H̶E̶R̶E̶T̶I̶C̶S̶ Ø: NXT 10/29 and SD Live 10/30

Philips Arena in Atlanta, GA

Battleground is live in two weeks on Pay-Per-View!

After the signature WWE intro, RAW General Manager, Ric Flair, and SmackDown General Manager, Edge, were shown in Flair's office to address the news that broke this past weekend. Flair said that the WWE Universe is in for what may be the biggest Road to WrestleMania in WWE history. "Two weeks from tonight, the landscape of the WWE changes as RAW and SmackDown will come together until the night following WrestleMania, which takes place in Madison Square Garden," he said. Edge then stated that with the two brands coming together for a number of weeks, the possibilities are endless. "RAW superstars on SmackDown, SmackDown superstars on RAW, RAW and SmackDown superstars competing against each other. Hell, when this is all over, championships could end up on opposite shows," he said. The Road to WrestleMania will certainly be one to remember with the temporary banishment of the brand split!

Following that, cameras cut to the Philips Arena where The Wyatt Family was shown already in the ring. Bray Wyatt sat in his rocking chair while laughing to himself before saying that in two weeks, he and his family will be going to war. "What they don't understand, though, is that I have been at war with the world since I was a little Bray Wyatt. When all of the other children poked fun at me, when the people called me crazy for my words, when I crawled on my knees from hell to the WWE, when Triple H stood across from me at the Royal Rumble. It has all been one giant war, and every single time, I have silenced the liars and the fallacies. My life has been a war zone, so what is WarGames to me?" said Wyatt. He then glanced at Kane, Luke Harper and Erick Rowan, asking if they were afraid of what is to come. All shook their heads in disagreement, assuring that The Wyatt Family is ready for WarGames. "I said that I would bring the empire down, and that is still the plan. In two weeks, Mount Rushmore crumbles at my hands!" he said before laughing maniacally. Wyatt was then interrupted by the entrance music of John Cena, who received his usual mixed reaction. Cena made his way out to the stage along with two of this three teammates in the WarGames match, WWE COO Triple H and RAW General Manager Ric Flair. Cena said that he's been waiting some time now to say this to Bray Wyatt. "Shut the hell up," he said. "You come out here every week talking like some madman about how you're going to 'claim the WWE kingdom.' Here's a bit of news, Bray. Not one man can overtake what has been built for decades. You've taken matters into your own hands by targeting those who matter in the WWE. People like Vince McMahon, Stephanie McMahon, and the two greats standing next to me," said Cena in reference to Hunter and Flair. "The Nature Boy" then took the microphone, telling Bray and the rest of The Wyatt Family that their agenda is nothing new. "You boys want to talk about dominance in professional wrestling? I've lived it! Groups like The Four Horsemen and Evolution! We said that we could take over, and brother, we did just that. Championships, money, women, limousines, jets, parties 'till the sun rose. The point is that I know what it takes to take this industry and change its landscape. Your four don't want to take over the business, you want to destroy it, and I'll be damned if I let you bring down what we have given our blood, sweat and tears to make possible! You started this war the minute you put your hands on Triple H. You escalated it when you dragged me out to the ring and laid me out as well. And because of that, 'The Nature Boy' is lacing up the boots one final time. At Battleground, we're ending it all in WarGames!" said a passionate Flair as the crowd roared for him. Triple H then took the microphone, saying that he understands that Cena and Flair want to stop Wyatt from taking over the WWE, and he does as well. "But this is more than that for me, Bray. I don't just want to stop you and your family, I want to end you. The pain that you have brought upon me, I want to throw it all in your face. The Royal Rumble was just a taste of what I am going to do you when we're locked in WarGames, Bray," said Hunter. The leader of The Wyatt Family then began to laugh before calling out Cena, Hunter and Flair on something. "I look at my family in this ring and I can see that we are one. We are ready for war. I look over to the stage.......one, two, three......you're short a few bull horns," said Wyatt, pointing out that The Rock was absent from the picture. As the crown chanted "Rocky," John Cena said that Rock not being here tonight doesn't change anything. "Does it irritate me a bit that The Rock isn't here tonight? You're damn right it does, and it irritates Hunter and Flair as well. But despite that, we know that he'll be there when we go to war at Battleground, and we know that The Rock shares the same passion for the WWE, which is why on February 17th, he'll be there in New Orleans, ready to shove his boot up your ass, Bray," said Cena. Triple H took the microphone one last time, saying that Cena, Rock and Flair may be ready for Battleground, but he's ready to start WarGames right now. Hunter dropped the microphone as he began marching down to the ring, Cena and Flair following. Right before they could enter the ring, the signature of The Wyatt Family hit as the lights went out. When they came back, Bray and the rest of the family were nowhere to be seen. Hunter was irate at losing the chance to get his hands on Bray Wyatt, though Cena has the chance later tonight when he meets Wyatt in our main event.

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Returning from the commercial break, a recap of the opening segment was shown before leading into a graphic for Bray Wyatt and John Cena's match later on tonight. Michael Cole and Jerry "The King" Lawler welcomed the WWE Universe to Monday Night RAW, promoting another huge match set for the broadcast. In a rematch from last week, Roman Reigns will go one on one with Seth Rollins! Plus, we will have an update on the condition of Wade Barrett after suffering a brutal beat down at the hands of the "Beast Incarnate" Brock Lesnar last week.

THE REAL AMERICANS W/ ZEB COLTER DEF. THE USOS
307 is the current number for WWE Tag Team Champions Wrestling Royalty, and both The Real American and The Usos are gunning for position to be the team to possibly stop Joe Hennig and Ted DiBiase from becoming the longest reigning champions in history. The Usos looked to be in control towards the end of the bout as Jimmy performed a dive over the top rope onto Jack Swagger, also making the tag to Jey in the process. Jey then attempted to finish off Shelton Benjamin with the Superfly Splash, but the "Gold Standard of America" was able to move out of harm's way. As Jey stirred to his feet, Benjamin planted him with the Paydirt for the victory.

Shelton Benjamin was joined by Zeb Colter in the ring as the audience showered The Real Americans with boos. Jack Swagger was soon back on his feet and joined in on the celebration as the commentary unit put over the duo's chances at perhaps ending Wrestling Royalty's historic WWE Tag Team Championship reign in the near future.

Backstage, Renee Young was standing by with Roman Reigns. Reigns stepped into the picture as the audience erupted for him. Renee asked for his thoughts heading into his rematch tonight with Seth Rollins. Reigns stated that last week, the only reason that Rollins was able to escape was because of that pest, Brad Maddox. "But I made sure that the WWE Universe never sees Maddox ever again. And tonight, I do the same to Seth Rollins. The 'One Man Army' will assure of it," said Reigns.

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A promo was shown for this Wednesday's edition of WWE NXT. A huge tag team main event takes place as Sami Zayn and Adrian Neville take on the NXT Champion Kassius Ohno and WWE superstar, Antonio Cesaro! WWE NXT, this Wednesday on ION Television.

NON-TITLE MATCH
UNITED STATES CHAMPION ROB VAN DAM DEF. FANDANGO
Prior to the start of the match, a graphic was shown to announce that on the Battleground Kickoff, Rob Van Dam will defend the United States Championship against Derrick Bateman. As Van Dam competed against Fandango here tonight, Bateman and Maxine joined Cole and Lawler on commentary. The United States Champion was able to send a message to Bateman when he delivered a Five Star Frog Splash to grab the win.

The WWE Universe popped for Rob Van Dam as he was handed back the United States Championship, raising it high in the air. His celebration was cut short as Derrick Bateman and Maxine stood up from their seats at ringside and stepped into the ring. Bateman told Van Dam that while they are scheduled to meet each other at the Battleground Kickoff, there is another option for him. "I know that you're probably afraid of facing a man who is as hot as I am at the moment on RAW, so I'll make a proposal to you. Just hand over the United States Championship right now, and I will deliver to you whatever sum of money you'd like," said Bateman. Van Dam looked as if he was considering the offer before tossing Bateman the United States Championship. As Bateman stared at the title, Van Dam caught him by surprise with a Spinning Heel Kick! Bateman rolled out of the ring as he and Maxine headed up the entrance ramp, Van Dam posing with the United States Title.

In the locker room area, John Cena was shown preparing for his match tonight against Bray Wyatt when Triple H and Ric Flair walked in. After they asked if he was ready for tonight's match, he said that he's ready for tonight and Battleground. "I know that you two are ready for Battleground as well, but what about The Rock? I don't want to question his loyalty, but I just feel that if the man was serious about going to war in two weeks, he would be here tonight," said Cena. Hunter responded by saying that Rock did contact him over the weekend and assured that he will be here next week. "I don't like the fact either, but I know that Rock's head is in the right place and he will be with us in the WarGames match," said Hunter. Cena continued to prepare for his match tonight, the tension still clear between The Rock and himself.

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A promo was shown for this Friday's edition of SmackDown. With the WarGames match on the horizon, what is next in the rivalry between God's Gifts and their opposition, Kurt Angle, WWE Tag Team Champions Wrestling Royalty, and the 2013 Royal Rumble winner, Daniel Bryan? Plus, will Randy Orton receive an answer to his challenge to Batista for Battleground? SmackDown, this Friday on SyFy.

ROMAN REIGNS AND SETH ROLLINS WRESTLED TO A DOUBLE COUNT-OUT
A rematch from last week to close out the first hour here on Monday Night RAW. The WWE Universe was now 100% behind Roman Reigns after his actions last week against his former manager, Brad Maddox. Seth Rollins, however, came close to voiding Reigns' momentum as he nearly had the victory after a Sunset Flip. Rollins then attempted to connect with the Blackout, but Reigns moved out of the way. He then Clotheslined Rollins over the top rope, but Rollins was able to hold onto the ropes. Reigns then charged towards Rollins, hitting a Spear through the second rope! Both men crashed hard onto the floor as neither could respond to the official's ten count in time.

The audience in Atlanta booed as the announcement was made that both Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins were counted out. As Reigns was stirring to his feet, he was attacked by his former manager, Brad Maddox! Maddox stomped away on the weakened Reigns, finally showing aggression. Seth Rollins crawled up the entrance ramp as Maddox tried to resume his attack, but was hit with a Superman Punch! The fired up Reigns brought Maddox closer to the announce table, which he took apart. Reigns then got a hold of Maddox, delivering a Powerbomb through the table! The WWE Universe roared for Reigns as he stood over the broken-in-half Maddox for the second week in a row. Reigns and Rollins still have yet to settle the score, but the "One Man Army" may have finally gotten rid of the thorn in his side, Brad Maddox!

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Returning to Monday Night RAW, a recap of the previous segment was shown, where Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins' bout ended in a double count-out. Following the match, however, Brad Maddox would attack Reigns, only to be driven through the announce table with a Powerbomb. Footage from during the commercial break was shown as Maddox was carted out of the arena on a stretcher.

DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIP #1 CONTENDERS TOURNAMENT QUARTER-FINALS MATCH
AJ LEE DEF. TAMINA
The Quarter-Finals of the #1 contenders tournament continued as AJ Lee and Tamina were looking to take one step closer to a Divas Championship match at WrestleMania. Paige watched on from ringside as Tamina dominated the much smaller AJ for much of the bout. After Tamina failed to connect with a Superkick, AJ ran toward her and applied the Octopus Hold. Tamina dropped to one knee before being forced to submit.

The audience gave a solid pop for AJ Lee as she released the Octopus Hold, ecstatic over her victory. The updated brackets for the tournament were shown, AJ advancing to the Semi-Finals to meet the winner of Nikki Bella versus Alicia Fox, which takes place this Friday on SmackDown. AJ and Paige stared at each other, the "Anti Diva" raising the Divas Championship. Next week on RAW, Kaitlyn takes on Natalya in the first Semi-Finals match of the tournament!

At this time, footage from last week was shown when Brock Lesnar viciously assaulted the man who he cost the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble, Wade Barrett. After an F-5 into the steel ring post, Barrett suffered internal bleeding and fractured ribs, which explains his absence this evening. Next week, however, we will be joined by Barrett via satellite as he will address the situation with Brock Lesnar.

A graphic was shown for tonight's main event. John Cena takes on Bray Wyatt, later tonight on RAW!

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Returning to Monday Night RAW, a graphic was shown to announce another match set for Battleground. After their past two encounters ended in controversy, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins will finally settle the score. No disqualifications, no count-outs, there must be a winner in two weeks at Battleground!

Returning to the arena, the ring was shown set up for the Rusev's "Russian Federation Medal Ceremony." Several Russian police officers were in the ring as Lana began to speak. "The people of America like to reward those who they deem heroes. This country, however, denies those who are truly deserving of the honor. A man like the 'Super Athlete' Rusev is far more superior than any of your puny, pathetic American heroes," said Lana to a ton of heat. Chants of "USA" broke out before she shouted at the WWE Universe to keep quiet while she speaks. "Your emasculate President would never honor a man like Rusev, but a true leader has shown his appreciation. The President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, has insisted on honoring Rusev here tonight. So, people of America rise for a true hero. The 'Super Athlete,' Rusev!" The entrance music of Rusev hit as he made his way down to the ring, waving a Russian flag. During his entrance, a graphic was shown for his upcoming match against Ryback at Battleground in two weeks. Rusev stepped onto the podium that was set up in the ring before Lana continued on. One of the police officers opened a casing that had a medal in it. Lana took the medal as she approached Rusev. "This medal solidifies Rusev as a true hero and warrior of Russia. It was constructed by Vladimir Putin himself, and he has given me the privilege of presenting it to Rusev." Lana then placed the medal around Rusev's neck as the audience continued to boo the duo. Those boos soon turned to cheers as the entrance music of Ryback hit! "Big Hungry" marched down to the ring with authority, looking to get his hands on Rusev once again. Ryback slid into the ring, but was instantly attacked by the Russian police officers. Ryback was able to fend them off, allowing him to get to Rusev. The two behemoths exchanged blows before Lana shouted at the officers to get Ryback. They were able to do so, taking him down and stomping away on him. Lana then called off the attack before telling Rusev to crush his unworthy competition. Rusev then locked Ryback in the Accolade, keeping the hold in until "Big Hungry" faded out of consciousness. Rusev, Lana and the Russian police squad all stood tall over Ryback, the "Super Athlete" gaining the upper hand two weeks before Battleground

Backstage, John Cena was shown walking down a corridor with Triple H and Ric Flair. Cena meets the patriarch of The Wyatt Family, Bray Wyatt, next in our main event!

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A promo was shown for Battleground, live in two weeks on Pay-Per-View!

JOHN CENA W/ TRIPLE H AND RIC FLAIR DEF. BRAY WYATT W/ THE WYATT FAMILY VIA DISQUALIFICATION
A huge bout to close out Monday Night RAW this evening. The WarGames scene was not complete as The Rock was absent from the equation, though Triple H and Ric Flair stood in Cena's corner. Towards the end of the match, things looked to be in the favor of Bray Wyatt as he had Cena in position for Sister Abigail. Cena, however, managed to fight out of it and place Wyatt in the STF! As Wyatt struggled to reach the ropes, Kane, Luke Harper and Erick Rowan all went after him, causing the disqualification finish.

The audience booed as The Wyatt Family stomped away on Cena, though Triple H and Ric Flair soon joined the fray. With Cena still down, Hunter and Flair were unable to overcome the numbers. Wyatt charged into Hunter with a Running Crossbody before Rowan and Harper threw Flair into a Discus Lariat from Harper. The WWE Universe began to chant for The Rock, but the "Great One" was nowhere to be seen. Wyatt then grabbed Cena, planting a kiss on his forehead before delivering Sister Abigail. "He's got the whole world in his hands," said Wyatt repeatedly as he and the rest of his family stood over the fallen bodies of Cena, Hunter and Flair. Will this be the sight in two weeks at Battleground in the WarGames match, or will the inclusion of The Rock be the difference maker against The Wyatt Family?

Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, FL

Battleground is live in nine days on Pay-Per-View!

After the signature WWE intro, cameras cut directly to the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, where SmackDown General Manager Edge was shown already in the ring. He said that with the Road to WrestleMania becoming a dual-branded event in just ten days, he plans on using whatever time there is left to remind the WWE Universe that SmackDown is the superior brand of the WWE. "That is why I am pleased to announce the next week, the world will witness the rematch that we have all been dying to see. Cody Rhodes will go one-on-one with the man whose career he attempted to end at Survivor Series, Kurt Angle!" The audience popped at the announcement before Edge added on to it. "But we are not done there. See, this match could perhaps be one of the greatest and most physical that we have ever seen on SmackDown, and I want to keep it a fair fight. Which is why I am announcing that if anyone interferes in that match, they will be terminated. It doesn't matter if it's someone from God's Gifts, Wrestling Royalty, hell, it could even be the Royal Rumble winner, Daniel Bryan. It doesn't matter who you are. If you're out here when Angle and Rhodes are settling their score, you're done for," said the "Rated R Superstar." Following that announcement, he said that the contract signing will be held between Angle and Rhodes later on tonight. To assure that everything is saved for next week, he will implement a no contact rule between the two superstars. If they lay one hand on each other, there will be ramifications. "Now, for another bit of business...." said Edge when he was interrupted by the arrival of Randy Orton. The WWE Universe showered the "Viper" with boos as he made his way down to the ring, taking a microphone for himself. "That's all well and good, Edge, but you're forgetting something. Nobody gives a damn about Kurt Angle, Cody Rhodes or anyone else on this roster for that matter. All of these people paid to see me. You know it, they know it and everyone in the back knows it," said the arrogant and brash Orton as the boos continued. He then reminded Edge that last week, he laid out a challenge to Dave Batista for Battleground. "So you better get in contact with Batista because he obviously thinks that he is too damn important to show up on SmackDown anytime soon. I want an answer to my challenge, and I want it quickly," demanded Orton. As he was about to leave the ring, Edge stopped him. "Orton, it's really funny that you're out here right now because I was just about to address your challenge. I spoke with Batista earlier this week, and he heard your challenge that you made last Friday. And you know what else? He accepts it," said Edge as the audience cheered for the announcement. It looks like it's official now. Batista will make his return at Battleground in nine nights against Randy Orton! "But that's at Battleground, Orton. You will be competing right here tonight. In fact, your match is next," said Edge before leaving. Orton was irate, telling the General Manager that he was not ready to compete tonight. That didn't matter, though, as the entrance music of Dolph Ziggler hit. The World Heavyweight Champion made his way out to a huge ovation from the Jacksonville audience, ready to battle Orton in our opening contest on SmackDown!

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NON-TITLE MATCH
WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION DOLPH ZIGGLER DEF. RANDY ORTON VIA DISQUALIFICATION
A fantastic, high-profile contest to kick things off on what has already been a monumental edition of Friday Night SmackDown. Both Dolph Ziggler and Randy Orton had to keep their focus on one another despite heading into Battleground in nine days against Dean Ambrose and Batista respectively. Orton was able to counter Ziggler's Fameasser attempt into an inverted Backbreaker. The "Viper" began to coil and seek to strike with the RKO, but Ziggler was able to push him away. When Orton turned around, Ziggler caught him with a Superkick! The "Show Off" began to crawl towards Orton, but was attacked by the Intercontinental Champion, Dean Ambrose! The bell quickly sounded as Ambrose continued his attack.

Boos filled the atmosphere as Dean Ambrose stomped away on Dolph Ziggler before throwing him out to ringside. Ambrose, who was announced as the number one contender for the World Heavyweight Championship last week, repeatedly bounced Ziggler's head off of the announce table as the official tried to restrain him. The "Diamond in the Rough" tossed Ziggler into the barricade before walking away from the scene. The official and the ringside doctor both tended to Ziggler, but out of nowhere, the Intercontinental Champion returned to the scene and delivered a Knee Trembler! Ziggler was laid out as Ambrose stood over him, sending a huge statement before their World Heavyweight Championship match at Battleground.

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Returning to SmackDown, Renee Young was shown backstage standing by with the Intercontinental Champion, Dean Ambrose. She asked for a response of any sort after his vicious assault on the World Heavyweight Champion, Dolph Ziggler, just moments ago. "Dolph Ziggler calls himself the 'Show Off.' He wants to upstage everyone, and that's fine just as long as he doesn't think about taking my spotlight. Dolph thinks that he runs this yard just because he's got the World Heavyweight Champion, but you know what? There's one thing better that's better than being the World Champion, and that's being the World Champion and the Intercontinental Champion, which is what I will become in nine days. Tonight was just a sample of the carnage that awaits him. You ever see a bowl of spaghetti with pasta sauce spread all over it? That's what Dolph Ziggler's head is going to look when I cover it in his own blood at Battleground," said Ambrose.

DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIP #1 CONTENDERS QUARTER-FINALS MATCH
NIKKI BELLA DEF. ALICIA FOX
The final of the four quarter-final matches in this #1 contenders tournament. As usual, the Divas Champion, Paige, sat at ringside to watch the match, though there was an interesting development when she and Nikki Bella got into a war of words. Following that, Nikki rolled Alicia Fox back into the ring, delivering a Torture Rack Backbreaker to pick up the victory,

The WWE Universe expressed its displeasure for the outcome as Nikki Bella stood to her feet, celebrating her victory. As she stood on the second rope, she stared a hole through Paige and motioned for the Divas Championship. The updated brackets for the tournament were shown as we are now all set for the Semi-Finals. This coming Monday on RAW, Kaitlyn will take on Natalya, and one week from tonight, Nikki goes up against AJ Lee. Which two Divas will advance to the Finals at Battleground for an opportunity against Paige at WrestleMania?

Backstage, Daniel Bryan and the WWE Tag Team Champions, Wrestling Royalty, were shown walking down a corridor. The three of them are set to do battle against Alberto Del Rio, Antonio Cesaro and Damien Sandow, next on SmackDown!

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A promo was shown for next Monday's edition of RAW. Just six nights away from Battleground, how will The Wyatt Family attempt to gain the upper hand over John Cena, Triple H, Ric Flair and The Rock? Plus, we will hear from Wade Barrett via satellite after the beat down that he suffered at the hands of Brock Lesnar two weeks ago. RAW, live next Monday on USA.

DANIEL BRYAN & WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS WRESTLING ROYALTY DEF. ALBERTO DEL RIO, DAMIEN SANDOW AND ANTONIO CESARO W/ JOHN BRADSHAW LAYFIELD
A bit of a teaser for SmackDown's WarGames match to close out the first hour of action here tonight. The crowd was fired up for the trio of Daniel Bryan and Wrestling Royalty, the latter celebrating their 311th day as the WWE Tag Team Champions. After fending off Antonio Cesaro with an Enziguri, Ted DiBiase managed to make the hot tag to Daniel Bryan. The 2013 Royal Rumble winner came in explosively, taking the fight to all three God's Gifts members. Alberto Del Rio, who was now the legal man, nearly found himself int he Yes Lock, but Cesaro and Sandow were able to prevent. DiBiase and Hennig then stepped into the ring, taking Cesaro and Sandow out of it. Del Rio tried to capitalize on the chaos, setting Bryan up for the Cross Armbreaker. Bryan, however, was able to push Del Rio away, dodging a Clothesline and hitting the "Mexican Aristocrat" with the Busaiku Knee! Bryan covered Del Rio with the hook of the leg to grab the win for his team.

The sea of WWE fans erupted as Daniel Bryan stood to his feet in the ring, Wrestling Royalty joining. After Ted DiBiase and Joe Hennig were handed back their WWE Tag Team Champions, they joined Bryan in initiating a massive "Yes!" chant. The three of them celebrated with the audience as God's Gifts backed up the entrance ramp.

A graphic was shown for the SmackDown debut of Big E Langston, coming up next on SmackDown!

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A promo was shown NXT ArRival, live on February 27th exclusively on WWE.com!

BIG E LANGSTON DEF. HEATH SLATER W/ DREW MCINTYRE AND JINDER MAHAL
The SmackDown debut of Big E Langston, who shocked the entire world at the Royal Rumble when he eliminated the "World's Largest Athlete," the Big Show. Langston dominated for much of the match, but Heath Slater was able to find a bit of offense after a distraction from the other 3MB members at ringside. Slater would attempt to deliver a DDT, but Langston pushed him away and ran into him like an oncoming train. Langston's straps came down before he planted Slater with a Big Ending to win the match.

The WWE Universe gave a solid pop for Big E Langston as he stood to his victoriously after his first match on SmackDown. As he was celebrating, he was attacked from behind by Jinder Mahal. As Mahal was running the ropes, Langston caught him and delivered a Belly-to-Belly suplex! Slater and Mahal were both down and out as Langston stared at Drew McIntyre at ringside. "Forget it," said McIntyre as he made his way up the entrance ramp. Langston, however, followed McIntyre, grabbing him by his hair and throwing him into the ring. Langston slid back in, hoisting McIntyre up onto his shoulder and delivering a Big Ending. Langston stood tall over all of 3MB, making a successful debut on SmackDown.

Backstage, Randy Orton was shown in the locker room area when Matt Striker walked in, asking for his thoughts on Batista accepting his challenge for Battleground. Orton said that it's about time that he actually gets something that he wants. "Batista thinks that he can just walk right back onto SmackDown and take my spot? Well, he's going to be in for a very disappointing return come Battleground. I will make sure that the return of the 'Animal' doesn't last long at all," said the confident Orton.

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THE PRIME TIME PLAYERS DEF. JUSTIN GABRIEL AND TYSON KIDD
With the tag team division starting to heat up, RAW's Prime Time Players paid SmackDown a visit to take on the exciting high-flying duo of Justin Gabriel and Tyson Kidd. This was Gabriel's first match back since being Chokeslammed off of the stage by the Big Show a number of weeks ago. After taking Titus O'Neil down with a springboard Clothesline, Kidd began to crawl towards the corner to make the tag. As he was about to do so, Justin Gabriel stepped off of the ring apron. The audience showered him with boos as he walked up the entrance ramp, leaving Kidd all alone. Darren Young then got a hold of Kidd, hitting him with a Gutbuster to claim victory.

Darren Young was joined by Titus O'Neil in the ring as the Prime Time Players celebrated their victory, performing their signature "Millions of Dollars" dance. However, the real story came from the actions of Justin Gabriel as he abandoned Tyson Kidd. The commentators were puzzled as to why Gabriel would all of a sudden turn his back on his tag team partner.

Backstage, Kurt Angle was shown making his way down to the ring. He and Cody Rhodes will sign the contract for the match next week, next on SmackDown!

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A promo was shown for Battleground, live in nine days on Pay-Per-View.

Returning to the arena, the ring was shown propped and ready for the contract signing between Kurt Angle and Cody Rhodes for their match next week. Angle made his entrance first to a huge response from the WWE Universe, taking a seat in the ring as he awaited the arrival of the man who has made this whole situation very personal. Rhodes was out next as he marched down to the ring, surprisingly without God's Gifts. Rhodes stepped into the ring as he and Angle came face-to-face, General Manager Edge reminding them of the no-contact rule for this contract signing. As Angle was looking through the contract, he took a microphone and told Rhodes that it's incredibly difficult for him to sit across from him and not snap his ankle. "I would like nothing more than to snap your neck, seeing as that what's you attempted to do to me at Survivor Series. Cody, I understand doing anything and everything in one's power to hold onto a championship, but you crossed the line. And how did you follow it up? You stood on the announce table and said that you didn't care if I was paralyzed. You know who does care? My family. My daughter, who was born while I was out, almost had to come into this world by watching her dad be forced to retire. I say 'almost' because you didn't get the job done, Cody. I'm still alive and kicking, and next week, I return the favor. Whatever I do to you, you have it coming." Angle placed his microphone on the table before signing the contract. Rhodes then took his turn to speak, saying that Angle can believe in himself all he wants. "You say that you're still standing? Kurt, your career is down to one knee. Maybe I didn't successfully end it at Survivor Series, but I shortened it. All it will take is one Piledriver and you're done. Whether it's next week or in the WarGames match, it's all going to end. Your new daughter will never get the chance to see daddy wrestle. Instead, you're going have to tell her the bedtime story of the legend who put you out of your misery," said Rhodes as Angle held himself back from attacking the "Prince of Pro Wrestling." Rhodes signed the contract as Edge took it, saying that the match is now official.

Cody Rhodes then picked up his microphone back up, telling Kurt Angle that even though they cannot lay a hand on each other, Edge didn't say anything about "these men." After Rhodes said that, the rest of God's Gifts began to head down to the ring. Alberto Del Rio, Antonio Cesaro and Damien Sandow all went after Angle, who tried to hold his own. The audience would soon erupt as Daniel Bryan and Wrestling Royalty hit the ring. All of the WarGames participants brawled in and out of the ring, Rhodes and Angle making sure not to touch one another. In the ring, Angle applied an Ankle Lock to Del Rio. As the Olympic Gold Medalist had the hold on tightly, he was struck from behind with a chair by John Bradshaw Layfield! Bradshaw then struck Bryan, DiBiase and Hennig as they all tried to intervene. God's Gifts took care of the three of them before before they all stood over Angle in the ring. Rhodes took the chair, hitting Angle in the back. "He's not touching him!" shouted Bradshaw toward Edge in reference to the no-contact rule that had technically not been broken. Rhodes relentlessly continued to strike Angle with the chair before tossing it to the side. "I will end you!" shouted Rhodes at Angle before all members of God's Gifts stood tall over their WarGames opponents at Battleground.