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Smackdown Live

Tonight’s show opens with a recap of Backlash in Lyon, France (that crowd was nuts)

**NEWS — Bobby Lashley has been pulled from the King of the Ring due to injury. Angelo Dawkins from Street Profits will take his place.

Alicia Taylor has been drafted to Smackdown with Mike Rome heading back to NXT.

Nick Aldis in the ring, who introduced Cody Rhodes. Cody is getting used to carrying the title. Cody seems to be getting more comfy. Nick is letting Cody know who his next challenger will be at King and Queen of the Ring will be Logan Paul. (Logan won’t win)

*King of the Ring — A.J. Styles facing Randy Orton. A.J. is stopping at nothing to take Randy out, to advance in the tournament. Styles being overconfident once again came back to bite him, a lovely RKO out of nowhere would be the end of A.J. Randy with the win.

*Queen of the Ring — Naomi vs Nia Jax. I would love for Naomi to win this but I have a feeling that Nia will take it out. Naomi gave it all she had but it was not enough today.

*King of the Ring — Barron Corbin facing Carmelo Hayes — Ego vs Ego. Should be interesting. Thanks to a sneaky roll-up, Carmelo wins.

*Queen of the Ring — Jade Cargill facing Piper Niven with Chelsea Green at ringside. Told you Chelsea would get involved. Jade has some serious strength, I don’t even have been tapped into yet. Jade with the win.

*Queen of the Ring — As Jade departs, Bianca makes her way to the ring to take on Candace LeRae. Even with a low blow from Indi Hartwell, Bianca found a way to win.

*King of the Ring — Angelo Dawkins vs Tama Tonga (Bloodline) Needless to say, Tama won with help. I just don’t get why Paul Heyman is still around.

NXT May 7/8

for those of you who might not know I get the show on Wednesday morning here in Australia

**INJURY LIST

Cora Jade — Injured on the 12 of January with a ruptured ACL.

Dani Palmer — Double hip surgery

Meiko Satomura — is inactive

Nikkita Lyons — Undisclosed injury. Hoping to return for Halloween Havoc

Saquon Shugars — Shared a picture on his social media of a knee X-ray. The extent of the injury is not known along with no return date at this time.

**Battleground is June 9th in Las Vegas

**MAIN SHOW

**Match 1 — Wes Lee has returned and, in his first match is facing Josh Briggs. It’s a good test to see how his back will hold up to this kind of punishment. You could see a little ring rust but it was Wes with the impressive win.

**Match 2 — Shayna Baszler facing Karmen Petrovic — this match is coming from last week when Shayna took out Karmen to help Lola Vice beat Natalya in the Underground match

Women’s Combine was this past weekend to determine the top 12 ladies qualifying to compete to win the first Women’s North American title. The top 12 ladies advancing are Sol Ruca, Thea Hail, Jaida Parker, Brinley Reece, Michin, Fallon Henley, Lash Legend, Ivy Nile, Izzi Dane, Kelani Jordan, Tatum Paxley, Wren Sinclair. The qualifying matches begin next week

No Quarter-catch catch crew facing off against Tyson/Tyriek. I like Tyson/Tyriek for their freshness. They are big guys with speed. Given some time they will do well in the Tag Division. With a little help from the family, Tyson/Tyriek steal the win.

Fallon Henley has turned heel

Duke Hudson taking on Lexis King

The first matchups in the qualifying tournament have been announced with #1seed Sol Ruca facing Izzi Dane. Ivy Nile meets Lash Legend.

NXT Women’s title on the line as Roxanne Perez defends against Chelsea Green

Monday Night RAW

The current card at this point is loaded with the start of the King and Queen of the Ring.

MAIN EVENT — **King of the Ring — Sheamus facing Gunther. Ludwig Keiser was also at ringside but interfered and got tossed by the Ref. Thanks to Keiser Sheamus has to finally tap out in the end. Sheamus moves on.

**King of the Ring — Jey Uso (replacing Drew due to injury) vs Finn Balor. Jey with the win. Drew at ringside angry that Jey took his place.

**King of the Ring — Ricochet (Speed Champion) facing Ilja Dragunov. This is a good first match for Ilja to get his feet wet, and start to establish himself. Amazing match, congrats to Ilja on the win.

**Queen of the Ring — Natalya vs Iyo Sky — with a little help from Damage Control it would be Iyo with the win.

**Queen of the Ring — Ivy Nile facing Zoey Stark. It was a good match, strength matching strength but it would be Zoey in the end outpowering Ivy.

**Queen of the Ring — Lyra Valkyria facing Dakota Kai. (Hoping Damage Control stays out of it) It was a good match, A little awkward it was a well-deserved win, Lyra will move on to meet Zoey Stark.

Chad Gable facing off against Bronson Reed. Sami Zayn has returned the favour of interfering in the match.

Michael Cole is in the ring to have a sitdown chat with Becky Lynch. Update on Seth? Liv interrupted the interview. Liv will get her title shot at the King and Queen of the Ring final. Damage Control showed up, and Liv bailed saying it was not her problem but Lyra came to the ring to help Becky

Sami just made it for King and Queen of the Ring — Triple threat match for the Intercontentional Championship between Sami, Chad Gable and Bronson Reed.

It was a slow show tonight. Wonder if a little post hangover from a great trip.

See you for NXT

WWE Draft and Injury list

The final rosters are locked from May 6

Some stars have not been drafted due to being on the injury list. Those include Seth Rollins, Jimmy Uso

Alexa Bliss and Camella, Valhalla (maternity leave)

Eric of the Viking Raiders and Big E both had neck surgery.

CM Punk was drafted to RAW, recovering from arm surgery, with a return listing around Summerslam. Charlotte is also out from a major knee reconstruction, she was not drafted but is listed for a possible return at Summerslam. Shotzi with a knee replacement (she was competing on NXT at the time of the injury) Also with knee replacements, Sonya Deville.

Cruz Del Toro recently had arm surgery. Dominik Mystero had been seen with his arm in a sling. I had read that he had an injury similar to what MLB pitchers get (Tommy John)Rhea Ripley had a shoulder injury( at this point it was just needing rest and eventually rehab)

Inactive stars include Dexter Lumas, Nikki Cross, Raquel Rodriguez(medical leave), Tamina,

Backlash 2024 from Lyon, France

The Universe was so loud for Smackdown, I hope they don’t disappoint tonight. The show has aired live overnight here in Australia, I am watching the recording. I am pretty sure how the show will go but I am waiting to see if I am proven wrong. The only belt I expect to change is the Women’s tag team titles. Matches will not be easy, let’s see what they got.

Sami Irvin doing the announcing

11, 682 fans in attendance.

Michael Cole is having issues hearing Corey Graves who is sitting next to him. The alarms kept going off last night because it was so loud.

**MATCH 1 — Street Fight rules will have Kevin Owens/Randy Orton facing off against the Bloodline. Kevin announced first, waiting on Randy, just taking it all in. I have goosebumps as the Universe is singing each and every word along with his song. (you can see that Randy is a little overwhelmed and so appreciative of the response of the crowd) The Bloodline is being introduced, and the crowd are letting them know they are not welcome tonight. Tonga Loua has joined the Bloodline.

**MATCH 2 — WWE Women’s Championship title match with Tiffany Stratton/Naomi/Bayley. (It is too soon to put a title on Tiffany, she is good but I don’t think she is ready. I want to see her fued with Charlotte) with it being triple threat rules it’s hard to share thoughts, things happen so fast. If you blink you miss things. It was a good solid match, I might have booked a little further down the card but give credit to all the ladies. Bayley is still your WWE Women’s Champion

**MATCH 3 — Damien Priest puts the World Championship Title on the line against Jey Uso. We all know that Judgement Day will help Damien keep the title. It’s starting to look like they are imploding. Damien is getting tired of Finn/J.D. sticking their noses in where they are not wanted. (Judgement Day is falling apart, IMO I feel that Judgement Day has outlived its usage. It’s time for things to change. Have read that a turn from Heel to Babyface is coming) Damien is never going to get the true respect he deserves until he gets rid of Judgement Day. Jey made Damien work for it, it could have possibly been the match of the night until J.D. and Finn got involved

**MATCH 4 — Women’s Tag Team titles are on the line as the Kabuki Warriors are set to face Jade Cargill/Bianca Belair. How much will Dakota Kai/Iyo Sky play a part in things? Jade/Bianca have not been together long as a tag team but they work well together. Jade is starting to find her feet which is good. At times, I think starting out in tag team to get your feet wet is a better option. It was wild there going into the end of the match. Your new Women’s Tag Team Champions are Jade Cargill/Bianca Belair

**MAIN EVENT — The Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes in his first title defence against A.J. Styles. It’s not going to be an easy match by any means for either Cody or A.J. Jessica Carr is the first woman in history to be the ref for the defence of the title. Jess is giving some leeway in this match. It was A.J. who went through the announcer’s table. Neither has really gotten ahead in the match, just when one gets a little window the other shuts it down. This was an amazing match, both Cody/A.J. left it all in the ring. The crowd was beyond amazing to help both find that next level needed to keep going in a hard-fought match. Your winner and still champion is Cody Rhodes.

Thank You for joining me on a delayed view of a wonderful match in France. See you for RAW

WWE News

Been reading around social media this morning, seeing some news that I feel needs shared.

** Drew Gulak has been released from NXT. Triple H responded to a question that his contract was up and it was not renewed.

** Jimmy Uso is on the sideline with an injury. He was not listed in the draft pool. There is no timetable for his return

** Dominik Mystero is injured in real life, it’s an elbow injury similar to what MLB pitchers get who might need Tommy John Surgery. I don’t know if rest and rehab will help with the issues or if surgery might be needed down the road. They are keeping him on TV for now.

**Wrestlemania 41 will take place in Las Vegas on April 19 and 20

**Drew McIntyre will be taking time off due to his elbow injury, which happened at Wrestlemania from what I had read.

**Seth Rollins has signed a new contract

Smackdown in France

The French Universe is making itself known tonight, and loving the noise. It’s an 8-women tag match Bayley/Naomi/Bianca/Jade facing Damage Control. (Damage Control final night on Smackdown as they were drafted to RAW). It was a good match with Bayley/Naomi/Bianca/Jade with the win. (Jade/Bianca heading to Backlash tomorrow in a tag team title match.

New Catch Republic (Pete Dunn/Tyler Bate) in a match facing A.O.P. This will be ugly.

It was Paul Heyman who pulled Roman Reigns out of the draft.

During the R.K.O show the boys were jumped from behind, ahead of their match tomorrow. (tag team — Kevin/Randy facing Solo/Tama) IMO — this match will be ugly, to say the least, I can see it going either way)

Austin Theory/Greyson Waller defending the Smackdown Tag Belts against Street Profits. Needless to say A-Town Down Under stole the win.

**Smackdown on May 24th will be in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia with the King and Queen of the Ring on May 25 also in Jeddah.

Tournaments for The King and Queen of the Ring begin on Raw this Monday and will continue next Friday on Smackdown.

Cody/A.J. are in the ring for one final chat before their match tomorrow. It was more of A.J. being a bully as usual, but A.J. gave Cody one last slap before departing the ring.

The Universe in Leyon was beyond amazing, and very loud and they let you know who they were cheering for. They were loud today, wondering what it would be like for the PLE tomorrow.

Smackdown — Draft Night 1

This will be an interesting night, no clue what is going to happen with the draft.

Backlash in one week in Lyon, France

Contract signing tonight between Cody Rhodes and A.J. Styles. With Nick Aldia busy with the draft, Cory is moderating the contract signing.

**Title Holders are protected, meaning that on RAW — Awesome Truth, Samy Zayn, Damien Priest and Becky Lynch will stay put. On Smackdown — Atown Down Under, Logan Paul, Bayley and Cody Rhodes will stay put.

**According to Paul Heyman, Roman has withdrawn from the draft.

****ROUND 1 — Smackdown Chooses — Bianca Belair, NXT Carmelo Hayes,

**RAW Chooses — Jey Uso, Seth Rollins

Just as Cody was departing, Carmelo Hayes walked out, (looks like the heel has come with him)

L.W.O. facing Legado Del Fantasmia. According to Santo Escobar, it was Carlito who attacked Dragon Lee

****ROUND 2 — Smackdown Chooses — Randy Orton, Nia Jax,

**RAW Chooses — Braun Brekker, Liv Morgan

Jade Cargill/Bianca Belair will battle The Kabuki Warriors for the Women’s Tag Titles at Backlash.

****ROUND 3 — Smackdown Chooses — L.A. Knight, The Bloodline,

**RAW Chooses — Ricochet, Sheamus

Tiffany Straton(heel) in a match against Naomi with the winner facing Bayley at Backlash. Nia Jax has taken Bayley out. Not changed at all, once a bully always a bully.

****ROUND 4 — Smackdown Chooses — A.J. Styles, Andrade

RAW Chooses — The Alpha Academy, Kiana James

Added to Backlash is a triple-threat match for the Women’s Smackdown title with Bayley putting her title on the line against Naomi and Tiffany Straton. Also at Backlash will be Randy Orton/Kevin Owens facing the Bloodline

**MAIN EVENT — Cody Rhodes facing off against Carmelo Hayes. Hayes thinks he is good but I hope he is about to get a rude awakening. Cody with the win but people need to watch Hayes, he won’t go quietly. Carmelo sitting on the apron sulking.

**The Draft continues on Monday Night RAW

NXT Spring Breakin Part One

**Cameron Grimes has been released from WWE.

*MATCH 1 — The show opens tonight with the triple threat match for the NXT Women’s title with Tatum Paxley, Lyra, and Roxanne Perez. I look for Lyra to be drafted, I am wondering about Roxanne if they would draft her letting her keep the belt.

*MATCH 2 — The D’angelo family facing No Quarter Catch Crew. The Ref has lost control on several occasions. It was hard to keep track of who was legal but in the end, the DÁngel’s came out on top.

*MATCH 3 — Jada Parker facing from Fallon Henley. This match came about thanks to a scuffle in the locker room. It was a tough match for Fallon, Jada was just too strong on the day.

*MATCH 4 — Beach Brawl as Sol Ruca faces Blair Davenport. (anything goes). Matches like this are hard to describe because of how fast-paced matches like this are. In the end, Sol finally got the justice she was searching for in defeating Blair.

*MATCH 5 — Baron Corbin in a match with Lexis King. King tries to bully Corbin that he is basically useless since Braun is gone. (have read that Baron will get drafted to rematch him with Braun Brekker, with possible tag team belts in the future.

*MATCH 6 — MAIN EVENT — Trick Williams facing Ilja Dragunov who is defending the Men’s NXT title. If Trick loses, he must leave NXT. (Rumour is that Ilja will get drafted to RAW for a feud against Gunther) (with Trick, creative has plans for his in NXT) Just as the Ref was going to present Trick the belt, Ilja took it from him as he wanted to officially pass the belt on. Ilja hugged Trick and he held his hand up.

WWE RAW Notes

Tonight’s RAW is in Columbus, Ohio

Seth Rollins had knee surgery, looking to be out anywhere from 2 to 8 months

Jinder Mahal, Xyon Quinn, Xia Lee, Veer Mahaan, and Sanga have all been released from WWE. Also reading that Von Wagner has been released from NXT

The 2024 Draft begins on Smackdown on Friday, April 26th, finishing up on May 29th on RAW.

Backlash will take place in Lyon, France on May 4th, and May 5th here in Australia.

King and Queen of the Ring tournaments will be returning on May 25th in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

NXT Battleground to be held at UFC’s Apex Facility in Las Vegas

Smackdown on June 14th and Clash at the Castle on June 15th in Glasgow, Scotland

Battle Royal tonight on RAW with the winner stepping into the Women’s RAW Champion (Women’s World Champion)

Jey Uso is in the ring to open the show. Jey will face Damien Priest for the World Heavy Weight Title. Well, here comes Damien to spoil things. (will be interesting to see how Damien treats Jey) Damien/J.D. tried a sneak attack, Jey went to super kick J.D. but he ducked with Damien taking the hit.

D.I.Y taking on Awesome Truth for the World Tag Team Titles.

Gunther has returned and has Inperium by his side. Gunther has entered the King of the Ring Tournament. Ludwig Kaiser has turned on Giovanni Vinci.

Drew is in the ring complaining about everything wrong in his life. Sheamus is on his way to the ring. Sheamus is calling Drew out about his attitude. Sheamus in a match against Shinsuke.

Chad Gable has split from the Alpha Academy

Santo Escobar/J.D McDonagh facing Ricochet/Andrade in a tag match. It was supposed to be Dirty Doim but he got injured so Dom got Santo to take his place.

Women’s Battle Royal for the Women’s World Championship. Over the top, both feet must land on the floor to be eliminated. The final 3 are Nia Jax, Becky Lynch and Liv Morgan. Becky/Liv working together were able to take care of Nia Jax. Becky Lynch is your new Women’s World Champion