Post by Planktung on Oct 20, 2016 14:12:34 GMT -5
Following the signature WWE intro, the opening video package began with WWE Women's Champion AJ Lee sitting down at an interview set before being asked the question of what Madison Square Garden means to her. "My dad took me to WrestleMania XX in this building. He actually apologized to me 'cause our seats weren't the best, but I didn't care. I told him that I'd someday be in that ring..." she said before looking down at the ground and smiling, proud that she was able to keep her promise from almost a decade ago. Cody Rhodes was the next to be asked the question, 'The Prince of Pro Wrestling' saying that MSG is the pinnacle of their profession. "You make your bucket list when you get into wrestling and if you don't have competing in Madison Square Garden on there, you don't deserve to be here." "Not everybody gets to say that they've wrestle in Madison Square Garden, but the ones who have will tell you that there's nothing else like it. If you make it to New York City, it's because you earned it," said Randy Orton. WWE Champion AJ Styles then stated that he's in a unique position compared to the rest of the superstars. "I've been all over the world. I've wrestled just about anywhere you can think of... Except for Madison Square Garden. But, I'm blessed enough to say that that's going to change." The last superstar to be questioned was Derrick Bateman, who took his time giving a response. "Right now, Madison Square Garden means nothing to me, but in a few hours... It's gonna mean everything. I've proven everybody wrong just by stepping foot into this building," Bateman said before the video turned to a recap of his feud with AJ Styles that dates back to the summer. "I'm in the main event in Madison Square Garden for the WWE Championship. No one will ever take that away from me, but that's not where I stop. Not at all because I am this close to achieving what everyone told me I never would. They all laughed when I promised them that I would someday make it to the top of the industry. December 29th, 2013... The day I keep my promise and become what no one thought was possible: The WWE Champion." Bateman stood up from the chair and exited the picture, leaving a blank wall to be shown. The picture faded to black before the question was asked one more time by the cameraman. "What does Madison Square Garden mean to you?" A light would make its way from the left to the right of the screen, revealing Paige in the center. The picture was pitch-black yet again before Paige's voice interrupted the few seconds of silence. "... Run."
"And now, WWE Network presents... Concrete Jungle." Cutting to Madison Square Garden, the raucous crowd was shown fired up and ready for the final Pay-Per-View event of 2013 from WWE. Mauro Ranallo and Corey Graves welcomed all of the viewers on the WWE Network to Concrete Jungle, stating that the complexion of WWE heading into 2014 depends on tonight's main event. Derrick Bateman, the most despised man in all of professional wrestling, takes on AJ Styles for the WWE Championship. As seen hanging high above the ring, the steel cage was ready to contain whatever carnage AJ Lee and Paige will dish out for the WWE Women's Championship. A Dream Match takes place when Cody Rhodes goes up against one of WWE's newest signings, Bobby Roode. All of that and much, much more as WWE closes out the year in Madison Square Garden!
"AWWWWW NEW YORK CITY! DON'T YOU DARE BE SOUR! CLAP YOUR HANDS AND FEEL THE POWER!" The voiceover from Big E echoed throughout Madison Square Garden before the entrance music of The New Day hit. Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods stepped out onto the stage to a mixed reaction, some of the New York fans actually showing appreciation for the trio. Woods played his trombone to the sound of both, "New! Day rocks!" and "New! Day sucks!" chants from Madison Square Garden. Once New Day were in the ring, all three took microphones as Kingston addressed the small signs of support that they were receiving. "This isn't an equal relationship, guys. You like us, but we don't like you," he said while Big E threw in, "Nope. Not at all. Can't stand any of you." Woods turned the attention to himself, saying that tonight, his New Day brethren will display their dominance when they take a 2-1 lead over The Alpha Wolves in their Best of Seven Series. "And from there, all three of us and my beautiful baby, Francesca, are going to celebrate! But we're not celebrating New Year's Day this week. No, no, no. We're celebrating New Day's Year!" Woods shouted. Kofi then told Woods that he shouldn't brag about celebrating considering that they're in New York. "I mean, these people have nothing to celebrate. They had three chances to make the NFL Playoffs this year. Three. But New York is so booty, they screwed everything up! It's like how The Alpha Wolves have three more chances to beat us and win this series, but just like another Super Bowl ring for Eli Manning, that's not happening! It's all about my Patriots, baby!" Kofi exclaimed before Big E noted that he's a fan of the Bucs. Kofi and Woods gave Big E awkward glares, wondering what his comment had to do with anything. He then cleared the confusion. "Not the young ones. The ones from Tampa Bay." Kofi and Woods finally got it, allowing Big E to finish up their promo. "We lost sight a little bit on SmackDown, but 'Two First Names' aren't getting lucky again. We are going to take the rest of this series and become the new WWE Tag Team Champions because... New! Day rocks! New! Day rocks! New! Day rocks!" The trio's chant came to a halt when The Alpha Wolves' entrance music hit, the reigning Tag Team Champions heading down to the ring for the first time ever in Madison Square Garden. "New York City holds a special place in the hearts of The Alpha Wolves. It was in this city exactly three months ago when they became WWE Tag Team Champions at Unison. Now, they find themselves with the chance to take the lead in this Best of Seven Series against The New Day," Ranallo said on commentary while Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards handed the titles over to the official. The bell sounded as Richards and Kingston started things of. Richards tried to transition the collar-and-elbow tie up into a Kneebar, Kingston able to escape the hold and latch onto the ropes. Kingston got his elbow up when Richards charged towards him, fending off one-half of the WWE Tag Team Champions. He then caught Richards in the back of the head with a Clothesline, stomping on Richards repeatedly before going for the first cover of the match. Richards kicked out, Kingston bringing him into his corner before tagging in Big E. With Richards seated on the canvas against the turnbuckles, Big E stomped on Richards' chest before tagging Kingston back in, who did the same. This cycle repeated for a bit while Woods provided the soundtrack for the sequence with his trombone. Big E then whipped Kingston into Richards with a Dropkick, the "New! Day rocks!" melody emerging from Francesca. Richards managed to kick out yet again, further angering Big E. The muscle of The New Day placed Richards on the top turnbuckle, chopping him a few times before stepping onto the second rope. Big E had a Belly-to-Belly Suplex in mind, but Richards retaliated with several headbutts. He managed to knock Big E off, leaping towards him with a Flying Crossbody. Big E, however, managed to catch Richards in mid-air, hitting him with a Backbreaker over his knee. Richards crawled to the ropes and used them to get back to his feet, backing into a corner before seeing Big E run towards him like an oncoming train. Richards sidestepped Big E, causing the big man to crash into the turnbuckles before connecting with an Enziguri. Richards stepped onto the top rope and hit a Missile Dropkick, Eddie Edwards and Madison Square Garden begging for the hot tag. Big E made the tag to Kofi Kingston, who ran into the ring and grabbed Richards' foot right before he could tag his partner in. Kingston went for a Back Suplex, but Richards landed on his feet. He slid in between Kingston's legs and was finally able to make the tag to Edwards. The other half of The Alpha Wolves springboarded into action with a Clothesline to Kingston, taking him down with another before dodging a strike and planting him with a Saito Suplex. Edwards ascended to the top rope for an Elbow Drop, but Big E got a hold of him. Richards was able to intervene by delivering a Superkick. Big E was groggy on the apron, barely holding onto the top rope. Richards leaped over Big E and planted him onto the floor with a Sunset Flip! Edwards turned his focus back to the ring, but Kingston got to his feet and jumped onto the top rope. Kingston delivered a Frankensteiner, but Edwards somehow landed on his feet! Edwards turned around and charged into Kingston with a European Uppercut. Edwards leaped over the top rope and onto the apron, running towards Woods with a boot to his face! The Alpha Wolves regrouped in the ring and set Kingston up for a Brainbuster/Superkick combination, but Big E slid into the ring and got a hold of Richards. Big E hoisted him up with a Back Suplex that sent both of them over the top rope. Kingston was able to fight out of Edwards' Brainbuster and roll him up in a small package for a two count. Kingston rose to his feet first and tried to ram Edwards chest-first into the turnbuckles, but Edwards turned the table and planted Kingston with a German Suplex. Edwards held onto Kingston and delivered a second German Suplex before attempting to complete the trifecta. Big E would interrupt by wrapping his arms around Edwards' waist, giving him a Suplex that threw Kofi so high and far that he managed to land on his feet. The dazed Edwards stood up and took Trouble in Paradise right between the eyes, Kingston covering him for the victory.
THE NEW DAY DEFEAT THE ALPHA WOLVES ; LEAD THE SERIES 2-1!
The Madison Square Garden audience was split on the result as Kofi Kingston and Big E had their arms raised triumphantly, the duo managing to get their second victory over The Alpha Wolves in a six day time frame. Xavier Woods, who had been taken out with a kick during the contest, was back on his feet and proudly reciting the, "New! Day rocks!" melody on his trombone, Francesca. "New Day, two. Alpha Wolves, one. These superstars are just two more wins away from becoming the brand new WWE Tag Team Champions," Corey Graves stated while New Day danced on the stage in celebration.
For the first time since making his WWE main roster debut the night after Survivor Series, 'The Lone Wolf' Baron Corbin would be competing as just that: 'The Lone Wolf.' No Derrick Bateman. No Kaitlyn. Not a single person would be there to aid Corbin other than himself in his quest to become a two-time WWE Hardcore Champion. Corbin, who had the biggest match of his career in New York City at Unison three months ago, stepped into hostile territory once again in front of a crowd that was not at all thrilled to see him. "Corbin's never let negativity get to his head before and he's not going to start now," Corey Graves stated. After Corbin's entrance music silenced, it was clear that the audience was on the verge of erupting. "How you doin'!? How you doin'?!" The chants only became louder and louder until Enzo Amore's theme music hit to one of the biggest reactions of the evening. The Hardcore Champion rushed out to the stage, soaking in all of the energy . "My name is Enzo Amore and I am a certified G and a bonafide stud... And the WWE Hardcore Champion and you can't! Teach! That! And this right here, this is Big Cass! And he's seven foot tall and you can't! Teach! That! Bada boom! Realest guys in the room! How you doin'?!" Enzo shouted to the mass approval of the WWE Universe. "Jersey boy made it to the big time. Madison. Square. Freakin'. Garden. Drinking milk and doing push-ups everyday got me to this stage... And my competition is the guy who went into a tattoo parlor and when asked what he wanted, he said, 'You know those coloring books where the kids draw outside the lines?'" At that point, Corbin exited the ring and grabbed a steel chair before returning to the squared circle, ready to strike the moment Enzo stepped into the ring. "It's not all that bad, Sweet Boy Baron. 'Cause I'ma give you a belated Christmas gift when I smack you upside the head so hard, I push your hairline forward. The truth goes something like this. We ain't, go-ing nowhere..." Enzo said as the audience sang along, recognizing the tune. "... We ain't, going nowhere. We can't be stopped now 'cause Enzo Amore and Big Cass are bad boys for life!" Enzo handed the spotlight over to Cass, who finished off with their usual catchphrase. "And Baron Corbin, there's only ONE WORD to describe you and I'm gonna spell! It! Out for you... S! A! W! F! T!" Enzo stepped through the ropes and handed over the Hardcore Title to the official. As soon as the bell sounded, Corbin slid out of the ring with his chair and struck Cass in the mid-section with it, following up with a huge shot to his back. Enzo made his way out to the ring apron and launched himself onto Corbin, who caught Enzo and rammed his back into the steel ring post. Corbin picked Enzo up off the floor and threw him into the barricade before rolling him into the ring. Corbin looked underneath the ring and brought out a table. While he was attempting to place his into the ring, Enzo performed a Baseball Slide and sent the table into Corbin's chest. Enzo quickly checked on Cass, who was still writhing in pain on the floor. The defending champion then proceeded to grab the steel chair that was introduced earlier and leveled Corbin in the leg with it. Enzo hit Corbin with the chair two more times before throwing it at his head. Corbin fell to the ground, giving Enzo time to get back onto the apron and deliver an Elbow Drop, a nod to a New York wrestling legend, Mick Foley. Enzo got the cover on Corbin, but couldn't secure the victory then. Enzo proceeded to set the table up at ringside, placing Corbin on top of it before heading up to the top rope. Before Enzo could execute whatever it was that he had planned, Corbin got back on his feet and shoved Enzo off the top rope. Enzo crashed onto the canvas, Corbin sliding into the ring and delivering several closed fist strikes to the forehead. Corbin then hoisted Enzo over his head in a Gorilla Press position, throwing him out of the ring and through the table! Corbin headed back to ringside, but rather than going for the cover on Enzo, he rolled the Hardcore Champion into the squared circle to inflict more punishment. Corbin brought out a second table from underneath the ring, along with a trash can. Corbin set the trash can up between the top and middle turnbuckles, looking to drive Enzo's head into it. Enzo was stop himself in his own tracks before the collision. Corbin ran towards Enzo, only to be given a Drop Toe Hold into the trash can! The dazed Corbin staggered to his feet, giving Enzo enough time to pick up the trash can. He threw it to Corbin, who caught it and set himself up to have the can Dropkicked into his face. Enzo got the cover on Corbin, but challenger was able to get a shoulder up in time. Enzo, still feeling the effects of the table spot from earlier, decided to return the favor to Corbin by setting up the second table in the ring. Enzo picked Corbin up from the mat, which was a tall order in and of itself. He tried to rest Corbin onto the surface of the table before Corbin retaliated with shots to the head. Enzo backed against the ropes, inadvertently walking towards Corbin for a huge strike. Corbin headed out to ringside to grab the steel chair that came into play at the start of the match, looking to use it one more time to finish off Enzo. Corbin lifted the chair over his head, but before he could use it, Big Cass grabbed it and pulled it out of Corbin's hands. Cass threw the chair to the side while he and Corbin got into a heated argument. Enzo took advantage of the opening by leaping towrads Corbin with a Bulldog, bringing his throat down onto the top rope. Corbin fell back onto the table, Cass sliding into the ring and encouraging Enzo to head to the top rope. With an assistance from Cass, Enzo soared through the air with a Frog Splash onto Corbin through the table! Enzo covered Corbin, the official making the three count.
ENZO AMORE IS STILL THE HARDCORE CHAMPION!
The WWE Universe showed their appreciation for the result of the contest as Big Cass helped Enzo Amore up to his feet, the official handing the latter back his WWE Hardcore Championship. "Did I win?" Enzo asked his best friend despite the fact that he literally had the Hardcore Title in his hands. "All on your own, champ," Cass said before picking Enzo up onto his shoulders to celebrate. Enzo raised the Hardcore Title in the air while everyone in Madison Square Garden chanted, "How ya doin'?" as one. Enzo Amore's cinderella story won't be coming to an end here at Concrete Jungle as he managed to yet again overcome Baron Corbin to hold onto the WWE Hardcore Championship in New York City.
A promo was shown for the Royal Rumble Pay-Per-View event from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The 30-Superstar Royal Rumble match takes place with the stakes the highest they've ever been. A WWE Championship opportunity at the biggest show in professional wrestling history, WrestleMania XXX. Who will punch their ticket to the main event of WrestleMania? Royal Rumble, live Sunday January 26th on Pay-Per-View and WWE Network.
For the first time ever, the NXT brand would be represented in Madison Square Garden, taking the developmental program to heights that were once seen as unattainable. The challengers, Ricochet and Uhaa Nation, entered first for the biggest match of their careers, receiving perhaps the biggest ovation of their careers to match. Mauro Ranallo noted that it was in New York City back at Unison when Ricochet and Uhaa made their debuts by taking out Tyler Breeze when 'Prince Pretty' brought the potential of NXT's new wave of talent into question. "Needless to say, NXT has nothing to worry about with guys like Ricochet and Uhaa Nation leading the charge into the new year," Corey Graves stated, but would they be doing so as the NXT Tag Team Champions? Speaking the champions, Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian's entrance music sounded to a mixed reaction from Madison Square Garden. The Addiction, who were also making their first appearances in the Garden, headed down to the squared circle in a setting that they, and most of the world of wrestling, knew they'd someday get to. "It was never a matter of 'if,' but 'when' Daniels and Kazarian would be competing in Madison Square Garden. And it's poetic justice that they're doing as the NXT Tag Team Champions." Sporting X-Men themed attires, Daniels and Kazarian handed over the NXT Tag Team Championships before NXT's ring announcer, JoJo, gave the pre-match introductions. While the reaction was surprisingly closer to a split than anyone expected, it was clear that the majority of fans in Madison Square Garden were eager to see Ricochet and Uhaa capture their first championships in WWE here tonight. The bell sounded as Daniels and Ricochet started things off, 'The Ring General' putting his middle finger glove in Ricochet's face after teasing a collar-and-elbow tie up. Daniels laughed to himself before Ricochet delivered a Spinning Heel Kick, the sleazy member of The Addiction quickly getting back up to his feet. Ricochet took Daniels down with two Arm Drags before a Hurricanrana into a pinning predicament. Daniels kicked out at two, backing into his corner and tagging in Kazarian. Ricochet charged towards Daniels, who got his feet up in time to fend him off. Kazarian stepped through the ropes and leaped into Ricochet with a Clothesline, covering him for what was barely a two count. Kazarian applied a rest hold to Ricochet, Daniels turning around to taunt the fans who were rallying behind the challengers. Ricochet was able to get to his feet while Kazarian still had a grip around his neck, ramming one of the NXT Tag Team Champions into the other. Daniels was knocked off of the ring apron when Ricochet rolled Kazarian up for the near fall. Ricochet delivered a Dropkick to Kazarian that sent the latter into a corner. Ricochet quickly made the tag to Uhaa Nation, who drove all of his body weight into Kazarian with a corner Splash. Uhaa headed to the top rope, but before he could fly through the air, Daniels grabbed his foot. Ricochet intervened by diving through the ropes with a Suicide Dive onto Daniels, allowing Uhaa to proceed with a Shooting Star Press attempt. Kazarian, however, got his knees up in time, rolling Uhaa up for a count of two. Uhaa used the ropes to help him to his feet, holding his ribs before Kazarian planted him with a Zig Zag and Inverted DDT-style maneuver. Uhaa was able to kick out yet again, further infuriating Kazarian. As he was arguing with the official, Ricochet springboarded off of the top rope and connected with a Clothesline to Kazarian. Ricochet returned to his corner, asking Uhaa for the tag. Before Uhaa could get to his corner, Daniels pulled Ricochet off the apron, Ricochet's face smacking against the hardest part of the ring. Daniels slid into the ring as Kazarian brought Uhaa up to his feet, The Addiction hitting a Knee Strike and STO combination. Kazarian went for the victory yet again, but just like before, Uhaa was able to kick out. Kazarian tagged in Daniels, who placed Uhaa in a corner and connected with several jabs to the chin. Daniels brought the groggy Uhaa into the center of the ring, a vertical Suplex on his mind. Uhaa, however, was able to use his strength to prevent it. Uhaa hoisted Daniels into the air for a Suplex of his own, keeping 'The Fallen Angel' off of his feet for over ten seconds before finally dropping him onto the mat. Ricochet was back on the ring apron by that point, eager to get the tag in from Uhaa. Daniels grabbed Uhaa's leg, Uhaa attempting an Enziguri. Daniels dodged it the first time, but Uhaa's second attempt caught him square in the back of his head. Ricochet was finally tagged in, the aerial specialist taking Daniels down with multiple Clotheslines. After a Back Body Drop to Daniels, Ricochet delivered a standing Moonsault. Kazarian would break up the pin attempt, leading to Uhaa charging into the ring and taking him out with a huge shoulder tackle. Kazarian rolled out of the ring, leading to Uhaa springboarding off the second rope with a Moonsault onto him. Uhaa got back onto the apron, only for Daniels to slide into his ankles and cause him to fall face-first. Daniels was rolled up by Ricochet, the latter only getting a two count before 'The Fallen Angel' countered it into a roll up of his own. After kicking out, Ricochet went for a high kick that Daniels had scouted. Daniels kicked Ricochet in the mid-section and delivered the Angel's Wings, covering him for what was somehow only a two count. Daniels brought Ricochet closer to a corner, looking to execute the Best Moonsault Ever. After Daniels's legs bounced off of the top rope, Uhaa ran up behind him and caught Daniels on his shoulder. Uhaa planted Daniels with a Spin-out Powerbomb before assisting Ricochet up to his feet. With all of Madison Square Garden firmly behind him, Ricochet ascended to the top rope and connected with the 630 Senton! Ricochet got the cover on Daniels, the three count being made to crown brand new NXT Tag Team Champions.
RICOCHET AND UHAA NATION ARE THE NEW NXT TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!
"The winners of this match... And NEW NXT Tag Team Champions, Ricochet and Uhaa Nation!" The official announcement from JoJo was accompanied by raw emotion from Ricochet and Uhaa Nation as they were handed the NXT Tag Team Titles, the duo raising them high for all of Madison Square Garden to see. "Three months ago to the day in New York, Ricochet and Uhaa Nation made their debuts in the Manhattan Center. And in Madison Square Garden, they rise to the top of NXT as the new Tag Team Champion!" exclaimed Mauro Ranallo. Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian regrouped on the stage, heading up the entrance ramp with their heads kept down. Back in the ring, the celebration continued for Ricochet and Uhaa, who will be heading into 2014 as the new NXT Tag Team Champions!
In the audience, another NXT superstar was shown watching history be made. 'Prince Pretty' Tyler Breeze, the man that provoked Ricochet and Uhaa Nation in their debuts at Unison, had the camera placed on him. Despite his differences with the new Tag Team Champions, Breeze applauded their performance, along with the fact that NXT had just had a match take place in Madison Square Garden. Corey Graves noted that in six days, Breeze, too, will wave the NXT banner in uncharted territory. At New Japan Pro Wrestling's biggest event on January 4th, Wrestle Kingdom 8, Breeze meets Kota Ibushi for the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship. "NXT is becoming the hottest thing in all of professional wrestling. From Madison Square Garden to the Tokyo Dome, NXT and all of its superstars are making the world of wrestling extremely proud right now," stated Corey Graves.
The night of Madison Square Garden debuts continued as two of WWE's rising stars in the women's division were set to compete with a shot at either AJ Lee or Paige's WWE Women's Championship at stake. The entrance music of Alexa Bliss sounded to a negative response from the New York City fans who strongly believed that Bliss was undeserving of her new-found success thanks to the head of the division, Kaitlyn. Bliss stepped out onto the stage in full Freddy Krueger-inspired gear. Red and green ring attire, claws attached to her skeleton hand bracelet, a brown hat and half of her face painted to appear burnt. Bliss marched down to the ring with her eyes solely on the squared circle and not the fans on either her left or right side vocalizing their issues with her. When Mauro Ranallo asked Corey Graves if he believed that all of the criticism for Bliss' position was warranted, 'The Savior of Misbehavior' answered with, "Who are these people to tell Alexa Bliss what she does and doesn't deserve? It doesn't matter how you make it in this industry. If you get to the top, you deserve it. The ends justify the means and Alexa is standing in the center of the ring in Madison Square Garden. She got here and she deserves it." Bliss took a seat on the bottom rope, facing the entrance stage that would soon be decorated with Sofia Cortez' titantron graphics. The audience came alive for Sofia, the finals Divas Champion in history quickly walking down to the ring. After stepping through the ropes, Sofia ripped her bandanna off of her face and approached Bliss, the official stepping in between the two. The commentators noted the very clear bruising on the nose of Sofia, courtesy of Bliss and chair shot at the Slammy Awards two weeks ago. The bell sounded as Sofia charged into Bliss, ramming her into a corner. Bliss tried fighting back with shots to Sofia's back, but Sofia was unfazed. She delivered three heavy strikes to the side of Bliss' face, Bliss responding by rolling out of the ring. While Bliss tried to catch her breath, Sofia grabbed her by her hair and shorts. "Welcome to the division, bitch!" Sofia shouted in Bliss' face before throwing her into the barricade! Bliss' body bounced off of it with authority before Sofia rolled her back into the ring, gaining a two count. Sofia gave Bliss a few more strikes before Bliss was able to save herself by grabbing Sofia's hand, unclenching her fist and bending her fingers back. Sofia held her hand in excruciating pain, allowing Bliss to get back to her feet and run towards Sofia with a knee to the ribs. Sofia fell to the canvas and backed against the bottom turnbuckle, Bliss stomping on her repeatedly before the official intervened. Bliss brushed off the official's remarks about illegal maneuvers before grabbing Sofia by her face, telling her that she's the next Women's Champion. Bliss springboarded her feet off of the bottom rope, driving her knees into Sofia's clavicles. Bliss got her first cover of the match, only good for a two count. Bliss rolled Sofia over onto her back, gripping her hands around her chin and pulling back on her head. Bliss released the hold soon and added insult to injury by dropping both knees onto Sofia's mid-section, rolling onto her feet before a handspring Moonsault. Sofia kicked out yet again, which only further frustrated Bliss. She gave a deathly-glare at the official before picking Sofia up, only to be pushed away. That shove allowed Sofia to catch Bliss by surprise with a Roundhouse Kick, covering her for the near fall. Bliss rolled out of the ring, once again trying to deprive Sofia of any opportunity she had to attack her. When Sofia exited the ring, Bliss rammed her lower-back into the apron. Returning the favor for earlier, Bliss threw Sofia into the barricade before heading back into the ring. Willing to take a count-out victory, Bliss waited anxiously in the ring as the official began his count. Sofia began to motion towards the ring at around six, Bliss urging the official to count faster. Sofia made it back into the ring in time, but as soon as she did, Bliss stomped her head into the canvas repeatedly. Looking to finish the match and become the new number one contender, Bliss headed to the top rope for Twisted Bliss. However, Sofia rose to her feet and threw herself against the ropes, causing Bliss to fall hard onto the canvas. Bliss hit the back of her head on the mat, holding it while stirring to her feet. Sofia springboarded off the second rope and delivered her Tornado DDT, La Sicaria! Sofia crawled towards Bliss, getting the cover. Before the official could make the three count, Kaitlyn rushed down to ringside and pulled him out of the ring! The audience immediately showered Kaitlyn with boos as the official shouted at her, ordering her to leave the vicinity. Sofia locked eyes with Kaitlyn, Graves noting the similarities between what just happened and Sofia's debut at Payback that led to Kaitlyn becoming Divas Champion. Sofia exited the ring and made chase for Kaitlyn, who ran to the backstage area. "Kaitlyn is said to be injured, but you could've fooled me!" Ranallo said. Sofia had to make a decision at that point. Continue to go after Kaitlyn and be counted out, or let her off the hook for now and focus on Bliss. Sofia went the latter route, hurrying back into the ring. When she did so, Bliss got a hold of her in a full nelson position, spiking Sofia onto the back of her head with Alexaonfire! From there, Bliss headed back to the top rope, descending with Twisted Bliss! She covered Sofia as the official made the count, solidifying her status as the number one contender.
ALEXA BLISS DEFEATS SOFIA CORTEZ!
A hostile reaction emerged from the fans in Madison Square Garden as Alexa Bliss slowly rose to her feet, her arm being raised in victory while a graphic appeared at the bottom of the screen to officially name her the new number one contender. Bliss looked over the top rope and into the hard camera, grinning in a sinister fashion as she knows that was now one step closer to throwing the WWE Universe's criticisms back into their faces. "Give the assist to Kaitlyn because without her, Sofia Cortez would be on her way to another Women's Title match soon," Mauro Ranallo stated before Corey Graves lashed out at him, believing that Bliss is what is best for the women's division right now. In the middle of Madison Square Garden, Alexa Bliss has overcome Sofia Cortez and is now only one match away from shocking the world and becoming the WWE Women's Champion.
Backstage, Renee Young was standing by with the brand new NXT Tag Team Champions, Ricochet and Uhaa Nation. The new champions stepped into the picture with the titles over their shoulders and smiles on their faces. Renee congratulated the duo before asking them what it means to have picked up possibly the biggest victory in NXT history in Madison Square Garden. "This is a dream come true for both of us. We made everyone who has ever believed in us proud and we hope that we made NXT and the NXT Universe proud as well," Uhaa said before Ricochet noted that exactly three months ago in New York City, they made their debuts at Unison. "The fact that we made it to this point in just three months... It's all been worth it. Everything. Every struggle we had to endure just to make names for ourselves on the independents. All the miles traveled. All the injuries... It's worth it," said the emotional Ricochet before the duo was interrupted by The New Day. Pretending to cry, Big E blew his nose into a towel that he placed on Uhaa's shoulder. Uhaa threw the towel away before asking New Day what their problem was. "Our problem is that we just put away Teen Wolf for the second time in one week and all anybody cares about is you two becoming NXT Tag Team Champions!" Kofi Kingston shouted before Xavier Woods went on his own rant. "Why should we care about NXT when we're only two matches away from becoming the W! W! E! World! Tag! Team! Champions!?" Woods said in an exaggerated tone while all three New Day members swiveled their hips. "Here's the difference between us, though, We're Tag Team Champions. You three still haven't won anything," Uhaa said before Ricochet decided to hit Kofi where it hurt. "Hey, Kofi. Remind me again. What was your Manifest Destiny record," he asked. "You know that's a cheap shot!" Kofi said while Big E added, "Not fair! Not fair!" Woods was able to restore order by his playing a single note in his trombone, telling Ricochet and Uhaa Nation that since they're new to the company, they needed to show more respect to The New Day. "Right now, you guys have the NXT Tag Titles. Soon, we'll have the WWE Tag Titles. Maybe... Just maybe... Fate will one day allow us to see who really is the better team."
When the lights in Madison Square Garden shut and the opening notes to Bobby Roode's theme music sounded, every fan in attendance came unglued as they were about to witness history being made. The first time ever that Bobby Roode would compete in a WWE ring. "GLORIOUS!" shouted the WWE Universe members in Madison Square Garden in unison with the song. They continued to sing the intro as Roode stood on a podium that was raised high in the air, his back turned to show off the "Glorious" embroidery on his robe. Roode's turn to the audience lined up perfectly with the wall of music in his theme song, the podium lowering to the ground while fans continued to sing as loudly as they could. "There's a reason why this feel like a rock concert right now, Mauro. Bobby Roode is very much a rock star in our world. This guy has been everywhere you could imagine, but for the firs time ever, we're getting to witness Roode in all his glorious presence in a WWE ring in Madison Square Garden," Corey Graves stated, singing the praises of one of Derrick Bteman's newest signings. Roode stood in the ring and removed his robe, waiting for the arrival of the 2013 Superstar of the Year. Cody Rhodes' theme song hit to virtually the same reaction that Roode received. The fans in Madison Square Garden showed their undying support for 'The Prince of Pro Wrestling,' who donned tights rather than trunks for the first time. Ready to show that Roode was not superior to him, Rhodes stepped into the ring and stood across from his adversary, the match set to begin. When the bell sounded, Rhodes and Roode circled the canvas for a bit, the fans soaking in the fact that they were really about to witness two of professional wrestling's top talents compete for the first time ever in a Dream Match. "Let's go, Cody!" and "Glorious!" chants echoed throughout Madison Square Garden, both men stopping for a moment to observe the split reactions. Rhodes and Roode partook in a collar-and-elbow tie up, Roode able to push Cody away. Roode extended his arms out and looked up at the ceiling, yelling, "Glorious!" at the top of his lungs to a massive pop. Rhodes kicked Roode in the mid-section and fired away with right hand shots, some fans in the Garden surprisingly turning on him for that moment. Rhodes whipped Roode into the ropes, throwing a Dropkick that Roode wasn't even nearby for. When Rhodes got to his feet, Roode took him down with a Clothesline before stomping on his chest. Roode sat Rhodes up and ran the ropes, connecting with a kick to the back of his head. Roode brought Cody up to his feet for a Fisherman's Suplex, good enough for a two count. Roode placed Rhodes in a corner, hitting him with two knife edge chops before stepping onto the second rope. Roode connected with a few shots to head of Rhodes before the former WWE Champion turned the tables, placing Roode in position for a Powerbomb. Rhodes bounced the back of Roode off the top rope, planting him onto the canvas with a Sit-out Powerbomb. Roode was able to kick out at two, Rhodes waiting for him to stir. Rhodes attempted to deliver the Disaster Kick, but Roode caught him with a boot to the mid-sectoin. Roode hoisted Rhodes up to his shoulders for the Roode Bomb, but it was countered and 'The Glorious Superstar' almost found himself facing Cross Rhodes. Roode, however, fought out of Rhodes' grasp and slid out to ringside. Finding himself in peril for the first time, Roode kicked the steel steps out of anger while Rhodes mocked his "Glorious!" gesture inside the ring. Roode stepped back through the ropes, heading to strike Rhodes. 'The Prince of Pro Wrestling' was able to block Roode's shot, retaliating with one of his own. After whipping Roode into a corner, Rhodes charged into him with a European Uppercut, transitioning that into a Snapmare. Roode ran the ropes and had the Penalty Kick in mind, but Roode was able to grab his foot before impact could be made. Roode pulled Rhodes down to the canvas and slingshotted him into the corner, Rhodes landing on the second rope. He kicked Roode away when the latter charged towards him. With Roode dazed, Rhodes springboarded off the top rope and connected with a back elbow to the head of Roode. Rhodes got the cover, but Roode managed to stay alive. Rhodes moved Roode closer to a corner before he began ascending to the top rope. Without even looking back, Rhodes leaped through the air with a Moonsault that Roode evaded. Rhodes landed on his feet, turning around tp see Roode running at him. Rhodes dodged Roode's attack and placed him in position for Cross Rhodes, successfully connecting with it! Rhode got the cover, but miraculously, or rather 'gloriously,' Roode kicked out! Everyone in Madison Square Garden was stunned, but none more than Rhodes, who at that point understood that Roode wouldn't be put away with any ease. Picking Roode up from the canvas, Rhodes hoisted him up for the Alabama Slam. Roode was able to slide off and roll Rhodes onto his knees, placing him onto shoulders for the Roode Bomb! Roode planted Rhodes with it, covering him for what was another shocking kick out! Roode instantly rode to his knees, staring at Rhodes with his eyes wide open before turning the official. "No! That was three! Dammit, that was three!" Roode shouted at the referee while stomping his feet onto the canvas, fans elated with the action they were witnessing. When Roode attempted to go back on the attack, Rhodes rolled him into a small package for another near fall. Both men got back onto their feet, trading blows in a battle that Rhodes was able to get the upper-hand. Rhodes followed up with the Disaster Kick, nearly taking Roode's head off before looking for a second Cross Rhodes. Roode, however, countered it into a roll-up. Roode placed his feet on the second rope for extra leverage, managing to steal the victory in his WWE debut.
BOBBY ROODE DEFEATS CODY RHODES!
"He did it! Praise the glorious heavens, Bobby Roode is victorious!" Corey Graves yelled out with excitement as Roode quickly rolled out of the ring following his unlawful win. Cody Rhodes rose to his feet and stared at Roode from a distance, fuming since he knew that Roode took the low road to defeat him. Mauro Ranallo made sure to point out Roode's heinous tactics to victory, Graves brushing them off and saying that a win is a win no matter how you do it. Roode stood on the stage and raised his arms in the air, letting out, "Glorious!" one more in Madison Square Garden. While Roode's underhanded tactics were responsible, the history books will forever show that at Concrete Jungle in New York City, Roode made his WWE debut by defeating a former WWE Champion and the 2013 Superstar of the Year.
Back in Madison Square Garden, the Steel Cage hanging above the ring began lowering to ground level, ominous music playing while lights shone from the steel. "The rematch of the Match of the Year takes place here tonight with the circumstances somehow darker than they were before. In a war for the WWE Women's Championship, the face of the division battles the demonic entity inside of a Steel Cage." Cutting a video package featuring New Years Day's "Angel Eyes," fans were taken back to TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs two weeks ago, where AJ Lee became the first WWE Women's Champion of the new era. Immediately her victory, Paige made her return as a member of The Wyatt Family. The once beloved 'Anti-Diva' donned a new look consisting of black eyeballs and blood-red tears, confirming her transition to the dark side of WWE. "Don't you try to hide with those angel eyes." The very next night, AJ and Paige's Last Diva Standing match was awarded the Slammy for Match of the Year, but AJ made it clear that the story between her and Paige was far from over. With another contest at Concrete Jungle set, AJ has done what she can do resurrect the fighting spirit from Paige that she knows lies deep down inside the 'Anti-Diva.' In a fitting conclusion to 2013 for the women's division, AJ and Paige renew their rivalry with fifteen feet of steel surrounding them. "Such a deep disguise, watch out the devil's inside."
Immediately after the video package, the first shot on the live broadcast was not of the Steel Cage, nor was it either of the competitors. Instead, cameras showed Alexa Bliss watching a television monitor in the backstage area. Neither AJ Lee or Paige are even thinking about Bliss, but WWE's newest female superstar has her eyes locked on this contest because at some point in the near future, she'll be in the ring against one of them for the WWE Women's Title.
Interrupting the feed was the signature of The Wyatt Family, the audience giving a mixed reaction that leaned more on the favorable side. When the lights came back on, Paige was shown standing at the top of the Steel Cage, the fans in Madison Square Garden erupting for her. Paige scaled down the cage wall and into the ring, her dark eyes standing out more than anything else, even with steel surrounding her. "These people still love Paige like they always have, but there's no heart in her body anymore. Her allegiance isn't with the WWE Universe any longer. It's with The Wyatt Family now," Corey Graves stated while Paige stood against the steel. Seconds later, AJ Lee's entrance music sounded to a thunderous ovation for the New Jersey native. The defending WWE Women's Champion stepped out onto the stage, set to compete in Madison Square Garden for the first time in her career. "AJ was in this building at WrestleMania XX and almost exactly ten years later, she's in the co-main event as the Women's Champion." AJ skipped down to the ring and even around the Steel Cage for a bit, only doing so to annoy Paige. When AJ was finally inside the Cage, she handed over the Women's Title to the official before Justin Roberts conducted the pre-match introductions. Much like Cody Rhodes and Bobby Roode's encounter, the WWE Universe could not unanimously decide which superstar to support. When the bell sounded and the door was closed Paige charged directly towards AJ, who seemed to have been expecting the attack since she side-stepped Paige and set her directly into the cage! AJ jumped over Paige's back, landing with her feet on the top rope and her hands latched onto the cage. Instead of trying to climb over, AJ soared through the air with a Missile Dropkick to Paige, getting back to her feet with the intention of hitting the Shining Wizard. Paige fended AJ off with a forearm strike to the jaw, grabbing the champion's hair and using it to throw her back-first into the cage. Paige followed up by taking a portion of AJ's hair, putting it through two of the openings in the cage and pulling on it with her left foot resting on the bottom rope. The official wasn't allowed to do much because of the relaxed rules in a Steel Cage match, Paige soon releasing AJ on her own. Paige picked AJ up and delivered a headbutt before picking her up for a Spinebuster. Paige covered AJ, but the Women's Champion was able to stay in the fight. Paige brought AJ back up and began unloading with knee strikes, the champion dazed while Paige glanced over at the door. She approached it as the official on the outside opened it, assuming that Paige was going to walk out and win the match. Instead, Paige brought AJ over to the door and placed her head against the opening of it. Paige grabbed the door and shut it, AJ narrowly able to escape having her head crushed. When Paige tried to go back on the attack, AJ hit her with a backhand slap, rolling Paige up for a two count. Paige rolled back onto her knees, setting herself up for the Shining Wizard that AJ failed to deliver earlier. AJ got the cover again, but Paige still managed to kick out at two. Deciding to use the cage to her advantage and return the favor to Paige, AJ placed 'The Anti-Diva' against the wall and repeatedly Dropkicked her into it. AJ would then bring Paige into the center of the ring, going for the Twist of Fate that Paige was able to push AJ out of. AJ turned around and saw a Superkick from Paige coming, grabbing her foot in time before spinning her around. AJ wrapped her arms around Paige's waist and rammed her into the cage wall, rolling her up for a two count. AJ brought Paige back up and whipped her off the ropes, failing to connect with a high kick. AJ looked over her shoulder and Paige caught her right on the jaw with a Bicycle Knee! AJ was knocked out as Paige struggled to get the cover, eventually doing to so what was the closest near fall of the match. Paige set AJ up on the top turnbuckle, climbing up to the second rope while striking AJ repeatedly to ensure that she was still unresponsive. Paige placed AJ in position for the RamPaige, attempting to deliver it off the top rope. AJ, however, was able to prevent that from occurring as she hit Paige with numerous body shots before resorting to elbow strikes to the side of the head.AJ took Paige by the neck and delivered a Swinging Neckbreaker from the top rope, both superstars down and out for a moment. AJ was the first of the two to get back to her feet, the Women's Champion beginning to scale the cage. AJ would soon reach the top and could have gotten the victory there if she had chosen to, but that's not what was on her mind. Paige began to stir when AJ looked back down at her from the top of the Steel Cage, maintaining her balance while the commentators questioned her intentions. Seconds later, AJ jumped from the top of the cage with a Moonsault! The Women's Champion took Paige out, the Madison Square Garden audience going berserk for the death-defying, high-risk nature of AJ. The replay of the Moonsault aired twice, one in slow-motion to highlight the risk that AJ just took. In the ring, AJ began to crawl to the cage door, the official on the outside opening it for her. Paige, however, somehow found a second wind and was able to grab AJ's foot, preventing her from escaping and retaining her title. While Paige was responsive, it was clear that Moonsault moments ago had done a great deal of damage since she couldn't properly get to her feet. AJ grabbed onto the top rope and puled her foot towards the wall, causing Paige to crash into it. The dazed Paige turned around and walked into a Twist of Fate, AJ following up by crawling through the cage door to see yet another day as the WWE Women's Champion.
AJ LEE IS STILL THE WWE WOMEN'S CHAMPION!
While one could never count AJ Lee out, there was still a sense of shock in Madison Square Garden when she was announced as the victor and still WWE Women's Champion. The official handed AJ back the title and raised her arm, keeping her on her feet since she was clearly unable to do so herself. The Steel Cage behind AJ started to rise from the ground when the signature of The Wyatt Family sounded, the champion realizing then that she wouldn't be able to leave New York City unscathed. The lights came back on to reveal Bray Wyatt holding AJ by her throat, Luke Harper and Erick Rowan standing by his side. After the cage was off the ground, Wyatt rolled AJ into the ring as he, Harper and Rowan surrounded her to ensure that she wouldn't be able to escape like she had just done in the Steel Cage match. At ringside, Paige was shown looking underneath the ring, bringing out the small black bag that was seen in her Last Diva Standing encounter with AJ. Paige slid back into the squared circle and hit AJ with another Bicycle Knee before opening the bag. Paige would then pour thumbtacks onto the canvas, things looking to be heading as far south as possible for AJ. While Paige was picking AJ up from the canvas, the entrance music of CM Punk hit to one of the loudest ovations of the night. Punk, who defends the Intercontinental Championship against Wyatt at the Royal Rumble in four weeks, ran down to the ring for the first time since the Slammys to make the save for AJ. Punk first caught Harper with a strike before doing the same to Rowan, trying to clear his path to Wyatt and Paige. He was able to get two shots in on his Royal Rumble opponent before Harper and Rowan attacked him from behind, the numbers game too much for 'The Best in the World' to overcome. Forgetting about torturing AJ at that point, Paige rolled her out of the ring while Wyatt ordered Harper and Rowan to 'finish off' Punk. After receiving that order, Harper and Rowan hoisted Punk off the canvas together and planted him back-first onto the pile of thumbtacks! Punk rolled over and let out his screams into the mat, cameras getting a closer look at the tacks that had drawn blood from his flesh. Officials finally arrived to the scene, forcing The Wyatt Family away from the ring so they could tend to both Punk and AJ. Wyatt, Paige, Harper and Rowan complied as they headed up the entrance ramp, gladly accepting the boos from the Madison Square Garden audience after leaving the Intercontinental and Women's Champions for dead.
A promo was shown for the WWE Cruiserweight Classic that was revealed back at NXT TakeOver: Forever. Elaborating on the details, the new promo confirmed the concept of the Cruiserweight Classic. A 32-man tournament featuring the best Cruiserweight athletes from around the globe. Representatives from the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Japan among many other countries will compete for the honor of being recognized as the first-ever Cruiserweight Classic winner. The tournament begins on Wednesday May 21st, exclusively on WWE Network.
Trying to move on from the horrific events that transpired moments ago between The Wyatt Family, CM Punk and AJ Lee, Bo Rotundo was determined to move on from his own tragedy, as he called it, when Randy Orton punted his 'best friend' Ryback in the skull last Monday on RAW. Bo made his entrance with Ryback's armband, which he kept needing to adjust since it was too large to fit him. "Why don't any of these people understand that Bo is going through a very difficult time in his life right now? Randy Orton ruined Christmas for this man by sending Ryback to the hospital. You heard what Bo said on SmackDown. Ryback couldn't even remember him!" Corey Graves complained, Mauro Ranallo stating that he'd like to forget who Bo is as well. "I think after this contest, Bo would rather have been a victim of the Target data breach instead of Randy Orton," he added. Orton's entrance music sounded as the Madison Square Garden popped heavily for his arrival. 'The Rival' walked down to the squared circle with the polar opposite opposite facial expression and body language of his opponent. At the sound of the bell, Bo shouted, "This one's for you, 'Big Guy!'" at the top of his lungs before attempting to give Orton a Meathook Clothesline. With the greatest of ease, Orton countered it into Scoop Powerslam. When Bo got to his feet, Orton attempted to deliver the RKO, but Bo was able to push him away. Another offensive attack from Bo was turned against him, Orton throwing him over his head and onto the canvas with a Back Body Drop. Orton slowly walked away from Bo, who was perched against a corner. Orton glanced back at Bo with a smirk on his face, just having fun with the match at that point. Bo charged towards Orton was able to hit him with a knee to the mid-section before firing away with shots to his upper-back. "Feed! Me! More!" Bo yelled out before running the ropes for his second attempt at the Meathook. Orton was able to counter it yet again, this time throwing Bo into the air and catching him on the way down with an RKO! The crowd came unglued as Orton stood to his feet and gave a thumbs up to the hard camera to mock Bo. Orton rolled Bo over and covered him for one of the easiest victories of his career.
RANDY ORTON DEFEATS BO ROTUNDO!
"I... I thought he'd at least put up a fight," were the only words Corey Graves could put together after witnessing Randy Orton run through Bo Rotundo with no struggle whatsoever. 'The Viper' stood on the second rope, looking back as Bo was assisted out of the ring by the official. After chuckling to himself, Orton did his signature pose for the Madison Square Garden audience, Mauro Ranallo stating that Orton must be looked at as one of the favorites to win the Royal Rumble match on January 26th in Pittsburgh. "Orton said he'd go on to become WWE Champion at WrestleMania, and it's hard to argue against him after the statement that he made against Bo Rotundo."
Turning the focus to the commentary table, Mauro Ranallo noted that while so much as unfolded here tonight at Concrete Jungle, the main event was still yet to come. "One of the biggest matches of 2013 in WWE closes out the year. Two men who had nothing to do with the WWE Championship picture this time last year battle it out for professional wrestling's richest prize. And if Derrick Bateman can pull it off, who knows what becomes of World Wrestling Entertainment?" A video package began airing with Twenty One Pilot's "Car Radio" playing over it. The video started off with Bateman's Money in the Bank victory at WrestleMania, a moment that should've catapulted him into superstardom on his way to the WWE Title. Instead, it was a curse as an injury forced Bateman to relinquish the briefcase. At Payback, AJ Styles would defeat Dean Ambrose in a Ladder match to claim the briefcase while Bateman was forced to sit back and watch. "'Cause somebody stole my car radio and now I just sit in silence." At Night of Champions, it was a victory from Styles against Randy Orton that allowed Bateman to regain his job with WWE, vowing to make Styles' life hell for, as he put it, ruining his. At Hell in a Cell, the two were involved in a chaotic Triple Threat match for the briefcase that Styles came out on top of. A few weeks later at Survivor Series, both superstars had career-altering nights. Bateman defeated Shane McMahon in a match that gave him fifty percent ownership of the company, while Styles cashed in the Money in the Bank briefcase to become the new WWE Champion. With his new-found power, Bateman declared that before the end of 2013, he would defeat Styles, finally getting both revenge and the WWE Title. During the screaming outro portion of the song, clips of Styles and Bateman's various brawls were shown before turning to quick career retrospective of Bateman. He's gone from NXT rookie, to the laughing stock of WWE, to being the most powerful man on the roster. The one accolade that has alluded him could very well become his here tonight. Derrick Bateman as the WWE Champion could become a reality shortly, and if he were to get his hands on the gold, no one would be able to stop him.
"Hey. A casual affair that could go anywhere, and only for tonight." At the sound of Derrick Bateman's entrance music, it felt as if the entire atmosphere of Madison Square Garden. For some members of the WWE Universe, it just hit them at that moment what was happening. The most hated superstar in all of WWE could end the night as the new champion. Bateman made his way out onto the stage, a blank expression on his face as he entered the biggest match of his career. "One year ago, if you told someone that Derrick Bateman would be in the main event of a Madison Square Garden event for the WWE Championship, they'd have laughed at you. He's had one of the most meteoric rises to the top that we've ever seen in professional wrestling. A former United States Champion. He won the Money in the Bank briefcase at WrestleMania. He was fired back in July, only to become the half-owner in November. Now... He has exactly what he's been clamoring for all year. A one-on-one opportunity at the WWE Championship." Bateman stood in the ring and stared at the fans in attendance who had been part of the reason it took him so long to get to the main event. A small portion of the crowd seemed to be in favor of a WWE Title reign for Bateman, but in mind, it was far too late for anyone to start appreciating him. "The WWE Universe has had more than enough time to get on the Derrick Bateman bandwagon. He made it to the main event in Madison Square Garden without anyone's support. He doesn't need it," Corey Graves stated. Bateman stood in the center of the ring and looked directly at the stage, awaiting the arrival of the man who was standing in between him and the WWE Title. AJ Styles' theme song hit as the Madison Square Garden crowd rejoiced for 'The Phenomenal One.' Styles stepped out onto the stage for his second defense of the WWE Championship that he captured with the same Money in the Bank briefcase that Bateman held earlier in the year. Once Styles was in the ring, he and Bateman came face-to-face in a confrontation that the official needed to get in the middle of. After the pre-match introductions, the official took the WWE Championship and raised it in the air, Bateman glancing at it for what he hoped to be the final time without the gold being in his own hands. When the bell sounded, Styles and Bateman resumed their confrontation prior to the match starting. Bateman took the first shot, hitting with Styles over the head with a forearm. Styles returned the favor with the exact same attack, the two holding each other's heads while striking at them. Bateman grabbed Styles' heads with both hands and knee'd him in the ribs twice, backing him against the ropes. Bateman went for a right-hand shot, but Styles dodged it and caught him with a backhand. Styles stepped out onto the ring apron and had the intention of delivering the Phenomenal Forearm already, but Bateman caught him with a Dropkick in mid-air. Bateman picked Styles up and was looking to be going for the One Percenter, but Styles hoisted him off of the mat with a Back Suplex into the turnbuckles. Styles hit Bateman with a few Clotheslines while he was backed into a corner, Styles trying to following up with a huge Splash. Bateman, however, was able to lift Styles' legs off of the mat, sending him over the top rope and onto the outside. Bateman slid out of the ring and tried go back after Styles, but was sent into the barricade before Styles Dropkicked him over it. The WWE Champion caught his breath for a moment before putting his focus back on Bateman, who took a microphone and leveled Styles in the head with it! The official was ready to ring the bell and rule the contest a disqualification before Bateman stopped him. "I own half this damn company and I'm telling everybody right now that this match is No Disqualifications." Bateman put the microphone down in exchange for a steel chair, sizing Styles up with it. Bateman swung the chair, but failed to connect. Styles would then send the chair into Bateman's face with a Pele Kick, turning the tables of the new stipulation on Bateman. Styles took Bateman and rolled him back into the ring, taking the chair with him. Styles was ready to take full advantage of the No Disqualifications stipulation until Bateman hit him with a Spear to prevent a chair. Bateman took the chair for himself and hit Styles three times in the back with it before placing it flat on the canvas. Bateman attempted to drive Styles' head into it with the One Percenter, but 'The Phenomenal One' pushed him into the ropes. Styles charged into Bateman with a Clothesline that sent both Superstars over the top rope. Styles was the first to his feet, using the time to take apart the announce table. Styles brought Bateman onto the surface of it, placing him in position for the Styles Clash to the mass approval of the crowd. Bateman, however, dropped to his knees and delivered a low blow to Styles, following up with a One Percenter onto the surface of the table! "If Bateman can get Styles back into the ring, he's the new WWE Champion!" Graves called as Bateman tried as quickly as he could to get the pin in the ring. Bateman rolled Styles into the squared circle and covered him for only a two count. Bateman picked the steel chair up yet again and waited patiently for Styles to get to his feet, wanting nothing more than to strike him in the skull with it. Bateman raised the chair up, but Styles delivered a drop toe hold that caused Bateman to crash onto the floor. Styles placed Bateman in the Calf Killer, pulling his foot back as far back as he could to force him to submit. Bateman had his hand placed above the canvas, looking as if he was going to submit at any second. That turned out to not be the case, however, as Bateman managed to grab the bottom rope. Styles released the hold and brought Bateman up to his feet, trying for the Bloody Sunday. Bateman countered it by ramming Styles into a corner, but inadvertrently took out the official in the process. Styles hit Bateman with a knee to the face before returning to the apron for his second attempt at the Phenomenal Forearm. Bateman evaded the strike yet again, kicking Styles in the leg before planting him with the One Percenter! Bateman covered Styles, but there wasn't an official in sight to make the count. A new referee would soon run down to the ring and count the pin, only for Styles to kick out just before three! The audience popped as Bateman stared at the official who signaled to him that it was only a two count. "Bullshit!" Bateman screamed in the official's face before grabbing and throwing him out of the ring. Bateman took the steel chair from earlier and slammed it onto the mat, waiting for Styles to get up. When the WWE Champion finally did so, Bateman struck him right between the eyes with it! Even the fans in attendance gasped at how loud the chair shot was, Bateman covering Styles with still no official present. A third one would arrive on the scene, but yet again, Styles was able to get a shoulder up! Bateman responded by picking up the chair and attacking the official with it, the half-owner of WWE snapping in the middle of Madison Square Garden. The original referee began to crawl back in the ring, Bateman realizing that continuing to lose his composure would cost him the match. Bateman picked Styles' body up, deciding to finish him off with his own signature maneuver, the Styles Clash. When Bateman lifted Styles' feet off the mat, Styles countered it into a DDT! The WWE Champion quickly returned to the ring apron, proving that the third time is the charm when he finally delivered the Phenomenal Forearm! Styles would then cover Bateman, but was not able to get the victory! Styles went for the Styles Clash after that, but Bateman hoisted him onto his shoulders for the TKO. Styles countered it into a reverse Blood Sunday, grabbing Bateman and delivering the Styles Clash! Styles rolled Bateman over into a pinning predicament, the official finally making a definitive three count.
AJ STYLES IS STILL THE WWE CHAMPION!
The celebration in Madison Square Garden began as soon as the closing bell rang, the WWE Universe thrilled that the 'Uncrowned Champion' would remained uncrowned as AJ Styles put him away to hold onto the WWE Championship. Styles was handed back his title as he raised it into the air, giving thanks to the audience for the first time in his WWE tenure. Exiting the ring, Styles placed the WWE Title on his shoulder as he made his way up the entrance ramp, closing out 2013 by thwarting Bateman's plans. At the conclusion of Concrete Jungle, 'The Phenomenal One' still reigns supreme as 'The Phenomenal Champion' of WWE!
After AJ Styles was had left the scene, Derrick Bateman began to come to and realize that he failed to deliver on his promise to finish off 2013 as the WWE Champion. By that point, Kaitlyn had made her way down the ramp to join Bateman in the ring, trying to help the half-owner keep his composure unlike during the actual contest. The fans in Madison Square Garden showered Bateman with boos, all of them satisfied that he would not be leaving as the WWE Champion. When Bateman rose to his feet, a familiar theme sounded that just about blew the roof off of Madison Square Garden. The entrance music of one 'Beast Incarnate,' Brock Lesnar. Bateman and Kaitlyn had little time to react as Lesnar hit the ring through the audience, wrapping his arms around Bateman's waist and planting him with a German Suplex!" Brock Lesnar taking the man who denied him a WWE Championship rematch to Suplex City!" Mauro Ranallo shouted into his headset while Lesnar delivered repeated strikes to the back of Bateman's head. Baron Corbin hit the ring to intervene, kicking Lesnar out of the ring and gaining the upper-hand for one second. Lesnar was able to dodge a strike from Corbin, hitting him with a German Suplex onto the floor! Lesnar slid back into the ring and went back on the attack on Bateman, pummeling him in a corner when Kaitlyn decided to jump onto his back and attempt to choke him out. Lesnar easily got Kaitlyn off of him, turning her around and giving her a German Suplex as well! Kaitlyn was literally thrown across the ring, landing on the back of her head. "If Kaitlyn wasn't injured before, she absolutely is now!" Corey Graves stated before Lesnar placed Bateman on his shoulders, delivering the F-5 to the half-owner! Lesnar stood tall over Bateman, Kaitlyn and Corbin after laying waste to them before 'The Conqueror' exited the ring. However, the chants of, "One more time!" from Madison Square Garden changed his mind as he returned to the ring and gave the WWE Universe what they requested: Another F-5 to Bateman! Lesnar removed his shirt and threw it to the side as he stood over Bateman, turning New York City into Suplex City to close out Concrete Jungle in Madison Square Garden
"And now, WWE Network presents... Concrete Jungle." Cutting to Madison Square Garden, the raucous crowd was shown fired up and ready for the final Pay-Per-View event of 2013 from WWE. Mauro Ranallo and Corey Graves welcomed all of the viewers on the WWE Network to Concrete Jungle, stating that the complexion of WWE heading into 2014 depends on tonight's main event. Derrick Bateman, the most despised man in all of professional wrestling, takes on AJ Styles for the WWE Championship. As seen hanging high above the ring, the steel cage was ready to contain whatever carnage AJ Lee and Paige will dish out for the WWE Women's Championship. A Dream Match takes place when Cody Rhodes goes up against one of WWE's newest signings, Bobby Roode. All of that and much, much more as WWE closes out the year in Madison Square Garden!
"AWWWWW NEW YORK CITY! DON'T YOU DARE BE SOUR! CLAP YOUR HANDS AND FEEL THE POWER!" The voiceover from Big E echoed throughout Madison Square Garden before the entrance music of The New Day hit. Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods stepped out onto the stage to a mixed reaction, some of the New York fans actually showing appreciation for the trio. Woods played his trombone to the sound of both, "New! Day rocks!" and "New! Day sucks!" chants from Madison Square Garden. Once New Day were in the ring, all three took microphones as Kingston addressed the small signs of support that they were receiving. "This isn't an equal relationship, guys. You like us, but we don't like you," he said while Big E threw in, "Nope. Not at all. Can't stand any of you." Woods turned the attention to himself, saying that tonight, his New Day brethren will display their dominance when they take a 2-1 lead over The Alpha Wolves in their Best of Seven Series. "And from there, all three of us and my beautiful baby, Francesca, are going to celebrate! But we're not celebrating New Year's Day this week. No, no, no. We're celebrating New Day's Year!" Woods shouted. Kofi then told Woods that he shouldn't brag about celebrating considering that they're in New York. "I mean, these people have nothing to celebrate. They had three chances to make the NFL Playoffs this year. Three. But New York is so booty, they screwed everything up! It's like how The Alpha Wolves have three more chances to beat us and win this series, but just like another Super Bowl ring for Eli Manning, that's not happening! It's all about my Patriots, baby!" Kofi exclaimed before Big E noted that he's a fan of the Bucs. Kofi and Woods gave Big E awkward glares, wondering what his comment had to do with anything. He then cleared the confusion. "Not the young ones. The ones from Tampa Bay." Kofi and Woods finally got it, allowing Big E to finish up their promo. "We lost sight a little bit on SmackDown, but 'Two First Names' aren't getting lucky again. We are going to take the rest of this series and become the new WWE Tag Team Champions because... New! Day rocks! New! Day rocks! New! Day rocks!" The trio's chant came to a halt when The Alpha Wolves' entrance music hit, the reigning Tag Team Champions heading down to the ring for the first time ever in Madison Square Garden. "New York City holds a special place in the hearts of The Alpha Wolves. It was in this city exactly three months ago when they became WWE Tag Team Champions at Unison. Now, they find themselves with the chance to take the lead in this Best of Seven Series against The New Day," Ranallo said on commentary while Eddie Edwards and Davey Richards handed the titles over to the official. The bell sounded as Richards and Kingston started things of. Richards tried to transition the collar-and-elbow tie up into a Kneebar, Kingston able to escape the hold and latch onto the ropes. Kingston got his elbow up when Richards charged towards him, fending off one-half of the WWE Tag Team Champions. He then caught Richards in the back of the head with a Clothesline, stomping on Richards repeatedly before going for the first cover of the match. Richards kicked out, Kingston bringing him into his corner before tagging in Big E. With Richards seated on the canvas against the turnbuckles, Big E stomped on Richards' chest before tagging Kingston back in, who did the same. This cycle repeated for a bit while Woods provided the soundtrack for the sequence with his trombone. Big E then whipped Kingston into Richards with a Dropkick, the "New! Day rocks!" melody emerging from Francesca. Richards managed to kick out yet again, further angering Big E. The muscle of The New Day placed Richards on the top turnbuckle, chopping him a few times before stepping onto the second rope. Big E had a Belly-to-Belly Suplex in mind, but Richards retaliated with several headbutts. He managed to knock Big E off, leaping towards him with a Flying Crossbody. Big E, however, managed to catch Richards in mid-air, hitting him with a Backbreaker over his knee. Richards crawled to the ropes and used them to get back to his feet, backing into a corner before seeing Big E run towards him like an oncoming train. Richards sidestepped Big E, causing the big man to crash into the turnbuckles before connecting with an Enziguri. Richards stepped onto the top rope and hit a Missile Dropkick, Eddie Edwards and Madison Square Garden begging for the hot tag. Big E made the tag to Kofi Kingston, who ran into the ring and grabbed Richards' foot right before he could tag his partner in. Kingston went for a Back Suplex, but Richards landed on his feet. He slid in between Kingston's legs and was finally able to make the tag to Edwards. The other half of The Alpha Wolves springboarded into action with a Clothesline to Kingston, taking him down with another before dodging a strike and planting him with a Saito Suplex. Edwards ascended to the top rope for an Elbow Drop, but Big E got a hold of him. Richards was able to intervene by delivering a Superkick. Big E was groggy on the apron, barely holding onto the top rope. Richards leaped over Big E and planted him onto the floor with a Sunset Flip! Edwards turned his focus back to the ring, but Kingston got to his feet and jumped onto the top rope. Kingston delivered a Frankensteiner, but Edwards somehow landed on his feet! Edwards turned around and charged into Kingston with a European Uppercut. Edwards leaped over the top rope and onto the apron, running towards Woods with a boot to his face! The Alpha Wolves regrouped in the ring and set Kingston up for a Brainbuster/Superkick combination, but Big E slid into the ring and got a hold of Richards. Big E hoisted him up with a Back Suplex that sent both of them over the top rope. Kingston was able to fight out of Edwards' Brainbuster and roll him up in a small package for a two count. Kingston rose to his feet first and tried to ram Edwards chest-first into the turnbuckles, but Edwards turned the table and planted Kingston with a German Suplex. Edwards held onto Kingston and delivered a second German Suplex before attempting to complete the trifecta. Big E would interrupt by wrapping his arms around Edwards' waist, giving him a Suplex that threw Kofi so high and far that he managed to land on his feet. The dazed Edwards stood up and took Trouble in Paradise right between the eyes, Kingston covering him for the victory.
THE NEW DAY DEFEAT THE ALPHA WOLVES ; LEAD THE SERIES 2-1!
The Madison Square Garden audience was split on the result as Kofi Kingston and Big E had their arms raised triumphantly, the duo managing to get their second victory over The Alpha Wolves in a six day time frame. Xavier Woods, who had been taken out with a kick during the contest, was back on his feet and proudly reciting the, "New! Day rocks!" melody on his trombone, Francesca. "New Day, two. Alpha Wolves, one. These superstars are just two more wins away from becoming the brand new WWE Tag Team Champions," Corey Graves stated while New Day danced on the stage in celebration.
For the first time since making his WWE main roster debut the night after Survivor Series, 'The Lone Wolf' Baron Corbin would be competing as just that: 'The Lone Wolf.' No Derrick Bateman. No Kaitlyn. Not a single person would be there to aid Corbin other than himself in his quest to become a two-time WWE Hardcore Champion. Corbin, who had the biggest match of his career in New York City at Unison three months ago, stepped into hostile territory once again in front of a crowd that was not at all thrilled to see him. "Corbin's never let negativity get to his head before and he's not going to start now," Corey Graves stated. After Corbin's entrance music silenced, it was clear that the audience was on the verge of erupting. "How you doin'!? How you doin'?!" The chants only became louder and louder until Enzo Amore's theme music hit to one of the biggest reactions of the evening. The Hardcore Champion rushed out to the stage, soaking in all of the energy . "My name is Enzo Amore and I am a certified G and a bonafide stud... And the WWE Hardcore Champion and you can't! Teach! That! And this right here, this is Big Cass! And he's seven foot tall and you can't! Teach! That! Bada boom! Realest guys in the room! How you doin'?!" Enzo shouted to the mass approval of the WWE Universe. "Jersey boy made it to the big time. Madison. Square. Freakin'. Garden. Drinking milk and doing push-ups everyday got me to this stage... And my competition is the guy who went into a tattoo parlor and when asked what he wanted, he said, 'You know those coloring books where the kids draw outside the lines?'" At that point, Corbin exited the ring and grabbed a steel chair before returning to the squared circle, ready to strike the moment Enzo stepped into the ring. "It's not all that bad, Sweet Boy Baron. 'Cause I'ma give you a belated Christmas gift when I smack you upside the head so hard, I push your hairline forward. The truth goes something like this. We ain't, go-ing nowhere..." Enzo said as the audience sang along, recognizing the tune. "... We ain't, going nowhere. We can't be stopped now 'cause Enzo Amore and Big Cass are bad boys for life!" Enzo handed the spotlight over to Cass, who finished off with their usual catchphrase. "And Baron Corbin, there's only ONE WORD to describe you and I'm gonna spell! It! Out for you... S! A! W! F! T!" Enzo stepped through the ropes and handed over the Hardcore Title to the official. As soon as the bell sounded, Corbin slid out of the ring with his chair and struck Cass in the mid-section with it, following up with a huge shot to his back. Enzo made his way out to the ring apron and launched himself onto Corbin, who caught Enzo and rammed his back into the steel ring post. Corbin picked Enzo up off the floor and threw him into the barricade before rolling him into the ring. Corbin looked underneath the ring and brought out a table. While he was attempting to place his into the ring, Enzo performed a Baseball Slide and sent the table into Corbin's chest. Enzo quickly checked on Cass, who was still writhing in pain on the floor. The defending champion then proceeded to grab the steel chair that was introduced earlier and leveled Corbin in the leg with it. Enzo hit Corbin with the chair two more times before throwing it at his head. Corbin fell to the ground, giving Enzo time to get back onto the apron and deliver an Elbow Drop, a nod to a New York wrestling legend, Mick Foley. Enzo got the cover on Corbin, but couldn't secure the victory then. Enzo proceeded to set the table up at ringside, placing Corbin on top of it before heading up to the top rope. Before Enzo could execute whatever it was that he had planned, Corbin got back on his feet and shoved Enzo off the top rope. Enzo crashed onto the canvas, Corbin sliding into the ring and delivering several closed fist strikes to the forehead. Corbin then hoisted Enzo over his head in a Gorilla Press position, throwing him out of the ring and through the table! Corbin headed back to ringside, but rather than going for the cover on Enzo, he rolled the Hardcore Champion into the squared circle to inflict more punishment. Corbin brought out a second table from underneath the ring, along with a trash can. Corbin set the trash can up between the top and middle turnbuckles, looking to drive Enzo's head into it. Enzo was stop himself in his own tracks before the collision. Corbin ran towards Enzo, only to be given a Drop Toe Hold into the trash can! The dazed Corbin staggered to his feet, giving Enzo enough time to pick up the trash can. He threw it to Corbin, who caught it and set himself up to have the can Dropkicked into his face. Enzo got the cover on Corbin, but challenger was able to get a shoulder up in time. Enzo, still feeling the effects of the table spot from earlier, decided to return the favor to Corbin by setting up the second table in the ring. Enzo picked Corbin up from the mat, which was a tall order in and of itself. He tried to rest Corbin onto the surface of the table before Corbin retaliated with shots to the head. Enzo backed against the ropes, inadvertently walking towards Corbin for a huge strike. Corbin headed out to ringside to grab the steel chair that came into play at the start of the match, looking to use it one more time to finish off Enzo. Corbin lifted the chair over his head, but before he could use it, Big Cass grabbed it and pulled it out of Corbin's hands. Cass threw the chair to the side while he and Corbin got into a heated argument. Enzo took advantage of the opening by leaping towrads Corbin with a Bulldog, bringing his throat down onto the top rope. Corbin fell back onto the table, Cass sliding into the ring and encouraging Enzo to head to the top rope. With an assistance from Cass, Enzo soared through the air with a Frog Splash onto Corbin through the table! Enzo covered Corbin, the official making the three count.
ENZO AMORE IS STILL THE HARDCORE CHAMPION!
The WWE Universe showed their appreciation for the result of the contest as Big Cass helped Enzo Amore up to his feet, the official handing the latter back his WWE Hardcore Championship. "Did I win?" Enzo asked his best friend despite the fact that he literally had the Hardcore Title in his hands. "All on your own, champ," Cass said before picking Enzo up onto his shoulders to celebrate. Enzo raised the Hardcore Title in the air while everyone in Madison Square Garden chanted, "How ya doin'?" as one. Enzo Amore's cinderella story won't be coming to an end here at Concrete Jungle as he managed to yet again overcome Baron Corbin to hold onto the WWE Hardcore Championship in New York City.
A promo was shown for the Royal Rumble Pay-Per-View event from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The 30-Superstar Royal Rumble match takes place with the stakes the highest they've ever been. A WWE Championship opportunity at the biggest show in professional wrestling history, WrestleMania XXX. Who will punch their ticket to the main event of WrestleMania? Royal Rumble, live Sunday January 26th on Pay-Per-View and WWE Network.
For the first time ever, the NXT brand would be represented in Madison Square Garden, taking the developmental program to heights that were once seen as unattainable. The challengers, Ricochet and Uhaa Nation, entered first for the biggest match of their careers, receiving perhaps the biggest ovation of their careers to match. Mauro Ranallo noted that it was in New York City back at Unison when Ricochet and Uhaa made their debuts by taking out Tyler Breeze when 'Prince Pretty' brought the potential of NXT's new wave of talent into question. "Needless to say, NXT has nothing to worry about with guys like Ricochet and Uhaa Nation leading the charge into the new year," Corey Graves stated, but would they be doing so as the NXT Tag Team Champions? Speaking the champions, Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian's entrance music sounded to a mixed reaction from Madison Square Garden. The Addiction, who were also making their first appearances in the Garden, headed down to the squared circle in a setting that they, and most of the world of wrestling, knew they'd someday get to. "It was never a matter of 'if,' but 'when' Daniels and Kazarian would be competing in Madison Square Garden. And it's poetic justice that they're doing as the NXT Tag Team Champions." Sporting X-Men themed attires, Daniels and Kazarian handed over the NXT Tag Team Championships before NXT's ring announcer, JoJo, gave the pre-match introductions. While the reaction was surprisingly closer to a split than anyone expected, it was clear that the majority of fans in Madison Square Garden were eager to see Ricochet and Uhaa capture their first championships in WWE here tonight. The bell sounded as Daniels and Ricochet started things off, 'The Ring General' putting his middle finger glove in Ricochet's face after teasing a collar-and-elbow tie up. Daniels laughed to himself before Ricochet delivered a Spinning Heel Kick, the sleazy member of The Addiction quickly getting back up to his feet. Ricochet took Daniels down with two Arm Drags before a Hurricanrana into a pinning predicament. Daniels kicked out at two, backing into his corner and tagging in Kazarian. Ricochet charged towards Daniels, who got his feet up in time to fend him off. Kazarian stepped through the ropes and leaped into Ricochet with a Clothesline, covering him for what was barely a two count. Kazarian applied a rest hold to Ricochet, Daniels turning around to taunt the fans who were rallying behind the challengers. Ricochet was able to get to his feet while Kazarian still had a grip around his neck, ramming one of the NXT Tag Team Champions into the other. Daniels was knocked off of the ring apron when Ricochet rolled Kazarian up for the near fall. Ricochet delivered a Dropkick to Kazarian that sent the latter into a corner. Ricochet quickly made the tag to Uhaa Nation, who drove all of his body weight into Kazarian with a corner Splash. Uhaa headed to the top rope, but before he could fly through the air, Daniels grabbed his foot. Ricochet intervened by diving through the ropes with a Suicide Dive onto Daniels, allowing Uhaa to proceed with a Shooting Star Press attempt. Kazarian, however, got his knees up in time, rolling Uhaa up for a count of two. Uhaa used the ropes to help him to his feet, holding his ribs before Kazarian planted him with a Zig Zag and Inverted DDT-style maneuver. Uhaa was able to kick out yet again, further infuriating Kazarian. As he was arguing with the official, Ricochet springboarded off of the top rope and connected with a Clothesline to Kazarian. Ricochet returned to his corner, asking Uhaa for the tag. Before Uhaa could get to his corner, Daniels pulled Ricochet off the apron, Ricochet's face smacking against the hardest part of the ring. Daniels slid into the ring as Kazarian brought Uhaa up to his feet, The Addiction hitting a Knee Strike and STO combination. Kazarian went for the victory yet again, but just like before, Uhaa was able to kick out. Kazarian tagged in Daniels, who placed Uhaa in a corner and connected with several jabs to the chin. Daniels brought the groggy Uhaa into the center of the ring, a vertical Suplex on his mind. Uhaa, however, was able to use his strength to prevent it. Uhaa hoisted Daniels into the air for a Suplex of his own, keeping 'The Fallen Angel' off of his feet for over ten seconds before finally dropping him onto the mat. Ricochet was back on the ring apron by that point, eager to get the tag in from Uhaa. Daniels grabbed Uhaa's leg, Uhaa attempting an Enziguri. Daniels dodged it the first time, but Uhaa's second attempt caught him square in the back of his head. Ricochet was finally tagged in, the aerial specialist taking Daniels down with multiple Clotheslines. After a Back Body Drop to Daniels, Ricochet delivered a standing Moonsault. Kazarian would break up the pin attempt, leading to Uhaa charging into the ring and taking him out with a huge shoulder tackle. Kazarian rolled out of the ring, leading to Uhaa springboarding off the second rope with a Moonsault onto him. Uhaa got back onto the apron, only for Daniels to slide into his ankles and cause him to fall face-first. Daniels was rolled up by Ricochet, the latter only getting a two count before 'The Fallen Angel' countered it into a roll up of his own. After kicking out, Ricochet went for a high kick that Daniels had scouted. Daniels kicked Ricochet in the mid-section and delivered the Angel's Wings, covering him for what was somehow only a two count. Daniels brought Ricochet closer to a corner, looking to execute the Best Moonsault Ever. After Daniels's legs bounced off of the top rope, Uhaa ran up behind him and caught Daniels on his shoulder. Uhaa planted Daniels with a Spin-out Powerbomb before assisting Ricochet up to his feet. With all of Madison Square Garden firmly behind him, Ricochet ascended to the top rope and connected with the 630 Senton! Ricochet got the cover on Daniels, the three count being made to crown brand new NXT Tag Team Champions.
RICOCHET AND UHAA NATION ARE THE NEW NXT TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!
"The winners of this match... And NEW NXT Tag Team Champions, Ricochet and Uhaa Nation!" The official announcement from JoJo was accompanied by raw emotion from Ricochet and Uhaa Nation as they were handed the NXT Tag Team Titles, the duo raising them high for all of Madison Square Garden to see. "Three months ago to the day in New York, Ricochet and Uhaa Nation made their debuts in the Manhattan Center. And in Madison Square Garden, they rise to the top of NXT as the new Tag Team Champion!" exclaimed Mauro Ranallo. Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian regrouped on the stage, heading up the entrance ramp with their heads kept down. Back in the ring, the celebration continued for Ricochet and Uhaa, who will be heading into 2014 as the new NXT Tag Team Champions!
In the audience, another NXT superstar was shown watching history be made. 'Prince Pretty' Tyler Breeze, the man that provoked Ricochet and Uhaa Nation in their debuts at Unison, had the camera placed on him. Despite his differences with the new Tag Team Champions, Breeze applauded their performance, along with the fact that NXT had just had a match take place in Madison Square Garden. Corey Graves noted that in six days, Breeze, too, will wave the NXT banner in uncharted territory. At New Japan Pro Wrestling's biggest event on January 4th, Wrestle Kingdom 8, Breeze meets Kota Ibushi for the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship. "NXT is becoming the hottest thing in all of professional wrestling. From Madison Square Garden to the Tokyo Dome, NXT and all of its superstars are making the world of wrestling extremely proud right now," stated Corey Graves.
The night of Madison Square Garden debuts continued as two of WWE's rising stars in the women's division were set to compete with a shot at either AJ Lee or Paige's WWE Women's Championship at stake. The entrance music of Alexa Bliss sounded to a negative response from the New York City fans who strongly believed that Bliss was undeserving of her new-found success thanks to the head of the division, Kaitlyn. Bliss stepped out onto the stage in full Freddy Krueger-inspired gear. Red and green ring attire, claws attached to her skeleton hand bracelet, a brown hat and half of her face painted to appear burnt. Bliss marched down to the ring with her eyes solely on the squared circle and not the fans on either her left or right side vocalizing their issues with her. When Mauro Ranallo asked Corey Graves if he believed that all of the criticism for Bliss' position was warranted, 'The Savior of Misbehavior' answered with, "Who are these people to tell Alexa Bliss what she does and doesn't deserve? It doesn't matter how you make it in this industry. If you get to the top, you deserve it. The ends justify the means and Alexa is standing in the center of the ring in Madison Square Garden. She got here and she deserves it." Bliss took a seat on the bottom rope, facing the entrance stage that would soon be decorated with Sofia Cortez' titantron graphics. The audience came alive for Sofia, the finals Divas Champion in history quickly walking down to the ring. After stepping through the ropes, Sofia ripped her bandanna off of her face and approached Bliss, the official stepping in between the two. The commentators noted the very clear bruising on the nose of Sofia, courtesy of Bliss and chair shot at the Slammy Awards two weeks ago. The bell sounded as Sofia charged into Bliss, ramming her into a corner. Bliss tried fighting back with shots to Sofia's back, but Sofia was unfazed. She delivered three heavy strikes to the side of Bliss' face, Bliss responding by rolling out of the ring. While Bliss tried to catch her breath, Sofia grabbed her by her hair and shorts. "Welcome to the division, bitch!" Sofia shouted in Bliss' face before throwing her into the barricade! Bliss' body bounced off of it with authority before Sofia rolled her back into the ring, gaining a two count. Sofia gave Bliss a few more strikes before Bliss was able to save herself by grabbing Sofia's hand, unclenching her fist and bending her fingers back. Sofia held her hand in excruciating pain, allowing Bliss to get back to her feet and run towards Sofia with a knee to the ribs. Sofia fell to the canvas and backed against the bottom turnbuckle, Bliss stomping on her repeatedly before the official intervened. Bliss brushed off the official's remarks about illegal maneuvers before grabbing Sofia by her face, telling her that she's the next Women's Champion. Bliss springboarded her feet off of the bottom rope, driving her knees into Sofia's clavicles. Bliss got her first cover of the match, only good for a two count. Bliss rolled Sofia over onto her back, gripping her hands around her chin and pulling back on her head. Bliss released the hold soon and added insult to injury by dropping both knees onto Sofia's mid-section, rolling onto her feet before a handspring Moonsault. Sofia kicked out yet again, which only further frustrated Bliss. She gave a deathly-glare at the official before picking Sofia up, only to be pushed away. That shove allowed Sofia to catch Bliss by surprise with a Roundhouse Kick, covering her for the near fall. Bliss rolled out of the ring, once again trying to deprive Sofia of any opportunity she had to attack her. When Sofia exited the ring, Bliss rammed her lower-back into the apron. Returning the favor for earlier, Bliss threw Sofia into the barricade before heading back into the ring. Willing to take a count-out victory, Bliss waited anxiously in the ring as the official began his count. Sofia began to motion towards the ring at around six, Bliss urging the official to count faster. Sofia made it back into the ring in time, but as soon as she did, Bliss stomped her head into the canvas repeatedly. Looking to finish the match and become the new number one contender, Bliss headed to the top rope for Twisted Bliss. However, Sofia rose to her feet and threw herself against the ropes, causing Bliss to fall hard onto the canvas. Bliss hit the back of her head on the mat, holding it while stirring to her feet. Sofia springboarded off the second rope and delivered her Tornado DDT, La Sicaria! Sofia crawled towards Bliss, getting the cover. Before the official could make the three count, Kaitlyn rushed down to ringside and pulled him out of the ring! The audience immediately showered Kaitlyn with boos as the official shouted at her, ordering her to leave the vicinity. Sofia locked eyes with Kaitlyn, Graves noting the similarities between what just happened and Sofia's debut at Payback that led to Kaitlyn becoming Divas Champion. Sofia exited the ring and made chase for Kaitlyn, who ran to the backstage area. "Kaitlyn is said to be injured, but you could've fooled me!" Ranallo said. Sofia had to make a decision at that point. Continue to go after Kaitlyn and be counted out, or let her off the hook for now and focus on Bliss. Sofia went the latter route, hurrying back into the ring. When she did so, Bliss got a hold of her in a full nelson position, spiking Sofia onto the back of her head with Alexaonfire! From there, Bliss headed back to the top rope, descending with Twisted Bliss! She covered Sofia as the official made the count, solidifying her status as the number one contender.
ALEXA BLISS DEFEATS SOFIA CORTEZ!
A hostile reaction emerged from the fans in Madison Square Garden as Alexa Bliss slowly rose to her feet, her arm being raised in victory while a graphic appeared at the bottom of the screen to officially name her the new number one contender. Bliss looked over the top rope and into the hard camera, grinning in a sinister fashion as she knows that was now one step closer to throwing the WWE Universe's criticisms back into their faces. "Give the assist to Kaitlyn because without her, Sofia Cortez would be on her way to another Women's Title match soon," Mauro Ranallo stated before Corey Graves lashed out at him, believing that Bliss is what is best for the women's division right now. In the middle of Madison Square Garden, Alexa Bliss has overcome Sofia Cortez and is now only one match away from shocking the world and becoming the WWE Women's Champion.
Backstage, Renee Young was standing by with the brand new NXT Tag Team Champions, Ricochet and Uhaa Nation. The new champions stepped into the picture with the titles over their shoulders and smiles on their faces. Renee congratulated the duo before asking them what it means to have picked up possibly the biggest victory in NXT history in Madison Square Garden. "This is a dream come true for both of us. We made everyone who has ever believed in us proud and we hope that we made NXT and the NXT Universe proud as well," Uhaa said before Ricochet noted that exactly three months ago in New York City, they made their debuts at Unison. "The fact that we made it to this point in just three months... It's all been worth it. Everything. Every struggle we had to endure just to make names for ourselves on the independents. All the miles traveled. All the injuries... It's worth it," said the emotional Ricochet before the duo was interrupted by The New Day. Pretending to cry, Big E blew his nose into a towel that he placed on Uhaa's shoulder. Uhaa threw the towel away before asking New Day what their problem was. "Our problem is that we just put away Teen Wolf for the second time in one week and all anybody cares about is you two becoming NXT Tag Team Champions!" Kofi Kingston shouted before Xavier Woods went on his own rant. "Why should we care about NXT when we're only two matches away from becoming the W! W! E! World! Tag! Team! Champions!?" Woods said in an exaggerated tone while all three New Day members swiveled their hips. "Here's the difference between us, though, We're Tag Team Champions. You three still haven't won anything," Uhaa said before Ricochet decided to hit Kofi where it hurt. "Hey, Kofi. Remind me again. What was your Manifest Destiny record," he asked. "You know that's a cheap shot!" Kofi said while Big E added, "Not fair! Not fair!" Woods was able to restore order by his playing a single note in his trombone, telling Ricochet and Uhaa Nation that since they're new to the company, they needed to show more respect to The New Day. "Right now, you guys have the NXT Tag Titles. Soon, we'll have the WWE Tag Titles. Maybe... Just maybe... Fate will one day allow us to see who really is the better team."
When the lights in Madison Square Garden shut and the opening notes to Bobby Roode's theme music sounded, every fan in attendance came unglued as they were about to witness history being made. The first time ever that Bobby Roode would compete in a WWE ring. "GLORIOUS!" shouted the WWE Universe members in Madison Square Garden in unison with the song. They continued to sing the intro as Roode stood on a podium that was raised high in the air, his back turned to show off the "Glorious" embroidery on his robe. Roode's turn to the audience lined up perfectly with the wall of music in his theme song, the podium lowering to the ground while fans continued to sing as loudly as they could. "There's a reason why this feel like a rock concert right now, Mauro. Bobby Roode is very much a rock star in our world. This guy has been everywhere you could imagine, but for the firs time ever, we're getting to witness Roode in all his glorious presence in a WWE ring in Madison Square Garden," Corey Graves stated, singing the praises of one of Derrick Bteman's newest signings. Roode stood in the ring and removed his robe, waiting for the arrival of the 2013 Superstar of the Year. Cody Rhodes' theme song hit to virtually the same reaction that Roode received. The fans in Madison Square Garden showed their undying support for 'The Prince of Pro Wrestling,' who donned tights rather than trunks for the first time. Ready to show that Roode was not superior to him, Rhodes stepped into the ring and stood across from his adversary, the match set to begin. When the bell sounded, Rhodes and Roode circled the canvas for a bit, the fans soaking in the fact that they were really about to witness two of professional wrestling's top talents compete for the first time ever in a Dream Match. "Let's go, Cody!" and "Glorious!" chants echoed throughout Madison Square Garden, both men stopping for a moment to observe the split reactions. Rhodes and Roode partook in a collar-and-elbow tie up, Roode able to push Cody away. Roode extended his arms out and looked up at the ceiling, yelling, "Glorious!" at the top of his lungs to a massive pop. Rhodes kicked Roode in the mid-section and fired away with right hand shots, some fans in the Garden surprisingly turning on him for that moment. Rhodes whipped Roode into the ropes, throwing a Dropkick that Roode wasn't even nearby for. When Rhodes got to his feet, Roode took him down with a Clothesline before stomping on his chest. Roode sat Rhodes up and ran the ropes, connecting with a kick to the back of his head. Roode brought Cody up to his feet for a Fisherman's Suplex, good enough for a two count. Roode placed Rhodes in a corner, hitting him with two knife edge chops before stepping onto the second rope. Roode connected with a few shots to head of Rhodes before the former WWE Champion turned the tables, placing Roode in position for a Powerbomb. Rhodes bounced the back of Roode off the top rope, planting him onto the canvas with a Sit-out Powerbomb. Roode was able to kick out at two, Rhodes waiting for him to stir. Rhodes attempted to deliver the Disaster Kick, but Roode caught him with a boot to the mid-sectoin. Roode hoisted Rhodes up to his shoulders for the Roode Bomb, but it was countered and 'The Glorious Superstar' almost found himself facing Cross Rhodes. Roode, however, fought out of Rhodes' grasp and slid out to ringside. Finding himself in peril for the first time, Roode kicked the steel steps out of anger while Rhodes mocked his "Glorious!" gesture inside the ring. Roode stepped back through the ropes, heading to strike Rhodes. 'The Prince of Pro Wrestling' was able to block Roode's shot, retaliating with one of his own. After whipping Roode into a corner, Rhodes charged into him with a European Uppercut, transitioning that into a Snapmare. Roode ran the ropes and had the Penalty Kick in mind, but Roode was able to grab his foot before impact could be made. Roode pulled Rhodes down to the canvas and slingshotted him into the corner, Rhodes landing on the second rope. He kicked Roode away when the latter charged towards him. With Roode dazed, Rhodes springboarded off the top rope and connected with a back elbow to the head of Roode. Rhodes got the cover, but Roode managed to stay alive. Rhodes moved Roode closer to a corner before he began ascending to the top rope. Without even looking back, Rhodes leaped through the air with a Moonsault that Roode evaded. Rhodes landed on his feet, turning around tp see Roode running at him. Rhodes dodged Roode's attack and placed him in position for Cross Rhodes, successfully connecting with it! Rhode got the cover, but miraculously, or rather 'gloriously,' Roode kicked out! Everyone in Madison Square Garden was stunned, but none more than Rhodes, who at that point understood that Roode wouldn't be put away with any ease. Picking Roode up from the canvas, Rhodes hoisted him up for the Alabama Slam. Roode was able to slide off and roll Rhodes onto his knees, placing him onto shoulders for the Roode Bomb! Roode planted Rhodes with it, covering him for what was another shocking kick out! Roode instantly rode to his knees, staring at Rhodes with his eyes wide open before turning the official. "No! That was three! Dammit, that was three!" Roode shouted at the referee while stomping his feet onto the canvas, fans elated with the action they were witnessing. When Roode attempted to go back on the attack, Rhodes rolled him into a small package for another near fall. Both men got back onto their feet, trading blows in a battle that Rhodes was able to get the upper-hand. Rhodes followed up with the Disaster Kick, nearly taking Roode's head off before looking for a second Cross Rhodes. Roode, however, countered it into a roll-up. Roode placed his feet on the second rope for extra leverage, managing to steal the victory in his WWE debut.
BOBBY ROODE DEFEATS CODY RHODES!
"He did it! Praise the glorious heavens, Bobby Roode is victorious!" Corey Graves yelled out with excitement as Roode quickly rolled out of the ring following his unlawful win. Cody Rhodes rose to his feet and stared at Roode from a distance, fuming since he knew that Roode took the low road to defeat him. Mauro Ranallo made sure to point out Roode's heinous tactics to victory, Graves brushing them off and saying that a win is a win no matter how you do it. Roode stood on the stage and raised his arms in the air, letting out, "Glorious!" one more in Madison Square Garden. While Roode's underhanded tactics were responsible, the history books will forever show that at Concrete Jungle in New York City, Roode made his WWE debut by defeating a former WWE Champion and the 2013 Superstar of the Year.
Back in Madison Square Garden, the Steel Cage hanging above the ring began lowering to ground level, ominous music playing while lights shone from the steel. "The rematch of the Match of the Year takes place here tonight with the circumstances somehow darker than they were before. In a war for the WWE Women's Championship, the face of the division battles the demonic entity inside of a Steel Cage." Cutting a video package featuring New Years Day's "Angel Eyes," fans were taken back to TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs two weeks ago, where AJ Lee became the first WWE Women's Champion of the new era. Immediately her victory, Paige made her return as a member of The Wyatt Family. The once beloved 'Anti-Diva' donned a new look consisting of black eyeballs and blood-red tears, confirming her transition to the dark side of WWE. "Don't you try to hide with those angel eyes." The very next night, AJ and Paige's Last Diva Standing match was awarded the Slammy for Match of the Year, but AJ made it clear that the story between her and Paige was far from over. With another contest at Concrete Jungle set, AJ has done what she can do resurrect the fighting spirit from Paige that she knows lies deep down inside the 'Anti-Diva.' In a fitting conclusion to 2013 for the women's division, AJ and Paige renew their rivalry with fifteen feet of steel surrounding them. "Such a deep disguise, watch out the devil's inside."
Immediately after the video package, the first shot on the live broadcast was not of the Steel Cage, nor was it either of the competitors. Instead, cameras showed Alexa Bliss watching a television monitor in the backstage area. Neither AJ Lee or Paige are even thinking about Bliss, but WWE's newest female superstar has her eyes locked on this contest because at some point in the near future, she'll be in the ring against one of them for the WWE Women's Title.
Interrupting the feed was the signature of The Wyatt Family, the audience giving a mixed reaction that leaned more on the favorable side. When the lights came back on, Paige was shown standing at the top of the Steel Cage, the fans in Madison Square Garden erupting for her. Paige scaled down the cage wall and into the ring, her dark eyes standing out more than anything else, even with steel surrounding her. "These people still love Paige like they always have, but there's no heart in her body anymore. Her allegiance isn't with the WWE Universe any longer. It's with The Wyatt Family now," Corey Graves stated while Paige stood against the steel. Seconds later, AJ Lee's entrance music sounded to a thunderous ovation for the New Jersey native. The defending WWE Women's Champion stepped out onto the stage, set to compete in Madison Square Garden for the first time in her career. "AJ was in this building at WrestleMania XX and almost exactly ten years later, she's in the co-main event as the Women's Champion." AJ skipped down to the ring and even around the Steel Cage for a bit, only doing so to annoy Paige. When AJ was finally inside the Cage, she handed over the Women's Title to the official before Justin Roberts conducted the pre-match introductions. Much like Cody Rhodes and Bobby Roode's encounter, the WWE Universe could not unanimously decide which superstar to support. When the bell sounded and the door was closed Paige charged directly towards AJ, who seemed to have been expecting the attack since she side-stepped Paige and set her directly into the cage! AJ jumped over Paige's back, landing with her feet on the top rope and her hands latched onto the cage. Instead of trying to climb over, AJ soared through the air with a Missile Dropkick to Paige, getting back to her feet with the intention of hitting the Shining Wizard. Paige fended AJ off with a forearm strike to the jaw, grabbing the champion's hair and using it to throw her back-first into the cage. Paige followed up by taking a portion of AJ's hair, putting it through two of the openings in the cage and pulling on it with her left foot resting on the bottom rope. The official wasn't allowed to do much because of the relaxed rules in a Steel Cage match, Paige soon releasing AJ on her own. Paige picked AJ up and delivered a headbutt before picking her up for a Spinebuster. Paige covered AJ, but the Women's Champion was able to stay in the fight. Paige brought AJ back up and began unloading with knee strikes, the champion dazed while Paige glanced over at the door. She approached it as the official on the outside opened it, assuming that Paige was going to walk out and win the match. Instead, Paige brought AJ over to the door and placed her head against the opening of it. Paige grabbed the door and shut it, AJ narrowly able to escape having her head crushed. When Paige tried to go back on the attack, AJ hit her with a backhand slap, rolling Paige up for a two count. Paige rolled back onto her knees, setting herself up for the Shining Wizard that AJ failed to deliver earlier. AJ got the cover again, but Paige still managed to kick out at two. Deciding to use the cage to her advantage and return the favor to Paige, AJ placed 'The Anti-Diva' against the wall and repeatedly Dropkicked her into it. AJ would then bring Paige into the center of the ring, going for the Twist of Fate that Paige was able to push AJ out of. AJ turned around and saw a Superkick from Paige coming, grabbing her foot in time before spinning her around. AJ wrapped her arms around Paige's waist and rammed her into the cage wall, rolling her up for a two count. AJ brought Paige back up and whipped her off the ropes, failing to connect with a high kick. AJ looked over her shoulder and Paige caught her right on the jaw with a Bicycle Knee! AJ was knocked out as Paige struggled to get the cover, eventually doing to so what was the closest near fall of the match. Paige set AJ up on the top turnbuckle, climbing up to the second rope while striking AJ repeatedly to ensure that she was still unresponsive. Paige placed AJ in position for the RamPaige, attempting to deliver it off the top rope. AJ, however, was able to prevent that from occurring as she hit Paige with numerous body shots before resorting to elbow strikes to the side of the head.AJ took Paige by the neck and delivered a Swinging Neckbreaker from the top rope, both superstars down and out for a moment. AJ was the first of the two to get back to her feet, the Women's Champion beginning to scale the cage. AJ would soon reach the top and could have gotten the victory there if she had chosen to, but that's not what was on her mind. Paige began to stir when AJ looked back down at her from the top of the Steel Cage, maintaining her balance while the commentators questioned her intentions. Seconds later, AJ jumped from the top of the cage with a Moonsault! The Women's Champion took Paige out, the Madison Square Garden audience going berserk for the death-defying, high-risk nature of AJ. The replay of the Moonsault aired twice, one in slow-motion to highlight the risk that AJ just took. In the ring, AJ began to crawl to the cage door, the official on the outside opening it for her. Paige, however, somehow found a second wind and was able to grab AJ's foot, preventing her from escaping and retaining her title. While Paige was responsive, it was clear that Moonsault moments ago had done a great deal of damage since she couldn't properly get to her feet. AJ grabbed onto the top rope and puled her foot towards the wall, causing Paige to crash into it. The dazed Paige turned around and walked into a Twist of Fate, AJ following up by crawling through the cage door to see yet another day as the WWE Women's Champion.
AJ LEE IS STILL THE WWE WOMEN'S CHAMPION!
While one could never count AJ Lee out, there was still a sense of shock in Madison Square Garden when she was announced as the victor and still WWE Women's Champion. The official handed AJ back the title and raised her arm, keeping her on her feet since she was clearly unable to do so herself. The Steel Cage behind AJ started to rise from the ground when the signature of The Wyatt Family sounded, the champion realizing then that she wouldn't be able to leave New York City unscathed. The lights came back on to reveal Bray Wyatt holding AJ by her throat, Luke Harper and Erick Rowan standing by his side. After the cage was off the ground, Wyatt rolled AJ into the ring as he, Harper and Rowan surrounded her to ensure that she wouldn't be able to escape like she had just done in the Steel Cage match. At ringside, Paige was shown looking underneath the ring, bringing out the small black bag that was seen in her Last Diva Standing encounter with AJ. Paige slid back into the squared circle and hit AJ with another Bicycle Knee before opening the bag. Paige would then pour thumbtacks onto the canvas, things looking to be heading as far south as possible for AJ. While Paige was picking AJ up from the canvas, the entrance music of CM Punk hit to one of the loudest ovations of the night. Punk, who defends the Intercontinental Championship against Wyatt at the Royal Rumble in four weeks, ran down to the ring for the first time since the Slammys to make the save for AJ. Punk first caught Harper with a strike before doing the same to Rowan, trying to clear his path to Wyatt and Paige. He was able to get two shots in on his Royal Rumble opponent before Harper and Rowan attacked him from behind, the numbers game too much for 'The Best in the World' to overcome. Forgetting about torturing AJ at that point, Paige rolled her out of the ring while Wyatt ordered Harper and Rowan to 'finish off' Punk. After receiving that order, Harper and Rowan hoisted Punk off the canvas together and planted him back-first onto the pile of thumbtacks! Punk rolled over and let out his screams into the mat, cameras getting a closer look at the tacks that had drawn blood from his flesh. Officials finally arrived to the scene, forcing The Wyatt Family away from the ring so they could tend to both Punk and AJ. Wyatt, Paige, Harper and Rowan complied as they headed up the entrance ramp, gladly accepting the boos from the Madison Square Garden audience after leaving the Intercontinental and Women's Champions for dead.
A promo was shown for the WWE Cruiserweight Classic that was revealed back at NXT TakeOver: Forever. Elaborating on the details, the new promo confirmed the concept of the Cruiserweight Classic. A 32-man tournament featuring the best Cruiserweight athletes from around the globe. Representatives from the United States, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Japan among many other countries will compete for the honor of being recognized as the first-ever Cruiserweight Classic winner. The tournament begins on Wednesday May 21st, exclusively on WWE Network.
Trying to move on from the horrific events that transpired moments ago between The Wyatt Family, CM Punk and AJ Lee, Bo Rotundo was determined to move on from his own tragedy, as he called it, when Randy Orton punted his 'best friend' Ryback in the skull last Monday on RAW. Bo made his entrance with Ryback's armband, which he kept needing to adjust since it was too large to fit him. "Why don't any of these people understand that Bo is going through a very difficult time in his life right now? Randy Orton ruined Christmas for this man by sending Ryback to the hospital. You heard what Bo said on SmackDown. Ryback couldn't even remember him!" Corey Graves complained, Mauro Ranallo stating that he'd like to forget who Bo is as well. "I think after this contest, Bo would rather have been a victim of the Target data breach instead of Randy Orton," he added. Orton's entrance music sounded as the Madison Square Garden popped heavily for his arrival. 'The Rival' walked down to the squared circle with the polar opposite opposite facial expression and body language of his opponent. At the sound of the bell, Bo shouted, "This one's for you, 'Big Guy!'" at the top of his lungs before attempting to give Orton a Meathook Clothesline. With the greatest of ease, Orton countered it into Scoop Powerslam. When Bo got to his feet, Orton attempted to deliver the RKO, but Bo was able to push him away. Another offensive attack from Bo was turned against him, Orton throwing him over his head and onto the canvas with a Back Body Drop. Orton slowly walked away from Bo, who was perched against a corner. Orton glanced back at Bo with a smirk on his face, just having fun with the match at that point. Bo charged towards Orton was able to hit him with a knee to the mid-section before firing away with shots to his upper-back. "Feed! Me! More!" Bo yelled out before running the ropes for his second attempt at the Meathook. Orton was able to counter it yet again, this time throwing Bo into the air and catching him on the way down with an RKO! The crowd came unglued as Orton stood to his feet and gave a thumbs up to the hard camera to mock Bo. Orton rolled Bo over and covered him for one of the easiest victories of his career.
RANDY ORTON DEFEATS BO ROTUNDO!
"I... I thought he'd at least put up a fight," were the only words Corey Graves could put together after witnessing Randy Orton run through Bo Rotundo with no struggle whatsoever. 'The Viper' stood on the second rope, looking back as Bo was assisted out of the ring by the official. After chuckling to himself, Orton did his signature pose for the Madison Square Garden audience, Mauro Ranallo stating that Orton must be looked at as one of the favorites to win the Royal Rumble match on January 26th in Pittsburgh. "Orton said he'd go on to become WWE Champion at WrestleMania, and it's hard to argue against him after the statement that he made against Bo Rotundo."
Turning the focus to the commentary table, Mauro Ranallo noted that while so much as unfolded here tonight at Concrete Jungle, the main event was still yet to come. "One of the biggest matches of 2013 in WWE closes out the year. Two men who had nothing to do with the WWE Championship picture this time last year battle it out for professional wrestling's richest prize. And if Derrick Bateman can pull it off, who knows what becomes of World Wrestling Entertainment?" A video package began airing with Twenty One Pilot's "Car Radio" playing over it. The video started off with Bateman's Money in the Bank victory at WrestleMania, a moment that should've catapulted him into superstardom on his way to the WWE Title. Instead, it was a curse as an injury forced Bateman to relinquish the briefcase. At Payback, AJ Styles would defeat Dean Ambrose in a Ladder match to claim the briefcase while Bateman was forced to sit back and watch. "'Cause somebody stole my car radio and now I just sit in silence." At Night of Champions, it was a victory from Styles against Randy Orton that allowed Bateman to regain his job with WWE, vowing to make Styles' life hell for, as he put it, ruining his. At Hell in a Cell, the two were involved in a chaotic Triple Threat match for the briefcase that Styles came out on top of. A few weeks later at Survivor Series, both superstars had career-altering nights. Bateman defeated Shane McMahon in a match that gave him fifty percent ownership of the company, while Styles cashed in the Money in the Bank briefcase to become the new WWE Champion. With his new-found power, Bateman declared that before the end of 2013, he would defeat Styles, finally getting both revenge and the WWE Title. During the screaming outro portion of the song, clips of Styles and Bateman's various brawls were shown before turning to quick career retrospective of Bateman. He's gone from NXT rookie, to the laughing stock of WWE, to being the most powerful man on the roster. The one accolade that has alluded him could very well become his here tonight. Derrick Bateman as the WWE Champion could become a reality shortly, and if he were to get his hands on the gold, no one would be able to stop him.
"Hey. A casual affair that could go anywhere, and only for tonight." At the sound of Derrick Bateman's entrance music, it felt as if the entire atmosphere of Madison Square Garden. For some members of the WWE Universe, it just hit them at that moment what was happening. The most hated superstar in all of WWE could end the night as the new champion. Bateman made his way out onto the stage, a blank expression on his face as he entered the biggest match of his career. "One year ago, if you told someone that Derrick Bateman would be in the main event of a Madison Square Garden event for the WWE Championship, they'd have laughed at you. He's had one of the most meteoric rises to the top that we've ever seen in professional wrestling. A former United States Champion. He won the Money in the Bank briefcase at WrestleMania. He was fired back in July, only to become the half-owner in November. Now... He has exactly what he's been clamoring for all year. A one-on-one opportunity at the WWE Championship." Bateman stood in the ring and stared at the fans in attendance who had been part of the reason it took him so long to get to the main event. A small portion of the crowd seemed to be in favor of a WWE Title reign for Bateman, but in mind, it was far too late for anyone to start appreciating him. "The WWE Universe has had more than enough time to get on the Derrick Bateman bandwagon. He made it to the main event in Madison Square Garden without anyone's support. He doesn't need it," Corey Graves stated. Bateman stood in the center of the ring and looked directly at the stage, awaiting the arrival of the man who was standing in between him and the WWE Title. AJ Styles' theme song hit as the Madison Square Garden crowd rejoiced for 'The Phenomenal One.' Styles stepped out onto the stage for his second defense of the WWE Championship that he captured with the same Money in the Bank briefcase that Bateman held earlier in the year. Once Styles was in the ring, he and Bateman came face-to-face in a confrontation that the official needed to get in the middle of. After the pre-match introductions, the official took the WWE Championship and raised it in the air, Bateman glancing at it for what he hoped to be the final time without the gold being in his own hands. When the bell sounded, Styles and Bateman resumed their confrontation prior to the match starting. Bateman took the first shot, hitting with Styles over the head with a forearm. Styles returned the favor with the exact same attack, the two holding each other's heads while striking at them. Bateman grabbed Styles' heads with both hands and knee'd him in the ribs twice, backing him against the ropes. Bateman went for a right-hand shot, but Styles dodged it and caught him with a backhand. Styles stepped out onto the ring apron and had the intention of delivering the Phenomenal Forearm already, but Bateman caught him with a Dropkick in mid-air. Bateman picked Styles up and was looking to be going for the One Percenter, but Styles hoisted him off of the mat with a Back Suplex into the turnbuckles. Styles hit Bateman with a few Clotheslines while he was backed into a corner, Styles trying to following up with a huge Splash. Bateman, however, was able to lift Styles' legs off of the mat, sending him over the top rope and onto the outside. Bateman slid out of the ring and tried go back after Styles, but was sent into the barricade before Styles Dropkicked him over it. The WWE Champion caught his breath for a moment before putting his focus back on Bateman, who took a microphone and leveled Styles in the head with it! The official was ready to ring the bell and rule the contest a disqualification before Bateman stopped him. "I own half this damn company and I'm telling everybody right now that this match is No Disqualifications." Bateman put the microphone down in exchange for a steel chair, sizing Styles up with it. Bateman swung the chair, but failed to connect. Styles would then send the chair into Bateman's face with a Pele Kick, turning the tables of the new stipulation on Bateman. Styles took Bateman and rolled him back into the ring, taking the chair with him. Styles was ready to take full advantage of the No Disqualifications stipulation until Bateman hit him with a Spear to prevent a chair. Bateman took the chair for himself and hit Styles three times in the back with it before placing it flat on the canvas. Bateman attempted to drive Styles' head into it with the One Percenter, but 'The Phenomenal One' pushed him into the ropes. Styles charged into Bateman with a Clothesline that sent both Superstars over the top rope. Styles was the first to his feet, using the time to take apart the announce table. Styles brought Bateman onto the surface of it, placing him in position for the Styles Clash to the mass approval of the crowd. Bateman, however, dropped to his knees and delivered a low blow to Styles, following up with a One Percenter onto the surface of the table! "If Bateman can get Styles back into the ring, he's the new WWE Champion!" Graves called as Bateman tried as quickly as he could to get the pin in the ring. Bateman rolled Styles into the squared circle and covered him for only a two count. Bateman picked the steel chair up yet again and waited patiently for Styles to get to his feet, wanting nothing more than to strike him in the skull with it. Bateman raised the chair up, but Styles delivered a drop toe hold that caused Bateman to crash onto the floor. Styles placed Bateman in the Calf Killer, pulling his foot back as far back as he could to force him to submit. Bateman had his hand placed above the canvas, looking as if he was going to submit at any second. That turned out to not be the case, however, as Bateman managed to grab the bottom rope. Styles released the hold and brought Bateman up to his feet, trying for the Bloody Sunday. Bateman countered it by ramming Styles into a corner, but inadvertrently took out the official in the process. Styles hit Bateman with a knee to the face before returning to the apron for his second attempt at the Phenomenal Forearm. Bateman evaded the strike yet again, kicking Styles in the leg before planting him with the One Percenter! Bateman covered Styles, but there wasn't an official in sight to make the count. A new referee would soon run down to the ring and count the pin, only for Styles to kick out just before three! The audience popped as Bateman stared at the official who signaled to him that it was only a two count. "Bullshit!" Bateman screamed in the official's face before grabbing and throwing him out of the ring. Bateman took the steel chair from earlier and slammed it onto the mat, waiting for Styles to get up. When the WWE Champion finally did so, Bateman struck him right between the eyes with it! Even the fans in attendance gasped at how loud the chair shot was, Bateman covering Styles with still no official present. A third one would arrive on the scene, but yet again, Styles was able to get a shoulder up! Bateman responded by picking up the chair and attacking the official with it, the half-owner of WWE snapping in the middle of Madison Square Garden. The original referee began to crawl back in the ring, Bateman realizing that continuing to lose his composure would cost him the match. Bateman picked Styles' body up, deciding to finish him off with his own signature maneuver, the Styles Clash. When Bateman lifted Styles' feet off the mat, Styles countered it into a DDT! The WWE Champion quickly returned to the ring apron, proving that the third time is the charm when he finally delivered the Phenomenal Forearm! Styles would then cover Bateman, but was not able to get the victory! Styles went for the Styles Clash after that, but Bateman hoisted him onto his shoulders for the TKO. Styles countered it into a reverse Blood Sunday, grabbing Bateman and delivering the Styles Clash! Styles rolled Bateman over into a pinning predicament, the official finally making a definitive three count.
AJ STYLES IS STILL THE WWE CHAMPION!
The celebration in Madison Square Garden began as soon as the closing bell rang, the WWE Universe thrilled that the 'Uncrowned Champion' would remained uncrowned as AJ Styles put him away to hold onto the WWE Championship. Styles was handed back his title as he raised it into the air, giving thanks to the audience for the first time in his WWE tenure. Exiting the ring, Styles placed the WWE Title on his shoulder as he made his way up the entrance ramp, closing out 2013 by thwarting Bateman's plans. At the conclusion of Concrete Jungle, 'The Phenomenal One' still reigns supreme as 'The Phenomenal Champion' of WWE!
After AJ Styles was had left the scene, Derrick Bateman began to come to and realize that he failed to deliver on his promise to finish off 2013 as the WWE Champion. By that point, Kaitlyn had made her way down the ramp to join Bateman in the ring, trying to help the half-owner keep his composure unlike during the actual contest. The fans in Madison Square Garden showered Bateman with boos, all of them satisfied that he would not be leaving as the WWE Champion. When Bateman rose to his feet, a familiar theme sounded that just about blew the roof off of Madison Square Garden. The entrance music of one 'Beast Incarnate,' Brock Lesnar. Bateman and Kaitlyn had little time to react as Lesnar hit the ring through the audience, wrapping his arms around Bateman's waist and planting him with a German Suplex!" Brock Lesnar taking the man who denied him a WWE Championship rematch to Suplex City!" Mauro Ranallo shouted into his headset while Lesnar delivered repeated strikes to the back of Bateman's head. Baron Corbin hit the ring to intervene, kicking Lesnar out of the ring and gaining the upper-hand for one second. Lesnar was able to dodge a strike from Corbin, hitting him with a German Suplex onto the floor! Lesnar slid back into the ring and went back on the attack on Bateman, pummeling him in a corner when Kaitlyn decided to jump onto his back and attempt to choke him out. Lesnar easily got Kaitlyn off of him, turning her around and giving her a German Suplex as well! Kaitlyn was literally thrown across the ring, landing on the back of her head. "If Kaitlyn wasn't injured before, she absolutely is now!" Corey Graves stated before Lesnar placed Bateman on his shoulders, delivering the F-5 to the half-owner! Lesnar stood tall over Bateman, Kaitlyn and Corbin after laying waste to them before 'The Conqueror' exited the ring. However, the chants of, "One more time!" from Madison Square Garden changed his mind as he returned to the ring and gave the WWE Universe what they requested: Another F-5 to Bateman! Lesnar removed his shirt and threw it to the side as he stood over Bateman, turning New York City into Suplex City to close out Concrete Jungle in Madison Square Garden
