! Rey fires hands, goes up top to join Styles, and SUPER- NO, Styles stops the Steiner to get Rey in position! SUPER STYLES CLASH onto Kevin!! Cover on Rey, STYLES WINS!
Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall
Styles came through on his promise, and now he will get a WrestleMania Rematch with LA Knight next week! And speaking of, Knight steps into the ring! The fans fire up as these two stare down and talk some trash. Will Styles redeem himself against the Mega Star to then head for the American Nightmare? Or will Knight be 2-0 against The Phenomenal One?
My Thoughts:
A great SmackDown After Mania, and great road paved towards Backlash France. Great promos from all our new champs, even A-Town Down Under talking themselves up and having drinks, both Shoeys after Mania and drinks at the bar tonight. Good little bit with Aldis telling New Catch Republic and The Profits that they’re basically up next in a contender’s match, either team will be great against Theory & Waller. If it’s like I was thinking on Mania Weekend, Lashley & Profits going after Logan and his mutuals would make for some good stuff as Lashley also goes for the US title. Because obviously, we saw the Universal Championship scene set up in the Triple Threats.
Looking at the field of six, it really felt like it was going to either be Rey VS Santos or AJ VS LA. And with this ongoing rivalry of LWO and Legado, they made it clear the title wasn’t needed to motivate another match. Legado says they didn’t attack Dragon Lee, and honestly, why would they lie and hide it and all that? They’ve done attacks on LWO members out in the open, so this definitely has to be Carlito preparing his own Heel turn out of being envious of Dragon and angry with Rey. Then Styles VS Knight round 2 will be a lot of fun, and I would think Styles wins that to face Cody for the title.
And I guess it isn’t really the “Universal” Championship anymore, almost no one was saying “Universal” anymore, it was just The Undisputed WWE Championship or just the WWE Championship. I guess them phasing “Universal” out is fine, that was always a Vince thing since he wanted to go beyond having just a World Championship, but then WWE really is just in some kinda loop. We’re back to what I remember watching when I got really into pro-wrestling and that was an Undisputed WWE Champion and a World Heavyweight Champion. New era, but like many things in entertainment these days, what’s old is new again.
As such, and no insult to Bayley, but Bayley is back on top as a Women’s Champion, and she’s the kayfabe reason Naomi is back in the title scene. Great rematch from Naomi and Tiffany with Naomi of course winning this time, Bayley and Naomi will be a great match to have next week, but that clearly means someone else is getting that Backlash match. Iyo cashing in a rematch? Another member of DMG CTRL gonna try? Tiffany coming back around to get her turn? A call-up via the WWE Draft? All good ideas, can’t wait to see which one they choose. And on the side, great to see Jade & Bianca being a team, they can definitely challenge Kabuki Warriors for those titles before or at Backlash and Jade can get another great moment should she and Bianca win those first try.
Oh, uh, thanks for coming, Grimes, pretty sure your paycheck is on its way. But Bron is right here on SmackDown after his loss and goodbye to NXT on Tuesday. He could easily be drafted to Raw but I wouldn’t mind him sticking around on SmackDown a little longer here, maybe get in on at least the US Championship scene for the Summer. Good promo from Logan to hype himself up, I feel like maybe there could be a 1v1 feud with just Randy at some point, really depends on where things go from here. Great promo from Cody to turn the corner from Raw, and I appreciate him bringing up Brandi’s catchphrase, feels like a shame she didn’t get to use that herself during this story with The Bloodline.
And speaking of The Bloodline, holy crap, I did not think this was the direction The Bloodline was going. Solo stepping up in terms of his authority within the group was great, but right as we were all hoping it meant he was usurping control from Roman, it really meant he was punishing Jimmy, maybe even exiling him. And Tama Tonga coming in as family friend and “hired gun” given Tama’s family, aka Haku’s family don’t connect by blood to the Anoa’i family but have always been close. This is definitely the shot in the arm The Bloodline needed to continue into this next phase, this is going to be wild.
My Score: 8.8/10
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Will the numbers spell disaster for The Dime Piece?
Being a fighting champion, Aaron Rourke is putting his WWE Evolve Championship on the line against Harlem Lewis AND Braxton Cole in a Triple Threat!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kali Armstrong VS Tyra Mae Steele; Kali wins.
- Romeo Moreno VS “Starboy” Chazz Hall; No Contest.
- Masyn Holiday & Layla Diggs VS Anya Rune & Gianna Capri; Masyn & Layla win.
- WWE Evolve Championship Triple Threat: Aaron Rourke VS Harlem Lewis VS Braxton Cole; Rourke wins and retains the title.
PLAY BY PLAY
Harlem Lewis speaks.
“I’ve waited months for this. I returned from LFG with one goal in my mind, and that was becoming the WWE Evolve Champion. Jackson Drake and Aaron Rourke, they took their sweet time in calling my name as their opponent, but the opportunity to claim a title has finally arrived. And it didn’t come how I wanted to, one-on-one with the champ. But nothing will stop me from dropping Aaron and dropping Country Club Braxton Cole in my path to reaching the mountaintop. Tonight is my moment.
“And how poetic. On a night where the first-ever Women’s Champion, Kali Armstrong, a woman who cemented a division, a woman who built a brand, exits… I enter, and I pick up that mantel of being a dominant and destructive champion. Kali carved her path to NXT, and tonight, I take the next step in mine.” The Long Island Jackhammer is ready to break through, but will he strike gold?
Kali Armstrong VS Tyra Mae Steele!
This may not be for a title, but this is still The Difference Maker’s Final Evolution! Win, lose, or draw, she goes full-time on NXT after tonight. So will there be one last Kali Connection in the purple brand? Or will Evolve now belong to Miss America?
The bell rings and the two circle. The fans cheer as they feel things out, then tie up. Tyra avoids Kali’s wrench and the two reset. They tie up again, and then Kali avoids the wrench. They go again, Tyra blocks the takedown to waistlock, but Kali avoids the bridging cover. They switch back and forth, again and again, then Tyra flips Kali over for a cover, TWO! The fans cheer this technical exchange between rivals. They tie up, Kali wrenches but Tyra chinbars. Tyra slips through to have the headlock, but Kali wrenches free to headlock back. Tyra powers up and out but Kali RUNS her over! Kali gets her groove on, then runs the ropes.
Tyra drops down, hurdles over, but Kali blocks hip toss to HIP TOSS! The fans fire up as Kali then DROPKICKS! Kali headlocks for the takeover! Tyra fights around, chibars Kali into the headscissors, and the fans rally up. Kali kips free, but Tyra reels her right back in! The fans cheer as Kali kips free again, only for Tyra to reel her right back in! Kali kips free and then turns to headlock Tyra. The fans rally as Tyra fights around. Kali grinds the headlock but Tyra still stands up. Tyra RAMS Kali into a corner, then whips, but Kali reverses. Tyra goes up and HIP ATTACKS Kali down! The fans cheer as Tyra then waistlocks and SLAMS Kali!
Tyra rolls to a bridging cover, ONE! Tyra holds onto Kali for another SLAM, and another roll to the cover, ONE! Kali pries at the waistlock but Tyra drags her up again. Kali fires elbows, then whips, but Tyra reverses. Now Kali goes up an dover, and she JABS! JABS! And JABS! Kali breaks it down, then winds it up, for the HAYMAKER! Kali storms up on the corner, whips corner to corner, but Tyra goes up. Kali stops the hips this time, and THROWS Tyra out to the floor! The fans fire up as Kali then builds speed, but Tyra blocks the baseball slide! Tyra HOTSHOTS Kali with the bottom rope, then KNEE DROPS Kali’s legs!
Tyra bends Kali’s foot against the apron’s edge! Kali endures, but Tyra SLAMS the leg as she lets off. Tyra mocks the pain while Evolve goes to break.
Evolve returns and Kali fires body shots on Tyra as she fights up. Kali hobbles but she still throws hands. Kali whips, but Tyra reverses and GUT WRENCH PLEXES! Tyra then GUT WRENCH PLEXES again! Kali writhes but Tyra stalks her to the ropes. Tyra snapmares Kali into the ropes, jamming up the bad leg! The fans are torn, and so could Kali’s knee! The ref checks Kali and she insists she can continue, so Tyra grabs that leg to KNEE DROP it! Tyra digs her knee into the leg, then DROPS a knee on it! The fans rally for Kali but Tyra keeps on the leg with a toehold. Kali endures, kicks and flails, and the fans cheer her on!
Kali kicks at Tyra, but Tyra steps over, only for Kali to BOOT her out of the ring! The fans rally as Kali rises, but Tyra is right back to GUT WRENCH PLEX! But Kali lands out! Kali CLOBBERS Tyra again and again, then drop steps to SPINEBUSTER! High stack, TWO! Tyra survives but the fans rally behind Kali. Tyra and Kali go to corners, Kali runs up and RAMS into Tyra! Kali hobbles but she scoops, only for Tyra to slips free! Tyra waistlocks, Kali fights the lift, and Kali ELBOWS free! Kali whips, scoops, but Tyra makes it a cradle! TWO!! Kali escapes, but Tyra has the ANKLE LOCK!! The fans rally as hard as they can as Kali reaches out!
Kali turns over, kicks free, but Tyra BACKDROPS, only for Kali to sunset flip! TWO!! ANKLE LOCK!! Tyra keeps on that bad leg, but Kali fights her way forward, only for Tyra to drag her back! Kali turns over, victory roll, TWO! Tyra reels Kali in, OLYMPIC- NO, Kali slips free, pushes Tyra, and POWERSLAMS! Kali fires up, fights through the pain, and she builds up the speed! KALI CONNECTION!! Cover, Kali wins!
Winner: Kali Armstrong, by pinfall
Even with a bad leg, Kali runs her race and crosses the finish line! Kali gets a mic, and while the fans chant, “Thank You, Kali!” she shouts, “OH YEAH~!” Kali says it’s been real. Kali Armstrong was born in Evolve. She showed everybody that The Difference Maker ain’t one to play with. She carried this brand on her back all this time, even when the division was trying to figure out who was gonna step up and be the next stop star. Kali made history! Kali will forever go down as the inaugural WWE Evolve Women’s Champion! Ain’t nobody can take that from Kali! Kali built Evolve! But now, she has to let others live in it.
Kali is on her way to NXT to make history up there! The fans cheer that! Kali wants us to know, all gas, no brakes ’til she gets hers! #StraightLikeThat! The fans cheer Kali as she graduates from Wednesdays to Tuesdays. Will Kali soon get gold on the silver ‘n’ black just like she did here on the silver ‘n’ purple?
It’s Gal speaks.
“Everyone always says, ‘Hey, It’s Gal!’ But no one ever says, ‘Hey, It’s Gal, how are you?‘ They think I’m just a mint condition, ferocious, big red machine, but this machine has feelings, too. Since day one in Evolve, It’s Gal has stood out. It’s hard not to with bowling ball delts and a luminous tan brighter than the sun. But standing out is a lonely game. Sometimes, It’s Gal just wants to fit in. It’s Gal has lost pump partners, been laughed at by Team PC, ignored by Team ID, got beat up by 2.0, disrespected, disregarded, disobeyed. Even the new boss doesn’t understand It’s Gal. Are they the dummies? Or is It’s Gal the dummy?
“It’s Gal’s emotion muscle is hurting. It’s Gal would rather turn vegan than keep feeling feelings. Where does It’s Gal go from here? I mean, c’mon, It’s Gal! It’s time to peak like no stud has peaked before! Let’s find a way.” To think, underneath all that muscle and bravado, there’s a heart. But will It’s Gal have what it takes to walk down that long road of self-improvement?
Romeo Moreno VS “Starboy” Chazz Hall!
The Modern Artist is looking to create masterpieces both in and out of the ring, but he’s got a long road ahead of him before he is the maestro of Evolve. Will this canvas still become a work of art? Or will Starboy shine as he rebounds from his title match loss?
But wait, Max Abrams makes his way out here? Main Main Energy isn’t alone, either, as “WWE ID 2.0” follows him. The fans boo as Max leads Santi Rivera, Jacari Ball & CJ Valor to ringside, and then into the ring. Max says, “Hey, Star Man! We respect your game. Some might even say, he mogs a little bit, right? Sunglasses off, why don’t you make the best decision of your life and you join the ID 2.0 squad?” The fans boo, but Max hands the mic to Chazz. Chazz says alright, listen, he’s real proud to be part of the new WWE ID crew here, but uh… He’s not feeling this, sorry. The fans cheer that!
Santi takes the mic from Chazz to say hey, are you saying no to rolling with us?! Max asks what “NO” is in Spanish, and Santi says it’s just no. Romeo takes the mic from Santi to tell Max that he and Starboy are gonna have their match. He knows they’re all very jacked, but he’ll say it slow so even they can understand: Adios, aka goodbye. But then Jacari CLOBBERS Romeo! The fans boo as 2.0 mugs Romeo 4v1! Starboy gets them out of the way, tells them to respect the card, but then he gets mugged 4v1! The fans boo even more, but Max says Starboy will regret this! Feed to CJ Valor’s SPINEBUSTER! More refs rush out here but clearly there won’t be a match now!
Max Abrams and his new crew sure think they run Evolve now. But what will Foreman Timothy Thatcher have to say about their bad attitudes?
Timothy Thatcher speaks.
Well, speaking of The Foreman, he is about to break a pencil with his bare hands before he spots the camera. “Oh, hello! Whadda we got on the docket for Evolve today? Let’s see, lots to do, lots to do, lobster stew. First up, Kali Armstrong’s been promoted to NXT. Congratulations! She’ll always be in the very first Evolve match, and she will always be known as the very first Evolve Women’s Champion. It’s very nice to see her grow on Tubi, much like the other prospects. Which brings me to… tonight’s main event for the Evolve title. But I have to wait on that because… what I have to address is the new WWE ID talents earlier today.”
But then a knock on the door, and in step two new faces. They shake Thatcher’s hand, and they know that he is the Foreman, a man who appreciates hard work, and nobody works harder than these two. When you talk about Evolve being about opportunities, then these two don’t just want it, they deserve it! Well, “deserve” has nothing to do with it, but he appreciates the passion! He’s seen them in training, they’re doing pretty good. But all this is about is the time, place, and need. And what Thatcher needs is security. That’s the job he’s got because he can’t have Max Abrams and these new ID prospects running wild and causing chaos. So these two can be the ones to sort them out.
Well, whatever it takes. They shake hands with Thatcher, he says good man. Thanks, fellows. Pen, hard hats, let’s get to work! Then will these two young studs be ready to lay down the law on behalf of The Foreman?
Tristan Angels speaks.
“To be the face of Evolve is to be the face of the future here in WWE. And when you hold that Evolve Championship, you control the future, and that is something that everybody wants to do: control the uncontrollable. But who here has shoulders broad enough to carry that weight? To handle that pressure? Well, the answer is simple, because there is only one. A man with a face carved out of stone, and a body forged on the cold hills of Dorset, England. A man with no holes in his game, and at the young age of 22, a man more fitting than anybody else on the Evolve roster. That man has a name, and it’s Mr. England, Tristan Angels.”
Masyn Holiday & Layla Diggs VS Anya Rune & Gianna Capri!
As the roster is filling up with a new crop of prospects, the day one “Evolvers” need to be on their toes! Will Masyn & Layla be able to stay afloat facing this new wave? Or will the Main Character and The Sauce be a winning combination?
The teams sort out and Layla starts against Gianna. The bell rings, but Gianna decides to tag Anya. Anya shrugs and circles with Layla. They tie up, Anya pulls hair to headlock, then she hits the takeover. Layla rolls to a cover, ONE, and Anya grinds the headlock. The fans rally for Layla as she powers up. Masyn tags in as Layla powers out, then Layla drops down so Masyn can DROPKICK! Cover, ONE! Anya ROCK Masyn, tags Gianna, and Gianna runs up, only for Masyn to HIP TOSS! Masyn wrenches and whips Gianna to the corner, then runs up to BACK BODY BLOCK! Tag to Layla, she handsprings to RAM Gianna!
Tag to Masyn before a snapmare, then Masyn runs to SEATED SENTON! Cover, TWO! Masyn headlocks, Gianna powers up and out, but Masyn hurdles. Anya says STOP, and then Gianna ROCKS Masyn! Gianna bumps Masyn off buckles, fires KNEE after KNEE, then does the splits as she digs in her boot! The ref counts but the fans cheer, and Gianna stops at 4. Gianna stomps Masyn down, covers, TWO! Gianna drags Masyn up, pie faces her, and bumps her off buckles. Tag to Anya while the fans duel. Anya runs up and UPPERCUTS! Then ROUNDHOUSE! Masyn falls, Anya winds up, basement UPPERCUT!
Anya drags Masyn back, tags Gianna, and Gianna clamps on a chinlock. The fans rally as Masyn endures and fights around. Masyn rises up, fires body shots, but Gianna pulls hair. Masyn JAWBREAKERS, and both women stagger, tags to Anya and Layla! The fans rally as Layla rallies on Anya & Gianna! ELBOW after ELBOW, then a LEG LARIAT for Gianna! SOBAT and KICK and ENZIGIRI all for Anya! The fans fire up with Layla, and she scoops to FALL AWAY SLAM! Layla kips up with a little bit of style, too! Anya runs up, but Layla handsprings to PELE! Cover, but Gianna breaks it! The fans cheer as Masyn fires off on Gianna!
Masyn THROWS Gianna out, but Gianna drags Masyn out! Gianna bumps Masyn off buckles, but Layla kicks Anya! Layla runs for the SCISSOR KICK! Cover, Layla & Masyn win!
Winners: Masyn Holiday & Layla Diggs, by pinfall
After all the grinding, working, and reworking, these two finally get back in the win column! Will things finally look up for these Renaissance Women? Meanwhile, Gianna is upset with Anya ruining this for Gianna, will these two have to do to even get started in Evolve?
Sit-down interview with Wendy Choo and Laynie Luck.
Chuey Martinez is with the WWE Evolve Women’s Champion and WWE ID Women’s Champion to discuss next week’s title match. They didn’t get to finish their conversation last week because Nikkita Lyons and Sloane Jacobs jumped them, so he’ll give them the chance to right here and now. Laynie, what would you like to tell Wendy? Laynie says this really is the biggest opportunity of her career, and she isn’t taking this lightly. Just like luck, the people in this business can turn on you in a business. Look at Lyons wanting what Wendy’s got. And then Sloane is going after Laynie for whatever reason.
To be real, Laynie isn’t sure what version of Wendy she’s getting, so while she is grateful, she’s not letting her guard down. Wendy, your response? She knows her past has been all over the place. Crazy? Absolutely. Questionable? Guilty as charged. But she is finally her real self, and she is not changing any time soon, especially since it brought her the title. And she meant what she said when she wanted her first challenger to be someone who walked a similar path. But to put it straight, Laynie is getting her title shot, not the title. Wendy is not going down without a fight. She’s excited to face Laynie, but the Era of Champ Choo has only just begun.
Chuey is excited for this one, too, and can’t wait for next week! Will Wednesdays still belong to Wendy? Or will Laynie not just be lucky, but hit the jackpot in Evolve?
Cappuccino Jones checks on Romeo Moreno and Chazz Hall.
He feels bad about what happened to them out there, we were all excited for their match. They alright, though? Romeo says no, hermano, he was feeling it tonight, he was gonna freestyle! Starboy says if they had it out, Romeo would’ve ended up starstruck. Romeo says okay, sure, and Jones says no doubt their match would’ve gone crazy. But for real, he’s already so sick of everyone thinking they can just do what they want around here. They already went through that with Vanity Project and Team PC, but they got them out of here. And now these new clowns think they are the cream of the crop? Jones has been here since day one!
Starboy says he doesn’t know that whatever Max’s problem is, they’re making all the new guys look bad. Jones says don’t worry, he knows Starboy and Romeo are cool. But here’s what they should do: get one up on Max’s crew before they get one up on them. Let’s see what we can do about a Six Man Tagski! They down? Romeo’s down, that’s speaking his language! Three words: Si Se Puedes! Starboy says oh Hall yeah! They three man handshake and Jones says he’ll talk with Foreman Thatcher to make it official. Hope to see you boys next week. Jones heads out, will it be a triple shot of espresso that gets our hearts pumping? Or will Main Man Energy start to take over?
WWE Evolve Championship Triple Threat: Aaron Rourke VS Harlem Lewis VS Braxton Cole!
They say all men are created equal, but The Dime Piece is facing a bigger man in the Long Island Jackhammer, and a more privileged man in the Silver Spoon. But will none of that put an end to Rourke’s reign? Or will the odds say we get a new champion tonight?
We already see Kam Hendrix & Harley Riggins are in the VIP Lounge, cheering on their fellow Team PC alum. Before making his entrance, Rourke says, “Some people might be afraid of this environment, this atmosphere, but not me. Like a diamond, I’m built from pressure, and I thrive in it. When that lights are on and that camera is on, all eyes are on me, Aaron Rourke. In fact, I think it’s time I go steal the spotlight. Just like that.” Rourke snaps his fingers and says this is #ChampBusiness before he makes his way to the ring. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and so are the stakes for this young reign!
The bell rings and everyone talks some trash, until Braxton DECKS Harlem! Rourke kicks low, Braxton body blows, then Braxton scoops and SLAMS Rourke! The fans rally as Rourke dodges Braxton, and Harlem scoop SLAMS! Rourke DROPKICKS and Braxton bails out! Rourke and Harlem stare down, then Rourke talks trash. Rourke dodges Harlem, cartwheels, but Harlem says no to Sole Food! Back suplex, but Rourke lands out! Rourke tries to fireman’s carry but Harlem fights free. Harlem shoves Rourke to ropes, Rourke tilt-o-whirls on return, then makes it a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Rourke handsprings to KICK Braxton down!
The fans cheer as Rourke runs, SENTON onto knees! Harlem hauls Rourke up, torture racks, and RACK DROPS! Cover, TWO! Rourke is tougher than that but that still hurt. Harlem whips Rourke to a corner hard, then runs up, but has to block boots! Harlem throws Rourke but Rourke FLYING CHUCKS! Harlem falls, Rourke watches Braxton while he climbs up. But even so, Braxton SHOVES Rourke down! Rourke hotshots on his way down, but Harlem runs up! Braxton DUMPS Harlem out, then grins as he soaks up the heat while Evolve goes to break.
Evolve returns as Harlem is down on the outside while Braxton ROCKS Rourke against the ropes. The fans boo as Braxton whips and ELBOWS Rourke down. Braxton drags Rourke back up, suplexes, and X-PLEX! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Rourke toughs it out, but Braxton sits him up for a neck wrench. Harlem returns but Braxton BLASTS him off the apron! Braxton goes back to Rourke but Rourke fires body shots! Braxton KNEES low, cravats, and he puts on the pressure! Rourke fires more body shots, but Braxton fires more KNEES! Braxton snapmares Rourke, stomps him, then tells the fans to shut up.
Braxton stomps Rourke’s legs, then his arms. The fans boo but Braxton soaks up that heat. Braxton runs, but Harlem returns to HARLEY RACE KNEE! Rourke victory rolls Harlem, TWO! Harlem kicks, Rourke blocks, and Rourke KNEES in return! The fans rally as Rourke runs up, kicks off Braxton, but Harlem stops the DDT! Harlem suplexes and hangs Rourke out to dry! Rourke falls back to the apron but Harlem drags him up, just to YANK him into the POST! Rourke falls, but Braxton SHOVES Harlem into buckles! NECKBREAKER! Braxton rains down shots on Harlem, then snatches the bandanna away.
Braxton CHOKES Harlem on the ropes but Harlem fights back. Braxton KNEE DROPS Harlem on the back! Braxton drags Harlem up, whips him hard into a corner, then scoops to SLAM! Cover, TWO! Harlem is tougher than that but Braxton pushes him around. LEG DROP! Braxton brings Harlem up again, whips him to a corner hard, but Harlem comes back to LARIAT! The fans fire up as Harlem rises, and he dodges Braxton to shove him into a corner! BLINDSIDE LARIAT! And then a basement BOOT! Cover, TWO! Braxton survives but Harlem reels him in! Only for Rourke to DISCUS BOOT Harlem into giving Braxton a DDT!
The fans fire up as Rourke LARIATS, but Harlem stays up! Harlem swings, Rourke dodges, and he DROPKICKS the legs out! Rourke runs to BOOT Harlem down! The fans fire up again as Rourke roars! Rourke runs up to UPPERCUT Harlem, then DOUBLE KNEE Braxton! Rourke runs Around the World for a BOOT on Harlem! Braxton runs up, Rourke dodges, so the SPLASH hits Harlem! Rourke BACKSTABBERS Braxton! The fans fire up again and Rourke runs, but into an ELBOW from Harlem! Harlem goes up, but Rourke gives him some STRATUSFACTION! Harlem flounders, Braxton staggers, Rourke hits a FLYING CODE BREAKER! High stack, TWO!!
The fans are stunned as Braxton survives, but they cheer Rourke on as he rises again. Rourke goes to a corner, climbs up top, and has his pick! Wait, is that Brooks Jensen in the crowd shaking his head? Harlem hurries up after Rourke, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him up. Rourke fights the lift, but Harlem CLUBS him! Braxton CLUBS Harlem, then adds himself to this! TOWER OF DOOM!! All three men are down and the fans fire up again! The Lost Cause isn’t impressed, but Braxton hurries to get Rourke up. Braxton fireman’s carries, and spins, but Rourke cradle counters! TWO!! HEEL KICK! Braxton falls, but also falls out of the ring!
Rourke was so close, but now he turns his attention to Harlem. They both rise up, shouting this is their title! The fans fire up as Rourke fires hands with Harlem! SOBAT! Harlem throat chops, then UPPERCUTS! Harlem runs and BOOTS Rourke! Harlem runs again, but Rourke ROCKS him!! Rourke roars, the fans cheer, and Rourke kicks, but Harlem blocks! Harlem FLIPS Rourke, then deadlifts for the BOOM SLANG!!! Cover, BRAXTON DRAGS HARLEM OUT! Braxton THROWS Harlem into railing, then gives him a RAILING ATOMIC DROP!! Harlem falls over after landing on his Long Island, but Rourke DIVES!
The fans fire up as Rourke puts Braxton in, goes up top, and takes aim! MOLLY-GO-ROUND!! Cover, Rourke wins!!
Winner: Aaron Rourke, by pinfall (still WWE Evolve Champion)
Harlem may be strong and Braxton may have the Ivy League education, but it was the heart and determination of The Dime Piece that carries him through! Jensen points to Rourke, claiming his stake, but Kam & Harley are the ones creeping up! The fans boo but Rourke spots them first. Rourke is ready to fight, even after all he just did. But if the walls are closing in already, will Rourke’s reign last much longer?
My Thoughts:
A very good Evolve here, though there’s some irony to Kali Armstrong’s last match on Evolve also being Tyra Mae Steele’s last match in WWE because of the budget cuts. Tyra being let go is among the most foolish in this batch, because she is obviously a solid wrestler and was finally getting going with her on screen charisma and mic skills. Romeo VS Starboy not happening to give this “WWE ID 2.0” team some Heel heat was an interesting move, but I like the Six Man Tag we’re getting for next week. And even then, I think we’ll get an 8 Man Tag because they gotta add It’s Gal to this. It’s Gal had a brilliant vignette, that guy is going places.
Very good tag match, and I did not think Masyn & Layla were winning that just because of how they have just not been getting much. This is probably good, though, they have been needing something to stay afloat. We also probably get Anya Rune VS Gianna Capri through this because Gianna was so upset with Anya in the loss. Good promo from Wendy and Laynie to hype up their match, but I would think Wendy wins her first defense. Good promo from Thatcher, but I wish they’d given us the names of these two new guys who will be “security” for the time being. And great Triple Threat, and it was classic for the champ to retain because the challengers got in each other’s way.
But then, why give us that cliffhanger where Jensen, Kam, and Harley were closing in? WWE is in control of their own run times for Evolve, so why not give us one more minute where we at least end with the brawl/beatdown?
My Score: 8.7/10
Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
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Attitude Of Aggression Podcast: The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history) Unidentified History (Ufology) & Game Gone Wrong (Game of Thrones Universe)
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Results
Andrew’s TNA iMPACT! Results & Match Ratings: 4.30.2026
Lei Ying Lee has the people’s sympathy, Allie has returned from the dead and Ali has an open challenge!
Coming off of what was a TNA match of the year candidate, in last week’s main event…and a generally really good episode, I may be getting my hopes up. I tend to like to go into most things expecting the worst, so it’s hard to be disappointed. But TNA is starting to put competent shows together again after a few weeks of dog water.
Let’s find out if things stay interesting or if drink myself into a coma tonight.
.@MeanGiaMiller catches up with @FrankieKazarian ahead of TONIGHT’S first-ever Walk With @_Iam_Elijah_ Guitar Strap Match! #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/iucrqgqHgJ
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 1, 2026
Ratings:
- Jeff Hardy vs Vincent: Jeff wins via Swanton Bomb – ** 3/4
- TNA International Championship: Adam Brooks vs Mustafa Ali (c) w/Order 4: Ali retains via 450 – ***
- Mara Sade, Rosemary & Allie vs Diamond Collective (Tessa Blanchard, Mila Moore, Victoria Crawford): Allie wins via Codebreaker – ***
- Home Town Man vs Mr. Elegance w/Elegance Brand: Mr. E wins via Excusez Moi – t(-_-)o
- Walk With Elijah Match: Elijah vs Frankie Kazarian: Elijah wins via 4 Corners – *** 1/4
Results:
Jeff Hardy vs Vincent
Oh no awful talking segment to open the show, we go straight into the entrances. That’s nice to see.
Jeff tosses his shirt or whatever and instantly bull rushes Vincent. A few quick strikes, a Snapmare and Jeff wants a quick Swanton, but Vinny powders. Jeff splashes Vinny, rolls him back in, and looks to continue. Jeff wants a Whisper in the Wind, but Vinny blocks that and eats the signature Jeff Hardy Mule Kick. Jeff tries for the Swanton again, but Vinny pulls him down, crotches him on the top rope and starts to dissect Jeff. A few deliberate strikes to the back, a backbreaker that Vinny holds. Jeff fights up out of it, they exchange a little, both hit the ropes and simultaneous Cross Bodies see both guys slow to stand.
Jeff is up first, Lariat, Back Elbow, Manhattan Drop, Low Dropkick. Jeff wants the Twist but his back spasms, Vinny tries a Shiranui, but Jeff stops it and finally hits the Twist of Fate, but only a near fall. Russian Leg Sweep to follow up from Jeff into that Seated Prawn Hold he likes to do, but another two count. Jeff is pulling out different things from his arsenal, including a Sit Out DDT, he’s favoring the back, so he’s not going to the Swanton. Vinny peppers in some Forearms to Jeff’s back and hits a Side Effect for two! Vinny goes to the top, implies a Swanton, but the lights go out and Matt is back in the ring in full Broken regalia. He gives the Delete, the lights go out and Jeff is on the top with a downed Vincent. Swanton Bomb from Jeff, and the crowd is hype, even if it’s pure chicanery.
TNA International Championship: Adam Brooks vs Mustafa Ali (c) w/Order 4
Simple tie up and Shoulder Tackle spot, Ali then runs Adam ragged with the rope run into a Frankensteiner for the arrogant gloating. Another cocky Back Heel Kick from Ali before Brooks hits a Big Boot, into a Cappo Kick, and a Back Body Drop sends Ali to powder. Adam tries to throw Ali back in but Ali slides across to the outside, Adam follows but gets caught and DDT’d onto the floor. Rolling Neckbreaker from Ali, and only a near fall. Adam tries a Standing Switch, but they trade switches until Ali just snaps off a DDT. Ali tries to control Adam but he gets out of it, Pele Kick. Ali uses the Bell Clap to disorient Adam, but Adam catches Ali’s next move. Some back and forth, Ali tries something, but Adam stuffs him, Cheeky Nandos, Last Ride Powerbomb into an Ushigoroshi. Adam charges the corner but Ali gets out of the way and Adam crashes in with his head bouncing off the turnbuckle. 450 from Ali, and he retains.
Mara Sade, Rosemary & Allie vs Diamond Collective (Tessa Blanchard, Mila Moore, Victoria Crawford)
Well time to see what Allie looks like after only have 2 matches in the last 3 years.
Rosemary and Vix start, Vix takes cheapshots at Mara and Allie first, Rosemary hammers her with Forearms, Exploder Suplex, and as Vix stumbles, Allie bites her! The Diamond Collective is trying to collect themselves, but Mara hits a Crossbody into the three heels. Vix finally tags out after things normalize, so Rosemary tags out to Mara. Mila and Mara go back and forth, Mara hits a sexy body wave to taunt Mila. Mila eats consecutive Dropkicks, then Mara tries a PK but Mila trips her on the apron.
Mila tags in Vix, but Mara turns it around instantly and then tags Rosemary back in. Interesting that Allie and Tessa are the ones coming in last. Vix hits her patented Northern Lights Suplex to take control and finally get Tessa in. Snapmare and Dropkick to the back of the spine from Tessa, before she tags Mila back in. Quick tags in the heel corner are keeping Rosemary in the masochist position. As the heels keep control, we slip to commercial.
We come back in time to see a Triplicate Knee Strike to Rosemary in the heel corner. Mila tags back in, but Rosemary tries to turn things around but now it’s a struggle to slow her. Allie and Tessa get the simultaneous tags and Allie comes in hot. Big Knee Lift, Running Spicolli Driver, Rosemary and Allie pull off a tandem Upside Down, Mila tries to help by tagging out Tessa while she’s in the submission, but Mara levels Mila, Rosemary Spear Mila, Allie hits the Codebreaker on Mila…and our Living Dead Girls win!
Santino sends a video message about him getting unsuspended and trying to fix some of the scummy stuff Daria did last few weeks. Indi comes out to reaffirm that she’s unsuspended too and lay claim to her eyes being on the Knockout’s Title.
Home Town Man vs Mr. Elegance w/Elegance Brand
I again find myself rooting for Home Town Man. Yikes.
Mr E wants to pose but HTM grabs an arm and hits a few Arm Wringers. Mr E is spending more time getting away from something and posing before HTM throws him into the corner and starts stomping his chest. HTM with a long spin TKO and Mr E crawls to the ropes for safety. HTM just does 10 Count punches in the ropes. The Elegance Brand are shrieking, the crowd is behind HTM but with the 45 extra bodies, Mr E catches HTM with a Spine Buster, Shoulder Tackle, Sliding…stupid looking Splash thing, and just connects on some knees while HTM is down.
HTM hulks up, does the point, and Flip, Flop and Fly on Mr E. High Fly Home Town Flow, for only a two count! ASH starts trying to be Maria Kanellis and seduce HTM, he has her make out with his mask instead, Mr E lands his Lightning Spiral finish with a ridiculously awful pin. I…hated everything about this.
.@THETOMMYDREAMER tries to help @TheLeiYingLee recover following @XiaBrookside’s betrayal ahead of her TNA Knockouts Championship match next week on #TNAiMPACT!@MeanGiaMiller pic.twitter.com/xJ0m86qh2L
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 1, 2026
Leon Slater comes out, and I’m falling into a coma. This dude can’t talk, he has zero aura, he’s trash. All he has is flips. I need Cedric to beat the brakes off this boy. Thank GOD Cedric comes out to make this segment interesting. Cedric tells him that he might not make it to their match on the 14th, The System come out of the crowd and beat down Leon. Moose comes out for the save. Moose cleans house, Leon and Moose threaten to take out Lish too, but Eddie pulls her out in time. Weird for babyfaces to be okay with attacking the valet.
.@ryrynemnem confides in @AJFrancis410 about his issues with his big brother. #TNAiMPACT pic.twitter.com/bZZS8HeuHH
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 1, 2026
Walk With Elijah Match: Elijah vs Frankie Kazarian
So it’s a 4 Corners Strap Match. That’s it, the winner hits the buckles in succession. I haven’t seen a 4 corners match in a while.
The match starts in the back, Kaz takes his sweet time before tying on the strap, Kaz uses a short cut with the Hand Sanitizer to the eyes and slams Elijah’s Shoulder into a door. Elijah finally turns things around with crotching Kaz on junk in the back and drops a ladder on him. Elijah puts Kaz on a manual forklift and sends him into the pile of junk. Elijah continues to bounce Kaz off the bay doors. Elijah scoops up Kaz and walks him to the ramp and kicks him down it. So now the match is closer to the finish.
Kaz tries to get away, but Elijah keeps pulling him back by the strap and into Knife Edge Chops. Elijah bounces Kaz off the ropes, Back Drop! Elijah touches two corners, but Kaz interrupts the count. A Dropkick stops Elijah and now Kaz gets to two before Elijah levels Kaz. Kaz gets thrown out, fishes under the ring and finds a guitar! While Elijah stops the guitar, Kaz uses Elijah’s over shirt to choke him. Some back and forth before Elijah bounces Kaz’s head off a turnbuckle and Kaz powders.
Elijah follows and gets the best of Kaz until Elijah is looking for a weapon but can’t find it, so Kaz starts getting in a few shots before Kaz tries to leave through the crowd. Elijah pulls him back into the barricade and lights up his chest. Kaz gets battered with a few Flying Shoulder Tackles, Walk with Elijah rope walk, into a Sunset Bomb. Corner 1, 2, 3 – but Kaz uses the strap to whip Elijah and stop him from touching the 4th buckle. A few more strap shots, Kaz throws Elijah out of the ring, but Elijah brings him with! Then he ties the strap in the post and starts lighting up Kaz’s torso with strap strikes. Kaz turns things around, but they’re trading pulling one another into the post. It’s like Tug of War, but both are losing. Back in the ring, Kaz with the Up and Over, tries the Chicken Wing, but Elijah is walking with Kaz on his back. He tags 3 corners, reaches for the fourth, but succumbs to the submission. Kaz now takes the opportunity to start his corners but Elijah starts moving so Kaz decides he’s gonna rope walk.
Kaz jumps off the ropes and Elijah connects with the Knee Lift! A few more big strap shots from both, Kaz hits a Backstabber, and tries the corners, gets to three, Elijah flips Kaz inside out and the Strap breaks! Strap choke, Highway Man’s Farewell from Elijah and at the fourth, Kaz tries to pull him, but Elijah grabs the guitar, El Kabong’s Kaz and touches the fourth corner for the win.
Overall Score: 6/10
While not a bad episode, the main event was super campy and an old school gimmick, not done very well. The comedy match was even bad on comedy standards, and that dragged down the rhythm of the show. Lei Ying Lee being a very believable betrayed babyface may actually have her win next week, she’s so sweet and seemingly upset, the whole Chinese Ricky Morton comparison, I still stand by. Santino and Indi being back works fine, Indi saying she wants Arianna with or without the title, is the only reason I think Lei has a real shot at winning. Indi going to her phone after the talk with Daria is 99% Dexter Lumis/Sam Shaw. Ryan being jealous of KC and Nic is good comedy, Ali and Brooks’ match was short but effective. Also Allie’s in-ring TNA return after 7 years, was really good. Allie seems to have given Rosemary a spark again and Mara being added to mix works better than expected.
So yeah, the show wasn’t bad, it just didn’t stick the landing so it made the show feel like a bigger slog than it should have. Here’s to hoping the next two weeks are exciting with the matches we know of.

Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - 4 Corners Podcast (sports)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Nefarious Means
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - 30 Mindless Minutes
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast: The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history) Unidentified History (Ufology) & Game Gone Wrong (Game of Thrones Universe)
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
Powered by RedCircle
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