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

JULY 7, 2014 FROM THE BELL CENTRE IN MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA

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The Monday Night Raw intro video plays and the cameras pan in to the Bell Centre from Montreal, Quebec, Canada afterward as Michael Cole, Jerry 'The King' Lawler' and John Bradshaw Layfield give the welcoming to the show! In the ring already stands Paul Heyman, along with his clients Antonio Cesaro and Roman Reigns at either side of him.

"Ladies and gentlemen my name is Paul Heyman..." The crowd roars with boos as Heyman clears his throat, excusing himself. "Standing beside me are two men... two warriors that will step in to this ring thirteen nights from now and compete in a fatal four way match for the Undisputed WWE Championship... the reason I am out here tonight before you all is to not just talk about how these two are going to decimate Bryan Danielson and John Cena not only later on tonight in their tag team match or in the match at Battleground: King of the Ring... but to also clear the elephant in the room." He places his hand on Cesaro's shoulder and pats Reigns on the back, saying to the crowd that his two clients have no problem going in to tonight's match or at the pay-per-view in just a couple of weeks. "My two clients both have, admittingly, big egos... but you know who else has big egos? John Cena and Bryan Danielson!" The crowd boos the statement, Heyman ensuring them that it is true. Before Heyman can say anything more, Reigns takes the microphone away from him and turns to Cesaro, Heyman throwing his hands up, leaning back against the ropes with his hand over his face. "Don't worry, Paul, I just want to... clear the elephant in the room. See, thing is Antonio... I don't like you. Hell, I might not even respect you but the fact of the matter is we need to be on the same page. So tonight, we team together and we rough John and Bryan up a little bit. Then at Battleground: King of the Ring... we can do the same before deciding who the better man between you and myself is." Cesaro smiles at the words and takes the microphone away from Reigns, looking in to his eyes. "I don't think we need to do that to know who the better man is, Roman." Says Antonio with a laugh, Heyman stepping forward to try and civilize things as his two clients grin at each other, seemingly with some intent. Before things can get any more intense, John Cena's music hits!

Cena struts his way out to the stage and gets the crowd going a bit, listening to the mixture of heavy cheers and aggressive boos. "Whoa, whoa, ladies, ladies! What is with the hostility!?" Cena says with a smile, Reigns and Cesaro glaring up at him. "Paul, I thought you had your dogs on their leashes but it seems to me like they are running loose and are ready to get at one another! Antonio, Roman... you two can be on the same page or you can be the worst of enemies... it doesn't matter to me. It's plain and simple, black and white: Tonight, you two are getting your asses kicked by the two top dogs in the business... and at Battleground: King of the Ring... what you think is gonna happen... having you two take us out and determine who the better man is between the two of you? Nah, son. You can't even determine who the better man is because you both got your balls in Paul's purse." The Montreal crowd gives a sharp 'ooh!' at the insult as Cena snickers, Cesaro storming up to the ropes. "You're a lot of talk, John, but you haven't been walking the walk for a while now! Just look at last week when I pinned you in the middle of this ring one, two, three!" Cena is quick to retort, reminding Antonio that he wouldn't have beaten him if it weren't for Roman Reigns spearing him in half out of nowhere. Cesaro is taken aback and Reigns takes the mike away from him before he can respond, telling John that he should listen to his own words: "Shut your mouth, put your fists up and if you want some... come get some." He tosses the microphone over his shoulder, Heyman trying to plead with his two clients to not do this, Cena removing his shirt and hat - chucking them to the crowd as he marches down the ramp. After he gets halfway, down, however, Bryan Danielson's music hits! The Undisputed WWE Champion comes out to a massive ovation, leading on the 'Yes!' chants as he comes down the ramp, standing next to Cena. The two of them give a nod before storming the ring, trading blows with Reigns and Cesaro! The two clients of Heyman quickly escape after being dominated, backing up the ramp along with their manager. Cena storms all around the ring and keeps the crowd going as Danielson raises his title belt up to the two! "Things are heating up already here to start off Monday Night Raw!" Shouts Cole in excitement. "And these four men aren't done as they will meet in the main event later on!"

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Back from break, Tyson Kidd and Natalya make their way down to the ring to a solid ovation from the home-based Canadian crowd. Kidd has his headphones on and seems to not take note of the fans while Natalya plays it up. After a few moments, Dolph Ziggler's music hits and the 'Show Off' makes his way out to some strong boos, a microphone in his hand. "Tyson, Tyson, Tyson... we may be in your crappy homeland of Canada..." Ziggler snickers at the cheap heat as the crowd responds, turning his attention back to the ring. "After I beat you in this disgusting, terrible, pathetic excuse of a city... I'm going to go to Battleground: King of the Ring... win the semi-finals match against whoever it may be... then I'm gonna go to the finals and win the King of the Ring for an unprecedented third time! And that, Tyson... is a fact!" He drops the mike and comes in to the ring, Kidd still with his headphones on and apparently not having heard any of the words as Natalya gets his attention. He removes the headphones and hands them over to his wife, Ziggler throwing his hands up as he realizes he never had his trash talk heard.

DOLPH ZIGGLER DEF. TYSON KIDD (W/NATALYA) IN A KING OF THE RING QUARTERFINALS MATCH » The bell sounds, the two men locking up and flipping each other to the mat repeatedly. Ziggler gets rocked with a huge dropkick and Kidd gains some momentum. The match picks up a quick pace, Dolph missing on a superkick, Kidd leaping in the air with a hook of the head. He spins around in the air and falls out to the apron, suplexing Ziggler to the outside! Both men are laid out and the crowd gets in to the match heavily, a commercial break coming as Kidd gets to his feet and throws his hands up. After the time away, the match slows down a bit as Kidd maintains control on the mat. After Ziggler comes back, he hits a hard kick to the gut and misses on the Fameasser! Kidd hits him with a dropkick to the face, leading to a two count. Kidd keeps the momentum going but it is suddenly stopped as Ziggler lifts him off the mat in the corner and drops him face first on to the top turnbuckle! He follows up with the Zig Zag and rolls Kidd over, hooking the legs for the one, two, three.

Ziggler gets back to his feet as the crowd boos him, the 'Show Off' laughing at the reaction. "Three-peat, baby! THREE! PEAT!" He shouts, raising up his index, middle and ring finger. He throws the sweat from his hair at Kidd before exiting the ring, Natalya coming in to the ring to check on her husband as his luck has run out tonight in the quarterfinals of the King of the Ring.

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Returning, AJ Styles' music hits and the Intercontinental Champion makes his way out with a scowl across his face. He holds his title up before making his way down to the ring, grabbing a microphone from ringside. "Alright... let's not beat around the bush..." Styles says, pacing back and forth. "You all know what happened last week... Seth Rollins cost me the King of the Ring and I want answers RIGHT! NOW!" The Montreal fans cheer Styles on as he paces back and forth, motioning for Rollins to make his way out. After no response, the AJ laughs. "I know you always have a lot to say since you never stop running your mouth, Seth... so quit kissing Eric Bischoff's ass in his office and get out here and tell me what the hell your deal is with me! Come on!" Styles continues to pace back and forth, waiting a few moments more until Rollins' music finally hits, Mr. Money in the Bank being met with many of boos as he struts his way out to the stage with a big, cocky smile across his face. He pats a microphone in his hand and shakes his head on Styles' offer for him to come down to the ring, saying he is just fine.

"AJ Styles... wow. You think you're a big deal now, don't you?" Rollins says with a chuckle. "I mean, you've been all around this world for years competing and then you finally came here to the WWE... you finally came here to the WWE on my turf! You won the Intercontinental Championship but you know the only reason you won the Intercontinental Championship was because I handed the title over to Wade Barrett... and hell, nobody would even care that you were Intercontinental Champion if it weren't for me making it a prestigious title again!" The Bell Centre boos heavily as Rollins says that is just the flat out truth that nobody cared about the Intercontinental Championship before he won it and held on to it for nearly a full year! "So you want to know why I attacked you last week, AJ? Because I don't think anybody deserves to be the Intercontinental Champion other than myself... Nobody represents that title like I do and I mean nobody!" Styles laughs and tells Rollins that he may think he runs things around here seeing as how he is Eric Bischoff's top guy, but he doesn't. "The thing is, Seth, if you step in to this ring with me... you'll be making one big mistake. Because there's only a few type of people in this world I don't respect and one of them is sell-out loud mouths like you!" Rollins retorts quickly saying that he may not officially run things around here but he has a lot of say, not just because Eric Bischoff sees a lot in him and not just because he is Mr. Money in the Bank. "I have a lot of say because I get what I want and I will do whatever it takes to get what I want! And at Battleground: King of the Ring, by orders of Mr. Eric Bischoff himself, you're putting that title on the line against me." Seth cackles at the news he has delivered, Styles adjusting the title over his shoulder, simply smiling back at Rollins. "You'll do whatever it takes to get what you want... I know that. But I'll also do whatever it takes to put a loser like you in your place!" He throws the mike to the mat and holds his Intercontinental Championship high over his head as the match has been set for Battleground: King of the Ring in two weeks!

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Seth Rollins is in Eric Bischoff's office following the time away and he is shouting about AJ Styles. "He thinks he is gonna show me up at Battleground: King of the Ring..." Seth mumbles. "Eric, I want you to put me in a match tonight so I can show AJ Styles first hand what happens when you mess with me and what will happen to him in two weeks!" Rollins seeths at the mouth as Bischoff takes a moment to ponder it, asking Seth if he is sure. "Fine, Seth. You want a match tonight? You want a match? I'll give you a match and I'll make sure you've get top tier competition so you can really show AJ Styles what he is getting himself in to." Rollins smiles, thanking Bischoff for the opportunity before heading out of the office.

NIKKI BELLA (W/BRIE BELLA) DEF. LAYLA » The match starts off and Layla surprises Nikki by sending her to the mat with a swift kick to the knee. She gets a little momentum going and gets a couple of near falls, angering Nikki. She hits a hard forearm to the face and instead of going for the pin, just begins a ruthless beat down. She even chucks Layla through the ropes, allowing Brie to get a kick in while Nikki is kept at bay in the ring. She drags Layla back in and after some smack talk, finally puts her away with the Rack Attack - leading to the pinfall.

With the crowd booing, Nikki gets back on to her feet and is shortly thereafter joined by her sister, whom seems to not show much care for her sister as she gloats about the win. After a few moments, AJ Lee's music hits to a pop from the crowd, the Diva's Champion making her way out to the stage with a smile across her face and a microphone in her hand. "Hey, Nikki... Hey. I know you've been talking a lot lately about getting the Diva's Championship from me and, well, I just wanted to let you know that... that isn't going to happen." She laughs as Nikki shakes her head, calling Lee afraid. "Well, that is unless you're desperate enough." AJ says, adjusting her title over her shoulder. "You see, if you really, really want the Diva's Championship... you're going to have to do more than just attack me from behind. I want you to give me an offer I can't refuse. I want you to put something on the line on your end and if I find it good enough... I'll give you another title shot." AJ suggests Nikki put her hair on the line, or maybe her sister's services. AJ says that she'll give her a week to think about it and makes her way to the back, Nikki and Brie left looking to each other, the prior muttering under her breath.

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RANDY ORTON DEF. ERICK ROWAN (W/LUKE HARPER) IN A KING OF THE RING QUARTERFINALS MATCH » The bell rings, Orton teeing off on Rowan and rattling him. The big man quickly responds with a boot to the face and gets a near fall. He applies a headlock and starts to manhandle the 'Viper' via his size. Orton manages to get out of a hold on his feet, driving a series of elbows to the face and gut. He hits off the ropes and returns, being caught and slammed to the mat! Rowan hooks the leg but once again gets a count of two. After a commercial break, the two men go back and forth before going to the outside brawling. Harper tries for a discus clothesline on Orton with the referee's back turned paying attention to Rowan, only for Orton to duck underneath and plant Harper with the RKO! He pops back up and chucks Rowan face first in to the steel post before rolling back in to the ring, leaping up and hitting the rope hung DDT as Rowan tries to get back in! Orton gets all fired up and the Montreal crowd is behind him, Orton getting set for the RKO before planting Rowan with it right in the middle of the ring! He slithers on to Rowan and hooks both legs up for the three count!

Rowan rolls to the outside next to Harper, both men looking to the ceiling in a daze. Orton gets back on to his feet, having advanced on to the King of the Ring Semi-Finals at the pay-per-view! As he gets on to the second rope to celebrate, however, Dolph Ziggler comes in to the ring from behind! Orton drops to the mat and backs right up in to the Zig Zag! The 'Show Off' gets on to his feet and marches all around the ring, throwing his hands up and down. "THIS IS MY TOURNAMENT!" Shouts Ziggler. "THIS IS MY THREE PEAT! THIS IS MINE! MINE!" He storms around the body of Orton with a smile across his face, a message being sent to his opponent for the semi-finals contest at Battleground: King of the Ring.

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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!

Inside the arena, Seth Rollins makes his way down and in to the ring and holds a microphone. "I asked for some stiff competition here tonight from my best friend, Eric Bischoff, and he told me he lined somebody really tough for me... somebody, while tough, I can make an example of for AJ Styles. So come on down, whoever you are!" Rollins smiles as he backs to the ropes, Darren Young's music soon hitting. Rollins' smile disappears but he can't hold it, breaking out in to a laugh as soon as Young gets down to the ring. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry... you all thought I was going to have tough competition? I don't need to be risking myself before I win the Intercontinental Championship! I tell you what, Darren... how about you just get on your hands and knees now and just let me Curb Stomp your head in before I just beat you around, huh?" Rollins gestures his hand out for him to do so but instead, Darren smacks him across the face!

SETH ROLLINS DEF. DARREN YOUNG » The bell sounds and Young fires off at Rollins, surprising him by dropping him to the mat with a big suplex that leads to a two count. Rollins hits a big kick to the gut and takes total control of the match, completely dominating Young. He even laughs in the midst of things, eventually delivering a brutal spin kick to the gut, following up with the Curb Stomp. He hooks the outside leg for the easy one, two, three.

Rollins gets back to his feet, throwing his hands up to the crowd. He mocks Young even further than he already has and feigns being exhausted following the match. As he prepares to exit the ring, however, the crowd cheers as AJ Styles springboards himself off the ropes and brings Rollins to the mat with a clothesline! He fires away with shots to the face but Rollins manages to scramble out of the ring before Styles can do any more damage to him! Seth scrambles his way up the ramp and motions for the belt around his waist as Styles hoists his Intercontinental Championship over his head, vowing to Rollins that he will not take his title away from him!

Backstage marches the United States Champion, Dean Ambrose, as he goes toe-to-toe with Luke Harper in a King of the Ring Quarterfinals Match - next!

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LUKE HARPER (W/ERICK ROWAN) DEF. UNITED STATES CHAMPION DEAN AMBROSE IN A NON-TITLE KING OF THE RING QUARTERFINALS MATCH » The bell rings and a vicious back and forth brawl ensues, fists flying everywhere. Harper hits a huge knee to the gut and drops Ambrose with a neckbreaker, getting him a two count. He goes for it again but Ambrose slips free, turning things in his favor - dropping Harper repeatedly with clotheslines to the face. He hits his signature top rope elbow to the face and Harper rolls out of the ring, Ambrose hitting a suicide dive in to both him and Rowan! As the 'Lunatic Fringe' keeps momentum on his side, he sets up for Dirty Deeds only to have The Commonwealth emerge on the stage! Ambrose looks confused and turns his attention up the ramp, pushing Harper back in to the corner. He steps up to the ropes and calls for the leader of The Commonwealth, Wade Barrett, to make his way down to the ring. He only takes a couple of steps before stopping in his tracks, laughing. Ambrose shakes his head and turns right in to the Discus Clothesline from Harper! With The Commonwealth applauding, Harper hooks both legs up for the three count.

The Montreal crowd boos as Ambrose cringes in pain on the mat, Harper getting to his feet with his hands above his head with an evil smile. He and Rowan proceed to slowly make their way towards the back, passing by The Commonwealth while sharing a long stare. Barrett proceeds to march his way down and in to the ring, driving a boot in to the face of Ambrose as he starts to stir. With a laugh, he is brought the United States Championship belt by Paige and he holds it over his head while kissing his bride-to-be, Ambrose left laying on the mat with a clear message sent that Barrett not only wants revenge on him, but his United States Championship!

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Back from break, the crowd pops as The Purge's music hits as Canada's own Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn - as well as their third, Solomon Crowe - make their way out from the stage and through the crowd. They meet in the middle of the ring and Owens paces back and forth, running his hand across his face. "You know... there are very, very few things you want to do in life... and one of those things you don't want to do is mess with The Purge and another one of those things is to come back for more!" He breaths heavily, saying that last week when CM Punk, Chris Jericho and Alberto Del Rio confronted them, they made a huge mistake and they will regret it come Battleground: King of the Ring. He hands the mike over to Zayn, taking deep breaths as he backs down - Sami stepping forward. "We came to this company for one reason and one reason only and that is to get to the top together and stay at the top together... but now you three stand in our way once again." Crowe speaks up next, saying that stepping up to The Purge takes some guts, but they're going to be ripping their guts out in two weeks! "It's time to purge on you, boys... its time to purge." The three of them stand tall and after just a few moments, 'Cult of Personality' hits and out to the stage comes Punk, Jericho and Del Rio.

"Kev, I know we're here on your turf and all in Montreal..." Punk says, getting an ovation from the crowd for the mention. "But just because we're on your turf doesn't mean that some of these people don't want to see us come down to that ring and kick your ass!" Owens laughs at the words, leaning up against the ropes. He dares Punk to even step foot in to the ring because he will suffer the same fate as he did the night after WrestleMania where they almost made him quit this business! Punk snickers at the response, telling Owens he is half-wrong there. "Sure, you beat the hell out of me the night after WrestleMania... but the thing is I was already considering leaving... but you see, you guys didn't make me want to leave. You made me want to come back! And the same goes for Chris and Alberto!" He stares to the ring and hands the microphone over to Jericho, saying that he thinks it is cute that Owens and Zayn think they have home field advantage because he knows quite a bit about Canada. He draws in some cheers and smiles. "And the Canadian people, like ourselves, love hockey! And you know what they love just as much as hockey? Fighting..." He hands the stick over to Del Rio, whom says he may not know much about hockey being from down in Mexico, but he knows quite a bit about fighting and he suggests they don't wait until Battleground! The three storm the ring and the brawl begins! All six men go at it wildly, unleashing fists. Punk and Owens go to the mat and out of the ring, Kevin chucking Punk all the way across the announce table and in to the laps of the commentators! Security, backstage officials and referees come rushing down to the ring and try and pull all six men apart, the crowd breaking in to a 'LET THEM FIGHT!' chant, only to have the two sides completely separated. Punk laughs as he leans against the announce table, begging for more just as the crowd is, Owens stares from the ramp while checking his mouth for blood.

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Backstage following the break, Renee Young is standing by with Dean Ambrose, whom breaths intensely in a fury. "RENEE, FORGET THE QUESTIONS!" He shouts, trying to calm himself down. "Wade Barrett... Wade Barrett you like to call yourself a king but you're upset because you couldn't get the crown... WELL GUESS WHAT! YOU'VE STOPPED ME FROM GETTING THE CROWN AND NOW I'M GOING TO KICK YOUR ASS! I'm going... to kick your ass like I already have twice in the past week..." He looks to Renee and says he's going to bash his head in, Young nodding and saying she understands. "No, I mean it." Dean says, adjusting his title over his shoulder. He stares at Renee a bit longer before storming off.

MARK HENRY AND KOFI KINGSTON DEF. THE RHODES BROTHERS »  The alliance that formed last week between Henry and Kingston try it out as a team, taking control as soon as the bell rings. As soon as Rhodes rocks Kofi enough, he makes the tag. He rolls out and leans up against the barricade, Goldust getting dominated by Henry. The 'World's Strongest Man' shows no mercy and the new pairing shows off an interesting move as Henry hoists Goldust for his finisher, Kingston hitting Trouble in Paradise to Goldust as his head is held out! Henry proceeds to drop with the World's Strongest Slam and presses down on the chest for the three.

Henry and Kingston get up and high five one another, smiling over their success. They exit the ring and Goldust starts to stir, Cody still looking on from up against the barricade. He starts to go towards the ring and puts his hands on his head, laughing a bit. Goldust looks to him with concern in his eyes, Cody just scoffing at his brother before storming towards the back as these two may be back at square one and things just might not be fixed after all.

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BRAY WYATT (W/LUKE HARPER AND ERICK ROWAN) DEF. KANE IN A KING OF THE RING RING QUARTERFINALS MATCH » The former rivals stare each other down as the bell rings, Wyatt laughing as he steps forward in to a boot to the face. Kane begins a brutal beat down, clearly still having a problem with Wyatt. He goes for the Chokeslam but Wyatt shoves him back, dropping him with Sister Abigail! The crowd is surprised as he laughs maniacally, going for the pin only for Kane to kick out just in time! A commercial break follows and upon the return, Wyatt dominates the contest and refuses to let up on the beat down of the 'Big Red Monster', vowing to "destroy him once and for all". As he goes for Sister Abigail again, however, Kane pulls himself free and clotheslines Wyatt to the mat. He starts to get some momentum going in his favor and after his signature top rope clothesline, rises with his hand raised high over his head. Wyatt suddenly jolts his body up, spider walking towards Kane! He gets back to his feet and gets caught by the throat while laughing, Rowan hopping on to the apron only to have Kane shove Wyatt back in to him, proceeding to boot Harper off on the other side! He turns right around to Bray's grasp and is laid out with Sister Abigail! Wyatt sits up, laughing hysterically once again as he hooks the inside leg for the pinfall.

Wyatt throws himself on to all fours and slowly pulls his head up with a smile. He spreads his hands out to the crowd. "SOON! I SHALL BE YOUR KING!" He shouts with a long, crazed laugh. However, Luke Harper comes in to the ring and with his eyes widened, he stares his leader down. "Guys... guys..." Cole stammers out on commentary. "Do you realize that now... Bray Wyatt has to face his own in Luke Harper in the semi-finals!?" Wyatt snickers and tilts his head back, patting Harper on the shoulder - Luke just looking down at his hand before back to his leader, growing a short smile. "Come on, Luke..." Bray says, realizing that Harper may actually be thinking about doing something. "YOU KNOW HOW THIS WORKS! YOU KNOW HOW THIS IS SUPPOSED TO GO! YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO FOLLOW ME! PAVE MY WAY!" He shoves Harper back and gets up close to him, the crowd giving a very loud 'ooh!' at the intensity. Harper gives a slow nod and drops to the mat, rolling out of the ring. Rowan is left standing next to Wyatt, unsure which side to take. Bray, however, decides for him and puts his hand out.

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Backstage, Mark Henry and Kofi Kingston are seen celebrating their victory. "Yeah, Kofi, that was a good win man... we'll have to keep teaming up because we can definitely do some things." Kingston agrees and says he'll catch him later, walking through the door in to the locker room. Henry starts to walk down the halls but suddenly hears a commotion back in the room Kingston just walked in. He turns back around and storms in, seeing Rusev throwing Kingston off the wall repeatedly! Henry storms up and Rusev throws Kingston aside, ducking a shot from Henry before shoving him back as hard as he can against the wall. Rusev proceeds to hit him with a big leaping kick, dropping him to the floor! He shouts at Henry in a fury before storming out of the room, the question at hand being - why did Rusev attack Kingston in the first place?

Elsewhere, Undisputed WWE Champion Bryan Danielson is stretching for his match. John Cena walks up to him and pats him on the back. "Hey, champ, you ready?" He asks, Danielson saying that he is always ready. "Just like you're ready for our title match in a couple of weeks, right?" Cena says with a laugh, Bryan saying that he respects John, but he doesn't plan on letting him walk out with his title. Cena shakes his head and says that while they will be partners tonight and while he respects Bryan as well, he will have no problem to give him a little Attitude Adjustment after it is all said and done. "We'll see about that, John." Bryan says with a smile, patting him on the shoulder before walking off for the main event coming up next.

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UNDISPUTED WWE CHAMPION BRYAN DANIELSON AND JOHN CENA DEF. ANTONIO CESARO AND ROMAN REIGNS (W/PAUL HEYMAN) » The bell sounds, Cena and Reigns starting things off. The latter overpowers Cena early but he comes back with a huge shoulder block, getting set for his usual set of moves to set the stage for his finisher. Cesaro tags himself in though, coming in to the ring. He tells Reigns that he has it, causing Roman to push him back and be hit with the Attitude Adjustment! Cena goes for the pin, Heyman screaming! Reigns, angrily, stomps on Cena's back at the close count of two. John gets up and spins Roman around, hitting him with the Attitude Adjustment right on top of Cesaro! The two 'Paul Heyman Guys' both roll out of the ring as Cena throws his hands up to the crowd, getting a mixed reaction as a commercial break comes in. Following the time away, Cena is dominated by Reigns and Cesaro as they have gotten on the same page - making frequent tags with one another to keep momentum going on their side. Cena begins to mount a comeback on Cesaro, however, leveling him repeatedly with elbows to the gut and face. After a spinout powerbomb, he crawls to his corner and makes the hot tag to Bryan! The Bell Centre goes wild as he comes in to the ring, dropping Reigns as he is tagged in as well. He hits him with leaping clotheslines and runs to the corner, flipping off of it only to be caught on Reigns' shoulder and dropped face first on the turnbuckle! Roman takes control of the match and slows it down a bit, eventually dropping Bryan across the bottom rope. He steps out of the ring and runs all the way around, hitting his signature dropkick from the floor below! Reigns gets back to his feet and bucks his shoulders to the crowd. As he steps in and prepares for the Superman Punch, Cesaro tags himself in! Antonio steps in and pushes his partner back, taking Bryan by the legs. Cena comes in to the ring and starts to run at him, Reigns charging as well! Cena dips down to the mat and Reigns clocks Cesaro with the Superman Punch! Cena catches him on the turnaround and delivers the Attitude Adjustment! He kicks Reigns out of the ring and Cesaro struggles back to his feet with the ropes, turning slowly right in to the Running High Knee from Danielson! The Undisputed WWE Champion hooks both legs up and gets the one, two, three!

The Montreal crowd pops for the victory, bursting in to an immediate 'Yes!' chant as Danielson gets on to his feet. The commentary team goes over the replays up to the finish, where Reigns would accidentally hit Cesaro with the Superman Punch and set up the victory. Back live, Reigns and Cesaro argue on the outside with Heyman trying to calm things down. In the ring, the crowd is surprised as Cena suddenly pulls Danielson around to him, holding on to his arm and seeming poised to lift him for the Attitude Adjustment! Cena stops himself, however, and gives a smile to the champion. Danielson backs away slowly to the ropes and John gives him a clap, as although he didn't actually hit him with his finisher, he certainly sent a message. All four men stand separately inside and out of the ring as Monday Night Raw comes to an end.

JULY 10, 2014 FROM THE CANADIAN TIRE CENTRE IN OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CANADA

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The Thursday Night Smackdown intro video airs and the cameras come in to the Canadian Tire Centre from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Michael Cole and John Bradshaw Layfield welcome all to the show where tonight, we will have Chris Jericho versus Sami Zayn in the main event! Plus, we are set to hear from Wade Barrett after he cost Dean Ambrose in King of the Ring on Raw!

Before Cole or JBL can say anything more, the signature of The Wyatt Family hits - Bray Wyatt appearing on the titantron in the darkness with his lantern, chuckling. Luke Harper and Erick Rowan soon appear next to him as Wyatt warns "We're here", blowing the light from the lantern out. The trio proceed to march their way down the ramp and in to the ring, Bray blowing out his lantern once again. As the lights open up a little bit, Wyatt sits in his rocking chair with a microphone twirling in his hand, a sinister grin across his face. "You thought that it was all going to come to a head... didn't you?" He says while rocks back and forth, chuckling. "You thought that Luke Harper was going to turn his back on me!? YOU THOUGHT THAT HE WOULD DEFY ME ON MONDAY NIGHT!? Nah, man... unlike each and every one of you... Luke Harper is loyal. Luke Harper sees the light! LUKE HARPER KNOWS THAT I AM HIS MAKER AND I AM HIS GOD!" Wyatt rises from his chair and spreads his arms out to the booing crowd, saying that he took Harper under his wing and now he has paved the way for him to become the King of the Ring and in just ten days, he will lie down for him knowing it is what is for the best.

Wyatt steps up beside Harper and looks in to his eyes, Luke staring off in to the distance. "You will lay down for your leader, won't you Luke?" He questions, Harper slowly turning his attention towards Bray with a smile, taking hold of Wyatt's hand to bring the microphone close to him. "I'm going to do... what is right." Harper says, the crowd growing curious by his words. Bray's eyes widen and he backs up, nodding a bit while wagging his finger. "YOU ALL THINK THAT IS A THREAT TO ME? THAT IS THE LOYAL WORDS OF A LOYAL SOLDIER! A SOLDIER THAT WILL LAY HIS BODY DOWN IN THIS RING, A LOYAL SOLDIER THAT WILL DIE FOR ME! A LOYAL SOLDIER THAT WILL PAVE THE WAY FOR ME TO BECOME KING OF THE RING! A LOYAL SOLDIER THAT WILL PAVE THE WAY FOR ME TO BECOME... Undisputed WWE Champion." Bray drops on to his knees and laughs hysterically, dropping his face down in to the mat. He rocks back and forth and says that it is what he is destined for. "Abigail told me... this is what would happen... Abigail told me... I was destined for greatness... I've destroyed your heroes, crushed your dreams, ended the streak and soon I will be your mad, mad king..." He rises to his feet and says that he is not a liar, he is the holder of all truths. He points to Harper and says that tonight, he shall watch on as he does what he hopes he mustn't have to do at Battleground: King of the Ring by 'eviscerating' his opposition. Wyatt drops the microphone and looks up the ramp, Big E's music soon hitting as he makes his way out with his focus right on Bray, as the opening contest between the two is coming up after the break - next.

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BRAY WYATT (W/LUKE HARPER AND ERICK ROWAN) DEF. BIG E » The bell sounds, Bray playing mind games with Big E early. After a short tussle, Big throws Wyatt in to the corner and slams him with shoulders to the gut. Wyatt, however, laughs in response! He wanders around the ring before dropping Big E to the mat with a clothesline! Bray takes total control while shouting to Harper on the outside. "I DON'T WANT TO DO THIS TO YOU!" He says repeatedly. Bray distracts himself for a moment, allowing Big E to get back in to the match. As soon as he pulls the straps down for the Big Ending, however, Wyatt snaps out of his daze and plants Big E with Sister Abigail! The 'Eater of Worlds' hooks the leg while staring to Harper for the three.

Bray rises on to his feet slowly, his arms and hands held out wide. Rowan steps in to the ring slowly to join his leader, Harper remaining on the outside while looking up. Wyatt drops to his knees, staring back at Luke. "DON'T YOU DARE DEFY ME NOW! DON'T YOU DEFY ME!" He shouts, Harper grabbing the ropes. He takes a moment to look around to the crowd trying to convince him to not step in to the ring, but does so. He stands up next to Wyatt and the two stare down, Luke giving a nod to his leader as the signature of The Wyatt Family hits.

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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!

Back in the arena, Curtis Axel is standing in the ring with a microphone in his hand. "Don't change the channel... because the greatest multi-generation superstar in WWE history is here!" Axel grins to the crowd and points out to all of them, saying they are witnessing perfection and should appreciate each and every time he is in the ring. Before he has a chance to say anything more, Rusev's music hits! The Canadian crowd boos as he storms his way out from the back along with Lana, marching down and in to the ring - staring Axel down.

RUSEV (W/LANA) DEF. CURTIS AXEL » The bell rings and immediately, Axel is dropped with a huge leaping kick to the face! Rusev completely runs through Axel and delivers multiple slams, refusing to go for the pin or submission. After feeling like he has done enough, Rusev stomps across the lower back of Axel and applies the Accolade! Axel is quick to tap out to the hold.

Rusev continues to wrench away at the hold, refusing to let up on it. Lana doesn't even get in to the ring and continues to let him go! Mark Henry and Kofi Kingston, however, come rushing down from the back. "Rusev attacked these two for God knows what reason on Monday!" Cole reminds on commentary, Henry and Kingston getting in to the ring as soon as Rusev lets off and slips underneath the ropes, backing away up the ramp along with Lana quickly. Henry and Kingston stare while leaning across the ropes, knowing they were close to gaining revenge on the 'Bulgarian Brute' for what he did this past Monday on Raw!

Backstage, Wade Barrett and Paige are seen backstage - no other members of The Commonwealth along with them - talking with each other. Barrett will be speaking - next!

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Wade Barrett's music hits coming back from the commercial break, the patriarch of The Commonwealth making his way out from the back along with his bride-to-be, Paige. The two make their way down to the ring and Barrett commands a microphone from his 'Queen', whom retrieves one for him. "You sound disgruntled with me, Ottawa!" Says Barrett with a chuckle, as he notes what he did on Raw by costing Dean Ambrose the King of the Ring tournament. "The question at hand is... why did I cost Dean Ambrose the tournament? It's quite simply, really. Dean Ambrose knocked me out of the tournament and it was the most embarrassing moment of my entire career... then he had the audacity to do the same thing last week on Smackdown." Barrett seems frustrated as he runs his hands across his face, Paige having to calm him down and take the microphone away from him. "The rightful 'King' has been very stressed. Dealing with our wedding coming up in just a few weeks... and dealing with this tournament coming at the worst time..." She stops and goes to say more, only for Barrett to snatch the microphone back. "Enough, Paige." He says to boos as he assures he can speak for himself. "It is time to get back on track and getting back on track is what I plan to do... by taking Dean Ambrose's United States Championship for taking away my crown!" Barrett smirks and starts to go on about how he is a former world champion but as he gets deep in to the bragging, Dean Ambrose's music hits and the WWE Universe goes wild! The United States Champion soon storms his way through the curtains and marches his way all the way in to the ring, staring Barrett down!

"You want my United States Championship!?" Shouts Ambrose after grabbing his own mike. "You want this because I took away your opportunity to become a real king, huh? Sounds a bit... crazy to me, Wade! And I know quite a bit about crazy and I must just be crazy enough to give you a shot at my title..." Ambrose licks his lips and the crowd gets behind him as he looks right in to the eyes of Barrett with a smile, raising his title belt up. "So if Eric Bischoff wants to give the go-ahead... I have no problem beating you a third time at Battleground: King of the Ring next Sunday!" The 'King' of The Commonwealth chuckles, saying he would be more than happy to accept that date, but he vows victory this time around. The 'Lunatic Fringe' is quick to quip back that he lost more than three times to AJ Styles in his pursuit of gaining back the Intercontinental Championship! Barrett is enraged and goes to swing a fist, only for Ambrose to catch it and plant him to the mat with a shot of his own! Paige screams from the corner as Dean sets up for Dirty Deeds, drawing a distraction. Barrett takes the opportunity to push Dean back in to the ropes and roll out of the ring, staggering his way up the ramp! Ambrose looks to Paige as she cowers in the corner, taking a few steps towards her. He looks up to Barrett, whom refuses to return to the ring, and sits down on the ropes to give Paige space to exit the ring! Barrett is angered as Paige slowly exits, looking to Ambrose with a confused look across her face. By orders of Wade, she makes her way back to him as Ambrose scoops his United States Championship back up, waving it over his head with a giant smirk across his face.

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Back from the break, confirmation is made that Dean Ambrose will indeed defend the United States Championship against Wade Barrett at Battleground: King of the Ring!

DOLPH ZIGGLER DEF. RYBACK » The match begins, Ryback laughing as he chucks Ziggler aside multiple times. The 'Show Off' is quick to come back but keeps getting rattled. After he misses on a DDT with Ryback throwing him to the mat, the 'Big Guy' clotheslines Dolph over the ropes and to the floor! Ziggler is furious as he storms around on the outside, a commercial break coming in midst of the contest. After the time away, Ziggler is working Ryback down and even applies a sleeper hold, only to be chucked over the shoulder and dropped to the mat. Ryback gets a ton of momentum going and sets up for Shell Shocked, Ziggler managing to slip free and hit a superkick that leads to a two count! Multiple near falls come from both men over the following few minutes, Ziggler hitting a low blow as the referee ducks down after Ryback almost hits him! Dolph proceeds to hit the Fameasser but lets Ryback get back up in order to plant him with the Zig Zag! He hooks both legs up for the one, two, three.

Ziggler snaps back on to his feet and celebrates to the booing Ottawa crowd. He gets in Ryback's face as he remains down on the mat and even mocks him before stepping out of the ring to continue his celebration, shouting that he will three-peat the King of the Ring!

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Dolph Ziggler is seen walking backstage after the break and he is stopped by General Manager Eric Bischoff, whom has a grin across his face. Ziggler shakes hands with him and Bischoff says he is glad he saw him, because he has some good news. "Ahead of your King of the Ring semi-final match with Randy Orton... this Monday on Raw, you and Randy will team up." Dolph asks what Bischoff is talking about and the General Manager smiles. "You and Randy will team up to take on the other semi-finals match participants, Luke Harper and Bray Wyatt in a tag team match. Good luck, Dolph." Bischoff pats him on the shoulder as the 'Show Off' has a look of disbelief across his face, saying to himself that this isn't going to end well.

Back inside the arena, Nikki and Brie - the Bella Twins - are seen coming down to ringside to join in on commentary for the upcoming contest featuring the Diva's Champion.

DIVA'S CHAMPION AJ LEE DEF. CAMERON IN A NON-TITLE MATCH » AJ takes her time to stare at Nikki and Brie at ringside, allowing Cameron to blindside her with a shot to the face! Cameron goes for multiple roll ups and grows frustrated as she can't garner a three count. She smacks AJ and it just enrages the Diva's Champion, causing her to respond fast with a forearm to the face! Lee goes off and after a hard shining wizard, gives a smile and shrug to Nikki and Brie before locking Cameron up in the Black Widow! Rather quickly, Cameron submits.

With the Canadian fans cheering, AJ Lee gets back on to her feet with a smile. She is given her Diva's Championship belt and she calls for a microphone, taking it from ringside while staring Nikki and Brie down once again. "Nikki... I hope you've got something good for me on Monday." She says, adjusting her title belt over her shoulder. "Because I've got the okay from Eric Bischoff that as long as you put something on the line that I find worth while, I'll give you another chance at the Diva's Championship." AJ drops the microphone and her music hits once more, Lee skipping around the ring before exiting - Nikki watching on while shaking her head.

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Renee Young is standing by after the time away and introduces her guests at this time to be Kevin Owens and the WWE Tag Team Champions, Sami Zayn and Solomon Crowe - The Purge. She thanks them for the time and asks Zayn what his approach is going to be facing Chris Jericho here tonight. "I've fought many of tough competitors over my career, Renee. Hell, I've faced both of my brothers right here before..." He pats Crowe and Owens on the back each. "Chris Jericho... sure, he's a legend. But you know what happens to legends?" Owens leans forward and says that legends die trying to be what they used to. Crowe agrees, saying that next Sunday all three of these 'legends' will fall at the hands of The Purge. "And tonight..." Owens says with a chuckle. "Chris Jericho gets a taste of what is to come once again at Battleground: King of the Ring." The trio head off, prepared for the main event.

Elsewhere in the locker room area, Chris Jericho is seen getting his knee pads on. In to the room comes CM Punk and Alberto Del Rio, the crowd cheering for their arrival. Jericho greets them and Punk pats him on the shoulder. "You've got it, Chris. No problem. Sami Zayn thinks he can beat you with ease but he doesn't know what it is like to be in the ring with you... but I do." Del Rio points out that Jericho is one of the greatest to ever step foot in the ring and 'these perros sucios' think they can just put them down, but they're going to put them down next Sunday just like he believes Chris will put Sami down tonight. "Guys, enough of the coaching. Lets get out there and kick some ass." The three share a laugh and leave the room together.

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WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPION SAMI ZAYN (W/KEVIN OWENS AND SOLOMON CROWE) DEF. CHRIS JERICHO (W/CM PUNK AND ALBERTO DEL RIO) » The tolls, the two locking up with each other. Jericho, the veteran, takes control early but Zayn avoids him in the corner by dipping through the ropes, hitting a hard snapping kick to the back of the head! He leaps over the ropes and goes for a sunset flip, only for Jericho to roll through and go for the lionsault! Zayn avoids it, popping on to his feet to deliver a leg lariat that leads to a two count! Zayn gets to his feet again and ends up dropkicking Jericho to the outside, going to the top rope. He leaps off but Y2J avoids him, Zayn landing on his feet. Jericho sweeps them out from under him and tries to get him in the Walls of Jericho! Owens and Crowe storm over, seeming ready to break it up, only to have Punk and Del Rio run at them and exchange blows! With chaos ensuing and Zayn escaping, Sami takes one of the tag title belts and clocks Jericho in the head! He rolls back in to the ring as order is restored, Jericho still downed as a commercial break comes in. After the break, the contest is red hot and fast paced. Y2J is rattled with a big exploder suplex in to the corner, resulting to a very close two count. The crowd is shocked at the kick out and Zayn sets Jericho up in the corner, seeming poised for the Helluva Kick! He goes for it but Jericho avoids it, hitting off the ropes and returning with the Codebreaker! Quickly, he hooks the legs for a very close two count. The other four men on the outside are all on edge as both men stagger back up, Jericho taking the legs for the Walls of Jericho! As he starts to turn Zayn over, however, the tag team champion grabs the bottom rope and fights the hold! As he struggles, Owens gets on to the apron only to have Punk come in to the ring and run right in to him - taking him to the floor on the outside! Del Rio and Crowe go at it as well! Zayn pushes Jericho back in to the corner and gets back to his feet, ducking a clothesline and chucking Y2J in to the other set of turnbuckles, hitting off the other side before coming back with a big Helluva Kick! Zayn hooks both legs up as fast as he can and garners the three count!

The Canadian crowd shows huge appreciation for the two natives as Zayn rolls on to his back, catching his breath. The brawling on the outside simmers down and in to the ring come Owens and Crowe, sitting Zayn up in to their arms to check on him. Punk and Del Rio pull Jericho from the ring and hold him in their arms as the two sides stare each other down, each talking over with one another. Punk gives a nod to ADR and they hit the ring, Jericho soon following! The two sides of three completely go at it just as they had this past Monday, tons of security, referees and officials having to come out just as they did earlier this week! They attempt to break things up as Thursday Night Smackdown draws to an end with total chaos!

JULY 14, 2014 FROM THE RICHMOND COLISEUM IN RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

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Following the WWE signature opener, the Monday Night Raw video airs. After that, the cameras shoot in to the Richmond Coliseum in Richmond, Virginia where Michael Cole, Jerry 'The King' Lawler and John Bradshaw Layfield give the welcome to the show just six nights away from Battleground: King of the Ring! Tonight, we have four big matches set to take place as Undisputed WWE Champion Bryan Danielson goes one-on-one with Antonio Cesaro, John Cena and Roman Reigns do battle and the King of the Ring Semi-Finals opponents team up against each other as Bray Wyatt and Luke Harper take on Randy Orton and Dolph Ziggler! Plus, the WWE Tag Team Champions - Sami Zayn and Solomon Crowe of The Purge - are in action as they go up against Alberto Del Rio and Chris Jericho! All this and more on Monday Night Raw!

'Voices' is heard and the crowd gets to their feet as Randy Orton makes his way out from the back to open things up tonight. He comes in to the ring and snags a microphone from ringside, gazing out to the crowd. "Y'know, they say that the King of the Ring tournament is where the young guys get to launch their career off to the top..." He says, taking a moment. "Now, I've already been to the top time and time again and I'll be quite honest with you, I need this more than any of those three other guys do. I haven't been the world champion for over two years and it has eaten me alive day by day..." Orton looks out to the crowd and bites down on his lip, saying that if he wins this tournament, he gets his world title shot at Summerslam and come this Sunday, he isn't going to show any mercy on Dolph Ziggler and he isn't going to show any mercy once he gets to the finals against Bray Wyatt or Luke Harper. "This may be considered the tournament to launch your career to the top but it just isn't time for any of you three and it isn't anything personal... it's just the way that it is." Before Randy has an opportunity to say anything more, he is cut off by the entrance music of Dolph Ziggler - the 'Show Off' making his way out to strong boos with some cheers in the mix. He comes in to the ring and stares Orton down, scratching the back of his head. "Wow, Randy... wow." Dolph says, throwing his hand out with a scoff. "I know you're a smart guy, Randy, so I didn't think you would be so... so stupid. You see, I've won this tournament back-to-back the last couple of times around and I damn sure plan on making it back-to-back-to-back and just like I did two years ago while you were weeping over the fact that you had lost the world title... I was busy winning it and I certainly am going to do that again this year..." The two stare down for a lengthy amount of time until the signature of The Wyatt Family hits! The trio appear on the titantron, Wyatt snickering behind his lantern before warning that they are here, blowing the light out.

The group proceeds to make their way out from the back and come halfway down the ramp, Bray taking a seat in his rocking chair before once again blowing the lantern out, the lights coming up as he rocks back and forth, staring the two in the ring down. He holds a microphone and chuckles in to it. "You see, man... this is all just... a fallacy. A fallacy for neither of you two are going to sit upon that throne this Sunday because that throne is built for a king and the only king between the four of us competing in this tournament is me! BRAY WYATT! THE EATER OF WORLDS! THE ONE... in twenty one... and one." He stands up from the chair and says that he keeps on making promises and unlike Dolph and Randy, he fulfills those promises. "Dolph, you said you would beat John Cena at Payback! And what happened, poor... poor Dolph? You failed. You lied." He wags his finger about and turns his attention to Orton, going back to WrestleMania 21, where Randy said he would end the streak of The Undertaker - but he also failed and lied. "But what about me? WHAT ABOUT BRAY WYATT!? I'VE BEATEN THE LIKES OF JOHN CENA! I ENDED THE STREAK! THIS IS MY TOURNAMENT! THIS IS MY THRONE! THIS IS MY CROWN! THIS IS MY KINGDOM!" Wyatt takes a few steps towards the ring and laughs, Orton pulling his mike back up, telling Bray he is sick and tired of the words coming out of Bray's mouth, so he'd like for him to get in the ring so he can punch it. The crowd gets anxious and Wyatt snickers, turning back to Harper and Rowan. He spreads his arms out, pushing Harper a few times before hopping on to the apron as a referee comes rushing down to the ring as it looks like the tag team match between the King of the Ring Semi-Finalists is going to happen right now!

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BRAY WYATT AND LUKE HARPER (W/ERICK ROWAN) DEF. RANDY ORTON AND DOLPH ZIGGLER » The bell rings as Harper begins things with Orton, the two circling around before locking up with each other. Orton throws Harper to the mat and works him hard, targeting the neck and head area. Harper manages to fight back and starts to make frequent tags with Bray. The duo dominate but the 'Viper' is quick to respond to Harper and drop him with the quick snap powerslam! He makes the tag to Ziggler and he comes in, going wild on Harper before suddenly being dropped with a vicious big boot! With Harper dazed and Ziggler downed, a commercial break comes in. After the time away, the match remains in favor of The Wyatt Family and Bray toys around with Ziggler while staying very hard-hitting. After a near fall on a body splash, his eyes widen in disbelief! He cups the back of the head and tees off with shots, tagging Harper back in. Luke hits off the ropes and comes back for a clothesline, only for Ziggler to duck it and let Harper blast his leader! Bray falls through the ropes and Dolph rolls Luke up for a very close two count. Both men pop back up and the 'Show Off' hits the Fame Asser! He hooks the legs, another close near fall coming! Ziggler struggles across the ring and makes the tag to Orton, whom comes in and completely unleashes on Harper! Rowan gets on to the apron as Harper is there but Orton boots him in the gut! He takes both men and yanks them both through the ropes, hitting a double rope hung DDT! As he coils, looking around to the crowd, Ziggler watches on with a nod. Orton sets up for the RKO but as soon as he gets to his feet with Harper grabbing the ropes, Ziggler tags himself in! Dolph comes in to the ring and steps up behind Harper, preparing for the Zig Zag. Orton, however, spins around his partner and plants him with the RKO right in the middle of the ring! The Virginia crowd pops as Orton shakes his head, calling Ziggler 'stupid' repeatedly! He exits the ring, Harper taking a moment to realize what happened before dropping to the mat, hooking both legs up for the three count!

Harper sits back up and looks around the arena with a grin beneath his beard, Orton standing halfway up the ramp and looking back to the ring. Wyatt and Rowan slowly come in to the ring and assist Harper to his feet, Bray cupping a hold of his face and placing his head against his, saying some words to him that can't be made out. Meanwhile, Ziggler crawls to the ropes and stares towards Orton, whom shrugs his shoulders and laughs. "You did that to yourself, Dolph!" Orton says before making his way to the back, the 'Show Off' left shaking his head in anger.

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AJ Lee, the Diva's Champion, has her music hit following the break and she skips her way through the curtains and down to the ring, a microphone in her hand as she smiles to the fans. "Sooo, you guys know what the deal is, right?" She questions, getting a cheer of a response. "Yeah, if you don't, the deal is that I'm willing to give Nikki Bella another shot at my Diva's Championship... if she puts something on the line that I think is worth fair value. I suggested possibly putting her hair on the line... maybe her sister Brie's service... I don't know! It's up to Nikki! But if I don't really like what she has to offer, I might just take this Sunday off and move forward with my career." She gives a smile and invites Nikki to make her way out and give her offer, the WWE Universe booing as The Bella Twins proceed to arrive atop the stage.

"AJ, this is ridiculous." Nikki says, rolling her eyes. "I don't need to put something on the line, you know that I can beat you so you're just afraid to just hand over an opportunity to me. I know it, Brie knows it, you know it and all of these people know it!" The Richmond fans show their discontent for Nikki's words and AJ responds by saying that she beat Nikki at Money in the Bank and she has beat her many of times before, so she isn't afraid in the slightest. "As a matter of fact, Nikki, I'm not afraid of anyone... so, I suggest you get on with what you're going to put on the line or you really won't be getting another crack at my title." Nikki and Brie look to each other, talking back and forth a bit before looking to the ring again. Nikki takes a deep breath and says that she is going to put the services of her sister on the line! AJ scratches her head and looks around the building, questioning the crowd if they like that. A quick response of boos come, AJ saying that isn't really good enough - especially because it was one of her suggestions. "So, I guess I just won't defend my title this weeke-" AJ is cut off by Nikki, telling her to hold on. The sisters look to each other once again, Brie giving a weak nod to which Nikki bites down on her lip. "Fine, AJ. You want something good? You want something worth while!? I'll put my career on the line for your Diva's Championship!" The WWE Universe shows a more positive response to the idea, AJ garnering their opinion once again in the process. The Diva's Champion smiles and says that she is surprised. "Not by the fact that you're willing to go that far, but the fact that you two managed to think that up by yourselves!" The crowd chuckles along with Lee as she informs Nikki that she accepts the offer and she will see her on Sunday! AJ raises her title belt up over her head as The Bella Twins seem a bit worrisome.

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Back from the break, Eric Bischoff is seen in his office on the phone and the crowd boos loudly in the background. The boos get even louder as Mr. Money in the Bank, Seth Rollins, steps in with a big smirk across his face. Bischoff hangs up, looking to Seth with a smile. "My golden boy! What can I do for you?" Rollins looks off in to the distance while holding his briefcase out, saying one day he will indeed be his golden boy when he is Undisputed WWE Champion. "But even sooner than that, you'll be able to call me Intercontinental Champion when I beat AJ Styles this Sunday at Battleground: King of the Ring, Eric." The two share a laugh as Rollins says he just wanted to make a suggestion to Bischoff that before they get in to things this Sunday, he'd like to 'use the power' to get AJ Styles prepared. "What do you mean by that, Seth?" Questions the WWE General Manager, Rollins going further to explain he is suggesting he picks an opponent for Styles here tonight. Bischoff seems to like the idea and nods, rubbing his chin. He snaps his fingers and says that sounds good to him. As Rollins goes to exit the room, however, Bischoff stops him. "But the thing is... if you get to pick an opponent for AJ, I'm going to have to let him pick an opponent for you." Rollins laughs it off and tells Bischoff that was a 'good one', Eric giving him a stare, implying he is very serious. "Oh come on, Eric! We're best friends! We got a hell of a relationship working and you don't need to hurt that by doing this to me!" Bischoff says that he has a big admiration for Seth as well, but while he is controversial and while he wants Seth to be his biggest star one day, he needs to do what is right for his job. Seth looks frustrated and stamps his feet, storming out of the room as Bischoff takes his phone back out.

MARK HENRY AND KOFI KINGSTON VS R-TRUTH AND BO DALLAS GOES TO A NO CONTEST » The match begins, Kingston and Truth starting things off fast. Truth and Dallas get a little bit of momentum going before Kofi drops Dallas with a huge jumping shot to the face! Henry is tagged in and the 'World's Strongest Man' squashes Dallas in the corner repeatedly before setting up for the World's Strongest Slam. As he turns around, however, in to the ring comes Rusev and the 'Bulgarian Brute' hits a leaping kick to the face! He turns as Truth comes in to the ring and throws him shoulder first in to the steel post! Kingston comes in to the ring and also eats a leaping kick to the chin, causing the official to call for the bell and the match off!

Rusev, with Lana screaming orders to him from the outside, continues to go off and targets Kingston, dragging him to his feet. He shoves him back in to the corner and hits multiple chops and kicks to the chest and gut before chucking Kingston across the ring by the neck! He spins around and starts to storm across the ring, only to have Mark Henry stand in his way! The 'World's Strongest Man' looks up and down at Rusev and breaths heavily, shoving the 'Bulgarian Brute'! The crowd gets a bit anxious and Rusev looks around, throwing his hands up with a roar! He charges forward, trading blows with Henry. The two go back and forth until Kingston slips out to the apron and pulls the top rope down, Henry hitting Rusev hard enough to topple him over them and to the floor! The crowd gives a positive response as Rusev stumbles on to his feet, angrily kicking the barricade! Lana steps up to him and holds him back, telling him not to go back in to the ring even though Henry and Kingston offer the opportunity.

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ROMAN REIGNS (W/PAUL HEYMAN) DEF. JOHN CENA » The bell sounds, Cena thumping Reigns to the mat early. Roman composes himself after being knocked down a bit and runs his hand through his hair, breathing heavily. He gets back up and tosses Cena to the mat a few times himself before getting him in the corner, hitting shoulders and fists and headbutts! He levels Cena a few times and hits off the ropes, coming right back to John taking him by the neck and tossing him through the ropes! Cena surprises all as he goes to the top rope, leaping right off on to Reigns - bringing him to the floor! Both men are laid out for a commercial break transition. After the break away, Reigns is in control of the match on the mat and he works away at Cena's previously surgically repaired neck. He hits multiple clotheslines in the corner over and over again, showing no mercy. He goes for the Superman Punch but Cena avoids it, planting him with the Attitude Adjustment! The crowd gives a loud, mixed reaction as Cena hooks the leg, Reigns shocking him by kicking out at two! The crowd is anxious as Cena gets back to his feet in disbelief. He brings Reigns back up and rocks him with a series of punches, Roman coming back with strong shots of his own. He ducks one and hits off the ropes, returning with the Superman Punch! Reigns lets out a roar to the crowd and leans in the corner for the Spear, Cena avoiding it as he gets up! He hits off the ropes and comes back with a shoulder tackle. He hits another one and follows up with the Five Knuckle Shuffle. He gets up and seems poised for the Attitude Adjustment once again, only to have Heyman get on the apron. Cena shakes his head and steps up to him, wagging his finger in his face. Heyman slaps it away and Cena gets intense, staring at him! Paul pleads for John to not hurt him and drops to the floor, Cena turning right in to a Spear from Reigns! Roman hooks the legs for the one, two, three!

Reigns rolls off of Cena as quite a lot of the crowd is surprised by the victory! Roman gets back up and in to the ring comes Heyman, a big smile across his face as he praises his client. "One of you two will get it! ONE OF YOU TWO WILL GET IT THIS SUNDAY, ROMAN!" He shouts with glee, Reigns pointing to himself to inform Heyman that it will be him winning this Sunday. The two exit the ring, Roman staying a fair distance away from his manager as Cena sits up in the ring in disbelief, having possibly lost quite a bit of momentum heading in to Battleground: King of the Ring thanks to the distraction of Paul Heyman to give Roman Reigns the win.

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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!

Back in the arena, the Intercontinental Champion, AJ Styles, proceeds to make his way out. He comes down to the ring and awaits his opponent chosen by Seth Rollins but instead, Rollins himself comes out with a microphone in his hands and a smile across his face. "You know, AJ, you might think you've got something good lined up for me later on with my opponent... that might be so, but I picked a guy that is going to rough you up real good before this Sunday... I picked a guy that has heart, determination and knows how to wear his opponent down! Heck, he is even... unlike the people of Richmond... a real American!" The crowd boos as Rollins gestures his hand out and introduces Jack Swagger! He proceeds to make his way out along with Colter, Rollins stopping them before they head towards the ring. "Hey, Jack! Here's my special offer... you beat AJ Styles tonight, you'll get the first crack at the Intercontinental Championship after I win it." Swagger and Colter, obviously, accept the offer and Swagger shakes hands with Rollins before coming down and in to the ring.

INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION AJ STYLES DEF. JACK SWAGGER (W/ZEB COLTER) IN A NON-TITLE MATCH » The official calls for the bell and Swagger storms at Styles, the Intercontinental Champion ducking underneath a clothesline and hitting a Pele Kick! Swagger falls back in to the corner and Styles pops back up, hitting off one side of the ring to come back with a huge splash that drops Swagger to the mat. Rollins looks on in disbelief as AJ steps out to the apron with a smile across his face, hopping off the top rope with the Spiral Tap! He hooks both legs up and with Rollins screaming on the outside, gets the easy three count!

Rollins kicks the steel steps in anger, storming all around the outside of the ring. He steps up to Zeb Colter, screaming at him. "WHAT WAS THAT!? WHAT WAS THAT!? THAT WAS TERRIBLE!" Rollins pulls at his hair as Styles is given his Intercontinental Championship belt. He holds it up over his head and tells Rollins that he has something big up his sleeve later on.

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Backstage after the break, Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman are talking with each other and Heyman is trying to explain to Roman that he could very well win this Sunday, but so could Antonio and either way he will be very happy. "Nah, Paul, see..." Reigns says with a laugh. "I'm gonna win this Sunday. Not Antonio. Not John. Not Bryan. Me. Believe th-" He stops himself as Antonio Cesaro steps up, congratulating him on the victory against John Cena just a few minutes ago. "Now you get to sit back and watch as I do the same to the Undisputed WWE Champion here tonight." Reigns is quick to snap back, telling Cesaro that he'd like to see that. He'd also like to see the look on his face when they come to Raw next week and he has the Undisputed WWE Championship over his shoulder. "Then you can see how it feels to be the second man up, just the way it should be." The two stare down, Heyman trying to keep the peace between the two. He says that they need to stay on track and stick with the plan. He tells Roman that he already did his job tonight, now Antonio has to do his. "Then this Sunday, after you two show your brilliant dominance together you can decide the best between the two of you. Understand me!? UNDERSTAND!?" The two nod and head off their separate ways.

The cameras transition over to Renee Young, whom is standing by with CM Punk, Alberto Del Rio and Chris Jericho. "Gentlemen, you're in store for a huge battle, if not war, this Sunday at Battleground: King of the Ring. Tonight, however, Chris and Alberto you get a chance to take on Sami Zayn and Solomon Crowe. What are your thoughts heading in to this big opportunity of a match to get at The Purge before Sunday?" Jericho mentions how last week on Smackdown he got to face Sami Zayn and he got a big taste of what that kid has to offer. "These are three tough guys but we are three tougher guys and baby, Alberto and myself are gonna knock them off their high horse tonight and on Sunday night us and Punk here are going to show them they aren't just simply going to put the three of us down!" Del Rio agrees, saying that tonight it is Crowe and Zayn getting a taste of what is to come at Battleground: King of the Ring, a taste of defeat. "Kevin Owens..." Punk says with a smile. "We'll both be at ringside and if I feel the need to kick your head in, I'm not gonna hesitate. Because you tried to end my career... you tried to end these guys careers... and I might just not be able to wait to try and end yours." Punk pats Jericho and Del Rio on the back as they head off for the big tag team match coming up next.

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WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS SAMI ZAYN AND SOLOMON CROWE (W/KEVIN OWENS) DEF. ALBERTO DEL RIO AND CHRIS JERICHO (W/CM PUNK) IN A NON-TITLE MATCH » The contest favors Zayn and Crowe early as they work away at Jericho. Y2J mounts a quick comeback against Zayn, however, making the hot tag to Del Rio. He comes in and works the arm, getting a few shots in on Crowe as well. He turns right in to a big leaping DDT from Zayn and it leads to a very close near fall. After some time away on break, the contest slows down a bit. The Purge make frequent tags and keep Del Rio down, not allowing him to get to his corner at all. Crowe mounts on him and levels him with shots to the face, taking his time to lean between the ropes and give an evil grin towards Punk, whom just shakes his head wanting to swing his fist. Jericho takes the opportunity to compose himself and Crowe turns right in to the Codebreaker! Y2J goes for the pin but Zayn rushes in to break it up. He goes back to his corner and both men crawl to their respective side to make the tag, Del Rio and Zayn going at it with hard hitting, fast paced action. Alberto goes for the Rolling Cross Armbar but Sami rolls through, hitting a huge dropkick with ADR on his knees! He rolls out to the apron and goes to the top rope, Del Rio avoiding a crossbody from him and making the tag to Jericho - whom storms back in only to get dropped with a leg lariat! Zayn tosses him up against the corner with a powerbomb and follows up with the Helluva Kick to Del Rio with him on the apron! Owens comes storming around and he takes Punk down to the floor, both men swinging fists! In the ring, meanwhile, Crowe plants Jericho with the Pendulum Splash and gets the pinfall.

The crowd boos as Owens chucks Punk in to the barricade repeatedly on the outside, Crowe and Zayn beginning a beat down on Del Rio and Jericho separately. After feeling satisfied with the work they've done on ADR and Y2J, all three turn their attention over to Punk. With Owens leading the way, he removes the announce table cover and monitors, having Zayn and Crowe hand him over to deliver a big powerbomb through the table! The Richmond fans boo even louder as The Purge stands tall over Punk's motionless body, backstage officials and referees rushing down to keep them from doing any more harm, the trio proud of their destruction.

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UNITED STATES CHAMPION DEAN AMBROSE DEF. DAMIEN SANDOW (W/THE COMMONWEALTH) IN A NON-TITLE MATCH » The match starts and Sandow is quickly rocked by Ambrose, being dropped to the mat repeatedly. The 'Lunatic Fringe' gets multiple near falls on Sandow and completely rattles him. He goes for Dirty Deeds but gets shoved back, Sandow catching him with an elbow to the face after he has his leg grabbed by Rose on the outside. Sandow gets a little bit of momentum going and sets up for his signature elbow drop, only for Ambrose to avoid it and hit him with a series of clotheslines before hitting his signature one, falling partially through the ropes. The United States Champion goes to the top rope and hits an elbow to the head of a standing Sandow, staring out to The Commonwealth on the outside after before planting Wade Barrett's right-hand man with Dirty Deeds! He covers him for the pinfall.

Before Ambrose even has a chance to celebrate, The Commonwealth hits the ring. McIntyre hits a knee drop on the back of the head before mounting on Ambrose, throwing fists. Rose and Regal get in to the mix of things, stomping away at the 'Lunatic Fringe' before setting him up for the Bullhammer Elbow from Barrett! As he stands over Ambrose shouting in his face, Paige retrieves the United States Championship belt and brings it to her soon-to-be husband, whom holds it high over his head while vowing victory this Sunday at Battleground: King of the Ring.

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Backstage following the break, Dean Ambrose barges in to the office of Eric Bischoff where Seth Rollins and him are talking once again, Rollins trying to get himself out of his match. "HEY!" Ambrose shouts, Bischoff holding him up. The 'Lunatic Fringe' doesn't take lightly to it and throws his United States Championship off the wall repeatedly, drawing the attention of the General Manager. Rollins tries to speak up but Ambrose tells him to shut up. "I want all of 'em, Eric... I want all of The Commonwealth and I want them tonight." The crowd seems to approve of the crazy suggestion inside the arena, Bischoff bewildered by it. "First of all, Dean, you need to relax. Second, you can't just barge in to my office and demand things!" The United States Champion points out that is exactly what Rollins does, causing Seth to tell him to back off and that he has privilege for being Mr. Money in the Bank, something Ambrose failed to get a few weeks back. After some jawing back and forth between the two, Bischoff calls for order. "You want The Commonwealth, Dean? You've got it. This Thursday on Smackdown... but I'm not just going to let you go out there and potentially get hurt before your title defense on Sunday, so you gather up three partners for the affair and you've got your match." Ambrose shrugs his shoulders and says it's whatever, he'll find three. "Yeah, that's if anybody wants to be your partner..." Rollins mutters as Ambrose prepares to leave, Dean coming back and raising his eyebrows with a chuckle. "Maybe I'll borrow yours." He retorts, patting Bischoff on the back. The two grow disgusted looks across their face as the United States Champion exits the room.

Elsewhere, Renee Young is standing by with the Undisputed WWE Champion Bryan Danielson. The Virginia fans pop as he arrives on to the scene, even bursting in to a 'Yes!' chant before any words can come from Young or Danielson. "Bryan, you're heading in to a match in just a bit against Antonio Cesaro but my question for you is if you're more looking to the future with your title defense on Sunday than tonight's match?" The champion adjusts his title over his shoulder and says he always looks towards the future and he knows it is around the corner, but when he steps in to the ring his focus is on the matter at hand and tonight, the matter at hand is beating Antonio Cesaro just like he did a few weeks ago at Money in the Bank to get his title back. "I know I've got a heck of a battle on Sunday against three of the best guys this company has to offer... but I've got to get my job done tonight before I get my job done Sunday, Renee. And tonight, do I think I'll get the job done?" He points towards the camera, the WWE Universe starting up the 'Yes!' chants once again, Bryan smiling and heading off.

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Seth Rollins makes his way down to the ring following the break, snatching a microphone from ringside and shaking his head. "While I shouldn't be competing here tonight, my best friend, the General Manager of the WWE Eric Bischoff made a fair point. I am the future of this company and I am Mr. Money in the Bank and soon I will be Intercontinental Champion and there is nobody that can even match up to me so what does it matter!?" He gives a laugh, smiles and looks up to the stage - 'FEED! ME! MORE!' soon hitting, dropping the positive expression of Rollins quickly. Ryback proceeds to make his way out and down to the ring, Rollins quickly stepping out while arguing with referee Charles Robinson about it, eventually getting in the ring.

RYBACK DEF. SETH ROLLINS » The bell tolls and Rollins keeps trying to get his way out of the match. He gets overpowered early and often, causing some frustration. After a few kicks to the gut, Rollins goes for a big swinging one but gets caught and hit with a big exploder suplex! Ryback goes off on Rollins and refuses to let up, Seth eventually raking the eyes and shoving Ryback in to Robinson! He rolls out of the ring and grabs a steel chair, rolling back in and cracking Ryback across the spine! The crowd boos the tactics as Rollins laughs, only for the boos to start turning to cheers as on to the apron comes AJ Styles! The Intercontinental Champion launches himself across the ring from ropes and hits a huge clothesline! He takes the steel chair and chucks it out of the ring, rolling along with it. Rollins gets back up and storms to the ropes, yelling at Styles! As he does, Ryback gets back to his feet and Seth turns right in to the Meat Hook Clothesline! The 'Big Guy' drags him right back up and plants him with Shell Shocked, Robinson staggering over to count the one, two, three!

"Are you kidding me!?" JBL shouts on commentary, saying he is disgusted by AJ Styles getting involved in this match - ignoring the steel chair use by Rollins. Ryback exits the ring and continues his celebration as Styles stands outside of the ring with his title belt, raising it up over his head as Rollins crawls towards the ropes, dazed over the contest and angered over Styles costing him the match. "You're not taking this from me, Seth!" Styles says while rubbing the Intercontinental Championship literally right in his face with a smile across his.

Backstage, Antonio Cesaro and Paul Heyman are seen coming down the halls as the main event between Cesaro and the Undisputed WWE Champion, Bryan Danielson, is coming up next.

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UNDISPUTED WWE CHAMPION BRYAN DANIELSON DEF. ANTONIO CESARO (W/PAUL HEYMAN) IN A NON-TITLE MATCH VIA DISQUALIFICATION » Mike Chioda calls for the bell and the two lock up, Cesaro flipping Bryan to the mat and targeting the head and neck. He hits a couple of powerful suplexes but on a German attempt, Danielson lands on his feet! He bounces off the corner and comes back with the Running Knee that Cesaro barely manages to avoid! He pops back up and catches Bryan with multiple uppercuts, rocking him all the way in to the corner. He goes for the superplex but Danielson shoves him down, leaping off with a dropkick from the top! Before the champion can go for the pin, however, Cesaro rolls out of the ring wisely at the feet of his manager. A commercial break follows as he tries to compose. After the time away, Cesaro is back in control keeping Danielson in the corner. As soon as Bryan tries to come back, Cesaro drops him with the tossing uppercut, leading to a very close two count! He turns things to the mat and refuses to let up. He sets up for the Cesaro Swing and gets a big mixed reaction. As soon as he lifts Danielson up, however, he is rolled down to the mat and monkey flipped in to the corner! Bryan gets back up and hits off the opposite corner, charging forward with a hard dropkick! He hits three more before being stopped and pushed all the way back to the other one, Cesaro rushing forward with an uppercut! He hits a series of his own before cranking his neck in preparation for the Neutralizer, only to have Bryan push him back and hit a huge kick to the back of the head! He goes for the pin, but gets a count of two! Bryan slowly gets back to his feet and gets the crowd up and going with the slow 'Yes!' chants as he seems poised for the Busaiku Knee, only to have Roman Reigns come in to the ring from the other side - Danielson charging to him right in to the Spear! Chioda calls for the bell to boos.

As the crowd shows their disappointment, so does Michael Cole on commentary as he is upset with Reigns ruining the great match going on. Cesaro gets back to his feet and turns Reigns around, yelling at him. "Why would you do that!?" He shouts, Reigns telling him he was just trying to help out. He grins and Cesaro shoves him! Reigns looks off in to the distance as Heyman gets on to the apron, screaming for them to stop! As the two bicker back and forth, John Cena comes rushing down to the ring and Cesaro turns, ducking a clothesline that ends up hitting Reigns. Cena turns around and gets dropped with the Busaiku Knee from Bryan! Danielson gets back to his feet and Cesaro trips him right back up, swinging him wildly! A loud, mixed reaction comes from the crowd as Cesaro goes around fifteen times before suddenly being stopped by Reigns dropping him with the Spear! Heyman looks distraught from the apron, holding on to his head in shock! Roman slowly rises back on to his feet and looks over to his manager, then to the corner of the ring where the Undisputed WWE Championship belt lays. He slowly walks over to it and pulls it up, looking at it for a while before stepping back to the middle of the ring. With all three of his opponents for Sunday downed, Reigns slowly raises the title over his head in an image that could very well come Sunday, an image that could come from any of the four competitors. Monday Night Raw draws to an end with just six more days until Battleground: King of the Ring live on pay-per-view and the WWE Network!

JULY 17, 2014 FROM THE CROWN COLISEUM IN FAYETTEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA

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After the Thursday Night Smackdown airs, Michael Cole and John Bradshaw Layfield welcome everyone to the show from commentary. Tonight, Undisputed WWE Champion Bryan Danielson is in action one last time before defending his title in a fatal four way this Sunday, this time going up against one of his opponents in Roman Reigns! Plus, Dean Ambrose must scrounge up three partners to face Wade Barrett, Damien Sandow, Adam Rose and Drew McIntyre of The Commonwealth if he wants to get his hands on them before his match at Battleground: King of the Ring! All this and more to come tonight on Thursday Night Smackdown!

The theme music of The Purge hits and down to the ring from through the crowd comes Sami Zayn and Solomon Crowe, soon being followed by Kevin Owens from the stage. The trio come in to the squared circle and Owens holds a microphone in his hands, not saying a word as he looks out to the WWE Universe in the Crown Coliseum. "You're looking at three of the most menacing men you've ever seen in your life, ladies and gentlemen." He says with a smile, raising his eyebrows up to the boos. "We came to this company with one goal and one goal only and that was to get to the top... no matter what the cost, no matter who we had to go through and the night after WrestleMania The Purge was born... yeah, we took out CM Punk. Yeah, we took out Alberto Del Rio and Chris Jericho. I've not only won many of matches, but I've nearly ended careers! Sami Zayn and Solomon Crowe have not only won many of matches, but they're the WWE Tag Team Champions and tonight, I promise you they will be victorious once again and show CM Punk, Alberto Del Rio and Chris Jericho exactly what they're in store for on Sunday at Battleground: King of the Ring!" He throws his hand out and says that he might just show what he has to offer as well, because this is his ring, this is his spotlight. Not their's.

Crowe takes the microphone and walks up to the ropes, leaning across them with his WWE Tag Team Championship belt over his shoulder. "The Purge is so dangerous that we made The Hardy Boyz leave! We made CM Punk and Alberto Del Rio miss three months! We put Chris Jericho in his place in multiple occasions as he kept trying to come back for more! Hell, CM Punk we even put down your best friend Colt Cabana." He lets out a laugh as Zayn takes the mike himself, saying that The Purge has already reached a checkpoint. A checkpoint where they are right below the ceiling and they are just getting ready to burst through. "We may be just the WWE Tag Team Champions now, but soon we'll also be known as the greatest team in the history of the WWE and even the greatest stable of all time... just watch." He drops the mike to the mat and the three share a laugh, The Rhodes Brothers' music soon hitting as they make their way out, as they will look to get on track with an opportunity to face Zayn and Crowe in non-title action following the upcoming commercial break.

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WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS SAMI ZAYN AND SOLOMON CROWE (W/KEVIN OWENS) DEF. THE RHODES BROTHERS IN A NON-TITLE MATCH » The bell rings, Crowe and Zayn absolutely destroying Cody in the early on. They run right through him until Rhodes manages to hit Crowe with a kick to the gut, followed by a DDT. Both men crawl to their corners and make the hot tags, Goldust surprising Zayn by actually gaining some momentum on him. He ends up setting up for Shattered Dreams eventually, only to be cut off by Crowe with a clothesline! He follows with the Pendulum Swing, Goldust rolling across the ring in pain. Cody remains on the apron, just watching the actions as Goldust gets up in the corner and gets dropped with the Helluva Kick from Zayn! He hooks both legs up for the one, two, three.

To the point where it is almost not surprising, Cody just remains on the apron as Owens slowly slithers his way in to the ring. The Purge looks to him and Rhodes just drops to the floor, watching on as they begin to stomp away at his brother! They eventually set him up in the corner, Zayn hitting a second Helluva Kick! Crowe follows with a clothesline and Owens finishes things off with a pop up powerbomb right in to the corner! The Purge stands over the lifeless body of Goldust, having sent a direct message to CM Punk, Alberto Del Rio and Chris Jericho before this Sunday, Cody just staring from the outside after the assault of his brother.

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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 this Sunday, July 20, 2014 from Tampa, Florida on pay-per-view and the WWE Network!

RUSEV (W/LANA) DEF. KOFI KINGSTON (W/MARK HENRY) » The bell rings, Kingston leaping at Rusev and firing off. He is quickly overpowered, however, and the 'Bulgarian Brute' completely runs through him. Kingston shocks Rusev with a big kick to the face from the corner though, and actually gets some momentum going. He hits a springboard kick to the face and hooks both legs up, Rusev kicking out at two. Kofi tries to keep things going but he is stuffed by a leaping kick to the face, Rusev stomping the lower back before locking in the Accolade! Kingston puts up a strong fight but ends up having no choice but to tap out.

Rusev refuses to let up on the hold until Henry comes in to the ring, the two big men staring each other down. "Why don't you try and put that on me?" Henry challenges, shoving Rusev back. The 'Bulgarian Brute' breaths heavily and throws his hands up with a yell, charging right in to a headbutt from Henry! The 'World's Strongest Man' tees off on Rusev and eventually clotheslines him over the ropes and to the floor, Mark all fired up! Lana has to hold Rusev back as he stomps around in a fury, yelling in anger as Henry checks on Kingston.

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Eric Bischoff is in his office upon the return and gets met with boos. In to the room storms Rusev and Lana, the prior screaming in his native tongue with a fury in his eye. Bischoff is caught off guard and tries to get him to calm down, only to keep getting yelled at. "Rusev!" Lana shouts to calm him down, putting her finger up in his face. "Mr. Bischoff, after what has happened as of late with Mark Henry and Kofi Kingston and after the dismantling of Kofi already, Rusev wants a match with Mark Henry. One-on-one." Bischoff ponders the idea as the crowd gives some cheers in the background over some desire to see the match, the General Manager saying he isn't too sure. Rusev starts screaming again, so Bischoff says fine. "You'll get Mark Henry this Sunday on the Battleground: King of the Ring Kickoff Show... alright!? Now get out of my office, please." Lana and Rusev give him a stare, Rusev saying something else in his language before leaving the room, Bischoff shaking his head and muttering under his breath.

Elsewhere, Dean Ambrose is seen waking through the halls throwing shadow fists. Up to him walks Renee Young, asking him if he should be off finding partners for his upcoming match. "What do you mean, Renee?" Ambrose says, saying he already found three guys. He holds his hand up with his index, middle, pinkie and ring finger raised. "FOUR HORSEMAN! WOOOOO!" He scratches his head a few times and laughs, saying he is obviously just kidding but he thinks he found three guys that can help him rock The Commonwealth and hopefully tonight, he gets his hands around the neck of Wade Barrett because he really doesn't feel like waiting until Sunday! He pats his United States Championship around his waist and walks away for his match up next.

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Back from the break, The Commonwealth comes in to the ring and waits, Dean Ambrose's music soon hitting as the building goes wild for the 'Lunatic Fringe'. He gestures his hands out and out comes Jimmy and Jey - The Usos! The high-flying, popular team that hasn't been seen since Payback due to an injury from Jey, make their way out. The three of them come down the ramp and Dean raises one finger up, pointing up the ramp and Ryback proceeds to make his way out! The Commonwealth look worried and angered by the arrival of the 'Big Guy', all four men coming down to the ring to get things under way!

WADE BARRETT, DAMIEN SANDOW, ADAM ROSE AND DREW MCINTYRE (W/WILLIAM REGAL AND PAIGE) DEF. UNITED STATES CHAMPION DEAN AMBROSE, THE USOS AND RYBACK » The contest begins with Rose and Ryback, the 'Big Guy' completely dominating very quickly. Rose tags out fast to McIntyre and is dominated as well, Sandow suffering the same fate. Ryback laughs in the face of The Commonwealth and in comes Barrett, the first to put up a strong fight of the group. After some domination from the group on Ryback, he pushes them all away and rocks them all, chucking Barrett to the outside in to the others. The Usos come in to the ring and come flying across the ring and over the ropes to take out the entire Commonwealth! They get in to a bit of a brawl with Rose and McIntyre as Ryback tags Ambrose in, rushing up to Barrett as he comes in to the ring and hits him with multiple clotheslines. After keeping total control of the contest, Paige shows her loyalty to Barrett and grabs the leg of the 'Lunatic Fringe', allowing Barrett to drop him with the Bullhammer Elbow! Wade quickly drops to the mat and hooks the interior leg, getting the three count and the big, albeit cheap, victory!

Barrett gets back to his feet with a grin as the crowd boos, The Commonwealth joining their leader in the ring as Ryback and The Usos stand on the outside shaking their heads, Barrett snatching the United States Championship in order to raise it over the body of Ambrose, smiling to the other three and the entire WWE Universe as he prepares to try and win the title Sunday!

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The Bella Twins are backstage walking towards the ring and they are stopped by Byron Saxton, whom excuses himself and asks Nikki what her thought process is now that her career is going to be on the line this Sunday. "It's the same as it always is, Byron: Just win. And I know I will win this Sunday and nothing changes with my career on the line because I know I am better than AJ Lee." Brie takes a moment before agreeing, saying her sister is the best this company has to offer and tonight she will show they are the best sisters in the history of the WWE. She heads off as she is going to be action against the Diva's Champion next.

DIVA'S CHAMPION AJ LEE DEF. BRIE BELLA (W/NIKKI BELLA) IN A NON-TITLE MATCH » AJ and Brie lock up as the match begins, the Diva's Champion controlling initially only for Brie to rock her with a sudden shot to the knee, rattling her. She takes over the match and ends up dropping AJ with a DDT, letting her fall in to the ropes after a near fall. She delivers her signature knee to the face after screaming "BRIE MODE!" to the crowd. Another near fall comes and Brie grows frustrated, trying to work AJ even harder. She misses on a Nikki-styled forearm shot to the face, AJ dropping her with a dropkick followed by a shining wizard! AJ gets a near fall but follows up quickly by locking Brie up in the Black Widow, Nikki screaming at her sister to not tap out! As Brie can't get free, however, she drops to a knee and has to submit.

The fans cheer as AJ lets go of the hold, only to be suddenly stuck by Nikki from behind! She begins a beat down and sets up for the Bella Buster, AJ wiggling herself free and dropkicking Nikki in the legs! She goes to put her in the Black Widow but Brie pulls her sister away, the two escaping from the ring before anything more can be done. AJ crawls to the ropes with a crazed look in her eyes with a smile, having her Diva's Championship brought over. She raises it up high and waves bye to Nikki, just like she plans to do at Battleground: King of the Ring.

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Back from the break at ringside, Michael Cole and John Bradshaw Layfield run down the card for this Sunday's pay-per-view! Randy Orton faces Dolph Ziggler in a King of the Ring Semi-Final; Bray Wyatt and Luke Harper go against each other in the second Semi-Final; The winner of those two matches will meet in the King of the Ring Finals with the King of the Ring earning an Undisputed WWE Championship match at Summerslam in August; AJ Styles puts the Intercontinental Championship on the line against Seth Rollins; Dean Ambrose defends the United States Championship versus Wade Barrett; Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn and Solomon Crowe of The Purge go against the tandem of CM Punk, Alberto Del Rio and Chris Jericho; The Diva's Championship is on the line for AJ Lee as Nikki Bella's career is for her; Mark Henry will face Rusev on the Kickoff Show; Lastly, the Undisputed WWE Championship is on the line as Bryan Danielson goes up against Roman Reigns, Antonio Cesaro and John Cena!

Roman Reigns is seen getting prepared for his match, finishing wrapping his hand and wrist up. Paul Heyman walks up to him with his arms crossed and he shakes his head. "What happened on Monday night, Roman... can't happen this Sunday." He says, looking off in to the distance. Roman gets on to his feet and stares at Heyman, holding on to his vest. "Paul, I did what I did to Antonio because he shoved me. I had to put him in his place and whether you like it or not, whether he likes it or not... if he gets in my way of becoming Undisputed WWE Champion on Sunday, I have no problem doing it again. If he wants to work together... get rid of the others... then no problem, we can work from there... but if he stabs me in the back, there ain't no going back and you can believe that, Paul." He heads out of the room as Heyman has a look of concern across his face, slowly following his client for the main event coming up next.

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UNDISPUTED WWE CHAMPION BRYAN DANIELSON DEF. ROMAN REIGNS (W/PAUL HEYMAN) VIA DISQUALIFICATION IN A NON-TITLE MATCH » The bell tolls and the two circle the ring, coming up to one another exchanging blows. Bryan throws kicks as Reigns throws punches, eventually hitting a big uppercut before rocking Danielson in to the corner. He drives the shoulder in to the gut repeatedly and displays his strength, dropping Bryan with a huge Samoan Drop right in the middle of the ring that results in a two count. After he misses on a Superman Punch, Bryan goes off the ropes and comes back for the Busaiku Knee, Reigns dropping to the mat and rolling out as quick as he can to regroup, Bryan starting up the 'Yes!' chants as the cameras cut away to a commercial break. After the time away, Reigns is back in control of the match and he works the surgically-repaired shoulder that was done at the hands of Brock Lesnar last year, getting close four counts as the official tries to break him away. Roman gets rattled by a big forearm to the face and Bryan starts to mount a comeback. He is tossed to the corner but he runs up it, flipping over Reigns in order to hit him with the Busaiku Knee! The crowd goes wild as he hooks the inside leg, Heyman quickly putting his client's other foot on the bottom rope! The referee takes notice and the WWE Universe groans, Bryan sitting up and staring out to Heyman. He rolls out of the ring and backs him up, grabbing him by the tie. As the 'Yes!' chants build up again, Reigns comes running from behind and floors the Undisputed WWE Champion to the floor with a shot to the back of the head! After a beat down in to the steel steps, steel post and announce table, Reigns brings Bryan back in to the ring and keeps his momentum strong. After a second Samoan Drop, he cocks his fist for the Superman Punch and ends up dropping Danielson with it! He doesn't go for the pin, though, but instead leans back in to the corner for the Spear! Before he has a chance to go running for it, though, Antonio Cesaro slides in to the ring and runs up to Bryan with an absolutely ridiculously strong uppercut that rocks him back in to the corner! The referee calls for the bell!

The Crown Coliseum fills up with boos of discontent for the finish, Cesaro having returned the favor of this past Monday. Reigns runs at him for the Spear but Antonio avoids it, falling in between the ropes with a bewildered look in his eyes. Heyman quickly gets in to the ring and tries to keep the peace, putting his hands out in between his two clients. "He started this!" Cesaro screams, Reigns shaking his head with a grin. He tries to take steps forward to him but Heyman holds him back. Cesaro walks up and has to be held back as well, the two suddenly getting on the same page as John Cena hits the ring to a loud, mixed reaction! He swings fists wildly at the two but the numbers become strong. Danielson gets back to his feet and as Cesaro gets shoved back by Reigns so he can work at Cena himself, Bryan drops him with the Busaiku Knee! He gets right back up and gets popped by Reigns with a kick to the gut, hitting off the ropes to return with the Superman Punch only for Bryan to duck it, Reigns turning right in to a kick to the back of the head! Cena shocks everyone as he plants Danielson with the Attitude Adjustment, turning right in to a Spear from a dazed Reigns afterward! As Roman seems poised to stand tall for the second time this week, however, he is spun around from behind by Cesaro and blasted with a hard uppercut, followed by a kick to the gut! Cesaro cranks his neck and proceeds to drop Reigns with the Neutralizer! The crowd jeers once again as Heyman looks on in disbelief once again, Cesaro snatching the Undisputed WWE Championship belt away from ringside, raising it up high over his head as he holds the momentum heading in to Sunday! Michael Cole signs things off as Thursday Night Smackdown comes to an end!

July 20, 2014 from the Tampa Bay Times Forum in Tampa, FL

"Live on the WWE Network ladies and gentlemen, it is the Battleground: King of the Ring Kickoff Show!" Says Renee Young to welcome everybody to the show. "Joining me tonight on our expert panel tonight as always is Booker T!" He gets a solid pop from the crowd as Renee also welcomes Alex Riley and, finally, Ryback. He gets a big pop from the crowd and he laughs, starting up a 'Feed me more!' chant. He turns back to the panel, whom enjoy the crowd's reaction. "Alright, guys, we got quite the night ahead of us." Says Renee, bringing up first the big six man tag team match. "We have Kevin Owens, as well as the WWE Tag Team Champions Sami Zayn and Solomon Crowe - The Purge - taking on three men that they took out one-by-one in CM Punk, Alberto Del Rio and Chris Jericho... what are your guys thoughts and predictions heading in to this one?" Booker is first to respond, saying that this is a very personal match and over the past few weeks, these six men have created total chaos and have had to have referees, backstage officials and security break their brawls up and he is ready to see these two sides clash. "But I'm going with the veterans. The guys I've known for a long time... they're gonna get their revenge tonight." Riley disagrees quickly, saying that The Purge - like them or not - are a cohesive unit and a well-oiled machine with no egos to get in their way. Ryback says that he doesn't know The Purge too well, but he knows for a fact he doesn't want to be on the wrong end of one of their beat downs - so he has to go with them.

Renee moves forward to one of the major parts of tonight, that being the King of the Ring tournament. "We started with sixteen, now we are down to four." She says, noting that we have Randy Orton versus Dolph Ziggler and Bray Wyatt versus Luke Harper. She turns to the panel, saying that Booker T is a notorious former King of the Ring and wants to know what his preparation for a tournament like this was like. "Well, I'll be honest, I cut a few corners in that tournament..." He laughs and pats Ryback on the shoulder. "But it isn't easy, man. It isn't easy to win this tournament and I have no idea who is going to win... I mean, Bray Wyatt ended the streak and has been on a roll for months now but then you've got a guy who has won it twice in a row in Dolph Ziggler, a desperate veteran like Randy Orton... Luke Harper the wild card. Man, it's crazy!" Ryback says he lost to Bray Wyatt in the first round of the tournament, so he feels like that anybody that beats the 'Big Guy' can win this tournament, so he has Bray winning it - especially if Luke Harper lays down for him. "You've got to go with the odds, guys." Riley says with a smile. "I'm going with Dolph Ziggler! Three-peat, baby! Three-peat!"

"Hey!" Shouts somebody off in the distance and up walks Derrick Bateman, flanked by Tamina Snuka. He demands a microphone or a headset or something and he is finally brought a headset and he puts it on. "Did you guys forget about me? Did you forget about The Bateman!? I'm still here and I'm still on my way to becoming the best in this business! I'm still on my way to becoming the top guy!" Ryback looks up at Bateman and laughs, causing Derrick to ask him what is so funny - the 'Big Guy' laughing even more, telling Bateman that he is never going to be the top guy because he sucks! "Oh, you think I suck? You think I suck!? I'm not the one who lost the first round of the King of the Ring!" Ryback quickly stands up and gets in Bateman's face, telling him that he better walk away because his belly is rumbling and he is feeling a bit hungry. Bateman shakes his head and tells Tamina to come along and they head off, Ryback staring and shaking his head before sitting back down - apologizing to the panel for getting in to the confrontation.

Renee sends things over to Tom Phillips in the Social Media Lounge where he is standing by with the leader of The Commonwealth and challenger for the United States Championship here tonight, Wade Barrett. "Alright, Tom, hurry this up. I've got a match to win and a wedding to get ready for in eight days." Phillips moves on to the first question from Twitter, asking what is more important: The United States Championship or his wedding with Paige? Barrett scoffs and demands the next question, Phillips trying to get an answer before moving on. "This next question is from @dtpotroast and he wants to know why you feel so confident after losing so many times to AJ Styles previously for the Intercontinental Championship." Barrett looks off in to the distance and puts his hand on Phillips' shoulder, telling him that he is always confident because he knows who the true winner is every time he steps in to the ring. "And tonight I'm going to become United States Champion and next Monday, we'll be enjoying the royal wedding with the United States Championship over my shoulder!" He heads out of the room, Phillips thanking him for his time.

A promo video airs highlighting the history of the King of the Ring tournament, featuring winners ranging from Bret Hart to Stone Cold Steve Austin, which led to the birth of 'Austin 3:16' to more recently, Dolph Ziggler winning back-to-back. Tonight, a new king will be crowned and will receive an Undisputed WWE Championship match at Summerslam!


Battleground: King of the Ring Kickoff Match
Rusev with Lana vs Mark Henry with Kofi Kingston

The bell rings, the two big men staring each other down. Henry takes the first step forward and Rusev follows suit shortly after. The two finally clash in the middle of the ring, Rusev leveling Henry with multiple shots to the head. He hits off the ropes and comes back to a shoulder block from Henry that sends Rusev to the mat and shocks the 'Bulgarian Brute'! Henry laughs and motions for Rusev to get back to his feet, which he does, running right in to a fist to the face. The 'World's Strongest Man' goes off with shot after shot and whips Rusev in to the corner, missing a splash in to him that allows Rusev to hit a big leaping kick on the turnaround! Henry drops on to one knee and Rusev backs away, pushing off the ropes and coming back with a second kick to the face. He shouts in his native tongue, dragging Mark back up by the hair. He pounds away at him until he gets caught up in the ropes, charging forward and leaping in to Henry to send both himself and him over the ropes and to the floor. Rusev gets back to his feet and lets out a roar to the crowd, slapping his hands on the announce table. He turns to see Kofi Kingston running across the apron at him and catches him as he dives off, slamming him back first across the announce table! He proceeds to toss Kingston in to the steel steps, Henry getting back up and crushing Rusev in to the steel post! He rolls him back in to the ring and gets in at the official's count of eight, letting Rusev rise again. He clobbers him with a series of shots to the head and runs off the ropes, coming back with a hard shoulder to the knees! He goes for the pin, Rusev kicking out at two. Mark sits up and shakes his head, getting back up slowly. He stomps Rusev's chest a few times before hitting off the ropes, coming back with a splash that the 'Bulgarian Brute' avoids! Rusev stumbles back to his feet and hits Henry with another leaping kick to the jaw as he gets on to his knees, stomping the lower back as he falls to the mat. He proceeds to lock on the Accolade and Henry yells out in pain, looking for a way out! Rusev continues to wrench away as hard as he can, refusing to let up on the hold despite the fight of Henry. Mark slowly starts to fade away, being left with no choice but to tap out.

Winners of the match via submission, Rusev (6:57)

Rusev refuses to let up on the hold, letting Henry fade even further! The 'World's Strongest Man' eventually stops fighting the hold, passing out entirely. Rusev still doesn't let up though, until Kingston hops in to the ring! Rusev lets go and catches Kofi coming at him, throwing him face first in to the corner, clubbing him in the back of the head on the bounce-back with a hard forearm. He stomps across the lower back and applies the Accolade, Kingston fighting wildly but Rusev just holds on to it as hard as he can, eventually causing him to pass out right alongside Henry. Lana enters the ring and gets the 'Bulgarian Brute' to let go, Rusev pulling off and raising his fists up with a roar! The Tampa crowd boos as loud as they can as Rusev pounds his chest, the Russian flag falling from above the ring to even louder jeers as Rusev stands tall over both Henry and Kingston.

A promo video airs for programming coming soon only to the WWE Network.

Returning, we are back with the Kickoff Panel and Renee mentions how we are not too far away from the start of the show and before things get underway, she wants to discuss the main event and the underlying layers of it. "First of all, we talk about Bryan Danielson in his fourth overall reign as a World Champion and you go back to three years ago when he won the Royal Rumble his first time around and took on John Cena at WrestleMania 27, so that goes back quite a ways. Then you have Antonio Cesaro cashing in his Money in the Bank, aligning with Paul Heyman, to take the title away from Bryan only to lose it just four weeks later at Money in the Bank thanks to the misfired Spear from Paul Heyman's other client, Roman Reigns, and now we've had this tension between those two going for weeks and weeks, to the point where this past Monday all hell basically broke loose." She goes back to the footage of Reigns causing the disqualification in the Bryan Danielson-Antonio Cesaro match, afterward getting in to an argument with Cesaro. John Cena would come in to the mix and a brawl would ensue between the four men, ending with Reigns dropping Cesaro with a Spear before raising the Undisputed WWE Championship up to conclude the show. "So guys, I just want to know if you think Roman and Antonio can get along tonight and if it will make things easier for them or make things easier for John and Bryan." Booker says that he doesn't see those two getting along, they haven't gotten along since Heyman took Cesaro under his wing and even though Heyman will try and keep the peace, he doesn't think it is going to work out. Ryback agrees with Booker, saying there is no way they get along but he thinks it will benefit the both of them. "I think it will light a fire under the both of them and it will lead to one of the two becoming Undisputed WWE Champion tonight... but I won't say who just yet." He laughs as Riley says he definitely thinks they can get on the same page, but they have to try and do that first - but it's every man for himself, twenty-five percent chance each.

Renee thanks the panel for being here tonight and says that they still have a little more to do later on, so they can't go quite yet. "But right now, live on the WWE Network it is time for Battleground: King of the Ring!" She says with a smile, sending things off as the cameras fade out for the start.

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|| BATTLEGROUND: KING OF THE RING || LIVE ON PAY-PER-VIEW AND THE WWE NETWORK || BATTLEGROUND: KING OF THE RING ||

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A promo video begins to air for Battleground: King of the Ring, a voice over speaking of how the King of the Ring tournament has birthed stars, propelling them to the top for over twenty years. Tonight, the King is determined... on the Battleground. The video picks up behind the official theme song for the event, "Survival" by Eminem. The voice over continues on, stating that while a King of the Ring is being crowned, four men are vying for the top spot in the right now in a fatal four way match. The rivalry between Bryan Danielson, John Cena, Roman Reigns and Antonio Cesaro is highlighted, with all of the history of Cena and Bryan going back to WrestleMania 27, as Reigns and Cesaro is fresh blood. Cesaro grew up in the industry along with Danielson, but has never been as highly regarded as him. Reigns debuted by targeting Cena and in the months later on, would challenge Danielson for the World Heavyweight Championship but come up short. The promo transitions onward to the debut of The Purge the night after WrestleMania, taking out CM Punk. In the weeks that would follow, Alberto Del Rio and Chris Jericho would fall victim as well. The three would band together, however, to make one all-star force seeking revenge on the powerful group of Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn and Solomon Crowe. The intro video comes towards an end, the voice over coming once more: "Tonight... it's survival of the fittest. Thy kingdom come, while others may fall... on the battleground."

The cameras shoot in to the Tampa Bay Times Forum from Tampa, Florida, the crowd full of excitement as the pyrotechnics hit all across the stage! Michael Cole, Jerry 'The King' Lawler and John Bradshaw Layfield are on commentary and they welcome everybody to the this very big night, where a new King of the Ring will be crowned and not only will they be given the moniker 'King of the Ring', they will also receive an Undisputed WWE Championship match in four weeks at Summerslam! "But while the tournament is underway," Cole explains, "Four men will look to also punch their ticket to the main event of Summerslam as Bryan Danielson defends the Undisputed WWE Championship against John Cena, Roman Reigns and Antonio Cesaro in a fatal four way match!" JBL also notes how we have tons of personal rivalries tonight, tons of titles on the line and the King of the Ring throne awaits it's new king! After sending things over momentarily to the Spanish colleagues, Carlos Cabrera and Marcelo Rodriguez, we head in to the ring where the bell tolls as Justin Roberts holds a microphone in his hands. "The following contest is a six man tag team match and it is scheduled for one fall!" He says to a pop as the music of The Purge hits!

Six Man Tag Team Match
The Purge vs CM Punk, Alberto Del Rio and Chris Jericho

The bell rings, Del Rio volunteering to start things off for his team. He jogs in the corner and waits, The Purge sorting things out before Kevin Owens breaks away, turning to Del Rio with a grin as the crowd gets anxious over the stare down between the two. Owens, however, backs up slowly and tags out to Crowe - the Tampa fans booing as he comes in. He and Alberto circle the ring before locking up, the latter flipping Solomon to the mat and folding the arm behind the back. He jabs a couple of elbows to the face and takes the WWE Tag Team Champion to his feet again - pushing him chest first in to the corner, spinning him around to deliver stiff chop after chop to the chest! Alberto backs up by orders of referee John Cone at the count of four, Crowe taking the opportunity to leap on to the second rope and dive off with a clothesline that garners a count of two on a pin attempt. Both men shoot back to their feet and Crowe cups the back of the head, plowing Del Rio with forearms to the face. He whips him across the ring and misses a dropkick as Alberto holds on to the ropes, rushing forward to hit a shuffle kick to the face! ADR hooks the legs up, just getting two off of it. He drags Crowe to the corner and tags in Jericho, whom steps in to the ring and drives a boot in to the back of the knee as Del Rio holds the leg up. Solomon rolls around in pain, Y2J continuing to target the leg. He sets up for the Walls of Jericho, only for Crowe to roll through and stagger back up, hitting a hard elbow to the throat at Jericho charges at him. He follows up with a bicycle kick and makes the tag to Zayn, the other half of the tag champs hopping over the ropes and hitting a big dropkick on Jericho, going for the quick pin only to have Chris kick out. Zayn doesn't let up and mounts over the veteran, pounding away at him. He pulls Jericho up and hits a series of chops, ducking a clothesline to hit an exploder suplex in to the corner! Zayn tags in Crowe and he comes in to the ring, looking around the arena while grabbing the ropes. He laughs and swings himself for the Pendulum Splash, only for Y2J to put both knees up! Crowe flops across the ring and Jericho gets back up, rushing at Crowe with a clothesline. He hits two more of them and delivers a big time bulldog that leaves them both laid out on the mat! The crowd begins to clap to get both men revived as they each start to inch their way to their corners, Crowe making it first and tagging in Owens! The leader of The Purge storms in and rushes right up to Jericho, dragging him back just before he can make the tag to Punk! The Tampa crowd boos heavily as Owens laughs at Punk, getting kicked back by Jericho! Y2J rolls fast to his corner and tags Punk in to a huge ovation! He leaps over the ropes and stares Owens down, mirroring his side-steps. Kevin stops himself and grins, looking all around before making a quick move to his corner, Punk rushing behind him and hooking the waist - pulling Owens back as hard as he can, getting blasted with a brutal elbow to the side of the head. Owens spins around and applies a hard sleeper hold, wrenching away before lifting Punk off the mat just to slam him back down! He goes for the pin, Punk powering out just before the count of three - Cone having to inform Owens of the count a couple of times.

Owens gets back to his feet and drags Punk over to his corner, tagging out to Zayn. He comes in and stomps the chest, following with an elbow drop that gives him a two count. Zayn yanks Punk back to his feet and goes to whip him, only to have it reversed and for Punk to run to him in the corner and hit his signature knee to the chin! Punk hooks the head and runs across the ring for the bulldog only to have Owens come in to the ring and from out of nowhere blast him with a clothesline! Punk collapses to the mat, Del Rio and Jericho hitting the ring! Crowe comes in to back Owens up and the two duos fire off at each other, eventually spilling to the outside. Punk and Zayn get back up in the ring and the prior goes for the Go To Sleep! Sami kicks his legs rapidly, however, and gets himself down - rolling out of the ring along with the other four. Punk puts his hands on his hips and looks out to the crowd, taking a few breaths before hitting off the ropes to come back with a suicide dive on all five men, including his partners! The count is on by Cone and he gets up to five before Punk even gets to his feet, rolling in then back out of the ring. He takes Zayn and rolls him back in to the ring only to have Owens take him by the leg as he tries to slide in, being yanked back out and thrown upside down in to the steel steps! The crowd boos as Del Rio spins Owens around, smacking him across the face multiple times. Owens grows angered very quickly and shoves him back first in to the steel post, only to miss a clothesline in to it! Jericho runs up to Owens from around the corner and drops him with the Codebreaker! Crowe slides Punk back in to the ring and he gets up in the corner, avoiding the Helluva Kick as Crowe gets on the apron and nailed with it! Punk staggers a bit and catches Zayn on the turnaround with a huge Go To Sleep! He covers and hooks both legs up slowly for the one, two, three!

Winners of the match via pinfall, CM Punk, Alberto Del Rio and Chris Jericho (13:56)

The Tampa crowd roars as Punk sits up, slowly putting his hands up next to his face in the Go To Sleep taunt. He smiles as Del Rio and Jericho join him in the ring, helping him to his feet. Crowe reaches in to the ring in a daze and yanks Zayn out, helping him off towards the rampway as Owens gets back up with a gash over his head, blood streaming down his face. He breaths heavily as he runs his hand across it, Punk leaning across the ropes at him. "I'M NOT FINISHED WITH YOU!" Punk shouts to a cheer, Owens grinning and response while vowing that it will be his blood spilled next time. The Purge slowly make their way to the back as Punk, Del Rio and Jericho come to the middle of the ring and raise their arms up in unison, having been successful tonight in getting at least some amount of revenge on The Purge!

The cameras transition backstage to Byron Saxton, whom is standing by with Dolph Ziggler. He thanks him for his time as he steps forward, asking how he is feeling heading in to the Semi-Finals of the King of the Ring tournament in his opportunity to three-peat this tournament. "How do I feel? I feel fired up! I feel amped up! I feel ready to go down to that ring and beat Randy Orton and show the world why I am... the 'Show Off'. Because the thing is, Byron, nobody has ever won this tournament three times, let alone three times in a row. Not Bret Hart, not Stone Cold Steve Austin, not Edge, not anyone..." He stares at Saxton and says that all changes tonight, however, because he doesn't plan on letting the opportunity to make history slip away. "I've had ups and downs all throughout my career but tonight is going to be one of those nights that are up and I promise you at Summerslam... it will be the biggest up of my career when I win the Undisputed WWE Championship. Whether it's Bryan Danielson, Roman Reigns, Antonio Cesaro or... even John Cena." He shakes his head at Cena's name and runs his hands through his hair, taking a deep breath before heading off for his match.

King of the Ring Semi-Finals Match

Randy Orton vs Dolph Ziggler

Charles Robinson calls for the bell, Orton and Ziggler circling around slowly before meeting in the middle - Dolph hitting a cheap kick to the gut as Orton wants the lock up. He hits a couple of chops to the chest and hits off the ropes, coming back for a leaping DDT only to have the 'Viper' drop him to the mat and attempt the RKO, getting shoved against the ropes. Dolph goes for the Zig Zag only for Orton to keep hold of the ropes and let him drop to the mat, spinning around to deliver an absolutely brutal clothesline that leads to a surprisingly very close two count! Orton slowly rises back on to his feet and takes Ziggler up by the hair, hitting a long, dragged out punch to the head. He does it again but on the third attempt, Dolph ducks away and rolls him up with the tights for a count of two. Orton pops up but Ziggler sweeps the legs out from under him, hitting a big leaping elbow drop! He covers Orton again, but gets another two count to his frustration. The 'Show Off' applies a headlock and tries to keep Orton grounded, the 'Apex Predator' forcing his way back up and Ziggler in to the corner, pushing off and missing an uppercut. Ziggler runs off the ropes and comes back, Orton ducking down and flipping him over his shoulders and out to the apron, Ziggler holding on to the ropes! Randy turns around and drags Dolph through the ropes for his signature DDT, Dolph kicking his legs wildly until he gets free. He hits a series of shoulders to the gut and goes to the top rope, Orton rushing on to the second to hit a hard shot to the face that drops Ziggler in to a seated position. Orton hits a couple of shots to the head before hooking hold of the head, slowly bringing himself to the top rope - the crowd getting loud as Orton proceeds to deliver a huge superplex! Both men are down for a lengthy amount of time but Orton finally rolls over, crawling his way to Dolph to hook the outside leg for a count of two. Both men get up on opposite sides of the ring and come to the middle, Ziggler ducking a clothesline to apply a sleeperhold! He wrenches away wildly, swinging Orton around wildly and refusing to let up! Randy flails his arms, trying to find his way out only to grow groggy, his legs falling out a bit as he drops down to one knee. He falls to both, Robinson rushing to check on him. He raises the arm up and it drops quickly. He goes for a second time and Orton's arm drops once again. Robinson reminds that if it drops a third time, it's over, and raises Orton's arm. It starts to fall but Randy holds it! He starts to shake it a bit, opening his eyes and mouth with a gasp, swinging his arm about. He gets his feet from underneath him, getting back up, pulling Ziggler off the mat and over his shoulder! Dolph gets up and turns right in to an uppercut, followed by a snap scoop slam from off the ropes! He takes both legs for the pin, Dolph powering out just before the count of three. Orton sits up and runs his hand over his head, slapping the mat in frustration. He gets back up slowly and stomps at Ziggler all around his body, methodically. He forces Ziggler to his feet and slaps him around a bit, taking the neck and tights as he looks over towards the corner. He runs to it with the crowd cheering but Dolph pulls back, hitting a huge superkick that drops Orton through the ropes and to the floor! The crowd in the front row stands as Orton hits the floor hard, Ziggler rolling out of the ring carefully. He catches his breath and lets Orton rise, leaping on to him against the barricade to swing fist after fist in to the top of the head! Orton shoves him back and runs forward, Ziggler tripping him face first in to the apron! He shoves Orton back in to the ring and goes to the top rope, hitting a huge crossbody that Orton rolls through - getting back to his feet to hit his signature snap scoop slam once again! He gets to his feet and spins around, getting fired up along with the WWE Universe! Orton drops to the mat and slams his fists in to it repeatedly, setting the stage for the RKO. Ziggler struggles back to his feet and Orton leaps for it, Dolph shoving him chest first in to the corner, following with the Zig Zag as Orton backs into him! Dolph hooks both legs up as fast he can, Orton kicking out at what seems like 2.9!

Ziggler sits up, his face buried in his hands in shock. He pulls at his hair and slams his hands in to the mat over and over again, getting back up. He forces Orton to his feet and chucks him against the corner, blasting him with chops to the chest. He runs across the ring and comes back with a huge body splash! He leaps on to the second rope and pounds off with strike after strike, Orton pushing him over his shoulders and face first in to the steel post! Ziggler collapses down to the apron and Orton falls on to his hands and knees, trying to compose himself after all the shots to the face. He gets back up as Dolph drags himself on to the apron, Orton snapping out of it to rush up to him and hook the head, delivering the rope hung DDT! He throws himself back up fast and pounces to the mat, preparing for the RKO once again. He leaps up but Ziggler holds the ropes, spinning around to hit another superkick! Orton drops to one knee and Dolph goes off the ropes, hitting the Fameasser which results in yet another count of two! The 'Show Off' throws himself on to his hands and knees, screaming in frustration! "Come on! COME ON! COME ON!" He screams in Robinson's face, slapping Orton across the back of the head and face as he starts to stir. "THIS IS MY TOURNAMENT! THIS IS MY THREE-PEAT!" He shouts, Orton getting up in a daze. Dolph drops him with a big smack across the face again and after running his hands through his hair again hits off the ropes and leaps in the air on the comeback only to have Orton catch him with the RKO! The crowd explodes as the 'Apex Predator' is quick to roll Ziggler over on to his back, hook the far leg and get the three count to advance to the King of the Ring Finals!

Winner of the match via pinfall, Randy Orton (15:30)

Orton gets back to his feet and falls back against the ropes, holding on to the back of his neck. He stretches around as his arm is raised to indicate him the victor. Ziggler rolls to the outside and sits against the announce table, a drained look in his eyes as he punches the desk multiple times. Orton leans over the ropes with an evil grin across his face, ascending to the second rope while raising his arms up in signature fashion to a cheer from the crowd, as Dolph Ziggler's dreams of a three-peat have been crushed.

Eric Bischoff is backstage in his office, the crowd booing his appearance on the titantron but they grow even louder as Seth Rollins comes in, even embracing the General Manager. They share a laugh as Seth says that tonight is a glorious night because it is the night they get to celebrate. "We get to celebrate me becoming the Intercontinental Champion once again. The title that I single-handedly made relevant again by holding it for 350 days... and Eric, it might just be an even bigger night if I decide to cash in my Money in the Bank." Bischoff say it would be quite a night if he could pull both of those things off, but he tells him to worry about the match ahead. "Because if you think too far, Seth, it might derail you from the goal of becoming Intercontinental Champion and putting AJ Styles in his place..." Rollins waves his hand and scoffs, saying he isn't worried in the slightest bit and he shouldn't be either. He sees Styles as a pushover and promises victory later on tonight, saying that the Era of Rollins is coming to form.

King of the Ring Semi-Finals Match
Bray Wyatt with Erick Rowan vs Luke Harper

The match starts, Wyatt and Harper staying on opposite sides of the ring. The official, Ryan Tran, tries to get the two to get things started and Bray steps up to the middle of the ring with his arms spread, calling for a microphone. Rowan snatches one from ringside and comes on to the apron, handing it over to his leader. "You know how this is supposed to go, Luke... DON'T MAKE THIS DIFFICULT AND LIE DOWN!" He points to the mat and Harper looks down, a 'No!' chant bursting out from the WWE Universe. Wyatt starts to laugh hysterically at the chants, stepping up to Harper and grabbing the sides of his head - speaking in to his ear. He backs away and spreads his arms out, Harper looking around the Tampa Bay Times Forum before dropping down on to one knee. Wyatt nods with a smile, telling him that he has made the right choice. Luke, however, gets back on to his feet and points his fingers out around the arena, spinning around a few times before pointing up the stage to the throne. Wyatt is enraged and stomps all around the ring. "NO! NO! THIS IS NOT THE WAY IT IS MEANT TO BE, LUKE! I SAVED YOU AND NOW YOU MUST OBEY YOUR GOD! DON'T YOU DARE DEFY ME! YOU LAY DOWN RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW AND YOU PAVE MY ROAD!" He smacks Harper across the face after a long staredown, the crowd giving a long and loud 'ooh' in response. Harper looks around the arena once again and he raises his fingers up once more, this time pointing to Wyatt with a yell! The arena pops and Wyatt looks bewildered, quickly snapping to take Harper by the head and pull him down, kissing the head before delivering Sister Abigail! Wyatt breaths heavily over Harper's downed body, pressing his hands down on to the chest for the three count.

Winner of the match via pinfall, Bray Wyatt (3:51)

"You're a loyal soldier..." Wyatt says in to Harper's ear as he is laid out, slowly sliding back on to his knees. Rowan comes in to the ring slowly and stands behind Wyatt, patting him on the back as he gets on to his feet - Bray having a look of distraught across his face momentarily before laughing wildly. "THIS IS MY DESTINY! THIS IS MIIIINEEE! THAT IS MINE!" He gestures his hands towards the throne atop the stage, spreading his arms out to the crowd afterward as the signature of The Wyatt Family hits.

Byron Saxton is standing by backstage with Paul Heyman and Roman Reigns. He thanks them for their time and asks the two what the situation is with Antonio Cesaro going in to tonight and if he believes it will get in the way of things later on tonight in the Undisputed WWE Championship match. "Egos aside, Byron... Antonio and I can work together. We can take down Bryan and John... then we can see who the better man is fair and square between the two of us... but that is up to him." Heyman groans and says that with all due respect to Roman, he does think that he isn't helping the situation with what he has been saying. "Roman, do you trust me?" He asks, Reigns nodding. "So don't betray my trust and believe me when I tell you that all will be alright if we just stay on the same page... just... stay on the same page, Roman. Please." He walks off, Reigns nodding as he goes away.

A promo video airs for the next upcoming WWE pay-per-view, Summerslam, with the official theme song, "GDFR" by Flo Rida ft. Sage the Gemini. For the twenty-seventh year in a row, WWE hosts the biggest party of the summer and for the sixth consecutive year, it takes place in L.A.! Summerslam takes place on August 17, 2014 from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California live on pay-per-view and the WWE Network!

Back live in the arena we are up to the Kickoff Panel with Renee Young, Booker T, Alex Riley and Ryback. "Well guys," She says. "We have gotten through three huge matches thus far - what has stood out to you the most?" Booker says that while he didn't have a clear cut prediction on King of the Ring, now he does after seeing Luke Harper not laying a hand on Bray Wyatt. "Now Bray is going to be really fresh heading in to the main event and I think Randy Orton, while tough, is in store for something man." Riley says while that was big, he was caught off guard by Orton winning as he really thought that Dolph Ziggler could and would be the first three-time King of the Ring winner, but it just wasn't meant to be so he is changing his prediction to Randy Orton winning later on. "Yeah, yeah we got Randy Orton versus Bray Wyatt in the finals but how about CM Punk, Alberto Del Rio and Chris Jericho shutting The Purge down for really the first time sine they stepped in here. Great job, guys! You made 'The Big Guy' proud!" He laughs as Renee quickly gets the final predictions of them on King of the Ring, Riley and Booker sticking with Orton while Ryback says Wyatt, not because he likes him but just because he beat him in the first round. "Well, thank you guys for being here tonight on the Battleground: King of the Ring Kickoff Panel, we'll be back right here on the WWE Network following the show for the fallout, now we're going to send it back to Michael, Jerry and John at ringside."

United States Championship

Dean Ambrose(c) vs Wade Barrett with The Commonwealth

The bell sounds and the 'Lunatic Fringe' jogs in place, swinging his fists in preparation. Barrett steps up to him and shoves him back, missing a big boot. Barrett turns around to a flurry of punches, Ambrose rocking him until he falls to the outside. Barrett stumbles in to the mix of his Commonwealth brethren, assuring them that he is fine. He starts to come out of the group but Ambrose comes flying off the top rope and in to all of them, Paige looking on in concern as the crowd pops! Ambrose snaps back on to his feet and paces back and forth across the ramp, throwing his hands up and down to the crowd! He takes Barrett back to his feet and rolls him in to the ring, hopping on to the apron and to the top rope, leaping off only to get a big shot to the gut! Barrett proceeds to hit him with a sidewalk slam, leading to a count of two from John Cone. Barrett gets back up and kicks Ambrose in the face, letting him rise in the corner. He hits a series of boots and fists and backs off at a four count, only to go at it once again! Cone backs him up at a count of four and Barrett goes all the way to the other side of the ring with a laugh, running forward only to be blasted with a big forearm to the face. Ambrose leaps on to the second rope and dives off with a bulldog, not even going for the pinfall but rather rolling out of the ring to clothesline Adam Rose to the floor! He looks around wildly as the crowd cheers him on, laughing before getting back in to the ring only to walk straight in to a big boot from Barrett! The leader of The Commonwealth goes for the pin, getting another near fall. Barrett slaps the mat in frustration and drags Barrett back up by the hair, hitting multiple knee lifts. He pulls his shirt up and clobbers the back, throwing Ambrose through the ropes. Barrett turns to the crowd and throws his fist up, letting out a signature yell of 'Boom!', the crowd cheering as Ambrose has stayed on the apron! Barrett turns around and walks back, getting hit with a shoulder to the gut. Dean launches himself over the ropes and takes Barrett to the mat, swinging fists wildly at his head! Barrett rolls out of the ring and Ambrose follows, chasing him around the ring before getting the steel steps pushed in his way, Dean eating it in to the floor! He holds on to his knee while cringing in pain from the hit, Barrett catching his breath. Ambrose gets up against the barricade and Barrett runs up to him, hitting a big knee to the gut before throwing him in to the ring. He follows and stomps the knee, laughing in the process. "What's the matter, Ambrose? You got a little bruise?" He drives another boot to the knee and yanks at it, proceeding to apply a figured four leg lock! Ambrose flails around trying to find his way out, screaming out in pain! He digs his fingers in to the mat and reaches around to try and get out, eventually getting towards the ropes. He grabs a hold of them and Barrett gets furious, pulling off at the four count. He gets back up and Ambrose uses the ropes to get back up after a moment, walking right in to the Winds of Change! Barrett hooks the leg, getting another count of two. He brings Ambrose up again and keeps targeting the knee, Ambrose popping up and hitting one big shot to the chin! He leaps towards Barrett with a big forearm and rocks him in to the corner, being shoved back in to the ropes - thus setting up his signature clothesline from in between the ropes! He sets up for Dirty Deeds quickly, only to have Damien Sandow get on to the apron - screaming at him. The United States Champion throws Barrett aside and tells him he'll get to him later, flipping Sandow over the ropes and in to the ring! He pounds away at him in the corner and hits one big kick to the gut, turning to see Barrett coming at him with the Bullhammer Elbow only to duck it and let Barrett hit his right-hand man right in the face! Wade puts his hands on his head in disbelief and turns around, the 'Lunatic Fringe' hitting one big, swift kick to the gut followed up by Dirty Deeds right in the middle of the ring! He hooks the outside leg for the one, two, three!

Winner of the match and still United States Champion, Dean Ambrose (9:36)

The Tampa fans cheer as Ambrose rolls back over to the ropes, getting to his feet while hobbling on his good leg. He is brought his United States Championship belt from Cone and he raises it up high over his head as Barrett slowly rolls out of the ring, laying up against the barricade. Paige hurries over to him to check on his condition, Barrett angered and getting away from her. He looks to The Commonwealth and shakes his head. "You failed me! YOU FAILED ME!" He shouts before storming off, Ambrose laughing from the ring. He raises the U.S. Championship over his head again, Barrett not even wanting to look back as The Commonwealth follows their leader to the back.

A promo video airs for programming coming soon only to the WWE Network.

Backstage, Wade Barrett is storming around in his locker room area and in to the room comes Paige, trying to calm him down. The rest of The Commonwealth soon bursts in and all of them try to talk to him, Barrett throwing his hands up. "All of you be quiet! This was meant to be my night! I was supposed to become United States Champion!" He puts his hands on his hips and says he can't even look at all of them right now, Paige trying to keep him calm. "Look, maybe it is time you take a break... worry about the wedding! It's next week, Wade!" Barrett takes some deep breaths and says that he has the wedding on his mind, but that doesn't mean he is going to stop. "Maybe you should get started, Paige." He says before storming out of the room, the rest of the group following him except for Adam Rose. He looks to Paige and puts his arm around her. "Don't worry, darling. Wade has me taking care of the party planning and I promise you it is going to be fabulous!" He leaves the room, Paige looking down to the floor.


Intercontinental Championship
AJ Styles(c) vs Seth Rollins

Referee Dan Engler calls for the bell and the two stare each other down, Rollins laughing as he steps forward with his arms spread out. "I'm Mr. Money in the Bank... soon I'll be Intercontinental Champion too!" He says, Styles taking exception to it and storming forward, dropkicking him all the way in to the turnbuckles! Rollins drops to his hands and knees and before Styles can get to him again, slides out of the ring. Rollins turns to the commentary desk, calling himself a genius! He turns around, however, to Styles launching himself over the ropes to hit a big forearm to the face of Seth that drives him back first in to the announce table! AJ throws him back in to the ring and goes for the pin, Rollins kicking out. Both men get to their feet and Styles follows Rollins in to the corner, eating a boot to the gut! Seth fires away with shot after shot to the head and flies off the ropes, returning with a leaping DDT that Styles reverses by pushing him off in to the corner, missing a flying forearm that allows Rollins to kick him in the gut, drop him to a knee and go for the Curb Stomp - AJ moving once again and nail the Pele Kick that drops Seth through the ropes and out to the apron! AJ gets back on to his feet and staggers over to Rollins, pulling him on to his feet. Seth suddenly sends a knee through the ropes and a forearm to the face of Styles, climbing to the top rope quickly. He leaps off and drives his knee in to the side of the head, dropping the champion to the mat! He hooks both legs up, getting just a count of two. Rollins sits up and pulls at his hair, looking to Engler and telling him to count faster. He drags Styles to his feet and pushes him in to the corner, driving boots to the gut repeatedly. He whips him across the ring and follows with a splash that Styles ducks, flipping AJ over and to the outside floor! Rollins flops up for a moment before dropping face first on to the floor, motionless. The crowd breaks in to a 'Holy sh*t!' chant from the impact Rollins had in to the floor, Styles crawling to the ropes and looking to the outside. He tells Engler to stop the count and gets in to a bit of an argument before stepping out of the ring, kicking Rollins in the gut as he tries to get up via the barricade. He chucks him against the ring and hits a series of chops, backing up to the barricade. Styles takes a moment to look around before leaping on top of the barricade, keeping his balance before leaping off with a ginormous tornado DDT! The crowd roars again as both men stay downed, Engler getting up to a count of six before Styles even stirs, rolling in to the ring at eight. After a nine count and Rollins isn't in the ring, AJ rolls back out to be break it, waving his arms. "We ain't doing it that way!" He shouts to the crowd, getting cheered for being a true fighting champion. As soon as he walks up to Seth again, however, he gets hit in the gut and has his face smashed in to the steel steps! Rollins rolls him back in to the ring and follows, stomping away with anger. He hobbles a bit and lets AJ get up, pushing him in to the corner to plant him with a big running forearm to the face, followed up by the turnbuckle powerbomb! He goes for the pin but once again, Styles finds a way to kick out! Rollins slaps his hands in to the mat repeatedly, furious over the two count! He gets to his feet and backs to the ropes, pulling at his hair. After a few deep breaths, Seth walks up to Styles as he gets on to both knees and drops him with a superkick. He goes to the top rope very carefully, standing up straight and looking all around the arena. He takes one last deep breath and leaps off for what appears to be a Phoenix Splash! Styles rolls out of the way and Rollins shocks all by landing on his feet! He runs at AJ as he gets on to his hands and knees for the Curb Stomp, AJ popping up and shoving him chest first in to the corner! He follows with the Pele Kick and after some wobbling, Rollins falls to the mat! AJ slowly rolls out of the ring and takes his time to compose himself, leaping off the top rope with the Spiral Tap! The crowd pops as he hooks both legs for the three!

Winner of the match and still Intercontinental Champion, AJ Styles (12:32)

Styles flops over on to his back, getting a big cheer from the crowd as Engler brings him his Intercontinental Championship belt. He gets on to his feet and hoists it up high over his head to the crowd, getting a big cheer from the WWE Universe. Rollins slowly rolls out of the ring, snatching his Money in the Bank Briefcase from the timekeeper area. He hugs it close to his chest and pulls at his hair, seething at the mouth in frustration as Styles stares him down with his title still in his possession.

Byron Saxton is backstage once again, this time with John Cena. He gets a loud, mixed reaction from the crowd as Saxton asks what his strategy is going against three very tough opponents here tonight. "You're right, Byron. These are three tough, tough competitors! We've got Bryan Danielson, the Undisputed WWE Champion, that went to hell and back to become champion. We've got Roman Reigns, whom came to the WWE with that slimeball Paul Heyman and his first move was to kick my ass! Then there is Antonio Cesaro... Antonio Cesaro... he, uh..." Cena scratches his head and throws his hands up, saying he is in the match and that makes it three opponents! The crowd gives a laugh in the background as Cena shrugs his shoulders, saying that tonight he has three guys he has to go through to reclaim the title and he doesn't care if he is supposed to be friends with Bryan, enemies with Roman and Antonio because tonight it is every man for himself. "And tomorrow night I plan on walking down the aisle, in to the ring and raising that title over my head with that crowd chanting as loud as they can 'LETS GO CENA!' and 'CENA SUCKS!' while I shout to the rooftops whether they like it or not, whether they care if I love each and every one of them or not: THE CHAMP! IS! HERE!" He smiles, pats Saxton on the shoulder and heads off.

Diva's Championship vs Career
AJ Lee(c) vs Nikki Bella with Brie Bella

The bell sounds by orders of Darrick Moore, the two women squaring up with each other. Nikki shoves AJ back and Lee brushes her hair back, laughing in response. Suddenly, she sends a forearm to the face and rocks Nikki all the way back in to the corner! Moore gets in between the two after a four count and Nikki takes advantage, running forward with a kick to the knee. She throws AJ face first in to the mat and goes for a pin, getting a two count. She goes for it again, resulting in another count of two. Frustrated, Nikki gets to her feet and begins to stomp away at the champion. "Come on, AJ! Get up! Get up and let me finish you off, huh!?" She shouts, letting Lee get to her feet before smacking her right across the face! The crowd gives a loud 'ooh' in response, AJ growing enraged! She tackles Nikki to the mat and slams her head in to the mat repeatedly, throwing some fists in to the mix! The two spill to the outside and Nikki shows a ruthless side to her, chucking AJ back first in to the Spanish announce table! She proceeds to throw her in to the barricade and even trash talks some of the crowd, rolling in and out of the ring to break the count out up to seven. Nikki drags AJ to her feet again and lifts her for a suplex, the Diva's Champion getting free and throwing Nikki face first off the ring apron. They both get back in to the ring and AJ hits a huge kick to the face, going for the pin for just a two. Both of them get to their feet and AJ keeps momentum on her side, throwing Nikki across the ring repeatedly and hitting clothesline after clothesline followed by a dropkick. She goes for the Shining Wizard but Nikki avoids it, getting back up - spinning AJ around to drop her with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker! Nikki hooks the outside leg, getting yet another near fall! Nikki looks to the official and begs for the three count, slapping the mat as she gets back to her feet. AJ gets up in the corner and Nikki charges at her, delivering the signature ferocious forearm! AJ drops to the mat and Nikki motions for the title around her waist, the Tampa crowd booing her. She brushes it off and drags AJ back to her feet slowly, pulling her on to the shoulders for the Rack Attack only to be distracted as Paige comes rushing down to the ring! Everyone is confused as Paige drops Brie with a clothesline from behind, getting on to the apron! She stares Nikki down, whom drops AJ to the mat and steps up to Paige. "What are you doing out here!? WHAT DO YOU WANT!?" Nikki screams, Paige slowly dropping back down to the floor - backing away up the ramp slowly with a smile, Nikki turning around to AJ running at her, spinning her up in the Black Widow! Nikki collapses down to one knee after a short struggle, being left with no choice but to tap out and not only give up on the match, but her career.

Winner of the match and still Diva's Champion, AJ Lee (7:41)

AJ lets go of the hold and gets on to both knees, looking for Moore to bring her the Diva's Championship. She looks up the stage, and for the first time, notices Paige standing atop it with a smile across her face. She gives a wave to AJ, whom watches the titantron as the replay is shown of Paige distracting Nikki Bella long enough to let AJ recuperate. "But... why, guys? Why!?" Cole questions on commentary as AJ looks in disbelief and confusion, looking down at Nikki as Brie comes in to the ring to check on her sister as she not only lost her shot at the Diva's Championship, but lost her career and it is really all thanks to the 'Queen of The Commonwealth', Paige.

Byron Saxton is once again backstage as he is trying to get a word with Antonio Cesaro but he is arguing back and forth with Paul Heyman. "You know he doesn't want to work with me, Paul! You know he is going to stab me in the back the first chance he gets!" Cesaro runs his hands cross his head as Heyman tries to explain to his client that all will be alright because Roman knows to stay on the same. "Stay on the same page?" Cesaro says with a laugh. "If you really 'believe that', Paul... you can root for Roman tonight. Don't even root for me, I don't care! But know this... I'm winning back the Undisputed WWE Championship tonight." He walks away, Heyman left - for once - without anything to say.

King of the Ring Finals
Bray Wyatt with Luke Harper and Erick Rowan vs Randy Orton

Mike Chioda calls for the bell, Wyatt sitting in his corner as Orton stares at him from his. Bray stands up and laughs, spreading his hands out towards his opponent. "This is very simple, Randall! LIE DOWN FOR ME BEFORE SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS TO YOU, RANDALL! LAY DOWN FOR THE KING!" He breaths heavily as Orton looks around the arena, pondering the words of Wyatt. He looks to the crowd and puts his hands out, asking what they think. After majority boos, the 'Viper' spins around and smacks Wyatt with a shot to the face! He continues to go off and hits punch after punch, hitting a huge kick once in the corner. He looks around a bit, straightening Wyatt's head up to hit him with a big uppercut! He pushes him off the ropes and goes for a snap powerslam on the rebound, only for Wyatt to turn the weight in his favor and push Orton back off the ropes, hitting him with a huge clothesline on the return! Bray stumbles around a bit and lets out another long laugh to the crowd, shouting that this is his tournament, this is his destiny, that is his throne! He points to the throne atop the stage before turning his finger to Orton, blasting him with a body splash in the corner. After a side slam, he goes for the pinfall but only gets a count of two off of it. Wyatt sits up with a grin and slides out of the ring slowly, taking Orton's leg in order to yank him out as well. After a knee to the gut, he chucks Orton face first in to the steel post! Randy falls in to the barricade and Bray goes up to him, hitting multiple headbutts and fists - refusing to let up! He chucks Orton up in to the steel post again before putting him in to the ring, going for another pin only to get another count of two. Bray gets on to his knees with his eyes widened, seeming to grow rather frustrated. He pulls Orton up again and after a couple more headbutts, hitting off the ropes only to come back to the snap powerslam! Orton gets back up fast and hits multiple clotheslines, getting momentum back on his side! He throws Wyatt in to the corner and after a few uppercuts, whips him across the ring and runs after him with a clothesline. Wyatt collapses on to his knees and then to the mat, Orton standing over him. He drags him back up by the hair and throws him in to the corner, hitting a boot to the gut before throwing him through the ropes and to the outside. The 'Viper' looks out to the crowd and licks his lips, stepping through the ropes and to the outside so he can chuck Wyatt shoulder first in to the steel steps! "You think this is your destiny!?" Orton questions, driving a boot to the face. "This is my destiny! MINE!" He hits a few more boots to the chest and face and brings Bray up once again, throwing him in to the barricade. Wyatt suddenly surges forward with a powerful clothesline and Orton smacks in to the floor! Wyatt breaths heavily as he gets back up, rolling in to the ring before getting back out to the apron as Chioda gets to a count of eight. He looks to Harper and Rowan and spreads his hands out to the crowd afterward. "BEHOLD YOUR KING!" He shouts, running across the apron and leaping off with a senton only to have Orton roll out of the way! Bray flops on the floor, yelling out in agony as he holds on to his lower back, Randy stumbling up against the barricade and catching his breath, realizing the opportunity as Wyatt is in very serious pain.

Orton stomps his way over to Wyatt and throws him back in to the ring, sliding in after him. He stomps the back as Bray tries to crawl away, taking him by the hair while shaking his head. Orton laughs as he brings Wyatt up, hitting a stiff fist to the head. Bray crumbles in to the ropes and Orton keeps firing off at him until he falls out to the apron. The 'Apex Predator' looks around the arena again, getting cheers as he pulls Wyatt in between the ropes for the rope hung DDT! He shakes his head around wildly before dropping him with it, getting back to his feet while throwing his hands up in the air. He spins around and drops to the mat, thumping his fists in to the mat. As soon as Bray starts to stir, Rowan pulls Orton out of the ring by his legs! The Tampa Bay Times Forum boos as Orton looks to the floor, wiping away at his face before suddenly looking up, firing away at Rowan! He rocks him all the way up against the steel post and turns around to see Harper running at him, chucking him straight in to Rowan! Both followers of Wyatt collapse to the floor and Orton gets back on to the apron, looking back at them and calling them 'stupid'! He spins around, however, to Bray dragging him over the ropes and turnbuckle. He sends a big shot up in to the gut and to the surprise of everyone, gets on to the second rope. He straightens Orton's body up and hits a couple of punches and a series of headbutts, hooking the waist of the 'Viper'! He falls back with him and delivers a huge fallaway slam to Orton! Both men are laid out as the crowd starts to get more in to the match, Orton being the first to even start moving after Chioda gets up to a count of six. Orton spins around from the corner and suddenly, Wyatt pulls his body up in his signature spider walk position! Orton blinks rapidly as Bray rolls back over, getting on to his feet. Orton charges at him and he catches hold of him, planting him right in the middle of the ring with Sister Abigail! The crowd rises to their feet as Bray hooks the leg for the one, two, thre--- "ORTON KICKED OUT! ORTON KICKED OUT! ORTON KICKED OUT!" Screams Cole on commentary! Bray can't believe it as he sits back up, his eyes widened as he speaks underneath his breath to himself! He gets back to his feet and wags his finger. "Nah, nah, nah... NO! THIS IS MINE! THIS IS MIIIIINE!" He shouts over the body of Orton, dragging him back up by the ears. He looks right in to his eyes and shouts that he should just lay down, Orton suddenly coming to life to plant him with the RKO! The arena goes wild once again as Orton slowly drapes his arm over Wyatt, the 'Eater of Worlds' powering out just in time! Randy flops on to his chest and digs his nails in to the mat, shaking his head. After a few moments, both men finally begin to stir and Orton turns around to Wyatt running at him with a body block! He hits off the ropes and returns with a senton, getting right back up in the corner. He stomps his feet a few times and turns himself upside down with the ropes, going in to the spider walk once again! He gets all the way up to Orton and spins himself over, letting him get back up. He sets him up for Sister Abigail again, Orton managing to jerk himself free and clothesline Wyatt to the mat! He turns around to see Rowan charging in to the ring and he plants him with the RKO! Harper tries to get involved and misses a big boot, Orton dropping him with one as well! The 'Viper' snaps on to his feet, swinging his fists and head around wildly. He turns around right to Wyatt's grasp, being flipped on to his shoulders and dropped with the Tombstone Piledriver! The crowd roars with a mix of cheers and boos as Wyatt folds the hands over the chest, in Undertaker-esque style, for the pinfall.

Winner of the match and King of the Ring, Bray Wyatt (16:47)

"Bray Wyatt!" Cole shouts from commentary. "...is King... of the Ring." The man that ended The Undertaker's streak at WrestleMania XXX has now become King of the Ring and will now go on to Summerslam and receive an Undisputed WWE Championship match. The replays of the match air as Cole, Lawler and JBL go through it before coming back live to Wyatt making his way up the ramp with Harper and Rowan staggering behind him. He comes up to the throne and laughs, throwing the post that holds the crown, scepter and robe to the ground! He takes a seat in the throne and runs his hands across it, continuing to laugh wildly as Harper and Rowan soon come to his sides, looking down to the ring as Orton looks up from the mat, clearly upset with the loss and once again coming up short in earning a title shot. "What a year for Bray Wyatt, guys..." Cole says. "He ends The Undertaker's undefeated streak at WrestleMania, he wins King of the Ring here tonight and soon enough... he very well could become our Undisputed WWE Champion." As Wyatt looks all around the arena and spreads his hands out as the King of the Ring, the signature of The Wyatt Family hits.

The cameras cut backstage to Byron Saxton as he is standing by with the final man in the fatal four way for the Undisputed WWE Championship, the champion himself - Bryan Danielson. "Bryan, thanks for the time... before I go on further, what are your thoughts on Bray Wyatt winning King of the Ring and getting that title shot at Summerslam?" Bryan says he hasn't had a chance to get to know Bray well yet, but he doesn't think anybody knows him well. But he hopes that he gets to know him very well after tonight by retaining his Undisputed WWE Championship. Saxton moves forward, saying that he had a chance to stand by with Danielson's other three opponents for tonight already and although they all seem to have their different issues going around, he seems to only have the problem of defending his title. "Do you think that gives you an advantage with Roman Reigns and Antonio Cesaro's issues... and John Cena's personal struggles to become champion for the past year and a half?" Danielson says he doesn't think he has an advantage whatsoever, because it could be any of those guys nights. He says that he doesn't even have to be pinned or made submit and he is well aware of that. "But what I have is what I have always had and that is these people... so if I have any advantage, it is that. Because with those people behind me... I have more motivation and more desire to keep my title and be able to go out there each and every night and shout along with all of those people: YES! YES! YES!" The WWE Universe keeps the chant going as he walks away for the match.

Behind the official theme song of Battleground: King of the Ring, "Survival" by Eminem, a promo video begins to air. It dates back to WrestleMania XXVII where Bryan Danielson had his first major world title match against John Cena, although he would come up short he would gain the championship just twenty-four hours later. The video advances forward to the night after WrestleMania 29 where Bryan Danielson was the new World Heavyweight Champion, Roman Reigns debuted to take out John Cena and Antonio Cesaro had just lost the WWE Tag Team Championships. In the recent month, their paths have crossed ways again together all over one thing: the Undisputed WWE Championship. The video picks up to show over the weeks as Danielson has been up for a fight having to defend against three strong opponents, while John Cena has determination but has struggled in title opportuntiies and moments over the past year and half and Roman Reigns and Antonio Cesaro have had a personal rivalry over being Paul Heyman clients. The promo comes to an end with each man standing tall on separate occasions, each vowing to walk out as Undisputed WWE Champion.

Fatal Four Way Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship

Bryan Danielson(c) vs Antonio Cesaro with Paul Heyman vs John Cena vs Roman Reigns with Paul Heyman

The four men look around at each other from each corner, Charles Robinson looking to all of them before making the call for the bell. Reigns and Cesaro stare at each other, Roman giving the nod and they charge forward together at Cena! They fire away at him in the corner and then turn their attention to Danielson, chucking him shoulder first in to the steel post! He falls to the floor on the outside and the two turn their attention back to Cena, whom puts up a strong fight against the two of them. He ducks a punch from Reigns and throws Cesaro in to him, lifting him for the Attitude Adjustment! Reigns hits off the ropes and comes raging forward with a big Spear before he can hit it! The crowd pops as he goes for the pin, Cesaro breaking it up! The crowd grows anxious as Reigns pulls off of Cena, staring at Cesaro from his knees. They both get up, staring each other down. "It was just instinct, Roman! Calm down!" Cesaro reasons, Reigns raising his finger and telling him 'that's one'. They drag Cena back up and work away at him in the corner with fists and kicks, Cesaro pushing Reigns back to deliver uppercut after uppercut. Reigns stares at him and shoves him back, hitting big punch to the jaw after big punch to the jaw. They continue to go back and forth with it until Reigns finally shoves Cesaro back, getting in to his face. "We're just wasting our time!" He shouts, turning back around to see Danielson flying off the ropes and on to the both of them! The champion pops to his feet and spins around to see Cena in the corner, running up to him to deliver a huge dropkick! Cena collapses to the mat and rolls underneath the ropes to take a breather from the beating he just took. Bryan turns back around to see Cesaro getting up in the other corner and runs at him with a dropkick! He sees Reigns in another one and hits him with one as well, getting suddenly blasted with a huge running uppercut from Cesaro that launches him way back! Antonio gets back up and flexes to the entire crowd, turning to see Reigns staring at him from the corner. A 'fight!' chant breaks out from the crowd as Reigns steps forward, looking around to see Cena and Danielson both down. He throws his hands up and delivers a big strike to Cesaro! Antonio comes right back and they start to tee off at each other, Reigns getting the upper hand before Roman runs across the ring and comes back for the Superman Punch, only for Cesaro to drop to the mat and roll underneath the ropes. Reigns spins around and sees Cena getting up on to the apron and charges to him for the Spear, Cena avoiding it and letting Roman fall to the outside! He rolls on the floor in pain as Cena moves to the corner, climbing up to the top rope to hit Danielson with a leg drop! He hooks the outside leg for a two count! Before Cena can get back up, Cesaro yanks him out of the ring and picks him off the floor - running him back first in to the steel post before dropping him across the barricade and announce table! He throws a series of shots to the face and turns around, Danielson diving through the ropes with air goat! Cesaro goes flying across the Spanish announce desk and to the floor at the feet of Cabrera and Rodriguez! Danielson hops on the table and begins the 'Yes!' chants with the WWE Universe, cooling down as he looks around.

Danielson drops down from the table and walks right in to a Superman Punch from Reigns coming off of the steel steps! He lets Bryan collapse across the announce desk and to the floor, throwing Cena back in to the ring. He goes after him and hits him with some stiff shots to the chin and drops him with a Samoan Drop! He goes for the pin, Cena powering out at two. Reigns gets back to his feet slowly against the ropes, shaking his head. He leans down in the corner, letting out a big roar to the crowd. He charges for the Spear but once again, Cena avoids it and this time chucks him through the ropes and in to the steel post! He turns around to Cesaro leaping off the top rope and catches him by the waist, only for Antonio to spin down to the mat and hit Cena with a belly to belly suplex! Cesaro gets back up and takes Cena by the legs, dragging him to the middle of the ring. He looks around, seeming poised to deliver the Cesaro Swing only to have Bryan launch himself off the top rope with a big dropkick that sends Cesaro flying in to the corner! The champion gets on to his feet and walks up to Reigns as he leans in the corner, blasting him with rapid kicks to the chest. He goes to whip him across the ring but Reigns shows his strength, pulling Danielson back in to him and tossing him over the ropes! Bryan, however, lands on the apron with the ropes and Roman doesn't realize it. He turns around and Danielson goes to launch himself over the ropes, only for Roman to hit him with a big forearm to the neck! Bryan falls to the floor on the outside and Reigns charges at Cena as he gets up, clothesling him over the ropes - taking himself over at the same time! Both men get back to their feet and Cena wobbles towards the barricade, Reigns rushing full steam ahead at him with a Spear right through the barricade! The crowd goes wild, a giant 'Holy sh*t!' chant bursting out as both men are laid out, Heyman running over with his hands over his head in disbelief! Back on the other side, Cesaro brings Danielson in to the ring and throws him in to the corner. He blasts him with a hard uppercut and hits off the opposing corner, returning with another one! He hits six more before letting Bryan wobble out, tossing him in the air and catching him with yet another uppercut! He hooks both legs up, getting a two count that leaves him in absolute shock and disbelief. He argues with Robinson over the count and looks around as he gets to his feet, pulling Bryan up between his legs and cranking his neck. He lifts him for the Neutralizer but the champion wobbles free, pushing him back to hit him with the Busaiku Knee! The crowd goes wild as Danielson hooks both legs up, getting the very close two as Heyman dives in out nowhere to break it up! He throws fists at Bryan's back until he gets up, begging with him not to do any harm! As Danielson starts to step towards him, Reigns comes in to the ring and nearly breaks him in half with a Spear! Roman checks on Heyman and turns back around to go for the pin, only for Cesaro to get back up and yank him right off, going for the pin himself! Reigns breaks it up just in time, however, both men getting back to their feet and staring down. "SAME PAGE, GUYS! SAME PAGE!" Screams Heyman, Reigns and Cesaro jawing at each other. Antonio puts his hands up, seemingly to calm the situation down, only to have Reigns back up and plant him with the Superman Punch! He bucks his shoulders over Cesaro and talks trash, Bryan coming from out of nowhere to drop him with the Busaiku Knee - dropping him back in to Heyman in the process! With Cesaro down in the corner and Cena still down on the outside, Bryan hooks the inside leg for the one, two, three!

Winner of the match and still Undisputed WWE Champion, Bryan Danielson (20:09)

The arena erupts for Bryan as he sits back up quickly, a smile across his face. As he is brought his championship belt, the commentary unit goes through the key replays of the match, including the troubles between Reigns and Cesaro, Cena being targeted heavily and ultimately the breakdown of Reigns and Cesaro leading to the victory for Danielson. Back live in the arena, Bryan is standing in the middle of the ring pumping his Undisputed WWE Championship high over his head, leading the crowd in the 'Yes!' chants, as minus the small blip of losing the belt to Antonio Cesaro with his Money in the Bank cash-in, Bryan Danielson has dominated in his two reigns thus far. 

As the celebration is continuing, the signature of The Wyatt Family hits and the lights go out. They come back on after a few moments and atop the stage, sitting in the throne, is Bray Wyatt. Luke Harper and Erick Rowan stand at his sides as Danielson gets a good look at Wyatt, whom slowly stands up from his throne and spreads his hands out to him. "And ladies and gentlemen, the next time we see you on our pay-per-view right here on the WWE Network, it will be Bryan Danielson versus Bray Wyatt for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Summerslam!" Cole says, JBL stating that it should be one hell of a match up. Michael Cole signs things off as Battleground: King of the Ring comes to a close.