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Post by Planktung on Dec 4, 2018 19:03:11 GMT -5
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Post by Planktung on Dec 5, 2018 14:38:29 GMT -5
June 30th, 2014 | Episode 012 | "The Cup Continues"
FINN BALOR DEF. UNITED STATES CHAMPION ADAM COLE TO ADVANCE TO THE SEMI-FINALS IN THE CUETO CUP: Kicking off Monday Night RAW from Hartford, Connecticut was the continuation of The Cueto Cup as United States Champion Adam Cole took on Finn Balor. The two former NXT Champions nearly had their bout derailed - in the favor of Cole - after Michael Bennett stepped onto the ring apron during Balor's Coup De Grace attempt. Balor kicked Bennett away, but Chris Jericho shoved him off the top rope. That resulted in the official barring Jericho and Bennett from ringside, evening the odds for Balor. Cole's Brainbuster attempt was countered into a DDT by Balor, 'The Demon' climbing back onto the top rope for a successful Coup De Grace! Balor covered Cole to get the victory, moving on to the Semi-Finals where he will meet the winner of tonight's main event between Braun Strowman and Matanza Cueto.
DANIEL BRYAN CALLS OUT THE WYATT TRIBE: The entrance music of Daniel Bryan sounded to a thunderous ovation as Bryan headed out to the ring, hesitating to chant "Yes!" with the WWE Universe as he was out here tonight with one thing on his mind. Bryan took a microphone and spoke about how after his match last week in The Cueto Cup against The Miz, he was ambushed by The Wyatt Tribe. "The Wyatt Tribe can blame me for Pentagon not winning Money in the Bank, but every time they strike, I'm going to strike back like I have my entire career." Bryan called out The Wyatt Tribe for a fight, his request being fulfilled when the signature of the stable hit. The lights came back on to reveal only Pentagon in the ring, standing across from Bryan while giving the Cero Miedo hand gesture. Bryan responded with a forearm shot to Pentagon's face, the prodigy of The Wyatt Tribe rolling out of the ring.
DANIEL BRYAN DEF. PENTAGON VIA DISQUALIFICATION: The encounter between Daniel Bryan and Pentagon led to a one-on-one match between the two, Pentagon making it a priority to focus on the right arm of the former World Heavyweight Champion in order to prepare to snap it later on. Pentagon's attempt at a Canadian Destroyer was countered into a Back Body Drop, Bryan following up with the Yes Kicks to the his chest. At that point, The Wyatt Tribe's signature hit once again, this time Bray Wyatt and Maxine appearing at ringside. Bryan took his focus off of Pentagon, challenging Wyatt to step into the ring. That distraction allowed Randy Orton to slither into the ring, turning Bryan around for an RKO! 'The Viper' glanced down at Bryan while the official called for the bell, The Wyatt Tribe regrouping on the entrance ramp to leave together.
THE OPPORTUNITY AT REVENGE FOR DANIEL BRYAN: Following the commercial break, Daniel Bryan headed into Dario Cueto's office on the side of the stage as opposed to leaving for the locker room. Bryan informed the RAW General Manager that at Vengeance, he wanted to take on every member of The Wyatt Tribe, something that Dario refused to give him. "Bryan, we've seen this story play out before with The Undisputed ERA. You want revenge against an entire stable, so you dive headfirst into the situation and you fail. Do you not remember the scare that your career had on the road to WrestleMania? I'm doing you a favor by not allowing you to battle the whole Wyatt Tribe. What I'll do instead is give you a one-on-one match at Vengeance against the man who just had the last laugh against you, Randy Orton."
MUSTAFA ALI DEF. MATT HARDY: In his RAW debut, Cruiserweight Classic competitor Mustafa Ali went up against the man he saved Sofia Cortez from last week, Matt Hardy. Able to get the upper hand thanks to his aerial-based arsenal, Ali got the victory over 'The Broken One' after an 054. While Ali celebrated his win, Sofia was shown backstage, watching a TV monitor. Cathy Kelley approached Sofia, asking if she could shed some light on her history with Ali. "... I don't owe him anything," was all that Sofia said before storming off.
AJ STYLES MAKES HIS INTENTIONS CLEAR: At this time, AJ Styles stepped into the ring to address the WWE Universe regarding his actions at Money in the Bank, as well as last week. In both instances, Styles saved Derrick Bateman's Universal Championship reign, something that the fans couldn't wrap their heads around considering the animosity between the two superstars. Styles explained that after Bateman put him on the shelf at No Mercy, all he could think about was getting his hands on 'The God of the New Era' and finally claiming the Universal Championship. "The only person who I want to beat for that title is Derrick Bateman, so I'll do everything in my power to make sure that the title stays around his waist. As much as I despise seeing him walk around here as the Universal Champion, my story ends with me taking away the one thing in this world that he cares about." Styles was then interrupted by Bateman, who initially appeared puzzled and uncertain how to response. "Styles, I... I don't know what to say. After everything we've been through, the fact that you would take it upon yourself to help me out is... heartwarming. I guess that the logical thing for me to do would be to repay you with a Universal Championship match... and I... I... I will NEVER give you a damn thing, Styles! You're not the reason I'm the Universal Champion! I am! I'm the only person responsible for my success, so don't even think about taking credit for this empire that I've built! I didn't need you to beat Kevin Owens, and I wouldn't have needed you if Emma cashed in last week!" Styles got in Bateman's face, the two exchanging words until Owens, the man who had the Universal Title ripped away from him by Styles and Bateman, hit the ring to attack them! Owens was able to hold his own in the two-on-one assault because it quickly escalated into a three-way brawl. Soon, Drake Maverick, the assistant to RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon, walked out onto the stage with a neckbrace. Maverick demanded that officials restrain the three superstars before he took a microphone. Maverick said that while Owens has a rematch clause that he's opted to use at Vengeance, he's not going to forget the Pop-Up Powerbomb that he took a number of weeks ago. "There are consequences for you actions, Kevin Owens, so at Vengeance, your rematch for the Universal Championship is going to happen in a Triple Threat! Derrick Bateman versus Kevin Owens versus AJ Styles!" Not a single person in the ring was satisfied with the outcome. Owens isn't getting his one-on-one rematch. Styles' hopes of dethroning Bateman may be thwarted by Owens. And to top it all off, Bateman doesn't even have to be pinned to lose the Universal Title!
HEATH SLATER STILL CAMPAIGNS FOR A JOB: Backstage, Heath Slater was shown walking around the XL Center, nonchalantly greeting several workers that gave him odd glares. Slater was soon stopped by RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon, who had a handful of security guards. "Heath... you don't work here! You know that already!" she shouted at him. Slater made sure one last time that there was no possible way he could earn a RAW contract? "No, there isn't. The only way that I could actually offer you a contract is if you somehow ended up with one of RAW's championships, but we both know there's no way that'll ever happen. Now, how do you want to do this? Do you want to leave my arena on your own accord, or would you like to be forced out?" she asked, Slater complying and leaving the XL Center on his own.
RAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS THE REVIVAL DEF. BIG CASS & JAMES ELLSWORTH IN A NON-TITLE MATCH: In one of the most unlikely of tag team bouts, RAW Tag Team Champions The Revival were able to put away Big Cass and James Ellsworth after a Shatter Machine to the latter. Post-match, Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder had their celebration cut short by Wrestling Royalty. Ted DiBiase and Joe Hennig walked out to the stage, Dawson and Wilder immediately knowing what they wanted. "You guys are out here to beg and plead for another shot at the RAW Tag Team Titles, so we'll counter it with a question: Why? Why should we grant you another opportunity to fall at our feet? You boys lost at WrestleMania. You lost at Bad Blood. You lost at Money in the Bank! You're not entitled to anything!" Dawson said. DiBiase stated that he and Hennig know that their time has come and they're no longer the tag team in WWE. "That's why we're prepared to walk away from all of this..." he added, the WWE Universe going silent. Hennig said that he and DiBiase had to take a step back and realize that they've accomplished all they can in the past two years. "The decision we came to is that Vengeance will be our last stand. The end of Wrestling Royalty. The final time Ted and I will share a ring as a unit. What we want on that day is the chance to go out on top. We want our final opportunity at the RAW Tag Team Championships. Win or lose, this is the end." Dawson and Wilder had a change of heart after learning that Wrestling Royalty is calling it quits as a team, meaning that their mission to rid the WWE of DiBiase and Hennig was successful. The Revival agreed to finish the job once and for all, granting Wrestling Royalty a RAW Tag Team Title opportunity in their final match together. Before leaving, DiBiase added that there was something he forgot to mention. "Our match at Vengeance will be held inside of a Steel Cage!" The stage is now set for the conclusion of the greatest tag team the modern era has ever seen. Wrestling Royalty step into a ring one final time, and it'll be inside a 15 foot high Steel Cage against The Revival!
THE MIZ AND SETH ROLLINS SPEAK OUT ON THE CUETO CUP: In back-to-back handheld camera promos, The Miz and Seth Rollins spoke about their Cueto Cup Semi-Finals match next week. 'The A-Lister' said that when he came to Monday Night RAW after Money in the Bank, everyone should have realized that it would only be a matter of time before he becomes Universal Champion. After he beats Rollins in the Semi-Finals, he'll go on to Vengeance and defeat whoever stands in his way there. Then, at "The Biggest Blockbuster of the Summer," RAW truly becomes awesome when he wins the Universal Title. Cutting to Rollins, 'The Architect' said that Miz can talk all he wants, but when they're in the ring together next week, it won't even be close. "You've been on RAW for a minute now, Miz, and you already think you call the shots around here. Next week, everything that you've worked for goes up in smoke at my hands on my way to a Universal Championship match at SummerSlam."
ALEXA BLISS SPOILS THE PARTY FOR EMMA: RAW Women's and Hardcore Champion, and Ms. Money in the Bank Emma walked down to the ring, speaking about her Women's Title defense at Vengeance against Alexa Bliss. Emma criticized the decision on the part of Stephanie McMahon and Dario Cueto, asking exactly what Alexa has done to earn this match? "Ever since the Draft, I have been undefeated on Pay-Per-View, while Alexa has yet to win a single match. She lost to Kaitlyn at Backlash. She lost the Elimination Chamber match Judgment Day, and then at Money in the Bank, my best friends humiliated her. All of a sudden, she comes over to RAW and is handed a title opportunity against the biggest superstar in the company today?" Emma continued her rant until Alexa cut her off, stating that her ears couldn't bear to listen to Emma any longer. "Here's the deal, Emma. I'm getting a RAW Women's Championship match at Vengeance because I appear to be the only person on this roster capable of beating you. You've been on a meteoric rise ever since the Draft, sure, but sooner or later, every star crashes and burns. Remember exactly who you're talking to, Emma. I'm the woman who gave enough of a damn about you and your 'Iconic' friends to give you spots on my WarGames team at Battleground. I'm the woman who carried that championship into WrestleMania. Maybe Monday Night RAW was 'all about you' until the second that the WWE's 'Goddess' walked through that curtain last week." Emma stopped Alexa, telling her that she's in no position to believe that she can dethrone her. "Look at you, Alexa, and then look at me! I'm the RAW Women's Champion! The Hardcore Champion! And soon enough, this Money in the Bank briefcase will make me the Universal Champion!" Emma gloated about her success, not realizing that Heath Slater had snuck into the ring from behind. Alexa noticed Slater, quickly picking up on his intentions. "Hey, Emma... that Hardcore Title... it has the 24/7 rule, right?" she asked. Emma, taken aback by the question, confirmed that the 24/7 rule is in effect. "Why? You want to try the Hardcore Title from me now?" she asked. "Oh, no. I don't. But um... someone else might." A confused Emma was turned around by Slater, who delivered an Impaler DDT! Alexa hurried to the backstage area, bringing out an official who ran down to the ring. Slater covered Emma, the official making the three count! "Heath Slater is the Hardcore Champion!" Mauro Ranallo exclaimed over the raucous audience in Hartford. "He doesn't even work here! Slater's not under contract!" cried Corey Graves, trying to delegitimize the title switch. Alexa laughed to herself before leaving the scene, Slater celebrating in the audience with the Hardcore Title. Earlier tonight, Stephanie told Slater that the only way he could earn a contract was if he had one of RAW's championships. In the blink of an eye, the Commissioner's words of sarcasm just became reality as Slater defeats Emma to become Hardcore Champion!
MATANZA CUETO DEF. BRAUN STROWMAN TO ADVANCE TO THE SEMI-FINALS IN THE CUETO CUP: In the main event, Braun Strowman and Matanza Cueto collided one-on-one in a first round Cueto Cup match. The two behemoths had one another scouted after their encounter in the Gauntlet two weeks, both superstars struggling even more to put the other away. After a Running Powerslam from Strowman, a cover was made that RAW General Manager Dario Cueto broke up by pulling the official out of the ring! Strowman's eyes widened once he realized that Dario prevented him from advancing in the tournament. Strowman bolted out of the ring, chasing Dario until Matanza caught him for a Belly-to-Belly Suplex onto the floor! 'The Monster' rolled Strowman into the ring, picking him up for Wrath of the Gods! "No way..." Corey Graves uttered as Matanza covered Strowman to defeat him! The six month undefeated streak is over! Strowman has just been pinned for the first time in his career! Boos rained down onto Matanza and Dario as the General Manager raised the hand of his baby brother, who now advances to the Semi-Finals of The Cueto Cup next week against Finn Balor. 'The Monster Among Men' has been proven to be mortal thanks to the duo of Dario and Matanza Cueto!
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Post by tg11 on Dec 6, 2018 15:18:04 GMT -5
- RAW GM Dario Cueto just made an enemy of Braun Strowman for life because he basically cost Strowman his Cueto Cup tournament match and honestly I know Braun he is going to make sure Dario "gets these hands". I mean what was Dario Cueto thinking? He basically cost Strowman essentially a shot at the WWE Universal Championship and by doing that he essentially caused Strowman to turn from a heel into a babyface quite literally. So is Dario Cueto basically trying to ensure that his brother Matanza Cueto becomes #1 Contender for the WWE Universal Championship? If that is the case then I guess I can see the logic in his plan but Strowman basically is gonna want to hunt Dario down now. Matanza with him going into the Semi Final of the Cueto Cup it looks like he will be facing The Ordinary Man Who Can Do Extraordinary Things that being Finn Balor. Matanza Cueto vs Finn Balor in the Semis looks like it will be one hell of a match-up.
- Finn Balor winning his match to advance to the Cueto Cup Semi Final by beating Undisputed Era member WWE United States Champion Adam Cole...just goes to show you that you are making Finn Balor a bigger deal here in this diary than WWE is in real life given the fact that Balor ever since he got called up to the main roster in this diary he has beaten probably the biggest names in this company especially the former COO of WWE, Triple H. I wonder if Balor will face Matanza as himself or as The Demon King?
- Heath Slater officially becomes a member of the RAW roster by beating Emma for the WWE Hardcore Championship...what a shocker and honestly I didn't expect Slater to make an immediate impact and he did by going after Emma. I mean big assist goes to Alexa Bliss for pretty much causing the distraction and Slater taking full advantage but there is nothing Stephanie McMahon can do about Heath now because he is now officially a part of the RAW roster now as the WWE Hardcore Champion.
- Rollins vs Miz in the other Semi Final...I have a feeling in the Final it will be Rollins making the Final by beating Miz and Matanza Cueto somehow making the Final setting up Rollins/Matanza in the Final and why? Rollins is the first man to ever pin Matanza Cueto...he ended Matanza's unbeaten streak by pinning him in the Elimination Chamber and Rollins paid for that by being manhandled by being destroyed in such a way that Rollins has never been before
- Wrestling Royalty (DiBiase & Hennig) vs WWE RAW Tag Team Champions The Revival (Dawson & Wilder) (c) for the RAW Tag Team Championships in a Final Encounter in a Steel Cage...this being DiBiase & Hennig's last match together as a tag team it makes me wonder if Wrestling Royalty will truly be done as a tag team? If they are done...then I wonder if they end up retiring? Or will they just go their separate ways by becoming singles superstars once again and go off into their singles careers?
- Triple Threat Match for the WWE Universal Championship at Vengeance with Bateman defending his title against Kevin Owens and against AJ Styles...Bateman doesn't even have to be pinned to lose his title...I wonder how Bateman is gonna deal with this? AJ's reasoning makes total sense as to why he cost Owens the title...he wants to be the one to dethrone Bateman...if he can't have that then he can make sure no one else can...AJ is what he has always been and that is selfish.
- Randy Orton vs Daniel Bryan...it seems the rivalry is reignited
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Post by Planktung on Dec 6, 2018 20:43:04 GMT -5
July 2nd, 2014 | Episode 012 | "Tenfold"
TYE DILLINGER, NXT CHAMPION: The first sound the NXT Universe heard in the Full Sail Arena was the start of Tye Dillinger's entrance music. 'The Perfect Ten' made his way out to the stage, carrying with him the NXT Championship for the first time. Dillinger proudly walked down to the ring as champion, thanking all of the NXT fans for standing by him. "This all happened very quickly, and out of nowhere, really. It wasn't too long ago I was sitting backstage at TakeOver shows, watching guys and girls like Finn Balor, Sami Zayn and Emma conquer this stage. Once they headed off to the main roster and found success like we all knew they would, there was a void that needed to be filled. For whatever, you all chose me to take that spot and for that, I am eternally grateful." Dillinger said that his becoming of NXT Champion wasn't just for himself, but for everyone who has a dream that they've been told is too big to achieve. His celebration speech was interrupted by the NXT Tag Team Champions, Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre. Mahal told Dillinger that he can pander to the audience all he wants, but everyone can see right through him. "You're a fluke of a champion," he added. McIntyre said that as quickly as Dillinger's success has been realized, it'll fade away. "And after you hit rock bottom again, Tye, Jinder and I will still be standing atop of the mountain as the NXT Tag Team Champions because for two consecutive TakeOvers, we have proven ourselves to be the very best in this industry! Look at the names we've overcome! Ricochet and Uhaa Nation, two men who thought they had the world at their fingertips! American Alpha, who we beat so badly that they had to run off to SmackDown Live and sell their souls to human waste like TJ Perkins. And in Chicago, we defeated the so-called best wrestlers in the world today in Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi!" McIntyre continued to sing the praises of himself and 'The Modern Day Maharaja,' Dillinger being too distracted to see Kyle O'Reilly slide into the ring and attack him from behind! O'Reilly, McIntyre and Mahal assaulted Dillinger until The Golden Lovers made the save, chasing off the three villainous superstars. Omega and Ibushi assisted the NXT Champion up to his feet, chants of "Ten!" and "Yes!" filling the atmosphere.
SIX MAN TAG TEAM MATCH ANNOUNCED: During the break, NXT Commissioner William Regal made tonight's main event official. In a Six Man Tag Team match, NXT Champion Tye Dillinger teams with The Golden Lovers to battle Kyle O'Reilly and the NXT Tag Team Champions, Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre.
THE VELVETEEN DREAM DEF. BIFF BUSICK: Last week, Famous B introduced the NXT Universe to his clientele, 423-GET-FAME. Among the superstars included was the newest prodigy of the WWE Performance Center, The Velveteen Dream. Accompanied tonight by Famous B, Liv Morgan and The Lucha Dragons, Dream competed in his second NXT match against Biff Busick. Withstanding the power behind every one of Busick's strikes, Dream was able to put him down with The Purple Rainmaker to pick up yet another victory. 423-GET-FAME raised the arms of The Velveteen Dream, who is slowly but surely making believers out of the NXT Universe for not only himself, but the rest of this stable that was initially perceived to be a joke.
TINO SABBATELLI & RIDDICK MOSS DEF. JOHN MORRISON & CJ PARKER: Trying to bounce back from their loss to SAnitY at TakeOver: Chicago, John Morrison and CJ Parker teamed up against Tino Sabbatelli and Riddick Moss. After Parker found momentum by taking out Moss with a palm strike to his face, 'The Moonchild' attempted to make the hot tag to Morrison. However, Morrison would step off of the ring apron, turning his back on Parker and leaving him in a two-on-one situation. Sabbatelli was tagged in and took advantage of the situation, pinning Parker to give himself and Moss the victory. The bigger story, however, was that Morrison showed his true colors with his betrayal against Parker
NXT WILL SOON BECOME... GLORIOUS: A quick video package was shown recapping Bobby Roode's contract signing back at Money in the Bank. Instead of signing full-time with either RAW or SmackDown Live, 'The Glorious One' decided to accept a contract with NXT, viewing the brand as the only one in WWE that will treat him as the star that he is. Soon, Roode will make his way to Full Sail University and make NXT 'Glorious.'
NXT WOMEN'S CHAMPION NICOLE MATTHEWS DEF. SHAZZA MCKENZIE IN A NON-TITLE MATCH: NXT Women's Champion Nicole Matthews made her return to Full Sail to a chorus of boos after utilizing heinous tactics to retain her title in Chicago. After Nicole put Shazza McKenzie away with a Sit-Out Razor's Edge, Charly Caruso interviewed the champion in the ring, asking if she had an explanation for her actions at TakeOver. Nicole stated that there was nothing to explain. "It was a Fatal Four Way match. There were no disqualifications. I didn't cheat. I outsmarted my competition and as a result, I am STILL your NXT Women's Champion!" Charly then asked about next week's Triple Threat match involving Ember Moon, Toni Storm and Nikki Cross for a title opportunity at TakeOver: MSG. Nicole stated that it doesn't matter who walks out victorious next week. She's going into the most famous arena in the world on SummerSlam weekend to reiterate what she's been saying all along. "There is no woman in this industry better than me. Not Emma. Not Becky. Not Paige. Nicole freakin' Matthews rules professional wrestling!"
NXT CHAMPION TYE DILLINGER, KENNY OMEGA & KOTA IBUSHI DEF. KYLE O'REILLY, & NXT TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS DREW MCINTYRE & JINDER MAHAL: In the main event, NXT Champion Tye Dillinger, Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi found themselves pitted against Kyle O'Reilly and the NXT Tag Team Champions, Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre. After Ibushi launched himself out of the corner with a Moonsault onto O'Reilly and Mahal, Bobby Fish ran down to the ring apron to distract Dillinger against McIntyre. Omega, noticing Fish's presence, shouted at Dillinger to move out of the way. 'The Perfect Ten' did so, Omega charging into Fish with a V-Trigger! McIntyre shoved Dillinger into Omega, trying to roll up the NXT Champion. Dillinger kicked out and sprang to his feet, catching McIntyre on the jaw with a Superkick before hoisting him onto his shoulders for the Tye Breaker! Dillinger pinned McIntyre to give himself and The Golden Lovers the win, Omega and Ibushi joining Dillinger afterwards the celebratory "Ten!" chants along with the NXT Universe. O'Reilly helped Fish up to his feet, the two leaving towards the backstage area. Dillinger has his moment of glory tonight, but O'Reilly still has a rematch clause that he can invoke and have the opportunity to regain the NXT Championship.
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Post by tg11 on Dec 7, 2018 8:41:16 GMT -5
- Tye Dillinger he has viable competition that being the NXT Tag Team Champions "The Modern Day Maharaja" Jinder Mahal and "The Scottish Terminator" Drew McIntyre...I could see either one of those guys as future Contenders for that NXT Championship but then O'Reilly...Kyle O'Reilly has his rematch clause for the title so it begs the question of when he cashes in on that? Seeing the NXT Tag Team Champions go to work on Dillinger along with O'Reilly who somehow snuck into the ring to make it a 3 on 1 only for Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi to make the save...you can bet that the main event will end up being a 6 Man Tag Team Match
- Velveteen Dream doesn't need no stable...hell The Dream can do it on his own but the fact that he beat a relative jobber in Busick just goes to show us that Dream is on the rise here in NXT
- Sabbatelli & Moss beating the team of John Morrison and CJ Parker...doesn't come as a surprise to me and why? I knew Morrison's babyface turn was too good to be true and why? The Shaman of Sexy is a natural heel at heart...so him turning on his partner just goes to show us that Morrison is better as a heel anyway...he reminds me a lot of a young Shawn Michaels so it wouldn't surprise me if Morrison finds himself a bodyguard
- Bobby Roode in NXT...makes sense because on the main roster he just wasn't cutting it anymore so to see him in NXT he can actually build himself back up to become a main event guy once he does reach back to the main roster but it is only a matter of time before he becomes NXT Champion
- Nicole Matthews continues to grow into quite the heel now or let's just say she slowly turned heel. I mean she is quite the heel now doing whatever it takes to win hell that is probably why she is still NXT Women's Champion and she has had that belt for a while now. I mean but her being a heel it was more or less the people who caused her to turn into what she is now because they turned their backs on her but more importantly Portia Perez turned on her so she is saying to hell with it. I mean her beating Shazza McKenzie comes as no surprise either but she definitely will be watching to see who wins that Triple Threat #1 Contender's Match for her title because surely there's someone she wants to face but then there's also someone who she doesn't want to face.
- NXT Champion Tye Dillinger and The Golden Lovers (Omega & Ibushi) beating NXT Tag Team Champions Jinder Mahal & Drew McIntyre and Kyle O'Reilly in the main event also comes as no surprise to me. What definitely surprised me was seeing Bobby Fish return and him trying to cost Tye the match but it backfired with Omega taking care of Fish. O'Reilly tried to take advantage but it obviously didn't work but Tye getting the pinfall on McIntyre just goes to show us that Tye is on a roll.
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Post by Planktung on Dec 7, 2018 18:58:35 GMT -5
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Post by Planktung on Dec 8, 2018 14:53:14 GMT -5
July 3rd, 2014 | Episode 012 | "Venus Fly Trapped"
MATCH: SmackDown Live began with the 10-man Battle Royal to determine the third competitor in the Triple Threat Elimination match at The Bash for the WWE Championship against CM Punk and Sami Zayn. In this order, the ring filled with: Intercontinental Champion TJ Perkins, Chad Gable, Jason Jordan, Cody Rhodes, Dean Ambrose, Baron Corbin, Tyler Breeze, Cruiserweight Champion Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas, Samoa Joe and John Cena. Corbin was the first superstar eliminated, being Clotheslined over the top rope by Cena. Gable and Jordan had their championship aspirations dashed next by Rhodes and Ambrose, who then stared down afterwards. Breeze and Almas went at it, ‘El Idolo’ able to knock ‘Prince Pretty’ off of the ring apron with an Enziguri. After Ambrose was thrown out by Joe, TJP was sent over the top rope with an Attitude Adjustment from Cena. Cena staggered into the center of the ring as the irate TJP slid back into the ring, throwing Cena out of the match! TJP bolted up the entrance ramp to get away from Cena as the match came down to just three superstars in Rhodes, Almas and Joe. The latter two worked over Rhodes for a bit before Almas attempted to toss Joe out himself. ‘The Samoan Submission Machine’ tried applying a Coquina Clutch onto Almas, but Rhodes delivered a Disaster Kick to him! After Rhodes eliminated Almas, ‘The American Nightmare’ charged into Joe with a Crossbody over the top rope. Joe’s feet hit the floor while Rhodes hanged onto the top rope to win the match. After an eight-month drought from the WWE Championship, Rhodes has an opportunity to reclaim the gold when he takes on Punk and Zayn in a Triple Threat Elimination match at The Bash!
SEGMENT: Ms. Money in the Bank Paige headed down to the ring, the fans in Newark erupting for her. Paige, however, wasn’t in the most ideal of moods after finding a new thorn in her side in the form of Catch Point’s Allie. Paige took a microphone and took responsibility for SmackDown Women’s Champion Becky Lynch being on the shelf. “I had the opportunity to take out Allie. Not just last week, but at Battleground when I was supposed to have a one-on-one match against her. I could’ve stopped all of this. I could’ve ended Allie before she had the chance to turn into the monster that she’s become.” Paige said that she has a third opportunity at The Bash, and she won’t let this one slip away from her. Cue Allie, who walked out to the stage. ‘The Queen of Catch’ told Paige that she’s not the one to blame for Becky’s injuries. “I am. I’m the one who took your briefcase and used it to extinguish everyone’s beloved ‘Straight Fire.’ Just like there will be no one responsible for your loss at The Bash but me. For once, Paige, this isn’t your fault. It’s all mine, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” The irate Paige asked Allie how she’s able to look at herself in the mirror now. “These people loved you. You were an inspiration to them, and then you threw it all away to stand side-by-side with someone who thinks of you as scum of the earth for your gender.” Allie told Paige not to try to make this about TJ Perkins. “This isn’t about TJP. It’s not about anyone in Catch Point. I acted on my own accord when joining them. I made the decision that was best for me and I have no regrets about it. I could’ve just stayed right where I was and be happy that people liked me. That’s what you’ve done, except for whatever reason, this universe has gifted you with just about everything a WWE superstar could desire. You were in the main event of WrestleMania. You’re a first ballot Hall of Famer. I want to take away everything that you’ve built up… and at The Bash, that’s what will happen. I don’t want to just beat you. I want to ruin your career. I want to shatter your hopes of becoming WWE Champion. If you have every bit of heart that you claim, Paige, then you’ll put your Money in the Bank briefcase on the line against me!” Paige glanced at her briefcase, looking out at the sea of WWE Universe members who gave mixed reactions to Allie’s challenge. Ultimately, Paige accepted the stipulation. Paige will put her Money in the Bank briefcase on the line against Allie, two weeks from Sunday at The Bash!
SEGMENT: In the office of SmackDown Live Commissioner Shane McMahon, Cody Rhodes was prepared to sign his name on the contract for the WWE Championship match at The Bash. Samoa Joe would interrupt the signing, shouting at Rhodes that he didn’t do a damn thing to prove himself as being worthy of a WWE Title shot over him. “You got lucky and eliminated me in a Battle Royal! Try pinning me in the middle of the ring if you think you’re the man around here!” Shane stepped between Rhodes and Joe, making a one-on-one match between the two of them official for tonight. Rhodes’ title opportunity won’t be up for grabs, but this is Joe’s second chance to insert himself into the WWE Championship scene regardless.
MATCH: New SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos showcased themselves with the titles for the first time, putting away PMA after Jimmy Uso splashed onto Drake Younger. Post-match, Renee Young interviewed Jimmy and Jey, asking how it feels to finally be the SmackDown Tag Team Champions. “Don’t cheer! Don’t cheer! Y’all weren’t a part of this!” Jey yelled out at the WWE Universe. “For four years, we busted our asses and one of y’all gave a damn about us! Where were y’all when The Usos were on the grind?! Where were they, Uce?!” Jey asked his brother. “I’ll tell your where they were. They were overlooking us! It’s always been about Wrestling Royaly this, and New Day that. No one gave The Usos a chance, and now look at us! Just like all of y’all in the WWE Universe, Tyson Kidd and Adrian Neville thought that we were down and out! They weren’t expecting The Usos to creep up on them and take these SmackDown Tag Team Championships! We know that they’ll be back, and when they want to step up to the plate, we’re gonna show them four years of pent up aggression! Four years of being told that we weren’t good enough! Four years of scratching and clawing our way to the top for this very moment! Welcome to the Uso Penitentiary!”
SEGMENT: Antonio Cesaro was shown watching a television monitor backstage as The Usos celebrated with their new SmackDown Tag Team Championships. Kassius Ohno soon approached his tag team partner, assuring him that soon enough, they'd be the ones with the titles. Cesaro believed in himself and Ohno, backing up the claim. Cesaro left Ohno momentarily as he walked down the hallway to get his belongings from the locker room. Cesaro stopped and looked to his side, noticing Sheamus watching. Sheamus, who had not been seen in almost a year, sported a new look as he smirked at Cesaro. "You really think you're going anywhere with Kassius?" Sheamus laughed to himself before leaving the scene, Cesaro puzzled as to why Sheamus would question the potential of his team with Ohno.
MUSIC CREDIT: A special thanks was given to Underoath for one of the official theme songs for The Bash, “Ihateit.” The track is off of their new album Erase Me, and is available now on iTunes and Spotify.
MATCH: The Cruiserweight division on SmackDown Live expands as two participants in the Cruiserweight Classic, Roderick Strong and Cedric Alexander, had their first match on the brand against each other. After a back-and-forth contest, Baron Corbin ran down to the ring. Corbin took both Strong and Alexander out with Clotheslines before kicking them out of the ring. Corbin took a microphone and said that it’s an embarrassment that SmackDown Live is giving a spotlight to Cruiserweights when he’s being cast into the shadow. Corbin’s rant was stopped when Strong caught him with a jumping knee strike, Corbin walking into a Lumbar Check from Alexander! Strong and Alexander exited the ring together after getting the upper-hand against ‘The Lone Wolf.’
SEGMENT: Last week’s edition of SmackDown Live ended with AJ Lee’s arrival to the blue brand, ‘The Black Widow’ planting a kiss onto Billie Kay before she was brutally – and rightfully – attacked by Peyton Royce. At this time, Peyton entered the ring to address the announcement earlier in the week that her match at The Bash against AJ will now be a ‘Till Death Do Us Part match. Peyton said that she’s never felt more anger in her life than she did the moment she saw AJ forcibly kissing the woman she will marry. “I don’t know what AJ’s intentions are because I know for a fact that she doesn’t love Billie Kay. AJ is trying to get into our heads and ruin our lives for her own sick pleasure. And all of this time, you people have been enabling her. The WWE Universe doesn’t understand that they’re supporting a monster. Every time you willed her on in her battle against depression, you were giving her motivation to strike against The Iconic Duo like she did last week. AJ Lee isn’t a hero. She’s a monster with a black heart and twisted intentions. Now, it’s up to me to stop her before she becomes more powerful than she already is. At The Bash, I’m going get rid of AJ once and for all so that Billie and I can live happily ever…” Peyton stopped her promo when footage of Billie speaking at the Confession Booth at the WWE Performance Center appeared on the titantron. Rob Naylor and Nigel McGuinness immediately knew something was wrong, both commenting that everything recorded in the Confession Booth was confidential and not to be aired publicly. “If I’m going to go through with this wedding, then there’s something I need to get off my chest…” Billie spoke about how she and Peyton were thrust into the spotlight very, very quickly after their NXT debut. “We happened to be in the right place at the right time when Alexa Bliss needed teammates for WarGames. The irony is that WarGames led to me being in the wrong place at the wrong time.” The video had a jump cut, showing that the footage had been altered from its original. “Peyton and I got into a giant argument and we went our separate ways for the night. When I was walking into my apartment…” The video jumped ahead again. “I saw my opportunity to get back at her… so I took it. I didn’t try to fight off any of AJ’s advances. In fact… I welcomed them.” Peyton watched the video from the ring, just as confused as everyone else.
“… I cheated on Peyton.”
That was the end of the footage before the titantron turned to a dark screen.
Peyton’s eyes and motuh were widened, giving the same exact expression that she did when AJ kissed Billie last week right in front of her. “… That’s not real. That’s not real.” Peyton kept repeating that phrase to herself, trying to believe that AJ somehow manipulated footage of Billie at the Confession Booth… but Peyton had to ask herself why her ‘Iconic Life Partner’ would have even been giving a confession in the first place. They shared everything with each other, yet a possible sexual encounter with AJ was something that Peyton had never been clued in on. Peyton continued to deny the legitimacy of the footage when suddenly, AJ entered the ring through the audience. AJ had a tire iron in her hands, leveling Peyton in the back of the head with it! Peyton immediately fell to the canvas, AJ standing over her with a sadistic grin lighting up her face. The WWE Universe that normally reacted positively to AJ didn’t know how to react. They knew that even though AJ displaying barbaric behavior wasn’t out of the ordinary, this time, everything felt different. Officials quickly arrived to keep AJ away from Peyton, 'The Black Widow' slowly exiting up the entrance ramp while looking back at the fallen half of The Iconic Duo. Peyton placed her hand over the back of her head, her palm now stained with blood while the officials had to stop her from trying to go after AJ and put herself in more danger.
SEGMENT: While medics continued to tend to Peyton Royce, AJ Lee slowly walked up down a corridor, admiring the tire iron that she used to strike Peyton in the head. AJ was approached by SmackDown Live General Manager Kurt Angle, who asked what was wrong with her. “You already got what you wanted! Shane made your match against Peyton ‘Till Death Do Us Part! You had nothing to gain from assaulting her! What the hell is wrong with you?!” AJ slowly glanced up at Angle, asking him a question before skipping off. “… If Billie has nothing to hide… where is she?”
MATCH: In the second of two Cruiserweight contests tonight, Johnny Gargano was able to best Tony Nese via the Gargano Escape. As Gargano stood tall in the ring, Cruiserweight Champion Andrade 'Cien' Almas walked out to the stage along with his business associate, Zelina Vega. Gargano challenged Almas to get into the ring, Vega shouting at him that he didn't belong on SmackDown Live. "You lost Johnny! You don't deserve this title!" she said while Almas raised the Cruiserweight Championship. Suddenly, Gargano was blindsided by Tyler Breeze, who stomped away onto 'Johnny Wrestling' to the disapproval of the WWE Universe. Breeze sized Gargano up for a Supermodel Kick, connecting with it before staring down Almas. Breeze still wants the Cruiserweight Championship, and he's willing to go through both Gargano and Almas to get it.
SEGMENT: Backstage, John Cena was shown in the locker room area when Tom Phillips caught up with him, asking if he has a response after Intercontinental Champion TJ Perkins re-entered the Battle Royal just to eliminate him. Cena stated that he's both stunned and surprised at the same time. "TJP is someone who's been wanting to make a name for himself, and I get it. But he needs to understand that there will always be consequences for one's actions. Everything that I need to say to TJP, I'll do it to his face tonight because I plan on going out to that ring to give him the opportunity to stand face-to-face with me and say whatever's on his mind."
MATCH: In a match made earlier by SmackDown Live Commissioner Shane McMahon, Cody Rhodes was able to best Samoa Joe after turning the Coquina Clutch into a pinning predicament. After Rhodes got the three count, 'The American Nightmare' stood tall on the entrance ramp after his second victory of the evening. "Cody's back on the mountaintop, and CM Punk and Sami Zayn both have their work cut out for them at The Bash when they take on the most motivated incarnation of Cody we've ever seen," said Nigel McGuinness. Joe remained in the ring arguing with the official, Shane having to come out to the ring to de-escalate the situation. Joe got in Shane's face, shoving the Commissioner. That prompted Shane to deliver a shove of his own to Joe, telling 'The Samoan Submission Machine' that he needs to control his temper. Shane left the ring, but while he had his back turned, Joe ran towards him and applied the Coquina Clutch! Joe attempted to choke the life out of Shane until General Manager Kurt Angle, along with numerous officials, were able to pry Shane out of Joe's clutches. Joe rose to his feet and came nose-to-nose with Angle, who demanded that Joe leave the arena.
ANNOUNCEMENT: While there will certainly be repercussions for Samoa Joe's actions just now, Rob Naylor confirmed on commentary that AJ Lee has been suspended - again - by Shane McMahon and Kurt Angle until The Bash. While AJ sits on the sidelines until July 20th, the woman who she'll face at The Bash, Peyton Royce, will be in action next week against Catch Point's Allie. Plus, in a huge tag team main event, Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn take on the championship duo of TJ Perkins and CM Punk.
SEGMENT: In the final segment of the evening, John Cena made his way down to the ring yet again, calling out the man who eliminated him from the Battle Royal at the top of the show. "I've said this time and time again, and my challenge is still the same. TJP, if you want some..." Cena said as the WWE Universe finished the phrase for him. Cena waited for a few seconds before the entrance music of the Intercontinental Champion sounded. TJP stepped into the ring, taking a microphone to ask Cena if he even knew who he was. "I mean, you should be aware of your successor, but I don't think you fully understand who you're calling out. I'm not some flash of the plan, flavor of the week who you've seen walk through the door over the years. I'm the guy who leads the most dominant faction in WWE history. I'm the Intercontinental Champion... but as far as tonight goes, I'm the guy who stopped you from becoming WWE Champion again." Cena told TJP that he's right. He doesn't know who he is, but not for the reasons he might assume. "When I met you a few months ago, you were a kid with a good head on your shoulders and your heart in the spot. Somewhere down the road, though, you became this bitter, angry, disgusting bully. And you've channeled that anger into results, which I will give you credit for. But if your next goal is to make an enemy out of the man who has carried this company on his back for the last decade, then that's where your road ends. Your career survived misogyny and hatred, but it won't survive the ass-whooping that you're asking me to give to you." TJP told Cena that if he wanted a match against him, all he has to is ask because it would be an honor for him to become the man who vanquished 'The Franchise Player.' "It would be your honor to vanquish me? Alright, then let me explain what would be an honor for me," Cena said. "Other than having the honor of ridding SmackDown Live of your toxic presence, there's one championship that has eluded me for my whole career. Not only have I never held it, but I've never even had a match for it. It's the one thing keeping me from being recognized as a Grand Slam Winner... and it's that title you're holding. It would be an honor for me to join the ranks of some of the all-time greats as the Intercontinental Champion. You're free at The Bash. I'm free at The Bash... so what's stopping us?" TJP approached Cena, raising the Intercontinental Title in his face to accept the challenge laid out. Cena turned to the hard camera, giving a nod of approval with a smile on his face. TJP, however, used that opening to strike Cena with the title! After Cena fell to the canvas, TJP performed the "You Can't See Me" hand gesture before dabbing. TJP ran the ropes for what he thought would be his own Five Knuckle Shuffle, but Cena hoisted him onto his shoulders for an Attitude Adjustment! Cena picked up the Intercontinental Championship, holding the one piece of gold that he has left to capture. Will Cena become a Grand Slam Winner at The Bash, or will TJP score the upset of the century?
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Post by tg11 on Dec 8, 2018 20:43:39 GMT -5
- TJP vs John Cena at The Bash for the WWE Intercontinental Championship will definitely make for a great main event that's for sure. Why I say that is because Cena has done it all in this business. Cena is a first ballot future WWE hall of Famer multiple time WWE Champion World Champion US Champion WWE Tag Team Champion Royal Rumble Match Winner Mr. Money in the Bank...I could go on and on about Cena. Not to mention he has been the face of this company for over a decade and he is becoming a Hollywood megastar now doing movies much like The Rock much like Batista but the one thing Cena hasn't done in his illustrious career is win the WWE Intercontinental Championship so to see him go up against TJP will actually make for a great match. If TJP were to go over, it helps elevate TJP as a future main event guy here on Smackdown Live. However, Cena he isn't a Grand Slam Champion and the only thing stopping that from happening is that IC Title. So something has gotta give.
- Cody Rhodes wins the 10 Man Battle Royal to be added into the WWE Championship Triple Threat Match by last eliminating Samoa Joe basically does wonders for Cody considering he hasn't been champion in how long especially in this diary? I won't be surprised if Samoa Joe ends up taking issue with Cody Rhodes and he ends up beating the holy hell out of Cody Rhodes. So at the Bash since it will be a Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship with CM Punk defending his WWE Championship against Sami Zayn and against Cody Rhodes in a Triple Threat Match...Punk doesn't even have to be pinned to lose the title so I wonder how Punk will be able to overcome these odds?
- Cody Rhodes ends up doing double duty right after because he ends up not only facing Samoa Joe the man who he last eliminated to win that Battle Royal to earn his shot at the title but then he beats Joe too on top of it. I can definitely see Samoa Joe's frustration his anger manifesting itself into all out rage and Samoa Joe taking out his rage on Cody Rhodes. I just see it coming considering the fact that Rhodes basically has owned Joe tonight and Joe ends up taking Cody out to basically make a point. However, post-match Joe still in the ring arguing with the official and then Shane coming out to try to smooth things over ends up getting attacked by Samoa Joe because Joe puts Shane in the Coquina Clutch and then Joe being restrained by Smackdown GM Kurt Angle...I am surprised Joe didn't take out Angle too. However, I see this leading to Samoa Joe vs Shane McMahon in a feud but it also culminates into a match between Samoa Joe and the Smackdown Live Commissioner.
- How will Zayn and Rhodes be able to trust each other in this Tag Team Match next week on Smackdown Live? I mean they both want to be WWE Champion and Punk holds that title and they are facing him and Punk's fellow Catch Point member the WWE Intercontinental Champion TJ Perkins in a Tag Team Match...so what makes us think Cody and Sami can get along in this match? They will no doubt turn on each other...but with Punk and Perkins they will actually be able to get along
- AJ Lee continues to put herself into trouble because yet again she gets suspended by Shane and Angle after what she did to Peyton Royce...blindsiding her like that with a tire iron...I mean what is wrong with AJ Lee lately? No I mean seriously...AJ Lee is nuts like she's out there she's f***in Pluto man she's gone...like is this really what this diary has come to? I mean seriously...lesbian love triangle here gone wild with Billie Kay, Peyton Royce and AJ Lee...at the Bash a Till Death Do Us Part Match...the winner gets to marry Billie Kay with Peyton Royce facing AJ Lee...I mean I wonder who the fans will cheer for in this match?
- I see a Triple Threat Match for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship with Almas having to defend his title against both Gargano and the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion Tyler Breeze...does he still have that title? Either way I see this match happening at The Bash
- It seems The Usos as Smackdown Live Tag Team Champions are becoming quite the heels here on this show especially after winning the titles but with Sheamus returning like he has and him crossing paths with both Ohno and Cesaro...I see Sheamus and Cesaro becoming The Bar with Cesaro turning heel on Ohno and forming a new tag team with Sheamus leaving Ohno as the odd man out
- Paige having to face Catch Point member Allie at The Bash with Paige's MITB briefcase being on the line...could you imagine if Paige were to lose her briefcase to Allie? Just how demoralizing that would be...but if Allie had that briefcase I could see someone else challenging her for it and winning it
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Post by Planktung on Dec 9, 2018 17:36:33 GMT -5
1st and 2nd Round: July 30th - September 10th at Full Sail University
Semi-Finals and Finals: September 17th at the CFE Arena
Official Theme Song: ”Why Am I Like This?” by The Word Alive
COMPETITORS:
Asuka
Bianca Belair
Candice LeRae
Charlotte Flair
Chelsea Green
Dakota Kai
Kairi Sane
Madison Rayne
Mia Yim
Nia Jax
Rosemary
Ruby Riott
Santana Garrett
Sienna
Sonya Deville
Veda Scott
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Post by tg11 on Dec 9, 2018 19:32:54 GMT -5
As for who wins the Queen of the Ring it will be The Queen Charlotte Flair...WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Charlotte is the daughter of 2 time WWE Hall of Famer Naitch the Nature Boy Ric Flair...the greatest of all time...she has tough shoes to fill but Charlotte will win this tournament and in the Finals Charlotte will face Asuka and beat her!!! All the other women in this tournament will end up in NXT but I can't wait to see the Women's Revolution here in WWE
Women's divisions being strengthened on both RAW and SD Live...ABOUT DAMN TIME
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Post by Planktung on Dec 10, 2018 11:32:48 GMT -5
July 7th, 2014 | Episode 013 | "Nervosa"
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This episode contains subject matter that might be triggering/disturbing to some readers. Nothing here is intended to be offensive or hurtful, and I apologize if that ends up being the case. If you or anyone you know is battling an eating disorder, please reach out for help. Be open with friends, family and anyone who will be there for you. The National Eating Disorders Association helpline is available at (800) 931-2237.
SETH ROLLINS LOOKS TO SHOCK THE SYSTEM: At the start of Monday Night RAW, The Undisputed ERA headed into the ring, one week removed from United States Champion Adam Cole's failed attempt at advancing in The Cueto Cup. Cole took a microphone and said that even though The Cueto Cup will move on without his presence, the WWE Universe is forgetting that he's the only superstar thus far to qualify for Manifest Destiny. "The Universal Championship is slipping through my fingers for what is only temporarily because come this Fall, everything changes here on RAW when I fulfill The Undisputed ERA's mission statement and shock the system to become Universal Champion!" Cole's arrogance was backed up by Chris Jericho, Michael Bennett and Maria Kanellis, the fans in Montreal showering the stable with boos. Suddenly, the entrance music of Seth Rollins hit to a massive ovation. Rollins, who has been favored by the WWE Universe as of late, stepped into the ring and told Cole that he can make all of the declarations he wants, but the fact remains that he's looking on at the Universal Championship from the outside. Jericho came to Cole's aid, asking Rollins who he thinks he is. "I think I'm Seth freakin' Rollins, the man who is going to beat The Miz tonight in The Cueto Cup and come one step closer to the Universal Championship at SummerSlam! You know, something that the United States Champion here couldn't do..." Jericho proceeded to threaten to put Rollins' name on The List of Jericho, 'The Architect' responding by swatting The List away. Cole struck Rollins with his forearm, The Undisputed ERA trying to deliver a beatdown that Rollins was ultimately able to evade. Rollins tossed both Jericho and Bennett out of the ring before Cole retreated, Rollins daring the United States Champion to get back into the ring.
SETH ROLLINS DEF. MICHAEL BENNETT: Pulling double duty tonight, Seth Rollins found himself in an impromptu match against The Undisputed ERA's Michael Bennett. Adam Cole, Chris Jericho and Maria Kanellis watched from ringside as Rollins put Bennett away with a Curb Stomp. Rollins stood tall in the ring and taunted The Undisputed ERA, but 'The Architect' needs to remain focused on tonight's main event against The Miz in the semi-finals of The Cueto Cup.
ALEISTER BLACK DEF. FRANKIE KAZARIAN: Trying to establish themselves on Monday Night RAW the same way they did on NXT, The Addiction issued an open challenge. Instead of a tag team stepping up to the plate, Aleister Black did so. Frankie Kazarian went ahead and took on Black one-on-one, ultimately having his head just about kicked off with Black Mass. Black sat in the ring post-match and eyed Christopher Daniels, who headed up the entrance ramp without his tag team partner. Black continues to put RAW on notice, and one has to wonder what his next move will be to fade the red brand to black.
WHAT IS MUSTAFA ALI'S CONNECTION TO SOFIA CORTEZ?: In a sit down interview recorded earlier today, Cathy Kelley attempted to get answers from Mustafa Ali about his connection to Sofia Cortez. Ali stated that he met Sofia many years ago when the two were mainstays in the Chicago independent scene. "It ended up being myself, Kalisto, Zema Ion and Sofia who formed a tight-knit group in those times. She was the first among us to get signed to WWE, and before she went to Florida, I told her that we'd someday meet up again." Ali then said that Sofia will never admit this, but he has it under good authority that she's the one who suggested to WWE officials that he be in the Cruiserweight Classic. "Sofia gave me my shot at glory, and now, I'm on the RAW roster. All I've tried doing these last few weeks is be a friend to her because I know she doesn't have that many around here. I see a future for us in the tag team division, as crazy as that may sound. Somehow, some way, I'll get through to her."
CARMELLA DEF. SASHA BANKS: In a rematch from two weeks ago, Carmella had her shot at redemption against Sasha Banks. Towards the conclusion of the match, Carmella appeared to have tweaked her ankle, the official checking on her. That distraction allowed Big Cass to slide into the ring, leveling Sasha with a Big Boot! Carmella miraculously recovered from her injury, pinning Sasha to get her first win on RAW. Cass raised Carmella's hand while James Ellsworth was hesitant to celebrate the victory, knowing that Carmella had to resort to underhanded tactics that went against the time and effort he put into training her.
FINN BALOR DEF. MATANZA CUETO TO ADVANCE THE CUETO CUP FINALS: In the first of two Cueto Cup semi-final matches tonight, Finn Balor had to go up against the only man to score a pinfall victory over him on the main roster, Matanza Cueto. 'The Monster' was able to easily overpower Balor for much of the match, but Balor remained resilient and refused to stay down. In the closing moments of the bout, Braun Strowman's theme song sounded. Strowman headed out to the stage, walking towards Dario Cueto's office and punching through the door! Matanza was then kicked into a turnbuckle by Balor, who followed up with Coup de Grace to get the victory! "Finn Balor wins! Balor is going to the finals at Vengeance!" Balor exited through the audience, Matanza soon getting back to his feet and running towards his brother's office. By the time Matanza got here, Strowman already had Dario on his shoulder for a Running Powerslam. Matanza intervened, brawling with Strowman while Dario called for help from officials and security.
RAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS THE REVIVAL DEF. THE PRIME TIME PLAYERS IN A NON-TITLE MATCH: RAW Tag Team Champions The Revival were able to put away The Prime Players after a Shatter Machine to Darren Young. Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder took back their titles post-match, holding onto them in what may be a reign that is on its last legs as the two are set to do battle with Wrestling Royalty in a Steel Cage match in two weeks at Vengeance.
ROMAN REIGNS STRIKES BACK AT THE CUETO BROTHERS: Backstage, RAW General Manager Dario Cueto and his brother, Matanza, were shown in an isolated room, Dario trying to calm Matanza down after his scuffle with Braun Strowman. An official walked into the room, assuring Dario that Strowman had been escorted out of the Bell Centre. A relieved Dario opened the door to try to leave, only to be Speared by Roman Reigns! Reigns, who still has unfinished business with Dario and Matanza, went after 'The Monster,' officials having to work once again to separate a brawl.
HARDCORE CHAMPION HEATH SLATER & ALEXA BLISS DEF. RAW WOMEN'S CHAMPION EMMA & MATT HARDY: Intergender tag team action as Alexa Bliss teamed with the new Hardcore Champion Heath Slater to battle Matt Hardy and the RAW Women's Champion, and Ms. Money in the Bank on top of that, Emma. Alexa and Emma couldn't keep their battle inside the ring, the two fighting all the way to the backstage area. In the squared circle, Slater countered Hardy's Twist of Fate into a Neckbreaker to get the victory. Slater enjoys life as a WWE superstar once again with the Hardcore Championship to thank for that.
KEVIN OWENS VOWS TO BRING THE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP HOME: At this time, Kevin Owens made his way into the ring, receiving the loudest ovation of his career in his return to Quebec. Owens took a microphone and was prepared to speak, but had to wait for a minute as the WWE Universe would not stop chanting "Fight Owens Fight!" for anything. "... After the last few weeks I've had, I can't thank you guys enough. This moment means everything to me because Quebec will always be home." Owens said that the only regret he has about tonight is that he couldn't bring the Universal Championship home with him. "And you want to know why that didn't happen? Because of two men who hate each other so much, they want to practically monopolize the Universal Title picture and keep it all to themselves. What Derrick Bateman and AJ Styles fail to understand is that as long as I'm alive and breathing, the Universal Title is always going to be in my sights! Bateman and Styles' little story won't end with one of them getting the upper-hand over the other! It's going to end with me dashing every dark hope and dream of theirs to fulfill my own! At Vengeance, I take back what's rightfully mine and I promise, I promise that the next time I step foot back into Quebec, I'll have the Universal Championship in my possession!" Owens threw his microphone down and remained in the center of the ring while Montreal gave him a standing ovation for everything he's achieved in his career. At Vengeance in two weeks, Owens has his opportunity to become a two-time Universal Champion when he meets Bateman and Styles in a Triple Threat match.
THE MIZ DEF. SETH ROLLINS TO ADVANCE TO THE CUETO CUP FINALS: The finals of The Cueto Cup was about to be completed as Seth Rollins battled The Miz for the right to face Finn Balor at Vengeance with a Universal Championship match on the line. Rollins and Miz competed for nearly a half hour, giving Montreal one of the best televised bouts of the entire year. By the time that the WWE Universe was chanting "This is awesome," Rollins was ready to put 'The A-Lister' away. Rollins stomped his foot on the canvas, sizing up Miz for the Curb Stomp. However, Chris Jericho and Michael Bennett both ran down to ringside, Rollins knocking them off of the ring apron. The official was occupied with getting Jericho and Bennett away from the ring, which allowed Adam Cole to enter through the audience and strike Rollins with the United States Championship! A dazed Rollins collapsed against the turnbuckles, Miz seizing the moment to deliver the Skull Crushing Finale! Miz covered Rollins, the official making the three count! With a massive assistance from The Undisputed ERA, The Miz is going to the finals of The Cueto Cup! Cole, Jericho and Bennett headed up the entrance ramp together, the group more than satisfied knowing that they cost Rollins an opportunity at the Universal Championship. Nonetheless, the stage is now set for the final match in The Cueto Cup. The Miz versus Finn Balor at Vengeance! Who will earn a Universal Title opportunity in Madison Square Garden at SummerSlam?
EMMA DIGS UP ALEXA BLISS' PAST DEMONS: In the final scene of Monday Night RAW, Alexa Bliss and RAW Women's Champion Emma were shown still brawling in the backstage area. Emma was shoved against a wall by Alexa, who slowly approached Ms. Money in the Bank. Emma took a steel chair and struck Alexa in the mid-section with it, 'Little Miss Bliss' now prone as Emma proceeded with an unfathomable act. Emma grabbed Alexa by her face, opening her mouth and forcing her index finger down her throat. The camera crew immediately turned away and called for help. Even with the screen having turned to black, the audio was not cut, and the sound of Alexa vomiting could be heard by the entire world.
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Post by tg11 on Dec 10, 2018 22:27:40 GMT -5
- WWE RAW Women's Champion Emma couldn't be any more sick and twisted but the fact that it was not enough to attack her WWE Vengeance opponent for her title Alexa Bliss but the fact that she had to take Alexa's face and then open her mouth and stick her finger right down Alexa's throat...now that was not only heinous but it was downright sick even for me
- The Miz making it to the Cueto Cup Final by beating Seth Rollins in the Semi-Final is all due in part to The Undisputed Era getting involved and seemingly costing Rollins his match which Miz took full advantage of in order to get the win. If it hadn't been for their interference Rollins would have won this match hell he was well on his way to winning it but it seems ever since Miz has come to RAW he has more or less been a big deal around here just as he should be. Miz in this diary is a former multiple time WWE Champion a 2 time Money in the Bank Ladder Match winner he has virtually done it all in this business and he actually has a chance at becoming WWE Universal Champion.
- RAW Tag Team Champions The Revival (Dawson & Wilder) beating the team of the PTP (O'Neil and Young) just goes to show us that The Revival are this WWE RAW Tag Team division because no tag team can beat them. They have beaten every tag team who has been put up against them not just underhandedly but also cleanly too. What makes Wrestling Royalty think they stand any chance of becoming RAW Tag Team Champions again at Vengeance especially in the Steel Cage?
- Aleister Black's undefeated streak here on the main roster continues with him beating Kazarian...so it makes me wonder just who is next for Aleister Black?
- Carmella winning her match case in point with Big Cass' help...not Enzo or Ellsworth but Cass being the one and the fact that he hit a Big Boot on Sasha...that could never happen nor would it work especially in today's WWE...but no doubt this will probably turn Cass and Carmella into heels?
- Finn Balor winning his match against Matanza Cueto in the Semi Final to advance to the Final is all due in part to Braun Strowman. Strowman didn't even have to show up during this match but the fact that his music was playing was enough to distract Matanza with Finn taking full advantage to get the win which in my opinion has got to be an upset because of the size and strength differential alone but also because of the fact that Matanza has been a beast ever since bursting on to the scene in WWE. With Balor ever since coming up to the main roster he is actually being treated like the main event guy that we all know he is and it seems ever since Money in the Bank when he beat the former COO of WWE Triple H in this diary Balor has been on a virtual roll but at the same time he has to face Miz in the Final of the Cueto Cup at Vengeance. Miz vs Balor is a definite match that I know I will be looking forward to.
- It seems Owens keeps getting cheered despite being a heel so it makes me wonder if you might as well pull the trigger on a Kevin Owens babyface turn? I mean the man is getting cheered so heavily in Quebec but not just in Quebec but wherever he goes. I mean the fact that he said he not only promises victory but guarantees it almost means that Owens very well could become the WWE Universal Champion at Vengeance. I mean Bateman being the champion he doesn't even have to be pinned or even made to submit to lose his title which puts him at a disadvantage because not only does he have to worry about Owens he also has to worry about AJ Styles too in the same match.
- Intergender Tag Team Match ends in the new WWE Hardcore Champion Heath Slater and Alexa Bliss beating the team of RAW Women's Champion Emma and Matt Hardy...it seems Heath Slater ever since winning that Hardcore Championship joining the RAW roster as a free agent he is now on a roll winning match after match whereas Little Miss Bliss gains even more momentum heading towards Vengeance where she has to face Emma for that title.
- Roman Reigns is back and he goes right after both Cuetos the RAW GM and Matanza Cueto on his first night back...can you believe it? Now not only do the Cuetos have to worry about Braun Strowman, they also have to worry about Roman Reigns as well.
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Post by Planktung on Dec 12, 2018 15:06:49 GMT -5
July 9th, 2014 | Episode 013 | "I Hope You Suffer"
EMBER MOON DEF. NIKKI CROSS & TONI STORM IN A NUMBER ONE CONTENDERS MATCH: NXT tonight kicked off with one of its two headlining matches in the form of a Triple Threat match to determine Nicole Matthews' challenger for the NXT Women's Championship at TakeOver: MSG. Ember Moon, Toni Storm and Nikki Cross all had the opportunity to get back into the title picture after failing in Chicago. During a Tower of Doom sequence, Ember was able to stay on top of the turnbuckle while Nikki planted Toni with a Powerbomb. Ember quickly capitalized and delivered the Eclipse to Nikki, covering SAnitY's dynamo to pick up the win! "Ember Moon is going to Madison Square Garden for one more shot at glory!" exclaimed Michael Schiavello. Ember celebrated her victory as she now looks ahead to the biggest match of her career in the most famous arena in the world on August 16th.
LARS SULLIVAN DEF. CJ PARKER: After being betrayed last week by John Morrison, CJ Parker marched down to the ring, calling out 'The Shaman of Sexy' for a fight. Instead of receiving Morrison, Parker was greeted by the entrance of NXT's leviathan, Lars Sullivan. Accompanied by Paul Heyman as always, Sullivan answered Parker's challenge, but was surprised when he received a contest just as physical and competitive as the one he was in against Matt Riddle at TakeOver: Chicago. Catching Parker in mid-air on a Clothesline attempt, Sullivan imprinted Parker's spine onto the canvas with a Freak Accident for the win. Heyman raised Sullivan's arm post-match, his client continuing his undefeated streak. However, it would seem that Sullivan's impact in NXT has drawn the attention of a select group. Famous B, The Velveteen Dream, The Lucha Dragons and Liv Morgan, 423-GET-FAME, walked out onto the stage. The stable applauded Sullivan, 'The Leviathan' and Heyman puzzled as to their intentions.
MATT RIDDLE AND MAGNUS BOTH LOOK FOR MOMENTUM: Backstage, Charly Caruso was standing by with Matt Riddle, who stated that he's not upset about the end of his undefeated streak at TakeOver: Chicago. "It's life, right, bro? You win some, you lose some. In my case, I've won a lot. It's just a loss, bro. Nothing that I can't bounce back, you know?" Riddle was interrupted by Magnus, who scoffed at the demeanor of 'The King of Bros.' "I get pushed aside in NXT so that people like you can have my spotlight? And to make matters worse, you don't even care about losing? What, do you think this all a joke?" Magnus asked, Riddle telling him that he needed to calm down. "I get why you're up in arms about losing since you do it a lot, but just cheer up, bro. There's more to life than wins and losses. I hope you find that out soon. I'm rooting for you, bro," Riddle said before patting Magnus on his shoulder.
TYE DILLINGER AND KYLE O'REILLY SIGN THEIR CONTRACT UNDER 'GLORIOUS' CIRCUMSTANCES: At this time, NXT Commissioner William Regal moderated the contract signing between Kyle O'Reilly and NXT Champion Tye Dillinger for their championship rematch next week. As always, the fans in Full Sail University went wild for Dillinger, both O'Reilly and Bobby Fish used to it by this point. Regal went over the contract briefly with the two competitors, reminding them that unlike at TakeOver: Chicago, they won't have the luxury of weapons at their disposal. This will be a one-on-one match to see who truly is the top superstar in NXT. "And when I say one-on-one, I mean it..." Regal said while glancing as Fish. The Commissioner announced that not only will Fish be barred from ringside, but so will everyone else on the NXT roster. "... You know, that's fine, Regal. I really don't care," O'Reilly said. "I don't care because I've beaten Tye Dillinger on my own before. I'll do it again and prove that 'The Perfect Ten' is just an absolute zero." O'Reilly signed the contract before Dillinger told 'The Martial Artist' that he can put on a fake smile all he wants, but he needs to realize now that Chicago wasn't a fluke. "Right now, I'm the best I've ever been and I have the gold to prove it. Bring everything you've got because I'm doing the same. Just like in Chicago, Kyle, next week, I'm going to put you away for good, and all you'll be able to do about it is look up at the lights while the world lets you know loud and clear who I am." The "Ten!" chants continued at that point, Dillinger signing the contract. "It's official. The NXT Championship match will take place next week... but there is one more announcement I have to make..." said Regal. "As you all saw at Money in the Bank, NXT landed one of its biggest acquisitions to date, but it came with a price. Tye... Kyle... whichever one of you is victorious next week will defend the NXT Championship against Bobby Roode at TakeOver: MSG."
PETE DUNNE DEF. JIMMY HAVOC TO WIN THE PROGRESS WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIP: For the first time ever, the PROGRESS Wrestling Championship was defended outside of the United Kingdom. Jimmy Havoc, who has reigned supreme in the Punk Rock Pro Wrestling promotion, but now had to defend against one of the standouts in the Cruiserweight Classic, Pete Dunne. Havoc and Dunne engaged in an incredibly physical bout, Dunne believing that he had the victory after a Forearm Smash to a descending Havoc. Dunne got the cover, but at that moment, Nikki Cross ran down to ringside and pulled the official's leg. Nikki stepped onto the ring apron, daring 'The Bruiserweight' to strike her. Dunne didn't need to since Toni Storm ran out through the audience, kicking Nikki in the mid-section before delivering a Vertical Suplex onto the apron! Havoc took a swing at Toni, who dodged it. Dunne struck Havoc with a knee to the back of his head, following up with The Bitter End! Dunne hooked both of Havoc's legs, securing the three count and the PROGRESS Wrestling Championship! Dunne made history by capturing the title in the United States, 'The Bruiserweight' putting the end of the title's strap in between his teeth while the NXT Universe cheered him on. Toni stood against the ropes, keeping Havoc and Nikki at bay. The UK scene's takeover of professional wrestling is as strong as ever, and Dunne stands at the forefront of it all. "... But what's going to happen when all of SAnitY is in the same building as Pete Dunne and Toni Storm?" Tom Phillips asked on commentary. |
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Post by Planktung on Dec 13, 2018 15:23:25 GMT -5
July 10th, 2014 | Episode 013 | "Creatures"
CATCH POINT MEET PEYTON ROYCE: SmackDown Live opened with the arrival of Catch Point. WWE Champion CM Punk, Allie, Chad Gable and Jason Jordan were led by Intercontinental Champion TJ Perkins, who found out last week that he'll be defending the gold against John Cena in 10 days at The Bash. The group tonight also included NXT superstar Taynara Conti, who Perkins introduced to the WWE Universe as the first "student" of Catch Point. "Young Taynara has chosen to learn from the best, and she couldn't have joined at a better time because one week from this Sunday, you all will see Catch Point dominate SmackDown Live. It starts with me eliminating the John Cena Problem to retain my Intercontinental Championship. Then, Allie ensures that the future of Catch Point is in good hands when she takes Paige's Money in the Bank briefcase. Finally... the man of the hour, 'The Best in the World,' CM Punk will do what he's done before: Beat Cody Rhodes. Beat Sami Zayn. Retain the WWE Championship." Perkins gloated about Catch Point's predicted success before he was cut off by Peyton Royce's entrance music. Peyton, who in one of the most inconceivable, ridiculous matches of all-time, will face AJ Lee in a 'Till Death Do Us Part match for the right to marry Billie Kay. Peyton stepped into the ring, standing quietly across from Catch Point. "... We have a match," Peyton said to Allie, gesturing for the other Catch Point members to leave. Perkins told Peyton that he didn't appreciate being interrupted, but he'll forgive one half of The Iconic Duo since he knows that she's been going through a lot as of late. "I mean, you're out here tonight without Billie. There's no one else in your corner to cheer you on. At The Bash, you're going to face one of the most sadistic, demented individuals in WWE history. Peyton... you're lost. I can see it in your eyes. You need people to be there for you. You long for company, and you know what? Catch Point can be that for you." Perkins attempted to persuade Peyton to join his stable. "Let me put back together the broken pieces that has become your life. Even if I don't agree with your choice to defy human decency and marry someone of the same sex," Perkins said before Peyton low blowed him! The Intercontinental Champion grabbed his groin and collapsed onto the canvas, Taynara going in to strike Peyton. However, Peyton was able to grab her arm, Allie putting her arm out to stop Gable and Jordan from intervening. Punk watched from the corner, not caring that members of his stable were in harm's way. Allie asked that Catch Point leave the ring, Jordan having to pull the prone TJP out from underneath the bottom rope.
PEYTON ROYCE DEF. ALLIE: Peyton Royce and Allie renewed their rivalry from the early days of SmackDown Live, though the roles were reversed as it was now Allie who sparked the ire of the WWE Universe. Some of the fans in Ottawa got behind Peyton, perhaps out of pity for her. While the contest went on, Taynara Conti remained at ringside, fulfilling her duties as the young girl of Catch Point and studying Allie. Allie grabbed Peyton for a Spinebuster into a corner, but Peyton was able to counter it and roll Allie up for the victory! Peyton picks up a much needed win on her way to the 'Till Death Do Us Part match with AJ Lee, but nearly had her momentum derailed when Allie and Taynara cornered her, the two Catch Point members wanting to make her pay. That was until Paige's entrance music sounded to one of the loudest ovations of the evening. Ms. Money in the Bank ran down to the ring, Allie and Taynara immediately leaving. Paige kept the two Catch Point members at bay with her briefcase, Peyton standing in a corner while staring at Paige. At that moment, Peyton decided to take a microphone and address Paige on a matter that she was assuming 'Princess Anarchist' knew more about than anyone else...
PAIGE DECIDES THAT SHE CAN'T HELP PEYTON: Peyton turned Paige around, asking her a simple question. "... You're friends with AJ, right?" Taken aback by the sudden question that had nothing to do with Catch Point, Paige answered by saying that she isn't anymore. Still, Peyton was desperate for some sliver of hope to hold onto. "Look, I just... Billie hasn't answered any of my calls or texts. I don't know when she plans on leaving Sydney, or if she's even coming back at all. I just need to know something. Please, Paige. Tell me the truth. Did something really happen between Billie and AJ?" Paige kept her silence for a bit, not knowing how to respond to Peyton. Paige slowly picked up her microphone, her hand visibly shaking. Was she really about to unveil such a dark, life-altering secret that both AJ and Billie were keeping to themselves? Or would she lie to protect all parties involved? Ultimately, she made her decision. "... I don't know," she said. Peyton now appeared just as distraught as she's been over the last few weeks. The one person she thought would give her an answer wasn't able to. Not because she didn't want to tell Peyton, but because she couldn't bring herself to do so. "I'm sorry. I wish I could help," said Paige right before Peyton slapped her! Peyton stormed out of the ring, trying to keep her face away from the camera. Paige stood in the center of the ring, not reacting out of any anger since even she believed that she deserved that.
RODERICK STRONG DEF. CEDRIC ALEXANDER, NOAM DAR AND ARIYA DAIVARI: The Cruiserweight division continues to be showcased on Team Blue in a Fatal Four Way match with Roderick Strong, Cedric Alexander, Ariya Daivari and a new addition to the brand, Noam Dar. After a highly energetic and fast-paced battle, Strong ultimately came out on top after The End of Heartache to 'The Scottish Supernova.' After the closing bell, Alexander congratulated Strong on his victory in a show of sportsmanship that was interrupted by Baron Corbin! Taking out of his frustrations after being humiliated last week by the Cruiserweights, 'The Lone Wolf' delivered End of Days to both Strong and Alexander.
SHANE MCMAHON CHOOSES SAMOA JOE'S FATE: At this time, SmackDown Live Commissioner Shane McMahon and General Manager Kurt Angle headed out to the ring to bring out Samoa Joe, who last week assaulted Shane and placed him in the Coquina Clutch. Joe obliged and made his way through the curtain, 'The Samoan Submission Machine' fully expecting to be fired on the spot by the Team Blue staff. And really, it's what Joe wanted. Joe took a microphone and dared Shane and Angle to fire him, stating that he'll simply take his talents somewhere else and make the impact that he was robbed of on SmackDown Live. "Somewhere along the way, you two turned 'The Land of Opportunity' into 'The Land of Fairytales.' How else do you explain people like Sami Zayn and Paige getting the opportunities that should have been mine!?" Shane and Angle remained quiet while Joe continued his rant. "So go ahead! Fire me! I dare you! For the first time in your life, Shane, be a man!" Shane responded to Joe by saying that he has every reason in the world to fire him, but won't. "Disagreements in the work place are to be expected, but what I've learned growing up in this industry is that there's only one real way to settle any differences..." Shane then said that instead of being fired, Joe will be given what he's been asking for: An opportunity. "An opportunity to show that you are indeed the most dominant force in the WWE because at The Bash, you're going to have a one-on-one match... with me." Shane put his microphone down and left the ring. Even if Joe didn't get what he had asked for, he was still satisfied with the outcome. In 10 days at The Bash, Shane McMahon returns to the squared circle to do battle with 'The Samoan Submission Machine'!
TYLER BREEZE DEF. JOHNNY GARGANO: As a result of Tyler Breeze's attack on Johnny Gargano last week, the two superstars met one-on-one tonight with high stakes as Cruiserweight Champion Andrade 'Cien' Almas watched from ringside with Zelina Vega. Gargano had a Lawn Dart attempt countered, his face being the one to crash into the turnbuckle. While the official made sure that Breeze was alright as he stumbled to his feet, Almas took the Cruiserweight Title and bashed it against the side of Gargano's head! 'Johnny Wrestling' then fell victim to a Supermodel Kick, Breeze covering him to secure the victory.
ANDRADE 'CIEN' ALMAS' FIRST TITLE DEFENSE IS SET: Backstage, Cruiserweight Champion Andrade 'Cien' Almas and Zelina Vega were shown walking down a corridor when they ran into SmackDown Live General Manager Kurt Angle, who was on the phone before being interrupted. "No, I had no idea Shane was going to do that. We agreed to part ways with Samoa Joe tonight. I don't know what came over..." Angle said just as he was tapped on the shoulder by Zelina. Angle ended his call, asking Almas and Zelina what they wanted. "You know what we're here for. Go ahead and make the match official for The Bash. Give Tyler Breeze his rematch so that 'El Idolo' can prove once and for all who the superior Cruiserweight is." Angle said that he'll go ahead and give Almas exactly what the Cruiserweight division needs. "At The Bash, it's going to be Andrade Almas versus Tyler Breeze... versus Johnny Gargano in a Triple Threat match for the Cruiserweight Title!" Zelina and Almas were outraged, both believing that Gargano's had his opportunity already.
TYSON KIDD DEF. SMACKDOWN TAG TEAM CHAMPION JIMMY USO: One half of the SmackDown Tag Team Champions Jimmy Uso battled Tyson Kidd for the right to name the stipulation for the championship rematch at The Bash. Adrian Neville was able to thwart Jey Uso's interference attempt, sending him into the steel steps with a Hurricanrana. In the ring, Kidd planted Jimmy with a Tiger Driver for the win. As The Usos headed up the entrance ramp, Kidd and Neville announced to them and the WWE Universe that at The Bash in 10 days, the two teams will do battle one final time in a Two out of Three Falls match.
NEXT WEEK: Renee Young will head to WWE Headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut for a sit down interview with AJ Lee, just three days before 'The Black Widow' meets Peyton Royce in a 'Till Death Do Us Part match for the right to marry Billie Kay.
SAMI ZAYN & CODY RHODES DEF. WWE CHAMPION CM PUNK & INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION TJ PERKINS VIA DISQUALIFICATION: In the main event, WWE and Intercontinental Champions teamed up as Catch Point's CM Punk and TJ Perkins took on the two challengers to 'The Best in the World' at The Bash, Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes. Despite being opponents in Tampa on July 20th, Zayn and Rhodes were able to stay on the same page, nearly picking up the win after 'The Underdog from the Underground' charged into TJP with a Helluva Kick. The pin attempt that followed was broken up when Punk leveled Zayn in the back with a steel chair, causing the disqualification.
RETURN OF AN ENIGMA: Throwing aside the steel chair, CM Punk stomped away on Sami Zayn in an attack that TJ Perkins soon joined in on. Cody Rhodes tried to make the save, but was ambushed by Chad Gable, Jason Jordan and Allie, the remaining members of Catch Point. The 5-on-2 ambush continued, but the odds were evened one by one with the arrivals of Paige, Dean Ambrose and John Cena in that order. The three of them tried to stand their ground, but with Zayn and Rhodes incapacitated for the time being, the odds were still an unleveled playing field. Gable and Jordan kept Ambrose against a corner while Punk and TJP focused on Cena. At ringside, Allie repeatedly bashed Paige's face against the announce table, shouting that her Money in the Bank briefcase will be coming to Catch Point at The Bash. Catch Point looked to be in complete control of the SmackDown Live elite when suddenly, "No More Words" by Endeverafter sounded. The roof just about came off of the Canadian Tire Centre as Catch Point turned their attention to the stage. Just like that, Jeff Hardy came running down the entrance ramp. "'The Charismatic Enigma' is on SmackDown Live!" screamed Rob Naylor into his headset over the raucous audience in Ottawa. As soon as Hardy slid into the ring, Punk, TJP and Allie ran out as fast as they could. Hardy withstood Gable and Jordan on his own, taking both out with Twist of Fates! Hardy stood against the ropes, shouting at the Catch Point members that got away. Punk, who was the man that banished Hardy from the WWE five years ago, looked as if he had just seen a ghost. TJP and Allie shared Punk's shock as Hardy was joined by Zayn, Rhodes, Cena, Ambrose and Paige, all five of them just as stunned as anybody else by the presence of one of the most decorated superstars in WWE history. Jeff Hardy is back, and the battle between SmackDown Live's brass and Catch Point may have just seen its turning point!
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Post by tg11 on Dec 14, 2018 9:33:23 GMT -5
- I am so glad that Jeff Hardy is back in a WWE ring but more importantly this is Jeff's return to the company. Jeff hasn't been seen on WWE TV in over 5 years. The last time he was ever on TV on a WWE broadcast was 2009 when CM Punk forced Jeff Hardy to leave WWE and now Jeff Hardy is back in 2014 on a WWE broadcast but more importantly as a member of the Smackdown Live roster. Jeff Hardy in his return who does he go after? He goes after the WWE Champion The Best in the World CM Punk as well as Catch Point. I think more or less everyone is shocked by Jeff's return especially people like Cody Rhodes, Paige, Cena and Ambrose
- Samoa Joe vs Shane McMahon at The Bash...I think this feud will become more personal with Shane and Joe? Why I say that is because I think The Chairman of this company Mr. McMahon...Vince will get involved in this feud. I think Vince will somehow show up on Smackdown Live and address Samoa Joe. Then what I think will happen is Samoa Joe will end up attacking Vince similarly to what Kevin Owens did to Vince in real life attacking Vince on a Smackdown episode which is what I think Samoa Joe will do. Samoa Joe will end up beating the hell out of Vince as a way to send a message to Shane and then after the attack Stephanie McMahon will show up getting in Samoa Joe's face similarly to what Stephanie did to KO after he attacked Vince. I see it becoming personal with Shane and Joe especially considering if Joe wins he gets a WWE Championship opportunity whenever he wants it...but I wonder what happens if Shane wins this match?
- Almas having to defend his WWE Cruiserweight Championship against not only Tyler Breeze but Johnny Gargano too at the same time in a Triple Threat Match at The Bash...this puts Andrade at a serious disadvantage considering he doesn't even have to be pinned to lose the title
- Roderick Strong beating Daivari, Dar and Alexander in a Fatal 4 Way Match pretty much just guarantees that Strong more or less will end up as a mainstay in the Cruiserweight Division and if that is the case I can see him being next in line for a shot especially after he just won this match
- Baron Corbin attacking both Strong and Alexander just goes to show us just how much of a beast Corbin is or really could be if he is built up properly
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Post by Planktung on Dec 17, 2018 15:35:05 GMT -5
Four years ago today, I wrote the most important match I ever have and ever will.
"Do Your Worst" by New Years Day
You got a nasty little side of you that's new to me I wish I knew the signs were on the wall for all to see A penny for your thoughts, a dollar for a rational one You never see the glass is anything but empty
So make your move I dare you
If this is sugar then it's not so sweet If this is blood then honey it's not deep So go and do your worst and I'll do mine But you cannot leave somebody that's been gone for quite some time
Oh what a nerve to wear a smile at a time like this You sugar coat the world when pain is at your fingertips I place the world down at your feet and then you stumble So go ahead and leave I'll just sit back and watch while you fall
So make your move I dare you
If this is sugar then it's not so sweet If this is blood then honey it's not deep So go and do your worst and I'll do mine But you cannot leave somebody that's been gone for quite some time
Your thoughts delusional When the ground opens up You're to far gone to see it swallow you whole
If this is sugar then it's not so sweet If this is blood then honey it's not deep So go and do your worst and I'll do mine But you cannot leave somebody that's been gone for quite some time
This isn't a "kayfabe" post relating to Heretics or anything of that sort. This is just me breaking the fourth wall to talk about the impact of the original Last Diva Standing match on not only Hashtag and Heretics, but on myself as a writer.
When I started Hashtag in February 2012, women's wrestling was in a far different spot than it is now, both in my universe and real life. For as long as Hashtag exited, the plan for WrestleMania 29 was Paige vs. AJ Lee for the Divas Championship. It was set in stone that those were the two who I wanted to build the division around. In July of that year, I got the idea for a blood feud to come as a result of Paige retaining at WrestleMania. Everything you guys (maybe) read from their original rivalry was conceived in my head more than two years before any of it was actually written and posted.
Along with the idea to have AJ turn heel and beat Paige for the title in England, I thought of a possible hardcore match for the two at Extreme Rules. It was just an idea at the time and nothing I gave serious consideration to since I knew it would be a long, long while before I reached that show.
Fast forward a few months to February 2013, and I started to become very bored with writing a sim that was meant to be as close of a portrayal to real life as possible. This isn't a shot at anyone from back in the day who enjoyed doing this type of fantasy booking, but for me, it was creatively hindering. The rule of this board that we all had to be "realistic" was something I found to be rather dumb, so I wanted to challenge that. I started thinking ahead about what I could do to stand out from everyone else and push the envelope to turn Hashtag into something that I could be proud of. I returned to the idea of Paige and AJ having a special match at Extreme Rule, and thought about the two having a Last Diva Standing match since that was something that no one (at least to my knowledge) on the site had done before. Along with that, the story of Paige feeling hurt and betrayed by AJ led to me piecing together the most violent match I could possibly think of for the two at the time, incorporating blood, barbed wire and thumbtacks. However, being that I used to change my plans rather frequently, I figured this wouldn't stick. I thought for sure I'd think of something else along the way, or I'd just decide to back out of it myself.
When the time came to initiate the Paige vs. AJ storyline in mid-2014, I knew that this really was the direction I wanted to go in. However, I knew very well that this was dangerous. This was the riskiest, most ambitious, and probably dumbest thing that anyone on WF's sims board would ever attempt to write and convince people was a good idea. Not only because of how violent the match was, but also because it was going to be the main event of a PPV, something that had never been done before. There was no precedent for any of this, so I wanted to be the one to set it. I wanted to show everyone that they didn't have to conform to the idea of being realistic for the sake of it. Along with that, I hoped that this would be what inspired people to take women's wrestling more seriously and give their female talent more opportunities to be main event acts. This ended up becoming a move that went beyond my own desire to stand out and be different. I wanted to be the one who pushed everyone else to do the same.
For anyone who hasn't read the match before, or wants to see it again, here it is in full. The first-ever Last Diva Standing match.
"For the first time in WWE history, two Divas will main event a Pay-Per-View, and it is not going to be for the faint of heart. Viewer discretion is strongly advised" said Cole before a video package began to air with "Do Your Worst" by New Years Day playing in the background. The video began with the definition of 'hate' being displayed, which was "to dislike intensely or passionately; feel extreme aversion for or extreme hostility toward; detest." We then saw the finish from Paige and AJ's match at WrestleMania XXIX, where AJ was forced to submit to the Scorpion Cross Lock. The loss had affected AJ to the point where the following night on RAW, she announced her retirement from professional wrestling. Paige was able to bring AJ out of retirement by granting her a rematch for the Divas Championship, this time in Paige's home country of England. It was there that AJ shocked the world by betraying Paige, aligning herself with Kaitlyn to become the new Divas Champion. Paige would target both women, stopping at nothing to get her hands on them. The first-ever Last Diva Standing match for the Divas Championship was announced as Stephanie McMahon, who recruited AJ and Kaitlyn for The Committee, attempted to weaken Paige. The 'Anti Diva' shocked the world by bringing out a barbed wire baseball bat on SmackDown, Stephanie vowing to punish her for her actions. This past Monday on RAW, Paige delivered a speech in which she told Stephanie that she would rip AJ apart limb from limb and did not care what the repercussions were for herself and the WWE as a whole. The video concluded with Paige holding up her barbed wire baseball bat, pointing it at AJ and Kaitlyn.
Cutting back to the arena, the entrance music of Paige hit to a great response from the audience. The 'Anti Diva' marched down to the ring with the barbed wire bat in her hands, though she also had a backpack with her as we saw on the Extreme Rules Kickoff Show. After throwing the bat into the ring, Paige looked underneath the ring and brought out multiple steel chairs, throwing all of them into the ring as well. She made her way to the adjacent side of the ring, bringing out a table from underneath the ring. She set it up while John Bradshaw Layfield said that she is completely careless right now. "This maniac doesn't give a damn about her well being or anyone else's," he said. Paige then ironically made her way over to the announce table, removing everything from the surface. She stepped into the ring, placing the backpack in a corner before setting up one of the chairs. Paige sat in it while holding the barbed wire bat, waiting for the arrival of her adversary. AJ Lee's theme song soon hit as the Divas Champion slowly made her way out to the stage along with Kaitlyn. The two stared at Paige as AJ took a deep breath and began to walk down to the ring. When she and Kaitlyn got close, Paige sat up and took the chair that she was sitting in, throwing it at the two! AJ and Kaitlyn managed to move out of the way, but Paige slid out of the ring and charged at the Divas Champion, officially beginning the match!
LAST DIVA STANDING MATCH FOR THE DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIP - AJ LEE VS. PAIGE: For the first, and perhaps only, time in history, a Divas bout main events a Pay-Per-View! Paige took AJ down with a Thesz Press, firing away with strikes onto her before ramming the back of her head against the floor repeatedly. Kaitlyn pulled Paige off of AJ, only to be met with a kick to the midsection before being thrown into the steel ring post. AJ then jumped onto Paige's back, only to be thrown back onto the ground. Paige rolled AJ into the ring as she tried to crawl away, but noticed the barbed wire bat in her. Paige brought AJ up to her feet, throwing her into a corner. The 'Anti Diva' stomped away on AJ repeatedly, not allowing the official enough time to begin the ten count. "This isn't about the Divas Title anymore. Paige wants to hurt AJ, and she's going to," said Jerry Lawler. Paige set one of the steel chairs up before taking AJ and placing her in position for Sidewalk Slam. Paige hit it onto the chair, AJ's body breaking it! AJ screamed in pain as Paige took the barbed wire bat, ready to strike with it. Kaitlyn, however, grabbed Paige's legs from underneath the bottom rope, pulling her out of the ring. Kaitlyn hit Paige with a few elbow strikes but the 'Anti Diva' was able to push her away and deliver a Superkick! Paige stepped onto the ring apron, looking back at AJ, who was getting to her feet as the official counted. Paige then looked down at Kaitlyn, who was lying on the table that was set up prior to the start of the match. Paige leaped off of the ring apron, hitting Kaitlyn with an Elbow Drop through the table! Paige made her way back into the ring, but AJ was able to grab one of the steel chairs and throw it at her! Paige fell to the canvas as AJ threw another chair at her back, trying to become comfortable in this environment that was uncharted territory for any Diva. AJ set up a chair before throwing Paige into the ropes, delivering a drop toe hold that sent Paige's face crashing into the seat of the chair! AJ got back to her feet as the official began the count, the Divas Championship hoping that Paige wouldn't get to her feet. The 'Anti Diva' met the ten count, however, which only infuriated AJ. She took one of the chairs, but Paige was able to kick it into her face! Paige then picked AJ up off of the canvas, delivering a Suplex onto the pile of chairs! Paige picked up the barbed wire bat as the official began the count. "Just stay down, AJ! If you get up, you're not going to like the view!" said John Bradshaw Layfield on commentary. AJ was able to get to her feet at around seven, but noticed that Paige had the barbed wire bat in her hands! AJ backed into a corner as there looked to be nowhere for her to run. Paige swung the bat, but AJ was able to slide underneath her. The barbed wire got caught in the turnbuckle as Paige tried to rip it out. AJ capitalized on the situation and pushed Paige into the barbed wire bat, her neck and chest coming into contact with it. Paige fell back onto the mat as she held her neck while gagging. AJ then forced the barbed wire bat out of the turnbuckle, the weapon now in her possession. AJ laughed to herself while holding the bat, waiting for Paige to turn around. AJ then charged at Paige, striking her in the face with the bat! Paige remained down on the canvas for a bit while holding her face while AJ smiled sadistically. When Paige got to her feet, blood could be seen on her nose as a result of the barbed wire bat shot. The official began the count, but Paige was able to make it to her feet. AJ swung the barbed wire bat at her head, but Paige dodged the strike and grabbed AJ, throwing her onto the pile of steel chairs with a German Suplex! Both Divas were now down as replays of both the barbed wire bat shot and German Suplex were shown. Paige was able to get to her feet first, AJ barely doing so in time. Paige then took the barbed wire baseball bat and began to stalk AJ with it. When the Divas Champion turned around, Paige returned the favor and struck her with the bat! AJ rolled out of the ring as the official began to make the count. AJ lifted her head up as blood was shown on her lip. Paige made her way out to ringside, waiting for AJ to get to her feet. When she did so at a count of eight, Paige grabbed AJ and bounced her head off of the announce table. She placed AJ on the table before stepping onto it herself, bringing the Divas Champion up to her feet. Paige grabbed AJ's face and said, "This blood is on your hands!" She then placed AJ in position for Rampaige as the audience went wild, the commentators pleading with her not to do this. Without listening to them, Paige delivered Rampaige onto the announce table! Both Divas remained down on the surface of the table as a replay of the maneuver was shown, AJ's face colliding with the table. Paige slowly pushed AJ off of the table and onto the floor as the official began counting. At the count of nine, AJ showed signs of life and used the table to help her up to her feet. Paige would then grab AJ and throw her into the ring, placing her on the top turnbuckle. The Divas Champion was still in a daze as Paige positioned her for a Superplex, hitting it as the two landed on the pile of steel chairs! "Please, let that be it! She's going to kill AJ!" said Bradshaw as Cole and Lawler were inclined to agree with him. Paige got to her feet soon as she waited to see if AJ would do the same. The Divas Champion crawled towards the ropes, using them to help her get to her feet. Paige got a hold of AJ by her hair, throwing her into the ropes. AJ, however, was able to find a second wind as she dodged a Clothesline from Paige, locking her in the Black Widow! AJ had the hold cinched in while screaming for Paige to stay down. Paige tried to fight out of it, but there was nowhere for her to go. Paige dropped to her knees before AJ released the hold, telling the official to make the count. It looked as if Paige was not going to make it to her feet in time, but she was able to do so at nine. AJ took the barbed wire baseball bat, hoping that one more strike would keep Paige down. The 'Anti Diva' was able to dodged the shot, taking AJ and planting her with a Spinebuster. The official began the count, but AJ showed signs of life halfway through and began to get to her feet. Knowing that she would have to go the extra mile to keep AJ down, Paige walked towards the backpack that she brought with her. She opened it and looked through it before bringing out a small black bag. "No......" said Michael Cole on commentary as Paige showed the audience the bag, everyone in the arena going wild. "Someone stop her!!!" shouted Bradshaw as Paige opened the bag, pouring thumbtacks onto the canvas! "Holy sh*t!" chants filled the atmosphere as AJ noticed the tacks before she attempted to get out of the ring. Paige wouldn't allow AJ to escape as she grabbed her and brought her closer to the tacks. AJ retaliated with a few elbow strikes, desperate to get away. AJ freed herself from Paige before stepping onto the second rope, looking to deliver a Tornado DDT. Paige, however, was able to prevent the maneuver, countering it into a Paige Turner onto the thumbtacks! At that moment, the WWE Universe erupted as the commentators remained silent, Cole and Lawler looking away from the ring. AJ and Paige both screamed pain as cameras showed the thumbtacks stuck in AJ's back and Paige's shoulder. Both Divas crawled to the ropes to help them get to their feet, both doing so in time. AJ stood in a corner, still in shock over the fact that thumbtacks had pierced her body. Paige removed some of the tacks from her shoulder before charging towards AJ, who was able to get a foot up. Paige fell onto the canvas as the count began, AJ staring at the backpack. In her mind, she wondered just what else could be in there. The Divas Champion walked towards the backpack, looking inside as he jaw dropped. AJ reached inside before bringing out two things - matches and lighter fluid. The crowd popped again as AJ stared at the objects in disbelief. She turned back to Paige, walking up to her and pouring the lighter fluid onto her. Paige was able to push AJ away before taking her down with a Clothesline. The count began by the official, but Paige knew that AJ would be back to her feet. She took the barbed wire baseball bat, standing in a corner while waiting for AJ to get to her feet. However, Committee members Derrick Bateman, Randy Orton and Batista ran down to ringside, the former two putting aside their differences seemingly to help out one of their own at a time of need. Bateman grabbed Paige's legs while Orton and Batista held her arms, keeping her in position. "Take the bat! Take the bat!" said Orton to AJ as the Divas Champion picked it up. Before she could strike Paige with it, CM Punk and Wade Barrett hit the scene as the audience erupted for them. Punk and Barrett attacked Bateman, Orton and Batista, picking up where they left off at the conclusion of RAW last Monday. Punk threw Bateman into the ring post before focusing on Orton. Back in the ring, Paige took the barbed wire baseball bat and struck AJ in the back with it before taking a breather in a corner while the official began the count. Barrett and Batista brawled until the latter raked the eyes of the former, charging into him with a Spear through the barricade and into the time keeper's area! On the side of the ring with the announce tables, Punk was looking to deliver a Go to Sleep to the 'Viper,' but Orton was able to fight out of it and deliver an RKO. When Orton got to his feet, however, Paige launched herself through the second rope with a Suicide Dive, catching Orton and taking him down with a Tornado DDT! "Paige just took out Orton!" said Cole before the 'Anti Diva' made her way back into the ring, Bradshaw saying that none of this would have ever happened if Triple H, Stephanie McMahon and Kane were here right now. Paige picked AJ up to her feet, looking to throw her into the thumbtacks again. However, AJ was able to prevent it by hitting Paige with a Russian Leg Sweep onto a chair. Derrick Bateman regained consciousness at ringside as he pulled a table out from underneath the ring, setting it up in the same position where the table was earlier in the night when he lost the United States Championship. Bateman stepped into the ring, but not before looking at the camera and saying, "I'm going to make you proud, Hunter." Bateman would then wait for Paige to get to her feet before grabbing her by her hair. To protect herself, Paige kicked Bateman below the belt! Mr. Money in the Bank stepped out onto the ring apron while holding his groin area, Paige picking up the barbed wire baseball bat, charging into Bateman with it. The barbed wire struck him in the face as he fell back onto the table! "For the second time tonight, Derrick Bateman had been put through a table! This time, courtesy of Paige!" said Michael Cole. When Paige turned around, she walked towards AJ, who struck her in the mid section with one of the chairs. AJ took the barbed wire bat and struck Paige with it, telling the official to begin counting. Paige began to move at the count of seven as AJ looked through the backpack, bringing out the last object that was in it - handcuffs. She placed Paige's arms behind her back and cuffed her, leaving the 'Anti Diva' practically defenseless. Paige sat on her knees while AJ laughed at her, saying that it was all about to be over. AJ ran towards Paige, catching her with a Shining Wizard! AJ stood in a corner, believing that she was on the verge of victory. However, Paige to crawl towards the ropes, biting the bottom one while using her knees to get back to her feet! AJ couldn't believe that Paige was still in this, the 'Anti Diva' shouting at AJ, "I will  ing kill you!" though the censors caught her. As Paige walked towards her, Kaitlyn, who was put through a table at the start of the match, slid into the ring and Speared the handcuffed Paige onto the pile of thumbtacks! Kaitlyn helped AJ back up to her feet in the corner as Paige remained down on the tacks. "It's over, AJ. She's not getting up. You won," said Kaitlyn as AJ remained in a state of shock while staring at Paige. The 'Anti Diva' did not meet the ten count this time. AJ LEE RETAINS THE DIVAS CHAMPIONSHIP!
The WWE Universe did not boo or cheer at the result. They simply remained silent after witnessing one of the most barbaric, shocking and unfathomable matches in WWE history. One that will not be forgotten any time soon. Kaitlyn helped AJ Lee out of the ring as she took the Divas Championship from ringside, handing it to her. Randy Orton and Batista regained consciousness as Kaitlyn asked the 'Viper' to help her with AJ. "She's shaking like crazy right now," said Kaitlyn as she and Orton helped AJ up the entrance ramp. She would be leaving tonight as the Divas Championship, but she did not look like a winner at all. Cameras showed the thumbtacks still in AJ's back as she was assisted to the backstage area. Batista began to follow them before noticing that Derrick Bateman was still down at ringside after being put through a table following a barbed wire baseball bat shot. Batista grabbed Bateman by his legs and dragged him up the entrance ramp. In the ring, Paige had not moved an inch since receiving a Spear into the pile of thumbtacks. The medical staff tended to her as CM Punk and Wade Barrett, who came to her aid during the match, made their way into the ring and checked on her. Barrett look ed through the backpack that Paige had brought out, finding the key to the handcuffs. The cuffs were removed from Paige as she was slowly taken off of the thumbtack pile. The 'Anti Diva' regained consciousness as she refused any medical attention, screaming at them to let her go. Paige slid out of the ring as Punk and Barrett tried to help her, but she pushed them away. "I said I'm fine!" screamed Paige before collapsing onto the ground. She stood on her knees while crying. Similar to AJ at WrestleMania, she wasn't crying because of the pain, but because she failed to win the Divas Championship. The audience gave Paige a standing ovation, but it wasn't enough to lift her spirit. Punk and Barrett helped Paige to her feet as she allowed them to do so this time. They helped her up the entrance ramp before looking back at the audience, Paige still heartbroken over the fact that after damn-near killing both AJ and herself in a match that will go down in history as one of the most memorable that we have ever seen, she will be leaving Extreme Rules tonight without the Divas Championship.
When the match was finished and I posted Extreme Rules, I was honestly scared. I didn't know how people were going to receive everything, or if anyone would ever take me seriously again. At the time, my life wasn't exactly in the brightest spot. I wasn't talking to any of my friends. I barely talked to my parents. I didn't leave my house. And If I can be completely transparent with everyone, I was thinking about suicide a lot. Very, very few things were able to bring me any bit of happiness, but simming could. The Sims Board was almost all that I had back then, and if I became the laughing stock of the site over my desire to be different, it would've crushed me. But for whatever reason, I wasn't laughed at entirely. I know that there are a lot of people who resented the match, but it felt like there were just as many people who either enjoyed the match, or at the very least gave me credit for going through with it. That meant the world to me and I don't think I could ever express how grateful I am for that.
It's just a match, and I get that. There shouldn't be any reason for me to be so sentimental about a piece of literature, but I can honestly say that writing this match changed my life. It gave me confidence in my abilities as a storyteller that I didn't have before. For the first time, it felt like I had finally found my purpose in life, which is to share my stories with the world. I knew that no matter how bad my life was - and it would stay bad for a long while after all of this - I had an ability that very few others had, and that was enough to make me want to continue on living to find out what I'm capable of.
This match also changed as much in my fantasy universe as it did in my personal life. Because of this match, Paige went on to compete in the first-ever women's Hell in a Cell match. AJ Lee headlined another Pay-Per-View in December at TLC, becoming the first Women's Champion of the modern era. Paige made it to the final two in the Royal Rumble match. AJ captained a WarGames team to victory at Battleground. She became a four-time champion at WrestleMania, and on that same show, Paige became the first woman in history to main event it by beating Bray Wyatt in Hell in a Cell. Paige won Money in the Bank, and AJ is embroiled in the biggest storyline I've ever thought of. My ideas became even more bold and risky going forward, which has kept Heretics alive. None of that happens without this match at Extreme Rules. There's a good chance that this diary wouldn't even still be around if it wasn't for the original Last Diva Standing.
This gives me the chance to emphasize a point I've been needing to make. Anyone who still sees this a wrestling sim, stop. Please don't. This isn't a sim anymore and it hasn't been for a long while. This is me putting my creativity on display in as broad and sophisticated of a manner as I possibly can. There are going to be things happening soon that you can't look at though the lenses of a wrestling sims reader. Some really, really controversial and challenging ideas that bring forward a lot of taboo subjects. I know those don't belong here, but I want to tell this story to everyone because this board has been the home to this diary for almost seven years. You all deserve to see the ending to not just Paige's story, but all of the characters for that matter. I'm not trying to be a booker. I'm not trying to tell everyone here that this is how wrestling should be presented. I just want to tell a story, and I'm more than appreciative to be given the chance to do that.
Saying that Last Diva Standing changed my life might be an understatement, because for all I know, it could've saved it.
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Post by tg11 on Dec 17, 2018 18:29:14 GMT -5
Now that the anniversary of Last Diva Standing is over I mean we are more or less headed towards The Bash and that being said after The Bash we have Vengeance but after those PPVs I am guessing is SummerSlam
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Post by Planktung on Dec 18, 2018 16:12:36 GMT -5
Friday, July 11th, 2014
Four days had passed since the horrific conclusion to Monday Night RAW where Emma forced her index finger down Alexa Bliss' throat, causing her to vomit on live television. The scene itself was bad enough, but the situation only escalated once the WWE Universe remembered that Alexa has been very candid in the past about her history with an eating disorder. Emma knew of this weakness, and that's exactly why she targeted Alexa in the most fragile, delicate spot she possibly could. The RAW Women's Champion and Ms. Money in the Bank wasn't out to just defeat Alexa at Vengeance next Saturday. She wants to ruin her life and ensure that she stays on top of the women's division in WWE.
WWE issued an apology on the social media the day following RAW, and promised to take action against Emma. No one has followed through on that promise, though, because of Alexa's request that she be the one to make Emma suffer. In the meantime, however, 'Little Miss Bliss' is in no condition to compete. Physically, she's fine and was only shaken up following the incident. Mentally, that's where Alexa needs to tread lightly and think about what she's doing and how much the future of her career - and life for that matter - mean to her.
To provide an update to the WWE Universe on how she's been dealing with everything since Monday, Alexa recorded an episode of Lilian Garcia's podcast, Chasing Glory, the recording being done over Skype since Alexa insisted that she stay in Columbus with family who were watching over her to ensure that she didn't fall back into bad habits.
Lilian: "Let's not focus on the negatives right away because I don't want this episode to focus on just what happened to you this past Monday. For those listening who may not know your story, how did you get involved in professional wrestling?"
Alexa: "I watched when I was younger. Wrestling, specifically WWE, was kind of the thing that brought my family together every week. It was our way of bonding, but then, I went and ruined that for myself."
Lilian: "How so?"
Alexa: "Uh, there was this one time where my mom told me that I needed to clean my room, and I had this bright idea to respond to her with, 'I've got two words for you...' So, she said that she had two words for me and grounded me. I wasn't allowed to watch wrestling at our house anymore, so I would go to my grandmother's instead to watch it."
Lilian: "Other than story being hilarious, I think it's interesting because for years, women in the WWE were given a bad rep because of the misconception that they were all models who just wanted their fifteen minutes of fame. This was something that you've wanted your whole life then, right?"
Alexa: "I wouldn't say it was something I wanted my whole life because when I was a fan growing up, I never thought this was a thing I could actually make a career out of. It never crossed my mind to give wrestling a shot."
Lilian: "So what made you interested in getting involved?"
Alexa: "I caught wind of a website where WWE was advertising their tryouts. I just sent in a video application, thinking nothing of it. A few weeks later, I got a call back from Canyon Ceman. Since his job is to scout people from athletic endeavors outside of WWE, I'm assuming that he wanted to go forward with my application since I have a background in bodybuilding and was even in the Arnold Classic at one point. I got invited to a tryout in Tampa since the Performance Center was still in construction."
Lilian: "How was that? Because I've heard before from people like Paige and Rollins that the FCW warehouse was, not to be mean, a dump."
Alexa: "At the time, you don't really think anything of it. Once the PC opened, it made you appreciate every little thing about it that the FCW warehouse didn't have."
Lilian: "So, you got invited to a tryout. Was there anyone else from that camp who got signed along with you?"
Alexa: "I know this may sound like I'm just trying to put myself over, but I was literally the only person from that tryout to get signed. I know that nowadays, they sign bulks of people for 'classes,' but it used to be a very selective process."
Lilian: "So then, I have two questions. One, how did you feel when you were told that you would be offered a contract? And two, were any promises made to you initially?"
Alexa: "Oh, I was ecstatic. When I sent in my application through that website, I had no expectations whatsoever. So, for just that one video to turn into me becoming not only a WWE superstar, but one of the most successful on the roster today is beyond surreal. As far as if I was made any promises, all I was told was that I'd be going to NXT and there was no set timeframe for how long I'd be there."
Lilian: "I think a lot of people forget that you were actually in NXT. When the brand was building its name and starting to draw attention, you were there for all of that."
Alexa: "It's a weird thing to try to explain. I was physically in NXT, but it never really felt like I was, you know? I signed towards the end of 2012 and got there at the end of Paige's run."
Lilian: "Did you ever get to speak with Paige before she left?"
Alexa: "Twice. The first time was when I reported to NXT and made it a priority to shake everyone's hand and not get off on the wrong foot. The second was after we ran through a match during a training session with Sara Amato. She said that I did have a lot of work to do in the ring, which I knew. At the same time, she was very encouraging and told me not to take crap from anybody because all of us girls in NXT were out to take the same spot on the main roster. That moment really meant everything to me because I remember coming into NXT and very quickly, I thought I wasn't going to make it. I called my mom and told her that wrestling wasn't for me and that I wanted to just give up. It wasn't just the in-ring work or learning to talk in front of cameras that was intimidating. A lot of the girls down there at the time didn't like me. They saw me as just another fitness model trying to play wrestler, which pissed me off so much because I've never even done fitness modeling. If it wasn't for Paige being nice to me when she had absolutely no reason to, I don't think I would've weathered the storm in NXT. And that hurts me a bit to say considering the way I treated Paige later on..."
Lilian: "I do want to take the conversation back to Paige in a bit, but let's talk about NXT again for a second. Admittedly, I know very little about what you accomplished there. What did you feel like your role in Orlando was?"
Alexa: "So... telling this story requires me to be open about some dark things. Let me backtrack a bit, if I can."
Lilian: "Of course."
Alexa: "When I was around 15, I developed an eating disorder. It started because I was doing cheerleading at the time, and because I was a gymnast, I had a broader frame than all of the other girls. I'd look back at pictures from the football games and manifested this thought in my head that I was fat. Combine that with the fact that I had just broken up with the guy I was dating, I couldn't shake off this feeling that there was something wrong with my body and that everyone thought I hideous. Before it blew up into a full-on eating disorder, it was just simple dieting. I started to watch what I was eating, and trying to be healthy. When I started weighing myself, the number on the scale became an obsession of mine. Every little drop I'd see in it, I'd ask myself, 'Okay, what's the next step? What number can I get to now?' From there, I started to really look into calories and nutrition facts. I made these little notecards that matched different foods I liked with the number of calories attached to it, and that's how I'd determine my calorie intake every day. I remember there was an instance at cheerleading practice after school. That day, I had already met my 'quota' for calories, but I was still so hungry. I literally chewed a protein bar and then spit it out just so I could have the taste of food in my mouth."
Lilian: "If I may ask, what exactly was your 'quota' for calories?"
Alexa: "150 a day."
Lilian: "Are you serious?"
Alexa: "Yes. And because of that, in six weeks, I went from weighing 130 to 90."
Lilian: "... Oh my God..."
Alexa: "What I didn't take into account during that was my mom had gone through an eating disorder when she was younger, so she knew the signs like how I would smell food but not eat it, or break up my food into very tiny pieces. I remember the last football game before I was hospitalized, my parents brought me food and practically begged me to eat it."
Lilian: "So what did you do?"
Alexa: "I threw the food at my mom and told her that she can't make me eat. I was so, so terrified of trying to eat anything that I just somehow thought would bring back all of the weight I had lost. A few days later, I got into the car with my parents and they said we were going to church. What ended up happening was they took me to a hospital. They checked my heart rate and it was at 28 beats per minutes. The doctors told my parents that they were going to keep me with or without their consent because I was one day away from dying."
Lilian: "So, if they hadn't taken you the hospital on the exact they did..."
Alexa: "I would've died in my sleep that night."
Lilian: "... So, were you open to be admitted into the hospital once you knew the severity of what was happening?"
Alexa: "I was and I wasn't. Once I knew that I was on the verge of death, I wanted to do whatever I could do get better. But the doctors there weren't necessarily knowledgable in how to help someone overcome an eating disorder. They gave me food to try to stabilize my heart rate, and what ended up happening was the food spiked it. I almost went into cardiac arrest because my body was in so much shock from the food they were giving me. Like, I was mentally ready to try to be healthy again, but my body wasn't."
Lilian: "How long were you there?"
Alexa: "I stayed hospitalized for about six weeks because my heart rate just wasn't coming back. The doctors put me on 4,000 calories a day, which is a lot, but it was because I was still losing weight. I burned more calories in my sleep than when I was awake. Whenever I had meals, the doctors would sit with me for an hour to make sure that I was eating and not trying to throw anything away. After the six weeks of being there, I gained three pounds and my heart rate finally stabilized, so I was discharged."
Lilian: "And was that your only struggle with it?"
Alexa: "No. When I went to college and started doing cheerleading there, my coach would measure our body fat percentages every week. She'd tell me things like, 'If you get down to this weight, you'll be on the nationals team.' She basically said that if I didn't make a certain weight, I wouldn't get anywhere in cheer. I was upfront with her and said that I wasn't comfortable with any of that. Again, so many things went into my episode. I was away from home for the first time. I was stressing out over school, and then I was essentially told that if I didn't lose weight, I wouldn't be on the cheerleading squad anymore. So, this time, I went from 118 to 84 pounds. After a football game, I just left."
Lilian: "Like, left the team?"
Alexa: "Yeah. Still in my uniform, I told my teammates that I appreciated the opportunity, but for my own sake, I had to go. The next day, I readmitted myself into the hospital because I knew that I was at that stage again where I needed help."
Lilian: "Was this for six weeks again?"
Alexa: "It was even longer this time because I heart rate dropped even further, and because the program was completely different this time. When I first went, like I said, it was all about feeding me and stabilizing my heart rate. The second time, there was a much greater focus on the mental health aspect. That was helpful, but at the same time, there was a woman at the Center for Balanced Living who wanted to do a story on me because she had never seen such an extreme case. She would have me take a bite of something and was like, 'How does that feel? Does it make you feel fat?' She didn't mean to be demeaning, but her sessions would only make me feel worse."
Lilian: "Was there a moment in all of this where you suddenly snapped into it and told yourself that you were going to get better?"
Alexa: "So, when I left the program, I went to Florida with my mom. Right before that, I remember being with my best friend, Erin, and she was the person who I felt most comfortable with being around during that time. You know, I could eat with her. I could talk with her about what I was going through. One day, she looked at me and said, 'Lex, if you think you're fat, what do you think I look like?' And I didn't know what to say to her because my eating disorder was never about how others looked at me or how I looked at them. It was about how I looked at myself. I never wanted to try to force anything onto anybody, and now, my best friend was starting to doubt herself because of me. I didn't want somebody to develop their own eating disorder because I influenced them to. And that's what I felt like I had the potential to do without knowing it. Then, I wanted to be that person who showed that you're not defined by your demons."
Lilian: "No, you're not. Nobody is, and I'm really glad that you have this platform where you can share that type of story and possibly help someone out who's in your same position."
Alexa: "What's funny to me is the first time I acknowledged my eating disorder publicly, it was on the RAW before the Royal Rumble a few months ago. I told AJ Lee that if an eating disorder couldn't kill me, then she couldn't, neither. At the time, I was still reporting to the Performance Center on a semi-regular basis, so I'd still get fan mail sent there. It wasn't a whole lot I'd get back then just because you know, I was still new to the main roster and not many people liked me, but there was one letter from a young girl who said that she was currently fighting an eating disorder, and my words to AJ inspired her to not let that or anything else try to take her life from her. That's the first time it clicked with me that my story is worth something because when I said all of that to AJ, it was just to send a message to her that she couldn't beat me. It was never about inspiring others, but I had to tell myself that there's a reason why I'm the one who was thrust into this position and not someone else from NXT because it really could've been any of us who made it to the main roster. I have to believe that it was me for a reason."
Lilian: "That brings me back to something I wanted to bring up earlier. When you were in NXT, you started out as Alex Riley's cheerleader, didn't you? How did that come about and why was it so short-lived?"
Alexa: "Alex Riley was trying to resurrect the whole 'Varsity Villain' thing from before, and he heard that I had a background in cheerleading from high school and college. He didn't know anything about my past, so I don't fault him for this, but he had asked me if I wanted to be his cheerleader. That was my first break on NXT, so I couldn't say no, but the reality is that I hated everything about those fews months with him because I had so many bad memories attached to cheerleading. It would just remind me of my eating disorder and I wanted nothing to do with it, but I thought that if I said no to him, word would get around the PC that I was difficult to work with and at the time, I was just some girl who had no business being there. I was worried I'd get fired if I didn't take on that role."
Lilian: "So how did you get out of it?"
Alexa: "Riley and I went away from the Full Sail tapings for a bit to try to flesh out our characters on the house show loop, which did relieve me of some pressure because I figured that there was a chance NXT would lose faith in our duo and try to steer us into different directions. The moment that everything changed for me in NXT was... so, back when I was there, something all of us girls started doing with Sara Amato was we'd watch the Pay-Per-Views together as tape study. We had no idea what was coming, but the first show we had a viewing party for was Extreme Rules 2013..."
Lilian: "Oh... no..."
Alexa: "I vividly remember watching the show happen, and in the middle of it, we saw the graphic for the Six Man Tag with, you know, Cena and Brock and all of them. And we thought, 'Oh, Undertaker and Bray are going on last.' And then when they went on, we all realized what was happening. Paige and AJ main evented, but instead of their match inspiring all of us to keep pushing forward with our dreams, it scared us because now, we thought, 'Oh my God, is that what we're going to have to do to make it to the main roster?' None of us got into this business so that we could fall onto thumbtacks or be hit with barbed wire. The next day, I skipped training. Then again the next day, and the next day. I called Sara and Albert and just told them I needed some time to myself to think about what I was doing, and that's when they told me that most of the other girls did the same thing because we were all shaken up by the Last Diva Standing match and the impact that we knew it was going to have on wrestling."
Lilian: "Did any of the girls choose not to go back?"
Alexa: "Yes. I found out while I was away that Audrey Marie and Aksana asked for their releases because they didn't want to even think about mutilating themselves for this."
Lilian: "How much time did NXT give you off?"
Alexa: "It wasn't supposed to be as long as it was, I know that. Maybe just a few weeks or so, but what ended up happening was that while I was gone, Alex Riley got fired. So now, I didn't have a role. I was told to come up with ideas and pitch it to them. Murphy, who I was dating at the time, tried to brainstorm ideas with me and we had this plan of me becoming a manager for himself and Blake, but I really didn't want to be in another role where I was just looking on from the outside. Once all of the shock from Last Diva Standing wore off, I realized that I had the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself. Women's wrestling was going into a completely new direction. It was at the forefront of WWE thanks to women like Paige, AJ, Kaitlyn and Sofia. Yes, they were putting themselves through excruciating pain, but what stood out to me was that they always got back up and were ready for more. Being away from NXT and watching this revolution unfold just as a fan was the best thing that could've happened to me because it reassured me that this job was all I wanted."
Lilian: "So, you became motivated to return to NXT, but when you came back, it was for the main roster?"
Alexa: "I was impatient. I wasn't getting booked very much in NXT, even on the house shows. That made me fear that I wasn't going to ever get an opportunity, and keep in mind that this happening while the women's division on the main roster is blossoming. With all due respect to NXT, it's a brand that I never would have shined on. I needed to go to RAW and SmackDown if I wanted any shot at showing the world what I was capable of. I flew myself to Unison and met with the higher-ups. I told them that I was in NXT, but I was ready for more. I wasn't expecting much to come from our meeting, but I think they were taken aback by how much initiative I showed. Nobody told me to book my own flight to New York. Nobody told me to try to get called up. I did all of that on my own, and it paid off because the next day, I was offered a three month contract on the main roster. But they also told me that if I didn't impress them within those three months, I'd either be sent back to NXT, or I'd be let go altogether."
Lilian: "When we spoke briefly earlier before recording this, you said that's the moment where you turned into... into..."
Alexa: "... A bitch?"
Lilian: "I wasn't going to say it."
Alexa: "No, that's fine. I'll say it because I was. Natalya took me under her wing on my very first night, and I used her. She and I had victories over The Bella Twins, and once I decided that it was time to break out on my own, I took her out. I wanted to make a statement and let everyone know that I had arrived. That led to a match on the TLC Kickoff in which I beat her. I walked backstage thinking that my night was over... and that's when Kaitlyn pulled me aside and gave me the opportunity that no one else would. She had so much disdain for AJ and Sofia, who were bringing back the Women's Championship in the main event of that show. She couldn't put herself into the match for contractual reasons as the Head of the Division, so she put me in there instead."
Lilian: "That's right. Your first Pay-Per-View match was in the main event. And not only that, but it was a TLC match for the Women's Title."
Alexa: "It was absolutely insane to think about back then, and it still is. I thought to myself, 'My three months literally end in two weeks. If I become Women's Champion, they have to sign me full-time.' Needless to say, being thrown into a Hardcore match with two girls like Sofia and AJ was the biggest shock I could've been put through at the time. I walked out to that ring, and the crowd was not having any of it. They didn't want to see somebody who they felt was unproven at the time to be in such a big position. My job in that match was to be the middle finger to all of them, but I know I got too ahead of myself because literally within the first minute of the bell ringing, I got hit with a Conchairto and spent 90% of the match out on the floor."
Lilian: "When you came into the Women's Title picture, you said that AJ and Paige had 'ruined' the WWE and you were going to restore honor and dignity to the company. But you also just said that their Last Diva Standing match ended up motivating you to take charge and make something out of your career."
Alexa: "It was an easy thing to attack at the time. I wanted to try to get into AJ's head, so I spun that narrative of me being someone who was going to 'reclaim' women's wrestling or whatever. I knew that I needed to do something because AJ's not only one of the most dangerous superstars we have physically, but mentally as well. She might be better at throwing off someone's psyche than she is at fighting, and that says a lot."
Lilian: "Would you say that you were scared of AJ? And do you think that's what Iconic is going through right now?"
Alexa: "I think I was more scared of the situation and timing than I was of AJ, if that makes any sense. Like, I was brand new to the main roster. I still hadn't found my footing yet, and I was having championship matches against one of the greatest this division has and will ever see. If I faced AJ now, I wouldn't be scared at all because I know who I am as a competitor and I'm more than capable of taking whatever she could throw at me. I can't say if that's the same story for Iconic because our rivalries with AJ were completely different. She was only trying to beat me for the Women's Title, whereas she's trying to ruin their lives. Whatever Billie and Peyton need to do to get AJ away from them, I hope they figure it out quickly because if they don't, then those are two promising careers gone because of AJ's insanity."
Lilian: "You mentioned that when you were having these matches with AJ, you hadn't found your footing yet. When did that finally happen for you?"
Alexa: "It was during a match I had against Paige in the main event of RAW back in March. I remember she kicked out of a Code Red, and I was lying on the mat trying to catch my breath when I heard a, 'This is awesome' chant break out, and it was the first time I'd ever gotten that in a non-stipulation match. We had the crowd right where we wanted them, and at that moment, I looked over at the WrestleMania sign and realized that this was all meant to be. Nobody becomes the WWE Women's Champion on the Road to WrestleMania if they're not ready for it. Paige was the one who made me feel like I belonged in NXT, and she was also the one who allowed me to realize my worth and abilities on the main roster."
Lilian: "I've told this to Paige before, but someday, there will be children who ask their parents to tell them stories about her because she has that much of an urban legend feel to her. It's genuinely a privilege to be able to watch her make history."
Alexa: “She’s the greatest wrestler of all-time. Not just for women, but overall. She’s the hardest working person I’ve ever met. She was born to do this, and I can’t express how fortunate I feel to be in the WWE at the same time as her because we’re literally witnessing something that may never happen again. In ten years when people reflect on the history of WWE and the biggest names to ever work here, the list will go Hogan, Austin, Rock, Cena and Paige. Like… what the hell? This wasn’t supposed to be her story, but she made all of this happen on her own. I feel bad because after WrestleMania while Paige was away for a bit, she and I talked and I instantly doubted that she could become WWE Champion. Now, she has a briefcase that literally gives her that right. No matter how someone might feel about Paige, they can’t take away the fact that she’s built an empire from scratch and is giving hope to an entirely new generation of people who want to become wrestlers.”
Lilian: "And this is something I say with complete honesty, not just because you're here right now, but I feel like you have that same potential as Paige. You're in a position where people are finally looking up to you and they see you as someone who they can relate to. You've accomplished so much in so little time, there's really no telling where your career will go... especially at a time where we're seeing women be in the mix of things for major championships like the WWE and Universal. Does it ever cross your mind seeing Paige in the WWE Championship picture that you, too, can reach that height?"
Alexa: "I do think about it every now and then, but if I'm being honest with you, all of the listeners and even myself, I think that me being in the discussion for a major championship like the Universal Title is too far-fetched. Even in this day and age where we've that anything is possible, I really don't know what my chances would be. But I do remember that after Paige made the final two in the Royal Rumble, Murphy tried encouraging me and saying that I could be in that same point one day. He planted that idea in my head, and it's always there, but like I said, what chance do I really stand?"
Lilian: "I haven't seen a whole lot on social media from Murphy or yourself about your relationship. You guys are still together, right?"
Alexa: "... Um... no, we're not. We separated right before the brand split."
Lilian: "Is that a story you're willing to share? I completely understand if you don't want to."
Alexa: "No, it's fine. I've been an open book so far anyways. I met Murphy pretty much right when I got to NXT. No matter how much I doubted myself because of the cheerleader persona, or Last Diva Standing, he was always the one who had my back and told me that I could accomplish anything I wanted to. I'm the one who screwed everything up because I decided to put my career first, and I never shook off the feeling that he hated me for it. Like, when I went to Unison, I didn't tell him. I called him the next day and was like, 'Hey, I know you're expecting me home today, but I'm going to be on RAW.'"
Lilian: "Did you ever get the vibe from him that he was upset?"
Alexa: "Not from him, but from myself. I always assumed that he was mad about it because why wouldn't he be? When we were in NXT, we saw each other every day. When I got to the main roster, that time frame literally turned into a few hours a day because I was always on the road, and I made that choice without asking him how he felt."
Lilian: "When did you start to realize that it wasn't going to work out?"
Alexa: "When I won the Women's Title and was being pulled in all sorts of direction. Now, I wasn't just going TV and live events. I was being sent to do media work, which I loved because it allowed me to show people in the WWE Universe that I'm a human, too, even if I didn't come across that way in the ring. He'd text me every day saying how proud he was of me, but, like... how happy could he have actually been, you know? I went almost three weeks in February without seeing him. I knew that I couldn't keep doing that to him. It was just a matter of me being too scared to let him down."
Lilian: "So what made you two finally have the discussion about cutting things of?"
Alexa: "... I'm really surprised that this never got leaked anywhere online, and we've done a really good job of keeping this a secret, but I'll go ahead and give the truth because there's no one to blame for this but myself. The day before the Draft was a day off for me, so I went to the Performance Center. That was also the last day there for everyone who was getting drafted, so literally, everybody was there in the PC. People like Finn, Sami, Iconic, they were all saying their goodbyes to the wrestlers and coaches. I remember walking around with Murphy, and he looked very anxious. I thought he was just excited about possibly getting his big breakout in NXT now that there were so many spots opening. What ended up happening was he called me into one of the rings there, and in front of everybody.... everybody... he proposed to me. I had a split second to figure out what to do. I either get into an engagement that I knew I wouldn't be able to commit to, or I humiliate him in front of everybody who works with us. I didn't even say a word to him. I just left the ring and the PC altogether because what could I have said, you know? I didn't want to lie him to get his hopes up about a wedding because I don't want to be married right now. I haven't spoken to him since. Neither of us have ever tried to reach out to the other. We just understood that there was no coming back from what I did."
Lilian: "Do you feel a sense of relief having gotten that story out?"
Alexa: "For me, a little bit, yeah. I don't know how he'll feel about it, but this wasn't an attempt to embarrass him because, again, I'm the one to blame for everything. I'm the one who broke up with him. It's all my fault, so if anybody wants to throw judgment at somebody, throw it at me."
Lilian: "We've talked extensively about how you got into wrestling, your struggle with anorexia, your relationship... so, there's one thing left to cover..."
Alexa: "... Yeah..."
Lilian: "I'm not going to lie to you. When I watched the ending of RAW this past week, I cried. What Emma did to you... that's a line that you never, ever cross with someone who has dealt with an eating disorder. She knew that part of your past, which is exactly why she targeted that. Emma is somebody made up of pure evil, and I can't remember the last time I wanted somebody to win a match as much as I want you to win at Vengeance next Saturday. You've heard everyone give their support to you over the last few days. Now, it's your chance to speak up on your own behalf. What was going through your mind when Emma did what she did to you?"
Alexa: "......................"
She tried as hard as she could to let out any words, but all that Alexa could produce in that moment were tears. The footage from her perspective of Emma causing her to throw up on RAW played in her mind over and over again.
Alexa: "... I'm sorry. I... I thought I could do this. I thought I was stronger than that."
Alexa ended the Skype conversation, unable to put her feelings towards Emma into words just yet. She wasn't ready for that, but she has eight days to regain her composure and fight Emma for the RAW Women's Championship in a match that Ms. Money in the Bank turned into the most bitter, personal story heading into Vengeance.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 19, 2018 0:24:29 GMT -5
Friday, July 11th, 2014
Four days had passed since the horrific conclusion to Monday Night RAW where Emma forced her index finger down Alexa Bliss' throat, causing her to vomit on live television. The scene itself was bad enough, but the situation only escalated once the WWE Universe remembered that Alexa has been very candid in the past about her history with an eating disorder. Emma knew of this weakness, and that's exactly why she targeted Alexa in the most fragile, delicate spot she possibly could. The RAW Women's Champion and Ms. Money in the Bank wasn't out to just defeat Alexa at Vengeance next Saturday. She wants to ruin her life and ensure that she stays on top of the women's division in WWE.
WWE issued an apology on the social media the day following RAW, and promised to take action against Emma. No one has followed through on that promise, though, because of Alexa's request that she be the one to make Emma suffer. In the meantime, however, 'Little Miss Bliss' is in no condition to compete. Physically, she's fine and was only shaken up following the incident. Mentally, that's where Alexa needs to tread lightly and think about what she's doing and how much the future of her career - and life for that matter - mean to her.
To provide an update to the WWE Universe on how she's been dealing with everything since Monday, Alexa recorded an episode of Lilian Garcia's podcast, Chasing Glory, the recording being done over Skype since Alexa insisted that she stay in Columbus with family who were watching over her to ensure that she didn't fall back into bad habits.
Lilian: "Let's not focus on the negatives right away because I don't want this episode to focus on just what happened to you this past Monday. For those listening who may not know your story, how did you get involved in professional wrestling?"
Alexa: "I watched when I was younger. Wrestling, specifically WWE, was kind of the thing that brought my family together every week. It was our way of bonding, but then, I went and ruined that for myself."
Lilian: "How so?"
Alexa: "Uh, there was this one time where my mom told me that I needed to clean my room, and I had this bright idea to respond to her with, 'I've got two words for you...' So, she said that she had two words for me and grounded me. I wasn't allowed to watch wrestling at our house anymore, so I would go to my grandmother's instead to watch it."
Lilian: "Other than story being hilarious, I think it's interesting because for years, women in the WWE were given a bad rep because of the misconception that they were all models who just wanted their fifteen minutes of fame. This was something that you've wanted your whole life then, right?"
Alexa: "I wouldn't say it was something I wanted my whole life because when I was a fan growing up, I never thought this was a thing I could actually make a career out of. It never crossed my mind to give wrestling a shot."
Lilian: "So what made you interested in getting involved?"
Alexa: "I caught wind of a website where WWE was advertising their tryouts. I just sent in a video application, thinking nothing of it. A few weeks later, I got a call back from Canyon Ceman. Since his job is to scout people from athletic endeavors outside of WWE, I'm assuming that he wanted to go forward with my application since I have a background in bodybuilding and was even in the Arnold Classic at one point. I got invited to a tryout in Tampa since the Performance Center was still in construction."
Lilian: "How was that? Because I've heard before from people like Paige and Rollins that the FCW warehouse was, not to be mean, a dump."
Alexa: "At the time, you don't really think anything of it. Once the PC opened, it made you appreciate every little thing about it that the FCW warehouse didn't have."
Lilian: "So, you got invited to a tryout. Was there anyone else from that camp who got signed along with you?"
Alexa: "I know this may sound like I'm just trying to put myself over, but I was literally the only person from that tryout to get signed. I know that nowadays, they sign bulks of people for 'classes,' but it used to be a very selective process."
Lilian: "So then, I have two questions. One, how did you feel when you were told that you would be offered a contract? And two, were any promises made to you initially?"
Alexa: "Oh, I was ecstatic. When I sent in my application through that website, I had no expectations whatsoever. So, for just that one video to turn into me becoming not only a WWE superstar, but one of the most successful on the roster today is beyond surreal. As far as if I was made any promises, all I was told was that I'd be going to NXT and there was no set timeframe for how long I'd be there."
Lilian: "I think a lot of people forget that you were actually in NXT. When the brand was building its name and starting to draw attention, you were there for all of that."
Alexa: "It's a weird thing to try to explain. I was physically in NXT, but it never really felt like I was, you know? I signed towards the end of 2012 and got there at the end of Paige's run."
Lilian: "Did you ever get to speak with Paige before she left?"
Alexa: "Twice. The first time was when I reported to NXT and made it a priority to shake everyone's hand and not get off on the wrong foot. The second was after we ran through a match during a training session with Sara Amato. She said that I did have a lot of work to do in the ring, which I knew. At the same time, she was very encouraging and told me not to take crap from anybody because all of us girls in NXT were out to take the same spot on the main roster. That moment really meant everything to me because I remember coming into NXT and very quickly, I thought I wasn't going to make it. I called my mom and told her that wrestling wasn't for me and that I wanted to just give up. It wasn't just the in-ring work or learning to talk in front of cameras that was intimidating. A lot of the girls down there at the time didn't like me. They saw me as just another fitness model trying to play wrestler, which pissed me off so much because I've never even done fitness modeling. If it wasn't for Paige being nice to me when she had absolutely no reason to, I don't think I would've weathered the storm in NXT. And that hurts me a bit to say considering the way I treated Paige later on..."
Lilian: "I do want to take the conversation back to Paige in a bit, but let's talk about NXT again for a second. Admittedly, I know very little about what you accomplished there. What did you feel like your role in Orlando was?"
Alexa: "So... telling this story requires me to be open about some dark things. Let me backtrack a bit, if I can."
Lilian: "Of course."
Alexa: "When I was around 15, I developed an eating disorder. It started because I was doing cheerleading at the time, and because I was a gymnast, I had a broader frame than all of the other girls. I'd look back at pictures from the football games and manifested this thought in my head that I was fat. Combine that with the fact that I had just broken up with the guy I was dating, I couldn't shake off this feeling that there was something wrong with my body and that everyone thought I hideous. Before it blew up into a full-on eating disorder, it was just simple dieting. I started to watch what I was eating, and trying to be healthy. When I started weighing myself, the number on the scale became an obsession of mine. Every little drop I'd see in it, I'd ask myself, 'Okay, what's the next step? What number can I get to now?' From there, I started to really look into calories and nutrition facts. I made these little notecards that matched different foods I liked with the number of calories attached to it, and that's how I'd determine my calorie intake every day. I remember there was an instance at cheerleading practice after school. That day, I had already met my 'quota' for calories, but I was still so hungry. I literally chewed a protein bar and then spit it out just so I could have the taste of food in my mouth."
Lilian: "If I may ask, what exactly was your 'quota' for calories?"
Alexa: "150 a day."
Lilian: "Are you serious?"
Alexa: "Yes. And because of that, in six weeks, I went from weighing 130 to 90."
Lilian: "... Oh my God..."
Alexa: "What I didn't take into account during that was my mom had gone through an eating disorder when she was younger, so she knew the signs like how I would smell food but not eat it, or break up my food into very tiny pieces. I remember the last football game before I was hospitalized, my parents brought me food and practically begged me to eat it."
Lilian: "So what did you do?"
Alexa: "I threw the food at my mom and told her that she can't make me eat. I was so, so terrified of trying to eat anything that I just somehow thought would bring back all of the weight I had lost. A few days later, I got into the car with my parents and they said we were going to church. What ended up happening was they took me to a hospital. They checked my heart rate and it was at 28 beats per minutes. The doctors told my parents that they were going to keep me with or without their consent because I was one day away from dying."
Lilian: "So, if they hadn't taken you the hospital on the exact they did..."
Alexa: "I would've died in my sleep that night."
Lilian: "... So, were you open to be admitted into the hospital once you knew the severity of what was happening?"
Alexa: "I was and I wasn't. Once I knew that I was on the verge of death, I wanted to do whatever I could do get better. But the doctors there weren't necessarily knowledgable in how to help someone overcome an eating disorder. They gave me food to try to stabilize my heart rate, and what ended up happening was the food spiked it. I almost went into cardiac arrest because my body was in so much shock from the food they were giving me. Like, I was mentally ready to try to be healthy again, but my body wasn't."
Lilian: "How long were you there?"
Alexa: "I stayed hospitalized for about six weeks because my heart rate just wasn't coming back. The doctors put me on 4,000 calories a day, which is a lot, but it was because I was still losing weight. I burned more calories in my sleep than when I was awake. Whenever I had meals, the doctors would sit with me for an hour to make sure that I was eating and not trying to throw anything away. After the six weeks of being there, I gained three pounds and my heart rate finally stabilized, so I was discharged."
Lilian: "And was that your only struggle with it?"
Alexa: "No. When I went to college and started doing cheerleading there, my coach would measure our body fat percentages every week. She'd tell me things like, 'If you get down to this weight, you'll be on the nationals team.' She basically said that if I didn't make a certain weight, I wouldn't get anywhere in cheer. I was upfront with her and said that I wasn't comfortable with any of that. Again, so many things went into my episode. I was away from home for the first time. I was stressing out over school, and then I was essentially told that if I didn't lose weight, I wouldn't be on the cheerleading squad anymore. So, this time, I went from 118 to 84 pounds. After a football game, I just left."
Lilian: "Like, left the team?"
Alexa: "Yeah. Still in my uniform, I told my teammates that I appreciated the opportunity, but for my own sake, I had to go. The next day, I readmitted myself into the hospital because I knew that I was at that stage again where I needed help."
Lilian: "Was this for six weeks again?"
Alexa: "It was even longer this time because I heart rate dropped even further, and because the program was completely different this time. When I first went, like I said, it was all about feeding me and stabilizing my heart rate. The second time, there was a much greater focus on the mental health aspect. That was helpful, but at the same time, there was a woman at the Center for Balanced Living who wanted to do a story on me because she had never seen such an extreme case. She would have me take a bite of something and was like, 'How does that feel? Does it make you feel fat?' She didn't mean to be demeaning, but her sessions would only make me feel worse."
Lilian: "Was there a moment in all of this where you suddenly snapped into it and told yourself that you were going to get better?"
Alexa: "So, when I left the program, I went to Florida with my mom. Right before that, I remember being with my best friend, Erin, and she was the person who I felt most comfortable with being around during that time. You know, I could eat with her. I could talk with her about what I was going through. One day, she looked at me and said, 'Lex, if you think you're fat, what do you think I look like?' And I didn't know what to say to her because my eating disorder was never about how others looked at me or how I looked at them. It was about how I looked at myself. I never wanted to try to force anything onto anybody, and now, my best friend was starting to doubt herself because of me. I didn't want somebody to develop their own eating disorder because I influenced them to. And that's what I felt like I had the potential to do without knowing it. Then, I wanted to be that person who showed that you're not defined by your demons."
Lilian: "No, you're not. Nobody is, and I'm really glad that you have this platform where you can share that type of story and possibly help someone out who's in your same position."
Alexa: "What's funny to me is the first time I acknowledged my eating disorder publicly, it was on the RAW before the Royal Rumble a few months ago. I told AJ Lee that if an eating disorder couldn't kill me, then she couldn't, neither. At the time, I was still reporting to the Performance Center on a semi-regular basis, so I'd still get fan mail sent there. It wasn't a whole lot I'd get back then just because you know, I was still new to the main roster and not many people liked me, but there was one letter from a young girl who said that she was currently fighting an eating disorder, and my words to AJ inspired her to not let that or anything else try to take her life from her. That's the first time it clicked with me that my story is worth something because when I said all of that to AJ, it was just to send a message to her that she couldn't beat me. It was never about inspiring others, but I had to tell myself that there's a reason why I'm the one who was thrust into this position and not someone else from NXT because it really could've been any of us who made it to the main roster. I have to believe that it was me for a reason."
Lilian: "That brings me back to something I wanted to bring up earlier. When you were in NXT, you started out as Alex Riley's cheerleader, didn't you? How did that come about and why was it so short-lived?"
Alexa: "Alex Riley was trying to resurrect the whole 'Varsity Villain' thing from before, and he heard that I had a background in cheerleading from high school and college. He didn't know anything about my past, so I don't fault him for this, but he had asked me if I wanted to be his cheerleader. That was my first break on NXT, so I couldn't say no, but the reality is that I hated everything about those fews months with him because I had so many bad memories attached to cheerleading. It would just remind me of my eating disorder and I wanted nothing to do with it, but I thought that if I said no to him, word would get around the PC that I was difficult to work with and at the time, I was just some girl who had no business being there. I was worried I'd get fired if I didn't take on that role."
Lilian: "So how did you get out of it?"
Alexa: "Riley and I went away from the Full Sail tapings for a bit to try to flesh out our characters on the house show loop, which did relieve me of some pressure because I figured that there was a chance NXT would lose faith in our duo and try to steer us into different directions. The moment that everything changed for me in NXT was... so, back when I was there, something all of us girls started doing with Sara Amato was we'd watch the Pay-Per-Views together as tape study. We had no idea what was coming, but the first show we had a viewing party for was Extreme Rules 2013..."
Lilian: "Oh... no..."
Alexa: "I vividly remember watching the show happen, and in the middle of it, we saw the graphic for the Six Man Tag with, you know, Cena and Brock and all of them. And we thought, 'Oh, Undertaker and Bray are going on last.' And then when they went on, we all realized what was happening. Paige and AJ main evented, but instead of their match inspiring all of us to keep pushing forward with our dreams, it scared us because now, we thought, 'Oh my God, is that what we're going to have to do to make it to the main roster?' None of us got into this business so that we could fall onto thumbtacks or be hit with barbed wire. The next day, I skipped training. Then again the next day, and the next day. I called Sara and Albert and just told them I needed some time to myself to think about what I was doing, and that's when they told me that most of the other girls did the same thing because we were all shaken up by the Last Diva Standing match and the impact that we knew it was going to have on wrestling."
Lilian: "Did any of the girls choose not to go back?"
Alexa: "Yes. I found out while I was away that Audrey Marie and Aksana asked for their releases because they didn't want to even think about mutilating themselves for this."
Lilian: "How much time did NXT give you off?"
Alexa: "It wasn't supposed to be as long as it was, I know that. Maybe just a few weeks or so, but what ended up happening was that while I was gone, Alex Riley got fired. So now, I didn't have a role. I was told to come up with ideas and pitch it to them. Murphy, who I was dating at the time, tried to brainstorm ideas with me and we had this plan of me becoming a manager for himself and Blake, but I really didn't want to be in another role where I was just looking on from the outside. Once all of the shock from Last Diva Standing wore off, I realized that I had the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself. Women's wrestling was going into a completely new direction. It was at the forefront of WWE thanks to women like Paige, AJ, Kaitlyn and Sofia. Yes, they were putting themselves through excruciating pain, but what stood out to me was that they always got back up and were ready for more. Being away from NXT and watching this revolution unfold just as a fan was the best thing that could've happened to me because it reassured me that this job was all I wanted."
Lilian: "So, you became motivated to return to NXT, but when you came back, it was for the main roster?"
Alexa: "I was impatient. I wasn't getting booked very much in NXT, even on the house shows. That made me fear that I wasn't going to ever get an opportunity, and keep in mind that this happening while the women's division on the main roster is blossoming. With all due respect to NXT, it's a brand that I never would have shined on. I needed to go to RAW and SmackDown if I wanted any shot at showing the world what I was capable of. I flew myself to Unison and met with the higher-ups. I told them that I was in NXT, but I was ready for more. I wasn't expecting much to come from our meeting, but I think they were taken aback by how much initiative I showed. Nobody told me to book my own flight to New York. Nobody told me to try to get called up. I did all of that on my own, and it paid off because the next day, I was offered a three month contract on the main roster. But they also told me that if I didn't impress them within those three months, I'd either be sent back to NXT, or I'd be let go altogether."
Lilian: "When we spoke briefly earlier before recording this, you said that's the moment where you turned into... into..."
Alexa: "... A bitch?"
Lilian: "I wasn't going to say it."
Alexa: "No, that's fine. I'll say it because I was. Natalya took me under her wing on my very first night, and I used her. She and I had victories over The Bella Twins, and once I decided that it was time to break out on my own, I took her out. I wanted to make a statement and let everyone know that I had arrived. That led to a match on the TLC Kickoff in which I beat her. I walked backstage thinking that my night was over... and that's when Kaitlyn pulled me aside and gave me the opportunity that no one else would. She had so much disdain for AJ and Sofia, who were bringing back the Women's Championship in the main event of that show. She couldn't put herself into the match for contractual reasons as the Head of the Division, so she put me in there instead."
Lilian: "That's right. Your first Pay-Per-View match was in the main event. And not only that, but it was a TLC match for the Women's Title."
Alexa: "It was absolutely insane to think about back then, and it still is. I thought to myself, 'My three months literally end in two weeks. If I become Women's Champion, they have to sign me full-time.' Needless to say, being thrown into a Hardcore match with two girls like Sofia and AJ was the biggest shock I could've been put through at the time. I walked out to that ring, and the crowd was not having any of it. They didn't want to see somebody who they felt was unproven at the time to be in such a big position. My job in that match was to be the middle finger to all of them, but I know I got too ahead of myself because literally within the first minute of the bell ringing, I got hit with a Conchairto and spent 90% of the match out on the floor."
Lilian: "When you came into the Women's Title picture, you said that AJ and Paige had 'ruined' the WWE and you were going to restore honor and dignity to the company. But you also just said that their Last Diva Standing match ended up motivating you to take charge and make something out of your career."
Alexa: "It was an easy thing to attack at the time. I wanted to try to get into AJ's head, so I spun that narrative of me being someone who was going to 'reclaim' women's wrestling or whatever. I knew that I needed to do something because AJ's not only one of the most dangerous superstars we have physically, but mentally as well. She might be better at throwing off someone's psyche than she is at fighting, and that says a lot."
Lilian: "Would you say that you were scared of AJ? And do you think that's what Iconic is going through right now?"
Alexa: "I think I was more scared of the situation and timing than I was of AJ, if that makes any sense. Like, I was brand new to the main roster. I still hadn't found my footing yet, and I was having championship matches against one of the greatest this division has and will ever see. If I faced AJ now, I wouldn't be scared at all because I know who I am as a competitor and I'm more than capable of taking whatever she could throw at me. I can't say if that's the same story for Iconic because our rivalries with AJ were completely different. She was only trying to beat me for the Women's Title, whereas she's trying to ruin their lives. Whatever Billie and Peyton need to do to get AJ away from them, I hope they figure it out quickly because if they don't, then those are two promising careers gone because of AJ's insanity."
Lilian: "You mentioned that when you were having these matches with AJ, you hadn't found your footing yet. When did that finally happen for you?"
Alexa: "It was during a match I had against Paige in the main event of RAW back in March. I remember she kicked out of a Code Red, and I was lying on the mat trying to catch my breath when I heard a, 'This is awesome' chant break out, and it was the first time I'd ever gotten that in a non-stipulation match. We had the crowd right where we wanted them, and at that moment, I looked over at the WrestleMania sign and realized that this was all meant to be. Nobody becomes the WWE Women's Champion on the Road to WrestleMania if they're not ready for it. Paige was the one who made me feel like I belonged in NXT, and she was also the one who allowed me to realize my worth and abilities on the main roster."
Lilian: "I've told this to Paige before, but someday, there will be children who ask their parents to tell them stories about her because she has that much of an urban legend feel to her. It's genuinely a privilege to be able to watch her make history."
Alexa: “She’s the greatest wrestler of all-time. Not just for women, but overall. She’s the hardest working person I’ve ever met. She was born to do this, and I can’t express how fortunate I feel to be in the WWE at the same time as her because we’re literally witnessing something that may never happen again. In ten years when people reflect on the history of WWE and the biggest names to ever work here, the list will go Hogan, Austin, Rock, Cena and Paige. Like… what the hell? This wasn’t supposed to be her story, but she made all of this happen on her own. I feel bad because after WrestleMania while Paige was away for a bit, she and I talked and I instantly doubted that she could become WWE Champion. Now, she has a briefcase that literally gives her that right. No matter how someone might feel about Paige, they can’t take away the fact that she’s built an empire from scratch and is giving hope to an entirely new generation of people who want to become wrestlers.”
Lilian: "And this is something I say with complete honesty, not just because you're here right now, but I feel like you have that same potential as Paige. You're in a position where people are finally looking up to you and they see you as someone who they can relate to. You've accomplished so much in so little time, there's really no telling where your career will go... especially at a time where we're seeing women be in the mix of things for major championships like the WWE and Universal. Does it ever cross your mind seeing Paige in the WWE Championship picture that you, too, can reach that height?"
Alexa: "I do think about it every now and then, but if I'm being honest with you, all of the listeners and even myself, I think that me being in the discussion for a major championship like the Universal Title is too far-fetched. Even in this day and age where we've that anything is possible, I really don't know what my chances would be. But I do remember that after Paige made the final two in the Royal Rumble, Murphy tried encouraging me and saying that I could be in that same point one day. He planted that idea in my head, and it's always there, but like I said, what chance do I really stand?"
Lilian: "I haven't seen a whole lot on social media from Murphy or yourself about your relationship. You guys are still together, right?"
Alexa: "... Um... no, we're not. We separated right before the brand split."
Lilian: "Is that a story you're willing to share? I completely understand if you don't want to."
Alexa: "No, it's fine. I've been an open book so far anyways. I met Murphy pretty much right when I got to NXT. No matter how much I doubted myself because of the cheerleader persona, or Last Diva Standing, he was always the one who had my back and told me that I could accomplish anything I wanted to. I'm the one who screwed everything up because I decided to put my career first, and I never shook off the feeling that he hated me for it. Like, when I went to Unison, I didn't tell him. I called him the next day and was like, 'Hey, I know you're expecting me home today, but I'm going to be on RAW.'"
Lilian: "Did you ever get the vibe from him that he was upset?"
Alexa: "Not from him, but from myself. I always assumed that he was mad about it because why wouldn't he be? When we were in NXT, we saw each other every day. When I got to the main roster, that time frame literally turned into a few hours a day because I was always on the road, and I made that choice without asking him how he felt."
Lilian: "When did you start to realize that it wasn't going to work out?"
Alexa: "When I won the Women's Title and was being pulled in all sorts of direction. Now, I wasn't just going TV and live events. I was being sent to do media work, which I loved because it allowed me to show people in the WWE Universe that I'm a human, too, even if I didn't come across that way in the ring. He'd text me every day saying how proud he was of me, but, like... how happy could he have actually been, you know? I went almost three weeks in February without seeing him. I knew that I couldn't keep doing that to him. It was just a matter of me being too scared to let him down."
Lilian: "So what made you two finally have the discussion about cutting things of?"
Alexa: "... I'm really surprised that this never got leaked anywhere online, and we've done a really good job of keeping this a secret, but I'll go ahead and give the truth because there's no one to blame for this but myself. The day before the Draft was a day off for me, so I went to the Performance Center. That was also the last day there for everyone who was getting drafted, so literally, everybody was there in the PC. People like Finn, Sami, Iconic, they were all saying their goodbyes to the wrestlers and coaches. I remember walking around with Murphy, and he looked very anxious. I thought he was just excited about possibly getting his big breakout in NXT now that there were so many spots opening. What ended up happening was he called me into one of the rings there, and in front of everybody.... everybody... he proposed to me. I had a split second to figure out what to do. I either get into an engagement that I knew I wouldn't be able to commit to, or I humiliate him in front of everybody who works with us. I didn't even say a word to him. I just left the ring and the PC altogether because what could I have said, you know? I didn't want to lie him to get his hopes up about a wedding because I don't want to be married right now. I haven't spoken to him since. Neither of us have ever tried to reach out to the other. We just understood that there was no coming back from what I did."
Lilian: "Do you feel a sense of relief having gotten that story out?"
Alexa: "For me, a little bit, yeah. I don't know how he'll feel about it, but this wasn't an attempt to embarrass him because, again, I'm the one to blame for everything. I'm the one who broke up with him. It's all my fault, so if anybody wants to throw judgment at somebody, throw it at me."
Lilian: "We've talked extensively about how you got into wrestling, your struggle with anorexia, your relationship... so, there's one thing left to cover..."
Alexa: "... Yeah..."
Lilian: "I'm not going to lie to you. When I watched the ending of RAW this past week, I cried. What Emma did to you... that's a line that you never, ever cross with someone who has dealt with an eating disorder. She knew that part of your past, which is exactly why she targeted that. Emma is somebody made up of pure evil, and I can't remember the last time I wanted somebody to win a match as much as I want you to win at Vengeance next Saturday. You've heard everyone give their support to you over the last few days. Now, it's your chance to speak up on your own behalf. What was going through your mind when Emma did what she did to you?"
Alexa: "......................"
She tried as hard as she could to let out any words, but all that Alexa could produce in that moment were tears. The footage from her perspective of Emma causing her to throw up on RAW played in her mind over and over again.
Alexa: "... I'm sorry. I... I thought I could do this. I thought I was stronger than that."
Alexa ended the Skype conversation, unable to put her feelings towards Emma into words just yet. She wasn't ready for that, but she has eight days to regain her composure and fight Emma for the RAW Women's Championship in a match that Ms. Money in the Bank turned into the most bitter, personal story heading into Vengeance.
This was amazing!!!! I love how...real it came across, like I could totally see Alexa saying those things! |
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Post by Planktung on Dec 20, 2018 15:57:53 GMT -5
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