WWE 2009-2014: Raw 10/6 (IC Title: AJ Styles vs Cody Rhodes)

MAY 19, 2014 FROM THE 02 ARENA IN LONDON, ENGLAND

---

The Monday Night Raw intro video airs and the cameras come in to the O2 Arena from London, England! Michael Cole and John Bradshaw Layfield welcome everyone to the show and tonight, the United Kingdom has a lot coming to them! Undisputed WWE Champion Bryan Danielson will be calling out the number one contender for his title, Seth Rollins. Plus, John Cena will be in action against the 'World's Strongest Man' Mark Henry, the WWE Tag Team Championships are on the line and Wade Barrett - the leader of The Commonwealth and England's own - has requested to open the show up here tonight with what he says is something blockbuster!

The theme music of Wade Barrett hits to a positive reception from the London crowd, the leader of The Commonwealth making his way out to the stage with a big smile across his face, his group slowly following him out. He comes down and in to the ring, snatching a microphone from ringside before throwing his hands out with a laugh. "Well, well, well! The 'King' has finally come back to his kingdom!" The O2 Arena approves of their native superstar, giving him a reception that only England could give him. "The last time we were here in my homeland it was a bit different times... while The Commonwealth still stands strong six months later, I have had my Intercontinental Championship pried away from my waist..." Boos fill the arena in sympathy for Barrett as he notes that, however, he has gotten himself another opportunity at Payback in two weeks and he plans to take down AJ Styles and take back what is rightfully his. "Then, ladies and gentlemen, I shall return here with the Intercontinental Championship once again and raise it above my head so all of you can kneel before your king as you should!" He moves on, saying that he is not only out here to guarantee the reclaiming of his Intercontinental Championship, but he is out here for something even bigger. He reminds the WWE Universe of how his 'Queen', Paige, has been out of action since her brutal match at Extreme Rules. However, things between them have grown stronger and tonight, he would like to welcome back the 'true Queen of the Diva's division', Paige! Her music hits to a solid ovation, making her way out from the back slowly. She comes down to the ring and stands before Barrett, whom greets her with a smile before pulling her in to his side with a laugh.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like you all to take a look at your beautiful 'Queen'. Since you last saw her, she claimed the Diva's Championship before, much like myself, having it taken away wrongfully. However, one day I vow to you all that she will be Diva's Champion once again just as I will be Intercontinental Champion once again..." He turns to Paige and says that in the mean time, that can be pushed aside because he requested to open this show in England because he has one very big matter to get to aside from championship gold. "Paige, my dear, I knew it would mean a lot to you to be in front of your friends and family. I knew it would mean a lot to you to be able to gaze across the O2 Arena and I knew it would mean a lot to you if I did this..." She looks a bit confused as he turns to Damien Sandow, giving a nod. He steps forward and presents him with a box, to which he holds in his hand and kneels down before Paige! The crowd begins to give an ovation as he snickers. "My dear 'Queen', I kneel before you as the greatest 'King' that England has ever had... I kneel before you as the greatest Intercontinental Champion the world has ever had! I kneel before you requesting the greatest honor of making this official between us... Paige, will you do the honors of truly becoming my 'Queen' and marrying me?" The London crowd roars for the question as Paige has a look of absolute shock across her face, looking around as the arena breaks in to a 'Yes!' chant. She seems hesitant at first, causing Barrett to grow a little frustrated. "Come on, now! It shouldn't take you that long to answer the easiest question of your bloody life, Paige! Will you marry me!?" She finally cracks and exclaims 'Yes!' to another big pop, Barrett getting back on to his feet with a smile, hugging and kissing his official bride to be. The rest of The Commonwealth kneel before the two as they gaze out to the crowd, Paige still in shock as Barrett laughs in joy, as it appears the WWE truly does have a 'King' and a 'Queen' with a royal wedding in store!

Still to come later on tonight - Undisputed WWE Champion Bryan Danielson will finally speak on and call out the number one contender for his title, Seth Rollins. Plus, John Cena will be in action against the 'World's Strongest Man' Mark Henry! But coming up next, the new United States Champion, Dean Ambrose, is in action against Tyson Kidd!

---

Back from break, Cole and JBL go over the opening to the show where Wade Barrett made a big move in front of his home country by proposing to Paige, whom accepted. Backstage, The Commonwealth is seen walking through the halls in celebration before being stopped as Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles approaches, a smile on his face. "Congratulations, you two." He says, adjusting the title over his shoulder. "But Wade, don't be going too far! I'm sure you're ready to go out on the town and have some fun with your people but after what you did to me last week on Smackdown, I've talked with the board of directors and even though I'm good with beating you again at Payback, you've got to make it through my choice of an opponent here tonight... Ryback." He smiles and wishes him luck, heading off as Barrett is livid over the announcement! "WHAT!? HOW DARE YOU DO THIS TO ME ON THIS NIGHT, STYLES!" He runs his hands over his head in frustration as The Commonwealth tries to calm him down!

UNITED STATES CHAMPION DEAN AMBROSE DEF. TYSON KIDD (W/NATALYA) IN A NON-TITLE MATCH » The bell rings and after circling around the ring a bit, the two lock up and Ambrose takes Kidd down. He dominates early, getting two count after two count. He goes for a suplex but Kidd manages to kick his legs enough to come down and reverse it, turning momentum in his favor. After missing a top rope crossbody, however, Ambrose takes back total control and doesn't look back, eventually catching Kidd with a clothesline after falling halfway through the ropes, which allows him to plant him with Dirty Deeds and get the pinfall victory.

Ambrose gets back on to his feet, being met with plenty of cheers by the London crowd. As he works them up a bit, Roman Reigns' theme music hits over the arena and those cheers quickly turn to boos, Reigns making his way out to the stage along with Paul Heyman - whom excuses and introduces himself to the fans. "Dean Ambrose, last week on Smackdown you interrupted me so I have come out here to return the favor... you said last week on Smackdown that you'd be willing to face my client Roman Reigns in a rematch any time, any place and being the genius that I am I pondered the idea of having that be right now but since, while a genius, I am also very reasonable..." He smiles and Ambrose scoffs at the last remark about him being reasonable. Heyman proceeds to tell Dean that Reigns is a very dangerous man and he is hungry for his title and wants it back but, like he said, he is reasonable and wants to give Ambrose a little time to prepare for the 'extraordinary beating' he will take at the hands of Reigns, so his rematch will take place in two weeks at Payback. The crowd seems fond of the idea, Reigns taking the mike from Heyman and telling Ambrose simply to 'believe that'. As they prepare to leave, however, Ambrose stops them. "Believe that? Damn, Roman, those be some fighting words..." He says with a laugh, tapping the microphone. "I don't care when I have to face you, Ro. I could face you tonight, I could face you in six hours down at the local pub after a few drinks with this people or I could face you at Payback... I'm not letting you take this baby away from me and in the words of the guys ass I just kicked... that's a fact." He tosses the microphone over his shoulder and holds the United States Championship up high over his head.

---

Back from the break, 'RUSEV PUTRIA! RUSEV MATKA!' is heard and the 'Bulgarian Brute' proceeds to make his way out from the back alongside Lana. The two make their way down to the ring, Rusev waving the Russian flag over his head in the process. They stand in the middle of the ring, Lana calling for silence from the crowd. "Just like Americans, you British are just as pathetic to us." The boos come in response, Lana saying that Vladimir Putin, the leader of the 'world's strongest country' hand picked Rusev from Bulgaria to represent his great country against all others and England is no exception. "Tonight, Rusev will prove his dominance. Prove his dominance against all other weaker, pathetic countries." She hands the microphone over to him and he shouts in a different language which, of course, brings boos from the crowd. He hands it back over to Lana, whom translates by saying that Rusev is challenging any member of the audience to try and stand up for their country and face him here tonight and be crushed. With a smile, she looks around as many of the crowd raises their hands up, calling to be picked upon. Rusev gazes around before pointing to somebody, Lana demanding security pull them from the crowd. The excited fan is helped over the barricade and gets the crowd fired up as he enters the ring. "Look at this guy, he isn't any more than a hundred and fifty pounds!" Says JBL on commentary, Cole saying he isn't liking where this is going. The man jogs in place across the ring as Lana asks for his name. "Jonny Storm!" He shouts with a smile before she asks where he is from. "I'm from Harlow, Essex right here in England!" He says, Lana introducing him to Rusev - whom towers over him. Storm says he is ready to put an end to this 'big ugly bloke', to which Rusev doesn't take lightly - causing him to shove Storm back! A referee comes in to the ring to hold him back, Lana exiting the ring as the official asks if both men are ready.

RUSEV (W/LANA) DEF. LOCAL JONNY STORM » The match begins and Rusev steps up to Storm, whom ducks away repeatedly. He charges up to Rusev and throws a couple of punches before being tossed back first in to the corner! Rusev completely dominates him for about a minute before hitting him with one huge leaping kick to the face, followed by a stomp across the back. He proceeds to apply The Accolade and Storm doesn't last long before submitting.

Rusev refuses to let up on the hold until Lana steps in the ring and takes hold of his arm, the 'Bulgarian Brute' rising on to his feet and pounding on his chest with a monstrous roar to the crowd. He looks all around the arena as the Russian flag snaps down from above the ring, the English crowd not approving. The referee checks on Storm as Rusev and Lana stand tall. 

Backstage is John Cena getting prepared for action as his match with Mark Henry is up next!

---

JOHN CENA DEF. MARK HENRY » The bell sounds, the two men meeting in the middle before locking up, Henry overpowering Cena much to his chagrin. Cena quickly comes back, however, mounting a total comeback against the 'World's Strongest Man' only to be knocked out of the ring. Henry follows but misses a splash in to Cena, smacking in to the steel post! A commercial break follows, with Cena back in control upon the return. He goes for the Attitude Adjustment but Henry manages to use his size and strength to get down from it and drop Cena with a clothesline. He starts to turn things in his favor and gets multiple near falls following multiple slams. He gets frustrated with the referee and corners him, demanding he count faster. He turns back to Cena and gets rattled with a leaping forearm to the face. As Cena seems to be getting some momentum going and sets up for the Five Knuckle Shuffle, Dolph Ziggler makes his way out to the stage with a smile across his face. Cena is half distracted and it allows Henry to hit him with a body splash after he comes off the ropes. Mark sets up for the World's Strongest Slam but Cena manages to fight his way out of it. He ducks a shot and uses all of his might to lift Henry on his shoulders, turn to look up to Ziggler atop the stage and deliver the Attitude Adjustment! He hooks the inside leg for the one, two, three.

Cena slowly gets back on to his feet and the referee raises his arm up. Before he can even turn around, however, Ziggler has come in to the ring and he plants him with a superkick! The WWE Universe gives a loud, mixed reaction as he mounts on top of Cena and starts to unload with punches to the head! He drags him out of the ring and chucks him shoulder first in to the steel steps! "You want to take my opportunities, Cena!?" He shouts, the referee standing in front of him trying to hold him back. Ziggler runs his hands through his hair, backing away slowly as Cena is left on the floor cringing in pain, Dolph growing a sick smile across his face.

Still to come later on, Undisputed WWE Champion Bryan Danielson will call out the number one contender for his title, Seth Rollins. But coming up next, Chris Jericho will address The Purge.

---

Back from break, the lights dim down in the arena and Chris Jericho's music hits to a big pop from the crowd. 'Y2J' himself eventually emerges from the back and makes his way down and in to the ring, a microphone in his hand and a grin across his face. He looks all around the O2 Arena and says that he has performed on many of stages in the ring and doing concerts but there isn't much quite like the O2 Arena. "And London, allow me to welcome you to Raw! Is! JERICHO!" He gets a big ovation and he gets a bit more serious, saying that about a month ago he got a call to come on down and invite The Purge on to The Highlight Reel and get some answers out of them, seeing as how they didn't feel like speaking. He notes how the first time he invited them, things didn't get going and then at Extreme Rules they came down and they spoke their piece and then they proceeded to lay him out. "They laid me out like they laid out CM Punk the night after WrestleMania... like they laid out Alberto Del Rio the week after that... but fortunately for me they didn't do enough to keep me down and now at Payback in two weeks I get my hands on their ringleader Kevin Owens and after I am through with him I promise you he will never... EVVVVVVERRRR! Be the same... again." He looks all around the arena and says they can try and cleanse the WWE all they want and they can keep trying to take everyone out but eventually it will catch up to them. "They may be dangerous but I promise you, Kevin Owens, that at Payback your moral will be at an all time low because I am going to stop you right dead in your tracks and you're going to have to start all over again."

Before Jericho has the opportunity to say anything more, the lights flicker and the titantron flashes multiple colors, 'PURGE' appearing across the screen. Kevin Owens slowly makes his way out to the stage as Sami Zayn and Solomon Crowe come from the crowd, all slowly making their way up to the ring and hopping on to the apron. They stare Jericho down with smiles across their faces, preparing to pounce like hounds. As soon as they enter the ring, however, The Usos theme music hits to a bit of a surprise from the crowd! Jimmy and Jey come rushing down to the ring and begin to trade blows with The Purge, Jericho joining in as it is a three on three affair now. Crowe is taken out of the ring by Jericho with a clothesline and Zayn follows by a double superkick via Jimmy and Jey. Owens, however, manages to escape before much can be done to him. He wipes away at his face from the punches as he regroups with Zayn and Crowe as for the first time since their debut, they have a three man front against them!

---

Returning, John Cena is seen getting checked on in the back by a doctor. Renee Young steps up as the doctor excuses himself, Young asking Cena how he is feeling after what Dolph Ziggler did to him out there. "I'm feeling fine... I'm obviously going to be a little banged up after being thrown in to some steps... but I'm frustrated. I'm frustrated and I'm fired up, Renee, because Dolph Ziggler wants a piece of me and I want more than just a piece of him... at Payback... I'm getting mine and I'm going to put Dolph Ziggler in his place." He looks off in to the distance with a fire in his eyes as Renee thanks him for his time, sending things back to ringside.

WADE BARRETT (W/THE COMMONWEALTH) DEF. RYBACK » The match begins with Ryback chucking Barrett to the mat repeatedly and rattling him. As Barrett tries to leave the match early, Ryback follows after him and chucks him back in to the ring. He begins a beat down but Barrett comes back with some assistance from The Commonwealth on the outside. He is blasted with the Meat Hook Clothesline out of nowhere, however, and Ryback calls to finish it. As he backs to the ropes, however, Sandow takes him by the leg. Ryback kicks him away and steps back up to Barrett, hoisting him for Shell Shocked. As he marches around the ring, however, Barrett manages to writhe himself free. He ducks a boot on the turnaround and inverts his elbow pad as Ryback regroups himself in the corner, turning right in to the Bullhammer Elbow! The crowd pops as Barrett hooks both legs up for the three count.

Barrett staggers back on to his feet slowly, The Commonwealth coming in to the ring with him. He takes Paige in to his arms and looks out to the main camera, shouting that he will claim his Intercontinental Championship. Meanwhile, in the back, AJ Styles is seen watching on the monitors with a smile across his face, patting his title before heading off.

The signature of The Wyatt Family hits and on the titantron appears Bray Wyatt from behind his lantern, along with Luke Harper and Erick Rowan. He laughs maniacally and mumbles under his breath a bit. "You know what today is, Kane... a day... infamous! INFAMOUS! We all know... it is the day your precious mother... was taken away from you." He laughs and leans his head back, saying that he feels bad for Kane, lost in this world without his 'mama'. He clicks his teeth a bit and wags his finger. "But have no fear, Kane... mama may be gone and Paul Bearer too... and your precious brother's streak has come to an end... but I am here. I am here to take you in and I am here to take you down and put you out of your misery and so help me Kane at Payback I WILL! BE THE LAST! MAN! STANDING! FOLLOW... the buzzards." He laughs wildly once again before blowing his lantern out, Harper and Rowan to take on Kane - next.

---

KANE DEF. LUKE HARPER AND ERICK ROWAN (W/BRAY WYATT) VIA DISQUALIFICATION » The match starts off with Rowan and Kane, the two big men throwing heavy shots at each other with Kane being very, very aggressive - clearly aggravated by the words of Wyatt moments ago. Neither man manages to gain much of an upper hand. After a cheap shot from Harper, however, Rowan takes total control. He and his partner make frequent tags in and out to keep working away at Kane, whom finally begins to come back against Harper with multiple shots to the chin. The 'Big Red Machine' starts to get some momentum going after a sidewalk slam to Harper and prepares for the Chokeslam, only for both Rowan and Wyatt to hit the ring and begin a beat down, Harper joining in as the referee calls for the bell.

The crowd boos as the beat down continues on, The Wyatt Family refusing to stop. They drag Kane out of the ring and Wyatt orders Harper and Rowan to clear the announce table. Bray proceeds to hook a hold of Kane's head and, much like he did at Extreme Rules, plants him with Sister Abigail on to the announce table! As Kane collapses to the floor, he gets back on to his feet and places his hands to the chest of Harper and Rowan to keep them back. With a chuckle, Wyatt slowly brings his hand up and does a taunt of slitting his throat, much like The Undertaker. He forces Kane up again and brings him on to the announce table before pulling him upside down and delivering a Tombstone Piledriver! Cole and JBL go silent as Kane is motionless on the table, Wyatt laughing hysterically as he runs his hands through his hair, Harper leaning down next to Kane and counting from one to ten. After he has finished, Wyatt spreads his arms out high and bellows out towards the heavens, "FOLLOW! THE BUZZARDS!" Kane remains motionless as the signature of The Wyatt Family hits.

---

Back from the break, Cody Rhodes is seen walking backstage in dress clothing and looking around wildly. A couple of crew members nearby are seen laughing and he steps up to them, joining in on the laughter before growing a serious look across his face. "Are you laughing at me!?" He screams, throwing one of them to the floor. The other man puts his hands up and backs away slowly, Rhodes slowly growing back a smile across his face, asking what the big deal is. He continues to walk through the halls before seeing Santino Marella having a conversation with another production member and as they begin to laugh, Rhodes runs up behind Santino and slams him head first in to the wall! Goldust quickly comes rushing on to the scene, pulling his brother back. "Cody, what are you doing!?" He shouts, Rhodes staring for a moment before looking in to the eyes of Goldust, asking what he means. "I'm just going for a walk, brother." He pats him on the cheek and heads off, Goldust unsure what to think of Cody, as he has seemed to have all but lost it. He kneels down to check on Santino.

Elsewhere is Renee Young, whom introduces her guest at this time to be Tamina Snuka and Derrick Bateman. She thanks them for their time and asks Tamina how she is feeling going in to, thus far, possibly the biggest match of her career to earn a shot at the Diva's Championship. Before she has a chance to answer, Bateman steps in front of her with a goofy smile. "Hey, Renee, why don't you ask questions to the man? The Bateman." Young looks a bit confused, reminding Derrick that Tamina has a match coming up next so she was really hoping to get a word with her. "Hey, The Bateman knows what Tamina has coming up. But The Bateman also knows that he should be the center of attention... we're like Batman and Robin, or in this case Bateman and Robin." He laughs at his own joke, Tamina just shaking her head and Renee seeming a bit caught off-guard by him. He throws his hands out and says that he is the number one entertainer in the WWE, best in and out of the ring and - between him and Renee - Tamina is just an afterthought. He heads off, telling Tamina to come with him. She stays put for a moment, shaking her head to Renee before following Bateman.

---

A promo video airs for the next WWE pay-per-view, Payback, coming in two weeks on Sunday, June 1, 2014 from the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. It features the official theme song "We Want It All" by Powerman 5000. WWE superstars constantly seek retribution, vengeance and now they will seek: Payback. Live on pay-per-view and the WWE Network.

Back live, Diva's Champion AJ Lee is at ringside on commentary for the upcoming contest.

TAMINA SNUKA (W/DERRICK BATEMAN) DEF. NAOMI TO BECOME THE NEW NUMBER ONE CONTENDER FOR THE DIVA'S CHAMPIONSHIP » The match starts off and is very physical, both women delivering some hard hitting moves and slams, Tamina taking off early on with a big powerslam that gets her a two count. She stays aggressive with kicks and elbows, only to miss one huge spinning one in the corner that allows Naomi to flip her to the mat with a jawbreaker. She flips her to the mat with a couple of arm drags and follows up with a roundhouse kick that almost gets her the pinfall victory. As she is talking with the official, Snuka gets back on to her feet and blasts her with a clothesline from behind! She begins a brutal beat down and refuses to let up. As Naomi comes back, she plants Tamina in the corner with a dropkick and gets back to her feet. Bateman gets on to the apron and starts to yell at Tamina as she gets up. Naomi comes running towards her and spins around with a jump, going for the Rear View. Tamina, however, manages to avoid it and Bateman takes the move and collapses to the floor! Snuka takes advantage and nails a sharp superkick before going to the top rope and hitting the Superfly Splash! She hooks both legs up for the three count.

Tamina gets on to her feet slowly, standing over Naomi. She pulls her arm away from the referee and stares AJ Lee down, motioning for the title around her waist. As she does so, Bateman gets in to the ring next to her holding his jaw before motioning for the title himself, Snuka giving him an ugly look and elbows him below the belt! He keels over from the shot as Tamina steps up to the ropes and tells AJ that the Diva's Championship is hers, while Bateman lays on the mat, cringing in pain while clutching a hold of his nether region.

---

ANTONIO CESARO DEF. SHEAMUS » The official calls for the bell as the crowd responds well for the two European superstars as they play them up a bit before meeting in the middle and locking up. The match starts off with some heavy hitting, very rough. Cesaro gains some ground on Sheamus but after a two count, gets smashed with a forearm to the face. Sheamus starts a stiff beat down on Cesaro and sets up for the Brogue Kick early, only for Cesaro to duck away from it and trip him to the mat, setting the stage for the Cesaro Swing. Sheamus manages to kick away, however, and the two continue to duke it out with their powerful, aggressive styles. The Money in the Bank holder gets Sheamus to the mat with a superplex and gets back on to his feet, flexing his muscles. He takes a hold of the legs and begins the Cesaro Swing, going around twelve times before releasing the 'Celtic Warrior'! He drags him back up and sets the stage for the Neutralizer, only for Sheamus to work his way free and push off the ropes, returning with the Brogue Kick! He quickly hooks both legs up but Cesaro finds a way to kick out. Sheamus drags him up in disbelief and after doing some work with some punches, goes for the Brogue Kick again only for Cesaro to duck away from it and catch him with a huge tossing uppercut that rebounds him off the ropes and right in to his clasp, Cesaro setting him up and delivering the Neutralizer in the middle of the ring! He rolls him over and covers him for the pin.

Cesaro rises on to his feet and pumps his fists in signature fashion, the crowd approving of him. He lets Sheamus get back on to his feet and extends his hand, the 'Celtic Warrior' placing his hands on his hips. He slaps away Cesaro's hand and gets a loud 'ooh' from the crowd, Sheamus pointing in his face. He grows a smile, however, patting Antonio on the back before raising his arm up high. He and Cesaro shake hands finally and Sheamus exits the ring. "Yeah, yeah, Cesaro is impressive but I don't think he knows he has to cash that Money in the Bank in soon!" Shouts JBL on commentary, Cole once again trying to reason Cesaro has plenty of time.

Backstage, R-Truth and Bo Dallas are seen walking through the halls talking to one another, Truth responding by yelling every time Dallas speaks, whom just keeps a big smile across his face while looking up to the sky. They look to capture the WWE Tag Team Championships after knocking off Jeff and Matt Hardy last week on Smackdown - next!

---

WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS THE HARDY BOYZ DEF. R-TRUTH AND BO DALLAS TO RETAIN » The match begins with Dallas and Jeff, the prior getting control early and telling Truth that is how you do it! Truth is immediately taken aback by it and asks Dallas what he means. As Bo tries to explain, Jeff hits him with a dropkick. He and Matt completely dominate Bo until he hits a surprising neckbreaker on Matt, making the tag to Truth - whom rushes in and delivers multiple clotheslines and leaping kicks to get his team back in to it. He and Dallas begin to work well together, making frequent tags to stay fresh. Matt, however, comes back against Truth after he gets distracted by Dallas shouting inspirational things. After a Twist of Fate, Matt tags in Jeff and he hits the Swanton Bomb, allowing him to hook both legs up for the three.

The Hardy Boyz celebrate their victory with each other and exit the ring with the belts, having righted the ship after last Thursday's loss to this team. Bo gets in to the ring and pats Truth on the shoulder as he starts to stir, trying to explain to him that it is alright. He calls for a microphone from ringside and stands next to Truth, putting his hand on his shoulder. "Truth, my brother... it's alright. One day, we will become WWE Tag Team Champions! All you have to do is... Bo-lieve!" He proceeds to hug Truth, whom shakes his head and shoves him back, warning him to watch himself. He exits the ring and Dallas follows.

Coming up next, Undisputed WWE Champion Bryan Danielson will be speaking and calling out the number one contender for his title, Seth Rollins!

---

The theme music of Bryan Danielson hits, the English fans roaring for the Undisputed WWE Champion as he makes his way out from the back with the title over his shoulder. He gazes over the O2 Arena with a smile across his face before hopping his way down the ramp, leading on the thunderous 'Yes!' chants. He comes down and in to the ring, requesting a microphone from ringside. "To hear those chants from all the way back in my home of Aberdeen, Washington... to all the way here in London, England... it puts one big smile across my face." He laughs as the chants build up once again, letting them go on for a while before continuing on. "At WrestleMania, I went inside Hell in a Cell and I went toe to toe with the 'Beast Incarnate' Brock Lesnar and after he had beaten me two times already, put me in the hospital and kept me out of action I took him down! I took him down and I became Undisputed WWE Champion and then what gone thrown at me next? I had to go in to Extreme Rules and not face one, not two but three men! Three! I beat them all but there was one guy who decided he hadn't had enough of me and he has been pushing the limits since then... Seth Rollins." The boos come raining down for the simple mention of the name, Bryan nodding in agreement. He notes how it was two weeks ago when Mick Foley came down to this ring to announce a new number one contender and Seth came down to the ring and threatened him, demanding that title shot. After Foley gave it to him, he Curb Stomped him in to the mat and put him out. He also mentions how earlier that night, he had done the same twice to Jerry 'The King' Lawler for no reason other than his own frustration. "Then you did that to me last week, Seth... and with all due respect to Jerry Lawler and Mick Foley I'm back standing right here in this ring... and I want you to come down here, look me in the eyes and hear me tell you that come Payback, I'll be getting mine and you won't be walking away with my Undisputed WWE Championship!" The London fans keep it up, exclaiming 'Yes!' repeatedly as Danielson leans across the ropes in anticipation, Seth Rollins' music coming in after a short wait, the number one contender coming out to the stage.

Rollins struts his way halfway down the ramp, a microphone in his hand as he calls for his music to be cut. With a laugh, he puts his hand up staring down at Danielson. "Bryan, Bryan, Bryan! Come on, man! You think I enjoyed doing what I did to Mick Foley? What I did to Jerry Lawler? They got what they deserved, Bryan..." He slowly makes his way up the steel steps and says that on second thought, that just made it that much more enjoyable. He steps between the ropes and approaches the Undisputed WWE Champion with a smile, looking at the belt. "You may have beaten Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania and I respect you for that, Bryan, it was no small task. However, I walked in to No Way Out and I beat six other guys inside the Elimination Chamber and I earned my one on one title match and you know it. The entire world knows it and at Extreme Rules when Mick Foley's stupidity got in the way and cost me what is mine I had to send a message and I did just that and I don't feel sorry for it. I'm not going to apologize! Just like I'm not going to apologize to you when I scramble your brains in to the mat just like I did last week!" The hate towards Rollins keeps brewing from the crowd with their jeering, Danielson adjusting his title belt and stepping right up towards his rival, looking up in to his eyes. "If you want to take this away from me, Seth, it is going to take a lot more than a petty, little Curb Stomp." He continues to stare, Rollins giving a laugh before backing away. He seems prepared to say more but instead leaps forward with a shot to the head with the bottom of the microphone! He mounts on top of Danielson and unloads with punches, refusing to let up! Multiple referees and officials come rushing down to the ring and try and pull the two apart, Danielson ripping free from them and hitting a big kick to the face of Rollins! He takes him down to the mat and starts to fire away himself, being pulled away quickly. Seth eventually rolls himself out of the ring and starts to back up the ramp, wanting no more to do with Danielson. The Undisputed WWE Champion scoops his title belt up slowly and starts to pump it high in the air, leading the 'Yes!' chants once again as Rollins claims that the title will be his in two weeks at Payback! Monday Night Raw in the United Kingdom draws to an end!

MAY 22, 2014 FROM THE 02 ARENA IN LONDON, ENGLAND

---

The Thursday Night Smackdown intro video airs and, for the second time this week, the cameras come in to the O2 Arena from London, England! Michael Cole and John Bradshaw Layfield welcome everyone to the show. Tonight, Undisputed WWE Champion Bryan Danielson and Seth Rollins will both be in action. Plus, England's own Wade Barrett and Damien Sandow of The Commonwealth team up to take on Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles and Ryback!

The theme music of Kane hits, the big pyro hitting across the stage as the 'Big Red Monster' makes his way out from the back and down to the ring, evil intent in his eyes from behind his mask. He snatches a microphone from ringside and breaths heavily in to it, gazing out to the crowd. "This past Monday... Bray Wyatt... you brought up something very, very personal..." He runs his hand through his hair and tries to keep his composure. "You brought up the death of my mother... you brought up my deepest, darkest past and when you and I finally lock eyes at Payback... there will be hell to pay." The London crowd cheers the words as Kane continues on, saying that he has had some very personal rivalries over his career but Bray has made this one one of the most personal. "Bray... at Payback I don't plan to just destroy you, I don't plan to just be the last man standing... I plan to rip you apart limb from limb and take you straight back down to the depths of hell with me!" He continues to breath heavily as he looks out to the crowd, suddenly the signature of The Wyatt Family hitting to a very loud mixed reaction.

Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper and Erick Rowan all make their way out from the back slowly beneath the spotlight of Wyatt's cracked lantern. They make their way down to the end of the ramp and Wyatt takes a seat in his rocking chair, blowing the light out in his lantern as the lights come back up slowly. He rocks back and forth with a chuckle, dangling a microphone in his hand. "Well, well, well, man..." He says, wagging his finger. "You believe you're going to rip me... limb from limb... bring me down to the depths of hell, are you? I'VE ALREADY GONE ON DOWN THERE, KANE! DON'T YOU REMEMBER!? DON'T YOU REMEMBER WHEN I HUNTED YOU DOWN AND I TOOK YOUR MASK AND I PRESENTED IT TO YOUR BROTHER!? YOUR DEAR... dear brother... The Undertaker." He continues to laugh, mentioning how he ended the streak and became the new 'phenom' and it appears soon enough he will not only be the last man standing, but also the new 'demon' once he takes Kane down as well. The 'Big Red Monster', growing furious, storms up to the ropes and Wyatt gets on to his feet, spreading his arms out. "YOU WANT TO MEET YOUR FATE NOW!?" Shouts Bray, taking off his jacket and chucking it to the side. He spreads his arms out and drops his microphone, Harper and Rowan slowly moving to other sides of the ring. Bray steps up to the ring and grabs the ropes with a sinister grin, getting on to the apron along with his Wyatt Family followers. As they start to come in to the ring, however, The Hardy Boyz come rushing down to the ring! Jeff and Matt leap in and begin to fend off Harper and Rowan, Kane teeing off at Bray. The Wyatt Family quickly spill out of the ring and try to regroup as Kane, Jeff and Matt all circle around the ring, the crowd cheering on!

---

THE WYATT FAMILY DEF. KANE AND WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS THE HARDY BOYZ » Upon the return, the match is underway as Michael Cole informs everyone how this match was made during the break by orders of the WWE Board of Directors. Harper and Jeff go at it wildly with the prior getting the upper hand. He, Rowan and Bray all take turns working at Jeff until he mounts a comeback on Rowan and tags in his brother, Matt coming in and keeping momentum in his teams favor, sending Rowan down surprisingly following a leaping forearm. He misses on a top rope clothesline, however, allowing Erick to plant him with a body splash and get a near fall off of it. He makes the tag to Bray and he comes in, pummeling Matt with tons of shots and clubs across the back. He sets up for Sister Abigail early but Matt manages to pull himself away and make the diving tag to Kane! The 'Big Red Monster' comes in to the ring slowly, giving a big stare towards Bray. He steps forward but Wyatt laughs as he backs up, allowing Harper to tag himself in. Luke comes in slowly and begins to tee off on Kane, whom delivers a brutal big boot after an exchange. He sets up for the Chokeslam but Harper slips free, booting him in to the corner. Jeff makes the blind tag as Harper comes charging with a clothesline in to Kane. Harper points at Matt and rips him over the ropes, setting him up for a chokebomb only for Jeff to hit him with a kick to the gut, followed by Whisper in the Wind! As all hell breaks loose, Jeff and Harper remain legal and Harper blindsides Jeff with a huge clothesline that gets the pinfall! 

Harper quickly rolls out of the ring as Matt tries to slide in, along with Kane, backing down with Rowan and Wyatt, the patriarch of The Wyatt Family laughing wildly as they slowly go up the ramp. Kane, Jeff and Matt all look up the ramp in disappointment at the loss.

---

Back from break, Renee Young is standing by with the number one contender to the Undisputed WWE Championship, Seth Rollins. He steps forward with a smug grin across his face, Renee thanking him for his time and asking about this past Monday on Raw and what Bryan Danielson had to say to his face. "Bryan said blah, blah, blah... blah, blah, blah... blah, blah, blah, blah, blah! I don't give a damn, Renee, he is just afraid... afraid, not only that I am going to beat him for his Undisputed WWE Championship at Payback but afraid that I am going to put him out of his misery and curb stomp his head in to the mat so hard he doesn't have to be concerned with ever stepping in to the ring with me again." He laughs, saying that he is going to go out there and whatever poor soul he is facing is going to get a little taste of the exact move he is going to execute at Payback to become the Undisputed WWE Champion. He heads off for his match.

SETH ROLLINS DEF. BIG E » The bell rings and Rollins smack talks Big E, resulting in him getting jabbed in the face! Big E gets some early momentum brewing, sending Rollins to the mat multiple times and getting a couple of near falls. He misses a splash in the corner, however, allowing Seth to run off the ropes and return with knees to the chest. He turns things around fast in his favor, dominating, and after a superkick that drops Big E to the mat, he hits off the ropes and returns with a brutal Curb Stomp! He drops to the mat and hooks both legs up for the one, two, three.

Seth gets back on to his feet with a smile and motions for the Undisputed WWE Championship around his waist. "It's coming right here! Right around my waist!" He shouts, continuing to make the motion before exiting the ring and making his way towards the back.

---

Returning, Byron Saxton is standing backstage and holds a microphone in his hand, welcoming his guest - Goldust. He thanks him for the opportunity to speak with him and asks about his brother, Cody Rhodes, wanting to know if Goldust can shed some light on what is going on with him. "Y'know, Byron, Cody has definitely been... I dunno... out there. I can't really tell you exactly... what is going on with him, honestly. I keep trying to get to him and get answers but he never seems to be able to give me anything... we did the therapy session, we've tried talking to our friends and family but... I dunno." He tries to say more but up steps Rhodes, staring his brother down before cracking a smile, patting Goldust on the shoulder. "Hey, bro. I got some great news for you! I have gotten us an opportunity on Raw to earn another shot at the WWE Tag Team Championships!" Goldust asks if he is serious and Rhodes' face turns from smiling to dead serious, asking Goldust if he is calling him a liar. "I am not a liar, Dustin! I AM NOT! A LIAR!" His eyes widen, Goldust telling him to calm down. "You're acting crazy, Cody!" He shouts, causing Rhodes to smack his brother across the face and throw him in to the set behind them! The crowd mutters inside the arena as Rhodes demands his brother never call him crazy again. Cody storms off, shaking his head as Saxton checks to see if Goldust is alright.

Elsewhere, The Commonwealth are seen in the locker room area as Wade Barrett and Damien Sandow are getting ready for their match. Barrett rises on to his feet as the rest are talking among one another. "Alright, men!" He says, pulling Paige to his side. "Tonight, we go in to that ring in front of my native people. As well as William's and Adam's. Damien, Drew you know how important that is to us and at all stops we shall walk out of my kingdom as winners. AJ Styles... Ryback? They are nothing compared to us and they will fall. They will kneel before me just as AJ Styles will at Payback next Sunday. Let's go." They head out, that tag match coming up next.

---

WADE BARRETT AND DAMIEN SANDOW (W/THE COMMONWEALTH) DEF. INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION AJ STYLES AND RYBACK » The match begins with Sandow and Styles, the Intercontinental Champion sending Damien down to the mat with some high flying and hard hitting moves. After a two count on a top rope forearm to the face, he tags in Ryback and the 'Big Guy' storms in and drops Sandow to the mat with multiple shoulder tackles, getting fired up with the crowd. Sandow, however, drops him with a dropkick and tags Barrett in, the WWE Universe approving of their hometown 'king'. He rushes in and sends Ryback down to the mat with multiple clotheslines before hitting a pump handle slam that gives him a count of two. He argues with the official and it gives Ryback enough time to regroup and slam Barrett down to the mat over and over again, making the tag to Styles. The Intercontinental Champion comes in and he circles the ring, not allowing Barrett to make the tag. He pummels Barrett with kicks and forearms in the corner, dropping him to the mat with a suplex before going to the top rope. He looks poised for the Spiral Tap and leaps off, landing on his feet as Barrett rolls out of the way early. Styles proceeds to hit him with the Pele Kick and Barrett falls back in to the ropes - Sandow tagging in! He storms in to the ring and smashes Styles with a forearm to the back of the head, rocking him in to the corner. Ryback makes the tag and steps in, missing the Meat Hook Clothesline on Sandow and being blasted with the Bullhammer Elbow from Barrett on the apron! Sandow rolls Ryback up for the three!

Sandow rolls out of the ring, falling in to the arms of Barrett - whom laughs at the victory, Styles getting in to the ring shaking his head with his hands on his hips. He looks down at Ryback, whom gets on to his feet apologizing - to which Styles assures him it is alright. Barrett motions for the Intercontinental Championship around his waist as The Commonwealth continue to celebrate the victory before making their way towards the back.

---

A promo video airs for the next WWE pay-per-view, Payback, coming in next week on Sunday, June 1, 2014 from the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. It features the official theme song "We Want It All" by Powerman 5000. WWE superstars constantly seek retribution, vengeance and now they will seek: Payback. Live on pay-per-view and the WWE Network.

Back inside the O2 Arena, Tamina Snuka and Derrick Bateman are coming to ringside but instead of Tamina getting to come on commentary, Bateman shoves her aside and takes the headset himself, Layfield exclaiming his excitement for a 'real superstar' to join them!

DIVA'S CHAMPION AJ LEE DEF. NAOMI IN A NON-TITLE MATCH » The referee calls for the bell to be rung, Naomi getting a non-title match against the Diva's Champion after failing to earn an opportunity at the belt on Raw. She overpowers AJ at first but the champion comes back strong and sends Naomi down with multiple arm drags and shots to the face. She misses a roundhouse kick and Naomi takes the opportunity to hit her with a brutal clothesline, leading to a two count. After some short back and forth action, AJ avoids the Rear View and proceeds to lock her up in the Black Widow - Naomi lasting just a short while before having to tap out.

As soon as AJ Lee gets on to her feet, Tamina hits the ring and blasts her with a boot to the face! The crowd boos as AJ is left on the mat clutching on to her head, Snuka snatching the Diva's Championship away from the official, raising it above her head. "What a show off, huh guys?" Scoffs Bateman on commentary, taking off his headset to join Tamina in the ring. They argue a bit before Tamina shoves Derrick back and holds the title up high.

---

At ringside following the break, Michael Cole and John Bradshaw Layfield discuss how this past Monday on Raw we saw as things broke down between two heated rivalries of Bryan Danielson and Seth Rollins as well as Dolph Ziggler and John Cena. "And ladies and gentlemen we have just received word that this Monday on Raw we will have a huge tag team match take place." Says Cole. "Dolph Ziggler and Seth Rollins will team up to take on the Undisputed WWE Champion Bryan Danielson... and John Cena." JBL shares his excitement for the match, saying that is quite the main event to happen on the final Monday Night Raw before Payback!

Backstage stands Renee Young and she welcomes her guest at this time, the Undisputed WWE Champion Bryan Danielson. He steps forward with a smile across his face as the London crowd inside the arena chants 'Yes!' as loud as they can. Renee mentions how she spoke to Seth Rollins earlier and he thinks he will win the title at Payback and proved pretty dominant against Big E. "So, what I'm asking you is what your confidence level is going in to your title defense against Seth, as well as if you are prepared to make a statement like he did earlier on when you go up against Mark Henry?" Danielson adjusts his title belt over his shoulder and says that he always has confidence when he steps in to the ring, no matter who he faces. "I went toe to toe with Brock Lesnar on three occasions now, Renee. Twice inside Hell in a Cell. If Seth Rollins thinks he can intimidate me with a couple of curb stomps, then he has another thing coming. As for tonight? I'll do my best to prove myself when I take on the 'World's Strongest Man' Mark Henry and I hope Seth is watching very closely because, with all due respect to Seth, he is no 'World's Strongest Man'." He flashes a smile and heads off, the main event coming up next!

---

UNDISPUTED WWE CHAMPION BRYAN DANIELSON DEF. MARK HENRY IN A NON-TITLE MATCH » The bell sounds and Danielson circles the ring, avoiding Henry. He blasts him with a few kicks to the tree-trunk like legs, Henry chucking him in to the corner and crushing in to him with a run! He uses his size to dominate the Undisputed WWE Champion but ends up missing a splash in the middle of the ring, allowing Bryan to get his momentum brewing after hitting a series of kicks to the chest. As he rocks Henry in to the ropes, however, he is chucked up and over - landing on the apron. Henry rushes across the ring and comes back, Bryan pulling the ropes down to topple him to the floor. He gets back in to the ring and with the motivation of the crowd, he delivers Air Goat! A commercial break follows. After the break away, Danielson remains in control with Henry not able to get on to his feet with his constant attacks, only for Bryan to keep getting just counts of two. He goes to the top rope and leaps off for a dropkick, only for the 'World's Strongest Man' to move out of the way. He drops himself right on top of Bryan, getting a two count of his own. Frustrated, Mark just overpowers Danielson for a couple of minutes before calling for a finish. He sets up for the World's Strongest Slam, only for Danielson to show his fighting spirit and fight his way out of it. He ducks beneath a clothesline and flies off the ropes, coming back with a sudden high knee to the face! He gets back to his feet and does it once again, this time sending Henry crashing down to the mat! The Undisputed WWE Champion quickly moves to lock the Yes! Lock in on Henry, using all he has to keep the hold locked up on the big man, Henry scrambling for a way to the ropes, only to find nothing. After he fails to break the death grip of Bryan on his face, the 'World's Strongest Man' taps out!

"Bryan Danielson just proved himself once again, ladies and gentleman!" Exclaims Michael Cole on commentary as Bryan lets go of the hold, falling on to his back. The replays air of Danielson being manhandled multiple times, only to show the size of his heart once again by getting Henry to the mat and making him submit to the Yes! Lock. As Bryan leads on the 'Yes!' chants with the UK crowd, Seth Rollins comes running down to the ring and stands behind him in the ring with a big smile across his face, licking his lips. Bryan drops to the mat and turns around, Rollins going for a superkick that Danielson avoids - chucking his title to the mat. He runs across the ropes and seems poised for the high knee, only for Rollins to quickly throw himself to the mat and roll to the outside to boos from the WWE Universe! Seth's eyes bulge out of his head as he just narrowly avoided the high knee of the Undisputed WWE Champion, Bryan getting on to his feet while staring him down. He slowly pulls his title belt up from off the mat and hoists it over his head repeatedly, leading the 'Yes!' chants once again to Rollins' dismay, as for the second time this week in the U.K., Danielson stands tall with the crowd behind him to conclude the show.

MAY 26, 2014 FROM THE THOMPSON-BOLING ARENA IN KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE

---

The Monday Night Raw intro video plays before the cameras come in to the Thompson-Boling Arena from Knoxville, Tennessee! Michael Cole and John Bradshaw Layfield welcome everyone to the show, still without Jerry 'The King' Lawler after the attack from Seth Rollins three weeks ago. Speaking of Rollins, tonight, he teams up with Dolph Ziggler to take on their respective opponents for Sunday - the Undisputed WWE Champion Bryan Danielson and John Cena. Plus, Chris Jericho and The Usos will team up to take on Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn and Solomon Crowe - The Purge while AJ Styles and Wade Barrett will be participating in Pick Your Poison!

The theme music of Seth Rollins hits, the Knoxville crowd welcoming him with boos as he makes his way down to the ring, snatching a microphone from ringside. "Monday Night Raw, take a good look! Take a good look because this is the last time you will be seeing Seth Rollins walk down to the ring on a Monday night without the Undisputed WWE Championship." He gives a laugh as the crowd disapproves, even bursting in to a chant of 'No!' in homage to the current champion and Rollins' Payback opponent, Bryan Danielson. "You people can doubt it, go ahead! Because all I have done since I burst on to the scene two years ago is prove all the doubters wrong! In October of 2012, I stepped up and I took the Intercontinental Championship and kept it around my waist for 349 days... and once I prove you all wrong again and take the Undisputed WWE Championship this Sunday... I ain't ever giving that baby up." He chuckles, motioning for the belt around his waist - being swiftly cut off by Undisputed WWE Champion Bryan Danielson's music, the 'Yes! Man' making his way out to the back leading on his usual chant. He steps in to the ring and stares Rollins down with a smile. "We've been bickering back and forth for the past couple of weeks, Seth, and I don't think you're ever going to get that I'm not afraid of you... I'm not afraid of the Curb Stomp... and as long as I've got these people behind me, I'm more confident than ever." The Tennessee fans quickly respond with their 'Yes!' chants, the champion smiling in response. Rollins quickly brushes it off and says that he should be afraid, be afraid that there is a new champion on the horizon. "Hell, you shouldn't just be afraid of this Sunday, you should be afraid of tonight in your tag match Bryan because I swear to God, if you aren't afraid of me now you will be by the end of the night when I show you how much of a threat I am when I beat you tonight like I'll beat you on Sunday!" As they stare each other down, 'Here to Show the World' hits to a loud mixed reaction from the crowd.

Ziggler comes in to the ring and stands aside Rollins, saying with all due respect to the both of them - and he doesn't have much for either man - but nobody cares about them. "What people care about is that Dolph Ziggler is going to beat John Cena tonight and Dolph Ziggler is going to beat John Cena at Payback and then I'm going to come for whichever one of you losers wins on Sunday... I'm going to come for you and get what I deserve! What I've earned!" Before he can say any more, Cena's music hits and he joins the party - storming his way down to the ring to stand to the side of Danielson and stare his adversary, Dolph Ziggler, down. "Don't get it twisted, you two, the way I see it... I'm gonna be adjusting some attitude while Bryan is going to be tapping y'all out." A pop comes from the crowd and a 'Yes!' chant follows, Danielson leading it on and Cena even getting involved before continuing on. "You see, we got ourselves a hell of a main event to come later on tonight... the four of us faced off at Extreme Rules and we'll be in separate matches come Payback. Tonight, though, we're on two different sides and I'm going to ride in to that match with the Undisputed WWE Champion with my head held high and Bryan and myself right here in Knoxville, Tennessee we're going to knox your asses out!" Another cheer comes from the crowd as Cena is fired up, Rollins quickly stepping forward and saying that John is completely wrong, the way he sees it - himself and Dolph, while they may not be the best of friends and they've had their differences, they have something in common. "We're more talented than the both of you and we both can't stand you... therefore, the way I see it happening here tonight is that you'll be getting your show, your spotlight stolen, John, and I'll be Curb Stomping my way in to Payback ready to take what belongs around my waist." He pulls the microphone down and stares Bryan down, Ziggler getting up in to Cena's face. The two sides exchange some words before throwing fists! After just a short brawl, Cena clotheslines Ziggler over the ropes and Bryan disposes of Rollins! He and Cena march around the ring, working the crowd some more as they are definitely fired up for the main event later!

Tonight, that main event will take place but we also have a tag team match coming up next to determine the number one contenders for the WWE Tag Team Championships as The Rhodes Brothers take on the unlikely, yet successful, team of R-Truth and Bo Dallas! Plus, Chris Jericho teams with The Usos to take on The Purge in a big time match and it is Pick Your Poison between the Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles and number one contender Wade Barrett!

---

THE RHODES BROTHERS VS R-TRUTH AND BO DALLAS IN A NUMBER ONE CONTENDERS MATCH GOES TO A NO CONTEST » The bell rings, Cody starting things off with Truth. Rhodes quickly backs down, however, tagging Goldust in with a smile. As Goldust seems hesitant, Cody screams for him to get in the ring! Goldust steps in and is taken down by Truth. Dallas and Truth dominate Goldust for a short while, causing Cody to grow more and more frustrated. "Come on, Dustin! GET SOMETHING DONE!" As Goldust finally makes a comeback with some fists and a powerslam to Dallas, he starts to crawl to the ropes only for Cody to drop to the floor - telling his brother he doesn't deserve the tag! As the two stare each other down, Luke Harper and Erick Rowan suddenly come rushing from behind and throw Rhodes in to the steel steps! They come in to the ring and Rowan boots Dallas in the face, Harper hitting a discus clothesline on Truth as he tries to come in to the ring! The referee calls for the bell!

Harper and Rowan get back on to their feet in the middle of the ring, Luke snatching a microphone from ringside, breathing heavy in to it. "They took what is ours..." He mutters, Rowan tilting his head from behind his sheep mask as Harper widen's his eyes. "And we want them back... we want... our gold back." He slowly drops the microphone to the mat and raises his hands in the air, letting out his signature holler of 'yeah, yeah, yeah' before exiting the ring along with Rowan - a message having been sent here tonight.

---

Back from the break, the announcement is made that The Hardy Boyz will still defend their WWE Tag Team Championships this Sunday at Payback despite what just went down moments ago, but it will not be against a single team - but rather in a tag team turmoil match!

Inside the arena, the Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles makes his way down to the ring before The Commonwealth emerge from the back atop the stage, Wade Barrett smiling with a microphone in his hand. "AJ Styles, you may figure that with this pick your poison... that I'd be choosing one of my noble men to face you here tonight. However, my men don't need to waste their time against you tonight so instead I've chosen a man that is... bent... on destruction." He moves aside, the 'World's Strongest Man' Mark Henry proceeding to make his way out, Barrett laughing with an evil grin towards Styles, whom seems poised and ready for the task.

INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION AJ STYLES DEF. MARK HENRY IN A NON-TITLE PICK YOUR POISON MATCH » The match begins, Styles trying to avoid Henry's grasp early but getting caught and chucked back first in to the corner. The 'World's Strongest Man' dominates early but Styles manages to avoid a splash in the corner and hit him with a Pele Kick that only shakes him up a bit. As the Intercontinental Champion hits a few high flying moves, he fails to knock Henry to the mat and gets caught from the top rope, being set up for the World's Strongest Slam. Styles, however, manages to find a way out and ducks beneath a clothesline, delivering another Pele Kick! After he finally ends up sending Henry down to the mat with an enziguri, he climbs to the top rope and looks up the stage at The Commonwealth, giving a smile to Barrett before planting Henry with the Spiral Tap! He covers him for the one, two, three.

Styles staggers back on to his feet, the referee presenting him with the Intercontinental Championship. He holds on to his midsection and steps up to the ropes, raising his title belt high up over his head towards Barrett, whom claims it will be back around his waist as it belongs soon enough! He storms off to the back, presumably to get ready for his pick your poison contest still to come later on. "The question is, John, who will Styles pick for Barrett!?" JBL says that is the question, but he doesn't believe AJ can find anyone better than the choice of Henry.

Backstage is Chris Jericho and The Usos talking things over with one another, as they go in to action after the break against Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn and Solomon Crowe - The Purge.

---

CHRIS JERICHO AND THE USOS DEF. THE PURGE VIA DISQUALIFICATION » The bell rings, Zayn starting things off with Jimmy. The latter takes Zayn down multiple times early and gets a little fired up, only for Sami to rattle him with a huge kick to the face. He starts a ferocious assault in the corner with rapid kicks to the chest and he starts to make multiple back and forth tags with Crowe. Jimmy surprises Solomon, however, with a superkick as he comes charging at him and makes the tag to his brother. Jey comes in and he keeps momentum on his team's side, turning the tables on The Purge by making frequent tags with his brother to keep Crowe down. After a tag to Jericho, he comes in to the ring and stares Owens down, beating Crowe down while staring down his opponent for Sunday the whole time. He goes for the lionsault but Crowe manages to move out of the way, making the tag to Owens! He comes in to the ring, the crowd growing anxious as he steps up to Y2J and throws him in the corner, pulverizing him with kicks to the gut and shots to the face. He shoves him in to a sitting position and hits off the other side of the ring, coming back with a rolling senton in to Jericho! He goes for the pin, only to get a two count. Frustrated, Owens pulls Jericho up and slams him up in to the corner, pummeling him with shots to the face. The referee tries to pull him back, Owens pushing the official down to the mat and continuing to unleash on Jericho! The official calls for the bell!

The crowd boos as Owens continues his assault on Jericho, not even caring about the disqualification. The Usos come charging in to the ring but they are cut off by Crowe and Zayn! The brawl begins, Owens going for his signature corner powerbomb only for Jimmy and Jey to break through the other two and take him out by the legs. They get back up and his double superkicks to Crowe and Zayn, dropping them to the outside! Owens slowly rolls out as well to regroup, storming around the ring in frustration. He slams his hands off the mat and kicks the steel steps, Crowe and Zayn having to hold him back from getting in to the ring again. Jericho and The Usos, meanwhile, lean across the ropes staring them down.

---

Back from break, Chris Jericho and The Usos are seen regrouping backstage. "I appreciate the help out there guys, really." Says Jericho. Before he can say anything more to them, Renee Young steps forward and excuses herself, saying that she was sent by the WWE Board of Directors to deliver them some news. "I was just informed that this Sunday, on the Payback Kickoff Show, it will be Jimmy and Jey versus Sami Zayn and Solomon Crowe." She says, to which The Usos says that sounds pretty awesome to them, saying that they have no problem taking down those two guys while Jericho cuts off the head of the dragon. "Hey, maybe next Monday on Raw there won't be anything left of The Purge, right uce?" Says Jimmy to Y2J, patting him on the chest before heading off with his brother, Y2J saying he damn sure hopes so.

Elsewhere, Tamina Snuka is seen getting ready for her match coming up soon when Derrick Bateman walks up to her, shaking his head. "Tamina, Tamina, Tamina. We are just six days away from Payback. Six days away from when I lead you to the Diva's Championship." He looks off in to the distance, putting his arm around her to her dismay. He goes to say more but she stops him by yanking his arm away. "Derrick, you're not leading me anywhere." She says, causing Bateman to throw his hands up and go to respond. "Shut up." Tamina says. "We have a business partnership. We're not friends. You can be out there, you can be in my corner but don't think for one second that you're leading me to anything." She heads off, 'DB' following.

---

A promo video airs for the next WWE pay-per-view, Payback, coming this weekend on Sunday, June 1, 2014 from the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. It features the official theme song "We Want It All" by Powerman 5000. WWE superstars constantly seek retribution, vengeance and now they will seek: Payback. Live on pay-per-view and the WWE Network.

Back in the arena, Diva's Champion AJ Lee's music hits and she skips her way out from the back to a solid pop from the crowd. She makes her way to ringside and takes a seat at the announce table, ready to join commentary for the upcoming match featuring her opponent for Sunday.

TAMINA SNUKA (W/DERRICK BATEMAN) DEF. CAMERON » The match begins, Tamina completely running through Cameron and smashing her in to the corner. She applies boots to the face and chest and refuses to let up. She yanks Cameron up and slams her all around the ring, not even going for the pin but rather staring AJ down in an attempt to get in her head. "Finish her off, Tamina!" Shouts Bateman from the outside, distracting her for a moment and allowing Cameron to roll her up for a two count! Tamina gets frustrated and gets back up, nailing a brutal boot to the face! She steps out to the apron and climbs to the top rope, delivering the Superfly Splash! She covers Cameron for the three count.

Tamina slowly gets on to her feet, Bateman joining her in the ring and raising his fists up over his head in the direction of AJ, motioning for the belt around his waist - to a chuckle from the crowd. Snuka shoves him aside and climbs to the second turnbuckle, leaning down to tell AJ herself that she is going to take the Diva's Championship this Sunday at Payback! "That's cute, Tamina. That's real cute." She says, pulling off her headset and raising her title up high.

---

Back from the break, Wade Barrett and The Commonwealth make their way back out and down in to the ring. After waiting a few moments, Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles makes his way out with a microphone in his hand. "I'll give it to ya, Wade. You gave me one tough opponent earlier on, but it wasn't enough. In your case, however, I think it will define tough... because your opponent is the 'Celtic Warrior' Sheamus!" The crowd gives a cheer as Sheamus makes his way out, staring down at the ring with a smile, certainly prepared for the fight.

SHEAMUS DEF. WADE BARRETT (W/THE COMMONWEALTH) IN PICK YOUR POISON » The bell rings, the two men circling around the ring - Barrett talking some smack before stepping forward, inviting Sheamus to leave. Instead, the 'Celtic Warrior' throws a hard forearm to the face! He begins to unload on Barrett and slams him a few times, resulting in a couple of two counts. After William Regal tries to assist Barrett in the match, the referee tosses him from ringside! As the rest of The Commonwealth begin to argue the decision, he ejects them as well! Barrett takes the opportunity with Sheamus distracted to hit him with a big boot, only to get a near fall. Frustrated, he mounts on top of Sheamus and throws multiple punches until he is pulled away. Sheamus gets back up and goes for the Brogue Kick, only for Barrett to duck causing Sheamus to stumble in to the referee and bump him to the mat! He turns to Barrett, whom hits him with a low blow kick! The crowd boos as the patriarch of The Commonwealth steps out of the ring and takes a steel chair from underneath the ring, getting in. As he seems set to hit Sheamus with it, however, Styles comes rushing in to the ring and rips the chair from his hands as he lifts it! Barrett is shocked as Styles backs away, Wade turning right in to the Brogue Kick! Styles quickly leaps through the ropes with the chair in hands as Sheamus hooks the leg, the referee stirring to slowly count the one, two, three.

The crowd cheers on as Sheamus rises up on to his feet, a smile across his face. He pounds on his chest and points to Styles with approval, AJ giving a thumbs up in return. Barrett slowly crawls to the ropes, leaning his head across the bottom rope and staring his rival down, AJ just smiling and holding the Intercontinental Championship high up over his head.

---

Back from the break, Roman Reigns' theme music hits and he makes his way out from the back along with Paul Heyman - the Tennessee crowd greeting them with boos. They come down and in to the ring, Heyman calling for a microphone from ringside. "Ladies and gentleman... my name is Paul Heyman and standing next to me is the man that should have never lost the United States Championship two weeks ago to a criminal... standing next to me is the man that will, come this Sunday at Payback, re-claim what is rightfully his: the United States Championship." The crowd boos as Reigns nods in agreement to Heyman, whom continues on. "You know, Dean Ambrose, I usually respect the opponents to my clients... at least to some degree but you, sir, I don't respect you whatsoever! You're nothing more than a common criminal and you should be locked up. You should be locked up, have the key thrown away and stay there. But before that ever happens you need to take a beating from Roman Reigns at Payback. Roman Reigns is going to rip you apart limb from limb and Roman Reigns is going to hit you with a Superman Punch, Roman Reigns is going to hit you with a Spear and Roman Reigns is going to take back his United States Championship and Dean Ambrose... you're going to regret ever stepping in to the ring with Roman Reigns." He hands the mike over to Reigns, whom raises his eyebrows and says that once again, Paul is correct. "You mess with me Ambrose, you better be prepared for repercussions. Believe that." He and Heyman seem prepared to exit the ring, but Ambrose's music hits to a huge pop from the crowd!

The United States Champion proceeds to make his way out from the back, making his way down the ramp and stopping himself to take notice of some fans in the crowd to the dismay of Heyman and Reigns for making them wait. He comes in to the ring with a microphone of his own and prepares to say something, only to continue to play up the crowd. "Boys, boys, boys. We keep on doing this thing and I don't really like it. We keep on doing this thing where Paul comes out and he starts bashing me and bashing me and thinking he understands me but Paul, you know I'm always here. You can say things to my face! Come on, Paul, hit me with something spicy! COME ON!" Heyman clears his throat, preparing to speak only for Reigns to pull the microphone back to him and step forward, staring Ambrose down. "I'll say something to your face, Dean." He says to an 'ooh' from the crowd. "This Sunday at Payback, there ain't no doubt about it: I'm walking in there and I'm taking back what is mine." He jabs his finger in to the United States Championship belt as it sits on Ambrose's shoulder, causing Dean to adjust it and take a couple of step backs with a laugh. "Is that what is going to happen, Roman? Are you sure? Or is what happened just a couple of weeks ago going to happen and I pin you one, two, three right in the middle of the ring?" The crowd approves of the response as Ambrose says that he won that in an open challenge and since he is a fighting champion just like Roman was, he feels like doing that here tonight. "Now, I know you've got your title match this Sunday, Ro, so I'm not gonna put the title on the line but I think I should start scouting the talent to face me next, don't you?" He chucks the mike over his shoulder with a grin, backing in to the ropes and leaning in to them, Reigns being held back by Heyman and stepping out of the ring - Ambrose giving a sarcastic wave. After a few moments, Antonio Cesaro's music hits, Mr. Money in the Bank himself emerging from the back, having apparently accepted the challenge by Dean!

---

Returning, Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman stay at the bottom of the ramp as Antonio Cesaro is in the ring, having officially accepted Dean Ambrose's open challenge during the break.

UNITED STATES CHAMPION DEAN AMBROSE DEF. ANTONIO CESARO IN A NON-TITLE MATCH » The bell rings, Ambrose and Cesaro locking up in the middle of the ring and Cesaro quickly taking Ambrose down. The 'Lunatic Fringe' quickly gets up and dropkicks Cesaro immediately after getting back up, the two going back and forth with fast-paced action. Cesaro ducks Ambrose's signature clothesline from between the ropes and chucks him in the air, nailing a brutal uppercut on the comedown! He hooks both legs up but Ambrose finds a way to kick out just in time! A commercial break follows, Cesaro and Ambrose continuing to go at it afterward with ferocious strikes back and forth. Cesaro throws Dean chest first on to the ropes and catches him with a series of uppercuts on the comeback, blasting him with a huge tilt-a-whirl backbreaker! He hooks both legs up, Ambrose powering out at the last moment! Cesaro slaps his hands off the mat and he throws Dean through the ropes, taking him up on the corner and delivering a superplex! He goes for the pin, but once again Ambrose manages to kick out. Still frustrated, Cesaro continues to powerfully chuck Ambrose all around the ring but the United States Champion leaps on top of him and unleashes punch after punch, getting to a four count with the referee. He stares Reigns down as he gets up and flies off the ropes, coming back to the uppercut toss - only to put his hands out and block it, hitting a big kick to the knee before planting Cesaro with Dirty Deeds! He hooks the inside leg for the one, two, three!

Ambrose pops on to his feet, the referee quickly retrieving his United States Championship and
handing it over to him. He raises it up over his head, Roman Reigns rushing in to the ring and planting him with a Spear! The crowd boos as he begins a beat down with fists and stomps. As Ambrose is cornered, he throws a boot up in to the face of Reigns and rattles him. As Cesaro stands up, Heyman takes Ambrose by the leg. Instead of doing anything, however, Cesaro just exits the ring and allows Reigns to deliver the Superman Punch to Ambrose! Reigns snatches the United States title belt and holds it up high over his head, Heyman joining him in the ring with the possibility of that being the image once again come Sunday at Payback.

---

The theme music of Rusev hits, the Knoxville crowd booing as he makes his way out atop the stage along with Lana, standing with the Russian flag in his hand and the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal Trophy at his side. Lana calls for silence from the crowd with a smile across her face. "America, you are looking at the man that quickly, day by day is taking over your pathetic country right here in this ring with his superior skills that made Vladimir Putin hand-pick him to take over this company, this country." She smiles to boos from the crowd and as a 'You suck!' chant breaks out, she orders everyone shut up! The boos keep on coming, Lana saying something to Rusev before continuing. "This Sunday at Payback... Vladimir Putin has called for the Russian Federation to honor the super-athlete, the 'Bulgarian Brute', Rusev!" She applauds him as he takes the microphone away, shouting to the crowd in his native tongue. "AMERICA! YOU WILL RISE! YOU WILL BOW TO ME! YOU WILL BOW TO RUSEV!" He drops the microphone down as his music hits, waving the Russian flag over his head to the dismay of the WWE Universe, Rusev letting out a yell before moving his way towards the back with Lana.

The signature of The Wyatt Family hits as the commentary team goes to speak, Bray appearing on the titantron with Luke Harper and Erick Rowan standing behind him and his lantern. "Kane... last week was a fun ride, wasn't it?" He says with a laugh, saying that he is going to take away the last piece of him on Sunday. "Payback... it's a funny word, isn't it, Kane? You come... searching for that against me for what I did... for what I did to your brother... for what I did to you... FOR WHAT I HAVE DONE MY WHOLE LIFE AND THAT IS BE THE NECESSARY EVIL! THE NECESSARY EVIL YOU USED TO BE! THE MONSTER YOU USED TO BE! KANE! THIS SUNDAY AT PAYBACK YOU AREN'T GETTING ANY!" He breaths intensely, the crowd booing from inside of the Thompson-Boling Arena. "I'm taking you down, Kane... As the new phenom... I will be known at Payback... as the last... man... standing. Follow... the buzzards." He chuckles and blows his lantern out, the signature of The Wyatt Family hitting a second time.

---

Tyson Kidd and Natalya stand in the ring holding hands following the break, Kidd holding a microphone in his hand. "The dawn of a new era is upon us! FACT!" Says Tyson, nodding to the crowd. "The era of Tyson Kidd - fact! I've worked my way from the bottom and I'm slowly getting to the top... FACT! I've got my beautiful wife, I've got my precious cats at home and I've got all the talent in the world... FACT! And my opponent tonight isn't going to get through me because I'm on the fa-" Before he can finish his sentence, a big pyro hits the stage as the 'Big Red Monster' Kane proceeds to make his way out, marching his way straight to the ring.

KANE DEF. TYSON KIDD (W/NATALYA) » The bell rings as Kidd runs up to Kane and throws shots right at his face. He hits off the ropes but comes right back to a big boot! Kane shows no mercy and begins a ruthless assault, eventually going to the top rope and delivering a huge clothesline! He gets back up and raises his hand high up in the air, Kidd staggering up and turning right in to the Chokeslam! Kane covers Kidd for the easy three count.

Kane rises back on to his feet and goes to set off the pyros on the corners, only for the signature of The Wyatt Family to hit and the lights to go out in the arena. They come back on and Bray Wyatt is standing behind Kane, his arms spread out with a laugh. Kane turns around slowly and Wyatt charges at him, only for Kane to throw a sudden shot to the chin! He tees off on Wyatt and catches him off the ropes by the throat, seeming poised to hit the Chokeslam! As he raises Bray in to the air, however, the 'Eater of Worlds' pushes himself off and falls to the mat, rolling out of the ring with a laugh. He crawls to the bottom of the ramp and gets on to his knees, laughing hysterically. He spreads his hands out to Kane, vowing to be the last man standing on Sunday. Kane, slowly in response, sets off his flames from the turnbuckles and stares Wyatt down, not seeming intimidated in the least by the 'New Phenom'.

Backstage, Renee Young is standing by and welcomes her guest, John Cena. She thanks him for his time as he steps forward, asking how he is feeling going in to this main event next after what went down earlier and just six days away from his match with Dolph Ziggler on Sunday. "How am I feeling? I'm feeling great, Renee, I'm feeling fantastic! This is the main event of Monday Night Raw! This is Knoxville, Tennessee!" He gestures his hand out to get the cheer from the crowd, placing his hands on hip lips and getting a little more serious. "Dolph Ziggler has been running his mouth for the past four weeks, Renee. Four weeks. Tonight, I get the chance to put my fist in to that mouth he keeps on running before I get him one on one on Sunday and I'm damn sure looking forward to it. I'm also looking forward to winning. Not just tonight, but Sunday and showing Dolph why I have earned everything I've gotten and having him finally realize!" He takes a moment to look off in the distance. "Realize that he just might not be as good as he thinks he is." The crowd gives a mixed reaction in the background as Bryan Danielson steps up, the mixed reaction turning in to clear cheers for the Undisputed WWE Champion. He and Cena look to each other, Bryan asking if he is ready - Cena saying he knows that he is. The two of them head off together as the main event is coming up next!

---

SETH ROLLINS AND DOLPH ZIGGLER DEF. UNDISPUTED WWE CHAMPION BRYAN DANIELSON AND JOHN CENA » The referee calls for the bell to be rung as Ziggler and Danielson start things off, locking up with one another. They both go to the mat and put each other in multiple holds, Danielson getting the upper hand and applying an early surfboard stretch! He eventually drops Ziggler to the mat and gets back up, sending him to the mat multiple times before getting stuffed with a clothesline. Both men make the tag, Cena and Rollins coming in and the prior hitting multiple clotheslines and shoulder blocks. He goes for the Attitude Adjustment early but Ziggler comes in to the ring and yanks Seth down and they deliver a double superkick to drop Cena to the mat! A commercial break follows after Danielson comes flying off the top rope with a crossbody to take both Rollins and Ziggler to the mat. After the time away, Cena gets worked away at by his rival Ziggler. The 'Show Off' targets the neck but Cena mounts a comeback, rattling Dolph. He goes for the AA but Ziggler slips free, missing a superkick and Cena dropping him to the mat for the STF, Ziggler once again managing to get away and roll through. He leaps to the corner and makes the tag to Seth, Cena getting up as he goes for the Curb Stomp for the AA on him - Rollins also managing to get away. Cena quickly plants him with the spinout powerbomb and gets ready for the Five Knuckle Shuffle, only to look around the arena and play them up before tagging Bryan in - the roof nearly coming off the building! Seth and Bryan go back and forth with fast paced, high flying action. Danielson hits multiple running dropkicks in the corner before tagging Cena in, calling for the Attitude Adjustment! Before he can, however, Dolph comes in to the ring from behind and hits the Zig Zag! Danielson quickly drops him through the ropes and hits off the ropes, coming back with Air Goat! With the referee distracted, Rollins hits a low blow kick and Cena crumbles to the mat, allowing Rollins to hit th eropes and return with the Curb Stomp! He covers Cena for the pinfall!

Bryan comes in to the ring late in an attempt to break up the pin, getting on to his feet as Rollins scrambles out of the ring! The Undisputed WWE Champion pulls at his hair in frustration, kneeling down to Cena. As he does so, Rollins slithers back in to the ring slowly and proceeds to plant Bryan with the Curb Stomp right next to Cena! He demands the title belt from ringside and rips it out of the hands of the referee, looking down at it as the crowd boos - Rollins slowly raising it over his head. "I have to say it, John..." Says Cole from commentary. "Seth Rollins just got a big pin on John Cena... and now he has laid out Bryan... and this may very well be the sight we see at the end of the night in Chicago this Sunday at Payback..." Layfield agrees, saying that he isn't afraid to say it - it damn sure could happen and he'd be proud to have a champion like Rollins! Seth continues to hold the title over his head as Raw comes to an end.

This Monday on Raw the Chairman of WWE, Mr. McMahon, will make his return. He is expected to address the current management situation after Mick Foley was taken out at the hands of Seth Rollins on the May 5th episode of Monday Night Raw. There is no confirmation from McMahon about the extent of what he will say, but he has promised that a new authority figure soon.