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

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New General Manager Eric Bischoff has announced the sixteen men that will participate in the King of the Ring tournament. Four matches will take place this week on Raw and four will take place this week on Smackdown. After the field is cut down to eight, four more matches will take place on next week's Raw before the final four is set to compete for the throne at the next WWE pay-per-view, Battleground: King of the Ring, on July 20th.

Taking Place on Raw: Dean Ambrose vs Wade Barrett, Luke Harper vs Kofi Kingston, Tyson Kidd vs AJ Styles and Randy Orton vs Rusev.
Taking Place on Smackdown: Cody Rhodes vs Dolph Ziggler, Erick Rowan vs Mark Henry, Kane vs Jack Swagger and Bray Wyatt vs Ryback.

JUNE 30, 2014 FROM THE XL CENTER IN HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT

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After still images from Money in the Bank ranging from Bryan Danielson regaining the Undisputed WWE Championship to Eric Bischoff being named General Manager to Seth Rollins, with the assistance of Bischoff, winning the Money in the Bank, the Monday Night Raw intro video airs. The cameras come in to the XL Center from Hartford, Connecticut afterward as Michael Cole, Jerry 'The King' Lawler and John Bradshaw Layfield welcome everyone to the show just twenty-four hours removed from a huge pay-per-view event and tonight things are going to get even more heated up as the King of the Ring tournament is set to get under way as four of the eight first round matches will take place tonight! Plus, we will hear from new General Manager Eric Bischoff and Mr. Money in the Bank Seth Rollins, as well as the new Undisputed WWE Champion, Bryan Danielson!

The theme music of Eric Bischoff hits and the XL Center greets him with heavy boos as he makes his way out from the back with a huge smile across his face. He waves to the crowd and takes a bow before coming down and in to the ring, snatching up a microphone from ringside. "Well, well, well. It's been quite some time since Raw started off right with an authority figure that knows what they're doing around here!" Says Bischoff with a chuckle, continuing to be met with jeers by the Connecticut fans. "Last night at Money in the Bank history was made! No, I'm not talking about myself or Bryan Danielson regaining the Undisputed WWE Championship or John Cena becoming number one contender or CM Punk coming back..." A chant of 'CM Punk!' breaks out after the name mention, Bischoff letting it go on a bit before saying that history was made last night in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match when Seth Rollins climbed the ladder and took that briefcase down. The heat keeps coming towards Bischoff, whom says he doesn't want to take a whole lot of credit for it, but if it weren't for him hitting Punk with the steel chair it wouldn't have been Seth Rollins winning Money in the Bank, but he did and that is what was necessary. "So, without further ado ladies and gentlemen please welcome Mr. Money in the Bank, Seth Rollins!" His music hits after a moment and, just like Bischoff, he is booed heavily.

Rollins struts his way out through the curtains with the briefcase in his hands, raising it up over his head. With a big laugh, he trash talks the crowd on his way down the ramp and comes in to the ring, shaking hands with Bischoff before taking a microphone of his own. "Well, well, well!" Says Rollins as he puts his hands out to the crowd as they break in to a 'You suck!' chant. "Come on, now, that is no way to treat Mr. Money in the Bank and it is no way to treat the WWE General Manager, Eric Bischoff... You see, when I won the Elimination Chamber back at No Way Out and earned a title shot at Extreme Rules, all was well and good. But guess what? Mick Foley... who was in charge at the time screwed me over and made it a fatal four way so you know what I did? I CURB STOMPED MICK FOLEY'S HEAD IN TO THIS MAT!" The WWE Universe shows their discontent with Rollins, whom grows a sick smile and says that after he did that he got his title shot but lost 'because of a fluke'. He says that nobody thought he could get the job done but last night at Money in the Bank he got the job done and he got the job done with the man that knows that he is the future of the WWE. "Unlike Mick Foley, unlike Vince McMahon, Eric Bischoff knows what I am capable of and Eric Bischoff knows that I am the future of this company and Eric Bischoff knows that I deserve to be the Undisputed WWE Champion!"

Before Rollins can say anything more, he is interrupted by the voice of Paul Heyman as he comes storming out from the back along with Antonio Cesaro. "The future? The future? Let's not talk about the future and talk about the present!" Heyman and Cesaro get in to the ring, stepping right up in front of Bischoff. "You saw it with your own two eyes as everybody did, Mr. Bischoff, and last night... unlike what Mr. Rollins is referring to with his loss at Payback... was the ultimate fluke." Cesaro takes the microphone away from his manager and demands the decision be reversed and he be given back the Undisputed WWE Championship! Bischoff laughs and says that he isn't going to do that. "But what I do know, Antonio, is that you have your rematch clause... but with there being a new number one contender decided last night in John Cena... well, perhaps we should decide who gets the first crack at Bryan Danielson, huh?" Cesaro questions what he is saying and Bischoff looks to Rollins, then to the WWE Universe and then back to Cesaro. "I'm talking about right here tonight we have John Cena versus Antonio Cesaro and the winner gets the Undisputed WWE Championship match at Battleground: King of the Ring!" The crowd approves of the idea, Cesaro and Heyman livid over the decision as Bischoff and Rollins exit the ring, Seth holding his briefcase up as they do so.

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Back from break, Eric Bischoff is in his office with Seth Rollins and they are talking things over with each other, sharing a laugh. "Hey, Eric, there's one thing I wanted to talk to you about..." Seth says, telling the General Manager it's not a big deal or anything. "But I saw the King of the Ring brackets and I'm not a part of it? What's up with that?" Bischoff points out that they got him Money in the Bank and that Seth is one of the reasons he took this job anyway. Rollins tries to argue but Bischoff tells him not to worry about it, he already is going to be a world champion one day and he doesn't need to win King of the Ring to get a title shot at Summerslam. "Hey, you'll figure something out in the mean time." Bischoff says with a smile, patting Rollins on the shoulder as he grows a smile across his face, saying that he knows exactly what he can do.

UNITED STATES CHAMPION DEAN AMBROSE DEF. WADE BARRETT (W/THE COMMONWEALTH) IN A NON-TITLE KING OF THE RING FIRST ROUND MATCH » The bell rings and the contest starts off with aggressive brawling between the two men back and forth. As things spill to the outside, Barrett shoves Ambrose in to the steel post and rolls back in to the ring, the official turning to him. Ambrose ducks a clothesline from Sandow against the post and chucks him back in to the rest of The Commonwealth! He rolls back in to the ring and gets dropped with a big boot by Barrett, resulting in a very close near fall. The 'King of the Commonwealth' dominates the contest and calls to sit atop the throne, Ambrose shocking him with his signature clothesline from between the ropes. He gets fired up and ends up chucking Barrett to the outside with The Commonwealth before hitting a suicide dive on to all of them! He chucks Barrett back in to the ring, missing his top rope elbow. Barrett gets back with a laugh, setting up for the Bullhammer! He runs at Ambrose with it but the 'Lunatic Fringe' ducks, hitting Dirty Deeds right in the middle of the ring! He hooks both legs up for the one, two, three!

Ambrose pops back on to his feet and hops out of the ring as The Commonwealth comes in, chasing after him. The United States Champion snatches his title and laughs his whole way around the ring and up the ramp, the crowd cheering him on as the king of The Commonwealth will not be the King of the Ring this year as Dean Ambrose advances on!

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Curtis Axel is in the ring following the time away and has a microphone in his hand, the other on his hip while shaking his head. "Y'know, it's a damn shame that Curtis Axel wasn't put in the King of the Ring tournament! A tournament that I know I could have won!" The WWE Universe boos and laughs in response to him, Axel ordering the crowd to shut up. "So tonight, I'm gonna issue an open challenge to anybody in the back and show that no matter who it is... I'm the real King of the Ring!" He hands the microphone off to the outside and waits a few moments, 'FEED ME!' is heard and out comes Ryback to a big ovation from the crowd, all fired up!

RYBACK DEF. CURTIS AXEL » The match begins and Axel talks trash, slapping Ryback across the face. The 'Big Guy' laughs in response, shoving Axel in to the corner and driving shoulder after shoulder to the gut. Ryback completely dominates the match and after a Meat Hook Clothesline, he calls for the finish. With the crowd behind him, he delivers Shell Shocked right in the middle of the ring! He covers Axel for the easy three count for the second straight week.

The Hartford crowd cheers on as Ryback gets to his feet, starting up the 'Feed me more!' chant. As he marches around the ring, the signature of The Wyatt Family hits. On the titantron after a few moments appears Bray Wyatt, the crowd reacting with heat towards the 'Eater of Worlds'. He lets out a chuckle while holding up his lantern. "There's a lot to be said about a king..." He says, pacing a bit in the darkness and smoke-filled room. "But the throne is only fit for one man... THE MAD KING THAT IS BRAY WYATT! THE ONE IN TWENTY ONE AND ONE! THE NEW PHENOM! THE NEW FACE OF FEAR! THE KING... of the Ring." He lets out a long laugh, saying that the throne is not made for neanderthals like Ryback, but for those whom shall rule with an iron first like himself. "Thursday, man... your dreams are crushed. RUN!" The signature of The Wyatt Family hits once again as he blows the lantern out, Ryback left staring at the titantron.

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Back from break, the arena is relatively quiet but it erupts as 'Cult of Personality' hits! CM Punk soon makes his way out to the Raw stage for the first time in nearly three months! The 'Best in the World' plays the crowd up for quite some time by going from one side of the stage to the other with his arms spread out. He comes down and in to the ring, sitting cross-legged in the middle of it with a microphone in his hand. The Connecticut crowd chants his name and Punk just listens on and on, patting the mike in to his palm. "Back about seven months ago I was standing before all of you as the WWE Champion. Brock Lesnar... took that away from me in the unification match and he got me again at Royal Rumble thanks to Roman Reigns... I got my revenge on Roman at WrestleMania XXX and I started thinking do I really need this anymore?" He looks all around the arena and says that he seriously meant it when he thought about never coming back. "And as awesome as my fans can be, that wasn't the only reason I came back. The other reason I came back is because I was sick and tired of watching Kevin Owens and The Purge run wild on everybody and I think it is about time somebody takes this microphone and shoves it down Kevin Owens' throat... and jams some knees to the faces of Sami Zayn and Solomon Crowe!" The crowd once again begins to chant his name as he wipes away at his face, raising his index finger with a smile. "So last night at Money in the Bank I came back... I came back and The Purge tried to stop me but they didn't put me down. What put me down was Eric Bischoff because he cost me Money in the Bank and Eric... you're lucky I got three other guys to deal with... but I promise you after I'm done with them, you're gonna get yours." The fans pop at the threat as Punk rises on to his feet, putting his hands out. "In the mean time... KEVIN OWENS! ZAYN! CROWE! I'M STANDING RIGHT HERE SO COME ON OUT AND PURGE! COME ON!" He throws his hands up and down, continuing to call them out. After just a few moments, their music hits and out to the stage comes Owens.

Crowe and Zayn come out from the crowd shortly after, the trio slowly circling the ring. As they get on to the apron and seem poised for a similar assault to the night after WrestleMania, Punk starts to laugh. "Whoa, whoa, whoa... if you think I'm stupid enough to come out here and just have the same thing happen a second time, then you're the morons." He looks to the three as they all give him a sharp glare, confused at his words. "I've got me some back up... some back up from a couple of guys that want to kick your ass as much as I do!" He drops the mike and the crowd pops as Alberto Del Rio's theme music hits, the 'Mexican Aristocrat' who was also taken out at the hands of The Purge earlier this year makes his way out to the stage. He stares down at the ring and the crowd gets even louder as Chris Jericho's music hits next! 'Y2J' comes out to the stage and pats Del Rio on the back, the two rushing down to the ring and sliding in along with Punk - The Purge remaining on the apron, not sure if they want to get in. Owens shakes his head and tells Zayn and Crowe to get down and all three drop to the floor, the fans booing their decision. Punk snickers as Del Rio scoops the mike up. "You three can run now, but in just a few weeks at Battleground: King of the Ring... there isn't any running." He smiles as Punk takes the microphone back, informing The Purge that it will be a six man tag team match at the pay-per-view! The WWE Universe approves of the idea as The Purge stares angrily, Jericho having the final word. "And once you step in to the ring with not one, not two but three of us... you will NEVER! EVVVERRRR! BE THE SAME... Again." He drops the mike as Punk's music hits once again, the three men leaning across the ropes prepared for a fight that The Purge wants nothing to do with, as for the first time they may have met their match! 

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LUKE HARPER (W/ERICK ROWAN) DEF. KOFI KINGSTON IN A KING OF THE RING FIRST ROUND MATCH » The contest begins with Kingston throwing rapid shots to the face of Harper, angering him. He gets hit with a hard boot to the face and Harper is very aggressive. He slams Kingston to the mat over and over but only gets two counts on pin attempts. Harper sets up for a powerbomb but Kingston pushes off and lands behind him, dropkicking him out of the ring. He launches over the ropes and takes both Harper and Rowan out, getting fired up with the crowd! He brings Harper back in to the ring and climbs to the top rope, leaping for a crossbody only to have Harper catch him and deliver a big toss over his head! Harper gets right back up and goes for the Discus Clothesline, Kingston ducking beneath it and going for Trouble in Paradise, which Harper avoids right back, finally nailing the signature clothesline! He hooks the leg for the three.

Harper gets back to his feet with his crazed eyes wide, staring down at Kingston's downed body. Rowan comes in to the ring and stands over Kingston, the two looking to each other before stomping away at Kingston! As the beat down goes on, Mark Henry's music hits! The 'World's Strongest Man' rushes his way down from the back in to the ring, clotheslining both Harper and Rowan to the mat, the two Wyatt Family brethren rolling out of the ring. Henry marches around the ring and checks on Kingston before turning back to Rowan, vowing to beat him this Thursday in King of the Ring. "You gonna get yours!" Warns Henry, breathing heavily.

Backstage, Naomi is seen walking down the halls for tag team action but she is suddenly struck from behind by Nikki and Brie Bella! They begin to assault her and end up throwing her head first in to one of the production trunks. "Whoops, looks like you won't be able to make it to your match and your new friend will be all by herself!" Says Nikki with an evil laugh, Brie calling Naomi a loser. The Bella Twins head off, a backstage official rushing over to check on Naomi.

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A promo video airs for the next upcoming WWE pay-per-view, Battleground: King of the Ring, behind the official theme song for the event, "Survival" by Eminem. The voice over notes how the King of the Ring tournament has led to many of WWE legends being born, bringing superstars careers to new levels. Now, King of the Ring takes place on the Battleground... live on July 20, 2014 from Tampa, Florida on pay-per-view and the WWE Network!

THE BELLA TWINS DEF. DIVA'S CHAMPION AJ LEE » AJ quickly jumps at Brie as the bell rings, working away at her as hard she can. Nikki gets involved fast and jumps her from behind before going back out to the apron, allowing Brie to hit a big knee to the face and turn things in her favor. She and Nikki make frequent tags in and out, completely dominating the Diva's Champion. After a couple of hard clotheslines and dropkicks, AJ seems poised for the Black Widow only to have Brie make a blind tag to her sister. Nikki comes in and delivers a huge forearm smash to the face of AJ! She proceeds to drag her up and drop her with the Rack Attack, hooking the outside leg up for the three count.

Nikki gets on to her feet and is quickly joined by Brie, the referee going to retrieve the Diva's Championship for AJ only to have Nikki rip it out of his hands. "This will be mine, AJ!" She shouts before throwing it over her downed body, The Bella Twins exiting the ring together as they have managed to get one over not only on Naomi, but the Diva's Champion as well.

Renee Young is standing by backstage and she welcomes her guests, Rusev and Lana. She asks about the opportunity ahead as Rusev begins his quest in the King of the Ring tournament to earn himself an Undisputed WWE Championship match at Summerslam. "Rusev shall walk in to this tournament just a superior athlete, but shall walk out the King of the Ring." Lana says with a smile. "Vladimir Putin saw something in Rusev that all should have seen long ago, and now Rusev shows to the world once again how dominant he is, proudly donning the flag of Mother Russia. After becoming King of the Ring, Rusev shall sit before all on his throne with an iron fist and the Russian flag waving above." She smiles and Rusev says simply that this tournament is made for no man other than himself. He and Lana head off for his first round match.

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RANDY ORTON DEF. RUSEV (W/LANA) VIA COUNT-OUT IN A KING OF THE RING FIRST ROUND MATCH » The match starts off with hard back-and-forth action between the two, Rusev knocking Orton to the mat a few times to the surprise of the 'Viper. Orton surprises the 'Bulgarian Brute' right back, however, after clotheslining him over the ropes. After a long battle of fists, Rusev tosses Orton shoulder first in to the steel post and a commercial break comes. After the break, Rusev controls the match and keeps Orton on the mat and in the corner, refusing to let him get any offense in. Randy avoids a leaping kick, however, and shocks everyone with a sudden RKO! He hooks the outside leg but Rusev powers out at the very last moment! Orton gets fired up and starts a slow, methodical beat down with stomps before mounting over Rusev with punch after punch. He goes for another RKO but gets shoved in to the ropes, ducking as the 'Bulgarian Brute' rushes at him, Rusev falling out to the apron. Orton hooks the head and pulls him for the rope hung DDT, only to have Rusev shove him back and pull him over the ropes, slamming him to the floor below! With Lana's encouragement, Rusev beats Orton down on the outside by throwing him in to the steel steps, the barricade and announce table. He goes to squash Orton between himself and the steal post, the 'Apex Predator' moving out of the way and rolling in to the ring, Rusev dropping to a knee. The referee gets to a count of ten before Rusev can compose himself and get in the ring!

Orton gets to his feet with a grin across his face as he is announced the winner, Rusev holding his shoulder on the outside and groaning in pain. After realizing that he has lost, he turns to the announce table and throws the cover off of it! He also rips out the monitors and throws them down to the floor, slapping his hands across the table repeatedly. He holds his shoulder after the temper tantrum, Orton just watching in amusement from in the ring as, albeit by count out, he has managed to advance in the King of the Ring tournament through a tough competitor.

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At ringside following the break, Michael Cole speaks of what just happened moments ago where Rusev threw a fit over his count out loss in the first round of King of the Ring against Randy Orton and during the break on the WWE App, his rampage continued. They go to the footage of Rusev storming around out back, throwing tons of equipment all over the place with Lana trying to calm him down. As Rusev made his way towards Eric Bischoff's office, the new General Manager stepped out and put his hands up to calm him down. "Rusev! Rusev!" Bischoff would say. "I understand you are frustrated and... and I would be too. But you can't be going around destroying everything so I'm going to have to have you escorted from the building." As Rusev grew a fire in his eyes, multiple security guards would come on to the scene to bring him out, only for the 'Bulgarian Brute' to begin throwing kicks and fists at them. He and Lana would storm off, Bischoff with his hands over his head, not knowing what to do to control Rusev.

Back live, Renee Young is standing by backstage with Cody Rhodes and Goldust. She thanks the two for their time and notes how they seemed to be getting back on track the past couple of weeks after their father, WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes, came here to bring them together again. She questions how they are feeling and how Cody is doing heading in to the King of the Ring tournament. "We're doing just fine, Renee." Rhodes says, putting his hand on his brother's shoulder. "The Rhodes Brothers are back in business and after I become King of the Ring... my brother and I... we're going to the top of the tag team division." The 'Bizarre One' leans forward and says that tonight, he gets a crack at Dolph Ziggler before Cody does this Thursday and he plans on roughing him up a little bit before Cody 'shatters his dreams'. Goldust gives his signature scoff in Renee's face and heads off, Cody shaking his head before following.

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DOLPH ZIGGLER DEF. GOLDUST (W/CODY RHODES) » The bell rings, the contest starting off very fast paced with the veteran Goldust surprising Ziggler a few times. Still frustrated over last night's loss to John Cena, however, the 'Show Off' gets very aggressive and keeps having to be pulled back by the official. He misses on the Fameasser, however, allowing Goldust to hit him with a huge shot to the chin! The 'Bizarre One' levels him repeatedly and after an atomic drop and clothesline, gets a near fall. He sets up for Shattered Dreams shortly thereafter, only to have an elbow thrown in his face on the return. Ziggler proceeds to pull himself out from the corner and hit the Zig Zag! He scrambles over, hooking both legs up for the one, two, three.

Ziggler gets back on to his feet and runs his hands through his hair, throwing the sweat at Goldust. He leans over him and talks trash, Cody storming in to the ring and tackling him to the mat! The crowd gets loud as Rhodes begins to throw wild fists to the face of Ziggler, Dolph rolling from the ring before Cody can hit him with Cross Rhodes, stumbling his way up the ramp. He looks back to the ring as Rhodes leans across the ropes, staring Dolph down and pointing towards him, vowing to beat him this Thursday on Smackdown!

Backstage, the Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles is seen preparing for his King of the Ring first round match against Tyson Kidd. The final first round match for tonight is coming up next!

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Returning, Tyson Kidd proceeds to make his way down along with his wife Natalya for Kidd's King of the Ring match. As he and Natalya stand in the ring, AJ Styles' music soon hits. As he comes out to a good ovation from the crowd and starts to come down the ramp, he is suddenly blindsided by Seth Rollins from behind! Mr. Money in the Bank takes his briefcase and slams it across the back of the head of Styles as he tries to get on to his feet, Rollins placing it down on the floor! He takes AJ by the hair and throws his face over the briefcase, letting the Intercontinental Champion stir before planting him with the Curb Stomp right on to the Money in the Bank briefcase! The Connecticut crowd boos very loud at Rollins as he stands over Styles, scooping up the Intercontinental Championship belt as while as his Money in the Bank briefcase. With a laugh, he holds them both up to the crowd before dropping the belt across the lifeless body of Styles. Rollins struts his way to the back as referee Charles Robinson comes over to AJ.

TYSON KIDD (W/NATALYA) DEF. INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION AJ STYLES VIA FORFEIT IN A NON-TITLE KING OF THE RING FIRST ROUND MATCH » Kidd stands in the ring throwing ghost punches, throwing his hands out as Robinson remains kneeling down beside Styles. After a few moments, he calls for help from the back. After one of the doctors comes down to ringside and examines the Intercontinental Champion, he informs Robinson that he doesn't deem him capable of competing, causing the official to withdraw Styles from the match, therefore making the winner via forfeit, Tyson Kidd.

After the official announcement is made by Justin Roberts, Kidd hops up and down in joy over the victory. "Once again, Tyson Kidd gets a fluke win..." Lawler mutters on commentary, JBL informing him that he did get a clean win last week on Smackdown over Titus O'Neil! "Tyson Kidd is on a roll, damn it! Give him some credit! He beat the 'World's Strongest Man' Mark Henry, he beat John Cena and now he has beaten the Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles! Hell, he might just win the King of the Ring tournament!" Cole says that nonetheless, Kidd is advancing but the question is: Why did Seth Rollins take out AJ Styles? Is this what he was referring to earlier when he told Eric Bischoff that he knows what he will do in the mean time while he is waiting for the perfect opportunity to cash in Money in the Bank?

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Paul Heyman and Antonio Cesaro are seen backstage after the break, the latter pacing back and forth. "Sure, I can beat John Cena... but why should I have to?" Cesaro questions, running his hands across his head. "Last night it was Roman's fault that I lost the Undisputed WWE Championship. I should be given my rightful rematch instead of having to compete for it." He asks where Reigns even is and Heyman says he doesn't know that, he hasn't been able to talk to him since losing in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match last night. "Yeah, well, if he isn't going to be out there to help me then quite frankly, I don't want him anywhere near me." Cesaro storms off, Heyman left throwing his hands up and following his client.

Back inside the arena, Undisputed WWE Champion Bryan Danielson's music hits and XL Center explodes! The 'Yes!' chants ring out as Danielson makes his way out with a big smile across his face, hopping his way down the ramp with the title belt around his waist. He comes in to the ring and takes a microphone from ringside, letting the chants die down. "Wow... I almost forgot what it felt like to be standing in front of you all as champion." He says with a smile, patting the gold. "But it sure does feel good. Last night at Money in the Bank I came down that ramp with one goal in mind and that goal was to become the two-time Undisputed WWE Champion and because of each and every one of you being behind me, through all the crap I had to deal with between not just Antonio Cesaro but Paul Heyman and Roman Reigns, I managed to make it through it all and once again be able to stand here in the middle of this ring pumping this title over my head and shouting with all of you: YES! YES! YES!" He unhooks the belt from his waist and holds it up high, getting the crowd going once again before throwing it over his shoulder and saying he has one last thing to address. "In a couple of weeks at Battleground: King of the Ring, it looks like I'll have to defend this title against either John Cena or Antonio Cesaro... but no matter which one of them it is, I promise you that I will do whatever it takes to remain your champion because there isn't anything better than this right here!" The WWE Universe keeps the 'Yes!' chant going as Danielson steps out of the ring and takes a seat on commentary, the theme music of Antonio Cesaro soon hitting as he makes his way out to the stage along with Paul Heyman, as his match with John Cena is coming up next.

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ANTONIO CESARO (W/PAUL HEYMAN) DEF. JOHN CENA TO EARN THE UNDISPUTED WWE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH AT BATTLEGROUND: KING OF THE RING » The bell rings and the match begins with some hard tosses from both men, each displaying their strength. Cesaro misses on a hard uppercut in the corner, however, allowing Cena to go for an early Attitude Adjustment. Cesaro manages to slip free and hit him with a huge suplex, following up with the tossing uppercut, Cena coming off the ropes and hitting a desperate shoulder block that sends Cesaro flying out of the ring, the 'Swiss Superman' frustrated as he tries to regroup with Heyman, a commercial break coming in to the match. After the break, Cesaro keeps Cena grounded in a headlock. After a struggle, Cena gets to his feet and frees himself with elbows to the gut. He gets a ton of momentum brewing and after a Five Knuckle Shuffle, Cena goes out to the apron and starts to go up for his signature leg drop. Cesaro, however, gets back to his feet and runs up to Cena, hitting a leaping uppercut that drops him down to the apron! Cesaro displays his freakish strength once again, taking Cena from the apron from the middle rope to deliver a huge superplex! He hooks the inside leg but Cena finds a way to kick out just in time! Antonio is in disbelief, as is Heyman on the outside, and he calls for the swing. As takes Cena's legs, however, he is pushed back in to referee Mike Chioda, dropping him out to the apron! Cena gets back to his feet fast, catching Cesaro with the Attitude Adjustment! He hooks the legs up but with Chioda down, there is no count. Cena sits up and looks around, going over to Chioda and shaking him. As he tries to wake him up, the crowd grows louder as in to the ring from behind comes Roman Reigns! Cena turns around and gets planted with the Superman Punch! He bounces off the ropes and walks right in to the Spear! Reigns gets back up quickly and pumps his fists wildly, shaking his head up and down. He slides out of the ring and shakes Chioda a bit, pushing him towards the middle of the ring. Reigns watches from the ramp as Cesaro gets back to his feet, pulling Cena up before dropping him with the Neutralizer! He covers him, hooking the outside leg for the slow three count from Chioda.

The crowd gives a very much mixed reaction as Cesaro rolls on to his back with a smile across his face, Heyman getting in to the ring and embracing him. "Well, Bryan, like it or not..." Says Cole. "It appears you'll be facing Antonio Cesaro once again in three weeks at Battleground: King of the Ring." Danielson says that's just fine, he can bring all the help he wants, because he isn't letting him take away his title. Reigns stays watching from a distance the celebration of Heyman and Cesaro and gives a nod to his manager. As he starts to make his way up the ramp and towards the back, however, Eric Bischoff's music hits and out comes the General Manager to the surprise of everyone, telling everybody to hold up just a moment.

"You all know that I am all for controversy... because as you all know controversy creates cash. However! I'm not a big fan of my top contenders being determined in this type of fashion. So, Antonio, you'll get your Undisputed WWE Championship match at Battleground: King of the Ring... but so will John Cena!" The XL Center pops as Cena nods from the corner while sitting up, obviously approving of the announcement. Bischoff isn't finished, however, as he grows a smile across his face. "But since you like to have back up, Antonio... why don't we just make it easy for everyone else? At Battleground: King of the Ring it will be Bryan Danielson defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Antonio Cesaro! John Cena! And... ROMAN! REIGNS!" Bischoff's music hits once again as he struts his way on to the back, Cesaro having a bit of a concerned look across his face as Reigns smiles, Danielson and Cena also grinning from their positions as the main event for Battleground: King of the Ring has been set and with Roman Reigns now in plain view, there might not be a faulty finish this time around with the 'Paul Heyman Guys'! Monday Night Raw draws to a conclusion.

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The Commonwealth's 'King', Wade Barrett, has made the announcement that the "Royal Wedding" between himself and Paige will be conducted live on Monday Night Raw, July 28, 2014. Barrett himself will address the wedding this Thursday on Smackdown, as well as what his plans are for the future after lucking out this week not only in his third attempt at regaining the Intercontinental Championship against AJ Styles, but failing to advance past the first round of the King of the Ring tournament.

JULY 3, 2014 FROM THE PRUDENTIAL CENTER IN NEWARK, NEW JERSEY

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After a video in tribute to the United States of America for Independence Day on Friday, the Thursday Night Smackdown intro video airs and in to the Prudential Center from Newark, New Jersey come the cameras. Michael Cole and John Bradshaw Layfield give the welcome to the show where tonight, the King of the Ring tournament will continue, headlined by Bray Wyatt versus Ryback! With that, there will be three other first round contests.

DOLPH ZIGGLER DEF. CODY RHODES (W/GOLDUST) IN A KING OF THE RING FIRST ROUND MATCH » The bell rings and the two men lock up, Rhodes getting very aggressive early. He works Ziggler in the corner and on the mat, the official having to pull him back at four counts. As he backs off from the corner on one of the counts, Ziggler takes the opportunity to hit a huge superkick! The 'Show Off' gets a near fall off a pin attempt. He drags Rhodes back up quickly and hits multiple fast, hard hitting clotheslines and kicks. He misses on the Fameasser, however, allowing Rhodes to hit him with Cross Rhodes! Cody goes for the pin but Ziggler manages to get his foot on the bottom rope. Cody doesn't realize it after the official catches it at the two count, Cody beginning to celebrate. Goldust starts to shout at his brother from the outside, telling him what happened. Rhodes is confused and turns around, going for the Disaster Kick as Ziggler gets up, only for Dolph to duck it and drop him with the Zig Zag! Dolph scrambles on top of Cody and hooks both legs up for the one, two, three.

The Prudential Center boos as Ziggler gets back to his feet, throwing his fists around. "THAT'S RIGHT! THIS IS MY TOURNAMENT! THIS IS MINE!" He shouts in excitement, staring Rhodes down before exiting the ring. Goldust slowly slides in to the ring to check on his brother, whom sits up shaking his head in disbelief. He slaps his hands to the mat in frustration and shoves Goldust back, Ziggler smiling from atop the stage as he will advance to the quarterfinals.

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Backstage following the break stands Renee Young, whom with a smile welcomes her guest at this time - Dolph Ziggler. He steps forward and Renee thanks him for his time, congratulating him on the victory and how he is feeling going forward in the King of the Ring tournament. "Renee, I've won this tournament two times... two times. Only one other man has done that and that is Bret Hart but you know what Bret Hart isn't? He isn't the 'Show Off'. And pretty soon when I win this tournament for the unprecedented third time he will no longer be the best there was, the best there is and the best there ever will be because those monikers will go to me." He flashes a grin and walks away, Renee thanking him once again.

The cameras transition over to ringside where Michael Cole says that it is very possible that Dolph Ziggler wins this tournament for a third time, but there are still many men that believe they can also win and become King of the Ring. Before Cole can say anything more, the signature of The Wyatt Family hits. Bray Wyatt appears on the titantron all by himself in a dark room, his lantern on and raised high. He chuckles to the camera. "The throne... the throne has been sat upon by many of men but none of those men have been like myself, man... no king has done what I have done... NO KING HAS ENDED THE STREAK! NO KING HAS DONE THE UNTHINKABLE! NO KING HAS SAT UPON THAT THRONE AND MADE PROMISE AFTER PROMISE AND FULFILLED THEM! I DECREE MYSELF AS KING AN I DECREE THAT I WILL BE YOUR CHAMPION!" He lets out a light laugh and says that tonight, it begins with Ryback. "And there ain't no man... not even Ryback... that will stop me from becoming... the king..." He lets out a long, bellowing laugh and warns 'RUN!' before the signature of The Wyatt Family hits again.

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A promo video airs following the break for the Money in the Bank pay-per-view with the official theme song for the event, "Should've Known" by The Heroes Lie, in the background. The video indicates how winning Money in the Bank isn't just an opportunity - it is almost a guarantee, as all but one man to hold Money in the Bank has gone on to cash in and become World Champion. Money in the Bank takes place from the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts on June 29, 2014!

KANE DEF. JACK SWAGGER (W/ZEB COLTER) IN A KING OF THE RING FIRST ROUND MATCH » The match starts and Swagger steps right up to Kane, smack talking him. After a shove to the chest, however, Kane hits a big shot to the chin! The 'Big Red Monster' goes off on Swagger and goes for the Chokeslam early, Swagger managing to push off and hit a big kick to the gut. The 'Real American' takes the leg out and targets the ankle, working away at it for a short while. After a couple of near falls and a Swagger Bomb, Jack gets fired up and removes the straps from his singlet. As he is looking to the crowd, however, Kane sits up! Colter tries to warn Swagger but he turns right in to Kane rising on to his feet, being blasted with a big boot! Kane raises his hand up and lets Swagger rise, grabbing him by the throat before lifting him as high as he can off the mat - delivering the Chokeslam! He hooks the leg for the pinfall.

Kane gets back to his feet and sets off his signature corner pyros, staring out to Colter as he gets on the apron yelling at him. The crowd cheers as Kane looks around to them, stepping up to Zeb and grabbing him by the throat! Colter begs and pleads for the 'Big Red Monster' to let him go and Kane chuckles, being hit from behind by Swagger! Jack levels Kane with shots to the face and gut, Kane pushing him back and catching him as he returns, flipping him upside down to deliver the Tombstone Piledriver! The Prudential Center pops as Kane gets back on to his feet, setting the pyros off again with a grin as he will advance on in the King of the Ring!

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Back from the break, Wade Barrett's music hits and the New Jersey crowd boos as the leader of The Commonwealth makes his way out, his stablemates following with Paige coming to his side. They lead the way down and in to the ring, Paige presenting Barrett with a microphone. He gazes out to the crowd as the booing doesn't die down, leading him to order them all to be quiet in his presence and listen up. "If you have not heard by now, the royal wedding date between Paige and myself has been set! On the 28th of July, live on Monday Night Raw, we will make it official to be known as your King and Queen." Barrett says that although they will be stuck in Houston, Texas that night, they will be pleased to make their way to the airports back to celebrate in England just as they will tonight after they escape 'the rancid city' of New Jersey. "I may not have won the Intercontinental Championship that I never should have lost and I may not be the technical King of the Ring, but know this: I deserve to be champion and I deserve to be sitting upon that throne in three weeks." As the boos keep coming, Barrett starts to grow angrier and Paige takes the microphone away, calming him down a bit.

"You people are disrespecting your King!" She shouts to some heat of her own. "Allow him to speak and do not boo him! This is a man of pride, honor and dignity! A man that rules with an iron fist over all of you! You should all be kneeling before my soon-to-be husband, my soon-to-be King, Wade Barrett!" She hands the microphone back over to him and he chuckles, giving a kiss to Paige. He steps forward and throws his hand out, saying that in the good nature of competition and because he feels the need to get back on track here tonight, he is making an open challenge right here, right now and anybody that feels they can beat him will be put down with the Bullhammer. Barrett hands the microphone off to Paige and she exits the ring, along with the rest of The Commonwealth. Barrett removes his shirt and jogs in place, awaiting somebody to answer his challenge. After just a few moments, the 'Lunatic Fringe' Dean Ambrose's music hits and out comes the United States Champion - the man that just defeated Barrett this past Monday in the King of the Ring tournament! He rolls in to the ring and Barrett steps out, pacing back and forth as Ambrose motions him in to the ring with a big smile across his face, motioning for Barrett to get in to the ring as he is ready for the challenge!

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UNITED STATES CHAMPION DEAN AMBROSE DEF. WADE BARRETT (W/THE COMMONWEALTH) IN A NON-TITLE MATCH » The bell sounds and Barrett is quick to back down from Ambrose, whom rocks him to the mat repeatedly. Dean hits a big top rope elbow drop to the face and goes for the pin, getting a near fall. After a missed splash in the corner, Barrett chucks him through the ropes and with the referee's back turned, Sandow hits a clothesline to Ambrose. A commercial break follows shortly after. Following the time away, Barrett remains in control of the match and overpowers the United States Champion, getting a very close near fall after the Winds of Change. Barrett grows frustrated and delivers big boot after big boot, getting two count after two count. He sets up for the Bullhammer but Ambrose ducks it, leaning through the ropes and coming back with his signature clothesline! Immediately afterward, he runs to the ropes and dives out on to the rest of The Commonwealth! Paige looks on in disbelief as Ambrose laughs in her face, rolling back in to the ring. He ducks the Bullhammer a second time, hitting a big kick to the gut that is followed by Dirty Deeds! He hooks both legs up as quick as he can, garnering the one, two, three.

Ambrose gets back to his feet and snatches up his United States Championship from ringside, laughing to the crowd as he holds the title belt over his head. He stands over Barrett and stares down the downed Commonwealth on the outside, hopping to the second rope to keep the celebration going along with the Prudential Center, Barrett left frustrated on the outside.

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TYSON KIDD (W/NATALYA) DEF. SIN CARA » The match begins and Kidd is quick to drop Cara to the mat repeatedly and celebrate early, the crowd booing him as he does so. Kidd looks confused by the reaction and turns right in to a huge hurricanrana! Cara surprises Kidd some more as he hits multiple high flying moves, Kidd sliding out of the ring to try and gather himself. Cara goes to launch himself over the ropes but Tyson moves away, Cara landing on the apron. Kidd rolls in to the ring on the other side and thinks he outsmarted Cara, only to turn right in to a big dropkick! Cara gets a near fall and gets a few more as he keeps control of the match. Natalya, however, grabs Cara's leg as he goes off the ropes, allowing Kidd to hit him with a big tornado DDT! He follows up by locking in the Sharpshooter, Sin Cara struggling in the hold. He scrambles his hands wildly before finding himself with no choice but to tap out.

Kidd rolls out of the ring with a big smile across his face, hopping up and down while throwing his fist to the air. Natalya applauds as she walks up beside her husband, giving him a hug and kiss. Tyson keeps the celebration going, taking full credit for the victory despite the fact that, once again, he has had a fluke win - whether he admits it or not - this time, thanks to his wife.

Backstage, Mark Henry is seen going down the halls for his King of the Ring First Round match with Erick Rowan coming up and he is approached by Kofi Kingston. "Mark, you had my back on Monday... so I got yours tonight." The World's Strongest Man nods and appreciates it, patting Kingston on the back. The two head off together as King of the Ring continues - next.

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ERICK ROWAN (W/LUKE HARPER) DEF. MARK HENRY (W/KOFI KINGSTON) IN A KING OF THE RING FIRST ROUND MATCH » The contest begins with hard hitting back and forth shots from the two big men, Henry gaining the upper hand after a big clothesline. He sends Rowan to the mat a few more times and lifts him over his shoulder, Erick sliding off and nailing a big boot! He gets a near fall on the pin attempt, however. As Rowan keeps control of the match, he keeps Henry grounded. The 'World's Strongest Man' responds though with a body splash that spills Rowan to the outside. After a brawl outside of the ring, Harper and Kingston get in to things. With the official distracted, Rowan pulls a chair in to the ring and whacks Henry across the back! He throws it away and has Mark turn around before dropping him with a big spinning kick, which he follows up with a big splash from off the ropes, resulting in the pinfall victory.

Rowan gets back on to his feet, Harper throwing Kingston head first in to the steel steps on the outside. He slowly comes in to the ring and stands next to Rowan, a smile across his face. "You realize what this means, John?" Cole questions. "This means that Luke Harper and Erick Rowan are on to the quarterfinals of the King of the Ring tournament this Monday... and Bray Wyatt could also be on his way there if he wins his match against Ryback."

The signature of The Wyatt Family hits, Bray Wyatt appearing on the titantron for the second time tonight. "The path... has been made... for the throne shall soon be mine." Says Wyatt with a chuckle, warning Ryback that he ought to not take this risk here tonight and that he ought to run. "I'm here..." He says, blowing out his lantern before making his way out in to the arena, staring down to the ring to Harper and Rowan as the main event is coming up next!

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BRAY WYATT (W/LUKE HARPER AND ERICK ROWAN) DEF. RYBACK IN A KING OF THE RING FIRST ROUND MATCH » The bell sounds and after circling around the ring, the two lock up. Wyatt backs down after being shoved to the mat and he laughs wildly, rushing forward to hit Ryback with a clothesline that doesn't send him down. The two fire fist after fist back and forth, refusing to let up. The 'Big Guy' avoids a body splash in the corner and uses all of his power to pull Wyatt off the mat and on to his shoulders, hitting a slam right in the middle of the ring! He goes for the pin, but Bray powers out at two. Ryback rolls to the outside and stares Rowan and Harper down, clotheslining Rowan to the floor after calling him stupid! He turns to Harper and gives him the same, rolling back in to the ring right in to a hip smash to the face from Wyatt! Bray drops to his knees and leans between the ropes, laughing wildly as a commercial break comes in. After the break, Wyatt destroys Ryback with forceful shots to the face, garnering very close near falls repeatedly. The 'Eater of Worlds' grows visibly frustrated and sets up for Sister Abigail, only to have Ryback use his strength to straighten himself up and throw Wyatt in to the corner, mashing him with shoulders to the gut. The 'Big Guy' gets a lot of momentum brewing and with the crowd behind him, sets up and delivers the Meat Hook Clothesline! "FINISH! IT!" He shouts, preparing for Shell Shocked. Wyatt staggers back to his feet slowly but Harper hops on to the apron, causing Ryback to grow somewhat distracted. He decides to not go after Luke after thinking it over, walking right up to Wyatt and Bray delivers an absolutely brutal Sister Abigail right in the middle of the ring! He hooks the legs for the three!

The Newark fans boo as Wyatt rises on to his knees, leaning his head back with a long, loud, bellowing laugh. Harper and Rowan slowly join him in the ring as Wyatt cradles Ryback's head in to his arms, having Rowan hand him a microphone. "I've got the wholeee world... in my hands..." Wyatt starts to sing, with the altered lyrics. Half of the crowd joins in while the rest continue to boo, Bray letting out another laugh before finishing. "I've got the whole world... in my... hands." He drops the microphone and stares in to the main camera, his eyes widened and no laughter as Thursday Night Smackdown draws to an end with the potential King of the Ring.