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Post by DTP. on Jul 17, 2023 15:41:04 GMT -5
Monday Night RAW #1421 - August 17, 2020 WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida SUMMERSLAM: THIS SUNDAY! "Legendary" by Skillet
Main Event #412 – August 20, 2020 1) The Viking Raiders def. Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink with the Viking Experience on Vink. "The Modern Day Vikings" looked to reinsert themsleves in the mix for a RAW Tag Team Championship opportunity against the Aussies from NXT. Thorne and Vink worked hard to keep Erik from Ivar, but once the tag was made, little worked out for "the Blokes from Down Under". (5:15) 2) Dana Brooke def. Jessamyn Duke with the Brooke Bomb. Returning from a shoulder injury, Dana found herself matched by the technical prowess of Jessamyn Duke. Determined to make a vital change to her career, Dana was driven yet her shoulder was targeted by the former Ultimate Fighter, which she did by picking up the win. (4:03) 3) R-Truth def. Akira Tozawa with the Attitude Adjustment. "John Cena's Biggest Fan" continued to show tribute to his idol, as "the Truth" combatted a fellow former WWE 24/7 Champion. With both continuing to scout Samoa Joe from afar, Tozawa missed a diving senton and fell victim to the Five Moves of Doom which would provide the rapper with the victory. (4:24)
The opening video package aired, bringing us inside the WWE Performance Center. A small selection of WWE Universe members were standing on their feet, banging the plexiglass attentively, as we were now less than a week from "the Biggest Party of the Summer". Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton welcomed us to Monday Night RAW on a somber note, talking about the extensive injuries sustained to their broadcast colleague Christian last week at the hands of Randy Orton. In the WWE Legend's absence, the two talked about what could happen tonight with Bobby Lashley known to be in the building. Also tonight, the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre would be here to address the beating received at the hands of Seth Rollins' Church last week.
- Bobby Lashley returns
- WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre addresses Seth Rollins' Church
- Cross-Brand Number One Contender's Women's Tag Team Turmoil match
- Charlotte Flair vs Bianca Belair
Meeting with the Capo Six days away from his father's career and legacy being put at stake at SummerSlam, Dominik Mysterio made his arrival to a positive reaction. The WWE Performance Center were respectful, as Dominik arrived in the ring to chants of his Dad's name. With a smile, the youngster told the WWE Universe on behalf of the Mysterio Family - they appreciated the support. This Sunday, his old man had the opportunity to put a long rivalry to bed, but in doing so risked a thirty-one career. Setting the record straight on many of their recent disagreements, Dom admitted how he hated how stubborn Rey Mysterio could be: but that's because he loved and respected him more than anybody in this business. He remembered the first time he saw his old man compete, back when he was a toddler - he was in awe. He knew this was the business he wanted to get into, and he knew he was one in a thousand of WWE Superstars who were inspired and influenced by him. This Sunday had the potential to change the entire landscape of the WWE for years to come - and in mulling things over, he knew he had one man to blame for all of that: Andrade.
Dominik Mysterio spoke about watching Rey Mysterio compete between these ropes for years, and watching all of his biggest rivals come and go. Despite the many setbacks his father took, he never once considered retiring. He never wanted to give up. He was "the World's Biggest Underdog" at 165-pounds, 5'5 - and come SummerSlam this Sunday, Dom believed Andrade would see "the Legendary Luchador" in his ultimate form! Andrade interrupted to loud boos, flanked by his business partner Zelina Vega. "El Capo" swaggered down to the ring with sunglasses on, smiling upon greeting the rookie in the ring. Laughing all the while, Andrade told Dominik how proud he was of him. Ever since he made a man out of him at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules, he finally looked like a Mysterio should. Not that that was saying much at all, but it was a start! Dom refused to back down, asking Andrade what more he had to say. Was naming, shaming, humiliating and screwing with his Dad not enough for him?
Andrade listened with a smirk as Dominik Mysterio asked if taking his father's livelihood away from him wasn't enough. "El Capo" snatched the microphone with confidence, telling Dominik that this is what he liked. The boy was finally coming to his senses, but he was looking the wrong way for trouble. Andrade claimed it wasn't he nor the rest of La Invasíon responsible for Rey Mysterio's selfish refusal in passing the torch to the next icon to come out of Mexico. If anything, Dom should be taking it out on his father for not stepping out of the limelight. To many luchadores, thirty years is a crowning achievement! It's a feather in the cap to make it that far, outlasting retirement, injury and old man aches. But for his father - it was just another way to be greedy. Andrade claimed Dom should be helping him to bring down Rey, but he would instead slap him across the face! The leader of La Invasíon simply grinned, as Dom warned him he wouldn't stand a chance at manipulating him - not in a million years!
Zelina Vega abruptly took the microphone and demanded Dominik Mysterio shut his piehole and listen to what they had to say. While Rey Mysterio was going around the planet becoming a global sensation - where was little Dominik? "The Legendary Luchador" was seven years into his career when he was born, which meant while he watched his father on television every week - he had lived a life in rose-tinted glasses, drinking the Mysterio Kool-Aid! Zelina tried to remind Dom of who left him alone in his poor mother's care all those years while Rey was off doing what only he could. Vega turned attention to after SummerSlam, what Dom would do when his old man wasn't around to fight his battles for him anymore. Andrade told him his business partner was right - he was going to flounder!
Andrade stepped towards the tormented Dominik Mysterio, telling him to admit it at long last: he could finally fall in line and become one of La Invasíon's hottest young prospects...or he could try to swim with the sharks on his own, and drown trying. Coyly, "El Capo" quizzed Dom what it was going to be, taking him down with a double-leg takedown! Laying in hammerfists on Andrade, Vega tried to get involved just to be warded off by Rey Mysterio's son. Andrade tried to come from behind, just to receive a spinning headscissors! In-line for the 619, the second-generation Superstar hit the ropes - but Andrade flocked to ringside. Challenging him to a match right here and now, Dominik was ready: screaming for a referee!
Back with a VengeanceBobby Lashley stormed into the WWE Performance Center, immediately hurling his luggage bags to the floor behind him! Without skipping a beat, "the All Mighty" grabbed an innocuous referee by the collar and shoved him up against a door. With no Lana by his side, Lashley demanded to know where Randy Orton was. Looking to strike fear and interrogate the poor official, he claimed nobody had seen him since he took out Christian last week! Bob growled angrily as he asked if that was the truth, which it was. Begrudgingly, the Money in the Bank holder relinquished his grip - but not before powering him up against the wall again and telling him he wanted to know when he saw "the Viper" arrived. As the ref complied and scrambled down the hall, Lashley was here - and he was on the warpath!
︾︾︾ 1) Andrade (with Zelina Vega) def. Dominik Mysterio (5:55) - In an impromptu rematch from the Horror Show at Extreme Rules, Dominik Mysterio planned to give Andrade a tough road to the climax of his problems with Rey Mysterio this Sunday at SummerSlam, with a tilt-a-whirl arm drag sending "El Capo" out through the ropes. With a baseball slide, Dom went caught by his opponent, who sent him spine-first into the edge of the announce table! Zelina Vega watched on as Andrade aggressively took the fight to the son of "the Legendary Luchador" inside, as a succession of a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker tortured him. The rookie showed the same level of fight he had in their Extreme Rules match last month, catching his rival on the rebound with a springboard crossbody! A hurricanrana sent Andrade in-line for the 619, which connected - but as he attempted to Drop the Dime a la his father, the leader of La Invasíon rolled free before delivering a schoolboy buckle bomb! El Idolo planted the youngster, giving Andrade a dominant win.
Heading into SummerSlam, "El Capo" grinned triumphantly as he prepared to try and put an end to the thirty-one year career of Rey Mysterio. Dragging Dominik Mysterio to a seated position by the hair, Andrade showed his respect to Dom as Zelina Vega climbed into the ring. She would suddenly run scared however, and once the patriarch of La Invasíon came to realize this - from behind came Rey Mysterio with a steel chair shot to the spine! A second would see Andrade roll out in the nick of time, but as the business partners gathered confidantly on the rampway, Rey would bring his son to his feet and embrace him. Father and son reunited in what could be the final night on Monday Night RAW for Los Mysterios together.
︾︾︾ Shayna Baszler draped her neck with the black towel before throwing shadow-boxes, when into the locker room walked Nia Jax. Both unenthused to see one another, "the Queen of Spades" guessed correctly if this was about tonight's predicament. "The Irresistible Force" made no mistake about it that she couldn't stand her. Shayna told Nia she despised her - which begged both to question why the executives of USA Network were forcing them to team up. The two bickered back and forth about how their match could have gone last week, with Nia claiming she would crush her like a bug; and Shayna claiming she would have put Nia to sleep! Going head-to-head, "the Giantess" warned "the Submission Magician" to stay the hell out of her way tonight - otherwise, things could end badly for her. Baszler smiled back at her, telling Nia she would love to watch her try. She then exited the room, casually telling Nia not to screw tonight up - or else!
Sarah Schreiber was standing by in the interview area with the woman who would take on Charlotte Flair one-on-one tonight, Bianca Belair. "The EST" was asked about her history with "the Queen", to which Bianca talked about how Charlotte was the epitome of somebody who was living luxuriously off her family's legacy. Here was a girl who had everything handed to her on a silver platter, and time and time again had taken moments from far more deserving WWE Superstars - herself included! Belair spoke about how Charlotte had already had her shot and blown it against Asuka, which made her question why Asuka was willing to put the RAW Women's Championship on the line again at SummerSlam. One thing was for sure: Bianca was about to jump straight to the front of the line and stamp her own ticket to the title.
︾︾︾ Something Omos Comes This WayTom Phillips and Byron Saxton discussed Asuka defending the RAW Women's Championship again against Charlotte Flair this Sunday at SummerSlam, when the two were suddenly interrupted by none other than Riddick Moss! "So Smooth" appeared aggravated as he talked about the shoddy treatment he received last week by the security staff here at the WWE Performance Center. The problem wasn't him - nor was it ever! Moss harped on about his accomplishments, being a former WWE 24/7 Champion, and a future WWE Legend. Nobody was smoother than Riddick Moss - and he demanded respect! Riddick continued to ramble on about Heath Slater, and the amount of times that washed-up, unemployed moron had managed to intrude the WWEPC week-in and week-out. He demanded more from not only the brass who ran Monday Night RAW for their safety as WWE Superstars - but more from the WWE Universe, who wouldn't give him the time of day.
Ominous music suddenly rang out over the WWE Performance Center, bringing Riddick Moss to yell at the production truck to cut it out! Instead, "So Smooth's" jaw dropped once he glanced up the rampway to recognize the monstrous freak of nature bounding towards him. Omos was here on Monday Night RAW at last! Riddick foolishly planned a football tackle as "the Nigerian Nightmare" stepped foot onto the apron - just to bounce off of him. Omos stepped over the ropes like it was nothing, before grabbing Moss by his colossal-sized hands and performing two biel throws sending him across the ring! Moss was grabbed by the seat of his pants, prevented from making an escape. With a double-handed kneeling Chokeslam, the imposing 7'3 freakshow roared to a relieved response from the WWE Universe. Now he was here, what did Omos have planned for the rest of the RAW Brand?
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"K-BrO"Kevin Owens sat on a production cart backstage, as he spoke with Matt Riddle about how he couldn't believe this was going to be allowed on USA Network. The WWE United States Champion believed the executives had lost their minds, when into frame came "the Original Bro" in one of Kev's shirts. Riddle said he loved it and would cherish it forever, asking KO where he could find more. "The Prize Fighter" shilled his WWEShop page, prepared to give Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson the whooping they deserved for last week's attack! But, the former Ultimate Fighter had one last pressing piece of business to discuss: what was their team name? Owens asked if they could talk about it later, but Riddle wanted to run some ideas past him! Quizzed which he liked better: "The Kevin Owens Bro", or "K-Bro", the champ responded he'd have a think about it on his way to the ring. Riddle was left behind to sit his KO-branded snapback on his head, telling him he'd seen him out there. They would meet "the Good Brothers" of the O.C. up next!Footage aired from moments ago, recapping the unscheduled WWE debut of "the Nigerian Nightmare" Omos! Standing at an imposing 7'3, the giant would put the WWE Universe at ease by disposing of the problematic and constantly-moaning "So Smooth" Riddick Moss! What the big man's business would be on Monday Night RAW on the other hand, remained a mystery.Coming off their spat this past week on Friday Night SmackDown, Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross talked in the backstage area about their strategy ahead of the Women's Tag Team Turmoil match tonight. Nikki wanted to take the time to apologize again for being so off the rails - hopefully her new medication would help. "The Goddess" hoped so too, but she'd said all she wanted to say. Asking Nikki if she was ready to take back the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships, the Scot was a ball of excitement personified. Coming to life, she was prepared for anything - no matter who they came up against, the two of them were best friends till the end and would prove it because they would not be stopped tonight! Alexa said she had missed Nikki, looking for a hug. Cross would surprise her with a big squeeze - refusing to let go. How would the former champions fare with a future title opportunity at stake tonight?︾︾︾ 2) WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens and Matt Riddle def. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson (11:16) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- With his WWE United States Championship up for grabs this Sunday against "the Phenomenal One", Kevin Owens and Matt Riddle looked to continue from where they left off against AJ Styles' heavies Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. "The King of Bros" led the WWE Universe in a "K-Bro" chant to KO's bemusement, before catching KA by surprise with a rapid combination of strikes! Riddle scored with a takedown and teased applying a submission, though Anderson would squirm away to his corner. "The Big LG" came in in a foul mood, but he too would suffer the wrath of "the Original Bro's" offense, striking with a superman punch and a flying cross-armbreaker! Gallows would make the ropes, when a roundhouse kick knocked the big man down! "The Good Brothers" were being dominated, as Anderson would come to the big man's aid. Riddle tried to pose with "the Prize Fighter", who instead decided to attack the O.C. members from behind! - The WWE United States Champion continued to get the better of Karl Anderson with a jumping senton, when "the Prize Fighter" teased knocking Luke Gallows out! It allowed KA to bounce back with a neckbreaker, and from there came the frequent tags from "the Good Brothers". Gallows and Anderson put the boots to Owens, who finally began to fight back as "the Big LG" tagged him with throat thrusts. The Boot of Doom was executed, though Matt Riddle made the save! As Anderson hit a spinebuster, he would ascend to the top rope when Owens surprised him with a Cannonball in the corner! A superplex took Anderson down, and the tag was made to Riddle. "The Original Bro" fired on all cylinders with a bicycle knee strike, and a backflip into a deadlift German suplex on the big man! Anderson came in and received a deadlift fisherman buster for his worries, when Gallows struck with a big boot. Owens snuck in with the Stunner, and Riddle would catch him with the BroMission - putting the big man to sleep!Any Means NecessaryMatt Riddle had knocked Luke Gallows out cold for a second time in this match, as Kevin Owens fended off Karl Anderson. But with "the Big LG" knocked silly from the BroMission, "the King of Bros's" celebration saw him distracted - and down to ringside ran AJ Styles! The Phenomenal Forearm knocked Riddle down, when an attack of the WWE United States Champion went awry. Owens fired back against his SummerSlam opponent, sending him into the ropes and teasing for the Pop-Up Powerbomb - but instead AJ landed on his feet, and Anderson would strike with the Rocket Kick! As AJ buried "the Prize Fighter" with right hands from a mounted position, KA would slap Gallows back into consciousness. The O.C. were victimizing KO, as the trio sent Owens out to the floor. There, AJ removed the cover and items from atop the announce table at ringside - leading instructions for Gallows and Anderson to drive KO through the table with the Magic Killer! AJ stood tall with his henchmen, placing KO's title over his shoulder. Was this a sign of things to come six days from tonight?
︾︾︾ A PleasureCharly Caruso was standing by backstage with Los Mysterios, as she welcomed Rey Mysterio back - on what could be his final appearance on Monday Night RAW. Dominik Mysterio pointed out Charly's attempts at dating Angel Garza in recent weeks, though "the Legendary Luchador" let cooler heads prevail. Rey knew that was a cold hard truth he would have to carry with him for the rest of the week. Reminiscing on his thirty-one year career, Rey was reminded of the first time he put on the mask in 1989 in Tijuana. Little did he know he would go on to be a "Human Highlight Reel" - someone to influence entire future generations of wrestlers! He'd lived a full life, winning World Championships, and competing in countless countries. Whether or not tonight would be his last night on RAW - it had been a pleasure. On Sunday at SummerSlam, his son was right: Andrade was going to see a whole different Rey Mysterio - and his career will live on. He and Dom departed, heading towards "the Biggest Party of the Summer".
︾︾︾ Backstage, the WWE World Champion had arrived. Drew McIntyre walked with purpose on his way to the ring. In a dress shirt and suit pants, "the Scottish Terminator" was steaming towards SummerSlam. After being beaten down by Seth Rollins and his Church last week, we would hear from the champ - up next!
Graphics appeared on-screen as Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton discussed the news that broke earlier today across social media - the debut of 'the WWE ThunderDome'. Headlines from the likes of Variety, Sports Illustrated, CBS Sports, Yahoo Sports and ESPN were among the outlets which covered it, as this unprecedented interactive fan experience would begin this Sunday night with SummerSlam - as emitted from the Amway Center! To become a part of history in the making, WWE Universe members were implored to register with WWEThunderDome.com and find out how to become a part of "the Biggest Party of the Summer". A trial rehearsal would take place this Sunday afternoon!
- SummerSlam - The WWE ThunderDome debuts
Monday Night RAW was sponsored tonight by SONIC's Toasted S'mores Shake - available for a limited time only!
︾︾︾ The Road to Rawlins Runs Through DrewThe presence of the WWE World Champion was felt, as Drew McIntyre emerged stoically to the WWE Performance Center. To a respectful response from the WWE Universe, "the Scottish Terminator" looked to each of the fans in attendance with a nod of acknowledgement. Climbing into the ring, Drew graced the microphone, talking about how he should be madder than he is right now. What Seth Rollins did last week rightfully should have sparked some sort of fire under the champion, but six days away from SummerSlam, Drew wasn't thinking too mighty about the idea of bashing "the Monday Night Messiah's" head in. The truth was, what he had his goons from the Church help him do last week, reeked of desperation. Looking to the selection of fans surrounding the ringside area, McIntyre asked around to know who believed in "the Messiah". Leaving the ring, the champ spoke through the plexiglass to the people and questioned who believed in "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy".
To a negative response, the WWE Universe remained loyal to the WWE World Champion, who addressed the camera and told Seth Rollins directly that he thought that the prophecy was a load of cr*p! Drew McIntyre claimed "the Monday Night Messiah" started his own following to merely feed his own inadequacy, and while he had done so many unmatchable things in this business - that did not escape the fact he was the frontrunner of Monday Night RAW right now, and the road to 'Monday Night Rawlins' ran through him! McIntyre told Seth he might be a "Beastslayer" and a "Kingslayer", but he had yet to tame him, but dared to see him try. Seth Rollins came marching out to the stage, flanked by his Disciples. The Church stood behind "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy", who swore Drew loved to hear his own voice as much if not more than he did! The next challenger to the title talked about McIntyre's rise to the top, how his ascent to the main event of WrestleMania was something years in the making!
"The Monday Night Messiah" reminisced the rise and fall, and rise again Drew McIntyre - the very man touted by Vince McMahon to one day lead the WWE into the future. But in "the Scottish Terminator's" absence - who would be the man to truly lead WWE? Seth "Freaking" Rollins! The RAW Tag Team Champions Theory and Murphy stood behind and nodded, as the trio took a slow walk down the rampway. Speaking about the pause he took in order to find who he was deep down, he was glad that of all the guys in the back, Drew was the one to hold onto the mantle for him - but now was time for him to take it back. Climbing the steel steps, Seth admitted he had been looking forward to meeting him for a while. The prophecy foretold it, how the Scotsman would fall so that "the Monday Night Messiah" could rise! Looking behind him at Theory and Murphy, the champs showed continued to show their support. Rollins said the champ could believe whatever he wanted to - but when he damned the ideologies of his biggest loyalists: that was where he drew the line.
Seth Rollins growled this wasn't a game to him like it was to Drew McIntyre. The Church was everything to he and the future of 'Monday Night Rawlins!' The WWE World Champion had heard enough, telling "the Monday Night Messiah" he hadn't come here to yap - he came here to get even. And while he wasn't feeling what Seth was trying to sell him before: now, he at least wanted to cave his head in, so long as it meant he shut his trap! Voicing his disappointment, yet lack of surprise in Theory for allowing himself be brainwashed by "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy's" nonsense, Drew proposed they come on down and try to replicate last week! Rollins turned back to ask "A-Town Austin" and "the Juggernaut" for their thoughts, and soon the trio would circle the ringside area like sharks. Out to corner the champ, Drew tried to fight all three men when his SummerSlam opponent ambushed him from behind. Three-on-one, the trio looked to dominate - but out to his aid came Ricochet and Cedric Alexander!
"The Future of Flight" and "Lumbar Legacy" hit the ring to come to the WWE World Champion's aid - immediately taking out the legs from under Theory and Murphy. Stereo superkicks rocked both the RAW Tag Team Champions, as Drew McIntyre responded with a Glasgow Kiss for Seth Rollins! "The Monday Night Messiah" scrambled from the ring, allowing "A-Town Austin" to wind up the recipient of the Recoil from Ricochet - directly into the Lumbar Check from Cedric. Alexander and Ricochet stood side-by-side with "the Scottish Terminator", who picked up the microphone. Asking Seth and the Church if they were done, the champ declared they weren't. Calling the three of them out to a match tonight, McIntyre dropped the mic and told them he wasn't waiting six days to whoop Seth's arse! The Church were prepared to come back for more, only to be stopped by "the Messiah".
- Tonight - WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre, Ricochet and Cedric Alexander vs Seth Rollins and RAW Tag Team Champions Theory and Murphy
︾︾︾ Bobby Lashley continued to storm vengefully through the halls of the WWE Performance Center, this time bumping shoulders with WWE producer Adam Pearce. The retired competitor asked "the All Mighty" what his problem was, bringing Bobby to ask what he said to him. Pearce refused to back down, repeating what he said. In a burst of rage, the Money in the Bank holiday proceeded to grab him by the collar and shove him into the wall! Adam demanded Bob let him go, or he'd be sorry. Lashley interrogated him as to the whereabouts of Randy Orton, believing he knew exactly where "the Viper" was lurking. While Pearce refused to tell him a thing, Lashley reasoned the diabolical things Orton had done: he took out Edge indefinitely, he incapacitated Christian into a hospital bed; but most importantly of all, he RKO'd his wife! Lashley screamed about Lana being forced to be bedbound thanks to him, though Pearce told him he knew nothing about "the Apex Predator".
︾︾︾ Scrap Iron Won't Stand for This"The All Mighty" begrudgingly let Adam Pearce go, but warned him that if he found out he was lying about this: he was a dead man walking! Bobby Lashley stomped away angrily, but the WWE producer seethed with rage himself. Irritated by the way in which he'd been treated by Lashley, Pearce whipped out his phone and dialled a number. Gritting his teeth and refusing to be made a fool of, Adam claimed he wouldn't stand for this for a second! Lashley's attitude was sure to have consequences on Pearce's watch.
The Street Profits were in their dressing room, as Montez Ford was stuck on a loop reviewing footage of their recent failure to recapture the RAW Tag Team Championship from Theory and Murphy. Tez muttered regret over his actions in preventing the Church's victory, when Angelo Dawkins entered the frame to assure his partner it wasn't on him. Simply put, they weren't cut out for the victory that night. Ang reminded Tez that they'd been down before, and they'd been champs before. Their day would come again soon! Ford nodded, joking about how greasy and nasty the head of Theory felt that night two weeks ago! Dawkins and Ford bashed their solo cups together in laughter, when in came Los Lotharios. Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo quizzed "the Frat Boys" if they were still whining about their losses. "La Estrella" recommended "los pollos amarillos" cut their losses and get to the back of the line. "El Amante" was repulsed by the sight of them, bringing Tez to his feet.
Angelo Dawkins held his partner back, as Montez Ford made a joke about how Angel Garza struck out with Charly Caruso not once, not twice - but three times! This drove "El Amante" crazy, and saw Humberto Carrillo stand between he and the Street Profits. Los Lotharios issued a challenge to "the Frat Boys" tonight, where they would pluck them of all their feathers. Tez and Ang joked Andrade's lapdogs had spent too many late nights at the bottom of a tequila bottle. Lucky for the La Invasíon members, they wanted the smoke and were game for the smoke tonight.
- Tonight - Los Lotharios vs The Street Profits
︾︾︾ Nobody TougherInside the WWE Performance Center, the ever-dominant WWE 24/7 Champion Samoa Joe stood untouched in the center of the ring. With a microphone in hand, "the Samoan Submission Machine" talked about how he had to come out here week after week and beat it into the WWE Universe's thick skulls: there was nobody tougher than he was. Joe spoke about the title over his shoulder meaning absolutely nothing a couple of months ago - but now everybody wanted it more than ever. Why? Because everybody wanted "the Coquita Destroyer" - and everybody was looking to get destroyed. Joe reminded the people how he took "the World's Largest Athlete" and choked him out with the Coquina Clutch last week, and made the WWE Legend into a laughing stock: and nobody was laughing louder than him! Joe continued to run his mouth, claiming to be indestructible - when out came Zack Ryder. With a new look, complete with a full beard, "the Long Island Iced Z" had much to prove, as he came to the ring with a referee in tow!3) Samoa Joe (c) def. Zack Ryder to retain the WWE 24/7 Championship (3:19)- After defeating Big Show last week Samoa Joe felt indestructible, but tonight was presented with an impromptu challenge from an unlikely contender. "The Long Island Iced Z" was back with a new look, more chiseled than ever before. The Broski was coming for a big win, immediately dodging a lock-up from the WWE 24/7 Champion and landing the Rough Ryder in the first move of the match! The WWE Universe were on the edge of their seats, but Joe powered out in the nick of time! In this impromptu title defense, Joe would receive a series of running forearm smashes in the corner - when "the Samoan Submission Machine" would cut him off with the Uranage! From there it was all Joe, who delivered a powerbomb pin transitioning into the high-angle Boston crab! Ryder refused to give in, making the ropes and landing a missile dropkick. The Broski Boot connected, but as Zack went to the second rope for the El-Bro Drop, Joe caught him with the Coquina Clutch - swiftly forcing him into submission!You Will Respect MeSamoa Joe was slow to relinquish the Coquina Clutch after the bell to boos from the WWE Universe, but would finally drop the hold to snatch his WWE 24/7 Championship from the referee. Placing it over his shoulder once again, this reign of terror looked to continue as he left the ring - to be jumped by Akira Tozawa! In a black gi, Tozawa dared to try Joe's luck - just to be thrown overhead with a brutal snapmare. Applying the Coquina Clutch on the Japanese Superstar on the floor, Joe told the booing people they would all respect him. All of a sudden, R-Truth came diving off the apron with a big splash! He would get a near fall, when Joe planted the rapper with a Uranage on the edge of the ring. The champ took off without a second thought, leaving "the Truth" and Tozawa to get into a shoving contest at ringside - joined in by an irate Ryder.
︾︾︾ Natalya and Sarah Logan walked and talked down the corridor, with the Women's Tag Team Turmoil match right around the corner. With participants from Monday Night RAW and Friday Night SmackDown, the winners would be named the next challengers to Bayley and Sasha Banks' WWE Women's Tag Team Championships. Meanwhile, in the background Bobby Lashley was spotted in the background aggressively hurling a backstage assistant across the hall! "The All Mighty" was a force to be reckoned with, dedicated to committing all-out assault in his search for Randy Orton!
An advertisement aired, promoting WWE SummerSlam. It was "the Biggest Party of the Summer", and this year was no exception, with the most unorthodox match in WWE history. With the WWE Universal Championship at stake, two warriors would meet in a confrontation exceeding this reality. Brother Nero would meet The Fiend when "the Death-Defying Daredevil" met "the New Face of Fear" in Interdimensional Warfare - "You'll Never See It Coming!" It would be live this Sunday - live on the award-winning WWE Network. Voice of ReasonThe rampage of Bobby Lashley continued in the backstage area, where he found himself surrounded by officials, producers and backstage assistants. "The All Mighty" argued this had nothing to do with any of them, when into frame came a frantic MVP. Lashley's right-hand man tried to talk sense to his ally, but Bobby reminded again and again how Randy Orton had made his life hell, and he couldn't get away with this! While MVP reasoned the I Quit match at SummerSlam was his chance, Shelton Benjamin came into frame to bark orders at Lashley. Surprisingly managing to silence Bob, "the Gold Standard" told him enough was enough! A tense confrontation between the two saw Lashley question what the veteran was going to do about it, reminding him of how he hadn't done a damn thing for him in years. Benjamin questioned what happened to the respectful young stud he once knew. Lashley told him he's still here - but "the Viper" had to pay. Benjamin knew, when Lashley told Shelton he had no problem with him: he respected Shelton.
︾︾︾ 4a) Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross def. Mickie James and Lacey Evans in a Women's Cross Brand Number One Contender's Tag Team Turmoil match (3:34) - Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross had had their issues, but were willing put them aside with the goal of getting even with Mickie James and Lacey Evans, and re-entering the chase to the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships. Mickie and Lacey were confident early, as Bliss and Cross hit the ring. Dropkicks gave Alexa and Nikki the lead, as "the Twisted Sister" catapulted "the Sassy Southern Belle" into the Goddess Right! James ran distraction allowing Evans to connect with a swinging neckbreaker into a rolling splash from Lacey. Holding her in position for the Thesz press from the second rope, the newest team on the block cornered Nikki until the two sent her into the ropes - for Cross to connect with a diving cross body! "The Goddess" watched as Nikki ran through both women alone with clotheslines. Mickie tried entering illegally with the Mickie-DT, only to be taken out by Bliss. Nikki meanwhile reversed the Lady Lace Up into a sunset flip to advance in Women's Tag Team Turmoil!
Lacey Evans was distraught by her early elimination, and immediately ambushed a celebratory Nikki Cross from behind. Mickie James initially looked to join in, when Alexa Bliss hit the ring and took her former mentor down with a clothesline. Helping her BFF to her feet, Nikki was on fire as she clotheslined Evans from the ring before she and "the Goddess" delivered a back body drop sending Mickie over the top rope! As Lacey and Mickie argued with the victors from the rampway, the music of the Iiconics rang out to boos over the WWE Performance Center. Billie Kay and Peyton Royce were up next, also looking to re-enter the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship hunt.4b) Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross def. The Iiconics in a Women's Cross Brand Number One Contender's Tag Team Turmoil match (5:25) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- The former WWE Women's Tag Team Champions from Friday Night SmackDown continued to battle their way through this Cross Brand Women's Tag Team Turmoil match, as Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross immediately brought the fight to Charlotte Flair's associates the Iiconics. Alexa almost scored an immediate victory with the Infinite Roll, and a somersault neckbreaker would garner a near fall over Peyton Royce when Billie Kay intruded. "The Twisted Sister" was forced to watch as Alexa fell victim to the Iiconic Combo, putting "the Iiconic Duo" in the driver's seat. - Alexa Bliss tried to battle out of the Iiconics' corner of the ring, only to be whipped repeatedly back into the turnbuckle pads. Peyton Royce applied the Royce Stretch hanging from the ropes, allowing Billie Kay to deliver the Eat Defeat for a near fall. "The Goddess" was mocked by the Charlotte Flair-strutting Iiconics, until the Sick Knee from Sidney backfired! Alexa sent Peyton into Billie's knee, and once again came Nikki Cross storming into the ring. Determined again to prove she was no weak link, a northern lights suplex on Kay saw Royce break it up. Bliss again came in, just to have Kay drive her into the mat with the Fatale Destruction. Cross responded with a Samoan driver, before catching Royce with the Whiplash for the win!
On a roll after a recent slump, Nikki Cross caught her breath after the match when Billie Kay came from behind! Much like Mickie James and Lacey Evans, the Iiconics looked to get even with the victors when Alexa Bliss came in to even the odds. The Goddess Right knocked Peyton Royce through a loop, when the Shades of Kay from Billie Kay knocked her down! The Iiconics began to make their leave, when out came the imposing strange bedfellows of Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax. Nikki and Alexa recovered in the ring in disbelief, as they would have to continue tired and hurting.4c) Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax def. Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross in a Women's Cross Brand Number One Contender's Tag Team Turmoil match (4:17) - Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross had just endured Lacey Evans and Mickie James, as well as the Iiconics. Now, wounded after a post-match beating from Billie Kay and Peyton Royce, they were forced to do battle with the fresh Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax! "The Queen of Spades" and "the Irresistible Force" did not like one another, but were out to win, as Nikki and Alexa immediately targeted Nia. Shayna responded with a series of kicks to the Scot, before beginning to pummel Alexa. "The Goddess" outwitted her with a hair-pull backbreaker, before flying off the apron with an attempt cannonball - just to be caught by "the Giantess!" Hurled back inside, Bliss tagged Nikki in who sprung off the top rope with a crossbody, but Baszler rolled through into a gutwrench suplex! Two-on-one, Nikki was in danger when Cross escaped the Annihilator and threw all of her might at Nia. Shayna came from behind with the Yokosuka cutter, and Jax picked up a dominant victory with the leg drop!
Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler had steamrolled Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross, who had just endured two matches prior in this Women's Turmoil series! The strange bedfellows glared at one another as "the Goddess" helped "the Twisted Sister" from the ring. Nia and Shayna stared one another down and had words, with both women continuing to appear on different pages. No matter their dominance they still had their differences - when all of a sudden, out came two women from the NXT Brand: Shotzi and Tegan Nox!
︾︾︾ Called for Back UpAt the announce table, Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton received word over the headset from the producer that after the devastation caused by Bobby Lashley here tonight, that WWE's Executive Vice President of Global Talent Strategy & Development Triple H was on his way to the WWE Performance Center!
︾︾︾ 4d) Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax def. Shotzi and Tegan Nox in a Women's Cross Brand Number One Contender's Tag Team Turmoil match (5:56) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- The WWE Universe knew this match was a cross brand invitational, but few expected to witness the Monday Night RAW debuts of two firecrackers from "the Black and Gold Brand" - Shotzi and Tegan Nox! Reunited with an old foe in "the Queen of Spades", Shotzi and Nox fought fire with speed with low dropkicks to take Shayna Baszler down. It went followed by stereo enzuigiris! On a roll, the NXT Superstars tried their luck with Nia Jax - who hoisted "the Welsh Valley Wonder" over her shoulders effortlessly, only to crumble from a bicycle kick from "the Ballsy Badass!" A roundhouse kick followed, which led to an inverted cannonball in the corner! "The Giantess" was out of her element as Nox followed using one of her own. The RAW Superstars retreated from the ring, where the two appeared to come unraveled - having words. Baszler and Jax needed to get their act together! - Tegan Nox continued to get the better of Shayna Baszler, making a blind tag to Shotzi before dropping "the Queen of Spades" with a drop toe hold. "The Ballsy Badass" came in with a front dropkick, but as she looked for the Question Mark Kick, Baszler responded with an abrupt knee strike! A series of soccer kicks saw Baszler have her way with "the Green-Headed Gremlin", when a spinebuster saw Nia Jax tag herself in. "The Irresistible Force" got into another shouting match with her partner, buying Shotzi valuable time to tag in Nox! Striking with a dropkick which sent Jax into Baszler, the Shiniest Wizard knocked her down. Tegan covered, but Baszler kicked her in the ribcage. The MMA fighter attempted the gutwrench suplex, but Tegan landed on her feet and delivered a Tiger suplex! Nox soon ascended to the top rope and scored the Tegan-Go-Round - only to be caught with a single-legged Powerbomb from Nia! Baszler tagged herself in to Nia's chagrin, and the Kirifuda Clutch forced Tegan to tap.
Shayna Baszler grinned through her black mouthguard, scoring another victory for herself and Nia Jax. "The Giantess" was discontent with how "the Queen of Spades" conducted herself, immediately shoving her upon entry and getting into another argument with her. "The Submission Magician" warned "the Irresistible Force" not to get in her way, but before fists could fly - out came the Riott Squad. Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan bravely approached the ring, as the Women's Tag Team Turmoil match continued!4e) The Riott Squad def. Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax in a Women's Cross Brand Number One Contender's Tag Team Turmoil match (3:22)- "The Submission Magician" and "the Giantess" had been on a brutal run thus far, but still struggled to coexist after weeks of pent-up frustrations. Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan had the unenvious duty of combating them, and though successful early with a Ruby-Canrana sending Shayna Baszler to the floor, Liv would go caught by the Bulldozer from Nia Jax! "The Irresistible Force" toyed with a delayed vertical suplex to Morgan, when Liv landed the Jersey Codebreaker! To one knee went Jax, and Ruby got the tag. Dropkicks stunned Nia, and "the Runaway" took pleasure in dishing up the Deadly Night. Jax tried to battle back, when once again Shayna tagged herself in. Baszler ran Ruby down with a roundhouse kick, when Jax declared she'd had enough: dropping Baszler with the Annihilator! Nia proceeded to leave on her own, refusing to put up any longer with "the Queen of Spades". Left high and dry, Shayna slowly recovered and questioned her decision - just for the Riott Kick to segue into the ObLIVion!
In a massive upset, the Riott Squad were able to come out victorious against Shayna Baszler, as her supposed partner Nia Jax watched with a grimace from the top of the rampway. Turning her back on "the Queen of Spades", it left Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott to hug it out and celebrate. Yet, there remained one last obstacle in their way: opponents the two knew incredibly well, in Sarah Logan and Natalya! Who would be named number one contender's to Bayley and Sasha Banks' WWE Women's Tag Team Championship?
A graphic aired, promoting tonight's edition of RAW Talk, immediately following Monday Night RAW. Hosted by Charly Caruso and Byron Saxton, tonight's special guests included Seth Rollins; the two victors of tonight's Women's Cross-Brand Number One Contender's Tag Team Turmoil match, and Riddick Moss. It all went down at 11:05 PM, exclusively on the WWE Network.4f) The Riott Squad def. Sarah Logan and Natalya to win the Women's Cross Brand Number One Contender's Tag Team Turmoil match (6:40) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- With a future opportunity at Bayley and Sasha Banks' WWE Women's Tag Team Championships at stake, the final phase of this Cross Brand Women's Tag Team Turmoil match returned with Ruby Riott being slapped around by Natalya. A Russian legsweep saw Nattie drag her around by the hair, having words with her former protégé Liv Morgan. Ruby fired back with the STO, when the diving senton missed! Sarah Logan came in to put the boots to her former teammate, when a teardrop suplex showed her power. Logan ran her mouth too much and would pay the price - as Ruby escaped a fisherman suplex into an inside cradle - into a flatliner! Liv came in with a series of clotheslines to both opponents, followed by a handspring rolling spinning headscissors. It came down to mentor and protégé, as Nattie spinebustered into position for the Sharpshooter - just for Liv to kick her off. With the Matrix evasion, Liv followed Natalya to the ropes for ObLIVion to connect - covering to pick up a landmark win!
The dream had come true for Liv Morgan, who had overcome much adversity in her short career before finally proving her worth tonight, by coming out on top of the Cross-Brand Women's Tag Team Turmoil match! Ruby Riott joined her side and hugged her tight, bringing her to her feet. Though they had their issues in the past, the Riott Squad were back together - Liv and Ruby celebrating with their hands raised at long last. Sarah Logan scowled from the rampway, dissatisfied with being ousted by her former sisters in the trio. With a date in the future with Bayley and Sasha Banks, the Riott Squad would receive a shot at the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship.
- TBA - WWE Women's Tag Team Championship - Sasha Banks and SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley (c) vs The Riott Squad
︾︾︾ Outside of the WWE Performance Center, a black limousine arrived in the parking lot. Pulling in on a warm summer's evening, who would step out but none other than the Executive Vice President of Global Talent Strategy & Development, Triple H! In a suit with a serious expression on his face, "the Game" was greeted by a cordial Adam Pearce. HHH wasn't happy to have been called to Monday Night RAW when he was on vacation, while the producer thanked him for attending. HHH said he wanted this over and done with quickly, soon pacing towards the arena. What would happen when "the Cerebral Assassin" dealt with Bobby Lashley?The Church InvasionWith a six-man tag team match set up for later tonight, Seth Rollins hoped to regain his composure and prepare mentally for the challenge ahead. With he and his Church set to battle the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre, Ricochet and Cedric Alexander, "the Monday Night Messiah" would close his eyes and briefly break out into silent prayer. In walked Andrade, surprising him. "El Capo" grinned at Seth as he questioned what he was doing. Seth said he'd like to know the same thing: why Andrade was in his dressing room! Things seemed tense betwen the heads of two of Monday Night RAW's most dominant factions, as Andrade noted Seth's big opportunity at "the Scottish Terminator" this Sunday at SummerSlam. Seth nodded, telling Andrade there would be a new WWE World Champion. The leader of La Invasíon wished him luck, before noting he had some great advice for Seth on how to beat Drew - having done it before. Seth joked, claiming he wouldn't need it.
Face-to-face, eye-to-eye, the two soon erupted into laughter and shook hands. Andrade joked that he couldn't be upset with Seth Rollins: after all, they shared a lot in common! The head of the Church agreed, noting how La Invasíon was taking Monday Night RAW by fire. The two laughed, when "the Monday Night Messiah" assured "El Capo" that soon, 'Monday Night Rawlins' would be all theirs, and they would control this Brand with an iron fist - with Drew beaten, and Rey Mysterio long gone. Andrade told Seth he looked forward to it, before wishing him luck tonight - not that he'd need it! Seth was left alone to cackle, but as he watched him leave, his smile would eventually fade.
︾︾︾ The Strong and The WeakWith Triple H present at the WWE Performance Center, Bobby Lashley surprised everybody by making his unscheduled appearance in the arena! Despite being spoken sense by his advisor MVP and longtime colleague Shelton Benjamin, "the All Mighty" wasted no time in bounding down to the ring and unbuttoning his shirt! Pacing back and forth, Lashley snatched the microphone from ring announcer Mike Rome, before halting him to question what he had to say to him. Bob decided to release Mike from his clutches, but spoke about how he knew for a fact he wasn't making any friends around here. As it happened, however, he wasn't getting anywhere fast either! Lashley knew the WWE Universe knew why he was here, and there was a whole trainer's office full of WWEPC staff to explain why. With the I Quit match coming up at SummerSlam, he didn't fancy waiting until Sunday to get his hands on the rat-bastard Randy Orton. He knew full well "the Viper" was here - and he wanted him now!
Bobby Lashley continued, reminding everybody of the fun and games Randy Orton had played to make it to where they are today. Edge was out; Christian was out; and most importantly, the reason Lashley wanted "the Viper" so badly, was because his wife Lana was out. Again barking for his antagonist to show himself, he was instead met by Triple H! The Executive Vice President of Global Talent Strategy & Development had arrived, and he was in a foul mood himself. Immediately stomping down to the ring, he threw down his suit blazer and confronted "the All Mighty" daringly in the ring! There, the two hulking Superstars went face-to-face, with HHH telling Bobby he knew exactly why he was out here right now. There was nobody who wanted to watch him thrive than "the Game", but he knew damn well that what he was doing wasn't right. Triple H lectured Bobby for attacking the same innocent frontline members of staff who helped make Bobby Lashley "the All Mighty" he was today.
People like Mike Rome, Adam Pearce, referees and backstage assistants hadn't done a damn thing to get manhandled by the likes of Bobby Lashley. They weren't WWE Superstars - he had let his anger get the best of him. Bob responded knowing he shouldn't have come here. He should have known Triple H would have his pet student's back. Lashley asked what about Randy Orton's attacks on innocent people, to which HHH claimed Randy would have a time and a place where he would be fined and punished - just like Bobby! Incensed, Bob pushed the Executive Vice President, prompting him to shove back and challenge him to try it. If he did, there sure as hell would be no I Quit match on Sunday! Bobby scowled, resting his forehead against "the Game's", but seemed to hear him out. That is, until the voice of Randy Orton echoed throughout the WWE Performance Center! From a curtained area backstage, "the Viper" took pity on Lashley for finally losing the plot. He finally lost his temper, and it was going to cost him big!
"The Viper" found amusement in how he was managing to break a big bad tough guy like Bobby Lashley so easily - but at the end of the day, it was because he was weak. "The All Mighty" might be this brawny bodybuilder who was a four-time All-American. He may have been an ex-military sergeant; a mixed martial-artist; a World Champion in all these different companies. Yet where it mattered, and what it all boiled down to was the fact that behind all of his muscle, Bobby Lashley was weak. While he was glad to see Triple H sticking his head between them, he too wished it had been under better circumstances. After all, as the Executive Vice President of Global Talent Strategy & Development, he ought to have warned Bob not to take everything he spoke so personally. Randy smirked, claiming it would be his end this Sunday at SummerSlam. His greatest strength would be his greatest downfall when he uttered the two words every man loathed to say: "I Quit".
Bobby Lashley finally had enough, pacing back and forth. "The All Mighty" argued with Triple H, tasked with keeping him at bay. Though he screamed that Randy Orton had RKO'd his wife, Triple H told him how Orton had done the same to his wife! Bob shut up and bowed his head, but just when everybody thought his meltdown was over, Lashley rolled out of the ring and rushed around it! Racing to the backstage area, HHH followed in hot pursuit! Cameras caught up to the action backstage, where Randy Orton was standing waiting - meeting Lashley with right hands. Both went back and forth as a crew of officials tried to get between them. Lashley would tackle Orton to the ground and attempt to ground and pound him, though Triple H would drag him away in the nick of time! It was chaos backstage at the WWE Performance Center, as a conniving "Viper" spat disrespectfully in the face of Lashley. Orton split, bringing Lashley to scream as he was escorted from the building - all the while MVP stood closeby to try and calm his man.
Footage aired from moments ago, recapping the scenes in the ring and backstage involving Bobby Lashley, Triple H and Randy Orton. Six days from SummerSlam, "the All Mighty" was pushed too far once again by "the Viper", and ahead of their I Quit match, the two finally came to blows backstage. Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton discussed the fiasco further, revealing that Triple H and a crew of security officials had finally managed to escort Bobby Lashley and MVP from the WWE Performance Center. They pondered what this might mean for "the Apex Predator" this Sunday night.5) Charlotte Flair def. Bianca Belair (8:39) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- With SummerSlam right around the corner, "the Queen" had been issued a challenge by a familiar foe in Bianca Belair. With history that began this past winter with Charlotte Flair stealing Bianca's thunder in pursuing the NXT Women's Championship, and continued with Bianca being robbed of title victory in May, these two rivals looked to lock horns in what had potential to be a big win for "the EST". But, before the bell saw the RAW Women's Champion Asuka make her big arrival. Joining the broadcast team for commentary, "the Empress of Tomorrow" smiled Charlotte's way as she claimed she was out here to scout. - With Asuka's arrival, Bianca Belair got a head start in her attack of "the Queen". With a back elbow off the ropes from a dropdown and a leapfrog, Belair would pursue Charlotte Flair as she exited the ring. Sending her right back inside, "the EST" would dodge the Queen's Boot and connect with a stalling military press which saw Flair sent across the ring! Belair swaggered, twirling her braid, when Flair fired back with a series of chops. Bianca would dodge one and connect with a single-legged dropkick before connecting with not one suplex - but two! Flair was having a tough time getting anything going, until an attempt at the Shining Star Press saw Flair get her knees up, and a backpack stunner took her down! Flair met eyes with the RAW Women's Champion sat at commentary, perhaps a preview of things to come at SummerSlam. - Bianca Belair found her legs intertwined in the ring post, as Charlotte Flair struggled but eventually managed to slap "the EST's" limbs against it. During the break she had worked the legs tremendously, though as she teased the Figure-4 Leglock around the post, Belair dragged "the Queen" into it face first! With a shoulder block and a spinebuster, Bianca got back into the fight until Flair caught her inbound with an exploder suplex! Flair attempted the Figure-8, but Belair managed to tag her with a hair whip. A spear scored a near fall, when she set up for the Glam Slam. Flair managed to break through with an attempt at the Boston crab - but Belair sent her flying! With the K.O.D. in sight, Flair raked the eyes to land on her feet - when the Charlotte's Web allowed her to get a roll-up victory, slyly getting past Bianca!Remember Your WordAsuka watched stone-faced from the announce table, as Charlotte Flair grinned knowingly in the ring. Bianca Belair had been only narrowly defeated by "the Queen", who seemed confident about her chances of leaving SummerSlam with the RAW Women's Championship. As "the EST" rolled from the ring clutching at her leg, "the Empress of Tomorrow" decided to join her opponent come Sunday in the ring. Standing across the ring from one another, Asuka would raise the title high, and the twelve-time champion's eyes would follow. Asuka took her leave, but with her eyes still met with Charlotte's, her back was turned - from out of nowhere came Nia Jax with a heavy right hand! Asuka tried to engage with "the Irresistible Force", who took her down hard on the rampway with the Bulldozer - soon delivering the leg drop! Crushed beneath her weight, "the Giantess" stared at Charlotte, telling her to remember her word. Nia wanted her own shot at the title, and was using this bizarre alliance to get it!
︾︾︾ Theory laughed at a meme on his iPhone, but when he showed Murphy, he was less than enthused. "The Juggernaut" slapped "A-Town Austin" across the back of his head, believing the Church to be at war with Drew McIntyre and his cynical friends Ricochet and Cedric Alexander. He believed it required Theory's concentration. Theory scoffed, believing the Aussie had to lighten up. In walked Seth Rollins, ranting about how Ricochet and Cedric got in his way - but they would soon make believers out of them. It would happen sooner or later, as SummerSlam would see "The Monday Night Messiah" leave as WWE World Champion, and this show would be 'Monday Night Rawlins' once more! Acknowledging the difficulties the two were having, he laid down the law not caring what they did, so long as it didn't get in the way of their chief concern: devotion to "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy". Seth claimed he made this Church for his Disciples, and if they weren't here to follow his vision, they knew where the door was.
An advertisement aired, promoting 'SummerSlam's Hottest Moments' - a special presentation reviewing some of the greatest moments in the history of "the Biggest Party of the Summer". It would premiere on FOX this Sunday at 3PM ET.
Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton discussed SummerSlam coming up this Sunday night on the WWE Network, talking about what this year's "Biggest Party of the Summer" had in store for the WWE Universe. Apparently "You'll Never See It Coming", as this year's blockbuster would see the debut of the WWE ThunderDome - a all-new, reimagined, state-of-the-art virtual experience that everybody would love!
- The WWE ThunderDome debuts
- WWE World Championship - Drew McIntyre (c) vs Seth Rollins
- WWE Universal Championship - Interdimensional Warfare - The Fiend (c) vs Brother Nero
- I Quit match - Randy Orton vs Bobby Lashley
- SmackDown Women's Championship - Bayley (c) vs Mandy Rose
- Rey Mysterio vs Andrade - Rey Mysterio's career is on the line
- WWE United States Championship - Kevin Owens (c) vs AJ Styles
- RAW Women's Championship - Asuka (c) vs Charlotte Flair
︾︾︾ 6) Los Lotharios def. The Street Profits (3:52)- The Street Profits did not take kindly to the snide remarks made by Los Lotharios earlier tonight. Looking to come back from their devastating loss to Theory and Murphy several weeks ago, Angelo Dawkins came in hot with a shoulder block, pouncing Humberto Carrillo into the corner! Angel Garza got in several right hands, only to be cornered by Montez Ford with a flying clothesline. The NBA Slam connected early, and Tez landed the assisted shiranui for a near fall. The La Invasíon members shot back with an unspotted low blow to Ang, allowing "La Estrella" to capitalize". The cousins teamed up with a double handspring Japanese armdrag, bringing "El Amante" to gloat - immediately opening himself up for a right hand! Tez got the tag and took care of Garza with a back suplex, before kipping up! Ford and Carrillo exchanged strikes, when in came Dawkins illegally. With the referee's back turned, Angel hit Montez with the loaded roses! Out cold, Angel cornered Dawkins, allowing Carrillo to steal the win.
"The Frat Boys" had been cheated out of victory, all thanks to the loaded bouquet of roses concealed on the person of Angel Garza. "El Amante" hid the evidence beneath the ring before slipping inside and celebrating with his partner. Humberto Carrillo rolled out of the ring to safety to escape an aggravated Angelo Dawkins, who came to check on Montez Ford. Contesting the decision of the referee, there was no way the Street Profits were going to allow Los Lotharios to get away with this.
︾︾︾ The WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre led Ricochet and Cedric Alexander down the hallway from his dressing room. All smiling with their heads held high, the trio made their way towards the arena poised for the battle ahead. Up next, "the Scottish Terminator" had the chance to get an early shot in on his SummerSlam opponent Seth Rollins; as well as the Disciples of the Church who had attacked him time and time again. Who would prevail headed into Sunday?
An advertisement aired, promoting the debut of the WWE ThunderDome. This Sunday would mark thirty-two years of SummerSlam, but "the Biggest Party of the Summer" would be marked this year with the arrival of an all-new state-of-the-art virtual experience! For the first time ever, the WWE Universe would have the opportunity to attend their favorite live televised spectacles electronically, whether on Monday Night RAW and Friday Night SmackDown. All users had to do was sign up online for free at WWEThunderDome.com. Ahead of SummerSlam, a rehearsal would take place on Sunday at noon, where the SummerSlam Press Conference would be broadcast live and exclusively to viewers in attendance!7) WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre, Ricochet and Cedric Alexander def. Seth Rollins and RAW Tag Team Champions Theory and Murphy (8:20) [THROUGH THE BREAK] - "The Monday Night Messiah" seemed invested in ensuring that he had an advantage over the WWE World Champion headed into their match at SummerSlam this Sunday. The attack from the Church last week, as well as earlier tonight told the tale - but it backfired, thanks to Ricochet and Cedric Alexander. Drew McIntyre led "the One and Only" and "Lumbar Legacy" to the ring for battle, with a six-man brawl kicking things off. Ricochet and Alexander hotly went to battle with the RAW Tag Team Champions, while "the Scottish Terminator" engaged in battle with his rival. Rollins resorted to raking the eyes to remove the champ from the scenario, and with a three-on-one advantage Alexander's Neutralyser went caught by a double superkick from Theory and Murphy! The Disciples set the Head of the Church up for the Sling Blade, when Ricochet took on all three members of the Church. Ricochet managed to send them from the ring with his agility, and he and Cedric soared with stereo topé con hilos to the floor! - Ricochet dropped a standing Spanish fly for Theory, when Murphy snuck in using a bicycle knee strike, planting him with a brainbuster! Seth Rollins arrived, gloating in the face of Drew McIntyre. Provoking him, Seth claimed the blood was on his hands! It allowed "the Future of Flight" time to escape the falcon arrow, planting "the Monday Night Messiah" with a backflip kick! A standing shooting star press led to the WWE World Champion entering, coming into contact with "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy". SummerSlam had come early, as Seth fought the inverted Alabama slam and struck with a super kick. Seth tried the Buckle Bomb, but Drew struck with the Glasgow Kiss! Theory delivered the rolling blockbuster to the champ, when Cedric came in with the Michinoku driver. Murphy took him down with rapidfire kicks, when McIntyre wiped him out with the Claymore Kick! Drew guided Cedric to hit the Lumbar Check, and Ricochet followed with the Shooting Star Press to get the win - while Seth watched it happened!
A decisive victory saw the WWE World Champion reign supreme over the Church's Disciples. Seth Rollins watched with a solemn expression on his face at ringside, miffed at being bested by the combined forces of Drew McIntyre, Ricochet and Cedric Alexander. "The Future of Flight" and "Lumbar Legacy" stood tall and joined "the Scottish Terminator" on the second ropes of the ring, as Drew asked "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy" how he liked his prophecy now! Who would leave SummerSlam with the gold and the power? We would find out this Sunday!
RAW Talk #22 – August 17, 2020 - Charly Caruso and Byron Saxton welcomed us to RAW Talk in the center of the ring, where they took the time to discuss the travesty that happened last week when Christian fell victim to Randy Orton's assault during the return of 'the Peep Show'. They hoped Christian would be back soon, but until then, Byron would be filling in as Charly's co-host. - Seth Rollins joined the show, still catching his breath following the six-man tag team main event of Monday Night RAW. "The Monday Night Messiah" sat alone alongside the co-hosts, talking about how Drew McIntyre might have won the battle tonight, but their war was only getting started. Seth claimed there was no way of getting away from it, because one way or another, the prophecy was coming and it was going to happen. Rollins claimed the WWE World Championship would be coming home, and that 'Monday Night Rawlins' would be much better for it. McIntyre had become complacent with his spot, but it was time for the Head of the Church to take back his spot. While Drew could believe what he wanted to believe, Seth remained insistent and self-assured that SummerSlam would be his night, because this show needed him more than it would ever need a false idol like the so-called "Chosen One". Rollins left questions about the competency of his Disciples unanswered, claiming they would be dealt with in due time. - Riddick Moss joined 'RAW Talk', covered in ice packs and nursing a foul headache. Irritated by the treatment which befell him tonight, he blamed it all on Heath Slater's cowardice. He knew full well that "the One Man Rock Band" was here tonight, yet Heath was hiding behind contemporaries like "the Nigerian Nightmare" Omos - who, Riddick claimed, was only victorious because he wasn't prepared for him. Moss believed he stood a better chance of beating the newest addition to Monday Night RAW with more time to prepare, but stated to Slater - wherever the unemployed piece of cr*p was hdiing - they would have their day, and Riddick would be personally responsible for kicking him out of the WWE for good. - The Riott Squad were exhausted, but running on adrenaline following the gruelling Cross-Brand Women's Tag Team Turmoil match tonight. Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan fielded questions about the steps taken to get back together. There was so much love lost between the two of them from Ruby's betrayal, and for the first time publicly since their reuniting, Ruby apologized about everything. The two hugged it out and spoke about how their dreams remained unchanged: they wanted to be crowned WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. When asked about Sarah Logan, Liv claimed that she and Ruby had tried numerous times to reach out to her, but she seemed far gone. It was sad, but it was the truth. In words for Bayley and Sasha Banks, the Riott Squad declared they were out for them, and when the time and place was set, there would be new champions crowned - their dream would come true. - As the co-hosts began to wrap things up for another edition of 'RAW Talk', out came Angel Garza to the ring. With a bouquet of roses in hand, "El Amante" pleaded with Charly Caruso to give him another shot. It would end disastrously for the La Invasíon member, as Charly told him they were too different. On an awkward note, Byron Saxton signed off for the night.
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Post by DTP. on Jul 14, 2023 4:52:46 GMT -5
US wrestler James 'Kamala' Harris dies aged 70, WWE confirms
10 August 2020
Tributes have been paid to US wrestler James "Kamala" Harris, who has died at the age of 70.
He was described as a "great character" and a "tremendously nice man" after World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) announced his death on Sunday.
The 6ft 7in star was best known for his appearances in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) era, in the mid-1980s and early 1990s.
He fought Hulk Hogan, The Undertaker and Andre the Giant among others.
Later in life he suffered with severe health problems and had his left leg amputated in 2011 due to diabetes.
Kamala's character, the "Ugandan Giant", appeared in war paint and a mask and carried a spear; a depiction which was criticised by some fans as racially insensitive.
But Harris said he enjoyed the role and being an entertainer. In 2012, he recalled how his mentor Jerry Lawler invented the Kamala character.
"He put the paint and stuff on me and they put the little skirt on me," Harris said. "I like doing that kind of stuff."
In his era, Harris was a popular opponent for The Undertaker. The two men battled at the 1992 Survivor Series in a "casket match", with the Undertaker coming out on top in front of 18,000 fans at the Richfied Coliseum in Ohio.
'Worked the gimmick'
"God bless Kamala, he always put on a show for the fans. Good big man who worked the gimmick better than most. It breaks my heart," tweeted fellow former wrestler The Iron Sheik.
"Sorry to hear a legend has passed," added former wrestler and commentator Taz.
Harris hailed from Mississippi and began wrestling in 1978, under the ring name "Sugar Bear."
In 2004, he made a surprise return to the re-branded WWE.
"Such a great character," posted wrestling journalist Sean Ross. "Memorable and influential. May he rest in peace."
Harris is not to be confused with California Democratic Senator Kamala Harris, who is to currently in the running to be Joe Biden's pick for vice-president in November's election.
Velveteen Dream released WWE has come to terms on the release of Velveteen Dream. We wish him the best in all his future endeavors.
AUGUST 17, 2020 OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: UFC 252 REVIEW, VELVETEEN DREAM FIRED, MORE BY OBSERVER STAFF | STAFF@WRESTLINGOBSERVER.COM | @wonf4w
THE DREAM IS OVA WWE’s firing of Patrick Clark Jr., the Velveteen Dream on 8/13, ended a saga of accusations and no answers.
WWE obviously didn’t handle it well, in the sense Paul Levesque on different occasions stated that they had investigated all the charges against Clark, and found them to have no merit, and then would shut down talk and give no explanation to people who had seen purported evidence. At the same time, his push was stopped to a halt and he was removed from television, with nobody really saying anything. We were told the firing didn’t have to do with those charges or anything that had been made public, but for a different incident that one of the top stars in the company alerted management to. However, Clark blamed the screen shots from April as the reason his push ended (which in a roundabout way may have been true) and for his being fired (which came many months after his push ended).
While with the company he would have not been allowed to discuss the case in any detail. Just as we went to press, one day after being released, he made a statement:
“The allegations from April 20, 2020 have effectively derailed any upward momentum I had professionally. And has ultimately resulted in my termination with WWE.
My name is Patrick Clark, not the Velveteen Dream. Velveteen Dream is a character that I have spent years developing and trying to bring to life. The success of the Dream character, relied heavily on kayfabe, my ability to blur Patrick Clark from Tough Enough with this over the top personality.
The character was conceptualized the day Prince passed, April 21, 2016. I knew nothing about him at that time, but my thinking was that I could use my interpretation of Prince to create an onscreen personality vastly different from who I am as a person. Cue Velveteen Dream: A Sexually Ambiguous, Gender Fluid, Self Absorbed Diva. And as I learned more about Prince I began to tame certain aspects of the character. Aspects that I deemed way to over the top and inconsistent with who Prince was as a performer.
Now before I unpack, I will say, I’ve enjoyed the many stories I’ve been able to share on camera and I’m grateful to the many people who trusted me with their safety and wellness.
Thank you to any and everybody who enjoyed and allowed me to be my character, whether you paid a ticket or walked up on me in Walmart. My goal was to provide you with the same escape that I was offered when I first started watching. My job was to play a character and to help advance storylines and drama for the fans who cared to tune in. I take any job I have seriously, which is why I’ve remained silent about these allegations. To me addressing rumors would be working against an already compromised ability to sell a character I’ve invested in so heavily. After I had been accused, I was given the opportunity to be in a storyline that lasted a few months and I worked in a few segments unrelated to the story arch, but now I feel comfortable in this position to share with you the details of my accusations.
The night of April 20th, from my verified instagram account I posted a story to my followers letting them know that my DMs had been open. I received a few different messages ranging from support, to heckling, and some inquiring about how to get started in pro wrestling. I responded to a few, but not all, and of the few I responded to one account accused me of solicitation. The account belonged to a 17 year old aspiring wrestler Jaccob, before he deleted it.
In the conversation Jaccob shared his interest in working as a wrestler one day and asked what steps would be required.
I messaged a short list of things he should consider if he was serious: Physique and Promo to start. Physique, because as an independent contractor no one is going to make you train and eat in a way that creates the aesthetic of a believable pro wrestler. And Promo because our job is to sell drama, and you can’t rely on someone flipping channels to stop to watch a choreographed fight, you’re more likely to grab their attention looking into a camera with a strong and impassioned 30 second monologue. I also inquired about which schools he was closest to in relation to wrestling training, his weight, and his height.
Jaccob explained how anxious he felt messaging me and asked me to verify that it was really me. I did find it strange, because I have a blue check, but as a lifelong fan I remember meet and greets and the days I would message wrestlers hoping to be seen, so I chalked it up to innocence and sent a voice message in my Velveteen Dream voice, as to keep kayfabe. The full voice message has me asking Jaccob about his height, weight, where he trained, and what school he attended. Which Jaccob answered back with a voice message and I continued to answer his questions until I politely wrapped up the conversation.
April 21st I woke up to notifications and tags of created screenshots and videos of a conversation that I didn’t have with Jaccob. I immediately contacted WWE’s talent relations and social media departments as to begin an investigation. Even after the investigation, WWE released a statement maintaining my innocence.
The part that hurt for me was having a personal picture that I’ve used in my personal life, on apps, being used to label me as a predator. I am in no way of the word a predator. This is the first and only time I’ve been accused of any solicitation to anyone.
Until I was accused of grooming by Joshua Fuller, unlike Jaccob, I know Josh. I met Josh after my stint on Tough Enough (2015) at a meet and greet. And we developed a friendship through a mutual trainer at GXW. Josh shared to twitter screenshots of the first time we communicated through text (2016), an autographed picture from when we met, and an extremely contradictory story.
Josh alleged that I made him feel uncomfortable but contradicts himself twice by saying I was never sexual toward him. For those willing to research, Josh’s tweet accusing me; Josh’s messages are in blue and mine in grey. Josh claimed that he was a 16 year old high school graduate and that he takes `yearly trips’ with his friend to Orlando, FL. I doubted what he told me, yet I kept my replies diplomatic and professional.
The reality of the situation is that I was very helpful and respectful to Josh. Josh lives with his grandparents in rural southern Maryland. Josh got a concussion (2017) and against my advice, insisted on wrestling. My worry came from Josh severely injuring himself, specifically his brain. I suggested he take time off from training to see a doctor. He declined because he believed he could work through the concussion, and I cut all communication with him in 2018 because I didn’t want to be partially responsible had he worsened his injury. So to have him accuse me of predatory behavior because I chose not to help was spiteful.
Josh and Jaccob are 2 of MANY people that I’ve helped. Yet these are the only two who have found me to be malicious and predatory in how I go about helping others. What wasn’t shared at the time:
*Josh Fuller reached out to Jaccob over social media before Josh put out his own accusation. When this came out Josh Fuller temporarily deleted his twitter account @joshfullerpw
*Which is important because in all the social media confusion, Josh Fuller is the only one who suggested that an investigation had not been done and that he had not been contacted.
*Jaccob deleted his social media after he was outed for being a member of an anti-black group chat.
*There is a public forum, wwe Ipsg stars where people are buying selling and sharing explicit photos and videos of multiple wrestlers and no one has done anything to have this site taken down.
All in all this entire experience defamed my character and ultimately accomplished what it sought out to do and that was to see me released.
My hope is that over time people can put 2 and 2 together and realize that all the allegations surrounding me were baseless and untrue from jump. I felt strongly about not needing to defend myself on social media for a while now, but I understand the audience I work for and those who know me deserve clarity. I’m thankful for the opportunities afforded to me and the memories I have as a receipt. GOD HAS ALWAYS HAD ME AND HE ALWAYS WILL. DREAM IS OFFICIALLY OVER. BUT Patrick Clark LIVES TO FIGHT ANOTHER DAY.”
The gist of this is the Velveteen Dream name and key parts of the character are owned by WWE.
The reality is that the release does peg him guilty in the eyes of the public, because he was someone who looked like he’d be a major star going forward, given his age and crowd reactions. It’s also notable that Clark does not say anything negative about WWE, which also could be part of an agreement. If he believes he’s innocent, in a sense, WWE’s letting him go not just killed the Velveteen Dream name and likely a large part of the gimmick, which they would own, and in fact likely, ruined his career. And that’s what leads to the quandary. Unlike most of the others who were let go this past week, who if they want opportunities bad enough, they can pursue them. With Clark, it’s going to be very difficult, perhaps impossible. There is a flip side as well, in the sense that if what the public would believe to be true based on him being released, the end result on the rest of his career would be exactly what it appears to be today.”
NEW LOOK FOR THE SUMMER The Amway Center in Orlando looks to be the new home for WWE Raw, Smackdown and PPV broadcasts beginning with SummerSlam on 8/23.
Starting with the 8/21 Smackdown show, both Raw and Smackdown are scheduled to air live every Monday and Friday. The site of the Smackdown show on 8/21 isn’t clear, and at press time the WWE hasn’t announced this news. However, employees were told as well as production people were scheduled to load things into the arena next week provided everything goes as planned, for SummerSlam.
The idea is that after SummerSlam, other shows will also be from the arena, or at least as much as possible. The idea is that somehow the ratings decline is partially due to not being live, which is not the case at all, and others have talked about how the darkness of the Performance Center and Full Sail have hurt and that’s why AEW has fared better of all the shows in keeping the audience as of late. The last thing ever will be an internal admission AEW held up better based on producing a television product that the younger audience likes more.
This means more costs, not that they can’t afford it, but also more time away and double the travel for both talent and management with the traveling, as well as double the risk factors of running, including people flying from Florida back to New York and Connecticut twice a week which both states have said you need to quarantine 14 days to do, although clearly this happening in such a high-profile situation which tells you those types of laws aren’t going to apply to the rich and famous.
NXT will continue to be taped every other week at Full Sail University.
The last taped shows are the 8/14 Smackdown and 8/17 Raw shows which were taped on 8/13 at the Performance Center, since they needed to tape the second Smackdown show that they didn’t do last week, and the production crew was already there for the 8/12 NXT tapings.
Although there were hopes of doing SummerSlam in Atlantic City, with some talk of a beach location, and also hopes of having fans in attendance, that seems to have fallen through.
We were told that fans would not be allowed to attend SummerSlam, nor Raw and Smackdown for now, but the hope is that will change soon. They are looking at doing virtual fans in attendance like baseball and basketball has been doing. There has been talk that the darkness and size of the current building they believe is one of the things that has hurt the ratings. The plan is for a bigger production crew, and more bells and whistles as far as that goes than they can do at the Performance Center.
All of these moves are measures to attempt to turn ratings around because of how scary the drops with the younger audiences across the board have been.
INDIES ON THE NETWORK After a number of starts and stops that date back many years since the deals to purchase the tape libraries from companies like Evolve, ICW, Progress and wXw were done, content from those companies will start appearing on the WWE Network.
Aside from a one-time live Evolve show in July 2019, “coincidentally” head-to-head with a live AEW show on B/R Live, WWE has not aired full shows based on the various tape libraries they had purchased. The original idea was to use the tape library and future shows from the promotions on a more expensive network premium tier that would be priced at $14.95. WWE had talked for years about it being imminent, but the decision was finally made this year to drop the idea, and instead launch a free tier, designed to get people to buy the regular $9.99 tier. Thus far, the marketing has proven to be a big success with paid subscribers up as much as 195,000 from the level they likely would have had if the free tier not been launched, hitting 1,690,000 on 6/30.
WWE released to Sports Illustrated that the first two shows promoted are Best of Drew McIntyre (then using his real name of Drew Galloway) and Best of Keith Lee, airing complete matches from Evolve, that will drop on 8/15.
The McIntyre show will feature a 2014 match with Chris Hero, 2015 matches with Ricochet and Roderick Strong, a 2016 match with Johnny Gargano as well as a tag match with McIntyre & Gargano vs. Hero & Tommy End (Alistair Black) and two 2017 matches with Matt Riddle.
CHIKARA was somewhat close to a deal to sell its library to the WWE but the talks ended in recent months.
Also dropping on 8/15 are a 2018 live show from ICW in Scotland called Shug’s House Party 5 night two; a wXw Femme Fatales show in 2019, wXw Ambition from 2019 (a one-night UWFI style show in tournament fashion which included Walter, Timothy Thatcher, Bobby Gunns, Daniel Makabe and Mike Bailey) and Progress 92 from 2019 (which featured a tremendous Walter vs. Ilja Dragunov match along with Jonathan Gresham vs. Eddie Kingston and Paul Robinson vs. Trent Seven).
WWE:
INTEREST FROM DAVEY JR. | Davey Boy Smith Jr., who is under contract with MLW until December, with an exclusive deal, has been heavily working on gymnastics with his time off. There is still no return date and Smith was going to start in All Japan during the Champion Carnival before the pandemic hit, and has interest in AEW, WWE (either for the U.K. or main brand, feeling with T.J. Wilson as a producer he’s not as likely to be overlooked), or Impact. MLW sent a cease-and-desist to WWE after Smith appeared on “The Bump.” Smith is scheduled to at least make a WWE appearance inducting his father into the Hall of Fame, but that may be some time off. After the Hall of Fame ceremony was canceled in April, the plan was August. But it’s right now not happening in August and may not happen until next year’s Mania, and obviously even that’s not guaranteed. "When my MLW contract comes up in December, maybe I'll see if WWE, NXT UK would be a good option. Unfortunately, due to COVID there is no WWE NXT UK. That was what the plan was. My plan going forward is everything is up in the air because of COVID-19." “I have my doubts for a lot of companies. It's going to be a long time. We're in a marathon, not a race here."
BALLSY MOVE | Shotzi Blackheart had her white Honda Civic stolen from outside her apartment in Orlando. Her gear bag was in the car so she lost her ring gear, her ring jacket and her helmet. She was most upset over the loss of her helmet because she’s been using it as part of her ring persona for seven years. However, the police in Florida are not as bad as they are portrayed on television as far as solving televised crimes, as they found her car, which had her gear bag intact, including her helmet, a couple of days later.
AN ACED INVESTIGATION | Jordan Devlin was reportedly reinstated on 8/11 after being suspended pending investigations in June. It doesn't make too much of a difference, with NXT UK out of commission due to the pandemic. It is notable that this came out the same week as the WWE decided to let Velveteen Dream go, but clearly the investigation was clear. Devlin, who was NXT Cruiserweight champion until he was accused of physical abuse by a former partner on 6/18.
TV RATINGS SmackDown 8/7: 1.20 (0.49) RAW 8/10: 1.72 (0.47) NXT 8/12: 0.67 (0.21)
STAR RATINGS 8/7: Daniel Bryan vs Sir Gable - ***3/4 8/10: AJ Styles vs Matt Riddle - ****
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Post by DTP. on Jul 11, 2023 18:10:18 GMT -5
WWE SUMMERSLAM 2020 – August 23, 2020 WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida "You'll Never See It Coming" - "The Biggest Party of the Summer" "Summer Time!" by def rebel ONE WEEK FROM SUNDAY!
WWE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Drew McIntyre vs Seth RollinsWWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP INTERDIMENSIONAL WARFARE The Fiend (c) vs Brother Nero I QUIT MATCH Randy Orton vs Bobby LashleyREY MYSTERIO'S CAREER IS ON THE LINE Andrade vs Rey MysterioRAW WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP Asuka (c) vs Charlotte Flair
SMACKDOWN WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP Bayley (c) vs Mandy Rose WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP OPEN CHALLENGE Daniel Bryan (c) vs TBAMatches to be announced. NXT TAKEOVER XXX – August 22, 2020 Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida
"Moth Into Flame" by Metallica ONE WEEK FROM SATURDAY!
NXT CHAMPIONSHIP - 60-MINUTE IRON MAN MATCH Finn Bálor (c) vs Adam ColeNXT WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP - TRIPLE THREAT MATCH Rhea Ripley vs Io Shirai (c) vs Dakota KaiNXT NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP Keith Lee (c) vs Ricky Starks Karrion Kross vs Damian Priest TRIOS MATCH Kushida and Lucha House Party vs Legado del FantasmaMatches to be announced.
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Post by DTP. on Jul 8, 2023 14:46:41 GMT -5
Friday Night SmackDown #1095 - August 14, 2020 WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida Presented by "Are You Ready" by AC/DC SUMMERSLAM: ONE WEEK FROM SUNDAY!
205 Live #192 – August 14, 2020 1) Fandango def. Joaquin Wilde with the Last Dance. The issues between Breezango and Legado del Fantasma continued from last week, with 'Dango constantly being left open for cheap shots and attacks from Wilde. As one-half of "the Fashion Police" looked to wrap things up, out came Raúl Mendoza just to be equalized by Tyler Breeze. With the brawl outside, Fandango capitalized by blocking a frankensteiner and picking up the win. Breezango celebrated afterwards, thrusting their hips and daring Santos Escobar's men to come and get a piece of them. (6:07) 2) Kacy Catanzaro and Kayden Carter def. Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir with the 450 splash from Catanzaro to Duke. Since making her comeback from a hairline fracture caused by Shayna Baszler several months ago, Kayden Carter had been seen hanging out with fellow up-and-comer Kacy Catanzaro. Trying their hand in tag team competition, the two battled two of Baszler's closest friends from the Four Horsewomen. Schooling Duke and Shafir, the MMA sidekicks of "the Queen of Spades" wound up defeated in impressive fashion. (3:57) 3) Isaiah Scott (with Leon Ruff) def. Ari Sterling with the Swerve Stomp. Ahead of the tremendous challenge ahead this coming Wednesday night on NXT, "the King of Swerve Style" looked to show Leon Ruff how he would fare against a newcomer to 205 Live - "the Spice" Ari Sterling. Ari was out to make a firm impression against the tenured NXT Superstar, scoring near falls with a Shooting Star Press double knee drop to the spine, and a somersault sidewalk slam. In the end, it was "Swerve's" experience which would allow him to claim victory. - A video package aired, showing pre-recorded comments from Kushida, taken hours after his surprise return on NXT this past Wednesday night. Discussing Legado del Fantasma and what they had done to 205 Live and the NXT Cruiserweight Division, "the Supernova" talked about winning the tournament and defeating who he thought was the real Santos Escobar back at NXT TakeOver: In Your House. Instead, now the true man behind the mask had come out. The former NXT Cruiserweight Champion spoke out about "the Emperor" and his henchmen's hostage stronghold over the Division, and declared that maybe it was time he look to get his title back. He planned to begin his pursuit when he teamed with Lucha House Party to beat them at NXT TakeOver XXX.
A video package aired, showing the bizarre chain of events which led to the apparent demise of the Firefly Fun House. Coming on the heels of Brother Nero's pursuit in recapturing the WWE Universal Championship, Bray Wyatt would respond astoundingly on the set of 'the Firefly Fun House'. Surrounded by all of his friends, "the Eater of Worlds" would accept the challenge issued for SummerSlam, with "the Biggest Party of the Summer" scheduled to see Nero against the Fiend in Interdimensional Warfare. As Bray was prepared to bid the little Fireflies watching farewell however, "the Death-Defying Daredevil" would come knocking on the door - armed with a flamethrower. Nero was hell-bent on making it personal with "the New Face of Fear", as the heat only grew hotter heading into SummerSlam.Diva RedemptionFriday Night SmackDown went on the air, with SummerSlam just one week from Sunday. Corey Graves stood in the center of the ring inside the WWE Performance Center, where a selection of WWE Universe made noise for the start of the show. Corey welcomed us to the show, surrounded by two office chairs and a desk. Addressing "the Biggest Party of the Summer", the color commentator revealed that he would be the one to officiate the legal proceedings surrounding the contest for the SmackDown Women's Champion. Getting straight down to business, he would take the time to first introduce the champ - Bayley. The WWE Women's Tag Team Champions would come out as a pair, with Sasha Banks remaining loyal to her longtime BFF. The two joined Corey in the ring, when "Bayley 2 Belts" took the microphone and questioned whether all of this was truly necessary. Arguing that out of all of the competition she had gone up against in the past ten months, Mandy Rose was perhaps the worst to date!
"The Legit Boss" nodded silently behind Bayley, who hugged the SmackDown Women's Championship and WWE Women's Tag Team Championship on her shoulders. Given the fluke win of a lifetime she got in the Fatal 4-Way Elimination match gimmick several weeks ago, surely nobody in the WWE Universe believed that Mandy Rose had a remote chance of winning...did they? She quizzed the people, who chanted for "the Golden Goddess" to make her arrival. "Bayley 2 Belts" laughed, noting that "the Precious Peach" bruised too easily to be considered anywhere close to her level. She was the icon of the Women's Division - on SmackDown, NXT and RAW! There was nobody like her, whereas Mandy was fine...if you were looking for a little T&A. Bayley once again insinuated that Mandy was here twenty years too late, claiming she would have fit right in with the Bra and Panties era of WWE Divas. She might be resilient, but when it came down to getting it on - nobody wanted to see her with her clothes on.
The SmackDown Women's Champion was about to bring up the gut-wrenchingly sickening romance her top contender had with Otis, when Mandy Rose finally interrupted! "The Golden Goddess" was in no mood for lame jokes or insults, instead climbing into the ring and looking to square off with Bayley. Stopped by Sasha Banks, Mandy snatched a spare microphone and told "Bayley 2 Belts" she might be right: she would have fit in with the era of Divas: but at least she had a body the WWE Universe wanted to see! Rose talked about being the underdog for a long time, but the cream of the crop always rose to the top - and when it came down to it, she was the sweetest cream on Friday Night SmackDown. Mandy talked about Bayley and her new "Karen" haircut, proclaiming it the most offensive thing the WWE had shown since "Bayley, This Is Your Life!" Not finished there, Mandy pointed out Bayley's claim that there was nobody like her.
Mandy Rose begged the question whether Bayley thought she was better than even Sasha Banks, bringing the SmackDown Women's Champion to stutter desperately, hoping to slip free of an awkward conversation. "The Legit Boss" finally snatched the microphone and told "the Golden Goddess" she was trying to beat a dead horse - it didn't matter who was better out of the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions - what did matter was how quickly "Bayley 2 Belts" would dispose of her come SummerSlam. Mandy told Sasha she felt truly awful for her for continuing to play sidekick, and be played like a fool the way she had. "The Boss 'n' Hug Connection" wasn't about friendship, but about putting Bayley on a pedestal - she knew all about her from her Fire & Desire days what toxicity looked like. As for her championship ambitions, she had spent her entire life being told she didn't belong - but for the first time in her life, she knew her life was heading in the right direction.
"The Golden Goddess" believed her entire life had been building to this moment in time where she would challenge Bayley, and defeat her at SummerSlam. Mandy Rose said she would not be underestimated any longer, because on week from Sunday, "Bayley 2 Belts" would Kiss the Rose and be relieved of her duties as SmackDown Women's Champion. Signing the contract, she slid the contract across the table to Bayley, bringing the champ to laugh at the top of her lungs! Banks remained tightlipped behind her, and the champ simply uttered that would only ever happen in Mandy's dreams. The contract signed by both parties, Mandy turned her back - to be ambushed from behind by Sasha! Bayley was confused but joined in on the attack, with the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions plotting to put "the Precious Peach" through the desk! Corey Graves ran for cover, when Naomi hit the ring! As Bayley and Sasha bailed, Naomi would issue the challenge - calling out Bayley for a match tonight.
- Tonight - SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley vs Naomi
Friday Night SmackDown rolled on following a passionate speech from Mandy Rose, in response to the brutal verbal burial that came from the mouth of the SmackDown Women's Champion. Michael Cole and Corey Graves discussed Bayley being challenged by Naomi to a match tonight, before discussing what else was coming up. Running down the card, Daniel Bryan planned to issue an Open Challenge to the entire WWE roster for his WWE Intercontinental Championship; Braun Strowman vowed to finally make Fight Night "Get These Hands" in a Handicap match; and with the SmackDown Tag Team Championships on the line, fan favorites would collide when Heavy Machinery met The New Day.
- SmackDown Tag Team Championship - Heavy Machinery (c) vs The New Day
- Handicap match - Braun Strowman vs Fight Night
- WWE Intercontinental Championship - Open Challenge - Daniel Bryan (c) vs TBA
All That Remains Interrupting the broadcast team, the title sequence of 'the Firefly Fun House' began. Abruptly taking a dark turn with a bad VHS filter, complete with a down-tuned and distorted version of the theme song, the set of the Fun House was seen in ruin. Charred black remains and dust covered the room, with the front door dropping off of its hinges suddenly. In walked Bray Wyatt, who looked around with a deathly expression on his face. Looking around at what remained of his incinerated Fun House, "the Eater of Worlds" appeared disturbed as he came across the half-alive groaning of Ramblin' Rabbit covered in dirt and debris. Glimpsing over to spy the abandoned box of Mercy the Buzzard, he spotted the shattered screen of his old television set before breaking out in hysterical laughter! Rubbing his hands together, he exclaimed "Yowie Wowie!" He had always been saying he needed a home makeover, and claimed Brother Nero really did him a solid!
Huskus the Pig was no more than three streaks of bacon, bringing Bray Wyatt to question what happened to him. He thought he smelled pork! "The Eater of Worlds" continued to laugh to the little Fireflies, explaining 'the Firefly Fun House' wasn't finished yet. It was just starting over again! Bray urged the audience to consider it a reboot of epic proportions. With a dark change of tone, Wyatt reasoned that it would take a lot more than that to ever get rid of him. An unscathed Abby the Witch appeared at the window, observing that Brother Nero had made an jackass out of him. Questioning what Bray planned to do about this, Wyatt laughed that he wasn't worried! Brother Nero was simply an extension of the shell of a human he demolished at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules. Jeff Hardy, or "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior", or even "the Death-Defying Daredevil" - it didn't matter to him. Once again the mood turned, with Bray saying SummerSlam would be Nero's greatest failure.
Bray Wyatt went as far as to say that Brother Nero would fail worse than Jeff Hardy did at sobriety! Cackling at the top of his lungs, "the Eater of Worlds" said that the Fiend was excited for Interdimensional Warfare, reminding Abby the Witch that it was Nero's own #Woken brother who enabled him to see all and transcend all dimensions. And now, "the Death-Defying Daredevil" didn't inherit the multiverse - "the New Face of Fear" did. Bray assured the Witch that the monster within would eat Nero alive at SummerSlam, claiming it truly would be "the Biggest Party of the Summer" this year! Abby said she didn't like the idea of this, but Bray exclaimed an ecstatic farewell to his little Fireflies. For Nero, he wished him well - in the mean time, he had some construction to do to the remains of the Firefly Fun House!
▆▆▆ Sparring AgainCutting back to the WWE Performance Center, the WWE Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan made his way out to the ring, skipping sideways down the rampway. Squatting upon entry to the ring, "the Submission Expert" prepared for his Open Challenge, taking the microphone. Bryan talked about what he had set out in doing when he captured "the Working Man's Title" back at Backlash, where he defeated Sami Zayn. He wasn't just here to outdo what damage that cowardly "Great Liberator" had done in his time as champion - he was here to restore what the title around his waist was all about. It was time for a new decade, and with a new decade came new potential. Daniel declared he wanted to be "the Working Man's Champion" and challenge allcomers. It didn't matter who opposed him, Bryan was confident enough in his own abilities to say "YES! YES! YES" and go the limit with that person - and walk out still the champ. Asking who was hiding backstage looking for an opportunity to lock-up with "the Expert" - out came Drew Gulak!
The training and sparring partner of the WWE Intercontinental Champion answered Daniel Bryan's call, stoically walking out to the ring and greeting "the Submission Expert". Drew Gulak took to the microphone to tell Bryan he hoped this wasn't awkward - but frankly, he didn't care all that much tonight. "The Militant Mat-Mite" wished to discuss how grateful he was to have helped Bryan with his game this past couple of months. Daniel even helped him with one or two flaws in his own game - not that he had many! With that all said, Drew was reminded of Elimination Chamber, where he and Daniel stole the show - but with all of this time having passed, he felt ready to give it another try! Bryan grinned, proud of Gulak for saying it. He would be happy to accept the challenge - for right here and now.1) Daniel Bryan (c) def. Drew Gulak to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship (16:21) [THROUGH TWO BREAKS]- Driven by his desire to establish a new legacy for the WWE Intercontinental Championship, "the Submission Expert's" string of challenges led him to battle his training partner Drew Gulak. A rematch from March's Elimination Chamber, the two locked up with "the Yes Man" initially gaining the upper hand. The two sprawled out on the canvas, with "the Militant Mat-Mite" showing his ground-based expertise - when from a full mount position, Bryan caught him with a guillotine! Gulak escaped and evaded another takedown, bringing the WWE Universe to their feet. Respectful of both men, a Greco-Roman knucklelock saw both battle for supremacy of the other, with Gulak able to bridge into a wrist-clutch suplex! The holder of "the Working Man's Title" would bridge out into a backslide, when Gulak secured a heel hook. Bryan was quick to reverse into an achilles hold, though Gulak made the ropes. With a clean break, Bryan and Gulak's sparring match would continue with the WWE Universe split amicably! - Things had picked up as this WWE Intercontinental Championship match continued, with Daniel Bryan backflipping from the top rope and aiming for a flying clothesline, cut off with a lariat! "The Militant Mat-Mite" followed with the Saito suplex, soon beginning to twist at the foot of the champion. The challenger was fought off by "the Submission Expert", who switched to back mount on Gulak. Drew squirmed, but Bryan would apply a grounding hammerlock before transitioning into the bow-and-arrow hold! Gulak flipped into a cover for a one-count, when both came to their feet with strikes! Gulak roared through with elbow strikes to counteract Bryan's Yes kicks, when Drew caught one with the dragon screw. Immediately dropping elbows and knees into the leg, the challenger picked the body part until the WWE Intercontinental Champion fought free. The corner dropkick struck Gulak, and a butterfly suplex scored a near fall, when Gulak caught Bryan's crossbody with a body slam - his leg crashing against the ropes! - "The Militant Mat-Mite's" ground game was expertly administered, as the step-over toehold was maintained. He felt the WWE Intercontinental Championship within reach, when Daniel Bryan again kicked Drew Gulak away - just for the STF to go applied! "The Submission Expert" found his arms removed from play, but he would make it to the ropes with his teeth! As Drew looked for the Gu-Lock, Bryan battled free and rallied back using Yes kicks. Going blow for blow, the champ blocked a spinning back elbow and knocked Gulak silly with a roundhouse kick - when the lariat again stunned the champ! The Cyclone Crash connected for a close call, when Gulak reverted back for the Gu-Lock. Bryan battled free into a triangle choke - but Gulak reversed into a cradle for another two-count. The Running Knee struck, yet Gulak got his hand on the bottom rope! His foot in a bad way, Gulak took Bryan down and applied the Gu-Lock once again - when Bryan rolled out of it, transitioning into the Yes Lock. With nowhere to run, Gulak tapped out!
Another intense battle between training partners had once again seen Daniel Bryan come out on the winning end, retaining what he was crafting to become known once more as "the Working Man's Title" - the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Raising it high and leading the "YES!" chants along with the WWE Universe in attendance, Drew Gulak slowly recovered. Hobbling over to his partner, "the Submission Expert" extended a hand to "the Militant Mat-Mite" to help bring him back to his feet, though Drew wouldn't even look at him. Instead taking a leave, it left Bryan remorseful, but alone to celebrate with the WWE Performance Center.
▆▆▆ Following discussion from Michael Cole and Corey Graves, a video package aired bringing us up to speed on Braun Strowman and Sheamus's rivalry ahead of tonight's Handicap match pitting "the Monster Among Men" against Fight Night. It all started on April 17, where "the Celtic Warrior" made fun at the expense of the Giant. In a match later that night, Sheamus would take advantage of his opponent's weakened foot and not only defeat by count-out, but also crush his foot with the use of steel steps. For months, "the Lads" ran roughshod over Friday Night SmackDown until July 31, where Braun returned driven on revenge. Fuelled by hatred, Strowman's journey took him to tonight - his first true opportunity at retribution, but against the forces of Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura as well.
▆▆▆ Surprisingly, John Morrison was seen making his way down the hallway. After disposing of his former partner the Miz in a hard-fought and heated Steel-Cage match last week, "the Guru of Greatness" had finally ousted "the A-Lister" from Friday Night SmackDown for good - but now looked to be heading to the ring. What would "the Shaman of Sexy" have to discuss with the WWE Universe? We would find out - up next.
An advertisement aired, promoting the all-new free version of the WWE Network. Bringing the best in entertainment, with no credit card required, subscribers could gain access to over 15,000 available titles today.
The New Day were gathered at the interview area with Kayla Braxton, who applauded Big E and Kofi Kingston on having endured a long pathway back to gaining contention to the SmackDown Tag Team Championships. Big E could barely handle his excitement, citing how it had been months of adulation and hard work paying off to make it back to this point! Kofi recounted how he hadn't felt like this since the peak of KofiMania, remembering how he and Big E were barred from challenging for the titles not that long ago. But now, they were on their way to becoming six-time WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions of the World! Thrusting their hips with each syllable, they gave a shoutout to Xavier Woods watching from the couch at home, saying tonight was for him. Big E said they both respected Heavy Machinery, and that they were all friends till the end - but tonight would be their night because New Day Rocks.
▆▆▆ A video package aired, recapping last week's heated conclusion to the Steel-Cage showdown had between former tag team partners, John Morrison and The Miz. It was years in the making, and a rematch of their Hollywood Backlot Brawl weeks earlier at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules. Friday Night SmackDown had become too big for the two of them, and one had to go. With the stipulation that the loser had to leave the SmackDown Brand for good, "the Awesome One" came so close - only to come so short, as he was trapped upside down, hanging from the top of the cage. At fifteen feet high in the air, "the Guru of Greatness" would mount the cage, and escape to the floor. In the send-off to end all send-offs, Miz was overwhelmed by emotion as the WWE Universe chanted "Na Na Na Hey Hey Goodbye" on his exit.
Men with A Death WishJohn Morrison stood in the center of the ring, as he welcomed everybody to a new beginning for 'the Dirt Sheet'. To a positive response, "the Guru of Greatness" remarked at how glad he was to put the past behind him at last - but in all seriousness, this did feel a little weird without the Miz riding his coattails...not! Morrison laughed about how "the A-Lister" dictated what this show was all about, but after the Loser Leaves SmackDown Steel Cage match last week, he didn't think anybody would be seeing his face for a while on Friday nights! JoMo was finally standing here a free man, but he still felt that he could do more and be more. That brought him to the reason he was here tonight, because his special guest was going to be somebody who had never seen the set of 'the Dirt Sheet' before. Rather, it was an invitation for the freak of nature that savagely attacked him two weeks ago - of course, he was talking about the Fiend!
"The Shaman of Sexy" decreed he may look like a charity case, but warned "the New Face of Fear" not to be fooled. John Morrison been in horror movies before, and wasn't afraid to get dirty with some nasty monster blood on his hands. Fearless, the former SmackDown Tag Team Champion appeared, when the lights out inside the WWE Performance Center. Section by section, the WWEPC was soon left in darkness - when the Fiend appeared opposite "the Guru of Greatness!" As the horrifying screeching noises echoed throughout the cavernous building, JoMo charged head-first, going blow-for-blow with the WWE Universal Champion! Fiend began to gain the upper hand, when Morrison sprung from the second rope - only to be caught with the talons of the monster down his throat! The Mandible Claw was clamped down, before sending Morrison to the ringside floor. There, Morrison charged "the New Face of Fear" with everything he had - only to be dropped with a Uranage over the edge of the apron!
Sending his limp carcass crashing into the steel steps, the Fiend returned from the other end of the ringside area with his trusty mallet in hand. The WWE Universal Champion had malicious plans to crush John Morrison's skull between his hammer and the steel steps - but in the nick of time, Brother Nero came flying in from out of nowhere! Airborne with a diving crossbody, "the Death-Defying Daredevil" again got the upper hand of the Fiend, as he introduced a steel chair and bashed the monster over the spine. In the ring, the former WWE Universal Champion wrapped the chair around the Fiend's head and delivered the Twist of Fate! His larynx surely crushed, Nero observed the wreckage and took possession of the gold - but in crawling over the lifeless body of "the New Face of Fear", Fiend snatched him with the Mandible Claw! The lights flickered, but as the sounds of laughter and the Firefly Fun House burning down were heard, the champion abruptly disappeared. Nero was left to catch his breath, looking around in search of his arch nemesis.
Footage aired from moments ago, where John Morrison bravely decided to call out The Fiend. The WWE Universal Champion had John Morrison on the killing floor, when Brother Nero once again appeared. With the Twist of Fate connected to the chair-mangled "New Face of Fear", it proved to have no effect - for the champion responded with a Mandible Claw of desperation before disappearing into the night. The nightmare continued, nine days from Interdimensional Warfare.
McKenzie Mitchell introduced the WWE Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan for an interview, asking for "the Submission Expert's" opinion as to the lack of showmanship shown on the part of Drew Gulak. Daniel understood fully that Gulak was frustrated. He had every right to be - but ultimately what it came down to was not who the better skilled competitor was, but rather who wanted "the Working Man's Title" more badly. Bryan had made it no secret he dreamed of establishing the title for the legendary ten pounds of gold it was, which was why he wasn't stopping now. As "the Working Man's Champion", Daniel vowed to keep on going - which brought him to "the Biggest Party of the Summer". SummerSlam deserved the IC title on the line, which was why he was issuing another open challenge one week from Sunday. Obsessed with proving why he was the elite-thinking WWE Superstar, and the perfect champion. Whether inside WWE or outside, "the Yes Man" wanted the very best in competition.
- SummerSlam - WWE Intercontinental Championship - Open Challenge - Daniel Bryan (c) vs TBA
▆▆▆ A Stolen OpportunityThe stage was set for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship confrontation, pitting two popular tag teams against each other. Mike Rome provided the introduction, when out came Heavy Machinery. Otis and Tucker came adorned in the gold, holding their heads high. With a ton of respect for their challengers, it was a meeting that had "the Powder Keg" feeling uneasy about for weeks, having seen it coming a mile away. Tucky kept him at bay, as "the Blue Collar Boys" waited patiently for their opponents. Only time would pass, with not a peep from Big E's jovial introduction. Something wasn't right, and the champions realized it. Suddenly, cameras cut backstage to see the New Day on the losing end of a blind-sighted attack courtesy of the Royal Family! Duke Nese and Sir Gable led the charge, with King Corbin using his septer to damage the ribcage of Kofi Kingston. Referees and backstage officials arrived at the scene, only to find themselves in a heated discussion with the trio.
In the arena, the SmackDown Tag Team Champions refused to let this happen on their watch. After viewing the ambush on the big screen, Heavy Machinery would sprint to the backstage area - where they would rush the corridors until finding the New Day surrounded by officials. Otis and Tucker would check on Big E, who appeared more concerned about the wellbeing of Kofi Kingston. Groaning in pain and gasping for air, the on-location trainer ruled that Kofi would be unable to compete tonight - therefore, the title match would have to be postponed! Furious, "the Brick Hit-House" and "the Powder Keg" could not believe their luck. Big E joked about how every week it was one team or another - all out to take out their booties. The problem wasn't how they were doing, though: it was what was going to happen when the New Day got back up and whooped their booties! "The Blue Collar Boys" said they'd see to it that King Corbin and his merry men got their just deserts.
The Progressive Match-Flo of the Week took us back to last week, where longtime former friends from the Team B.A.D. days got it on, as Naomi took on Sasha Banks. "The Legit Boss" would receive reinforcements from the SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley, when Mandy Rose came down to get her some of the champ! "Bayley 2 Belts" inadvertently struck Sasha with a back elbow, allowing Naomi to hit Rear View for the upset. 3) SmackDown Women's Champion and WWE Women's Tag Team Champion Bayley (with Sasha Banks) def. Naomi (4:15) - The contract signing earlier tonight went down smoothly, until Sasha Banks uncharacteristically made the first move in attacking Bayley's SummerSlam opponent, Mandy Rose. Naomi made the save and issued the challenge to the SmackDown Women's Champion. "The Legit Boss" watched on from ringside, as "Bayley 2 Belts" came into the match overconfident, allowing Naomi to take her by surprise using a bulldog into the second turnbuckle pad, and a jumping legdrop! After exchanging words with "the Legit Boss", the double champ prevented Bootylicious, sending her to the apron and delivering a rope-hung stunner. The champ hit a sliding clothesline against the ring post on the apron, when the exploder suplex dropped Naomi on the floor! Inside, a seated abdominal stretch saw Naomi get back into the fight with a hip toss, and a springboard crossbody connected! The split-legged moonsault saw Sasha prop Bayley's foot on the bottom rope. Having words again, Bayley took advantage with a roll-up to steal another win!Left BehindAnother unconvincing victory for the seasoned SmackDown Women's Champion saw Bayley immediately continue her attack on Naomi! Hammering away with rights and lefts to the back of the head, "Bayley 2 Belts" invited in Sasha Banks. "The Boss 'n' Hug Connection" were going strong, as the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions took Naomi down with a double flying clothesline. Mandy Rose made her entrance, hitting the ring and tackling her SummerSlam opponent! Without relent, "the Golden Goddess" was set on proving she was not the Diva the double champ said she was - and Bayley ran for the hills once Kiss the Rose narrowly missed her head! In the process she abandoned "the Legit Boss". Unknowingly, Sasha was taken from Naomi and was struck with Kiss the Rose from "the Precious Peach!" Naomi followed the combo with the Rear View, directly into the Bed of Roses! Mandy motioned she was coming for Bayley's title, as she watched on in concern from the ramp.
▆▆▆ Mickie James and Lacey Evans walked and talked backstage, discussing their first match as a tag team coming up against former WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross. Lacey spoke candidly about how thankful she was to have met Mickie when she had. After practically losing her mind over losing direction of her career, she voiced relief in no longer needing to gladhand the WWE Universe. She didn't need to soulsearch, nor did she need to cater to the nasty culture who cheered for her one second, then despised her the next. Getting carried away, the veteran hugged "the First Lady". Mickie was glad she ran into her too, noting rehabilitating her injuries was kicking her butt, and she was worried she wouldn't be able to come back at all. She saw the real Lacey Evans and wanted to take the white-meat southern gal before her and make her into a champion - and tonight the two of them were going to take Friday Night SmackDown on a rollercoaster. Heading for the ring, the match was up next!
An advertisement aired, promoting WWE SummerSlam. It was "the Biggest Party of the Summer", and this year was no exception, as two of WWE's biggest names would collide for the WWE World Championship. Drew McIntyre would put the gold at stake against Seth Rollins in 'Terminator vs Messiah' - "You'll Never See It Coming!" It would be live on Sunday, August 23 - live on the award-winning WWE Network. The Dirty DawgsIn the WWE Performance Center, Dolph Ziggler concluded making his grand arrival to the disapproving selection of WWE Universe members. "The Show Off" was not dressed for competition, but claimed how delighted he was to be here tonight. What happened last week was something he had been waiting a long time to happen. Sincerely, it was delicious! Explaining why, he noted how "the Hacker" being taken down was something he had tried to do for so long - but after all that Mustafa Ali had done, the one thing he had neglected to take note of was the injury report! Dolph reminded how he had himself replaced in their match last week, with none other than a fellow "Dirty Dawg". Now, after a several month absence, the two were reunited and out to take the SmackDown Brand by storm once again! Dolph warned mothers to lock up their daughters, because Robert Roode was back once again! "The Glorious One" had presence as he extended his arms into the air and made a slow waltz down to the ring.
In an expensive suit, Robert Roode hopped into the ring and met Dolph Ziggler with a handshake, which turned into a hug. "The Show Off" repeated how happy he was to have "the Dirty Dawgs" with him once again, bringing "the Glorious One" to echo that sentiment too. Robert spoke about how satisfying it was to finally squash the cockroach who had been causing ruckus in his greatest pal's personal life. Assuring Dolph that he wasn't back to take anything away from him, but what he did last week was all for "the Zig-Man". Dolph understood, telling Roode he would have had it no other way. Roode began to speak out about what they would do next, with "the Hacker" business behind them, teasing making a run at the SmackDown Tag Team Championships; or perhaps aiming even higher. Robert speculated how FOX had enough supernatural trash on the network, and it was time for a change of pace - something "Glorious" perhaps. Dolph liked the sound of that, when all of a sudden the microphone's pitch and tone began to go high and low!
A surefire sign of "the Hacker's", Robert Roode dumped the microphone and yelled for another one! Dolph Ziggler warned that he had done this before, as "the Glorious One" took a replacement from a ringside assistant. Roode got two words out - when the voice distorted again! His theme song played, but glitched, bringing the two to cup their ears in search of silence. Left groaning as a result of "the Hacker's" toying, "the Dirty Dawgs" would turn around to be caught with a diving crossbody from Mustafa Ali - out of nowhere! Ali fended off Roode before duking it out with Ziggler. "The Show Off" got in a knee lift, but Ali came rebounding from the apron with a rolling X-Factor! Robert attempted a spinebuster, but Ali landed out on his feet - depantsing him of his expensive suit pants! Sporting tighty-whities underneath, Roode ran for the hills, with Ziggler offering his sports jacket to cover up. Ali stood on the second rope, daring them to come back and fight - refusing to let last week's loss slide.
▆▆▆ Fight Night concluded warming up for the Handicap main event ahead. Sheamus would meet with Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura, as he quizzed the two if they were ready. "The Swiss Cyborg" nodded with a smile, whilst "the Artist" popped his black mouthguard in. He remarked that "the Lads" are ready, but they weren't so sure Braun Strowman was ready for Fight Night. "The Celtic Warrior" chuckled, urging the two to remember the strategy - but most importantly, he wanted them to have fun out there! Cesaro told him it would be their pleasure.
High SocietyThe Royal Family sat on thrones in their private dressing quarters. King Corbin sat on a pedestal higher than Duke Nese and Sir Gable, as the trio laughed about the number they had done on the New Day. "The Premier Athlete" took great delight in noting how they had sabotaged the SmackDown Tag Team Championship match, which meant one thing. With Kofi Kingston and Big E incapacitated, that left Heavy Machinery with no challengers! Gable giggled over what a shame that was, bringing Nese to suggest solutions to this problem. Finally the King piped up, declaring that he liked how thier plan was unfolding, and it was only going to grow even more delicious. Corbin declared soon enough the gold would come to its' rightful residence - in the Royal Family. The three laughed, when Gable made sure to note how glad he was to be appreciated by the King and the Duke!
- Next week - SmackDown Tag Team Championship - Heavy Machinery (c) vs The Royal Family
▆▆▆ 4) Mickie James and Lacey Evans def. Alexa Bliss and Carmella (4:57) - As Mickie James and Lacey Evans hugged it out and laughed at the expense of their opponents, Alexa Bliss would arrive to the rampway - but after several cues from "the Goddess" for her best friend Nikki Cross to come out, nobody did. Bliss rolled her eyes but swallowed her pride, beginning to march down to combat in what appeared to be a two-on-one scenario - when suddenly Carmella came moonwalking out! "The Princess of Staten Island" had decided to help "Little Miss Bliss" out of a jam. - In revenge for last week, Alexa Bliss was found no support still from her alleged best friend, Nikki Cross. Instead, Carmella planned to help "the Goddess" out, and a four-woman frenzy saw Bliss tackle "the First Lady" to the mat with a Thesz press, when Mickie James attacked from behind. With a big boot, Mickie delivered a flapjack and kipped up - but Bliss got straight back up and delivered a hair-pull backbreaker! "The Princess of Staten Island" applied a headscissors choke over the top rope, before the hurricanrana out of the corner went met by a roundhouse kick from the veteran. Lacey Evans mounted with slaps, when a jumping knee strike took her down. Luring 'Mella from Alexa, she would dropkick her out of a Bronco Buster attempt! Bliss came in with the Code Red on James, when Insult to Injury landed. 'Mella tagged with a diving crossbody. "Little Miss Bliss" was caught in the ring skirt, pummelled by Mickie, all the while the Woman's Right stopped Carmella dead in her tracks, giving Lacey the win.
Alexa Bliss was mere moments too late, as Lacey Evans raised her fists in defiance. Mickie James laughed in the face of a distraught "Little Miss Bliss", as this new tandem seemed warmed up and poised for the Women's Tag Team Turmoil match this coming week on Monday Night RAW. Carmella appeared to be hurt, when Nikki Cross came out of nowhere - attacking Mickie and Lacey! James and Evans flocked to ringside for safety, as "Naughty Nikki" sprung and rebounded off the ropes wildly. Wanting a piece of everybody, she would screech for a shot at the two women who hurt her best friend - but upon looking back at "the Goddess", all Alexa could do was question where she had been! Bliss helped a semi-conscious 'Mella from the ring, leaving Cross alone inside.
▆▆▆ Kayla Braxton welcomed her next guest, when into frame came the booming, ferocious "Colossus". Braun Strowman charmed Kayla by changing his tone momentarily to tell her just how grateful he was to be back on Friday Night SmackDown on FOX. Then, dialling it straight back up to ten, "the Monster Among Men" roared that it meant it was time for Fight Night to "Get These Hands!" A furious giant exclaimed how Sheamus had taken four months of his life away, trying to take him out for good. Unlucky for "the Celtic Warrior", it did not go down that way. Braun voiced his disappointment he would not be alone with old "Shame-O"...but he would be after the Strowman Express ran through "the Lads", Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura tonight. With a grin, Braun thanked the broadcast journalist for having him before storming for the ring. Main event time was around the corner!Where Were You?Nikki Cross paced the backstage area trying to keep up with Alexa Bliss and Carmella. As "the Princess of Staten Island" rested in the trainer's room, "the Goddess" would close the door behind her to speak to her BFF in the hall. The Scot asked if she was happy she came to her aid, but Alexa wasn't thrilled. Questioning where she'd been, "Naughty Nikki" said it seemed like the two of them had everything under control. Bliss was naturally referring to last week as well, where Nikki left her to get beaten down high and dry! Vexed at the accusations, Cross frantically defended herself by noting how she wasn't exactly pleased to see Alexa team up with Carmella of all people! Bliss accused Nikki of being off the grid ever since the Horror Show at Extreme Rules, noting that she needed to get her act together. As Bliss opened the door and prepared to return inside, Nikki asked if they were okay for the Women's Tag Team Turmoil match this week on Monday Night RAW. Coldly, Alexa said she was - but they'd see if Nikki bothered showing up.
- Monday Night RAW - Number One Contender's match - Interpromotional Women's Tag Team Turmoil - The Riott Squad vs Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross (?) vs Sarah Logan and Natalya vs Mickie James and Lacey Evans vs TBA
▆▆▆ Michael Cole and Corey Graves discussed SummerSlam being right around the corner, one week from Sunday. Scheduled to be "the Biggest Party of the Summer", the WWE Universe "would never see it coming" when it hit them. Running down the line-up, graphics appeared on-screen in preparation for the annual summer spectacular.
- WWE Universal Championship - Interdimensional Warfare - The Fiend (c) vs Brother Nero
- WWE World Championship - Drew McIntyre (c) vs Seth Rollins
- I Quit match - Randy Orton vs Bobby Lashley
- Rey Mysterio vs Andrade - Rey Mysterio's career is on the line
- WWE Intercontinental Championship - Open Challenge - Daniel Bryan (c) vs TBA
- RAW Women's Championship - Asuka (c) vs Charlotte Flair
- SmackDown Women's Championship - Bayley (c) vs Mandy Rose
▆▆▆ 5) Braun Strowman def. Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura in a Handicap match (5:36)- Since his return to Friday Night SmackDown several weeks ago, Braun Strowman had been gunning for the head of Sheamus. "The Monster Among Men" had waged he could take both of "the Lads" from Fight Night, hopeful to remove them from his pathway to "the Celtic Warrior". Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura wasted no time rushing Braun on his commute down the rampway, just for "the Colossus" to send both bouncing off of the plexiglass! The Strowman Express was ready to leave the station prematurely, when Cesaro derailed him with a forceful European uppercut - followed by a Kinshasa off the apron! - Finally inside for the match to begin, "the Swiss Cyborg" kept the big man grounded with a sliding uppercut and a springboard crossbody. A big boot to Cesaro saw Braun Strowman get back in the game, when "the Artist" struck with a rapidfire combination of kicks. A wheel kick stunned "the Monster Among Men", but the Kinshasa from the second rope saw Braun biel throw Shinsuke Nakamura across the ring! On the rebound, a series of body blocks in the corners sandwiched the Fight Night members, when the Strowman Express took off once again! The Yokosuka cutter dropped Nakamura flat, when Cesaro came flying in with a springboard crossbody - only to be caught with a chokeslam! The Running Powerslam was attempted on Shin, when Sheamus teased running down to the ring. Stopping before the apron, "the Celtic Warrior" merely smiled. Cesaro shocked the WWE Universe nearly managing a deadlift gutwrench suplex, but it would go reversed into the Running Powerslam for the victory!Bad Hair Day Against the odds of Fight Night, Braun Strowman came out on top against Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura in this Handicap match until "the Celtic Warrior" decided to stack the deck some more! Sheamus got a head start in pounding on the back of the giant's head, when "the Monster Among Men" bounced him away with a pounce! Spotting Sheamus alone with him, Braun grabbed him by the hair and grabbed him by the throat - until Cesaro and Nakamura simultaneously struck with the Kinshasa from one end, and the European uppercut from the other! Dropping to a knee, the Brogue Kick would follow - and like a pack of hyenas, "the Lads" proceeded in pounding away on "the Colossus!" Rolling the big man out to ringside, Sheamus directed traffic to drive Braun through the announce table - when out came the SmackDown Tag Team Champions Heavy Machinery! Otis and Tucker were coming to Braun's aid, and succeeded in battling "the Swiss Cyborg" and "the Artist" until the Royal Family joined the fray!
King Corbin, Duke Nese and Sir Gable used their scepters to ambush the SmackDown Tag Team Champions Heavy Machinery from behind. As "the Blue Collar Boys" were left down and beaten, the Royal Family joined in on assaulting Braun Strowman! A Brogue Kick knocked him down hard, when "the Celtic Warrior" directed traffic for Fight Night to deliver a massive suplex - "the Monster Among Men" smashing through the announce table! Nobody had ever seen "the Colossus" dismantled like this, in this six-on-one beating. Sheamus was not done yet, pulling out a set of headclippers! Laughing alongside his cohorts, the other five men would keep Braun still and secure in a seated position - as Sheamus added insult to injury by shaving the head of Strowman! Finally Otis and Tucky came to the unconscious Braun's aid. As Sheamus had escaped with Braun's detached ponytail as a souvenir, there would be great hell to pay for Fight Night and the Royal Family after maiming, shaming and humiliating some of SmackDown's most popular Superstars!
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Post by DTP. on Jul 3, 2023 14:11:52 GMT -5
NXT #417 – August 12, 2020 Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida "All Out Life" by Slipknot NXT TAKEOVER XXX: ONE WEEK FROM SATURDAY!
NXT UK #106: UK TakeOver Memories - August 13, 2020- Zack Gibson and James Drake defeated Moustache Mountain (Trent Seven and Tyler Bate) in the Finals of the NXT UK Tag Team Championship Tournament to capture the titles with the Ticket to Mayhem on Seven. [NXT UK TAKEOVER: BLACKPOOL - JAN 12, 2019] - Cesaro def. Ilja Dragunov with the Neutralizer. [NXT UK TAKEOVER: CARDIFF - AUG 31, 2019] - Kay Lee Ray (c) def. Toni Storm & Piper Niven in a Triple Threat match to retain the NXT UK Women's Championship when Ray pinned Niven. [NXT UK TAKEOVER: BLACKPOOL II - JAN 12, 2020]
A video package aired, recapping the events of last week. As Finn Bálor wrapped up an explosive victory over Roderick Strong to not only retain the NXT Championship, but also regain possession of the title, who would show his face but the returning Adam Cole. Appearing for the first time since the Great American Bash, where his historic 403-day reign as NXT Champion was ended by "the Prince", "the Panama City Playboy" would be joined by the colleagues in the Undisputed Era in dismantling the champ. Adam Cole was back, and he wanted the gold!
Full Sail University was buzzing with a handful of NXT faithfuls standing in attendance behind the plexiglass at ringside. Mauro Ranallo, Beth Phoenix and Vic Joseph welcomed us to NXT, with NXT TakeOver XXX right around the corner, one week from Saturday!
- Adam Cole will address the NXT Universe
- Dakota Kai vs Rhea Ripley - if Rhea wins, she gets added to the NXT Women's Championship match at NXT TakeOver XXX; if Dakota wins, Rhea must kiss her ass.
- Lucha House Party vs Legado del Fantasma
- Chris Bey makes his NXT debut
✕✕✕ 1) NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai def. Raquel González (12:33) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- Getting off to a raucious start, "the Joshi Judas" awaited the outcome of Dakota Kai and Rhea Ripley's match with a match against "King Kota's" insurance policy. Raquel González was in a foul mood following her recent disagreements with Dakota, and was quickly outclassed by the NXT Women's Champion with a series of dropkicks, and the tiger feint kick was scored early! Io Shirai took to the skies with a diving hurricanrana, when González muscled her up for the one-armed Powerbomb - yet Io was able to send her crashing over the top rope! With an asai moonsault, Shirai wound up caught by "Big Mami Cool" - who sent her into the ring post spine-first. González showed off her immense power with a stalling suplex, when a Canadian backbreaker scored a near fall. Io tried to get back into the fight with a sole butt and a Pendulum Kick - but González would driver her into the top rope with an Alley Oop, and a rotating senton from the second rope impacted "the Genius of the Sky!" - Raquel González continued to impress against the NXT Women's Champion with a spinning powerslam, when a seated bearhug went applied. Dakota Kai was seen observing with a pout from a monitor backstage. Io Shirai tried to fight the power of "Big Mami Cool", clubbing to freedom. Attempting the fallaway slam, Io was able to land on the apron. With a springboard, a dropkick stunned the bigger woman! The flapjack went blocked by the powerful "Insurance Policy", but the Powerbomb attempt sat Io sweep the legs and deliver the double footstomp! In the corner, double knees connected, but Raquel evaded a diving crossbody. Rolling forward, Raquel swung and missed a clothesline, and the spinning headscissors sent her through a loop! Heading to the top rope, González caught Io's Moonsault attempt, when the Powerbomb went tried and tested - only to be blocked into the Koji Clutch! González tried to fight it desperately, but soon dropped to the mat and finally succumbing to submission!
The NXT Women's Champion triumphed over Raquel González despite the impressive efforts of "Big Mami Cool". Io Shirai celebrated her victory, but knew she would be in for a tough test regardless of tonight, come NXT TakeOver XXX. Cutting backstage, the same space occupied minutes before by Dakota Kai watching the monitor was now vacant and empty. "The Genius of the Sky" meanwhile would surely have more than an invested interest in the victor of Dakota Kai and Rhea Ripley, later tonight.
✕✕✕ Backstage, Lucha House Party had invaded Full Sail University. After coming to the aid of Breezango last week, Friday Night SmackDown's Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik appeared to have beef with Legado del Fantasma. "The King of the Ropes" and "the Golden Lynx" would be in action with Raúl Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde - up next!An Examination of the DivisionFootage aired from 'Ever-Rise Live', as published on YouTube this past Sunday morning. Ever-Rise sat at the desks, proudly displaying the NXT Tag Team Championships to the camera. Matt Martel and Chase Parker spoke about how they were stupendously still the champs, despite the efforts of the two morons Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch, and the attempts by NXT General Manager William Regal! As Matt remarked how the Englishman refused to see the beauty in what Ever-Rise could muster up in the best interests of the NXT Tag Team Division, he reiterated how long they had been waiting for this opportunity to come their way. Chugging coffee from a branded mug, Chase said it had been seventeen years of starving away making names for themselves across the entire planet. Obnoxiously, he and Matt questioned the heart and tenure that the other teams had, which they didn't!
Matt Martel decreed NXT General Manager William Regal as not being a Friend of 'The Show', because he failed to see the intelligence, the technique and the charisma in which Ever-Rise possessed. Chase Parker urged the NXT Universe to examine the other teams in which occupied the NXT Tag Team Division. They had taken care of Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher - and not just that, they had ended their random-ass friendship! They took out Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch not once but twice, sending them both packing to Monday Night RAW. When questioning who else was out there, Matt talked the amount of ring rust Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly had; and how Breezango were too busy trying to fight the mob in Legado del Fantasma! Slapping his gums, Martel concluded that nobody wanted a taste at the NXT Tag Team Championships, because while the rest of the Division might well be gifted athletes - nothing touched the level of what Ever-Rise brought to the titles.
✕✕✕ 2) Lucha House Party def. Legado del Fantasma by disqualification (5:57)- The return of Gran Metalik and Kalisto to "the Black and Gold Brand" was not without its motives, as Lucha House Party were back to get even with Legado Del Fantasma. With Santos Escobar away on business, Raúl Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde faltered as Metalik connected with a handspring armdrag. Out to the floor, Lucha House Party soared with stereo-topé con hilos! Metalik continued with a spinning one-hand bullog, when in came "the Golden Lynx" with a moonsault. He landed a second when Wilde, when Mendoza tagged in and drilled him with a spinning brainbuster! Legado cornered Dorado, with Wilde launching Mendoza into a dropkick across the ring. A dive through the ropes saw Raúl show what he could do, when the arrogance of Joaquin saw Metalik tag in, taking both down with a springboard crossbody! With momentum on their side, Metalik connected with a ropewalk diving elbow drop to Wilde - in sync with Dorado's Shooting Star Press! Lucha House Party had the match won, when Santos Escobar hit the ring!The 205 Live FrontlineDespite being "away on business", the NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar put the boots to Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado. Lucha House Party briefly fought back against "the Emperor" just for Raúl Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde to save their leader. Escobar had his henchmen gang up against the luchadores, with Escobar teasing a removal of the mask of "the King of the Ropes" - instead, out came Breezango! Tyler Breeze and Fandango brawled with Legado del Fantasma, when Santos bailing to the floor. Watching his men receive a Supermodel Kick from "Prince Pretty", the Metalik Driver dropped Wilde. Mendoza received a super kick courtesy of "the Golden Lynx" - when Fandango ascended to the top rope for the Last Dance! As Escobar watched his men outnumbered, who would make their return: but Kushida! "The Supernova" struck the champ with a stiff right hand! Kushida joined the luchadores and "the Fashion Police" in the ring - the frontline against Legado's takeover of the Cruiserweight Division!
✕✕✕ After his physical encounter with Karrion Kross last week, Damian Priest walked the backstage hallway enroute to the ring in Full Sail University. "The Nocturnal Rockstar's" burned flesh was recovering but was sure to be left unforgotten, ahead of their match at NXT TakeOver XXX. We would hear from "the Archer of Infamy" in the ring - next.
Her Way or the Hard WayFootage aired from last week on NXT, where moments after leaving Aliyah high and dry to receive a brutal beating from Mercedes Martinez, Chelsea Green was seen returning through the curtain. Green spotted the camera immediately and questioned the cameraman on why it was such a surprise that she turn her back on her partner. The two of them were never friends, nor were they given a choice of who they would be teaming against. They were just two females thrown together to be a part of the Robert Stone Brand. The difference was, she was a woman while Aliyah was a little girl. Chels spoke out about how she was being done dirty by NXT management, and enough was enough. Now, it was all about her. It was her career, and she was going to do it her way or the hard way.
✕✕✕ Great Balls of FireA chill came over Full Sail Arena, once Damian Priest came waltzing out to the ring. In a leather jacket, "the Archer of Infamy" looked around with the last remnants of the burns on his face - the souvenir from the fireball attack last month. To a positive response, Damian told the NXT Universe he wished he could say he detested Karrion Kross. Not only did he not, but he didn't even dislike him. If there was one thing he did hate however, was everything he stood for. "The Nocturnal Rockstar" detailed how "the Herald of Doomsday" reminded him of himself, and his own lifestyle choices. Kross liked to get ahead any way and anyhow he could. Priest could attest to that, citing his NXT North American Championship as that reason. The fact was he'd been the devil on many an NXT Superstar's shoulder - but that was the problem. So had Kross.
"The Archer of Infamy" noted that the similarities stopped there, because Karrion Kross did everything for someone else. He wasn't acting on his own behalf - he was jumping through the hoops like the dog he was for "the Siren of Destruction!" Damian Priest told Kross that one week from Saturday, NXT TakeOver would see the sky fall, and when it did, so would "the Tollman" himself. He had been burned before, but he welcomed him to scar him again. Suddenly, Scarlett made her arrival. In a black dress, she haunted Damian with her voice, but came to the ring alone. Much like how this rivalry began, she would appear in the ring and reveal an hour glass from behind her back! Placing it on the canvas in front of Damian, "the Nocturnal Rockstar" warned her she ought to step off. Better yet, she could quit sending messages on behalf of her manservant, and deliver one for him: quit hiding! Priest was about to depart the ring, when into the ring slid Karrion Kross!
In a black suit, "the Herald of Doomsday" emerged behind Damian Priest, but as "the Archer of Infamy" turned, a fireball shot from the hands of Karrion Kross! Priest managed to sidestep it, and the fireball would instead blind his partner-in-crime! "The Siren of Destruction" clutched her face in agony, wailing in pain from the mistimed and misplaced fireball shot - from her own man! "The Nocturnal Rockstar" couldn't help but crack a smile, as Kross found himself in a vulnerable state for the first time in his NXT career. At the aid of his wounded mistress, "the Tollman" screamed with rage with eyes dead set on his opponent come NXT TakeOver XXX! It was sure to be an explosive, emotionally-fueled fight, one week from Saturday.
✕✕✕
McKenzie Mitchell was backstage when Lucha House Party arrived, accompanied by Kushida and Breezango. The frontline to counteract Legado del Fantasma's takeover of 205 Live were asked about what tonight meant, bringing Lince Dorado to note that was the last time they would allow Santos Escobar or his merry men try and push the Cruiserweight Division around! Tyler Breeze concurred, sick and tired of hearing about those Uggos. Escobar might be "the Emperor", but his New Groove was awful. Fandango spoke with a hush voice, explaining the movie reference, when Gran Metalik spoke up in his native language - calling out Escobar, Raúl Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde! McKenzie asked Kushida what he made of all of this, when "the Supernova" declared that he and Lucha House Party were challenging Legado del Fantasma to a match at NXT TakeOver XXX. It would be three-on-one, bringing Metalik and Dorado to chant "Lucha!" repeatedly. The confused "Fashion Police" joined in, as did Kushida.
- NXT TakeOver XXX - Kushida and Lucha House Party vs Legado del Fantasma
✕✕✕ With her hair bleached, "the Brutalist" concluded her warm-up ritual ahead of action with Dakota Kai. In a rematch from last month's Great American Bash upset, Rhea Ripley was not only fighting for her own respect - but for the right to be added to the NXT Women's Championship match at NXT TakeOver. Could the former champ make it a Triple Threat match, or would "King Kota" make the Australian kiss her ass?
Footage aired from moments ago, showing Karrion Kross get exactly what he deserved when a fireball sneak attack on Damian Priest backfired. "The Herald of Doomsday" blinded his own accomplice with the fireball, and was left screaming with rage placing the blame on "the Archer of Infamy".
Earlier today, McKenzie Mitchell was backstage with Dexter Lumis, wanting to hopefully get some words from "the Tortured Artist". The broadcast journalist asked her stern guest about the popularity he had attained of late, but received no response. McKenzie would ask Dexter about his tag team formed with Bronson Reed, asking for what he thought to "the Battleship". Again, no response. Mildly annoyed, Mitchell noted how Dex had personally requested this interview time, but her guest would instead leave the set! Returning with an easel and a blank canvas, Lumis began to paint, perplexing the interviewer.
✕✕✕ 3) Rhea Ripley def. Dakota Kai to make the NXT Women's Championship match at NXT TakeOver XXX a Triple Threat match (10:44) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- "King Kota" had spent weeks coasting on her big victory at the Great American Bash, where she defeated Rhea Ripley, having accused the former NXT Women's Champion of peaking early and no longer having what it took. After their meeting last week, either Rhea stood a chance at being added to the NXT Women's Championship match one week from Saturday, or be forced to kiss Dakota's ass. Rhea powered Kai across the ring early with two short-arm clotheslines and a biel throw, causing Dakota to bail out to ringside. Ripley followed in hot pursuit, with a pop-up slamming "King Kota" face-first off the ring apron! Out to the stage waltzed Raquel González, having fallen to the NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai earlier tonight. With tensions running high between her and Dakota, Kai used the opportunity to get ahead using a pump kick on the apron! A pump axe stomp to the spine stunned Rhea, when the powerhouse dragged her from the apron into a back suplex on the floor! Rhea exchanged glares with González from afar. - Rhea Ripley's momentum was unmatched as she honed in on the Rip Tide. "King Kota" landed out on her feet and struck with a multitude of kicks! A bicycle kick sent her into the corner for the Kai-O Kick - but only got a near fall. With the Team Kick Combination, Dakota Kai landed a reverse wrist-clutch into a DDT, but "the Brutalist" continued to kick out! Her patience wading, Ripley fired back! Raquel González continued to watch from the stage with her arms folded, when Rhea hit a stalling suplex. The Prism Trap was attempted, but Kai reversed into a victory roll. With an evasion of a lariat, Kai came close to humiliating Ripley all over again, but Ripley connected with the Freefall! The Rip Tide would go blocked again, when the G.T.K. knocked Rhea down and out - but Rhea kicked out at the last second. Kai was livid and screamed for her "Insurance Policy" to aid her. She approached ringside as Kai went for the Shining Wizard, but Rhea caught her by the ankles! As Raquel watched coldly from the floor, the Prism Trap forced her into submission!Every Woman For HerselfRhea Ripley was going to NXT TakeOver XXX, and had avoided the possibility of having to kiss Dakota Kai's ass! "The Brutalist" caught her breath after defeating "King Kota" - when from behind, Raquel González ambushed the victor. Appearing to come to her senses, "Big Mami Cool" clobbered Ripley in the corner before setting up for the one-arm Powerbomb. That's when Io Shirai arrived to save the day, hitting the ring and sounding off with a series of leg kicks and an enzuigiri knocking González down. Raquel would retreat, as "the Genius of the Sky" stared both she and Dakota down in the ring. But as she went to raise the NXT Women's Championship high, "the Joshi Judas" would see it snatched by Rhea Ripley! "The Brutalist" did not appreciate the helping hand, but as she examined the title and what it once meant to her, she would hand it back. A tense situation saw Rhea depart the ring, leaving the champ alone. With the title match now a Triple Threat match, it would be every woman for herself!
- NXT TakeOver XXX - NXT Women's Championship - Triple Threat match - Io Shirai (c) vs Rhea Ripley vs Dakota Kai
✕✕✕ In the present, McKenzie Mitchell returned to the interview area, where Dexter Lumis continued to paint away at the easel. "The Tortured Artist" was asked about how his latest masterpiece was coming along, only for the broadcast journalist to again go ignored. Agitated, McKenzie questioned to the producers off-screen what she was meant to do with this. Suddenly, Dex would reveal his masterpiece to Mitchell. A gloriously detailed painting revealed a caricature of Dexter Lumis holding a championship title. As McKenzie complimented his art, she would ask if he was interested in winning some gold - and with his eyes widened, he would raise a proud thumbs up!
A vignette aired, promoting what was still to come. There was nobody younger, nobody hotter, and nobody who possessed the pizzazz and the finesse he did. Driving a convertible through the streets of the Bay Area in San Francisco, he took the time to stop, pause and lower his sunglasses. With an eager smile, the young man in a cropped leather jacket welcomed the NXT Universe to "Ya Girl's Favorite Superstar;" "the Ultimate Finesser" Chris Bey - making his debut tonight. Pioneer vs InnovatorThe NXT Women's locker room saw Kacy Catanzaro and Kayden Carter converse, while Indi Hartwell and Ivy Nile similarly chatted. Along came Candice LeRae, lecturing those she deemed subordinate. "The Poison Pixie" claimed that for all of the work she had put in putting women's wrestling on the map, she was fed up of being overlooked. Unsatisfied with receiving no credit, she remarked that she was "the Pioneer" and "the Trailblazer". As she lectured the gathered set of "rookies", Candice talked about how for too long she had acted like a proud soccer mom for kids like them. She deserved credit for the Women's Evolution every bit as Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, Bayley or Sasha Banks! Catanzaro and Carter disputed that, bringing LeRae to order their silence. She demanded more respect, and went on a tangent about how she hadn't wrestled steel cage matches in Reseda for 200 people, for pretty little Barbies like them to come on in and get over at her expense!
As Candice LeRae continued to berate her colleagues, Kayden Carter, Kacy Catanzaro, Indi Hartwell and Ivy Nile's attention was no longer on her - but rather, Mia Yim! Standing behind "the Poison Pixie", Candice would eventually be tapped on the shoulder. "The Pioneer" told them she was busy, but eventually would be interrupted by "the Blasian Baddie" coughing loudly. Her eyes widened, Candice turned around to receive a haymaker from Yim! For the first time since their Street Fight last week, Mia was out for revenge, and the group of "rookies" served as spectators. Candice tried to run, just to be sent into the steel locker doors repeatedly! Finally Candice escaped the scene, an outcast due to her own behavior. Yim told LeRae if she was "the Pioneer", she would be the innovator of butt-whooping!
✕✕✕ 4) Ricky Starks def. Mansoor (3:41)- Unbeaten since his arrival to NXT back at NXT TakeOver: In Your House, "the Absolute One" had some unkind remarks about several NXT Superstars last week - particularly the grandmother of Keith Lee. "The Limitless One" warned Ricky Starks about his conduct, but "Pretty Ricky" seemed more focused on the match ahead. Mansoor was able to surprise the obnoxious newcomer with a series of dropkicks and ten punches in the corner, and a step-up enzuigiri scored a one-count. Starks escaped to the floor, when Mansoor followed, and returned to be hit with a swinging neckbreaker! The tornado DDT scored a near fall when "the Center of Attention" got aggressive. With a chinlock applied, "the Admirable Arabian" worked to his feet, surprising with a Falcon Arrow! Mansoor took to the ropes, only to be struck with the Spear. The fun and games were over, as Ricky chalked up another 'W' with the Roshambo for the win. Yo Grand Mama"The Center of Attention" claimed another victory, as he raised his fist in the air before assuming the hammock position in the corner. Ricky Starks demanded a microphone and was provided with one, as "Absolute" had some words for the booing NXT Universe. Ricky told the people he didn't expect them of all people to understand what "Pretty Ricky" was all about. He was a man of taste, while they were uncultured swines. Bragging about his undefeated streak since arriving in NXT, Starks bragged about how there was not a formidable foe in clear sight - and that brought him to his conversation last week. Ricky suddenly started to address the NXT North American Champion, ignoring the warning of Keith Lee! Reciting old and fat jokes about the grandmother of "the Limitless One", Ricky claimed she was older than the Mary Rose. Starks was having fun and continued to crack jokes at the man himself - and how he was a fatass dimwit who couldn't even open a door, when Keith Lee came bounding out to the ring!
In a foul mood, Keith Lee was motivated by his "Limitless Legion" in attendance, rushing down to the ring to meet with the man who confessed he was the one to blockade the NXT North American Champion in his dressing room last week! Lee struck with fists flying, when "Absolute" Ricky Starks was suddenly able to kick Lee low. Buying him some time to escape, "the Limitless One" who show incredible speed by following "the Center of Attention" out of the ring - and chasing him up the aisle to the backstage area! As Starks evacuated the premises, ran out of sight, Keith took the time to look around and acknowledge the NXT Universe. With the title over his shoulder, Keith thanked them for their respect, but claimed "Pretty Ricky" would get what he deserved.
An advertisement aired, promoting all of the merchandise available on WWEShop.com.
An advertisement aired, promoting 'Triple H: The Evolution of The Game' - a new LP coming exclusive to WWEShop. Commemorating twenty-five years of "the Cerebral Assassin", this limited edition vinyl would feature every single theme song of "the Game". A must-have for collectors, it would be available this Tuesday, August 18.Wrong Way to Make FriendsEarlier tonight, Killian Dain frequented the backstage halls of Full Sail Arena when he came across Cameron Grimes. Unimpressed at the sight of him, "the Beast of Belfast" grunted before doing a 180 and stomping off. "The Carolina Caveman" again wanted to pursue Dain's services, believing truly that in spite of them getting things off on the wrong foot - the two of them would make one heck of a tag team! With Killian's size and Cameron's wit, they'd be NXT Tag Team Champions in no time! Dain continued to walk, not even bothering to entertain the idea - let alone acknowledge his existence. Grimes finally stopped and angrily yelled after the big man. Spouting he didn't need him anyway, Grimes told Dain he was the lousiest sorry excuse for a wrestler he'd ever seen! That remark got Dain's attention, as he would suddenly come plodding towards Cameron, forcing him to run for the hills!
✕✕✕ 5) Timothy Thatcher def. Anthony Greene (2:20)- After an extended hiatus following the brutal Fight Pit he had to oust Matt Riddle from "the Black and Gold Brand", the sadistic Timothy Thatcher made his in-ring return after weeks of commitment to his training school. Against NXT newcomer Anthony Greene, the newcomer made the grave error of going toe-to-toe with "the Thatch Man", bringing Thatcher to easily take him down and begin pounding on him! Greene was able to escape a front facelock, surprising with a running hurricanrana, followed by a back elbow strike! Greene attempted an inside cradle, but Tim was able to break out and derail Anthony with a brutal European uppercut. Stretching Greene with a single-legged Boston crab, and transitioning into an STF, the toothless grin came out, but Greene showed tenacity. Greene attempted a body slam, but Thatcher would reverse into the single-legged Boston crab! Greene rived in pain as Tim wrenched away - before applying pressure with the knee to the spine. Anthony quickly tapped out!
Sickening and creative with his technical prowess, Timothy Thatcher refused to relinquish the single-legged Boston crab on poor Anthony Greene, who was receiving a less than spectacular welcome to the NXT Brand! With his knee driven into the spine of the newcomer, "the Thatch Man" wrenched away - until finally, help arrived. Bronson Reed came walking down to the ring, unperturbed by the menacing scowl on the face of Thatcher. Finally Tim released the hold, and cranked his neck readying for combat with "the Battleship". Ready to go, a cool, calm and collected "Thicc Boi" welcomed him to bring it - when Thatcher instead decided to smile and take a walk.
✕✕✕ McKenzie Mitchell was standing by backstage with Shotzi, who sat in the Taking Care of Business tank. With her helmet on, "the Ballsy Badass" was psyched for tonight - but as much as she had waited to get her mits all over the pretty face of "the Virtuosa" Deonna Purrazzo - she had already talked long and plenty about how she wanted a woman by the name of Mercedes Martinez. As hyperactive as can be, Shotzi accused Robert Stone and "the Latina Phenomenon" of ducking her, but tonight would be a different story. She would make Mercedes come for her - and when she did, Shotzi and the TCB tank would be ready. Wheeling off to the ring - Shotzi battled Deonna up next.
Start AgainA vignette aired, where in the depths of the jungle, Xia Li was spotted in deep meditation. "The Wushu Crusader" spoke in her native language of Chinese, with subtitles on-screen. Speaking of coming up short against Io Shirai in her NXT Women's Championship pursuit two weeks ago, Xia spoke of the heartbreak and distress which came over her. To have trained for years at a high level, only to be vanquished by the pitiful adversity of defeat at "the Genius of the Sky's" hand, Xia said she could do better and would do better. But first, she had to recompose and start again. With a bamboo stick in hand, she suddenly took to the practice of Wushu martial arts, as she vowed to be better than ever before.
✕✕✕ 6) Deonna Purrazzo def. Shotzi (6:24)- "The Virtuosa" continued to duck Tegan Nox whenever fronted for a rematch, but was happy to accept the challenge of the TCB tankdriver, Shotzi. Out of the gate, Shotzi fired with a series of takedowns, when a knee strike and a rolling elbow led to the Shining Wizard in the corner! Shotzi took the fight to the unsuspecting "Virtuosa" with sliced bread on the apron - but Deonna got out at two. A knee lift and a double-knee armbreaker took the fan favorite down, when a trapping stomp armbreaker saw Purrazzo's technical abilities take the lead. An armbar led to Shotzi firing back up, when Deonna cut her off with the Russian legsweep. She attempted the Gotch-style Powerbomb, but Shotzi reversed into a DDT! A fireman's carry facebreaker fed into the reversal cannonball in the corner! Shotzi was on a roll when Robert Stone led Mercedes Martinez out to the ring. With Shotzi distracted, Purrazzo dragged her crashing to the canvas by the arm, before applying the Venus de Milo, forcing her to tap out.Stomping the Hand That FeedsAs "the Latina Phenomenon" watched menacingly from ringside, Shotzi was forced to tap out by Deonna Purrazzo, who celebrated her perfect record with a curtsey in the ring. Meanwhile, Robert Stone entered with his newest client - and Mercedes Martinez would brutally tread on the fingertips of Shotzi before repeatedly stomping away at the hand of "the Ballsy Badass!" Leaving her in agony, the monstrous Martinez stood tall, when out rushed Tegan Nox! Coming to Shotzi's aid, she would bring the fight to Mercedes - when her attempt at the Shiniest Wizard went blocked by a big boot from Deonna Purrazzo. "The Virtuosa" laughed, as Martinez would plant Nox with a brutal fisherman buster! Stone presented Martinez to the NXT Universe, applauding the two women, as Deonna complimented Mercedes on a job well done.
✕✕✕ A vignette aired, promoting the arival of "Ya Girl's Favorite Superstar". Driving the streets of the Bay Area in San Francisco in a red convertible, "the Ultimate Finesser" would take the time to pull over and stop. Lowering his sunglasses, the eager smile of Chris Bey appeared, welcoming the NXT Universe to what it was all about: "the Black and Gold Brand" debut of the hottest new Cruiserweight on the scene - up next. Limitless v. AbsoluteFollowing another run-in with Ricky Starks earlier tonight, Keith Lee paced back and forth in the interview area when McKenzie Mitchell appeared. Wanting to ask about where the NXT North American Champion's head was at following another cat-and-mouse chase with "the Center of Attention", "the Limitless One" noted how he had always prided himself on his ability to remain focused, calm and driven to be undeniably remarkable in that ring. With that said, he felt there was nothing absolute about the man calling himself "Absolute". Ricky Starks was a cowardly little rodent who since the day he arrived in NXT, had ran from competition. When faced with competition, he padded his undefeated streak with the ability of choosing lesser men. By no means was Keith Lee a lesser man, as he was going to be the one to snap his streak. Challenging "Pretty Ricky" to a match next week, up walked Ricky Starks himself!
Slapping his gums, Ricky Starks contested if he was a coward, he wouldn't be able to say what he had about Keith Lee's dear old grandmother! "The Center of Attention" was amused at how passionate the NXT North American Champion was about defending the old biddy's honor. As far as next week went, he had other plans - but he was willing to fight "the Limitless One" another day - maybe one week from Saturday at NXT TakeOver XXX! Starks goaded Keith to put his title on the line, and as undeserving as he was, Keith told him he was on! Face-to-face, Lee warned "Pretty Ricky" he was like nobody he had ever faced, and would pay the price. As Lee turned to leave, Ricky picked up a steel chair and slammed it across the spine of the champion! Ricky told Keith Lee nobody underestimated "Absolute", and the NXT Universe would be witness to the breakdown of "the Limitless One", when he faced his biggest hurdle at NXT TakeOver XXX! Starks stormed off, slamming the chair down. Returning to a knee, Keith seethed.
- NXT TakeOver XXX - NXT North American Championship - Keith Lee (c) vs Ricky Starks
✕✕✕ 7) Chris Bey def. Tehuti Miles (4:50)- After weeks of anticipation, the NXT Universe were introduced to "Ya Girl's Favorite Superstar". Chris Bey was dressed to impress in his grand entrance, swaggering to the ring in a crop-leather jacket. Up against a fellow Cruiserweight in Tehuti Miles, Bey was cheered when the hungry Miles charged in with a series of clubbing blows and a flapjack! Tehuti served as the aggressor looking for his first NXT victory, when Bey responded with a sudden switchblade kick! With double knees to the spine in the corner, Chris showed the NXT Universe what he was all about with a shotgun dropkick into a sunset flip. A spinebuster connected, when Chris went to the top rope and landed the frog splash - but Tehuti kicked out! "The Ultimate Finesser" landed an Argentine rack facebuster, but Miles further showed resilience. Bey walked into an Air Drop, followed by the inverted running powerslam! Tehuti prepared the Long Kiss Goodnight, but Bey moved to deliver the Chris Kick! It set up for the Triple C springboard cutter for the win!
"The Ultimate Finesser" had made a strong impression in his NXT debut. Cool and cocky, the newest addition to the NXT Brand began breakdancing to the glee of the NXT Universe. In an impressive first victory over Tehuti Miles, Chris Bey looked to have a bright future ahead of him on "the Black and Gold Brand".
✕✕✕ Mauro Ranallo, Beth Phoenix and Vic Joseph discussed the newest additions to the line-up for NXT TakeOver XXX - merely one week from Saturday, streaming live on the WWE Network. Graphics aired showing each of the match-ups announced - including the Trios match, as well as the NXT North American Championship at stake. Plus, Rhea Ripley was now officially a part of the NXT Women's Championship bout - made into a Triple Threat match!
- NXT Women's Championship - Triple Threat match - Io Shirai (c) vs Dakota Kai vs Rhea Ripley
- Damian Priest vs Karrion Kross
- NXT North American Championship - Keith Lee vs Ricky Starks
- Trios match - Legado del Fantasma vs Kushida and Lucha House Party
✕✕✕ Palling Around With the PlayboyMeanwhile, who had finally arrived to Full Sail University, but the Undisputed Era! Reunited for the first time in months as a four-man contingent, Adam Cole was applauded by his brethren, who were still reeling after what he had done to Finn Bálor last week. Roderick Strong hugged "the Panama City Playboy" tight, welcoming him back, when Cole claimed he was just glad to see Kyle O'Reilly - he looked great after being gone so long filming a movie! Bobby Fish joked Kyle was a Hollywood commodity now, when Adam stopped his allies and told them how much he appreciated all the buttering up. They didn't need to comfort him - he held the NXT Championship for 406 days, but there was no reason he couldn't do it all over again! Adam told the UE to get the party started back here - out there, he wanted to conduct some business riding solo. Adam appeared to be heading for the ring.
Mauro Ranallo, Beth Phoenix and Vic Joseph talked about what a night it had been for NXT, before shifting gears to next week, which would be merely days away from NXT TakeOver XXX! Rhea Ripley would team with the NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai to take on Dakota Kai and Raquel González; Imperium would meet Isaiah "Swerve" Scott and Leon Ruff; Timothy Thatcher would take on Bronson Reed; Mia Yim and Candice LeRae would go to battle in a Falls Count Anywhere match to settle the score. Plus, more to come!
- NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai and Rhea Ripley vs Dakota Kai and Raquel González
- Bronson Reed vs Timothy Thatcher
- Falls Count Anywhere match - Candice LeRae vs Mia Yim
- Dijakovic in action
- Imperium vs Isaiah Scott and Leon Ruff
✕✕✕ Time On Our HandsWith the impending arrival of "the Panama City Playboy", the NXT Universe braced itself with an outpouring of boos, as ring announcer Alicia Taylor formally welcomed Adam Cole. The Undisputed Era leader waltzed out nonchalantly in black skinny jeans and a UE shirt, pleased with the work he committed to doing last week against the NXT Champion. The former champion emerged in the ring, where he was drowned in boos and chants of "we want Finn!" Cole told the people in return that they all saw the real Finn Bálor last week, with his lip busted opened and his head caved in courtesy of the true NXT Champion! The crowd booed, as Adam told the people that they had the world in the palm of their hands. For 406 days, they wined and dined with the Kings of NXT - the Undisputed Era. With Adam Cole as NXT Champion, they were afforded no shortage of epic matches, exquisite title defences, and an elite moment in history where the centerpiece of "the Black and Gold Brand" was Adam Cole, bay-bay.
Maybe he had management to blame, citing it as no surprise that the NXT General Manager William Regal was out to get him. Willy had long made it known he did not like or respect the Undisputed Era - but the one thing he could never do was deny the talents of the UE: especially not him! Adam Cole told the NXT Universe he defeated every man put in front of him, until he was blindsighted at the last minute. The truth was Finn Bálor was not qualified to be in title contention, let alone on his level. Instead, he had to win some popularity contest to earn the NXT Championship opportunity he did. "The Panama City Playboy" accused "the Prince" of being a washed-up hack, who once stood at the pinnacle of NXT as its' golden god - but that day was long gone. Now, Finn Bálor was simply a maggot who had been chewed up and spat out by the WWE! Adam refused to allow NXT to become a charity case for those of yesteryear, believing that with NXT, "the Future was Now" - and he was the future!
Having heard enough, Finn Bálor made his way out to the stage with a blank expression on his face. Leather jacket and all, the suavely dressed NXT Champion stolled down to the ring. His eyes fixated on Adam Cole the entire way, "the Prince" climbed into the ring and took his own microphone. Standing face-to-face with "the Panama City Playboy", he admitted he may have been the unlikely candidate to dethrone the flagbearer, and he even confessed that not everybody in the NXT Universe may have been on-board with it. But the fact remained that what happened at the Great American Bash was exactly how it was always going to go down: "the Prince" towering over Adam Cole's carcass, bay-bay. Finn told Adam he may have the gift of the gab, and maybe a bit of a good hand - but there was an expression he learned from his time in Brae County, Ireland - if work was the bed, Adam Cole would sleep on the floor. Finn told Adam he may have directed the ship: but when it came to being top dog - he was a flop.
"The Prince" raised the NXT Championship and was reminded of how when he ran "the Black and Gold Brand" last time around, in all of professional wrestling, that was the title to hold. Finn Bálor used the title in his hands to take NXT from a cult favorite to a global brand. He led "the NXT Revolution" through and through - and the reason he turned back "Black and Gold" to begin with was to remind the up-and-coming stars of the future what it was all about. Not only the gold he raised proudly - but the work ethic, the workrate and the power the title carried with it. Offended, Adam Cole told Finn he didn't need to stand there and listen any longer. Bálor's philosophy was outdated and antiquated, and even if he were right in saying that for 406 days he had ruined the prestige of the NXT Championship - he was damn wrong.
Adam Cole recounted how he lived and breathed this business night-in and night-out for thirteen months, and in that time he had raised the bar for the entirety of the NXT Brand. "The Black and Gold Brand" had him to thank for all of that, because in this business there was only one small group that was devoted enough to lay the claim to being Undisputed: and he was one of them. "The Panama City Playboy" got right down to it, stating that he wanted to use his rematch clause. He wanted it in ten days at NXT TakeOver XXX - and so God as he could help Finn, he hoped "the Prince" was ready, because he planned to throw everything including the kitchen sink at him. Finn Bálor smiled as he listened, telling Adam that for the first time in his life, he had never thought he would say this: this was what he wanted from him. Describing the fire and motivation that flowed through Cole's veins, through his eyes and radiating across the ring: that's what he wanted.
"The Prince" proposed they up the ante. Finn Bálor knew what was deep within and he wanted to wake it up. Adam Cole was more than the man he let on. The NXT Champion glared "the Panama City Playboy" down and told him he would accept his challenge on one condition: it would not be any old regular match. If Cole was yellow-bellied enough, maybe he could invite his cronies from the Undisputed Era along - but if Finn was to say "yes" to the former champ for his rematch at NXT TakeOver XXX: it would need to be done his way. Adam vengefully told Finn he would without question beat Finn Bálor regardless of what the match would be. Demanding he come out with it, Finn issued the challenge: a 60-minute Iron Man match! Cole was irritated by the answer, but turned back and declared that Finn was on - and warned him that once those sixty minutes came and went, there would be no turning back from failure for Finn's pitiful career! Cole departed, with the burning decision made. Bálor vs Cole: Iron Man.
- NXT TakeOver XXX - NXT Championship - 60-Minute Iron Man match - Finn Bálor (c) vs Adam Cole
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Post by DTP. on Jun 29, 2023 15:57:36 GMT -5
Monday Night RAW #1420 - August 10, 2020 WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida SUMMERSLAM: ONE WEEK FROM SUNDAY! "Legendary" by Skillet
Main Event #411 – August 13, 2020 1) Montez Ford def. Humberto Carrillo with the inside cradle. With Angel Garza off wining and dining with Charly Caruso, his cousin "La Estrella" kept the Los Lotharios name alive against one-half of the Street Profits. Tez's aerial assault led the way, until Carrillo cut him off and targeted his shoulder. Ford made a comeback but would miss From the Heavens, yet would roll through before catching Humberto for the win. Humberto was irate with the loss, while "the Frat Boy" showboated. (5:23) 2) Riddick Moss def. Akira Tozawa with Smooth Sailing. Looking to regain momentum after the distraction from Heath Slater cost him his match last week against R-Truth, "So Smooth" was taken to the limit by a motivated Akira Tozawa. The Japanese Superstar had the match won, when a sneaky low blow went unnoticed by the referee. Moss celebrated decisively after the bell - back in his winning ways. (4:47)
A graphic aired, in memorium of the late former WWE Superstar Kamala, James Harris 1950-2020, who went into cardiac arrest yesterday and passed away at age of 70.
A video package aired, taking us back to last week's Finals of the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials. Three Triple Threat Qualifying matches had wittled nine combatants down to three, as AJ Styles, Seth Rollins and Matt Riddle braced for competition. After each had meetings with the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre, all three had an added motivation to come out on top and head to SummerSlam and challenge "the Scottish Terminator" for his title. It could have gone either way, but when the WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens involved himself to tarnish "the Phenomenal One's" efforts of victory, "the Monday Night Messiah" would capitalize with the Stomp to "the King of Bros". With the match for "the Biggest Party of the Summer" set, Seth exchanged looks with the Scotsman.
The opening video package fed us to the WWE Performance Center, where Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian welcomed us to Monday Night RAW. With thirteen days remaining until "the Biggest Party of the Summer", SummerSlam was bound to heat up tonight when Drew McIntyre and Seth Rollins would share the ring and speak for the first time. In another first, Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler would collide in a battle of the beasts; and Big Show would look to recapture the WWE 24/7 Championship from Samoa Joe. The WWE Legend soon spoke, discussing the awful fate which befell Lana last week. Tonight, Christian planned to interview Randy Orton himself in the return of 'the Peep Show'.
- Christian hosts the return of 'the Peep Show' with special guest Randy Orton
- WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre and Seth Rollins will meet face to face
- WWE 24/7 Championship - Samoa Joe (c) vs Big Show
- Shayna Baszler vs Nia Jax
Ready for Anything The WWE Universe in attendance clamored in boos, as the Iiconics would lead the way out for Charlotte Flair. In high spirits like never before, "the Queen" wooed to the dismay of the people as she swaggered down to the ring. After sarcastically thanking the poors for the reaction, Charlotte was here to get this show kicked off the right way, and that was by addressing the speculation on social media. She could admit that she lost her RAW Women's Championship opportunity to Asuka recently because she was a grown woman who didn't care what people thought of her. Further, when she lost the NXT Women's Championship to Io Shirai - she simply had gotten lucky! Justifying her losses, she turned to Billie Kay and Peyton Royce who sucked up, claiming that Charlotte had bigger fish to fry than be treading water over on NXT. Discussing the common perception that Charlotte was past her prime, she had to disagree - as did her inner circle. If anything, she was like Michael Jordan in 'the Last Dance;' or like Ric Flair in the Carolinas in the 1980s!
On the topic of her father, "the Queen" compared herself to "the Nature Boy" in the fact that she was on her way to being a living icon in this business, daring the people to look at her track record! At the youthful age of 34 years-old, she was on her way to becoming the Women's Champion for a twelfth time in her five year career. Questioning who could even come close to what she had accomplished, the Iiconics defended her - stating no-one. The best thing was yet to be said however, as Charlotte Flair discussed that with her pinfall victory over "the Empress of Tomorrow" in last week's tag team match, she had been in contact with executives of the USA Network to declare her intent to a future opportunity at the RAW Women's Championship. All she needed was for Asuka to come on out and state her time and place. The WWE Performance Center booed at the loophole allowing Flair to receive a second shot at the gold, when Asuka made her radical entrance, adorned complete with mask and fur coat.
Tensely, she emerged in the ring and stared down Charlotte Flair. Asuka looked "the Queen" right in the eye and told her with her eyes wide open that she would not back down. She remembered all of the misery, losing her streak and losing her title. "The Empress of Tomorrow" clasped the RAW Women's Championship tight and declared she would not let it happen again. She would not back down, and at SummerSlam, Charlotte will feel all of "the Kabuki Warrior" spirit and energy! As the Iiconics talked trash towards Asuka, Flair watched stoically as Asuka made her exit. Heading back up the rampway, she raised her title high - when inexplicably came Nia Jax from behind! It was a set up, as Flair's face lit up with a big smile. "The Irresistible Force" clobbered Asuka and tried to send her bouncing off the plexiglass wall - just for Asuka to turn it around on her! Backing up to the top of the rampway strategically, Asuka stared the four women down - ready for anything they had.
- SummerSlam - RAW Women's Championship - Asuka (c) vs Charlotte Flair
︾︾︾ The Bro Who Leads The Co. AJ Styles unpacked his gear when in walked Matt Riddle. Impressed by the O.C.'s dressing room, "the Original Bro" rummaged through his things, annoying AJ. Riddle admitted how sucky it was they both failed last week in the Finals of the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials. He knew they weren't challenging for the WWE World Championship - but what was stopping them from forming their own Club? AJ was baffled, reminding him he had a Club! Riddle believed AJ could do much better. Vexed, AJ believed it should be him facing Drew McIntyre at SummerSlam, but thanks to Matt Riddle and Kevin Owens, it wasn't going to happen. AJ knew Matt was new to here, but "the Phenomenal" considered himself "the Face Who Runs the Place". Making it known plenty of people weren't happy to see "the King of Bros", AJ challenged Riddle to a match. Riddle told AJ he understood - but as "the Bro Who Leads The Co", Riddle accepted, saying he was gonna have to choke AJ out all over again.
- Tonight - AJ Styles vs Matt Riddle
I Quit, I WonderSarah Schreiber was with MVP, wrapping up a phonecall with "the All Mighty". When asked about the condition of Lana, Montel Vontavious Porter broke the news Bobby Lashley would not be here tonight. Lana was recovering fine, but come I Quit, Randy Orton would not. "The Franchise Player" told Sarah he dreaded what "the All Mighty" might do when he's alone with "the Viper" at SummerSlam. Never before had Orton said the words "I quit" - but Lashley would make sure he made a habit of it. As MVP continued, Randy Orton appeared over his shoulder, bringing MVP to freeze! Orton laughed, telling him he's got no reason to lay a finger on him. Randy told MVP his issue with Lashley - the posse surrounding him. Team Lashley were pathetic, and SummerSlam would put Bob in the same recession of success he was in before MVP came aboard. Orton mused what might become of MVP with no Lashley and no Lana. Intimidating Porter one last time, he teased putting a hand on him, just for MVP to brace for impact.
Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian discussed the situation last week, when a video package aired reviewing Randy Orton dropping Lana with an RKO, moments after relinquishing the Money in the Bank briefcase and accepting a match with Bobby Lashley for SummerSlam. With his wife down and out, "the All Mighty" made it an I Quit match. Back in the WWE Performance Center, Christian talked about having an extensive past with "the Viper". He was there for Orton's first days in the WWE, they had feuded over the World Heavyweight Championship together - and tonight he promised to speak to "the Apex Predator" man to man on 'the Peep Show'.
︾︾︾ 1) Sarah Logan and Natalya def. The Riott Squad (8:20) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- Though the Riott Squad were back together, now it was Sarah Logan who found herself to be the outcast. Thankfully, she had the aid of Natalya, who had issues with both Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott. Morgan and Riott showed zero sign of ring rust in their first match as a tag team in over a year, immediately bringing the fight to Logan and Nattie with dropkicks and armdrags! Running their opponents from opposite corners into one another, Ruby and Liv alternated their foes with stereo clothesline. Liv kept the pressure on Sarah with a hurricanrana, when Logan showed her power and evaded an enzuigiri before delivering a fisherman suplex! Natalya mocked her former protégé and connected with the Russian legsweep before a double snap suplex took her down. "The Kentucky Renegade" exchanged words with Ruby, keeping Liv at bay. - Liv Morgan initiated a comeback with a corner hip attack sending Natalya into Sarah Logan! With "the Kentucky Renegade" taken out, a roll-up got a near fall when the Jersey Codebreaker scored a near fall. Ruby Riott made her presence felt with a cannonball senton in the corner! A shiranui struck both Natalya and Logan, when a pop-up headbutt was attempted - just for Nattie to block it with the discus clothesline! Nattie got Ruby up in the electric chair and Sarah attempted a Doomsday Device - when Liv Morgan sent her tumbling out to the floor. Ruby sent Nattie face-first into Liv's knee on the top rope, when a facebuster followed. Ruby piggybacked Liv onto her former mentor with a double senton, when Logan got involved. As the Canadian handled her former student at ringside, Ruby looked for the Riott Kick - just for Logan to block it with her forearm! Hooking the legs, she would put her feet on the ropes for leverage to steal it.
In their first match back together as a tag team, Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott were beaten. All thanks to Sarah Logan's cheap shortcuts, "the Kentucky Renegade" rolled out to celebrate alongside Natalya. Nattie raised her hand proudly, even calling her the protégé she never had! Liv was present to reassure Ruby back inside, who was frustrated with losing for the Riott Squad. They would live to fight another day.
︾︾︾ Following discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian, a video package aired reviewing the event of Main Event from last week. As Riddick Moss took on Oney Lorcan, Heath Slater was spotted arriving at the WWE Performance Center, which played on the big screen. "The One-Man Rock Band's" publicized sighting would serve as a way for "the Boston Bruiser" to get the win with a Lariat.Zero ToleranceEarlier today, as two security guards stood on the door of the WWE Performance Center, they laughed and talked when up walked Riddick Moss holding a tray of fresh donuts! Thrilled to be here at the WWEPC, the two guards asked kindly to see his I.D. As he tried to sell the guards on how he was "So Smooth" Riddick Moss - the former multiple time WWE 24/7 Champion, they argued that their buddy was also a former champ! It meant nothing to them, as they again asked for identification. Moss flashed his badge before explaining why he was there. After the amount of trespassing that had gone on over the past eternity, he was here to help them with a persistent red-headed pest. The guards tried to argue they didn't need his input, though the WWE Superstar insisted! He told them it was time for WWE's security team to show zero tolerance to intruders. They continued to try and make them leave, but Riddick issued them with the donuts. One of the guards noted they couldn't eat them - he was vegan.
A video package aired, reviewing the reign of dominance led by the current reigning WWE 24/7 Champion Samoa Joe. For the past several weeks, he had been an unstoppable force, having gatecrashed Big Show's WWE 24/7 Championship Invitational. Destroying allcomers who dared to step to him, nobody had had as much an impact over the 24/7 Division quite like "the Coquina Destroyer" - but tonight, Joe faced his biggest challenge to date in the Big Show.
︾︾︾ 2) Ricochet and Cedric Alexander def. Cezar Bononi and Nick Ogarelli (2:58)- One week following their big win against Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson of the O.C., Ricochet and Cedric Alexander found themselves against another two towers in Cezar Bononi and Nick Ogarelli. The NXT upstarts mocked the puny size of "Lumbar Legacy", who tried to outrun the Brazillian early just to get taken down with a shoulder block. After several strikes, Cedric knocked the big man off his feet with the Neutralyzer, before in came Ricochet to sound off against Ogarelli! Nick would take both down with a double clothesline, and after clubbing away at "the One and Only", Ricochet would receive a powerslam for a near fall. Looking for the biggest win of their young careers, "the Future of Flight" got back in the game with a rolling spinning headscissors, and Cedric would join with a series of low dropkicks! A turning moonsault topé took Ogarelli out on the floor, while inside, Alexander escaped a fireman's carry. Ricochet hit the Recoil, and Alexander connected with the Lumber Check on Bononi for the win!
The tag team chemistry of Ricochet and Cedric Alexander was propelling them only upwards as they continued to navigate the RAW Tag Team Division. "The Future of Flight" and "Lumbar Legacy" raised one another's hands, as Nick Ogarelli came to help Cezar Bononi from the ring. Continuing to impress, it would surely not be long before they were in contention for a RAW Tag Team Championship opportunity.
︾︾︾ Complex CreatureReturning to the site of the third first date, Angel Garza was charming Charly Caruso when a waiter nervously approached. Having experienced the hot temper of Angel two weeks in a row, "El Amante" greeted him like an old friend, trying to put the young man at ease. The waiter asked if he could provide them with drinks, bringing Garza to feign frustration at the waiter's tone. Seeing panic in the waiter's eyes, he laughed and slapped the waiter's back, assuring him he was only kidding! As Angel asked for a bottle of red wine, the waiter left Charly to question why he acted the way he did. Angel smirked, telling Charly he had to play hard to get. The broadcast journalist would point out all of the things Angel had said and done over the past few months, but he admitted he couldn't help it. He was friends with the right people and was right at home in La Invasíon. Charly asked about his temper, and his insistence to snap at innocent people. Angel shrugged, claiming to be a complex creature.
Charly Caruso soon looked into Angel Garza's eyes, reminding him he didn't play hard to get when he asked her out - or begged her for a second chance, twice over. The two flirted, when the waiter returned with a tray containing the bottle of red wine and two glasses. To make a point, "El Amante" thanked him and asked kindly to pour them glasses. Nervously, the waiter did - the bottle shaking all the while. Hoping to appease him, Angel slapped a $100 bill in his breast pocket and patted him as a thankyou. With the waiter informing them he would go and provide the menus for the meal ahead, Angel raised a toast to passion overcoming all, and to her beauty meeting his beast. Charly laughed, telling him he was so cheesy! The two laughed, as their date continued to run smoothly.
︾︾︾ Returning to the WWE Performance Center, the parking lot showed Seth Rollins and the Church arrive at the building. The next challenger to the WWE World Championship was dressed to impress, leading the way for "the Equalizer" Akam, and the RAW Tag Team Champions Theory and Murphy. "The Monday Night Messiah" was the victor of the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials, and therefore would meet Drew McIntyre face-to-face - coming up next.The Future of Monday Night RawlinsThe Church of Rollins had arrived at Monday Night RAW, making their way out to the stage as led by their fearless leader, Seth Rollins. "The Monday Night Messiah" looked around as he led his Disciples to the ring, laughing in the faces of the WWE Universe members. Some worshipped "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy", while others disapproved. With Akam towering over him, and with the RAW Tag Team Champions Theory and Murphy both standing beside him, Seth took the microphone and told the people about the prophecy which was becoming true. It was nights like last week, where he came out on top of the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials, where he came to recognize just how far he had come. Ever since he arrived in the Shield, he had been about making history. He went from "the Architect" to "the Future of the WWE", and from "the King Slayer", he became "the Beast Slayer". Now, 'Monday Night Rawlins' was a sure thing, because come SummerSlam, he would once again become WWE World Champion.
"The Monday Night Messiah" continued to discuss his philosophy in why the Church had come together. Looking down the line at each of his Disciples, Seth Rollins admitted that what had once begun as a selfish place of worship for himself became the stepping stone of success for each of his men. For Theory, Murphy and Akam, each of them received salvation from association to him. They had the RAW Tag Team Championships, and were the hottest thing going on Monday Night RAW - yet once SummerSlam came around, and he became WWE World Champion again: they would become all the more valuable! Seth proclaimed sweet, sweet irony as being how "the Future of WWE" was now the present - and each of his Disciples represented the future of this company for decades to come! As the WWE Universe booed, "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy" came to remember the audience, and how each and every one of them turned their backs on him. But now, he was undeniable. In thirteen days, victory at "the Biggest Party of the Summer" was inevitable: because that was how the prophecy went.
The bagpipes squealed through the WWE Performance Center, ushering out his opponent in thirteen days to a big ovation. Drew McIntyre marched down to the ring with a smile, the WWE World Championship around his waist. Confronting each of the Disciples upon entry, "the Scottish Terminator" passed glances with Theory and Murphy, before squaring off with "the Equalizer" Akam. His attention turning to Seth Rollins, the two top stars of Monday Night RAW faced off. The champion told Seth from day one of the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials, he had a feeling "the Monday Night Messiah" would rise to the top. Maybe deep down, he knew all along he was destined to face Seth. Maybe he could see the future too for all he knew - or maybe Seth was more delusional than he thought. As "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy" warned Drew not to insult the Church, Drew claimed he wasn't insulting anybody - he thought while Seth was all of the things he said he was, at the end of the day he saw him as a crazy cult leader!
But what got under Drew McIntyre's skin the most, was what he had claimed about each of his Disciples. Seth Rollins could pronounce them whatever he wanted, but what it all came down to was the cold hard truth that "the Monday Night Messiah" didn't really think the future when he saw Theory, Murphy and Akam as his Disciples. Upset at the accusation, Seth claimed that they were his Disciples - and when 'Monday Night Rawlins' was realized again, they would rule alongside him. Grinning, "the Scottish Terminator" knew he was pushing the buttons of the challenger, exclaiming the whole WWE Universe knew he was dragging everybody along with him - and deep down, Seth didn't give a damn about the futures of any of his men! Abruptly, Theory raised his voice questioning what Drew had done for anybody lately. "A-Town Austin" told him for the past few months, he had sat under the learning tree of "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy", and it had been an honor, a privilege and a pleasure!
The WWE World Champion was surprised to hear from Theory, when Murphy pushed him back and got in the face of Drew McIntyre. "The Juggernaut" claimed to have warned "A-Town Austin" about his conduct as a Disciple of the Church, but Seth Rollins simply laughed. He knew that Drew would say such blasphemous things to get underneath his skin. The truth was simple, at SummerSlam, he would be the better man, and he would walk away from "the Biggest Party of the Summer" as the new WWE World Champion. "The Scottish Terminator" could believe whatever he wanted to, but the fact remained the WWE and Monday Night RAW revolved around him! McIntyre nodded, believing Seth. Maybe he was right, and he was the better man - but come SummerSlam, the Scotsman was making it his mission statement to dismantle the Church from its very foundations. He would see Seth in thirteen days! The champ turned his head to leave, when Theory spoke up again.
Despite the discouragement from Murphy, Theory borrowed "the Monday Night Messiah's" microphone and told Drew McIntyre he thought he was full of cr*p. Seth Rollins was not only a greater athlete, but a better man. He was the teacher "the Scottish Terminator" wished he could be - but it was clear he only liked to destroy, not create! "A-Town Austin" was urged to calm down again by Murphy, as Akam restrained him. Seth Rollins watched curiously as his youngest Disciple questioned if Drew liked to fight so much - what was stopping him from taking him on tonight! The WWE World Champion breathed a sigh of relief, getting worried he might actually go an edition of Monday Night RAW without a match. Lucky for the kid, he was free tonight! He wanted to see what he had, and had advice for him: the fact that there was life away from "the Messiah". Leaving the ring, Theory was met with vexation from his tag team partner. Seth meanwhile remained impressed by the moxy of this twenty-three year old!
- Tonight - WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre vs RAW Tag Team Champion Theory
︾︾︾ No Sweat, Bro The WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens sat on his phone, reviewing footage of himself costing AJ Styles the Finals of the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials last week. Chuckling about it, he was soon joined by the neon-clad Matt Riddle. "The Original Bro" told him he had all the respect in the world for "the Prize Fighter" - last week was gnarly! Kev thanked him, unsure what to make of the term. It led the Bro to discuss how he knew Owens had his back - but he wanted him to know he might be new, but he could handle the O.C. himself. Owens knew, assuring him he didn't take out "the Phenomenal One" for him. He did it to get even with AJ and his pinhead pals Luke Gallows and Kal Anderson. With that said, he also knew "the King of Bros" might have it out for his title, and when the time came, he wanted Matt to realize that he would be ready to give him an opportunity anytime. Matt mused he and KO should hang out sometime, but Kev told him that was never going to happen, but wished him luck!
Footage aired from moments ago, where in the midst of the first face-to-face meeting between WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre and his SummerSlam opponent Seth Rollins, Theory would be the unlikely Disciple to step up to the plate. Issuing a challenge to "the Scottish Terminator" for challenging "the Monday Night Messiah's" mentorship as the head of the Church, the youngster faced the opportunity of a lifetime - as well as his toughest fight to date.3) AJ Styles def. Matt Riddle (18:25) [THROUGH TWO BREAKS]- The Finals of the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials saw an intense battle take place, pitting "the Phenomenal One" against "the Original Bro". While neither man would be successful in gaining contention to the WWE World Championship, Matt Riddle having AJ Styles on the cusp of tapping out to the BroMission was enough to incense "the Face Who Runs the Place". Riddle came out of his corner with a series of strikes, warding AJ off into the corner. The fun-loving former MMA Fighter had fun at AJ's expense, when the leader of the O.C. came firing back with a series of strikes! Riddle would block a multitude of the shots, soon lighting him up with kicks in the corner. A dropkick saw AJ block it, when a snap suplex struck in the corner! AJ was brash in demeanor, but a corner clothesline saw Riddle duck out and spring off the second rope with a Superman Punch! With AJ knocked silly, Riddle went for the cover - just for his opponent to flop out to the floor strategically. - "The King of Bros" continued to get the better of AJ Styles, as a deadlift gutwrench suplex would see him float over into a second, and then a third! The jumping Broton got a near fall, as Matt Riddle continued to control. A German suplex was attempt, when AJ landed out on his feet - striking with a pumphandle gutbuster! "The Phenomenal One's" fiery side came out, delivering a jumping knee drop on the former Ultimate Fighter. Kicks to the back only brought Riddle back to his feet, when AJ drilled him with a back suplex turned into a sit-out facebuster! Styles dropped Riddle with a brainbuster, when Riddle reacted to the Styles Combination by blocking the spinning backfist, ducking the clothesline, and drilling AJ with a knee strike! The Final Flash would knock AJ through a loop, when Riddle hit the ropes just to encounter the dropkick of "the Phenomenal One!" The slingshot forearm smash caught "the Original Bro" out on the floor, as AJ's confidence accelerated with each passing minute. - "The Face Who Runs the Place" was proving exactly why he called himself that, as a backbreaker saw Matt Riddle crumple in pain. During the break he had suffered a suplex driving him into the barricade upside down, and now "the Original Bro" received the brunt of the Ushigoroshi for a near fall. AJ Styles targeted the bare feet of the former Ultimate Fighter, but Riddle knocked him with a roundhouse kick! The Spear took "the Phenomenal One" down, when Riddle delivered a powerbomb transitioned into the driving knee strike - for a close near fall. Feeling it now, Riddle began to apply the BroMission that nearly forced AJ to pass out last week when the O.C. made their way out to ringside! Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson provided the distraction, and Riddle would exchange words with them. AJ attempted the Phenomenal Forearm, but Riddle caught him with a flying cross-armbreaker! Remaining vigilant, Styles followed through to his feet - planting Riddle with the Styles Clash for the three count!BuzzkillersAJ Styles began to celebrate his big victory, but before he could even get to his feet, from behind Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson entered to deliver a stampede of boots to the anatomy of Matt Riddle! "The Phenomenal One" joined in, kicking the ribs of "the King of Bros". The O.C.'s party would however go thwarted by the arrival of Kevin Owens. Armed with a steel chair, the WWE United States Champion jabbed "the Big LG" in the ribcage, before delivering a shot to the spine of KA! "The Prize Fighter" spotted AJ across the ring and raced in bullishly with fists flying. Owens cornered AJ, when the O.C. struck from behind! The numbers game would work to their advantage, as the Magic Killer planted Owens. Suddenly "the Original Bro" re-entered the fray, firing a steel chair in the general direction of Gallows! The Bro 2 Sleep struck Anderson, when a bicycle knee strike shooed AJ from the ring. The O.C. cursed Riddle's vigilance, as he helped KO to his feet.
︾︾︾ Footage aired from earlier tonight, recapping Asuka accepting Charlotte Flair's grounds for a rematch for her RAW Women's Championship at SummerSlam. Yet as "the Empress of Tomorrow" departed the ring, she would find herself blasted from behind by Nia Jax. While she would escape the clutches of "the Irresistible Force", one still had to wonder what "the Giantess's" true intentions were.
Alas, Nia Jax had to divert her attention elsewhere. Walking the hall, "the Irresistible Force" walked with poise and a mean expression. On a splitscreen, she shared the walk with Shayna Baszler - her opponent tonight. "The Queen of Spades" resumed with a cocky swagger, and the towel draped over her shoulders. Weeks of confrontations and the MMA Fighter watching "the Giantess" from afar had led to tonight. Who would come out on top, in what was bound to be a dogfight!Leading By ExampleFollowing the challenge issued to the WWE World Champion, Theory appeared fed up as he was lectured once again by his partner and peer, Murphy. "The Juggernaut" questioned what he thought he was doing. What he did was so close to upstaging their "Monday Night Messiah", he almost had him exiled from the Church immediately. "A-Town Austin" told his tag team partner this was about their "Messiah!" Drew McIntyre had insulted Seth Rollins, and he wasn't going to stand by and let that happen - unlike some people. Murphy argued that their role as Disciples included only acting when "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy" allows it. Murphy told Theory they may be RAW Tag Team Champions, but "the Head of the Church" had thousands upon thousands of followers more devoted than him. Theory and Murphy went nose to nose, as Murphy told the youngster he better do good tonight. Suddenly, Seth Rollins entered the room full of energy!
Impressed by the tenacity of his youngest Disciple, "the Monday Night Messiah" wrapped his arms around both Theory and Murphy, as he explained that was what the Church needed! Seth Rollins believed "the Juggernaut" could stand a chance to follow from "A-Town Austin's" example. Murphy rolled his eyes, when Akam hovered over the scene. "The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy" declared tonight the beginning of the resurrection of 'Monday Night Rawlins', and by God as his witness, Drew McIntyre would fall at the hands of the Church - per the prophecy!
︾︾︾ Wild Turn of EventsWhat started with weeks of anticipation was about to lead to the most unique match in recent memory. For the past several months, there had been no wrecking machines like Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax. After confronting one another last week, the match was made for tonight. "The Queen of Spades" made her arrival first, pacing to the ring with a black towel draped around her neck. Shayna Baszler was about to combat her biggest hurdle to date, when Nia Jax came stomping out. Her eyes locked on "the Submission Magician", she would leave herself open for an attack from the RAW Women's Champion Asuka! "The Empress of Tomorrow" wanted revenge after the attempted ambush earlier tonight, with Jax speculated to be in cohoots with Charlotte Flair! Baszler watched Asuka throttle Nia, to the point "the Irresistible Force" looked to escape into the ring. But as Asuka leaped from the second rope and applied the Asuka Lock to try and tame "the Giantess", Baszler came from behind with the Kirifuda Clutch!
As much as Shayna Baszler did not like Nia Jax, her beef with Asuka overrode her animosity for "the Irresistible Force". The Kirifuda Clutch forced the RAW Women's Champion off of Nia Jax, who abruptly sucker punched "the Empress of Tomorrow!" After a staredown, the two beasts turned to stomp away at the champ. Backstage, Charlotte Flair and the Iiconics watched on, as Baszler was prepared for the Elbow Stamp to sideline "the Kabuki Warrior". Out raced Bianca Belair to the champ's aid - immediately taking down Baszler with a series of hair whips and the Spear! Jax turned her attention, grabbing "the EST" by the hair - only to get a dropkick. Bianca failed at powering Nia up for a body slam, when Asuka came to with a series of kicks. Through the ropes went Jax to the floor. Baszler and Jax, the thought-to-be enemies, squared off with Asuka and Belair from the ring! Suddenly, ring announcer Mike Rome received word from the executives of the USA Network: this match would now be a tag team match!4) Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler def. RAW Women's Champion Asuka and Bianca Belair (7:25) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- What was intended as being a first-time encounter between Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler had transformed into an impromptu tag team match. The RAW Women's Champion Asuka and Bianca Belair rushed "the Irresistible Force" and "the Queen of Spades". Jax dispatched Belair with a headbutt, and after sending her to the floor, targeted Asuka alongside Baszler. "The Empress of Tomorrow" would not back down from the onset of assault, striking both with all of her fury when "the Giantess" mowed her down with a hard clothesline! "The EST" would come flying in from the top rope with a crossbody sending her into the arms of Nia. Caught like a child, Bianca tried to kick and punch her way out, when Asuka came to and dropkicked Jax on top of her! "The Submission Magician" came from behind with a swinging gutwrench suplex attempt - but Belair hit a single-leg dropkick, and a hip attack from Asuka sent her to the floor! Again Shayna and Nia were sent from the ring, and the two argued furiously! - Bianca Belair's Shining Star Press saw Shayna Baszler get her knees up, when a blind tag from Nia Jax had "the Giantess" deliver a Bulldozer! Jax cornered Bianca with hip attacks when a corner splash missed - but "the Queen of Spades" tagged in and prevented the tag! With a soccer kick to the ribs, Baszler cornered Bianca all over again and attempted the Yokosuka Cutter - when Belair landed out on her feet and delivered a spinebuster! Asuka got the tag, and hit the ring with rapidfire kicks for Nia. As "the Irresistible Force" shoved her off, the RAW Women's Champion rebound with a Switchblade Kick, when the Shining Wizard knocked her down. Baszler returned after a series of hip attacks, only to be attacked by Bianca. In the melee, Asuka had a tough time applying the Asuka Lock on a kneeling Jax, when out to the rampway waltzed Charlotte Flair. Eyes on her SummerSlam opponent, it led to Jax powering her up for the Annihilator, and a Leg Drop later saw Nia defeat "the Empress of Tomorrow!"
"The Irresistible Force" sat over a crushed RAW Women's Champion with a cold grimace. As Charlotte Flair applauded her from the top of the rampway, Nia Jax would shove the referee away from having her hand raised. Instead, she would continue her assault on Asuka, teasing a second! Instead, Shayna Baszler stopped her in her tracks for another face-off. With problems still lingering between the two beasts, "the Giantess" barged past "the Queen of Spades" and plodded up the rampway. Meeting eyes with "the Queen", it once again looked as though there was collusion between Flair and Nia - with SummerSlam less than two weeks away.
︾︾︾ Mall Cop MossOutside the WWE Performance Center, the two security guards stood watchful of the outside world as Riddick Moss slumped his shoulders and struggled to remain standing. "So Smooth" was finding it difficult to stand up so long, and with his patience waning, he questioned where the hell Heath Slater was. The guards argued that it was a good thing "the One Man Rock Band" wasn't here - with no problems, that meant less paperwork! Moss took the moral highground, wishing to make Heath pay for costing him his match last week. If all the guards cared about was paperwork - it was no wonder nobody liked them! Moss gave a speech about justice and what it meant to stand up for the common WWE Superstar - when R-Truth arrived. The guards tried to allow him entry straight away, as "the Truth" held a pizza box in hand. Riddick was disgruntled, claiming not only was he allowed in without showing identification - but he was bringing in outside food!
The security guards thought little of it, admitting to R-Truth helping them out once or twice in the past. "The Truth" brought up bringing them donuts, before questioning when Riddick Moss became a policeman! "So Smooth" got angry, having given the guards donuts himself - before disputing the fact he was a policeman. Explaining his situation to "the Truth", all that went through his mind was when Heath Slater was re-signed to a WWE contract! Moss told R-Truth to proceed, bringing him to wish Moss all the best in his dream job as a mall cop. He knew he had it in him! Riddick was left irate as R-Truth rapped about pizza on entry. Continuing to whine and moan, the guards told Moss again that he would make an awful mall cop.
Following his exchange with the O.C. earlier tonight, the WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens was approached by Sarah Schreiber. "The Prize Fighter" claimed AJ Styles had hidden behind Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson for too long. For years, he heard him being called "the Phenomenal One" - and by all means, he might be. Yet when he thinks of AJ Styles, he didn't see anything "Phenomenal" about him. Owens talked about "the Good Brothers" always coming to his aid, and dared AJ to quit coasting - challenging him to a match at SummerSlam; offering to put the title on the line. First, he first had to get rid of "Dirty Dan" and "Pinhead Larry". In walked Matt Riddle, telling Sarah AJ may have gotten lucky, but there would come a time and a place where he wouldn't. He had it out for the O.C., and next week, "KO-Bro" were going to take "the Big LG" and KA out. "The Original Bro" said he knew they could be buddies! His hand in the air for a high five, KO left him hanging!
- Next week - WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens and Matt Riddle vs Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson
- SummerSlam - WWE United States Championship - Kevin Owens (c) vs AJ Styles
︾︾︾ Life After Lucha-LibreThe patriarch of La Invasíon made his presence felt in the WWE Performance Center. With the match signed for SummerSlam, where their long rivalry would finally draw to its conclusion, Andrade followed Zelina Vega out to the ring. "El Capo" was thirteen days away from having the opportunity to be the one of thousands, to finally put the nail in the coffin of Rey Mysterio's thirty-plus year career. In the ring, the suavely-dressed "El Idolo" grinned through his shades to the loud boos from the WWE Universe, who chanted for "the Legendary Luchador". His business manager did the talking, recapping the proposal Rey Mysterio had to offer last week. It was not convincing in the slightest, but when the three of them convened, a negotiation was had - and the result was more than satisfactory. Never did they think they would receive such a delicious idea: to not only overcome the legendary Rey Mysterio once and for all, but to elevate the superstardom of her client, Andrade.
Zelina Vega discussed their rivalry, and how many matches Andrade and Rey Mysterio had had. They had fought more times than she could possibly count. "El Capo" had defeated "the Legendary Luchador" and embarrassed him. He had beaten him down, and he had taken titles from him. He had even beaten his son Dominik Mysterio - but as satisfying as all of that was, SummerSlam would mark a crowning achievement. Andrade graced the microphone, talking about how Rey was a hero to him, much like every aspiring luchador in Mexico. But the days of him idolizing him died when he first stepped foot in the ring. Ever since he came to WWE, he had strived to be the man to draw the curtain on the legacy of Rey Mysterio. In the twilight of his career, he was older, he was sore, he was slower and he was ready to be taken down. His absence even said it all - he didn't even bother showing up tonight, because he knew "the Biggest Party of the Summer" would become the biggest funeral of the season as well.
It was disappointing, but Andrade learned long ago that Rey Mysterio was smarter than he let on. "The Legendary Luchador" knew he could not defeat "El Capo", because La Invasíon led Monday Night RAW with an iron fist. They moved forward and never stepped back - and come SummerSlam, Rey would realize his career was over, when he went down to Andrade "El Idolo!" Zelina made it known they had a cute video made for the icon that was Rey Mysterio - with the sun setting on his illustrious career. A touching video package aired, playing tribute to Mysterio. First stepping foot on American soil in ECW, the exciting youngster from Tijuana captured the hearts of many with his spirit. He became a highlight reel in WCW, renowned as the greatest Cruiserweight in the division. WWE took his career to the greatest of heights, becoming World Heavyweight Champion and a global Superstar. In the arena, the WWE Universe applauded, and mockingly, Andrade wished Rey best of luck in his life after lucha-libre.
︾︾︾ Backstage, Big Show was finishing a quick warm-up in the weight room of the WWE Performance Center. Sitting up and bashing his fists together, the former WWE 24/7 Champion emerged to his feet and began to head for the ring. "The World's Largest Athlete" was back and looking for the gold Samoa Joe had taken from him. The two mammoths would collide with the gold at stake - up next.
An advertisement aired, promoting WWE SummerSlam. It was "the Biggest Party of the Summer", and this year was no exception, with the most unorthodox match in WWE history. With the WWE Universal Championship at stake, two warriors would meet in a confrontation exceeding this reality. Brother Nero would meet The Fiend when "the Death-Defying Daredevil" met "the New Face of Fear" in Interdimensional Warfare - "You'll Never See It Coming!" It would be live on Sunday, August 23 - live on the award-winning WWE Network.On the PayrollNia Jax paced the backstage area, when she came across Charlotte Flair. With the Iiconics following her around as always, "the Queen" congratulated "the Irresistible Force" on an impressive victory against Asuka. Nia told Charlotte she knew she could get the job done, but now was about what was in this partnership for her. Flair mused what she could offer "the Giantess", when she responded demanding her own opportunity at the RAW Women's Championship! Nia argued she had done far more than she had, and teased asking the executives of USA Network to add her to the match at SummerSlam. Charlotte told her they were on the cusp of great things, and if she would hang on just a little longer, she would surely make it count. Billie Kay and Peyton Royce blurted out that Charlotte's building this generation's answer to the Four Horsemen, when Nia told the duo she didn't give a damn. Flair stated she would offer her the first shot at the title after her victory "the Biggest Party of the Summer", before departing.
With the Iiconics following Charlotte Flair out of earshot, "the Irresistible Force" was confronted again by Shayna Baszler! "The Queen of Spades" told Nia Jax she got lucky, and questioned whether "the Giantess" had no chance of getting the job done at beating Asuka. Jax argued Shayna failed to come anywhere close in her own past efforts, but "the Submission Magician" turned to call "the Giantess" out for buddying up with that talentless hack Charlotte Flair. Jax told her that had nothing to do with her. Face-to-face, Baszler finally told Nia she did good out there. Barging past her, Jax watched her leave.
︾︾︾ 5) Samoa Joe (c) def. Big Show to retain the WWE 24/7 Championship (5:33)- In a first time ever meeting, the WWE 24/7 Championship was about to see its biggest showdown to date. Samoa Joe jumped the shark attacking Big Show on the aisleway, but his attempt at a suplex saw Show reverse! "The World's Largest Athlete" delivered a giant chop in the corner, but the Samoan counteracted with a corner elbow and an enzuigiri; evading the corner splash. Joe tried to power Show up, just to be struck down with a side kick, when the big man connected with the Vader bomb for a near fall! Joe was in trouble, when a series of leg kicks took the big man down. The STF was applied, but the champ made the ropes. The veteran tried to fight further leg kicks, finally planting Joe with a big boot. A hip bump and a series of clotheslines set "the Coquina Destroyer" up for the Chokeslam. Only, Joe broke free and latched on with the Coquina Clutch! Show dropped to a knee, and then both knees. Grounded, Show tried to fight with all of his might - but ultimately conceded to passing out!
With the giant fast asleep, Samoa Joe refused to relinquish the Coquina Clutch despite the frantic urgence of the official! The WWE 24/7 Champion finally released "the World's Largest Athlete" from his koala grip, snatching the title from the referee. With Big Show down and unconscious, Joe made his exit to boos from the WWE Universe. An amazing feat had see "the Samoan Submission Machine" choke out the WWE Legend, and in response, Joe continued to run his mouth. Claiming he was the toughest man alive, that stood the test of time 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
︾︾︾ A graphic aired, promoting the upcoming meeting between the co-holder of the RAW Tag Team Championships, the youngest Disciple of the Church, Theory, and the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre. What would happen when "A-Town Austin" locked up with "the Scottish Terminator? It was coming up next!
A graphic aired, promoting tonight's edition of RAW Talk, immediately following Monday Night RAW. Hosted by Sarah Schreiber and Christian, tonight's special guests included the WWE 24/7 Champion Samoa Joe and the Riott Squad. It all went down at 11:05 PM, exclusively on the WWE Network. Fin de la NocheReturning to a successful third first date, Angel Garza paid the waiter on behalf of both he and his date, all the while remarking how she would kill him if she found out he had covered it. As Charly Caruso returned from the restroom, "El Amante" slapped another $100 tip in the waiter's pocket, going spotted by the broadcast journalist. She would question the situation with the bill, when Angel instead offered her a rose. She saw through his cheek, but maintained she couldn't possibly let him pay for everything. This was a five-star restaurant, it had to come to hundreds! Angel assured her it wasn't so bad - besides, the hookups through La Invasíon covered everything! Caruso wasn't sure, commenting how it had been such a perfect night. It was just a shame who he associated himself with. Garza wasn't sure what to make of it, claiming he was who he was because of La Invasíon. Refusing to change for anybody, he claimed that went for her too. As much as he liked her, she had to like him for who he was.
Charly Caruso told Angel Garza she couldn't do this. Coming to her feet, she told "El Amante" how she did like him - she just didn't like who he called his friends. Putting her jacket on, the broadcast journalist picked up the rose and emotionally told him that she would always treasure this night, but she had to go. It was for the good of her career! Angel tried to prevent her exit, assuring her that he was a different breed of gentleman. This couldn't be it - they had come so far. Caruso told Angel she would see him next Monday, leaving the scene. Dejected, Garza shook his head and sat despondent. The waiter reappeared, when Garza snatched him by the collar and told him he was in a foul mood and demanded the best tequila they had. The waiter was fearful once more, when for good measure, the short-tempered La Invasíon member took back the $200 tip from his breast pocket. Angel shook his head, declaring this fling not over.
︾︾︾ 6) WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre def. RAW Tag Team Champion Theory (5:59) - Members of the WWE Universe were as surprised as the Church were earlier, when the youngest Disciple of Seth Rollins challenged Drew McIntyre to a match. The WWE World Champion found it impressive the 23 year-old had come alone. Theory tried to go hold for hold with Drew from a collar-and-elbow tie-up, and despite cornering the champ, the Scotsman would launch him across the ring effortlessly! A big boot led to McIntyre hammering away at the RAW Tag Team Champion in the corner, before sending him hurdling him into the opposite corner, and over the top rope! Drew held the ropes for "A-Town Austin's" re-entry, when Theory came firing back with a dropkick. Taking the fight with ten punches in the corner, a wrist-clutched fisherman suplex got a near fall. The youngster followed with a rolling dropkick from the apron, but Drew remained resilient. Ataxia was blocked into the Glasgow Kiss, and a belly-to-belly suplex saw the champ retaliate with the Claymore Kick for the three count!The Prophecy RealizedVictorious thirteen days away from his meeting with "the Monday Night Messiah", Drew McIntyre celebrated taking the youthful Theory to 'Claymore Country' with his fists raised. The WWE World Championship paraded, he would honorably take the time to offer a show of respect to the RAW Tag Team Champion. "A-Town Austin" did not know what to make of it, when out ran Murphy! Drew immediately battled "the Juggernaut" off, when out marched Akam. "The Equalizer" stomped down to the ring, climbing onto the apron - but as McIntyre welcomed the Author of Pain with a grin and a wag of his finger, from behind saw Theory drop "the Scottish Terminator" with the ATL! Murphy roughed the hair of his young partner in glee, when in came Akam with the Desert Storm in mind. Instead, Drew landed on his feet and delivered the Claymore Kick to the big man! McIntyre found himself in combat with Theory and Murphy again, when down to the ring dashed Seth Rollins - armed with a steel chair!
A shot to the spine saw Drew McIntyre crumple to the canvas, as the Church began to pick the bones of "the Scottish Terminator!" Seth Rollins refused to relent, delivering steel chair shot after steel chair to the anatomy of the WWE World Champion. Raising the title high, Theory and Murphy would restrain the arms of the Scotsman under their watch - as Seth posed before him with his own title gold! With thirteen days before SummerSlam, Seth struck with the gold to the face before placing the WWE World Championship on the canvas. The RAW Tag Team Champions held Drew's face to his title, as "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy" hit the ropes and delivered the Stomp! Reintroduced to his title in the most insulting way, Seth led the Church to triumph, standing tall over the obliterated Drew McIntyre. Would Seth's prophecy go realized come SummerSlam?
Footage aired from moments ago, showing the aftermath of the WWE World Champion's victory against Theory. "A-Town Austin" was beaten, when Drew McIntyre was met by the swarm of Disciples of the Church. Able to take out Murphy and Akam, Seth Rollins would prove the differencemaker with a steel chair beating. The Stomp connected planting "the Scottish Terminator" on top of his own title. Would this be a sign of things to come in thirteen days at SummerSlam?No Heath, No ProblemReturning outside of the WWE Performance Center, the two security guards rolled their eyes and protested the presence of their uninvited third party - Riddick Moss, irritating the heck out of them by recounting the time he went toe-to-toe with Rob Gronkowski. One guard recalled how Gronk beat him for the WWE 24/7 Championship back at Money in the Bank, though "So Smooth" reiterated this was his story to tell! As Moss continued to ramble about his triumphant dominance over the Tampa Bay Buccaneer, he stopped in his tracks. Pressing binoculars against his eyes - he spotted Heath Slater in the distance! Having waited all night for this, the two guards made a half-hearted attempt to prevent Moss's stampede across the parking lot - football tackling the redhead from behind! That's when Moss opened his mouth and turned the figure around on the asphalt - but it was not "the One Man Rock Band!" Moss was gobsmacked, and hurriedly helped the person up to his feet.
Brushing him off, Riddick Moss acted pally with him as the two security guards approached - though they saw through the charade! As a result of committing assault against a non-personality, the guards took delight in banning Moss from the WWEPC for the rest of the evening! Furiously, Moss told them he couldn't do that - after all he'd done for them! Meanwhile, Heath Slater could be seen sneaking into the building. Moss screamed that they'd allowed a trespasser in, but the guards turned a blind eye - urging Moss to just go home!
︾︾︾ Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton discussed "the Biggest Party of the Summer" rapidly approaching in thirteen days. SummerSlam was right around the corner, and "You Wouldn't See It Coming!" Running down the line-up for the traditional summer spectacular, with graphics appearing on-screen.
- WWE World Championship - Drew McIntyre (c) vs Seth Rollins
- WWE Universal Championship - Interdimensional Warfare - The Fiend (c) vs Brother Nero
- I Quit match - Bobby Lashley vs Randy Orton
- RAW Women's Championship - Asuka (c) vs Charlotte Flair
- SmackDown Women's Championship - Bayley (c) vs Mandy Rose
- Rey Mysterio vs Andrade - Rey Mysterio's career is on the line
- WWE United States Championship - Kevin Owens (c) vs AJ Styles
︾︾︾ Dead Behind the EyesChristian was stood in the center of the ring, as he welcomed the WWE Universe to the return of 'the Peep Show!' As the graphic flashed across the screen, the canvas was covered in a black mat and two stools stood centrestage. The WWE Legend spoke about how it had been a long time since he last had the pleasure of hosting such a show, but the truth was, he was doing this because he felt he had to. While he wished it could be under better circumstances, the former World Heavyweight Champion lamented having the misfortune of welcoming his guest - none other than Randy Orton. "The Apex Predator" made a slow, methodical walk out to the ring amidst loud boos, as he greeted an old friend with a hug in the ring. It bewildered the host, who accepted it for what it was. Yet, he got to the root of why he invited him onto 'the Peep Show' - his beef with Bobby Lashley. Christian brought up the belief of many, and that last week Randy had taken things one step too far.With a smirk, "the Viper" congratulated Christian on having the ability to revive 'the Peep Show' here on Monday Night RAW. After WWE Backstage fell through, and FS1 canceled him faster than he could say "Where My Peeps At?", Randy Orton knew the WWE Legend had to appreciate the lifeline from WWE. With a laugh Christian admitted he was amused, but continued to prod, asking how he managed to sleep at night knowing all of the dastardly things he had done throughout his career! Randy claimed it wasn't exactly rocket science, citing a sheer lack of respect for everything "the All Mighty" had to be holier-than-thou about. Since day one when he stepped foot through the door, Bobby Lashley had been the chosen one. In terms of the brass ring, Lashley may as well have been the brass ring in the eyes of the powers-that-be. Congratulating Bob on retaining such a superficial physique, and his ungodly ability to somehow be one of the toughest heavyweight fighters to come on the scene in Bellator. Yet when it came to being a WWE Superstar, he was still the biggest joke in the locker room. It didn't matter how long he had been gone - a leopard never changed his spots. That went for Bobby Lashley - a man cowardly enough to hide behind his own entourage. His wife and his advisor, Lana and MVP were directly responsible for why "the All Mighty" had a ticking timebomb in his hands - that being the Money in the Bank briefcase! Yet, Randy Orton believed that to also be his crux. While Team Lashley could bring Bob a false sense of allurement, the whole planet knew the truth - he wasn't meant for this spotlight, or this level of superstardom. In thirteen days at SummerSlam, he would prove just that! Christian questioned how, when "the Apex Predator" noted his life before the squared circle. When it came to saying the words "I Quit" - Randy had never said those words in his life. Even when he was in the Marine, he went AWOL and spent 38 days in the brig, he never said those two words."The Viper" joked from an alumni of the United States Marine Corp to a former sergeant of the United States Army - Randy Orton truly believed Bobby Lashley shouldn't show his face at SummerSlam. By all means, he ought to take the night off, stay home and look after his wife Lana! Christian turned the attention to the repeated habit of "the Apex Predator", dropping poor, innocent and vulnerable people such as Lane with RKOs. While Christian questioned how Randy could rationalize the fact Lashley's wife couldn't feel her legs last week, a coy smile saw Orton exploit the true reason 'the Peep Show' made a return. His theory was that this wasn't about Lana, Lashley, I Quit or SummerSlam at all. This was about Beth Phoenix...and the man he took out for good a couple of months ago, Edge! The WWE Universe lit up in cheers, as Orton talked about how Christian was a smart guy, when he began to go into immense detail as to how good it felt to destroy the hopes and dreams of Christian's childhood best friend!Randy Orton said Edge had his fairytale ending as far as he was concerned - he was able to make his big return in front of 42,000 people at the Royal Rumble. He got a big win over "the Viper" in Last Man Standing at WrestleMania - but his days were done, when he kicked his head clean off of his shoulders at Money in the Bank! "The Rated R Superstar" deserved it in the mind of "the Apex Predator", who claimed Christian had to feel outraged: because he had spent an entire career living vicariously throw old Adam - much like he was now forced to side with guys like Bobby Lashley, who lacked the moral fibre to go face-to-face with him, let alone take him out! Christian nodded and accepted that might be how things are. Lashley wasn't here, and neither was Edge. Maybe "the All Mighty" did lack moral fibre - but he didn't. Abruptly, Christian courageously nailed Orton between the eyes! Randy recovered, and Christian dared him to take a swing at him - when "the Viper" dropped him with an RKO! Randy Orton called Christian an imbecile, kneeling beside him and initiating a brutal pummeling! The retired WWE Legend shoved "the Viper" away, but Orton dropped him to the canvas before departing the ring. Returning with two steel chairs, Orton opened one up and wrapped it around the neck of Christian. Desperately trying to fight it off, Christian spat in Orton's direction! Grinning, Randy trodded on the chair as Christian laid prone on his front. A crew of backstage officials and referees came to ringside for what had quickly become a highly volatile situation, as Orton told Christian he simply wanted to hear him say two words: "I Quit". Instead, Christian spat in his face a second time! Shaking his head, Orton took the second chair and delivered a sickening Conchairto - as the second chair was wrapped around his throat! His larynx, windpipe and trachea destroyed, Orton watched the chaos from the corner, as the officials rushed the ring to aid to Christian. Would this be Bobby Lashley's fate at SummerSlam?
RAW Talk #21 – August 10, 2020 - As RAW Talk came on the air, Sarah Schreiber sat beside Byron Saxton at the announce position, immediately choosing to discuss what just happened to Christian. Providing an update on the WWE Legend's condition, it was clear he was seriously injured, as he was being transported to a local medical facility's intensive care unit as they spoke. As Christian's stand-in, Byron decreed the WWE Universe stood with him, and was sickened by Randy Orton's foul deed. - The Riott Squad were mildly disappointed with how their first match back went, with the loss tonight to Sarah Logan and Natalya. Ruby Riott chalked it up to ring rust, but vowed to get even with those two banshees the next time they saw them - hugging Liv Morgan merrily! Liv talked about how much she had missed her, and Ruby exclaimed she missed Liv too. The two remained optimistic as Ruby explained why she felt it was time she and Liv got back together - noting how Sarah was bumming her out week by week, and Nattie was driving her nuts! Liv claimed it was time for the two of them to start over, and after a bitter rivalry, it might take some time - but that wasn't going to stop them next week. Per the breaking news on WWE.com, the Riott Squad declared their intentions to come out on top in next week's Number One Contender's Women's Tag Team Invitational Turmoil, and pursue the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships. - The WWE 24/7 Champion Samoa Joe coldly arrived and began unwrapping his wrist-tape. Satisfied with how things occurred against the Big Show, "the Samoan Submission Machine" bragged about how "the World's Largest Athlete" was no match for "the Coquina Destroyer". Joe recounted his victory in the 24/7 Invitational weeks ago, and listed his victims one by one. Much like he said earlier tonight, Joe claimed he was the toughest man walking the WWE today, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week: but with that said, next week he wanted someone new. He wanted a real challenge, something the WWE Legend couldn't bring. Intimidating Byron Saxton, Joe joked nobody would dethrone him, because he ran this place 24/7.
- Next week - Number One Contender's Women's Tag Team Invitational Turmoil
- Next week - WWE 24/7 Championship - Samoa Joe (c) vs TBA
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Post by DTP. on Jun 27, 2023 15:01:12 GMT -5
WWE SUMMERSLAM 2020 – August 23, 2020 WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida "You'll Never See It Coming" - "The Biggest Party of the Summer" "Summer Time!" by def rebel LESS THAN THREE WEEKS AWAY!
WWE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Drew McIntyre vs Seth RollinsWWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP INTERDIMENSIONAL WARFARE The Fiend (c) vs Brother Nero I QUIT MATCH Randy Orton vs Bobby LashleyREY MYSTERIO'S CAREER IS ON THE LINE Andrade vs Rey MysterioSMACKDOWN WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP Bayley (c) vs Mandy Rose Matches to be announced. NXT TAKEOVER XXX – August 22, 2020 Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida
"Moth Into Flame" by Metallica LESS THAN THREE WEEKS AWAY!
NXT WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP Io Shirai (c) vs Dakota Kai Karrion Kross vs Damian Priest Matches to be announced.
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Post by DTP. on Jun 22, 2023 5:39:48 GMT -5
AUGUST 10, 2020 OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: THE ROCK & DANY GARCIA BUY XFL, NEW WWE PRESIDENT, MORE BY OBSERVER STAFF | STAFF@WRESTLINGOBSERVER.COM | @wonf4w
THE NAME ON THE CONTRACT READS "ROCK" Dwayne Johnson, along with former wife and current business partner Dany Garcia of Seven Bucks Entertainment, and RedBird Capital’s Gerry Cardinale, were the only bidder and look to be acquiring the XFL for $15 million in bankruptcy court.
The sale may be held up by lawyers for clients who are owed money from Alpha Entertainment, which went into bankruptcy with tens of millions of dollars in unpaid bills.
The price tag doesn’t come close to covering the league’s outstanding debts at the time it filed for bankruptcy. In addition, with Vince McMahon loaning money instead of funding at the end and declaring himself a secured debtor (meaning he gets paid as precedence over unsecured debtors), that leaves even less money for all the companies owed money after the league closed up at the start of the pandemic.
The three were said to be equal partners, all putting up $5 million for 33.3 percent ownership. Garcia was said to have been the catalyst, as it was her idea to buy the league and she convinced Johnson it would be a good investment.
As far as the business goes, it’s basically a gamble that the three are taking that Vince McMahon wasn’t willing to take.
The situation is the same for the league as it was when McMahon announced restarting. They need to get television deals that can cover the costs of running an entire league. If they can get that, they can make a go of it. If they can’t, it has no chance.
Those close to the situation say what is different is that McMahon had told people he was willing to lose money for the first three years with a television deal that paid him no money at all. The idea was to get the league exposure, and prove it has ratings power. And then, with that proven, get rights money. The AAF started the year before with the same idea, but ran out of money and when trying to get rights money from its broadcast partners early to keep the league alive, the broadcast partners turned them down.
McMahon’s XFL started with strong first week numbers, including more than three million viewers for games on FOX and ABC. The numbers were slightly higher than the AAF opened with. Unlike the first XFL in 2000, which was heavily panned by sports people, the league was generally praised. Ratings fell each week, which was expected at first. Ratings were fine for the first four weeks, but week five continued to drop far more than expected and it went from looking good to being very much a concern about the inability to keep its audience. The pandemic then came, so the remaining questions were never answered as to how much ratings would fall, and what value the league would have to networks. The numbers were still higher than sports franchises that were getting solid deals, including the MLS, UFC, AEW and even the NHL. Although of that list, the XFL needed far more than the MLS and AEW needed for survival.
It’s said that the new owners are gambling that Johnson’s name value and ability to sell will get them a paying television deal for the 2021 season, which right now is planned to start in February. The old league had television deals with ABC, ESPN, FOX, FS 1 and FS 2 for games where the broadcast partners paid for production, but McMahon gave them the games for free.
McMahon had put up $200 million to start the league, so the idea is that he had established the roots and groundwork in major markets and that th purchase price if they could get paying television deals would be remarkably low, so that’s the upside of the gamble.
The downside is that McMahon had given up on it after five weeks of losses and with all of his experience and reputation in television, he could not get that deal. The fact McMahon felt there was no future in it. He then stopped funding the league, started instead personally loaning money, and then fired its highest paid employee, Oliver Luck, and then shut down and declared bankruptcy leaving a number of people owed money. However, he did order all fans ticket money returned, which meant he was still considering restarting things after the bankruptcy. He admitted consideration when stories came out that he may buy back the league in bankruptcy court, but then said he would not be doing so.
Garcia was a big fan of the league according to reports and wanted to get involved with it from the start, but McMahon wasn’t looking for anyone on the outside.
She was at first mad that all of the media headlines were built around Johnson, when she put up the same money and owned the same stake he did. Johnson pushed that it was her idea, but that he immediately liked the idea, and pushed her as the first woman to own a major sports league. Some have noted Shannon Knapp with Invicta, but Invicta is not a major sports league.
There was scheduled to be an auction on 8/3 for the rights to the name and its intellectual property, but Johnson’s group was the only person who put in a bid.
Johnson already sold “The Titan Games” concept to NBC, which has been a success on Monday nights during the summer. At the same time, NBCUniversal just made a series of major cuts in its sports department and at this time, a lot of the major media companies are belt-tightening as opposed to looking for new properties for cable television.
Redbird and Cardinale recently bought the French soccer team Toulouse. Cardinale along with Oakland A’s executive Billy Beane also own a company focusing on buying sports, media and data analytics companies. Redbird also owns a stake in the YES Network and has other sports holdings.
The new group bought the assets of the league. Whatever physical assets there were, such as office furniture, football equipment, has been sold to help pay creditors.
Sportico’s John Wallstreet column said that the new owners, unlike McMahon, are not looking at funding years of money losses. The claim is that they hope to land a big enough media rights deal to make the league financially viable for a 2021 season, including attempts for both broadcast and streaming rights, perhaps to an ESPN+, which has such a strong subscriber base at this point.
They can fund losses short-term but are said to not be willing, like McMahon, to go three years and hundreds of millions deep. The mentality is t it’s all about presenting a spring television football product with the idea of media rights covering costs, given they recognize they may not be able to get live gates and live event merchandise sales at least during the first season. Obviously, if there is a vaccine, that would change. They also speculated on a long-term idea to establish a spring football league and name, and eventually sell, for a lot more than they paid, to the NFL. The story noted that was McMahon’s long-term goal, to build up the league for a major sale down the line. In sports business when it comes to major league franchises, many don’t make money annually, but the value of franchises escalates rapidly. In most cases, owners make their big killings not necessarily off TV rights and ticket sales, but in the profits from an eventual sale at far more than the original purchase price.
In the end, Johnson, Garcia and Cardinale are attempting to do something with a major spring football league that heavyweights like McMahon (twice) and Donald Trump have failed with in the past. The fact that there were multiple parties that showed interest in it, but Johnson’s group was the only one that ended up making a bid, tells you that virtually everyone who looked into it found it was a bad bet. But the media rights business is completely different from the USFL and first XFL, but hardly much different from the second XFL, which couldn’t get a paying deal and folded just five months ago.
Jeffrey Pollack, the XFL President who was not let go since his role was to find a new ownership group out of the bankruptcy, said, “I could not imagine a better outcome for the XFL. Dany, Dwayne and Gerry are the best possible ownership group for the existing journey ahead. Their collective track record of success in entertainment, sports and media is stellar, and I think our fans, players, coaches and partners are in for something special.”
“The acquisition of the XFL, with my talented partners, Dany Garcia and Gerry Cardinale, is an investment for me that’s rooted deeply in two things–my passion for the game and my desire to always take care of the fans,” said Johnson to ESPN. “With pride and gratitude for all that I’ve built with my own two hands, I plan to apply these callouses to the XFL and look forward to creating something special for the players, fans and everyone involved for the love of football.”
NEW KHAN IN TOWN WWE announced on 8/5 that Nick Khan, the man who negotiated the company’s current television deals with FOX and NBC Universal for Raw, Smackdown and NXT, has been named new company President and Chief Revenue Officer.
Essentially he takes the position formerly held by George Barrios, and is basically the replacement for both Barrios and Michelle Wilson, who were fired in January, leading to a huge drop in the WWE stock price due to investor uncertainty. Khan signed a lucrative five-year deal which is valued at approximately $35.5 million if profits each year reach their target amount and he remains with the company for that duration. He also receives a full benefits package. Khan’s deal includes relocating to Stamford by the end of this month and working in the company offices, reporting directly, and only, to Vince McMahon.
Khan was the Co-Head of Television at the Creative Arts Agency (CAA), which took over WWE’s television negotiations for its Raw and Smackdown deals after the split between WWE and Endeavor over the conflict of interest of the same group at the same time negotiating both UFC and WWE deals with the feeling they were in competition.
It would make sense that one of Khan’s early moves would be to attempt to sell network property, whether it be the PPVs, or that and more content, to a larger streaming company and get similar level guaranteed money. Vince McMahon had attempted to do that earlier in the year and predicted a deal before WrestleMania, but talks fell apart due to money tightening from the big players due to the pandemic. With his experience, he would no doubt become the key person in the company involved in negotiations in around 2022, for the Raw & Smackdown deals that expire in October 2024, as well as the NXT deal, which is believed to expire in October 2021.
Khan, 45, told Sports Business Journal, “We all have a lot of ideas in our head. It might be a little premature to hare them in terms of when we are going to execute those.”
“While representing WWE at CAA, he was instrumental in transforming our business model by securing domestic media rights increases of 3.6x over our previous agreements,” Vince McMahon said in a press release.
Khan told Sports Business Journal about attending Paul Levesque’s 50th birthday party in late July of 2019 when he started thinking about after 13 years of being a sports agent, that maybe there would be something he could do bigger with WWE.
Khan was a huge part of the FOX deal, which is the key deal because USA is not going to give up on WWE even though they were on board with a short-term decline as an 18-month rebuilding phase which was then dropped last month, and instead the declines continued at a stronger rate. He also has a good relationship with USA Network, which was strong on Paul Heyman.
The WWE stock price had fallen over the past week, even with the strong earnings report, due to uncertainty regarding the falling television ratings which was the talk of the investors call and suddenly is a significant business story. Even Sports Business Journal noted the WWE business is challenged by soft ratings and pandemic restrictions putting live events at a standstill.
After Khan’s announcement as new company President, stock rose from $44.31 to $45.26. It closed on 8/6 at $45.42, giving the company a $3.516 billion market value.
The company made a second hire this past week, as James Kimball, who had been the operations head of the UFC Performance Institute, overseeing both the Shanghai, China and Las Vegas training facilities, is moving to Stamford, CT to take a senior business operations role in WWE according to Marc Raimondi of ESPN. Dr. Duncan French, who had been the performance head of the Performance Institutes, will take over as the operational head.
SUMMER HEATS UP WWE is just over two weeks away from its weekend of SummerSlam and Takeover and three weeks from Payback.
SummerSlam, the traditional No. 3 show of the year in the U.S., currently has no announced location even though it is three weeks away. Originally set for Boston, and then Orlando, the latest word is that it will be in Atlantic City. Vince McMahon had wanted it outside of Orlando to have a different look. He strongly wanted it before fans but it’s not clear whether that will be the case. If there are no fans, there is no imminent need to announce a location.
The other three shows at this point are from Florida.
NXT Takeover the night before, which usually is built up with more straight-forward angles, will be headlined by Finn Balor vs Adam Cole, possibly in some sort of a gimmick match, maybe a best of three falls match.
There has been a lot of talk of Pat McAfee coming back for the show to kickstart an angle that would lead to his in ring debut. McAfee, a former punter who actually played in the SuperBowl in his rookie year, has never worked an angle before although he did do some teases with Adam Cole before Covid hit.
WWE:
LET IT PLAY OUT | Even though Heath has been a permanent fixture with Impact since Slammiversary, and has been officially signed here for a week now, he has continued to appear on WWE programming. It remains questionable why these packages still air, though it is understood that they were taped in bulk and WWE officials were not expecting him to appear on the PPV on 7/18. If I could hazard a guess, the company clearly feels the need to blow off this story even though one of its participants are no longer with the company.
FURLOUGH FRUSTRATIONS | Regarding the note from last week about furloughed employees being told they were not being brought back in August, this has led to a lot of significant unhappiness. They furloughed about 240 full-time non-wrestlers in mid-April, so while the wrestlers were not figured into the large profits for the quarter because they were still being paid through mid-July, there was the savings of some money in quarter two of employee cuts in that $51.6 million in savings. The producers and others in live events pretty much knew they were done until those shows returned. Most of the others expected to be back at the start of July. A few of those people were brought back, but it’s a small number. The basic argument is that the furloughs made sense in April due to the unforeseen prospects of the future, because if they missed providing new television for weeks, which was possible had it not been for Gov. DeSantis in Florida, the contracts that carry the company could have been in jeopardy. Plus, Vince at first was terribly fearful if they didn’t air shows live they could cancel the deals. But by July, that fear was gone.
FOX & NBC Universal weren’t opting out, nor demanding the shows be live, and WWE has a place to tape with no fear of being booted out, or limited fear because nobody can 100 percent see a future that nobody really knows. The argument is that by July, they knew they were setting profit records and then to extend the furloughs twice since then is the thing employees were really upset about. Right now the date is 8/28 so they’d come back in September, but nobody knows how many will be back or if it’ll be extended another month. And of course, it’s the worst time ever for the job market. And there may be the feeling that they just set record profits with lower costs and that maybe they don’t need all those people after all. But the unhappiness is that management already knew the quarter two records and seven days before the investment call they extended the furloughs another month.
SCHEDULE CHAOS | There were all kinds of issues on 8/3 and 8/4 with the tapings for the 8/3 and 8/10 Raw shows and 8/7 Smackdown show. It’s always chaotic day of the show, but this was said to be an overly chaotic week due to the 7/27 show doing so poorly in the ratings even with a hotshot show and Vince being grilled by investors about ratings as well as negative articles on the ratings not in the wrestling world but outside the world where that has been largely, particularly the financial and entertainment world. There was a meeting during the day before the investment call on 7/30 described as brutal as Vince approved nothing. They had another meeting on 7/31 which lasted four hours.
The original plan was to tape NXT on 8/12 for both 8/12 and 8/19, and that is still on. Since key people in production will be there, the 8/14 Smackdown show will be taped on 8/13, the next day. The 8/17 Raw show, scheduled to be taped a few hours earlier that day along with the 8/21 Smackdown show, was moved to being taped on 8/13 with the Smackdown show to save on costs. However that still leaves the 8/21 Smackdown show, and officially no decision was made about that show at press time. Right now, aside from Takeover on 8/22 and the upcoming PPV dates, there is nothing scheduled and everything is to be determined. The logic would be the 8/21 show to be taped on its own the day before, since the production team is already working the next day in Florida and it makes no sense to bring them in twice. But those in the company, talent, producers, production people, writers and others have not been told of any television taping dates after 8/13
BACK TO SCHOOL | The WWE developmental talent, which hasn’t been training at the gym since the pandemic started and it became the television location, are expected to start back with regular classes on 8/10. They will not be training at the Performance Center but at a warehouse right near the Performance Center which will be set up with a few rings. What we were told is that everyone will get tested on Sunday so they’ll have the results back every Monday. Only two people will be allowed in the ring together at any time. Everyone not in the ring must have masks on. Everyone in NXT, including the guys on television have to attend the classes
CAMEO APPEARANCES | Notable on the NXT show 8/5 was the obvious presence of several unsigned talents. Jake Something (previously Impact's Cousin Luke), Tyson Dux and Hakim Zane (Rohit Raju) were present onscreen several times, and from what we understand there were talks with them at the taping.
DRAFTS CHANGE | So this is the situation with the draft, which at last word is expected for October with two dates (a Smackdown and a Raw date) being talked about. It was scheduled for October, but then talked about for August because they know they need to make changes. Then it was brought up that doing it in early August would mess up the angles for SummerSlam. So then it was September. Last week the idea was late August, but then with the second PPV show on 8/30, they figured to wait until after that. So then it was moved to October which is where it is this week, but can easily change, like everything does.
TV RATINGS SD 7/31 - 1.89 (0.51) RAW 8/3 - 1.72 (0.54) NXT 8/5 - 0.70 (0.21)
STAR RATINGS - Theory and Murphy vs the Street Profits - RAW 8/3 - ***¾ - Seth Rollins vs AJ Styles vs Matt Riddle - RAW 8/3 - **** - Santos Escobar vs Jake Atlas - NXT 8/5 - ***½ - Finn Balor vs Roderick Strong - NXT 8/5 - ***¾
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Post by DTP. on Jun 19, 2023 13:28:54 GMT -5
Friday Night SmackDown #1094 - August 7, 2020 WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida Presented by "Are You Ready" by AC/DC LESS THAN THREE WEEKS FROM SUMMERSLAM!
205 Live #191 – August 7, 2020 1) Leon Ruff (with Isaiah Scott) def. The Brian Kendrick (with Ariya Daivari) with a backslide. Kendrick belittled Ruff in what he perceived as a tune-up match, but once Daivari got involved, "Swerve" interjected himself. "The King of Swerve Style" took the fight to "Persian Power" at ringside, while inside Kendrick's Captain's Hook saw Ruff shock the world. Scott and Ruff celebrated on the rampway, much to the shock, horror and fury of Kendrick and Daivari. Ruff had scored his first ever win as an NXT Superstar. (4:10) 2) Tay Conti def. Ivy Nile with the DD-Tay. In her in-ring debut, Ivy Nile looked to impress in a sparring match with the excitable up-and-comer, but Tay would show a new attitude in combat. The rookie repeatedly went back to the dragon sleeper, but the flexibility of Conti enabled the Brazilian to come away with the win. (3:52) 3) Raúl Mendoza def. Tyler Breeze with the fisherman driver. While Joaquin Wilde accompanied his fellow Legado del Fantasma partner to the ring, Fandango would fend him off leaving the match to be contested one-on-one. "Prince Pretty" used his experience until Mendoza resorted to underhanded tactics to slow the pace. Breeze remained resilient, and would make a fired up comeback, just for the Supermodel Kick to see Wilde resurface with the distraction. As 'Dango returned to continue the fight, Mendoza stole the win. Santos Escobar's henchmen came away unscathed after the bell, but one had to question what the trio had made of Lucha House Party's intervention this past Wednesday on NXT.
A video package aired, taking us back to the events of last week's Friday Night SmackDown. The problems between members of Fight Night and the teams of Heavy Machinery and The New Day looked to reach a conclusion with a mammoth eight-man tag team main event in store. After Big E and Tucker had each suffered the brunt of debilitating injuries courtesy of Sheamus, Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura of late, "the Celtic Warrior" had enlisted King Corbin's hand in defeating the fan favorites. While Big E would put the King of the Ring away to win the match for his team, "the Swiss Cyborg" and "the Artist", alongside Duke Nese and Sir Gable, would follow Irishman's lead in laying waste to the SmackDown Tag Team Champions and Big E and Kofi Kingston after the bell - when Braun Strowman made a ferocious return. Destroying everything in sight, "the Monster Among Men" was back: and he wanted revenge on Sheamus!
The opening video package aired, cutting to inside of the WWE Performance Center where Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed us to Friday Night SmackDown on FOX. A stacked line-up was on the cards for tonight, with the Steel-Cage match pitting former partners against one-another again - The Miz against John Morrison, where the loser would be forced to leave the SmackDown Brand. The WWE Intercontinental Championship would be defended when Daniel Bryan took on Sir Gable of the Royal Family; Team B.A.D would explode when Naomi seeked revenge on her backstabbing ex-bestie Sasha Banks; and Bray Wyatt would respond to Brother Nero's challenge for SummerSlam with the Firefly Fun House.
- Loser Leaves SmackDown - Steel-Cage match - John Morrison vs The Miz
- Firefly Fun House - Bray Wyatt responds to Brother Nero's SummerSlam challenge
- WWE Intercontinental Championship - Daniel Bryan (c) vs Sir Gable
- Sasha Banks vs Naomi
Get These HandsThe theme song of Braun Strowman echoed throughout the WWE Performance Center, and the WWE Universe would be witness to the re-emergence of "the Monster Among Men". After his first appearance in months last week, "the Colossus" stampeded down to the ring and paced back and forth. Bursting with energy, Braun boomed into the microphone that everybody knew why he was here: he had unfinished business with a red-haired piece of garbage called Sheamus. Reminding everybody of what he put him through, Braun accused "the Celtic Warrior" of taking four months of his life away from him - and while he might not be able to get them back, he could sure as hell carve them off of Sheamus's! Strowman demanded the Fight Night member show himself, threatening to hijack the show altogether. Finally Sheamus made his blinding presence felt, emerging to the stage but laughing at the sight of his rival. Unimpressed by Braun's tone, Sheamus demanded he show a little respect.
Looking to get under the skin of "the Monster Among Men", Sheamus told him he did not appreciate being addressed the way he had - nor did the Lads appreciate how Braun Strowman had handled them in last week's blatant attack! The big man seethed, warning Sheamus he knew exactly what his deal was. "The Colossus" reminded "the Celtic Warrior" of the Brogue Kick into the steel steps back in April, which put him out for months. Now he was back, he was badder, tougher and capable of dishing out a bigger beating than he or any of his friends could handle. Nodding affirmatively, the Irishman told Braun that his Lads too did not see too kindly whatsoever to what Braun put them through. in fact, they wanted a little payback of their own! At ringside, Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura were seen sneakily climbing into the ring behind Braun - just for the big man to turn and face them. As Strowman licked his lips and welcomed the attack, Sheamus instructed "the Swiss Cyborg" and "the Artist" to let it all out of their system.
"The Monster Among Men" struck first, sounding off with both Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura! Fight Night looked to take charge with the numbers advantage, but "the Artist" and "the Swiss Cyborg" would swiftly crowd Braun Strowman. With Cesaro and Nakamura both sent to the floor with a double clothesline, "the Colossus" began to take off with the Strowman Express - but upon shoulder tackling both men at ringside, Sheamus observed from the rampway as Braun came bounding towards him! "The Celtic Warrior" ran for cover through the halls of the WWE Performance Center - with Strowman in hot pursuit! Darting through the backstage corridor running for his life, the Irishman demanded nearby officials to do their jobs and regain control of the backstage area! Braun screamed at Sheamus to come get his hands, as a wall of backstage producers and referees provided the divide between the two men.
▆▆▆ A video package reviewed the history between John Morrison and The Miz. They came up through the ranks of the WWE together, boasting an unforgettable run as WWE Tag Team Champions. Co-hosts of 'the Dirt Sheet', abruptly "the Awesome One" declared enough was enough. Wishing to pursue a solo career, Miz became Mr. Money in the Bank, won the WWE Championship, and headlined WrestleMania. As for "the Shaman of Sexy", he was forced out of WWE by"the A-Lister". While Miz lived the high life, starring in motion pictures including 'The Marine', and becoming a sensation with 'Miz and Mrs', JoMo worked his way back, becoming SmackDown Tag Team Champions. Once they lost the titles however, Miz again betrayed "the Guru of Greatness". After Miz tried to hurl him from the top of a studio in a Hollywood Backlot Brawl at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules, Morrison declared SmackDown was too big for the two of them. Tonight was where it would all end for their thirteen years of history - inside the confounds of a solid Steel-Cage.
An advertisement aired, promoting WWE SummerSlam. It was "the Biggest Party of the Summer", and this year was no exception, as two of WWE's biggest names would collide for the WWE World Championship. Drew McIntyre would put the gold at stake against Seth Rollins in 'Terminator vs Messiah' - "You'll Never See It Coming!" It would be live on Sunday, August 23 - live on the award-winning WWE Network.No Stopping the ColossusFootage recapped what occurred during the brek, showing Braun Strowman continue his crusade with members of Fight Night. As Sheamus had a crew of backstage producers and referees divide "the Monster Among Men" from him, "the Celtic Warrior" would talk trash to Strowman before inviting Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura back in for another brawl. Strowman found himself embedded in a backstage brawl with "the Swiss Cyborg" and "the Artist", when Braun caught Shin and gorilla pressed him into a brick wall! Cesaro attempted European uppercuts, when Strowman gave him a brutal spinebuster through a nearby table! As Braun again charged in Sheamus's direction, "the Colossus" would be restrained physically by the crew of officials, enabling Sheamus's escape!
▆▆▆ Diva From a Bygone EraThe WWE Universe lit up in boos, as Bayley and Sasha Banks made their way to the ring. As footage reviewed "the Legit Boss's" betrayal of Tamina two weeks ago with a steel chair, as well as her betrayal of Naomi last week, the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions had taken centerstage in the ring. "Bayley 2 Belts" bragged about how she had her best friend back, and now all was right for the SmackDown Women's Division - except for those wannabes who couldn't be, Tamina and Naomi of course! The SmackDown Women's Champion bragged about how "the Boss 'n' Hug Connection" were too darn good to be turned against each other over some fabricated lies made by two unreliable sources! Bayley claimed she loved Sasha Banks, and there was absolutely nothing getting between them. Banks stood silently behind the loudmouthed champ, who continued to gloat about how they ran Friday nights. Even better, Bayley claimed that the two titles on her shoulders would be forever her's!
As the WWE Performance Center booed, Bayley addressed last week's Fatal 4-Way Elimination match, and congratulated Mandy Rose again on being crowned the number one contender to the SmackDown Women's Championship, but informed her SummerSlam would be the toughest test of her primadonna little career. For so long she had been "the Golden Goddess", but everybody always knew she was full of cr*p. She wasn't the goddess she said she was - she was a joke, and the entire locker room always knew it. Bayley considered what Mandy might be best at, besides fluking into this position where she was going up against the role model of this generation - "Bayley 2 Belts" herself - before concluding that she might be nothing more than T&A! Bayley called Mandy nothing but a Diva, and at SummerSlam she would walk over her like she was a relic from a bygone era. Bayley began to talk about her being Otis's "Precious Peach", but instead out came Naomi - looking to get even with her former partner-in-crime!1) Naomi def. WWE Women's Tag Team Champion Sasha Banks (with SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley) (6:12) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- Remaining loyal to Bayley had its consequences, though "the Legit Boss" remained silent on the matter in the weeks following her decision to remain on the side of the SmackDown Women's Champion. With still no sign of Tamina in sight after the steel chair beating weeks ago, Naomi struck fast and hard with the After Glow Combo kicks immediately from the bell! Sasha Banks tried to fight it with a knee lift, but as she hit the ropes, Naomi attempted the Rear View. Banks clung to the ropes and slipped out to ringside, but as she postured with Bayley, Naomi came off the apron with a crossbody onto both of the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions! Feeling the Glow, Naomi welcomed her old friend back inside, bringing much frustration over "the Boss 'n' Hug Connection". - A distraction from the SmackDown Women's Champion had allowed Sasha Banks to take Naomi down a notch with a Meteora from the second rope! "The Boss's" aggression was on display with shots to the back. Double knees struck her former Team B.A.D. partner in the corner, when Bayley got in a cheap shot behind the official's back. Sasha ascended to the top rope for the Frog Splash, but Naomi would roll out of the way! A springboard enzuigiri stunned Sasha, and Naomi sandwiched "the Legit Boss's" face between her rear and the top turnbuckle with Bootylicious. Naomi attempted the split-legged moonsault when Bayley got involved again. Sasha got her knees up and hit the Backstabber, when out came Mandy Rose. Not happy with "Bayley 2 Belts'" comments one bit, "the Golden Goddess" tackled Bayley on the floor! Sasha spotted this and went over to intervene, when Bayley inadvertently clocked her with a back elbow. Naomi hit the Rear View to defeat "the Boss!"
As the SmackDown Women's Champion was ran from ringside by her challenger come SummerSlam, Naomi would celebrate her victory in the ring alongside Mandy Rose. "The Precious Peach" motioned at Bayley that she would be the one to beat her in less than three weeks, all the while Sasha Banks rolled out to the floor. Baffled as to where it all went wrong - it was all thanks to a miscommunication, brought on by Bayley's back elbow strike!
▆▆▆ A Royal Good HidingThe Royal Family psyched up Sir Gable. In their cowls and gowns, King Corbin and Duke Nese motivated their newest accomplice ahead of his WWE Intercontinental Championship opportunity against Daniel Bryan. Kayla Braxton arrived for an interview, only to be rudely shunned by the trio! The Duke exclaimed Kayla had no right to violate their space. The King agreed, citing that all she needed to know was that we were soon to have a new champion - and his name was Sir Gable! Kayla made the mistake of asking Chad what he thought about tonight, to which Gable angrily questioned who she was referring to as "Chad!" Confident about his chances, Gable explained his Olympic background, and while Bryan was a respected "Submission Expert" - tonight he would not only outclass Bryan, but win his first singles title. Gable headed for the ring, as the King demanded he do the Royal Family proud.
2) Daniel Bryan (c) def. Sir Gable to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship (11:34) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- The WWE Intercontinental Champion was showing the WWE Universe what "the Working Man's Title" was all about of late, and tonight was no exception. With defences against Apollo Crews, The Miz and King Corbin in recent weeks, Daniel Bryan looked to answer the call of the overly aggressive Sir Gable. After injuring Apollo Crews with the Ankle Lock last week, the Olympian exchanged holds with the champ to kick things off. Bryan resorted to the British style of chain-wrestling, when Gable began to grow frustrated with every exchange seeing the champion outmaneuver him. Finally a sharp clothesline took Bryan down, and with his aggression on display, a belly-to-belly suplex led to a second one immediately after. Daniel kicked out at the count of one, infuriating the Royal. As he looked to follow with a diving clothesline from the top rope, Daniel caught him in mid-air with a dropkick before teasing the Yes Lock! Gable clung to the ropes, and upon separation, a Koppu kick knocked the champ through a loop. - Sir Gable and Daniel Bryan exchanged holds, when the challenger connected with a chop block! The WWE Intercontinental Champion went down and the Royal Family member slammed his foot against the canvas. With a step-over toehold, Gable arched back with a bridge. Teasing the Ankle Lock, Bryan rolled into an inside cradle when a drop toe hold led to the Romero special! Gable was folded like a pretzel, and the champ rammed his fingers into the nostrils of the Royal! From the top rope, Bryan landed the Flying Goat before letting loose with Yes Kicks. Gable would finally grab a foot to receive a roundhouse kick - but suddenly Gable latched on with the Ankle Lock! Bryan rolled through, just for Gable to keep the hold applied. Bryan would eventually make the ropes, but the damage was done. Frustrated, Gable tried the German suplex but Bryan rolled through with a victory roll. The Chaos Theory was teased, when Bryan rolled through with a kneebar. Transitioning into an achilles hold of his own, Gable raked the eyes! Both limped back to their feet, but Bryan struck first with the Running Knee to retain the title!
"The Submission Expert" had struck first in a race to the finish, resulting in "the Working Man's Title" remaining firmly in his possession. Daniel Bryan proudly displayed the title afterwards, as Sir Gable knelt up and tried to shake off the effects. Bryan exchanged words with the Olympian after the match, but as he offered a gesture of sportsmanship, Gable would refuse - having already started on his path with the Royal Family.
▆▆▆ Spinning in his office chair, Mustafa Ali was greeted by Kayla Braxton for comment ahead of his match with Dolph Ziggler. "The Hacker" voiced why he was feeling his oats so much about tonight's rematch with "the Show Off". It may be because of the scrap he had with "Z-Man" last week, or because he beat him fair and square two weeks ago. Come to think of it, Ali knew completely why Dolph was so angry! He had been hacking into his texts and social media accounts for months, finding out all there was to know about ol' "Z-Man". Mustafa became "The Hacker" to make a difference and make his voice heard. He used to be a police officer, until he decided to follow his dreams. Now he was here to expose frauds like "the Z-Man". But what Dolph failed to see was that much like two weeks ago, he was going down tonight because there was nobody in the WWE quite like Mustafa Ali.
The Progressive Match-Flo of the Week aired, taking us back to last week. After defeating him in a match two weeks ago, "the Show Off" would slander "the Hacker" for all of his misdeeds. Dolph Ziggler tried to make things personal by discussing Mustafa Ali's history, when out of nowhere came Ali himself for a pull-apart brawl.A Glorious DayMustafa Ali made his grand arrival, turning out the house lights and revealing the glowing emblem not only in the palm of his gloved hand - but on the chest of ring jacket. "The Hacker" sprung to life in the ring to a positive reaction, when out walked Dolph Ziggler. Not dressed for competition, "the Show Off" stood in skinny jeans and a blazer with his hair tied back! Apologizing for the miscommunication, he truly did not feel very up for competing tonight. He knew how badly the WWE Universe wanted to see him beat Ali's shrimpy, scrawny behind from one end of the WWE Performance Center to the other - but tonight they would not get it. But, Dolph reasoned that he had enlisted the help of a perfect substitution. Ali could almost say...it was "Glorious!" Robert Roode emerged onto the stage, adorned in a sequined purple robe. For the first time in months, "the Glorious One" was back on Friday Night SmackDown and tasked with taking on Ali.3) Robert Roode (with Dolph Ziggler) def. Mustafa Ali (4:39)- "The Glorious One" was back after a five-month absence, and graced Mustafa Ali with a "Glorious Bomb" pose, which went met by "the Hacker's" offense. A fast beginning saw Ali kip up repeatedly from a wristlock, connecting with a hurricanrana! A rolling neckbreaker scored a near fall, when the Canadian backed out to ringside. Dolph Ziggler would tease entering the opposite side of ringside however, enabling Roode to strike with the lungblower. Viciously he would throttle Ali when a clothesline in the corner fed into a swinging neckbreaker. Showboating all the while, it allowed Mustafa time to fight back, hitting the ropes and landing a tornado DDT! On the comeback, Ali struck with a repetition of super kicks before the Canadian struck with the Uranage. The Glorious DDT was lined up but Ali broke free and hit a reverse hurricanrana! Going to the top rope, the 054 Splash was inbound - but Ziggler caused him to lose his balance. Landing on his feet, Roode planted him with the spinebuster for the three count!
"The Hacker" was robbed with thanks to Dolph Ziggler's outside interference, and a celebratory Robert Roode took great pride in an ill-conceived victory. "The Glorious One" posed to the disapproving WWE Universe members, when into the ring came "the Show Off" with a series of stomps for Mustafa Ali. Roode joined in on the attack, with the Glorious DDT driving Ali into the mat! As if that wasn't enough, Ziggler would tune up the band and run his mouth - delivering a Super Kick to the jaw of Ali. Reunited, Ziggler raised Roode's hand and welcomed him back to Friday Night SmackDown.
▆▆▆ Heavy Machinery conversed about the return of Braun Strowman last week. Tucker turned to discuss what they would address to the WWE Universe. Otis was feeling heroic because for the first time in a long time, he liked everything about his life! He had the SmackDown Tag Team Championship; his bestest buddy Tucky; the hoagie of his dreams waiting at the minibar in his hotel room. Most importantly, he had his "Precious Peach!" Enter Mandy Rose, who kissed her man and greeted "the Brick Hit-House" friendily. As Otis complimented his girlfriend on the number done to Bayley, he exclaimed that the WWE Universe was about to be graced with the next SmackDown Women's Champion! "The Golden Goddess" modestly disagreed, but Otis told her to believe in herself, because at SummerSlam she would win the big one. As the two cuddled, Tucky suggested it was time for "the Blue Collar Boys" to head to the ring and address the people. Mandy stayed backstage, wishing them luck.
The Miz sat in a director's chair backstage, adorned in his entrance gear ahead of the high stakes Steel-Cage match. "The A-Lister" spat out a bottle of water, complaining to a backstage assistant that he demanded seltzer water! "The Awesome One" vented about what kind of pressure he was under. Tonight he stood chance to lose it all against the very man he once removed from the WWE, and who he later brought back. John Morrison deserved everything he had coming to him for leaching off his fame for years. He was a gentleman, a reality television sensation, and the most must-see Superstar in WWE today, in the past, and in the future! Dreading what fate Friday Night SmackDown on FOX would see without him, Miz believed having Morrison here, and him exiled would be the worst thing to happen since the end of 'Game of Thrones'. But he had sent "the Guru of Greatness" away once before, and tonight inside the cage, he would do it all over again because he was the Miz, and he was "Awesome".▆▆▆ Positive DisciplineThe SmackDown Tag Team Champions Heavy Machinery made their way down the rampway to a loud ovation inside the WWE Performance Center. While the intention of this address remained unclear, Otis and Tucker both seemed enthused as they graced the microphones in the ring and thanked the fans for all of their support. Tucky claimed it had been the run of dreams becoming champions alongside his bestest buddy in the world. For two "Blue Collar Boys", they had sure done well for themselves! To many they might seem like unlikely choices for SmackDown Tag Team Champions, but after the couple of weeks they had had, it was undeniable for anybody to say otherwise! Otis agreed with every word Tucky had to say, claiming he was on top of the world, and yet, the two of them still wanted something more. As he had said backstage moments before, he felt good, he was excited - and tonight he and "the Brick Hit-House" wanted to address their next challengers!
Otis asserted there was no such thing as a good champion without challengers, which brought them to the reason they were here tonight! Tucker brought up the very two men who they had made very good teammates with of late. Against Fight Night, the four of them had been unstoppable - but now was the time to quit beating around the bush. Heavy Machinery knew exactly what the two men wanted - and that was the SmackDown Tag Team Championships all over again! "The Powder Keg" called out The New Day, wishing them to come down to the ring! Big E and Kofi Kingston feigned surprise as they gyrated en route for the ring. All smiles in meeting and hugging it out with "the Blue Collar Boys", Kofi told Heavy Machinery how last week was pretty wild, and it had been a pleasure being their partners. Big E explained that as much as they admired them - the two of them were absolutely right! The reason God put The New Day on this earth was to not only spread 'the Power of Positivity' - but to win titles.
Big E told Otis and Tucker he and Kofi Kingston merrily accepted their challenge for a SmackDown Tag Team Championship opportunity, when out came the unwelcome Royal Family! With septors in hand, an offended King Corbin and Duke Nese disagreed with the idea that The New Day deserved the title shot. They were the Royal Family - the King and the Duke! The peasants in the ring did not hold a candle to the greatness he and "the Premier Athlete" possessed. Nese agreed, believing he and "Wrestling Royalty" were primed and conditioned to be the ones to take Heavy Machinery's titles, and to allow them to add it to their own trophy case. Big E and Tucky joked that the Royal Family had to have a wacky family tree, while Kofi questioned what their sleeping arrangement was like at Bucking-sham Palace! It agitated Nese, who maintained the Royals not only deserved the title opportunity, but demanded it!
Insulting the intelligence of the SmackDown Tag Team Division, the irate Duke Nese would be met with a right hand from members of The New Day! Heavy Machinery got involved, when King Corbin was sent from the ring with Trouble in Paradise from Kofi Kingston. Tucker sent him from the ring with a body block, while "the Premier Athlete" received the Big Ending from Big E! The New Day and Heavy Machinery readied themselves for "the Powder Keg", who landed the Caterpillar on the Duke! With the Royal Family swept from the ring, Heavy Machinery and The New Day met back up for a face-off, before shaking hands. It was official - the title match would take place next week! As the King and the Duke licked their wounds and recomposed themselves, they expressed outrage at being overlooked by the simpletons in the ring.
- Next week - SmackDown Tag Team Championship - Heavy Machinery (c) vs The New Day
▆▆▆ Alexa Bliss warmed up for her upcoming match, when up walked a disgruntled Nikki Cross. Still down on her luck in the fallout from the Horror Show at Extreme Rules, "Naughty Nikki" tried to be friendly with "the Goddess", who noted she knew her BFF and knew when she was feeling under the weather and gloomy. Questioning what was up, the Scot brought up her shortcomings of late, and how Alexa was receiving all of these opportunities! She was in last week's Fatal 4-Way elimination match; she had a match tonight. But for Nikki there was no play, or fun and games! "Little Miss Bliss" argued she had no idea who her opponent was - the FOX executives hadn't told her a thing. Cross confessed to feeling saddened by the feeling of being cast aside, but Alexa hugged her friend. Assuring Nikki her time would come, she had to leave for the ring, in action up next.
▆▆▆ Down The Rabbit HoleA graphic aired, promoting tonight's edition of 'the Firefly Fun House' - when the screen became distorted. Brother Nero appeared on the screen, standing before the same shutter doors as last week. Nuttily, the former WWE Universal Champion laughed and did an impression of Bray Wyatt in greeting the little Fireflies to his asylum! It was time for the Fun House to receive a facelift - and tonight, the Fun House would get just that. In eerie glow in the dark facepaint, "the Death-Defying Daredevil" cracked he would fight fire with fire and bring himself to The Fiend's level - if it meant destroying what was unconquerable. With a sickening cackle, Nero palmed the camera and shoved it to the ground. What did he have in mind for "the New Face of Fear?"
An advertisement aired, promoting the all-new free version of the WWE Network. Bringing the best in entertainment, with no credit card required, subscribers could gain access to over 15,000 available titles today.
Kayla Braxton was at the interview area with John Morrison, who himself was getting prepared for the high stakes Steel-Cage match. Noting the consequences a loss tonight could bring, she asked "the Guru of Greatness" for his thoughts. Responding that he had done this old song and dance with the Miz before, lucky for him, he was a little bit older and a lot more experienced. If the Hollywood Backlot Brawl didn't stop "the A-Lister", maybe being trapped with nowhere to run tonight would. JoMo said there would be no more running for his old friend; much like there was no more pick-me-ups. Morrison was shameful of the fact tonight was the end of the line for John Morrison and The Miz - the co-hosts of 'the Dirt Sheets', and the most winningest tag team in SmackDown history! But alas, all good things had to come to an end. In Loser Leaves SmackDown tonight, JoMo believed in series finales, and tonight on FOX, "the Awesome One" would watch his unfold in real-time.
▆▆▆ 4) Mickie James def. Alexa Bliss (3:56) - Alexa Bliss had no idea who her opponent would be, when it was revealed to be Mickie James! From fourteen months on the shelf with an ACL tear, Mickie was back dressed up like a country girl, ready for a former accomplice in "Little Miss Bliss". She started with a burst of energy; a series of clotheslines leading to an arm-trapped neckbreaker. Alexa battled back with the Goddess Right, when the Mick-A-Rana sent "the Goddess" tumbling ringside. James ran Bliss spine-first into the ring apron, and as Alexa tried to rally back, a flapjack saw the veteran take control. Mickie climbed to the top rope for the diving Lou Thesz press, but Bliss moved and struck with Insult to Injury! Alexa fired back with Code Red, when Mickie struck with a roundhouse kick. The Mick Kick was dodged, but the DDT planted her - when Lacey Evans emerged on the stage! In a fanciful dress, "the First Lady" was also back, watching from the rampway. Inexplicably, she distracted Bliss, setting her up for the Mickie-DT!Sassy GalsIn a night of surprises, "the First Lady" watched from the top of the rampway with a big grin on her face. Mickie James was glad to be back with a winning edge, but would exchange looks with Lacey Evans as she entered the ring. The two took to teaming up and continuing their attack of "the Goddess", who tried to fight both off - only to be overwhelmed by the Woman's Right! A Mick Kick followed up leaving "Little Miss Bliss" out cold on the canvas, with no sign of her supposed BFF, Nikki Cross. What was the meaning of this alliance?
▆▆▆ Different PagesFollowing discussion from Michael Cole and Corey Graves alluding to a contract signing next week between the SmackDown Women's Champion and her challenger come SummerSlam, backstage Bayley reacted to the news complaining to Sasha Banks that Mandy Rose was in way over her head! The entire WWE Universe knew it, in fact they had witnessed it first-hand earlier tonight. "The Legit Boss" remained silent, as "Bayley 2 Belts" commented on how Mandy was a cheap con artist masquerading as a WWE Superstar. She was nothing but a Diva - the kind real women like she and Sasha despised - but at least SummerSlam would be her easiest win to date. As Bayley ran her mouth, harping on about the lengths "the Precious Peach" had gone to improving, she would never be on a level close to "the Boss 'n' Hug Connection". Noting how quiet Sasha was, she quizzed her on what was bothering her. Finally breaking her silence, Banks pointed to her cheek and told her she knew exactly what was wrong. The WWE Women's Tag Team Champions remained at odds, after Sasha's loss earlier tonight.
- Next week - SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley and Mandy Rose sign the contract for SummerSlam
▆▆▆ Inside the WWE Performance Center, the lights began to flash as the ominous steel structure began to lower from the ceiling. No matter the size of "the Athletic Hub for the Future", the fifteen-foot high Steel-Cage was slowly positioned around the ring, with various ringside assistants present to zip-tie it to the ring posts. One man would be forced to leave Friday Night SmackDown, as tonight would see the friendship-turned-rivalry of John Morrison and The Miz reach its' ultimate end. Who would remain, and who would be forced from the SmackDown Brand? We would find out - next!
As the Steel-Cage sat precariously around the ring inside the WWE Performance Center, Michael Cole and Corey Graves took the time to look ahead to next week on Friday Night SmackDown on FOX. Braun Strowman would get his wish to a degree, when "the Monster Among Men" took on Sheamus's allies from Fight Night - Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura. Bayley and Mandy Rose would sign the contract to make the match for the SmackDown Women's Championship at SummerSlam official. Daniel Bryan would continue his desire to make the WWE Intercontinental Championship "the Working Man's Title" with an open challenge defense; and for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships, The New Day would challenge Heavy Machinery!
- SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley and Mandy Rose sign the contract for SummerSlam
- Handicap match - Braun Strowman vs Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura
- SmackDown Tag Team Championship - Heavy Machinery (c) vs The New Day
- WWE Intercontinental Championship - Open Challenge - Daniel Bryan (c) vs TBA
▆▆▆ 5) John Morrison def. The Miz in a Loser Leaves SmackDown Steel-Cage match (16:43) [THROUGH THREE BREAKS]- Over thirteen years of history was about to be brought to an end in this high stakes Steel-Cage match. "The A-Lister" knew it, as he laced his fingers through the chain-linked walls of the structure. John Morrison soon made his arrival, and immediately closed the door shut behind him. Both men squared off, with Miz trying to take a quick coward's way out! As "the Guru of Greatness" fought Miz away from the door, his crafty enemy would look to ascend the cage only to be dragged down from the top rope. The former SmackDown Tag Team Champions collided, with Morrison getting the better of Miz - bouncing his head twice off the walls of the cage! A calf kick knocked Miz through a loop, but Miz would soon sidestep a corner clothesline enabling for the Awesome Clothesline. Climbing out to the top rope, Miz's double axe handle would go caught with a dropkick in mid-air, and an STO backbreaker soon sent Miz sailing face-first into the steel! - John Morrison and The Miz battled precariously on the top rope, following "the Awesome One's" attempt at escaping the cage. Miz was stunned in the corner by the onslaught of strikes from "the Guru of Greatness", when a cheap kick to the back of the leg caused JoMo to go crotched on the top rope! A neckbreaker brought both down to the canvas, and "the A-Lister" would begin to let his silver tongue do all of the talking. A big boot stunned "the Shaman of Sexy" for a near fall, when a headlock saw Miz continue to berate his oldest friend turned enemy. A kick to the leg led to the snap DDT for a near fall, but Morrison refused to give in easily. As Miz told his former partner to go back to the indies where he belonged, John responded with a big slap! It prompted Miz to send Morrison into the ropes - but he leaped to the top rope and began his escape! Like Spiderman, Morrison climbed to the top, when Miz was able to drag on his foot. Desperately, the two went back and forth when Miz drove him down to earth with the superplex! - The Miz clung to the doorway of the Steel-Cage, as John Morrison dragged him back into the ring by his ankle! "The Friday Night Delight" fired away with a series of strikes leading into a tilt-a-whirl DDT! "The A-Lister" received a standing shooting star press for a near fall, when Miz raked the eyes. The Skull Crushing Finale went blocked - and the Moonlight Drive drilled him, though Miz kicked out at two. The former SmackDown Tag Team Champions were giving it all they had, duking it out until Miz struck with another low kick. The Skull Crushing Finale landed, but Morrison narrowly lifted his shoulder before the three! Throwing a tantrum, "the Awesome One" saw his opportunity and plotted his escape. Departing through the door, Morrison would recover and bring him back in - and receive a shot with brass knuckles! Miz grinned and made the cover - but Morrison continued to show life! - "The A-Lister" was pulling out all of the stops to put away John Morrison, as a singular trickle of blood ran down his face. Sending "the Guru of Greatness" face-first into the steel mesh, JoMo would block a second attempt before sending The Miz face-first himself! Miz tried to buy distance escaping into the crevice between the wall and the ropes, but would find himself ricocheting off of both thanks to "the Shaman of Sexy". Morrison began his ascent, when Miz met him on the top rope. "The Awesome One" struck with a dirty low blow between the legs of his rival, before climbing to the top of the structure! The Steel-Cage sat ominously with Morrison somehow balancing, gutting it out to the top of the structure. Miz and Morrison would go blow for blow, when an eye rake saw him take the lead. Miz tried getting his leg over however - and wound up caught upside down! In a tree of woe from fifteen feet in the air, "the A-Lister" was trapped. It afforded "the Friday Night Delight" sufficient time to descend and exit the Steel-Cage!
As The Miz hung terrified upside down from fifteen feet high in the air, he could not help but become overwhelmed with emotion! John Morrison caught his breath and had his hand raised, finally getting even with "the A-Lister" after so many lost years as a WWE Superstar. "The Friday Night Delight" could remain on Friday Night SmackDown, but JoMo took great delight in not only celebrating in the face of his dangling former partner - but leading the WWE Universe in a frenzied chant of "Na Na Hey Hey Goodbye!" As officials came out to help Miz down from the top of the Steel-Cage, he would throw another tantrum. It was an end of an era as "the Awesome One" knew it - his final appearance as a SmackDown Superstar!
▆▆▆ We Didn't Start The FireThe screen cut from the WWE Performance Center to the title sequence of 'the Firefly Fun House'. Bray Wyatt came bursting through his door full of joy, brandishing the WWE Universal Championship on his shoulder! "The Eater of Worlds" welcomed all of his Fireflies to the show, as he began to talk about a very special date. In case the WWE Universe were unaware, reserved or simply living under a rock, it was seven years ago at SummerSlam where the WWE first saw what could be possible with Bray Wyatt inside a squared-circle for the very first time. It was also one year ago at SummerSlam, where the WWE first saw the most terrifying creature to ever step foot in a squared-circle - the Fiend! Questioning if the kids were ready for The Fiend's one-year anniversary as a WWE Superstar, the Fireflies responded affirmatively. Glad to hear it, Bray claimed he was excited too - because he had been listening to what their Brother Nero had had to say. He liked Nero's moxy - but at SummerSlam, Bray wanted to see Nero prove he had what it took.
"The Eater of Worlds" spoke of how it took a lot more than a fresh coat of paint and some threatening visual effects to be equal to The Fiend, and in Interdimensional Warfare - that was "the New Face of Fear's" prime element! The monstrocity couldn't wait and had already marked the date, but to that Bray Wyatt had to question if the Fireflies wanted to wish the WWE Universal Champion an early happy birthday! The kids cheered, while Abby the Witch groaned - a birthday hat present on her head. Ramblin' Rabbit soon popped up with one on his head too: a big fan of birthdays! Huskus the Pig sat atop the television set, fawning over a slice of delicious chocolate cake - but when Bray revealed the cake from the oven, chef hat and all, it was black and burned to a crisp! Wyatt shrugged and chuckled, before leading the choir of little Fireflies in singing "happy birthday" - to be interrupted by a hammering on the door.
Each of the puppets of 'the Firefly Fun House' grew concerned, as Bray Wyatt wondered who was at the door. Abby the Witch warned him, but the enthused "Eater of Worlds" didn't care. He saw it as potential to make a new friend, and quizzed Huskus the Pig on what he thought. Huskus simply wanted the cake, no matter how burnt it was - it was still edible! Mercy the Buzzard called the mysterious banging a hindrance, and served as the devil on Bray's shoulder advising he take care of them. Ramblin' Rabbit meanwhile ducked for cover under his own mits. As Bray opened the door with a bombastic greetings, his eyes would turn to horror: once Brother Nero appeared outside! Armed with a flamethrower, "the Death-Defying Daredevil" told Bray to send this message to The Fiend. Burning the Firefly Fun House to to nothing but hellfire and brimstone, ghastly screams and groans could be heard. Surrounded by the inferno, Nero squeaked with a high-pitch cackle - telling The Fiend he'd see him at SummerSlam!
- SummerSlam - WWE Universal Championship - Interdimensional Warfare - The Fiend (c) vs Brother Nero
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Post by DTP. on Jun 14, 2023 17:19:38 GMT -5
NXT #416 – August 5, 2020 Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida "All Out Life" by Slipknot LESS THAN THREE WEEKS FROM NXT TAKEOVER XXX!
NXT UK #105: Hidden Gems - August 6, 2020- The Cobra def. Black Tiger to capture the WWE Junior Heavyweight Championship with the top rope splash. (12:34) [WWF ON MSG NETWORK - DEC 28, 1984] - Kay Lee Ray def. Toni Storm (c) in an I Quit match to capture the NXT UK Women's Championship when Ray threatened guillotining Storm with a second rope stomp from the second rope. (12:51) [NXT UK #82 - FEB 27, 2020]- Cesaro def. Sami Zayn with the Neutralizer. (22:55) [NXT ARRIVAL - FEB 27, 2014]
Bad MamiNXT went on the air from Full Sail Arena, where a selection of NXT Universe members stood to attention at the plexiglass ringside, as Dakota Kai made her grand arrival. Mauro Ranallo, Beth Phoenix and Vic Joseph welcomed us to the show, with just under three weeks until NXT TakeOver XXX. Accompanied by "the Insurance Policy" Raquel González, Dakota sneered at onlookers as she took her place in the middle of the ring. As footage aired of Io Shirai's successful NXT Women's Championship defense last week against Xia Li, there was an interesting spectator who made their presence known after the fact - "King Kota" herself. Dakota told the NXT Universe to calm down, that this wasn't going to take any longer than it had to be. If any of the fans had any sense, they knew that this had been a long time coming - and who knew, maybe they were salivating at the possibility. "King Kota" confirmed her interest in becoming NXT Women's Champion, stating that it was high time she took her place as the King of the NXT Women's Division!
Io Shirai was listening avidly and made her way out to the ring in response. The NXT Women's Champion was sublimely dressed as she waltzed down to the ring and exchanged glares with Raquel González, who stood between the champ and her suspected next challenger. "King Kota" told Io how glad she had made it! Congratulating her belatedly on her landmark victory at NXT TakeOver: In Your House against Charlotte Flair, Kai remarked how "the Genius of the Sky" was truly an inspiration to everybody, sticking up for "the Black and Gold Brand" against people like "the Queen!" With that said, Dakota claimed that she peaked early however, and that was why it was time for a new face as the NXT Women's Champion. Shirai abruptly snatched the microphone from her, demanding she shut up already! Speaking in Japanese that she was willing to battle allcomers, Dakota might be "King", but "the Joshi Judas" bowed to no one!
Dakota Kai was taken aback, as Raquel González stood with her arms crossed before her. Glaring a hole through the NXT Women's Champion, Io Shirai defensively questioned if Raquel had an issue, to which "King Kota" iterated for her to keep her eyes on her. Officially laying out the challenge for NXT TakeOver XXX, Io again snatched the microphone and raised the title high in the air for "King Kota" to see. The two exchanged stares, though the second Io would turn her back to Dakota, González would blindsight "the Genius of the Sky!" Muscling her up high with the one-armed powerbomb, Dakota demanded to know the meaning of this! González would shove her confidante aside, defiantly delivering a second one-armed powerbomb to leave Shirai laying. Having decimated "the Joshi Judas", "Big Mami Cool" quickly exited the ring and made her escape to the stunned response of "King Kota". Dakota was mad at González, but stood tall over Shirai and shrugged her shoulders.
✕✕✕ Mauro Ranallo, Beth Phoenix and Vic Joseph ran down what was scheduled to take place tonight, as graphics appeared on the screen. The challenge had been accepted by "the Prince", seeing the NXT Championship scheduled to be defended tonight when Finn Bálor defended against Roderick Strong of the Undisputed Era. After turning on Damian Priest following conflict with Karrion Kross last week, Dijakovic would do battle with "the Archer of Infamy" mano e mano. The NXT Tag Team Championships would also be on the line, when Ever-Rise put the gold at stake again against Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch - and if the champs get counted out or disqualified, they would lose the titles!
- NXT Championship - Finn Bálor (c) vs Roderick Strong
- Damian Priest vs Dijakovic
- NXT Tag Team Championship - Ever-Rise (c) vs Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch - if Ever-Rise get disqualified or counted out, they lose the titles
✕✕✕ In the Gorilla Position, McKenzie Mitchell was standing by with Jake Atlas. Tonight, he had the opportunity to become NXT Cruiserweight Champion when he took on Santos Escobar. Asking if "the Game Changer" was ready for action, Jake confessed he had butterflies in his stomach. It would be his first taste of gold, and he could not wait! Hopeful of making everybody proud of what he would accomplish tonight, Jake dedicated the match to everybody in the NXT Universe who lived life a little bit differently. It was good to be different, and he wanted nothing more than to be a man of the people! When it came to Legado del Fantasma, he had witnessed their little hostile takeover and he was unimpressed. Tonight, he was inexperienced but would give it his everything to become the new champion. As the broadcast journalist wished him luck, Atlas's music hit and he would disappear through the curtain. Title action was up next!
Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly talked in the backstage dressing room, as Fish wanted to ask "Hollywood" Kyle for the scoop on what it was like on the set of his new movie. While Kyle played it coy and didn't want to spill the beans, the two bantered with one another when Roderick Strong arrived. Fish and O'Reilly greeted him as the future NXT Champion, and Roddy remarked that he had a better-than-great feeling about tonight! Roddy reminded everybody of how he had a pinfall victory over "the Prince" from a month or so back, and after laying waste to him the last few weeks, he knew he had Finn Bálor's number. He could practically taste the gold! Fish and O'Reilly joked that might be from holding the gold for a week. Roddy high-fived both, in high spirits. Four years ago, the entire NXT Universe had wanted to see him become NXT Champion, and although a little late, he could not wait to become the champ after a long chase - and that was Undisputed!
✕✕✕ 1) Santos Escobar (c) def. Jake Atlas to retain the NXT Cruiserweight Championship (9:59) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- Standing up for the NXT Cruiserweight Division, Jake Atlas looked to knock Santos Escobar from his stronghold. Surprisingly Joaquin Wilde and Raúl Mendoza returned to the back before the bell sounded, and an arrogant Escobar looked to get the better of "the Game Changer" early with a series of arm drags, when Atlas responded with two of his own, a headlock takeover, a fisherman's carry and a dropkick! The NXT Cruiserweight Champion played it nonchalantly and sped up the pace with a dropdown, leapfrog and the splits, but as the challenger barrel rolled over the champ, Escobar would walk right into a hurricanrana when a shotgun dropkick took the champ to the floor! Atlas kept the momentum flowing with a moonsault plancha, executed perfectly. Escobar was being taken to the limit by the youngster, until Santos would catch Atlas off the apron with a fireman's carry - dropping him face first on the edge of the ring apron! - A basement dropkick took Jake Atlas down, as Santos Escobar began to belittle "the Game Changer". Jake Atlas was trapped in a surfboard stretch, with the NXT Cruiserweight Champion simultaneously chopping away at the chest. The challenger wished to grow from the hold, when Escobar cut him off with a spinebuster! A slingshot somersault senton from the apron got a near fall, when a powerbomb was attempted. Atlas broke free and drilled him with a bicycle kick into the German suplex! Going to the top rope, Jake teased the LGB-DDT - when Escobar leaped to the top rope with a frankensteiner! Neither man refused to back down, as the two traded strikes. Escobar stunned Atlas with open-hand chops, when a super kick saw Atlas drill him with a forearm smash! A springboard blockbuster wiped him out, but as the cover was made, Joaquin Wilde and Raúl Mendoza returned for the distraction. Atlas yelled at them, when the champ connected with the Phantom Driver to retain the gold!ResentimientoThe NXT Cruiserweight Championship remained in the custody of Legado del Fantasma, and the hostile takeover of the NXT Cruiserweight Division continued - as Santos Escobar had his men provide Jake Atlas with a post-match beatdown! Raúl Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde did the dirty work of their leader Escobar, who grinned and watched from a hammocked position in the corner. Out came Breezango to even the odds, but as Tyler Breeze and Fandango brought the fight to the champ's henchmen, Escobar left the corner and drilled both "Prince Pretty" and 'Dango with shots from the title! The dastardly trio stood dominantly over Breezango and Atlas's bodies - when out came Lucha House Party! Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado had returned to "the Black and Gold Brand", sending Wilde and Mendoza running with stereo hurricanranas! The SmackDown Superstars teased topés, but Legado bailed up the aisle. Not only were Dorado and Metalik sticking up for the Division - they were sticking up for Mexico.
✕✕✕ Miscarriage of Justice In a YouTube video submitted from the Ever-Rise Live account on Sunday morning, Ever-Rise sat at their desk with branded cups of coffee. While Matt Martel and Chase Parker insincerely wished everybody a happy weekend, the two were clearly still reeling after the announcement made by their previous guest, NXT General Manager William Regal. Martel and Parker mocked Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch, claiming they already beat those whackjobs two weeks ago! They believed "the Boston Bruiser" and "the London Mauler" should take a hike already back to Monday Night RAW. An empassioned Martel held the NXT Tag Team Championship proudly, declaring he and Chase had waited seventeen long years to say they were at the tip-top of the Tag Team Division - and here they were. Chase considered it a miscarriage of justice, yet the GM's stipulations weren't going to matter. Being counted out or disqualified was a nonfactor, because on Wednesday the gold was coming with them, and Oney and Danny were going down!New EvilA video package aired, reviewing the battle between Karrion Kross and Dijakovic last week. Followed by the face off between Damian Priest and "the Herald of Doomsday", "the Demolition Man" would lay waste to Kross before surprising everybody - laying out "the Nocturnal Rockstar" with Feast Your Eyes! Dijakovic stood outside Full Sail Arena to discuss his discrepency with "the Archer of Infamy", referring back to those weeks not long ago where Damian served as the devil on his shoulder. Now he was faced with a new devil, he needed help. But that wasn't going to go down on his watch! Dijakovic believed Damian deserved every bit of bad luck coming his way, and he couldn't fathom why the NXT Universe had turned on him of all people. Tonight, Dijakovic was going to get sweet revenge on Priest for all of his manipulative sins committed in the past - and not long after, Karrion was next.
✕✕✕ 2) Killian Dain def. Cameron Grimes (4:15) - It was no surprise when faced with the proposal to team up last week, Killian Dain was less than thrilled with Cameron Grimes. "The Carolina Caveman" tried to back away and reason with "the Beast of Belfast", who simply advanced on him. Cornering him with a series of back elbow strikes, Grimes would sneak free and respond with right hands of his own, only to hit the ropes and be buried with the Divide from the powerhouse! The Irishman brutalized Cameron further, choking him with all of his weight applied against the second rope. The Barn River Boot sent Grimes sailing from the apron, but as Dain advanced after him, Grimes sent him careening into the steel steps! The Southern boy proceeded to ground Dain inside, still pitching the tag team idea to him. Dain would shock Grimes with a shotgun dropkick, when a corner splash crushed him in the corner! As Dain hit the ropes looking for the Belfast Blitz, Grimes attempted the Cave In just for Dain to plant him with a Powerbomb for the three count!
"The Beast of Belfast" had made short work of Cameron Grimes, surely bringing the proposal of a tag team between the two to a close. Killian Dain left in a foul mood as ever, but "the Carolina Caveman" would sit up in a haze, continuing to be convinced that the two of them were meant to be! A dazed Southern boy rolled out of the ring, pleading his case that they would make a great team.
✕✕✕ The Brand New BrandMercedes Martinez flexed her freakish upper body in the mirror of her dressing room, when up behind her crept Robert Stone. Oozing over "the Latina Phenomenon's" physical assets, "the Hipster" claimed that as far as he was concerned - she was the entire Brand he was looking for! Robert claimed nobody on "the Black and Gold Brand" could ever compare to her, when into the room came Chelsea Green and Aliyah. The former faces of the Robert Stone Brand confronted Mercedes while their former manager cowered behind his new acquisition. Usually on different pages, the ladies were united in their distaste for what Stone's betrayal. Chels argued they had a contract, but Stone considered it null and void. As he compared what Mercedes had done versus what Green and Aliyah had not done, the youngster responded, bravely squaring off with Martinez. Defending the potential of Green, Aliyah challenged "the Phenomenon" to a match tonight! Stone simply cackled at the top of his lungs, accepting on behalf of Mercedes.
- Tonight - Aliyah vs Mercedes Martinez
✕✕✕ Damian Priest was having the burn marks on his face cared for by another in a line of alternative honeys backstage. The goth chick wanted more of "the Archer of Infamy's" attention, but he would reason he had to go - he had a match coming up! "The Nocturnal Rockstar's" demeanor would change entirely, as the remains of Karrion Kross's fireball assault several weeks ago remained prominent on his face. Looking to get back at Dijakovic, he would meet "the Demolition Man" - next.
✕✕✕ A vignette aired, promoting the arrival of a new Cruiserweight. There was nobody younger, nobody hotter, and nobody who possessed the pizzazz and the finesse he did. Driving a convertible through the streets of the Bay Area in San Francisco, he took the time to stop, pause and lower his sunglasses. With an eager smile, the young man in a cropped leather jacket welcomed the NXT Universe to "Ya Girl's Favorite Superstar;" "the Ultimate Finesser" Chris Bey - coming to NXT next week.
- Next week - Chris Bey makes his NXT debut
An excerpt from the music video of Metallica's "Moth Into Flame" aired, before cutting to a graphic. Announced as #NXTLoud's official theme song for NXT TakeOver XXX, the live version with the San Francisco Symphony was available now for streaming via Apple Music and Spotify.
A graphic soon aired, as Mauro Ranallo, Beth Phoenix and Vic Joseph confirmed on behalf of NXT General Manager William Regal, that in less than three weeks Dakota Kai would challenge Io Shirai for the NXT Women's Championship at NXT TakeOver XXX.
- NXT TakeOver XXX - NXT Women's Championship - Io Shirai (c) vs Dakota Kai
✕✕✕ 3) Damian Priest def. Dijakovic (11:26) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- Hostilities between these two men went beyond last week's deception from "the Demolition Man". Dijakovic resented how "the Archer of Infamy" manipulated his judgment previously, and while receiving a mixed reaction, Damian Priest's popularity overshadowed his. It fuelled Dijakovic to jump Priest before the bell, targeting the wounded face of "the Nocturnal Rockstar". As Dijakovic fired with a back kick, a toe kick and a back elbow combination, Priest responded with a spinning roundhouse kick! A forearm smash knocked Dijakovic through a loop, when he struck with a knee spear. As Priest went to the floor, Dijakovic would spring off the second rope and fly with a topé con hilo - taking out Priest! The agility of the big man was not to be neglected, as Dijakovic returned him to the ring and connected with a springboard elbow drop from the apron. Yet as he stood tall, suddenly the theme of Karrion Kross would see he and Scarlett emerge on the stage. Casting black and white over Full Sail Arena, Dijakovic was furious. - "The Herald of Doomsday" watched in a black suit beside his mistress, Scarlett, as Karrion Kross kept his eyes on the match. Damian Priest drove Dijakovic into the canvas with the elevated flatliner, when he headed for the top to be crotched by him. The Spanish fly brought both men crashing to the canvas, but "the Demolition Man" got back up and followed with the Chokeslam for a near fall! Dismayed, Dijakovic kept the pressure on "the Archer of Infamy", who would fight an attempted superplex and knock him down. A spinning heel kick from the top saw Priest make his comeback, as a crucifix powerbomb scored a near fall! Priest's Falcon Arrow landed, when "the Siren of Destruction" came down to distract the referee. Kross entered the ring, but Dijakovic wiped him out with the Cyclone Kick! Priest was hit with a one-handed Chokebomb, but Scarlett again distracted the official! In came Kross with a surprising Doomsday Saito to Dijakovic, which fed into the Reckoning from "the Nocturnal Rockstar" for the three count!
Any idea of collusion between Damian Priest and Karrion Kross would quickly go out the window, once "the Archer of Infamy" was in-turn assaulted by the very man who helped him defeat Dijakovic moments prior! "The Herald of Doomsday" had had an axe to grind with Priest for weeks, dropping him with another Doomsday Saito. Scarlett watched from across the ring with a smirk, witnessing her man follow suit with a brutal forearm strike to the back of the kneeling "Nocturnal Rockstar!" Nobody had dismantled Damian in the manner Kross had done, as he stood tall to have his hand raised by Scarlett.
✕✕✕ Own AccordIn preparation for his NXT Championship main event against Roderick Strong, Finn Bálor stretched his legs with some deep lunges, when into shot walked the NXT North American Champion Keith Lee. Having both fought and teamed up recently, the two champs showed respect for one another when "the Limitless One" claimed he knew what Finn was about to say. He wanted "the Prince" to know that whatever the Undisputed Era had planned for him tonight, Finn would have back-up whether he liked it or not. As far as he was concerned - Keith Lee had his own agenda, and wanted to settle a grudge with the UE on his own accord. Bálor nodded, remaining silent but slapping hands with him.
A video package aired, taking a look back at the devastation in which Timothy Thatcher had established in his short time spent in NXT thus far. "The Thatch Man" was deranged and obsessed with torturing many an opponent, having forced men to tap out; having been the NXT Tag Team Champion only to throw it all away; having choked Matt Riddle out in the first-ever Cage Fight at NXT Great American Bash; and now having warped the minds of a class of student trainees. Surrounded by darkness, the toothless grin of a sadistic Thatcher emerged to the light - he would return to the ring on NXT next week.
- Next week - Timothy Thatcher returns to NXT
✕✕✕ Challenge RejectedTo the annoyance of the NXT Universe, Deonna Purrazzo would make her way out to the stage to a largely negative response. "The Virtuosa" was pleased to grace the cretins in Full Sail University with her presence, claiming that she did not have a match tonight - but that was no reason to neglect the masses who all wanted to see her so desperately! Deonna spoke of her excellence, and noted how she was undefeated. Much as she had planned so strategically and so carefully before her debut for "the Black and Gold Brand", she had a roadmap that was coming to complete fruition. She had mastered Mia Yim and she had conquered Tegan Nox. The question now remained: who else wanted to pass the test of "the Virtuosa?" Regarding herself beautiful as she was dangerous, she saw nothing but fame in her future, and as for the NXT Women's Championship - she would assuredly be watching what might happen between Io Shirai and Dakota Kai at NXT TakeOver XXX.
Deonna Purrazzo did not want to take time out of her schedule for it to be wasted with the NXT Universe freaks, geeks and misfits, when out came Tegan Nox! "The Welsh Valley Wonder" told Deonna she was also free, and if she was looking for a match, she was ready and waiting! Purrazzo scoffed, telling her what she told her last week - "no means no". "The Virtuosa" lectured "the Girl with the Shiniest Wizard" that heinous attackers like her did not deserve rematches, considering she had already had her chance! With her challenge declined, Tegan accepted, when Deonna urged she keep reaching for the stars - maybe one day she could earn herself another shot at the undefeated, uncrowned "Virtuosa!" Nox shook hands with Purrazzo, before pulling her close and warning her that she would get her rematch, and when she did Deonna was going downtown to 'the School of Hard Nox!' As Nox departed, Mercedes Martinez's music hit. Accompanied by Robert Stone, "the Latina Phenomenon" was ready for combat.
✕✕✕ 4) Mercedes Martinez (with Robert Stone) def. Aliyah (with Chelsea Green) (1:48)- Robert Stone's backstabbing of Chelsea Green and Aliyah two weeks ago had see Mercedes Martinez not just come into the fold as "the Hipster's" sole client, but to dismantle the former representatives of the Robert Stone Brand. Fearlessly, Aliyah challenged "the Latina Phenomenon" with Chelsea Green oddly on her side supporting her. Invited by Martinez to land the first strike, Aliyah would sound off with rights and lefts, when a crossbody saw Mercedes hurl her across the ring! Punishing her with the running knee strike and Three Amigos, a T-bone suplex dumped Aliyah on her head. The defenceless youngster reached out for the help of Green, but instead, Chels turned her back on Aliyah and walked away! Gobsmacked, Aliyah was dragged into a fisherman buster, when a surfboard stretch dragon sleeper forced her into submission.
In a move many could have seen coming a long time ago, Chelsea Green had finally abandoned Aliyah and left her high and dry! Mercedes Martinez refused to surrender the horrifying submission hold, maintaining the surfboard stretch dragon sleeper before Robert Stone urged her to drop it. "The Latina Phenomenon" had her hand raised by a loud and proud "Hipster", when Martinez cornered Aliyah and dropped her with an Air Raid Crash for good measure! The NXT Universe booed loudly, as Mercedes planned to reapply the devastating submission - when out rushed Shotzi! "The Ballsy Badass" voiced last week she wanted a match with Martinez, and immediately hit the ring. Throwing everything but the kitchen sink at the veteran, a big boot would see Martinez lay her out as well for good measure. With a terrifying scream, "the Hipster" guided his sole client from the ring.
✕✕✕ A graphic aired, promoting the upcoming NXT Tag Team Championship match between Ever-Rise and Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch. After they would be victorious via disqualification two weeks ago, the NXT General Manager William Regal had declared that should Matt Martel or Chase Parker get counted out or disqualified tonight - they would lose the titles to Lorcan and Burch! More title action was coming up next.An Absolute RoastingMcKenzie Mitchell was at the interview area backstage with Ricky Starks. As he glossed over the fact he wasn't in competition tonight, he wished for the NXT Universe to know he thought of them just like each of them did about him each and every night when they were tucked up in their bed! As "the Center of the Attention", he made it known that he cared about his audience - and as far as he was concerned, NXT belonged to him. He'd proven it already, and had made an impressive show of it. His perfect record told the whole tale - all anybody needed to know was that "Pretty Ricky" meant guaranteed ratings! Compared to the rest of the NXT locker room, Ricky talked trash about the hoodrats from the Undisputed Era and how it took four of them to make up one singular ounce of charisma! On the plus side, while he was glad Adam Cole's year-long reign of terror as NXT Champion was over - he couldn't believe the gold was in the hands of "the Snoring King" himself, Finn Bálor!
"Absolute" Ricky Starks discussed the biggest dork walking around NXT, Damian Priest. For a guy everybody thought was a hit with the ladies - why did most of "the Archer of Infamy's" gothy-looking women looked more masculine than he did? On a roll roasting the roster, "the Center of Attention" called Karrion Kross a guy whose side-piece was more interesting than he was; Timothy Thatcher - a dude with more teeth than sense; and Bronson Reed - a "Thicc Boi" wishing he still lived in his momma's basement! Starks didn't even want to get started with the NXT North American Champion Keith Lee, making jokes at the expense of his size, his weight and his grandmother! "Pretty Ricky" was having a blast insulting "the Limitless One's" family, and what his Momma had to look like - when finally Keith Lee showed up! In a foul mood, he urged Ricky to do what was best for his health, and keep Keith Lee's name out of his mouth. Starks scowled but knew better than to engage, instead backing away.
✕✕✕ 5) Ever-Rise (c) def. Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch to retain the NXT Tag Team Championship (8:11) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- Where the challengers could win the NXT Tag Team Championships via disqualification or count out, it was clear that was not Oney Lorcan or Danny Burch's M.O. After their title opportunity two weeks ago, "the London Mauler" and "the Boston Bruiser" rushed the ring for combat with Matt Martel and Chase Parker. Clearing the ring of the champions, Burch propeled Lorcan into the air with an over-the-top topé! The Canadians both went down, when Lorcan unleashed a trapping open-handed slaps to Parker by the ring apron. Martel intervened, when Burch landed a baseball slide. Lorcan and Burch battled Ever-Rise up the aisleway before returning to the ring. With their index fingers high and proud, the champs considered getting themselves counted out. That is until they remembered the ruling by NXT General Manager William Regal! Narrowly making the ring at the count of nine, a rushing Martel went down in Burch's Crossface while Parker simultaneously suffered the fate of Lorcan's single-legged Boston crab! - The action raged on with the NXT Tag Team Champions in control. Matt Martel ran his mouth and slapped Danny Burch, prompting the Londoner to respond with a headbutt. Chase Parker tagged in and landed an elbow drop from Martel's back, preventing the tag to Oney Lorcan. As Martel held a fireman's carry, Parker landed a top rope blockbuster, but "the London Mauler" showed fight! Burch broke from a Knee from Niagara attempt into the tag, and Oney Lorcan came in riled up! Drilling Chase with a succession of European uppercuts in the corner. As Burch equalized Parker from the ring, Lorcan drove Martel down with the Half-and-Half suplex - but as the cover was made, Parker propped Martel's foot on the bottom rope! Parker soon teased introducing the NXT Tag Team Championship as a weapon only to be reminded of the stipulation again, allowing a roll-up from Lorcan. Martel reversed out with his own cradle - and with leverage granted by Parker, Ever-Rise stole the match!Oney and Danny RuleWhile they had worked at a disadvantage in overcoming Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch, Ever-Rise were able to slither away still the NXT Tag Team Champions! Hugging one another at ringside, Matt Martel and Chase Parker sighed sweet relief and celebrated like never before. An unimpressed Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch had tried to reason with the referee's decision, but as it was declared final, "the London Mauler" and "the Boston Bruiser" would leave the ring. Sneaking up behind the Canadians, they got a taste of revenge, sending the champs back to the ring! Burch's lariat sent Parker into Lorcan's Half-and-Half suplex, when Martel tried using the NXT Tag title, receiving a German suplex for his worries! To a standing ovation from the NXT Universe, Lorcan and Burch bowed to them. Despite not succeeding in becoming champions, they received a respectful sendoff, to cap off their five-year tenures in NXT. The future was bright for Lorcan and Burch on their journeys to the RAW Brand, and the two saluted the crowd with their fingers in the air.
✕✕✕ McKenzie Mitchell was backstage with Lucha House Party, wanting to understand more about their decision to help Jake Atlas and Breezango against Legado del Fantasma. Gran Metalik spoke aggressively in Spanish, pointing with his finger and seemingly threatening the trio. Lince Dorado provided the translation, explaining they had come back to NXT to get revenge. Weeks ago Legado del Fantasma made a hostile takeover of 205 Live, and with that they took out the two of them. Now, they were here and they were going to take back the Cruiserweight Division for the good of the Brand. They had the NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar in mind, but they also wanted a piece of his lackeys, Raúl Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde.
Graphics aired, as Vic Joseph discussed the return of Lucha House Party to rival Legado del Fantasma's hostile takeover 205 Live. On the subject, he ran down what was coming up this Friday night on 205 Live, where immediately following Friday Night SmackDown on FOX, Raúl Mendoza would meet Tyler Breeze; Taynara would be in competition; and in the biggest match of his young career, Leon Ruff would challenge The Brian Kendrick.
- Raúl Mendoza vs Tyler Breeze
- The Brian Kendrick vs Leon Ruff
- Taynara will be in action
✕✕✕ Meanwhile, Finn Bálor walked the hallways of Full Sail University en route to the ring. With the NXT Championship around his waist, "the Prince" had never looked so stoic in his presence. With eyes on Roderick Strong, for not just his previous attack but for thieving the NXT Championship, Finn Bálor looked to get even with the Undisputed Era member in the main event - coming up next.Three's a PartyFollowing Raquel González Powerbomb attack of NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai earlier tonight, Dakota Kai was livid over the subordination of her "Insurance Policy". "King Kota" bellowed out as she walked through the parking lot, demanding "Big Mami Cool" show herself for stealing her thunder! When a backstage assistant informed her Raquel left the building a few minutes ago, Kai was furious, when along came Rhea Ripley. "The Brutalist" questioned what it felt like to be alone. With a scowl, Dakota told Rhea the dumpsters were the way she came. Ripley smiled, telling Dakota she was impressive a couple of weeks ago, but now she had her own proposal - to challenge "King Kota" again next week. If she lost, she would willingly get down and kiss her butt; but if she won, "the Brutalist" would be added to the match at NXT TakeOver XXX. Laughing uncontrollably, she told Rhea she would certainly beat her again, because she was King of the NXT Women's Division! Kai told Rhea she was on, and to get ready to pucker up next week.
- Next week - Rhea Ripley vs Dakota Kai - if Rhea wins, she gets added to the NXT Women's Championship match at NXT TakeOver XXX; if Dakota wins, Rhea must kiss her ass.
✕✕✕ A graphic aired, as Mauro Ranallo, Beth Phoenix and Vic Joseph confirmed the announcement of another match made by NXT General Manager William Regal. Come NXT TakeOver XXX on Saturday, August 22, "the Archer of Infamy" would have his meeting with "the Herald of Doomsday" when Damian Priest locks horns with Karrion Kross.
- NXT TakeOver XXX - Karrion Kross vs Damian Priest
✕✕✕ 6) Finn Bálor (c) def. Roderick Strong to retain the NXT Championship (15:26) [THROUGH TWO BREAKS]- It was a month ago where Roderick Strong knocked off a victory against the future NXT Champion Finn Bálor. "The Prince" had suffered the brunt of the Undisputed Era since becoming champion back at the Great American Bash, but after weeks of being ambushed and having his title stolen, Finn wanted to prove who ran "the Black and Gold Brand". Roderick Strong played head games at the bell, immediately leaving the ring and leading a wild goose chase from the champ. The Irishman pursued after him inside, and when Roddy attempted a shortcut with the Sick Kick early, Bálor would sidestep it and land the Sling Blade! The 1916 was attempted, but Strong ducked out into the ropes. Laying in chops in the corner, the challenger responded with several of his own, when Finn rocked Strong with two more! A rope-assisted kick knocked Roddy over the top rope to the apron, where a Pelé kick sent him to the floor. From there, Finn connected with the running apron kick - but would miss a Coup de Grâce to the floor. - As the NXT Champion tried to fight using a bad wheel, Roderick Strong would use a low dropkick to take the ankle of Finn Bálor out beneath him. An overhead belly-to-belly suplex got the challenger a near fall, and Strong kept the heat on "the Prince" with a variation of the heel hook. With Bálor grounded, Roddy sustained a spinning toe hold as Bálor struggled. In the corner, Roddy lit Bálor up with chops, when Finn delivered forearm strikes! Roddy responded with some of his own, before delivering a discus forearm! From the ropes he ran, when Bálor would use the top rope to gain height - the standing double footstomp impacting the Undisputed Era member! With clotheslines and another Sling Blade, the Irishman lined "the Master of the Backbreaker" up for the basement dropkick - but Roddy bailed to the floor! As Finn attempted a dive through the ropes, Strong would catch him in his arms - and a sidewalk slam sent Finn spine-first on the edge of the ring apron! - Roderick Strong zoned in on the NXT Champion with a tiger bomb. Finn Bálor rived in pain, when it came time for Cloud 9. Landing on his feet, Finn dropped the challenger with the eye of the hurricane! With an opening he ascended to the top rope for Coup de Grâce, but Roddy caught his legs in the Strong Hold! "The Prince" groaned in agony, but the champ made it to the ropes. Roddy motioned for Death by Roderick - just for Finn to land on his feet and connect with the Pelé kick! The 1916 was reversed into the Crash Landing for a near fall! "The Master of the Backbreaker" teased the End of Heartache, but Finn took him down with the double footstomp! Darting to the top, Bálor would be offset by the interfering Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly. Backstage, the locker room door of NXT North American Champion Keith Lee was shown to be blocked, preventing him from helping out. As Finn battled the Undisputed Era away, Roddy's End of Heartache saw Finn reverse into an inside cradle to retain the title!Back to Bite, Baybay"The Prince" had won, but was blindsighted by Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly. Roderick Strong joined in once he realized he had failed in his NXT Championship opportunity, and the three Undisputed Era members initiated another beatdown. Backstage, the locker room door of Keith Lee shook as the NXT North American Champion tried to escape. Finn evaded Chasing the Dragon from Fish and O'Reilly, dropping Fish with a basement dropkick and catching O'Reilly with the Sling Blade. Finn set Roddy up for the 1916, when out of nowhere came a man wearing a biker helmet! Striking him in the ankle with a bat, their identity would be revealed...to be Adam Cole, baybay! Kneeling over him, the former NXT Champion throttled Finn. He tried to fight, but was kicked in the leg and struck with a super kick! Cole forced the title in Finn's semi-conscious face, then took off and left him motionless with the Last Shot! Standing tall over Bálor, "the Panama City Playboy" was back, and wanted his NXT Championship back!
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Post by DTP. on Jun 10, 2023 8:58:25 GMT -5
Monday Night RAW #1419 - August 3, 2020 WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida LESS THAN THREE WEEKS FROM SUMMERSLAM! "Legendary" by Skillet
Main Event #410 – August 6, 2020 1) R-Truth def. Shelton Benjamin with the Attitude Adjustment. After their match last week on Monday Night RAW was cut abruptly by the invading WWE 24/7 Champion Samoa Joe, the two mainstay WWE Superstars got it on in an unorthodox match seeing "the Gold Standard" baffled by "the Truth's" intentions of cosplaying as John Cena. (5:06) 2) Oney Lorcan (with Danny Burch) def. Riddick Moss with the Lariat. While "So Smooth" hoped to use his size as an advantage, Oney responded with rigorous tenacity. Suddenly Heath Slater popped up backstage on the big screen, sporting a black hoody and sunglasses - where he was tackled by a mob of security guards for trespassing. The distraction granted Lorcan the win. (4:26)
A video package aired, recapping the beginning of the Triple Terror Trials that took place last week. With an opportunity to challenge Drew McIntyre for the WWE World Championship at SummerSlam hanging in the balance, three Triple Threat Qualifying matches took place pitting rivals against one another. After a choice confrontation with "the Phenomenal One", AJ Styles was able to use the O.C.'s help to overcome Kevin Owens and Ricochet. A competitive battle saw Seth Rollins backdoor his way into victory over arch nemeses Andrade and Rey Mysterio. And in the main event, an unlikely force would be recognized when Matt Riddle continued his hot streak by defeating Randy Orton and Bobby Lashley. Tonight, "the King of Bros", "the Phenomenal One" and "the Monday Night Messiah" would get it on. Who would go to "the Biggest Party of the Summer?"
The opening video package aired, bringing us to the WWE Performance Center for Monday Night RAW! With the Finals of the Triple Terror Trials approaching, Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian welcomed us to the show, less than three weeks from "the Biggest Party of the Summer", SummerSlam! They ran down the rest of the line-up, where tonight Rey Mysterio reportedly had a proposal for Andrade. The RAW Tag Team Championships would be at stake when Theory and Murphy of the Church battled the Street Profits. The RAW Women's Champion Asuka was tasked with battling Nia Jax; and after last week's backstage brawl, Ricochet and Cedric Alexander got their shot at Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson.
- SummerSlam Triple Terror Trial Finals - Matt Riddle vs AJ Styles vs Seth Rollins
- RAW Tag Team Championship - Theory and Murphy (c) vs The Street Profits
- RAW Women's Champion Asuka vs Nia Jax
- Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson vs Ricochet and Cedric Alexander
︾︾︾ Spoiling For a Fight The WWE World Champion made his presence felt to a loud ovation from the WWE Universe. Drew McIntyre pridefully walked out to the ring with the gold around his waist, before emerging in the ring and hoisting his title high for all to see. In his gear, "the Scottish Terminator" voiced his enthusiasm for tonight, and how he was just like everybody else. He couldn't possibly hold his anticipation for the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trial Finals, because after the hot competition he witnessed last week in the Qualifying matches - it was just like Christmas Eve. "The Biggest Party of the Summer" was right around the corner and he was fully prepared, but his issue was that he didn't want to wait. As any good champion would, he craved the competition, and with that he fancied having some right here tonight! Why should Seth Rollins, Matt Riddle or AJ Styles get all of the fun anyway? Drew dared anybody fancying themselves man enough to come out here and answer his call - and Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch came to the ring! 1) WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre def. Danny Burch (with Oney Lorcan) (6:34) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- The WWE World Champion fancied some competition, and a fellow British Superstar answered his challenge. Danny Burch started out with a shoving exchange with the Scotsman, before beginning to blast him with rapidfire forearm strikes! Drew McIntyre bit back with hard chops, when a charging European uppercut rocked "the Scottish Terminator" into the corner! With ten punches in the corner, "the London Mauler" found himself in a tricky predicament once Drew came out with a powerbomb attempt, but he was able to escape before planting the champ with a German suplex! An enzuigiri rocked McIntyre in the corner, until the Glasgow Kiss knocked the Londoner silly! Drew wanted competition, and he was overjoyed to get it - but was in for a real fight against a fellow British grappler. - The battle continued with Oney Lorcan rooting for his teammate, who drilled Drew McIntyre with a missile dropkick, barely knocking down the WWE World Champion. Danny Burch was taking "the Scottish Terminator" for a wild ride, as he attempted the London Bridge just for McIntyre to shove him off and connect with a big boot. Soon planting him with the inverted Alabama Slam, the champ began the countdown to 'Claymore Country' - but in charging, "the London Mauler" surprised him with a hard Lariat! On spaghetti legs, Burch looked for the Crossface, when the incredible strength of the Scotsman muscled the Brit off and away from him. With distance established, Burch rushed straight into the Claymore Kick, giving the champion the win.
The WWE World Champion shrugged off the fight he had just received from Danny Burch, having unexpectedly been in for a war. Endorsing Burch as Oney Lorcan came to his aid, "the Boston Bruiser" and "the London Mauler" received a show of respect from the sportsman Drew McIntyre. "The Scottish Terminator" would raise both of their hands, as a graphic appeared in the corner reminding us of Lorcan and Burch's challenge for the NXT Tag Team Championship this Wednesday night on NXT.
- NXT - NXT Tag Team Championship - Ever-Rise (c) vs Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch
︾︾︾ Nothing But RespectTheory posed and took selfies with the RAW Tag Team Championship backstage, when up walked an unimpressed Murphy, scolding him for not taking tonight seriously for his liking. "The Juggernaut" lectured the youngster on the lack of respect for "the Monday Night Messiah" being one thing - but as a Disciple of the Church, he owed "the Messiah" his everything. "A-Town Austin" denied not having respect for "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy", calling Murphy a real buzzkill! In waltzed Seth Rollins accompanied by Akam. Overjoyed with the possibilities of tonight's SummerSlam Triple Terror Trial Finals, Seth claimed that all would begin to come to fruition for the state of 'Monday Night Rawlins'. Wrapping his arms around Theory and Murphy, he claimed it was important for the Church to establish a clean sweep tonight - henceforth, he expected title retention against the grotesque Street Profits. "The Equalizer" braced for combat, when in walked Andrade accompanied by Zelina Vega and Los Lotharios.
Two of Monday Night RAW's most powerful factions met face-to-face, with Seth Rollins smiling at Andrade. "El Capo" responded with a grin of his own, claiming it was nice to see the Church all together and united. "The Monday Night Messiah" responded likewise of La Invasíon, when Andrade addressed how Seth was able to squeak by in last week's Triple Threat Qualifying match. Seth put it up to luck, to which "El Idolo" maintained that the hostilities shown last week was strictly business. "The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy" explained it the same to Andrade, when the leader of La Invasíon wished his Church luck tonight. In an unusually tense situation, Andrade suddenly raised his fist to the sky. With a smile, Seth responded with a Tranquilo fist bump in return. La Invasíon would depart, with Seth and his Disciples watching them go. Following discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian, a video package aired recapping the hilarity of Angel Garza's attempted dates with Charly Caruso. On two separate occasions did the Viking Raiders thwart "El Amante's" romantic efforts, exposing the La Invasíon member's hot temper. Two weeks ago, "the Modern Day Vikings" received a shot from a bouquet of roses; but last week, Los Lotharios got theirs when Erik and Ivar cost them their match. A graphic aired, promoting tonight's Viking Rules match between the two teams - coming up next.Hot Headed LoveEarlier today, Charly Caruso was approached backstage by Los Lotharios for an interview, with the broadcast journalist deciding to give Angel Garza the cold shoulder. It irked Humberto Carrillo, though "El Amante" was able to cool the jets of "La Estrella". Garza asked for a moment with Charly, and hesitantly his cousin departed. Angel changed his tone and was apologetic, pleading with Charly to grant him the honor of a third first date! Charly questioned how many times Angel could dare to leave her alone on dates, before mistakably uttering she had been waiting for said dates for months! Garza saw his opening and tried to sweet talk Charly, hopeful of selling her on a third date. Charly took the bait, but up approached the Viking Raiders - also there for an interview! Caruso claimed she didn't simply carry a microphone around at all times, and Angel began to yell in Spanish at Erik and Ivar. As Garza stormed off, "the Modern Day Vikings" told them he'd get his in Viking Rules tonight!
︾︾︾ 2) Los Lotharios def. The Viking Raiders in a Viking Rules match (8:11) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- The bouquet of roses to the head received by Ivar two weeks ago had not been forgotten by he nor Erik. The Viking Raiders had challenged Los Lotharios to Viking Rules, after twice sabotaging "El Amante" by supposedly gate-crashing his dates with Charly Caruso. As viking shields, wooden oars and even a steel lance surrounded the ringside area, Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo were steamrolled in the early moments by "the Modern Day Vikings". Erik and Ivar teamed up against the cousins with a double clothesline to Humberto leading to Ivar body slamming his tag team partner on top of "La Estrella!" Angel Garza wound up the recipient of a gutwrench powerbomb from Erik, followed by a big splash from the big man! As Los Lotharios scurried to the floor, Ivar would cartwheel over the La Invasíon members and drill both with a crossbody! The Viking Raiders were right at home, as Ivar wielded the deadly lance with a warcry. - After having his deadly weapon the lance confiscated by the referee, Los Lotharios were able to respond with shots from shields on the floor. Dividing the Viking Raiders worked to their advantage, as Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo covered Ivar in the metal shields on the rampway! Erik tried to come back with the use of an oar as a weapon to Angel, but upon entering the ring he was taken down by a springboard headbutt from "La Estrella!" An inverted Rolling Thunder connected, when Angel Garza joined in on the two-on-one beating with the wishbone splitting the legs of Erik. As Angel scored a near fall with an aided kneeling powerbomb, Ivar returned with a spinning wheel kick and a corner senton for Garza! The Viking Experience drilled Carrillo, when Ivar decided to go to new heights. Heading to the top rope, Ivar looked for a diving splash but Humberto dove out of the way! As Ivar landed with a splat, Angel struck Erik and then Ivar in the skull with the bouquet of roses to steal the win.
Once again Los Lotharios snuck away from the Viking Raiders, in "the Modern Day Vikings'" own playing field in Viking Rules. Angel Garza and his cousin Humberto Carrillo slowly came to hug it out in the ring, standing tall over the fallen Erik and Ivar. The bouquet of roses in hand, one had to speculate there was more in the roses than met the eye - enough to knock out their massive opponents.
︾︾︾ Rey Mysterio paced backstage in conflict with himself, when up approached his son Dominik Mysterio. "The Legendary Luchador" was concerned about his son's training, having warned him previously not to show up tonight. Dom told his father he had every right to be there, knowing all about the dilemma he had. Rey urged his son to let him do this, but the youngster asked Rey not to go through with this. Mysterio claimed he had to, that if he didn't, who knew what would happen to the Mysterio legacy. Rey said Andrade had to be stopped, and this was the only way. Mysterio left, with Dominik left to shake his head. Whatever proposal the WWE Legend had for "El Capo", he would divulge - next.Lighting a FireMatt Riddle sat on an equipment box yapping away to a backstage assistant in a facial covering, when up walked the WWE World Champion. Drew McIntyre met "the King of Bros" with a smile, glad to see him again. The Bro asked the champ how it was hanging, and "the Scottish Terminator" played it pally. The Scotsman asked if he was ready for the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials tonight, because he had heard from a lot of people that they didn't think Riddle belonged! Intending to light a fire under "the Original Bro", Matt told Drew he thought he belonged, and that's all that mattered. He urged Drew to take a look at what he'd done since arriving on Monday Night RAW: he'd beat Randy Orton, and last week he stamped his ticket. McIntyre nodded, establishing the two had history from their time away from WWE, and wanted this attitude tonight in the Finals. Drew questioned if Riddle thought he could beat him, and with a smile, the newcomer told him he didn't think so - he knew so!
︾︾︾ Risks and RewardsThe WWE Universe came to their feet as Rey Mysterio made his way out to the stage in the WWE Performance Center. In a dress shirt and jeans, "the Legendary Luchador" donned a black mask as he was prepared to discuss the idea of a proposal in mind for his arch rival Andrade. Over a year since their despisal of one another first begun, Rey graced the microphone and thanked the people in attendance for their show of respect. It was no mistake that he had been doing this for a long time. He made his debut inside of a squared-circle in Mexico at the tender age of fourteen years old. It was 1989, and the butterflies were fluttering around in his stomach. Thirty-one years later, he was still here - considered to be the greatest luchador to lace up a mask. It was something he didn't necessarily believe, but he sure as heck took it in pride - that is, until he came across a man like Andrade. In this time, he'd faced countless people obsessed with trying to take him down, break him down and eliminate his legacy.
Unfortunately for all of those people, he had come back time and time again. Like a boomering, Rey Mysterio refused to go down. As much as his body faltered, and sometimes failed him, he kept going and simply got back up and battled for his career - his livelihood and his passion! "The Legendary Luchador" looked around, before admitting that Andrade might potentially be built differently. "El Idolo" had put not just him, but his entire family through some hardships only he could ever know. The despicable, sickening acts the patriarch of La Invasíon had done was unspeakable for him to say, but what Rey did know was it had to come to an end - which brought him to his proposal. Andrade interrupted the speech, pinstriped suit and all. Accompanied by his business partner Zelina Vega, "El Capo" grinned upon hearing Rey's declaration. Unfortunately for him, he had to buy him dinner first, if he was going to propose!
Laughing his way down to the ring, Andrade had Zelina Vega take the microphone, as "El Capo's" business partner told Rey Mysterio he was right, he had done a lot in this business. Unmistakably, no matter what La Invasíon could ever do, he was irreplaceable in this business - but if somebody was better than the great Rey Mysterio - it was Andrade. The WWE Universe booed at the very idea, as Zelina told Rey to spill the beans: what was his great idea? Mysterio scowled towards the power duo, speaking of the revolting things they had done to the Mysterio Family - but at SummerSlam, he wanted to end it. Willing to put his mask on the line, Rey was open to surrendering everything so long as it meant La Invasíon left he and his family alone. Andrade grinned from ear to ear, telling Rey it was like music to his ears...but he was going to have to pass! Arguing it was tempting, but the truth was he didn't just want his mask to serve as a trophy - he wanted his career.
"El Idolo" claimed Rey Mysterio had waged his mask countless times to countless threats, but never before had the WWE Universe witnessed "the Legendary Luchador" truly risk everything he had - and to be the man to retire Rey would make Andrade's power unstoppable. Mysterio bit his lip and considered it, as Andrade now proposed Rey sacrifice everything to put an end to their neverending hatred. All Rey had to do was put his career on the line! The people in attendance echoed "no" in response, but as Rey considered it, he finally told "El Capo" he had himself a deal. His cunning grin ever-growing, Andrade stroked his beard and told Rey to enjoy the next few weeks, because they would be his last. At SummerSlam, Andrade became the be-all and end-all. Andrade and Zelina left satisfied, while Rey watched on despondent. Would "the Biggest Party of the Summer" this year play host to the curtain call of the illustrious career of Rey Mysterio?
- SummerSlam - Rey Mysterio's Career is on the line - Andrade vs Rey Mysterio
︾︾︾ Backstage, the RAW Women's Champion Asuka threw shadowpunches and kicks at the air. Moments to wait until a tough test with "the Irresistible Force" Nia Jax, "the Empress of Tomorrow" let out a battlecry and ranted in Japanese. "The Kabuki Warrior" was in action next.
A 'Did You Know?' graphic aired, informing us that the free version of the WWE Network was available now. With no credit card required for signing up, this version boasted over 15,000 WWE titles including RAW, SmackDown, NXT, and RAW Talk - immediately following Monday Night RAW.
Backstage, the Street Profits were seen chatting excitedly ahead of their RAW Tag Team Championship opportunity against Theory and Murphy of the Church. Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins were going over strategy with a basketball being passed between them - "the Frat Boys" clearly overjoyed at the return of the NBA season this past week!
︾︾︾ 3) RAW Women's Champion Asuka def. Nia Jax by disqualification (9:04) [THROUGH TWO BREAKS]- Despite overcoming "the Queen" two weeks ago, Asuka was outwitted by Charlotte Flair's cunning plan to embarrass her in a tag team bout last week. Now, the former NXT Women's Champion claimed to have "the Empress of Tomorrow's" number, and had tasked her into action with "the Irresistible Force" Nia Jax. The overpowering Nia Jax was quick to put Asuka in her place early, stunning the RAW Women's Champion with a no-moving shoulder block. Asuka would continue to try her hand at cutting Jax down to size with low dropkicks, when a hard clothesline ran through "the Kabuki Warrior!" Choking the champ in the ropes, the Japanese Superstar would soon respond with a multitude sequence of strikes, culminating with a spinning backfist which rocked "the Giantess!" As a hip attack from the second rope finally took Nia down, Asuka had an opening - when Charlotte Flair came marching out to the stage to survey the action from afar! - Nia Jax was able to put a stop to Asuka's rapidfire combination of kicks as Charlotte Flair watched from the top of the rampway, when "the Irresistible Force" cut the RAW Women's Champion off with the Bulldozer! While Nia was unable to keep the champ down, she would crush her with a corner splash before a running elbow drop scored a near fall. Asuka would finally break free of a cobra clutch turned into a biel throw, landing on her feet and rocking Jax with a roundhouse kick! Another hip attack dropped her to a knee, when "the Giantess" would catch her with a military press slam! Dragging her to the corner, Nia climbed to the second rope looking for a Vader Bomb, but instead Asuka would kick her in the spine - and the Asuka Lock would be locked in! The referee warned Asuka, as Jax began to fade - and moments later, the two women would collapse from the second turnbuckle - with Nia crushing the champion! - Charlotte Flair watched observantly as Nia Jax hoped to weaken the RAW Women's Champion in the bear hug, when Asuka would finally break out amd land a knee strike! With kicks to Nia on one knee, "the Irresistible Force" would secure "the Kabuki Warrior" with a Powerbomb, but Asuka would bring her down with a triangle choke applied! Jax tried to muscle her up, but upon doing so, Asuka landed in position for a sunset flip. Nia got nothing but canvas on a sitdown senton, and the Spin Kick connected! Asuka had the match won, when "the Queen" finally made her mark - hitting the ringside area and dragging her out to the floor. The two met with blows exchanged as the referee called for the bell!Reminiscent TacticsThe RAW Women's Champion gave "the Queen" what for with more rights and lefts, but Charlotte Flair ducked a high kick and responded with the Queen's Boot! Asuka was down and out, as Charlotte bellowed that she would never be better than her. Refusing to stand down from her self-appointed mantle, Charlotte chucked Asuka into the ring and teased the Figure-8 when Bianca Belair came stomping out to ringside! "The EST" exchanged words with Charlotte as she prepared to enter the ring, when from behind saw the Iiconics get involved! Billie Kay and Peyton Royce suffered the brunt of hair whips courtesy of Bianca, while inside Asuka would take Charlotte down with the cross-armbreaker! Flair screamed with nowhere to go - but abruptly Nia Jax would deliver a massive Leg Drop to the champion! As Kay and Royce restrained Bianca, she would finally overpower them, but as Belair entered, Flair and Jax departed. With an assembly behind her, Charlotte grinned and mouthed that she owned RAW.
︾︾︾ Following the choice interaction with Andrade moments ago, Rey Mysterio departed his dressing room appearing miserable. With a bag over his shoulder, "the Legendary Luchador" would pass his son Dominik Mysterio in the hall. Despondant over his father's weakness shown against "El Capo", he questioned why he had to put his entire career on the line at SummerSlam. Was Rey not thinking? Dom questioned why his Dad had to do this, but Rey simply told him sometimes you had to do what you had to do. Truthfully, he had no answer for him. Rey walked past his own flesh and blood, heading for the exit to the WWE Performance Center. His son called after him, but the WWE Legend was not turning back, as he disappeared into the outside world, with the door slamming behind him.
The Iiconics clamored after Charlotte Flair in the backstage hallway, after what they were able to accomplish in the demolition of the RAW Women's Champion Asuka moments ago. "The Queen" denied that Billie Kay or Peyton Royce played any part whatsoever, to which the duo argued that they helped restrain Bianca Belair from making the save! The Iiconics voiced their enthusiasm with being a part of something magical, along with Nia Jax, as the New Four Horsemen! Standing proudly, Flair shook her head in disbelief and told them to go get her bags! As the pair flocked away, Charlotte was approached by Sarah Schreiber who wanted to ask about her growing animosity with "the Empress of Tomorrow". Feeling as though she made her point already, there was unfinished business between herself and Asuka. She was able to squeeze by her two weeks ago, but last week's victory proved she still had what it took - in fact, she was at her very best!
Simply because she became the standard-bearer as the NXT Women's Champion for all those months did not mean for an instance that Charlotte Flair was washed up. "The Queen" reminded Sarah Schreiber of who was one of the three first women to headline WrestleMania. And while Asuka recovers from the malicious beating served up tonight, she wanted her to think long and hard about achieving finality. Charlotte wanted one more shot at the title - and she wanted it at SummerSlam.
︾︾︾ 4) Theory and Murphy (c) def. The Street Profits to retain the RAW Tag Team Championship (13:21) [THROUGH TWO BREAKS]- Three months following losing the RAW Tag Team Championship back at Money in the Bank, the Street Profits were more than ready to confront Theory and Murphy with the gold on the line. As the four faced off, Theory maintained he had this under control. Flexing in the face of Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins, "the Frat Boys" responded by decking him! A four-man free-for-all ensued, with Dawkins connected with an agile dropkick to "A-Town Austin". Murphy wiped him out with the clothesline, when Ford did a back body spring off "the Juggernaut's" back, drilling him with a flying clothesline! As the Disciples of the Church backed out of the ring, "the Frat Boys" teased going airborne, just for them to escape. As the challengers advanced at ringside, Theory would duck Ang's spear - and Murphy would take the brunt of it! Back inside, the challengers hollered as the champs were forced to rethink their strategy. - Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins double teamed "the Juggernaut" as Theory tried to root for his teammate. Murphy tried to battle both off with elbow strikes, when Tez chopped him down to size before connecting with a dropkick; followed by Ang's big splash! "A-Town Austin" broke the fall and distracted the official, all the while a low blow and a bicycle knee strike enabled Murphy to regain control! The RAW Tag Team Champions took the lead using a double gourdbuster on Dawkins, when a super kick from Murphy got a near fall. Theory pouted to antagonize Ford, allowing bonus time for the champs to put the boots to Dawkins! Theory scored with a wrist-clutched fisherman suplex, when Montez broke the fall! Theory would get in his face, when Murphy capitalized behind him with the Canadian rack DDT! The illegal man would be restrained by the official, allowing Theory and Murphy to connect with a Demolition Device blockbuster for a near fall! - Angelo Dawkins countered the overwhelming advancements made by Theory and Murphy, but as he leapt over the RAW Tag Team Champions to tag Montez Ford, the champs continued pounding on him! "The Juggernaut" gave "A-Town Austin" instructions, but before looking for a rolling blockbuster, the youngster made the mistake of showboating. Dawkins caught him with an exploder suplex, and in came Tez! Running wild, Ford connected with a double DDT on Theory and Murphy! With a kip-up, Ford landed the shiranui when Murphy dropped him with a brainbuster. Ang came in with the Cash Out, but Theory drilled him with the super kick! A cross-legged brainbuster was attempted, but Tez got a two count with an inside cradle. As Ang dropped him with the bulldog, Ford ascended to the top. Murphy struck with a wrist-clutch knee strike to the jaw of Dawkins, when From the Heavens saw Ford leap over and roll onto his feet. walking straight into the Murphy's Law and neckbreaker combination of the champs for the win!
The Street Profits had come so close yet so far, as Theory and Murphy prevailed as the RAW Tag Team Champions. Coming to their feet, Murphy could not even deny "A-Town Austin" the satisfaction of a celebratory hug. Proud of the youngster's sacrifices made in such a high-pressure circumstance, "the Juggernaut" patted Theory on the back as Montez Ford was checked on by Angelo Dawkins. All was well in the Church - and now it was up to Seth Rollins to win the Finals of the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials tonight.
︾︾︾ The WWE 24/7 Champion Samoa Joe walked the hall backstage, when he purposely barged into an unsuspecting Akira Tozawa. "The Coquina Destroyer" was clearly looking for a fight, as he began to accuse Tozawa of trying to get a shine from his name! Joe began to shove and belittle Akira, but several single-hand pushes saw the Japanese Superstar respond with a big two-handed push of his own! Refusing to be Joe's whipping boy, Tozawa told Joe he once admired him - but now he was just a crybaby! "The Samoan Submission Machine" chuckled, letting Tozawa know he had spirit, but he was going to make him cry like a b*tch tonight. Joe threatened him, granting him a charitable opportunity to take the title from him tonight. Barging past him upon leaving, Tozawa was left seething.
A video graphic aired, showing that Money in the Bank 2020 was emanating from the WWE Performance Center - the WWE's "Athletic Hub" for future WWE Superstars. A Walking DynastyAJ Styles warmed up ahead of tonight's Finals of the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials in the O.C.'s dressing room, when in waltzed the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre. After Three Stages of Hell at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules, "the Scottish Terminator" reminisced on their conversation in the ring last week. Asking AJ if he was really going to take the easy way out to get another shot, Drew expected more from someone claiming he was "Phenomenal". AJ told the Scotsman he didn't take advice from him. He won the big one once - but "the Phenomenal One" had been to the top of the mountain dozens of times! AJ was a walking one-man dynasty, and vowed to prove it tonight. Drew smiled, incensing AJ. He hoped so, but before the champ could continue, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson entered the room outraged! "The Good Brothers" hollered at McIntyre's expense, and the champ would coolly wish "the Hoots" luck - but tonight Cedric Alexander and Ricochet would kick their arses!
︾︾︾ The Ultimate Show of DisrespectInside the WWE Performance Center, Bobby Lashley walked out to the stage. Shirtless and antagonized after weeks of torment from "the Viper", Lashley stormed to the ring with MVP and Lana left to try and keep up with him. Climbing into the ring, "the All Mighty" took to the microphone and explained he was sick of the games. Week-in and week-out Randy Orton had been spouting off nonsense about what he did and didn't deserve. Lashley pointed at the empty Money in the Bank briefcase in the hands of his wife, stating he was tired of having the briefcase to prove he was Money in the Bank - but not the contract. Bobby called "the Apex Predator" a cold-blooded punk, but his blood ran yellow! Lashley exclaimed getting his hands on him last week truly excited him, which is why he wanted another taste tonight. The words saw his advisor try to speak sense to his client, as Lana similarly hoped to calm down her husband.
Randy Orton came sauntering out to the rampway some time after Bobby Lashley had called him out. Left to stew, restrained by Lana and MVP, "the All Mighty" yelled at his rival to come face him like aman. "The Viper" grinned knowingly, but then decided to go for it! Taking off his sleeveless hoody, Orton dared to stand on the apron - but pause there and then! Bobby was held back with every bit of might MVP had in him, as Randy wished to explain to Lashley why it was he didn't like him, or in any way, shape or form appreciate his existence. It was all because a guy his size with his strength needed to be treat like a mutt to achieve his biggest accomplishments. Orton pointed to his advisor and his wife, claiming Team Lashley were more than just supports, they were his everything! They fed him, they watered him, and they were even responsible for the Money in the Bank victory. Despite the power, the speed and the anger this monster possessed - deep down all he saw was a scared little boy.
"The Viper" looked back on where this all started, when he needed a tag team partner and he made the mistake of letting Bobby Lashley be just that. Randy Orton climbed into the ring and explained what he saw in "the All Mighty" - but how wrong and disappointed he was. But after all of their run-ins and encounters over the last two months, he decided he was above this. "The Apex Predator" unexpectedly pulled the crumpled Money in the Bank contract out of his trunks - throwing it onto the canvas between Lashley and he. As MVP knelt down to grab it, Lana placed it back in its' rightful place in the Money in the Bank contract, as Randy wished Bobby all the luck on cashing in someday on the WWE World Champion. He soon added to take it from him - he'd sure as hell need it with Team Lashley's babysitting. Orton turned heel and was about to depart the ring when Lashley raised his voice, claiming they were done only when he said they were.
With a smile, Randy Orton slowly returned. "The Viper" came face-to-face with Bobby Lashley, trying hard to maintain his composure. "The All Mighty" wanted nothing more than to never have to see Randy's face, which is why he had to end it. He might not like him, nor would he ever - but after SummerSlam, Lashley vowed to make Randy respect him. MVP again restrained his man, with Lashley warning his advisor to quit it. Amused, Orton told Bobby that while it all sounded fine and dandy, there was one more thing about Bob he didn't like. As he questioned, Orton responded: his old lady. An RKO outta nowhere dropped Lana, planting her into the canvas! Lashley shoved his advisor to storm Orton from the ring, soon rushing to his wife's aid! Furious, Lashley glared daggers at Randy from afar. MVP was remorseful and demanded medical assistance, as Lana complained about being unable to feel her legs. Lashley yelled for help, as the sniveling "Viper" passed by EMTs with a stretcher.
- SummerSlam - Bobby Lashley vs Randy Orton
A replay aired, showing the events of moments ago. As Bobby Lashley demanded Randy Orton answer his demands, "the Viper" would surprisingly relinquish custody of the Money in the Bank contract he himself had stolen over a month ago - but as normality was restored, with a match to settle the score made for SummerSlam, Randy would get the last laugh, with a devastating RKO to his own wife, Lana.
Footage aired from during the break, reviewing three EMTs coming to the ring and checking on Lana's wellbeing. With a desperate Bobby Lashley feverishly standing over the scene, MVP clutched the Money in the Bank briefcase showing remorse for "the All Mighty's" wife. Lashley would follow suit as his wife was strapped onto the gurney and stretchered up the aisleway. A positive salute from the WWE Universe was heard, as the broadcast team hoped to provide a medical update by the end of the night.
︾︾︾ 5) Samoa Joe (c) def. Akira Tozawa to retain the WWE 24/7 Championship (3:41)- Samoa Joe had been nothing but hostile since becoming the new WWE 24/7 Champion. "The Samoan Submission Machine" tried it with the wrong guy, as Akira Tozawa refused to be intimidated by him. As Joe smugly glanced down at him, the warcries of "AH! AH! AH!" led to a multitude of shots rocking him! Joe hoped to cut him short using a striking combination of his own, but Tozawa chopped away before landing a bicycle kick that dropped Joe to a knee! With a one-legged dropkick, Tozawa looked for the win with the corkscrew roundhouse kick - for a one-count. Tozawa ascended to the top rope, but would miss a Diving Senton, as Joe not only had gotten back up, but walked casually away! Beginning to crowd Akira with clubbing blows, "the Coquina Destroyer" delivered the powerbomb fed into the STF. Tozawa made the ropes, and as he contested the count, Joe was struck with the shining wizard! The underdog attempted the octopus stretch, but Joe reversed into the Muscle Buster to retain the title.
"The Samoan Submission Machine" had retained the WWE 24/7 Championship again in dramatic fashion, when Samoa Joe proved his monicker by slapping on the Coquina Clutch! With another victim claimed, "the Coquina Destroyer" choked Akira Tozawa into unconsciousness after the bell, until the theme song of Big Show led to his arrival! The former champion came towering out to the ring, where "the World's Largest Athlete" confronted Joe - looking down on the current champ! Voicing that he wanted his title back, Joe draped the gold over his shoulder before wisely deciding to take a walk.
︾︾︾ Ugly Meets UglierNia Jax took a walk down the hall after her beatdown of the RAW Women's Champion Asuka, when approached by Sarah Schreiber. The broadcast journalist would be unsuccessful in her attempt at getting an interview with "the Irresistible Force", who shunned her aside. Instead, Nia would come across a fearless Shayna Baszler. With her hood up, "the Queen of Spades" smiled at Nia and refused to step aside. "The Giantess" acknowledged that "the Submission Magician" had been watching her for a while, bringing her to confirm it. Maybe it was because she thought she was tougher than Nia - or maybe she just thought they could make a great team. Jax rolled her eyes, telling Shayna to go back to cage fighting. Baszler refused to let Jax pass her by, and an intense staredown would see Shayna suggest if they weren't going to be friendly, what was stopping them from being enemies! Jax concurred, telling her she wanted her in the ring next week.
- Next week - Shayna Baszler vs Nia Jax
Third First DateLos Lotharios celebrated their win in Viking Rules against the Viking Raiders earlier tonight, when up walked Charly Caruso to meet the cousins. Humberto Carrillo was eager to note the lack of microphone, when the broadcast journalist requested a moment in private with Angel Garza. Much like earlier, "La Estrella" was watchful of Charly as he again took a walk. "El Amante" questioned if she had had time to consider giving him another shot, Charly bit her tongue and confessed she was sure to feel like an idiot and regret it tomorrow. Accepting his offer for a third attempt at a first date, she warned Angel to not let her down. Three strikes and he was out, as far as she was concerned, all the while Garza showed his relief - immediately wrapping his arms around her and thanking her! Oozing over her with comments about how much he longed for her company and presence, Angel thanked her for the chance. Coldly, Caruso warned that it had better be worth it.
︾︾︾
6) Ruby Riott def. Natalya (5:27) - The much anticipated reuniting of Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott captured the infatuation of much of the WWE Universe last week, but it came to the dismay of Natalya. Disappointed in "the Runaway" for choosing to side with her former protégé, the Canadian tried to make this short and sweet wiht a series of blows. Ruby battle back with a step-up enzuigiri in the corner, before a crossbody took Nattie down. She tried to fire back with a knee lift, but a sit-out powerbomb attempt went reversed into a hurricanrana! Ruby gave her the Deadly Night in the corner, when the Canadian would turn the tide using a wheelbarrow sit-out facebuster. Belittling Ruby, Nattie scored near falls with a snap suplex into the corner, and a step-over basement dropkick. Looking to finish it with the Sharpshooter, Riott kicked free before surprising Nattie out of nowhere with the Riott Kick for the three count!
"The Runaway" picked up a win over Natalya out of nowhere, but Ruby Riott's celebration would be almost immediately cut short by the inbound Sarah Logan! Dropping her former partner with the Kentucky Knee, Logan was seething. Betrayed by Ruby and her forced ejection from the Riott Squad in favor of their thought-to-be enemy Liv Morgan, Logan grounded and pounded Ruby as Nattie came to and joined in. Liv Morgan came sprinting to the ring, sounding off with dropkicks and clotheslines, before sending Nattie clashing into Logan! The mentor was left alone with her protégé, and Ruby prevented Nattie's escape - allowing Liv to take her down with the Jersey Codebreaker.
︾︾︾ Quitting Ain't EasyFollowing discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian about the tragic fate which befell Lana earlier tonight at the despicable hands of Randy Orton, Bobby Lashley stood outside of the trainer's room with MVP. His advisor hoped to keep "the All Mighty" calm and composed, but Lashley claimed that this time, "the Viper" had gone too far. Randy was some sort of a sick freak who got off on dropping his enemies' wives with the RKO, but unlike Edge, he wasn't going to tolerate it. Lashley gritted his teeth as he commented how Randy could demean him, disrespect him and make fun of him all he wanted - but he had crossed the line with the wrong guy. Come SummerSlam, he wanted to make sure fighting him was the last thing he ever did. It would end with an I Quit match!
- SummerSlam - I Quit match - Bobby Lashley vs Randy Orton
Manifesting Monday Night Rawlins Seth Rollins put his ring jacket on, with the Finals of the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials coming up in mere minutes. "The Monday Night Messiah" clasped his hands together and prayed, presumably to himself, when faced by the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre. "The Scottish Terminator" congratulated an amused Seth on the victory his boys Theory and Murphy achieved tonight. They made good RAW Tag Team Champions, he had to credit his Church for that. Seth asked Drew to confess why he was truly here. Questioning if he was here to give him a pet talk like he had Matt Riddle and AJ Styles, Rollins claimed he didn't need one. He was "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy", and the inspiration to a lot of Disciples across the world. And once tonight's Triple Threat match was his, he was going to take back 'Monday Night Rawlins' by once again wearing the prize on his shoulder. McIntyre smirked, telling Seth he hoped so.
︾︾︾ 7) Ricochet and Cedric Alexander def. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson (7:24) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- The O.C.'s domineering tactics had rubbed Ricochet and Cedric Alexander the wrong way, but the two high flyers were not about to allow them to show their superiority. Coming after last week's backstage brawl, "the Good Brothers'" ceremonial Too-Sweet was interrupted by stereo-dropkicks! "The Future of Flight" struck Luke Gallows with an enzuigiri to stun him, when Karl Anderson struck with a European uppercut. Cedric Alexander got involved in the melee, using a forward roll into a handspring headscissors! KA was sent to the floor, and "the Big LG" was left to fend for himself, as Ricochet and Alexander cut him down to size with a combination of low kicks. The Neutralyzer from Alexander fed into a double Spanish Fly, sweeping the big man from the ring. As Gallows and Anderson recomposed at ringside, "Lumbar Legacy" and "the One and Only" soared with stereo topé con hilos! - Ricochet and Cedric Alexander double teamed Luke Gallows until he caught "Lumbar Legacy" with a throat thrust! A fireman's carry into a flapjack got a near fall, when Karl Anderson helped "the Big LG" corner Cedric. The two joked at Ricochet, holding Alexander's pained face just to drop him with a right hand. Alexander evaded the Boot of Doom, and a Michinoku Driver took KA down! Gallows missed a big boot, and the tag was made! With a springboard clothesline, Ricochet connected with a standing shooting star press. Gallows attempted a chokeslam, but Ricochet backflipped onto his feet and delivered a hurricanrana! Sending the big man into the referee, Anderson hit the scene with a neckbreaker to both Ricochet and Alexander. The Magic Killer planted Cedric, when Kevin Owens arrived on the scene with the Stunner for KA! As Owens would fight Gallows from the ring as revenge for costing him the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials match last week, Ricochet soared with the 630 Senton to claim the win!
Having overcome the former multiple-time Tag Team Champions, Ricochet and Cedric Alexander came to their feet in celebration. As a furious Luke Gallows came bounding into the ring, the fan favorite high flyers would bail to the floor to continue their victory. The WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens stood satisfied at the top of the rampway, having gotten revenge on the O.C. for screwing him out of the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials match last week. Would Karl Anderson and "the Big LG's" loss prove to be a bad omen for AJ Styles, with the Finals of the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials coming up?
A graphic aired, promoting the main event. With "the Biggest Party of the Summer" just weeks away, who would be the one to head to SummerSlam to challenge Drew McIntyre for the WWE World Championship? The Finals of the Triple Terror Trials pitting AJ Styles, Matt Riddle and Seth Rollins colliding was coming up next!
A vignette aired, depicting an empty, dark and gloomy boxing gym. Inside, a colossal man was depicted pounding at a punching bag, which spun from its' holster. With his hood up, the gigantic arms could be seen on clear display, as he was then shown warming up in the gym. Pushing his limits on the treadmill, the huge man was finally seen stepping through the ropes. There, four aspiring wrestlers in training all eyed up the arrival of the giant - to get their heads crushed by the fearsome man. As a claw led to a face-clutching chokeslam on one of the trainees, the rest scrambled in terror. That's when the man lowered his hood - revealing "the Nigerian Gargantuan" Omos - coming soon to WWE.
︾︾︾ A graphic aired, promoting tonight's edition of RAW Talk, immediately following Monday Night RAW. Hosted by Charly Caruso and Christian, tonight's special guests included the RAW Women's Champion Asuka, the RAW Tag Team Champions Theory and Murphy, and the Big Show. It all went down at 11:05 PM, exclusively on the WWE Network.
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8) Seth Rollins def. Matt Riddle & AJ Styles in the Finals of the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials (18:35) [THROUGH THREE BREAKS] - The SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials set out by the WWE World Champion in search of his next challenger was about to come to a head. With the SummerSlam opportunity dangling in the balance, "the Phenomenal One", "the King of Bros" and "the Monday Night Messiah" prepared for combat - when Seth Rollins and AJ Styles both conspired to take out the newcomer from NXT! Matt Riddle balanced it surprisingly well, outmoving AJ seeing him inadvertently take out Rollins with a clothesline. With a forearm smash in the corner following a lucha roll, the impressive strength of the Bro was on display with a deadlift fisherman suplex - narrowly getting a near fall, had it not been for Rollins! Seth tried to slow Riddle down with a sole butt and an attempt at the falcon arrow, but Riddle dug in his heels with a sleeper hold! "The Messiah" strived to remain standing, but dropped to a knee - when AJ broke it up with a springboard clothesline. Riddle fell out to the floor, as AJ stood tall! - The action continued with a replay from the break, showing the Phenomenal Forearm plancha going evaded by Matt Riddle, who delivered with a knee strike and a German suplex at ringside! With AJ Styles out, "the Original Bro" spared with Seth Rollins when his attempt at an exploder suplex saw Seth land out on his feet and connect with the Sling Blade! Seth planned to keep the pressure on until a super kick was blocked, and Riddle knocked him down hard with a roundhouse kick! AJ Styles re-entered looking for the brainbuster, but Riddle broke free and attempted a monkey flip. AJ would flip out onto his feet, before a Pelé kick wiped out the Bro! As the brainbuster landed, AJ and Seth met eyes again and took to conspiring against Riddle. As a pumphandle gutbuster from Styles led to a second-rope blockbuster from Rollins. Riddle tried to fight both off, landing a jumping Broton on Styles when "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy" connected with a springboard knee strike from Seth for a near fall! - "The Head of the Church" and "the King of Bros" exchanged strikes on the top rope, when Seth Rollins brought Matt Riddle crashing with the superplex into a falcon arrow, when AJ Styles intervened with the springboard 450 splash! The WWE Universe were loud for all three men after a series of near falls, and finally after some pushing and shoving, AJ and Seth went at it! "The Monday Night Messiah" landed out of the ushigoroshi with a leaping enzuigiri, when the Buckle Bomb saw AJ send Seth into the buckle. The Styles Clash was teased, but Seth broke out and teased the Pedigree. AJ broke free and rolled through with the Calf Crusher, when Seth hammered out to freedom. The Stomp narrowly missed, and a striking combination led to a spinning backfist from Styles - but before anything else could transpire, Matt Riddle re-entered the fray with the Floating Bro from the top rope! Bro Kicks lit up "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy", when AJ intervened - only to receive a powerbomb into a knee strike for a near fall! - "The Phenomenal One" now had the match in his favor following the Stylin' DDT for both Matt Riddle and Seth Rollins. Leaving for the apron, the Phenomenal Forearm was lined up for "the Original Bro" when from out of nowhere came Kevin Owens to drag him from the apron! Throttling AJ after costing Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson their match moments ago, the WWE United States Champion would deliver the Apron Powerbomb to Styles. Hurling the defenceless AJ back inside the ring, Matt Riddle capitalized with the BroMission locked in. AJ was hurting and was about to go out, but in flew Seth Rollins with a Frog Splash from the top rope! Ever the opportunist, "the Monday Night Messiah" lined "the Original Bro" up and caved his head in with the Stomp. Hooking the leg, Seth Rollins was the victor of the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials!
On a one-way street to SummerSlam, Seth Rollins had punched his ticket to "the Biggest Party of the Summer" with an emphatic victory. "The Head of the Church" laughed in hysteria after the bell, barely able to stand on his own two feet. The WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens smiled and departed, proud of what he achieved tonight in thwarting not only Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson earlier, but AJ Styles as well here! As Matt Riddle rolled out in defeat after a valiant effort, "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy" was one step closer to making the show 'Monday Night Rawlins' all over again - when out came the one obstacle in his way. WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre emerged on the stage, and soon made his way to the ring. "The Scottish Terminator" was fearless in his approach, as the two stared one another down. The stage had been set, for in less than three weeks!
- SummerSlam - WWE World Championship - Drew McIntyre (c) vs Seth Rollins
RAW Talk #20 – August 3, 2020 - Christian and Charly Caruso were joined by the RAW Women's Champion Asuka, who voiced her outrage at the attack from Charlotte Flair, Nia Jax and the Iiconics. "The Empress of Tomorrow" ranted angrily in Japanese and broken English, as the untamed champ warned "the Queen" this would not end with the gold in her hands. - The former WWE 24/7 Champion Big Show turned up to be asked about his involvement in coming back for Samoa Joe. While "the World's Largest Athlete" had plenty of compliments for the current champ, he was not all positive about "the Samoan Submission Machine" and the manner in which he won his title. The WWE Legend issued a challenge to Joe next week, if he had the cahones to get it on with the biggest and baddest man, who had been here for twenty years strong. - The RAW Tag Team Champions Theory and Murphy joined the co-hosts to celebrate their win over the Street Profits, which had "A-Town Austin" over the moon. Wanting to celebrate with drinks, "the Juggernaut" argued that as Disciples of Seth Rollins' Church, they were only to drink when "the Monday Night Messiah" wished of them. Theory brought up Seth winning the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials - but Murphy argued they were to wait for Seth before any alcohol could ever be consumed. When asked about their loyalty for "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy", Theory was casual in accepting how "badass" he was - which only drew the ire of Murphy. Seth's right-hand man lectured Theory, before claiming that he was the figurehead who would return 'Monday Night Rawlins' into the correct hands of authority, and come SummerSlam would leave as WWE World Champion. - Christian pressed Charly Caruso about her ongoing affairs with Angel Garza. The WWE Legend commented on Charly being foolish for trusting "El Amante" with a third first date. Charly contested that Angel was a complicated creature, but people could change. Charly said they would both see if Garza could keep it together for one night only. - An update was provided on the well-being of Lana following the RKO suffered at the hands of Randy Orton tonight. While Bobby Lashley's wife would be spending the night at a nearby medical facility for testing, she was stable and cooperative with medics in transportation - a promising sign, which could only mean bad for "the Viper" come the I Quit match at SummerSlam.
- Next week - WWE 24/7 Championship - Samoa Joe (c) vs Big Show
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Post by DTP. on Jun 7, 2023 6:53:10 GMT -5
AUGUST 3, 2020 OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: WWE HAS MOST PROFITABLE QUARTER EVER, MORE BY OBSERVER STAFF | STAFF@WRESTLINGOBSERVER.COM | @wonf4w
MONEY MAKES THE WORLD GO ROUND $$$ | For a number of reasons, as it turns out, the pandemic was the greatest thing for WWE’s business as they posted the most profitable quarter in their history.
It’s not that they overcome the pain of the pandemic. They outright benefitted from it, with more consumer product sales, higher network numbers and the real difference maker, far lower costs to produce television.
Profits quadrupled in the quarter, blowing away all estimates, due to saving $51.6 million in media costs.
The vast majority of those savings was the lower cost of producing television the way they do it now in the Performance Center, no longer running live, and taping multiple shows on successive days as opposed to live Monday, Wednesday and Friday in different parts of the country with far more wrestlers, production people and costs.
THE NETWORK | The second positive was a huge increase in subscribers to the WWE Network. The number was 195,000 above what would have been normally expected as of 6/30.
In addition, the WWE Network changed with two other factors. The free month gimmick where you could watch the PPV, and then cancel, has been dropped. There are no more free months. While they now have a free tier, the PPV shows and a lot of the programming is not available on that free tier. The free tier constantly promotes the paid tier, where the most attractive content resides, like the PPVs, Undertaker’s Last Ride, and other new and old footage. All of this has led to more people becoming new subscribers, at least short-term.
“We didn’t hurt ourselves by going to the free as opposed to a 30-day free trial,” said Vince McMahon. “We have not hurt ourselves and that much we can definitely say.”
Another aspect is that streaming has gotten more popular across the board during the pandemic with more people home. Then again, more people are home to watch television, and there is less sports competition, and WWE had struggled badly there.
It also should be noted that it was not the cost-cutting of talent salaries that led to the record profits. All main roster talent, and a number of the furloughed and fired employees, were being paid their regular salaries through 7/17. So the $4 million per month savings in that category will likely lead to $12 million more in added profits next quarter.
The WWE Network on 6/30 had 1,690,000 subscribers, broken down as 1,229,000 in the U.S. and 461,000 outside the U.S. Three months earlier, just days before WrestleMania, the numbers were 1,083,000 in the U.S. and 412,000 outside the U.S., so the gains were 13.5 percent domestically and 11.9 percent outside the U.S. The strongest growth outside the U.S. was in India.
They also noted that a return to arenas will likely hurt profits because they will likely not be able to sell the same amount of tickets with social distancing.
Virtually all revenue this quarter came from television rights, network subs and PPV, which combined brought in $200.1 million of the $223.4 million in revenues, with the rest coming from consumer products. Last year in the quarter the number was $197.0 million, but that included $50 million in a payment from Saudi Arabia.
Plans for a multi-tiered WWE Network, which had been talked about for years, and which would have included usage of the tape libraries of a number of independent promotions, including wXw, Evolve, ICW and Progress, that has been on-and-off for years, is back off.
At the 7/16 WWE shareholders meeting, when discussing the network, the company announced the free tier, which has the goal of trying to use that tier to convert viewers to becoming paid subscribers, has replaced multi-tiers and higher priced tiers giving more content and benefits in the WWE’s network strategy.
CONDITIONS WITH SAUDI ARABIA & WRESTLEMANIA IN CALIFORNIA | Regarding whether the originally scheduled November date in Saudi Arabia will take place, it has not been canceled and nothing is certain, but they are not expecting it.
“The decision hasn’t been made yet,” said Vince McMahon. “Although it is based on where they are in their economy, I would doubt it (will happen).”
An obvious question is the return of live events, or even the question of WrestleMania 2021 in Inglewood, CA, and like everything, including a potential closing in Orlando, there are no answers. The reality is things aren’t going back to normal any time soon. A closing in Orlando is very unlikely to happen for the political reasons it opened up in the first place and the government turned a blind eye to all those tapings with no testing for months. WrestleMania is far enough in the future that perhaps there may be a vaccine, but from a timing standpoint, that’s a longshot. Many have speculated on the idea that Florida, even though it’s in bad shape, would welcome a WrestleMania more than California would, and Tampa in a sense is owed one. And ultimately, these decisions do have to be made in the next few months because if they are going to do a stadium event, they need to be able to start promoting it by the end of this year.
Regarding the 2021 WrestleMania and the new SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Vince McMahon said, “Again, we, it wouldn’t be fair to mention that now because we’re following the COVID-19 aspect. So many cities are obviously interested in Wrestlemania and many have bid for it, and what have you. This somewhat changes from time to time, again, depending upon the severity of COVID, but we haven’t announced anything yet.”
POTENTIAL SHUT DOWNS | There are several backup plans in place. The belief is that WWE can’t be shut down in Florida due to Linda McMahon’s Super Pac agreeing to spend $18.5 million for Donald Trump’s reelection campaign in Florida, and Gov. Ron DeSantis being loyal to Trump. That could mean going down with the ship because Trump’s popularity numbers are so bad, but DeSantis won’t be making that decision in August.
But according to one person who knows the situation, McMahon has DeSantis “by the balls.” If for some reason it gets so bad in Florida that there is a complete lockdown, McMahon had a study prepared and now has several different locations as backup. Among them is the television studio at their corporate offices in Stamford, CT, which was the ring they shot the John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt WrestleMania match in. It’s said they can make that setting look similar to the Performance Center, although they wouldn’t have as easy access to contracted wrestlers to be fans if they run outside Florida. Shooting outdoors on the beach for SummerSlam is another possibility, just for the visual differences, as noted first in PW Insider.
SAFETY FIRST | Paul Levesque answered the question regarding the safety measures the company is taking at the television tapings.
“Obviously, as Vince mentioned earlier, the health and safety of our performers, employees, and crew are the company’s top priorities. And since the beginning of this around mid-March we have been producing content on closed sets with only essential personnel in attendance and following guidelines set forth by our medical team in conjunction with state and local officials and the CDC. The protocol for these closed sets are extraordinary and include heightened safety and sanitizing during use, long duration electrostatic and anti-microbial sprays and coatings, pandemic level cleaning, and disinfecting between and after our events.
“As it relates to our talent, production, crew, and employees, we conduct COVID-19 testing in advance of any TV or content production, using polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, testing, which is the most statistically valid, highest level of accuracy test available today. No one is allowed to enter a WWE closed set without a negative COVID-19 test. Once on set individuals must wear masks when talent are not performing social distancing and sanitize where appropriate. In the event of a positive test result, individuals must self-quarantine for a minimum of 14 days, will not be cleared to work until they are symptom-free and test negative. Extensive contact tracing is done following any positive test. Individuals possibly exposed are identified in quarantine appropriately.
“And this process is constantly being updated. We’re looking at this every day. Our medical staff working with state and local officials, as I mentioned, and the CDC, to reflect the most current data and medical recommendations available.”
THE UNITED KINGDOM | Levesque was also asked about the U.K. Performance Center.
“The London Performance Center has been inactive since March, thereabouts, due to the COVID-19 issues. We work with local and government officials they’re all the time and are monitoring constantly, and are looking forward to when talent can get back to training. I know they’re all anxious to do it, and hopefully that’ll be in the near future.
We’re also working with our partners there on solutions and ways that we can get back to creating fresh in-ring content as soon as possible for the NXT UK brand. Again, all of that relies on us being able to do that safely, as the safety and health of our talent come first and foremost. But as soon as that is something that we can safely do, we will be back up and running.”
WWE:
KAIRI STAYS STATESIDE | While she's been off-screen after being written off by Shayna Baszler last month, Kairi Sane has actually been back home in Japan spending time with family. She was going back and forth about remaining with the company or moving back to Japan. At one point it was almost certain she would return to Stardom, though there was much speculation she was also planning to retire. Sane wrote: “My time in the NXT & WWE locker rooms was incredible. Everyone was kind, funny and talented, so every day was full of happiness. Also, I was saved by the supportive staff behind the scenes. I have decided to remain with the company and want to express my love and gratitude to everybody who has encouraged me to keep living out my dreams in the U.S."
WHERE'S JOHNNY? | Comicbook.com spoke with Johnny Gargano regarding whether he and Candice LeRae want children and he noted that he's very happy with her character development in NXT and is excited for his future prospects. He's been off television since the deal with Tommaso Ciampa in April, which he believes brought a natural end to his run in NXT. “Eventually we’re going to have a baby. And the way that works out is Candice won’t be able to wrestle for a long time when she has the baby. It’s just super fun to be able to just kind of bounce back off each other and just have ideas and throw it out there and do random stuff and film stuff together."
MAMMA-MIA, IT'S SHOWTIME | Mauro Ranallo, whose work has been limited to NXT shows being voiced over from his home studio, will be announcing Showtime boxing on 8/1 in its return after being shut down in March in a show from the Mohegan Sun Casino. Ranallo and Al Bernstein will be the announcers with Paulie Malignaggi, off the Showtime team. Malignaggi said something controversial three months ago that was taken as a negative racial remark. He wasn’t fired over the remark, but over his refusal to apologize for it.
HERITAGE | The company applied to trademark the term NXT U.K. Heritage Cup, which sounds like an idea for a tournament on television.
REST PEACEFULLY | Maria del Refugio Segura, the grandmother of both Carrillo and Garza, and wife of Monterrey-based pro wrestling legend Humberto Garza Sr. (Real name Humberto Segura–Segura is the actual Garza family name), passed away on 7/25.
TV RATINGS SD 7/24 - 1.97 (0.53) RAW 7/27 - 1.66 (0.49) NXT 7/29 - 0.68 (0.18)
STAR RATINGS - Dolph Ziggler vs Mustafa Ali - SmackDown 7/24 - ***½ - AJ Styles vs Kevin Owens vs Ricochet - RAW 7/27 - ***¾ - Seth Rollins vs Rey Mysterio vs Andrade - RAW 7/27 - **** - Legado del Fantasma vs Jake Atlas and Breezango - NXT 7/29 - ***½
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Post by DTP. on May 31, 2023 18:29:59 GMT -5
Friday Night SmackDown #1093 - July 31, 2020 WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida Presented by "Are You Ready" by AC/DC LESS THAN FOUR WEEKS FROM SUMMERSLAM!
205 Live #190 – July 31, 2020 1) Isaiah Scott def. The Brian Kendrick (with Ariya Daivari) with the Swerve Stomp. The constant interference from Daivari enabled "the Man with a Plan" to take advantage of "Swerve", until finally enough was enough and Leon Ruff came out to give Daivari a piece of his mind. As Ruff brought the fight to Ariya, "the King of Swerve Style" got the win and would go on to celebrate with his friend. (7:07) 2) Tegan Nox def. Marina Shafir with the Shiniest Wizard. Shafir showed promise with her use of mixed martial arts skills, as well as the ability to take "the Welsh Valley Wonder" down with submission attempts, but Nox would be victorious regardless. (3:34) - McKenzie Mitchell caught up backstage with The Brian Kendrick and Ariya Daivari, but Daivari quickly took over the conversation. Furious at the disrespect shown by the scrawny little pit-stain Leon Ruff, the Persian challenged Ruff to a match next week on 205 Live. 3) Mansoor def. Tehuti Miles with the Moonsault Press into a roll-up. Miles was offered a handshake by the victor after the match, but the Saudi Arabian Superstar was blown off by the up-and-comer. - In a 'Prime Target' exclusive to 205 Live, Vic Joseph and Dio Madden took an extensive look at the backgrounds of the NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar and his challenger Jake Atlas, ahead of their title match this coming Wednesday night on NXT.
The opening video package aired, bringing us to the WWE Performance Center for Friday Night SmackDown. Members of the WWE Universe practiced social distancing at ringside behind the precaution of plexiglass. Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed us to the show, on a night where we would witness an eight-man tag team match of epic proportions pitting Heavy Machinery and the New Day against the forces of Fight Night and a partner of their choosing. The Miz would host 'Miz TV' with his special guest, former tag team partner John Morrison; and we would hear from Sasha Banks after her shocking betrayal of Tamina last week.
- The New Day and SmackDown Tag Team Champions Heavy Machinery vs Fight Night and TBA
- The Miz hosts 'Miz TV' with former tag team partner John Morrison
- We will hear from Sasha Banks
The Progressive Match-Flo aired, taking us back to last week. In the fallout of the Horror Show at Extreme Rules' tragic turn of events for Sasha Banks, "the Legit Boss" was exposed to knowledge of her best friend Bayley using her to retain the SmackDown Women's Championship by nefarious means, by none other than her old friend Naomi. While "Bayley 2 Belts" planned to apologize to her BFF in the ring, Sasha arrived accompanied by Tamina, moments after "the Bouncer" had tried to persuade her old Team B.A.D. ally into dropping Bayley once and for all. Instead, Banks took to assaulting "the Islander" with a steel chair without relent! Bayley was left baffled by the actions of her partner in 'the Boss 'n' Hug Connection'.
▆▆▆ 1) Mandy Rose def. Sonya Deville, Alexa Bliss & Carmella in a Number One Contender's Fatal 4-Way Elimination match (15:23)- With Bayley coming away from the public apology seemingly successful on the surface, it opened up the potential to who would be her next challenger for the SmackDown Women's Championship at SummerSlam. The four top contenders in the Women's Division squared off when Sonya Deville put her foot in her mouth - talking trash until the other three women attacked "the Law", sending her from the ring. Mandy Rose, Alexa Bliss and Carmella traded moves with "the Princess of Staten Island" gaining an early advantage with a series of Princess Kicks for both "the Golden Goddess" and "Little Miss Bliss". Alexa fired back with a Lou Thesz press before catching an inbound "Precious Peach" with the Code Red out of the corner! Nikki Cross was spotted watching on disappointed from the backstage area, as in the ring "Money 'Mella" caught Mandy with the Bronco Buster in the corner. The Mella Go-Round sent Bliss to the floor, when a hurricanrana went blocked into a roll-up - Sonya Deville eliminating Carmella in 4:37! - The match continued following Carmella's elimination with Alexa Bliss and Mandy Rose taking turns stomping a mudhole into Sonya Deville in the corner, with both women shoving the other aside. The two finally got in each others' faces leading to "Little Miss Bliss" socking "the Golden Goddess" with the Goddess Right! Bliss got the near fall with the Blissful Stomps in the corner for Mandy, when "the Law" came out firing with a knee strike! Deville wailed on Alexa with strikes following a spear, when Mandy oddly pulled her off and decided to get some of Bliss herself! Briefly did Fire & Desire rekindle the flame, as Kiss the Rose fed into Deville's spinebuster! That was the extent of it, as Rose then immediately targeted her nemesis, planting her with the Goddess Fall! A sequence of near falls between Alexa and Mandy followed with neither woman gaining the edge, as "the Precious Peach's" boyfriend Otis watched eagerly from backstage. A three-way knockdown saw Rose, Bliss and Deville all taken out, as this match rolled on! - "Little Miss Bliss" delivered a sunset flip powerbomb from the second rope to Mandy Rose, before getting "the Precious Peach" ready for the DDT! Sonya Deville intervened attempting the Devil's Advocate, but Bliss countered into a northern lights suplex. The two exchanged pinfalls, when "the Law" slapped on the bridging armbar! Bliss tried to fight it, but Sonya Deville eliminated Alexa Bliss in 12:02! Fire & Desire were destined to get it on one last time, with a huge opportunity at stake. The two stared one another down before coming to blows, with neither relenting! Deville gained an opening with the jumping roundhouse kick, when Mandy Rose was taken down with the bodyscissors. Sonya threw salt in the ground by smearing her forearm against "the Golden Goddess's" face, but the strength allowed her to piggyback Deville down. Desperation set in with Rose going up for the Elevator, but Rose broke out into the cradle. A near fall saw both reset to their feet, when Mandy caught Sonya with the Bed of Roses to get the win!
With her former friend Sonya Deville motionless on the canvas beside her, Mandy Rose had done the unthinkable - outlasting three other top contenders to contend for the SmackDown Women's Championship, come SummerSlam! An emotionally overwhelmed Mandy Rose knelt with tears in her eyes, when the SmackDown Tag Team Champion Otis came jogging out to the ring. Immediately hitting the ring and wrapping his arms around his "Precious Peach", he would hoist her into his arms - raising her high in the air in celebration. After a contentious year thus far, Mandy was heading to SummerSlam!
- SummerSlam - SmackDown Women's Championship - Bayley (c) vs Mandy Rose
▆▆▆ Following discussion from Michael Cole and Corey Graves, footage aired recapping the scene from last week on Friday Night SmackDown. As Apollo Crews was prepared to meet his ex-training partner Sir Gable in the ring for a match, the Royal Family would initiate a three-on-one beatdown attack on "the One Man Nation". It would cause the match to be postponed - but tonight would see the match take place, with all outside interference prohibited!
Sir Gable warmed up his wrists as he power-walked through the halls of the WWE Performance Center. Adorned in jewels and even a cape, the Olympic wrestler of the Royal Family was ready for Apollo Crews, as King Corbin and Duke Nese were spotted in the far background to wish him luck. Gable would meet Crews - up next.Dream Team Rocks Kayla Braxton was standing by at the interview area with the New Day, who immediately came booming into frame. Big E voiced his excitement for tonight, noting how many weeks in a row he had to sit home and watch FOX from the comfort of his couch! Kofi Kingston claimed it sounded better than his few weeks, but Big E said tonight was the night because he was here - as was Tucker. As was Otis - as was the new number one contender to the SmackDown Women's Championship, Mandy Rose! The SmackDown Tag Team Champions Heavy Machinery arrived, with a celebratory "Golden Goddess" uncontrollably smiling. The New Day claimed Bayley's voice alone grated on them, which is why come SummerSlam, they had their money on "the Precious Peach" bringing home the gold! Getting serious, "the Powder Keg" spoke of how Sheamus and his Lads in Fight Night had hurt enough of his buddies - and tonight, rest assured, it would all come to a head.
Tucker agreed with Otis, as he spoke about being sick and tired of having to put up with the games capable of Sheamus, Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura. Just when he thought the Artist Collective drove him nuts - along came Fight Night! Kofi Kingston exclaimed to Kayla Braxton that as far as who Fight Night would choose to be their fourth man, they honestly didn't give a booty, except question who on planet earth would want to team with them. Rest assured, they would get what was theirs tonight when the Dream Team overcome each and every one of them! Big E rallied the troops, leading both the New Day and Heav Machinery into a hip-thrusting singalong of "Dream Team Rocks!"
▆▆▆ A video graphic aired, showing that Friday Night SmackDown was emanating from the WWE Performance Center - the WWE's "Athletic Hub" for future WWE Superstars. 2) Sir Gable def. Apollo Crews (8:49) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- Coming a week after the Royal Family's heinous backstage assault on Apollo Crews, all outside interference had been banned from this match planned for last week. Apollo brandished kinesio tape on his shoulder, lighting up like a bullseye in the eyes of the Olympian. Sir Gable immediately went for it, like a shark in the water, just for "the One Man Nation" to respond with dropkicks and a military press slam! Apollo was kicked away by Gable, who stuck with a belly-to-belly suplex, when his ego came out to shine. Following with a second, Crews fired back with an enzuigiri. Gable ran for the hills at ringside, when Apollo landed an apron moonsault to the floor - landing on his feet, then hoisting Gable into the ringside floor with a scoop powerslam! - Apollo Crews kept the pressure on Sir Gable, dropping him with a spinebuster and a standing shooting star press. Gable backed off with the referee ordering the break - long enough for Gable to poke the eye of "the One Man Nation!" Gable took advantage with a northern lights suplex, before showboating an excessive amount. Targeting the shoulder, an arm ringer dropped him on the hardest part of the ring! With a plancha, Gable showboated to the WWE Universe, before rolling Apollo in and locking in the Rings of Saturn. Apollo tried powering out, as Gable transitioned into the cross-armbreaker. Thankfully Crews muscled out with a one-handed buckle bomb! A standing moonsault connected, but Gable got the shoulder up. Crews looked for the Chariot, but Gable landed on his feet. The Chaos Theory was blocked by Crews, who reversed into a German suplex attempt. Gable responded with an Ankle Lock attempt - but transitioned into the Kimura Lock! Apollo's shoulder in dire straits, he was forced to tap out!Having A FamilyFull of arrogance, this new persona of Sir Gable had been fully revealed, as he raised a pinky finger whilst wrenching away at the Kimura Lock on the defenceless Apollo Crews! "The One Man Nation" was finally forced into passing out from the pain, all the while the referee tried desperately to break the Olympian off of him. Finally Daniel Bryan had seen enough, the WWE Intercontinental Champion coming stomping down to the ring! "The Submission Expert" confronted Gable in the ring, questioning why he was doing any of this. Gable grinned back at Daniel, explaining that he had a family now who respected him - the Royal Family! Gable pointed at the gold on Daniel's shoulder, exclaiming he wanted that - "the Working Man's Title". Bryan nodded, laying the title out on the canvas between them. While Bryan proposed they do it tonight, Gable shook his head! Mouthing "next week", the former Shorty G took a walk.
▆▆▆ Earlier today Michael Cole conducted an interview with both Drew Gulak and Duke Nese, ahead of their singles encounter later tonight. Via splitscreen, "the Militant Mat-Mite" explained his long-term disdain for the Duke, commenting on how "the Premier Athlete" had long been a thorn in his side. His smugness and arrogance were the two main facets that drove him up the wall. It goes beyond their WWE careers, going back to their time on the independent circuit. Footage aired of their matches in EVOLVE, and later 205 Live, as Nese scoffed at Gulak. With a cowl on his shoulders, the Royal Family member told Drew he always was a poor excuse for an athlete. He had the technique and the mat skills, there was no doubt about it - but when it came to looking the part of a WWE Superstar, he simply didn't possess what he had. Nese pointed towards his abs as he told Drew he was jealous of everything about him, and tonight they would find out who the better athlete truly was.
A graphic aired, promoting the upcoming edition of 'Miz TV'. The most must-see talk show in WWE was back - and the Miz would be joined by a more than special guest: in his former friend and confidante turned arch rival, John Morrison! Who could predict what would happen - next.
An advertisement aired, promoting the all-new free version of the WWE Network. Bringing the best in entertainment, with no credit card required, subscribers could gain access to over 15,000 available titles today.
Expect The UnexpectedFriday Night SmackDown rolled on with the Miz sat in the center of the ring. Dressed to impress in a priceless three-piece suit, "the Awesome One" gladly welcomed everybody to 'Miz TV' - the most must-see talk show in history! Amidst the loud boos, "The A-Lister" complimented himself on doing such a fantastic job of balancing his time between being such a reality television hit, being the WWE Superstar the WWE Universe see before them, and being the world's greatest Dad to his daughter. He wished he could say the same for his guest, and commented on how he and "the Shaman of Sexy" had quite the history. They were inseparable as best friends, as tag team partners, and as the most winningest SmackDown Tag Team Champions to ever grace the sports entertainment world - but much like all good things: they had to come to an end. Miz sent us to a video package of memories, set to "Hey Hey, Ho Ho".
From their first meeting in ECW over a decade ago, the two were one of the hottest things to arrive on the scene with the advent of 'the Dirt Sheet'. They were WWE Tag Team Champions and ran the show on Friday Night SmackDown, until the Miz was drafted to Monday Night RAW. "The Awesome One" responded by betraying "the Guru of Greatness", and going on to bigger things. Headlining WrestleMania, capturing WWE Championships and eventually driving Morrison out of the WWE; flash-forward eight years, and the two mended fences. Becoming SmackDown Tag Team Champions, Morrison would be "the A-Lister's" rock in times of self-doubt and confidence loss - until Miz's temper got the better of him. Back in the ring, Miz applauded the production truck for putting that touching piece of footage together. Sadly, it would be the last time anybody would ever get to see that piece of footage, because the show was almost over for ol' Johnny Nitro.
His fifteen minutes of fame was up a long time ago as far as the Miz was concerned, and "the A-Lister" was about to explain why when John Morrison made his arrival! In slow motion and unaffected by the tribute video his former partner had put together, "the Guru of Greatness" claimed he was flattered. The story was not over however, and while Miz could say black - he was always going to say white. His fifteen minutes of fame weren't finished, because if they were, he would have never come back. If he truly thought he was washed up like "the Awesome One" claimed him to be, he was more naíve than he thought, because during those eight years away from the WWE, he did a heck of a lot of soulsearching. While Miz was becoming 'the Marine', and facing John Cena in the main event of WrestleMania, John Morrison was still alive and kicking. He traveled the world, he saw things around the globe! Most importantly, Miz wasn't the only actor on the SmackDown Brand.
"The Shaman of Sexy" looked back to the Hollywood Backlot Brawl at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules, and lamented the cowardice the Miz displayed. When "the A-Lister" thought to throw from the top of a building - that told the whole story. John Morrison claimed this brand was too big for the two of them, because Miz was right in that this story was nearly over: but nearly over for him! Miz snickered, telling JoMo it was going to happen all over again. One last time before the curtain call, Miz vs Morrison. After that, there would be no more John Morrison and The Miz; no more 'Dirt Sheet'; no more interruptions. They would be done for good, because the loser would have to leave Friday Night SmackDown and stay out! Morrison chuckled, telling him that's all he ever wanted. But there was one thing: while Miz had had it cleared with the executives of FOX, he too had been to the execs. It was funny, because while Miz decreed Loser Leaves SmackDown - Morrison had decreed it be contested inside of a Steel Cage!
The Miz's jaw dropped, but as John Morrison smiled and stepped towards "the A-Lister", he extended his hand. Miz gulped but swallowed his pride, when the screen flickered. The Fiend suddenly emerged in the ring, standing behind Morrison! Bewildered, "the Awesome One" escaped, and "the Guru of Greatness" turned to receive the Mandible Claw from "the New Face of Fear!" His hand deep in the gullet of Morrison, he was forced into unconsciousness! The screen flashed again - and on the top rope appeared Brother Nero, soaring with a dive! Throttling Fiend with blows, "the Death-Defying Daredevil" had dipped into the Lake of Reincarnation, and had been reborn! The former WWE Universal Champion was thrown off, when he would hurl a chair at the Fiend! Tackling him to the canvas again, he mounted with blows - until another screen flicker saw him kneeling alone in the ring! The Fiend had vanished, having shown weakness like never before at the clutches of this phenomenon Jeff Hardy had become!
- Next week - Loser Leaves SmackDown - Steel Cage match - John Morrison vs The Miz
Footage aired from the wild scene moments ago, where 'Miz TV' was hijacked by a startling and unexplained appearance from the WWE Universal Champion The Fiend. After a Loser Leaves SmackDown Steel Cage match had been issued for next week, John Morrison and the Miz's handshake to settle it was intruded on by the champ, who locked "the Guru of Greatness" in the Mandible Claw. That's when Jeff Hardy appeared - rechristened as the scary "Death-Defying Daredevil" Brother Nero. For the first time in the WWE, the Fiend showed weakness and vanished from Nero's onslaught.
Kayla Braxton was backstage with Fight Night, who were plotting in advance of their eight-man tag team match later tonight. As the broadcast journalist quizzed Sheamus, Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura as to who their tag team partner would be against the New Day and Heavy Machinery, "the Celtic Warrior" coolly told Kayla with all due respect - it was on a need-to-know basis, and she didn't need to know a thing. The Irishman said he, nor "the Swiss Cyborg", nor "the Artist" were worried about it, because scrapping was what the Lads did best. They'd fought countless times outnumbered, and tonight they would have the right fourth man for the job, so that they could once again show Big E, Kofi Kingston, Tucker and that big goofball Otis what Fight Night were all about. With arms over each others' shoulders, the trio hollered and raved like football hooligans without a care in the world.
▆▆▆ 3) Duke Nese def. Drew Gulak (8:44) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- "The Militant Mat-Mite's" history with Duke Nese went far beyond "the Premier Athlete" joining the group of the Royal Family alongside King Corbin and Sir Gable. Having battled on multiple occasions on the independent circuit, as well as in their time on 205 Live, the two men with a grudge got it on again with both refusing to back down! Exchanging blows, Gulak outwitted Nese's dropdown and leapfrog with an attempt at a takedown! Nese was able to escape to ringside, when Gulak followed in hot pursuit! The Duke was caught with open-hand chops from Gulak, and upon sending him inside, a snap suplex and a body slam sent Nese into the ropes! Fired up and prepared for anything, the training partner of WWE Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan was on a roll, until Nese faked a knee injury and got the attention of the referee. And when Drew's guard was down, a buckle German suplex would see the Duke gain control of this match! - Duke Nese maintained control despite Drew Gulak's attempts to fire back, receiving a single-knee gutbuster. "The Premier Athlete" had been able to keep "the Militant Mat-Mite" down during the break with an apron cartwheel, which led to an evasion of the Saito suplex on the floor, into a super kick. Gulak was again able to fight back, catching Nese off the ropes with a lariat! Several more followed, when a dragon screw led to Nese narrowly escaping a step-over toehold. A pumphandle driver drove Gulak into the mat, but he kicked out! Showing grit, Gulak got his knees up from the 450 Splash, and the Cyclone Crash connected - to only receive a near fall! Gulak looked for the Gu-Lock, but Nese broke out with a hotshot running Gulak's throat over the top rope! Re-entering, the Duke attempted a springboard - but Gulak caught him with the Gu-Lock! Nese scrambled for an escape, but his saving grace would come when Drew bridged to the canvas - and Duke strategically leaned backwards into a bridge for the win!
Duke Nese scrambled from the ring to a negative response from the WWE Universe in attendance, leaving Drew Gulak to question the decision to the official. "The Militant Mat-Mite" was furious with the result, while "the Premier Athlete" celebrated with a huge grin on his face from the top of the rampway.
▆▆▆ For the first time since last week's shocking scene on Friday Night SmackDown, "Bayley 2 Belts" had arrived at the WWE Performance Center. The SmackDown Women's Champion and co-holder of the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship was heading for the ring. We would hear from Bayley up next!No Honor Among ThievesKayla Braxton was standing by in the interview area with Dolph Ziggler, questioning his decision to assault Mustafa Ali after their match last week. "The Show Off" was dressed in smart casual, and was not concerned with the broadcast journalist's line of questioning. Dolph told her it was obvious why he did what he did, claiming that it was a small taste of the revenge Ali deserved. Calling him a boy among men, Ziggler reminded the WWE Universe of the fact that it was Mustafa who had been "the Hacker" all along. For months, he hid in his little computer room in his mom's basement, and he made life hell for him! Ziggler commented on how the world had gone mad for siding with a sick freak like him, who invaded his privacy in a mid to humiliate him week-in and week-out for long enough. As Dolph began to comment on Ali's lack of honor, and make jokes at his background as a police officer, Mustafa Ali abruptly came charging into his nemesis! Battling it out back and forth, security was forced to intervene!
▆▆▆ Burning BridgesThe WWE Performance Center booed loudly, as along came the SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley. With the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship sitting on her other shoulder, there was no sign of Sasha Banks despite "the Legit Boss's" decision to not attack "Bayley 2 Belts" last week. In the ring, Bayley laughed into the microphone as she talked about how many surprised faces there had to be in the world after last week. What was anybody expecting - Sasha to betray her best friend in the entire galaxy? She scoffed at the thought and reminded the people of the fact she and Sasha ran the SmackDown Women's Division. They held all the gold the women of Friday nights wished they could, and when the going got tough - the weak had to go. Bayley called Tamina dead weight who had to go, and she applauded her BFF for not just dropping "the Bouncer" like a bad habit last week; but making sure she too knew her place in the world of 'the Boss 'n' Hug Connection'.
Moving onto her next point, Bayley wished to give a huge shout-out to "the Precious Peach!" Ingenuously joking about Mandy Rose's pathetic relationship with the ugliest dude in the WWE right now, Otis, "Bayley 2 Belts" could not even consider what their babies would look like. Regardless, the SmackDown Women's Champion felt it real cute of FOX executives to consider Mandy as a viable option for her to face at 'the Biggest Party of the Summer'. Lucky for "the Golden Goddess" - she even won! But as much as Mandy clearly had a thing for whips and chains, the title was going to stay on her shoulder, and come SummerSlam, in the biggest match of her puny career - Bayley was going to show her what it was all about! Unexpectedly came Naomi walking out to the stage, unimpressed with the constant showboating of the double champion. Standing across the ring from the champ, she told "Bayley 2 Belts" she had some nerve to come out here. Years ago, herself and Tamina formed a group called Team B.A.D.
Naomi continued to discuss how Team B.A.D. were not perfect, but herself and Tamina's crowning achievement was the recruitment of a certain "Boss" named Sasha Banks. She was the crown jewel, the centerpiece, and while Sasha's star was undeniable, she may not have reached the heights she had without the guidance and assistance she and "the Islander" had provided. Bayley shook her head and ordered Naomi to quit while she was ahead, but Naomi told Bayley she had no clue what Sasha saw in her - but she could not help but question why "the Legit Boss" continued to let herself be degraded by her association with the double champ! Naomi claimed she might not be the number one contender, nor was she even on speaking terms with Sasha after last week - but unlike Sasha, she wasn't afraid to kick her butt right now and expose Bayley for the phony she truly is. Naomi urged Bayley face-to-face to admit the fact she was using Sasha, when out came Sasha Banks herself!
"The Legit Boss" swaggered out to the ring without a care. Despite the steel chair beating she served up for a longtime friend in Tamina last week, Sasha Banks climbed into the ring, looking both ways at Bayley and Naomi - two women she knew better than anyone. The SmackDown Women's Champion tried to side with Sasha with her arm on her shoulder, but "the Boss" pushed her away! Banks intimidated Bayley, but the WWE Women's Tag Team Champion did a doubletake and blasted Naomi with a clothesline! With a sigh of sweet relief, Bayley watched Sasha put the boots to her former Team B.A.D. teammate, when she was invited to get involved! 'The Boss 'n' Hug Connection' had an unbreakable bond, but out came Mandy Rose! "The Precious Peach" hit the ring and fended off Bayley and Sasha Banks. As the champs backed away from the ring, Mandy helped Naomi to her feet. Mandy seemed poised for Bayley's title!
A graphic aired promoting the long-awaited main event. What had been brewing for weeks was about to finally come to a head with the SmackDown Tag Team Champions Heavy Machinery and the New Day against Fight Night, and a partner of their choice. Who would Sheamus, Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura choose as their fourth man? And would Otis, Tucker, Big E and Kofi Kingston get the revenge they so badly want? We would find up - up next.
Michael Cole and Corey Graves recapped the events of tonight's show, referring back to the number one contender's fatal four-way elimination match earlier on. Mandy Rose had earned herself an opportunity at the SmackDown Women's Championship come SummerSlam, as a graphic appeared on-screen... Reincarnated and FearlessThe feed from the production truck was suddenly taken hostage. Before a steel shutter door in an anonymous location, Brother Nero rambled like a madman. The entity once known as Jeff Hardy declared that he had seen the light and he had been reborn in it. The irony was that for years, he watched as his brother act Broken and Woken, and he went along with it. Now he saw the funny side, because he swam in the Lake of Reincarnation to heal his wounds from the Last Man Standing match at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules - and he unlocked an entirely new vessel. He felt young and reckless again - but truly, he had Bray Wyatt to thank. Now he was not just "the Death-Defying Daredevil", but a Fearless Freak like him. Tonight he taught the Fiend what weakness was - and at SummerSlam he would show zero remorse. Issuing the challenge for the WWE Universal Championship at "the Biggest Party of the Summer", Nero told "the New Face of Fear" he would hate what he created - in Multiversal Warfare.
▆▆▆ 4) The New Day and SmackDown Tag Team Champions Heavy Machinery def. Fight Night and King Corbin (10:25) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- Before the match, Fight Night stood on the ringside area staring down Heavy Machinery and the New Day, before turning to the stage and pointing at the prevailing King Corbin - the fourth man for their team. - The formation of Fight Night led by Sheamus and the former members of the Artist Collective had seen Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura revitalized, as the Lads plotted to take out every other tag team on Friday Night SmackDown. Last week, not only did Tucker return but so did Big E, and the combined forces challenged the trio to duel. The evened forces battled it out in an eight-man melee to kick things off, with the referee struggling to try and keep the actions together! Fight Night and King Corbin found themselves ousted from the ring, when Heavy Machinery and the New Day pursued after them. Kofi Kingston performed the Trust Fall over the top rope onto the King and the Lads, as launched by Otis and Tucker! Moments later, "the Brick Hit House" followed with a cannonball senton from the apron onto all of their opponents! The New Day and the SmackDown Tag Team Champions celebrated with a dance, as Corbin, Sheamus, Cesaro and Shin recomposed on the floor. - The tide had turned in favor of Cesaro, who was able to catch a tornado DDT attempt from Kofi Kingston and launch him overhead for the European uppercut! "The Swiss Cyborg" and Shinsuke Nakamura teamed up with Bad Vibrations in unison for Kofi, when Sheamus scored a near fall with the jumping knee strike. Corbin pummeled Kofi with a chokeslam backbreaker into a myriad of fists, when eventually the teamwork saw Kofi catch the inbound King with a double footstomp! Otis was legal and roared in with corner splashes for everyone. Soon finding himself outnumbered, Tucky came in to help out. As a trapping suplex drilled "the Artist", "the Powder Keg" blasted Cesaro with the World's Strongest Slam! The Caterpillar was teased, but Sheamus came in with the Brogue Kick - but as Otis fell, Big E got the tag! As all hell broke loose once again, Heavy Machinery occupied Fight Night on the floor. Inside, "Wrestling Royalty's" attempt at the Deep Six went averted - and the Big Ending provided Big E the win!"I'm Not Finished With You"Picking up the win for the combined forces of the New Day and the SmackDown Tag Team Champions Heavy Machinery, Big E would see his hand raised, when Sheamus rushed in with one more Brogue Kick! Fight Night were out to get revenge after the bell despite the decision, with Shinsuke Nakamura pulling Kofi Kingston in his place with the Kinshasa! The Royal Family would get involved too, with Sir Gable and Duke Nese hitting the ring to join the King and the Lads in laying waste to Otis and Tucker.
That is, until Braun Strowman came stampeding out to the ring! The groups of Fight Night and the Royal Family were left devastated at the sight of "the Monster Among Men", appearing for the first time since April! Looking bigger than ever, Strowman had his sights set on an awestruck Sheamus! Braun was swarmed by the likes of Cesaro, Shinsuke Nakamura, King Corbin, Sir Gable and Duke Nese - when Strowman powered them off! Braun drilled Gable and Cesaro with a clothesline sending both to the floor. Nakamura took the Running Powerslam, when Duke Nese was hurled with a gorilla press slam onto the other four men on the floor! The Strowman Express left the station with Braun storming the ringside area, blasting every body in plain sight. The only exclusion was Sheamus, who ran scared to the top of the rampway! Braun stood tall alongside Heavy Machinery and the New Day. Pointing the finger at "the Celtic Warrior", the giant was back to reclaim Friday Night SmackDown.
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Post by DTP. on May 27, 2023 8:49:13 GMT -5
NXT #415 – July 29, 2020 Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida "All Out Life" by Slipknot
NXT UK #104: History Relived - July 30, 2020- The Dynamite Kid def. Bret Hart with the rolling cradle. (12:25) [PRIME TIME WRESTLING #14 - OCT 8, 1985] - The Belfast Bruiser def. Lord Steven Regal (with Jeeves) by disqualification when Earl Robert Eaton and Squire Dave Taylor attacked the Bruiser. (17:33) [WCW UNCENSORED 1996 - MAR 24, 1996]- Paige def. AJ Lee (c) to capture the WWE Divas Championship with the Ram-Paige (4:55). [SUMMERSLAM 2014 - AUG 17, 2014]
A video package aired, recapping last week on NXT. Coming off of the Undisputed Era assaulting the NXT Champion Finn Bálor and the NXT North American Champion Keith Lee the week prior, "the Limitless One" and "the Prince" took the fight to the UE. Lee was able to successfully retain the title against Bobby Fish; while Finn took the fight to Kyle O'Reilly in "Hollywood Kyle's" return to the ring. It was a technical masterclass, but in the end the Irishman came out victorious. Yet as Finn took his place as the established flagbearer of "the Black and Gold Brand", title in hand, Roderick Strong would once again ambush him. With another gang beating, Roddy would prove why they called him "the Master of the Backbreaker" with the End of Heartache - before stealing the NXT Championship!
The NXT Universe were abuzz inside Full Sail Arena, as Mauro Ranallo and Beth Phoenix welcomed us to another rousing edition of NXT! Announcing remotely as Vic Joseph appeared in-person by the large "NXT" letters in the building, the broadcast team discussed what was coming up tonight - including the NXT Women's Championship being at stake, when Io Shirai made her title defense against Xia Li. Plus, Karrion Kross would take on Dijakovic; and Raquel González would battle Rhea Ripley!
- NXT Women's Championship - Io Shirai (c) vs Xia Li
- Dijakovic vs Karrion Kross
- Rhea Ripley vs Raquel González
Footage aired from earlier today, showing the challenger Xia Li make her way across the campus of Full Sail University. "The Wushu Crusader" had been in training for the past two weeks since challenging Io Shirai - but tonight would see her big opportunity to leave as the NXT Women's Champion.
✕✕✕ 1) Legado del Fantasma def. Jake Atlas and Breezango (13:22) [THROUGH TWO BREAKS]- Since stealing the NXT Cruiserweight Championship from Kushida and aligning himself with the two men he once held captive, Santos Escobar and his men Raúl Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde stopped at nothing to ensure the entire world knew they ran the Cruiserweight Division. Jake Atlas had much to prove and started hot with the aid of Tyler Breeze and Fandango, forcing Legado del Fantasma to take a powder to the floor after a wild free-for-all. Stereo dives through the ropes from both members of Breezango would make way for "the Game Changer" to fly with a moonsault plancha from the second rope onto all three men! Atlas started out with Mendoza, who was able to score a snap suplex but would find a springboard moonsault from the bottom rope unsuccessful - once Atlas got the knees up! A release German suplex was thought to have him, when Wilde and Escobar charged the attack. "The Fashion Police" re-emerged for another six-man brawl, ending when "Prince Pretty" and 'Dango struck with the double Supermodel Kick for Mendoza! - The tables had turned as Fandango continued to try and fight Joaquin Wilde with chops and a spinning wheel kick, before Raúl Mendoza came in illegally with a spinning brainbuster! 'Dango hoped to make it to Jake Atlas and Tyler Breeze, only to be dragged back into the center by Santos Escobar's men. Legado del Fantasma took it in turns dissecting Fandango, with an aided dropkick seeing Mendoza fly. Finally the NXT Cruiserweight Champion graced the ring with his presence, targeting the shoulder with a soccer kick! "The Dancer" tried to fight back with his good arm, only to be struck with a basement dropkick, an enzuigiri and a slingshot somersault senton! Escobar mocked Jake Atlas and Tyler Breeze bringing them into the ring, which enabled Mendoza and Wilde to come in and drag Fandango back to Legado's corner, out of sight from the official! Again Fandango tried to fight his way out of enemy territory with lariats for Raúl and Joaquin, but a corner dropkick saw the champ drop him! - Joaquin Wilde held a Russian legsweep on Fandango as Raúl Mendoza looked for the enzuigiri - for 'Dango to move! Blocking Wilde's attempt at a hurricanrana, 'Dango dropkicked he and Santos Escobar as they rushed in! On the crawl, Jake Atlas came in with a springboard hurricanrana. A series of enzuigiris rocked Mendoza and Wilde, when Tyler Breeze shot in a big boot to Wilde, who found himself draped over the top rope! A catapult to Mendoza forced Mendoza to eat a forearm smash from "the Game Changer", when Santos Escobar returned with a spinebuster for Breeze. Atlas took the fight to the NXT Cruiserweight Champion with a headlock driver garnering a close fall. Raúl and Joaquin rushed in for another wild melee, ending with Breeze and Escobar legal. The Beauty Shot got a close fall, when "Prince Pretty" found himself outnumbered. A death valley driver from Mendoza to 'Dango saw Escobar vault with a diving splash onto Breeze - and Wilde would restrain Atlas allowing the three count!
The chaos of this six-man tag team match got NXT underway in energetic fashion, but when the dust settled Legado del Fantasma prevailed! The NXT Cruiserweight Champion posed on his knees in the ring, with Raúl Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde behind him, before Santos Escobar ordered his confidantes to continue the assault! Putting the boots to both Tyler Breeze and Fandango, Escobar would drill "Prince Pretty" with the Phantom Driver. Jake Atlas bravely re-entered with the LGB DDT for Wilde, before striking Mendoza with a bicycle kick. Alone with Santos, the champ grinned and provoked "the Game Changer" before departing on his own accord. Atlas re-assembled with Breezango behind him, staring down Legado del Fantasma.
✕✕✕ A graphic aired, showing an image of "Absolute" Ricky Starks. "The Center of Attention" had proven impressive thus far, and was scheduled for action - up next.Not InterestedRaquel González skipped rope in the backstage dressing room, when into shot came Dakota Kai. In her insurance policy's ear, she tried to instruct "Big Mami Cool" on what she needed to do to defeat Rhea Ripley. To an annoying extent, Raquel finally revelled that she didn't want to hear it. While "King Kota" beat "the Brutalist", she was out to make a name for herself in NXT and wanted to do this by herself. Kai scoffed, claiming that wouldn't do - unless she wanted to fail, much like Rhea had done in every big match opportunity dating back to WrestleMania. Dakota told Raquel she wasn't even sure why she cared - she already beat Rhea, and that was what really mattered. As Dakota departed, Raquel remained focused.
✕✕✕ The Golden TongueInside Full Sail Arena, Ricky Starks made his "Absolute" arrival to the NXT Universe's chagrin. Posing on his way down the aisle, "the Center of Attention" ran his mouth to the fans behind the plexiglass walls surrounding the ringside area, as he swaggered to the ring and posed on the apron. Ascending to the second rope, "Pretty Ricky" declared he had arrived and was here to make "the Black and Gold Brand" nothing but gold. Bigging himself up, the newcomer claimed they called him "the Saint Among Men", and "the Top of the Food Chain" because absolutely everything he did was nothing but net! Across the ring he saw tonight's victim, purposely mispronouncing the name of Denzel Dejournette. Insulting his wrestling singlet and questioning what he came dressed as, Ricky promised to get this over with quick so Denzel could go back to playfighting on the mat with his little dollies. Dejournette shook his head, fired up and ready to go.2) Ricky Starks def. Denzel Dejournette (1:49)- The sheer arrogance of the so-called "Saint Among Men" had rubbed Denzel Dejournette the wrong way, and the former NCAA heavyweight amateur wrestler from Winston-Salem worked to ground Ricky Starks from the getgo. Able to battle back, Dejournette took him down with a spinebuster, when a twisting enzuigiri allowed "the Center of Attention" to bounce back. A Rocket Kick knocked Dejournette through a loop, when "Absolute" began to pummel away at the upstart. Denzel fought a chinlock with a fireman's carry takedown, but after a series of clotheslines Starks cut him off with the Spear! The running dominator come to be known as the Roshambo followed, handing "Pretty Ricky" another sudden win.
"Absolute" picked up another decisive win against Denzel Dejournette, posing with the official raising his hand in slow motion. Ricky Starks swaggered around the ring after the quick win, posing on the top rope as though it were a hammock!
✕✕✕ McKenzie Mitchell was standing by in the interview area with Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink, ahead of their long-awaited tag team match with the unlikely duo of Bronson Reed and Dexter Lumis. The Australians discussed their appall with how this situation was still ongoing. It was ludicrous to consider the fact that their old mate "Aus-Zilla" had chosen some murderous goon over his pals! The two reminisced on the nightmares had since that traumatic night on Independence Day weekend. But despite all of it, now they had nothing to fear. They'd faced the worst, and tonight they were going to show "the Battleship" what they're all about now. As for "the Tortured Artist", they planned to make sure this was the last time they ever had to see his ugly mug. The two set off for the ring in foul moods - the match coming up next.Quitters Never ProsperReturning to the sinister school of Timothy Thatcher, the head trainer of 'Thatch As Thatch Can' was explaining in elaborate detail the method in which he applied his signature Fujiwara armbar, to his disturbed students. Groans, screams and sobs came out of his victim - the test dummy for a seminar that would never end. Thatcher demanded the recipient quit yelling, that he was paying his dues. Refusing to release the hold, finally the student began to tap out bringing great delight to the toothless grin of "the Journeyman". As Tim ordered the gathered crew of students to complete their homework in time for next week's session, the student victimized from last week showed up with his arm in a sling. Surprised to see him, he was initially gleeful to see the prospect suck up his injuries and make a return - when the student informed him that he wanted to call the quits. Voicing how this class was not what was advertised, the unknown had the gall to demand a refund!
As the class of students remained present at the scene, Timothy Thatcher smiled at the young man and invited him into the ring to shake his hand. Though hesitant, the injured was assured that he would receive a full refund - so long as he offered him the respect he deserved. The students watched nervously around the ring, as "the Journeyman" wished the kid all the best in mediocrity - taking his hand, before delivering an arm ringer! Immediately ripping up the sling, the aggressive and deranged head trainer of this "training school" slapped on a cross-armbreaker, bringing the ex-student to scream in pain! Demented, Thatch frothed at the mouth as he lectured his students on letting it be a lesson to them: quitter never prosper in this game of life.
✕✕✕ 3) Bronson Reed and Dexter Lumis def. Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink (4:22)- The relationship between Bronson Reed and Dexter Lumis had brought the two polar opposites together in their issues with Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink. "The Tortured Artist" immediately slid across the ring towards them, though Thorne and Vink responded with a series of stomps. Reed charged with a double clothesline when a biel throw hurled Vink into Thorne! Lumis tagged himself in for a slingshot suplex and a series of throat thrusts in the corner - when a distraction from Vink saw Thorne connect with a ripcord kneestrike! A double back suplex brought the Aussies some success, until Dexter backflipped out of a sidewalk slam and connected with the Lou Thesz press! "The Thicc Boi" made the tag and chokeslammed Thorne through Vink, but the King Kong Lariat saw Vink save his buddy. Targeting the ankle they injured weeks back, Dex reinserted himself with Silence applied on Brendan! As he went night-night, Bronson drove Thorne into the mat with the Jagged Edge for the win!
In a bizarre scene, Bronson Reed and Dexter Lumis shared the ring, as "the Tortured Artist" sat wide-eyed with the unconscious Brendan Vink in his lap, laying motionless. "The Battleship" raised his fists to the saluting NXT Universe, as Shane Thorne rolled out to the canvas. Dexter came to his feet and approached Bronson for a staredown - as perhaps another battle was due between the two. But instead, Dex gave Reed a thumbs up! Soon departing and returning to the backstage area, it left "the Thicc Boi" of NXT to ponder what came next.
✕✕✕ The Undisputed Era had arrived backstage at Full Sail University, though still without any sign of their leader, the former NXT Champion Adam Cole. Instead, Roderick Strong led the pack of "Hollywood" Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish! All sporting sunglasses, "the Master of the Backbreaker" strutted down the hall with the NXT Championship around his waist. Belonging to Finn Bálor, it having been stolen last week, Roddy had a lot of explaining to do for his actions - as the UE were scheduled to join us in the ring, next!
An advertisement aired, promoting all of the merchandise available on WWEShop.com. Lost and FoundOne week after the system was shocked once again, the Undisputed Era came wandering out to the Full Sail Arena audience to a largely mixed response. Led by Roderick Strong, adorned with the NXT Championship belonging to champion Finn Bálor around his waist, "the Master of the Backbreaker" was pleased with his continued habit of stealing championship titles not belonging to him, as he rode the middle rope and leaned on the apron facing the NXT Universe, with Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly posing alongside him. With Adam Cole still AWOL, Roderick issued a shout-out to "the Panama City Playboy", saying he wished they could be with them - but right now he had to take care of his own business. Strong remarked how it had been a while since they were joined by a certain individual, demanding the people give a rousing ovation to the returning Kyle O'Reilly - the same man who had taken Finn Bálor to the limit last week, until he was robbed!
And now, for the first time since completion of shooting his new Hollywood hit feature, Roderick Strong bestowed the microphone to "Hollywood" Kyle O'Reilly. The NXT Universe booed and chanted for Finn Bálor, to which Kyle laughed. He spoke of having "the Prince's" number, and he proved that to everybody who watched "the Black and Gold Brand" last week. Yet as true as that fact was, Kyle made a point of suggesting he had some help along the way! Bobby Fish bit the bullet, joking that there was a slight possibility that he and Roddy may have had some part in ensuring Keith Lee not try and stick his nose where it didn't belong! Kyle believed the NXT North American Champion would have surely poked around in his business, and that simply couldn't be done. Roddy wrapped his arms around Bobby and Kyle, claiming that while Adam Cole might not be around, that didn't mean the Undisputed Era didn't still run this place. Sort of like how Finn Bálor might be NXT Champion - but he didn't have the gold!
As Roderick Strong goaded the NXT Champion, Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly laughed at "the Prince's" expense. "The Master of the Backbreaker" dared the champion to come collect what was his. Instead, Keith Lee came bounding to the ring! The NXT North American Champion took down both members of the Undisputed Era with a massive crossbody! "The Limitless One" nailed Fish with the Spirit Bomb, before Kyle O'Reilly dove on his back with a sleeper hold! It bought Roddy time to strike him with the NXT Championship, and quickly the UE put the boots to the big man. That is, until Finn Bálor made his arrival - and with him saw a steel chair in hand! Finn hit the ring and nailed Kyle O'Reilly in the ribcage, before following with a shot across the spine! Roderick Strong narrowly escaped, as the trio regrouped on the aisle. With the NXT Championship back where it belonged, Finn shared the ring with Keith Lee and dared the pranksters to come back and fight. The champ did not appreciate having his things stolen!
✕✕✕ Mauro Ranallo, Beth Phoenix and Vic Joseph discussed all of the anticipation and speculation surrounding tonight's NXT Women's Championship defense. Never before had a woman of Chinese origin fought a woman of Japanese origin with such a prestigious title at stake. Screenshots from Twitter flashed on the screen, with users tweeting their predictions for tonight's between Io Shirai and Xia Li - still to come.
The Beauty and the BeastKillian Dain stomped the backstage corridors, when around the corner crept Cameron Grimes in a full suit! Once again pestering "the Beast of Belfast", the Southerner hoped to put Dain at ease by tempting him with Poppy's latest CD. Killian simply glared at the copy, as the fast-talking "Carolina Caveman" brought up the proposition he had to offer the Irishman last week. Wanting to know whether Dain had thought about it at all, Killain remained silent before trying to turn away. Not knowing when to quit, Grimes followed suit and told romanticized the possibility of them teaming up! No more losing streaks - just sweet victory. As Grimes compared he and Dain as a combination to 'the Beauty and the Beast', Dain finally turned around and snatched him by the throat! Forcing him against the brick wall, the bitter metalhead told Grimes no meant no! Sick and tired of him buzzing around him, he demanded Cameron meet him one-on-one in the ring next week. Grimes was left wondering what effect his pitching had.
- Next week - Killian Dain vs Cameron Grimes
✕✕✕ 4) Karrion Kross (with Scarlett) def. Dijakovic (7:04) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- Karrion Kross's fireball assault on Damian Priest two weeks ago was thought to lead to "the Herald of Doomsday" declaring his intent to challenge for the NXT Championship, when out of nowhere came Dijakovic - sporting a brand new attitude. "The Demolition Man" in aviators and leather was not going to have any of Kross's mind games, taking him out with a Cyclone Kick as soon as the bell sounded! Scarlett watched with concern as Dijakovic pummelled him with a lariat, before cornering him with rapidfire back elbow strikes! To a positive reaction, the agile big man followed suit with a remarkable Fosbury Flop onto Kross at ringside. "The Siren of Destruction" was startled by Dijakovic, as he looked her in the eyes - the first man to truly take her man to the limit! - "The Demolition Man" continued to keep the heat on Karrion Kross with a superkick and a discus lariat, but as he looked for a fireman's carry, "the Herald of Doomsday" muscled the big man up with a running powerslam of his own! With a spinebuster driving Dijakovic into the corner, Kross proceeded to chop him down to size bit by bit, starting with a charging big boot in the corner! A release German suplex saw "the Siren of Destruction" give Kross the signal to bring this match to a close, grounding Dijakovic with a series of knee lifts to the upper anatomy of his grounded opponent. Dijakovic continued to rally back, delivering Time to Fly launching Kross across the ring! Karrion was in trouble as a springboard elbow drop was attempted, but Kross delivered a catching exploder suplex! A devastating Doomsday Saito followed, but Dijakovic refused to stay down. Kneeling in a semi-conscious state, the Kross Jacket was locked in, and "the Demolition Man" was forced to go to sleep!DTARelinquishing his grip of the Kross Jacket, Karrion Kross sat in the center of the ring with a sickening grin on his face. A man possessed, "the Herald of Doomsday" was joined by his "Siren of Destruction" Scarlett - when the lights went out. Damian Priest unexpectedly came stomping down to the ring, his face covered in bruising from the second-degree burns! A reminder of the fireball assault two weeks ago, "the Archer of Infamy" showed no fear in targeting Kross and delivering a melee of right hands! Kross scratched the burned face of "the Nocturnal Rockstar" to gain the upper hand, but his attempt at a Doomsday Saito saw Dijakovic interrupt with a big boot to Kross! Running him from the ring, suddenly "the Demolition Man" laid waste to Priest - planting him with Feast Your Eyes! A devastated NXT Universe watched on, as Dijakovic left the ring alone, refusing to trust anybody.
✕✕✕ Face of the BrandA video package aired, taking a look at the physicality of Mercedes Martinez. "The Latina Machine" had been a force to be reckoned with since her arrival in January. Participating in the 2020 Royal Rumble match got her off to an astounding impression, as Martinez conscrued an impressive string of victories in short order. Robert Stone narrated the montage, talking about how he realized long ago that the likes of Aliyah and Chelsea Green were not long for the Robert Stone Brand. What he needed was something more ferocious, something more vicious, and something willing to lay waste to Shotzi at all costs! As far as "the Hipster" was concerned, Martinez was the face of the Brand, and for that he could only love her very much. Martinez revealed an intimidating grill shielding her teeth, speaking in Spanish that Martinez was going to the top.
McKenzie Mitchell was standing by backstage with Shotzi, having just watched the video package with Mercedes Martinez and Robert Stone. "The Ballsy Badass" bore her helmet and spoke with great excitement, despite having been left laying by "the Latina Machine" last week. As much as she wants nothing more than to crush "the Hipster's" apples with the wheels of her T.C.B. Tank, she smelled an opportunity to do one better: and crush the new face of the Robert Stone Brand. Shotzi screeched that she wanted a piece of Mercedes, and if nobody thought she had a chance - so be it! She had proven many people wrong before.A vignette aired, promoting the arrival of a new Cruiserweight. There was nobody younger, nobody hotter, and nobody who possessed the pizzazz and the finesse he did. Driving a convertible through the streets of the Bay Area in San Francisco, he took the time to stop, pause and lower his sunglasses. With an eager smile, the young man in a cropped leather jacket welcomed the NXT Universe to "Ya Girl's Favorite Superstar;" "the Ultimate Finesser" Chris Bey - coming soon to NXT.✕✕✕ Deluded by RoderickRoderick Strong was spotted after the attack on the Undisputed Era, courtesy of the NXT Champion Finn Bálor and the NXT North American Champion Keith Lee. "The Master of the Backbreaker" caught his breath as Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly had gone off to the trainer's office. Speaking candidly to the camera, Roddy talked about beating Finn Bálor weeks ago, and that he wanted his shot at the NXT Championship. Once upon a time, he was the real deal. He was the heart of the NXT Brand, and the NXT Universe - they couldn't wait to see him capture the title. Who stopped him? Drew McIntyre, the current WWE World Champion! "The Scottish Terminator" knew how good he was, and they'd had wars too. Staring deep into the lens, Strong refused to fail again. He wasn't going to let another opportunity slip away, because he was Undisputed - and the Undisputed Era still ran NXT. Roddy warned Finn Bálor his days were numbered, and dared him to accept his challenge - and put the NXT Championship at stake.
✕✕✕ 5) Rhea Ripley def. Raquel González (9:18) [THROUGH TWO BREAKS]- Rhea Ripley was still hopeful of rebounding off of WrestleMania's loss of the NXT Women's Championship to Charlotte Flair, so much so that she absorbed a loss to Dakota Kai at the Great American Bash - caused by "Big Mami Cool" herself. Raquel González was up for the task, wanting to put down the other goliath of the NXT Women's Division, when a face off at the match's beginning led to both women slugging it out! Neither wanted to budge, and "the Brutalist" would shoulder block Raquel just for her to absorb it. The two ensued with a back and forth series of running strikes, when two short-arm clotheslines led to a ripcord dropkick from Ripley! González would be the brunt of the stalling suplex, when a grabbing headbutt saw "the Insurance Policy" knock her silly! A big boot led to a spinning powerslam, and a fallaway slam sent the former champ across the ring. Posing with her back muscles on display, González possessed immense power! - "Big Mami Cool" held Rhea Ripley in position for a Canadian backbreaker rack, keeping the former NXT Women's Champion hanging in the balance. Finally the NXT Universe were able to rally Rhea into breaking out, and striking with a headbutt of her own! Ripley fired with a series of clotheslines looking to take Raquel González from her feet - only to be hit with an evasion lariat! "The Insurance Policy" delivered a rotating slingshot senton out of the corner for a near fall, when González attempted the powerbomb. "The Brutalist" landed on her feet, when the Freefall knocked Raquel through a loop! Knee lifts led to a snapmare and a basement dropkick - finally overpowering Raquel! The bodyguard was in trouble as Rhea looked to attempt the Prism Trap. Suddenly Dakota Kai made her way out to ringside. It enabled González to strike down with an Alley Oop dropping Ripley throat-first on the top rope! All the while, Raquel questioned why "King Kota" had defied her order to come to ringside. - Raquel Gonzalez continued to call Dakota Kai out on ignoring her request to remain backstage, when Rhea Ripley delivered a belly-to-back facebuster! Showing strength of her own, "the Brutalist" took "the Insurance Policy" to the corner and looked for the superplex, when "King Kota" climbed onto the apron! As Rhea and Kota exchanged words, González sent Ripley launching from the second rope. Following her to the canvas, a powerbomb connected - but Rhea popped the shoulder up. Infuriated, Raquel tried to ignore Kota's backseat strategizing, attempting the powerbomb again - but Ripley landed out on her feet. The Rip Tide connected, handing the former NXT Women's Champion victory!
Dakota Kai was forced to watch her "Insurance Policy" in ruin, as Rhea Ripley grinned towards her in victory. "The Brutalist" knew that she had been in a battle against Raquel González, but the second the former NXT Women's Champion turned her back to continue the celebration, "King Kota" attacked from behind. Ripley overpowered her with a big boot, when "Big Mami Cool" came to her partner-in-crime's aid with a military press slam - into Kai's Go To Kick! Silently, González recovered as Kai hit the ropes and dropped Ripley with the Kairopractor. Standing tall over Rhea's body, Kai celebrated as though she had beaten Rhea all alone!
✕✕✕ Accepted McKenzie Mitchell was at the interview area with Jake Atlas and Breezango, wishing to ask the trio about their shortcoming against Legado del Fantasma - when the trio showed up. With the NXT Cruiserweight Championship around his waist, Santos Escobar bragged about the beating his hyenas handed Tyler Breeze and Fandango in the six-man tag team match earlier tonight - but wished he had given "the Game Changer" something to remember them by. The cunning leader of la adquisición hostil of the Cruiserweight Division smiled towards Atlas, as Joaquin Wilde and Raúl Mendoza insulted "the Fashion Police's" integrity. "Prince Pretty" and "Dirty Dango" responded mocking the clothing tastes of "Legado del Uggos!" The two teams were about to go at it, when Jake spoke up. He squared up against Santos and told him he and his goons could big league the Cruiserweight Division like they were the nWo - but after all of the fighting throughout his life, for the first time he felt ready for anything.
Jake Atlas said all of his life he had been held back and held down by naysayers and deniers - but for the first time he felt free. As an NXT Cruiserweight, he felt accepted - and just because it was the first time in a long time, he wasn't stopping now for a second. Jake claimed he might not have had the exposure Santos had had through competing in Mexico and navigating the United States en route to the WWE - but that wasn't going to stop his fighting spirit. Atlas challenged Santos Escobar for his NXT Cruiserweight Championship next week, because he wasn't going to let Legado del Fantasma just swallow the Cruiserweight Division whole. Raúl Mendoza, Joaquin Wilde, Tyler Breeze and Fandango listened, as Escobar chuckled. Accepting the challenge in his native language, Legado del Fantasma departed the confrontation.
- Next week - NXT Cruiserweight Championship - Santos Escobar (c) vs Jake Atlas
In the Interest of FairnessConducted over Zoom, Ever-Rise greeted and welcomed us to another exciting edition of 'Ever-Rise Live'. Remarking how it had been a while, the NXT Tag Team Champions commented on how it had been too darn long since the NXT Universe had been frazzled by the entertainment factor "the Show" had to offer them. Joined by a very special guest, they welcomed the bemused NXT General Manager William Regal, who tried to play it amicably with his British wit. Matt Martel and Chase Parker did not beat around the bush, questioning the gall of the GM to not only forget all about them - but forget about two of the NXT Universe's favorite champs. Martel joked nobody cared about Finn Bálor or Keith Lee - they were the NXT Tag Team Champions! Regal could barely get a word in, constantly interrupted as Parker and Martel slapped their gums and complimented their own assets. Ever-Rise claimed they thought it was bad the people barely ever saw their champions.
The NXT General Manager decided to barter with Ever-Rise, apologizing for such an atrocity. William Regal refused to allow it to happen ever again, believing truthfully that not a week should go by where the NXT Tag Team Champions weren't present for NXT! The GM asked how Matt Martel and Chase Parker would like that, which prompted the two to exclaim how elated they would be. Everybody always wanted a taste of the titles - but they weren't good enough! Martel and Parker put their own feet in their mouths, name-dropping Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch after last week's title defense. Regal found it peculiar and believed the French-Canadians deserved a fairer playing field - booking a rematch with Lorcan and Burch next week. And if Ever-Rise befell a disqualification or count-out again - they would lose the titles! Regal asked how that sounded, infuriating the champs! Questioning what good it was having a GM who barely ever showed up to TV, Regal promptly ended the Zoom call with the duo!
- Next week - NXT Tag Team Championship - Ever-Rise (c) vs Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch - if Ever-Rise get disqualified or counted out, they will loses the titles.
✕✕✕ 6) Imperium def. Antonio De Luca and Ariel Dominguez (0:57)- Since returning at the Great American Bash, Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner had been unstoppable in the NXT Tag Team Division. Wishing to keep the mat sacred overseas for their infamous leader, the NXT United Kingdom Champion WALTER, the two wasted no time dominating the pairing of fellow Europeans Antonio De Luca and Ariel Dominguez. A rope-hung dropkick from Barthel struck De Luca in unison with Aichner's drive-by kick on the apron, when a spinning sit-out powerbomb dropped Dominguez like a ton of a bricks! In no time, Imperium put Ariel away with the Imperial Bomb to take another win.
Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel assumed their positions in the ring, towering over the broken Ariel Dominguez and Antonio De Luca. Imperium posed with their arms behind their back, continuing their rampage of the NXT Tag Team Division. Thus far they had kept the mat sacred for the NXT United Kingdom Champion WALTER, who was residing back home in his country of Germany - but what else did Aichner and Barthel wish to achieve this side of the pond?
✕✕✕ Tramp Tegan and Dork DeonnaDeonna Purrazzo was spotted at the gym earlier today, when up walked Tegan Nox. Greeting "the Virtuosa" with a smile, the wholesome "Welsh Valley Wonder" maintained her positivity to the chagrin of Deonna, who asked her how her week was going! Deonna mocked Tegan, noting how last week got underway when she beat some tramp called Tegan. With a knowing smile, Nox asked Purrazzo how she got the job done, questioning if she had a little help along the way. Deonna refuted the idea claiming that the result was always going to happen. It was simple mathematics - she was superior to that tramp Tegan. Nox mused the idea of that tramp Tegan getting a rematch with dorky Deonna; though "the Virtuosa" instead scoffed. Taking her bottle of water and a towel with her, Purrazzo declined the notion of a rematch and left Nox amused.
✕✕✕ Graphics aired, as Mauro Ranallo, Beth Phoenix and Vic Joseph flashed forward to next week on NXT where three championships would be up for grabs! Finn Bálor had accepted the challenge of Roderick Strong for an NXT Championship opportunity; plus, Santos Escobar would put the NXT Cruiserweight Championship at stake against Jake Atlas. As ruled by NXT General Manager William Regal, Ever-Rise would defend the NXT Tag Team Championships against Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch in a rematch from last week - and this time, if the champs got disqualified or counted out, they would lose the titles!
- NXT Championship - Finn Bálor (c) vs Roderick Strong
- NXT Cruiserweight Championship - Santos Escobar (c) vs Jake Atlas
- NXT Tag Team Championship - Ever-Rise (c) vs Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch - if Ever-Rise get disqualified or counted out, they lose the titles
- Mercedes Martinez vs Shotzi
- Cameron Grimes vs Killian Dain
Meanwhile, the NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai was shown warming up for her main event match with "the Wushu Crusader". "The Joshi Judas" shadowboxed in anticipation of her match against Xia Li - coming up next!Dinner with CandiceIn an eerie video from the home of the Garganos, Candice LeRae toyed with vegetables alone at a dining table, abruptly driving the fork without relent into her steak. Agitated, "the Poison Pixie's" inner monologue handled the talking, as she spoke about having to do things throughout her life alone - but without her husband alongside her in NXT, thanks to a bald-headed jackass named Tommaso Ciampa, it was a struggle. Her husband was down, out and low for the longest time, trying to find new ways to pass the time. Now he was fulfilled again, but she knew it wasn't the same - much like NXT was not the same without him. Meanwhile, what about her? Candice thought it was unfair and unreasonable of management to deny her opportunities at every single turn! She was a strong, independent woman - and she proved just that last week when she gave Mia Yim the fight of her life. But if that's what she had to do - consider it done. If NXT didn't want to give her more, she would simply take more. If you couldn't beat 'em, you had to join 'em.
✕✕✕ Inside Full Sail Arena, the voice of 205 Live Vic Joseph was seen situated before the giant "NXT" letters among socially distanced members of the NXT Universe. As he briefly ran down what we had seen tonight on NXT, he shifted gears to talk about what was coming up this Friday night. The ever-impressive Mansoor would be in action with Tehuti Miles; Tegan Nox would take on former MMA fighter Marina Shafir; and in the main event, Isaiah "Swerve" Scott looked for revenge on behalf of his friend Leon Ruff, against the Brian Kendrick. Plus - a 'Prime Target' exclusive look at the story behind Santos Escobar and Jake Atlas, ahead of their NXT Cruiserweight Championship match next week on NXT!
- 'Prime Target' - an exclusive look at Santos Escobar vs Jake Atlas ahead of their NXT Cruiserweight Championship match
- The Brian Kendrick vs Isaiah Scott
- Tehuti Miles vs Mansoor
- Tegan Nox vs Marina Shafir
✕✕✕ 7) Io Shirai (c) def. Xia Li to retain the NXT Women's Championship (10:05) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- "The Joshi Judas" called for competition two weeks ago, and it was "the Wushu Crusader" who answered. Feeling as though she could do what no other Chinese Superstar had done before, she had vowed to make history by becoming the new NXT Women's Champion in what had potential to be a breakout opportunity. A show of respect was attempted by the generous champion, though rejected by a determined Xia Li. From the opening lock-up, Xia tried to go a hundred miles per hour with a striking combination. Chest kicks lit "the Genius of the Sky" up in the corner, when Shirai caught her by surprise with a Spanish Fly from the ropes! Shirai would miss an early attempt at the 619, when the challenger responded with a roundhouse kick and an exploder suplex! A near fall was accomplished, when the two engaged in a fast series of hold attempts, culminating in a martial arts-esque standoff between the two women - which brought the NXT Universe to their feet! - Xia Li had Io Shirai where she wanted her after a rapid combination of knee strikes during the break. "The Wushu Crusader" was the most determined she had been in her NXT career, and when "the Genius of the Sky" plotted a comeback with the air raid crash, the challenger landed on her feet and drilled her with a spinning heel kick. The NXT Women's Champion received the Tornado Kick, but the fighting spirit continued to shine through. Missing the Wushu Buzzsaw Kick, Shirai responded with a flapjack! With double knees charging the corner, a victory roll transitioned into the double footstomp! Xia prevented an attempt at the Moonsault, but as both women battled precariously on the top rope, Io delivered a leaping hurricanrana from the top rope! Both women crashed to the mat, but Xia refused to give in! Io and Xia went blow for blow in a Strong Style display, when Xia's roundhouse kick was averted - and Shirai planted with the German suplex! Heading straight to the top, "the Joshi Judas" scored the Moonsault to get the win!
The NXT Women's Championship remained in the possession of Io Shirai, who clutched her chest and ribcage after a physical title defense against a game Xia Li. "The Genius of the Sky" had been unsuccessful during the match, but after having her hand raised again approached "the Wushu Crusader". On their knees, Io spoke to Xia, who refused to make eye contact - before the two held hands and nodded to one another in the ultimate display of respect! As the two hugged and Li departed, "the Joshi Judas" stood on the second rope with her prize - but another challenger had her sights set on it, in Dakota Kai! Standing at the top of the stage, "King Kota" folded her arms in dismissal of Io - and Io raised the title in her direction. Could Kai be next in line for a title opportunity?
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Post by DTP. on May 25, 2023 16:07:25 GMT -5
how do you find the motivation to keep going when no one gives any feedback i just like to write
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Post by DTP. on May 23, 2023 13:38:59 GMT -5
Monday Night RAW #1418 - July 27, 2020 WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida LESS THAN FOUR WEEKS FROM SUMMERSLAM! "Legendary" by Skillet
Main Event #409 – July 30, 2020 1) Shayna Baszler def. Dana Brooke with the Kirifuda Clutch. Baszler teased snapping her arm after with the Elbow Stamp but opted not to, laughing and leaving instead. (3:39) 2) Karl Anderson (with Luke Gallows) def. Cedric Alexander with the Rocket Kick following a distraction from Luke Gallows. The O.C. began to double-team Cedric after the bell, when Ricochet made the save, running "the Good Brothers" off. - Ricochet and Cedric Alexander were interviewed by Charly Caruso, and having been sick and tired of the O.C. for several weeks now, the tag team refused to take their beatings face down. "The Future of Flight" and "Lumbar Legacy" issued the challenge to Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson next week on Monday Night RAW.
- Next week - Ricochet and Cedric Alexander vs The O.C.
Prove ItMonday Night RAW got underway with the WWE Performance Center being met by the arrival of the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre. In smart dress, "the Scottish Terminator" made his walk down to the ring with a microphone in hand. Stepping inside the ropes with the gold on his shoulder, Drew boomed over Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian to welcome the WWE Universe to Monday Night RAW! The small crowd in facial coverings cheered with enthusiasm, as Drew spoke of how he had been waiting all week long for tonight - because his own invention would make its debut tonight. The Glasgow native told the story of how he pitched the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials to executives of the USA Network. With three Triple Threat Qualifying matches scheduled to take place tonight, we would narrow down nine participants to three. And once next week rolled around, he could not wait - for the Finals to reveal to he and the world, who Drew McIntyre would put the title on the line against at SummerSlam!
Drew McIntyre was about to get Monday Night RAW off to the races with our first of three Triple Terror Trials matches - when he was interrupted by the O.C. Led by one of the nine participants in tonight's Qualifying round, AJ Styles smirked towards the WWE World Champion as Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson accompanied him. "The Phenomenal One" was met by boos, as he stood face-to-face with "the Scottish Terminator" and told him how shoddy an excuse this tournament was to delay the inevitable. AJ reminded Drew of their war in Three Stages of Hell eight days ago at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules, and how it came as a mere fluke that the Glaswegian was able to come out on top. AJ reminded Drew of how he pinned him, though McIntyre maintained he made Styles tap out! AJ called Drew a yellow-belly for having to escape his clutches in the confounds of the Steel Cage to win - though Drew told AJ they were literally the rules of the match: you had to escape the cage!
Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson chimed in, asserting that AJ Styles should be the rightful WWE World Champion right now, if nothing else because he was every bit of "Phenomenal" as he said he was. Drew McIntyre chuckled, asking "the Good Brothers" if that was why they had to have his back twenty-four seven. "The Scottish Terminator" joked "the Big LG" and KA had to wipe "Phenomenal Hoot's" arse after he'd been to the bathroom, bringing AJ to yell at Drew to shut his mouth! AJ didn't just think he could beat Drew McIntyre - he knew it outright. And come SummerSlam, he was walking in for the rematch he deserved, and he was going to walk away with Drew's title around his waist! Practically blowing a gasket, AJ told the WWE Universe he was the greatest to ever lace up a pair of boots in this ring and he was in it to win it. Drew smirked, telling "the Phenomenal One" simply to prove it - departing the ring. Ricochet made his entrance - the first of three Triple Threat Qualifying matches coming up next!
A video graphic aired, showing that Monday Night RAW was emanating from the WWE Performance Center - the WWE's "Athletic Hub" for future WWE Superstars. 1) AJ Styles def. WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens & Ricochet in a SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials Qualifying match (17:49) [THROUGH TWO BREAKS]- The action was off and running in the first of three Triple Threat Qualifying matches to take place tonight, as footage showed the O.C. being sent backstage during the break, after not only being hit with a Cannonball senton from the apron-bound Kevin Owens; but followed by a turning moonsault plancha! With Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson gone, AJ Styles struck Ricochet with a succession of strikes, when "the Future of Flight" sidestepped a clothesline and connected with a handspring headscissors. The WWE United States Champion maintained it was every man for himself with a super kick, trying to put Ricochet away with a lariat! "The Phenomenal One" broke the count, and after last week's run-in with KO, Styles saw his attempts to send Owens from the ring backfire. At ringside Owens attempted to suplex AJ, who fired out. "The Prize Fighter" wound up on the receiving end of baseball slide after sending Styles back into the ring. Meanwhile to the air saw Ricochet soar - a springboard Shooting Star Press taking out his opposition! - The WWE United States Champion contended with Ricochet, attacking with the codebreaker before heading to the corner. With the Cannonball in sight, Kevin Owens would get nothing but air - when Ricochet connected with a backflip kick before following with the enzuigiri! "The Future of Flight" attempted the cover, but AJ Styles drilled him with a backbreaker. With a flying clothesline in the corner, "the Phenomenal One" adjusted his elbow pad for the Phenomenal Forearm, but Ricochet caught him mid-air with a dropkick! "The Future of Flight" looked for a suplex when AJ stunned him with a brainbuster, but Owens interrupted with the Argentine backbreaker for Styles! With covers made on both men, both opponents kicked out, prompting KO to consider his next opportunity. AJ dazed him with the Pelé kick, and a torture rack into a sit-out powerbomb connected when Ricochet intervened. A northern lights suplex connected, transitioning into the falcon arrow - yet as the cover was made, KO landed the Bullfrog Splash for the save! - The chaos continued as Ricochet caught Kevin Owens with a rolling Gotch-style cradle, but AJ Styles broke it up with a sunset flip. "The Future of Flight" delivered the Recoil, but Owens broke the count! The WWE Universe applauded all three men for giving it their all, when AJ Styles looked for the Ushigoroshi on the WWE United States Champion. Landing on his feet, Kev headbutted AJ before catching him with the Pop-Up Powerbomb from the ropes! The cover was made, but Ricochet flew this time with a Shooting Star Press from the top rope. Gradually the men came to their feet and exchanged strikes between them. AJ led with leg kicks and a discus lariat for Ricochet, when Owens dropped him with the Stunner! Ricochet attempted a hurricanrana, but Owens bounce him off the top rope and executed the Pop-Up Powerbomb! The cover was made - when the O.C. returned ringside! Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson pummeled KO on the floor, before guiding AJ to drill Ricochet with the Phenomenal Forearm for the win!
Kevin Owens rolled back into the ring, inches too late to make the save and keep this match alive. Eliminated from the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials, AJ Styles slid from the ring and fell into the arms of Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. With anything goes in Triple Threat matches, the O.C. embraced ringside, while the WWE United States Champion voiced his disappointment in the ring. Our first finalist had been determined, with two more Triple Threat Qualifying matches scheduled for tonight!
- Next week - SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials Finals - AJ Styles vs TBA vs TBA
Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian talked about what else was coming up tonight on Monday Night RAW, with two more SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials matches scheduled to take place. In one match, Randy Orton, Matt Riddle and Bobby Lashley would all share a ring; while the other would see Rey Mysterio, Seth Rollins and Andrade.
- SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials Qualifying match - Matt Riddle vs Bobby Lashley vs Randy Orton
- SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials Qualifying match - Andrade vs Rey Mysterio vs Seth Rollins
︾︾︾ Guy IncognitoEarlier today, cameras caught up outside of the WWE Performance Center to a disturbance at the front door. Heath Slater, adorned in his black hoody with a pair of black sunglasses disguising his face attempted to casually enter the WWEPC only to be disallowed entry by the guard. While "the One Man Rock Band" played it cool initially, the guard maintained how they had been down this road many times before. The entire world saw Heath trespass last week! If he was going to sneak in again this week, he should have tried a new disguise. Slater began to plead, as two other security guards appeared behind the doorman. Knowing he was getting nowhere, the unemployed former WWE Superstar teased walking away and going home - just to rush back for the doors! The guards immediately tackled Slater in the foyer - before carting him on their shoulders, removing him from the premises again!
︾︾︾ Charlotte Flair had arrived at the WWE Performance Center and was dressed for competition. Coming a week after her shortcoming against Asuka with the RAW Women's Championship at stake, "the Queen" remained unimpressed as she was flanked as always by the Iiconics, who nervously and silently followed. What would Charlotte have to say, as she headed for the arena?
A 'Did You Know?' graphic aired, informing us that the Bella Twins' official YouTube channel had hit 3 million subscribers. Visit now to follow the latest from Brie and Nikki Bella on their journeys through pregnancy - including a recent interview with Becky Lynch.
Theory took selfies on his cell phone backstage, showing off his new "I'm a Disciple" T-shirt, available on WWEShop. Murphy showed up with Akam, lecturing the youngster on his millenial garbage. "A-Town Austin" disagreed that he was "the Juggernaut's" protégé, claiming they were both Disciples of "the Monday Night Messiah!" The RAW Tag Team Champions continued their disagreement, when in walked "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy". Seth Rollins cackled with glee at what was bound to be a wonderful night for the Church. With his so-called "Blood Brother" Aleister Black behind them, and the WWE World Championship in his future, Seth claimed it would prove to be a brilliant lesson in how brave, bold and fearless their "Messiah" was in pursuing the goal that was making Monday Night RAW "Monday Night Rawlins" once again. Wrapping his arms around his followers, Theory and Murphy listened as Seth stated the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials was his for the taking.
︾︾︾ Yet to Reach Her Prime, Or Past It Already?The WWE Universe erupted in boos, as Charlotte Flair made her presence known with the Iiconics behind her. Without any of the theatrics come to be expected from "the Queen", the former NXT Women's Champion instead wore a look of disgust as she climbed into the ring and acknowledged the people. She wished to discuss the travesty that was last week, how in the midst of giving Asuka the absolute fight of her life on her way to becoming a five-time RAW Women's Champion, "the Empress of Tomorrow" was handed a low-hanging fruit - one which allowed her to retain the title. It was an absolute steal for the individual who regarded herself in such a high standing, to get even with "the Queen" who she had never once beaten before in championship match situations. Charlotte reminded of how she was the one responsible for ending Asuka's 900+ day undefeated streak at WrestleMania 34; and for ending her reign as SmackDown Women's Champion last week.
"The Queen" was unimpressed, but she knew Asuka had her co-conspirators. Charlotte Flair claimed her loss was unjust last week, and such was unbecoming of a living legend like herself! Placing the blame on her sidekicks the Iiconics, Billie Kay and Peyton Royce were taken aback by the accusation. Flair ordered the best friends to not even think about denying it - she saw it happen in real-time. She had the RAW Women's Championship gold imprinted in her forehead! The Iiconics tried to suck up to "the Queen", complimenting her good looks and second-to-none prowess, when out danced Bianca Belair! Swinging her braid around, "the EST" took pity on Charlotte as she took a slow wander down the rampway. Familiar with Flair's cheap tactics, Bianca advised she step off if she even thought it was anybody but her own doing! Belair joked Flair bit her own bullet, and while the Iiconics' nasty butts were at fault, everybody knew it was up to Charlotte's own doing!
Bianca Belair joked at the idea Charlotte Flair thought she could place blame on everyone but herself, because that was exactly how she had carved her career out for herself. Since day one stepping through the doors of the WWE Performance Center, she had nepotism written all over her forehead! But years of winning Women's Championships had finally caught up with "the Queen", and Bianca chalked it up to the idea that Charlotte Flair was not the athlete she once was! Flair immediately denied it outright, offended by Belair's slander. Charlotte told Bianca to look no further than the beating she gave her for the NXT Women's Championship back in May, but Bianca reminded Flair of how she lost that title to Io Shirai literally three weeks ago! Belair proposed she test her own theory, noting Flair was dressed to fight; much like Bianca was. Stepping down the rampway, the Iiconics spoke on Charlotte's behalf sticking up for "the Queen".
Billie Kay and Peyton Royce insulted the new hussy on the block, claiming fifty years from now nobody would even remember Bianca Belair! As for Charlotte Flair, she would go down as the greatest of all-time - and she hadn't even reached her prime yet. "The EST" repeated claiming she'd like to test that idea right now, but before she could step in the ring with "the Queen", Nia Jax came bounding down the rampway! To loud boos, "the Irresistible Force" hammered Bianca, sending her spine-first into the ring apron's edge repeatedly. Tossing her inside, "the Giantess" handed Belair to Flair - teasing that she was about to apply the Figure-8! In the nick of time, Asuka arrived to save the day for Bianca! The RAW Women's Champion immediately caused Charlotte to flock, and targeted the Iiconics until Nia Jax came from behind. With the Annihilator in mind, Belair provided the back up to send Jax through the ropes with a series of dropkicks. Back-to-back, Asuka and Belair kept Flair, Jax, Kay and Royce from the ring!
A vignette aired, depicting an empty, dark and gloomy boxing gym. Inside, a colossal man was depicted pounding at a punching bag, which spun from its' holster. With his hood up, the gigantic arms could be seen on clear display, as he was then shown warming up in the gym. Pushing his limits on the treadmill, the huge man was finally seen stepping through the ropes. There, four aspiring wrestlers in training all eyed up the arrival of the giant - to get their heads crushed by the fearsome man. As a claw led to a face-clutching chokeslam on one of the trainees, the rest scrambled in terror. That's when the man lowered his hood - revealing "the Nigerian Garangtuan" Omos - coming soon to WWE.
︾︾︾ 2) Charlotte Flair and Nia Jax (with the Iiconics) def. RAW Women's Champion Asuka and Bianca Belair (7:30) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- What had devolved into carnage had resulted an impromptu tag team match. Charlotte Flair held Bianca Belair down with an armbar applied, when "the EST" began to fight - only to be the recipient of an STO backbreaker into a slam! Nia Jax tagged in and proved to be an ideal heater for "the Queen", who drove Bianca into the corner before delivering a splash! The Iiconics watched eagerly as Bianca was held by Jax for Flair's chops, until she moved and Flair chopped Jax! Flair took a series of hair whips and and a spinebuster, before Bianca attempted - and failed - to power "the Irresistible Force" up for a body slam! Collapsing under "the Giantess's" weight, Nia stood on the back of Belair by the ropes, when Flair followed with the Queen's Boot! Strutting the ring to get under the skin of the RAW Women's Champion, Asuka swung for Charlotte just to not reach! Belair meanwhile caught Flair with a suplex, but as she reached to tag "the Empress of Tomorrow", Billie Kay and Peyton Royce would drag her from the apron! - The torture of Bianca Belair continued, as Nia Jax restrained Bianca Belair in the cobra clutch. Distanced from Asuka, "the EST" fought upward for "the Giantess" to deliver a biel throw. Charlotte Flair directed traffic, but Belair avoided the Bulldozer, striking with a string of dropkicks! With a handspring, Belair ran into Jax with two shoulder blocks, before body slamming "the Irresistible Force!" The tag was finally made, and the RAW Women's Champion flew in with a missile dropkick for Flair, and the hip attack to Jax sending her off the apron! Asuka lit "the Queen" up with kicks, getting a near fall with the hip attack. The Iiconics got involved distracting the official, but Bianca flew with a topé to the floor! Flair blocked a codebreaker and attempted the Figure-8, but Asuka sent her into the corner. The Asuka Lock was teased, yet Flair rolled through. Asuka attempted a cross-armbreaker when Flair dropped her with a powerbomb - and with feet on the ropes, Charlotte pinned "the Empress of Tomorrow!"
As the RAW Women's Champion came to her feet, Charlotte Flair had rolled across the ring to have her hand raised in victory by the Iiconics. Distraught over the loss, Asuka tried to inform the referee as Bianca Belair joined her, but the decision was final. At ringside Nia Jax towered over the scene, as Billie Kay and Peyton Royce would not only cheerlead for "the Queen's" emphatic victory over "the Empress of Tomorrow" - but hoist Charlotte on their shoulders! Remaining in the RAW Women's Championship picture, Flair let out a resounding "Wooo!", as interestingly Shayna Baszler was spotted watching from the top of the rampway.
︾︾︾ Shelton Benjamin shook his head and got ready for battle in the dressing room, when in walked R-Truth. Complaining about how the 24/7 Invitational went last week, "the Truth" held Shelton personally responsible for the fact Samoa Joe got away with the 24/7 48/7 7/11 I-95 South European Television Championship! "The Gold Standard" was baffled as Truth explained he had won the title more times than he could count on both hands and feet, before grasping an irked Benjamin's hand and trying to work out whether he could with his fingers and toes! Shelton snatched back his hand and told R-Truth to get lost, asserting he should have left the Invitational as champ, claiming he gave Big Show the Paydirt to prove it! The conversation devolved into a game of faults, ending with Shelton telling Truth he needed to get his damn head examined. Benjamin promised to help the veteran out, challenging him to a match tonight. R-Truth said he was going to prove Shelton needed a psychiatrist after what he was going to do.
- Tonight - Shelton Benjamin vs R-Truth
︾︾︾ Charly Caruso was at the interview area standing by with Matt Riddle, who casually sauntered into the scene with a hop, skip and a jump. Dressed in purple shorts and a training coat, "the King of Bros" was asked about what was being called the upset of the year last week - beating Randy Orton in his in-ring debut as a RAW Superstar! Riddle downplayed it tremendously, claiming beating snakes like "the Viper" was just what he did. What did rub him the wrong way however was where he was wedged between the uncomfortable rock and a hardplace that was "the Apex Predator" and "the All Mighty". Riddle said Bobby Lashley and he had a history themselves, and voiced how Lashley was as tough as nails - but as an MMA fighter, he had nothing on "the Bro!" Riddle told Charly if she wanted to see an upset of the year, she needed to look no further than tonight in the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials match - when he schooled both of their butts!
Backstage at the WWE Performance Center, WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry was shown to be present at Monday Night RAW! Conversing with his colleague and friend, fellow WWE Ambassador Titus O'Neil, "the World's Strongest Man" was greeted by a passing Dana Brooke.
︾︾︾ 3) RAW Tag Team Champion Murphy (with Theory and Akam) def. Akira Tozawa (3:42)- As Akam accompanied the RAW Tag Team Champions Theory and Murphy to the ring, footage of the Street Profits' win last week in six-man tag team action was recapped. It was noted on commentary that next week would see the titles at stake when the Church defended against "the Frat Boys". - The unlikely third man on the Street Profits' team last week, Akira Tozawa let his hidden talents shine against the Disciples of the Church. Now calling back to their days as part of 205 Live, Tozawa would light his old foe up with kicks when "the Juggernaut" struck with his own. Akira would assume a karate stance, before chopping Murphy on the head! Drawing the ire of the hotheaded redhead, a hurricanrana off the ropes led to catching Murphy with a bicycle kick for a near fall. Tozawa stayed on offense, when Murphy responded with a foot stamp, an up-kick and a bicycle knee strike. Dictating the pace, Murphy stretched Tozawa with the bow-and-arrow stretch, but Tozawa rallied through and fired back! A snap Saito suplex and a shining wizard got a near fall, when the octopus stretch was applied. Murphy poked the eye to escape, when Theory got on the apron and struck Tozawa over the back of the head with the RAW Tag Team Championship - out of view of the official! Murphy's Law connected, giving him the win.
With "the Juggernaut" victorious, he would refuse to have his hand raised. Despite towering over Akira Tozawa, Murphy knew exactly what his younger tag team partner had done. Murphy lectured Theory on sticking his nose where he didn't belong, which only offset "A-Town Austin!" Responding with a frown, Murphy warned the youthful Disciple on his attitude, to which he stomped away. These men were RAW Tag Team Champions, but how could they head into next week's title defense against the Street Profits while they were having these disagreements?
- Next week - RAW Tag Team Championship - Theory and Murphy (c) vs The Street Profits
︾︾︾ Date Raided ...AgainFollowing discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian, footage aired from last weekend at a five-star restaurant not far from the WWE Performance Center. After how he had behaved in his first date with Charly Caruso, Angel Garza was looking to try and make it up to the broadcast journalist. Holding the chair out for the blushing brunette, she would receive a single rose from "El Amante", who complimented her dress. Taking a seat across from her, he began to talk to Charly, holding her hand across the table. A waiter suddenly interrupted the two, but on this occasion Angel was polite, and even issued him a $1 tip for his appearance. As the two looked over their menus, Angel wanted to take the time again to apologize for how he was last week, though Charly again assured Angel everybody had bad days. The two looked longingly in one-another's eyes, when Angel stroked back her bangs. Garza called her beautiful, again bringing Caruso to blush beet-red.
Suddenly, the waiter appeared to seat some new patrons at the table across from Angel Garza and Charly Caruso - the Viking Raiders, again! Erik and Ivar hollered that it was "Guys Night", bringing Angel to stand and question how many times a month "the Modern Day Vikings" celebrated such an idiotic occasion! Garza questioned how they could afford such a fine-dining experience, but that's when the Raiders corrected Angel: this was a fine Viking Experience! The two pulled out chicken drums, bringing Angel to question why they brought chicken drums to a perfectly fine restaurant. Charly tried to keep her date's temper in check, but the anger of Garza had claimed too much. Coming to his feet, "El Amante" exclaimed an apology to Charly before saying he couldn't with those two idiots sat there cramping his mojo! Once again abandoning Charly, the waiter would return to ask if the broadcast journalist and her date had chosen what they would be eating.
With the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials ongoing, Bobby Lashley prepared for his Triple Threat Qualifying match, performing press-ups in his locker room. MVP held the Money in the Bank briefcase not far behind him, as "the All Mighty" remained focused on the task at-hand. MVP claimed tonight was about more than what Randy Orton had done to him - it was about proving there were other ways of getting to the WWE World Championship than the briefcase in his hands, and the contract in Randy's hands. Meanwhile Lana sat closeby with an observational expression on her face.
︾︾︾ 4) Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch def. Los Lotharios (4:22)- While Angel Garza's dating efforts with Charly Caruso were constantly thwarted by the presence of the Viking Raiders, Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch were up for some tough competition against the cousins from La Invasíon. Oney and Danny took the fight to Garza and Humberto Carrillo early, taking it in turns with European uppercuts in the corner to "La Estrella!" Back body drops sent Los Lotharios bailing, where Burch launched Lorcan into the air for a plancha! "The Boston Bruiser" kept the intensity alive until Carrillo blind tagged and landed a springboard roundhouse kick! Los Lotharios grounded Oney until Garza's inverted suplex saw Lorcan hit the blockbuster! Burch hit a German suplex on Garza, then caught Carrillo with a headbutt in mid-air! Garza stopped him with a powerbomb, when the Viking Raiders made their way out to the stage. Garza was irate, leaving him open for a hefty lariat from Burch for the win!
Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch dramatically raised their fingers in the air in victory, while the Viking Raiders had just gotten even with Los Lotharios for the bouquet of roses beating suffered last week! Erik and Ivar watched glad from the top of the rampway, while Angel Garza appeared livid. Backstage, Charly Caruso was seen watching, shaking her head with a frown of disapproval, after being jilted again.
︾︾︾ Providing for Their FamiliesAndrade was shown to be paying little attention to Los Lotharios' loss to Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch, as he psyched himself up ahead of the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trial coming up later tonight. Suddenly, "El Capo" was faced by none other than Seth Rollins. Met with a smile, both grinned at one another as "the Monday Night Messiah" noted that they were about to go to war. Only one could go to SummerSlam and challenge for the WWE World Championship, which was why with all due respect, he wanted to apologize for anything that may happen. "El Idolo" chuckled, assuring Seth that it would not be in vain! They were men of principle, and what they did was fight for their families and provide for their families. Tonight, it didn't matter who came out on top, and went on to the Triple Threat Finals next week. "The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy" finished Andrade's sentence for him - so long as the winner wasn't Rey Mysterio. The heads of La Invasíon and the Church departed their separate ways - ahead of their match, next!
A video package aired, taking us back to the brutality on display at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules. The inaugural Eye For An Eye match saw many WWE Universe members' greatest fears come to life, as "Blood Brothers" Seth Rollins and Aleister Black fought until one man's eye had been extracted from their skull. In the end, it was "the Monday Night Messiah" who would have much help afforded to him by the likes of Disciples Akam, Theory and Murphy. In extracting "the Appropriator of Habit's" eye, Black had not been seen since.
Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian continued to discuss the situation surrounding Aleister Black, who was reportedly still receiving treatment for the extracted eye sustained back at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules. There was no news or timetable on a suspected return to the ring, and in the mean time all they could do was wish "the Appropriator of Habit" the best.
︾︾︾ 5) Seth Rollins def. Rey Mysterio & Andrade in a SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials Qualifying match (15:22) [THROUGH THREE BREAKS]- AJ Styles had already punched his ticket and qualified for the Finals of the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials next week, but who would join him. "El Capo" was suspiciously riding solo tonight, and paid the price for it once Rey Mysterio ambushed him from behind! Hot for revenge after months of torment, "the Legendary Luchador" took Andrade to the ring to receive a springboard seated senton! Andrade tried to fire back with a buckle bomb reversal of the hurricanrana, but Mysterio connected from the Greco-Roman knucklelock into the Canadian destroyer! Rey scrambled for a pin - when Seth Rollins raced to the ring to make the save. Not letting this opportunity cease without his presence, "the Monday Night Messiah" struck with the springboard knee strike, before following with a falcon arrow! The cover was made, when "El Idolo" met eyes with him. The WWE Universe came to life once the heads of La Invasíon and the Church locked eyes - but instead of battle it out, the two instead put the boots to Mysterio! - Rey Mysterio was in trouble as Seth Rollins and Andrade cornered him with strikes. During the break, "the Legendary Luchador" bounced back with a wheelbarrow bulldog for "the Monday Night Messiah", when Andrade intruded with the handspring Pelé kick! A rope-hung cross-armbreaker from Andrade, enabled Seth to throttle Rey. A double suplex saw them lay waste to Mysterio, who began to fight back with everything he had. Cut short by Seth's low kick, a second saw Rey move; catching Andrade! The Mysterio Express for Rollins follow, when followed by a diving hurricanrana. Rollins was set up for the 619, but Andrade executed a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker! The partnership of "El Idolo" and "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy" continued, when Mysterio battled back with a satellite DDT! Andrade put him in his place with a reverse tornado DDT, but in covering, Rollins dragged him off. The two had words, before finally getting it on! Blow for blow - suddenly Rey took both down with a springboard crossbody! - Rey Mysterio connected with the 619 as Andrade and Seth Rollins leaned against the ropes, but as he Dropped the Dime, pinning "El Idolo" garnered a near fall! Pinning "the Monday Night Messiah" obtained a similar result, and Rey brought Andrade to the corner. Battling on the top rope, Rey teased attempting the Frankensteiner on his arch nemesis - but Andrade fired back with elbows. Rollins suddenly came out of nowhere with a leaping sunset flip powerbomb to Rey: beginning a tower of doom! All three men were laid out, but in coming to their feet, Rollins would attempt to roll up "El Capo". Andrade laughed at Seth's attempt and even applauded him, and when Seth's back was turned, Andrade attempted a roll-up. The two soon began to laugh along with one another - before again breaking out the heavy strikes! Out of nowhere came "the Legendary Luchador" with a springboard moonsault! The Bronco Buster landed, when Andrade drilled Rey in the back of the head with the double knees - for a near fall! - "El Capo" attempted to finish Rey Mysterio with the Hammerlock DDT, just for Seth Rollins to interrupt. Andrade was hit with a super kick from "the Monday Night Messiah", who teased the Pedigree. Rey performed a sunset flip into a roundhouse kick, when a drop toe hold sent "El Idolo" into the ropes. The 619 was once again executed, and Rey ascended to the top rope - just for Rollins to crotch him! The buckle bomb had him, when Andrade stole the cover, just for Seth to break it up. Rollins teased the Pedigree again, but Andrade broke loose and planted with a snap suplex. Andrade chose the wrong time to taunt a competitor, as Mysterio came from the top rope with a hurricanrana! Andrade narrowly kicked out at the count of two; but as momentum rocked him forward, Seth blasted Rey with the Stomp - and "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy" had been realized!
An all-out battle had seen Seth Rollins seal his fate, as he was now one step closer to making Monday Night RAW 'Monday Night Rawlins' once again. "The Monday Night Messiah" caught his breath in the corner, and with a sly grin on his face, Andrade watched from across the canvas. Glaring a hole through "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy", "El Capo" mouthed that this was not over. Seth appeared unfazed, as he paraded outside the ring - scheduled to join AJ Styles and one more participant in the Finals of the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials next week!
- Next week - SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials Finals - AJ Styles vs Seth Rollins vs TBA
︾︾︾ IncomingHaving witnessed the second SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials match of the night from the backstage monitor, the O.C. bantered that whatever religion Seth Rollins advocated for, nothing was greater than the power of Christianity. AJ Styles said "the Monday Night Messiah" was a martyr and next week would find himself out in the cold much like the Lord above would want it. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson praised "Phenomenal Hoot" for a masterful victory, and how next week's Triple Threat Finals would see him do exactly what he told Drew McIntyre he'd do - and that's meet him again at SummerSlam for the WWE World Championship. "The Phenomenal One" joked he had to go take a "Kevin Owens" down the hall, prompting "the Big LG" and KA to banter amongst themselves. Suddenly, Ricochet and Cedric Alexander burst into the room! A locker room brawl had broken out, with "the Future of Flight" and "Lumbar Legacy" showing no signs of backing down!
While this was going on, at the entrance to the WWE Performance Center, reports of the locker room altercation had quickly come in on the security guards' radio. The three guards immediately rushed to the scene of the fight between Ricochet, Cedric Alexander, Luke Gallows and Anderson; all abandoning their post! It allowed Heath Slater, black hoody and sunglasses and all, to casually sneak his way into the WWEPC via the front door! Make Her HurtNia Jax was approached by Charlotte Flair backstage, who told "the Irresistible Force" she did a great job tonight dishing up the hurt on Bianca Belair. Nia ignored Flair, remaining silent as "the Queen" believed this was the start of a beautiful friendship. Not only was she destined to become a five-time RAW Women's Champion, she was going to have an incredibly powerful alliance backing her up. Jax told Charlotte she wanted no part, instead saying she had done her part - and now it was time for Charlotte to give her what she deserved. Flair smiled, telling Nia she owed and was to deliver a favor of her own. Having just spoken to the USA Network executives, "the Queen" told Nia that they listened to her request - and now next week would see "the Giantess" get to go one-on-one with the RAW Women's Champion Asuka! Her face lit up with a smile, Jax was told by Flair to make it count, and make her hurt.
- Next week - Nia Jax vs RAW Women's Champion Asuka
︾︾︾ No Match for The DestroyerInside the WWE Performance Center, Shelton Benjamin was prepared for action against R-Truth following their disagreement earlier tonight. "The Gold Standard" would be met by the theme song of "the Truth", who came dancing and rapping his way to the ring! "What's Up" was sung along by members of the WWE Universe, but R-Truth would abruptly find himself attacked by Samoa Joe! The WWE 24/7 Champion stood over Truth, as he sent him bouncing skull-first off the plexiglass either side of the rampway! "The Samoan Submission Machine" applied the Coquina Clutch on the rapper, when Shelton Benjamin daringly charged "the Coquina Destroyer" - just to receive a headbutt for his worries. At ringside, Joe sat Benjamin in the timekeeper's chair after a brief melee - soon charging with a big boot to the jaw! Joe then hurled the mainstay into the ring, where he put Benjamin down with the Muslce Buster. Raising the title high, Samoa Joe had established himself as an unbreakable champion.
︾︾︾ Access DeniedHaving infiltrated the WWE Performance Center once again, the "incognito" Heath Slater paced the backstage hall before spotting the WWE 24/7 Champion Samoa Joe on a monitor! "The One Man Rock Band" slowly removed his sunglasses and brandished a look of determination - but in stepping off to head for the ring, he would bump into Riddick Moss! Quick to make fun of Slater's predicament, he pointed out how absolutely hopeless Slater's kids would be when they grew up and realized what an asshat their daddy was making out of himself. Heath told Moss to mind his own damn business, when the four security guards from earlier appeared to tackle Slater to the ground! As the uncontracted former WWE Superstar was pinned to the ground, Moss pointed to the door and demanded they get the wannabe out of "his" WWEPC!
︾︾︾ Sarah Schreiber was standing by with Randy Orton, wanting to get a word with "the Apex Predator" ahead of the last SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials match. "The Viper" revealed the crumpled, coffee-stained Money in the Bank contract belonging to Bobby Lashley. It was funny despite all of Lashley's lack of hard-work, "the All Mighty" and himself both had the chance to get that WWE World Championship they wanted. While SummerSlam would prove to be "the Biggest Party of the Summer" for whomever won tonight and next week, Randy spoke romantically about the chance to take their title opportunity whenever they wanted, anytime within a calendar year. Orton cradled Lashley's contract and said despite No Holds Barred, and despite Lashley's minions MVP and Lana trying to get what he stole from Bob, that contract was his now. Schreiber asked Randy about the upset of the year suffered to Matt Riddle last week, but Orton claimed he would make "the Original Bro" a lucky man again tonight when he tears him limb from limb.
'The Extra Ingredient' aired, presented by Papa John's Shaq-a-roni pizza. Video footage aired from last week, reviewing Matt Riddle scoring what many had called the upset of the year after defeating Randy Orton. "The Original Bro" had arrived on Monday Night RAW, and found himself as the third wheel in the rivalry between "the Viper" and "the All Mighty" Bobby Lashley.
︾︾︾ 7) Liv Morgan def. Sarah Logan (5:03) - As Liv Morgan answered the challenge made on last week's RAW Talk by former friend Sarah Logan, Liv's former mentor Natalya joined commentary to discuss her annoyance of Morgan and the lack of respect she had received from the WWE Universe; as well as voice her disappointment in the weird behavior of Ruby Riott. - Sarah Logan looked to cut Liv Morgan off before she got started. Liv ducked a toe kick and a clothesline, before using the Matrix evasion to dodge a roundhouse kick! A roll-up got a near fall, when Liv used dropkicks and a step-up enzuigiri. A handspring spinning headscissors saw Morgan come to her feet, when Logan bounced back with a pop-up headbutt to the cranium! A turning point in the match saw Sarah continue her onslaught with a fisherman suplex and a shiranui, though Liv remained resilient. As Logan continued to badmouth her once partner in the Riott Squad, Liv stunned her with an open-handed slap! Morgan battled back, delivering a springboard double footstomp across the back of Logan as she leaned over in the corner. Meeting eyes with her former mentor Natalya, Morgan was surprised by a knee strike and the Kentucky Knee - though Morgan kicked out! Losing her temper, Sarah hit the ropes - but made a big mistake, as Liv followed to hit the ObLIVion for the three count.Back Together AgainLiv Morgan picked up another big win, but remained fixated on Natalya, who sat stoically at the announce table. Liv talked trash to Nattie from afar, though the daughter of Jim "the Anvil" Neidhart conservatively came to her feet and smiled back at the ring. Suddenly from behind saw Sarah Logan attack her former friend, with a second Kentucky Knee leaving Morgan down and out! Nattie sauntered to the ring, planning to teach her former protégé a lesson. Pulling her hair, the Canadian expressed Liv still had a lot to learn! Out came Ruby Riott, who ordered Nattie and Sarah to stop this madness. Puzzlingly, Natalya smirked and assigned Ruby with a special task. Leaving the ring, Natalya took the ring bell from the timekeeper's table, and returned - to hand it to Ruby! With memories of the Riott Squad running through her head, Ruby contemplated using the bell - but instead threw it down again, much like last week.
Natalya and Sarah Logan began to scream at Ruby Riott for dropping the ball again - when Ruby started attacking the duo! The Riott Kick took Nattie down, when Logan came from behind. Putting the boots to her, the Riott Squad as we knew it was thought to be dead...until Liv Morgan landed the Jersey Codebreaker! With Natalya and Sarah Logan out of the ring, Liv and Ruby met at a glance before exchanging words. Yet after years apart from one another, the unthinkable happened as Riott and Morgan embraced with a big hug! The WWE Universe showed their appreciation, as the Riott Squad pairing of Ruby and Sarah appeared to be finished - but back was the combination of Ruby and Liv!
︾︾︾ Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian discussed the Finals of the Triple Terror Trials coming up next week, with the big questioning remaining - who would join AJ Styles and Seth Rollins next week? RAW Women's Champion Asuka was up against some scary competition in Nia Jax, per the request of Charlotte Flair. Also scheduled was the RAW Tag Team Championship match pitting Theory and Murphy against the Street Profits; and in a match to ease the building tension between Los Lotharios and the Viking Raiders - the two teams would meet in a Viking Rules match!
- SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials Finals - AJ Styles vs Seth Rollins vs TBA
- RAW Women's Champion Asuka vs Nia Jax
- RAW Tag Team Championship - Theory and Murphy (c) vs The Street Profits
- Viking Rules match - The Viking Raiders vs Los Lotharios
Meanwhile, on a splitscreen, Matt Riddle, Bobby Lashley and Randy Orton were all heading for the ring. Accompanied by a focused Lana and MVP, "the All Mighty" was ready for this chance to get his hands on "the Viper". Meanwhile, "the Original Bro" jived down the hall thinking little of the implications tonight might bring. Who would meet Seth Rollins and AJ Styles in the Finals of the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials next week?
A graphic aired, promoting tonight's edition of RAW Talk, immediately following Monday Night RAW. Hosted by Charly Caruso and Christian, tonight's special guests included Charlotte Flair, Rey Mysterio and Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch. It all went down at 11:05 PM, exclusively on the WWE Network.
Following discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian, a tribute video package aired in memory of Regis Philbin, who passed away at the age of 88 on July 24. The legendary host of many all-time great talk shows and game shows, including Live with Regis and Kathie Lee - which played host to many WWE Superstars' first foray into the mainstream media. With his excited Bronx chatter, and all of the amassed hours in front of the television, the television sensation would be missed.8) Matt Riddle def. Bobby Lashley (with Lana and MVP) & Randy Orton in a SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials Qualifying match (8:59) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- Coming off 'the Upset of the Year' last week against Randy Orton, Matt Riddle had found himself caught in the crosshairs of tension building between "the Apex Predator" and "the All Mighty". As Bobby Lashley and Orton faced off, Riddle played the awkward third party, but after being shoved aside once by both men, Riddle would blast both with a dropkick! With body blows to "the Viper", Orton turned it around when Lashley came out of nowhere with a double clothesline for both men! Focusing on Orton, Lashley delivered shoulder thrusts in the corner, before a biel throw hurled "the King of Bros" across the ring - taking out Orton in the process! Lashley looked to make short work of this Triple Threat Qualifying match, when the stalling suplex saw Orton break out and land the inverted neckbreaker! Randy laughed at the expense of MVP and Lana, when he fought Riddle to the top rope. A superplex in bound, Riddle battled free and knocked him to the canvas - before flying with a Floating Bro onto both men! - The match continued with Randy Orton stomping away at Bobby Lashley's limbs. Talking trash to him all the while, "the Apex Predator" attempted the draping DDT - but instead, "the All Mighty" thrusted his way out and slingshotted through the ropes with a crossbody! A fisherman suplex got a near fall, when Lashley sized up the Spear - just for Matt Riddle to intercept using a jumping knee strike! The deadlift gutwrench suplex sent Lashley, when Riddle looked for the BroMission on Orton, just to receive a European uppercut. The RKO was attempted, but Riddle turned it around into the Final Flash! Lashley abruptly took Riddle down with a spinebuster, before signalling for the Spear. Lashley charged Riddle, who dodged it - and the Spear was reversed into the RKO from Orton! Slithering to the cover, Riddle intercepted with a spear of his own - before covering Lashley to pick up the win!
Remaining undefeated since arriving on Monday Night RAW, Matt Riddle had pulled off another milestone victory - defeating both Matt Riddle, as well as Randy Orton! "The All Mighty" remained down to the devastated looks of MVP and Lana at ringside, while "the Apex Predator" clutched his ribs in amusement on the rampway. Despite losing, Orton still would point the Money in the Bank contract in the face of Lashley's wife and advisor. Meanwhile, the celebration had started for "the Original Bro" - who next week would join AJ Styles and Seth Rollins in the Finals of the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials!
- Next week - SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials Finals - AJ Styles vs Seth Rollins vs Matt Riddle
RAW Talk #19 – July 27, 2020 - Charly Caruso and Christian were joined by Charlotte Flair, and wanted to ask "the Queen" about her candid thoughts to the talk by Bianca Belair earlier tonight. Charlotte disagreed that she was over anything. She proved tonight that she was good enough to beat Asuka - and that meant a future opportunity at the RAW Women's Championship. The co-hosts pressed Flair about her partnership with the Iiconics, which Flair was negative on, claiming she was providing Billie Kay and Peyton Royce an education they never received when arriving in WWE - and they were failing. Flair then sung the praises of Nia Jax, believing she was more than capable of destroying "the Empress of Tomorrow" next week. - Rey Mysterio joined the show to talk more about his long rivalry with Andrade, but not before noting his son Dominik Mysterio was off training to get better today, and for the next few weeks. "The Legendary Luchador" spoke of his disgust with "El Capo" and the whole La Invasíon. After all he, Zelina Vega and Los Lotharios had put the Mysterio Family through - this had to end, and he was planning on suggesting a once in a lifetime proposal to "El Idolo" next week. Rey knew Andrade wanted this to be a passing of the torch, to become an idol in the eyes of the Hispanic people - but to him, it was personal, because Andrade had made it that way. - As Charly Caruso was grilled by Christian about her two unsuccessful dates with Angel Garza, low and behold, "El Amante" would appear. Wearing a lavish suit with a bouquet of roses, the broadcast journalist crossed her arms and tried to tell Garza she was uninterested. Angel proceeded to beg and beg, claiming that he just wanted the two of them to be alone. Christian stood in Angel's way, warning him to respect his co-host's decisions. Unexpectedly, Charly let Angel know she would think about it. Delighted, Angel handed Caruso the roses before taking off.
- Next week - Rey Mysterio has a once in a lifetime proposal for Andrade
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Post by DTP. on May 21, 2023 13:37:57 GMT -5
7/18 IMPACT SLAMMIVERSARY PPV REPORT: Gallows & Anderson debut, Ace Austin vs. Edwards vs. Miguel vs. ? for Impact World Title, Grace vs. Dashwood for Knockouts Title, Moose vs. Dreamer, surprises BY JAVIER MACHADO, PWTORCH CONTRIBUTER July 18, 2020
- The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) def. Rascalz (Desmond Xavier and Zachary Wentz). Wentz hits a hand spring knee to buy time for the tag, Dex Catapult into Wents superkick Shelly counter Wentz swanton with knees. AFCS Rush and follow up bomb end Dez. (14:17)
- Moose def. Tommy Dreamer to retain the unsanctioned TNA World Heavyweight Championship in an Old School Rules match. Moose tries to force Dreamer’s face into the tack but Dreamer resists. Not enough and Moose slams Dreamers face into the tacks. Deamer hits the renamed Lights Out Spear for the win. (11:18)
- Kylie Ray def. Taya Valkyrie, Rosemary, Kimber Lee, Kiera Hogan, Nevaeh, Alisha Edwards, Madison Rayne, John E. Bravo, Havok, Susie, Katie Forbes & Tasha Steelz in a Gauntlet for the Gold match to be named number one contender to the Impact Knockouts Championship. Taya and Kylie face of but Kylie soon superkicks and pins Taya. (19:20)
Heath formerly “Slater” enters the ring. He says he wants to take the Rascalz open challenge or be
the mystery wrestler in the main event and that he’s a “new Heath.” Rohit Raju comes out to confront him. They get into a scuffle with Heath getting the better of Rohit.
- Willie Mack (c) def. Trey Miguel to retain the Impact X-Division Championship. Mack blocked Yocraponic with the Stunner and hit the Six Star Splash to retain. (10:01)
- The North (Ethan Page and Josh Alexander) (c) def. Ken Shamrock and Sami Callihan to retain the Impact Tag Team Championship. Ken goes to kick Josh but Josh duck so he nails Sami instead. Ken his a belly to belly suplex from the top and then botches a dive over the top rope. The North hit their finisher for the win. (15:56)
- Jordynne Grace (c) def. Tenille Dashwood to retain the Impact Knockouts Championship. Grace dropped Dashwood with the Grace Driver to keep the title. (15:12)
- Eddie Edwards def. Ace Austin, Rich Swann & Eric Young in a four-way elimination match to capture the vacant Impact World Championship. Ace comes in to take advantage but Swann continued fighting but he couldn’t overcome the Fold and Ace eliminates him. This leave Edwards and Ace one on one. The two trade finishers but Eddie hits the Diehard for the win. (24:25)
JULY 27, 2020 OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: EXTREME RULES REVIEW, SLATER GOES TO IMPACT, MORE BY OBSERVER STAFF | STAFF@WRESTLINGOBSERVER.COM | @wonf4w
THE HORROR SHOW There may have never been as poorly received a PPV show that featured such a high quality of in-ring performances that WWE’s Horror Show at Extreme Rules on 7/19 in Orlando.
On paper, the matches looked good. The show was booked to stay under three hours, which was a good length and removed the “too long” aspect that has plagued many WWE shows.
The Eye for an Eye match was the one with the most curiosity. It also had a lot of interest, as Google searches for Black after losing topped 150,000, an amazing total for anything on a B show, and the same number that an entire WWE PPV show usually does, so this show doubled normal interest. Of course, doubling interest sounds good, but this is actually a great lesson. Interest that tells people this is bullcrap is negative interest. Anyone who follows wrestling at all from the business standpoint can bring up multiple examples of the idea that any attention is good attention is flawed and this should be the latest example of that.
The concept was terrible, just the very idea of a match ending by pulling the opponent’s eye out of his socket is a strong negative and makes the company look bad and the business look beyond fake and low-rent. It’s even worse, when this is a company that knocked its opposition for being blood and guts. In actuality Black is expected to take some time off and be repackaged with a new gimmick.
Drew McIntyre and AJ Styles put on a clinic in a best of three falls that will be regarded pretty highly in the year end polls. I wouldn't go match of the year in this instance, but it was a strong showing and Drew has been highly commended in recent weeks for being able to carry the product on Raw despite clearly being dealt a raw deal in the midst of a pandemic.
After weeks of appearing to be on the outs with WWE, Rey Mysterio re-signed a contract and appeared on the show for the first time in weeks, appearing with his son Dominik Mysterio, who competed in his first major singles match on PPV. Andrade protected him well, and while lacking in charisma, he didn't look out of place. At last word, as of a few weeks ago, Rey was asking for a raise and Vince McMahon was not offering one.
SummerSlam on 8/23 was planned for Edge vs Orton in an I Quit match and Drew McIntyre vs the winner of the tournament on the 8/3 Raw.
SLATER SKIPS TOWN Impact Wrestling garnered the most interest the promotion has had in a long time this past week with its Slammiversary show and teases of debuts of talent cut by WWE.
The show on 7/18 in Nashville, from an empty studio, saw the debuts of Heath Slater, now going by "Heath", as well as unannounced but previously teased on television debuts of EC 3 and Eric Young. It also featured the surprise return of Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley as the Motor City Machine Guns. On television on 7/21, they added Brian Myers, the former Curt Hawkins.
While Heath was expected to be figured into a key television angle in WWE involving Riddick Moss, clearly he was working without a deal, otherwise he would have been legally unable to appear for another company, especially that of Impact's. It is believed he will be considered pretty highly on the internal roster, though the word from sources close to WWE indicate they were surprised but not stunned by his debut for another company. While those higher up feel Heath squandered a lot of time and effort into building both he and Moss up, the reality is without being under contract, he had every right in the world to go elsewhere. Those close to Miller, who turned 37 three days prior, voiced their excitement on Twitter, namely WWE Champion Drew McIntyre.
Where this looked bad was when on 7/20, two days after Slammiversary took place, Heath Slater won the 24/7 invitational battle royal on Raw, which was taped last week. Thankfully they covered it well with the return of Samoa Joe to finish him up without knowing it.
WWE:
GET BETTER FLAIR | Wendy Barlow, the wife of Ric Flair tested positive for COVID-19. While the New York Post reported Ric Flair tested positive on 7/15, he denied that. The story also claimed she was very ill and Ric was just coughing but nothing else. We were told that she was sick two weeks ago but has gotten a lot better, but not fully recovered. There was an idea that had Ric factored into the Asuka and Charlotte match on Raw on 7/20, but due to his track record creative decided to hold off on it until he's all-clear. We’ve been told they took this very seriously as Ric Flair knows with his age and health history of blood clots that this would not be a good thing for him to get. The Post story also had a photo of him and said he left his home and got into his Mercedes to go to Starbucks without a mask on and paid with cash rather than a credit card.
THE BALL IN KING'S COURT | Higher ups have been particularly thrilled with how over the Royal Family trio have gotten in social media engagements since their debut. It definitely disguises the weaknesses of the three men, but I do fear for Chad Gable's ever crumbling upside being the third from the top in what is a midcard heel faction.
SUMMERSLAM STAYCATION | WWE officially announced SummerSlam and all related events won’t be in Boston, although that has been known for months. But they are now offering ticket refunds.
STEPHANIE SPEAKS | Stephanie McMahon did an Ad Age interview talking about a number of subjects and these are some of the comments with the transcription from Dominic DeAngelo of Wrestlezone.com
“For WWE, we definitely miss our fans. I think for any live event, our fans are part of our show. They’ve always been our secret sauce and we miss them dearly, but that doesn’t mean they’re not there, they’re not watching, they’re just not live giving us that real time feedback. We’ve always leveraged and utilized our social media channels to listen to our fans as well, but certainly now that is heightened from a data and analytics perspective. We’ve also had a few key learnings in camera angles. How not to shoot the audience.
“Our commentators now, we used to encourage them to lay out more so you could get a lot more of the natural sound and now we’re encouraging them to fill that gap, that space. We’ve experimented with various different forms of augmented reality. Typically in our Performance Center there are some big actual fans, not fans the people, but fans in the air and it doesn’t necessarily look the best on TV so we now have put in a virtual ceiling.
“We’ve tried sweetening the audio, so now we do have some of our developmental Superstars, those who are in training, we’ve had them act as fans, socially distance with masks to provide some audio and some atmosphere and we’ve experimented with sweetening that audio, turning it up so you can actually hear the cheers or the boos, etc., and we’ve learned a lot. Sometimes we’ve overdone it and again, we track the feedback from our fans, from our actual fans who said, ‘Yeah that was too much, it wasn’t believable,’ or ‘Wow, I really loved that, it helped me feel more engaged,’ so we’re constantly evaluating and shifting in accordance with what our fans are saying and what technology is available.”
“It’s forcing innovation and innovation is critical in today’s world. It always has been but especially now during COVID.”
RATINGS SmackDown 7/17: 1.89 (0.4 18-49) RAW 7/20: 1.68 (0.46 18-49) NXT 7/22: 0.62 (0.18 18-49)
STAR RATINGS The Horror Show at Extreme Rules 7/19: - Theory and Murphy vs Street Profits - ***¼ - Bryan, Gulak & Crews vs Royal Family - *** - Andrade vs Dominik Mysterio - ***½ - Mandy Rose vs Sonya Deville - *¾ - Bobby Lashley vs Randy Orton - ***¾ - Bayley vs Banks vs Bliss vs Cross - *** - Seth Rollins vs Aleister Black - ***½ - The Fiend vs Jeff Hardy - **½ - Drew McIntyre vs AJ Styles - ****½
- Asuka vs Charlotte Flair - RAW 7/20 - ***¼ - Finn Bálor vs Kyle O'Reilly - NXT 7/22 - ****
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Post by DTP. on May 16, 2023 13:20:04 GMT -5
Friday Night SmackDown #1092 - July 24, 2020 WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida Presented by "Are You Ready" by AC/DC FIVE DAYS REMOVED FROM THE HORROR SHOW AT EXTREME RULES!
205 Live #189 – July 24, 2020 1) The Brian Kendrick and Ariya Daivari def. Isaiah Scott and Leon Ruff when Daivari hit Ruff with the Persian Plunge hammerlock lariat. "Swerve" consoled a frustrated Leon after the match, who despite working hard was unsuccessful in getting his first victory as an Cruiserweight. (7:39) 2) Mansoor def. Cameron Grimes with the Moonsault Press. Grimes threw a tantrum after the match while Mansoor celebrated on the aisle. (5:30) - Vic Joseph and Dio Maddin reviewed Legado del Fantasma's interview being interrupted by Jake Atlas and some newfound friends in Breezango. They discussed the implications of the six-man tag team match for supremacy of the Cruiserweight Division, set to take place on NXT this Wednesday. 3) Candice LeRae def. Kacy Catanzaro with the Wild Ride. Kacy brought the fight to LeRae, including gaining several near falls. A fleeting attempt at a top rope attack led to LeRae capitalizing. (5:21)
A video package aired, taking us back to last Sunday's Horror Show at Extreme Rules. Last Man Standing was exactly what was expected, as Jeff Hardy stopped at nothing to try and dismantle The Fiend. From interrupting his sinister walk to the ring, to using everything but the kitchen sink to keep "the New Face of Fear" down for the infamous count of ten, Jeff was relentless until he was distracted by the puppets of the Firefly Fun House. Taunting him from all angles, "the Charismatic Enigma" finally lashed out and lost his cool. Ascending to the top of a ladder, Jeff planned to Swanton Bomb the monster through the announce table - until Bray Wyatt peered over his shoulder! The Fiend gave Jeff the Mandible Claw, and with a gorilla press slam through the table, the freak became a two-time WWE Universal Champion. What chaos would Friday Night SmackDown devolve into now Fiend was once again the thing to beat!
Rivalry RekindledFriday Night SmackDown on FOX went on the air from the WWE Performance Center, with The Miz sat in his chair in the middle of the ring. Wearing his lavish ring coat, headband and sunglasses, "the A-Lister" gleefully invited everybody to an all-new edition of 'Miz TV!' After finally ridding the WWE one more time from his awful, leeching sidekick John Morrison, he was back and able to take his already legendary career to all-new heights! The WWE Universe booed, as "the Awesome One" voiced how JoMo had given him quite a fight, but finished were his days as a tag team guy. The truth was he never needed anybody on his side, and his last run with that glory hog "Guru of Greatness" proved it. But with the Hollywood Backlot Brawl behind him, Miz wanted to wish a rousing welcome to tonight's guest - an old friend, the WWE Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan! Out came "the Submission Expert" to a positive response, pointing his fingers in the air whilst pacing down to the ring.
Upon arrival, "the Yes Man" did not seem comfortable with the Miz's use of terms. Not once would Daniel Bryan have ever considered he and the Miz friends! "The A-Lister" laughed, joking that the WWE Intercontinental Champion was always having fun at his expense. Through their ten year history, Miz had not only been a mentor to Daniel's WWE career, but a genuine credit to his success and superstardom! Miz dared to take credit for even his WrestleMania XXX miracle on Bourbon Street, claiming Daniel would never have been WWE World Heavyweight Champion - had it been for the guidance and motivation garnered by him! Bryan chuckled, and even granted "the Awesome One" to take his mentorship as a "W"...so long as he admitted that when he made Miz snap like a twig on Talking Smack a couple of years back, it breathed Miz new life. The star of 'Miz and Mrs' was far too vain to allow Daniel such an honor, joking that this was no competition!
The Miz wanted to check in and ask Daniel Bryan how things were going for him, noting the WWE Intercontinental Championship on his shoulder - something he had held eight times in the past. To "the Yes Man", he saw opportunity and knew exactly what "the A-Lister" was getting at. Who would want to once again be the IC Champion than Mike Mizanin? With a knowing smirk, "the Submission Expert" told Miz that they had been down this road time and time before. It was a tale as old as time, as he urged his once-mentor to double down and try to take a swing at him already. Miz played it innocuously, instead portraying it as an observation. Changing topics to bring up Daniel's problems with the Royal Family, the champ told Miz he knew what he was trying to do - but it wasn't working. If Miz wasn't going to challenge him, Daniel was going to challenge him: and would even put the title on the line right here and now!
The WWE Intercontinental Champion quizzed the WWE Universe on who wanted to see him and the Miz compete, to a roaring response. Daniel Bryan asked "the A-Lister" what he thought, and finally Miz conceded! Confirming "the Submission Expert" was right all along, there was a reason he invited him to Miz TV: because he saw that title on Daniel's shoulder, but he didn't deserve it! Talking about how bland "the Yes Man" looked, everybody seemed to forget how Miz brought the WWE Intercontinental Championship life and color - something Bryan would never do! With that, he accepted Daniel's challenge, claiming he wanted the record books to show he was better than Bryan ever was. Unfortunately for "the Awesome One", as he continued to rant and rave in the face of Daniel, the champ simply responded with a right hand! Miz bailed out to the floor, when Daniel exclaimed that was something he should have done on Talking Smack. An impromptu title match looked to be coming up next!
Michael Cole and Corey Graves provided a quick shout-out to the sponsors of SummerSlam, streaming live on the WWE Network on Sunday, August 23. "The Biggest Party of the Summer" would be brought to us by Cricket Wireless - Smile, You're On Cricket! It would also be sponsored by World of Tanks, available for PS4 and Xbox One.
1) Daniel Bryan (c) def. The Miz to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship (10:53) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- In an impromptu WWE Intercontinental Championship match, the Miz and Daniel Bryan rekindled their longtime rivalry after "the Submission Expert" had seen through Miz's charade during 'Miz TV' moments ago. "The A-Lister" tried to get something going with a low kick to the leg, but a snap DDT saw the champion reverse into a northern lights suplex! Bryan had the mount position, looking to ground Miz with submission holds, but the challenger would bail out to the floor. As the WWE Universe taunted him with chants, "the Awesome One" took his eye off the ball long enough for Bryan to strike with the dive through the ropes! The Flying Goat connected with the diving headbutt to follow, but he would go once to the well too often - missing the missile dropkick from the top! Like a jackal, the star of 'Miz and Mrs.' put the boots to Bryan and dropped him with an inverted backbreaker into the neckbreaker. "The Yes Man" raged back with forearms, but Miz delivered the running dropkick in the corner - shades of Daniel himself! - The Miz and Daniel Bryan exchanged sunset flips and rollups, when the WWE Intercontinental Champion's attempt at the Achilles Hold saw "the A-Lister" kick him away. With a snap DDT, the challenger applied the Figure-4 Leglock with "the Submission Expert" trapped - until he was able to turn it around on the challenger! "The Awesome One" hobbled outsdie, when Bryan soared from the apron with a diving knee! Bryan lit Miz up with Yes Kicks against the barricade, until he was able to poke the eye and send Bryan shoulder-first into the ring post! With Yes Kicks of his own, "the A-Lister" set up the Skull Crushing Finale when something caught his attention. It was John Morrison standing in the crowd, facial covering and all! Miz's eyes widened and he would scream at his enemy from the ring. The distraction saw "the Yes Man" attempt the Yes Lock just to go blocked. Miz caught Daniel with the Awesome Clothesline in the corner, but the Skull Crushing Finale would see Bryan arm drag through to the Running Knee to retain the title!
"The Yes Man" came out on top again as the WWE Intercontinental Champion, while John Morrison watched pleased from behind the plexiglass among the fans. With his facial covering on, and his shirt off, "the Guru of Greatness" applauded Daniel Bryan alongside the WWE Universe members. Despite what the Miz tried to do in the Hollywood Backlot Brawl this past Sunday, "the A-Lister" was still not rid of "the Guru of Greatness".
▆▆▆ Michael Cole and Corey Graves formally welcomed us to Friday Night SmackDown, discussing the impromptu WWE Intercontinental Championship match that transpired moments ago. Moving on to talking about tonight, the SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley was said to be prepared to apologize to Sasha Banks, after controversially coming out on top in the Fatal 4-Way match last Sunday. Fight Night's Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura would meet one-half of the SmackDown Tag Team Champions Otis and one-half of the New Day Kofi Kingston; and Bray Wyatt would hold the first edition of 'the Firefly Fun House' following the Fiend's WWE Universal Championship victory at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules.
- SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley will apologize to Sasha Banks
- 'The Firefly Fun House'
- SmackDown Tag Team Champion Otis and Kofi Kingston vs Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura
- Mustafa Ali vs Dolph Ziggler
- Apollo Crews vs Sir Gable
▆▆▆ Facing GuiltDespite overcoming the odds and leaving the Horror Show at Extreme Rules with the SmackDown Women's Championship, Bayley appeared disheartened by the apparent state of her friendship with co-WWE Women's Tag Team Champion Sasha Banks. "Bayley 2 Belts" wore a look of guilt when startled by Kayla Braxton, who wanted to question what tonight was all about. Bayley said that she may have come out victorious against the second-rate morons Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross - but the question remained whether it was worth it, to lose such a good friend in "the Legit Boss". Bayley remarked how long she and Sasha had been friends, how "the Boss 'n' Hug Connection" went back years - to their days in NXT! She looked at the gold on her shoulders and couldn't help but feel awful about how the Fatal 4-Way match went down. That's why tonight, not that it was any of Kayla's damn business, she was going to go to the ring and make things right with her best friend. She then brashly demanded the broadcast journalist get out of her sight.A Catch-UpMeanwhile, Sasha Banks was spotted arriving at the WWE Performance Center. With her rolling suitcase in tow, "the Legit Boss" was amazed to cross paths with an old friend - Naomi! The two screeched and jumped into a hug, before talking about how long it had been. As the two briefly caught up, Naomi made mention that they had to properly catch up sometime - but right now she had a match. Her old Team B.A.D. ally hugged Sasha in departing, but before she left couldn't help but feel sorry for how the Fatal 4 Way match drew to a close. While she tried to brush it off, Naomi commented how Bayley had screwed her out of the SmackDown Women's Championship twice now - both at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules last Sunday, as well as at WrestleMania! Sasha questioned what she was talking about, but Naomi claimed she had to go. Banks was confused about what happened at "the Grandaddy of Them All", calling after that she never watched the tape back!Time and a PlaceAs Mandy Rose prepared for her match tonight, her loving boyfriend Otis snuck up behind her with a big hug and kiss. Smitten, "the Golden Goddess" claimed how much she had missed this. The SmackDown Tag Team Champion said he had as well, how he hated rolling over in bed at night and not seeing his "Precious Peach" there - but he understood she needed to take care of business with Sonya Deville. Mandy turned to face her man, assuring "the Powder Keg" that now her heart was in the right place, as was her head. Snuggling in, the Heavy Machinery member grew concerned about his current predicament with Fight Night. Mandy asked if Otis had heard from Tucker, but he hadn't all week. Up walked a hyperactive Kofi Kingston, merrily greeting his tag team partner tonight. After speaking to Big E, Kofi claimed he wanted nothing more than the two of them to beat Sheamus's boys Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura tonight.
Kofi Kingston nudged Otis for a response, but the SmackDown Tag Team Champions remained unreceptive. When pressed for what was troubling him, "the Powder Keg" confessed that he really liked the New Day - which was why he just knew they were coming for his and Tucky's titles. Kofi smirked but assured Otis that he and Big E liked Heavy Machinery too! And while there may come a time and a day where the New Day would meet Heavy Machinery for the gold - it would be on an even playing field, without Fight Night to muck things up. Otis nodded, as Kofi claimed he could trust him. Responding to the high-five, Otis claimed that tonight Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura would be made responsible for what happened to Tucker and Big E!
▆▆▆ 2) Naomi def. Jessamyn Duke (2:15)- For the first time since WrestleMania, Friday Night SmackDown was about to 'Feel the Glow', with the return of Naomi. The raver took on a former Ultimate Fighter in Jessamyn Duke, who immediately tried her hand at taking down the returnee. Roaring back with a hurricanrana, the mixed martial artist would encounter trouble where agility was concerned, as Naomi struck with a running sit-out jawbreaker before delivering a bulldog sending her into the second turnbuckle pad. After a brief response from Duke stopping her with a spear, Naomi got back into the mat with a fireman's carry jawbreaker for a near fall! While Jessamyn continued to put up a fight however, she would be struck with the Rear View, before seguing into Feel the Glow. Duke had no choice but to tap!
Naomi was back on Friday Night SmackDown, and had shown little sign of ring rust. Coming to her feet, she would bring the lights down for the WWE Universe to watch her dance in the dark. The WWE Performance Center would 'Feel the Glow', as each member of the audience raised their glowsticks up and down.
▆▆▆ Having cost the Miz the WWE Intercontinental Championship match, John Morrison was tying his hair back before being approached by Kayla Braxton for comment. "The Guru of Greatness" said that in spite of what "the A-Lister" had tried to do to him in the Hollywood Backlot Brawl last Sunday at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules, he felt compelled to do something he should have done a long time ago. Asking Kayla if she even knew the rules for the Backlot Brawl, he raised the point that there was no three count! If his old buddy wanted to try and hurl him from a rooftop, he considered it fair game for him to keep coming back for more! "The Shaman of Sexy" declared that he was not done with "the Awesome One" yet.
▆▆▆ Following discussion from Michael Cole and Corey Graves, a video package aired reviewing the hellacious Last Man Standing match for the WWE Universal Championship, from the Horror Show at Extreme Rules. Jeff Hardy went to every length to try and prevent the Fiend from getting the best at him, but unfortunately for "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior", he would be outwitted in a game of psychological warfare by the presence of Rambling Rabbit, Mercy the Buzzard and Abby the Witch. Just as Jeff planned to put "the New Face of Fear" away with a Swanton Bomb from the ladder through the announce table, a surprise sighting from Bray Wyatt would see the monster drive Hardy through the wood, and take his place as the new WWE Universal Champion. A graphic followed, promoting 'the Firefly Fun House' - up next.
'The Progressive Match Flo of the Week' aired, taking us back to last week on Friday Night SmackDown. Fight Night's reign of terror continued with Sheamus overcoming Otis with thanks to involvement from Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura. Kofi Kingston would aid the Heavy Machinery member, but wind up on the receiving end of the dreaded Brogue Kick into the LED ring post.
Fight Night gathered in the backstage hallway, as Sheamus tipped his hat to the crash course they were teaching Heavy Machinery and the New Day. Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura listened as "the Celtic Warrior" mused that the entire SmackDown locker room feared them, because one by one, "the Lads" were teaching them who ran this show. "The Swiss Cyborg" commented that he and "the Artist" were proving they were top dogs in the Tag Team Division, when Shin finished his sentence - claiming Otis and Tucker were not long for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships. Sheamus clapped his hands, encouraging the duo to give the hangers-on a show tonight.
▆▆▆ Max HeadroomThe introduction of 'the Firefly Fun House' brought us into the Fun House, where Bray Wyatt came dancing through the front door into the living room. With a gleeful grin on his face, he welcomed the Fireflies, where they had a great show in store for them. For one, unless they had all been living under rocks - there was a new champ in town! From behind his back, Bray revealed the infamous old Fiend version of the WWE Universal Championship - horrifying the kids in attendance. Perplexed, "the Eater of Worlds" wondered what was wrong with it. It was made by the Fiend, for the Fiend - what wasn't to love? The audience screamed in fear, when Bray shrugged and said on second thought, perhaps it looked better on his mantle instead. Placing it atop the television set, Ramblin' Rabbit popped up still dressed in full Jeff Hardy apparel! Remaining a fan of "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior", he exclaimed that the Fiend was lucky last Sunday at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules.
If anybody was going to be the Fiend's match, it was bound to be Jeff Hardy! Ramblin' Rabbit began to sing "No More Words" by Endeverafter, when Bray Wyatt grinned, placing his gloved palm over the mouth of the puppet. Mercy the Buzzard cut in to exclaim that the Rabbit didn't know anything, how "the New Face of Fear" proved Jeff was nothing more than a mere mortal in Last Man Standing. Abby the Witch served as Bray's conscience, warning him that now he was the WWE Universal Champion again, it would be too much power for his greed. Wyatt shook his head, telling Abby once again - she had to loosen up! Suddenly he placed a chef's hat on his head before placing the defenceless Rabbit on a chopping board. Revealing a large knife, Rabbit remained to shout that Jeff Hardy would hand Fiend his big defeat - when on the television set appeared Jeff Hardy - adorned in freakish facepaint.
On the monitor, the former WWE Universal Champion spoke with a dark demeanor, claiming that what happened to Jeff Hardy at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules had awoken something within his vessel. No longer was he about to be the brunt of the Fiend, in his path of destruction of the SmackDown Brand. Instead, "the New Face of Fear" had unlocked a sentient being buried for years and years. No longer was this a job for Jeff Hardy - this was a job for Brother Nero. Wyatt cackled at the top of his lungs, exclaiming how he knew he would come. What a dream it would be, for Fiend to meet "Dementor". Nero claimed Fiend would perish, and Bray would finally witness his Frankenstein meet his ultimate match. In due time, Brother Nero would make them all pay the price.
Following discussion from Michael Cole and Corey Graves, a video package aired taking us back to the Fatal 4-Way match for the SmackDown Women's Championship. The Horror Show at Extreme Rules saw four women go to any length to walk out with the title, and despite their strong bonds, Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross, and Bayley and Sasah Banks would each fight viably for "Bayley 2 Belts'" title. In the closing moments however, Sasha Banks thought she had the match won with the Bank Statement on Alexa Bliss - but behind her, the Roseplant saw Bayley retain the title defeating Nikki Cross. "The Legit Boss" was distraught, and the champ appeared gutted for her best friend.Legit FootageAfter her interesting discussion with Naomi, Sasha Banks hit the play button on a remote control and viewed footage from WrestleMania. It was a five-woman elimination match for the SmackDown Women's Championship, and while Bayley and Sasha formed a cohesive unit designed to ensure "Bayley 2 Belts" left as the champ, "the Legit Boss" found herself in a spot of trouble with Lacey Evans and received a top-rope moonsault from "the First Lady". Bayley had the chance to break the count - only to decide against it! In watching the footage back for the first time, Sasha's jaw dropped. Beginning to piece together the similarity in the Horror Show at Extreme Rules and WrestleMania, Banks' perception of Bayley was shattered beyond repair!
▆▆▆
3) Mustafa Ali def. Dolph Ziggler (12:22) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- Months of being haunted by "the Hacker" had led to this long-awaited match. Dolph Ziggler had waited to get his hands on Mustafa Ali since the second he found out his true identity, but his eagerness would quickly deter him once Mustafa Ali struck with a roundhouse kick from the apron! A rolling neckbreaker would score a very early near fall, as Ali's quickness showed with an effective following flurry of kicks. "The Show Off" would break the pattern with a knee lift to the abdomen, but as a dropkick stunned Ali to the ropes, a hurricanrana saw him come reeling straight back! Ziggler rolled out to the floor in a hurry, though Ali would come bounding from the top of the steel steps with a tornado DDT! Ziggler was no match for the quickness of "the Hacker", who showed his lit-up glove's palm to the WWE Universe! - Mustafa Ali maintained control as Friday Night SmackDown returned, sending Dolph Ziggler again back into the ring. As the rolling facebuster appeared to be in sight however, "the Show Off" would stun Ali with an unexpected super kick for good effect! With the victory in plain sight, Ziggler instead decided to punish his opponent, hanging him up to dry against the second rope - before planting his knee across the back of Ali's head! "The Hacker" had a lot of making it up to Ziggler, as the WWE mainstay was concerned. A corner splash led to the neckbreaker, but again Dolph showed no intention of putting Ali away. With a rapid succession of elbow drops, Ziggler teased going in for his eighth - but Ali was able to roll out of the way! With a reverse hurricanrana, Dolph landed upside his head - but Ziggler would kick out! Heading to the top rope for the 054 Splash, Ziggler tripped him. Both men wound up there, but as Ali attempted a superplex, Ziggler responded with an avalanche facebuster! - Dolph Ziggler caught Mustafa Ali with the famouser, before beginning to tune up the band for the Super Kick one more time. "The Hacker" would sidestep it narrowly, when the tornado DDT again landed from the second rope! "The Show Off" was in trouble, as Ali again climbed to the top rope - just for Ziggler to get his knees up from the 450 Splash attempt! The Zig Zag connected, but the long legs of Ali landed his foot on the bottom rope. Infuriated, Ziggler signalled the end with the super kick - but Ali would reverse into a tilt-a-whirl. The Koji Clutch grounded "the Show Off", and despite his best efforts, Ziggler was forced to tap out!
Mustafa Ali scored the big win against Dolph Ziggler, using the Koji Clutch to force the former World Heavyweight Champion into submission. "The Hacker" raised his fists into the air, before flickering the lights of the WWE Performance Center using the palms of his light-up gloves. Ali had the WWE Universe on his side, when "the Show Off" struck back with a super kick after the bell! Leaving Ali flat, Dolph mounted him with a furious succession of punches. Antagonized by another loss afforded by his longtime harasser, Ziggler would dump Ali out to the floor - where he followed suit using a Zig Zag on the ringside mats! Months of sabotage had pushed him over the edge to this point, and Ziggler would leave feeling all the more validated.
▆▆▆ Nikki Cross was finishing warming up ahead of her singles match with Mandy Rose, when up walked Alexa Bliss. Surprising her best friend with a hug, the former WWE Women's Tag Team Champions met up with a hug after their competitive period during the Fatal 4-Way match for the SmackDown Women's Championship. "Naughty Nikki" confessed her concern that she may have upset "Little Miss Bliss", but Alexa maintained that was not the case. It was every woman for herself at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules, and nothing more than that. Alexa maintained their bond was stronger than ever because of it, and now they needed to focus on getting back to the promised land - and once again become the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. Nikki was relieved and squeezed Alexa, asking her if she would watch her match. Bliss joked she had other things to do - before explaining how she wouldn't miss it for the world. The two scurried for the ring - Women's Division action, coming up next.
An advertisement aired, promoting the all-new free version of the WWE Network. Bringing the best in entertainment, with no credit card required, subscribers could gain access to over 15,000 available titles today.Match CancelledA dramatic scene was unfolding backstage at the WWE Performance Center, as the Royal Family were delivering a three-on-one ambush of Apollo Crews! King Corbin led the charge, directing traffic as Sir Gable and Duke Nese send Crews careening spine-first into a steel shutter door repeatedly! Gable exclaimed to his former tag team partner that there would be no match tonight, because after all "the One-Man Nation" had tried to prove - he simply didn't have the guts! The King watched with a grin, when onto the scene rushed Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak! Crews was forced to favor his arm, in no shape to compete tonight.
▆▆▆ 4) Mandy Rose def. Nikki Cross (3:26) - Alexa Bliss joined commentary days after the Fatal 4-Way match for the SmackDown Women's Championship, to discuss where she and Nikki Cross planned to go next in the SmackDown Women's Division. "Little Miss Bliss" implied that they would be planning to pursue the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships from Bayley and Sasha Banks a third time. - A handshake before the match saw Nikki Cross and Mandy Rose show respect for one another, before locking up. Using her experience, "Naughty Nikki" took the early advantage with a northern lights suplex, but "the Golden Goddess" would impressively bridge out of it into a backslide. Nikki took over with a crossbody, before lighting Rose up with a battering ram against the ropes. A diving crossbody saw the Scotswoman fly, but "the Precious Peach" responded with a roll-through into the spinebuster! Mandy continued to give her seasoned opponent what for with a fallaway slam and a cartwheel roundhouse kick. A flapjack got her a near fall, but Nikki would reverse the Goddess Fall into a victory roll. Mandy would reverse into one of her own - taking the win!
Mandy Rose slipped out of the ring and would have her hand raised in victory. In sheer disbelief, Alexa Bliss was left speechless by the defeat of Nikki Cross, who similarly could not understand what had gone wrong for her! "Naughty Nikki" angrily questioned the decision to the referee, though she tried to remain calm without losing her composure. "The Golden Goddess" was moving on from Sonya Deville and the Chain match from the Horror Show at Extreme Rules, and moving up with a big win against the former WWE Women's Tag Team Champion!
Backstage, a mesmerized Otis watched on with excitement for his "Precious Peach". Kofi Kingston would approach the SmackDown Tag Team Champion to ask if he was ready kick some Fight Night booty. With an enthusiastic nod, "the Powder Keg" hollered and followed the New Day member to the ring!
Still furious over what transpired earlier tonight, the Miz had packed his bags and set out to leave the WWE Performance Center when stopped by Kayla Braxton. "The A-Lister" called her a vulture who needed to know her time and place - complaining about the state of paparazzi these days. The broadcast journalist asked him for comment after being screwed out of the WWE Intercontinental Championship tonight by John Morrison, and relayed what "the Guru of Greatness" had to say to her earlier on. "The Awesome One" told Kayla he didn't need to tell her anything, but he was going to give her and the WWE Universe a scoop. He wanted to invite his old buddy, old pal onto a show of his territory. Unfortunately for JoMo, the royalties for 'the Dirt Sheet' had stopped flying in - because 'the Dirt Sheet' was dead! But what wasn't was 'Miz TV' - the true most must-see talk show in WWE history! Miz said it would return again next week, and this time he planned to invite JoMo on to be his special guest.
- Next week - The Miz hosts 'Miz TV' with special guest John Morrison
▆▆▆ 5) Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura (with Sheamus) def. Kofi Kingston and SmackDown Tag Team Champion Otis (4:35) - Fight Night had already sidelined Otis and Kofi Kingston's respective tag team partners Tucker and Big E with their antics over the past several weeks, but tonight was the New Day and Heavy Machinery's chance at revenge. The SmackDown Tag Team Champion charged Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura, hopeful of overcoming "the Swiss Cyborg" and "the Artist", only to be overwhelmed. Kofi Kingston entered the fray with a diving crossbody for both men! As Otis caught Cesaro with a double axe handle, Kofi soared with a topé onto "the King of Strong Style". Sheamus kept his distance, but "the Blue Collar Boy" was distracted by him, enabling Cesaro to deliver a body slam! "The Celtic Warrior" watched as "the Lads" ganged up on "the Powder Keg", when Shin's Bad Vibrations saw Otis spinebuster him away. Kofi came in and got the S.O.S. on Nakamura, but Sheamus distracted the official! Otis made the tag, but as Kofi handled Nakamura at ringside, Cesaro somehow planted Otis with the Neutralizer for the win!All Together NowFight Night once again came out on top of the strange bedfellow representative of Heavy Machinery and the New Day. Otis was beaten by Cesaro, but Sheamus had declared enough was not enough! Targeting the SmackDown Tag Team Champion, "the Swiss Cyborg" and "the Artist" joined "the Celtic Warrior" in delivering a joint collaboration of Beats of the Bodhran on "the Blue Collar Boy!" Kofi Kingston tried to intervene, only to be struck with Kinshasa from "the King of Strong Style". The trio were unstoppable in their onslaught, when out of nowhere came Tucker to save the day! Tucky was back after being sidelined last month, but would find himself overwhelmed by the trio in quick fashion. Finally, Big E made his return, hitting the ring and cleaning house of Cesaro and Nakamura! As the Big Ending took Shin out, the Compactor wiped Cesaro out - leaving Fight Night to re-convene on the floor. Reunited, the two teams of the New Day and Heavy Machinery did what they knew best - and danced in the ring.
▆▆▆ The SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley walked to the ring with a continued look of concern on her face. Appearing empty without the presence of her best friend Sasha Banks, "Bayley 2 Belts" looked down at the title and the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship on her shoulders, walking to the arena to apologize to "the Legit Boss" publicly.Exposed Even FurtherSasha Banks meanwhile found herself stopped in the hall by another former ally from the Team B.A.D. days, Tamina. "The Bouncer" for she and Bayley rarely broke her silence, knowing exactly what "the Legit Boss" had been finding out all night long - how "Bayley 2 Belts" was a vindictive, lying con artist only interested in herself. There was no "Boss 'n' Hug Connection" - it was all Bayley, Bayley, Bayley! Sasha remained silent as "the Islander" revealed Bayley's plan to apologize to her in the ring in a few minutes, and wanted to persuade her to do right by herself - and only herself! Standing aside, Sasha nodded and left for the ring. It spelled disaster for the double champ!
Michael Cole and Corey Graves discussed next week's edition of Friday Night SmackDown, and how some big matches had been signed - including an eight-man tag team match pitting members of Fight Night, and a partner to be named, against the combined forces of the SmackDown Tag Team Champions Heavy Machinery, and the New Day! Plus, Sir Gable and Apollo Crews would meet once and for all with outside interference banned. Lastly, in a match that would determine who would challenge Bayley for the SmackDown Women's Championship at SummerSlam, a four-woman Number One Contender's Elimination match would take place!
- Number One Contender's Fatal 4-Way Elimination match - TBA vs TBA vs TBA vs TBA
- SmackDown Tag Team Champions Heavy Machinery and The New Day vs Fight Night and TBA
- The Miz hosts 'Miz TV' with special guest John Morrison
- Apollo Crews vs Sir Gable - outside interference banned
▆▆▆ Mind Made UpThe SmackDown Women's Champion and WWE Women's Tag Team Champion Bayley made a slow and solemn walk to the ring in the WWE Performance Center. Surrounded by boos, she was without her best friend Sasha Banks, following the events unfolded in the Fatal 4-Way match for her title at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules. "Bayley 2 Belts" stood in the ring to address not the sycophant members of the WWE Universe, but someone who meant a great deal to her. Of course speaking of "the Legit Boss", Bayley sang the praises of her ever-loyal tag team partner and confidante. Together they had been partners in crime for years, dating back as far as their days in this very building - the WWEPC! Before it was occupied by everyone and their daughter, this building was made with the blood, sweat and tears of "the Boss 'n' Hug Connection". Together they had made history, headlining shows and taking part in some of this business's firsts. If one was to rank the Four Horsewomen, Sasha and herself would be at the top.
Bayley admitted how things had seemed pretty crazy lately, with all of the pressure placed on both herself and Sasha Banks. Paige hadn't helped from the start, out to not just sabotage her historic reign as SmackDown Women's Champion - but to sabotage her friendship with "the Legit Boss". What she planned to do tonight was not only prove that Sunday at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules was a part of a great misunderstanding, but to convince Sasha she was still her best friend. Sasha Banks soon came walking out to respond, but had not come alone - defiantly walking to the ring with Tamina behind her! "The Legit Boss" stood in the ring with "the Bouncer" behind her, remaining expressionless. As Sasha listened to "Bayley 2 Belts'" continued words of desperation, Bayley continued to pour her heart out for them both. From Team B.A.D. all the way to the top of the SmackDown Division! Bayley could not thank Sasha or Tamina enough.
The SmackDown Women's Champion knew she wasn't getting through to Sasha Banks there either, and raised the point that they were not only the first ever WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, but they were the reigning co-champs - and what could be better than that! "Bayley 2 Belts" claimed the three of them ruled the Women's Division, and proposed the hypothetical of looking beyond Friday Night SmackDown - and expanding their horizons to Monday Night RAW! Sasha nodded, but slowly departed the ring. Bayley was confused but kept going with her public apology, as "the Legit Boss" picked up a steel chair from the timekeeper's position. Slow to climb the ring steps and re-enter, Bayley was brought to a tone of true desperation, fearful of what was to come next! Her days numbered, Bayley finally confessed how much she loved Sasha's friendship, and dropped to her knees to beg for Sasha's forgiveness before anything rash could take place!
"The Legit Boss" stood before Bayley with the steel chair, and prepared to swing for the head of her best friend, but stopped at the last second! Instead turning, Sasha Banks inexplicably jabbed Tamina in the ribcage with the steel chair, before taking a wild swing at the spine! The SmackDown Women's Champion was stunned, as she watched Sasha serve up a terrifying beating of "the Bouncer" - someone she had been friends with for years herself! With the chair carved up, and Tamina left broken and beaten on the mat, Banks turned to stare at the champ again - before picking her up from her knees and hugging her tightly. Perplexed, Bayley had no idea what to make of this situation, but would grin from ear to ear over her BFF's shoulders. "The Boss 'n' Hug Connection" remained united, but it came at the betrayal of "the Islander" - but why?
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Post by DTP. on May 12, 2023 17:46:56 GMT -5
NXT #414 – July 22, 2020 Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida "All Out Life" by Slipknot
NXT UK #103: History Relived - July 23, 2020- The Shield (Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose) def. The Brothers of Destruction (The Undertaker and Kane) and Daniel Bryan following the missed diving headbutt from Bryan. (19:07) [MONDAY NIGHT RAW #1039 - APR 22, 2013] - Mickie James def. Beth Phoenix (c) with the roll-up to capture the WWE Women's Championship. (5:15) [MONDAY NIGHT RAW #777 - APR 14, 2008] - British Bulldog def. Typhoon, The Mountie, Big Boss Man, Roddy Piper, The Undertaker, Road Warrior Animal, Paul Roma, Ric Flair, Earthquake, Jim Duggan, Shawn Michaels, Jerry Sags, Road Warrior Hawk, Tito Santana, The Barbarian, Marty Jannetty, Brian Knobbs, Kerry Von Erich & Hercules in a 20-Man Battle Royal. (14:40) [BATTLE ROYAL AT THE ALBERT HALL - OCT 3, 1991]
Full Sail University were buzzed, as Mauro Ranallo, Beth Phoenix and Vic Joseph welcomed us to NXT. Banging on the plexiglass walls surrounding the guardrails, the facial covering-adorned NXT Universe were ready, as ring announcer Alicia Taylor provided formal ring introductions to get us kicked off immediately!
1) Keith Lee (c) def. Bobby Fish to retain the NXT North American Championship (6:31) - "The Limitless One" was hot for revenge against the Undisputed Era after they left he and Finn Bálor laying during their NXT Championship bout last week. Bobby Fish worked wisely to target the legs of the NXT North American Champion, but Keith Lee barged him across the ring! With a headbutt and an iron claw STO, 'the Limitless Legion' came to their feet for a teased plancha - just for Fish to wisely move away. Targeting his legs once more, Fish applied the Fish Hook around the bottom rope, and quickly took to grounding the champion with elbows to the knee. As Lee battled his way back up, Fish responded with a jumping knee strike, but a follow-up roundhouse kick into a Saito suplex attempt saw Keith land out with the crossbody connecting! On the rebound, Lee headbutted Fish silly before connecting with the scoop powerslam! The Spirit Bomb saw Fish escape and grab a dragon screw, when the Flying Fish Hook attempt saw Lee catch him for the Big Bang Catastrophe - picking up the win!
The imposing force of Keith Lee claimed another victim in Bobby Fish, as the NXT Universe came to their feet for "the Limitless One". Retaining the NXT North American Championship once again, 'the Limitless Legion' applauded the determined champion who mouthed that his beef with the Undisputed Era was only going to get a whole lot worse after what they did last week!
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Graphics aired, as Mauro Ranallo, Beth Phoenix and Vic Joseph discussed the show in store for the NXT Universe. The NXT Champion Finn Bálor would be out for similar revenge on the Undisputed Era, when he took on the man who returned last week, Kyle O'Reilly. The NXT Tag Team Champions Ever-Rise would defend their titles in a daring open challenge; in a real hoss fight, Bronson Reed would meet Killian Dain; and in a first for "the Black and Gold Brand" - man would face woman when Robert Stone made his in-ring debut against Shotzi!
- NXT Champion Finn Bálor vs Kyle O'Reilly
- Intergender match - Shotzi vs Robert Stone
- NXT Tag Team Championship Open Challenge - Ever-Rise (c) vs TBA
- Killian Dain vs Bronson Reed
Backstage, Scarlett led her man Karrion Kross down the corridor of Full Sail University. With Damian Priest sidelined with severe burns caused by the fireball launched last week, what would "the Herald of Doomsday" have to say?
McKenzie Mitchell welcomed us back to NXT, standing by with the woman who was challenged to a match tonight against Tegan Nox, Deonna Purrazzo. The newcomer took offense to how McKenzie addressed her, reminding her that she was not just another woman on "the Black and Gold Brand;" she was "the Virtuosa!" Irked by the intoxicatingly posi Tegan Nox, "the Welsh Wonder" didn't deserve to even share a locker room with her. It didn't matter how wholesome Tegan could ever try to be, because the fact remained that when you were up against "the Virtuosa", your chances were unequivocally improbable - and that was an understatement. Tonight, Deonna promised to beat Nox and prove once again how weak she was truly was.
- Tonight - Deonna Purrazzo vs Tegan Nox
✕✕✕ As a replay aired, showing the fireball thrown by Karrion Kross into the face of Damian Priest last week, Mauro Ranallo, Beth Phoenix and Vic Joseph were able to provide an injury update on "the Nocturnal Rockstar's" condition. While he had suffered second degree burns thanks to "the Herald of Doomsday", he was expected to make a full recovery. One thing was for sure: when "the Archer of Infamy" returned to NXT, Karrion and Scarlett would both face serious trouble.Doombringers be Damned The NXT Universe erupted in a chorus of boos, as the screen faded to black and white. Out marched Karrion Kross, with "the Siren of Destruction" Scarlett leading his path. Singing his theme song, she swayed to the upbeat riffs of the apocalyptic and eerie-sounding music, before the crowd began to voice their distaste. As the black suit-clad "Herald of Doomsday" graced the microphone, the people would chant for Damian Priest - only for Kross to tell them he would never be the same again after last week! Kross demanded they let it serve to everybody in the back as a reminder of what would happen when you not only crossed "the Tollman's" path, but when you insulted "the Siren" to his left. As if "the Archer of Infamy" couldn't get it through his thick skull; following what they did to Tommaso Ciampa back at NXT TakeOver: In Your House, he couldn't believe the stupidity! It was without question that NXT belonged to him.
"The Herald of Doomsday" could only say it so many times, but encouraged all of the boys watching backstage to simply accept what Karrion Kross was capable of: and Fall and Prey! Kross repeated the phrase to the negative response, until finally Scarlett squeezed his arm to calm him. "The Siren of Doomsday" took over the microphone to urge her man to focus on what was next for the two of them, who were not only navigating the end of NXT as they knew it, but here to bring it into a new tomorrow. Karrion snickered before agreeing with the dangerous blonde. There was more to life than destroying a "Blackheart", and there was more to life than addressing a blind man like "the Archer of Infamy". That was why it was time to turn their attention to the new tomorrow: that being the NXT Championship. It was the trigger they were after to signal the change they seeked. Kross said he admired Finn Bálor tenacity, but "the Prince" was not long for this world they felt they owned - demanding his own shot!
Karrion Kross claimed if Finn Bálor the NXT Champion he thought he was, he would have no problem accepting his challenge. The crowd cheered at the prospect of another sudden NXT Championship bout, but instead...out stomped Dijakovic! Sporting a new look, with black hair, a beard and sunglasses, the leather-wearing stud stomped out fearless of "the Herald of Doomsday". Coming face to face with Kross, it prompted "the Tollman" to laught dementedly. Kross continued to glare, as Dijakovic dared him to try something! He told Karrion he had never come across anyone his size before. Stomped down before, now he was back and he was better. Dijakovic again urged Kross to take a swing at him, though Scarlett pulled her man's arm. In departing, Kross told the returnee he would, but he won't: Dijakovic has already lost enough. Mysteriously, the power couple took their leave, leaving Dijakovic to address him - telling Kross he would face him next week, and he would meet a threat he had never met before.
✕✕✕ As a graphic aired promoting tonight's first for NXT: man against woman action pitting Robert Stone against Shotzi, a video package followed reliving the torment in which "the Ballsy Badass" had put "the Hipster" through for the past several months. She had stripped him of his clothes, beaten him down, ran him over with her tank - but that was enough as far as the agent of the Robert Stone Brand was concerned. With Chelsea Green and Aliyah still struggling to get on the same page, Stone had declared he would take care of her herself. Tonight, in the first Intergender match in the history of "the Black and Gold Brand" - what would happen?Not a Strong Support SystemRobert Stone performed jumping jacks in the locker room of the Robert Stone Brand, where Chelsea Green and Aliyah continued to bicker about who was to blame for Green's loss to Taynara last Friday night on 205 Live. Stone grew distracted only to regain focus, but as "the Hipster" began to shadowbox, he could not take it anymore! Blowing a gasket with rage, he went from zero to a hundred once he began to scream at the faces of his Brand for failing to coexist. He claimed it wasn't so hard, and there wasn't even any reason for the two of them to despise one another! With his match tonight against Shotzi, the least they could do was show some respect and suport - by getting along for just a few hours tonight! Robert stormed off, leaving Aliyah to place blame on Green! Chels deflected, telling Aliyah this was her fault! Class In SessionOn a television monitor played footage of Timothy Thatcher forcing Matt Riddle to surrender in the inaugural Fight Pit match several weeks ago at the Great American Bash. Timothy Thatcher was hard at work, wielding his pointer at the pressure points in which he targete to put "the King of Bros" away, and send him packing to Monday Night RAW. With a sick smile, he described the emotions and the physical elements that went into it, as his small class sat cross-legged on the floor in stunned silence. One innocent man raised his hand to ask a question about when they would get around to training in-ring. Thatch quizzed the kid on what he wanted to know, asking whether he wanted to be a journeyman like him, or just another one hit wonder like Riddle. As the kid explained he wanted to learn how to do a suplex and a powerbomb, Tim exclaimed that was what was wrong with today's generation! They all wanted to skip ahead without learning the fundamentals.
Inviting the prospect to stand up and act as his training dummy, Timothy Thatcher had the hesitant young individual step into the practice ring with him. With the small class watching, with some even taking notes, Thatch squared off with the trainee - before taking him down with the double-leg! Describing each of his movements as he controlled from the mount on the defenceless rookie, he appallingly inserted his fingers into the nostrils - arching back the poor man's neck in agony! Suddenly grasping a chokehold, Thatch transitioned into the Fujiwara armbar. The prospect screamed without relent, tapping profusely as the class stood terrified. Thatch refused to ring the bell, out to teach the kid a lesson - until the kid had lost consciousness. Tim grinned with his damaged teeth, claiming that was how you did it in Thatch-As-Thatch-Can: doing anything to survive. He asked if there was any questions, after kicking the beating newbie aside.
✕✕✕ 2) Ricky Starks def. Rik Bugez (1:44)- "The Center of Attention" had proven how impressive he could be on the microphone, and in the ring, in flashes against Isaiah "Swerve" Scott and Leon Ruff; but tonight he was up against a promising, charismatic upstart in Rik Bugez. With the NXT Universe strongly behind the moustached young rocker, "Absolute" Ricky Starks came into this match by overpowering him, when Bugez threw bombs to battle out of the corner. A military press slam saw Starks sent overhead, but the short flurry of offense would be cut short by a flying clothesline and the swinging neckbreaker! A corner back elbow saw the arrogance of "Pretty Ricky" come out, restraining Bugez in an armbar. Rik was able to use his freakish power to deadlift Starks away, but as a series of clotheslines took him down the Spear would put Starks in the driver's seat! In a position to beat Rik there and then, Starks would plant Bugez with the Roshambo for the three count.
Placing a boot over the chest of his vanquished opponent Rik Bugez, Ricky Starks palmed his face in a posing stance to a negative response. "Absolute" Ricky Starks remained impressive, as he paraded around the ring before taking a leave for the back. Ricky mouthed off directly to the camera, claiming they called him "the Center of Attention" for a reason.
✕✕✕ An Ugly TakeoverMcKenzie Mitchell was standing by backstage with Legado del Fantasma, who stood fearsomely as a unit in the interview area. The broadcast journalist wished to understand the group further, but Raúl Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde, both wearing shades, advised she take a step away from the NXT Cruiserweight Champion. Repeating how different Santos Escobar had become since his arrival as El Hijo Del Fantasma, it brought the champ to demand she never call him by that name again! She didn't deserve to, much like none of the NXT Universe deserved to be in their company. Santos reiterated how he had taken Joaquin and Raúl in and made them what she sees today. They were responsible for such an easy hostile takeover of the Cruiserweight Division - beginning with Kushida, who hadn't been seen since! Mitchell brought up their destruction of Lucha House Party two weeks ago on 205 Live, to which Santos' henchmen joked the likes of Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado were a couple of fakes.
As Raúl Mendoza explained how the Cruiserweight Division was theirs, and they were real luchadors, up walked Jake Atlas. "The Game Changer" was all smiles as he greeted his old buddy El Hijo Del Fantasma, claiming Santos Escobar could call himself whatever he pleased - but he refused to sit idly by and let Legado del Fantasma sabotage the Cruiserweight Division. Joaquin Wilde fired up, demanding distance between Atlas and Santos Escobar, when the NXT Cruiserweight Champion chuckled, ordering his men to stand down. Escobar belittled Jake, asking him what he alone was going to do about it...when into frame stepped Breezango! Tyler Breeze and Fandango entered, dressed like police officers, observing the get-up of the trio before them. "Dirty Dango" issued Mendoza with a ticket for their atrocities against fashion, as "Prince Pretty" told them they looked truly ugly. Atlas smirked, telling them he had all the back-up he needed right there! The champ scoffed, telling the trio he'd see them next week.
- Next week - Legado del Fantasma vs Jake Atlas and Breezango
The Pound For Pound BaddestRaquel González was seen working out in the gym at Full Sail University, when up strutted Dakota Kai. Still living for her big win against Rhea Ripley two weeks ago, "King Kota" claimed the truth was the sky was the limit for her, because she was so damn good. It was undeniable that she was "the Beacon of the Brand", and that with that win against "the Brutalist" should equate to even more. Rhea Ripley soon entered the frame, causing Kota to take a step back behind her insurance policy. Ordering "Big Mami Cool" to handle it, the two bad women went nose-to-nose, as Rhea made mention of how Dakota didn't beat her two weeks ago - her heavy did. The former NXT Women's Champion soon declared she could admit defeat, and Kota would get hers' soon, but next week she wanted a piece at the method behind the madness - Raquel! Ripley left, completely ignoring the irritable Dakota Kai. Turning to her muscle, Kota demanded González to demolish Rhea next week in the short manner she did.
- Next week - Rhea Ripley vs Raquel González
✕✕✕ 3) Bronson Reed def. Killian Dain (4:02) - In what was expected to be a true hoss fight between two big and bad men, Bronson Reed looked to impress one week removed from his surprise return last week. With his foot still bandaged, "the Battleship" wasted no time going blow-for-blow against Killian Dain! "The Beast of Belfast" was initially overpowered by the pent-up energy of his opponent, but would catch Bronson off-guard with the Barn River Boot! Dain hammered at Reed and delivered a corner splash - just for "the Thicc Boi" to absorb the brunt of it. An exchange of warcries led to an exchange of strikes, when Bronson caught "the Irish Animal" with a release German suplex! The Stan Hansen shoulder block saw the Aussie fly from the apron to the floor, when a senton back inside got a near fall. Dain ducked the King Kong Lariat allowing for the Divide to connect, when Killian attempted the Vader Bomb near the corner! Reed got his boot up, and the King Kong Lariat struck - paving the way for the Jagged Edge to put the hoss away!
"The Battleship" made short work of Killian Dain in a dogfight between two hosses. Bronson Reed stood in dominance over "the Beast of Belfast", when out swaggered his former friends. Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink had microphones in hands as they brought up how Bronson had made a speedy recovery! Reed watched as his fellow countrymen joked about their history with "the Thicc Boi", and how despite the showing he had put on tonight for the NXT Universe - he had gone soft! Brendan told Bronson to wake up and smell the coffee: what Dexter Lumis had put them through - he was psychotic! They implied he was capable of murder, when Dexter Lumis surfaced from the shadows. "The Tortured Artist" stood behind the two Austalians, tapping Thorne on the shoulder. It brought the two to run a mile, as in the ring Reed took a mic of his own. He accepted his weirdo friend - but if it meant it could finally get those two out of his sights, he was willing to team up with Dex one more time next week!
- Next week - Bronson Reed and Dexter Lumis vs Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink
✕✕✕ A video package aired, providing an inside look ahead of next week's NXT Women's Championship match. After accepting the champion's challenge, Xia Li headed into next week determined. With Chinese subtitles provided, she said she'd watched Io for years, from her journey from Japan to the United States. While she trained and studied from her, she watched "the Genius of the Sky" soar; defeating Charlotte Flair and becoming the champion. But now was her time. "The Wushu Crusader" believed 2020 to be the Year of Li, and next week would be the culmination of her hard work. "The Joshi Judas" grinned discussing her rivalry with "the Queen" and how it prepared her for this spot. "The Japanese Sensation" agreed Xia was gifted - but she had never been in the ring with someone of her calibre. With Japanese subtitles provided, she was on a new level. Shirai respectfully believed Li was set up for failure. Meanwhile, Xia wanted to force a change in the tide, and be the first Chinese woman to win a championship in NXT - or WWE.
- Next week - NXT Women's Championship - Io Shirai (c) vs Xia Li
A Tweet from the NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai was shown on-screen, posted earlier today on Twitter. "The Joshi Judas" expected to see all of "the Wushu Crusader" next week - and more - if Xia Li wanted to leave as the first Chinese Women's Champion in history.
✕✕✕ In a padded suit, Robert Stone appeared geared and ready for the first-ever Intergender match in NXT history. With Chelsea Green and Aliyah of the Robert Stone Brand guiding him to the ring in silence, "the Hipster" humorously shadow-boxed and trash talked that Shotzi had no idea what she was in for. What could "the Ballsy Badass" accept when man met woman in the ring - up next!The Two ChampionsThe NXT North American Champion Keith Lee took a gulp from a gallon of water in his dressing room, when in walked the NXT Champion Finn Bálor. Standing to attentions, the two champions stood face-to-face with the gold on each of their shoulders. "The Prince" wanted to talk about last week, but "the Limitless One" maintained his presence said it all. Finn said despite how last week ended in their match, there would come a time and a place where they would meet again. Lee nodded, before instructing Finn that first he had to do everything within his power to outlast the onslaught of the Undisputed Era. Finn nodded before departing the room, surely to get ready for Kyle O'Reilly.
✕✕✕ 4) Robert Stone (with the Robert Stone Brand) def. Shotzi in an Intergender match (3:10) - Robert Stone had enough of "the Ballsy Badass's" harassment, coming to compete in his in-ring debut in a first for "the Black and Gold Brand". Conferring with Aliyah and Chelsea Green in his corner enabled Shotzi to jump the gun with a takedown, beginning to rip the suit from Stone! His chest exposed, the she chopped away at Stone , before having the audacity to place Robert over her knee for a spanking! Aliyah's distraction allowed Green to come from behind with a dropkick, and with that Stone ran his mouth to the grounded Shotzi. Placing her in the corner, he attempted the Bronco Buster - but Shotzi moved! Green distracted again, but Aliyah would miss a tackle and wind up taking her from the apron! Finally the two Robert Stone Brand members warred on the floor, with the official leaving the ring to restrain them. Shotzi had Stone beat with a snap suplex, when from out of nowhere came Mercedes Martinez with a rope-hung neckbreaker! Draping Stone on top, the confused official counted the three!The RebrandIn her facemask, Mercedes Martinez re-entered the ring to muscle Robert Stone to his feet. In a daze, "the Hipster" had his hand raised by her, when Chelsea Green slipped into the ring. Aliyah slowly climbed into the ring the opposite side. In confusion, the Robert Stone Brand seemed to approach their agent to celebrate...when Martinez blasted Aliyah! In shock, Green charged only to drop her with the Bull Run. Stone watched from the corner as the seasoned veteran locked in the surfboard dragon sleeper on Aliyah, with her desperately tapping out. With the Brand demolished, the returning Martinez glared at Robert...who would greet her with a big hug! The two celebrated over Shotzi, Green and Aliyah, with Stone looking at rebranding the Robert Stone Brand in dramatic fashion.
✕✕✕ Not InterestedKillian Dain sulked in the corridor, after being ousted in a hurry by Bronson Reed. Into shot swaggered Cameron Grimes, sporting a smart grey suit. With his trusty hat in hand, "the Carolina Caveman" showed respect to "the Beast of Belfast", wanting to congratulate him on such an impressive outing against "the Battleship". Dain questioned if he was being sarcastic, but Grimes retreated - he was amazed at how big, bad and tough he was! Slapping his gums, Grimes noted that he had been looking for a partner and had had no luck - but he was just waiting for the right guy to come along at the right time. Cameron proposed they'd make a killer team, complimenting Dain on his sense of fashion. But in patting him on the chest, the imposing Irishman warned that he would much rather stuff him in a locker and leave him there! Dain grabbed him by the tie and pulled him close, warning Cameron to stay away from him.
✕✕✕ Tegan Nox was heading to the ring, when stopped by McKenzie Mitchell. The broadcast journalist asked for some parting words ahead of her match with Deonna Purrazzo, to which "the Welsh Valley Wonder" commented that she had never known someone to be so stuck up, bratty and cocky since another girl she used to know - Dakota Kai. The difference was that she had taken care of "King Kota", but now was about to introduce "the Virtuosa" to the Shiniest Wizard going in NXT today. Who knew, Tegan implied she too could be interested in throwing her name into the NXT Women's Championship hat in the near future.Demolition ManDijakovic paced in a dark part of the backstage area, as the cameraman questioned "the Demolition Man" on what brought about this change in attitude, and what his intentions were now he was back. Turning to glare at the lens, he spoke of how for too long he had been toyed and trifled with, and it was about time he take action. In order to get his way he had to be reborn, because he was so fed up being forced to cater to men like Damian Priest and Keith Lee. But now Karrion Kross had walked through his door, and decided to call shots his mouth couldn't count. Dijakovic vowed that he would show "the Herald of Doomsday" what doomsday really looked like, because next week would be like nothing the NXT Universe have seen from him before. All Hail.5) Deonna Purrazzo def. Tegan Nox (7:20) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- Ahead of her NXT debut, Deonna Purrazzo set out a roadmap of victories she planned to claim while a part of the NXT Women's Division. Tegan Nox was at the top of the list. Yet after running her mouth in the dressing room last week, "the Welsh Valley Wonder" decided to challenge Deonna to put up or shut up. Nox started out with a burst of energy, rushing "the Virtuosa" with a multitude of corner forearms before connecting with a rushing uppercut followed by an enzuigiri! Purrazzo would spill to the floor, when Nox soared with the dive through the ropes! Back inside, Tegan hoped to keep it up but Deonna would cry wolf to the referee - before taking advantage of the hesitation with a bicycle kick! Now in power, Deonna began to stomp at the shoulder of "the Girl with the Shiniest Wizard", executing a gourdbuster for a near fall. Her mistake would be pausing to salute the NXT Universe - and Nox came back with a single-leg dropkick! - The momentum swayed back and forth, as Deonna Purrazzo took Tegan Nox down with the the double knee armbreaker. During the break, as "the Welsh Valley Wonder" was rolling, she missed the inverted Cannonball senton in the corner and that would allow "the Virtuosa" to deliver a release German suplex taking her overhead! Purrazzo trod on the shoulder in an attempt at hyperextending the arm backwards, but Nox would make the escape. She began a comeback, when a hurricanrana was reversed into a powerbomb! Purrazzo looked for the Venus de Milo, but Nox rolled through with a leg-hook cradle for a near fall. Suddenly the Shiniest Wizard connected - but Deonna was fortunate enough to fall out to the floor! Dismayed, Tegan followed, favoring her shoulder. Able to sidestep a big boot, the Tiger suplex took her opponent down on the floor! Back inside, Tegan missed a second attempt at the Shiniest Wizard - when Deonna snuck in with an Oklahoma roll. With her hand on the rope, "the Virtuosa" stole it!
Deonna Purrazzo had prophesied this moment and had delivered, albeit with some unfair shortcuts. "The Virtuosa" threw her fist into the air in exhaustion, struggling to find her breath after such a hard-fought match with Tegan Nox. But as she began to rub it verbally in the faces of the NXT Universe, she would turn around and find herself blasted with the Shiniest Wizard after all! "The Welsh Valley Wonder" was not about to take this loss lightly, and Deonna appeared to have sparked a fire under Tegan.
✕✕✕ Zweites KommenA vignette aired, allowing Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner to silhouette the white background with their stoic poses. Representing Imperium, the two spoke about their return to NXT two weeks ago at the Great American Bash, regarding it as returning back to business - why they arrived in the United States once and for all. The two discussed how they had been forced to watch from their homeland of Germany for months, watching the feeble NXT Tag Team Division starve as it found itself devoid of true quality athletes. The NXT United Kingdom Champion WALTER had been watching too, and was the one to give the command to come back to "the Black and Gold Brand", and bring its' tag team ranks to their knees. And as NXT awaited "the Ring General", Imperium's Barthel and Aichner vowed in unison that they would keep the mat sacred for his return. Imperium would return once again next week.
- Next week - Imperium will be in action.
A vignette aired, promoting the arrival of a new Cruiserweight. There was nobody younger, nobody hotter, and nobody who possessed the pizzazz and the finesse he did. Driving a convertible through the streets of the Bay Area in San Francisco, he took the time to stop, pause and lower his sunglasses. With an eager smile, the young man in a cropped leather jacket welcomed the NXT Universe to "Ya Girl's Favorite Superstar;" "the Ultimate Finesser" Chris Bey - coming soon to NXT.
✕✕✕ A Taste of the TitlesEver-Rise took over the ring in Full Sail University, the NXT Tag Team Champions voicing their frustration with having been the champs for a month, yet hadn't received any respect! Matt Martel noted how he and Chase Parker were talented guys without a doubt. They were sixteen year veterans in this business, had wrestled all over the world, and to top it off, were also hot as hell on the podcast market! Parker noted that Ever-Rise Live was a hit with listeners all over North America, and even in England. So why was it they were barely even featured? Martel slapped his gums with a wide-eyed stare, reminding the NXT Universe of the fact they beat Matt Riddle for the titles! Parker brought up that this was why they were here tonight to bestow an open challenge on the locker room. Any tag team brave enough to step up and take on "the Show" was welcome - all they had to do was grow a set for a taste at the titles! Suddenly, Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch came bounding down the aisle - wasting no time!6) Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch def. Ever-Rise (c) by disqualification; Ever-Rise retain the NXT Tag Team Championship (4:40)- On the heels of their debuts on Monday Night RAW against Randy Orton and Bobby Lashley in the Beat the Clock Challenge, Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch had returned home with the NXT Tag Team Championships in their sights! Matt Martel and Chase Parker tried to get something against their challengers, but would find themselves eating their words as "the Boston Bruiser" and "the London Mauler" clobbered them in their separate corners! A running blockbuster from Lorcan on Parker got a near fall, when a simultaneous single-legged Boston crab and crossface was applied - but the referee refused to allow it, when Martel delivered an elbow drop. The co-hosts of 'Ever-Rise Live' took advantage with a double wrist-lock slam on Burch, but the Brit wound surprise Parker soon with a blunt headbutt! Lorcan raged in with European uppercuts and open-hand slaps for Martel, but as the half-and-half suplex drove him into the mat, Parker would rush in for the save - striking both Oney and Danny with the title gold!
The same NXT Tag Team Champions who had complained about not being featured on "the Black and Gold Brand" in weeks had made it out as the champs by the skin of their teeth, in the process robbing Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch of this opportunity! Ever-Rise put the boots to Danny Burch, who remained alone in the ring after being struck with the title gold. He tried to fight off Matt Martel and Chase Parker, when the French Connection saw him stungunned throat-first on the top rope! The co-hosts of 'Ever-Rise Live' showboated, not aware of Lorcan resurfacing behind them. With a scowl, Oney let both men have it, taking Parker down with the half-and-half suplex! Oney grabbed Martel by the throat and lit him up with a flurry of fierce slaps, when Ever-Rise were able to squirm out to safety. "The Boston Brawler" and "the London Mauler" may have been unsuccessful in leaving with gold, but were now hot on the champs' heels.
✕✕✕ A graphic aired, promoting the main event. In his first match back in over four months, "Hollywood" Kyle O'Reilly was back from the big time to issue a challenge against the NXT Champion Finn Bálor. Who would come out on top, in this first time ever encounter? The main event was next!Not A KidIn footage captured last week after the Street Fight, immediately after returning through the curtain, Candice LeRae caught he breath. Taking a seat on the concrete floor, "the Poison Pixie" rambled to the cameraman that despite all she had to offer, Mia Yim was little more than a girl with attitude problems! It was high time the NXT Universe recognize the fact that she was the frontrunner and trailblazer for the Women's Evolution they had come to know now. Everybody knew it, but they preferred to keep it tucked away for praise when it came to the Becky Lynches and Bayleys of the WWE. When they were taking their first steps inside the ring, she was busting her butt in Reseda, California for a hotdog and a handshake - but everybody overlooked what she had done for this business! Candice claimed to have proven everybody wrong, and would continue to in life after "the Blasian Baddie". Kacy Catanzaro came up to her, with a newfound sense of confidence.
Refusing to let Candice LeRae slander her friend Mia Yim any further, Kacy Catanzaro had heard enough! "The Poison Pixie" scoffed, mocking the youngster with a baby voice and urging her to go find her blankie. She may have been friendly with her before, but that before she figured out what NXT was all about - stabbing backs and leapfrogging shoulders to make it to the top. It was a matter of time until she found that out, and now for Kacy - it was sink or swim! Catanzaro admitted to Candice when she started she had nothing but her past on 'American Ninja Warrior'. But she was no kid, she was an NCAA gymnast - but all along, all she ever wanted to do was compete. Kacy brought up being in the 2019 Women's Royal Rumble match, and how it lit a fire in her - and she planned on duplicating that when she faced her in a match, one-on-one! LeRae laughed in her face, calling her cute - but she was going to make her question her life choices.
✕✕✕ Vic Joseph stood in front of the large 'NXT' letters in the corner of Full Sail Arena's audience section, addressing the camera with the NXT Universe behind him. Talking about 205 Live this coming Friday night on the WWE Network, immediately following Friday Night SmackDown, we would see Kacy Catanzaro receive her challenge against Candice LeRae. Meanwhile, Mansoor would meet Cameron Grimes in a rematch from last week; and after the attack last week, Isaiah "Swerve" Scott and Leon Ruff would look for revenge against The Brian Kendrick and Ariya Daivari.
- Candice LeRae vs Kacy Catanzaro
- The Brian Kendrick and Ariya Daivari vs Isaiah Scott and Leon Ruff
- Cameron Grimes vs Mansoor
Mauro Ranallo and Beth Phoenix continued, as they ran down the line-up for next week's edition of NXT. The NXT Women's Championship would be on the line when Io Shirai defended against Xia Li; Karrion Kross would meet Dijakovic; Raquel González would take on somebody her own size against Rhea Ripley; Bronson Reed and Dexter Lumis would look to settle the score against Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink; and Legado del Fantasma would meet Breezango and Jake Atlas!
- NXT Women's Championship - Io Shirai (c) vs Xia Li
- Dijakovic vs Karrion Kross
- Rhea Ripley vs Raquel González
- Bronson Reed and Dexter Lumis vs Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink
- Legado del Fantasma vs Jake Atlas and Breezango
✕✕✕ 7) NXT Champion Finn Bálor def. Kyle O'Reilly (14:16) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- One week after the return of "Hollywood" Kyle O'Reilly to NXT, the Undisputed Era continued to carve out a scheme to rid Finn Bálor of the NXT Championship. "The Prince" immediately left his comfort zone, engaging in a mat-based display of holds and chain-wrestling sequences with his opponent. Kyle was quick to outwrestle him, and immediately targeted the weakened ankle of the champ with the Heel Hook early! Bálor leveraged the ropes as fast as he could; the bandage wrapped around his ankle present since the Great American Bash last month, where the UE attempted to take Finn out of competition permanently. As Kyle began to light Finn up with chest kicks and leg kicks, the champ welcomed each blow before coming back with elbows of his own. A striking exchange would see "the Prince" catch O'Reilly on the jaw with a calf kick, when a diving topé con hilo took out the former NXT Tag Team Champion! - "The Prince" continued to keep the pressure on Kyle O'Reilly, sidestepping the legsweep and connecting with an enzuigiri! Out on the apron, Finn struck O'Reilly with a soccer kick before coming bounding off the apron with a clothesline. The NXT Champion sent O'Reilly into the steel steps and the barricade, but when Finn climbed back onto the apron for a second, "Hollywood" would catch him mid-flight with the cross-armbreaker! Finn rived in pain, but the threat of the ring-out count would see O'Reilly bring him back in. With more kicks, Finn tried to get back in the fight, only for his attempt at a takedown into a double foot stomp to go missed. O'Reilly responded with a charging big boot, before drilling the champ with the Brainbuster! Somehow, he was only able to get a two-count, when O'Reilly sank in with the Ankle Lock. Finn let out a cry for help, with his bandaged foot under attack. After rolling Kyle out, Finn came sailing from the corner with the Sling Blade - buying himself some breathing space! - Kyle O'Reilly maintained a guillotine choke on Finn Bálor, bringing him to the mat. The NXT Champion managed to squirm free of "Hollywood's" grip, landing a double foot stomp. "The Prince" mounted his comeback, when the basement dropkick was missed! An axe kick and the rolling elbow stunned Finn and led to the Regal-Plex, but Finn landed on his feet and landed the Pelé kick! Finn set Kyle up on the top rope, looking for a superplex - just for O'Reilly to bring both crashing to the mat with the cross-armbreaker applied! Wrenching away, Finn got his foot to the rope. The NXT Universe showed their respect, as Finn and Kyle went elbow strike for elbow strike, when Kyle came back from the ropes with a rebound lariat! The Kyle Combination stunned Finn, but a reversal into the inverted DDT connected. The Irishman went to the top rope planning to shut down the Canadian, when Kyle crotched him. Both battled on the top rope precariously, but Finn won out with a series of strikes. The Coup de Grâce connected - Bálor taking victory!Disputed EraThe NXT Champion reigned supreme against "Hollywood" Kyle O'Reilly, who remained motionless on the canvas. Finn Bálor laid on his back having his hand raised as the victor, but "the Prince" hardly looked like one following such a battle. The Irishman came to his feet, where he was met by the Canadian with a show of respect. Finn was hesitant to answer Kyle's display of sportsmanship - and before he could act, Roderick Strong struck with the Sick Kick! Like last week, Roddy mounted him with a series of strikes. Kyle watched before getting involved himself - as he and Bobby Fish would deliver Chasing the Dragon! Alone, the scene backstage revealed why - as the locker room door of Keith Lee's had been barricaded shot! The NXT North American Champion's banging was heard, though he was unable to help as "the Master of the Backbreaker" followed with the End of Heartache. Roddy led the Undisputed Era in standing tall over the motionless Finn Bálor. With the NXT Championship in his own possession, Strong stole Finn's title!
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Post by DTP. on May 7, 2023 14:50:46 GMT -5
Monday Night RAW #1417 - July 20, 2020 WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida ONE DAY REMOVED FROM THE HORROR SHOW AT EXTREME RULES! "Legendary" by Skillet
Main Event #408 – July 23, 2020 1) Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch def. Riddick Moss and Shelton Benjamin with the Doomsday Device. Moss and Benjamin could not coexist coming off of the events of Monday Night RAW. "So Smooth" grew so frustrated with "the Gold Standard's" direction that Benjamin wound up walking out on him, allowing the newcomers from NXT to get the win. (5:35) - Riddick Moss confronted Shelton Benjamin after the match in the locker room, to demand "the Gold Standard" show him some respect. Benjamin was too tired to even worry about what "So Smooth" had to say to him, and told him he was going home - Moss was nothing but a loser. 2) Dana Brooke def. Jessi Kamea with the Brooke Bomb. (3:46)
A video package aired, taking us back to the events of last night at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules. It lived up to the tradition of the event, being the epitome of the one night a year WWE got extreme. Championships changed hands, bodies were brutalized thanks to the relentless use of weapons, psyches were tortured by the torment of rivals, and even eyes were extracted. In the main event, Drew McIntyre faced the biggest test of his reign thus far, putting the WWE World Championship at stake against AJ Styles in a Three Stages of Hell match. "The Phenomenal One" went up one fall in the Wrestling match thanks to his cheating ways, but despite the damage done to "the Scottish Terminator's" ankle, the champ evened the score by forcing AJ to tap out in the Submission match. In the tiebreaking Steel-Cage match, both combatants gave it all they had in the ultimate test of endurance - by the difference of all but a few inches resulted in the Scotsman retaining the gold.Meeting the BroThe WWE Performance Center stood in anticipation as Monday Night RAW went on the air. "Voices" by Rev Theory blasted through the building to the mixed response of the WWE Universe, as Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian welcomed us to the show - one night removed from the Horror Show at Extreme Rules! "The Apex Predator" made a slow walk to the ring, proudly displaying of the Money in the Bank contract still remaining in his possession. It belonged to his rival Bobby Lashley, who beat him last night in a No Holds Barred match, yet in the middle of it all, "the Viper" was able to escape with the paperwork in tow. As stills aired on the video screen, Randy reviewed the events before taking to the microphone to give credit where credit was due to "the All Mighty". Despite being a yellow-bellied moron with a posse behind him backing him up, with his balls in his wife's purse, and his confidence reliant on a little ex-Superstar, Bobby showed him what he was all about last night.
"The Viper" continued in discussing the No Holds Barred match, and how weeks of pent-up aggression and frustration was finally released from Bobby Lashley's veins. Randy Orton amitted he got every bit of what he had coming to him at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules - but when it came to leaving with what he came for, "the All Mighty" had failed! Randy raised the paperwork high and asked Bobby if he recognized his own Money in the Bank contract. If it truly did belong to him, he would have this in his possession! He would have worked harder for it - but he didn't, and that's why Randy had to take it from him. The WWE Universe chanted for Lashley as it was noted on commentary he had not yet arrived at the building, as Orton digressed to converse about how Lashley wasn't man enough to be a WWE Champion - and if there was any doubt to that, to simply look at how he won the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match in May - through MVP!
Unexpectedly the WWE Performance Center was graced with color, as out strutted Matt Riddle - from NXT! "The King of Bros" had arrived on Monday Night RAW, sporting flip flops and a yellow sports jacket, with his snapback ever present. Coming to the ring, the NXT alumni looked around wildly before asking if this was truly RAW! The WWE Universe cheered, as Riddle commented in astonishment at how it sure looked different from what he was used to seeing - when Randy Orton piped up to demand how he could help him. "The Bro" asserted that he wasn't lost like Orton claimed, but he was glad to see him. Wishing to shake "the Viper's" hand - he was a longtime fan of his! Riddle raved about Randy being a multiple-time WWE Champion, how he slithered like a snake, and how the RKO was the best finish in the business! Riddle placed his arm around Randy and called him a living legend. "The Apex Predator" begrudgingly thanked him, but told Matt to beat it while he let him.
"The Viper" was derogatory about Matt Riddle's upbringing through the NXT Brand, telling "the Original Bro" this wasn't "the Black and Gold Brand" - now he was on Monday Night RAW. And on the RAW Brand, it was dog eat dog. Riddle laughed, telling Randy Orton they were cool. Randy corrected the "Bro" that they were not cool, because they'd never met before! All Randy saw before him was a hippy who clearly breathed different air than any of the mouthbreathers in the WWE Performance Center tonight - let alone "the living legend" he referred to moments ago. Though Orton told the newcomer to beat it, Riddle understood this was what he was all about - which is why he was here not just to sing his praises and suck up. The truth was he wanted to know what "the Apex Predator" was all about! Riddle got serious as he told Randy how long he'd been watching him, but he had been in fights he didn't even know. He'd proven time and time again how tough he was from his days in the Octagon in UFC.
Matt Riddle confirmed he came to Monday Night RAW not to make friends and have a good time, but to take no prisoners and put some Bros to sleep - and he was going to start that tonight, by challenging Randy Orton to a match! "The Viper" was taken aback by the change in "the Original Bro's" demeanor, who extended his hand. Randy scoffed, having no time for this! He had no beef with Riddle, and had never thought about him until he had the gall to come out here and interrupt him. Randy wished Riddle luck and turned to leave - when Riddle questioned if "the Viper" was too scared to face him. Randy turned back to glare the newcomer in the face, as "the Bro" repeated it. Was Randy Orton too afraid of getting schooled by "the King of Bros?" Orton maintained if Riddle had been watching him, he knew the kind of twisted, sick son of a b*tch he was. Riddle dared him to prove it, with Orton left to mull it over. Aggressively, he accepted the challenge! With eyes locked, Orton and Riddle would get it on tonight!
- Tonight - Matt Riddle vs Randy Orton
︾︾︾ Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian discussed the background of Matt Riddle and his experience as a fighter in the UFC - and after spending time on the independent scene and in NXT, "the King of Bros" had come to Monday Night RAW, and challenged Randy Orton! The announcers talked about what else was coming up tonight, as graphics aired on-screen. We would hear from the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre following his epic Three Stages of Hell win twenty-four hours ago. Following the disgusting extraction of Aleister Black's eye, Seth Rollins would deliver a sermon especially for the WWE Universe. Meanwhile, Big Show would host the WWE 24/7 Championship Invitational; and in the main event, Charlotte Flair would challenge Asuka for the RAW Women's Championship.
- RAW Women's Championship - Asuka (c) vs Charlotte Flair
- Seth Rollins delivers a sermon for the WWE Universe
- We will hear from the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre
- WWE 24/7 Championship Invitational - Big Show (c) vs TBA
A video package aired, taking us back to WrestleMania 34. The Mercedes-Benz Superdome was electric for the first-time ever encounter between the SmackDown Women's Champion Charlotte Flair and the winner of the first ever Women's Royal Rumble match Asuka. "The Empress of Tomorrow" had maintained a remarkable undefeated streak of 914 days leading in, but shockingly "the Grandest Stage of Them All" would bear witness to the streak ending as "the Queen" reigned supreme with the Figure-8.
Stills aired recapping the events of the Extreme Rules match at last night's Horror Show at Extreme Rules. In his third match as a WWE Superstar, the impressionable Dominik Mysterio took the fight to Andrade to gain retribution for all La Invasíon had put the Mysterio Family through. Dom gave it his all and showed tremendous fighting spirit, but would eventually fall to "El Capo" when all was said and done. It did not stop there, as "El Idolo" and Zelina Vega looked to give the youngster a beating to remember after the bell, when Rey Mysterio made his return to run his arch nemesis from the ring. Together, Los Mysterios reunited with revenge in mind for La Invasíon.Date RaidedFootage aired from earlier today, where at a nearby diner in downtown Orlando, Florida Angel Garza and Charly Caruso were out on their first date. The "Table For Three" title sequence led to footage of "El Amante" being too busy talking loudly on his phone to help the innocuous broadcast journalist take a seat at the table. Complaining about a parking ticket he had received earlier in the day, the smartly dressed loverboy had his date feeling awkward but apologized for his frankness. Charly wanted to understand what Angel saw in her, and how long he had had his eyes on her. Claiming she had been on his mind since his first day as a RAW Superstar, Angel held her hands and told her that he could not stop thinking about her. A waiter approached to take their order, which caused the La Invasíon member to snap with hostility. Angry at the waiter's ability to ruin a moment for their relationship, he would demand he take a look at the woman he was disappointing.
Charly Caruso convinced the waiter it was fine, though Angel Garza would not take no for an answer and demanded the waiter bring their menus. Reverting back to "El Amante", he grinned and apologized again - he'd had such a long day thinking about tonight, and he wanted it to go perfectly! The broadcast journalist smiled, but the couple's moment would be intruded again, once the camera panned out to reveal the Viking Raiders! In tuxedos and their warpaint, Erik and Ivar took a seat at a nearby table, letting out a roar that it was "Guys Night!" Angel tried to ignore their presence, but the Vikings began to chant for a mighty feast! Angel continued to grin through rage, when Ivar greeted Charly across the room. Angel kept it together, but as the Vikings approached the table to speak with her, Angel snapped again! His first date with Charly was ruined, and he guaranteed he would get even with the two slobs. Abandoning his own date, Caruso was saddened - when the Raiders asked her to join them instead!1) Los Lotharios def. The Viking Raiders (6:23) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- Coming off of his tougher-than-expected victory in the Extreme Rules match against Dominik Mysterio last night, Andrade and his business partner Zelina Vega joined commentary to discuss the return of Rey Mysterio. "El Capo" dared "the Legendary Luchador" to not sic his son on him, but fight him himself. - After ruining his first date with Charly Caruso, the Viking Raiders had accepted the challenge of Los Lotharios, and quickly Angel Garza found himself at a disadvantage against the lumbering "Modern Day Vikings". Erik and Ivar took "El Amante" for a ride with an aided hip attack in the corner! Angel's cousin Humberto Carrillo tried to get involved with a springboard, only to be caught by Ivar's sidewalk slam! As the La Invasíon members bailed to the floor for a breather, the Viking Raiders stood supreme. - Erik maintained pressure against Humberto Carrillo with an exploder suplex out of the corner, but he failed to notice Angel Garza make a blind tag. A step-up enzuigiri stunned him, and "El Amante" followed suit with a double underhook backbreaker! Los Lotharios cornered Erik from Ivar, who called out for the tag. The double-team wishbone divided the legs of "the Modern Day Viking", all the while Humberto and Angel insulted Ivar from afar. A double handspring armdrag sent him across the ring, but as Angel plotted to use the Wingclipper, Erik fought out with a takedown into the thrust knee strike! Ivar got the tag, and the behemoth took out the cousins with his offense. A spinning wheel kick took Garza down, and a corner clothesline to Humberto paved the way for a double crossbody to the seated Los Lotharios! Carrillo clung to the ropes for dear life as Ivar attempted a wheelbarrow suplex - when Garza struck him with what appeared to be a bouquet of roses! Angel dragged Erik out, as Carrillo capitalized for the win.Thanks For Dropping ByLos Lotharios stole the win thanks to Angel Garza's cheap tricks, but for intruding on his first date with Charly Caruso, he and Humberto Carrillo got up and aided his cousin in attacking the Viking Raiders. A proud Andrade spectated, grinning from ear-to-ear through his sunglasses as he waltzed down the rampway. As Zelina Vega began to follow her business partner down to the ring, she suddenly scarpered! Rey Mysterio walking out to the rampway behind his nemesis, and it took "El Capo" moments to notice "the Legendary Luchador" was there. Rey blasted him with a right hand, sending him upside down into the plexiglass wall! Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo left the ring to engage in combat, when out walked Dominik Mysterio to even the odds! Los Mysterios fist bumped with one-another, and the four men collided. La Invasíon were sent running with their tails between their legs, as Los Mysterios shared the ring. Like father, like son, and Rey was not done by a long shot with Andrade!
︾︾︾ A man in a black hoody unpacked his bag in the communal dressing room when R-Truth appeared. Hollering about making history by becoming the next 24/7 48/7 7/11 I-95 South European Television Champion for the gazillionth time, "the Truth" noticed the mystery man and accused him of being there to sabotage him in tonight's 24/7 Invitational! The mystery man removed his hood and shades to reveal - Heath Slater. Sneaking into the building, "the One-Man Rock Band" pleaded with R-Truth to be hush, saying he was here for the Big Show's challenge - he needed this opportunity more than he needed his kids! R-Truth was confused, incorrectly believing Slater to be a WWE Superstar already! Heath asserted he was until his release, and now security hated his guts. Baffled, "Truth" swore he would keep his secret, but tonight, he didn't care what Emperor Palpatine's business was - R-Truth leaving as the next 24/7 48/7 7/11 I-95 South European Television Champion was what's up!
A video package aired, recapping the horrific events that took place last night at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules. An Eye For An Eye match was as traumatizing as advertised, as Aleister Black and Seth Rollins went to any length possible to extract the eyeball of their opponent. In the end, the Church's interference would see "the Monday Night Messiah" saved by his Disciples, and in disgusting fashion, "the Appropriator of Habit" would have his eye removed from his head by the steel steps - bringing even Rollins to hurl!
Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian stressed the severity of last night's brutal Eye For An Eye match pitted between Seth Rollins and Aleister Black. With "the Appropriator of Habit" spending much of the aftermath last night in the trainer's office receiving all of the help he could, they could confirm that while Aleister had spent the night at a nearby medical facility, his optic nerve had not been served and as a result, he was expected to make a full recovery. The broadcast team showed relief, before questionign what "the Monday Night Messiah" might have to say during tonight's sermon for the WWE Universe.
︾︾︾ 2) Bianca Belair def. Shayna Baszler (8:28) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- During the entrance of "the Submission Magician", a replay aired taking us back to last week on RAW Talk where Shayna Baszler had the temerity to not only interrupt Bianca Belair's interview with co-hosts Christian and Charly Caruso, but challenge her to this match. - The bravado of Shayna Baszler cost her, as her trash talk allowed Bianca Belair to react with a big hair whip to get this bout underway. With their days in NXT established, "the EST" was able to outmaneuver the MMA Fighter with a running shoulder block, following a dropdown and a leapfrog! Twirling her hair, Bianca was sure to not stray from the action, as "the Queen of Spades" grounded her with a double-leg takedown. Belair was on the defensive trying to keep Shayna from her arms, and the ropes would prove to be her friend. "The Submission Magician" was able to respond with a soccer kick following a snapmare, but as Baszler delivered palm strikes to the back of the head, Bianca took Baszler down with blows herself! A succession of hair whips saw Shayna on the defensive, when a knee lift to the ribcage stopped her short. Bianca tried to fight a suplex, but with a roundhouse kick and a spinebuster, Shayna took control. - "The Submission Magician" grounded Bianca Belair with legscissors on the mat, when Bianca's power saw her escape. A military press slam saw Shayna Baszler escape out with an arm ringer, beginning to attack with an armbar applied! Bianca would slowly use her strength to deliver a powerbomb to the former MMA Fighter! On the rebound, "the EST" struck fast and hard with a series of single-leg dropkicks and a stalling suplex. As the Shining Star Press went executed however, Shayna transitioned in mid-air with the triangle choke applied! As the cross-armbreaker went attempted however, Bianca made the ropes. Back to their feet, the Baszler Rush saw Bianca duck a forearm strike and deliver a Glam Slam for a near fall! Belair set up the KOD when Baszler reversed into the Kirifuda Clutch attempt. Thankfully, Bianca arm dragged out of it - just to receive the Yokosuka Cutter. Shayna threatened the dreaded Elbow Stamp - but Bianca evaded at the last second, and took the win with a backslide!
"The EST" rolled out of the ring wisely, as Shayna Baszler blew a gasket upon realizing she had lost! Bianca Belair celebrated to spite "the Queen of Spades", twirling her hair and jumping on the spot en route up the rampway. Inexplicably, from behind came Nia Jax! While Bianca tried to fight her, "the Irresistible Force" would send Belair back to the ring, where Baszler ran her down with a step-up knee strike to the jaw! Mounting her with right hands, the MMA Fighter remained sceptical of "The Giantess", who watched with a smile at ringside. Shayna exchanged words to the silent Jax, who did nothing more than watch, as Baszler locked Belair in the Kirifuda Clutch on the canvas.
︾︾︾ Not Funny HootLuke Gallows and Karl Anderson chatted about how AJ Styles was robbed in the Three Stages of Hell match last night at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules, and that if they had been able to stand by "Phenomenal Hoot", he would be WWE World Champion. "The Good Brothers" bantered about Drew McIntyre's attempts to be "the Terminator" - but he wasn't even Woody from Toy Story! The two did impressions of the Scotsman's accent, questioning if he was really Scottish! The WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens was bemused as he observed the two comedians with a soda. What was amusing to him was the fact AJ was there to take his spot after he came up short last month against "the Scottish Terminator". KA and "the Big LG" responded how he had gold and it didn't seem to bother him now, when Anderson proposed being the guy to take it from him. Owens told KA as "the Face of America" that he was on, and tonight both baldies would take the Stunner!
- Tonight - WWE United States Championship - Kevin Owens (c) vs Karl Anderson
︾︾︾ While the O.C. discussed the WWE World Champion's reign elsewhere, in the interview area of the WWE Performance Center, Drew McIntyre was smartly dressed wearing the gold on his shoulder. Chatting to broadcast journalist Sarah Schreiber, "the Scottish Terminator" had plans to address the WWE Universe after Three Stages of Hell last night - but what would the champ have to say?The Triple TerrorSarah Schreiber was backstage with the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre. Delighted to be standing beside "the Scottish Terminator", he spoke with joy himself to have endured the adulation that was Three Stages of Hell last night against AJ Styles. The Horror Show at Extreme Rules featured a horror show in itself, as he and "the Phenomenal One" did the tango for over thirty minutes until one could call themselves the true victor. He was beaten, he was sore, his ankle was what his fellow countrymen would consider "knackered", but despite the heck of a fight put up by AJ, he could not fault the effort and dedication he showed. Drew mused what Styles was capable of without Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, and how the O.C. were holding him back from the man he could still be if he put 'em up and shut up. With that aside, Drew commented on how he had been living the dream this past four months, defeating the best and proving himself to be the absolute best.
And while "the Scottish Terminator" wished that the WWE Universe - the fine people watching at home - could be there to stand beside him, Drew McIntyre made it clear his goal was to be with every one of his fans in a packed house, headlining "the Grandaddy of Them All" with the WWE World Championship raised high! In the mean time, he was going prove there was no better - continuing to defend the title. With Extreme Rules behind them, SummerSlam was next up on August 23! The champ had shmoozed with the USA Network executives, and next week would see the beginning of a journey to find his next top contender! In the first ever SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials, three Triple Threat matches would take place next week on Monday Night RAW, and the three winners would go on to the next week - where the winner would head to "the Biggest Party of the Summer" to try their hand with the champ. McIntyre wished his potential challengers luck, because they'd need it come SummerSlam.
︾︾︾ In the arena, the WWE 24/7 Championship Invitational was moments from commencing. R-Truth concluded his rap to the ring, occupied already by Riddick Moss, Shelton Benjamin and Zack Ryder. To be contested under sudden death rules with one fall to a finish, out towered Big Show. With the title sat on his shoulder, "the World's Largest Athlete" grinned upon seeing his competition - who had all each attempted to reclaim the 24/7 gold from him in recent weeks. The WWE Legend made it to ringside, when from behind came a man wearing a black hoody! With the hood up concealing his identity, Show would chuck him from his shoulders with ease before de-hooding him to expose Heath Slater underneath! The WWE Legend was not surprised but disappointed, but had taken his eyes off the ball enabling the other four challengers to attack the Giant!3) Heath Slater def. Big Show (c), R-Truth, Riddick Moss, Shelton Benjamin & Zack Ryder in the 24/7 Invitational to capture the WWE 24/7 Championship (2:59) - It was immediate carnage, as the five participants attacked the WWE 24/7 Champion Big Show. The star of Netflix's 'The Big Show Show' tried hard to take on the overbearing brunt of the challengers, but upon hurling Zack Ryder through the ropes and climbing in after him, Shelton Benjamin would score with the Paydirt - only to get a near fall! The other participants put the stomps to "the Gold Standard" for his attempt, before quickly breaking down again. "So Smooth" Riddick Moss attempted a roll-up on the 420-pound Giant - to fail miserably! Resigning his fate to the KO Punch, Moss was knocked out. Suddenly "the Long Island Iced Z" scored with the Rough Ryder - but R-Truth would physically involve himself to hold the referee's hand from counting three! The frenzy continued, with Big Show levelling "the Truth" with the Chokeslam, but Ryder came from behind with a second Rough Ryder from the top rope! Ryder had it, when an incognito Slater hurled "the Broski" to the floor - to become champion again!The Uninvited Big Show had given his might to overcome the offset of four rabid challengers, but when the dust cleared, it was the unemployed former WWE Superstar Heath Slater who had once again become WWE 24/7 Champion! Having hid for most of the match outside with his hoody on, "the One Man Rock Band" enthusiastically removed the hood and paraded like he had just won the Superbowl! He may well have, as the free agent clutched the title tightly, believing it to be his meal ticket back to being a full-fledged and accepted part of the WWE roster! Heath got out of the ring quick once R-Truth and Zack Ryder pursued him, but as Heath gloated on the rampway, the theme song of Samoa Joe hit! For the first time since Backlash, "the Samoan Submission Machine" graced Monday Night RAW with his presence, immediately wiping Slater out! Sending him bouncing off the plexiglass wall, the Coquina Clutch was applied - Samoa Joe capturing the WWE 24/7 Championship!
As the WWE Universe chanted his name, "the Coquina Destroyer" saw the challengers in the ring and decided not to stray from the competition. Samoa Joe instead joined them, fighting off Shelton Benjamin with the Uranage! Zack Ryder charged in to be taken out with the Chimera-Plex, before R-Truth missed a clothesline to receive the twisting enzuigiri. Riddick Moss tried to hammer "the Samoan Submission Machine" from behind only for Joe to absorb it, and the ever unlucky Riddick faced the brunt of the Muscle Buster! Standing dominant, Joe had just claimed the WWE 24/7 Championship Division as his own!
︾︾︾ Charly Caruso was backstage with the challenger for tonight's RAW Women's Championship main event Charlotte Flair, and asked "the Queen" about her more-than well-documented past with "the Empress of Tomorrow". Charlotte claimed much like in each of their past encounters, she would beat Asuka. There was no question the two were familiar with one another, but wished to remind the WWE Universe who ended Asuka's 900-day undefeated streak at WrestleMania 34. Better yet, who dethroned Asuka to become SmackDown Women's Champion last year? "The Queen" claimed was back and prepared to take Monday Night RAW to a whole new level of queendom, and tonight would see that new era ushered in. The broadcast journalist asked how confident Charlotte felt, coming weeks after losing twice to Io Shirai for the NXT Women's Championship! Flair irately declared this interview over. She was back to reclaim the RAW Brand as her own, and refused to take demeaning questions from a trollop like her!
A replay aired from moments ago, showing the return of Samoa Joe to not just lay waste to the entire field of the 24/7 Invitational, but to crown himself as the brand new WWE 24/7 Champion after defeating Heath Slater.4) Natalya def. Liv Morgan (4:23)- The "Mother Goose" was dead, as Natalya had shown an affinity for taking out all of her frustration on her once-protégé Liv Morgan. Liv showed much fight coming into this match, taking her former mentor down with clotheslines and a running hurricanrana. She followed with ten punches in the corner, just for Nattie to turn the tide with a powerbomb! With momentum now in her favor, the daughter of Jim "the Anvil" Neidhart walked all over the back of Liv's head before planting her with a dropkick to the jaw. A snap suplex connected for a near fall, but Liv showed spirit. As Nattie got Liv up for the electric chair drop, Morgan span out with another hurricanrana! On the comeback, two clotheslines and an enzuigiri led to the Jersey Codebreaker, only to get a near fall. While Nattie tried to get back in the fight, Liv used the Matrix dodge to evade her attack, when the ObLIVion was attempted - only for Nattie to drill her from the ropes with a spinebuster! With feet on the ropes, Nattie took the win. Didn't Hear No BellRolling out to the floor, Natalya had the referee raise her hand much to the annoyance of Liv Morgan inside. The protégé dared to call Nattie a cheating coward, and issued a second challenge to her immediately. Her former mentor was amused, but after teasing getting back into the ring for round two - she would welcome out the Riott Squad! Liv's former besties Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan accompanied the Canadian to the ring, having been taken under the wing of Nattie. Liv looked to fight Logan and Nattie off as Ruby stood to the side. A discus clothesline from Nattie cut Liv off, and she would instruct Sarah to grab the ring bell! Returning with it in hand, after fighting the timekeeper for it, Logan went to ring Liv's bell - when Ruby confiscated it from her! Throwing it to the floor, Riott told Logan she did not need to do that. Natalya grew annoyed herself, infuriated by Ruby's disobedience. The green-haired Riott decided to take off alone, unimpressed with the actions of Natalya and Logan!
︾︾︾ Akira Tozawa was meditating in the dressing room, when in walked the Street Profits. Full of confidence, "the Frat Boys" inadvertently startled Tozawa's ritual - threatening karate poses in Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins' direction! The two only wanted to talk a little about their predicament. After being screwed out of the RAW Tag Team Championships last night, they had to ask a favor. They needed a tag team partner to help settle the score with Seth Rollins' freaky monkeys, Theory, Murphy and Akam! Akira chuckled, but asserted that they didn't want him. Akam was big, scary and tough! The Church would beat them bad. Tez and Ang put the mustard on, with arms around Tozawa's shoulders, giving him a pep talk! He wasn't the biggest guy, but all it took was one big win, and he would be over huge. Tozawa was inspired, calling out with "AH!" chants! As Tozawa left to get ready, Tez confessed he didn't think he would say yes. Ang admitted he was the last person he could think of asking!
Meanwhile backstage, the Church followed behind their fearless leader Seth Rollins. Twenty-four hours removed since horrifying the WWE Universe by grotesquely extracting Aleister Black's eye from his skull at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules, "the Monday Night Messiah" was no longer hurling - instead, he was smiling! As Akam and the RAW Tag Team Champions Theory and Murphy all sported serious demeanors, Seth grinned. What would the smartly-dressed "Savior" have to say in his sermon?Perfect StrangersCharly Caruso sulked after an unsuccessful interview with Charlotte Flair, when up walked Angel Garza with his cousin Humberto Carrillo. Also not having a hot night, after being involved in the melee opposite Los Mysterios, "El Amante" wanted to apologize for how he behaved during their first date earlier tonight. "La Estrella" confirmed it, claiming how fondly Angel thought about her. In the past, a bad date would have meant she would have never seen him again! The broadcast journalist warned Angel she was in a bad mood, and advised him to text her tomorrow - she wasn't in the mood for this. About to leave, Angel raced to stop her, taking her by the hand and telling her how she was the water he needed to breathe in the deep waters of Monday Night RAW! Blushing with a smile, Charly conceded in accepting Angel's proposal to a second date - but reiterated this was his last chance.
Abruptly, Los Lotharios' demeanors changed once Los Mysterios confronted them! Rey and Dominik Mysterio stood opposite Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo, as "the Legendary Luchador" told the cousins they wanted no trouble. Their business wasn't with them, but it was with their boss - the patriarch of La Invasíon, Andrade! Carrillo told Rey and Dom they didn't deserve to meet with "El Capo", when Angel added - not until they went through them. Dominik proposed they had done it before, and next week: they'd do it again. Los Lotharios departed, though not before "El Amante" kiss the cheek of Caruso. As the two were left alone with the broadcast journalist, Dom couldn't help but bring up how Charly was in danger of falling in with the wrong crowd.
︾︾︾ The Savior's SermonThe arrival of "the Monday Night Messiah" and his Church elicited a controversial reaction as Monday Night RAW resumed in the WWE Performance Center. As members of the WWE Universe chose to bow before Seth Rollins, who marched to the ring as though nothing had happened the night before. After his involvement in An Eye For An Eye, "the Savior" climbed into the ring to stand before a lectern. Hhis three Disciples Akam, Theory and Murphy stood ringside watching on alongside the audience, as Seth thanked the congregation for their undivided love and respect. What happened last night at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules was a fate which he very much wished he could take back. The first ever Eye For An Eye match with "the Appropriator of Habit" was horrendous, if anything because not only had he struck fear into each and every one of his followers and supporters, with his bloodthirsty energy and courage - but he had endangered the man he considered a "Blood Brother".
Seth Rollins expressed how he wished things with Aleister Black had not gone down the way in which they had, but it did - and for that, he was deeply sorry. For the people who looked up to and admired "the Monday Night Messiah", the vengeful man they witnessed last night at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules was not to be taken as a sign of things to come. Every time he had already proven to his Disciples that they are witnessing greatness - and that they too can be greatness under the rule and guidance of Seth. But with that said, while "the Messiah" wished he could show remorse for the extraction of his "Blood Brother's" eye - but ultimately, he couldn't because this could have all been avoided on day one, when Aleister joined the Church! The WWE Universe turned to loud boos, though Seth continued. "The Savior" claimed 'Monday Night Rawlins' was his show, though it was not just for him, but for each of his loyalists - "the Equalizer" Akam; and the RAW Tag Team Champions, Murphy and Theory.
Proudly, Seth Rollins basked at the force he had established with the Church behind him, even though they were just getting started! "The Monday Night Messiah" exclaimed he loved his supporters unconditionally, and this was not exclusive to his Disciples, but to the faithful WWE Universe also! Rollins declared himself "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy" because he did exactly what he set out to do every time he laced up a pair of boots. He was "the Kingslayer" who trounced Triple H; he was "the Beastslayer" who demolished Brock Lesnar; and when the next few weeks rolled around, in a few short weeks at SummerSlam, he would win the Triple Terror Trials and once again be WWE World Champion - and that's when 'Monday Night Rawlins' would be theirs again! The Street Profits made their way out with a third member! Akira Tozawa joined 'the Red Cup Party' alongside 'the Frat Boys', prepared for six-man tag team action with the Disciples. Akam, Theory and Murphy were ready for the match - up next!
A video package aired, taking us back to SmackDown LIVE on March 26, 2019. With WrestleMania 35 days away, nearly one year to the day, "the Queen" and "the Empress of Tomorrow" collided for Asuka's SmackDown Women's Championship. With the Triple Threat match with Becky Lynch and Ronda Rousey looming nigh, Charlotte Flair would come out victorious - forcing Asuka to tap to the Figure-8 a second time in a year to be crowned the new champion.
︾︾︾ 5) The Street Profits and Akira Tozawa def. Akam and RAW Tag Team Champions Theory and Murphy (11:21) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- Coming after Theory and Murphy came away from the Horror Show at Extreme Rules Kickoff Show with the RAW Tag Team Championships, in part thanks to Akam's interference, the Street Profits had recruited the help of Akira Tozawa to wage war against the Disciples of the Church. Seth Rollins left Murphy, Theory and Murphy in charge, and though "the Frat Boys" got off to a hot start during the break, "the Equalizer" once again played a vital role with a neckbreaker for Montez Ford. The three loyalists of Seth Rollins began to pick apart at Tez, with "the Juggernaut" catching his leapfrog out of the corner with a brainbuster. "A-Town Austin" teased running the ropes for an elbow drop on him, only to at the last second apply a chinlock to the annoyance of the WWE Universe. Suddenly Tez fired out of the buckle bomb attempt from Theory, connecting with a leaping enzuigiri! Angelo made the tag with a one-handed bulldog for Murphy and a spear for Theory - when "the Equalizer" equalized him with the spinebuster! - Once again the Church went on the offense against Angelo Dawkins, with the RAW Tag Team Champions delivered a double gourdbuster on the larger member of the Street Profits. Montez Ford and Akira Tozawa motioned for the tag, as Theory held his hand out to mock a tag - just for Murphy to deliver a wrist-clutched knee thrust to the jaw for a near fall. Ang stayed alive and caught Akam by surprise with the NBA Slam in the corner! Tozawa was the unlikely man to make a run at the Disciples, catching "A-Town Austin" with the snap Saito suplex; and the shining wizard for Murphy! He applied the octopus stretch on "the Juggernaut", when Akam got hold of him - but "the Frat Boys" came to their partner's aid! As the brawl engulfed five of the six participants on the floor, Tozawa went to the top rope - soaring with the diving senton splash! Soon, Theory held Dawkins in place for a charging attack from Murphy - but Ang moved, and the champs butted heads. Ang got the win with the Cash Out on Murphy!
The Street Profits had proven they were capable of once again becoming RAW Tag Team Champions, as they celebrated alongside their unlikely partner, Akira Tozawa! The trio did Tozawa's "AH!" chants in unison, whilst Akam showed his disapproval with a scowl on the rampway. Meanwhile, Murphy appeared to take the head-on collision personally - but blamed Theory for the loss!
︾︾︾ Matt Riddle finished getting ready to head to the ring for his in-ring debut as a RAW Superstar, when into the room walked MVP and Lana. "The Original Bro" was surprised to be given props by "the Franchise Player", who commented on much of a phenomenon he was, not only in the Octagon but down in NXT. Matt accepted the praise but admitted he wasn't all that into MVP. If he knew a thing or two from watching TV, it sounded like they were going to sell him on something! Lana confirmed, reminding him of their own beef with Randy Orton. "The Viper" had meddled with her husband Bobby Lashley, and what was meant to happen last night in the No Holds Barred match was his true punishment. MVP followed on, proposing that they would all make it very much worth Riddle's while - if he were to not just beat Randy tonight - but to break his arm. Riddle chuckled, but told them thanks but no thanks! "The Bro" said Randy was his tonight, and he was putting "the Bro" first before anybody else!
As Matt Riddle departed for the ring, elsewhere Randy Orton walked with confidence down the hall. En route to the ring, "the Viper" was about to put the newest addition to the RAW Brand to the test - against "the King of Bros", up next.
The WWE 24/7 Champion Samoa Joe paced backstage, where he was caught up with by Sarah Schreiber. Commenting on the manner in which he captured the title on his shoulder, Sarah wanted to ask "the Samoan Submission Machine" about what his intentions were now that he was back on Monday Night RAW. Joe roared that it was none of Sarah's business, nor was it any of the WWE Universe's business. What mattered was he was the one true badass in this business, and would continue to be the one true badass while he was alive to beat down all of his opposition. Joe spoke candidly of how little he even cared about the 24/7 title on his shoulder, deeming it a prop intended to symbolize his supremacy. "The Coquina Destroyer" challenged the entire 24/7 Division to try and take it from him.
︾︾︾ 6) Matt Riddle def. Randy Orton (9:29) [THROUGH THE BREAK]- While he lost the No Holds Barred match and was figured to have to surrender Bobby Lashley's Money in the Bank contract, "the Viper" had slithered out of the Horror Show at Extreme Rules with the document intact. Orton's speech intended to provoke Bobby Lashley had brought Matt Riddle to make his Monday Night RAW debut however, and showed no intentions of backing down to the mainstay. "The Apex Predator" found himself taken off-guard by the former Ultimate Fighter, cornering Randy with a multitude of strikes - when a roundhouse kick narrowly whiffed his head! Orton looked to take it slowly and catch "the Bro" off-guard, but an early attempt at the RKO saw Riddle back suplex out of it, and after ducking a clothesline with a lucha roll, Riddle would clock "the Apex Predator" with a forearm smash in the corner! A deadlift gutwrench suplex sent Orton overhead for good measure, sending Orton running to the floor! - Matt Riddle continued to prove Randy Orton had vastly underestimated his abilities, as "the Apex Predator's" repeated European uppercuts in the corner would see Riddle bounce back with elbow strikes of his own. Ducking out of the way, a Pelé kick stunned "the Viper", but a jumping Broton would see Orton get his knees up! The inverted neckbreaker followed, giving the veteran the opening needed to control the pace. Orton was not in it to win it, but to punish "the King of Bros" until he could no longer respond. Though Riddle began to fire back with Bro Kicks, a scoop powerslam would cut him off again, and a superplex would soon follow. "The Apex Predator" looked to wrap this up with methodical stomps placed from limb to limb, when the RKO was reversed at the last second into the BroMission! Riddle had it locked in perfectly, and shockingly, Orton dropped to a knee...then two knees. As Randy used his last gasps of life to punch out, Riddle dropped hammerfists to sink it in - and the referee called for the bell!
In a massive upset, Matt Riddle had arrived on Monday Night RAW - in his first outing, scoring a huge victory against Randy Orton! "The King of Bros" could hardly believe it either, as he raced around the ring in excitement. "The Apex Predator" was out like a light, as Riddle continued to celebrate when Bobby Lashley soon made his way out to the ring. In a suit with sunglasses, he was accompanied as always by MVP and Lana, as the power trio set out for the ring. Riddle appeared perplexed, when Lashley stepped inside and began to ground and pound to "the Viper". Screaming at him for stealing his Money in the Bank contract, "the All Mighty" interrogated Orton for the whereabouts of his contract! Riddle finally stepped in and urged Lashley to back off, but it led to another face off - this time between Riddle and Lashley. In a meeting of UFC and Bellator alumnus, it led to Orton narrowly being able to slip away from the ring! In a daze, Randy claimed this wasn't over - a smarmy grin on his face.
︾︾︾ As the Church re-assembled backstage, Theory was met by an annoyed Murphy. Blaming him again for the loss in tonight's six-man tag team match, "the Juggernaut" claimed "A-Town Austin" was behaving recklessly! They were supposed to be the RAW Tag Team Champions, and "the Monday Night Messiah's" trusted right-hand men. The youngster fired back telling Murphy he was the one who dropped the ball because he dropped the fall: besides, he felt he was doing pretty damn sweetly as "the Self-Fulfilling Prophecy's" hottest young Disciple. In walked Seth Rollins accompanied by Akam, immediately wrapping his arms around both Theory and Murphy! "The Messiah" even gave Theory a noogie, as he questioned if Seth was mad his Disciples lost tonight. Rollins was not concerned one bit - everyone had good days and bad days, and for him - today was a good day! Murphy shamed Theory on his recklessness publicly, though Seth joked that Murphy should quit being such a stick in the mud!
A vignette aired, depicting an empty, dark and gloomy boxing gym. Inside, a colossal man was depicted pounding at a punching bag, which spun from its' holster. With his hood up, the gigantic arms could be seen on clear display, as he was then shown warming up in the gym. Pushing his limits on the treadmill, the huge man was finally seen stepping through the ropes. There, four aspiring wrestlers in training all eyed up the arrival of the giant - to get their heads crushed by the fearsome man. As a claw led to a face-clutching chokeslam on one of the trainees, the rest scrambled in terror. That's when the man lowered his hood - revealing "the Nigerian Garangtuan" Omos - coming soon to WWE.
︾︾︾ 7) Kevin Owens (c) def. Karl Anderson by disqualification to retain the WWE United States Championship (5:29)- With AJ Styles' loss last night in Three Stages of Hell, the O.C.'s Karl Anderson looked to win gold for the trio himself against the WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens. Before the bell, Luke Gallows was amusingly barred from ringside, much to the hysterical rage of "the Big LG". With KA distracted, KO struck with rights and lefts. Mudhole stomps struck in the corner, when Anderson elbowed out of a corner clothesline attempt. Anderson rocked Owens with a European uppercut and a calf kick, but a neckbreaker saw only a near fall. Sending him to the floor, Anderson missed the slingshot topé but landed on his feet - to receive the Cannonball senton from the apron! Back inside, a pumphandle neckbreaker scored a near fall for "the Face of America". His attempt at the Pop-Up Powerbomb went blocked by Anderson's spinebuster, when the Rocket Kick was sidestepped - into the Stunner! "The Prize Fighter" prepared for the pin...when out of nowhere came AJ Styles with the Phenomenal Forearm!Deflect the BlameFollowing his eerie absence all night long leading up until now, "the Phenomenal One" had ruined this WWE United States Championship match! AJ Styles was not dressed for competition, nor did anybody in the WWE Performance Center know he was here. Yet following the Three Stages of Hell match last night, Styles was consumed by rage as Luke Gallows rejoined the scene. AJ mounted and pummelled away at Kevin Owens, holding him responsible for why he wasn't WWE World Champion right now! Karl Anderson got back up and joined "Phenomenal Hoot" and "the Big LG" in the ring - where the Magic Killer would leave the defenceless "Prize Fighter" laying. But AJ still wasn't finished - having "the Good Brothers" hoist Kev up for the Styles Clash! For better or worse, AJ Styles refused to take a loss lying down.
︾︾︾ The time had arisen for the much-anticipated RAW Women's Championship main event. After Charlotte Flair won the Women's Number One Contender's Battle Royal last week, "the Queen" had stamped her ticket to meet Asuka tonight with the gold on the line. A graphic aired promoting the main event - coming up next!
Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian discussed the news broken minutes ago on social media, as a Tweet from the official WWE account listed the participants in the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials - commencing next week! Monday Night RAW looked hot for next week, with three Triple Threat matches taking place to determine who would go on to the Number One Contender's Triple Threat match in two weeks. Andrade, Seth Rollins and Rey Mysterio would take part in one; the other would see Randy Orton, Bobby Lashley and Matt Riddle go at it; and in the third, AJ Styles, Kevin Owens and Ricochet would take part! Who would challenge Drew McIntyre for the WWE World Championship at SummerSlam?
- SummerSlam Triple Terror Series Qualifying match - Triple Threat match - Andrade vs Seth Rollins vs Rey Mysterio
- SummerSlam Triple Terror Series Qualifying match - Triple Threat match - Bobby Lashley vs Randy Orton vs Matt Riddle
- SummerSlam Triple Terror Series Qualifying match - Triple Threat match - WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens vs AJ Styles vs Ricochet
︾︾︾ 8) Asuka (c) def. Charlotte Flair to retain the RAW Women's Championship (22:08) [THROUGH THREE BREAKS]- The third encounter between two heated rivals was set to commence, with the RAW Women's Championship at stake. Asuka had never beaten "the Queen" before, posting losses in singles matches to Charlotte Flair back at WrestleMania 34, as well as last year for the SmackDown Women's Championship. After cheating to win the Women's Number One Contender's Battle Royal last week, Charlotte was in a must-win situation. Trash talk led to the two combatants duking it out with neither backing down. Flair exchanged chops with the open-handed chops from "the Empress of Tomorrow", who continued with a series of further kicks! Flair ducked out to the apron, but the champ would follow suit with the Switchblade Kick taking both from the apron! The two went to continue the fight, though the referee would come between them - ordering the two back inside! - The action continued with "the Empress of Tomorrow" battling Charlotte Flair, who had her propped on the top rope. The challenger issued chops, but Asuka blocked with one of her own, and after knocking "the Queen" down, Asuka soared with the missile dropkick...but Flair moved out of the way! Immediately she targeted Asuka's leg, driving her knee into the shinbone of the RAW Women's Champion. Asuka kicked off an early attempt at the Figure-8, but as the hip attack sent Flair into the ropes, "the Queen" responded with the Queen's Boot and a sit-out powerbomb! Flair maintained the Figure-4 headlock on Asuka, taunting her all the while. Motioning that the title would come to her, Asuka began to squirm. With a headstand, the champ shot out when a roundhouse kick knocked her silly! Going on the attack with clotheslines and another hip attack, Asuka sent Charlotte into the ropes - only to be caught with an exploder suplex, with Flair kipping up! With the strut of her father "the Nature Boy", Flair was in control. - Charlotte Flair delivered the backpack stunner before looking at applying the Boston crab, arching the back of the RAW Women's Champion. "The Queen" wrenched away, but Asuka managed to make the ropes. "The Queen's" patience began to wane, but as she hit the ropes looking for the Spear, Asuka caught her with the flying cross-armbreaker! Flair struggled to fight it, but eventually would by hoisting her with a one-armed powerbomb...over the top rope to the floor! Throwing caution to the wind, Flair flew with a mesmerizing top rope moonsault press to the floor! Asuka remained resilient, as Flair hit the Spear for a near fall. "The Empress of Tomorrow" suddenly gained a second win, stunning her foe with a spinning backfist before executing a German suplex! With chest kicks delivered, a pop-up knee strike got a near fall. Flair looked to cut her off with the STO, but Asuka applied the Asuka Lock! Flair had nowhere to turn...when the Iiconics came scarpering out to ringside! - The drama continued with both women on the top rope, as the Iiconics watched nervously from ringside. Asuka was able to fight Charlotte Flair down from the top rope, as she attempted the superplex. "The Empress of Tomorrow" attempted one of her own to the floor, but "the Queen" raked the eyes. "The Dirtiest Player in the Game" wanted to reclaim control, but the RAW Women's Champion responded with a flying armbar from the top rope! Both women went down, as Billie Kay rushed to distract the referee. Peyton Royce grabbed Asuka's title and swung for her - only to inadvertently strike Charlotte instead! A roundhouse kick from Asuka knocked her out, and Billie defenselessly was forced to help her BFF from the ring. Asuka would capitalize - the spinkick retaining the title!
Charlotte Flair had been beaten, even though it came from the thwarted interference from the Iiconics! Peyton Royce cradled Billie Kay in terror at ringside, hopeful of reawakening her best friend. "The Queen" remained down meanwhile, as Asuka had her hand raised and reclaimed her hard-earned prize. A second significant championship loss in a month had to question: was Charlotte Flair losing it? Remaining the RAW Women's Champion, "the Empress of Tomorrow" stood defiantly on top of the RAW Women's Division.
RAW Talk #18 – July 20, 2020 - Christian and Charly Caruso welcomed the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre to RAW Talk to discuss the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials further. "The Scottish Terminator" joked about Charly's budding relationship with Angel Garza, before once again giving props to AJ Styles. Despite what the O.C. did tonight to Kevin Owens, taking several steps back, Drew claimed the three Triple Threat Qualifying matches next week boasted nine potential challengers - all of which he would gladly meet at "the Biggest Party of the Summer". The Scotsman was charming, as he let the WWE Universe know again that they would all get to witness Claymore Country as WWE Champion again, when the world was right once more. - Natalya and Sarah Logan joined the show to address the events of earlier tonight, and how Liv Morgan deserved everything she had coming to her. Sarah claimed Liv was always the weak link of the Riott Squad, but Nattie brought up Ruby Riott refusing to let them have their fun. Logan actually agreed with the Canadian, who she sucked up to, regarding her as her mentor. The daughter of Jim "the Anvil" Neidhart hoped Ruby would get her act together, because next week, Sarah was going to plow through Liv Morgan. - The O.C. invaded RAW Talk next, with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson exuding their chaotic energy once again. AJ Styles was furious with how Three Stages of Hell went the way it did last night, stressing how he was inches from becoming WWE World Champion - and claimed Drew McIntyre cheated! "The Good Brothers" assured the WWE Universe that "Phenomenal Hoot" would win the SummerSlam Triple Terror Trials and get that rematch, much like KA will get that WWE United States Championship from Kevin Owens. "The Big LG" and KA bantered that the O.C. would be dripping with gold, whilst "the Phenomenal One" ordered the co-hosts to watch this space: he was going to Summerslam, and he was leaving WWE World Champion.
- Next week - Sarah Logan vs Liv Morgan
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