Will SmackDown #FadeToBlack?

The Dark Father, Aleister Black, has returned to WWE, and The Miz is NOT happy about it! Miz refuses to give up the spotlight, but will have no choice?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• LA Knight VS Damian Priest; Priest wins, by disqualification.
• Pretty Deadly VS Fraxiom; Fraxiom wins.
• Aleister Black VS The Miz w/ Carmelo Hayes; Aleister wins.
• WWE Women’s United States Championship Eliminator: Zelina Vega VS Piper Niven w/ The Green Administration; Zelina wins and denies Piper a title opportunity.
• Rey Fenix VS Santos Escobar; Fenix wins.
• Nia Jax & Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton & Jade Cargill; Tiffany & Jade win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Damian Priest arrives backstage.

The Archer of Infamy says hey to referees and producers, only to spot Jacob Fatu & Solo Sikoa! Priest goes after them both, and now refs and producers rush in and stop this! Priest warns Fatu & Solo that they stuck their noses into his business, so now he is coming for them and the US Championship! But speaking of all that, LA Knight walks past them and says these bunch of dummies are just waiting to hate. Time to talk about it out there! YEAH! Des Moines fires up as The Mega Star makes his way out to the ring! Knight gets a mic and says, “LEMME TALK TO YA! One week ago, I stepped right in this ring, YEAH.” “YEAH!”

And Knight said he wanted a rematch for the US Championship. “YAEH!” But what’d he get? He was told he’d have a #1 contender’s match for it instead. “YEAH!” Knight says if nothing else, he deserves his rematch, but that’s okay. He came in, had his match with McIntyre, and let’s be honest, it didn’t go his way. Why is that? Let’s do the math. Right out here, Solo Sikoa decided to bring his pumpkin headed ass out here. Solo gives Knight a spike, feeds him to Priest, but then a little later, Fatu jumps in and acts like this is his personal jungle gym. Fatu is dropping moonsaults on everybody, but why was that even able to happen?

It’s because of a man Knight has a match with tonight, Damian Priest! Priest, Knight has no beef with you, but he knows what Priest was doing, and it had nothing to do with Knight. But at the same time, man, you gotta pick your spots. Well speaking of, Priest makes his way out here now! The fans cheer as the Boricua Badass joins Knight in the ring. Priest grabs a mic, and he tells Knight that Knight is right. They don’t have a problem. Last week was all about McIntyre. WrestleMania happened, no excuses, Priest was good with moving on. But McIntyre couldn’t keep Priest’s name out of his mouth, and talked bad on Priest’s family. Priest just wanted to shut Drew up.

Knight says yeah, he gets that. He has chased dudes down, beaten them down. Priest just wanted to knock his name out of Drew’s mouth, Knight gets that. But he picked the wrong time. He picked Knight’s time, and that cost Knight the #1 contendership. To be honest, the bell rings because of Priest. Priest says he disagrees. Solo Sikoa spiked Knight. All Priest did was save Knight from eating a Claymore. Knight says he doesn’t wanna dig too deep here, but maybe Priest is in the past. Just because Priest ate a Claymore, then got pinned by Drew, don’t put that on Knight. The fans are a bit torn but Knight says maybe he would’ve caught Drew with a BFT. Don’t let your failures be his.

Priest says the way he sees it, this whole situation is because Knight lost the title. Knight says he doesn’t need a reminder. He did lose the title, he gets that. But guess what? As soon as he lost it, he said he would come back, fight for it the very next week, and then he’s not out here right now wrestling for said championship because of Priest! Knight can’t say it any clearer! Priest says this is the deal: All of Knight’s frustrations are Knight’s faults. Maybe if Knight’s head wasn’t up his own ass, he’d still be champion. The fans are torn while Knight tries to stay calm. Knight says they don’t have a problem, right?

But keep talking like that, and Priest won’t worry where Knight’s head is, he’ll worry about Knight putting his foot up Priest’s ass. Priest says okay, they can do this back and forth. They have a match set for tonight, so why wait? Why should the fans have to wait? Knight asks what Priest is saying, and Priest is saying they get a ref out here, and the match happens right now! The fans love that idea! Priest asks, “Yeah?” Knight says, “YEAH!” And here comes a ref! Priest and Knight are ready to pop off, but who will be taking the blame for this loss? We will see, after the break!

LA Knight VS Damian Priest!

SmackDown returns and the match is underway! Priest ROCKS Knight in a corner, but Knight comes back to wrench and YANK the arm again and again! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight then wrenches again, but Priest breaks free to ROCK Knight! The fans are torn as Priest shakes out the arm. Priest storms up on Knight, but Knight kicks low! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Priest reverses, and then Priest BACK ELBOWS! The fans fire up and Priest FLAPJACKS Knight! Knight goes to a corner, Priest runs in for another BACK ELBOW! Priest keeps moving, but Knight dodges him to kick low!

B F- NO, Priest stops that, shoves and SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO! Knight survives but Priest drags Knight to the corner. Priest knuckle locks, climbs up, but Knight stops him from going Old School! BIG back suplex! The fans fire up as Knight goes to ropes. Priest rises, Knight storms over to JAB! JAB! JAB! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight then ROLLING HAYMAKERS! Knight whips, Priest reverses again, but Knight LEAPING LARIATS! And then RUSSIAN LEG SWEEPS! Priest staggers up, Knight SHOVES him into buckles, then hits the JUMP NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Priest is tougher than that but Knight keeps his cool.

Knight drags Priest back up, but Priest ROCKS Knight! Knight still scoops to POWERSLAM Priest down! Knight runs, JUMP- NO, Priest catches Knight! Priest stands to send Knight SOUTH- NO, Knight slips free and shoves Priest, but the LARIAT finds him! Cover, TWO! Knight is tougher than that and Priest seethes. Priest looms over Knight while the fans rally up. Priest drags Knight to his feet, reels him in, and lifts for the Canadian Rack! But Knight slips free! Kick and DDT! Knight huffs ‘n’ puffs and goes up a corner! Spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up as Priest stays in this! Knight is beside himself, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Knight thinks on what more he has to do while he and Priest slowly sit up. Priest goes to the apron but Knight pursues. Knight has Priest to CLUB him! And CLUB! Knight bumps Priest off buckles, Priest goes to the floor, and Knight pursues again. Knight brings Priest around but Priest blocks the desk bump! Priest body blows Knight, then whips him hard into barriers! Knight flounders and grits his teeth, but Priest stands him up to ROCK him! Knight goes back into the ring, Priest pursues him now, but Knight slides back outside! Knight trips Priest, drags him out, and SMACKS him off the desk!

Knight puts Priest back in the ring, has him on the apron, and says “YEAH!” before he CLUBS Priest in the chest! Knight climbs up, and now Knight shouts out the Deadman with the APRON LEG DROP! Priest sputters away but Knight storms in. Cover, TWO! Priest still stays in this but Knight stays on him with a KNEE to the back! Knight drags Priest up, but Priest ROCKS Knight! Knight ROCKS Priest! Priest ROCKS Knight, Knight ROCKS Priest, repeat! The shots keep going, then Priest HEADBUTTS! Both men wobble, but Priest whips Knight. Knight ducks ‘n’ dodges, and DOUBLE LARIATS take them both down!

Priest and Knight both sputter and crawl while SmackDown returns to single picture. Des Moines says “This is Awesome!” as Knight bumps Priest off buckles. Knight puts Priest up top, then climbs up to join him. Knight brings Priest up, but Priest fires body shots! Knight throws hands, but so does Priest! They brawl up top, the fans rally, and Priest ROCKS Knight! Priest then hops down to ROUNDHOUSE! Knight staggers back but Priest puts him up top so he can Canadian Rack! RAZOR’S EDGE!! Cover, TWO!?!? Knight survives and no one can believe it! The fans rally as hard as they can, and Priest brings down the straps!

Priest winds up, choke grips, and takes Knight SOUTH OF- NO, Knight slips free, kicks and clinches, but Priest fights that! BROKEN ARROW! Priest hurries to get Knight to a drop zone?! Priest goes up a corner, a rare tactic for him, but Knight SPRINGS up after him! The fans fire up for the SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Cover, TWO!!! Priest survives and now Knight is besides himself! “This is Awesome!” while both men slowly rise again. Priest goes to ropes, Knight is on the other end, but Knight runs up! Knight LARIATS Priest up and out! Knight builds speed to then- NO, Priest dodges Knight’s dropkick! Priest reels Knight in, APRON FLATLINER!!

Priest drags Knight up from the floor, but SOLO ATTACKS!

Winner: Damian Priest, by disqualification

The fans boo as Solo ruins this true banger, and he THROWS Priest into barriers! Solo storms into the ring, throws hands down on Knight, then looks to his thumb. Solo takes aim, but Priest rises up! Priest grabs that hand, and he ROCKS Solo! Knight hits Solo with a B F T!! Priest and Knight see each other, but then they remember they have a common enemy. The fans fire up as Priest goes out to clear off the desk! Knight drags Solo and Priest clamps on! Only for Fatu to blow past Night and DIVE onto Priest! But then Knight WRECKS Fatu with a dropkick! Knight runs up, but Fatu SAMOAN DROPS Knight on the desk!

The fans are torn, but Fatu fires up to run in and HIP ATTACK on Priest, against the barrier! The Samoan Werewolf, America’s Most Wanted, the WWE US Champion, just tore apart two of his contenders! Will none of them be the one with how much damage Fatu dishes out?

Backstage interview with Fraxiom.

Byron Saxton is with Nathan Frazer & Axiom, congratulating them on their victorious debut. Tonight, they have another chance to show up and show out, this time against Pretty Deadly. Frazer says they are both so excited. In NXT, they flipped the tag division upside-down. They plan doing the same thing here on SmackDown! Axiom agrees, and after seeing last week’s insane TLC match, that is why they are here on SmackDown! This is the best tag division on the entire planet! But then #YesBoy, here come Kit Wilson & Elton Prince. They tell Byron to go ahead and leave. And yes, it is mostly because of that purple suit he’s wearing.

They then tell Fraxiom that it is good to see them again. And yes, it is good they want to be here on SmackDown, because SmackDown is home to the best, hungriest tag division. Speaking of hungry, what a tasty debut! But don’t forget that Pretty Deadly is still the two tastiest snacks around. But admittedly, it is nice to finally have some more European blood around here. It must be nice for Fraxiom to be somewhere new and exciting, where everyone loves you, that’s great for them. But maybe, maybe knock it down 20% and remember that opportunities here are earned, not given.

Pretty Deadly knows how good Fraxiom is, but they also know how good Pretty Deadly is. And wait, is Fraxiom that good? It has been a minute since they’ve faced each other. That’s why Pretty Deadly went to “Uncle Nick” and asked for this match. Axiom says they’re looking forward to it, but Frazer says be careful what you wish for. Oh, wow~! Same to you. Pretty Deadly exit with the Scott Hall fingers, but will they be able to keep up with a team that never slows down?

Pretty Deadly VS Fraxiom!

SmackDown returns as Frazer & Axiom make their entrance. The teams sort out and Axiom starts against Kit. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but then Kit cobra clutches to ripcord and wrench Axiom. Axiom fights up, rolls, bridges back, and then breaks free to DROPKICK! The fans are torn but Axiom tags Frazer. Axiom whips but Kit reverses, only for Axiom to reverse back. Axiom has the IRON OCTOPUS, and Frazer builds up speed to DROPKICK Kit down! Axiom BLASTS Elton, Frazer arm-drags Kit, and the fans cheer! Kit fights up but Frazer whips him to a corner. Elton takes the bump for Kit, and Kit BOOTS Frazer down!

Kit hits those Scott Hall fingers again, then he wrenches Frazer to whip. BIG hip toss, then a cover, TWO! Frazer is tougher than that, but Kit KICKS him in the back. Kit bumps Frazer off buckles, tags Elton, and Elton brings Frazer up to stomp away. Elton rains down fists, then lets off as the ref counts. Elton mockingly says, “Be careful, he says! Be careful~!” But Frazer BOOTS Elton! Elton storms back up, grabs a leg and YANKS Frazer up, but Frazer lands on his feet to PELE! Hot tag to Axiom and the speed blitz begins! Forearm after forearm, then a DDT! Kit runs up but he gets a kick, KICK, and ASSISTED DROPKICK!

The fans fire up as Axiom DIVES onto Elton! Frazer DIVES onto Kit! They go again, another DIVE on Elton! Another DIVE on Kit! The fans fire up more and Fraxiom puts Elton back in. Axiom covers, TWO! Axiom clamps onto Elton with a motorcycle stretch! Elton endures, fights up, and the fans rally. Elton arm-drags Axiom, Axiom goes to a corner, and Axiom ELBOWS Elton away. Axiom goes up, up and CROSSBODIES, but Elton catches him! Kit tags in, LAWN DART BOOTS, then a COMEBACKER LARIAT! Pretty Deadly stands up and Des Moines cheers for them, but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns and the fans rally as Axiom fights up in the chinlock. Axiom reaches out for Frazer, Kit keeps him back, so Axiom ROCKS Kit with a right hand! Kit holds on, Axiom CHOPS, but Kit whips him away! Axiom ROCKS Elton, dodges Kit, hot tags to Frazer and Elton! Frazer springboards to DOUBLE MISSILE DROPKICK! Then he CHOPS and whips Elton! Elton reverses, Frazer ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Elton! The fans fire up as Frazer keeps moving, and he dodges to QUEBRADA! Frazer has Elton, he kicks Kit, and then DOUBLE DDTS! Frazer hurries to STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO?!?

Elton barely gets that arm up and even the fans are confused. Elton has some blood in his mouth, but he’s showing some true grit. Frazer ROCKS Elton, puts him up top, then climbs up to join him. Elton fires body shots, shoves him away, and Kit sneaks a tag! Frazer returns, Axiom runs up, but Kit HOTSHOTS Axiom! Kit then stops Frazer by bringing him off the corner! SIT-OUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO?!? Frazer also narrowly escapes! Kit drags Frazer up, ROCKS him, but Frazer hits back! They go back and forth, Frazer ENZIGIRIS! Kit goes to a corner, Frazer puts him up top, and Axiom tags in. GAMANGIRI!

Axiom goes up, Frazer tags back in, and then SUPER SPANISH FLY!! Frazer is up top, PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, FRAXIOM WINS!!

Winners: Fraxiom, by pinfall

Two wins in two weeks, the former NXT Tag Team Champions are making quite the case for those WWE Tag Team Championships! Will they reach the top sooner rather than later?

B-Fab & Michin talk with Nnick Aldis.

Fab & The Head Baddie were inspired by The Street Profits in that TLC match. They’d love it if they were also included in a tag title match. Liv Morgan did get some time off to go film her little movie, but when she comes back, maybe Mia & B-Fab can be next? But then in step The Secret Her-vice, and they make sure the room is secure. Alba Fyre frisks Aldis and Piper Niven reports there are only “paper tigers” in the room. So it is safe for former Women’s US Champion, Chelsea Green, to step in. Mia & Fab mockingly pout and say it’s so sad she lost the title. But hey, she looks good in all black and L’s.

Fab & Mia leave, and Chelsea claims last week was RIGGED by the deep state of jealous women in this division. Aldis says the numbers don’t like, the ref counted three. That’s collusion! This is the US Championship! Aldis isn’t even from here! Well, neither are Chelsea, Alba or Piper. Hey! That doesn’t mean Chelsea isn’t an American hero. Chelsea could take Aldis to the Supreme Court. Good luck with that. Wait, wait! What if Chelsea says she won’t do that, and she gets the “recount” she deserves. She means rematch? They can talk about it, just not tonight. Because tonight, Zelina Vega will face Piper Niven. Since when? Since now!

And if Piper wins, well, then Piper is first in line for a title shot. Then maybe Chelsea will be Piper’s Secret Her-vice. Chelsea almost faints! Piper & Alba help Chelsea sit down, but could this be the chance for the Scottish Viper to finally strike gold?

Nia Jax is here!

Des Moines is not happy with the Irresistible Force after her return last week, in which she A-Nia-Lated Tiffany Stratton while Tiff was busy with Jade Cargill. Nia has the mic and “thanks” the fans for the boos. But she really is happy to be back. While she was gone, and “your champion” Tiff was running around like a Barbie doll with her head cut off, Nia was home getting refocused so she could come back here and take what is hers, THE WWE Women’s Championship! But wait! Tiffy makes her way out here! And Tiff already knows what Nia wants to say: She’s gonna A-Nia-Late Tiff again, and take the title.

Newsflash: Tiff isn’t the same girl that Nia used to bully around. Cashing in on Nia was the greatest thing she did for her career, and she’d do it again! Then she went toe-to-toe with one of the greats in Charlotte Flair. Then she beat her! And if Tiff ever locks up with Nia again, she’d beat Nia, too. The fans chant for “Tiffy Time!” Nia asks if that’s an offer for a rematch. Tiff says no, it’s not. And Nia has been around here long enough to know that Tiff isn’t the one who makes the matches. But Tiff also isn’t shying away from this fight. Tiff would defend against Nia any time, any where! Wait, here comes Naomi!

The fans also boo but Naomi says, “Well lookie lookie! It’s funny to see the two of you fighting. Because I remember for months, when I was trying to get the WWE Women’s Championship from Nia, Tiffy… You always found a way to make sure you helped her out. You two made my life HELL! And you say that you’ve changed? Nah, Tiffy. I’ve changed! I’m a new Naomi now. No longer the sweet Naomi, the good girl who stood behind Bianca and let Jade walk all over her! I took matters into my own hands! I took out Jade, and I took my championship. Jade may have ruined everything that i have worked for, but I am not done.” The fans chant but Naomi tells them to shut up!

Naomi is not done going for gold. Not only will she push them onto cars, she’d push them under one! But wait, here comes Jade! Naomi is scared now as Jade storms her way up! These two brawl, then so do Nia and Tiff! The fan fire up as Jade whisp Naomi, but Naomi grabs ropes! Jade LARIATS Naomi up and out! Tiff DROPKICKS Nia out! Tiff and Jade stare down, the fans rally, and Aldis comes out here to ask they all settle down. If the four of them are so eager for this fight, then let’s give Des Moines a tag match, player! That’s right, Nia & Naomi VS Tiffy & Jade, and that’s tonight! The fans cheer, but which side will hold together better?

#MeloDon’tMiz talks backstage.

Carmelo Hayes says he is sick of people playing with The Miz’s name. How is Aleister gonna make a moment off a moment maker? Tonight, they’ll both show Aleister! Miz, Melo, and “Dre.” Dre? Yeah, Andre. Ohh, nice. But yes, Miz and “Dre” are pillars in the WWE! Last week was about respect! Two DECADES, Miz has built the WWE up with his hard work and spotlight stealing performances! Miz has outlasted countess “next big things,” flavors of the months and so-called legends! And Aleister wanted a second chance, he chose Miz because he’d get the headlines. But here’s the thing, Aleister didn’t knock Miz out, he woke Miz up!

Miz has been fighting for his spotlight, so now he reminds everyone who he is! There’s a reason Miz has lasted this long in a company while Aleister only lasted five. Aleister Black wants to make a statement, but now he’ll be a part of Miz’s! HIT HIS MUSIC! Miz & Melo head to the ring, will this be Miz’s moment? Or will he just #FadeToBlack again? We find out, after the break.

Aleister Black VS The Miz w/ Carmelo Hayes!

SmackDown returns and Aleister makes his entrance. The bell rings, Miz runs up, but he narrowly puts on the brakes in time to avoid the Black Mass! That would have bene a sudden end to this match and Miz scrambles away to a corner. Black storms up but the ref has him stay back. Miz then runs up, wrenches an arm, but Black rolls, snapmares, and then trips Miz again. Miz BOOTS Black away, but Black blocks a kick! Miz puts up his guard, then apologizes. Black slowly lets Miz’s foot go, but then Miz sucker punches him! Miz fires off, the fans boo, but Miz whips. Black blocks the lariat to fire Muay Thai KNEES!

Black trips Miz, Miz flounders out of the ring, but Black builds speed! Only to springboard and flip back! Black sits cross-legged, but then Miz runs up! Black ducks the boot, kips up, and he fires strikes! Miz RAMS Black into a corner, runs up, but blocks a boot! The KNEE hits! but then Miz avoids the leg sweep! Black still ELBOWS Miz down, covers, TWO! The fans rally and Black snarls. Black stalks Miz to the ropes, stands him up, but Miz ELBOWS him! Black BOOTS Miz out of the ring! Black drags Miz up, but Melo distracts him! Miz drags Black out to SLAM him on the apron! Black falls to the floor and Miz seethes while SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Black sputters and coughs while Melo cheers Miz on. Miz drags Black up to whip him hard into a corner! Black falls, Miz storms over, and Melo nods as Miz puts Black back in the ring. Miz lines up a shot and basement BOOTS Black down! Miz stalks Black to ropes, CHOKES him and CLAWS at his face, but stops as the ref counts 4! Miz then STRADDLE ATTACKS! Black falls back then scrambles away while Miz seethes some more. Miz stalks Black, kicks him and taunts him, then KNEES him in the back! Miz clamps on, traps an arm, and he throws down elbows! Black endures, even as Miz pulls on the chinbar.

The fans rally and Black fights up. Black fires a knee, then forearms and body shots! Black whips corner to corner, runs in, but Miz puts him on the apron! Miz then slide sunder, TRIPS Black, and Black hits off apron on the way down! Melo & Miz high-five and soak up the heat. Miz drags Black up and RAMS him into the apron! Miz grinds his forearm into Black’s face, then puts him in the ring. Miz storms back into the ring, climbs up a corner, and aims. Black stands into the AX HANDLE! SmackDown returns to single picture as Miz soaks up the heat. Miz then runs corner to corner, A-LIST LARIAT!

Miz pushes Black out, then springboards in, but Black dodges! Miz hobbles, catches Black, but Black switches! Miz runs to the ropes and HOTSHOTS Black! Then Miz TOSSES Black to the floor! Miz goes out the side, runs up, and uses the steps to leap, into a KNEE! The fans fire up as Miz sputters and slumps against the barriers! The ring count starts, Black drags Miz up and into the ring, then he hurries after Miz. Miz takes a swing, but Black fires counter strikes and an elbow! Aleister fires KICK after KICK, then SWEEPS the legs! SLIDING KNEE! Black handsprings up and the fans fire up! QUEBRADA! Cover, TWO!

Miz stays in this but the fans rally for Black. Black aims from a corner, runs up, but Miz blocks and dragon sleepers! Black fights free, but Miz pulls hair! Miz kicks a leg out, then BASEMENT DDTS! Cover, TWO! Miz grows frustrated but the fans rally back up! Melo coaches Miz and Miz looms over Black. Miz KICKS! Black is not amused. Miz KICKS again, and again! The “It Kicks” just make Black laugh! Black catches one, then BACK ELBOWS Miz! Miz sits down, Black PENALTY KICKS him! That actually might be something more vicious but it scores all the same! Black stalks Miz to the apron, drags him up, but Miz RAMS into Black!

Miz HOTSHOTS Black, hurries back in, full nelson and FIN- NO, Black handsprings through!! The fans are going nuts and Miz is in disbelief! Then JUMP KNEE and Miz falls flat back! Black isn’t done with Miz, and he lifts Miz up with his foot. The fans fire up for this classic set up, but Melo gets on the apron! Black stares him down, but Miz rolls Black! TWO!! BLACK MASS!! Cover, Black wins!

Winner: Aleister Black, by pinfall

Melo is frustrated on Miz’s behalf, but then Black anticipates Melo sliding into the ring! Aleister and Melo stare down, will The Dark Father make even H1M #FadeToBlack?

Santos Escobar finds Rey Fenix backstage.

The Emperor of Lucha wants to talk with the Firebird. Santos watched that match at WrestleMania, and what he saw was the true embodiment of… disappointment. Not only did Fenix lose the biggest match of his life, which he should be embarrassed about, but he embarrassed the entire tradition of Lucha Libre by losing to the clown that is El Grande Americano! Rey Mysterio himself picked Fenix to take his place at WrestleMania, and Fenix BLEW IT! Santos laughs as he says now, the self-appointed “greatest luchador of all time” is out of the picture, and maybe forever. Someone will have to take Mysterio’s place.

And that person, brother, has always been Santos. So if Fenix knows what is best for him, he’ll listen to Santos. Fenix tells Santos callete, aka shut up! And stay out of Fenix’s business, okay? Whoa, hey! No, there is only one luchador in the world Fenix trusts, and it sure isn’t Santos, brother. And if Santos has a problem with that, then Fenix will see him in the ring tonight! Fenix storms off, will he humble Santos real quick?

WWE Women’s United States Championship Eliminator: Zelina Vega VS Piper Niven w/ The Green Administration!

Speaking of humbling, La Muneca may not have humbled the Hot Mess with last week’s win, but Zelina is herself humbled, honored and grateful to have this title. Will Zelina make sure there is no “second term” for the Green Regime? Or will Piper completely flip the polls and make this her time to shine?

SmackDown returns and The Green Administration makes their entrance. The bell rings and the two approach. Zelina slips around to KICK Piper’s leg! Then she dodges again to KICK again! And then another dodge to headlock, but Piper powers out. Zelina slips through the lariat to have the FLYING OCTOPUS HOLD! Piper stays up so Zelina sunset flips, but then Zelina avoids the hip drop! Piper sits up, but Zelina KICKS! KICKS! And KICKS, KICKS, KICKS! Zelina runs to KNEE Piper down! Cover, TWO! Zelina hurries to stay on Piper with a facelock, but Piper powers out! Piper runs up, but Zelina goes up and over1

The fans fire up as Zelina runs, but Piper CLOBBERS her! Piper soaks up the heat, then salutes Chelsea, and then stomps Zelina! Zelina tumbles out of the ring, Piper paces, and the ring count climbs. Zelina crawls into the ring, but Piper CLUBS her down! Piper scoops Zelina, but Zelina slips free! Zelina shoves Piper to the corner, then runs up, but Piper blocks the whip! Piper reverses, but Zelina goes up, up, only for Piper to catch her! FACEBUSTER! Piper says that one was for Chelsea! Piper then pulls on Zelina’s arms and STOMPS her into buckles! The fans chant, “Piper Sucks!” as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Piper grinds Zelina down with a cobra clutch. The fans rally as Zelina endures, but Piper SWINGS Zelina! Chelsea loves it, but then Zelina fires body shots! Zelina wrenches free, ROCKS Piper, but Piper throat chops! Piper scoops, but Zelina slips free to CODE BREAKER! And KNEE! The fans fire up and Zelina fires off on Piper! Zelina runs, but into an URENAGE! Piper snarls, runs up, and SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Zelina survives and the fans fire up! Chelsea throws a fit and yells at commentary, but Piper puts Zelina in a corner. Piper runs up, Zelina dodges and GAMANGIRIS!

Zelina goes up while Piper staggers, but then Piper SLAPS Zelina! Piper climbs up, salutes, and then brings Zelina up. But Zelina fires body shots! Piper staggers back, Zelina adjusts, and then FLYING METEORA! Cover, TWO! Piper is still in this and Zelina is starting to despair. Zelina waits on Piper, then hops on, but Piper pops free of Code Red! Zelina comes back, but into the BLACK HOLE! Cover, TWO!! Zelina survives and Piper is shocked! Piper has Zelina back in a corner, runs corner to corner, and CANNONBALLS into only buckles! Zelina runs, METEORA! And then Zelina waits on Piper to stand. Zelina whips, but Piper blocks!

Piper scoops Zelina, but Zelina flails! SWINGING DDT!! Zelina hurries to put Piper in the drop zone, and she hurries to go up! The fans fire up as Zelina calls her shot, MOONSAULT!! Cover, TWO!! Piper survives and Chelsea is relieved. The fans rally for Zelina and she thinks on what to do. Zelina hops back on, but Piper swings Zelina around! HEADBUTT! Piper reels Zelina in, salutes, and then lifts, but Zelina fights the bomb! RANA and Piper ends up on the ropes! Zelina dials it up, but Chelsea is in her way! The fans boo, but Zelina senses Piper coming! Piper BLASTS Chelsea instead!! Roll up into a JACKKNIFE! ZELINA WINS!!

Winner: Zelina Vega, by pinfall (denies Piper Niven a title match)

Chelsea is furious, but she’s half the reason her side lost! Will our underdog Women’s US Champion continue to shock Chelsea and the Green Administration?

Aldis talks with Solo & Fatu.

The GM is not happy that two weeks in a row, Solo has blown up matches. By the way, champ, you’re not exactly innocent. Solo says don’t pin this on him. That was Priest last week. And Fatu is just telling everyone to stay out of his way. Well, then, warning received. Which is why at Backlash, he defends the US Championship against Damian Priest and LA Knight in a Triple Threat. How does that sound? Solo says wait, wait, hold on. How’d we get to that? Because technically, Drew McIntyre won the #1 contender’s match, it should be him. Aldis sees Solo’s right. So forget the Triple Threat. It’s now a FATAL 4 WAY, with Drew added to the mix.

Solo is upset, but Fatu says keep it 100. No matter who is put in front of him, line ’em all up at Backlash! At the end of the day, he will dog walk they ass! He’s all gas, no brakes with it! YADADADA mean?! Fatu heads out, Solo tells Aldis is trying to screw Fatu over! Aldis says no, he’s pretty sure Solo is doing that. But will it matter when the Samoan Werewolf feasts on a Knight, a Priest and a Scottish Warrior?

Randy Orton is here!

Des Moines fires up for The Viper as he heads to the ring. Orton high-fives fans along the ramp and in the front row, then even gives one young fan a hug. The fans sing along with Voices, and Orton goes to the corner for his signature pose. Then the fans chant for “RANDY! RANDY!” as he grabs the mic. Orton says, “I know we’re two hours in, Des Moines, but welcome to Friday Night SmackDown!” The fans cheer, and even chant for “R K O! R K O!” Orton takes a moment before he continues, “John Cena…” The fans boo that name, but Orton says, “While the world couldn’t see him, I could. It took about 20 years for all of you to realize what kind of man he is, but I knew from day one.

The fans chant “CENA SUCKS! CENA SUCKS!” Orton adds, “He’s arrogant, selfish, he’s an entitled brat that gets whatever he wants. John Cena is the ultimate shiny new toy to be played with by the ultimate puppet master. John, I gotta hand it to you, man, you’re smart. You took advantage of the PG Era. Oh boy, did you ever take advantage of the PG Era. You were quite willing, and quite frankly eager, to be a real-life, walking, talking, cartoon character, while I on the other hand did everything that I could to be true to who I am.” The fans cheer that. Orton says Cena didn’t care about the boys in the back, or any of the fans.

All Cena cared about and still cares about is his bottom line. That brought him fame, fortune, and into the mainstream. It has enabled Cena to make sure that every single month, he has a brand new colored shirt to be on sale at the merch stands, along with headbands, hats, neck bands, arm bands, wristbands, waist bands, jorts, maybe sneakers, a dog tag, and a towel that said, “Never Give Up.” Any thing you could squeeze his name on to, he’d put out on sale so all the kids can go buy it up. Cena wanted to make sure the fans loved him more than they already did. The fans boo, but Orton says speaking of the kids…

Last week, Cena said the reason he’s never had kids, the reason he’s never wanted kids, is because he was too busy raising everyone else’s! The fans boo that, but Orton says the only thing Cena raised is the price of his merchandise, who the actual parents have to work a double shift just to afford! The fans cheer that! Orton continues by saying selling your soul isn’t exactly a new concept around here, is it? Cena’s been doing that for 20 years. Cena’s Hustle, Loyalty, Respect, right? We’ll give him the hustle all day, but the loyalty…? The respect? What happened to those? Orton will be clear why he is asking Cena about those specifically.

Because last week, Cena looked Orton dead in the eye and said he would ERASE the Orton name from the history books! Cena looked Orton square in the eyes and said he’d erase everything Orton’s family has ever done in this business! Orton will tell Cena right now, Cena is not and will not, over Orton’s dead freakin’ BODY… Cena says he’s the Last Real Champion? no no no! He is the latest legend that Orton will have to put down. The fans cheer that! Orton vows to do that a week from tomorrow, May 10th, Orton’s hometown, in front of his wife, family, friends and the future of the Orton legacy…!

Orton will punt kick Cena so hard in that Lego shaped head of his, that it’ll fly right off Cena’s shoulders and through the Gateway Arch! But not before Orton drops Cena’s ass with the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K O! The Legend Killer, the Apex Predator, has told Cena he is now just the biggest prey he’s ever hunted! Will Cena’s retirement tour end before the year is even half over?

Naomi and Nia Jax talk.

Nia wants them on the same page. She will forget what Naomi said to her out there tonight, because her eyes are set on gold and “Two-Faced Tiffy.” So as long as Naomi focuses on Jade and stays out of Nia’s way, they’ll be good. Naomi tells Nia, “Sure.” Naomi heads out, but will everyone, even Nia, have to #ProceedWithCaution in tonight’s main event?

Randy returns backstage.

R-Truth walks over and they say hey. Truth says Orton has no chance at Backlash, because Truth’s childhood hero, John Cena, is going to beat him! Orton asks why Truth would say that. Because it’s the truth! He said what he said. Jimmy Uso hurries over and apologizes for Truth, we all know how Truth is. Orton understands and leaves, Truth says he still meant what he said. Jimmy tells Truth to stop! Truth keeps talking like this, Orton is gonna punt Truth’s head off his shoulders. Truth says he isn’t playing around. Cena told Truth himself. And y’know what else he said? What’d Cena say? That he’s the Last Real Champion!

Truth leaves, Jimmy tells him he has to stop. But with as devoted as Truth is to his childhood hero, will he be the only one devastated when Cena loses? Or will he be the only one cheering when Cena finds a way to win?

Rey Fenix VS Santos Escobar!

The Immortal Firebird was given his WrestleMania debut out of nowhere when Rey Mysterio went down with injury. And he did lose to El Grande Americano, but only because of that metal plate hidden inside El Grande’s mask. Will Fenix fire back up and show Santos what #ANIMO is all about? Or will the Emperor of Lucha look to establish himself as the heir to the lucha throne?

SmackDown returns as Santos makes his entrance, sans Los Garza. The bell rings and the fans rally for Fenix. Fenix and Santos circle, but then Santos wants Fenix to hold on. Does Fenix really wanna do this? Fenix nods, so the two circle again. The fans boo Santos and cheer Fenix, then the two tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Santos waistlocks. Fenix reaches back to headlock but Santos use a rear bearhug. They go around, Santos SLAMS Fenix, then he holds on. Fenix fights up, wrenches out to hammerlock, then he arm- NO, Santos stops the arm-drag. Santos stands Fenix on and tells him to hear him out.

Santos is the boss, Fenix can follow him. Isn’t that good enough? Fenix CHOPS so that’s a no! The fans “WOO~” but Santos just shrugs that off. Santos CHOPS in return, so Fenix CHOPS again! The fans fire up, Santos says okay, and the CHOPS continue! Santos points to Heaven then CHOPS Fenix off his feet! Santos tells Fenix, “Listen to me, kid. I should be the boss, and we can take over this place!” Santos then CHOPS, but Fenix CHOPS back! Fenix eggs Santos on, so Santos steps up. Santos says last chance, but Fenix SHOVES him down! The fans cheer, and Santos stands up. Santos says fine, it’s all good. Then he takes a swing!

Fenix dodges, goes Spider-Man int he ropes, but Santos avoids the heel kick! Santos wags his finger, but then Fenix kicks low! Fenix knuckle locks, CHOPS, and he goes up, up, and jumps around, but Santos stops the arm-drag with a wristlock! Santos knows that trick too well, so Fenix takes another swing! Santos ducks to waistlock but Fenix fights with elbows! Santos shoves Fenix tot he ropes then runs up, but Fenix goes Spider-Man again and lets Santos tumble to the floor! The fans fire up and Fenix takes aim. Fenix steps out to FLYING RANA! Santos tumbles and the fans fire up! Fenix says if Santos wants lucha, then ANIMO!

But Santos SHOVES Fenix into the apron! And ENZIGIRIS him into the steel steps! Santos steps into the ring, aims, and he builds speed! ARROW FROM HELL! Direct hit on Fenix and the fans fire up again! Santos stands tall and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

The ref tells Santos to get in the ring so Santos leaves Fenix behind. Santos soaks up heat while Fenix crawls back towards ringside. Santos goes out after Fenix and KICKS him! Santos brings Fenix around and CHOPS him against barriers! Fenix sputters, Santos puts him back in the ring, then he swaggers behind him. Santos stands Fenix up, puts him in the corner, and ROCKS him! The ref counts, Santos backs off, but then he headstands and SWINGING DOUBLE KNEES! Santos is toying with Fenix at this point, then he covers, TWO! Fenix is tougher than that but Santos says that’s fine. Fenix CHOPS, Santos CHOPS!

The CHOPS keep going, but then Santos KNEES Fenix in the face! Santos then chicken wings Fenix’s arm to grind him down. Santos talks trash into the camera, then he drags Fenix up. Fenix fires body shots, but Santos THROWS Fenix down by his mask! The ref reprimands but Santos talks more trash. Santos has Fenix in a corner, stomps him down, then mocks the fans cheering Fenix on. Santos stands Fenix up, whips him corner to corner, then he runs up to GAMANGIRI! Fenix sputters again while Santos grins and soaks up more heat. Santos throws hands, then he CHOKES Fenix with a unique headscissor stretch.

The ref counts, Santos steps off, and Fenix CHOPS! Santos KICKS Fenix while SmackDown returns to single picture, and Fenix fires a shot. Santos KNEES Fenix down in return! Santos tells Fenix to understand that if you’re not with him, you’re against him! The fans rally for Fenix as Santos whips him corner to corner. Fenix hits buckles, Santos runs in and RAMS him! Santos then goes to the apron and GAMANGIRIS Fenix down! The fans boo but santos slingshot SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Santos throws down hands, then he grinds Fenix down with an armlock. The fans rally, Fenix kicks from below, then he stands up.

Santos ROCKS Fenix, whips him corner to corner, then he runs up, but into a BOOT! Santos comes back, but Fenix dodges! Santos hits buckles then staggers away! Fenix goes to the apron, RAMS into Santos, and then RAMS Santos into buckles! Fenix goes up, up, and QUEBRADA! Cover, TWO! Santos survives but the fans fire up with Fenix! Fenix whips, Santos reverses, but Fenix rewinds to HEEL KICK! Cover, TWO!! The fans rally as Fenix rises again. Fenix shakes out the stars and goes to the ropes. Fenix runs up on Santos, but Santos ducks the lariat! Fenix kicks a lariat, kicks the legs out, but Santos avoids the buzzsaw to JUMP KNEE!

Fenix falls, but he kips back up to SUPERKICK!! The fans fire up while both men are down! Des Moines rallies, “This is Awesome!” as Fenix and Santos slowly stir. A standing count starts, both men roll to the ropes at 5, then start to stand at 7! They’re both up at 8, Fenix shouts “ANIMO!” and somersaults, but into a fireman’s carry! But Fenix flails to fight off the Phantom Driver! Fenix is on the corner, he rains down elbows, then he jumps, jumps and- JUMP KNEE from Santos again! Santos has Fenix in a corner, takes aim, and he goes corner to corner, DOUBLE KNEES! Santos then reels Fenix in, underhooks, TIGER BUSTER!! Cover, TWO!!

Fenix survives but Santos is laser focused. The fans rally as hard as they can for Fenix but Santos looms over him. Santos fireman’s carries, Fenix fights free, and Fenix shoves Santos to BLINDSIDE DROPKICK! Fenix goes to the corner, ADIOS AMIGOS KICK! Santos falls, Fenix goes up again, TOP ROPE METEORA!! Cover, Fenix wins!

Winner: Rey Fenix, by pinfall

Santos took the fight to Fenix tonight, but Fenix still had fire inside! Fenix is back on a winning track, will he soon be going for some gold?

Jade and Tiff talk backstage.

They both know the other has their beef with Naomi and Nia, but then Byron steps in for an interview. He apologizes for interrupting, but they are teaming up for the very first time, against two individuals who they have some deep rooted issues with. How are they hoping to fare? Tiff says she gets it. If she were Nia, she wouldn’t be over it either. But Nia has to realize that this title belongs around Tiffy’s pretty little shoulders. And as for Jade here, as long as she stays out of Tiff’s way, there won’t be any problems. Jade says same goes for Tiff staying out of her way. Especially when Jade is after Naomi, and how Naomi isn’t done getting these hands.

By the way, Jade already spoke to Nick Aldis. No matter what happens tonight, Jade will be facing Nia Jax next week to determine a new #1 contender to Tiffy’s title. So yeah, handle that. Tiff says that’s funny, considering she almost had Jade beat last week. But go ahead, Jade, beat up Nia Jax. And if she can’t, Tiff will just do it all over again herself. Tootles! Yeah, whatever. Will The Storm and the Wrestling Barbie be able to win together? Or are they going to leave themselves open to the Irresistible Force and dangerous Glow?

SmackDown hears from Motor City Machine Guns, DIY and The Street Profits.

After last week’s insane instant classic Triple Threat TLC match, the world was buzzing! MCMG said that match alone is what this is all about, and is why they dedicated their entire lives to this business. DIY said they knew what this match was going to be. The Profits know all three teams gave everything they had in that match. And while MCMG and DIY are great teams, but in the end, The Profits got the smoke and retained the gold. They’re at the top, and they want more. Who will be next for Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford to put to the test?

Santos Escobar shouts at Los Garza.

He is upset that when he needed them the most, neither of them were around! Do they understand?! Yes, it’s just- Andrade steps in. El Idolo tells everybody to tranquilo. What’s the problem now? Oh, the problem? Watch yourself, Andrade. Andrade tells Santos that hey, he knows Santos doesn’t really care about Los Garza. And Andrade says his real problem is with Santos. Santos is talking about legacy, respect, honor, but he barely has any of those! Angel smirks and Santos gets mad at him. Santos tells Los Garza it’s time to go, and while Angel is right with Santos, Berto is reluctant. Santos shouts at Berto to come on, so Berto leaves.

El Idolo smirks, but does he have a point? Does Santos only care about Santos? When will Los Garza learn to stand up for themselves?

Nia Jax & Naomi VS Tiffany Stratton & Jade Cargill!

Grudges and gold are a combination as old as time in pro-wrestling, as is the concept of, “Can they coexist?” There is history of betrayal and anger all over this one, but will Nia & Naomi be able to weather The Storm? Or will it still be #TiffyTime even in tag team action?

SmackDown returns as Tiff makes her entrance to join Jade in the ring. Then Nia makes her way out, followed by Naomi. Then the brawl is on! The bell rings and the fans fire up as Nia has Tiff in one corner and Jade has Naomi in another! Nia HEADBUTTS Tiff, Jade bumps Naomi off buckles, but then Tiff TOSSES Nia! Nia drags Tiff outside while Jade RAMS into Naomi again and again! Nia whips, but Tiff reverses, and Nia hits steel steps! Tiff CLUBS away on Nia, but Nia ROCKS Tiff! Jade whips Naomi to CLOBBER her! Nia THROWS Tiff into barriers! Jade paces around Naomi, stands her up, and UPPERCUTS her!

Jade whips Naomi hard into ropes, and Naomi tumbles out of the ring. Jade says that’s fine and she goes out after Naomi. Jade SMACKS Naomi off barriers, then POSTS her! Naomi staggers away, Jade pushes her into the ring, then storms in after her. Naomi kicks low, CLUBS Jade down, then brings Jade around to bump off buckles. Naomi wraps Jade’s arm around ropes, pulls on it, but stops as the ref counts. Naomi then SLAPS Jade on the back and CLAWS her! Naomi brings Jade around, snapmares, and KICKS! Jade grits her teeth in pain but Naomi talks trash. Naomi pie faces Jade, Nia soaks up the heat by flexing, but then Tiff flexes and the fans cheer.

Nia flexes, the fans boo, but Jade scoops Naomi! Naomi slips free, SLAPS Jade, then runs. Nia sneaks a tag before Jade BOOTS Naomi down! Nia CLOBBERS Jade and DRIBBLES her off the mat! Nia sucker punches Tiff for good measure, then she flexes. The fans boo but SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns again and Nia runs up on Jade, only for Jade to dodge! Nia hits buckles, but she hurries to stomp Jade down! Then she sucker punches Tiff again! The fans boo, but Jade ROCKS Nia! Jade scoops, but then falls over under the weight! Cover, TWO! Nia is annoyed but she drags Jade over. Tag to Naomi, Naomi CLUBS and HAMMERS away on Jade, and the fans boo. Naomi stops to sit Jade up, then facelock. Naoim brings Jade over, but Jade keeps Naomi from reaching Nina! Naomi takes a swing, but into a FLATLINER! Both women are down and the fans rally up! Naomi and Jade crawl, hot tag to Nia!

Nia drags Jade from Tiff and the fans boo, but Jade BOOTS free! Hot tag to Tiffy! The fans fire up as TIff LARIATS, but Nia stays up! Tiff LARIATS again, and again, then wrenches to ROCK Nia! And KNEE! Nia goes to a corner, Tiff handsprings and BACK ELBOWS! Tiff fires up, keeps moving, but Nia fireman’s carries! But Tiff hits a CRUCIFIX DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Nia survives that sudden turnaround and Tiff thinks on what she must do. Tiff runs, TIFFY STOMPS! Nia is down, Tiff goes to the corner, but Nia rises quickly! Nia HEADBUTTS Tiff, fireman’s carries, and SAMOAN DROPS! Naomi tags in, Nia drops the leg, brother!

Nia is upset when the ref points out the tag. Naomi tells Nia to get out! Naomi drags Tiff to the corner, laughs, and she goes up, up, and SPLIT LEG MOONSAULT, but onto knees! Tiff saves herself and the fans rally up! Tiff crawls, Naomi anchors a foot, but Tiff still hot tags Jade! Jade jumps in and SUPERKICKS Naomi! And she BOOTS Nia off the apron! Jade runs up to CLOBBER Naomi again and again, then fireman’s carries! FLAPJACK! Jade kips up, the fans fire up, and Jade runs corner to corner so she can ELBOW Naomi! Jade fires up, the fans are with her, and Jade choke grips, to then get a taste! CHOKE SLAM! Cover, Nia breaks it!

The fans boo but Nia drags Naomi all the way to safety. Nia tags herself in, then she ELBOW DROPS onto Jade! Jade sputters, but Nia SENTONS! But Tiff is up top! SWANTON breaks the cover!! The fans are thunderous while Tiff hobbles up. Naomi KNEES Tiff, fires forearms, but Tiff turns things around! Tiff stomps a mudhole in, but Nia CLOBBERS both Tiff and Naomi! Nia kicks them both out of the ring, runs up on Jade, and SPLASHES in the corner! Nia puts Jade in the drop zone, climbs up the corner, and the fans boo, but Jade rises! Jade gets under Nia and brings her off the corner! POWERBOMB!! Cover, Jade & Tiffy win!!

Winners: Tiffany Stratton & Jade Cargill, by pinfall

Jade and Tiff held together as a dynamic duo, and now Jade is headed into the #1 contender’s match with all the momentum. She even snatches the title from the ref to admire it on her shoulder. The fans boo and Tiff asks for her belt. Jade says okay, but then they tug-o-war a bit. Jade smiles, but Naomi CLOBBERS Jade into Tiff! The fans boo but Naomi has Jade’s wrists for a ripcord CODE BREAKER!! Then Naomi stands tall with the title! Is Naomi going to force her way into the title scene?

My Thoughts:

A great SmackDown here, and they really stepped on the gas for the Backlash build. Great blending of moments in the opening, with Priest wanting after Fatu & Solo, then he and Knight have their promo battle before “changing the card” and having their match to open. I think commentary made note that this was going to be the main event if not for that, which I don’t know if that’s ever been said when a match is “moved up,” but it does help justify why the women’s tag match became the “new” main event instead of the countless times a main event match is made “impromptu.” Then it was just an awesome match with Priest VS Knight that was of course “ruined” by Solo Sikoa.

Great move by Aldis to give us the Fatal 4 Way that many fans and I certainly felt was coming. Doing this protects all four guys, regardless if Fatu retains or Drew wins and completes his Grand Slam. Great promo from Fraxiom with Pretty Deadly, and a great tag match from them. While Fraxiom was certainly winning no matter what, I feel like they had to change something in the finish after Elton went down with that blood in his mouth. The Standing Shooting Star can still do some damage if an elbow or knee catches the target in the wrong spot. Hopefully Elton is alright, but Fraxiom is doing great, and they can surely move right into the tag title scene.

Great promo from Randy Orton to not just call out Cena but to “expose” him for how he’s been backstage. I won’t say it adds that much, though maybe that’s because I’ve been around for the whole Cena journey and have heard the very same things Orton just threw at Cena. This promo was perhaps more for fans who are much younger and have only watched Cena from the “Super Cena” days, aka the days where the merch is just how Orton described. R-Truth confronting Orton is pretty wild. It’d be even wilder if R-Truth ends up a Heel by default just because that’s how blindly loyal Truth is to Cena…

Very good promo from Miz and Melo before Miz’s match with Aleister, and I feel like there was a hesitation near the end where Miz refrained from mentioning AEW. He wanted to run down Aleister for not lasting as long as him, but he wasn’t about to mention the competition to do it. Then a very good match from Aleister VS Miz, Miz really bringing out that grit we know he’s got, but of course Aleister won. Melo clearly wants next and that’ll be a great match, but I feel like something has to “ruin” it so neither guy comes out looking week. Though, I don’t see Aleister getting a tag partner to then take on #MeloDon’tMiz so I’m not sure how this goes…

Good promo from B-Fab & Michin to stake their claim to a title shot, and then good stuff with Chelsea Green and all these political jokes about how she lost her title. Piper being given the match with Zelina was definitely so Zelina could fight up as the underdog, but I kinda thought Alba Fyre would be in “more trouble” facing Zelina on short notice. Still a good win for Zelina, and maybe we still get Zelina VS Alba next. A shame there are a lot of releases happening in the background right now, some good names aren’t gonna get a chance to challenge for the Women’s US title past Backlash now.

Very good promo from Fenix and Santos and a very good match from Fenix VS Santos. I also appreciate Santos using the Arrow from Hell, a shoutout to how he was King Cuerno in Lucha Underground where he faced Fenix and Penta many times. Andrade confronting Santos on his treatment of Los Garza furthers the story of perhaps Berto joining Andrade. Andrade VS Santos should definitely happen at some point, and I feel like we could even get some crossover with AAA as we get closer to Worlds Collide in June. I wonder if we’ll get Faces VS Heels or WWE VS AAA tag matches, because it’d be something to see Andrade and Santos have to work together.

And naturally, we got a “Can they coexist” match tonight around the WWE Women’s Championship story. Good promo to then spark the main event tag match, and a great main event tag match with that. Jade & Tiffy winning makes sense, especially with Jade and Nia set to face off next week. But I feel like something is needed to keep Naomi from just attacking Jade during the match. Maybe a Triple Threat #1 Contender’s match? That makes it really unpredictable, and all options would be great for facing Tiffy given Tiffy has had beef with Naomi and Nia, and is now starting to have beef with Jade. Let’s just not be redundant and make a Fatal 4 for the title at Backlash.

My Score: 8.8/10

We get another Live episode from the campus of UC Irvine, hence why the show didn’t start until 10pm Bianca Belair time (est). The live episodes have been pretty good so far this year, so even though the TV episodes have kinda sucked the last month or so…there’s a glimmer of hope tonight.

Sure we’re gonna open with “hearing from Joe Hendry” because of course we are. But it’s also a live crowd and the fans still embrace the gimmick even if consuming the product weekly is wearing the gimmick thin for me personally. Let’s get to the show and see if we see Trick, Dark State, or any surprises.

Oh it looks like Wentz is gonna get his title shot tonight for the X Division title! That’s a little unexpected.

The boys from the Treehouse are FIRED UP! @ZacharyWentz challenges @TheMooseNation for the X-Division Title TONIGHT!

WATCH #TNAiMPACT LIVE NOW on TNA+: https://t.co/XMRO4aTSb2
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— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 2, 2025

Ratings:

• Mike Santana vs Isaiah Moore: Santana wins via Running Powerbomb – SQUASH
• X Division Championship: Moose (c) w/The System vs Zachary Wentz w/Trey Miguel: Moose retains via Lights Out – *** 1/2
• Maggie Lee vs Jody Threat w/Dani Luna: Jody wins via Pop Shove It – *
• KC Navarro w/AJ Francis vs Leon Slater: Leon wins via Swanton 450 – ** 1/2
• The Kaiba Boys & Frankie Kazarian vs Joe Hendry & The Hardy Boyz: Nic wins via Danger Zone – ***

Results:

So today is Hendry’s birthday, so the crowd pops and sings Happy Birthday, Hendry with a fairly stock standard babyface champion promo, calls out Trick, and Trick’s music plays but Trick has a tron message since he’s got a Battle Royal to prepare for. So basic steps, but nothing egregious. 

Sami is called to the back by Santino and SDL & Mance show up, and they seemingly squash their issue “I don’t like ya, but I respect ya” kind of style. I’m just glad we get away from it since the feud kinda sucked. They tend to drag bad things out, like Kon versus PCO…awful. 

Mike Santana vs Isaiah Moore

Enhancement talent match, Moore tries to start fast but his offense is slow. Everything he does looks like its in slow motion and aside from a dodge and flip here or there, Santana beats him easily. Outline in Chalk and then a Running Powerbomb, and its over.

After the match Santana cuts a choppy promo because the mic sucked, but it sounds like he’s setting his sights on Hendry and hopefully someone stops that. No one wants a Babyface vs Babyface title match, especially since TNA stories are written like 4 year olds with half eaten crayons. So we need someone to get in the way of Santana quick or things just won’t be good, that’s not even a jaded assumption, that’s just the facts of how the last few years have gone. 

Maclin comes out to address his title defense and he gets mugged by the Northern Armoury on the way down the ramp. EY continues with the Dump Matsumoto tribute and uses the steel chain to beat the hell out of Maclin, choke him and then crucify him against the ropes. Just a typical beating segment to force the angle forward even though the protagonist has been winning the bulk of the interactions. 

The WAR between @SteveMaclin and @TheEricYoung continues NEXT WEEK on #TNAiMPACT! @milanmiracle

WATCH #TNAiMPACT NOW LIVE on TNA+: https://t.co/XMRO4aTSb2

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— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) May 2, 2025

X Division Championship: Moose (c) w/The System vs Zachary Wentz w/Trey Miguel

Wentz starts quick, Sole Butts, Enzuigiris, perches and Moose tries a Go To Hell, but Wentz continues the speed kills idea. Connects with a flurry of strikes, Moose powders and Wentz hits a Tornillo, does the Rascalz pose into the camera and we go to commercial. Back from commercial we go to paint by numbers commercial break where Moose is in control after managing to knock Wentz off the turnbuckle at some point,  but after eating a few haymakers Wentz fires, PK, Sole Butt, Stomp, Triangle Moonsault and Wentz is rolling again! He throws Moose back in, another Tornillo this time from the corner and only a two count.

Wentz wants to fly, but Moose gets up, Leap Frog in Moose catching him in a Pop-Up Powerbomb, but only for two! Lights Out attempt, but Cradle Counter, kick, Double Leg Cradle, kick, Moose gets up, Escalara Crossbody, into a Kip Up, Looks for the Jacknife but CODE RED COUNTER from Wentz, but only a two count! Wentz tries to grab Moose, Moose grabs the tights to Dart Wentz into the buckles. Moose tries Lights Out again, X Factor counter form Wentz! SPIRAL TAP from Wentz but again, only a 2 count! UFO Cutter, but Moose shoves him away, Wentz tries to gather himself but Lish grabs his foot just long enough for Moose to finally hit Lights Out and retains.

Oh God it’s Deaner out to continue this sob story angle about his contract is expiring tonight. I hope it actually does, Jesus I can’t tolerate him. He’s the embodiment of cringe. Deaner must have grabbed the wrong script that said Dreamer, because this is some sappy useless idiot stuff. I hate everything about this sad sack crap, and now Santino’s music plays, he plays into the sad thing because of course he does he’s a goofy babyface. He said he can’t give a new contract, but he can extend it. Deaner will get a match at Under Siege versus Eddie Edwards. Robert Stone’s music kicks in! Robbie E and Alicia Fox are in the building because the higher ups are putting Santino Under Review and Victoria is getting a random title match at Under Siege. This was at least an interesting wrinkle.

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Maggie Lee vs Jody Threat w/Dani Luna

Jody starts quick, a few Elbows, Thesz Presses, Ground and Pound, looks for her German Suplex off the ropes but Maggie holds on, Back Thrust Kick finally gives out Elegance Giant some momentum. A few well placed strikes, running Knee Strike in the corner, Bow and Arrow Submission, but Jody flips it around for a pinfall. Maggie kicks out, and Jody fires up with some slow blocks against bad punches, Jody goes for Cringe Kojima style chops, pulls off the Knees to the back into the German Suplex. Jody wants Pop Shove It, but Maggie claws the eyes, Jody perches and Maggie crotches her and then hits a Tower of London for two! Jody fires again, quick strike Lariats in the corner, Pop Shove It and Jody wins.

KC Navarro w/AJ Francis vs Leon Slater

Leon and KC change directions, dodge, and dodge, and continue to change angles. KC shows off, so a Kick to the face rocks him and then Leon starts putting some offense together. KC gets knocked out of the ring, Leon throws him into a post, KC manages a small counter, tries to throw Leon back in the ring and Leon Tiger Feints back out to drop KC down. Leon throws KC in, climbs the ropes and AJ starts to interfere but the ref sees him, ejects him and a Satellite DDT from KC gives him the chance to try and choke out Leon, but Leon drives him back into the corner, rope runs, Jump Kick into Final Cut for a two count!

KC powders, Leon goes for the Over the Post Dive, but KC moves. Leon lands his on his feet, KC is saying he’s too smart, gets cold cocked, thrown back in and Leon hits the Swanton 450 for the win.

This makes sense because they want to push Leon, but aside from flips he’s useless. KC has a great personality, great skillset and more than just flips. They want to Leon to become ‘the youngest X Division champ’ but I couldn’t be less interested in him. 

The Kaiba Boys & Frankie Kazarian vs Joe Hendry & The Hardy Boyz

They bring back the Hendry Boyz mashup music for their entrance, which is actually pretty cool.

Kaz and Jeff start, but it breaks down immediately into all 6 men throwing hands, the babyfaces clear the ring and do the DELETE taunts…and commercial break. We come back from commercial and Matt is hitting Delete Headsmashes on Kaz, a Side Effect on Ryan and then hits the Extreme Elbow but only for two. Matt wants the Twist of Fate, but he gets too close to the heel corner. Nic grabs the ref, Kaz hits a Guillotine Leg Drop, Ryan with the Russian Leg Sweep and then tags in Nic who gets a few pot shots before tagging in Kaz. Kaz and Matt trade a few shots, Kaz claws the face and the heels keep control.

Ryan tags in, isolation in the corner keeps Matt getting pummeled, quick tag back to Kaz and the Cravat has Matt grounded until the crowd tries to fire him up…but Kaz throws him down and Springboard Leg Drop gets two. Kaz mocks the Twist of Fate for Matt counters with the Side Russian, simultaneous tag, Nic and Jeff are in. Jeff signature hot tag offense, Leg Drop, Elbow, Kaz feeds into a Jawbreaker, Ryan eats a Twist, Nic tries something but eats the Mule Kick. Jeff wants a Twist on Nic, but he tries to fight out, but Matt comes in to help, Poetry in Motion, Side Effect into Splash from Jeff! Everyone’s in the ring, series of Hat Trick Sack of Shits!

Kaz tries to use a belt, Joe ducks it and Matt hits the Twist on Kaz. Hendry hits the Standing Ovation, looks to Jeff to hit a Swanton, but Trick Williams shows up and pulls out Hendry during the chaos and throws him into the steps! Jeff gets crotched, Matt gets taken out, Danger Zone on Jeff! Heels win and Trick and Joe are back in the ring…TRICK SHOT leaves Joe laying!

Overall Score: 6.75/10

This wasn’t the best episode, but it was entertaining and nothing really seemed to drag…which is more than I can say for most of the TNA episodes last month or so. Robbie E and Alicia Fox were unexpected, Trick makes sense, Cody Deaner needs to go away forever, Wentz burning his title shot already is frustrating. It’s frustrating because I like Wentz and if they’re gonna crown Leon, it better not be against Moose. Leon has no charisma, he’s tiny, suspension of disbelief can’t wish this away. So if it’s inevitable, just have Moose either cash in Option C or drop it to someone who isn’t the charisma vacuum known as Leon Slater.

But yeah, it was an inoffensive show. Not a lot of wrestling but enough segments that didn’t overstay their welcome and kept the show moving along at a decent clip. Nothing to write home about, but it planted seeds for Under Siege and had some things to genuinely be interested in.