4/23 WWE SMACKDOWN TV RESULTS: Keller’s report on Apollo Crews defending the Intercontinental Title, Reigns looks for his next challenger

KELLER’S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT
APRIL 23, 2021
ATTHE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA IN “THUNDERDOME”
AIRED ON FOX BROADCAST NETWORK

Commentators: Michael Cole, Pat McAfee

Ring Announcers: Greg Hamilton

Backstage Correspondent: Megan Morant

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[HOUR ONE]

-They opened with a video package on last week’s interactions with Roman Reigns and Cesaro.

-Cesaro stood mid-ring as his music faded and Cole introduced the show. Before Cesaro could speak, Seth Rollins’ music interrupted. He strutted out and acted over-the-top obnoxious. He said he came out there to congratulate him for reaching and fulfilling his potential. He said he was able to do it because he, Seth, was in the ring with him. He called himself the new Mr. WrestleMania. He said he has been waiting for thanks from Cesaro for giving him such a great performance at WrestleMania, but instead Cesaro was ready to move on. He said the only reason Cesaro beat him was because the rain delay threw him off his game. He said on his worst day and on Cesaro’s best day, Cesaro couldn’t beat him again. Cesaro asked if he’s having a good day. Cesaro said he’s having a great day, and it’d get even better if Seth stepped into the ring and let him beat him again tonight. Seth marched to the ring and said he like to teach him a lesson. Jey Uso’s music played.

Uso walked out and told Cesaro that he challenged the Head of the Table Roman Reigns, but he doesn’t belong in the ring with Reigns. He said if he didn’t get the message last week, he’ll show him tonight. Seth had a sorta private talk with Uso and told him not to go there alone. He said they should surround him and strike and teach him a lesson.

Daniel Bryan’s music then played and he made his way onto the stage. He started a “Yes!” chant. Cole said it’s their first time seeing Bryan since WrestleMania. Bryan joined Cesaro in the ring. He told Seth that he is out there because Cesaro beat him and he’s embarrassed. He said Jey came out probably because Reigns told him to. Bryan said he came out there to make sure Cesaro finally gets what he deserves. Seth and Jey began to walk away. Bryan said he has an infinite amount of respect for Cesaro because he’s working harder than everybody including himself, Seth, and Jey. He said he especially has worked harder than Roman, who is where he is because of family connections.

Bryan asked if they want to fight him. He excitedly wondered if Reigns is going to come out and accept Cesaro’s challenge. He said maybe Roman will join them and attack them three-on-two. Bryan said there’s nobody he’d rather fight next to against three foes than Cesaro. Reigns’s music played. Reigns and Paul Heyman walked out onto the stage and stood next to Jey (who was wearing a t-shirt that said,”Right Hand Man.”)

Reigns told Bryan he shouldn’t be talking about hard work, he should talking about how he (Reigns) did what he said he was going to do at WrestleMania. He pointed at his t-shirt that shows him pinning someone. He said Bryan is the guy on the bottom. He said Bryan and Cesaro are losers, but they’re top tier losers. He laughed as he said, “You’re main event losers; you’re WrestleMania Main Event loses.” He told Cesaro he’s a stupid loser because he’s out there running his mouth and talking Smack when he’s surrounded by people who are going to whoop his ass. “Good luck with that,” he said. His music played and he turned and left the ring. Cole said he thinks it’s safe to say they’ll see some kind action when they return. [c]

(1) SETH ROLLINS & JEY USO vs. CESARO & DANIEL BRYAN

All four were brawling as they returned from the break. As soon as referee Charles Robinson restored order, he signaleld for the bell. Bryan began against Uso, but quickly tagged in Cesaro. Cesaro delivered a one-armed delayed-drop vertical suplex for a two count. A few minutes in Seth caught Bryan as he went for a running knee, then delivered a buckle bomb. Jey landed a frog splash; Cesaro broke up the cover by plowing Jey off of Bryan. (5 out of 5 for the save; that’s how you break up a cover). Seth and Jey threw Cesaro to the floor, then double-suplexed him. They cut to a break. [c]

Cole said it was all Seth and Jey beating up Bryan during the break. Seth kicked Bryan’s head and scored a two count. Bryan made a comeback a minute later, but he couldn’t get over to tag in Cesaro. Seth took it to Bryan in the corner again. Bryan eventually did tag in Cesaro just as Jey also tagged in. Cessaro took it to Jey and scored a two count after a hard clothesline. Cesaro landed a corkscrew flying uppercut. Cole said this is why people think Reigns wants no part of Cesaro. Jey avoided a Neutralizer, the delivered a lift-and-drop European Uppercut. It appeared to miss. Seth broke up the covered Bryan backdropped a charging Seth over the top rope, then landed a flying shoulder tackle through the ropes. When Jey flew through the ropes at Cesaro, Cesaro hit him with an uppercut. When he leaped at Jey off the top rope, though, Jey sidekicked him out of mid-air. They cut to another break. [c]

Back from the break, Cole said it’s been an unbelievable tag team match. Cesaro tried for a Cesaro Swing, but Seth escaped. Cesaro countered into a sharpshooter. Jey kicked Cesaro from behind to break up the hold. McAfee said those two hate each other. Cole corrected him on the air and said he’d use the word “disdain.” (That’s likely the official stance of Vince McMahon on those two words, and which one should be used.) Seth walked out of the match. “I don’t need this!” he shouted. “I’m Seth Freakin’ Rollins!” Cesaro then superplexed Jey into the ring then tagged in Bryan. Bryan finished Jey with a running knee for the win.

WINNER: Cesaro & Bryan 20:00.

(Keller’s Analysis: For TV, a longer-than-usual and very good tag match. Not sure why Bryan got the pin, in as much as that matters. Perhaps they’re going to give Bryan a title shot before Cesaro, and Cesaro might battle Seth in a rematch at WrestleMania Backlash first. I’m curious how Reigns reacts to Seth walking out on his cousin Jey.)

-Bryan called for Reigns to come out. Jey went after Cesaro from behind, but Cesaro blocked him and gave him a Cesaro Swing. Bryan counted along for a while. Cesaro let go after 11, then gave Jey an uppercut when Jey stood. Bryan said Cesaro might be afraid of him after all of those swings. Cesaro said they’re waiting. He said Reigns won’t even come out to save his own cousin, so that shows what kind of a family man he is. Bryan asked Cesaro to swing Jey again. Cesaro wondered if that would work. Cesaro dragged Jey back to mid-ring and swung him again, this time 20 times around as Bryan yapped at and taunted Reigns the whole time. He again asked Reigns if he’s that afraid. He said he couldn’t beat him without Edge’s help and he couldn’t beat Edge without Jey’s help, and he also knows he can’t beat Cesaro. He said Reigns won’t come out because he’s afraid he’d lose a one-on-one title match.

-As Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville were chatting, Apollo Crews and C0mmander Azeez interrupted. Crews said Big E doesn’t deserve a rematch. Pearce said Big E will get his opportunity again. He said it’ll be either against Crews or his opponent tonight, Kevin Owens, if Owens is to win. Crews stared at Pearce with the news that he’s been booked to defend against Owens.

-Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler walked out. They called Reginald out to join them on the stage. McAfee was excited to see Reginald. “Smackdown is the greatest!” he said. [c]

-Kayla Braxton interviewed Jey Uso backstage. She asked how he feels about his partner abandoning him and then getting two Cesaro Swings. He said Cesaro disrespected him so he’s about to be put down.

(2) NIA JAX (w/Shayna Baszler) vs. TAMINA (w/Natalya)

Cole called Tamina “unleashed” as she attacked Jax at ringside a couple minutes in. Reginald stood on the ring apron, but Tamina knocked him down and kicked at Baszler. Jax hit Tamina from behind. Baszler wasn’t happy with Reginald. Reginald tripped over the steps. Tamina kicked a DISTRACTED Jax and then rolled her up for a three count.

WINNER: Tamina in 3:00.

-Backstage, Braxton asked Owens about getting an IC Title shot. Owens said he’s been waiting a long time for this and is really excited about it. Big E walked in and told Owens he’s jumping the line. He said this should be his match. Owens said he’s totally right, and he should get a rematch, but tonight it’s his opportunity. He said he’s going to go win it, and he will have fun, because it’ll be his title. He laughed. Big E laughed. Owens slapped his shoulder in a friendly. Big E turned to a scowl. [c]

-Backstage Pearce reacted to a text on his phone when in walked Bryan. Bryan said Cesaro deserves the opportunity. Pearce said it’s not that simple, but he’s trying. Bryan told him to do more than try. Pearce gulped and sighed as Bryan turned and left.

[HOUR TWO]

(3) APOLLO CREWS (w/Commander Azeez) vs. KEVIN OWENS – Intercontinental Title match

Owens’ full ring entrance aired first. The camera guy on the ramp lowered the camera and pointed it down and to the side, oddly, before the director cut away. Owens grabbed an early side headlock. Crews tried to fight back, but Owens beat him up in the corner. Owens landed a senton and then clotheslined Crews over the top rope. When he ran for a dive, Commander Azeez stood in his way. Crews tripped Owens on the ring apron and took control. Owens and Crews battled at ringside a minute later. Owens landed a superkick at ringside, then a top rope senton splash for a near fall. Sami Zayn’s music then played. Owens looked up at the stage as Sami strutted out. McAfee said a thorn in the side of KO has arrived. [c]

Back from the break, KO knocked Crews off balance on the top rope. Sami joined the announcers and immediately complained about not having a headset to use. After a few minutes of back and forth action, Owens hit a Pop-Up Powerbomb for a near fall. He then climbed to the top rope. Cole wondered what he could do if the Pop-Up Powerbomb wasn’t enough. Owens leaped off the top rope onto Crews on the floor. Commander Azeez distracted Owens on the ring apron, then Crews rolled him up for the three count.

WINNER: Crews to retain the IC Title in 9:00.

-After the match, KO gave Crews a Stunner. Commander Aziz then gave KO a thumb to the throat which Cole called “The Nigerian Nail.” Owens went down in a heap. “Oh, that tastes so good!” said Sami. Sami entered the ring and did a hilarious celebration dance around Owen’s fallen body.

-Braxton laughed and said she never gets tired of Sami’s dance moves. She asked Paul Heyman if Reigns will accept Cesaro’s challenge tonight. Heyman said she’s as probing as she is beautiful. He said Cesaro admires and loves the man. He said he made a name for himself with only one name, such as Drake and Madonna. He said he’s his favorite “Cesaro.” Heyman said Customer Satisfaction is the highest priority on the Island of Relevancy. He said he wanted to give everyone a prediction – no, make that a spoiler. He said tonight, live on Smackdown, everyone will hear from The Chief and he will give his answer to the challenge. [c]

-Megan Morant interviewed Crews backstage in her Smackdown debut. He was on top of the world with the IC Title belt over his shoulder. Big E attacked Crews as he was saying he plans to remain IC Champion for a long-time. Referees and officials separated them. Commander Azeez ran to Crews’s aid as Big E was escorted away from the scene. Commander Azzez stood up and scowled.

-They went to Cole and McAfee at ringside. Cole threw to “a new twisted vision from the mind of Aleister Black.”

-They went to a video of Aleister Black sitting in a chair in a dark foggy room surrounded by candles. He said he wants to read them some truth. Chapter 1 is “The Dragon.” He talked about attending funerals as a child, which his father called a celebration of life and death. He said over time his father became more distant. He said he wasn’t taught how to defeat The Dragon, but rather how to become The Dragon. He told those gawking at the screen that he is nothing like them and he would never help them. He said they reveal the true rotten nature of man, with their lies and deceit. “You transform your children into bigger monsters than you.” He said they should be removed from Earth to make room for other things. Lots of disturbing animations were shown as he talked.

-Braxton interviewed Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler. She asked who is next for them. In walked The Street Profits. Montez Ford said, “How about we’ve got next?” Ziggler told them to take their place at the back of the line. Bayley walked in as they had a staredown. The two teams left. Bayley told Braxton she is the ultimate role model and longest-reigning Smackdown Women’s Champion in history. She talked about Bianca Belair. She said she saw how scared she was when she first arrived, but she took her under her wing. She said she has never said thank you, so at Backlash she’s taking back what’s hers and taking her rightful place back at the top of the division she built. Ford re-entered the scene with a really small iPhone with Belair on the line. She said she’d be right there. Bayley said she’ll wait and say it to her face. [c]

-Belair told Bayley to repeat what she said, but this time to her face. Bayley said she wanted to congratulate her for making history at WrestleMania, and it’ll be an honor to be her first challenger. She said she showed WWE she is the E-S-T. Bayley said the way she picked Sasha Banks over her head and carried her up the stairs was impressive. She said it’ll be an honor to face her at Backlash. As Belair told Braxton that wasn’t what she expected to hear from Bayley, Bayley re-entered the scene and broke out into laughter, then walked away.

(4) DOMINIK & REY MYSTERIO vs. OTIS & CHAD GABLE

They replayed Rey pinning Otis last week. Cole said there’s never been a father-son tag team championship team in WWE history, but the Mysterios would like to be the first. Otis clotheslined Rey and Dominik at ringside at 2:00 and they cut to a break. [c]

Back from the break, Otis was beating on Dominik. Otis taunted Rey as he set up a suplex on Dominik. Dominik fought free and tagged in Rey, who scored a near fall. McAfee said, “This is the best I’ve ever seen Rey Mysterio!” Rey avoided a charging Gable, who went shoulder-first into the post. Gable caught Rey on the top rope, but Rey countered with a rana off the top rope to the mat for a near fall. Dominik slid belly-first under the bottom rope and sunset powerbombed Gable. Rey and Dominik then set up the 619. Dominik leaped over the top rope, but Otis caught him. Dominik threw Otis into the announce table. Rey then hit the 619 and landed a top rope frog splash for the three count.

WINNERS: Dominik & Rey Mysterio in 10:00.

-Afterward, Cesaro’s music played. Cesaro and Bryan walked out, applauding. They shook hands as Cole said they are awaiting a decision from Reigns. “What will the Head of the Table do?” he asked. [c]

-A Raw commercial hyped Mace & T-Bar vs. Drew McIntyre & Braun Strowman, plus Bobby Lashley returns.

-Cole announced Big E would get an IC Title match against Crews next Friday on Smackdown.

-Cesaro, accompanied by Bryan, said he was awaiting word from Reigns. This came 51 minutes into the second hour. Cesaro said he can either come out there and give them the answer, or he can go back there and get an answer. “Your choice,” he said. Reigns entered the ring and asked Cesaro who he is to challenge him. “You don’t deserve it!” he said “You haven’t earned it.” He said he’s the Tribal Chief, and Cesaro will never be at his level. He said the Universal Champion issues the challenges around here, and his challenge is for Bryan. He walked over to Bryan.

Reigns said he has never liked him, and he gets one more title opportunity against him. He said that will be next week on Smackdown. Cesaro looked at Bryan and said, “You have to take it. You can do this.” Bryan was about to answer, but Reigns said if he loses, he doesn’t want to ever see him again. “I want you to disappear and vanish. I don’t ever want to see your face on my show again. I don’t ever want to see you floating around Smackdown again. Do you understand me?” Bryan stepped up and said, “I accept.” He told Bryan, as he held up his belt, “You’re never going to have this? This will always be mine!” Cole said it could be the biggest main event in Smackdown history.