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Post by Planktung on Mar 30, 2019 12:24:46 GMT -5
September 4th, 2014 | Episode 021 | "Pray for Plagues"
SHANE MCMAHON ADDRESSES THE LOCKER ROOM BEFORE ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE: At the start of SmackDown Live, Shane spoke before the entire roster. Everyone but the WWE Champion Paige, SmackDown Women's Champion Becky Lynch, and Allie. Before talking about Paige and the incident with Peyton Royce, Shane announced that Kurt Angle will be stepping down as the SmackDown Live General Manager because of his inclusion in Manifest Destiny. Angle stepped onto the podium to deliver his final act as General Manager: At Unforgiven, John Cena will defend the Intercontinental Championship against Samoa Joe. Cena and Joe, who were on opposite ends of the front row, glanced at one another. Joe smirked before leaving the meeting, Cena doing the same since he had a match with Solomon Crowe tonight to prepare. Shane then asked for Peyton to meet him on the podium, a portion of the roster applauding her for what she did to Paige. Shane said that it wasn't an easy decision to remove the Triangle Ladder match from the main event slot at Unforgiven, but given that there was viral footage of Peyton and Paige acting out, it needed to happen. Peyton told Shane that she won't apologize for her actions against Paige because she believes the punch was warranted, but she will apologize to her wife, Billie Kay, for costing them a main event match on Pay-Per-View. Suddenly, TJ Perkins walked onto the podium, asking Peyton where his apology was. "You don't get it, Peyton. You and Billie have had a Pay-Per-View main event before. Punk, Sami and Cody have had plenty, but this was going to be my first! I was finally going to be the headliner of a major show and you took that away from me!" Shane and Angle tried stepping in between TJP and Peyton, asking for the Catch Point to return to the floor with the rest of the roster.
"... Stupid dyke," TJP muttered under his breath.
"What the hell did you just say?!" Peyton exclaimed as Shane and Angle continued to hold her back. While TJP wasn't looking, Billie blindsided him with a forearm strike! Billie continued to beat TJP until CM Punk stepped in, kicking Billie in her ribs. Peyton broke free from Shane and Angle, charging toward Punk. The brawl between The Iconic Duo and Catch Point escalated to the point where the rest of the roster had to help separate them. Only two superstars didn't step in, that being the SmackDown Tag Team Champions, Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn. The two stood with their arms folded, watching on as their four opponents at Unforgiven pulverized each other.
BECKY LYNCH IS INTERRUPTED BY SMACKDOWN LIVE'S GUEST OF THE EVENING: In the arena at the University of Nebraska, SmackDown Women's Champion Becky Lynch made her entrance just days after the news that she and Allie will headline Unforgiven in the match that Allie challenged her to last week, an Inferno match. Becky took a microphone and stated that while she's grateful to be in the main event of Unforgiven, Allie didn't exactly let her lay down her own terms for the Inferno match. "Allie, I'll be more than happy to ignite this ring at Unforgiven and fight you to what is practically the point of death, but there's one thing you said last week that's been bothering me since. You said that this isn't about the SmackDown Women's Championship anymore. No, Allie. This will always be about the SmackDown Women's Championship, and in the main event of a Pay-Per-View, you better believe that I want there to be no questions left as to which of us is the superior woman. Guess it's your lucky day, bunny girl, because even if you don't want this title on the line at Unforgiven, I do." Becky made it clear that no matter what Allie says, their Inferno match will be for the SmackDown Women's Championship. Just as Becky was about to leave the ring, she was interrupted by her opponent tonight: Monday Night RAW's Universal Champion, AJ Styles. Styles, who is appearing here tonight as part of the deal that got Paige on RAW this week, walked into the ring and told Becky that she should be thanking only one person for her sudden stroke of luck that's placed her into the main event of Unforgiven. "God doesn't make mistakes, Becky. He wanted you and Allie to be in the main event of Unforgiven. This is all part of his plan. A plan that you've been embroiled in for almost a decade now. You were actually retired once upon a time, weren't you? You thought your career was over, and the next thing you knew, you were a WWE superstar. That was all God's doing, Becky. He loves you so much. In fact, he loves all of us! We are all God's children!" Styles then asked Becky if she would recite a prayer with him in the ring. The confused Becky slowly crept down onto her knees along with Styles, who closed his eyes and told Becky to take the lead on the prayer. "Dear God... I ask that you please show mercy to AJ Styles tonight, because I won't," said Becky. Styles then opened his eyes, not expecting Becky's prayer to be a threat toward him. Becky stood up and asked Styles how he plans on praying after she breaks one of his arms tonight. "Save all of the Jesus talk for someone who needs it, Styles. Preferably Allie."
While Becky stuck around the ringside arena to stand on top of the announce table and raise the SmackDown Women's Championship, Styles headed to the backstage area. After making his way through Gorilla, he stopped when he noticed The Iconic Duo walking toward the curtain for their match. Peyton Royce and Billie Kay stopped once they met Styles, the latter confusingly asking Styles why he was staring at them. "I just want you both to know... I'm praying for you." Styles continued on his way, Peyton turning to Billie with an angered expression because of their second homophobic remark in less than 15 minutes
1) THE ICONIC DUO DEF. CHAD GABLE & JASON JORDAN via Double Powerbomb to Gable. Billie Kay and Peyton Royce managed to pick up momentum heading into Unforgiven with a win against two members of the stable that has set out on humiliating them. Billie and Peyton remained at ringside for the next match.
2) SMACKDOWN TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS CODY RHODES & SAMI ZAYN DEF. THE USOS IN A NON-TITLE MATCH via Cross Rhodes to Jey Uso. Just like The Iconic Duo, Rhodes and Zayn were victorious in their outing, the SmackDown Tag Team Champions raising the titles in the faces of Billie Kay and Peyton Royce. The two teams had a brief verbal argument before the static intro to CM Punk's theme song sounded. They turned their attention to the stage, watching as the final team in the Triangle Ladder match were set to compete.
3) CM PUNK & TJ PERKINS DEF. TYSON KIDD & ADRIAN NEVILLE via Go To Sleep to Kidd. While Punk and TJP came closer than their Unforgiven opponents to facing defeat here tonight, Punk was able to get Catch Point on the right track after a Roundhouse Kick to a descending Kidd that he followed up with a Go To Sleep. Punk and TJP stood tall in the ring before they were attacked by Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn and The Iconic Duo. Rhodes and Zayn singled out Punk, still having personal issues with him following their three-way rivalry in the summer. Billie Kay and Peyton Royce exclusively went after TJP, unsurprising after his remark to them earlier. Peyton planted TJP with a Fisherman Suplex while Rhodes connected with Cross Rhodes to Punk. TJP slowly rose to his feet, only to be met with a Big Boot from Billie. At the same time, Punk staggered into a corner, putting himself in position for the Helluva Kick. Rhodes and Zayn met Billie and Peyton face-to-face, the SmackDown Tag Team Champions holding the titles up high into the air.
4) INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION JOHN CENA DEF. SOLOMON CROWE IN A NON-TITLE MATCH via Attitude Adjustment. Samoa Joe, who Cena will defend the Intercontinental Championship against at Unforgiven, attempted to become a factor in the match-up, only for Jeff Hardy to stop him. Crowe was distracted by Hardy's presence, leaving him vulnerable for an Attitude Adjustment from SmackDown Live's franchise player.
REY MYSTERIO AND ANDRADE 'CIEN' ALMAS PREPARE FOR WAR: A workout montage was shown for both Rey Mysterio and Andrade 'Cien' Almas, who will meet in a dream match in just nine days at Unforgiven. Mysterio stated that this bout is about proving that he not only still belongs in WWE, but that he is indeed 'The Greatest Mask of All-Time.' While Almas was shown training, Zelina Vega spoke on his behalf, declaring that Mysterio is washed up and will humiliate his family, legacy and the meaning of the word 'luchador' at Unforgiven. "Andrade 'Cien' Almas is the new face of Lucha Libre. He is the face of SmackDown Live. He is the face of the entire professional wrestling industry, and the only way that Rey Mysterio will get that through his head is if Andrade forces him to at Unforgiven."
5) CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION JOHNNY GARGANO DEF. RODERICK STRONG IN A NON-TITLE MATCH via Gargano Escape. In Roderick Strong's attempt to put himself in line for a Cruiserweight Championship opportunity, 'The Messiah of the Backbreaker' came up just short in what turned out to be a submission loss for him. Gargano extended his hand out to Strong post-match, the two cruiserweight competitors showing respect to one another. However, the embrace was cut short by NXT's John Morrison, who was making his return to the main roster after two-and-a-half years. Morrison threw Strong out to ringside before taking the Cruiserweight Championship, leveling Gargano in the face with it! The self-proclaimed Mayor of Slam Town held the Cruiserweight Title over Gargano's fallen body, making it clear what he's here for on SmackDown Live.
MATT RIDDLE TARGETS ELIAS: Backstage, Elias was shown performing a quick song for a representative from a record label, not appearing to be too satisfied with the musical abilities of 'The Drifter.' Elias told the representative that he's not interested in signing to a big label right now. "I'm a free agent because my music doesn't belong to anyone but myself. I don't walk with others. Everyone else walks with me." Elias plucked his strings while tuning his guitar, the representative leaving the scene. Elias' tuning would then be interrupted by Matt Riddle, who turned him around and began delivering several strikes! Getting revenge for what Elias did to him last week, Riddle tried for a running knee to 'The Drifter,' though Elias was able to dodge it and run off.
NEXT WEEK: On the final edition of SmackDown Live before Unforgiven, two huge Triple Threat matches will take place to preview the Triangle Ladder match for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships. Cody Rhodes vs. CM Punk vs. Billie Kay, and Sami Zayn vs. TJ Perkins vs. Peyton Royce.
6) SMACKDOWN WOMEN'S CHAMPION BECKY LYNCH DEF. UNIVERSAL CHAMPION AJ STYLES VIA DISQUALIFICATION after interference from Allie. An incredibly competitive, back-and-forth match between two of the WWE's current top champions. When Styles went for a Phenomenal Forearm, Becky was able to catch his arm and apply the Disarmer! Becky had the hold cinched in and was likely seconds away from getting a submission win over the Universal Champion, but Allie emerged from underneath the ring. Wearing her blood-drenched bunny mask from last week, Allie set off a fireball in the face of Becky! The SmackDown Women's Champion immediately covered her face, Styles slipping away as Allie removed her bunny mask, showing off a sadistic smile. Allie grabbed the SmackDown Women's Championship from ringside, holding it while the official placed a towel over Becky's face. The Inferno match is just nine days away, but Becky will already be sporting burn marks inflicted upon her by 'The Queen of Catch' and the woman who is ready to become the new SmackDown Women's Champion in the main event at Unforgiven.
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Post by Planktung on Apr 9, 2019 17:14:57 GMT -5
"2nd Sucks" by A Day to Remember
You're afraid,
like I make my deals with the devil.
You've been at it for years
but couldn't reach that next level.
Let's keep it real,
this is no competition to me.
Even if everyone around you acts
like they don't see.
Is anybody else listening?
Outta sight, outta mind
is what you'll always be.
I hold my cards to my chest.
I laid my life on the line
so I expect nothing less from you.
I speak the truth,
and everybody else knows it.
So set your ego to the side
and just get the f*** over it.
Can't waste my time
on hateful people like you.
So keep wishing you were me,
and I'll keep making you have to.
Is anybody else listening?
Outta sight, outta mind
is what you'll always be.
I hold my cards to my chest.
I laid my life on the line
so I expect nothing less from you.
I just can’t believe
It’s really come to this
because without me
you would not exist.
Hey hey
still got somethin left to say.
Only one in the world
I depend on is me.
I need nothin from no one
I take what I need.
Get ahold of yourself
and keep away from me.
Is anybody else listening?
Outta sight, outta mind
is what you'll always be.
I hold my cards to my chest.
I laid my life on the line
so I expect nothing less from you.
Saturday September 6th, 2014
Taynara: "Why do I need to be on Instagram Live when there's a camera crew here?"
TJP: "If this fight gets too graphic, the Network feed is gonna shut off. You're the backup in case that happens."
After SmackDown Live concluded two days ago, TJ Perkins - taking the attack from The Iconic Duo as personally as everyone expected - issued a challenge to Peyton Royce to meet him in an empty Performance Center for a Non-Sanctioned Fight that would be streamed live on the WWE Network. He specifically called out Peyton and not Billie Kay because she's the talk of the industry right now, and he wants to silence every bit of buzz that surrounds her.
TJP: "Come on, Peyton! You had no trouble going after the big bad Paige, so why aren't you willing to fight me?"
All TJP did to issue the challenge was make a tweet that he knew Peyton had to have seen since it circulated heavily across all of WWE's social media channels. She never accepted the fight, nor did she decline it. He was simply betting on her showing up.
Just a few minutes later, TJP heard a car pull up in front of the Performance Center. He asked Taynara to check who it was, the Brazilian superstar complying. She walked to the glass door, seeing Peyton walk out her car.
Taynara: "It's her! Peyton's here!"
Taynara notified TJP that Peyton had finally shown up, and the next thing she knew, she was grabbed by the hair and thrown into a wall by Peyton. TJP rushed out of the ring he was standing in, only to be taken down by Peyton as their fight commenced. Peyton kicked TJP in the side of his ribs, much like what CM Punk did to Billie at the start of SmackDown Live this week. She tried stomping on the back of his head, TJP being alerted by her shadow. He rolled out of the way and headed into a ring, trying for a Suicide Dive in what was supposed to be just a fight. While TJP was flying through the air, Peyton caught him with a high knee to his face! TJP crashed onto the floor as Peyton continued to beat him with right and left hand strikes.
"Bad Liar" by Krewella
I try to keep my secrets, but I must admit Sometimes I drink my feelings, so I can let you in Memories bleeding, when you touch my skin Then you're back again, oh
And I never, ever called It's because I hated goodbyes, you know That I never, ever called Because I didn't wanna let you go And if I never, ever called It's because I hated goodbyes, you know So I never, ever called Cause I didn't wanna let you know That I'm such a bad, bad liar And you just set my bones on fire
And I just need a hand on my mouth, when you're around Stop it from pouring out I'm a bad, bad, bad, bad, liar
Such a bad- Such a bad, bad, bad, bad, liar
I tried to hide my emotions But they're runnin' free Sometimes they're hard to notion I feel they're drownin' me Why am I only open When you're about to leave? Yeah it makes no sense, oh And I never, ever called It's because I hated goodbyes, you know That I never, ever called Because I didn't wanna let you know
That I'm such a bad, bad liar And you just set my bones on fire And I just need a hand on my mouth, when you're around Stop it from pouring out I'm a bad, bad, bad, bad, liar
Such a bad- Such a bad, bad, bad, bad-
If I'm bein' honest, I'll just say I wanted Yeah, fight the feelin', I'll open up to you I'll fight the feelin', I'll open up And if I'm bein' honest, I'mma freefallin' Yeah, fight the feelin', I'll open up to you
Cause you know I'm such a bad, bad liar And you just set my bones on fire And I just need a hand on my mouth, when you're around Stop it from pouring out I'm a bad, bad, bad, bad, liar
Such a bad- Such a bad, bad, bad, bad, liar
Paige: "... Where does she think you are right now?"
Billie: "Watching this at our apartment."
Paige: "And you lied to her because...?"
Peyton insisted on going to fight TJP at the Performance Center on her own, even if that meant walking into a trap set up by Catch Point. Billie was persistent on accompanying her, but Peyton wanted to beat TJP by herself. Billie will have her chance at revenge against him next week in the Triangle Ladder match at Unforgiven.
With Peyton out for the time being, Billie asked Paige if she wanted to watch the fight on the Network live stream with her. Paige figured that Billie did this without Peyton's knowledge because why would Peyton want her wife to have anything to do with the woman she knocked out a week ago?
Billie: "... I just want all of us to move on past this bulls***."
Paige: "Is that something you've -OH, F***!"
Paige shouted because the live stream showed Taynara getting back to her feet and leveling Peyton in the side of the head with a lead pipe that she found lying around the Performance Center. Peyton's adrenaline was able to brush off any of the pain felt from the shot, punching Taynara once before 'The Real Black Belt' showed off her background in combat, striking Peyton a few times before taking her down with a judo throw. Taynara finally had enough of Peyton and everyone else treating her like she was just TJP's "victim" and nothing else.
Paige was prepared for Billie to jump off of the couch at any second and rush toward the Performance Center to help Peyton, but for whatever reason, Billie stayed right where she was and watched.
Billie: "You were going to ask me something?"
Paige: "Billie, your wife is getting her s*** wrecked..."
Billie: "And you don't care."
Paige: "What?"
Billie: "I said you don't care about what happens to Peyton. The entire world saw her knock you out. You probably enjoy what's happening to her right now."
Paige: "Are you not helping her to try to prove some point to me?"
Billie: "I'm not helping her because you both need to learn your lessons."
Paige: "... F*** does that mean?"
Billie: "Peyton has to learn that we're not invincible and there are repercussions for the kind of s*** she pulled, and you need to learn that you're not the most important woman in my life."
Paige: "... I don't get it."
Billie: "Answer this question. Are you in love with me?"
Paige: "... ... ..."
Billie: "... ... ..."
Paige: ".... .... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... What happens if I say yes?"
"Overthinking" by Hands Like Houses
I could have just held my tongue I should have just filled my lungs Breathe in, breathe out and repeat
You know me well Or at least in as far as I can tell You should have known better Than telling me I should have held it together for us When I'm barely together myself I'm barely together myself
I'm overthinking Every thing I say and I do Just reminds me I don't need you 'Cause there's nothing left for me to hang on to
And if you had kept your word And listened instead of just heard Instead of just waiting for your turn to speak Then you'd know I was weak, but you don't No wonder reality hurts No wonder reality hurts
I'm overthinking Every thing I say and I do Just reminds me I don't need you 'Cause there's nothing left for me to hang on to I'm overthinking And I'm done with feeling empty And pretending like you get me I'm overthinking, but I think I'm through
I'm beating myself black and blue I'm beating myself I'm beating myself black and blue (I'm beating myself black and blue)
I'm overthinking Every thing I say and I do Just reminds me I don't need you 'Cause there's nothing left for me to hang on to I'm overthinking And I'm done with feeling empty And pretending like you get me I'm overthinking. If I'm through I'm beating myself black and blue (Beat myself black and blue) (Beat myself) I'm beating myself black and blue (Beat myself black and blue) But it won't make no difference to you
At Allie's apartment in Buffalo, New York, the number one contender for the SmackDown Women's Championship watched the fight between Peyton and TJP on her phone, hoping that both could somehow lose. While she was occupied with that, Kevin Condron sat at a table with her, watching a Total Divas marathon that E! was broadcasting in anticipation of an announce coming later in the week regarding a spin-off titled Total Bellas.
Condron: "I don't believe you."
Allie: "You don't believe me about what?"
Condron: "The Bella Twins couldn't have attacked Paige."
Allie: "Well, that's your problem, because it was them."
Condron: "Allie, seriously. Look at them. They're massive celebrities. They have everything that money can buy. They're wrestling's Kardashians. What would they have to gain by attacking Paige?"
Allie: "Credibility."
Condron: "And you really think that means so much to them that they'd risk their public image by attacking the biggest, most beloved wrestler in the world?"
Allie: "This industry does some s*** to you..."
Allie said her last line while showing Condron her phone screen with a now bloody-faced Peyton going after TJP and Taynara, regaining control of the fight after spraying both with a fire extinguisher that she then pummeled them with.
Condron: "... Let's say that by some crazy chance that Nikki and Brie are actually guilty, they'd be willing to cooperate with me on framing Billie and Peyton, right?"
Allie: "Probably, unless they want the credit for themselves."
Condron: "Wouldn't they have confessed already if that was the case."
Allie: "Maybe they're waiting for a special occasion... like that press conference on Wednesday to announce their spin-off show..."
Suddenly, everything Allie was saying made sense to Condron. The Bella Twins, if guilty, were waiting for the right moment to step forward and tell the world that they're the ones who attacked Paige. If that's the case, then he's running very low on time to meet with them and try to organize a plan that pins the blame on The Iconic Duo.
Condron: "... Will you go with me to the press conference? You said that you're the one who convinced them to attack Paige, right?
Allie: "By accident, but yes."
Condron: "Maybe they'll feel more comfortable talking with me if you're there. Please? It's not going to hurt to just try."
Allie: "... What time is the press conference?"
Condron: "It's at noon in Phoenix."
Allie: "I'm supposed to be at the Queen of the Ring finals that day to support Ruby, so if you can promise me that you won't take up all of my time so I can get on a plane, then sure. I'll go."
Ready to leave, Condron stood up from his chair as Allie did the same, glancing down at the phone screen to see Peyton choking TJP with the lead pipe that Taynara previously used against her. Allie extended her hand out to Condron, only asking for a handshake. Condron did so, but took his time grasping Allie's hand. She tried to pull her hand away gently, but couldn't once Condron brought her in to kiss her.
Their kiss only lasted about a second as Allie grabbed her phone from the table and smacked it against Condron's left ear. Condron grabbed his head as Allie shoved him toward the door, pushing him into it first before opening it. Condron looked up and saw Allie's angered expression, realizing that he made a mistake and his intentions didn't come across the way he wanted them to. Still holding his ear, Condron slowly walked out of the door, possibly now on his own in incriminating The Iconic Duo because he couldn't contain his feelings for Allie.
"Ruin My Life" by Zara Larsson
I miss you pushing me close to the edge I miss you I wish I knew what I had when I left I miss you
You set fire to my world, couldn't handle the heat Now I'm sleeping alone and I'm starting to freeze Baby, come bring me help Let it rain over me Baby, come back to me
I want you to ruin my life You to ruin my life, you to ruin my life, yeah I want you to f*** up my nights, yeah F*** up my nights, yeah, all of my nights, yeah I want you to bring it all on If you make it all wrong, that'll make it all right, yeah I want you to ruin my life You to ruin my life, you to ruin my life I want you to ruin my life You to ruin my life, you to ruin my life, yeah I want you to f*** up my nights, yeah F*** up my nights, yeah, all of my nights, yeah I want you to bring it all on If you make it all wrong, that'll make it all right, yeah I want you to ruin my life You to ruin my life, you to ruin my life
I miss you more than I thought that I could I miss you I know you missin' me too like you should I miss you
You set fire to my world, couldn't handle the heat Now I'm sleeping alone and I'm starting to freeze Baby, come bring me help Let it rain over me Baby, come back to me (baby, come back to me)
I want you to ruin my life You to ruin my life, you to ruin my life, yeah I want you to f*** up my nights, yeah F*** up my nights, yeah, all of my nights, yeah I want you to bring it all on If you make it all wrong, that'll make it all right, yeah I want you to ruin my life You to ruin my life, you to ruin my life I want you to ruin my life You to ruin my life, you to ruin my life, yeah I want you to f*** up my nights, yeah F*** up my nights, yeah, all of my nights, yeah I want you to bring it all on If you make it all wrong, that'll make it all right, yeah I want you to ruin my life You to ruin my life, you to ruin my life
I miss you, I miss you-ooh I wish you, I wish you-ooh Would come back, would come back to me Come back to me, come back to me
I want you to ruin my life You to ruin my life, you to ruin my life, yeah I want you to f*** up my nights, yeah F*** up my nights, yeah, all of my nights, yeah I want you to bring it all on If you make it all wrong, that'll make it all right, yeah I want you to ruin my life You to ruin my life, you to ruin my life I want you to ruin my life You to ruin my life, you to ruin my life, yeah (ruin my life) I want you to f*** up my nights, yeah F*** up my nights, yeah, all of my nights, yeah I want you to bring it all on If you make it all wrong, that'll make it all right, yeah I want you to ruin my life You to ruin my life, you to ruin my life
Billie: "... Why does this keep happening to me? Why the f*** does it always have to be me?"
Once Paige essentially confirmed that she has feelings for Billie, 'The Femme Fatale' wondered why she's always the one to be put into the situations where she's the object of someone's affection.
Billie: "Peyton, then AJ, now you. Why can't people just leave me alone and let me live?"
Paige: "I'm sorry if that makes you uncomfortable, but you asked me. All I did was tell you the truth."
Billie: "Aren't you dating that guy from A Day to Remember?"
Paige: "We broke up."
Billie: "Of course you did. You've never been able to maintain a relationship."
Paige: "Billie, you should know better than anyone else how hard it is for me to love somebody. None of the trauma from losing a child has worn off. You were there for me at that time, and it felt like you were the only one who gave a s*** about me. If you want the whole truth, I've been in love with you for as long as I've known you. When you signed with WWE, I thought maybe something could happen, but we were at two completely different points in our lives. I had all of that s*** going on with Wyatt, and you were clearly happy with Peyton. She's given you something that I can't, and I don't know what that is, but it's something I have to deal with. The only reason I helped you and her get married was because it meant you were going to marry someone who wasn't AJ."
Billie: "Do you hate Peyton?"
Paige: "... ... ..."
Billie: "... Is it because she hit you, or because I'm married to her?"
Paige: ".... ... Yes."
All while this was happening, Peyton and TJP's fight was still going on. Both were clearly tired, but kept going anyway. TJP was able to send Peyton over the ropes in one of the Performance Center rings, Peyton hitting her back on the ring apron on the way down.
Paige: "If you want me to apologize for being in love with you, then fine. I'm sorry. I just can't help myself."
Billie: "It's not that I want you to apologize. I get that you can't control how you feel. I just wish this wasn't all happening at once. I just want things to be peaceful and quiet. That's too much to ask, I guess."
Paige: "... It's this business we're in, and that's mostly my fault. I'm the one who turned the women's division into the pit of hell that it is now. I'm the reason you had to get caught up on all of this s***."
Billie: "It's AJ's fault. Not yours. She's the one who made myself and Peyton this way."
Paige: "... Do you wish I didn't get involved? I'm just asking because Peyton said that the feud with AJ was none of my business and I shouldn't have helped."
Billie: "I get why Peyton said that because it's a pride thing, but if you didn't help, I'd be married to that monster right now. No matter what Peyton says, you saved us and I'll always be grateful for that."
Paige: "Well... it's nice to know that you at least don't hate me like she does."
Billie: "I'm not upset that you're in love with me. If anything, I'm upset that I can't return the feelings."
Paige: "... What?"
Billie: "Maybe in a past instance, we'd be together, Paige. I'm not going to act like those times I helped you before WWE weren't out of lust. But when you left, I met somebody else and moved on with life. That's all that happened."
Paige: "So... without Peyton, you're saying that we'd be together..."
Billie: "... Probably... and I guess that's why I was so upset that you kissed me at SummerSlam. Because there's still a part of me that wants you... like, badly wants you... but I'm with Peyton now. I can't do that to h-"
Billie couldn't finish what she was saying because Paige's feelings got the better of her, and just like in the locker room before SummerSlam, she moved in to kiss Billie. Paige went ahead with the show of affection, accepting that she'd just be shoved away again. However, there was that one ounce of hope in Paige that she'd be able to have her way. Billie did voluntarily cheat on Peyton with AJ back in February. If she did it once, she could do it again was Paige's mindset.
Seconds passed without Billie rejecting Paige's advances. The two continued to kiss, Paige closing the laptop that played Peyton and TJP's fight. Paige's heart rate accelerated as Billie slowly lied the WWE Champion down on the couch. As wrong as it was to pull something like this with a married woman, Paige's hands and body just kept moving without giving her brain time to process any of this.
At the same time that Billie and Paige were moving forward with their actions, Peyton lost the momentum in her fight with TJP, never regaining it again. TJP delivered a vertical Suplex to Peyton onto the miniature steel ramp that Performance Center attendees use to practice their entrances. TJP grabbed Peyton by her hair, lifting her head up to begin kicking her repeatedly in the wound that was opened earlier by Taynara. TJP then applied a Kneebar onto Peyton, who tried tapping out before remembering two things: This wasn't an official match, and she was smacking her hand onto steel grates. All Peyton could do was endure the pain of the submission hold while blood blinded her eyes, soon passing out.
TJP released the Kneebar and left the Performance Center, telling the camera crew there that they could stop the live stream now that he was the winner of the Non-Sanctioned Fight. TJP and Taynara exited the scene, Peyton having to drag herself into the trainer's room just to have a bench that she could lie in and try to recover. For as much physical pain as she felt in that moment, the mental and emotional agony would be far worse if she knew what Billie and Paige were doing.
"Make Believe" by Juice WRLD
I think that she was gonna break my heart regardless Regardless
I think that she was gonna break my heart regardless So I took her out and dumped her in the garbage The stupid bitch then turned herself into a target Click clack
She was gonna break my heart regardless So I took her out and dumped her in the garbage The stupid bitch then turned herself into a target Just for talkin' nonsense Claimin' she was leavin'
Not gonna happen If I can't have you, no one can 'Cause if you leave, I'm not breathin' Show you how first to not breathe, breathe
Inhale, exhale You're the best, well, you're the worst But you're the best Hell, I ain't never, ever gonna lose, lose Tell me what I gotta do to prove to you Five seconds from losing my head Now it's time I show you what a lunatics do
She was gonna break my heart regardless So I took her out and dumped her in the garbage The stupid bitch then turned herself into a target Just for talkin' nonsense Claimin' she was leavin'
She was gonna break my heart regardless So I took her out and dumped her in the garbage The stupid bitch then turned herself into a target Just for talkin' nonsense Claimin' she was leavin'
Hate it when you tease Where you think you're goin'? Were you comin' back to me? You walked in, I'm listenin' to Stan on E Yeah, ecstasy Matter of fact, there's a bridge that my car wants to meet Road trip on me It'll be fun, you'll see But you don't gotta sit in this trunk You can sit next to me Me and Stan, we alike, but he ain't nicer than me He was drunk-drivin' Me, I'm just straight Percules My crazy thoughts and your crazy heart As we hit the bridge, that's just the start Not afraid to die, as you can see Life isn't real, love's make-believe
My crazy thoughts and your crazy heart As we hit the bridge, that's just the start Not afraid to die, as you can see Life isn't real, love's make-believe
After making it to the trainer's room, Peyton lied down on the bench while pressing a towel against the wound on her head. She fell asleep, a small part of her fearing that she wasn't going to wake up and simply bleed out. About half an hour later, she opened her eyes when she heard the door move. She looked up and saw Billie standing there with one of the members of the Performance Center's medical staff, who began stitching Peyton's head. Billie held Peyton's hand throughout the whole process, smiling at her wife to try and lift her spirits after losing the Non-Sanctioned Fight to TJP.
Peyton: "Did you watch the whole thing?"
Billie: "Yeah... I did..."
Peyton: "... You probably think I'm an idiot for doing this all alone."
Billie: "Yeah... You shouldn't have let me stay home... but, what's important is that you're okay."
After having finishing getting stitched up, Peyton was able to leave the Performance Center, Billie assisting her to their vehicle. While disappointed about the result of the fight with TJP, Peyton was at least happy to be back in the arms of Billie, the one person in the world she felt like she could trust.
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Post by Planktung on Apr 11, 2019 16:47:45 GMT -5
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Post by Planktung on Apr 12, 2019 13:50:43 GMT -5
September 8th, 2014 | Episode 022 | "The Blackening"
THE WYATT TRIBE DECLARES UNITY AHEAD OF PAYBACK: With six days remaining until Payback is live on Pay-Per-View and the WWE Network, The Wyatt Tribe kicked off Monday Night RAW. Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton, Pentagon and Maxine all stood in the ring while Wyatt declared that he wouldn't allow the Manifest Destiny qualifying match at Payback to come between himself and his Tribe members. The four of them have stood together with a common goal of consuming the WWE's corporate ways and ushering in a new revolution, and that will still be the case following Payback. "It doesn't matter which one of us comes out on top at Payback because two things will remain the same. We will always stand by each other's side... and sooner than later, the Universal Championship will belong to the Tribe." The stable was then interrupted by Mustafa Ali, who was still out for revenge after he and Sofia Cortez lost to The Wyatt Tribe last week. Ali said that if he wants to combat The Wyatt Tribe, he'll have to cut the head off of the snake, turning his attention to Wyatt. Ali challenged Wyatt to a match, 'The Eater of Worlds' initially not taking him seriously. Ali then slapped Wyatt across his face, Wyatt putting out his arms to stop Orton and Pentagon from going after Ali. "... You're a stupid man, Ali," Wyatt side before hitting Ali with an Uppercut to begin their match.
1) BRAY WYATT DEF. MUSTAFA ALI via Sister Abigail. Ali held his own against one-half of the WrestleMania XXX main event, but when he was caught by Wyatt in mid-air after a springboard Clothesline attempt, that was enough to put him away. Wyatt exited the ring as Orton, Pentagon and Maxine followed him, Mauro Ranallo bringing into question if The Wyatt Tribe would really be able to retain camaraderie after their Triple Threat Manifest Destiny qualifying match this Sunday at Payback.
DARIO CUETO FEELS ROBBED BY SHANE MCMAHON: On the stage, RAW General Manager Dario Cueto opened the door to his office, demanding that one of the cameramen step inside because he needed to get some of his feelings off his chest. Dario looked directly at the camera and said that while getting ready for tonight's show, he was informed that SmackDown Live Commissioner Shane McMahon has made a match between WWE Champion Paige and NXT superstar Kenny Omega official for Unforgiven on Saturday. "I wonder where Shane got the idea for that one. I mean, it's not like I was the one to book that match in the first place. Circumstances prevented that match from happening at Unison, but that doesn't give Shane the right to just book MY matches on HIS show!" The heated Dario said that Shane's behavior as of late shows that he's in no position to call himself a leader. "It isn't just about the Paige and Omega match. Last week, he tried to wipe his hands clean of all responsibility for what happened to Paige at the end of RAW. Shane McMahon is a fraud. He has no business being in charge of anything if this is how he's going to conduct business." Dario then said that more than anything else, he would love to say all of this to Shane's face, which is why he's challenging the SmackDown Live Commissioner to show up to Payback on Sunday so he can confront him.
2) ALEXANDER WOLFE DEF. SCOTT DAWSON with a Bridging German Suplex. After Killian Dain of Sen Reigeren was able to defeat Dash Wilder of The Revival last week, Wolfe executed the same feat against Dawson with a Bicycle Kick that was enough to knock Dawson loopy and put him away with a German Suplex onto the back of his head. Sen Reigeren continue to pick up momentum while The Revival, who were once the RAW Tag Team Champions that retired Wrestling Royalty, lose all of theirs.
THE MIZ ATTEMPTS ENLISTING HELP FROM THE ADDICTION: Backstage, The Miz attempted to talk The Addiction, or at least one members, into battling Matanza Cueto tonight. Miz asked Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian when they were last taken seriously on RAW? "Because when I look at the two of you, I see the most underutilized, underrated superstars in all of WWE! Were you guys not the most dominant NXT Tag Team Champions in history? Do you both not have the biggest chips on your shoulders because of how you've been treated ever since you were drafted to RAW?" Daniels told Miz that he's not opposed to facing Matanza tonight, but why does he care so much about all of this? Miz stated that he feels a "SoCal" connection to The Addiction, to which Kazarian asked Miz, "Aren't you from Ohio?" Miz declared that no matter where he's from or where he's been, southern California is his home and he wants to give his "neighbors" an opportunity that no one else will.
SMACKDOWN LIVE PREVIEW: Two days before Unforgiven, the scene for the Triangle Ladder match will be split into two Triple Threat matches. Cody Rhodes vs. CM Punk vs. Billie Kay, and Sami Zayn vs. TJ Perkins vs. Peyton Royce. Plus, what will happen when SmackDown Women's Champion Becky Lynch and Allie are in the same building at the same time before their Inferno match on Saturday?
3) RAW WOMEN'S CHAMPION & MS. MONEY IN THE BANK ALEXA BLISS, UNITED STATES CHAMPION SETH ROLLINS, & DANIEL BRYAN DEF. SASHA BANKS, KEVIN OWENS & HARDCORE CHAMPION BUDDY MURPHY via Busaiku Knee to Murphy. After Rollins took Owens out with a Suicide Dive while Alexa landed on Sasha and Bayley with Twisted Bliss to the outside, Bryan was able to fight out of a running vertical Suplex from Murphy before connecting with his finisher. At ringside Alexa took the RAW Women's Title and Money in the Bank briefcase back, raising both over the fallen bodies of Sasha, Bayley and Murphy. Owens headed back up the entrance ramp while Rollins stared him down, then turning around to see Bryan running toward him for another Busaiku Knee. The United States Champion flinched and fell onto the canvas, Bryan toying with him in a small act of revenge for last week.
4) MATANZA CUETO DEF. CHRISTOPHER DANIELS with Wrath of the Gods. The Addiction made it back onto television, but only to be decimated by Matanza. After Daniels was finished off for good, Kazarian tried going after Matanza, only to fall victim to a Belly-to-Belly Suplex into a corner. The Miz watched all of his from the stage, having to question if he'll even be able to bring down 'The Monster' when they meet this Sunday at Payback.
QUEEN OF THE RING FINALS: This Wednesday night, a live special on the WWE Network takes place to determine the first-ever Queen of the Ring. Charlotte Flair, Asuka, Ruby Riott and Dakota Kai. Who will punch their ticket to Unison for a shot at the RAW or SmackDown Women's Championship?
5) ADAM COLE DEF. FINN BALOR via Shining Wizard. With Braun Strowman out of action, Finn Balor must act as Roman Reigns' new tag team partner in a RAW Tag Team Championship defense on Sunday, but their partnership got off to a rocky start tonight after Reigns' scuffle with Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish at ringside inadvertently distracted the official. That gave Cole the opening to low blow Balor and connect with the Shining Wizard and prevent Balor from clean sweeping The Undisputed ERA over the last few weeks. Reigns and Balor must get on the same page as they take on O'Reilly and Fish this Sunday for the RAW Tag Team Championships.
PAYBACK CARD RUNDOWN: In a match just made official by RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon, Seth Rollins will defend the United States Championship against Daniel Bryan and Kevin Owens in a Triple Threat match. That won't be the night's only Triple Threat as Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton and Pentagon must battle it out for a spot in Manifest Destiny. The Miz looks to topple the 'Monster' that he set off a number of weeks ago, Matanza Cueto. For the RAW Tag Team Championships, Roman Reigns must get along with Finn Balor as they defend against Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish of The Undisputed ERA. Alexa Bliss pulls double duty when she not only defends the RAW Women's Championship against Sasha Banks, but also challenges Buddy Murphy for the Hardcore Championship. Derrick Bateman has the chance to pull himself out of the biggest downward spiral his career has seen over the last two years when he faces Drew McIntyre. And in the main event, ideologies collide in the biggest way possible. 'The Man of God' AJ Styles puts the Universal Championship on the line against 'The Devil's Blood' Aleister Black. Payback is live this Sunday night on Pay-Per-View and the WWE Network.
6) DREW MCINTYRE DEF. ALEISTER BLACK VIA DISQUALIFICATION after Derrick Bateman interfered. Arguably the two strongest entities on RAW faced off in the main event as neither Black nor McIntyre were willing to take a loss so close to Payback. After dodging Black Mass, McIntyre was able to catch Black with the Claymore. Before he could get the cover, Derrick Bateman ran down to the ring and went right after 'The Scottish Psychopath'! Bateman, who actually had the crowd in his corner for this instance, brawled with McIntyre through the stands as the official called for the bell. Back in the ring, Black began stirring to his feet before being blindsided by the Universal Champion, AJ Styles. 'The Man of God' pummeled Black before throwing him out to ringside, dragging him up the entrance ramp. Styles left Black's carcass on the stage before briefly heading to the back. When Styles came back through the curtain, he had the same bowl of holy water that he intended to use last week to baptize Black. Styles set the bowl down and grabbed Black before looking up at the sky. "Jesus! Save him!" Styles screamed before shoving Black's head into the holy water. Styles forced Black into the water for more than a few seconds, Mauro Ranallo declaring that Styles wasn't trying to baptize Black this time, but instead drown him. Officials had to restrain Styles as Black pulled himself out of the holy water, struggling to breath after being underwater for what felt like an eternity. Styles raised the Universal Championship to a chorus of boos before he was called into Dario Cueto's office. Styles met the RAW General Manager in the office while Dario looked out the window at the officials trying to stabilize Black's breathing. Dario asked Styles if he was content with his actions, to which Styles declared that he's willing to do whatever it takes to make the Lord happy.
"... Well, I hope you're willing to do just as much to hold onto the Universal Title because your match with Aleister Black on Sunday is now No Holds Barred."
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Post by Planktung on Apr 12, 2019 13:51:01 GMT -5
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Post by Planktung on Apr 13, 2019 13:49:00 GMT -5
"Skeletons" by New Years Day
I wanna get closer to where you hide I wanna see further into your eyes I wanna go deeper into what you deny I wanna keep falling until there's no light
I don't fear the dark Show me all your scars I wanna know who you are (I wanna know who you are) I don't fear the dark Give me all your heart I wanna know who you are
Show me the skeletons in your closet Don't wanna play pretend all alone All of the skeletons, they will haunt us Let me in, let me in, I want more
I wanna uncover what nobody knows Where all of your secrets are taking control All the shadows are beautiful Don't need to keep hiding, it's time to let go
I don't fear the dark Show me all your scars I wanna know who you are
Show me the skeletons in your closet Don't wanna play pretend all alone All of the skeletons, they will haunt us Let me in, let me in, I want more Show me the skeletons in your closet Don't wanna play pretend all alone All of the skeletons, they will haunt us Let me in, let me in, I want more
Show me all your lies Show me where you hide
Show me the skeletons in your closet Don't wanna play pretend all alone All of the skeletons, they will haunt us Let me in, let me in, I want more Show me the skeletons, show me the skeletons In your closet, in your closet All of the skeletons, all of the skeletons Let me in, let me in, I want more
Wednesday September 10th, 2014
Phoenix, Arizona
While the eyes of the wrestling world were on tonight's Queen of the Ring finale on the WWE Network, Allie and Kevin Condron had other business to attend to before the former had to head over to Orlando for the live special. Despite Condron forcing himself onto Allie romantically a few days back, 'The Queen of Catch' still accepted his invitation to meet with The Bella Twins prior to their press conference to officially announce Total Bella, a Total Divas spin-off series. Condron got in touch with Nikki and Brie through their agent, only stating that there was a development in the Paige attack case that they might be able to help him with. The sisters were willing to comply, though Condron didn't provide any extra details. He didn't even tell them that Allie would be accompanying him, although that was mostly because he didn't know for sure if she'd still be open to doing so.
When Allie and Condron made it through the back entrance to the venue via being on the guest list, the two tried locating The Bella Twins. Allie turned a corner to the area directly backstage to the podium, but quickly stopped when she saw The Iconic Duo talking to Nikki and Brie.
Condron: ".. Why... are... they... here?"
Allie: "Don't get carried away. It's probably nothing."
Condron: "... They know. Billie and Peyton must have somehow learned that we'd be here. They're trying to convince The Bella Twins to not cooperate with us on this case!"
Allie: "I told you already. The Bella Twins attacked Paige. Billie and Peyton have no reason to be involved in all of this."
Both Condron and Allie stayed hidden behind a corner until they could hear Billie and Peyton's footsteps off in the distance. They didn't realize in that moment that The Iconic Duo were only invited as guests because The Bella Twins were fans of theirs and wanted to meet them for the first time. Allie peeked and noticed that The Iconic Duo were gone, giving Condron and herself the opening to finally meet with The Bella Twins.
After greeting Nikki and Brie, Allie and Condron sat down with the two of them in a small, isolated section of the backstage area, Condron giving The Bella Twins some bit of privacy from everyone else in case they were to admit to attacking Paige.
Brie: "We didn't know you were coming with him."
Allie: "... Neither did I, honestly."
Condron: "As you're both aware, I'm the investigator who WWE assigned to the case regarding Paige's attack the day after SummerSlam."
Nikki: "We did hear about that from our agent, yes."
Condron: "I needed to speak with the two of you briefly because there might be something that you two can do to help me close this case."
Brie: "What is it?"
Condron: "You guys did it, right?"
Brie: "... ... ..."
Nikki: "... ... ..."
Brie: "... ... What?"
Condron: "The two people who attacked Paige. It was you guys, was it not?"
Brie: "No, it wasn't."
Allie: "Look, you're not going to get into any trouble. You can be honest with us."
Nikki: "But, we didn't do it."
Allie: "Bulls***. Do the two of you not remember what happened after SummerSlam? I was crying in the restroom and you both overheard me. You checked up on me when you had no reason to. You two listened to me pour my heart out about how much I hate Paige. Did that not inspire you both to take matters into your own hands?"
Nikki: "No, that did happen, but we didn't attack Paige."
Condron: "Just to see for myself if Allie's account of that night matches what you both remember, could you tell me exactly what happened when you checked on her?"
Brie: "We were filming something for E!'s Snapchat when we could hear somebody in the women's locker room crying. Nicole and I were startled, so we checked to see who it was. We found Allie sitting on the floor against a wall, so we asked her what was wrong. She thought we weren't sincere at first, but she warmed up to us quickly, it seemed. She started going off about Paige and how she's brought women's wrestling to its lowest point, yet is treated like some sort of Goddess."
Nikki: "She also told us that we had every reason to be just as upset as she was because Paige was the reason that the 'Diva' moniker that we carried with honor was erased from WWE. It became a demeaning term thanks to Paige."
Listening to The Bella Twins speak, Condron realized that they were telling him the exact same story that Allie did.
Condron: "And in all of that, did either of you feel any resentment toward Paige?"
Nikki and Brie both glanced at each other, wondering if they should answer honestly. At the same time, they both knew that they had nothing to hide.
Brie: "... We'd be lying if we said 'no'. Everything Allie said resonated with us. We didn't realize it fully until that moment, but we don't appreciate what Paige has done to women's wrestling. This isn't the division that we tried to build when we were active in WWE."
Nikki: "Maybe the thought of doing something to Paige crossed our minds, but we didn't attack her. It wasn't us."
Allie seemed especially dumbfounded at the thought of the attackers not being Nikki and Brie. She was so certain of that and would've bet anything on it. Condron, however, was pleased to know that there was still hope in the attackers being Billie and Peyton.
Condron: "Okay, so here's the real reason we wanted to meet with you both. We have this theory that The Iconic Duo attacked Paige."
Allie: "You have the theory."
Condron: "I'm more than convinced it was them, but I just need that extra bit of evidence, whether it's true or not. We'd like for you both to cooperate with us and help frame Billie and Peyton."
Brie: "But if they didn't do it, then why would help you frame them?"
Condron: "Because if you don't, then we'll frame you two. Your meeting with Allie on the night of SummerSlam is enough to convince the world that you both did it."
Nikki: "But it wasn't us!"
Brie: "We were at the airport heading back to Phoenix! We were nowhere near Paige that morning! You can't just frame us like that!"
Allie: "At this point, guys, it'd just be for the better if you did lie for our sake."
The Bella Twins felt like they were backed into a corner. Unlike Condron and Allie, they actually liked Billie and Peyton, but at the same time, they had to consider what being framed for Paige's attack would do to their public image. They can't prove that they weren't at the scene of the crime. All signs can easily point to them being the attackers unless they sell out and give in to Condron's request.
They had to consider what was more important to them. Doing the right thing, or protecting themselves?
Nikki: "... Brie... what do you think?"
Brie felt her stomach for a reason that Allie and Condron didn't know, thinking about all of the lives that would be affected if she was framed as one of Paige's attackers.
Brie: "... This isn't something I want to do... but in this position, I don't think we have any other choice."
And just like that, Condron got what he wanted. Nikki and Brie agreed to help him find a way to pin the blame for Paige's attack on The Iconic Duo.
Allie and Condron thanked The Bella Twins for their time before heading out to the floor to watch the press conference. When Allie and Condron took their seats, Billie and Peyton noticed them. Remembering that Condron's video was the reason for her losing out on the Unforgiven main event, Peyton almost stood up to go after him. Billie, however, put her arm out to stop Peyton and keep her seated.
Billie: "Please. For once, let's not make a scene. We're not here for that."
The angered Peyton had to keep her emotions bottled up inside, not wanting to irritate her wife.
Executives from the E! Network started off the press conference by touting the success of Total Divas, but noted that it was time to move the series into a different direction. That's where The Bella Twins, who easily became the stars of the reality series, came into play. Nikki and Brie walked out onto the stage, thanking everyone in the press for attending. At that point, the live stream on E!'s Instagram, Facebook and Periscope pages had reached well over 6,000 viewers in total. Nikki said that while Total Divas was a major success, the fact of the matter is that WWE has ventured into different territory for its female roster. Not many pro wrestlers now want to be featured on a reality series, but herself and Brie are still eager to show the world a different side to the lives of former WWE superstars. Total Bellas will premiere in the fall, and they're extremely excited to bring new developments in their lives to the forefront of television.
Brie: "Thank you all so much for joining us today, and we hope that you all tune in to Total Bellas very, very soon."
As the press conference wrapped up, The Bella Twins were about to leave the stage when Nikki suddenly stopped and returned to the microphone.
Nikki: "My apologies, but there is one thing that I forgot to mention. We attacked Paige."
Brie: "... ... ..."
Allie: "... ... ..."
Condron: "... ... ..."
Peyton: "... ... ..."
Billie: "... ... ..."
Brie: "... ... ... What?"
Nikki: "That's right. It was us. We did it."
Condron: ".... .... This isn't happening. No... no... no..."
Nikki: "And the person who gave us the idea was none other than the number one contender for the SmackDown Women's Championship. Our guest of honor tonight, Allie!"
Allie: "... ... You f***ing bitch."
Every single person in the building went silent when Nikki confessed to herself and Brie being Paige's attackers. The attention was then shifted to Allie as all cameras focused on her in the crowd. She was frozen in place with only her face showing any emotion. She was confused and hurt, as was Condron, who was tricked into thinking that The Bella Twins were on his side. His entire case was just thrown out the window. There's no chance anymore of him framing The Iconic Duo. It's all over for him.
Allie jumped up from her seat and tried making a run for the stage to get her hands on Nikki, but before she could, she was pounced into a wall by Billie! Paige's closest friend went right after Allie, creating a giant scene as the cameras turned toward them. With all of the attention off of Nikki and Brie, they were able to get away unscathed. Nikki grabbed Brie's hand and ran out to the parking lot to leave in their limo, which was essentially now a getaway vehicle.
Brie: "What the hell are you doing?!? We didn't attack Paige!"
Nikki: "... ... ..."
Brie: "Nicole! Answer me!"
Nikki: "... ... ..."
With The Bella Twins now heading for home, Billie and Allie's fight in the building continued, Condron then getting involved by kicking Billie in the side of her head. That finally caused Peyton to snap as she tried to gouge out his eyes. Allie grabbed Billie and threw her into Peyton, finding the opening to create enough distance from The Iconic Duo and rush away from the building in Condron's car.
Allie and Condron sped away from The Iconic Duo, still at a complete loss as to what Nikki just did.
This was the last thing that Allie needed. Three days before her Inferno match against Becky Lynch, she's been made the enemy of the world. Paige is going to be in Nashville on Saturday. She'll be in the vicinity of Allie when the latter is in a match that could literally put her in a life or death situation.
Whether Nikki was telling the truth or not by confessing to the attack, she might have just assured the end of Allie's career in the process.
And in that moment in Condron's car, all Allie could do was break down and cry. |
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Post by Planktung on Apr 17, 2019 13:49:38 GMT -5
September 10th, 2014 | Episode 022 | "Over the Top"
1) WILL OSPREAY DEF. MARTY SCURLL via the OcCutter. In the second of three preview matches for the WWE United Kingdom Championship match at Unison, Ospreay was able to fake out Scurll on the OsCutter that 'The Villain' was used to countering into the Crossface Chickenwing. Ospreay maintained his balance on the second rope before leaping off to drive Scurll forehead-first onto the canvas for the win. Next week, the third and final preview match takes place when Zack Sabre Jr. makes his Full Sail debut against Toni Storm.
RICOCHET AND UHAA NATION MUST STAY FOCUSED: Backstage, Charly Caruso caught up with the NXT Tag Team Champions Ricochet and Uhaa Nation. While the two are set to compete in the 15-man Battle Royal tonight for an NXT Championship opportunity against Bobby Roode at Unison, Charly asked how the duo is feeling after being ambushed by two unknown men last week. Uhaa stated that all he and Ricochet know is that Jinder Mahal's involvement in the attack isn't exactly a secret. If Mahal still has a grudge against them, then he needs to settle it on his own. Not send two lackeys after them. Ricochet then said that they'll deal with Mahal and his mysterious team soon enough. Tonight, however, it's about the NXT Championship at Unison.
KENNY OMEGA BREAKS HIS SILENCE: In a pre-recorded interview, Cathy Kelley sat down with Kenny Omega to discuss his betrayal against Kota Ibushi at NXT TakeOver: MSG, the upcoming match at Unison with his former Golden Lover teammate, and the announcement that he'll be making a special appearance at Unforgiven this Saturday for a dream match against the WWE Champion, Paige. "... That's quite a lot for just a 'developmental' talent, isn't it?" Omega asked sarcastically. "I'll reiterate a point that I made when I first came to WWE to compete in the Cruiserweight Classic. I didn't need this place. NXT needed Kenny Omega because this place lacked any sort of genuine star power. Finn Balor left. Sami Zayn left. Pentagon left. Emma. Becky Lynch. The Iconic Duo. The list goes on and on of current main eventers who NXT lost all at once. They were desperate. They were practically on their hands and knees begging that I sign with them. And this all started because Kota Ibushi couldn't beat Tyler Breeze. He couldn't do it at Wrestle Kingdom. He couldn't do it at TakeOver. I should've seen the writing on the wall that Kota is a loser and that's all he's ever been. Kota was carried by me for all of those years. Whether it was DDT or New Japan, the story remained the same in NXT. Keep in mind that I wasn't even the one who took the pinfall against Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre in Chicago. It was Kota. He only won the Five Pack Challenge in Madison Square Garden because Lars Sullivan, Velveteen Dream and Liv Morgan served as distractions. My actions against Kota were not that of jealousy or bitterness. It was just me lifting all of that dead weight off of my shoulders so I can embrace my true nature. I'm not a Golden Lover. I'm 'The Best Bout Machine'. The absolute greatest professional wrestler on the planet. But before I make Kota realize that, I have a bit of other business to attend to, it would seem. Imagine this. I'm going through the motions of training regiments at the Performance Center that are below my skill level. I get called into an office by Triple H, who showed me a tweet on his phone that said I am going to make a trip to Unforgiven in Nashville this Saturday for a match against the person who the WWE Universe falsely believes is the true 'Best Bout Machine'. Ms. Match of the Year. The savior of the industry. The greatest female competitor in the history of professional wrestling... I'm not going to use this interview to disparage Paige because so many others have already done that. We all know who Paige is. We know what she brings to the table. In that same light, everyone knows what I bring to the table... so in a pure wrestling match with no weapons, no bending of the rules... what does everyone expect to happen? Because if your prediction is anything other than the absolute decimation of Paige, then I'm afraid that you'll be sorely disappointed come Unforgiven. All that said, Cathy, I think it's time that I now bid you adieu. Paige... Kota... goodbye and goodnight."
2) THE VELVETEEN DREAM WINS A 15-MAN OVER-THE-TOP ROPE BATTLE ROYAL TO EARN AN NXT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH AT UNISON after last eliminating Fenix. The early moments of the match saw Magnus, Riddick Moss, Tino Sabbatelli and CJ Parker be eliminated in that order. To prevent Lars Sullivan from picking up any momentum, the rest of the participants at that point attempted to best him. Sullivan withstood the onslaught of the NXT roster until SAnitY targeted him. The four managed to hoist Sullivan over the top rope, eliminating the biggest threat in the match. Eric Young was the next star out, though, after a springboard Dropkick form Angelico. After Fenix and Kalisto worked as a tandem to eliminate Uhaa Nation, Fenix stunned the Full Sail audience by eliminating Kalisto, his own 423-GET-FAME and Lucha Dragon partner! Darby Allin would later be caught in a Trust Fall by Ricochet, who toss him out of the ring. Angelico was dazed on the ring apron, having enough wherewithal to fend off Jimmy Havoc. However, Tommaso Ciampa was able to run into him with a knee to knock him down to the floor. When Ricochet picked up a surge of momentum, he charged toward Dream, who held down the top rope to eliminate one-half of the NXT Tag Team Champions. The Battle Royal came down to four men at that point. Two 423-GET-FAME representatives in Dream and Fenix, and two SAnitY representatives in Havoc and Ciampa. The two teams worked as one up until Ciampa inadvertently ran into Havoc, who was standing on the apron. Ciampa's realization of his mistake cost him as both Dream and Fenix lifted him over the top rope. Dream and Fenix were all that remained, guaranteeing that someone from 423-GET-FAME would be heading to Unison. The Full Sail crowd stood firmly behind Dream, which had to get underneath the skin of Fenix. Dream and Fenix had an incredible back-and-forth match during the closing moments of the episode, Dream able to catch Fenix in a vertical Suplex position off of a Block Buster attempt. Dream crashed Fenix mid-first onto the top rope before climbing the turnbuckles. Dream leaped off with The Purple Rainmaker to the back of Fenix's head, causing him to bounce off of the rope and onto the floor! "Dream has done it! Dream is going to Unison!" Tom Phillips explained while Dream had his arm raised with the entire Full Sail audience erupting. Famous B ran down to the ring to celebrate with his client, seemingly forgetting that Fenix, who was also his client, was sitting on the floor against the barricade in disappointment. Nonetheless, the match is now official. In Dario Cueto's Temple, the young upstart will look to turn Bobby Roode's NXT into the Velveteen Dream Experience!
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Post by Planktung on Apr 17, 2019 13:50:56 GMT -5
September 10th, 2014 | Episode 007 | "Hail to the Queen"
THE QUEEN OF THE RING FINALE HAS ARRIVED: At the start of the live special on the WWE Network, a shot of the CFE Arena in Orlando, Florida was shown with the lights completely shut while the faint sound of a guitar could be heard. When the lights came back on, The Word Alive commenced their live rendition of the Queen of the Ring's official theme song, "Why Am I Like This?". A video package was displayed on the screen with highlights from the prior tournament matches, focusing on the respective journeys of the four finalists. Charlotte Flair, Asuka, Ruby Riott and Dakota Kai have all made it to this point, but only one of them will have their arm raised at the end of tonight's broadcast. And not only will they be the first-ever Queen of the Ring, but they will go on to Unison on September 28th to challenge for either the RAW or SmackDown Women's Championship. "Take your time, wrong or right. I just want to feel alive tonight. Yes or no, don't go slow. I just want to feel alive tonight. Our own bloody Sunday... our own bloody Sunday."
1) CHARLOTTE FLAIR VS. DAKOTA KAI: After The Word Alive exited the stage, the bell sounded as Lillian Garcia, the special guest ring announcer for the finale, announced that the following contest was the first of two semi-final matches in the Queen of the Ring tournament. A video package then began playing for Charlotte Flair, set to "Catch 22" by Rowlan. Charlotte came into the tournament with the background of a 'queen' as the daughter of Ric Flair, one of the greatest to ever step into the squared circle. Thus far, Charlotte has carved her own path and now has the chance to cement herself as her own woman with a win in the Queen of the Ring tournament. "See, I don't know where I'm going, but I know what I see. I don't have it all plotted, but I know where I'll be. You don't know what I felt for pain, and you don't see just how far I came." When the video concluded, Charlotte's entrance music sounded as the second generation star walked out onto the stage, debuting an entrance robe reminiscent of her father's. "From the very beginning of this tournament, Charlotte had the biggest target on her back because of her last name, but everyone who's stepped up to Charlotte has fallen at her feet like the queen that she is. If you ask me, all this tournament will do is prove to everyone what some of us have already known about Charlotte, which is that she's destined for greatness," Corey Graves said.
While Charlotte waited in the ring, another video package was shown, this time with "No Parallels" by Hands Like Houses, befitting of a woman who left her mark on the Australian independent scene. A native of New Zealand, Dakota came into Queen of the Ring as one of the more experienced competitors, and her skill and abilities have shined in her road to the semi-finals. "This is happiness. To be everything at once. Be unblinded, be unlearned. Be unblinded, be unburned. This is happiness, I'm fearless and I'm free. With the open road and the world beneath my feet." Returning to the CFE Arena, Dakota's theme song hit to a bigger pop from the audience than the one Charlotte received. Dakota made her way through the curtain, not letting nerves get the better of her as she marched down to the ring. "You mentioned, Corey, that Charlotte came into this tournament with the biggest target on her back. I think Dakota has arguably the biggest shoes to fill in the current landscape of WWE. The Australian takeover of the women's division has proven to be a real thing thanks to names like Emma, Peyton Royce, Billie Kay and Toni Storm. All women who Dakota competed against on the independent scene prior to this tournament. She feels like she's been left behind. While all of her contemporaries are finding success, she's still trying to find her footing. This is the break that she's been looking for, but if she wants to move on to the finals, she'll have to do what no one else has been able to and that's best Charlotte Flair," said Mauro Ranallo.
At the start of the match, Dakota tried rushing Charlotte for a Yakuza Kick, which Charlotte was able to dodge with a cartwheel. The arrogant Charlotte strutted before "wooing" in Dakota's face, the captain of Team Kick responding with a heavy forearm. Dakota whipped Charlotte into the ropes, Charlotte able to hold on pull down the top rope. Dakota spilled to the outside as Charlotte climbed onto the top turnbuckle, leaping off with a Moonsault! Charlotte rolled Dakota back into the ring, getting only a two count. Charlotte brought Dakota up to her feet, pinning her against a corner for a few of the knife edge chops that her father made famous. After a while, it looked like every chop only fueled Dakota's fire. Dakota withstood the series of chops as the now-worried Charlotte tried chopping out of pure desperation. Dakota connected with a european Uppercut to Charlotte before grabbing her head to deliver an onslaught of knee strikes. Dakota hoisted Charlotte onto her shoulders for a Fireman's Carry, dropping her face-first onto the top turnbuckle. With Charlotte dazed in a corner, Dakota tried running into her with a Kaio Kick, only for Charlotte to slow her momentum with a Big Boot!
Charlotte grabbed Dakota's legs, noticing her opening for the Figure Four Leg Lock. Charlotte was able to apply the hold, Dakota trying valiantly to crawl toward the ropes. Wanting to stop Dakota in her tracks, Charlotte was able to bridge into the Figure Eight! Dakota was in excruciating pain while Charlotte had to look ahead at the audience, oping to seen feel Dakota tapping on her kneecap. Dakota, somehow, was able to drag both Charlotte and herself to the bottom rope, getting a hold of it to break the submission. Charlotte released the Figure Eight, Dakota having to pull herself up with assistance from the ropes. Charlotte ran toward Dakota with another Big Boot, nearly kicking her out of the ring. Charlotte returned to the top rope for another Moonsault onto a standing Dakota, but while she was in mid-air, Dakota drilled her with a kick to her face! Charlotte staggered to her feet, holding her jaw while unknowingly backing into a corner. Dakota lifted her boot while running, catching Charlotte in the temple with the Kaio Kick! Dakota threw Charlotte's body onto the canvas, covering her for a three count! DAKOTA KAI ADVANCES TO THE FINALS!
And just like that, the journey for Charlotte Flair has come to an end! The audience in the CFE Arena went wild as Dakota Kai rose to her feet, just about stunned herself with the turn of events. “No doubt, this is not the end of the road for Charlotte Flair. She was just an alternative in this tournament initially because of her inexperience. She started training just a few months ago, and she’s already putting on incredible displays of athleticism like what we just saw from her,” said Corey Graves. After a series of highlights from the match, the official stood by Charlotte and Dakota, raising the latter’s hand in victory. Team captain of Team Kick now puts herself into the finals of Queen of the Ring, where she will meet either Asuka or Ruby Riott.
WWE’S PAST AND PRESENT WATCH THE FUTURE UNFOLD: At the ringside area of the CFE Arena, WWE Hall of Famers Trish Stratus and Lita were shown in the front row, watching with anticipation to see which superstar will be declared the next torchbearer for the proclaimed women’s revolution. On another side of the front row section, NXT Women’s Champion Ember Moon had the camera focus shifted to her. While the winner of Queen of the Ring will be heading to RAW or SmackDown Live for a championship opportunity, Ember would be wise to scout the rest of the field since some are likely to land in NXT once Queen of the Ring has concluded.
2) ASUKA VS. RUBY RIOTT: After the announcement that the next contest was the second of two semi-final matches, a video package aired on the titantron featuring "Riot" by My Enemies & I. Known by many on the independent circuit as Hedie Lovelace, Ruby Riott arrived on the scene in WWE with a clean slate, but the same punk rock-influenced attitude and appearance that she established herself under. In a time where the most diverse of female superstars are finding success, including WWE Champion Paige, whom many have drawn comparisons to Ruby, now is her best opportunity to etch her name into the canals of professional wrestling as a trailblazer for other women who have ever been outcasted. "Speak, motherf****r. Have an opinion, motherf****r. Stand up, motherf****r. F*** that shit, I'ma start a riot in this motherf*****." Once the video ended, Ruby made her entrance with an altered look from her previous tournament matches, sporting dark red hair and a cutoff black denim vest with spikes on the shoulders. "Ruby Riott came into Queen of the Ring intending on doing exactly what her name suggests and start a riot in the women's revolution. She's taken down every foe up to this point, but none have had the killer instinct of the woman she's about to do battle with," Mauro Ranallo said. Ruby entered the ring without her usual mosh-like theatrics, showing a much more serious side than ever before in the tournament. Once Ruby was in the ring, the lights in the CFE Arena dimmed as another video package was put on display. This time, "Empress" by Social Repose accompanied a cinematic-esque shot of Asuka in her full regalia walking slowly toward the camera. With one of the most decorated backgrounds out of any participant in Queen of the Ring, 'The Empress of Tomorrow' has been just as dominant as the WWE Universe expected her to be. "Be my empress. Reign over me and I will follow you, endlessly. Be my empress. Can't you see I am powerless to your beauty?" The video ended with Asuka slowly removing her mask, licking her lips before declaring that, "Nobody is ready for Asuka!" The slow, daunting intro to Asuka's entrance music commenced before the stage lit up with colorful graphics while Asuka made her way down to the ring, retaining her same ominous demeanor and body language that she did in her other tournament matches, unlike Ruby. "The world is Asuka's for the taking. One of the most feared competitor in all of women's wrestling, it comes to the surprise of absolutely nobody that she's made it this far. I predicted Asuka from the start to take the throne as Queen of the Ring, and I'm sorry for Ruby and her fanbase, but there isn't anything that's convincing me I should change my pick," said Corey Graves.
When the opening bell sounded, the CFE Arena became split down the middle, a contrast from the previous match where Dakota Kai was the heavy favorite. Asuka and Ruby locked up, Asuka able to slide right out of Ruby's grip. Asuka flailed her arms in the air, smiling while showing no signs of being intimated by Ruby. Taking offense to this, Ruby slapped Asuka across her face. Asuka, however, only smiled and laughed before blocking another one of Ruby's strike. Asuka grabbed Ruby's arm and quickly tried applying an Armbar, Ruby able to act quickly and turn it into a pin attempt. Asuka kicked out and rose to a vertical base, swinging her leg at Ruby's head for a Roundhouse Kick. Ruby flinched and sat on the canvas, Asuka grinning at her in a form of mockery. Ruby quickly stood up and charged into Ruby, taking her into a corner. Ruby hit Asuka with repeated forearms, all of them having almost no effect on 'The Empress of Tomorrow'. Asuka slapped Ruby, returning the favor for earlier before trying for the Asuka Lock, Ruby backed Asuka into the corner again, this time connecting with an elbow strike that rocked Asuka.
Ruby perched Asuka on the top turnbuckle, Asuka able to kick Ruby away. Asuka stepped onto the ropes, leaping off with an aerial hip attack! Asuka covered Ruby, who managed to kick out at two. When Ruby got to her knees, Asuka ran toward her with a basement Dropkick, Ruby checking her nose to see if it was still in place. Asuka hit a quick leg drop before picking Ruby back up, the latter able to fight back. Ruby shoved Asuka into the ropes, bouncing off of them and falling into place for a Superkick. Ruby picked Asuka up for a Vertical Suplex, turning it into a Jackhammer of sort. Asuka kicked out of Ruby's pin attempt, Ruby responding by dropping both of her feet onto Asuka's stomach. Ruby set Asuka up for a Riott Kick, but Asuka caught her and countered it into an Ankle Lock! Asuka twisted on Ruby's ankle violently, Ruby looking as if she was going to tap out at several points of the sequence. Ruby almost had her hand on the bottom rope before Asuka pulled her away. Asuka picked Ruby up, tucking her foot behind her back for a modified German Suplex that sent Ruby crashing onto the back of her head.
Dazed, Ruby slowly stood to her feet, Asuka taking her out with a Roundhouse Kick! Asuka got the cover, but miraculously, Ruby was able to get a shoulder up in time! Asuka did not let up on her demeanor, refusing to show any signs of concern on her face. Screaming in Japanese, Asuka picked Ruby up and placed her on the top rope. Asuka seemed to be looking for an Avalanche Vertical Suplex, but Ruby fended her off. Knocking Asuka's placement down to the second rope, Ruby tried what Ranallo initially called as a Sunset Flip Powerbomb, but quickly realized it was a top rope Destroyer! Asuka's head planted onto the canvas, Ruby quickly trying to capitalize on the opening. Asuka used the ropes to stand up, Ruby instantly knocking her back down with an Enziguri! Ruby then brought Asuka back up, gripping her arm for the Riott Kick! Ruby held onto the wrist of Asuka, taking a page out of the book of Kazuchika Okada for instances of desperate measures. Not knowing where she was or what she was doing, Asuka stood back up to her feet, Ruby delivering a second Riott Kick! Ruby pulled Asuka away from the ropes, covering her for the biggest three count of her career! RUBY RIOTT ADVANCES TO THE FINALS!
A huge sense of shock came over the WWE Universe members in the CFE Arena. Asuka, who was viewed by many to be the favorite in Queen of the Ring, was just eliminated! Once it finally settled in what had just happened, the fans in attendance reacted with both boos and cheers for Ruby. "When Dakota Kai defeated Charlotte Flair, you and I chalked it up to experience, Mauro. But this... this was purely based off of the beating that Asuka took at the hands of Ruby Riott in the closing moments of this match! Asuka had no time to react to anything Ruby threw at her! Ruby saw her opening and closed in on Asuka's head, and that's what is taking Ruby Riott to the finals of the Queen of the Ring tournament!" Corey Graves said while still trying to comprehend the outcome. Post-match, the official raised Ruby's hand while Asuka kept her head down, likely in both pain and shame. Ruby claims her biggest win yet, but all it did was set her up for the biggest match of her career. Later on tonight, Ruby faces Dakota for the right to be named the first-ever Queen of the Ring and receive a RAW or SmackDown Women's Championship opportunity at Unison.
RAW AND SMACKDOWN LIVE TAKE CENTER STAGE IN NASHVILLE: Promos were shown for the two Pay-Per-View events taking place this weekend. On Saturday, SmackDown Live will present Unforgiven, headlined by Becky Lynch's defense of the SmackDown Women's Championship against Allie in an Inferno match. The following day, RAW holds Payback as Aleister Black looks to kick AJ Styles off of his religious high horse in a No Holds Barred match for the Universal Championship.
3) MIA YIM & KAIRI SANE VS. CHELSEA GREEN & BIANCA BELAIR: To separe the two semi-final matches from the main event, four of the participants in the Queen of the Ring tournament were brought in for a special tag team bout. While Chelsea Green and Bianca Belair didn't receive favorable crowd responses, Kairi Sane and Mia Yim were able to bring the energy back into the CFE Arena. Chelsea and Kairi started things off, Chelsea trying to force 'The Pirate Princess' into the ropes. Kairi shoved Chelsea away before dodging a Clothesline, connecting with a single-leg Dropkick. Kairi took Chelsea down with an Arm Drag before running toward her in a corner, smashing her forearm into the face of Chelsea. Kairi threw Chelsea onto the canvas before climbing onto the top rope, looking to go for the Insane Elbow early on. Kairi was distracted by Bianca, which allowed Chelsea to pull Kairi down to the canvas. Or at least, she tried to before Kairi was able to turn it into a Hurricanrana. Kairi made the tag to Mia, who took Chelsea down with repeated Clotheslines before a Back Body Drop. When Mia tried grabbing Chelsea again, she was kicked away. Chelsea tagged in Bianca, who showed her power by connecting with a shoulder tackle onto Mia.
Bianca continued to overpower Mia, the latter occasionally showing signs of mounting a comeback, though they were short-lived once Bianca was able to regain the momentum. Bianca lifted Mia over her head in a Gorilla Press position, Mia able to slide out of her grip. Kairi extended her hand and tried to make the tag, but before Mia could reach the corner, Bianca whipped her in the shoulder with her hair! The sound of the whip slicing Mia's skin echoed throughout the CFE Arena, Bianca pulling Mia into the center of the ring for what she intended to be an inverted Fireman's Carry slam. Mia was able to counter it into a DDT, finally able to get the hot tag to Kairi. In came 'The Pirate Princess' with a flurry of offense against Bianca. With Bianca seated in a corner, Kairi "walked the plank" before running toward her adversary for a smashing elbow strike. While in motion, Chelsea was able to hit Kairi with a high kick, tagging herself in. Chelsea ran toward Kairi, who was lifted into the air, falling chest-first onto the canvas. Kairi ran toward Chelsea for a Tornado DDT, bouncing her feet off of the second rope. This time, Kairi was able to ascend to the top turnbuckle, soaring through the air with her Insane Elbow onto Chelsea! Kairi got the cover, picking up the win for her team. KAIRI SANE & MIA YIM ARE VICTORIOUS!
Despite having already been eliminated from the Queen of the Ring tournament, Kairi Sane and Mia Yim still found a way to have their moment of triumph on the live finale. The fans in Orlando reacted positively as Kairi and Mia stood tall in victory, Mauro Ranallo and Corey Graves believe that even with their shortcomings in the tournament, the two are destined to become WWE superstars themselves somewhere down the line.
SEMI-FINALS RECAP: Prior to the start of the entrances for the main event, the two semi-final matches earlier in the evening were highlighted. In the opening bout, Dakota Kai was able to best Charlotte Flair. Then, Ruby Riott shocked the world and defeated Asuka to punch her ticket for the finals. Now, the field of 16 has been cut down to just two. Who is going to leave the CFE Arena as the first-ever WWE Queen of the Ring?
4) DAKOTA KAI VS. RUBY RIOTT: Before either of the two finalists made their way down to the ring, several of tonight's special guests arrived to watch the match from the ringside area. First was the SmackDown Live Commissioner, Shane McMahon, followed by the RAW Commissioner, Stephanie McMahon. The two have a vested interest in this match-up since the winner will be heading to one of the two main brands to challenge for the Women's Championship in 18 days at Unison. Stephanie and Shane weren't the only representatives from RAW and SmackDown Live, however. The entrance music of Alexa Bliss sounded to the surprise of the CFE Arena. Out came the RAW Women's Champion, and while she has her own title defense this Sunday against Sasha Banks at Payback, 'The Goddess' is choosing to still keep her eye on the Queen of the Ring. When Alexa took her seat, SmackDown Women's Champion Beck Lynch was added to the mix. Becky, who defends the gold against Allie in an unprecedented women's Inferno match on Saturday at Unforgiven, chose to still be here tonight because she knows that if she makes it through Allie, she'll have one of these two finalists waiting for her at Unison.
Dakota was the first of the finalists to make her entrance, trying to keep the same serious demeanor that she had earlier against Charlotte Flair. Dakota, who has competed before against WWE superstars such as Emma, Billie Kay and Peyton Royce, was ready to make her own path in the company and no longer have to live vicariously through some of the women she broke into the industry with. Dakota stood in the ring and glanced at Alexa and Becky, hoping that she didn't make a mistake by becoming fixated on either of the Women's Championships when her title shot at Unison still has yet to be finalized. Dakota stared ahead at the entrance stage, waiting for Ruby to show up. Seconds later, Ruby's entrance music sounded. Ruby sported a different look than she she entered with against Asuka, wearing an outfit that resembled Jigsaw from the Saw franchise. "Ruby wants to be Dakota's nightmare. Dakota saw what Ruby did to Asuka earlier tonight. Easily the most shocking victory in this entire tournament, and she has all of the momentum in the world on her side in the finals," said Corey Graves, shifting his pick from the now-eliminated Asuka to Ruby.
After the pre-match introductions, the bell sounded as the final match-up in the Queen of the Ring tournament commenced. Dakota and Ruby ran toward each other, wasting no time to start throwing left and right hand strikes. Dakota's strikes were just a bit more effective, Ruby staggering against the ropes. Dakota Clotheslined Ruby over the top before heading out onto the ring apron. Dakota ran toward Ruby for a kick to her chest, but Ruby was able to catch Dakota's foot in time. Ruby pulled on Dakota's leg, causing her to fall back onto the apron. Ruby stepped onto the apron, stomping both of her feet onto Dakota! After Dakota fell onto the floor, Ruby stopped the official's count by stepping into the ring before heading back out to the apron. After Dakota finally stood back up, Ruby leaped off with a Cannonball, only for Dakota to evade it! Ruby crashed hard onto the floor, using the barricade to pick herself back up. When Ruby turned around, Dakota ran into her with a Yakuza Kick! Ruby fell over the barricade, Dakota having to put her back into the ring quickly enough to stop both from being counted out.
Dakota covered Ruby, who was able to kick out in time. Dakota placed Ruby in a corner and delivered a series of knife edge chops. Dakota then seated Ruby on the top turnbuckle, trying for a Superplex. Ruby, however, shoved Dakota off, trying to grant herself some time to get out of the predicament. Instead, Dakota ran back onto the top rope, taking Ruby down with an Avalanche Hurricanrana! On the way down, Dakota's own head landed on the canvas, both women down and out for the time being. Dakota was able to get up in a corner, Ruby running into her knees-first. Ruby brought Dakota into the center of the ring, going for a Riott Kick that Dakota countered by throwing Ruby out of the ring. Dakota was able to continue fighting and went for a Suicide Dive, but Ruby caught with a knee strike in mid-air to the top of her head!
Trying to utilize the same strategy that she did against Asuka, Ruby targeted Dakota's head, holding her wrist while repeatedly kicking her. Ruby pulled Dakota closer to her for an elbow strike, but Dakota countered it with an Exploder Suplex. Dakota climbed to the top rope, waiting for Ruby to show even the smallest sign of getting to her feet. Dakota descended with a double foot stomp to the back of Ruby's head! Dakota got the cover, but Ruby was able to get her foot on the bottom rope. Dakota pulled Ruby into the center of the ring, running the ropes for what she calls the Kairopractor. However, Ruby kept her grip on Dakota, not allowing her to execute the maneuver. Ruby spiked Dakota with an inverted Piledriver, trying to go for the win that Dakota refused to allow her to seize. Ruby grabbed Dakota's wrist, acting almost out of desperation by trying to go for the Riott Kick again. While setting up for it, Ruby was kicked in the shoulder by Dakota, who continued to try fighting the move. Dakota got a hold of Ruby's wrist and pulled her in for a knee strike to the temple, Ruby falling to her knees. Dakota ran into her with a Yakuza Kick before waiting patiently in a corner for Ruby to stand back up. Dakota was ready to put everything she had into one final move, executing a Bicycle Kick! Dakota covered Ruby with the hook of both legs, the three count being made to end the tournament. DAKOTA KAI IS THE QUEEN OF THE RING!
"She did it! Dakota Kai wins Queen of the Ring"! exclaimed Mauro Ranallo over the raucous audience in the CFE Arena. Dakota quickly placed her hands over her face to conceal her tears, soon standing up while being completely overwhelmed with emotion. Dakota, who had to watch many of her contemporaries live her dream throughout the entire women's revolution, will now forever a hold a title that none of them can ever take away from her as the first-ever Queen of the Ring winner. Ruby Riott had to stagger to her feet, waltzing into the center of the ring for the referee's final arm raise. Dakota was declared the winner of the match and tournament before Triple H and Sara Amato, the two people who helped put together the tournament, entered the ring with flowers and the tournament trophy. Dakota was presented with both before Shane McMahon and Stephanie McMahon congratulated her, both of whom are now eager to try and sign her to their respective brands. Last but not least, Alexa Bliss and Becky Lynch stepped into the ring, Dakota eying the championships that both of them carry. Two weeks from Sunday, Dakota will challenge for either the RAW or SmackDown Women's Championship at Unison because she is now and will forever be the first-ever WWE Queen of the Ring!
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Post by Planktung on Apr 20, 2019 14:01:26 GMT -5
"Heaven" by PVRIS
I think we were cursed from the start
Second I let you into my heart
Do you think we were speaking in tongues
Or simply not enough?
Do you ever wonder
Who took the light from our life?
The light from my eyes?
All we did was suffer
Why couldn't we just say
(You took my heart)
(You took my heart)
You took my heaven away
Away
Our love is pushing out and pulling in
Just like a rising and falling chest that's barely breathing
And didn't you ever wonder
About the dread on my tongue?
The blood in my lungs?
All I did was suffer
I was too afraid to say
(You took my heart)
You took my heaven away
You took my, you took my heaven away
Away
You took my heaven away
You took my, you took my, you took my heaven away
You took my, you took my, you took my heaven away
You took my, you took my, you took my heaven away
You took my, you took my, you took my heaven away
I think we were cursed from the start
You took my
(You took my heart)
(You took my heart)
You took my heaven away
(You took my, you took my, you took my heaven away)
Away
(You took my, you took my, you took my heaven away)
(You took my heart)
(You took my heart)
Wednesday, September 10th, 2014
While the confetti fell from the ceiling in the CFE Arena for Dakota Kai after her Queen of the Ring victory, Allie watched from the backstage area, having to keep a low profile for just about the entire night after Nikki Bella publicly outed her as the one who gave The Bella Twins the inspiration they needed to attack Paige... at least according to her. There is still no proof that it actually was then. The evidence is circumstantial, but if they didn't do it, then Nikki and Brie are taking the credit for whatever reason.
Allie had to keep her emotions in check, especially with SmackDown Women's Champion Becky Lynch in the vicinity. Many of the other talent and personnel present for Queen of the Ring glared at Allie either blankly or disgustingly. After Ruby Riott came to the back through the curtain, Allie was the first person to greet her, the two having established a friendship on the independent scene. The two had not spoken in quite some time, and Allie was more desperate than anything else to try to have somebody by her side. Especially right now when her only real acquaintances are Catch Point and Kevin Condron, none of whom she actually gets along with.
Allie: "You good?"
Allien held out a towel and bottle of water for Ruby, who seemed surprised at the kind gesture. To Ruby's credit, she didn't shun Allie away and actually took the time to speak with her, something that no one else in the CFE Arena was going to do.
Ruby: "This is what's it like, huh? You get so f***ing close to your dream... and it's gone. Just like that."
Allie: "I'm sorry you found that out the hard way. It happens, but everything's going to be fine. You're still on WWE's radar. You made it to the finals of the tournament. You're getting signed."
Ruby: "... Even if that's true, I'm still going to have to sit back and watch Dakota Kai bask in the glory of the spot that should belong to me. I'm not going to the main roster now. I'm not going to Unison now. I'm not going to get a shot at the RAW or SmackDown Women's Championship now. But she is. Of course she is, because everyone loves Dakota Kai. Everybody loves 'The Dog' or whatever the f*** that stupid name of hers is."
Allie: "Then make it your purpose in life to surpass Dakota Kai. All tonight means is that the history books will show that Dakota won Queen of the Ring, but that doesn't mean a damn thing for the future. You're going to beat her in every facet of this industry."
Ruby: "... Why are you being so nice to me? I mean, it's not like we were best friends on the indies. We just worked together a few times."
Allie: "Because I knew that just in case something like this happened, I'd be the person you needed to hear from the most because I know what it's like to get so close to realizing your dream, only to have it be taken away from you."
Ruby: "Like at SummerSlam? That's what you mean? I'm not going to do what you did and take out my frustrations by getting some plastic bitches to attack Paige for me."
Allie: "... ... ..."
Ruby: "Just leave me alone, Allie. Don't worry about me. Worry about not being burned alive by Becky."
Ruby walked away from the scene, not wanting to talk to anybody right now while still recovering from her crushing defeat. Allie was left speechless where she stood, having to understand that she truly is all on her own in this scenario. She has nobody she can depend on. If she's going to make it out of this feud with Becky Lynch, Paige, The Iconic Duo and now The Bella Twins, she has to do it on her own. Catch Point won't be there for her. Condron isn't a factor anymore with the case closed. She spent so long berating Taynara Conti that there's no way she'll want to get her hands dirty for her. Allie's survival depends on her own will to fight.
Wanting to head home and rest before having to fly to SmackDown Live in the morning, Allie hurried over to her car. She got into the driver's seat, trying not to panic. She put her phone down on the passenger's seat before suddenly hearing a loud thud. Startled, Allie looked ahead and saw Rosemary, a Queen of the Ring participant, kneeling on her hands and knees on the car's hood. Rosemary pressed one side of her face against the windshield, Allie wondering why Rosemary was following her. Rosemary lifted her head and crawled off of the hood, vanishing into the night as Allie looked down at her phone, seeing a call that she missed because of the distraction caused by Rosemary.
A few moments prior...
While the Queen of the Ring final was taking place, Kevin Condron sat in his home in New York City. No lights were on. No sounds could be heard side from the cars passing by outside. Condron lightly pressed the back of his head against a wall at intervals of four seconds, wondering what the future holds for him. His plan to frame The Iconic Duo for Paige's attack had gone up in smoke because Nikki Bella's confession, or publicity stunt, or whatever it really was. The public perception is now that The Bella Twins committed the attack, and they were convinced to do so by Allie. In the time that Condron has spent putting together this case, he came to grow affectionate toward Allie. What Condron never told her was that just like herself, he's been dealing with depression for the better part of his adulthood. A depressive state that he tried containing by taking advantage of others, explaining why he once posed as a psychiatrist for the sake of monetary gain. When that failed thanks to Paige and AJ Lee, he saw his opening as a private investigator to make himself happy at the expenses of those two and The Iconic Duo. He felt a connection to Allie, but blew any chance he might have had when he forced himself onto her a few days ago. Still, Condron harbored feelings for her, and his goal with the case became much more than to just frame The Iconic Duo. If Allie really has any involvement in Paige's attack, then he wanted to do everything he could to protect her. But he failed, all thanks to The Bella Twins.
Not wanting to admit defeat, Condron looked through the contacts in his phone that he accumulated throughout the investigation. The one name that jumped out to him was Emma, who he believed early on was his key to framing Billie and Peyton. If anyone would know if those two had any sort of motive to attack Paige, it would be Emma. Every single time Condron tried getting a hold of Emma, it was as if she fell off the face of the earth after SummerSlam.
Condron tried one final time to call Emma and get a deposition from her. The phone rang several times, which usually led to the result of being sent to Emma's voicemail.
Emma: "Hello?"
Condron tensed up just from hearing the sound of Emma's voice. She finally answered him. Just when he was ready to give up hope, he was given one final chance.
Condron: "... Emma?"
Emma: "... Yeah... that's me..."
Condron: "... Emma... my name is Kevin Condron. I'm the private investigator that WWE hired to look into Paige's attack."
Emma: "... Right... the attack that Nikki and Brie did?"
Condron: "I'm not convinced it was them."
Emma: "... Me neither."
Condron: "What?"
Emma: "You said you're the investigator, right? So you're interested in listening to what I know about the attack?"
Condron: "You know something about the attack?"
Emma: "Maybe... There's no guarantee, but I think I do."
Condron: "Wait, if you've known something, why have you been ignoring all of my calls."
Emma: "Because I haven't felt like talking to anyone or doing anything. Is some privacy too much to ask for?"
Condron: "... What do you know about the attack? I promise this is all confidential."
Emma: "I don't care about confidentiality. Throw me under the bus for all I care. Billie probably deserves to feel betrayed."
Condron: "Billie?! What did Billie do?!"
Emma: "After SummerSlam, Billie called me. She specifically did so when Peyton wasn't around her. She needed to open up to someone, and even though I really didn't feel like communicating with anybody, I decided to be a friend. Billie said that earlier in the day, she was alone in a locker room with Paige and she kissed her. Billie tried pushing Paige away, but felt bad about it later. I asked Billie if she got any enjoyment out of kissing Paige, and she couldn't answer me. I told Billie that I couldn't help her. She needed to make a decision. Does she keep all of that information hidden and risk Peyton finding out later on, or does she tell Peyton and risk her friendship with Paige? That's the last time I spoke to Billie. When I woke up the next day, the news of Paige's attack was already all over social media. So, my first thought was that Billie told Peyton about the kiss, and together, they decided to get revenge on Paige."
Condron: "... And do you still believe that? At this very moment right now, do you think that The Iconic Duo attacked Paige?"
Emma: "... ... ..."
Condron: "... ... ..."
Emma: "... ... ... Yes. Billie and Peyton did it."
For the first time, Condron didn't have somebody telling him that Billie and Peyton being the perpetrators made no sense. It was the complete opposite as Emma practically testified against her two best friends, or maybe ex-best friends. With this newfound information about Paige kissing Billie, all of the pieces were falling into place for Condron to get what he wanted.
While heading to his car, Condron called Allie to tell him about the new development. It just so happened to be at the exact same moment that Allie met Rosemary in a confusing, brooding confrontation. The call to Allie went to her voicemail, so Condron left her a message.
Condron: "Allie! I have good news! Everything's going to be fine. I finally got in touch with Emma. She backed up my theory that Billie and Peyton are the attackers. This isn't just some dumb ulterior motive of mine anymore to convict them. They're really the ones who did it. The Bella Twins were lying the whole time. You had nothing to do with Paige's attack and I can prove it. I'm going to the airport right now to head to Stamford and share all of this with WWE. This evidence is concrete, I promise. I'm going to get back at Paige for everything she did to me... and I also get to protect you. I know that you didn't take kindly to me kissing you over the weekend, and I'm sorry for my actions. I really am, but I just want you to understand that I'm completely serious about the way I feel for you. I didn't say this before, but I know exactly what you're going through. I'm distant from my family. It's always felt like the world has been out to get me. You're not alone in your struggles... and I really hope that someday, we can endure it all together. I'm not asking for you to give me a chance. I'm just letting you know that this is how I feel.... I love you, Allie."
After sending the voicemail, Condron got into his car and tried hurrying to the airport.
Back in Orlando, Allie was still trying to catch her breath after being startled by Rosemary. When she picked up her phone, she saw the missed call from Condron and the voicemail that accompanied it. Allie listened to the message, skeptical about Condron actually having evidence that would be good enough to pin the blame on Billie and Peyton, especially after Nikki and Brie told the world that they did it. Listening further into the voicemail, Allie realized that it turned into a confession of Condron's romantic feelings for her. She was taken aback by the confession. Not only of Condron's love for her, but also of his own bout with depression. Knowing what she knew now, Allie did regret being so resentful of Condron throughout their time working on the case together. She almost called Condron back, but decided that she'd do so in the morning. All she wanted right now was to be alone at home.
In New York City, Condron continued on his way toward the airport, but he started to feel something happen to him. Anxiety was getting the better of him now that he finally had the evidence that he'd been long for for so long. His hands gradually became more sweat-filled to the point where he started losing the grip of his steering wheel. Condron pulled over his car near an isolated forest that was out of anyone's peripheral. Condron gout of the vehicle and try to calm his breathing, feeling an anxiety attack coming on. He kept telling himself not to give in now to his demons. Not when he's so close to being able to stand up to the world and say that Billie and Peyotn attacked Paige.
As Condron tried regulating his rate of breathing, he could hear something coming from the trunk of his car. He walked toward there, the sound becoming even louder than before. Condron could tell that there a person inside, his anxiety worsening. Condron should have just left it alone, but instead decided to open the trunk. When he did so, AJ Lee came lunging at him. AJ took the jumper cable that was in the trunk, wrapping it around Condron's neck. AJ pulled on the cable, trying to suffocate Condron. AJ, who had just been released from the hospital earlier in the day, never forgot about Condron's declaration to frame The Iconic Duo. AJ didn't care about what happened to Peyton, but she was still deeply in love with Billie, even after SummerSlam. While Condron was going about the case to protect Allie, AJ was taking matters into her own hands to protect Billie.
With Condron now unconscious, AJ put his body into the trunk of his own car. She then took out the matches and cans of gasoline that she brought with her in the trunk. AJ opened one of the cans, pouring gasoline onto Condron. She never once second-guessed what she was doing. If this is what she believed she had to do to keep Billie safe, then so be it. AJ emptied the tank and closed the trunk before emptying the second tank onto the rest of the car. AJ lit a match, holding it for a moment while comprehending what was about to happen.
AJ dropped the match as the car was set on fire, Condron still inside the trunk, effectively killing him. |
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Post by Planktung on Apr 22, 2019 17:46:50 GMT -5
September 11th, 2014 | Episode 022 | "Torchbearer"
ALLIE CLAIMS RESPONSIBILITY FOR PAIGE'S ATTACK: When the final SmackDown Live before Unforgiven went on the air, Allie was shown in an undisclosed location in the Mohegan Sun at Casey Place. The Catch Point member reminded the WWE Universe that during a press conference yesterday for The Bella Twins' new reality series, Nikki Bella confessed to herself and Brie Bella attacking Paige a number of weeks ago. "Part of Nikki's confession was placing the blame for the attack on me. She claimed that I was the one who gave them the inspiration to do it. At first, I was ready to deny and all involvement in Paige's attack because I have more important things to worry about... but, the more I think about it, the more I don't regret what I did if it was indeed Nikki and Brie who committed the attack Yes, I did plant the seed in their minds for the attack. I never once thought that they'd have the balls to actually go through with it, but I'm glad they did because somebody needed to put Paige in her place. If you want to throw the moral responsibility onto my shoulders, then I'll carry this weight with me into Unforgiven as the new torchbearer of SmackDown Live. Not only because of Paige's attack, but because on Saturday, I set fire to Becky Lynch and become the new SmackDown Women's Champion. Paige... Becky... all of you... you made me do this. You made me this way. Now pay for what you've done."
1) JEFF HARDY DEF. SOLOMON CROWE via the Swanton Bomb. Crowe didn't take kind to his loss against 'The Charismatic Enigma' and chose to attack Hardy following the closing bell. Crowe repeatedly stomped onto Hardy in a corner before the entrance music of Dean Ambrose caught his attention, as well as that of the entire WWE Universe. Ambrose, who had not been seen since he was laid out by Crowe a few weeks ago, ran down to the ring, holding with him the same baseball bat that Crowe took him out with. Ambrose swung the bat at Crowe's head, 'The Death Machine' bolting out of the ring. Ambrose stared down Crowe from a distance before turning his attention to Hardy, striking him in the mid-section with the bat! "What the hell did Ambrose just do?!" Rob Naylor exclaimed before Ambrose planted Hardy with Dirty Deeds! The Wilkes-Barre audience was left stunned after Ambrose turned on Hardy, despite Crowe being the one to put him on the shelf.
SMACKDOWN LIVE BECOMES SLAM TOWN LIVE: At this time, Greg Hamilton introduced John Morrison, who made his return to SmackDown Live last week after a brief stint in NXT. Morrison reveled in the chorus of boos that rained down onto him for his actions against Cruiserweight Champion Johnny Gargano in his return to the blue brand. Morrison took a microphone and stated that when he left WWE two-and-a-half years ago, it was because he knew that he wasn't himself anymore. Somewhere along the way, the flame that made him 'The Shaman of Sexy' faded and he knew he had to go away for a bit if he wanted to have any chance of becoming the premiere superstar he was always destined to be. "So, WWE and I finally came to terms for a new contract... and they stored me away in NXT. I take nothing away from NXT and everything that the brand has accomplished, but this is a body that was made for the spotlight. I should have been showcased from the very start as one of the WWE's top superstars. And while I was being denied my rightful spot at the top, the WWE Universe decided to get behind competitors with half of my star power... half of my charisma... half of my athleticism. Competitors like Johnny Gargano." Morrison said that Thursday nights only have enough room for one 'Johnny Wrestling' and it isn't some loser who couldn't even make it out of the Cruiserweight Classic. "From now on, this is my show. SmackDown Live is now Slam Town Live and that starts with me making an example out of Johnny Gargano and the entire Cruiserweight division."
2) JOHN MORRISON DEF. RODERICK STRONG via Starship Pain. Morrison stood tall post-match as he headed up the entrance ramp, not realizing that Johnny Gargano was standing behind him. Gargano turned Morrison around, the Cruiserweight Champion unloading with a series of strikes. With Morrison on his knees, Gargano attempted a Superkick, only for Morrison to dodge it. Morrison ran to the backstage area, not wanting to face a fresh 'Johnny Wrestling'.
SHANE MCMAHON ACCEPTS DARIO CUETO'S INVITITATION: Near the interview setup, new SmackDown Live correspondent Kayla Braxton was standing by with Commissioner Shane McMahon, asking if he has an answer for the invitation Dario Cueto laid out to him this past Monday on RAW. Shane said that he and Dario don't exactly see eye-to-eye, and that goes deeper into the past than most people would assume. "Keep in mind that before becoming the RAW General Manager, Dario worked as a member of the Board of Directors. He worked under my father, and subsequently, he worked under me as well. This is personal for Dario and I do think that he and I need to clear the air once and for all. If he wants that to become a public matter, then so be it. I accept Dario's invitation. I will be at Payback this Sunday night, and hopefully, Dario isn't too heated after SmackDown Live steals the weekend on Saturday."
3) MATT RIDDLE DEF. ELIAS via the Bromission. Capping off their rivalry that has been brewing ever since 'The King of Bros' arrived to the Land of Opportunity, Riddle was able to force Elias to submit. Riddle continues to pick up momentum on SmackDown Live, captivating audiences everywhere he goes.
4) CM PUNK DEF. BILLIE KAY AND SMACKDOWN TAG TEAM CHAMPION CODY RHODES IN A TRIPLE THREAT MATCH via Go to Sleep to Billie. In the first of two Triple Threat matches to preview this Saturday's Triangle Ladder match for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships, Punk was able to swing the momentum in favor of Catch Point after connecting with the Go to Sleep to Billie, who was already dazed from Rhodes' Disaster Kick, which he hit while Brandi Rhodes held onto Billie's foot from underneath the bottom rope. The WWE Universe seemed taken aback by Rhodes' willingness to allow his wife to play a role in the contest, but it was all for nothing once Punk threw 'The American Nightmare' out of the ring and picked up the scraps.
JEFF HARDY WILL HAVE HIS SHOT AT REVENGE AGAINST DEAN AMBROSE: Backstage, Jeff Hardy was shown leaving the arena in Wilkes-Barre, holding his ribs after taking a baseball bat shot earlier tonight from Dean Ambrose in a shocking act of betrayal. Hardy was stopped by Cathy Kelley, who asked if he can relay what he's feeling to the WWE Universe regarding Ambrose. 'The Charismatic Enigma' stated that he has no idea what Ambrose is thinking. "I don't know if this was his own doing or if Solomon Crowe managed to get inside his head, but the man who did this to me out there is NOT the Dean Ambrose that I've come to know over the last two months." When Hardy was about to leave, Cathy informed him of an announcement from SmackDown Live Commissioner Shane McMahon that she was asked to pass onto him. At Unforgiven this Saturday, Hardy will go one-on-one with Ambrose.
5) INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION JOHN CENA DEF. ANDRADE 'CIEN' ALMAS VIA DISQUALIFICATION after Zelina Vega got involved. While Cena had Almas on his shoulders for the Attitude Adjustment, Zelina helped pull 'El Idolo' off before raking Cena's eyes. Almas then hit Cena with his signature elbow strike, knocking the Intercontinental Champion into the ropes. Realizing the positioning that Cena was in, Almas delivered a 619 to him, mocking Rey Mysterio two days before their match at Unforgiven in what will be Mysterio's first match in over two years. After Almas and Zelina exited, Samoa Joe entered the picture. 'The Samoan Submission Machine' raised the Intercontinental Championship in Cena's face, taunting 'The Franchise Player' before bringing him up for a Muscle Buster. Again, Joe held the Intercontinental Title, this time in the faces of the WWE Universe rather than just the man he battles at Unforgiven for the gold.
UNFORGIVEN CARD RUNDOWN: In a match just confirmed by Shane McMahon, Johnny Gargano will defend the Cruiserweight Championship against John Morrison. Dean Ambrose will have to answer for his betrayal when he takes on Jeff Hardy. For the first time in over two years, Rey Mysterio competes in a WWE ring, battling the man who claims he will take Mysterio's spot as the greatest luchador of all-time, Andrade 'Cien' Almas. John Cena defends the Intercontinental Championship against Samoa Joe. In a match that was originally supposed to take place at Unison, NXT's Kenny Omega makes a one-night appearance on the blue brand to face WWE Champion Paige in a dream match. CM Punk and TJ Perkins, Billie Kay and Peyton, Royce, and Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn will be let loose in a Triangle Ladder match for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships. Lastly, the SmackDown Women's Championship takes center stage in the main event as Becky Lynch defends the title against Allie in an Inferno match. Unforgiven is live this Saturday on Pay-Per-View and the WWE Network.
6) TJ PERKINS DEF. PEYTON ROYCE AND SMACKDOWN TAG TEAM CHAMPION SAMI ZAYN IN A TRIPLE THREAT MATCH with a Detonation Kick to Peyton. Just when it seemed that Peyton had the win secured after a Perfect Plex to Zayn, Allie pulled her out of the ring, getting back at Peyton for what happened the day before during The Bella Twins' press conference. Allie pulverized Peyton at ringside until SmackDown Women's Champion Becky Lynch ran out through the curtain. Becky took Allie down as the two began brawling. TJP took advantage of the chaos by rolling Peyton back into the ring, connecting with the Detonation Kick. After TJP pinned Peyton, he continued attacking her until Billie Kay attempted to make the save. She succeeded in getting a few shots in on TJP, but that was only until the rest of Catch Point got involved. CM Punk, Chad Gable, Jason Jordan and Taynara Conti all backed TJP as the stable beat down The Iconic Duo, and soon Becky once Allie threw her into the ring. At ringside, Sami Zayn assisted Rhodes to his feet, the SmackDown Tag Team Championship conflicted over whether or not they should intervene. Brandi Rhodes would then walk out to the stage, convincing the championship to leave the situation alone and save the trouble for Saturday when it counts.
Catch Point's assault on The Iconic Duo and Becky continued, Allie bringing two steel chairs into the ring. Because Billie was the one to initially attack her at The Bella Twins' press conference, 'The Queen of Catch' wanted nothing more than to make Billie suffer. Allie placed one chair underneath Billie's face, raising the other chair for what was going to be a Conchairto. However, just before Allie could slam the chair, the entrance music of Paige sounded to the loudest ovation of the night. Allie immediately dropped the chair and looked ahead at the stage, hoping that this was all just someone's idea of a twisted joke. It turned out to be anything but as the WWE Champion walked out to the stage, returning to SmackDown Live after a month. Paige ran into the ring, and at the same time, Allie ran away from it. Knowing that Paige was there for her, Allie wanted nothing more than to get out of the vicinity as quickly as she could. Paige picked up one of the chairs and swung it at every Catch Point member in sight, hitting TJP twice in the back with it before launching over the top rope and onto Punk, Gable and Jordan. In the ring, Becky held onto Taynara's ankle, trying to stop her from leaving. Paige put the chair down and charged into Taynara with The Antithesis! Paige stood tall in the ring, shielding Billie, Peyton and Becky from Catch Point. TJP, Punk, Gable and Jordan all had to retreat, TJP carrying Taynara's motionless body away. Back in the ring, Paige extended her hand out to Becky, helping the SmackDown Women's Champion up her feet. Afterward, Paige stared down Billie and Peyton, neither 'Iconic' superstar certain how to respond to the WWE Champion's resurgence after everything that has transpired over the last month between all three. |
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Post by Planktung on Apr 23, 2019 15:44:10 GMT -5
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Post by Planktung on Apr 23, 2019 15:45:10 GMT -5
SHOW INTRO: After the signature WWE intro aired, a video package began with a shot of the SmackDown Tag Team Titles hanging above the ring. Afetward, the video cut to footage over the last few weeks of Sami Zayn, Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, TJ Perkins, Billie Kay and Peyton Royce battling in a three-team war that culminates tonight in a Triangle Ladder match for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships. Focusing back on the initial ring in the video, the squared circle was suddenly surrounded by flames as individual shots of Becky Lynch and Allie were displayed. A rivalry that began with a shocking betrayal on the part of Allie to join Catch Point reaches its boiling point tonight when the two superstars compete in the women’s division’s first-ever Inferno match for the SmackDown Women’s Championship. The final shot of the video was of Becky approaching the flames, video effects blending the fire into her hair. SmackDown Live kicks off another Pay-Per-View with what is shaping up to be the brand’s most memorable and barbaric evening yet. This is Unforgiven.
1) PAIGE VS. KENNY OMEGA: After the commentary trio of Mauro Ranallo, Rob Naylor and Nigel McGuinness welcomed everyone to Unforgiven, Paige’s theme song was the first of the night to sound. The WWE Universe members in Nashville came unglued for the first, and thus far only, female WWE Champion in history, who was competing in a match for the blue brand for the first time in nearly a month. After retaining the WWE Title against AJ Lee in a Last Diva Standing match at SummerSlam, Paige was assaulted outside of her hotel room by two assailants who are currently believed to have been Nikki and Brie Bella. While Paige was inactive, her scheduled match with NXT superstar Kenny Omega at Unison was cancelled by Dario Cueto, only for Shane McMahon to sanction the bout for Unforgiven. While Paige would much rather get her hands on Nikki, Brie or Allie, she must settle for ‘The Best Bout Machine’ in what can only be described as a dream match that the world never thought would come to fruition.
After Paige was settled in the ring, the WWE Champion kept her eyes locked on the stage. While the support for ‘Princess Anarchist’ in Nashville was overwhelming, Omega still had a fair share of the crowd standing behind him, despite his recent behavior that ended up separating The Golden Lovers. Omega’s entrance music began playing as he walked out onto the stage, wearing a mask that resembled something out of Terminator. Omega was ready for his very first main roster match, though it comes under circumstances that he likely would not have selected. “Kenny Omega is one of the best professional wrestlers in the world, that much doesn’t seem up for debate. But Paige didn’t come here tonight to wrestle anybody. She wants to fight. She’s a brawler at heart and the events that have clouded her personal life over the last month are going to turn beauty into the beast like we’ve seen time and time before,” McGuinness said. Naylor drew the odd comparison of this match to the one between Samoa Joe and Necro Butcher nearly a decade ago. “To affirm what you said, Nigel, Omega is here to outwrestle Paige, and that’s something he can probably do. But Paige is here to fight, and Omega can’t beat her at that. Two completely different styles are about to collide, and something has to give.”
When the bell rang to start the bout, both superstars stood still in their corners while the fans in the Bridgestone Arena traded dueling chants of, “Let’s go, Paige!” and “Omega!” ‘The Best Bout Machine’ presented a smirk since he expected Paige to be charging full speed at him by now. Instead, Paige took her time, going into a collar and elbow tie up with her adversary. Omega was able to turn Paige around, slapping his palms on her shoulders. His strength was enough to push her a bit forward, Paige titling her head back at Omega. The WWE Champion ran toward Omega, who sidestepped her and was able to Dropkick her out of the ring. Paige rolled underneath the bottom rope, Omega taking a page from Kota Ibushi’s playbook for a Triangle Moonsault! Omega rolled Paige back into the ring, sizing her up already for a V-Trigger. While Omega was in motion, Paige tried countering with The Antithesis, Omega stopping in his tracks. “The Antithesis and V-Trigger are essentially the same maneuver, which puts both of these superstars on an even playing field. The result could just come down to whoever delivers the knee strike first,” McGuinness stated.
Paige tried for a kick to Omega’s chest, ‘The Best Bout Machine’ evading it. Omega rose to his feet and lifted Paige into the air, crashing her onto the canvas. Omega grabbed Paige by her waist, deadlifting her off the mat for a German Suplex! Omega covered Paige with a bridge, the WWE Champion kicking out. Omega allowed Paige to roll back onto her knees, running into her with a basement Dropkick. Omega ascended to the top rope, and as soon as Paige stood to her feet, he absolutely leveled her in the back of her head with another Dropkick! Paige rolled to the outside of the ring, the official checking on her. Ranallo brought up the recent health scare of Paige stemming from trauma to her head, which was inflamed by an altercation with Peyton Royce that was captured and posted to social media. Paige insisted that she was fine and could continue the match, and did it ever continue as the first move to follow was Omega leaping over the top rope for a Plancha onto the WWE Champion! Paige was rolled back into the ring, Omega once again looking for the V-Trigger. Paige managed to move out of the way, causing Omega to get caught up in the ropes. That gave Paige the opening to hit Omega with a Superkick before pulling him back onto the canvas with a rope-hung Reverse Neckbreaker. Paige climbed onto the top rope, Omega stepping out to the ring apron. What came next brought the WWE Universe members in Nashville to their as Paige jumped onto Omega's shoulders for a Hurricanrana that ended up crashing Omega's face onto the apron! Paige took a hard fall as well onto her knees on outside, but she persevered and rolled Omega back into the ring. Paige got the cover, only for Omega to somehow kick out. Paige grabbed Omega by both of his wrists, repeatedly stomping the bottom of her right Doc Marten boot into his face. Paige soon stopped and brought the dazed Omega up to his feet, actually managing to pick him up for RamPaige! The WWE Champion spiked 'The Best Bout Machine' onto the top of his head, covering him for what was another two count. Paige returned to the top rope for a high risk maneuver that she had not tried for in a while, a knees-first Shooting Star Press. Paige soared through the air, but Omega rolled out of harm's way. Paige crashed onto her knees, Omega capitalizing with a V-Trigger! Paige staggered against the ropes, Omega colliding his knee against her head with a second V-Trigger! Omega brought Paige onto his shoulders in the center of the ring, executing the One-Winged Angel! "Oh my God! Kenny Omega is about to pin the WWE Champion!" exclaimed Ranallo as Omega covered Paige with one leg hooked, but by some form of a miracle, Paige got her shoulder up in time! Omega sat in disbelief at the fact that Paige had just become the first superstar in WWE to kick out of One-Winged Angel. 'The Best Bout Machine' had to brush off the sense of shock and react quickly. He picked Paige up for another One-Winged Angel, only this time, Paige was able to counter it into a Poison Rana! Paige turned the tables on Omega, connecting with The Antithesis! Omega could barely rise to his feet, dropping down to one knee as Paige hit yet another Antithesis! Paige followed up with a barrage of Superkicks, letting out every ounce of frustration that she had built up over the last month, whether it be Peyton, Allie or The Bella Twins she was thinking of in the moment. Paige backed away for a second, Omega literally having to crawl his way into the center of the ring, dazed and undoubtedly not even aware of where he was. Finally, Paige hit one more Antithesis, falling onto Omega afterwards for the three count. PAIGE IS VICTORIOUS!
For the first time in a WWE-sacntioned match, Kenny Omega has tasted defeat! Paige rose to her feet after the closing bell, the official raising her arm in victory. "Guys, if there was any doubt about Paige returning to form after the Last Diva Standing match at SummerSlam, I think our WWE Champion just did what she does better than anyone else and silenced her critics," said Rob Naylor. Paige was handed back the WWE Title, glaring down at the fallen Omega, who she knew had her defeated at several times. And now, Omega has to carry this loss into his next big match-up, which will come against Kota Ibushi in two weeks at Unison. In Paige's mind, she might not have deserved to win this match and only did so because she unleashed a side of her that she had concealed for months now, probably since she ended her rivalry with Bray Wyatt. Omega just happened to be the first victim of Paige on her comeback, but the list will grow exponentially for her if this revitalized "dark side" was a telltale sign of what's to come.
THE ICONIC DUO MUST STAY FOCUSED: Backstage, The Iconic Duo were shown taking turns climbing a ladder that they set up underneath a lightbulb, hanging a chain from it with each having to touch it before climbing back down onto the ground. “Faster!” Peyton Royce shouted at Billie Kay, who commented that her legs are too long to climb the ladder as quickly as she’d like. The two were then approached by Cathy Kelley, who asked why they were running drills with a ladder. “… Why do you think?” Billie asked before Peyton could be heard yelling at Cathy from off-screen since she was at the top of the ladder. “It’s not like we have a Ladder match in an hour! Nothing like that at all!” Peyton climbed back down the ladder, Cathy asking The Iconic Duo if they watched Paige defeat Kenny Omega just now. Peyton said that they didn’t because right now, they can’t worry about what Paige does. “We’ve spent too long concerning ourselves with Paige. Yes, we’re thankful that she did what she did to AJ Lee to help keep myself and Billie together, but we don’t owe her our lives.” Billie then said that she still considers herself to be Paige’s friend and wants them to hash things out someday, but Peyton is her wife. “On top of that, she’s the woman who I’m going to make history with tonight by becoming SmackDown Live Tag Team Champions…. and that, Cathy, will be… iconic!” shouted Billie and Peyton as one.
2) DEAN AMBROSE VS. JEFF HARDY: This past Thursday on SmackDown Live, Dean Ambrose shocked the entire WWE Universe when he made his return after being laid out by Solomon Crowe a number of weeks ago. Only instead of going after Crowe, Ambrose set his sights on Jeff Hardy, who he initially sided with when Hardy made his own comeback. With only two days to mentally prepare himself for a bout with ‘The Lunatic Fringe’, Hardy made his way down to the ring in the Bridgestone Arena. “There’s no telling where Hardy’s mindset is at right now. Hardy thought he put Solomon Crowe behind him, and out of nowhere, Dean Ambrose comes along with a new attitude and new deadly intentions that Hardy happens to be caught in the crosshairs of,” Mauro Ranallo said. Once Hardy was situated in the ring, Ambrose’s entrance music sounded to a mixed response from the WWE Universe. Some fans were still unwilling to turn their backs on Ambrose after enduring the last year-and-a-half of his career with him that saw him put The Committee out of power, and win the first installment of Manifest Destiny. Ambrose, however, is a seemingly changed entity now, and as soon as he got into the ring, he took Hardy down to the canvas to begin the contest!
Ambrose let loose with right hand strikes to Hardy’s body, ‘The Charismatic Enigma’ trying to get into a vertical base and free himself from Ambrose’s onslaught. Ambrose grabbed Hardy’s right leg, dropping an elbow onto his knee. Ambrose continued to target Hardy’s knee, trying to take any chance of an aerial-based offensive attack out of Hardy’s arsenal. Ambrose brought Hardy closer to a corner, slingshotting him into the turnbuckles and over the top rope. Ambrose’s viciousness was on full display as he got a hold of Hardy at ringside, ramming him into the ring apron. Ambrose picked up the ring skirt and draped it over Hardy’s face, punching him nonstop. Ambrose finally rolled Hardy back into the ring, getting the cover that Hardy managed to kick out of. Ambrose spent the next bit of time in the match pulverizing Hardy, not once letting him mount any slither of a comeback. Ambrose picked Hardy up for a vertical Suplex, Hardy finally showing some fight as he struck Ambrose a few times in the ribs to stop him. Hardy hit Ambrose with a forearm shot to the side of his face before running toward the ropes for Whisper in the Wind, but Hardy’s damaged knee caused him to fall onto the canvas. Ambrose grinned at the sight of Hardy struggling, driving a knee into his face as he was perched against a corner. Ambrose brought Hardy into the center of the ring, putting up the Hardy Boyz hand gesture to mock his opponent before executing Dirty Deeds! Ambrose covered Hardy for what turned out to be an emphatically-fashioned victory. DEAN AMBROSE IS VICTORIOUS!
Barely breaking a sweat, Dean Ambrose managed to come out on top against Jeff Hardy in what was a much needed victory with Manifest Destiny quickly approaching. “One would have to think that Ambrose is taking on this new attitude because he’s paranoid about losing the title of Manifest Destiny winner to someone else, especially in a field of 24, but was all of this necessary? Did Ambrose have to go off the rails and turn his back on Jeff Hardy just to prove his point that he’s still here?” Rob Naylor asked. Ambrose placed the sole of his boot on the face of Hardy, driving it further until Solomon Crowe ran into the ring. Crowe, who vowed repeatedly that he would bring out the “old” Dean Ambrose, held in his hands the baseball bat that he assaulted Ambrose with last month. Crowe glanced down at the fallen Hardy before offering the bat to Ambrose. In Crowe’s mind, if Ambrose accepted the weapon, then his mission statement would be fulfilled. Ambrose looked down at Hardy before turning back to Crowe, having to make a decision about where he wanted to take this new persona of his. To the disapproval of the WWE Universe, Ambrose accepted the baseball bat before striking Hardy in the back with it! Crowe stood on the second rope in excitement, finally able to pull the "old" Dean Ambrose out from within 'The Lunatic Fringe' just as he wanted. Ambrose held the bat up to his face, licking it before exiting the ring, Crowe following him not far behind.
PAIGE BEGINS HER SEARCH FOR ALLIE: In the backstage area, WWE Champion Paige was shown looking around any perimeter of the vicinity for Allie, who Nikki Bella outed a few days ago as the woman who gave The Bella Twins the idea to attack her after SummerSlam. With neither Nikki nor Brie present in Nashville, Paige's only shot at revenge would be against Allie, who she knew had to be in the building since she's competing in the main event tonight. The WWE Champion looked through just about every door she could before accidentally arriving at Shane McMahon's office, the SmackDown Live Commissioner telling Paige that she needs to calm down for just a bit. "I'll make sure that you have a match with Allie soon enough, but-" Shane said before being cut off by Paige, who stated that she isn't after a match with Allie. "I don't want to wrestle Allie. I want to fight her. I want to beat her the way that she ordered The Bella Twins to beat me. So don't go trying to cheer me up by promising a match when you know damn well that's not what I'm after." As Paige was exiting Shane's office, he informed her of something he thought she might be interested in knowing. "The Iconic Duo are down the hall." Paige stopped at the doorway, taking a bit of a pause before asking Shane where down the hall they were. When Shane said they were to Paige's left, the WWE Champion started heading right.
3) REY MYSTERIO VS. ANDRADE 'CIEN' ALMAS: For the first time in over two years, one of the most exhilarating and prolific superstars in WWE history was about to compete in the squared circle. Before Rey Mysterio's much-anticipated entrance, the WWE Universe booed relentlessly as Andrade 'Cien' Almas and Zelina Vega walked out onto the stage. With a top hat over a white mask, Almas raised one fist into the air, bringing his brand of tranquillo to Unforgiven. "When the news broke that Rey Mysterio would be returning to SmackDown Live as a full-time competitor, this was the match-up that the WWE Universe immediately clamored. It's no mistake that Almas will be Mysterio's first opponent in over two years, and this match gives us the chance to find out two things for ourselves: Does Mysterio still have what it takes to hang with the best of WWE, and is Almas ready for his launch into superstardom?" asked Mauro Ranallo. Once Almas and Zelina's entrance music silenced, the chants of "619!" could be heard echoing throughout the Bridgestone Arena. The reaction to Mysterio's theme finally playing was deafening as 'The Greatest Mask of All-Time' walked out through the curtain, back in gear that was reminiscent of his initial tights in the days of ECW and WCW. Mysterio greeted fans in the front row before heading into the ring, standing across from the man whose goal is to take his throne as the king of lucha libre.
When the bell sounded, Almas charged toward Mysterio, trying to utilize his power advantage from the jump. Mysterio sidestepped Almas and kicked him a few times in the leg before being shoved into the ropes. On the rebound, Mysterio took Almas down with a Tilt-a-Whirl Headscissors, 'El Idolo' having to come to early on that Mysterio had not missed a beat in his in-ring performance. Almas got back to his feet, only for Mysterio to Dropkick him. Mysterio then ran onto the second rope, leaping off for an extravagant Arm Drag to Almas, the latter having to roll out of the ring for a second. Almas kicked the steel steps in frustration that he was being bested by the much-older Mysterio, Zelina trying to calm him. Almas slid back into the ring, grabbing Mysterio's leg on a kick attempt. Almas threw Mysterio backwards, only for Mysterio to land on his feet! Almas made the mistake of rushing into another situation as Mysterio tripped him, Almas falling into the second rope. Mysterio called for the 619 already, but as he was in motion, Almas planted one foot onto the canvas and decked Mysterio with an elbow strike to his forehead! Mysterio fell to the canvas like a sack of bricks, Almas stomping away on him to shift the momentum in his favor.
Almas picked Mysterio up into a Gorilla Press position, letting him fall face-first onto a top turnbuckle. Almas let Mysterio unknowingly roll away from the corner, Almas climbing to the top rope. ‘El Idolo’ jumped off for a Moonsault that Mysterio thought he had scouted. Almas landed on his feet, but proceeded with a standing Moonsault onto Mysterio! Almas got the first cover of the match, Mysterio able to kick out. Almas picked Mysterio up onto his shoulders for a Torture Rack, trying to punish ‘The Greatest Mask of All-Time’ even further than he already had. When Almas tried spinning Mysterio around for a sit-out slam, Mysterio managed to counter it into a DDT! Almas had to roll out of the ring yet again, standing on the ring apron. Mysterio wouldn’t allow his adversary any bit of time to catch his breath, springboarding off of the top rope for a Hurricanrana off the apron! Almas’ back just about splattered on the floor as Mysterio had to act quickly, rolling him back into the squared circle. Mysterio headed to the top rope, soaring through the air with a Splash that Almas prevented with his knees! Mysterio held his ribs, Almas throwing him shoulder-first into one of the middle turnbuckles. With Mysterio seated in a corner, Almas drove both knees into him, covering Mysterio for what was only a two count. More frustrated than ever before in the match, Almas locked Mysterio’s arm in place for the Hammerlock DDT, or at least that’s what he tried to do. Mysterio rammed Almas into a corner, freeing himself for a moment. Mysterio grabbed Almas’ wrist and stepped onto the top rope, jumping onto Almas’ shoulders for a Canadian Destroyer! The dazed Almas unknowingly rose to his feet, Mysterio kicking him into the ropes! ‘The Greatest Mask of All-Time’ called for the 619, but just before he could strike Almas with it, Zelina threw herself into the way! Mysterio’s legs caught Zelina in the back of the head, and as she fell onto the floor, Mysterio stood on the ring apron in disbelief. This distraction gave Almas enough time to grab Mysterio by his mask, actually managing to turn it around! With Mysterio blinded, Almas brought him through the opening in between the second and third rope for what was a rope-hung Hammerlock DDT! Almas rolled Mysterio over and covered him for arguably the biggest victory of his career! ANDRADE 'CIEN' ALMAS IS VICTORIOUS!
El Idolo’ just did the unthinkable! Rey Mysterio’s return to a WWE ring after 25 months was just spoiled by Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas, who has a world of thanks to give to Zelina Vega for her assistance that lead to this monumental victory for the winner of the Cruiserweight Classic. Almas slid on his knees in the ring, sticking his tongue out before shouting, “I! Told! You! So!” at the hard cam. Mysterio lied motionlessly in the ring with his mask still on backwards, Almas finally helping Zelina to her feet at ringside. “Highway robbery” was the phrase that Rob Naylor used to describe Almas’ win, while Nigel McGuinness defended the tactics chosen by ‘El Idolo’ and ‘La Muńeca’ since they’re now the ones who will be leaving Unforgiven with their arms raised high. The display of ingobernability on behalf of Almas gives him a career-defining win over Mysterio, and now, the WWE Universe has to wonder if Almas’ words prior to this match ring true. Are we looking at the new face of lucha libre in one Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas?
“IN THE HIGHS AND LOWS, WHERE NO ONE CAN GO”: As the shock over Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas’ win over Rey Mysterio settled into the atmosphere, the WWE Universe members in the Bridgestone had to settle themselves in as the ring crew began bringing out ladders to set up around ringside for what, at least on paper, looks to be the most far-fetched, unimaginable Tag Team Championship bout in history. “For a moment, I could feel you. I could hear you creeping in. Am I broken? Am I worthless? Should I try to fight again?” was the opening line in Bad Seed Rising’s “I Can Feel You” that accompanied the video package. Ever since the WWE Draft back in April, every moving part in the cog of the machine that brought us to this dance was cemented as a forefront player on SmackDown Live. The formation of Catch Point lead to months of disarray at the top of the card while Billie Kay and Peyton Royce were busy enduring hell at the hands of AJ Lee. After the dust settled at SummerSlam, these three teams were finally brought together by fate. The Iconic Duo defeated CM Punk and TJ Perkins in Madison Square Garden, giving them a SmackDown Tag Team Championship opportunity against Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes a few days later. ”Trapped in place, you’re a weight on my shoulders. Every day, it’s getting harder to fake it. Blacked out days, you’re the one that I’m dying to erase, to erase.” When the match was disrupted by Catch Point, SmackDown Live Commissioner made a Triangle Ladder match for the Tag Team Championships. In the midst of everything, Peyton in particular has been embroiled in controversy. This bout was originally set to headline Unforgiven, but after an altercation that saw Peyton punch WWE Champion Paige in a hospital room leaked onto social media, punishment was handed down to 'The Venus Fly Trap' by removing what would've been The Iconic Duo's first Pay-Per-View main event as a proper tag team. TJP took great exception to this and challenged Peyton to a fight in the Performance Center. "I know you're telling me what I couldn't see. In the highs and lows, where no one can go. It's getting hard to breathe, choking on my teeth. Only Heaven knows, but I know it shows." All while Catch Point and The Iconic Duo have been at each other's throats, Rhodes and Zayn have managed to steer clear of the drama thanks to Brandi Rhodes, who has been the key factor in maintaining the SmackDown Tag Team Champions' focus. This past Thursday on SmackDown Live, Rhodes and Zayn had the chance to aid The Iconic Duo when they were being assaulted by Catch Point, but decided against it. A decision that has split the WWE Universe's reception toward them. In a match where the stakes are literally as high in the air as they can be, which team will carry the SmackDown Live tag team division into the future? "For a moment, I could feel you. I could hear you creeping in. For the broken and the hopeless, I will try to fight again."
4) TRIANGLE LADDER MATCH FOR THE SMACKDOWN TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS: At the sound of "Shook!" by Sylar, the fans in the Bridgestone Arena went wild for Billie Kay and Peyton Royce, the duo that has managed to turn SmackDown Live on its head ever since being drafted to the blue brand in April. While The Iconic Duo didn't grace the WWE Universe with another one of their extravagant entrances, they did carry out a special ladder that had one side painted pink and the other blue. Along with that, Billie wore a black shirt and black jeans with white wrist tape, and Peyton wore a white shirt and white jeans with black wrist tape. "The last few months have seen the highest of highs and lowest of lows for The Iconic Duo. Billie was once practically held as AJ Lee's hostage, only to end up free to marry Peyton Royce thanks to Paige. The same Paige who Peyton has rebelled against in recent weeks for whatever reason. But this match isn't about Paige, and that's something that The Iconic Duo have hopefully realized by now. This is about Sami Zayn, Cody Rhodes, Catch Point and the SmackDown Tag Team Championships," Rob Naylor said. Billie and Peyton set their ladder down at ringside before entering the ring, glancing up at the titles that they have the chance to make history with. If they win, they'll become the first-ever female team in WWE history to win the Tag Team Championships.
The static into to "Cult of Personality" was the next sound to be heard. Unlike at SummerSlam, CM Punk and TJ Perkins made their entrance as a team, accompanied by Taynara Conti, who held a black bag in her right hand. Punk and TJP were finally on the same page thanks to The Iconic Duo's victory over them in Madison Square Garden, something they're hoping to rectify here tonight. "We talked about The Iconic Duo's rise to prominence on SmackDown Live, but think about the run that Catch Point have had. It doesn't matter if the group was started just out of spite against Paige. CM Punk called his shot at Money in the Bank when he threatened to leave the company if he didn't become WWE Champion, and he did it. TJP won the Intercontinental Championship. Now, the SmackDown Tag Team Championships are in their sights," Nigel McGuinness said. Punk, TJP and Taynara stood at ringside, perhaps to keep their emotions in check and not be blinded by their animosity toward Billie and Peyton.
The third and final team, the defending champions, were out for their entrance, Brandi Rhodes tailing them as the fans in Nashville were torn on how to respond to Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn. Two of the ultimate "good guys" over the last year are suddenly faced with a decision that can alter the rest of their careers. Neither are despised enough to be viewed in the same light as Catch Point, but in a popularity contest, they're eclipsed by The Iconic Duo, something that no one could have predicted just a few months ago. Rhodes and Zayn kept their blank expressions as they headed into the ring to defend the SmackDown Tag Team Championships that they captured against all odds as a makeshift team following their loss to then-WWE Champion Punk at The Bash. "In the ring now are six of the reasons why SmackDown Live has prospered in the way that it has. Every person here has a strong case as to why they should leave Unforgiven with a Tag Team Championship, but in a war with hardware, only one team will be able to call themselves the SmackDown Tag Team Champions," Mauro Ranallo said prior to the match beginning.
TJP and Punk slid into the ring, each one having an opposing team go after them. Billie and Peyton threw TJP into a ring post while Zayn and Rhodes Clotheslined Punk over the top rope. Billie and Peyton then went after Rhodes and Zayn, the two teams brawling in the ring for a bit. Peyton sent herself and Zayn out of the ring with a Crossbody, Rhodes blocking a strike from Billie to catch her with an Uppercut. Peyton tried picking up Zayn, only for TJP to charge into her with a Dropkick that sent her lower-back into the ring apron. TJP kicked Peyton before turning his attention to Zayn, throwing him against a ladder that was standing. Rhodes slid out of the ring, fending off TJP before planting him with a vertical Suplex onto the floor. Brandi applauded on 'The American Nightmare' as he placed a ladder into the ring, trying to finish this match quickly for himself and Zayn. Punk stopped Rhodes, striking him a few times to get him away from the ladder. Punk then picked the ladder up, leveling Rhodes in the mid-section with it. Billie then stepped onto the ring apron, Punk throwing the front of the ladder at her face. Billie stumbled onto the floor, Peyton checking on her before rolling into the ring to go after Punk. Punk had the ladder set up and started climbing it until Peyton pulled him off. Peyton caught Punk with a knee to to his mid-section before throwing him back onto the canvas. Peyton took Punk down with a Hurricanrana face-first into the canvas, calling for Billie to get into the ring so they could climb the ladder together. Zayn tried stopping The Iconic Duo by shoving the ladder, though the two were able to land on their feet since they hadn't climbed that far up yet. Zayn was then punished as Billie set the ladder on the canvas, Peyton throwing him onto it with a German Suplex! The back of Zayn's head rolled off of the ladder, Billie running toward Rhodes on the outside for a Baseball Slide. Billie couldn't get back up onto her feet as TJP grabbed her legs and pulled her out to ringside. Peyton took TJP out with a Suicide Dive, seemingly the only one standing until she turned around and saw Taynara leaping toward her with a Clothesline.
With the six participants in the match down and out, Taynara tried to seize her opening to win the match for Catch Point. Taynara tried picking up the ladder in the ring until Brandi confronted her. Taynarna and Brandi exchanged words before the latter tried delivering a slap. Taynara grabbed Brandi's arm, teasing a display of her background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu before both women were taken out with a Moonsault from Billie! Taynara and Brandi rolled out of the ring as Billie set the ladder up, climbing toward the top and actually touching one of the SmackDown Tag Team Championships with the tips of her fingers before Rhodes pushed the ladder over, Billie falling onto the top rope! Rhodes checked on Brandi for a second before turning his attention back to Billie, kicking her at ringside while the WWE Universe showered him with boos in an abnormal reaction for 'The American Nightmare'. "The Iconic Duo need to understand that the concept of love isn't exclusive to them. Billie just attacked Cody's wife. What else did she expect to happen to her?" McGuinness said on commentary to justify the beatdown from Rhodes. On a different side of the ring, Zayn made it back up to his feet, Rhodes holding Billie in a vertical base. Zayn leaped through the opening between the bottom and middle turnbuckles in a corner, taking Billie down with a Tornado DDT! Zayn and Rhodes were standing tall for the time being while the majority of fans in the Bridgestone Arena booed them. In the ring, TJP picked up a ladder and threw it onto the Tag Team Champions! He exited the ring and tried going back after Billie, only for Peyton to run into him with a Spinning Heel Kick. Peyton picked TJP back up to his feet and whipped him into the barricade, wanting nothing more than to get revenge against him after everything he's done over the last month to target The Iconic Duo. Coming back to, Punk set up a ladder at ringside near the announce tables, climbing to the top of it since Rhodes was resting on the surface of one of said tables. Zayn would scale the other side, he and Punk exchanging strikes at the top of the ladder in a scene reminiscent of their match in the main event of Money in the Bank. Rhodes moved off of the table, Zayn trying to send Punk through it instead. Punk, however, bounced Zayn's forehead off of the top of the ladder, 'The Underdog from the Underground' dazed as Punk carefully delivered a Roundhouse Kick! Losing his balance, Zayn fell from the ladder but held onto Punk's wrist, sending both of them through the announce table! "Mama mia! Sami Zayn and CM Punk just soared 15 feet through the air right in front of us!" Ranallo exclaimed over the raucous audience. On the opposite end of the ringside area, Peyton positioned a ladder on the ring apron and barricade, knocking TJP over the head with a toolbox that she found underneath the ring. With TJP lying motionlessly on the ladder, Peyton set up another ladder and slowly climbed to the top of it. The fans who were standing for Zayn and Punk's fall from grace didn't sit back down as they watched in anticipation to see what Peyton was going to pull out of her arsenal. While standing at the top of the ladder, Peyton briefly looked up at the ceiling before slapping her chest, just like her idol Eddie Guerrero would. Putting a promising career at great risk, Peyton jumped off with a Frog Splash onto the TJP through the ladder! Peyton nearly overshot the splash and hit her head on the ground, knocking her out momentarily while TJP had every ounce of wind knocked out of his lungs. Chants of "Holy shit!: rang throughout the Bridgestone Arena as Peyton tried crawling back into the ring, noticing her opening to become one-half of the SmackDown Tag Team Champions. Acting solely on instinct, she slid The Iconic Duo's customized ladder into the ring, but when she tried re-entering the squared circle, Rhodes was there to step on her hand.
In an unusual sight, Rhodes was in the role of the antagonist as Peyton tried punching him in the calf to move his boot off of her hand. Rhodes then grabbed Peyton by her hair, delivering Cross Rhodes in the center of the ring! Rhodes remained seated after connecting with his finisher, noticing the black bag that Taynara brought with her during Catch Point's entrance. Rhodes took the bag and cautiously opened it, pouring out thumbtacks onto the canvas. Rhodes spread the thumbtacks while laughing maniacally, something that had not been seen since his 'grotesque' days a number of years ago. When Rhodes turned around, Peyton threw the ladder into his face! Rhodes nearly stumbled back onto the tacks, having to control his footing while Peyton tried capitalizing on the opening. She set the pink and blue ladder up and started climbing toward the titles, Rhodes chasing after her on the other side. Rhodes met Peyton at the top, stopping her from retrieving the silver-plated championships. 'The American Nightmare' hit a few jabs to Peyton's jaw before feeling Billie getting a hold of his legs. Peyton dug her nails into Rhodes' eyes, allowing Billie to pull him off the ladder with a Powerbomb onto the tacks! Rhodes immediately writhed around in agony as the cameras caught a glimpse of his back that had dozens upon dozens of miniature reflections in the form of tacks puncturing his skin. Rhodes rolled out of the ring as Billie climbed the ladder, meeting Peyton at the top. The two had done everything together up to that point. They signed with WWE together. They debuted in NXT together. They were drafted together, so it only makes sense that Peyton would wait for Billie so that the two could pull down the SmackDown Tag Team Championships together. THE ICONIC DUO ARE THE NEW SMACKDOWN TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!
The roof just about came off of the Bridgestone Arena as Billie Kay and Peyton Royce each held a SmackDown Tag Team Championship. Billie brought Peyton's head against her shoulder, the two beginning to cry as they looked out at the sea of WWE Universe members who were applauding their victory. "We did it," Peyton said to Billie at the top of the ladder, both women soaking in the moment to realize that they just became the first female duo in WWE history to win Tag Team Championships. "It might not have been the main event, but it just stole the show," Nigel McGuinness said regarding the Triangle Ladder match itself. Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn, CM Punk, TJ Perkins and even Brandi Rhodes and Taynara Conti were all still laid out around the ringside area, Billie and Peyton able to scale down the ladder in peace before heading up the entrance ramp. From attending the same high school, to breaking through the Australian independent scene together, to every moment of accomplishment and detriment in WWE, The Iconic Duo have seen their dream through here at Unforgiven by raising Tag Team Championships that were thought to only be reserved for male talent. On the stage, Billie and Peyton held hands while using their free arms to hoist the SmackDown Tag Team Titles, not realizing that WWE Champion Paige was approaching them from behind. Billie and Peyton took notice of the crowd reaction and turned around, both losing their joyous facial expressions. Paige gave a blank stare at the two women, neither Billie nor Peyton certain how to react. Paige looked at Billie for a bit before turning to Peyton, the woman who punched her in a hospital room just two weeks ago. In that moment, Paige could have done whatever she wanted to in order to get even with Peyton. Instead, Paige extended her hand out to Peyton, seemingly trying to bury the hatchet with her. Peyton glared at Billie, who didn't nod her head in approval nor disapproval. She essentially told Peyton that it was entirely up to her how she wanted to react to Paige. Even if Billie already had a desired answer in mind, she didn't share it with her wife. Peyton came to the understanding that emotions had been running high for both herself and Paige, but ultimately, they need to stick together if they want to continue turning the status quo on its head. Peyton accepted Paige's handshake, the WWE Champion then shaking Billie's. Paige got what she wanted out of The Iconic Duo and didn't feel the need to stick around, especially since this was their moment of glory and not hers. Paige exited through the curtain, leaving Billie and Peyton alone on the stage as the brand new SmackDown Tag Team Champions.
PAYBACK PROMO: An advertisement was shown for Payback, the next major event presented by Monday Night RAW. Alexa Bliss pulls double duty when she defends the RAW Women's Championship against Sasha Banks, and challenges her ex-boyfriend Buddy Murphy for the Hardcore Championship. The Wyatt Tribe implodes in a Triple Threat match where the winner will qualify for Manifest Destiny. Derrick Bateman hopes to regain his momentum when he battles Drew McIntyre. And in the main event, it's Heaven vs. Hell. AJ Styles puts the Universal Championship up for grabs against Aleister Black in a No Holds Barred match. Payback is live tomorrow night on Pay-Per-View and the WWE Network.
5) CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: Believing that he was underutilized in NXT after re-signing with WWE earlier this year, John Morrison made his arrival to SmackDown Live two weeks ago in a big way by taking out the Cruiserweight Champion, Johnny Gargano. 'The Mayor of Slam Town' made his slow-motion entrance on the stage, looking to capture his first championship since defeating Rey Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship more than five years ago. "Morrison's case has merit, I believe. This is a man who was once regarded as the future of the industry. Everyone had Morrison pegged as a future WWE Champion, and he ended up having to watch all of his contemporaries pass him by. He took some time off, reinvented himself and is now back on SmackDown Live, ready to prove that 'The Land of Opportunity' is big enough for only one Johnny," Nigel McGuinness stated. After Morrison was situated in the ring, the entrance music of 'Johnny Wrestling' hit to a great ovation from the Nashville crowd. With the Cruiserweight Title strapped around his waist, Gargano looked out at the sea of fans, some holding up white signs with his insignia on them. "You want to talk about John Morrison bursting onto the scene of SmackDown Live, Nigel? This time three months ago, Johnny Gargano wasn't even signed to a full-time WWE contract. He proved his worth in the Cruiserweight Classic. His series of matches with Andrade 'Cien' Almas are some that will never be forgotten in this industry. Gargano is as big of an underdog as they come, and for the first time, he's being targeted by someone who believes that he let 'Johnny Wrestling' steal his glory," said Mauro Ranallo.
After the championship was raised and the bell rang, Gargano and Morrison circled the canvas for a bit, both trying to see what the other's first move would be. Morrison went in to kick Gargano's leg, the defending champion able to catch his foot. Gargano flipped Morrison back, the latter landing on his feet before striking Gargano with an elbow to the side of his neck. Morrison was able to ground Gargano in a corner, stomping on him as much as he could before being pulled away by the official. Morrison charged into Gargano with a knee smashing into his face, pulling the champion into the center of the ring for a two count. Morrison was able to bring Gargano back near a corner, attempting Starship Pain that was thwarted when Gargano stood up and pushed Morrison out of the ring! Morrison staggered to his feet at ringside, Gargano stepping on the ring apron to launch himself onto his opponent with a Cannonball! Gargano quickly rolled Morrison back into the ring and had a DDT from over the top rope in mind. However, after Gargano jumped into the air, Morrison connected with a Superkick! Gargano crashed hard onto the floor as Morrison ascended to a top turnbuckle, soaring with a Corkscrew Moonsault! Both Morrison and Gargano were down for a bit until 'The Mayor of Slam Town' was able to roll the champion back into the ring.
Gargano managed to kick out of Morrison's pin attempt at two, Morrison growing more frustrated as the resiliency of Gargano became more evident. Morrison waited for Gargano to start showing signs of fight before attempting to deliver a Shining Wizard. Gargano dodged it and rolled Morrison onto his knees, kicking him in the forehead. Gargano quickly grabbed Morrison and was hoping to apply the Gargano Escape, but Morrison was able to fight out of it and roll Gargano onto his back, turning the hold into a pinning predicament. Morrison grabbed onto the bottom rope to try and steal the victory, but the official caught him. Morrison released the rope and was rolled up by Gargano, kicking out at two. When the two performers were back on their feet, Gargano ran toward Morrison, the latter able to sidestep him. Gargano ended up on the ring apron, going for a Spear through the opening in the ropes. Morrison, however, was able to catch Gargano's head, planting him with Moonlight Drive while the feet of 'Johnny Wrestling' were still perched on the ropes! Morrison brought Gargano away from the ropes, pinning him with the hook of both legs for the stunning victory! JOHN MORRISON IS THE NEW CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION!
Maybe an upset in the eyes of many WWE Universe members, or at leas that's the story that their facial expressions told. John Morrison quickly rose to his feet, holding the back of his neck while being presented with the Cruiserweight Championship. The championship that Johnny Gargano scratched and clawed his way toward over the summer was suddenly gone in a flash as Morrison held it in his hands, taunting Gargano by standing over his body and raising the title. 'The Mayor of Slam Town' called his shot when he arrived back on SmackDown Live two weeks ago, and tonight at Unforgiven, he delivers on his promise. John Morrison is the brand new Cruiserweight Champion!
UNISON PROMO: Two weeks from tomorrow, RAW General Manager Dario Cueto holds what is shaping up to be the most bizarre event in the history of professional wrestling. Live from his 'Temple' in Los Angeles, Dario brings together the wrestling world with the second annual Unison event. In two matches pitting WWE superstars against NJPW talent, Intercontinental Champion John Cena faces Tetsuya Naito, and the new SmackDown Tag Team Champions Billie Kay and Peyton Royce crash the 'Superkick Party' of The Young Bucks. Plus, Kenny Omega takes on Kota Ibushi, and the first-ever WWE United Kingdom Champion will be crowned in a Ladder match with Zack Sabre Jr., Pete Dunne, Marty Scurll, Will Ospreay, Mark Haskins and Toni Storm. Unison is live September 28th on Pay-Per-View and the WWE Network.
6) INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP: Ever since being drafted to SmackDown Live, Samoa Joe would argue that he's been the most overlooked superstar on 'The Land of Opportunity.' Joe made his outrage vocal and known to Shane McMahon and Kurt Angle, leading to him facing and defeating Shane at The Bash. Joe was able to bring Angle out of retirement for a match at SummerSlam, submitting to an Ankle Lock. Ready to take his own opportunities instead of just waiting for them, Joe targeted Intercontinental Champion John Cena, leading to this match tonight. Joe made his way out to a mostly negative response from the Nashville crowd, not caring one bit for what any one thought of him or his actions. After Joe stepped into the ring, John Cena's entrance music sounded to his usual mixed response. The Intercontinental Champion walked through the curtain, observing the audience for a bit before turning to the camera to shrug his shoulders. Cena ran into the ring like he normally does, but as soon as he was in the squared circle, Joe went after him!
The match had yet to even formally begin and Joe was already unloading onto Cena, kneeing him in the ribs a few times before slapping him across his chest. Cena felt the sting of Joe's palm striking his skin as he closed his eyes and backed into a corner, the official asking him if he was good to go. After Cena confirmed that he would be competing, the bell sounded and Joe charged full speed into Cena! Joe then perched Cena on the top turnbuckle, placing him in position for a Muscle Buster that he was able to execute! "It's all over! We're going to have a new Intercontinental Champion!" Nigel McGuinness exclaimed. Joe covered Cena, but was somehow only able to get a two count! The WWE Universe members were given a moment to catch their breaths after being convinced that Joe was going to defeat Cena just seconds into the match. Joe tried to return to the attack, striking Cena repeatedly before whipping him into the opposite. Joe ran toward Cena, who was able to get a foot up and fend off Joe. Cena had something in mind, but whatever it was, it didn't come to fruition as Joe delivered a Scoop Powerslam for another two count. Joe stood back onto his feet, running the ropes for a Senton that Cena was able to evade. Joe stirred to his feet, Cena able to Clothesline him over the top rope. Uncharacteristically, Cena climbed onto a top turnbuckle, leaping off with a Crossbody. However, Joe was able to catch Cena out of mid-air, throwing him onto the floor with a Uranage! Joe picked Cena's motionless body back up and rolled him into the ring.
Once again in control of the match, Joe shifted his focus back on the torso of Cena, crashing all of his weight onto the champion with the Senton he was looking for earlier. Cena just about had the wind knocked out of him, and it didn't help when Joe kicked him in his back. Joe set Cena up for another Muscle Buster, but the WWE's 'Franchise Player' was able to retaliate with strikes before turning it into a Tornado DDT! Cena tried for the Five Knuckle Shuffle afterward, Joe rising back up to level Cena with a huge Lariat. Joe called for the ending to the bout, wrapping his arms around Cena's neck for the Coquina Clutch. Cena, however, countered it and hoisted Joe onto his shoulders for the Attitude Adjustment. The damage done to his body was too much for him to be able to maintain Joe's weight on his shoulders, though. Joe landed his feet back onto the canvas, shoving Cena's torso into a corner before bringing him back into the center of the ring for the Coquina Clutch. Joe had the hold cinched in and was able to take Cena down to the mat. Cena showed signs of life by raising his arm, but his eyes told a different story. The closer they came to shutting, the more it looked like Intercontinental Champion Samoa Joe was about to become a reality. The official raised Cena's arm, watching it fall before calling for the bell. SAMOA JOE IS THE NEW INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION!
At long last, 'The Samoan Submission Machine' is a champion on SmackDown Live. Samoa Joe released his grip on John Cena's neck and rose to his feet, claiming the Intercontinental Championship from ringside. The third title defense here at Unforgiven, and the third time that a championship has changed hands. Joe stared endlessly at the Intercontinental Championship that, in his mind, validated his rise to prominence and out of the depths that he blamed Shane McMahon and Kurt Angle for putting him in. What does SmackDown Live look like going forward with Joe as the Intercontinental Champion? However, another question was raised after Joe exited through the curtain. In the ring, Cena slowly stirred to his feet, left title-less as he looked out at the audience that chanted both "Let's go, Cena!" and "Cena sucks!" The chants continued on, the commentators questioning what was next for Cena. "For over a decade now, that man has carried the WWE banner and waved it proudly. He said the Intercontinental Championship was the final thing he needed to complete his resume, and that phase is over now. In an era where so many new faces have risen to the same heights as him... is this it? Is the career of John Cena winding down sooner than we thought?" Mauro Ranallo asked. Cena waved at the crowd with a look of disappointment on his face. He has a match coming up at Unison against Tetsuya Naito and will fulfill that obligation, but once that's finished with, what becomes of him? Where does John Cena fit in the current landscape of WWE?
"WILL I LIVE TO SEE 30? I DON'T KNOW, AND I WONDER WHY?": While the ring was being set up to have its surrounding be ignited, a video package was shown for the seventh and final match here tonight at Unforgiven. "Will I live to see 30? I don't know, and I wonder why? I think it about all day... I think about it all night," was the opening line from Bad Seed Rising's "30" as we were taken back to Judgment Day, where Becky Lynch became the first-ever SmackDown Women's Champion in an Elimination Chamber match. The tumultuous road that Becky had to endure to reach the pinnacle of the women's division was worth it for her in that moment, but not even two weeks later, her world would be turned upside down when Allie, someone she trusted, stabbed her in the back to join Catch Point. "My world turns too slowly, like a blur, and it's passing by." Becky and Allie had a match scheduled for Money in the Bank, but it never began as the two brawled until the match was cancelled. Allie's next move would put Becky on the shelf for nearly a month after she used Paige's Money in the Bank briefcase to smash the champion's hands. Allie spent that bit of time targeting Paige, and after she failed, 'The Irish Lass Kicker' was back on the scene to finish what Allie started. "Am I wasted? Hold on tight. Hold on tight. Hold on tight." In the weeks leading up to SummerSlam, Allie made it clear that she never cared to be Becky's friend, nor anyone's for that matter. She put on the facade of a cheerful, bubbly girl to try masking her own depressive ways. When all else failed to make her happy, Allie knew that she needed to show her true colors and take the SmackDown Women's Championship in order to give a legitimate smile for once. Allie had her opportunity at SummerSlam in Madison Square Garden in a match that has been hailed as one of the greatest to ever be contested for a Women's Title. Ultimately, Becky came out on top, though she felt Allie's wrath just days later when 'The Queen of Catch' attacked Becky and poured gasoline onto her, trying to set the champion on fire. "I'll drown my heart and destroy my mind. I thought of this about a thousand times. How would it feel if I end it tonight? Or should I wait till I'm 29?" One week later, the first-ever women's Inferno match was made official for the SmackDown Women's Title at Unforgiven. Allie has since been embroiled at the center of controversy when The Bella Twins took credit for attacking Paige after SummerSlam, and cited Allie as their inspiration to carry out the plan. Allie has arguably the biggest target on her back on SmackDown Live, but tonight, she and Becky will be surrounded by flames. Nobody can get in and nobody can get out. This is the culmination of a three month-long rivalry between Becky and Allie. Who will have their dreams literally go up in smoke? "Am I wasted? Hold on tight. Hold on tight, hold on tight. I'm too scared to feel alive. Feel alive, feel alive. 'Cause I don't wanna feel. I don't wanna feel, I don't wanna feel a thing. Am I wasted? Hold on tight. Hold on tight, hold on tight. Am I wasted? Hold on tight. Hold on tight, hold on tight, hold on tight."
7) INFERNO MATCH FOR THE SMACKDOWN WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP: Back in the Bridgestone Arena, the equipment necessary for sustaining the flames around the ring were shown propped and ready, two firefighters standing by the announce team to put out the loser as soon as the match was over. Allie's entrance music hit as 'The Queen of Catch' slowly walked out to the ring, her blood-drenched bunny mask covering her face. "Allie and Becky Lynch become just the third and fourth women in WWE history to main event a Pay-Per-View in a singles match, the other two being Paige and AJ Lee. But just like in the original Last Diva Standing match, the historical context seems almost insignificant when you think about what we're going to witness," Rob Naylor said. Allie walked up the steel steps and into the ring, an area that she would either be leaving as the SmackDown Women's Champion, or with her flesh burning. Allie stood still, facing the entrance ramp as Becky Lynch's theme began playing. Out came 'The Irish Lass Kicker' onto the stage, raising the SmackDown Women's Title in hopes that Allie would be able to see it through her bunny mask. Becky marched into the ring, handing the championship over to the official so that the pre-match introductions could begin. The entire time, Becky and Allie were face-to-face, neither moving a single muscle as they awaited the opening bell. After Greg Hamilton and the official for the match exited the ring, the lights dimmed as the apron was engulfed in flames.
The bell finally sounded, Allie slowly removing her bunny mask to reveal another different look of hers. The bottom half of Allie's face was painted black and white, signifying another demonic transformation on her part. Becky didn't care about Allie's wardrobe and punched her in the face, Allie responding with one of her own. The two women grabbed each other's hair while throwing punches, Allie trying to back Becky against the flames. Becky was able to avoid it and took down Allie with a Spear before removing her leather jacket that was only making the temperature hotter for her. Becky ran toward Allie with a knee to her face, grabbing her arm for the Disarmer. Allie managed to shove Becky away, the SmackDown Women's Champion once again narrowly avoiding the flames. Becky turned around and was able to catch Allie's foot on a kick attempt, following up with a Bexploder Suplex that caused the flames to shoot upward. With Allie prone on the ground, Becky was able to step onto the second rope, a dangerous situation since she was one slip away from falling into the flames. Becky descended with a Leg Drop to Allie before trying to move her motionless body into the fire.
The closer Allie got to the flames, the more she began panicking. Allie kicked Becky in the kneecap to free herself before grabbing Becky's head to throw her onto the canvas. Allie stomped on Becky for a bit before bringing her up to her feet, whipping her into a corner. Allie charged into Becky with a forearm strike to the side of her face before attempting to throw her over the top rope, which would've caused her to land head-first into the flames. Becky fended Allie off before running into her with a Clothesline. Allie tried instinctively rolling toward the ropes before realizing that she was only getting closer to the fire that surrounded the ring. The startled Allie backed away, Becky picking her up for a German Suplex. Becky grabbed Allie's arm to apply the Disarmer, successfully trapping her adversary in it this time. Becky reeled back on Allie's arm with the intention of weakening it to the point where she could easily force it into the flames. However, at that exact moment, one of the firefighters at ringside took the extinguisher and sprayed the contents into Becky's face! The blinded Becky fell back onto the canvas as the firefighter extinguished that one side of the ring while the other did the same to the remaining three. "What the hell is going?!" Mauro Ranallo asked as the firefighter who sprayed Becky went into the ring that was no longer surrounded by fire, removing his helmet to reveal himself as TJ Perkins. The other firefighter, CM Punk, stepped into the ring as well, three Catch Point members now surrounding Becky in an Inferno match without fire anymore.
TJP and Punk quickly attacked Becky stomping on her repeatedly while Allie looked on. The two superstars who failed to capture the SmackDown Tag Team Titles earlier took out their frustrations on Becky while Allie looked underneath the ring, bringing out lighter fluid and a match. "Oh my God. Allie still has a way to win, and she's going to ignite Becky's entire body!" Naylor exclaimed. Allie slid back into the ring and began opening the bottle of lighter fluid while Punk and TJP held the champion by her arms. Before Allie could go any further, the positive crowd reaction signaled to her that something was happening. WWE Champion Paige and SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Iconic Duo ran into the ring, Billie Kay and Peyton Royce targeting Punk and TJP while Paige was finally able to get her hands on Allie!
Paige Speared Allie into the ropes, keeping her prone while smashing her face in right right hand strikes. Paige believed that she was extracting revenge against the woman who, according to Nikki Bella, was morally responsible for the attack that took her out after SummerSlam. Allie was able to roll out of the ring and even attempted to leave the ringside area, but Paige ran after her and pushed her into the barricade. Paige continued to attack Allie at ringside before noticing that Punk and TJP were able to get upper-hand in the ring over Billie and Peyton. The Iconic Duo were in trouble, leading to Paige looking underneath the ring for an equalizer. She brought out a ladder that was left over from the SmackDown Tag Team Champion, using it as a battering ram against Catch Point. Paige would even set the ladder up in the center of the ring, just for the purpose of having something she could throw TJP's face into. At ringside, Becky also looked underneath the ring, bringing out a table. She set it up on the side of the ring where the entrance ramp was before taking the lighter fluid and match Allie introduced earlier. "Even amidst all of this chaos, Becky Lynch is still going to find a way to send Allie straight to hell!" Ranallo shouted into his headset. In the ring, Taynara Conti suddenly emerged from the audience, taking a steel chair and leveling Paige in the back with it. The WWE Champion went down as Taynara, who was hellbent on proving her worth to Catch Point tonight, also took out Becky with the chair. With everyone involved laid out for the time being, Taynara approached the gasoline-covered table at ringside, using the match to light it on fire. Taynara slid back into the ring while the table burned, picking up the steel chair. Becky, however, actually managed to punch the chair out of Taynara's hand, suddenly taking out the equalizer that 'The Real Black Belt' depended on. Running for her life at that point, Taynara climbed the ladder in the ring just to try getting away from Becky. The SmackDown Women's Champion scaled the other side, meeting Taynara at the top. Becky repeatedly struck Taynara before pushing her off of the ladder, suddenly alone at the top. That was when Allie rolled back into the ring and put her hands on the ladder. Allie pushed the ladder over, Becky falling off of it and crashing through the flaming table! After Becky rolled out of the flame, her left leg was still on fire! ALLIE IS THE NEW SMACKDOWN WOMEN'S CHAMPION!
"Becky Lynch is on fire!" Mauro Ranallo exclaimed as there was nobody currently present at ringside to put her out. An official quickly came running down to ringside with an extinguisher, spraying it to dissolve the fire that consumed Becky's leg. The WWE Universe was left speechless, and it took a bit of time for everyone at ringside to come to as well. Seconds later, Greg Hamilton had to make the announcement, despite the horrific scene unfolding. "... The winner of this match... and NEW SmackDown Women's Champion, Allie!" The official then took the SmackDown Women's Title, presenting it to the new champion who was still lying on the canvas with her heart rate accelerating. Allie took the SmackDown Women's Championship and stared at its center plate, the realization setting in that she finally accomplished what she said she needed to in order to feel satisfied with life. Becky was now being tended to by a medical staff, 'The Irish Lass Kicker' shielding her face from the camera so that nobody could see her crying in what was the most vulnerable moment of her career. Paige, Billie Kay and Peyton Royce were by her side, Allie leaving behind her Catch Point stablemates to head into the stands and exit the Bridgestone Arena before Paige could decide to go after her again. At the top of a set of stairs in the audience, Allie raised the SmackDown Women's Title, showing the world that even if she is the most hated superstar on SmackDown Live, she has exactly what she's been chasing after this entire time. No longer is Allie the one who lives in darkness. Now, she is the darkness that casts a shadow over the rest of the roster. Becky Lynch is seriously injured, and that's justifiable to Allie because that means she became the new SmackDown Women's Champion in the main event of Unforgiven. |
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Post by Planktung on Apr 24, 2019 16:06:53 GMT -5
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Post by Planktung on Apr 25, 2019 20:36:50 GMT -5
SHOW INTRO: Once the signature WWE intro was finished airing, a video package began playing with Alexa Bliss standing alone in a spotlight, holding the Money in the Bank briefcase in one hand and the RAW Women's Championship in another. The voiceover from Mauro Ranallo's call of Alexa defeating Emma at Vengeance for the Women's Title could be heard in the background before the image became distorted. Then, we saw Buddy Murphy making his RAW debut to attack Alexa for breaking his heart, as he put it out. Alexa would go on to extract more revenge against Emma by capturing the Money in the Bank briefcase for a guaranteed Universal Championship match. Returning to the image of Alexa in the spotlight, Sasha Banks and Bayley were standing to the sides of her. Bayley made her RAW debut and aligned herself with 'The Boss' in an attempt to rid the WWE of Alexa and anyone else who dares to take credit for the Women's Revolution that Sasha and Bayley believe they're responsible for. All while Alexa is set to face Murphy tonight for the Hardcore Championship, pulling double duty. After Alexa disappeared from the spotlight, Aleister Black was shown sitting on the ground as the camera slowly panned upward, revealing an image of a cross looming over him. After AJ Styles captured the Universal Title at SummerSlam, he cited God and his Christian values as the proponents for his success. Black became the number one contender for the gold that same night, creating a match-up that could not be any more antithetical when looking at the personalities of the two superstars involved. "Praise the lord... amen," Styles could be heard saying as Black opened his eyes, the camera zooming into his right one to bring the video to pitch darkness. Welcome to Payback.
1) RAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS: "Shock the system" was the immediate line that echoed throughout the Bridgestone Arena after Mauro Ranallo and the debuting Don Callis welcomed the WWE Universe to Payback. Adam Cole lead Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish out to the ring, The Undisputed ERA kicking things off with the hopes of becoming the new RAW Tag Team Champions. "I'll stand by this claim I'm about to make that out of all the rising talent on the Monday Night RAW roster, nobody has impressed more than The Undisputed ERA," Callis said when Ranallo asked for his thoughts on the trio. Cole, O'Reilly and Fish stepped into the ring, posing in the center as Cole orchestrated the fans in Nashville for his mantra of, "Adam Cole, bay bay!" Cole, O'Reilly and Fish were situated in the ring as the lights dimmed for Finn Balor's entrance. Balor Club had arrived in the Bridgestone Arena as Balor walked out onto the stage, adjusting the collar to his leather jacket while holding one of the RAW Tag Team Championships that he'd be defending tonight in place of Braun Strowman, Roman Reigns' actual tag team partner that The Undisputed ERA put on the shelf. "I said that nobody has impressed me as much as The Undisputed ERA. It would have been Finn Balor had he not taken the easy way out to holding a championship title. He had two opportunities to become Universal Champion and couldn't capitalize on either. Now, he's holding Braun Strowman's RAW Tag Team Title and is acting like he's won something," Callis said, critical of Balor's involvement in this match. Balor stood at ringside as he waited for Reigns to show, 'The One Man Army' receiving a warm response from the audience. Reigns came face-to-face with Balor, essentially telling him that there will be hell to pay if he loses the RAW Tag Team Championships for him. Reigns and Balor then entered the ring, only for Reigns to rush out to ringside and hit Cole with a Spear!
Reigns took the first opening he had to take out Cole, who undoubtedly would've tried making himself the deciding factor in this match-up. Reigns slid back into the ring as he and Balor went after Fish and O'Reilly to start the match. Reigns Clotheslined Fish to the outside, standing on the ring apron afterward while Balor took the fight to O'Reilly. Balor kicked O'Reilly in the mid-section in a corner before whipping him into the opposing one, Balor following up with a Sling Blade. Balor got the cover, O'Reilly kicking out relatively quickly. Balor made the tag to Reigns, who picked O'Reilly up before connecting with an Uppercut. Reigns continued to work over O'Reilly, overpowering the former NXT Champion before having his leg clipped. O'Reilly kicked Reigns in the right leg a few times before stomping on his calf. Fish was tagged in, who kicked Reigns over the head once before covering him. Reigns kicked out, though Fish took his arm and applied an Armbar. Reigns was able to fight through the pain shooting down his bad leg and lift Fish up for a Powerbomb while he still had an Armbar locked in. Reigns crawled toward his corner, making the tag to Balor.
Balor came into the contest fully recharged, taking down Fish wish several Clotheslines before Dropkicking him into a corner. Balor ascended to the top rope for Coup de Grace, but noticed Cole getting back to his feet. Instead of finishing off Fish, Balor decided to take out Cole with a Crossbody. When Balor rolled back into the ring, Fish struck him with his shoulder against his left kneecap, turning Balor inside out. Fish tagged in O'Reilly, the trying gearing up Balor for Chasing the Dragon. Balor, however, kicked Fish away before rolling O'Reilly up with a small package for the two count. Both Balor and O'Reilly rose to their feet simultaneously, Reigns hurrying into the ring to try for a Spear to O'Reilly. However, O'Reilly sidestepped Reigns, causing Balor to be the recipient! The stunned Reigns stared down at his fallen tag team partner that he took out himself, not noticing Fish leaped toward him with a knee strike to his head. Reigns fell out of the ring as O'Reilly capitalized on the situation, covering Balor for the three count! THE UNDISPUTED ERA ARE THE NEW RAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!
Thanks entirely to a miscommunication between Roman Reigns and Finn Balor, we have new RAW Tag Team Champion! Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish hugged each other in the ring before the dazed Adam Cole took the titles from the official, presenting them to his stablemates himself. O'Reilly and Fish raised the red and silver championships, fulfilling their vow upon heading to Monday Night RAW to capture titles. "I don't say this with the intention of taking this moment away from The Undisputed ERA, but one has to wonder what the result of this match is without the inadvertent Spear from Roman Reigns to Finn Balor," said Mauro Ranallo as the ending was being replayed. Regardless of how they did it, O'Reilly and Fish have shocked the system and are now standing atop of the RAW tag team division as the new Tag Team Champions!
2) THE MIZ VS. MATANZA CUETO: An unusual and uneven match-up as The Miz was forced to step into the ring against Matanza Cueto after setting off 'The Monster' on an episode of Miz TV a number of weeks back. At the start of the contest, Miz tried to keep his distance from Matanza, not letting him gain control. Miz was backed against a corner as Matanza charged toward him, Miz putting one foot up to kick Matanza in the leg. Miz followed up with a few strikes that were without results in his favor as Matanza grabbed Miz for a Belly-to-Belly Suplex. The dazed Miz got his feet, Matanza running into him against a corner. Matanza hoisted Miz into the air with a Gorilla Press Slam, following up with a standing Moonsault! Matanza got the cover, surprisingly only scoring a two count off of that.
When Matanza tried placing Miz on his shoulders for a Running Powerslam, Miz was able to slide out of Matanza's grip. Miz grabbed Matanza by his head, bringing him down with an Inverted DDT. Miz saw his opening to strike, waiting for Matanza to stir to his feet. Miz ran toward Matanza, hoping to execute his patented corner Clothesline. However, Matanza countered it and sat Miz back down onto the canvas with a Uranage! Matanza brought Miz into his arms, managing to deliver Wrath of the Gods onto 'The A-Lister'. Matanza easily could have finished the bout right there and then, but decided against it. Instead, Matanza climbed onto the top rope, facing away from Miz. What 'The Monster' saw next was The Addiction running down to ringside, perhaps trying to get revenge for what Matanza did to them last week on RAW. Matanza thwarted Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian's plans, launching himself onto them with an insane Flying Crossbody from the heavyweight! With Daniels and Kazarian laid out, Matanza returned to the top rope, soaring through the air with a Moonsault. However, Miz was able to roll out of harm's way, Matanza planting his own face and frontside onto the mat. Matanza tried standing back up to a vertical base, but Miz quickly locked his arms behind Matanza's head for the Skull Crushing Finale! The damage done to Matanza proved to be enough as Miz was able to secure the win. THE MIZ IS VICTORIOUS!
Just narrowly, The Miz would be escaping the clutches of Matanza Cueto here tonight at Payback. Miz stood to his feet and quickly had his arm raised before rolling out of the ring, helping Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian back up before leaving up the entrance ramp. "Miz's pep talk to Daniels and Kazarian last Monday about wanting better for the tag team paid dividends for 'The Awesome One' tonight, and to everybody who tuned in tonight on the WWE Network to watch Miz be eaten alive by Matanza, serves you right for doubting a once in a lifetime talent like The Miz!" Don Callis said. Just like The Undisputed ERA moments ago, nobody has to commend Miz for his tactics, but the fact of the matter is that he's the one who will be walking out of Nashville with a victory.
3) RAW WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP: The first of two championship bouts for Alexa Bliss as 'The Goddess' pulls double duty tonight with the hopes of leaving Payback as a double champion, a feat that Emma was able to accomplish during the summer. One of the two superstars standing in Alexa's way is Sasha Banks, who believes that she's waited long enough for her one-on-one opportunity at the RAW Women's Championship. "Everything Sasha Banks has been saying over the last few weeks is undeniably true if you ask me. This Women's Revolution started because of Paige and AJ Lee, that much is true, but Sasha and Bayley kept the momentum rolling in NXT like no other female superstars over the last year. They're owed much more than they've been given, and if you ask me, it's boss time right here and right now," said Don Callis prior to the match beginning.
At the sound of the bell, Alexa and Sasha both ran toward one another, wanting to begin this contest with as heated of a fist fight as the RAW women's division has ever seen. Sasha turned Alexa around and placed her hands around her neck, trying to go for the Backstabber early on. Alexa elbowed Sasha in the side of the head before taking her down with a Snapmare, running the ropes for a Basement Dropkick. Alexa dropped both of her knees onto Sasha's stomach before leaping backwards with a knee-driving Moonsault! Alexa got the cover, Sasha able to kick out at two. Alexa brought Sasha up to her feet and placed her in a corner, hitting a series of Knife Edge Chops before Bayley stepped onto the ring apron. Alexa went to strike Bayley, who dodged it in time. The distraction allowed Sasha to connect with a Superkick to Alexa, covering the champion for the near-fall.
Sasha continued to toy with Alexa, savoring the control that she had in the contest. Alexa crawled toward the ropes to try and assist herself to her feet, Sasha kicking her repeatedly in the head. When Sasha ran at Alexa, 'The Goddess' was able to pull the top rope down, sending Sasha out to ringside. 'The Boss' nearly collided with Bayley, who was able to stop her tag team partner in team. What neither could stop was Alexa as she flew into them with a Suicide Dive through the bottom rope as opposed to the middle one. Alexa took out both Bayley and Sasha before rolling the latter back into the ring. Alexa headed to the top rope, looking for Twisted Bliss. While Alexa descended, Sasha managed to get her knees up in time. Sasha capitalized and applied the Bank Statement, reeling back with as much force as she could in hopes that Alexa would submit. 'The Goddess' fought through the pain and was able to roll Sasha onto her back, turning the hold into a pinning predicament. Sasha kicked out just before three, Alexa getting to her feet while trying to catch her breath. Alexa used the top rope to latch onto Sasha's back, attempting Code Red. However, Sasha countered it and drove the back of Alexa's head into the canvas! Bayley, who got back to her feet at ringside, grabbed Sasha's hands through the opening in the ropes, pulling her forward for leverage on the pinfall. The official never saw this scene as he only focused on Alexa's shoulders, which were down for three. SASHA BANKS IS THE NEW RAW WOMEN'S CHAMPION!
"Ref! Ref! Sasha and Bayley..." Mauro Ranallo exclaimed before being cut off by Don Callis, whose only mindset was to celebrate the crowning of a new RAW Women's Champion. "Sasha Banks' destiny has finally been fulfilled! We have a new RAW Women's Champion!" Sasha immediately rolled out of the ring after the three count was made, Bayley handing her best friend the RAW Women's Title. Holding her emotions in, Sasha raised the championship on the stage, Bayley screaming, "We told you so! We told all of you!" at the Nashville crowd that booed them relentlessly. Alexa finally came to in the ring, realizing that her goal of becoming a double champion was shattered with Sasha's win. All 'The Goddess' can do now is bank on becoming the new Hardcore Champion, though she didn't have any time to prepare for her second of two matches here tonight.
4) HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP: As Sasha Banks exited through the curtain as the new RAW Women's Champion, Buddy Murphy's entrance music sounded. 'The Juggernaut' headed out to the stage, raising the Hardcore Championship while laughing and smiling at the sight of a stunned Alexa left without the RAW Women's Title. "This is just insult to injury at this point. Kicking Alexa Bliss while she's down," Mauro Ranallo stated, Don Callis arguing that this was the price that Alexa paid when she made the request to compete twice at Payback. Murphy stepped into the ring, Alexa still on her knees with a blank expression to show her disbelief at the outcome of the last match. Murphy handed the Hardcore Title over to the official, who didn't know if he should call for the bell with Alexa still in a trance-like state. That was when Murphy took a microphone and said to the referee with the entire world listening, "No, it's fine. Just ring the bell. She's used to being on her knees whenever I'm around." After the audience reacted to Murphy's words, Alexa finally glanced up at her ex-boyfriend, charging toward him with a Spear through the ropes!
Alexa and Murphy both took hard spills out to the ringside area, Alexa disregarding her own well-being at that point. "She's acing on pure rage alone. She's going to get hurt if she doesn't calm herself down," Ranallo said while Alexa punched and kicked Murphy repeatedly. She looked underneath the ring, bringing out a kendo stick that she thought would be her equalizer. Murphy, however, was able to turn the tables, sending Alexa over his head and onto the floor with a Back Body Drop. Murphy rolled Alexa into the ring before taking the kendo stick, striking her in the back with it! Alexa winced around the canvas in pain, the mark of the stick branding her skin. When Alexa got to her feet, Murphy struck her in her left thigh with the kendo stick, Alexa trying to hold onto the top rope just to keep herself standing up. Murphy brought Alexa into the center of the ring, picking her up for a Brainbuster! Murphy got the cover, but Alexa was able to get a shoulder up.
Murphy knew that he was in complete control of the match and could've ended it whenever he wanted to, but though it would be better for him to take his time punishing 'The Goddess'. Murphy would then bring two objects into the ring: a table and the steel steps. Murphy set the table up and positioned the steps in front of it, grabbing Alexa. The two stood on the steps, Murphy grinning since he knew he had Alexa right where he wanted her. However, Alexa utilized the hardcore rules to her advantage and low blowed Murphy! Suddenly free and with the opening to strike, Alexa ran onto the steel steps, driving Murphy through the table with a Tilt-A-Whirl DDT! Murphy was laid out as Alexa got the cover, but 'The Juggernaut' was able to kick out by the skin of his teeth! Not wanting to allow Murphy the chance to regain any momentum, Alexa took the kendo stick and began unloading with shots to the defending champion! Alexa had to have hit Murphy at least fifteen times with the kendo stick before leveling him across the face with it. Murphy lied flat on the mat, Alexa heading up to the top rope for the Twisted Bliss that she failed to hit earlier against Sasha. Alexa leaped off the top rope, but Murphy was able to catch her on his shoulder. Murphy set Alexa's feet down onto the mat, only to hit her with a V-Trigger! Alexa was just about knocked out as Murphy hoisted all of her dead weight onto his shoulders for Murphy's Law! Murphy got the cover, the official making the three count to turn Alexa's evening into her worst nightmare imaginable on a professional level. BUDDY MURPHY IS STILL HARDCORE CHAMPION!
And with that, Alexa Bliss is empty-handed as far as championships go. Buddy Murphy rose to his feet and was handed back the Hardcore Championship, successful in his Pay-Per-View debut on the main roster. Alexa had two chances to hold gold here tonight, and not only did she lose the RAW Women's Title to Sasha Banks, but she couldn't even deliver on her promise to make Murphy pay for the resentment he's had for her ever since their split. "This night was never going to be anything but the beginning of Alexa's downward spiral. The only reason she wanted to hold the RAW Women's and Hardcore Titles was because Emma did. She already has the Money in the Bank briefcase. She could have stopped there, but her greed to be better than Emma got the best of her. Now, all she has left to her name is a briefcase that doesn't even guarantee anything aside from a championship match," said the critical Don Callis. As Murphy headed up the ramp, Alexa was given back the Money in the Bank briefcase that she stared at endlessly. It's the only thing she has left to her name, and if she isn't careful with it, she can end up with nothing.
UNISON PROMO: An advertisement was shown for Unison, live from Dario Cueto's Temple in Los Angeles. In the main event, Paige defends the WWE Championship against Allie's SmackDown Women's Championship in a Title for Title Deathmatch. Plus, a dream match as John Cena battles Tetsuya Naito. The Golden Lovers implode when Kenny Omega meets Kota Ibushi one-on-one. Bobby Roode puts the NXT Championship on the line against The Velveteen Dream. And the first-ever WWE United Kingdom Champion will be crowned in a Ladder match with Pete Dunne, Zack Sabre Jr., Will Ospreay, Marty Scurll, Mark Haskins and Toni Storm. Unison is live in two weeks exclusively on the WWE Network.
5) UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP: With Kevin Owens' bitterness over being the first superstar eliminated from Aztec Warfare at SummerSlame came his disdain for United States Champion Seth Rollins, a rivalry that Daniel Bryan inadvertently became embroiled in through tag team matches that saw him catch the ire of both superstars. Rollins now found himself pitted against two of Monday Night RAW's other top stars with only a slim chance at retaining the United States Championship. "Monday Night Rollins is how he puts it, right? Well it's time to find out if 'Seth Freaking Rollins' is really as good as he says he is," stated Don Callis.
As soon as the match began, Rollins delivered a Superkick to the unsuspecting Owens, who then ate a Busaiku Knee from Bryan. Owens rolled out of the ring, Rollins and Bryan circling the canvas for a bit. Despite both superstars being admired by the WWE Universe, they could never forget their rivalry from last year that culminated in Rollins becoming World Heavyweight and Intercontinental Champion at SummerSlam. Bryan still never got his measure of revenge for that loss, and he was willing to do whatever he needed to regain the championship that he put his career on line at WrestleMania to capture. Bryan ran into Rollins, cornering him before 'The Architect' was able to roll Bryan up. With Bryan on his knees, Rollins attempted Avada Kedavra, only for Bryan to catch his foot. Bryan twisted Rollins' ankle and applied a Heel Hook, Rollins having to fight to reach the ropes. Owens, who got back to his feet, grabbed Rollins' arms and pulled him out from underneath the bottom rope, saving him only for the sake of keeping the match going so he could have a chance at the United States Title. Bryan ran the ropes and leaped onto Rollins and Owens with a Suicide Dive, throwing Owens into the ring. Bryan connected with his signature Yes Kicks to the chest of Owens before noticing Rollins diving off the top rope. Bryan sidestepped the champion, which caused Rollins to drive his knee into Owens' forehead. Bryan took Rollins down with a German Suplex before delivering the running corner Dropkick.
Bryan showed off an onslaught of offensive attacks as he went back-and-forth to Dropkick Rollins and Owens repeatedly. That continued until Owens was able to throw Bryan into the turnbuckles with a Back Body Drop. Rollins caught Owens with a Superkick, which only dazed 'The Prizefighter' as opposed to fully taking him out. Rollins springboarded off the second rope for a Tornado DDT, spiking Owens onto the top of his head. Rollins got the cover, but Bryan broke it up with an attempt at applying the Yes Lock onto the champion. Rollins tried valiantly to free himself, and managed to succeed by turning it into what he thought was going to be a Buckle Bomb. Instead, Bryan sent Rollins into the corner with a Hurricanrana. Bryan remained down on the canvas, catching his breath while Owens climbed onto the top rope for a Frog Splash. Bryan rolled out of harm's way, Owens splatting the canvas before Bryan tried choking him. Bryan had his arms wrapped tightly around Owens' neck, the latter trying to sit up with Bryan still on his back. That was when Rollins took both superstars out with a two-for-one Curb Stomp! Bryan's face was driven into the back of Owens' head while Owens had the force of both Bryan's head and Rollin's foot pushing him into the mat. Rollins rolled Owens over, covering him to hold onto his championship. SETH ROLLINS IS STILL UNITED STATES CHAMPION!
"As you were saying?" Mauro Ranallo asked to Don Callis as the announcement was made that Seth Rollins was the victor and still United States Champion. The official presented Rollins with the gold as he held it high in the air, spinning it around in celebration over besting two of Monday Night RAW's top superstars to retain the United States Title. "... Okay, fine. Don't ever doubt Seth Rollins, I get that now. The man claims to be one of the best in the world, and as I just saw for myself, he has every tool that a WWE superstar needs to back up such a bold claim," Callis said. Rollins stood alone on the stage, raising the United States Championship one more time with all of the momentum in the world on his side.
HELL OF WAR PROMO: An advertisement was shown for Monday Night RAW's next Pay-Per-View event, Hell of War. Dario Cueto's take on the traditional Three Stages of Hell match will take center stage in St. Louis on Saturday October 25th.
SHANE MCMAHON CONFRONTS DARIO CUETO: At this time, RAW General Manager Dario Cueto headed down to the ring, the latter in as horrendous of a mood as an authority figure could be after Matanza Cueto failed to defeat The Miz earlier in the show. Dario, who invited SmackDown General Manager Shane McMahon to Payback tonight, went ahead and called him out. After a few seconds passed, Shane's entrance music sounded to a positive reception from the Nashville audience. Shane headed down to the ring, taking a microphone as stood across from Dario. Before allowing the RAW General Manager to speak, Shane cut him off to ask if the audience enjoyed Unforgiven last night. The WWE Universal responded positively, further aggravating Dario. "... None of these people get it. Why is it that all of a sudden, Shane McMahon is beloved? Everyone loves you, Shane, despite knowing that you're just another McMahon. The WWE Universe thinks that you care about what they want to see. You dubbed SmackDown Live the 'Land of Opportunity' but all of those opportunities are handed out in exchange for publicity stunts. Your show last night ended with one of your roster's greatest assets catching on fire, and you're out here smiling and dancing because you couldn't care any less about how Becky Lynch is doing as long as you can search the SmackDown Live hashtag and see a bunch of idiots praising you for putting your talent at risk!" Dario cited Paige's appearance on RAW a few weeks ago as another example of Shane refusing to be seen in any sort of a negative light. "You're the one who gave me the clearance to put Paige on my show. She's your roster member! Whatever happened to her should have been on your hands only, but what did you do when she collapsed? You put all the blame on Peyton Royce, who for whatever reason you still rewarded with a Tag Team Title match. You have absolutely NO control over your show, but you still think you're better than me just because these people give in to you like a bunch of sheep! I work for my audience, Shane! I make sure everybody on my roster is taken care of! I don't just feed them to the wolves in exchange for ratings and ticket sales!" Shane then asked Dario if that's the reason why he's been saying for the last month that Matanza is going to challenge for the Universal Championship at Unison. "Are you sure that's what the people want? It isn't just something that you want? Because it strikes me as just a tad bit ironic that on the show that you're promoting, your brother is going to challenge for RAW's top championship. What's Matanza's Pay-Per-View record? No wins and seven losses now? This might surprise you, but I've actually sat back and watched this whole show up to now and I see one of the most talented rosters in WWE history. SO many of your superstars deserve that championship match over Matanza, but just because he's your brother, you're going to forget about the hard work that people like Finn Balor, Roman Reigns, The Undisputed ERA, Alexa Bliss and Seth Rollins have put into making Monday Night RAW successful!" Dario took great offense to Shane telling him that he's overlooking his own roster, but he wasn't given the proper moment to respond as RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon interrupted the two. Stephanie told Dario that everything Shane is saying echoes her own gripes with Matanza's spot at Unison. "Yes, you're the sole promoter of Unison in two weeks, Dario, but that doesn't mean that those above you in power can't intervene." Stephanie said that she wasn't the only person who had a problem with Matanza. "You know else did? The Chairman of this company, Mr. McMahon. And after speaking with my father earlier today, I can finally confirm to you and the entire WWE Universe that your decision to put Matanza into the Universal Title match at Unison has officially been overruled!" Dario's eyes and mouth opened wide in shock, the WWE Universe chanting "Yes!" upon learning that Matanza will not be competing for the Universal Championship in two weeks after all. Stephanie exited through the curtain while Dario stood frozen in the ring, Shane shuffling around him while his theme song played him out.
6) MANIFEST DESTINY QUALIFYING MATCH: Because all three members of The Wyatt Tribe competed in Aztec Warfare at SummerSlam, only one of them would be allowed the opportunity to partake in the RAW Block of this year's Manifest Destiny, which begins two weeks from tomorrow. Bray Wyatt, Pentagon and Randy Orton. Two of RAW's top superstars would be left out of the Universal Championship picture while the other will have the chance to move on to the Royal Rumble in January and compete for the red brand's stop prize, so long as they can outlast 23 other superstars in professional wrestling's most grueling tournament.
When the match officially began, Wyatt was the first to strike, believing that was his responsibility as the leader of the stable. He connected with a jab to Pentagon before going after Orton, overpowering 'The Viper' and sending him into a corner. Wyatt drove his shoulder into Orton's mid-section a few times before sidestepping a charging Pentagon, who connected with a forearm strike to Orton. All three Wyatt Tribe members made it clear from the start that they weren't going to hold anything back with a spot in Manifest Destiny at stake. Wyatt brought Pentagon into the center of the ring, taking him down with a Uranage before going for the cover. As Wyatt was pinning Pentagon, Orton actually attempted a Punt Kick, Wyatt just narrowly evading it. Wyatt got to his feet, only to be taken down with a Dropkick from Orton. Pentagon rolled Orton up for the two count, both men standing back up afterward. Orton was able to drop Pentagon with a Scoop Powerslam, standing tall for a moment over his two stablemates. Orton began coiling and was sizing Pentagon up for an RKO, only to be dragged out of the ring by Wyatt. 'The Eater of the Worlds' tried setting up Orton for Sister Abigail, only for Orton to fight out of it. Orton and Wyatt battled for a bit before Pentagon leaped off of the ring apron, taking both men out with a Double Foot Stomp.
Pentagon would then roll Wyatt into the ring, trying to set him up for the Pentagon Driver. Wyatt fought out of it, freeing himself before crashing into Pentagon with a running Crossbody. Wyatt tried following up with a Senton, but as he was running the ropes, Orton pulled the top one down. Wyatt spilled onto the floor as Orton tried seizing his moment to strike. 'The Viper' waited for Pentagon to get back up, believing that he was in prime position for an RKO with Wyatt not available to interrupt. Orton attempted his finisher, only for Pentagon to counter it into the Pentagon Driver! Pentagon covered Orton, Wyatt sliding into the ring too late as the official counted to three. PENTAGON IS VICTORIOUS!
Due to Pentagon being the most popular of the Wyatt Tribe members, the fans in the Bridgestone Arena reacted positively as the man who feels 'Cero Miedo' sprang to his feet, performing his signature hand gesture for the hard camera. Monday Night RAW's three most sadistic superstars went to war, but ultimately, it's Pentagon who emerged victorious and solidifies his spot in Manifest Destiny. Pentagon stopped his celebration as he noticed both Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton helping each other, the two standing across from him. If Pentagon felt that he was going to be at odds with his two stablemates, those concerns were quickly resolved as they raised his arms triumphantly. "Wyatt and Orton are taking the approach that a victory for one of them is a victory for all. They'll be watching Manifest Destiny from the sidelines, but Pentagon now has the opportunity to become the number one contender for the Universal Championship down the line," Mauro Ranallo said.
7) DERRICK BATEMAN VS. DREW MCINTYRE: The night after SummerSlam, Drew McIntyre made his return to the main roster after a successful stint in NXT and quickly established his dominance on Monday Night RAW. 'The Scottish Psychopath' announced to the world that his target was Derrick Bateman, the former two-time Universal Champion who McIntyre said gave him the hope that he needed to fulfill the 'Chosen One' endorsement that Mr. McMahon presented to him five years ago. If Bateman could rise from obscurity to become the biggest name in the industry, then so could he. McIntyre defeated Bateman in convincing fashion via referee stoppage, and now, Bateman is the one who is trying to reclaim his image as the most dominant star on RAW from McIntyre.
An unusual setting was quickly painted at the start of the contest as the WWE Universe stood behind Bateman, the same superstar they spent the better part of the last two years viewing as a monster. "Bateman doesn't care about what the fans think of him. He never has and he's not going to suddenly start just because he's opposing Drew McIntyre," Don Callis said. Bateman and McIntyre charged into each other, Bateman able to overpower McIntyre briefly by taking him down to the canvas. Bateman unloaded with a series of left and right hand strikes, McIntyre having to put his hands up to defend himself. McIntyre was able to roll out of the ring, Bateman catching him with a Baseball Slide. 'The God of the New Era' went after McIntyre, throwing him into the ring post before rolling him back into the squared circle. Bateman continued to target McIntyre's forehead with his strikes, perhaps looking to make McIntyre shed blood the same way he did three weeks ago. Bateman backed up a bit and tried running into McIntyre with a knee strike, only to be hit with a devastating Clothesline. Suddenly, Bateman was reminded just how McIntyre was able to take control of him in their first encounter.
McIntyre and Bateman were at a stalemate for a bit. Neither superstar could get the momentum of the match fully on their side, though that all changed when Bateman stood on the second rope while leveling McIntyre with more punches. McIntyre picked Bateman's legs up, driving his face into the top of the ring post. Bateman fell back onto the canvas, the impact with the ring post creating a wound on his forehead. The sight was just about identical to what happened on RAW three weeks ago the bloodied Bateman was manhandled by McIntyre. 'The Scottish Psychopath' stood in a corner, stomping his right foot onto the canvas a few times to signal for the Claymore. However, Bateman was able to sidestep the kick before just about taking McIntyre's head off clean with a Discus Lariat! Bateman suddenly had the momentum despite his face being covered in blood. He took McIntyre down with a number of shoulder tackles and nearly delivered the TKO that might have ended the contest. However, McIntyre slid off of Bateman's shoulders and turned him around for the Glasgow Kiss to the already-wounded skull of Bateman! McIntyre wiped Bateman's blood from his own forehead before running the ropes to finally connect with the Claymore that gave him his second victory over Bateman. DREW MCINTYRE IS VICTORIOUS!
Although this was Drew McIntyre's second consecutive time defeating Derrick Bateman, the WWE Universe members in Nashville were still left in shock. "... It wasn't a fluke the first time..." said Don Callis, he and the rest of the world having to realize that McIntyre didn't just get lucky three weeks ago. 'The Scottish Psychopath' said that he was going to take Bateman's spot at the top of the RAW, and he might have just done that. "I mean no offense when I say this, but... Derrick Bateman has beaten the likes of AJ Styles, John Cena, Paige and Brock Lesnar. And after all of that... he can't beat Drew McInytre?" asked Mauro Ranallo. Bateman lied motionless on the canvas with blood covering his face as McIntyre once again put one foot on his chest. For the past two years, one of the constants in WWE's main event scene has been Bateman. He overcame just about every obstacle put in front of him and made a career out of proving the WWE Universe wrong. But now... he's the one who has fallen at the feet of a young, up-and-coming superstar. Has the torch officially been passed down, or rather ripped away, from Bateman to McIntyre? Has McIntyre proven his case for being the future of Monday Night RAW?
"FACING THE TRUTH TO OPEN THESE WOUNDS": As the WWE Universe tried to collectively gather their thought after Drew McIntyre was once again victorious over Derrick Bateman, a graphic appeared for the main event of Payback. A No Holds Barred match for the Universal Championship in a bout that pits religious ideologies against each other in the biggest way imaginable in WWE. A video package set to Sylar's "Open Wounds" began playing, starting off with a recap of Aleister Black's run on Monday Night RAW up until this point. 'The Dutch Destroyer' has remained undefeated, quickly rising in the ranks on the red brand. "I'm standing here til the end today, and even though I'm so afraid of how tomorrow ends. I'll hold my fist up to the sky until there's nothing left. Yeah, until there's nothing left." At SummerSlam, AJ Styles managed to outlast 12 other superstars and claim the Universal Championship in Aztec Warfare. Unlike his WWE Championship win the year before that he credited himself for, Styles made it clear that he gives all of the credit in the world for his success to his Christian faith. Styles has undergone a drastic transformation in the weeks since, one in which he forces his religious beliefs onto others. Ironically, Black became the number one contender for the Universal Championship the night after SummerSlam, setting the stage for a match-up of Heaven against Hell. "As time flies, I realize the world is only getting colder, as I'm getting older, now I see the lies. Pick a side and tell me why every time I try to share the truth they look at me like I was never right." Styles targeted Black's personal life, citing his bouts with depression as a curse from God for revolting against him. On the night that Styles promised to baptize his Payback opponent, Black struck back against the Universal Champion, stating that he is crossing a line by trying to use his religious beliefs to paint him out as some sort of sinner. Six nights ago on RAW, Styles was finally able to baptize Black, or rather, he attempted to drown him in a bowl of holy water. The incident resulted in Dario Cueto adding a No Holds Barred stipulation to this contest. Will Styles once again prevail with the aid of his lord and savior, or will Black silence Styles and his zealot nature? "Facing the truth to open these wounds. Confiding in the silence, keeping me from fighting. Facing the truth, nothing left to lose. Pain helps me remember I will not surrender."
8) UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP: When the entrance music of Aleister Black sounded, the fans in the Bridgestone Arena came unglued for the Dutch Destroyer. As Black rose from the ashes, Mauro Ranallo noted that his undefeated streak seems almost irrelevant when thinking about what this match really means for Black. "His entire background has been attacked by AJ Styles. We have a Universal Champion who views Black as being beneath him because of his religious beliefs. This is an incredibly touchy subject that Styles and Black have treaded. The WWE Universe members have had to take sides based on their own beliefs, but all I'm saying is that the words from Styles have struck a nerve with me. Much like Black, I suffer with mental illness myself. Does Styles think that's punishment handed down from God onto me? Am I a 'sinner' like Black is in that regard? It's absolute B.S. that the man who carries the banner on Monday Night RAW behaves in such a way. I know I'm supposed to be unbiased, but I hope, I sincerely hope that Aleister Black knocks AJ Styles into the 21st century and takes the Universal Championship," said a passionate Ranallo. Black entered the ring and sat cross-legged in the center of the ring, channeling his frustrations for the time being. At least until Styles was standing across from him. When Styles' entrance music sounded, a reaction of mostly boos could be heard for the Universal Champion as 'The Man of God' walked onto the stage, exchanging his usual hooded vest for a robe that resembles something a religious cult leader would wear. With the Universal Championship strapped around the robe, Styles headed down to the ring, putting his gloves together to form a cross as opposed to the 'P1' logo that Styles normally showed off. "The thing about this being a transformation for AJ Styles is that it's really not. I met Styles over ten years ago in the early days of TNA, and he's always held these religious beliefs. He's always been a man of God. It's just that he's turned it all up to eleven. This isn't a transformation so much as it's Styles being 'born again' I suppose," Don Callis said. Styles handed the Universal Title over to the official, the contest officially beginning.
Styles' first move was to charge toward Black, trying to kick him square in the face since the latter was still sitting down. Black dodged the kick and rose to his feet, catching Styles with a kick of his own. Black continued to kick Styles until he was out of the ring, leaping over the top rope with a Plancha onto the Universal Champion! Black picked Styles and threw him into the steel steps before taking a steel chair from ringside. Black aimed the chair at Styles' head, but missed. Black dropped the chair after it collided with the ring post, Styles connecting with a Pele Kick to his challenger. Styles took the steel chair for himself, whaling Black in the back with it. Styles threw both Black and the chair into the ring, setting up the chair in the center. Styles sat Black down on the chair, grabbing his face while screaming at him, "You are a disgrace to Jesus Christ! You understand me, Black! You're! A! Disgrace!" Black responded with an elbow strike to Styles before trying for a springboard Moonsault. However, while Black was in the air, Styles threw the chair at his face! Black crashed onto the canvas, Styles trying to capitalize and execute the Styles Clash. Black was able to send Styles onto the chair with a Back Body Drop, 'The Man of God' rolling out of the ring. That was when Black jumped over the top rope and onto the second turnbuckle, wiping out Styles with a Triangle Moonsault.
Looking underneath the ring for whatever else he could find, Black took out another steel chair, throwing it toward Styles' face as a measure of revenge for what happened to him moments ago. Black then brought out a table, setting it up between the ring and barricade. Black positioned Styles on the surface of the table, climbing to the top rope. Whatever Black had in mind was thwarted as Styles ran onto the second turnbuckle, striking Black in the forehead a few times. Black retaliated with strikes of his own, both superstars trying to gain control of the fight while struggling to not lose balance. Styles then stepped onto the top turnbuckle, throwing Black through the air with a Frankensteiner through the table!
With both men down and out for the time, the official tended to both without much of anything he could do. Under the No Holds Barred stipulation, this was going to continue until one superstar pinned or submitted the other. Styles began stirring to his feet, picking up Black's motionless body and dragging him into the ring. Styles stood on the ring apron, waiting for his opening to deliver the Phenomenal Forearm. Styles jumped onto the top rope, 'The Dutch Destroyer' going for Black Mass. Styles, however, had the move scouted and didn't make the same mistake he did two weeks ago. Styles then went ahead with the Phenomenal Forearm, sending Black into the ropes. Black got his arms stuck in the ropes and trapped in a crucifix-like position. Styles suddenly grinned as he realized not only his opening, but the symbolism attached to Black's predicament. "This is what you deserve, you sinner! Pray for forgiveness! Pray! Pray! Pray!" Styles screamed at Black before being spit at. Styles' response was to kick Black below the belt, which was legal in this setting. Styles took the steel chair from earlier and leveled Black in the head with it, a sickening thud echoing throughout the Bridgestone Arena. "Styles, that's enough! He's defenseless!" Ranallo yelled into his headset as Styles hit Black five more times in the skull with the chair before freeing his arms. Styles brought the dazed Black into the center of the ring, delivering the Styles Clash before rolling him over to end Black's undefeated streak. AJ STYLES IS STILL UNIVERSAL CHAMPION!
Either boos or silence came from the WWE Universe members in Nashville as AJ Styles was declared the winner before being handed back the Universal Championship. Styles dropped to his knees and began praying, thanking God for giving him the strength to defeat Aleister Black and hold onto the gold. "... Whatever. Styles can thank whoever he wants to for this one. He took the low road. He took a prone, defenseless Aleister Black and likely just shortened his career with chair shot after chair shot to the head. This isn't anything to celebrate," said an angered Mauro Ranallo. Black was assisted out of the ring by officials, though he was responsive enough to be able to walk out on his own two feet. After several highlights from the contest were shown, we were taken back to the live feed of Styles still in the ring on his knees with his hands together, praying while the Universal Championship remained on his shoulder.
9) UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP: Not yet. AJ Styles' night was not yet over, and he realized that once Alexa Bliss' entrance music sounded. The roof on the Bridgestone Arena just about came off as Alexa ran down to the ring with her Money in the Bank briefcase. "Are you kidding me?!? Alexa Bliss is cashing-in?!?" exclaimed Mauro Ranallo while Don Callis was immediately critical of the decision. "She's not thinking straight! She's only doing this because she feels like she needs to after losing to Sasha Banks and Buddy Murphy!" Either way, Alexa slid into the ring and handed the briefcase over to the official, Styles standing up and arguing that this couldn't happen. The official gave the briefcase to JoJo, who announced that Alexa was cashing-in her Money in the Bank contract.
The bell sounded as Alexa charged into Styles, cornering him and unloading a series of strikes! "Come on, Alexa!" Ranallo shouted while the WWE Universe members in Nashville all stood up and watched Alexa make history one way or another. Alexa was pushed away by Styles, who was still feeling the affects of the No Holds Barred match wth Aleister Black. Alexa hit a corner Dropkick onto Styles, rendering him motionless. Alexa planted Styles with a DDT before climbing to the top rope, looking for the Twisted Bliss that she couldn't connect with in either of her two matches earlier tonight. This time, however, she hit it! Alexa covered Styles, the entire audience counting along with the official. However, Styles was able to get a shoulder up in time! Alexa backed against the ropes with her eyes wide opened, breathing heavily as she thought she was about to become the Universal Champion. Styles staggered to his feet in a corner, Alexa going for another running Dropkick. This time, Styles moved the official in the way, Alexa hitting both of them. Styles fell down onto the mat as Alexa returned to the top rope. She had in mind a second Twisted Bliss, but that's when the fans in attendance reacted to something. Emma ran down to ringside through the crowd, pushing Alexa off of top rope! Emma, the original holder of the Money in the Bank briefcase, made her first appearance since SummerSlam and might have just cost Alexa the Universal Championship! Emma ducked and sat against the ring apron, staying out of the referee's sight. While Alexa was lying on the canvas, Styles springboarded off of the top rope for a 450 Splash! Styles covered Alexa as the official crawled toward them, making the slow three count. AJ STYLES IS STILL UNIVERSAL CHAMPION!
A heartbreaking scene in the Bridgestone Arena as AJ Styles was handed back the Universal Championship, retaining it for the second time tonight at Payback. As a result, Alexa Bliss just became the first superstar in history to fail a Money in the Bank cash-in attempt. Styles quickly exited up the entrance ramp, wanting to leave Nashville as quickly as he could while his Universal Championship reign was still intact. Emma, who cost Alexa the Universal Championship, took a steel chair from ringside and slid into the ring, unloading with shots from the chair onto the already-prone Alexa. Emma was relentless with her shots while officials tried stopping her. Emma then placed the chair against the back of Alexa's head before stomping on it! Emma stood in the ring and stared down at Alexa, wanting to extract every ounce of revenge she believed she needed to for what happened at SummerSlam. When a stretcher came out for Alexa, Emma shoved every referee and paramedic in her sight out of the way. She placed Alexa on the stretcher herself, pushing it all the way into the parking lot where there was already an ambulance waiting for Alexa. Emma opened the doors to the back of the ambulance and carelessly placed Alexa inside. After shutting the doors, she went up to the driver's seat, pulling the driver out of it. Emma took control of the ambulance, officials and paramedics trying to plead with her to stop. Caring only for what she thought was best for herself, Emma backed up the ambulance and drove it into a wall with Alexa in the back! Emma exited the totaled ambulance while being shouted at by officials to leave the scene, Emma finally complying after getting exactly what she came to Payback for. Alexa Bliss failed her Money in the Bank cash-in, and after this borderline-murderous assault from Emma, her career might have ended at the same time. |
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Post by Planktung on Apr 27, 2019 16:14:23 GMT -5
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Post by Planktung on May 2, 2019 15:51:39 GMT -5
Author's Note
It's me again, breaking the flow of fictional stories to address the state of this diary. By this point, I think all of you - the readers - have at least a grasp of what Heretics is now. The Amo Excerpts are my way of branching outside of just writing wrestling shows like I've been doing for almost a decade now on this site. In recent years, I started watching a lot of anime shows and became completely encapsulated in that realm of storytelling and all of the intricate details that go into it. That resulted in me wanting to try my hand at emotional storytelling, and this medium is the perfect outlet for me to do that because of the nature to Heretics' main story. I know it all might come across as silly or tumblr-esque, but it's what I wanted to do and I'm happy with the way things have turned out. The ridiculousness of the outside-of-the-ring scenes will only amplify from here on out, but I wouldn't want to go any other route.
So, if you've made it this far, thank you. I appreciate every read/glance/skim-through that this diary has accumulated. This is almost at half a million views, which is asinine, but it's a thing, I suppose.
I'll be back very, very soon with more wrestling and drama.
❤️
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Post by Planktung on May 4, 2019 15:24:23 GMT -5
"Low" by The Driver Era
Never did I know
I could get this low
I could get this low for you
Now the sun don't shine
And the rain don't pour
And I'm still thinking about you
Roll out of bed and straight up to the cloud
Inside my lousy real estate
I found an angel and she lives she now
But I can't get it out my case
Then she got away
Somehow, somehow, somehow
So I'll go and fake
My smile, my smile...
Never did I know
I could get this low
I could get this low for you
And now the sun don't shine
And the rain don't pour
And I'm still thinking about you
Never did I know
I could get this low
I could get this low for you
Still I knew, still I knew
Could get this low, I never knew
I could get this low
I could get this low
I could get this low for you
Sometimes I wonder why I'm in this place
And maybe I will never know
But if I ever learn from my mistakes
The future ain't predictable
She ain't coming back
Oh I'll, oh I'll, oh I'll...
So I'll go and fake
My smile, my smile...
Never did I know
I could get this low
I could get this low for you
And now the sun don't shine
And the rain don't pour
And I'm still thinking about you
Never did I know
I could get this low
I could get this low for you
Still I knew, still I knew
Could get this low, I never knew
I could get this low
I could get this low
I could get this low for you
I could get this low
I could get this low
I could get this low for you
Oh I'll, oh I'll, oh I'll...
My smile, my smile...
Never did I know
I could get this low
I could get this low for you
And now the sun don't shine
And the rain don't pour
And I'm still thinking about you
Never did I know
I could get this low
I could get this low for you
Still I knew, still I knew
Could get this low, I never knew
I could get this low
I could get this low
I could get this low for you
I could get this low
I could get this low
I could get this low for you
Monday September 15h, 2014
Los Angeles, California
Another Pay-Per-View weekend had gone by, and just like in every instance of one before, it felt like the complexion of WWE changed dramatically over the course of just a few days. At Payback, Sasha Banks became RAW Women's Champion, and Alexa Bliss made history by being the first superstar to ever fail a Money in the Bank cash-in attempt. The day prior at Unforgiven, Allie captured the SmackDown Women's Championship in an Inferno match against Becky Lynch, and WWE Champion Paige was victorious in a dream match against Kenny Omega. But the only result that mattered to The Iconic Duo was the one that saw them overcome Sami Zayn, Cody Rhodes, CM Punk and TJ Perkins in a Triangle Ladder match to become the first-ever female team to hold Tag Team Championships.
Shortly after Unforgiven concluded, Billie Kay and Peyton Royce were invited to Lilian Garcia's podcast to share whatever information about their personal lives and careers they wanted, which was the same thing Alexa did a while back. Leaving Nashville late on Sunday night, the two arrived to Los Angeles on Monday morning to meet with Lilian at her home.
Lilian: "Before I start recording, is there anything that's off limits? Something that you guys want me to refrain from asking about? Because if you guys don't speak up now, I'm going to dive deep."
Peyton: "... I feel fine now talking about AJ Lee, but I don't think Billie wants to."
Billie: "... ... ... I'd rather not."
Lilian: "That's more than okay with me."
Lilian then pressed record on her laptop to begin the podcast, opting to go live on YouTube. She didn't normally conduct live podcasts, but with the popularity Billie and Peyton have amassed since joining the main roster, she believed this was something that the WWE Universe would be more than interested in.
Lilian: "So, when you guys met, did you instantly realize there was a connection there?"
Peyton: "Honestly, we didn't like each other very much at first. But this was before we actually met."
Billie: "We went to an all-girls high school for athletics. I was there for basketball and she was there for dance. We knew that we were the only two students there who were into wrestling, so there like this unspoken rivalry between us over who was the bigger fan. It's silly to look back on, really."
Peyton: "Like, there was a meet and greet in Sydney once with Rey Mysterio, and to this day, Billie doesn't shut up about being a few spots ahead of me in the line."
Lilian: "So then, when did you guys finally meet face-to-face?"
Billie: "... We met because of Emma, who I know isn't the most favorable person in wrestling right now. Especially after last night..."
Peyton: "... Billie will get into her own training story, I'm sure, but I started in 2009 at PWA with Madison Eagles. Same school Billie was at, but we still didn't speak much to one another because instead of competing over who was the biggest fan, we were silently competing over who could be the biggest female wrestler in Australia. It was pointless because at the time, there was no competition for Emma. She was already traveling the world while Billie and I were just starting out. We looked up to her. We idolized her. We wanted to be just like Emma, so in my case, I asked her for advice on what I could do to get better, and that's how I ended up training with Lance Storm for a few months."
Billie: "And when Peyton was coming back from Calgary to Australia, she was supposed to get more mentoring from Emma. But during all of that, Emma got signed to FCW. I was there with her at the tryout."
Lilian: "You tried out as well?
Billie: "Yes."
Lilian: "And when exactly was this?"
Billie: "February 2012."
Lilian: "So, you had a tryout with WWE that early?"
Billie: "Yes. Emma was the only person from the group to get signed that day."
Lilian: "... I can't imagine what that felt like for you in that moment. To come so close to what you worked so hard for, only to watch someone else get the opportunity."
Billie: "It wasn't easy, honestly. I was happy for Emma that she was getting to live her dream, but... like... that's my dream, too, you know? I wasn't bitter about it. I wasn't angry. I was just disappointed in myself, but everything happens for a reason. Since Emma couldn't mentor Peyton anymore, she asked if I would instead."
Peyton: "When we finally did meet, I was still apprehensive about it. I knew that Billie was a great wrestler and all, but it was just still engraved into my mind that we were competing against each other. It just felt like that's how things were supposed to be."
Lilian: So, when did things finally change?"
Billie: "As cheesy as it sounds, it was the first time that we really talked. We realized just how similar we are. It was like out of a movie where sparks are flying and there's romantic music playing in the background. Because we just hated each other for so long without a real reason. It actually felt like I met my soulmate because that's exactly what it was."
Lilian: "And from then on, you guys were inseparable?"
Peyton: "Completely."
Lilian: "I had heard before that you trained with Lance, Peyton, but how did you get your start, Billie? Did you go anywhere outside of Australia for your training?"
Billie: "No. I started in 2007, also with Madison Eagles at PWA, and I actually had my very first match on my 18th birthday. I just stayed primarily in Australia, but I did branch out once I felt comfortable enough with my in-ring work to take bookings in America. I did some dates with Ring of Honor, CZW, SHIMMER, and I-"
Lilian: "I don't mean to cut you off, but is SHIMMER where you met Paige?"
Billie: "... ... ..."
Peyton: "... ... ..."
Billie: "... No. I met Paige when we happened to be on the same tour of Europe for a couple of shows back in, like, 2010."
Lilian: "I talked about this with Alexa Bliss once just because I think it's such a fascinating tale. Did you know right off the bat that Paige was going to become what she has?"
Billie: "... I think that question can mean a lot of things. Did I think she was going to make it to WWE? Absolutely. She was so, so good at such a young age. She was only, like, 17 when we met and I thought she was better than me. Did I think she was going to become the biggest name since John Cena? I don't think anyone could have imagined that. Like, what Paige has done is unheard of. And she opened the doors for a lot of us girls to do the same... for better or for worse..."
Peyton: “… … ….”
Billie: “I did wrestle Paige in SHIMMER, though, if that’s the thing you were thinking of. It’s the only time we’ve ever faced each other.”
Lilian: “And who won?”
Billie: “I did.”
Lilian: “Really? So, you have a victory over the WWE Champion?”
Billie: “… Well… when you put it like that… yeah… I guess I do….”
Nashville, Tennessee
Remaining in Nashville despite having fulfilled all of her obligations on Saturday, Paige visited the hospital where both Becky Lynch and Alexa Bliss, who lost their Women's Championships over the weekend, were staying to nurse their injuries. She knew that The Iconic Duo were on Lilian's podcast at the moment, but chose not to listen out of fear that the two, specifically Peyton, would discuss a topic that was on Paige's mind. Something that she couldn't help shake off, and purposely avoided social media ever since the ending of Payback in the event that the WWE Universe felt the same way.
Paige's belief was that Becky and Alexa's injuries were her felt. She obviously didn't inflict the damage physically onto them, but how much of a role did her impact on the women's division play in the events of the weekend? Along with AJ, she's the one who helped introduce the idea that if you threw caution to the wind and put yourself at great risk, there was a reward waiting for you at the end. Did Becky think that because Paige was seemingly invincible in stipulation matches, she could be as well? Did Alexa think that because Paige became WWE Champion through a Money in the Bank cash-in, she was guaranteed the same fate for the Universal Championship and thus disregarded her well-being in exchange for the biggest opportunity of her career? It was just a thought that manifested in Paige's mind, and it was seriously affecting her mental health. She didn't want to blame herself for anything because it's not her fault. All of this is on Allie and Emma. They're the ones who could have killed Becky and Alexa respectively on live Pay-Per-View, but Paige's wandering mind put her back on the same conclusion.
Paige was at the hospital, but she didn't even visit Becky and Alexa properly. Paige walked down the hallway that contained the room Becky was in, looking through the glass window on the door to see the former SmackDown Women's Champion sleeping. Becky knew that Paige was going to be there because she texted her as much, but the WWE Champion couldn't bring herself to stare Becky in the face when she thought there was a chance that the burn marks on her leg were her fault. Becky luckily had the flames be extinguished quickly enough to where there was no excruciating damage, but still. She was literally on fire at the conclusion of a Pay-Per-View.
Paige took continued to roam the hospital and soon came across Alexa's room. Unlike Becky, Alexa was awake, but didn't glance at Paige when she looked through the window. Alexa simply stared at the wall, wondering how her life could have possible been turned upside down in the manner that it was over the course of the last day. She had the RAW Women's Championship and Money in the Bank briefcase 24 hours. Not only does she have nothing to her name anymore, but there was a legitimate attempt on her life by Emma at the end of Payback. Paige didn't even know if Alexa was aware that she was booked into a Hell of War match while still bedridden in a hospital. Dario Cueto likely didn't consult Alexa on the matter and just put her into the match without knowing if she'll even be cleared in six weeks.
When Paige exited the hospital and started walking back to her rental car, she made the mistake of finally logging onto Twitter. She just needed assurance that what happened to Becky and Alexa wasn't her fault, but sadly, some members of the WWE Universe shared the mindset of Paige. It wasn't a lot, but a decent amount of tweets were directed at her that placed blame for the women's division being in the state that it was on her.
"Paige has to own up to what she's done to the WWE."
"This is all Paige's fault. She said that if you become a stuntwoman you can do anything. What a load of s*** this division has become thanks to her."
"First Becky. Now Alexa. When will Paige take responsibility for turning the women's division into a deathmatch scene?"
"No wonder Peyton Royce hates her."
"Is any of this worth it? Honestly, women's wrestling was better off without Paige."
Every negative message Paige read on Twitter only drove her further on a downward spiral into depression. She got into the driver's seat of her car and slammed the door, breathing heavily while holding back tears that came from both anger and sadness. She didn't want to take responsibility for turning WWE into what it's become. That's when she decided to open her camera app, press record and go off on the matter.
Paige: "You know, I might have just let this go if I wasn't already feeling so s***ty. Watching the endings of Unforgiven and Payback wasn't any easier for me than it was for all of you. In fact, it hurt me more than any of you could imagine. I was literally feet away from Becky Lynch, one of my best friends in this industry, when she was set on fire. Alexa Bliss, a girl I have an endless amount of respect for, was nearly killed by Emma and I wasn't there to be able to stop her. I've gotten no sleep over the weekend because the thought kept agonizing me that I might be at fault for all of this. I keep telling myself that I'm not responsible for any of this, but I refuse to do so. And then, I finally get onto social media and all I can see are you motherf***ers telling me that I'm at fault for all of this. No. F*** you all. You don't get to do this s*** to me. None of you get to tell me how I'm supposed to feel because none of you understand what it's like to be me! If any of you s*** stains walked a f***ing day in my shoes, you'd all be dead! What happened to Becky and Alexa is on Emma and Allie. Not me. I didn't do a Goddamn thing to them, and I certainly didn't do anything to deserve the s*** storm from all of you! What happens to Allie at Unison, though? That will be all my fault. Just like what happens to The Bella Twins when I find them. You can all blame me for that s*** right after you kiss my ass, you f***ing p***ies."
The irate Paige posted the video to Twitter and Instagram without thinking straight. After sharing her message with the world, she put her phone down and started crying, the burden becoming too much for her to carry without breaking down. And in that moment, she considered starting the vehicle and driving it off the third story of the parking garage. Just to bring everything to an end.
Lilian: "And when did you meet Paige, Peyton?"
Peyton: "... It's a really strange story. Emma, Billie and I picked her up from the hospital she was staying at in New Orleans after WrestleMania. So, my first time ever meeting Paige was when I was driving her to an airport. It was one of the most awkward situations of my life because she felt comfortable talking to Emma and Billie since she already knew them. I was a total stranger to Paige."
Lilian: "What about now? What do you believe you are to Paige?"
Peyton: "... I think I'm just a co-worker to her. We're not exactly friends, but there's also no longer enough animosity for me to see her as my enemy. She's just somebody I share a job with. She's always going to be part of Billie's life and I get that. I would like to someday make peace with Paige, though."
As the conversation went on, Lilian felt that it was an appropriate time to take a small break. Billie stood up from her seat and headed towards the restroom, checking social media briefly on her way there. By the time she got back onto Twitter and Instagram, the video of Paige's rant was plastered everywhere. WWE retweeted the video with a statement that all of Paige's views are her own and they share no responsibility. Fans and wrestlers were seemingly split in terms of reaction. Many understood Paige's mindset and didn't blame her for finally snapping, while others disparaged her and said that her behavior is unfitting of someone who's being positioned as the face of WWE.
Billie watched the video for herself, not feeling any resentment toward Paige. Billie knew better than anyone else the mental turmoil Paige was going through because she was there by Paige's side during her darkest moments. She tried calling Paige in hopes that she could calm her down, or possibly prevent something worse that she knew Paige was capable of when in a trouble frame of mind.
All of the calls went to voicemail. When Billie frantically tried texting Paige, she was ghosted. Billie was hoping to be able to get a hold of Paige somehow and was willing to even take drastic measures to try calming down the WWE Champion.
Billie looked in the mirror of the restroom, glancing back down at her phone as she suddenly had an idea for how to get some sort of a reaction out of Paige. She knew that Paige was still in love with her and wanted more out of their friendship, but didn't hold any hope for that because of Peyton. Maybe this was taking advantage of Paige's feelings, but if Billie was going to succeed and getting through to Paige, she had to do something that could hit an emotional nerve strongly enough to sooth her spirit.
So Billie lifted up her shirt, unhooked her bra and took an explicit selfie to text to Paige. |
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Post by Planktung on May 16, 2019 14:01:31 GMT -5
"Magnetic" by Flyleaf
You seem to know when I need to feel you closer
Pulling me places I've never been
There is a Light inside you that hypnotizes
Where I am ending is where you begin
Pulling me from the other side of the world, Magnetic
Filling up the space between the stars, we are Magnetic
Nothing's gonna come between us now
Always gonna find each other somehow
Magnetic, Magnetic
Oh, Magnetic, Magnetic
The waves you're sending to me, they're getting stronger
Pushing me back when I drift too far
So say you'll stay with me in this dream forever
Where I am ending is where you begin
Pulling me from the other side of the world, Magnetic
Filling up the space between the stars, we are Magnetic
Nothing's gonna come between us now
Always gonna find each other somehow
Magnetic, Magnetic
Oh, Magnetic, Magnetic
Always gonna find each other somehow
Always gonna find each other somehow
Magnetic
Pulling me from the other side of the world, Magnetic
Filling up the space between the stars, we are Magnetic
Nothing's gonna come between us now
Always gonna find each other somehow
Magnetic, Magnetic
Oh, Magnetic, Magnetic
Oh, Magnetic, Magnetic
Oh, Magnetic, Magnetic
Monday September 15h, 2014
Los Angeles, California
When Billie Kay was finished sending her nude photos to Paige, she took a second to put her phone down and stare down into the sink before glancing up at the mirror that she just used to further the adultery that she had already committed. When she and Paige had sex over a week ago, she didn't know whether to tell herself that it was just a one time occurrence that was purely in the heat of the moment, or something that she was interested in pursuing. She loved Peyton Royce and was devoted to being her wife... but at the same time, she didn't know entirely how she felt about Paige. She knew there was a sense of lust on her part there and the feeling was mutual in that regard, but she couldn't figure out if she was actually in love with the WWE Champion or not.
Either way, the act was done and Billie just what she did. That was something she couldn't undo.
When Billie exited the restroom and returned to the room where Lilian Garcia and Peyton were, both turned to her and asked if she knew about the video Paige just posted of herself berating the WWE Universe in a profanity-laced tirade.
Billie: "Um, no. I saw some people talking about it on Twitter, but I didn't actually see the video. Is it that bad?"
Lilian: "It's pretty bad."
Peyton: "She's letting her worries get to her."
Billie: "But, she's always done that, right?"
Lilian: "She's usually good at keeping her composure, though. You guys never saw her burst out with emotion like that?"
Peyton: "Only when she was sad. The only time I ever saw her get that angry was when... when I... punched her."
Not wanting to make The Iconic Duo reflect on that incident on the hospital, Lilian decided to go ahead and resume the podcast to move on to a different subject.
In Nashville, Paige remained in the parking garage at the hospital where Becky Lynch and Alexa Bliss were staying. The WWE Champion had just posted the rant of her life to social media, and initially forgot to turn off all notification on her phone. The second the video was posted, she was being bombarded with notification after notification of someone retweeting, liking or responding to the video. Once she turned off notifications, she thought she was freeing herself from any repercussions for the video, at least in that moment. Paige sat back in the driver's sear of her car, letting out all of the tears that she kept bottled up while letting the WWE Universe know exactly how she feels about them.
A few minutes later, as Paige was closing her eyes and hoping to stop herself from crying anymore than she already had, she heard her phone vibrate on the passenger's seat, startling her since she thought she disabled all notifications from social media. When she picked up the phone, she noticed that it wasn't from Twitter or Instagram. Instead, it was a text message from Billie. In the brief preview of the message that showed up on her lock screen, she could see a glimpse of the photo attached to the message that simply stated, "Does this calm you down?" She was certain she was seeing what she thought she was, which was a topless image of Billie. She unlocked her phone and was taken directly to her text messages, the full-sized image showing up now. Paige stared at the image endlessly with her mouth open, just as confused by the event as she was aroused. The caption let her know that this was in response to the rant she posted, and the image did indeed calm her down and stabilize her mood. But at the same time, this did nothing to help ease the feelings she already contained for Billie. This only made things worse because she didn't know if Billie only sent her the photo to make her feel better, or if there were concealed feelings on Billie's part that she didn't know about.
Paige then decided that she had to return the favor in some way, and by playing Billie's own game, she could maybe get an answer about where they stood in their friendship. So, Paige did exactly what Billie did and lifted up her shirt to take a picture.
Lilian: "How hard was it to be separated from Emma in the Draft?
Billie: "At the time, it hurt like hell, honestly. I think what made it worse was that RAW, SmackDown Live and NXT cooperated with each other to make sure that our trio was split somehow."
Peyton: "When we all sat down to think about it, we realized how lucky Billie and I were that we weren't separated from each other. And we knew that Emma was going to succeed with or without us."
Lilian: "And how do you guys feel about her now? Are you both still contact with her."
Peyton: "For us, Emma is like that friend who no matter how long you're apart, the second you meet up again, it's like there was never any time to distance yourselves. Do we still consider Emma a friend? Yes, and I think we always will. Do we condone what she's done to Alexa Bliss? No, and that's something important for everyone listening to understand. We don't have to agree with everything a friend does."
Billie: "And besides, we think we've done pretty well for ourselves since splitting from Emma, considering our bags over there are about 20 pounds heavier now thanks to some championships."
Lilian: "Professionally, what do you guys think is next?"
Billie: "We're just going to take things one step at a time like we've always tried to. We want more main events. We want to keep facing the absolute top stars in WWE. And obviously, we want to be SmackDown Tag Team Champions for as long as we can."
Peyton: "This is a very unique time period for women in professional wrestling, and we're incredibly blessed to be at the forefront of all this. We didn't know this is what we'd be getting into when signing with WWE, but no matter how hard it gets at times or what kind of crap people want to throw at us, we're ready for anything."
Lilian: "So, that brings me to something that I wanted to discuss with the two of you and that's the Royal Rumble because for the first time ever this coming January, the Royal Rumble match will be evenly split. 15 men and 15 women. And I'd have to assume that you both are going to be in it."
Billie: "I mean, we'd hope so."
Lilian: "When I saw that announcement, I was so thrilled because it really shows just how far the women in WWE have come to be able to be seen on an even level with the men. It exemplifies the idea that anything men can, women can do it just as good, if not better. What does the Royal Rumble being equal mean to you guys?"
Peyton: "It means the world, really. The fact that women can now be in the conversation to headline WrestleMania every year is such a milestone. It's the stamp of approval that we've all been looking for from WWE."
Billie: "The thought of being in the main event of WrestleMania... that's something that we've all aspired for, but very few saw women ever reaching that point. Paige opened the door for us, but we're going to make sure nobody ever closes it on us again. And if The Iconic Duo are in the Royal Rumble match, then guess what? We're going to main event WrestleMania because if one of us wins the Rumble, we both win."
Lilian: "We're getting close to time on this thing, so I'll go ahead and wrap up with one final question. I want to preface this by saying that I'm not trying to attack you guys. This is just a genuine question I have because I think creating a line of dialogue about this is necessary."
Peyton: "Go ahead."
Lilian: "... Do you guys think you'll last?"
By fate, Lilian's question was proposed at the exact moment that Billie could feel her phone vibrating in her pocket to signal an incoming message, that being the photo Paige took.
Billie: "... ... ..."
Peyton: "... ... ...."
Billie: "What do you mean if we think we'll last?"
Lilian: "Listen... I've seen this industry break up more couples than it's put together. I kept my personal life separate from work because I have friends who suffered when they mixed the two. You guys don't have a personal life. Everything is out there for the public to see and I get why you two did it. Because you wanted to tell the world that there's nothing about sexuality that anyone should feel ashamed about. Whether someone is gay, bi, trans or anything else that close-minded people will scoff at, you've given them hope. But still... I can't help but worry for your relationship."
Peyton: ".... ... ...."
Billie: "... When we call each other our soulmates, we mean it. We know how hard wrestling can be on a marriage, but we're never going to let anything or anyone tear us apart."
Peyton: "Billie and I are different from everyone else. We were meant to be together. In both love and in wrestling. We are united as one soul."
Lilian continuously nodded her head in agreement with everything Billie and Peyton were saying, but didn't believe their words entirely.
Peyton: "... This actually gives us a good chance to go ahead and say this."
Billie: "A chance to say what?"
Peyton: "Christmas."
Billie: "... Oh, right. We never got to have a real wedding ceremony thanks to... you know who. So, we've been planning to have the wedding of our dreams and be brought together for all of eternity the way we want. That's why we're having the real Iconic Wedding live on Christmas day on SmackDown Live."
Peyton: "And it'll be the most grandeurs event in the history of WWE. It is on that day that we will stand as one, holding hands and screaming to the entire world that the future is now! And the future is-"
That was the point in the podcast where AJ Lee stopped listening. AJ sat outside of a coffee shop near Union City, New Jersey, keeping her black hoodie covering her head. She took her headphones off and stared down at the ground while playing with a straw wrapper that she found on the table.
AJ: "... ... ... Iconic."
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Post by Planktung on May 17, 2019 13:36:30 GMT -5
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Post by Planktung on May 18, 2019 13:39:43 GMT -5
September 15th, 2014 | Episode 023 | "Godspeed"
AJ STYLES GIVES THANKS TO THE LORD ABOVE... FOR NOW: At the start of Monday Night RAW, Universal Champion AJ Styles headed down to the ring, just slightly less than 24 hours since retaining the gold against Aleister Black in a No Holds Barred match. On top of that, Styles made history unexpectedly by becoming the first champion to ever retain his title during a Money in the Bank cash-in, an accomplishment that cost Alexa Bliss her opportunity to become the first female Universal Champion. Styles took a microphone and told the WWE Universe members in attendance that what they witnessed at Payback last night was proof that there is a power greater than all of us out there. "Proof that not only is there a God, but he is on my side because I exemplify his message more than any WWE superstar in history!" Styles then said that Aleister Black and Alexa Bliss attempted to defy God and himself, 'The Messenger', and as a result, they had the fear of God struck into them like never before. Styles wanted to lead the WWE Universe in a prayer, thanking God for allowing him to leave Nashville yesterday as the Universal Champion. Styles dropped to his knees and put his hands together, quietly reciting a prayer to himself for what was only a few seconds before being interrupted by The Wyatt Tribe. Bray Wyatt, Pentagon, Randy Orton and Maxine headed into the ring, Wyatt telling Styles that he has the right idea praying to his lord and savior. "Because spirituality is what you're going to need on your side now that Pentagon is joining the hunt for the Universal Championship." Styles stood up and stared down Pentagon while Wyatt continued to sign the praises of his Tribe member. "Now that Pentagon is officially in Manifest Destiny, it's only a matter of time until the Universal Championship becomes property of my Tribe!" Pentagon was only out in the arena to warn Styles about the danger that could be awaiting him at the Royal Rumble in four months, but RAW General Manager Dario Cueto had other ideas. Dario, who was still irate over Matanza Cueto being removed from the Universal Title match at Unison, told Pentagon that he's in the mood to offer him a proposition, or rather, a 'unique opportunity.' Since Stephanie decided to throw a curveball in his direction at Payback, he's going to do the same to his own show here tonight. "Pentagon... last night, you won the right to compete in Manifest Destiny, but let me ask you something. What if I told that there was a deal with the Devil waiting for you? You've already staked your claim at AJ Styles and the Universal Title, so why don't we expedite this whole process?" Dario then told Pentagon that he can exchange his Manifest Destiny spot for a shot at the Universal Title... tonight! "If you beat AJ Styles, then you can call yourself the Universal Champion! But if you lose... you're out of contention altogether. No Manifest Destiny. No more unique opportunities. This is your one and only shot to make this happen." Dario stuck his hand out at Pentagon, who looked around and noticed just about everyone in attendance chanting "Yes!" repeatedly. Styles shook his head in disapproval, but it was for nothing as Pentagon accepted Dario's offer! Tonight, Pentagon challenges Styles for the Universal Championship!
1) THE UNDISPUTED ERA DEF. ROMAN REIGNS & FINN BALOR TO RETAIN THE RAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS after Chasing the Dragon to Reigns. One day removed from Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish's RAW Tag Team Championships victory, the duo defended against Reigns and Balor in a rematch. After another miscommunication between Reigns and Balor, O'Reilly and Fish were able to force Balor out of the ring and finish off 'The One Man Army' to hold onto their new titles. After The Undisputed ERA exited to the back, Reigns and Balor were left alone in the ring, both disappointed with the outcomes of the two match-ups against O'Reilly and Fish. Balor tried leaving the ring when Reigns pulled him back in, demanding an answer as to what his issue is. "My issue?!" Balor questioned before shoving Reigns. The two exchanged pushes before their conflict escalated into a full-blown brawl, several officials having to pull Balor and Reigns apart.
RANDY ORTIN IS INSTIGATED BY A CHAMPION: Backstage, Randy Orton was shown walking down a corridor on his own, 'The Viper' distancing himself from The Wyatt Tribe for the time being. Orton will be in Pentagon's corner tonight to support his stablemate in his Universal Title match against AJ Styles, but it has to be eating away at Orton knowing that he's the one who Pentagon pinned at Payback last night to earn this opportunity. If the result had been different, Orton might be the one with a Universal Championship match tonight. All of this was brought up to Orton by Hardcore Champion Buddy Murphy, who approached 'The Viper' and said he didn't think he'd ever see the day Orton became 'soft'. "The Randy Orton that I watched for years would be ripping everyone apart right now, including Pentagon. And he wouldn't stop until he has the Universal Championship. I guess your downfall opens up a spot for 'The Juggernaut' to become RAW's new 'Apex Predator.'" Murphy laughed to himself before Orton said that if he wants to find out for himself if he's actually lost his edge, why doesn't he meet him in the ring and put his theories to the test? Murphy accepted Orton's challenge, but not before slapping 'The Viper' across the face prior to heading toward the ring.
ADAM COLE'S MANIFEST DESTINY SPOT MIGHT NOT BE CONCRETE AFTER ALL: The Undisputed ERA headed back to the locker room area after Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish retained the RAW Tag Team Championships, only to be approached by RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon. She congratulated Fish and O'Reilly before turning her attention to Adam Cole, stating that he must feel like he's on cloud 9 right now considering he's going to be in Manifest Destiny in two weeks. "... Or, at least, that's what you think..." Stephanie said, the confused Cole trying to look for answers as to what she meant. Stephanie stated that while Cole did qualify for the tournament almost a year ago, a lot has happened since. "While more faces have emerged as being possible contenders for this tournament, I just don't know if your stock is as high as theirs." Stephanie told Cole not to worry because she isn't going to remove him from Manifest Destiny... or rather, she doesn't want to. "Tonight, you're going to compete in a Six Pack Challenge against five other RAW superstars who Dario and I have our eyes on for Manifest Destiny. You want to keep your spot? Prove to us that you deserve it."
2) RANDY ORTON DEF. HARDCORE CHAMPION BUDDY MURPHY IN A NON-TITLE MATCH after an RKO. Buddy Murphy engaged in his most impressive performance yet, coming close on several occasions to defeating one of the most decorated superstars in WWE history. However, when the Hardcore Champion leaped out of a corner from the second turnbuckle, Orton was able to catch him in mid-air with an RKO to secure the victory. Orton is victorious here tonight, and his Wyatt Tribe stablemate Pentagon looks to do the same later on in the main event against AJ Styles for the Universal Championship
THE REIGN OF 'THE BOSS' IS OBJECTED BY A NEW CHALLENGER: At this time, Bayley walked out onto the stage to a chorus of boos, ignoring the jeers of the WWE Universe. Bayley introduced the brand new RAW Women's Champion, Sasha Banks. 'The Boss' waltzed through the curtain and raised her title, becoming the second woman after Emma to hold both the NXT and RAW Women's Championships. "Sasha Banks said that this was her destiny. She believes the women of WWE owe all of the credit for the Women's Revolution to her. Finally, 'The Boss' reigns supreme on RAW, and it just feels right to say that," Don Callis stated on commentary. Sasha and Bayley stepped into the ring, the RAW Women's Champion asking the WWE Universe if they were disappointed? "Well then you know how I've felt for the last year. Bayley and I took the women's division to brand new heights in WWE, and unlike a certain other champion in this company, we didn't need to use barbed wire, thumbtacks and light tubes to accomplish what we have. We made it to the top as professional wrestlers, and that's something we want to instill into this division that so many women have degraded." Sasha then said that she doesn't care who steps up to her, whether it's Alexa Bliss, Emma or anyone else. She's going to make any and all superstars footnotes in her Hall of Fame career as the greatest female to ever step into a WWE ring. As Sasha raised the title, an unfamiliar theme song - "Team" by Krewella - sounded to silence from the audience. When the chorus of the song kicked in and beat dropped, Dakota Kai's name appeared on the titantron, bringing the WWE Universe members to their feet. Dakota, who won the Queen of the Ring tournament last week by defeating Charlotte Flair and Ruby Riott on the live finale, headed out to the ring, soaking in the feeling of making her very first appearance on RAW. Dakota walked into the ring, Sasha and Bayley both caught off guard by her presence. The leader of Team Kick took a microphone and told Sasha if she knows who she is? "Because I think you should. I don't know how much attention you paid to the Queen of the Ring tournament, but you're looking at the woman who outlasted the entire field and solidified her spot as the 'Queen' of this industry." Dakota showed the same amount of intensity that she did during the final stretch of the Queen of the Ring tournament and reminded Sasha that by winning, she earned the right to challenge for one of the two brands' Women's Championship at Unison. A reward that she'll be using to face 'The Boss' in Dario Cueto's Temple in 13 days. Seemingly annoyed by a newcomer being the first to step up to her, Sasha proceeded to leave the ring, Bayley initially following her before instead going after Dakota. Bayley beat Dakota down for a bit while Sasha grinned, the champion leaving her Unison opponent to her best friend.
3) DAKOTA KAI DEF. BAYLEY via the Kaio Kick. Bayley's attempt to weaken Dakota ahead of the Unison match against Sasha Banks for the RAW Women's Championship was thwarted once 'The Kiwi Queen' caught her in the jaw with the Kaio Kick against a corner. Dakota stood tall in her first victory on Monday Night RAW, and she immediately looks to become RAW Women's Champion in less than two weeks.
DARIO CUETO ISSUES A CHALLENGE FOR UNISON: Backstage, RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon was shown in her office when RAW General Manager Dario Cueto walked in, Stephanie arrogantly asking if Dario's gotten over his public humiliation last night. "... I'm not the one you need to worry about. That's Matanza," Dario said before telling Stephanie that ever since Payback yesterday, he's been in the mood of giving out 'unique opportunities' as everyone saw earlier for Pentagon. "And in the midst of all this rage of mine, I had another idea. There's one more person I want to give a unique opportunity to. Rather, I want to give your brother the opportunity to step into my Temple and be dismantled limb-by-limb. Here's my challenge: At Unison, my brother against your brother. Matanza Cueto versus Shane McMahon."
ALEISTER BLACK WILL TAKE THE LONG ROAD TO THE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP: Backstage, Renee Young was standing by with Aleister Black, who was not medically cleared to compete tonight after taking a barrage of chair shots to his head last night at Payback from AJ Styles. Black stated that even if he was cleared for action, he doesn't believe he deserves the chance to make things right for himself tonight. "I'm not the type of person who looks for someone or something to point a finger at and blame for my own shortcomings. What happened to me last night was my fault. I'm the one who lost the Universal Title match against AJ Styles. I intend on getting back up and dusting myself off, but before I can do that, I'll take the route of self-discipline. If I'm going to get back into the Universal Championship picture, then it's going to come from more hard work as I take the long road to prove myself again to the WWE Universe, and to myself for that matter."
4) ADAM COLE DEF. UNITED STATES CHAMPION SETH ROLLINS, DERRICK BATEMAN, DREW MCINTYRE, KEVIN OWENS & DANIEL BRYAN IN A SIX PACK CHALLENGE via Panama Sunrise to Bateman. All six participants are in the discussion for RAW's Manifest Destiny block, but for Cole, this was a crucial moment in his career as he was challenged by Stephanie McMahon to prove that he still deserves the spot in the tournament that he qualified for last December at NXT TakeOver: Forever. After the ring was cleared one-by-one, McIntyre found himself alone once again with Bateman. As 'The Scottish Psychopath' geared up for the Claymore, Bateman countered it by striking a running McIntyre with a headbutt. Bateman, however, dazed himself, unknowingly standing up and putting himself in position for the Panama Sunrise! Cole covered Bateman, pinning the first-ever Universal Champion to undoubtedly prove to the world that he is a legitimate threat in Manifest Destiny.
THE FIRST-EVER HELL OF WAR MATCH IS SET: Coming off of a disturbing scene at the conclusion of Payback last night, the first-ever Hell of War match has been made official for the titular Pay-Per-View event on October 25th. In St. Louis, Emma will settle the score with Alexa Bliss in what is Dario Cueto's take on the Three Stages of Hell match. First, the two will square off in a First Blood match. The second phase will see Emma take on Alexa in a No Holds Barred match. And if necessary, the third and final match will be centered around the very same vehicle that Emma used last night in an attempt to end Alexa's career. An Ambulance match awaits Emma and Alexa if they reach the third fall. Next week, Emma will return to Monday Night RAW and address the WWE Universe and Alexa concerning Hell of War.
AJ STYLES IS NOT AFRAID OF THE CHALLENGE THAT AWAITS HIM: In the Gorilla Position area, Universal Champion AJ Styles was shown standing with his hands put together, reciting one last prayer before heading out to the ring to defend his title against Pentagon. Cathy Kelley approached Styles, asking 'The Messenger' if he believes he's ready for his third championship defense in a 24 hour span? Styles stated that whether he's ready or not is irrelevant. "What matters is that God is always ready to take care of his children! God is the reason I defeated Aleister Black and Alexa Bliss back-to-back yesterday. A challenge from Pentagon is a walk in the park to me because unlike Pentagon, I have faith fighting for me! There is nothing that I can't accomplish with my lord and savior watching over me! There should be no doubt in anyone's mind about whether or not I will leave here tonight with the Universal Championship because that is all part of God's plan! This is why I am on this planet! To deliver the message of God to the masses and tell them what with faith, you can do anything! Why am I going to beat Pentagon? Because GOD! IS ON! MY! SIDE!"
5) PENTAGON DEF. AJ STYLES TO WIN THE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP via Package Piledriver. A Pay-Per-View quality match-up to close out RAW tonight as Styles and Pentagon traded near-fall after near-fall. At one point, all members of The Wyatt Tribe were ejected from ringside after Pentagon's foot was placed on the bottom rope by Maxine following an Ushigoroshi. Styles actually got on his knees and thanked God for this occurrence, believing that the momentum was swinging in his favor through divine intervention. In the final moments of the match, Styles leaped off of the top rope for the Phenomenal Forearm, only for Pentagon to connect with a Superkick! Pentagon took the groggy Styles and placed him into position for a Package Piledriver! "No way!" Don Callis exclaimed as Pentagon got the cover, the official making the three count! The WWE Universe rejoiced as Pentagon sprang to his feet, slapping his chest before stepping onto the bottom rope to give the 'Cero Miedo' hand gesture to the hard camera. Pentagon was handed the Universal Championship, becoming the first superstar to capture the title on television as opposed to Pay-Per-View. Styles lied motionlessly at ringside, not yet realizing that the faith he touted didn't work in his favor here tonight. Pentagon was finally joined in the ring by The Wyatt Tribe as Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton placed him on their shoulders. Pentagon raised the Universal Title one more time on the live broadcast after taking full advantage of the fight or flight scenario he was put into by Dario Cueto.
A new era has been ushered in here tonight. The era of Cero Miedo as Pentagon is the brand new Universal Champion! |
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