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Post by Planktung on Feb 11, 2019 10:48:28 GMT -5
"GO DOWN IN HISTORY": After the signature WWE intro, a wide shot of inside Madison Square Garden was shown as a live performance of “Go Down in History” by Four Year Strong officially kicked off SummerSlam weekend. During the song, footage of tonight’s competitors were shown, focusing on the four announced matches individually. ”It’s never too late to keep your head straight. Move your hands back-and-forth in perfect symmetry.” In the final few shots, Drew McIntyre and Jinder Mahal scaled to the top of a ladder while holding the NXT Tag Team Championships, Nicole Matthews raised the NXT Women’s Title while a silhouette of Ember Moon looked on in the background, and the NXT Championship was displayed on a podium with the Five Pack Challenge participants staring down at it. ”So you can live like a time bomb that doesn’t have long. Go down in history.” When the song finished, Bobby Roode was shown in the video emerging from darkness, glancing at the camera to remind everyone that he’s the metaphorical final boss for whoever wins the Five Pack Challenge. Welcome to the biggest event in the history of NXT. This is NXT TakeOver: MSG!
1) FIVE PACK CHALLENGE: Bizarre doesn't even begin to describe the opening contest to the biggest TakeOver event in NXT history. Two months ago at TakeOver: Chicago, Tye Dillinger bested Kyle O'Reilly in the main event to capture the NXT Championship. Dillinger was set to defend against Bobby Roode here tonight, but after 'The Perfect Ten' suffered an injury, the title was declared vacant. Roode's spot in the main event is solidified, and this Five Pack Challenge will decide his opponent here in Madison Square Garden.
The first entrance music to sound in New York City was that of The Golden Lovers, which brought the members of the NXT Universe to their feet. Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi entered the ring together, which Michael Schiavello noted might not happen in the duo's exit if one of them is victorious while the other has to sit out in the main event. Omega and Ibushi have stated time and time again that no match or championship will come between them, and this is their chance to prove that. Lars Sullivan was the next participant out, 'The Humongous Humanoid' being given a grand introduction from his advocate and New York native, Paul Heyman. Heyman already failed earlier this year in bringing the NXT Championship to his camp through Hideo Itami, but perhaps Sullivan could pay dividends for him tonight. Sullivan stood across the ring from The Golden Lovers as Liv Morgan's theme song began playing. This match was originally a Fatal Four Way, but after Liv scored the biggest upset in NXT history over Sullivan, 'The Girl' was added to the equation. "Many in the NXT Universe have already counted Liv Morgan out, but remember who the WWE Champion is at the moment. A Liv Morgan NXT Championship reign isn't as crazy as it might sound," said Corey Graves, who was joining the booth with Schiavello and Tom Phillips for the evening. Liv sat on the ropes, beaming with a smile that only infuriated Sullivan. Lastly, The Velveteen Dream made his way out to the stage, showing off tights that featured airbrushed drawings of his four opponents in this match, along with the NXT Championship draped across his crotch area. The fans in Madison Square Garden gave Dream an ovation that just about mirrored The Golden Lovers'.
When the bell finally sounded, Omega, Ibushi, Dream and Liv all targeted Sullivan, but 'The Humongous Humanoid' was able to push all four of them away simultaneously. Sullivan sent a running Omega over the top rope before Ibushi kicked him repeatedly in the leg. Dream was able to apply a Chokehold onto Sullivan, giving Liv the opening to connect with a Missile Dropkick from the second rope. Omega rolled back into the ring, taking Sullivan down with a V-Trigger. Omega was then rolled up by Dream, the pin attempt quickly being broken up by Ibushi and Liv.
At that point, The Golden Lovers faced off with the two members of 423-GET-FAME, Liv slapping Ibushi before he retaliated with one of his own that just about knocked her out. When Omega and Ibushi attempted to strike Dream with the Golden Trigger, Dream was able to pull both superstars towards the ropes behind him. Dream Clotheslined the Golden Lovers over the top rope before ascending to the top turnbuckle. Whatever Dream had in mind was thwarted when Liv ran onto the top rope, executing a Frankensteiner! Liv covered Dream, but was unable to get the victory. Liv went back onto the top rope and attempted a Molly-Go-Round, Dream catching her in mid-air on his shoulders. Dream then actually threw Liv out of the ring with a Powerbomb onto Omega and Ibushi! Dream turned around and was clobbered with a forearm from Sullivan. After throwing Dream around the ring repeatedly, Sullivan had his Freak Accident attempt countered into a DDT. Sullivan rolled out of the ring, Ibushi leaping off the apron with a Crossbody. Ibushi was caught, and when Omega ran towards Sullivan, he was caught as well! Sullivan held both Golden Lovers in his arms until Liv took them out with a Suicide Dive! Liv rolled into the ring and went after Dream, only to be hit with a DDT that was set up like a Reverse STO! Omega leaped onto the back of Dream's head with his leg before Ibushi rolled into the ring. The Golden Lovers stared down to the approval of Madison Square Garden, Omega and Ibushi finally having their encounter in an NXT ring.
Omega and Ibushi's back-and-forth sequence ended when Ibushi countered the One Winged Angel into a Reverse Hurricanrana. Instead of trying to cover Omega, Ibushi jumped over the top rope and onto the second turnbuckle for a Moonsault onto Sullivan, who sidestepped him. Sullivan shoved Ibushi away as Liv was leaping towards them. Sullivan caught Liv with one arm, sending her through the announce table with the Freak Accident! Sullivan turned his attention to Omega, charging at him in the ring. Omega moved out of harm's way, following up with a V-Trigger! Omega drove his knee into the side of Sullivan's head one more time, and one his third attempt, was thrown into the air for a Pop Up Powerslam! Sullivan got the cover on Omega, but Ibushi broke it up with a Phoenix Splash! Sullivan rolled onto his back, landing in perfect position for Dream's Purple Rainmaker! Ibushi ran onto Dream with a standing Shooting Star Press, Dream able to kick out just in time. Dream stirred to his feet and was met with palm strikes to his chest from Ibushi. Dream retaliated with two Uppercuts before Ibushi dodged the third one. Ibushi planted Dream with a German Suplex followed by a knee strike to his jaw! Ibushi picked up the dazed Dream, delivering the Golden Star Powerbomb! Ibushi covered Dream and looked to his side to see Omega crawling to break up the pin. However, Omega was too late as the official made the three count. KOTA IBUSHI IS VICTORIOUS!
The fans that packed Madison Square Garden came unglued as soon as Kota Ibushi solidified his spot in tonight's championship main event. Ibushi stood to his feet and had his arm raised in victory for the first time at a TakeOver event. Kenny Omega remained on the canvas, holding his head in shame after being unable to break up Ibushi's cover on The Velveteen Dream. After several highlights from the incredible Five Pack Challenge were shown, the live returned to Omega finally standing back up to confront Ibushi. The Golden Lovers had a brief exchange of words, and while Omega was disappointed that he couldn't get the victory, he ultimately hugged Ibushi and raised his arm. Ibushi went through hell and back in this Five Pack Challenge, and his night is still not over as he will now face Bobby Roode later on tonight for the vacant NXT Championship.
NXT'S BIGGEST GRADUATE OF ALL-TIME IS IN ATTENDANCE: In the front row here in Madison Square Garden, the cameras focused on a former NXT superstar and the current WWE Champion, Paige, who sported an Iconic Duo t-shirt under her signature leather jacket. The place practically exploded upon sight of Paige, witch had to have meant a lot to her after an incredibly vulnerable moment at the end of SmackDown Live two days ago. Paige watched on as Kenny Omega, her scheduled opponent for Unison next month, headed up the entrance ramp. The WWE Champion would be sticking around to watch the next bout as a few of her fellow Brits were set engage in an all-out war.
"THEY SAID WE'D NEVER MAKE IT OUT ALIVE": In a video package accompanied by Wage War's "Alive", the feud between SAnitY and the PROGRESS brigade was recapped ahead of tonight's 10-person Tag Team Match. At TakeOver: New Orleans, the unit of Eric Young, Nikki Cross, Tommaso Ciampa, Jimmy Havoc and Darby Allin arrived, guaranteeing that NXT would never be the same again. "This is revolution, a generation rising to become the solution." After racking up victories against the likes of Ricochet, Uhaa Nation, John Morrison and CJ Parker, SAnitY found themselves embroiled in a war against one of Nikki's counterparts in the women's division, Toni Storm. Getting back at SAnitY, Toni interjected herself into Havoc's PROGRESS Wrestling Championship defense against Pete Dunne, aiding 'The Bruiserweight' in becoming the new champion. "They said we'd never make it out alive, but I broke the mold and I survived." SAnitY refused to be one-upped, leading a brutal assault from all five members against Toni. At a PROGRESS Chapter show at the Electric Ballroom in Camden, SAnitY made a surprise appearance to take their frustrations out against not only Dunne, but also Will Ospreay, Marty Scurll and Mark Haskins, who competed in the WWE Cruiserweight Classic. "Higher and higher until we fall, deeper and deeper into this hole." NXT Commissioner William Regal and PROGRESS part-owner Jim Smallman quickly reached a compromise on how to settle this rivalry once and for all: a 10-Person Tag Team Match at TakeOver.
2) PROGRESS VS. SAnitY: At the sound of Pete Dunne's entrance music, the fans in Madison Square Garden erupted for 'The Bruiserweight' as he led his four tag team partners into battle here tonight. The sight of Toni Storm, Marty Scurll, Will Ospreay and Mark Haskins prompted Corey Graves to note just how incompatible the PROGRESS brigade looked aesthetically, but all five are competing here tonight with a common enemy in SAnitY, and that might just be enough for them to work together. Toni and Scurll had experience with a crowd of this magnitude thanks to TakeOver: Chicago and the Cruiserweight Classic Finals, but for Dunne, Ospreay and Haskins, they needed to stay focused and not allow themselves to become overwhelmed. Once all five were settled in the ring, the lights in the arena shut. Four Year Strong, who opened the show with a live performance, took to the stage once again for a special rendition of SAnitY's entrance music. Smoke compromised the stage as Eric Young, Nikki Cross, Jimmy Havoc, Darby Allin and Tommaso Ciampa slowly walked out into Madison Square Garden.
When the bell sounded, Toni and Nikki immediately charged towards one another, their respective teams having no choice but to let them start the match. Toni rammed Nikki into a corner and kicked her repeatedly. Toni then dodged a strike from Nikki, planting her with a German Suplex! The dazed Nikki fell back into her corner, Havoc tagging himself in. Toni was able to sidestep Havoc and connect with a Neckbreaker, covering him for what was just a one count. Toni dropped her leg across Havoc's neck twice before bringing him up for Strong Zero, which was easily countered with a Back Body Drop. Havoc slid out underneath the bottom rope, bringing out a table that he set up near SAnitY's corner. When Havoc went back into the ring, Toni made the tag to Scurll. 'The Villain' slapped Havoc across the face twice before Dropkicking him. Scurll tried for the Crossface Chickenwing early, but Havoc countered into a pinning predicament for two. When Scurll grabbed Havoc's hand to break his fingers, Young stepped in with a boot to the side of his face. Young returned to his corner so that Havoc could tag him in. Young stomped on the hands of Scurll, trying to give him a taste of his own medicine. Young placed Scurll up on the top rope for an Avalanche Vertical Suplex, Scurll able to counter it and send Young face-first down onto the canvas. Scurll tagged in Haskins, who was able to match Young's grittiness punch-for-punch. Haskins connected with an Enziguri, Allin tagging himself in. Allin dodged a Clothesline from Haskins and springboarded off of the second rope for a European Uppercut. Allin headed up to the top rope, leaping off with a Frog Splash that Haskins fended off with his knees. Haskins made the tag to Ospreay, knowing that 'The Aerial Assassin' was the foil to Allin's offense that PROGRESS needed. After several Arm Drags and Hurricanrana from Ospreay, Allin resorted to tagging in Ciampa.
Ciampa and Ospreay stood nose-to-nose, the two engaging in a war of words as Ospreay demanded that Ciampa give him his best shot. Ciampa did so with a forearm strike, Ospeay retaliating with a Pele Kick to the top of Ciampa's head. Ospreay springboarded off of the top rope for what he intended to be a Blockbuster, but Ciampa was able to use his strength to catch him in mid-air. Ciampa planted Ospreay with a Brainbuster before backing against a corner for a running knee strike. Ciampa was in motion for it when Dunne struck him with his elbow against his neck, prompting all of SAnitY to go after him at once. That led to Toni, Scurll and Haskins jumping in as well.
Both teams brawled in and out of the ring, Nikki isolating Scurll at ringside. Nikki went in for a slap, but Scurll grabbed her hand and proceeded to snap her fingers! Somehow, Nikki actually enjoyed the pain and offered the rest of her fingers for Scurll to break. The confused 'Villain' was then hit with a Suicide Dive from Allin. Nikki and Allin tried to drag Scurll up the entrance ramp, leading to the rest of the PROGRESS and SAnitY members following them. All ten were brawling on the stage, none realizing that Allin had disappeared. Moments later, Allin appeared close to the top of the titantron, a spot he was familiar with after his death-defying leap at TakeOver: Chicago. Allin was just able to soar through the air again before being stopped by Ospreay, who followed him up to the titantron. Ospreay battered Allin with a few strikes and headbutt, bringing him in for a Spanish Fly off the titantron! Ospreay and Allin crashed down onto their teammates and opponents, all ten superstars wiped out as a result.
Emerging from the pile of bodies were Ciampa and Ospreay, the two legal superstars in the match that was still going on. Ospreay, who had all of Madison Square Garden behind him at that point, positioned Ciampa on the table that Havoc had introduced earlier in the match. Before Ospreay could take flight again, Ciampa moved himself off of the table and stood on the ring apron. Ciampa engaged in a losing effort against Ospreay in a strike exchange, 'The Aerial Assassin' trying to follow up with another Spanish. However, Ciampa caught him with a low blow, hoisting him up for an Air Raid Crash through the table!
Ciampa had to pick himself up off of the table remains and roll Ospreay into the ring, getting only a two count after the pin was broken up by Toni. Ciampa could barely defend himself as Toni kicked him over and over again. She was soon stopped by Havoc, who went for the Acid Rainmaker. Toni dodged the Clothesline and set Havoc up for a German Suplex, Havoc holding onto the top rope for dear life. Ciampa removed his knee brace and pressed it against Toni's face, nearly succeeding in ripping her nose off of her face until Dunne intervened. 'The Bruiserweight' took the knee brace and battered Ciampa upside the head with it, Ciampa collapsing against SAnitY's corner. Nikki tagged herself in as Dunne returned to the ring apron so that Ospreay could make him the legal teammate. Dunne and Nikki exchanged strikes, Nikki actually able to get the upper-hand until she tried charging towards Toni, who stepped onto the ring apron to bash her with Ciampa's knee brace. Toni then leaped off of the ring with a Hurricanrana that sent Ciampa into the barricade. In the ring, Dunne set Nikki up for The Bitter End, planting her with it to secure the victory for his team. PETE DUNNE, TONI STORM, WILL OSPREAY, MARTY SCURLL & MARK HASKINS ARE VICTORIOUS!
"They've done it! SAnitY has been beaten for the first time!" Tom Phillips exclaimed over the raucous Madison Square Garden audience. SAnitY's dominance over NXT may be done with once and for all as the group has just tasted defeat as a unit against the PROGRESS brigade. Pete Dunne was handed back the PROGRESS Wrestling Title as Toni Storm joined him in the ring, the two being the first to stand tall over SAnitY after they were the ones to fully kick off this war against the stable. Will Ospreay was able to pick himself up off the ground and join the celebration, Marty Scurll and Mark Haskins soon doing the same. PROGRESS has left its mark on Madison Square Garden in a big way as the future of SAnitY must now be brought into question thanks to them.
But then...
"Oh my God!" Phillips shouted as soon as Zack Sabre Jr. appeared in the ring, striking Dunne in the back with a steel chair! Sabre, who was removed from the Cruiserweight Classic due to an injury, looked to finally be healthy as he was taking a steel chair to the entire PROGRESS brigade. Sabre repeatedly bashed Toni, Ospreay, Scurll and Haskins with the chair before throwing it to the side and applying a Dragon Sleeper onto the already unconscious Dunne. Sabre tried choking the life out of Dunne as officials had to restrain him. Zack Sabre Jr. has finally arrived in NXT, and immediately, he lays waste to his fellow UK competitors.
THE BIGGEST PARTY OF THE SUMMER: Tomorrow night, SummerSlam emanates from Madison Square Garden with two of the biggest main events in the history of the Summer blockbuster. Derrick Bateman puts the Universal Championship on the line against 12 superstars in the first-ever Aztec Warfare Match, and Paige defends the WWE Championship against AJ Lee in a Last Diva Standing Match. SummerSlam is live tomorrow night on Pay-Per-View and the WWE Network.
'THE GOD OF THE NEW ERA' GRACES TAKEOVER: Returning to Madison Square Garden, Universal Champion Derrick Bateman was shown in the front row, giving his usual smug grin to the camera while receiving a mixed response from the NXT Universe. Bateman has to be observing the entire show for potential challengers in the future, but the next contest in particular has caught his interest since the defending champions have gone on record before about Bateman's career resurgence being the catalyst for one of their own here in NXT.
3) NXT TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS: With the NXT Tag Team Championships literally hanging in the balance, it was now time for Ricochet and Uhaa Nation to receive their final opportunity at the gold. It was in this same building at Concrete Jungle last year when the duo captured the NXT Tag Team Titles against The Addiction, and in their return to Madison Square Garden, they can become the only two-time NXT Tag Team Champions in history. Sporting matching capes designed with wings, Ricochet and Uhaa headed into the ring, never once taking their eyes off of the title that they lost to Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre at TakeOver: New Orleans in a match that also involved Chad Gable and Jason Jordan, who have since joined Catch Point over on SmackDown Live. "We say this every time these two men are present at TakeOver, but tonight, it's never been more true. This is the biggest match in the careers of Ricochet and Uhaa Nation. If they cannot reclaim the Tag Team Titles here tonight, they're done. They won't be able to challenge for the gold anymore, and that might just be the end of their partnership for good," said Michael Schiavello. The defending champions then made their entrance, McIntyre and Mahal having made quite possibly the biggest impact out of anyone else in NXT thus far in 2014. Regarded as comedy performers just a year ago, 'The Modern Day Maharaja' and 'The Sinister Scotsman' have managed to turn their careers around with their run as NXT Tag Team Champions. "Ricochet and Uhaa Nation believe that the Ladder Match stipulation benefits, but what happens when McIntyre and Mahal brutalize them so badly that they can't even climb a ladder?" Corey Graves asked.
When the bell sounded, Ricochet went after McIntyre while Uhaa battled Mahal. Ricochet and Uhaa were able to send the champions out of the ring before leaping onto them with simultaneous Suicide Dives. Uhaa then brought out a ladder, trying to retrieve the titles already. Ricochet tried for another Suicide Dive, but was caught by McIntyre and Mahal before being thrown spine-first against the apron. McIntyre and Mahal slid into the ring, Uhaa stepping off of the ladder to fend them. Uhaa succeeded initially, taking the ladder and wrapping it around his own head to use as a battering him. Uhaa struck Mahal before being hit with the Claymore Kick! The back of Uhaa's head crashed onto the ladder, McIntyre setting it up himself to begin scaling. As he was doing so, Ricochet springboarded onto the opposite side of the latter, trying to reach the titles before McIntyre could. Mahal removed Ricochet and set him up for a Powerbomb, but Ricochet countered it with a Hurricanrana that used to cause Mahal to inadvertently knock the ladder over. McIntyre landed groin-first onto the top rope, Uhaa catching him with an Enziguri while he was prone.
Ricochet and Uhaa then took the ladder, each grabbing an opposite end, and tried to charge into Mahal with it. However, Mahal was able to grasp the ladder and use his strength to pry it away from Ricochet and Uhaa. Mahal attacked both superstars with the ladder before setting it down flat on the canvas. Mahal tried for a Khallas to Ricochet onto it, but Uhaa was able to grab him from behind in a Torture Rack. Uhaa set Mahal down onto the ladder with a reverse Wasteland, Ricochet following up with the 630 Senton! McIntyre then introduced a second ladder, swinging it at Ricochet and Uhaa. McIntyre set this ladder up against a corner. When Ricochet charged towards him, McIntyre sent him crashing against the ladder with a Back Body Drop. McIntyre caught Uhaa with a Headbutt before throwing him into the ladder as well. McIntyre looked like an absolute beast at this point in the match, single-handedly taking out Ricochet and Uhaa before assisting Mahal up to his feet.
McIntyre set a ladder up underneath the titles while Mahal positioned the other ladder onto the apron and barricade like a table. He joined McIntyre in climbing the ladder on the other side, Ricochet able to stop McIntyre with a Springboard Dropkick. Uhaa pulled Mahal back onto the canvas, hoisting him up for a Gorilla Press onto the ladder on the outside! When Uhaa turned around, McIntyre drilled him with a second Claymore Kick, only to fall victim to a standing Moonsault from Ricochet. Afterwards, Ricochet set the ladder up and climbed to the top, his fingertips on the NXT Tag Team Titles before McIntyre moved the ladder away from the center of the ring. Ricochet had to grab onto the titles to ensure that he didn't fall, and even shimmied up the cable hook that secured the titles. "What the hell is Ricochet doing?" Graves asked before Uhaa planted the distracted McIntyre with a Spin-Out Powerbomb. Ricochet, who had to be more than 20 feet in the air, releasing his grip from the cable hook, descending with a Leg Drop onto McIntyre! Ricochet held his thigh in excruciating pain, but fought through it to climb the ladder along with Uhaa. The two reached the NXT Tag Team Titles and took them down to make history. RICOCHET & UHAA NATION ARE THE NEW NXT TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!
Until tonight, no team had ever held the NXT Tag Team Championships on two separate occasions. By taking down the NXT Tag Team Titles, Ricochet and Uhaa Nation just accomplished that uncharted feat, and they did so once again in Madison Square Garden. "Take nothing away from Jinder Mahal and Drew McIntyre. Not just here tonight, but over the last six months in NXT. The two were able to turn their careers around and have proven their worth, but tonight, Ricochet and Uhaa Nation had fate on their side and are the first-ever two-time NXT Tag Team Champions!" Michael Schiavello said while Ricochet and Uhaa stood atop of the ladder, holding the titles up for the world to see.
WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP ATMOSPHERE: In the front row, RAW Women's Champion Alexa Bliss and SmackDown Women's Champion Becky Lynch were shown enjoying NXT TakeOver just one day before they defend their respective titles against Emma and Allie. Up next, it was the NXT Women's Title that would be taking center stage here in Madison Square Garden."LOOKING OUT THE WINDOW, EVERYTHING SEEMS FINE": "Patience" by Eat Your Heart Out acted as the backing track for the video package that took the NXT Universe back to March, where Nicole Matthews overcame now-Ms. Money in the Bank Emma to become the new NXT Women's Champion. "Catch me, I've been drifting. I've been free in this space too long." With Emma, Billie Kay, Peyton Royce, Sasha Banks and Becky Lynch all joining the main roster through the WWE Draft, Nicole was the only superstar left in the NXT women's division until new blood rose to the forefront. At TakeOver: Chicago, Nicole defended the title against Ember Moon, Toni Storm and Nikki Cross. Because of the uncharacteristic resort of leveling Ember with the Women's Title, Nicole was able to leave Chicago with her reign still intact. "Looking out the window, everything seems fine. I've been losing days to pass the time." A few weeks later, Ember solidified her status as the number one contender for the NXT Women's Title, granting herself the opportunity for revenge against Nicole. The tables were turned on the defending champion when her best friend, NXT General Manager Portia Perez, declared that Nicole will lose the title here tonight if she is disqualified or counted out. If Nicole wants to make it past NXT's 'War Goddess' with the Women's Title, she must do so the right way. "I'll admit I'm a mess with some unmade plans and I know it'll be a while. Looking out the window, everything seems fine..."
4) NXT WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: Just a few months ago, Ember Moon was still an unknown entity to the masses. Now, the woman who credited WWE Champion Paige for her successful tryout with the company found herself making her Madison Square Garden debut in a bout for the NXT Women's Championship. Wearing a red and white attire that resembled Asuna's get-up from Sword Art Online, Ember held an actual sword that she she stuck into the ground during the, "Ember frees the flame," line in her theme song. The stage lit up and Ember removed her hood, revealing her red pupils to the camera. "Everyone in the NXT Universe believes that Ember had the Women's Title stolen from her at TakeOver: Chicago. This is her chance to prove all of them right," Corey Graves said as Ember entered the ring. The defending champion then made her presence felt to a negative response from Madison Square Garden. Nicole Matthews has transformed into one of NXT's most loathed competitors since Ember arrived on the scene. Whether you believe that she's only succeeded because names like Emma, Becky Lynch and The Iconic Duo left NXT before they could stop her is irrelevant at this point because Nicole has established herself as the spearhead of the division one way or another. But all of that could crumble here tonight if she can't retain the title against Ember.
After the opening bell, Nicole and Ember locked up, the champion trying to force the challenger against the ropes. Ember was able to outsmart Nicole with a Drop Toe Hold, Nicole bouncing off of the second rope. Nicole rolled out of the ring as Ember exited to the ring apron, attempting a Cannonball. Nicole dodged it, Ember crashing hard onto the floor. Nicole picked Ember up and threw her face-first into the ring post before rolling her into the ring for a one count. Nicole perched Ember on the top turnbuckle, trying to throw her off with a Gorilla Press off sorts. Ember managed to land on her feet, catching Nicole with a Superkick upon landing. Ember got the cover, Nicole able to get her shoulder up at two. Ember waited for Nicole to get back to her feet before Sprigboarding off the second rope for a Crossbody. Nicole rolled through it and picked Ember up for a Fallaway Slam. Nicole teased a Suicide Dive, but decided against it in the end and simply exited the ring. Ember drilled her with a Knife Edge Chop, repeating the process two more times before throwing Nicole into the barricade. Ember ran towards Nicole, who was able to catch her with a high knee. Nicole slid Ember into the ring before heading to the top rope for an Elbow Drop.
After Ember kicked out of Nicole's aerial attack, the NXT Women's Champion headed out to ringside and grabbed the title, which the official quickly took away from her. While the official was returning the title to the timekeeper's area, Nicole raked the eyes of Ember, blinding her momentarily before executing a Basement Dropkick. Nicole continued to toy with Ember, kicking her around. Nicole would then bring Ember up for an Electric Chair, only to have it countered into a Bulldog. After a flurry of offense, Ember climbed onto the top rope, hoping to finish off the champion with The Eclipse. Nicole stood to her feet and feigned a knee injury. She used this distract to "accidentally" trip over and push the official out of the ring, causing Ember to fall off the top rope and onto the canvas. With the official incapacitated, Nicole grabbed the NXT Women's Title yet again and sized Ember up with it.
Before Nicole could strike, NXT General Manager Portia Perez ran down to ringside, snatching the title out of Nicole's hands. Portia took a few steps up the entrance ramp while Nicole shouted at her. "Were were never friends?! What were all of those years for?!" she screamed, never once realizing that Ember was back on the top rope. When Nicole turned around, Ember hit The Eclipse! Ember got the cover as the official had to drag himself back into the ring. Just before the three count could be made, Nicole kicked out! Those few seconds that it took the official to get into the ring were crucial for Nicole, giving her just the right amount of time to recover. Ember picked Nicole up, the champion hitting her with a huge Discus Elbow. Instead of continuing to attack Ember, Nicole rolled out of the ring and Speared Portia! The NXT General Manager was laid out as Nicole stared down at her. Nicole re-entered the ring, hoisting Ember up for the Sit-Out Razor's Edge. However, Ember countered it into a Hurricanrana, Nicole crashing against the turnbuckles. Ember ran towards Nicole with double knees to the champion's back! Ember returned to the top rope one last time, connecting with her second Eclipse! Ember got the cover with the hook of both legs, the official making the complete three count this time. EMBER MOON IS THE NEW NXT WOMEN'S CHAMPION!Repeating the trend set by Ricochet and Uhaa Nation, Ember Moon made sure that a new champion was crowned here tonight in Madison Square Garden. The NXT Universe came unglued as Ember rose to her knees, holding back tears as she was presented with the NXT Women's Title. NXT's 'War Goddess' raised the championship after bringing Nicole's five-month reign to an end at the biggest TakeOver event in history. "Ember was so close to giving up on wrestling altogether after she was denied a WWE contract in her first tryout. But she stuck with it, proved every naysayer wrong and is now standing tall in Madison Square Garden as the NXT Women's Champion!" Michael Schiavello stated with great enthusiasm. What this means for the friendship of The Canadian Ninjas will be left unsolved until another day, but the main story coming out of this match is that we have a new NXT Women's Champion, and her name is Ember Moon!
NXT RETURNS TO TEXAS: A promo was shown for NXT TakeOver: Dallas, which will be held on November 22nd during Survivor Series weekend.
THE ERA OF 'SWERVE' IS UPON US: After a graphic announced that Triple H will be on Facebook Live following TakeOver: MSG, a brand new addition to the brand was shown in the front row here in Madison Square Garden. With chants of "Swerve" filling the atmosphere, Shane Strickland made his very first appearance as an NXT superstar, Corey Graves assuring those watching that Strickland will make a huge impact on the brand sooner than later.
5) NXT CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH: In the opening contest of TakeOver: MSG, Kota Ibushi overcame four other superstars to earn an NXT Championship match in the main event. Prior to his entrance, Ibushi was shown walking towards Gorilla Position alongside his Golden Lovers teammate, Kenny Omega. Ibushi stopped and glanced at Omega, both of them knowing that this was something Ibushi needed to do on his own. The teammates hugged before Ibushi headed back into arena by himself. Up until tonight, Ibushi found himself caught in a string of bad luck in WWE. He lost to Tyler Breeze at both Wrestle Kingdom 8 and TakeOver: R Evolution. He made it to the Semi-Finals of the Cruiserweight Classic, only to lose to the eventual winner, Andrade 'Cien' Almas. Then, he was the one to take the pin in his and Omega's loss to former NXT Tag Team Champions Drew McIntyre and Jinder Mahal at TakeOver: Chicago. But finally, Ibushi seems to be turning his career around, and by the end of night, he can become the 11th NXT Champion in history. But standing in his way was the man who gave up a prominent main roster position to join NXT. Bobby Roode's journey here tonight started with a win in the Unique Opportunity Battle Royal at WrestleMania. 'The Glorious One' had opportunities to become WWE and Universal Champion, but failed. When his free agency was revoked, Roode chose to join NXT and was immediately granted an NXT Title match in Madison Square Garden. Once then-champion Tye Dillinger went down with an injury, the Five Pack Challenge was made official. Both Roode and Ibushi have had just roughly two hours to prepare for another, but now, it was time to decide a brand new NXT Champion.
The contest started with Roode driving his knee into Ibushi's mid-section, trying to weaken his opponent who had already endured hell earlier tonight. Roode was able to keep Ibushi grounded until he missed a Double Axe Handle. Ibushi struck Roode's chest with his palm before connecting with a Roundhouse Kick, falling onto Roode's body for a two count. Ibushi rose to his feet and climbed onto the top rope, only to be shoved off by Roode. 'The Glorious One' stalked Ibushi on the outside and threw his back against the barricade. Roode re-entered and exited the ring to break up the official's count before bringing Ibushi onto the announce table that was repaired after the Five Pack Challenge. Roode attempted a Glorious DDT, but Ibushi was able to counter it into a Michinoku Driver! Ibushi rolled Roode back into the ring as quickly as he could, delivering a Golden Star Press! Ibushi got the cover, but Roode was able to kick out just a millisecond before three. Ibushi grabbed both of Roode's wrists and tried for a lone Golden Trigger, but Roode countered it into a Northern Lights Suplex. When Ibushi stirred to his feet, Roode connected with a Lariat to the back of his neck. Roode picked Ibushi up for a Vertical Suplex, Ibushi trying valiantly to fight out of it. Both men ended up falling to the outside, but Roode kept his grip on Ibushi and planted him onto the floor with the Glorious DDT! Roode placed Ibushi back into the ring, covering him for what was somehow just a two count.
Roode picked Ibushi up for a Powerbomb that ended up being countered into Code Red. After Roode kicked out of the pin attempt that followed, he rolled onto his knees, inadvertently putting himself in position for a V-Trigger! Ibushi gave the signature gun gesture of Omega before bringing Roode onto his shoulders for One Winged Angel! "Kota Ibushi is going to channel Kenny Omega to become NXT Champion!" Graves exclaimed. However, Roode was able to slide off of Ibushi's shoulders, throwing Ibushi into the corner with a German Suplex. Roode placed Ibushi on the top turnbuckle, bringing him down onto the canvas with an Avalanche Glorious DDT! Roode didn't release Ibushi and instead kept his tight grip for a second Glorious DDT. Roode got the cover, and combining Ibushi's fatigue between the opening contest and this one, it was enough to keep him down for the count. BOBBY ROODE IS THE NEW NXT CHAMPION!
"Give me a hallelujah!" shouted Corey Graves as Bobby Roode was declared the new NXT Champion. The gamble on the part of 'The Glorious One' when giving up contracts with RAW and SmackDown Live ultimately paid off as he raised NXT's top prize in the middle of Madison Square Garden. Roode's celebration commenced despite the heartbreak shared by everyone in attendance who backed Kota Ibushi in his journey to become NXT Champion. Despite the incredible effort from Ibushi, it's Roode who will be leaving the world's most famous arena with the NXT Title.
After Roode left to the backstage area with his brand new title, Ibushi rose to his feet in the ring, the fans that packed Madison Square Garden staying behind to give him the standing ovation that he earned through both of his performances here tonight. Kenny Omega would walk down to the ring, hugging Ibushi during his most vulnerable moment. Ibushi had the NXT Championship practically on his fingertips, but he just couldn't secure the gold. Omega assisted Ibushi out of the ring and up the entrance ramp, the two look back at the crowd one more time before the copyright graphic appeared on the bottom corner of the screen.
"... We're through."
Those were Omega's only two words to Ibushi before throwing him onto the steel ramp! "No!" shouted Tom Phillips into his headset just seconds after believing that he had signed off. "What... what the hell did Omega just do?!" Michael Schiavello asked while Corey Graves remained silent just like many others in the NXT Universe. Ibushi tilted his head up just enough to see Omega charging into him with a V-Trigger! Omega grabbed Ibushi by his arms and dragged him back into the ring. Omega's lifeless face stared at the stunned Ibushi while chants of " Omega" overtook the atmosphere in Madison Square Garden. Omega then connected with one more V-Trigger to Ibushi before finally executing One Winged Angel in the center of the ring. Jealousy had compromised Omega enough for him to decide to throw away his friendship with Ibushi, all because he had to watch his Golden Lover teammate challenge for the NXT Championship instead of him.
The Golden Lovers are no more thanks to a hate-filled, jealous and bitter Kenny Omega. |
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Post by Planktung on Feb 16, 2019 14:48:25 GMT -5
PVRIS TAKES THE STAGE: After the signature intro, cameras cut straight to Madison Square Garden, where every light in the world's most famous arena was shut sans one that shined down onto PVRIS lead singer, Lynn Gunn. "Don't blame your death on the crapin your head," sang Lynn to begin the song "Fire" right as a video package began airing on the titantron to highlight every match from the RAW side of the action tonight. Aleister Black, Matanza Cueto, The Revival, Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman, Alexa Bliss and Emma all had their respective feuds recapped through the video. "You were a walking, talking corpse at best, and I swear I couldn't wait to get you off my chest," was the line that started Alexa and Emma's section of the video, the two set to meet for the RAW Women's Championship and Money in the Bank briefcase. The bridge of the song accompanied a shot of Derrick Bateman raising the Universal Championship before the song went into its final verse, telling the story of the Aztec Warfare match. "You're out of line, buried yourself and expected to be fine. You can't rewind when you're choking on your own dirt, begging for your life. Your bridges are burning and all the tables are turning. You started a fire and you're burning up, up, burning up."
"... I feel you in these walls. You're a cold air creeping in, chill me to my bones and skin." PVRIS began playing "My House" as the video package turned to the SmackDown Live portion of the show. The Intercontinental, Cruiserweight, SmackDown Women's, and SmackDown Tag Team Championships will all be at stake here tonight, along with three non-title contests that take center stage. One of which is a Tag Team match pitting CM Punk and TJ Perkins of Catch Point against The Iconic Duo. "I've had enough, think you've been making me sick. Gotta get you out of my system, yeah. It's my house and I think it's time to get out. It's my soul, it isn't yours anymore. It's my house and I think it's time to get out. Yeah, I think it's time to get out." The last bit of PVRIS' medley will be completed prior to tonight's main event, but for now, the band departed the stage as the opening graphics were flashed onto the screen.
The wait is finally over.
Welcome to SummerSlam!
1) KURT ANGLE VS. SAMOA JOE: SummerSlam kicked off with a bout that was only confirmed to be taking place just a few hours ago. When Samoa Joe showed up to SummerSlam, he believed he was just going to sit back and watch the action unfold on SmackDown Live. Instead, Joe would be receiving the match he’s been clamoring for. ‘The Samoan Submission Machine’ walked into the ring to a mixed reaction, Joe grinning widely since he was finally going to have the chance to face off with the man who retired from in-ring competition one year ago to the day tomorrow.
Joe stood still in a corner, waiting patiently while the WWE Universe members in Madison Square Garden bombarded him with chants of, “Angle!” When Kurt Angle’s theme song finally sounded, a monstrous ovation emerged for the SmackDown Live General Manager. For the first time since last year’s SummerSlam, Angle walked out onto the stage in his ring gear, staring down Joe from a distance before looking out at the sea of fans who rooted him on. “Angle made a promise in Staples Center last year that he would adhere to his retirement, but once Samoa Joe took the low road and chose to hit Angle where it hurts when talking about his family, ‘The Olympic Gold Medalist’ couldn’t stay silent anymore. He needed to take action, and that’s exactly what he’s about to do at SummerSlam! Kurt Angle is back!” shouted Mauro Ranallo. Angle stepped into the ring, standing across from a fired up Joe who was eager to begin the contest.
The bell sounded as Joe charged towards Angle, who was able to go behind Joe and take him down to the canvas. Angle outwrestled Joe in a mat-based battle, Joe rolling to the outside in frustration. Joe charged back into the ring, Angle able to execute a German Suplex this time. Joe backed against a corner, Angle still in a fighting stance while the WWE Universe chanted "You still got it!" Joe slowly approached Angle, teasing a test of strength before kicking the SmackDown Live General Manager in the mid-section. Joe threw Angle face-first into a top turnbuckle, following up with jabs to the side of his face.
From there, Joe was able to maintain control, throwing Angle around the ring multiple times while taking breaks in between two weaken him with submission holds. After throwing Angle shoulder-first into the ring post, Joe perched him on the ring apron. "No, Joe! Don't do this!" Ranallo yelled out when Joe set Angle up for a Muscle Buster onto the floor. Thankfully for Angle, he was able to slide out of Joe's grip, taking him down with a Russian Leg Sweep. Angle rolled Joe into the ring before climbing to the top rope, descending with a Moonsault! Angle landed on Joe, covering him for what was just a two count. Angle rose to his feet and pulled down his straps, grabbing Joe's ankle. Joe was able to swat Angle away, and after Angle's chest bounced off of the turnbuckle, Joe applied the Coquina Clutch! 'The Samoa Submission Machine' wanted nothing more than to spoil Angle's one-night in-ring return, but Angle wouldn't allow that. Angle rolled backwards, catching Joe in a pinning predicament. Joe released the Coquina Clutch to stop the pinfall, both he and Angle getting back to their feet at the same time. Angle dodged a strike from Joe, lifting him off of his feet with the Angle Slam! Angle was finally able to apply the Ankle Lock, Joe trapped in the center of the ring with no other option than to tap out! KURT ANGLE IS VICTORIOUS!
A deafening reaction overtook Madison Square Garden as Kurt Angle was declared the winner. Angle released the Ankle Lock that he used to finish off Joe, overcome with emotion after a successful return to the ring at the same event that he retired at last year. "Kurt Angle didn't need to do this. He could've let Samoa Joe get away with verbal abuse and uphold his retirement, but I think we can all agree that's not the Kurt Angle we've watched and loved for the last 15 years! Kurt Angle showed everyone on SmackDown Live that crossing the boss has repercussions!" said Rob Naylor. Angle stood tall in the ring while thanking the fans in attendance, and in return, they thanked him for providing the WWE Universe with one more match in the storied career of the Olympic Gold Medalist.
ADAM COLE ARGUES HIS AZTEC WARFARE ENTRY NUMBER: Backstage, RAW Commissioner Stephanie McMahon and RAW General Manager Dario Cueto were shown watching Kurt Angle's celebration on television, the two of them having to admit that seeing the SmackDown Live General Manager return to action was special. "But, I guarantee that it won't be anywhere near as special as the Universal Championship tonight that I put together myself," Dario said, Stephanie giving him credit for coming up with the Aztec Warfare concept. "Dario! Dario!" called out Adam Cole as he barged into the ring with Kyle O'Reilly and Bobby Fish. "What the hell is this?!" Cole said while showing Dario a piece of paper. "Oh my. That's the number you draw for Aztec Warfare?" Dario said with a grin on his face before drinking from his glass of tequila. Cole tried to argue the number, but Dario told him that he either enters Aztec Warfare with that entry spot, or he doesn't enter at all. "There's a locker room full of RAW talent who would be glad to take that spot off your hands. So, what's it going to be?" The annoyed Cole had no choice but to accept his number and leave the room.
2) RAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS: Just a few weeks ago, Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman were adversaries in the Monster's Ball match at Vengeance. Tonight, they had an opportunity at the RAW Tag Team Championships against the unit that has dominated Monday nights ever since the Draft back in April. Coming off of retiring Wrestling Royalty, arguably the greatest tag team of the modern era, The Revival wanted nothing more than to show the world that a non-cohesive team like Reigns and Strowman can overcome RAW's "Top Guys."
The contest began with Scott Dawson and Reigns going at it, 'The One Man Army' initially able to corner Dawson and level him with heavy strikes. Reigns went for a shoulder block, only for Dawson to catch him with a Drop Toe Hold. Dawson dropped an elbow onto the back of Reigns' neck before tagging in Dash Wilder. From there, Wilder kept Reigns away from the corner with Strowman, focusing his attacks on Reigns' left knee. Wilder pulled Reigns towards a ring post, smashing his leg against it. Wilder rolled back into the ring, taunting Strowman before pounding his fist onto the canvas to mock Reigns.
Wilder's attempt at a Superman Punch was countered into a Samoan Drop, Reigns starting to drag himself towards his corner. Wilder managed to tag in Dawson, but unfortunately for The Revival, Reigns was able to bring in 'The Monster Among Men.' Strowman took Dawson down with a Clothesline before kicking Wilder off of the ring apron. Strowman turned around and dodged Dawson, following up with an incredible Dropkick! Strowman picked Dawson up on his shoulder for a Running Powerslam, but Wilder was able to clip him behind his knee. The Revival beat down Strowman until Reigns leaped off the top rope with Clotheslines to the RAW Tag Team Champions. Wilder rolled to the outside, Reigns following him to execute a Spear! Back in the ring, Strowman put Dawson back on his shouder, Dawson trying to fight out of it. Dawson's struggles was stopped by a Superman Punch from Reigns, Strowman planting Dawson with the Running Powerslam to pick up the win and the championships. ROMAN REIGNS & BRAUN STROWMAN ARE THE NEW RAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!
It shouldn't come as a surprise to the WWE Universe that Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman managed to best The Revival, but the unlikeness of the duo and their ability to work cohesively makes this an arguable upset. Reigns and Strowman were handed the RAW Tag Team Titles, both men raising the championships high in the air. The Revival's wave of momentum has finally been halted, and if Reigns and Strowman can continue to work together as well as they did here tonight in Madison Square Garden, who on earth will be able to stop the new heads of the RAW tag team division?
THE WWE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH PARTICIPANTS PREPARE FOR WAR: Backstage, AJ Lee was shown sitting on a staircase in darkness, the fans reacting with a mostly negative reception despite being so close in location to her hometown. On another camera in a different part of Madison Square Garden, WWE Champion Paige was shown lacing black and white Vans Sk8-Hi shoes with her black distressed jeans, opting to dress for a fight as opposed to a match here tonight. The camera did not pan up to Paige's face, as if there was something about her appearance that she was purposely trying to hide. Mauro Ranallo noted how Paige is distancing herself from everyone in the locker room, including her newfound “BFFs” in The Iconic Duo. “Paige has to go this route because if she doesn’t, she’ll lose more than just the WWE Championship tonight,” Nigel McGuinness noted.
3) SOLOMON CROWE VS. DEAN AMBROSE: Determined to revive the "old" Dean Ambrose as he has said time and time again, Solomon Crowe found himself in his first singles match on Pay-Per-View. With a new theme song in "Only One Way" by Code Orange, Crowe marched down to the ring, carrying the baseball bat that he's tried using over the past few weeks. Ambrose quickly made his way into the squared circle, not allowing Greg Hamilton to finish his introduction.
Ambrose and Crowe started trading blows as soon as they first came into contact, Ambrose able to get the upper-hand. Ambrose Clotheslined Crowe over the top rope before leaping onto him with a Suicide Dive, 'The Lunatic Fringe' living up to this promise of showing Crowe the aggression of his "old self". Ambrose jumped from the top rope with an Elbow Drop to a standing Crowe, covering him for a two count. When Ambrose got back to his feet, he noticed Crowe laughing and smiling. Ambrose kicked Crowe in the side of his face before striking him nonstop until the official restrained him. When Ambrose tried returning to the attack, Crowe headbutted him in his neck. Now, it was Crowe who controlled the contest, ripping off Ambrose's t-shirt to expose his chest for Kinfe Edge Chops.
When Crowe Irish Whipped Ambrose into the opposite corner, 'The Lunatic Fringe' was able to charge directly into him with a Lariat. Crowe headed out to ringside and dizzily grabbed his baseball bat, returning to the ring with it. Crowe swung at Ambrose's head, Ambrose able to dodge it and planted Crowe with Dirty Deeds! Instead of going for the cover, Ambrose stare down at the bat and picked it up. Ambrose contemplated utilizing the bat, but at that moment, the "current" incarnation of Ambrose was able to overtake his "old" form. Ambrose put the bat down, but when the official was removing it form the ring, Crowe took a spike out from his boot and struck Ambrose on the top of his head with it! Crowe followed up with a Package Shoulderbreaker to Ambrose, covering him for the shocking victory! SOLOMON CROWE IS VICTORIOUS!
"Solomon Crowe just beat Dean Ambrose!" Mauro Ranallo exclaimed with great surprise. Many fans in attendance watched with their hands on their heads, not believing that Crowe was able to get a win over the 2013 Manifest Destiny winner. "Crowe didn't outsmart Ambrose or out-brawl him for that matter," Rob Naylor stated, adding that Crowe was able to expose the gray area that exists within Ambrose's personality. Ambrose could not fully embrace his old ways, and as a result, Crowe will be leaving Madison Square Garden with the biggest win of his career.
"EVERYONE BURNS IN THE END": A graphic was displayed for the upcoming SmackDown Women's Championship match that has been building for the entire summer up to this point. A video package set to Mosaic's "Playing with Fire" commenced, taking the WWE Universe back to Judgment Day where Becky Lynch last eliminated Billie Kay in an Elimination Chamber match to become the inaugural SmackDown Women's Champion. Following a shot of Becky raising the Women's Title was one of Allie as she left the Chamber structure much earlier with an expression of dismay on her face. "Did you really think that I would just lay down? Would just lay down and die?" Four days later on SmackDown Live, Allie managed to overcome Billie, Peyton Royce, Kaitlyn and Alexa Bliss in a star-studded Five Pack Challenge to become Becky's first number one contender. After Allie served as the special guest referee for a match between Becky and Kaitlyn the following week, the Women's Champion and her challenger were suddenly surrounded by Catch Point. Becky and Allie were prepared to fight until the latter removed her referee shirt to reveal a Catch Point shirt. Allie stunned the world by aligning with Catch Point, turning her back on Becky and everyone who supported her ever since her debut in January. "Your bridges are burning and I've just been waiting to finally take back what is mine." At Money in the Bank, the scheduled title match between Becky and Allie ended in chaos, never officially beginning. During their rematch on SmackDown Live, Allie assaulted Becky in a disqualification outcome before using Paige's Money in the Bank to injure Becky's hands. "Now your time is wearing thin as I crawl beneath your skin Not a matter of how, more like a matter of when." More dangerous than ever, Allie set her sights on Paige and her guaranteed opportunity at the WWE Championship. Allie failed to defeat Paige for the briefcase at The Bash, which then led to Becky making her return and unleashing every bit of pent up "Straight Fire" against 'The Queen of Catch'. While Becky vowed to make Allie regret her decision to join Catch Point, Allie gave a heartfelt, passionate speech three days ago on SmackDown Live about what becoming Women's Champion means to her. Allie believes that if she were a child, Becky would be her idol, but reality hit her when her father passed away when she was still young. Allie needed to become her own role model, and the payoff to her struggles with depression comes in the form of the Women's Championship at SummerSlam. "This is what happens when you start playing with fire, your desire. Everyone burns in the end. You're leaving doors wide open. You're letting the wrong ones in. Your desire. Everyone burns, now get what you deserve."
4) SMACKDOWN WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP: “This is the first one-on-one match for a female championship on Pay-Per-View since TLC 2012 that does NOT involve Paige, AJ Lee or Alexa Bliss,” were the first words from Mauro Ranallo, making sure the WWE Universe understood how big of a deal this match was. And it seemed everyone in Madison Square Garden was aware since they helped provide a big match feel to this contest. Allie’s new entrance theme, “Wanderlust” by Every Time I Die, sounded to what was disapproval from the majority of the audience. Allie walked out onto the stage with a bunny mask that had a Glasgow smile drawn onto it, embracing the dark nature that she’s taken on throughout the summer. “Morals are simply a matter of time, and where you lay your head is a question of pride,” was the line from the song that played as Allie entered the ring, removing her mask to give a cold stare to the hard camera. “Allie made a decision to better herself by aligning with Catch Point. People don’t need to understand why she’s gone this route, but at the very least, you need to respect the journey she’s taken up to this point. Her father’s passing made her feel hopeless. She didn’t know if there was a light at the end of the tunnel, but wrestling gave her one. If Allie was anyone else, the world be rooting for her. But because she joined Catch Point, the WWE Universe believes she’s made the bed that Becky will make her lie in,” said Nigel McGuinness. Allie was as focused as she’s ever been, but so was the defending champion. Becky Lynch made her way out to a thunderous ovation, the reigning SmackDown Women’s Champion spreading steampunk wings as part of her grand entrance. Backed by a new entrance theme - "I Don't Mind" by The Word Alive - Becky detached the wings and marched into the ring, the official having to stand in between the two competitors. “Becky made it clear on SmackDown why she’s doing this. Everyone needs a role model to look up. A superhero who they can believe in. No one fits the billing more than Beck,” said Ranallo.
After the introductions, the bell sounded as Becky and Allie ran towards each other. The two exchanged strikes until Allie caught Becky with an elbow to the side of her neck. Allie pushed Becky into the corner, Becky getting a foot up before flying from the second rope with a Clothesline. Allie rolled to the outside, and when Becky stepped out onto the ring apron, Allie pulled her down onto the hardest part of the ring! Allie joined Becky on the apron, hosting her up to her shoulders. Becky was able to fend off Allie and actually applied the Disarmer while kneeling on the apron! Because Becky couldn’t possibly pull back with great torque due to the ropes being in the way, Allie flung her arm forward, causing Becky to fall onto the floor! Allie rolled Becky into the ring and covered her for a two count.
Allie toyed with Becky at that point, applying a rest hold while screaming, “This is your role model?!” at the audience members. Becky tried fighting to get to her feet, but before she could find a resurgence, Allie headbutted her behind her neck. Allie set Becky up for what looked to be a Burning Hammer, but she lost control, sending both Becky and herself over the top rope. Becky was able to find momentum again, Clotheslining Allie repeatedly before throwing her onto the floor with an Exploder Suplex. Becky brought Allie onto the surface of the Spanish announce table, teasing another Suplex that would’ve sent Allie into the crowd. However, Allie caught Becky by surprise, placing her onto shoulders for the Death Allie Driver through the announce table! Both women were down and out as the official continued his count, Allie desperately trying to put Becky back into the ring. “Allie’s not accepting a count-out win! She came to Madison Square Garden tonight to become SmackDown Women’s Champion!!” McGuinness exclaimed. After sliding Becky into the ring, Allie climbed to the top rope, descending with a Leg Drop! Allie got the cover on Becky, but somehow, the ‘Irish Lass Kicker’ was able to get a shoulder up! Allie grabbed said shoulder and tried applying her own Disarmer, but Becky countered it into a roll up. When both women stood up, Becky picked Allie up for a taste of her own medicine through a Death Allie Driver into a corner! The spent Becky picked Allie up and went for a Clothesline while gripping her wrist. Allie dodged it and connected with a Superkick! Allie went for another one, but Becky evaded it and planted Allie onto the back of her head with a German Suplex! Allie was able to rise to her feet almost immediately, charging into Becky with a Spear! Both women reached a stalemate, catching their breath while the WWE Universe gave them a standing ovation. Chants of “This is awesome!” came pouring in while Naylor put the bout over as a Match of the Year candidate. “We’ve still got Last Diva Standing and Aztec Warfare coming up, but Becky Lynch and Allie are stealing the show at SummerSlam!” Ranallo yelled out over the raucous crowd.
Slowly, Becky and Aliie stood up, struggling to maintain their balances. Allie caught Becky with a knee to the mid-section before setting up a Buckle Bomb, throwing Becky toward the bottom turnbuckle as opposed to the top one. Allie followed up with a leaping Dropkick to the side of Becky’s face. ‘The Queen of Catch’ returned to the top rope, waiting for Becky to get back up. Allie soared through the air with a Flying Crossbody, but like a scene out of a superhero film, Becky caught Allie in her arms. The strength of the self-proclaimed ‘Becky Balboa’ was put on display as she lifted Allie into position for a Brainbuster, spiking her onto her head before transitioning into the Disarmer! Becky reeled back on Allie’s arm as far as she could, not caring if she snapped it. Allie knew she couldn’t reach the ropes, and she had to give in unless she wanted to sustain permanent damage to her arm. Allie cried out in pain while finally submitting. BECKY LYNCH IS STILL SMACKDOWN WOMEN'S CHAMPION!
The fan reception afterwards was primarily for Becky Lynch's victory, although it couldn't be denied that the WWE Universe members were also showing their appreciation for Allie's performance, despite her actions as of late. 'The Irish Lass Kicker' rose to her feet and was handed back the SmackDown Women's Title, breathing heavily after a grueling contest that put everything she's learned over the last year in WWE and NXT to the test. Becky raised the championship while Allie walked up the entrance ramp, trying to hold back tears. Allie looked over her shoulder briefly at Becky, the two locking eyes. There was still a lack of respect between the two women, but both had to acknowledge that they just set Madison Square Garden ablaze with a match that'll go down in history as one of the greatest ever to be contested for the Women's Championship.
THE EMMALUTION CONTINUES TONIGHT: Backstage, RAW's Ms. Money in the Bank Emma was shown watching a television screen as Becky Lynch continued to celebrate her successful defense of the SmackDown Women's Championship. Renee Young approached Emma, asking if she believes that she and RAW Women's Champion Alexa Bliss will be able to top Becky and Allie's match just now? Emma said that she couldn't care any less if she and Alexa "top" anything. "I don't care about putting on a great match. I don't care about how many stars this match gets tonight. All I care about is beating Alexa Bliss and taking back what is rightfully mine! Ever since the Draft, no one has been more unstoppable than me! RAW Women's Champion! Hardcore Champion! A Money in the Bank briefcase that guarantees me a shot at the Universal Championship! Even before I showed up on RAW, I was NXT's trailblazer! The only two-time NXT Women's Champion in history! The WWE Universe wants to talk about the Women's Evolution? Let's talk about the Women's Emmalution because I am the one who is leading this movement! Not Paige! Not AJ Lee! Not Becky! Not Allie! Not even Billie and Peyton because they're not the same without me! Most of all... this movement does not revolve around Alexa Bliss. I'm the only one who matters. I'm the one who calls the shots around here. And after tonight, I'll be the RAW Women's Champion once again because it's all! About! Me!"
5) CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP: The second-third of SummerSlam commenced with the entrance of Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas and Zelina Vega, a chorus of boos accompanying them. Almas had one of the best summers out of any WWE superstar, winning the Cruiserweight Classic. “Almas defeated the likes of Mustafa Ali, Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi and Johnny Gargano to seize the trophy. Almas went on to defeat Tyler Breeze at Money in the Bank to become the Cruiserweight Champion. Almas had a stranglehold on the division until two weeks ago when Gargano finally defeated him to win the title. Now, Almas has to prove to himself that this entire journey wasn’t for the purpose of him closing out the greatest stretch of his career empty-handed,” said Mauro Ranallo. Almas and Zelina stood in the ring, waiting for the arrival of the man about to make his first defense of the Cruiserweight Title. The theme song of ‘Johnny Wrestling’ sounded a great response from Madison Square Garden. Gargano, who was competing on the independent scene just a few months ago, was now the Cruiserweight Champion standing in front of a sold out crowd in the world’s most famous arena. It was a dream come true for Gargano, but he couldn’t be too overwhelmed with Almas opposing him once again.
When the bell rang, Gargano evaded any attempt Almas made at grappling him. Gargano stood his ground when Almas tried taking him down to the canvas. Gargano knee’d Almas in the chest before throwing him into the ropes, ‘El Idolo’ stopping himself to pose on the second rope. Gargano tried charging toward Almas, but Zelina posed underneath Almas to stop him in his tracks. Almas stuck his tongue out and approached Gargano, who delivered a slap that caused Almas to bite down onto his tongue. Almas held his mouth before Gargano caught him with a Basement Dropkick to his left knee, following up with one to the side of his face. Gargano backed up and tried for a Superkick, Almas dodging it before rolling him up. When Gargano kicked out, Almas spit the blood from his tongue at Gargano. Almas was able to distract Gargano long enough to connect with a back elbow strike to his nose. Almas stomped away on Gargano while Zelina rooted him on.
Almas headed to the top rope for a Moonsault, Gargano rolling away. Almas landed on his feet and tried following up with a standing Moonsault, but ‘Johnny Wrestling’ was able to get his knees up. Gargano stepped out onto the ring apron to catch his breath, Almas running toward him. Gargano managed to hit Almas with a Spear through the ropes for a two count. Gargano kicked Almas out of the ring so that he could try for a Suicide Dive, Almas able to strike him with a high knee in mid-air! Gargano crashed hard onto the floor, Zelina shouting at him as he stirred to his feet. Almas tried for a Suicide Dive of his own, but Gargano moved out of harm’s way and Zelina took the attack instead! Almas couldn’t spend too much time shocked over the fact that he inadvertently took out his business associate as he had a championship to regain. Almas climbed the turnbuckles for another Moonsault, but Gargano turned the tables by tucking his head against the top turnbuckle for Cheeky Nandos. Gargano then planted Almas with a Sunset Flip for a near-fall. Almas crawled into the opposite corner, Gargano getting the idea of hitting Almas with his own double knees strike. While Gargano was in motion, Almas stood up and surprised him with Destino! Gargano was able to kick out of Almas’ pin attempt, ‘El Idolo’ deciding to try finishing off the defending champion with the Hammerlock DDT. Gargano was able to spin his way out of Almas’ clutches, countering into the Gargano Escape! Almas was too far from the ropes to save himself, quickly submitting! JOHNNY GARGANO IS STILL CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION!
The Madison Square Garden audience was more than pleased with the outcome as Johnny Gargano was handed back the Cruiserweight Championship following his first defense. Zelina Vega was still knocked out on the outside, but instead of tending to her, Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas decided to target Gargano for revenge. Almas attacked Gargano from behind, beating him while the official tried restoring order. Almas brought Gargano to his feet and teased a Hammerlock DDT onto the Cruiserweight Title, and that’s when a certain theme song sounded for the first time at SummerSlam in two years. One of the biggest ovations of the evening, and probably of the year, came when Rey Mysterio ran down the entrance ramp! “Mama mia! Rey Mysterio is here in Madison Square Garden!” Mysterio, who retired two years ago at this same event, slid into the ring, dodged a strike from Almas and took him out of the ring with a Tilt-a-Whirl Headscissors! Almas finally helped Zelina to her feet and retreated, Mysterio standing in the ring to ensure that Almas wouldn’t attack Gargano again. Chants of “Holy shit!” and “619!” reigned supreme in the atmosphere as Gargano got back up, stunned that he was standing in the same ring as arguably the greatest luchador in history. Mysterio picked up the Cruiserweight Championship from the canvas and presented it to Gargano, almost as if it was the passing of the torch from one all-time great cruiserweight to the next superstar who will hold the throne in the division.
WWE NETWORK FALL 2014 LINE-UP: An advertisement was shown for upcoming WWE Network content, including a flood of events this Fall. On Saturday, September 13th, SmackDown Live presents Unforgiven in the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, while RAW takes over the same venue the following day for Payback. Two weeks later, Unison is live from Dario Cueto’s Temple in Los Angeles, California. For weeks thereafter, Manifest Destiny matches from live events will be broadcasted, including Giants Among Commonwealth on November 8th from Wembley Stadium. Before WWE heads to the UK, they make stops in St. Louis on October 25thfor Hell of War, a RAW Pay-Per-View where Dario Cueto has promised to bring to the WWE Universe the first-ever Hell of War match. One day later, SmackDown Live also takes us to hell with the return of the most dangerous structure in history, Hell in a Cell. The Fall line-up concludes with NXT TakeOver: Dallas on November 22nd, and then Survivor Series on the 23rd.
6) MATANZA CUETO VS. ALEISTER BLACK: The biggest challenge yet to Aleister Black’s undefeated streak. ‘The Dutch Destroyer’ made his debut back at Bad Blood almost three months ago, and since then, nobody has managed to put him down. Black rose from a dark pit on the entrance stage, surrounded by candles that illuminated bits and pieces of the darkness. Black made the slow walk down to the ring, Corey Graves noting that Black may be head into a situation that he won’t be able to recover from. Once Black was in the ring, Matanza Cueto’s entrance music sounded, ‘The Monster’ emerging along with his brother, RAW General Manager Dario Cueto. Dario remained on the stage, raising the bull statue that acts as Matanza’s source of power.
Once Matanza was in the ring, Black wasted no time going after him with elbow strikes and kicks. Matanza was able to push him away, but Black retaliated with a jumping knee strike. Matanza was rocked enough for Black to attempt Black Mass, but ‘The Monster’ caught his foot with his hand just like on Monday. This time, Black followed up with an Enziguri, bringing Matanza down to one knee. Black hit a few European Uppercuts before trying for a Clothesline that Matanza was able to counter into a Black Hole Slam! Matanza ran the ropes and tried for a Splash, Black able to roll out of the way.
Matanza got to his feet almost immediately, deadlifting Black off of the canvas. Black tried to fight out of Matanza’s clutches, but ‘The Monster’ was able to throw him across the ring with a German Suplex. Matanza got the cover, but Black was able to kick out. Matanza picked Black up for another Suplex, but this time, Black was able to land on his feet. Matanza ran towards Black, who caught him with Black Mass! However, Matanza was barely fazed! Matanza grabbed Black by his neck, Black breaking free and connecting with another Black Mass! This time, Matanza was rocked enough to fall against the ropes, getting tied up in them. Matanza couldn’t free his arms, giving Black the opening to hit as many Black Masses as he pleased! After three more kicks to this head, Matanza was practically out. The official managed to untie his arms from the ropes, Matanza on both knees now as he crawled toward his adversary. Black delivered the final blow in the form of one more Black Mass before covering Matanza for the win. ALEISTER BLACK IS VICTORIOUS!
Just like every other one of his bouts beforehand, Aleister Black managed to keep his undefeated streak alive. 'The Dutch Destroyer' rose to his feet following his toughest challenge to date, but Black managed to show Matanza, Dario and the WWE Universe that his winning ways have been anything but flukes. "If you ask me, this was just the beginning. Aleister Black is a proven entity at this point, and there's no telling what is to come next for one of Monday Night RAW's most deadly superstars," Mauro Ranallo said while Black sat cross-legged in the center of the ring.
7) SMACKDOWN TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS: SmackDown Live’s tag team division heats up at SummerSlam with a Fatal Four Way match pitting three of the best, most consistent units of 2014 thus far, and the champions who managed to stun the world a few weeks ago. Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn were thrown together by SmackDown Live Commissioner Shane McMahon, and in only their second match, they were able to defeat The Usos to become SmackDown Tag Team Champions. “Just last month, Rhodes and Zayn were battling it out for the WWE Championship at The Bash. They’ve gotten incredibly lucky over the last few weeks, but with The Usos, Catch Point, and Kidd and Neville standing in their way, I don’t think there’s any likelihood that they leave Madison Square Garden as the SmackDown Tag Team Champions,” Nigel McGuinness said.
The match began with Rhodes, Neville, Jey and Gable as the legal competitors. Jey immediately went after Rhodes, The Usos looking for revenge for their Tag Team Championship loss. Jey shoved Rhodes into a corner and stomped away on him, Neville and Gable partaking in their own battle off to the side. Rhodes was able to Irish Whip Jey into Gable, rolling up Jey for a near-fall that was broken up when Neville placed him in a pinning predicament. Gable grabbed Neville and planted him with a German Suplex, bridging into a pin that Rhodes broke up. Gable made the tag to Jordan, who came in with Clotheslines to Rhodes and Neville. Jordan hoisted Jey above his head, throwing him to the outside. Jordan tried for Suplexes onto Rhodes and Neville, but it was countered against him. After Rhodes hit Neville with an uppercut, he tagged in Zayn, who flew onto Neville with a Flying Crossbody. Zayn then leaped over the top rope onto Jey and Jordan before heading back into the ring, finding that Kidd was now legal. Kidd springboarded off the top rope with a Clothesline to Zayn, covering him for a two count. On the outside, Rhodes, Neville, Jordan, Gable and both Usos engaged in a scuffle, Zayn taking Kidd out in the ring with a single-leg Dropkick. Zayn perched Kidd onto the top rope for what he intended to be an Avalanche Brainbuster, but Kidd was able to counter. Kidd then placed Zayn in position for a Spanish Fly, diving onto the crowd of superstars at ringside!
With all eight competitors down and out, it was up to the legal superstars to make it back into the ring and decide the bout. Zayn and Kidd both slid back into the ring, Jey also doing so in order to tag in Jimmy. Zayn was able to plant Kidd with a Blue Thunder Bomb, Zayn leaning back onto the canvas in exhaustion, Jimmy flying onto him with a Splash! Jimmy got the cover, but Jordan broke it up. Jordan tried throwing Jimmy out of the ring, but ended up taking double Superkicks from The Usos. Jey tried to charge towards Kidd, but was caught with a leaping reverse STO. When Kidd got to his feet, he was caught with a Disaster Kick from Rhodes. Kidd was sent into a corner, giving Zayn the opening to strike with the Helluva Kick! Zayn covered Kidd, retaining the championships for Rhodes and himself. SAMI ZAYN & CODY RHODES ARE STILL THE SMACKDOWN TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!
To the shock of some WWE Universe members, Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes managed to pull off the win against three of the most talented and united teams on SmackDown Live. The two were handed back the SmackDown Tag Team Championships, raising them triumphantly. “Two former WWE Champions who found immense success as singles competitors… Maybe we shouldn’t be surprised that Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes have managed to mesh together almost instantly to find success as a team,” said Mauro Ranallo. The reign of Zayn and Rhodes at the top of team blue’s tag team division continues, but with Manifest Destiny coming up and both men being obvious choices for the grueling tournament, how long will they be able to co-exist?
"I'M STRONGER THAN BEFORE, I'M NOT AFRAID TO FACE THE ENEMY": Sending things back over to Monday Night RAW’s side of the action, one woman will be leaving with the chance to become a double champion, while the other will walk out of Madison Square Garden empty handed while being forced to watch her bitter rival hold what she once held closest to her. A video package commenced with Skarlett Riot’s ”Warrior” playing as the backing track. At the WWE Draft, Emma was brought over to RAW from NXT. Emma immediately dominated on the brand, defeating AJ Lee at No Mercy to become RAW Women’s Champion. From there, Emma also captured the Hardcore Championship and Money in the Bank briefcase. Emma looked to be unstoppable until Alexa Bliss was traded to RAW in exchange for AJ. Thanks to ‘Little Miss Bliss,’ Emma lost the Hardcore Title to Heath Slater. Wanting to make Alexa suffer for costing her one of her championships. Emma heinously assaulted Alexa the following week and actually forced her to vomit after shoving her finger into her mouth. ”How did you sleep? How did you feel when you attacked me? I can’t believe you didn’t see how cruel you could be.” Emma purposely attacked Alexa’s eating disorder, which she’s been open with in an attempt to bring awareness to the epidemic and help fans going through the same thing know that they’re not alone, and she’s living proof that there is life waiting for you on the other side. Emma mocked this message, even going as far as to attack Lillian Garcia, who used her podcast to give Alexa a platform to speak about anorexia and bulimia. At Vengeance, Alexa got her revenge when she defeated Emma to win the RAW Women’s Championship. ”I’m stronger than before. I’m not afraid to face the enemies, a warrior. I’m braver than before. I’m not afraid to face the world alone. Warrior.” Now left with just her Money in the Bank briefcase, Emma was still out to get the woman who she believed was ruining her career. Emma once again hit Alexa where it hurt the most, enlisting her ex-fiancee Buddy Murphy. ‘The Juggernaut’ made his debut by attacking Alexa, and declared the next week that Alexa brought all of her unfortunate happenings onto herself. ”You raised a fist to me. Spat right at me so everyone could see.” Alexa and Emma continued their rivalry, bringing them tonight’s Winner Takes All match. One of them will leave SummerSlam with both the RAW Women’s Championship and Money in the Bank contract. Everything that Emma’s built up over the summer can crumble in one night at the hands of the woman she’s tried so hard to run out of the division. ”I am a warrior. You started a war. Warrior. You started a war.”
8) WINNER TAKES ALL: The stage was now set for arguably the biggest Women’s Championship match in SummerSlam history, and the biggest defense that the Money in the Bank briefcase has ever seen before. The opening sound byte of, “It’s all about me!” in Emma’s theme song played to a resounding negative response from Madison Square Garden. The stage had been littered with dollar bills, more money falling from the ceiling onto Emma. The holder of the Money in the Bank briefcase worse a green attire with sunglasses that had dollar signs for lenses. Emma pointed to the briefcase, and then back to herself while screaming that it was still all about her. “I’ve worked alongside Emma since our days in the beginning of NXT. This is the most focused I’ve ever seen her on. She’s not just going into this match determined. She’s bitter. She’s angry. She’s been enraged by Alexa Bliss, and she wants to make sure that when Alexa loses the RAW Women’s Championship in just a matter of moments, she never shows her face again.” Emma has undoubtedly felt the pressure of Paige’s successful cash-in for the WWE Championship, but she’s held off on creating her own triumphant moment for the Universal Championship to focus on her rivalry with Alexa. Emma set the briefcase down in the center of the ring, pyro being set off behind her.
Just like how this is the biggest match of Emma’s career, it’s also the biggest for her opponent. Alexa’s entrance music hit, the RAW Women’s Champion receiving an enormous pop from the WWE Universe. Alexa headed out to the stage in a Captain America-inspired gear, even holding a shield with her logo on it. Alexa set the shield down to reveal the Women’s Title in her hand, using it to toy with Emma’s emotions. Alexa stepped into the ring, glancing at the Money in the Bank briefcase before posing with the Women’s Title behind her head.
After the pre-match introductions were made, the bell sounded as Alexa and Emma stood in their respective corners for a moment, taking in the fan response that was deafening. This was the most high stakes match on SummerSlam, even with Last Diva Standing and Aztec Warfare still to come. Emma and Alexa ran toward each other, Alexa hitting a Dropkick before firing away with right and left hand strikes to her face. Emma shoved Alexa away with her palm, Emma hit Alexa with a huge closed fist hook, screaming at Alexa to get back up. Alexa did so, firing back with her own strike to Emma. The shot actually busted open Emma’s lip, Emma smiling before headbutting Alexa. Emma rolled Alexa out of the ring before stepping onto the apron, leaping off with a Clothesline. Emma picked Alexa and forced her against the steel steps, choking her while shouting at her that she's going to lose everything. Emma bashed the back of Alexa's head against the steps before rolling her back into the ring, covering her for a two count. Ms. Money in the Bank brought Alexa to her feet, striking her in a corner before Alexa was able to dodge one of the strikes, taking Emma down to the canvas. Alexa struck Emma repeatedly yet again, letting her emotions get to her. Emma used her legs to grasp Alexa's neck, but Alexa was able to jump back onto her feet. She kicked Emma square in the face before adding Insult to Injury with the knee-drops to the stomach.
Alexa Irish Whipped Emma into a corner, charging toward her. Emma moved out of the way, Alexa latching onto the top rope to go for a Code Red. Emma was hold to hold onto the ropes, covering Alexa before the official noticed her cheating. Emma angrily brought Alexa into the center of the ring for what was supposed to be a Fisherman Buster, only for Alexa to turn it into an inside cradle. After Emma kicked out, she rolled out to ringside, taking a moment to catch her breath. Alexa, however, headed up to the top rope, soaring through the air with Twisted Bliss onto a standing Emma! Alexa rolled Emma back into the ring, taking a moment to clutch her wrist that she came down hard on just seconds ago. While the official made sure that Emma wasn't incapacitated, Buddy Murphy ran down the entrance ramp and leveled Alexa with a knee strike! Murphy rolled Alexa back into the ring, hiding against the apron. Emma crawled toward Alexa, getting the cover that was still somehow not enough! Murphy stood up, shocked that Alexa was still not out of this contest just yet. Emma threw Alexa into the ropes, but Alexa dodged a Clothesline and leaped through the ropes with a Suicide Dive to Murphy. When Emma ran toward the ropes, Alexa struck with her a huge right hand shot! Emma staggered into a corner, Alexa charging into her with double knees to her back! The collision knocked the wind of out of Emma, giving Alexa the opening for Twisted Bliss! Alexa hit her finisher, covering Emma for what was going to be a three count had Murphy not pulled the official out of the ring.
The WWE Universe booed relentlessly after Murphy cost Alexa the victory, the official responding to 'The Juggernaut' by ejecting him from ringside! While the official was occupied with Murphy, Emma took her Money in the Bank briefcase and hit Alexa with it! Emma quickly discarded of the briefcase, covering Alexa as the official ran back in to the ring to make the count. Everyone in Madison Square Garden thought that was the end of Alexa's reign as the RAW Women's Champion, but 'Little Miss Bliss' defied the odds yet again by getting her shoulder up! "No matter what Emma pulls out of her arsenal, Alexa Bliss will not stay down!" Mauro Ranallo exclaimed. Emma decided that she only had one resort left if Alexa wasn't going to let this match go. She grabbed Alexa by her jaw, trying to force her finger down her throat again. However, Alexa actually started biting Emma's finger! Alexa was practically on the verge of severing Emma's finger before turning her around, spiking Emma onto the back of her head with Alexaonfire! Alexa hurried over to a corner, ascending to the rope for a third Twisted Bliss! Alexa got the cover that cemented her status over Emma as RAW's top female superstar. ALEXA BLISS IS STILL THE RAW WOMEN'S CHAMPION & NEW MS. MONEY IN THE BANK!
The shock and excitement of the WWE Universe flooded the atmosphere in Madison Square Garden as Alexa Bliss stood on her knees, holding her head while being overwhelmed with emotions. For only the second time in WWE history, the Money in the Bank briefcase has changed hands. Alexa was handed the RAW Women's Title and Money in the Bank briefcase, her focus being on the latter. "At the start of this summer, Emma held two championships and the briefcase. Almost instantly, it's all gone! Emma has nothing to her name anymore!" Corey Graves said. Alexa put the RAW Women's Title around her waist while raising the Money in the Bank briefcase as she now has a chance to follow Paige's footsteps and become the first female Universal Champion. Above all else, Alexa has shown Emma that there are consequences for trying to use someone's dark side to your advantage.
"IF YOUR STORY EVER CAME TRUE, CAN YOU KEEP IT TOGETHER?": Thus far tonight, the WWE Universe has seen the defining moments in the careers of Becky Lynch and Alexa Bliss. Now, it was The Iconic Duo’s turn to try cementing themselves in the WWE’s main event limelight. ”Major System Error” by Marmozets played during the video package that recapped the establishment of Catch Point prior to the start of the summer. TJ Perkins enlisted Chad Gable, Jason Jordan, Allie and CM Punk for a unit dedicated to returning professional wrestling to its roots, which essentially meant preventing the ‘women’s revolution’ from overtaking divisions that have always been reserved for males. While they ran rampant on SmackDown Live, Iconic Duo ended up embroiled in a personal and eerie rivalry with AJ Lee, who professed her love for Billie. Ultimately, Billie and Peyton’s relationship was saved by Catch Point’s biggest adversary, the WWE Champion Paige. With Billie and Peyton now a married couple, they returned the favor to Paige by accepting a challenge issued by TJP and Punk. While Punk has expressed that he has little issues with The Iconic Duo, TJP is a completely different story. TJP has taken every chance he can take to attack Billie’s and Peyton’s sexual orientation. The two of them fired back during a contract signing by making accusations about TJP’s relationship with Taynara Conti, specifically her age when the two met. The two would not let up in humiliating TJP, who opted to stay quiet and not give Iconic Duo any satisfaction in an outraged response. ”I can see a major system error in you. You think one plus seven, seven, seven makes two. If your story ever, ever, ever came true, can you keep it together?” TJP made this personal, so The Iconic Duo gave him a taste of his own medicine with personal attacks. Which team will regret their choice of words by the end of the contest?
9) THE ICONIC DUO VS. CATCH POINT: After the video package concluded, the static intro to CM Punk’s entrance music sounded to a mixed response. Punk made his way out to the stage, choosing to make a separate entrance from his tag team partner, which Nigel McGuinness questioned as a sign of distrust between the two. “How much does it agonize CM Punk that TJ Perkins’ behavior has to reflect on him?” McGuinness asked, Rob Naylor answering by saying that Punk has to face the consequences of his chosen partnerships. “TJP was already a controversial figure when Punk joined Catch Point. He only became a member to secure himself the WWE Championship, and now that the title is no longer in his possession, he has to accept that this is the path he chose. If Punk never wanted to be guilty by association, he never should have aligned himself with TJP in the first place.” Punk kept his hood down while heading into the ring, possibly showing embarrassment for even partaking in this match. There’s no reason for him to battle The Iconic Duo, but he’s going to anyway because they’ll be coming after him.
With Punk in the ring, a prelude to TJP’s theme song began playing while several masked figures crowded the stage, all of them wearing Mega Man inspired costumes, complete with Mega Buster hand cannons. Once TJP’s full theme song kicked in, he and Taynara Conti walked through the curtain, both wearing the same hand cannons as the other silhouettes. “There are many, many things that the WWE Universe can criticize TJ Perkins for, but something I can’t bring myself to hate are his results. He’s taken the nastiest, most deplorable way to climbing up the ranks in SmackDown Live, but compare where he is now to when he was drafted. TJP has become a main event player, whether we agree with his methods or not.” TJP, Taynara and all of the extras dabbed in unison, holding the hand cannons toward the ceiling to fire off pyro from them. The extras remained in dabbing position while TJP and Taynara marched down to the ring, ‘The Fil-Am-Flash’ wearing a sleeveless body suit resemblant of his Manik gear. TJP and Punk came face-to-face at ringside, both men understanding that their partnership isn’t in the brightest spot right now. However, if they want to save themselves the humiliation of losing to The Iconic Duo, they need to work cohesively.
While Punk, Perkins and Taynara huddled to discuss putting any differences aside, the lights in Madison Square Garden shut while the WWE Universe chanted “Iconic!” as loudly as they could. A recording began to play over the PA system, starting with the sound of a telephone ringing. Billie Kay’s voice could then be heard saying, “9-1-1-, what is your emergency, mate?” Peyton Royce responded with, “Yeah, I'd like to report a pedophile.” “in Madison Square Garden?” Billie asked, Peyton confirming. “At SummreSlam?” she added to the same sound of assurance. “Oh, that sounds problematic,” Billie said before Peyton asked if anyone could be sent to fix the issue. “Yeah, they’ll be on it right about now.” The call hung up and Iconic Duo’s new entrance theme, ”Shook!” by Sylar, began to play. With streamers and confetti with pride colors being shot onto the stage, Billie and Peyton made their entrance in police uniforms, the two set for their first tag team match since Money in the Bank back in June. Billie held handcuffs, trying to get into the head of TJP by insinuating that he’ll be jailed for what he’s been accused of. Cameras briefly showed TJP watching the entrance with his eyes wide open, Taynara trying to tell him not to pay any attention to it. “They’ve taken every ‘Paige’ out of the book of mind games they could find. Billie and Peyton exude confidence and arrogance that they never have before, and they feel empowered enough to stand up to TJP and say to his face that they’re not going to stand for his BS,” said Mauro Ranallo. Billie and Peyton stepped into the ring, posing in the center of the ring before taking off their police hats and shirts. Each Catch Point member at ringside had a different response to Iconic Duo’s “policing.” McGuinness chimed in with, "If the accusations have any weight to them, then call the real police! Not The Iconic Duo!" TJP was infuriated. Taynara wanted to ignore them, and Punk just wanted to get this match over with.
The bout kicked off with TJP and Peyton, the two locking up before TJP shoved her. “You think that’s funny?!” TJP asked, referring to Iconic Duo’s mockery and accusations against him. Peyton kicked TJP in the mid-section before grabbing his wrist, running onto the top rope to use him as a base for a Tornado DDT. TJP tagged in Punk, who just stood on the ring apron with his head down. Again, he didn’t have a personal reason to fight Peyton, but had to do say anyway. Punk was able to place Peyton in a Headlock, appearing to be bored while doing so. Peyton wanted to get under Punk’s skin, so she asked him if he’s ever been with an underaged girl like TJP has. Punk tried to fight off any anger and ignore Peyton since he knew what her goal was. Peyton managed to lift Punk off his feet for a Side Suplex, tagging in Billie. In came ‘The Femme Fatale’ to kick Punk in the side of his head, striking him repeatedly thereafter. TJP got to his feet at ringside, Billie quickly hitting a Baseball Slide to him. Punk used that opening to pull Billie down to the mat by her hair, stomping on her clavicle. Punk Punk showed some signs of anger, but not enough to completely lash out.
Punk tagged TJP back in, who was more than eager to go after Billie. He clipped her behind the left knee, trying to weaken her for the Kneebar eventually. TJP worked over Billie’s left leg, hindering the advantage of one of the women’s division’s tallest competitors. TJP then turned around and ran toward Peyton, knocking her off the apron with a Yakuza Kick. Billie stood up and tried to get back at TJP, but her leg gave in. Billie dropped onto her hands and knees, TJP stepping on her right hand before kicking her upside her head. TJP placed Billie's neck against the middle rope, driving his knee against the back of her neck. TJP met the official's five count before leaping over the top rope for a Dropkick. Peyton got back to her feet and tried for a Spin Kick, TJP grabbing her and throwing her back-first onto the apron. TJP rolled back into the ring, applying a single-legged Boston Crab to Billie. The entire time, TJP stared at Punk, shouting that this was how Catch Point members are supposed to get their jobs done.
Billie managed to reach the bottom rope, TJP trying to bring her into the center to turn the Boston Crab into an STF. Billie managed to kick TJP away, planting him with a Scoop Slam. Billie made the tag to Peyton, who ascended to the top rope for a Frog Splash onto TJP! Peyton got the cover, but Punk broke it up. That led to Billie connecting with a Big Boot to Punk, falling onto the canvas afterward due to her injured knee. Peyton headed to ringside, pulling Punk out while calling for Billie to help her out. Taynara tried to step in, but Billie grabbed her and threw her into the ring post for her troubles. The Iconic Duo attacked Punk, who staggered up the entrance ramp while feeling the effects of the Big Boot from seconds ago. Billie and Peyton threw Punk toward the RAW announce table that was set up on the side of the stage. Billie and Peyton brought Punk onto the surface of the table, working together to hoist him into a Vertical Suplex position. The Iconic Duo plunged Punk into another table that was set up below the stage, crashing through it! The Madison Square Garden audience went wild as Billie and Peyton held hands, excitedly looking down at the motionless body of Punk.
Back in the ring, TJP began stirring to his feet as Billie and Peyton set their sights back on him. The married couple surrounded TJP, not allowing him a way out of facing the repercussions for his words against them. Billie struck TJP with a running knee to his face, Peyton following up with a Spin Kick. The two then picked TJP up for a double-teamed Powerbomb, Peyton covering him for the most satisfying win in the careers of SmackDown Live's love story. THE ICONIC DUO IS VICTORIOUS!
Not a single member of Catch Point will be leaving SummerSlam victorious, and Billie Kay and Peyton Royce just put the nail in the coffin to finalize that fact. The Iconic Duo hugged once both were on their feet, feeling the same sense of freedom that they did when they were married a few weeks ago on SmackDown Live. Catch Point, specifically TJ Perkins, were forced to eat their words by suffering defeat at the hands of a same-sex couple that they demeaned. "The biggest breakout moment yet for Billie and Peyton. Ever since the Draft, we've been able to witness the rise of two women who came to SmackDown Live with something to prove. Now, they stand tall as two of the pillars of the blue brand, and part of that cementation is the fact that they can now say they walked into Madison Square Garden and defeated TJ Perkins and CM Punk," Mauro Ranallo said. Billie and Peyton held hands as they walked up the entrance ramp, putting Catch Point behind them. However, their nightmare might not be over just yet because if AJ Lee can become WWE Champion tonight, they're back in hell all over again.
"WHO WILL WE LEAVE IN OUR WAKE?": The final match from Monday Night RAW this evening was about to take place as the WWE Universe will watch 13 of the brand's top competitors battle it out for the right to be named the Universal Champion. "In Our Wake" by Atreyu led into the video package that showed Derrick Bateman's becoming of Universal Champion at the Royal Rumble. Bateman kept his reign alive through WrestleMania 30 and No Mercy, defeating John Cena, Brock Lesnar and AJ Styles. "Will I be more than flesh? Can I leave more than bones? Will these words have an impact? Can they be carved into stone?" Bateman's first stumble came at Bad Blood when he lost the gold to Kevin Owens in an Elimination Chamber match. Bateman would regain the title at Money in the Bank, but only with assistance from Styles, who declared that Bateman was the only champion he aspires to take the title away from. "Will I leave you better off than I found you? Shining and pristine." As Bateman, Styles and Owens engaged in a three-way rivalry, RAW General Manager Dario Cueto announced The Cueto Cup, which was intended to determine a Universal Championship challenger for SummerSlam. Finn Balor overcame Adam Cole, Matanza Cueto and The Miz to win the tournament, while Bateman retained the Universal Title over Styles and Owens at Vengeance. Bateman and Balor's championship collision happened the following night on RAW instead, and when Miz inserted himself into the picture. Dario announced that the first-ever Aztec Warfare match will determine who leaves Madison Square Garden as the Universal Champion. "We break like the ocean, we rise like the tide. We drown in emotion, but reach for the sky." Bateman, Balor, Miz, Styles, Owens, Daniel Bryan, Kyle O'Reilly, Pentagon, Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton, Xavier Woods and United States Champion Seth Rollins meet in a no disqualification, no count-out war in the middle of the world's most famous arena. Who will be the Universal Champion? "Who will we leave in our wake? In our wake? In our wake?"
10) AZTEC WARFARE FOR THE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP: After the opening bell, Greg Hamilton announced that the following contest is the first-ever Aztec Warfare match. Two competitors will start the match. Every two minutes, a new participant will enter. There are no disqualifications or count-outs. Eliminations can occur at any time via pinfall or submission. No superstar will be allowed to forfeit for any reason once they've entered the match. Even if they're deemed unable to compete, they must remain active until they're eliminated, or triumphant per a miracle. The last superstar remaining will be the Universal Champion.
Entrant #1: Adam Cole
"Shock the system" was the sound that immediately brought the majority of Madison Square Garden occupants up to their feet. Adam Cole, the leader of The Undisputed ERA, walked out to the stage begrudgingly since this means he must outlast all 12 of his opponents from start to finish if he wants to leave SummerSlam with the Universal Title. "Cole's been in big match situations before. He's a former NXT Champion and United States Champion. Cole knows what it takes to stand tall at the top, and as long as he can stay alive in this match by the time Kyle O'Reilly enters, it could be smooth sailing for him," Mauro Ranallo said. Cole walked into the ring, bowing his head slightly before raising it to scream, "Adam Cole, bay bay!" along with the WWE Universe.
Entrant #2: Finn Balor
The winner of The Cueto Cup, initially being promised a one-on-one match for the Universal Championship tonight. Balor walked through the curtain, wearing a military-style camouflage jacket as opposed to his signature leather jacket, fitting into the theme of war. "If I'm Finn Balor, I'd be heading into Aztec Warfare with the biggest chip on my shoulder imaginable. He won The Cueto Cup. He won the right to face Derrick Bateman in a one-on-one match for the title. Now, he has to share his title opportunity with 11 of RAW's best superstars. He's entering this match at number two, and on top of all that, Balor isn't even in his 'Demon' persona tonight. He's walking into Aztec Warfare with a giant smile on his face, and I just don't get it," said Corey Graves.
Balor and Cole started off the match, the latter trying to force his foe against the ropes. Balor was able to shove Cole away, reacting with a Basement Dropkick. Cole rolled out of the ring as Balor tried for a dive over the top rope, but Cole slid back into the ring just in time to catch Balor with a Clothesline. Cole placed Balor in a corner, kicking him repeatedly in the mid-section with nothing the official could do under Aztec Warfare rules. Cole tried whipping Balor into the opposite corner, but had it countered. Balor sent Cole chest-first into the top turnbuckle, which was enough to knock the wind out of him. Balor wanted to finish off Cole early, ascending to the top rope for Coup De Grace. Cole was able to roll out of the way, attempting a Superkick once he was back on his feet. Balor grabbed Cole's foot, spinning him around. Balor grabbed Cole for a German Suplex, throwing him into the turnbuckles.
Entrant #3: Randy Orton
The first of three Wyatt Tribe members entered Aztec Warfare, being the first to introduce a weapon. Orton took out a steel chair from underneath the ring, leveling Balor in the mid-section with it. 'The Viper' followed up with a strike to Cole's back, setting the chair down in the center of the ring. Orton was already thinking RKO, positioning for Balor for it. However, Balor was able to thwart Orton's plan, sending him crashing back-first onto the chair. Balor picked up the chair and threw it at Orton's forehead, Cole charging toward him. Balor sent Cole over the top rope before slingshotting Orton into a corner. With Orton down and out temporarily, Balor placed the steel chair in between the top of and middle turnbuckles in one corner. Balor tried throwing Orton into it, but was taken out with a Superkick from Cole! Cole stared down at Balor, shouting at him before attempting to deliver his signature catchphrase. Orton, however, grabbed Cole and sent him crashing the top of his head into the chair!
Entrant #4: Xavier Woods
"Awwwww New York City! Don't you dare be sour! Clap for your next Universal Champ and feel the power!" Orton stood his ground in the center of the ring as Xavier Woods, a member of The Wyatt Tribe's rival trio, was the next superstar out. Woods ran down to the ring with two objects in the form of a unicorn piñata, and a pink and blue kendo stick to match said piñata. Orton started beating Woods down before he had the opening to attack. When Orton reached for the kendo stick, Woods kicked him in his chest and face. Woods was able to take the kendo stick for himself, striking Orton in the shoulder with it! The sound of the kendo stick ripping at Orton's flesh echoed throughout Madison Square Garden, Woods connecting with a few more strikes to him. Woods then picked up the piñata, but Cole clipped him behind his knee. Cole took the kendo stick and hit Woods on the back of his neck. Cole took one more swing at a downed Woods before he saw Balor flying off of the top rope toward him. Cole caught Balor just in time with a kendo stick shot to his ribs. Cole covered Balor, who managed to kick out. When Cole tried pinning Woods and Orton, the results were the same.
Entrant: 5: Kevin Owens
The former Universal Champion was looking to reclaim his title, even if he had to do it from the fifth entry spot. Owens slid into the ring, and when Cole tried leveling him with the kendo stick, Owens was able to catch it. Owens headbutted Cole before taking the kendo stick, throwing it at Cole's face before firing away with right and left hand shots. Owens stomped on Cole in a corner before lunging himself at the Undisputed ERA member with a Cannonball. Owens then headed toward Orton, the man he already defeated twice at WrestleMania and No Mercy. Owens chopped Orton repeatedly before he was pulled away by Balor, who planted Owens with 1916. Balor tried getting back up to his feet, but was struck with a Shining Wizard from Woods. The New Day's representative in this match looked underneath the ring, bringing out a trash can. Woods placed it over Orton's head and upper body, taking the kendo stick to beat him with it! Orton dropped to his knees as Woods put down the kendo stick and ran toward the trash can with hard kick. Orton was able to free himself, but before Woods could go for the cover, Owens grabbed him for a German Suplex, throwing him onto the trash can!
Entrant #6: Seth Rollins
"Burn it down!" screamed the entire Madison Square Garden audience in unison. The United States Champion bolted into the ring faster than anyone else, springboarding off of the top rope for a knee strike to Owens. Rollins went after every participant in the match up to that point before bringing a second chair into play. Rollins set both chairs up in the center of the ring, Balor trying to foil whatever he had in mind. Balor hit Rollins for a few forearm strikes, backing away for a final one. Rollins, however, managed to throw his knee against Balor's jaw. Rollins perched Balor on the top rope, perhaps attempting to Superplex him onto the two chairs. Balor managed to fight back and was able to shove Rollins onto the canvas. Rollins was able to spring to his feet, running onto the top rope for the Superplex to Balor onto the two chairs! It was as if Rollins just didn't feel the impact whatsoever as he immediately followed up with a Falcon Arrow! Rollins covered Balor, who miraculously kicked out at two.
Entrant #7: Kyle O'Reilly
More than halfway through the match, and aid finally came for Cole as the other Undisputed ERA member in Aztec Warfare finally joined the fray. O'Reilly headed into the ring, kicking Rollins in the side of the head before pummeling him with more kicks. Woods tried going after O'Reilly, but faced Cole's wrath for it. Cole and O'Reilly worked together to beat Woods down before turning their attention to Owens. 'The Prizefighter' attempted to fight back, but O'Reilly was able to subdue him after a Roundhouse Kick. O'Reilly held Owens by his arms, allowing Cole to deliver a Superkick. Cole and O'Reilly then glanced over at the unicorn piñata that Woods introduced during his entrance. Cole stomped on the piñata before picking it up, pouring out Legos instead of candy. "Oh, they're just Legos," Graves said before realizing something. "... Oh my God, those are Legos!" In a match that had already seen steel chairs and a kendo stick come into play, Legos seemed like the most deadly objects yet. Knowing that, O'Reilly grabbed Woods, setting him up for Chasing the Dragon onto the Legos. Balor pulled Cole out of the ring, Graves adding a joke about Balor not wanting any Legos to be ruined. In the ring, Woods was able to counter O'Reilly's Brainbuster attempt into a DDT, but not onto the Legos.
Entrant #8: Bray Wyatt
Now, two factions had power in Aztec Warfare as Bray Wyatt entered the ring, immediately picking Orton back up to his feet. The two headed into the ring, Woods trying to fend them off since he knew he'd be their first target. Wyatt and Orton pulverized Woods, but were then taken out with a springboard Flying Crossbody from Rollins. The United States Champion took a steel chair and began hitting Wyatt and Orton with it. Rollins was the lone survivor for the time being until he was hit with a Clothesline from Owens. 'The Prizefighter' picked Rollins up, throwing into the ropes for what he intended to be a Pop Up Powerbomb. However, Rollins was able to counter it into a small package roll-up, scoring the three count! Kevin Owens has been eliminated! Shock and awe throughout Madison Square Garden as Owens was the first superstar to be eliminated from Aztec Warfare! Owens, who captured the title back at Bad Blood in an Elimination Chamber match, would be leaving SummerSlam empty-handed. Not only that, but it was thanks to Rollins, who Owens had already been defeated by last Monday night on RAW. Owens remained sitting on the canvas, stunned that his Universal Championship aspirations were over so suddenly. When Rollins tried turning his attention back to The Wyatt Tribe, that's when Owens snapped and blindsided him! Owens stomped away mercilessly on the United States Champion, kicking him out to ringside. Owens grabbed Rollins, throwing him onto the ring apron with a Powerbomb! Officials had to restrain Owens, forcing him to leave the ringside area. 'The Prizefighter' slowly walked back up the entrance ramp, his soulless eyes gazing at Rollins. The officials couldn't do anything about Rollins' condition since one of the rules to Aztec Warfare was that an incapacitated superstar can't be taken out of the match for any reason.
Entrant #9: Derrick Bateman
The first-ever and defending Universal Champion was ready to try his hand once again at proving the WWE Universe wrong. Derrick Bateman ran down to ringside, his first action being to take Rollins and roll him back into the ring. Bateman covered Rollins, the official having no choice but to make the count. Seth Rollins has been eliminated! Just seconds into the match, Bateman was able to add to the elimination total, leaving him with 10 superstars to contest with. 'The God of the New Era' tried to remain on the offensive end of things, taking a steel chair to Orton and Wyatt in order to neutralize them. He did the same to Woods before taking a knee to the side of his face from O'Reilly. The Undisputed ERA took Bateman down, Cole and O'Reilly hellbent on eliminating the biggest threat in the match before he even has the chance to really shine. Balor flew through the air with a Missile Dropkick to Cole and O'Reilly. Not because he wanted to save Bateman, but because he wanted to stop The Undisputed ERA from building momentum. Balor turned around, only to run into a Scoop Slam from Orton. 'The Viper' looked over his shoulder and noticed a fazed Woods stirring to his feet. Orton began coiling for the RKO, looking off to the side at the pile of Legos. Orton went for the RKO, but Woods managed to stay grounded and shove Orton onto the Legos! Orton instantly writhed in pain, markings from the Legos appearing on his back already. Woods was then struck from behind by Wyatt. 'The Eater of Worlds' placed Woods in position for Sister Abigail, spiking his face and chest into the Legos! Wyatt covered Woods to give The Wyatt Tribe the decisive win in their feud against The New Day. Xavier Woods has been eliminated!
Entrant #10: Daniel Bryan
The 'Yes Movement' was in full effect in Madison Square Garden as Daniel Bryan's entrance helped wind down the remaining field in Aztec Warfare. Bryan went after Wyatt before striking Orton with an elbow since they were his first two immediate targets who were standing. Bryan then leaped through the ropes for a Suicide Dive onto Cole and O'Reilly. Bryan was picked up by Bateman, who Bryan blocked a strike from. Bryan hit Bateman with a Roundhouse Kick before stepping onto the SmackDown Live announce table. Bryan dropped himself onto Bateman with a Diving Headbutt, shaking off any effects before heading back into the ring. Bryan was immediately taken out by Orton and Wyatt, the two resuming their rivalry with Bryan from earlier in the summer. Wyatt held Bryan down while Orton whaled away with a steel chair, and then pressing the top of the chair down onto Bryan's throat. Orton and Wyatt then noticed Balor getting back into the ring, so they turned their attention to 'The Demon' and punished him the same way they did Bryan, only with Wyatt taking charge with the chair.
Entrant #11: Pentagon
All of a sudden, it looked like there was no possible way that The Wyatt Tribe could lose Aztec Warfare. Their third and final member, Pentagon, made his way into the ring, staring down at the carnage Orton and Wyatt left. Pentagon gave the 'Cero Miedo' hand gesture before attempting to snap the arm of Balor. However, Bryan was able to run into Pentagon with a Busaiku Knee, freeing Balor from The Wyatt Tribe. Orton and Wyatt went back on the attack, but Bateman pulled Pentagon out of the ring. Bateman took a monitor from the SmackDown Live table, leveling Pentagon upside the head with it. Bateman hoisted Pentagon onto his shoulders, driving him into the ring post before delivering a TKO onto the barricade. Back in the ring, Bryan took the kendo stick and began firing away onto Orton and Wyatt. Bryan soon broke the already weakened stick in half over his right knee, using both pieces to continue attacking The Wyatt Tribe. Bryan ran the ropes and used a Tilt-a-Whirl to his advantage, applying the Yes Lock onto Wyatt. Bryan took one of the kendo stick pieces that was in front of him, using it reel back Wyatt's head. Orton was taken down by Balor, who applied a Crossface,, also with assistance from a kendo stick piece. Bryan and Balor forced two-thirds of The Wyatt Family into submission at that point. Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt have been eliminated! Just moments ago, the WWE Universe members were asking themselves if anyone could stop The Wyatt Tribe. Now, Pentagon was the only hope the group had left at capturing the Universal Championship.
Entrant #12: AJ Styles
For AJ Styles, this match was about more than just becoming the Universal Champion. Ever since his WWE Championship loss to The Undertaker at WrestleMania, 'The Phenomenal One' has not been the same. However, he's now in the position he's been seeking. Bateman, his arch nemesis, is still the Universal Champion, which is what he's wanted the whole time since he doesn't desire beating anyone else for it. Plus, he can best RAW's entire main even picture in one shot. Styles went after Bryan and Balor, beating both men down to the canvas before going for a Pele Kick to Bateman. 'The God of the New Era' was able to catch Styles' foot, trying to apply an Ankle Lock. Bateman was kicked away through the ropes, Pentagon leaping toward Styles with a Slingblade. On the outside, Cole and O'Reilly resumed their attack on Bateman, the latter bringing a table into play. After the table was set up, Bateman was able to connect with an Uppercut to O'Reilly, finding his second wind. Bateman then placed Cole in a Gorilla Press position, shouting at SmackDown Live's commentators to move out of the way before Bateman threw Cole into their chairs. Bateman placed Cole on the table, stepping onto the ring apron. O'Reilly went after the defending champion, trying to fend off whatever he had planned. Bateman, however, was able to low blow O'Reilly, picking him up for a Powerbomb onto Cole and through the table! The Undisputed ERA had been incapacitated, Bateman dragging both men back into the ring. Bateman covered Cole and O'Reilly at the same time to score two more eliminations. Adam Cole and Kyle O'Reilly have been eliminated!
Entrant #13: The Miz
Fittingly enough, Bateman was the only participant standing in the ring at the time of The Miz's entrance. A few weeks back on RAW, Miz pinned Bateman in a Fatal Four Way match to earn the right to enter Aztec Warfare last. Miz and Bateman are at one a piece and can settle the score once and for all. Bateman challenged Miz to enter the ring, 'The Awesome One' doing so. Miz and Bateman traded strikes in the center of the squared circle, Bateman getting the upper-hand before throwing Miz into the ropes. Bateman tried for a Lariat, but Miz was able to sidestep it. Miz attempted to lock Bateman's arms in place for the Skull Crushing Finale. Bateman rammed Miz into a corner, freeing himself. Bateman wasn't allowed any time to breathe since Bryan ran into him with a Dropkick, Bateman crashing back into Miz. Bryan pushed Bateman onto the canvas so he could get to Miz. Bryan kicked Miz repeatedly in the chest before taking a steel chair, setting it up in the ring. Bryan seated Miz onto the chair, continuing to kick him before going for a Roundhouse Kick. Miz managed to dodge it, and he followed up by grabbing Bryan for the Skull Crushing Finale. Bryan was planted face-first onto the seat of the chair, Miz quickly pinning him. Daniel Bryan has been eliminated! Miz rose to his feet and was ecstatic, mocking Bryan's "Yes!" taunt the disapproval of Madison Square Garden. 'The Awesome One' continued to get into the face of Bryan before being turned around by Bateman, who brought him up to his shoulders for a TKO! Bateman got the cover on Miz to score his fourth elimination in the match. The Miz has been eliminated!
A field that initially contained 13 superstars had been cut down to just four. Bateman, Balor, Styles and Pentagon each took a stance in their own corners, realizing that Aztec Warfare only had them now. The RAW superstars were prepared to engage in combat, but Styles suddenly dropped to his knees and literally began saying a prayer. Confused by the ordeal, Pentagon ran toward Styles with a kick. Bateman and Balor then began brawling, the two men having originally been set to meet one-on-one for the title tonight. Pentagon picked Styles up, hitting several knife-edge chops. Bateman picked Balor up for a Vertical Suplex, but lost his balance. Both men fell over the top rope, Pentagon briefly exiting the ring to look for a new weapon. He took out a ladder and a set of bamboo skewers, because when you think of household hardware, you think of skewers that are intended to be driven into somebody's skull. Pentagon trapped Styles underneath the ladder, pressing all of his body weight onto it while the skewers inched closer and closer to his head. Styles desperately grabbed Pentagon's wrist, trying to keep the skewers as far away from him as he possibly could. Bateman then slid back into the ring to take advantage of the situation. Bateman tried to rip Pentagon's mask off, which caused the lone member of The Wyatt Tribe in this match to let his guard down. Bateman was able to take the skewers out of Pentagon's hand, and while stepping on Styles' face, Bateman took the skewers and pierced Pentagon's head with them! Bateman continued to push the skewers further and further in before releasing his hands, the skewers still stuck in Pentagon's head. Pentagon screamed in agony, not noticing Balor flying toward him with Coup De Grave! Balor covered Pentagon to bring the field from four to three. Pentagon has been eliminated!
With Pentagon out of the way, Bateman took the ladder and positioned it against a corner. He placed Styles against it before attempting to Irish Whip Balor into it. While Balor was in motion, Styles caught him with a forearm. Balor was stunned momentarily while Bateman looked on angrily at his plan not working. Bateman ran toward Styles and Balor, the two turning the tables with Hip Tosses to the Universal Champion into the ladder! Bateman's body folded up as Balor went for the cover, Styles actually pulling him off since he wanted to be the one to defeat Bateman. Balor did the same to Styles, the two beginning to fight it out. Styles was able to drive his knee into Balor's mid-section before trying to throw him out of the ring. Balor landed on the ring apron, bringing Styles down neck-first onto the top rope. Bateman was able to take Styles and apply a Torture Rack, yelling at Balor to head to the top rope. Even if just for a few seconds, an incredibly unlikely alliance was formed as Balor hit Coup De Grace onto Styles while in Bateman's Torture Rack! The second that Styles hit the canvas, Bateman returned to form by Clotheslining Balor behind his head. Bateman picked Balor up and planted him with three consecutive German Suplexes. Bateman took the ladder and placed it down, bringing Balor up for a Brainbuster. Balor managed to fight out of it, and even countered Bateman's attempt into a Bloody Sunday onto the ladder! While Bateman was down and out on the ladder, Styles found a sudden burst of energy and springboarded off the top rope with a 450 Splash! Styles got the cover on Bateman as the official made the most stunning three count of the entire match. Derrick Bateman has been eliminated!
"Bateman's out! We're guaranteed a new Universal Champion!" Graves exclaimed over the massive roar of the WWE Universe. Tons of "Yes!" chants flooded the atmosphere as Styles sat on the canvas, overcome with emotion. He did it. He said that he was going to be the one to take the Universal Title off of Bateman, and he just kept his word. However, Styles wasn't in the clear yet. Bateman was out the picture, but he had still had Balor to contest with. Both Styles and Balor stood up at the same time, one of the two about to be named the brand new Universal Champion.
Just like earlier, Styles pressed his palms against each other, saying a quick prayer before opening his eyes to stare Balor down. Balor, who had been in Aztec Warfare for over a half hour at that point, responded to Styles' prayer with a familiar gun gesture to his forehead. Styles swatted Balor's hand away, Balor using his other hand to strike. Balor was able to keep the onslaught of offense coming until Styles tried raking his eyes out. Styles attempted to follow up with a Styles Clash, but Balor countered it with a Back Body Drop. Balor landed on Styles' face with a quick foot stomp, covering him for a count of two. Balor backed against a corner, waiting patiently for Styles to stand back up. Balor ran toward Styles for a Slingeblade, but Styles hoisted him onto his shoulders for an Ushigoroshi! Styles was now the one getting a pin attempt, Balor kicking out of it. Styles rolled out of the ring, taking out the final table that would be brought into play. Styles slid the table into the ring and tried picking it up, only for Balor to run toward the table and kick it against Styles' feet. Styles fell forward, the side of his face smacking the canvas. When Styles got to his feet, Balor went for a Capo Kick that 'The Phenomenal One' managed to counter into the Styles Clash! Styles frantically rolled Balor, covering him for what was somehow just two! Styles couldn't believe that Balor kicked out of the Styles Clash, and had flashbacks to WrestleMania when Undertaker did the same thing. Styles refused to let this match end the same way, so he quickly returned to the attack. Styles repeatedly punched Balor's head and shoulders, as if he didn't know what else to do. Styles then set both the ladder and table up, trying to ram Balor's face into the rungs. Balor was able to press his foot against one of the rungs, blocking Styles' attack. Balor grabbed Styles' head and threw his face against the ladder, Styles falling back onto the table. Balor made the slow climb to the top of the ladder, his exhaustion more evident than ever before. Balor reached the top of the ladder, looking down at Styles before descending with Coup De Grace! However, Styles was able to remove himself from the table, causing Balor to break it on his own! Balor came down hard onto his feet and rolled his left ankle, Styles capitalizing by locking in the Calf Crusher! Styles reeled back on Balor's foot with as much force and might as his body would allow. Balor resiliently tried to reach the ropes, but that wouldn't do him any good in a situation where there were disqualifications. All Balor could do was try to break the hold himself. He desperately pressed his hand against Styles' face, trying to rake his eyes out or whatever he practically could at that point. Balor soon faded into unconsciousness, but again, Aztec Warfare rules meant the official couldn't call the match. If Balor wasn't going to submit, Styles' only option was to pin him. Styles released the Calf Crusher, picked Balor up and planted him with a second Styles Clash! Styles covered Balor, and Aztec Warfare was officially over. AJ STYLES IS THE NEW UNIVERSAL CHAMPION!
The redemption arc has been completed for AJ Styles. 'The Phenomenal One' immediately headed over to the ropes, taking the Universal Championship after coming out on top in a grueling Aztec Warfare match. "After AJ Styles lost to The Undertaker at WrestleMania, everyone believed that was the end of his run at the top of WWE. We all doubted him, and he even doubted himself. But now, Styles makes history at SummerSlam as the first superstar in history to have held both the WWE and Universal Championships!" exclaimed Corey Graves. Half of the fans in Madison Square Garden were ecstatic with the image of Styles raising the Universal Title while the other half showed hesitance to accept this. Many believed that this was Balor's moment, or even someone else who wasn't involved the final decision. Ultimately, Styles outlasted the entire Monday Night RAW main event scene and can finally say that he's back on top. Styles dropped to his knees on the entrance ramp, once again saying a prayer while holding the Universal Championship to his chest. What does this mean for the future of RAW now that Styles holds the Universal Title?
11) INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP: This contest was only made official three days ago on SmackDown, but one could argue that it's been in the making for years now, spanning back to 2008 and 2009 when these two men were carrying their respective brands as the top superstars. They didn't cross paths then, but now, they're about to."No More Words" sounded to a monstrous reaction from Madison Square Garden as Jeff Hardy was ready to compete at SummerSlam for the first time in five years. Hardy made his return to SmackDown Live last month to combat Catch Point, but now has his sights on set on the Intercontinental Championship that he's more than familiar with. Hardy entered the ring and waiting for the arrival of his adversary. When John Cena's theme hit, the usual mixed reaction that follows the Intercontinental Champion emerged in New York City. Cena walked through the curtain, glancing at Hardy before looking off at the audience. "... It's about time," Cena said to the camera in reference to an encounter with 'The Charismatic Enigma.' Cena ran into the ring and handed over the Intercontinental Title to the official. "The Intercontinental Championship was the one title that eluded Cena for his entire career until four weeks ago at The Bash. He's since defended it successfully against TJ Perkins, Antonio Cesaro and Sheamus. He's upheld his promise to be a fighting champion, but now, it's time for his biggest test with the Intercontinental Title against Jeff Hardy," Mauro Ranallo stated.
When the bell sounded, Cena and Hardy took a moment to soak in the crowd response. They themselves couldn't believe that this match was happening, but the time to bask in the surreality wouldn't be until after one of them was victorious. Cena and Hardy locked up, the latter going behind to try for a roll-up. Cena managed to kick out at one, Hardy taking him down with a Headlock. Cena was able to grab Hardy's arm and get him into a Wristlock, Hardy jumping to kick Cena in the chest with both feet. Cena stood up near the ropes, Hardy Clotheslining him over the top. When Cena got to his feet, Hardy leaped over the ropes and onto him, letting out a shout at his 'Creatures' in the WWE Universe. Hardy rolled Cena into the ring and tried ascending to the top rope, the defending Intercontinental Champion able to stop him. Cena tried positioning Hardy on his shoulders for a Super Attitude Adjustment, but Hardy was able to plant his feet onto the canvas. Hardy threw Cena down with a Sunset Flip, dropping both legs onto his chest and abdomen thereafter. Cena managed to kick out of another pin attempt, Hardy running the ropes for a Basement Dropkick. Cena, however, caught Hardy's legs and tried transitioning into the STF, Hardy kicking him into a corner. 'The Charismatic Enigma' ran toward Cena, knocking the wind out of him with the Hardiac Arrest.
Hardy brought Cena back into the center of the ring, removing his shirt to get ready for the Swanton Bomb. Cena was able to rise to his feet in time to shove Hardy off the top rope. Hardy crashed face-first onto the barricade, Cena trying to take advantage of the opening he created. Cena rolled Hardy into the ring, delivering the Attitude Adjustment. Cena got the cover, but Hardy was able to kick out! Cena tried not to grow frustrated, trying one more time for the finishing Attitude Adjustment. Hardy was able to fight out of Cena's grip, countering the maneuver into the Twist of Fate! Hardy covered Cena, but couldn't get the victory. "If Jeff Hardy loses this match, that's where he went wrong. He should've gone for the Swanton after hitting Twist of Fate, but his eagerness to put away Cena got the better of him," Corey Graves analyzed. Hardy waited for Cena to get back to a vertical base before leaping off the top rope with Whisper in the Wind. Cena's superhuman strength allowed him to catch Hardy in mid-air, planting him onto the mat with a sit-out Powerbomb! Hardy was able to kick out, Cena uncharacteristically going up top. Cena glanced down at Hardy before attempting an Elbow Drop that 'The Charismatic Enigma' was able to sidestep. Hardy took his turn going to the top rope, flying through the air with a Swanton Bomb! However, Cena was able to get his knees up, holding onto Hardy to transition into the Attitude Adjustment! Cena held onto Hardy's wrist, rolling through for a third and final Attitude Adjustment! Cena covered Hardy, the official making the three count. JOHN CENA IS STILL INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION!
For the fourth time in four weeks, John Cena has successfully defended the Intercontinental Championship. Cena rose to his feet and was handed back the gold, holding it to both the approval and dismay of the Madison Square Garden audience. Cena acknowledged the challenge that Jeff Hardy brought him, helping 'The Charismatic Enigma' back up. Cena and Hardy had a brief exchange of words before Cena extended his hand, Hardy accepting the gesture and show of respect. Cena and Hardy raised each other's arms, the two megastars finally meeting one-on-one like the WWE Universe wanted all these years. The image of two future Hall of Famers sharing a moment of glory was tainted by Solomon Crowe, who slid into the ring and took a baseball bat to Hardy's right leg! Cena quickly turned around, but was struck with the bat to his ribs. Crowe, who defeated Dean Ambrose earlier in the evening, didn't forget that Hardy was somebody who tried to be the voice of reason for Crowe over the last few weeks. Crowe struck Hardy's other leg with the bat before being chased out of the ring by Cena, who held his ribs after the bat shot. Crowe raised the bat to the side of his face, Cena and officials checking on Hardy while SmackDown Live's 'Death Machine' admired his work. Crowe only intended on getting back at Hardy, but he might have just made an enemy out of Cena while he was at it.
"DON'T NEED A METAPHOR FOR YOU TO KNOW I'M MISERABLE": At this time, PVRIS returned to the stage, Lynn Gunn playing a piano to transition into the last song of their medley, "What's Wrong". Only one match was highlighted in the video this time, and it's the match that has the potential to change the course of WWE history forever because it already did once before. "Two years gone. Came back as some bones and so cynical." Ever since Extreme Rules 2013, Paige and AJ Lee have each gone on separate paths to revolutionizing professional wrestling for women, but Paige's accomplishments have managed to surpass AJ's four title reigns. Paige main evented WrestleMania. She won Money in the Bank, and now stands tall on SmackDown Live as the WWE Champion. "Forget the poems of saints and ghosts. I'm the one I fear the most, little did I know that I was only crying wolf." While Paige has risen to the forefront of the entire company ever since the Draft, AJ found herself embroiled in a dark, disturbing rivalry with The Iconic Duo. Over time, the WWE Universe learned that AJ is in love with Billie Kay, which sparked a 'Till Death Do Us Part Match at The Bash against Peyton Royce. The same night AJ won Billie's hand in marriage, Paige captured the WWE Title, becoming the first woman in history to do so. AJ's wedding with Billie would be interrupted by Paige, who gave AJ a title opportunity tonight in a Last Diva Standing match if she agreed to call off both the wedding and engagement. After AJ agreed to the terms, Paige's masterplan was set in motion, resulting in Peyton finally marrying Billie. "I know it's so wrong, but I'm so far gone. Don't need you to tell me I'm so cynical." This past Thursday on SmackDown Live, AJ turned the tables entirely after revealing to the world Paige's darkest secret about her first pregnancy that she kept to herself for years. Paige and AJ meet for the WWE Championship in the biggest rematch in the history of 'The Biggest Party of the Summer'. "Quit being so over-skeptical. Don't need a metaphor for you to know I'm miserable."
12) LAST DIVA STANDING MATCH FOR THE WWE CHAMPIONSHIP: After the completion of the video package, the live feed returned to Madison Square Garden to put the anticipatory audience on display. While many were eager to see the Last Diva Standing match commence, others appeared to show uneasiness. The last time this match happened, it was one of the most brutal in the history of WWE. Both Paige and AJ Lee have since engaged in even more combative, gruesome encounters. Both were in separate WarGames matches at Battleground. Paige practically broke the Muta Scale at WrestleMania against Bray Wyatt. AJ almost didn't make it out of the 'Till Death Do Us Part match with Peyton Royce on her own two feet. Both of these superstars have proven time and time again that they're willing to put their bodies through absolute hell, and with the WWE Championship on the line for the first time in history in a women's match, they'll push each other beyond their breaking points.
"Don't get too close. That place is haunted. Fear not the ghost 'cause she sent them running!" The WWE Universe continued to show hesitance in accepting the new attitude and mentality of AJ. 'The Black Widow' slowly walked out onto the stage, dragging a glass panel with her. The glass had Billie Kay's name with surrounding hearts spray painted onto it, Mauro Ranallo speaking from experience about mental health and the signs that AJ is illuminating. "We've seen AJ's self-destructive ways take over her ever since her arrival to SmackDown Live. She's become obsessed with Billie Kay. When Paige and Peyton Royce spoiled The Iconic Wedding, AJ didn't move a single inch for hours. She stayed silent for two weeks. She went into hiding and didn't show her face again until this very moment. AJ's not alright. She isn't okay. Somebody has to help her, but instead of giving the girl treatment, she's being given a spot in the main event of SummerSlam for the WWE Championship." Nigel McGuinness noted AJ's history with Madison Square Garden. "When AJ was younger, she attended WrestleMania XX in this very arena with her father. She promised him that someday, she'd be in that ring. She made it, but considering the circumstances, was it worth it?" The original Last Diva Standing match started with Paige throwing a plethora of steel chairs into the ring. This time, AJ was the one who did so. She continued to pile on the amount of chairs in the squared circle, a sight that frightened her at Extreme Rules 2013. AJ was no longer afraid of Paige or the prospect of sacrificing her body. She felt very comfortable in this environment, something could be argued as both development and regression for AJ's mental state. AJ sat on the second rope as the camera showed a black wedding band on her left ring finger. She's not letting go of the fact that she isn't married to Billie, and in just a few short moments, she's going to try to take the WWE Championship away from the woman responsible for her shamble of a wedding.
The lights in Madison Square Garden shut as the WWE Universe being cheering and chanting for 'Princess Anarchist' to make her presence known. Instead of Paige's normal theme song sounding, a new one - "Rapture" by Underoath" - began to play. Paige's usual titantron and lighting effects emanated from the stage until the song entered the first verse, returning to darkness with only a few lights flashing onto the stage. "Old familiar face, that bitter taste. She's been hanging around too long. That crooked tongue, so pale, so young. Makes me warm." Paige walked out onto the stage, and when the song's first chorus hit, the lights revealed her standing with the WWE Championship around her waist. Paige sported a completely new look with short hair that touched her shoulders, and darker makeup. She held two light tubes in her hands and carried the same backpack from Extreme Rules 2013. "Lead me to the rapture, set my body free. Higher than the flames set ablaze inside of me." Paige was seemingly transformed all because of what AJ did to her on SmackDown Live three days ago. "... I don't know if this is Paige trying to channel the darkness from within, or if this is just who she is now," Ranallo commented. Paige set the light tubes down in a corner, removed her backpack and walked into the ring, raising the WWE Championship in the face of the unfazed challenger. "There's no turning back. There's no coming down. I'm forever lost. There's no coming down."
This was it. After a year and a half of cementing themselves as the two greatest female superstars in history, Paige and AJ have crossed paths yet again, this time for the richest prize in professional wrestling, and in the main event of SummerSlam in Madison Square Garden.
The pre-match introductions were underway, but as Paige was having her accolades listed off, AJ ran toward her to apply the Black Widow! AJ already had a submission hold in on Paige, the official calling for the bell to start the match. Paige tried valiantly to fight her way out of the hold, but AJ cinched it in as tightly as her vengeful body would allow. Paige dropped to one knee before falling forward, face-first onto the canvas. AJ released the Black Widow and backed against a corner, the official having no choice but to start his count. "AJ Lee might actually win this match just a minute into it!" Rob Naylor shouted over the shocked audience in New York City. In between six and seven, Paige crawled toward the ropes to bring herself back onto her feet. AJ leaped toward Paige with a forearm shot to her face before picking up a steel chair. AJ threw the chair at Paige, who was able to catch it and throw it back at her opponent's head! Paige took AJ down to the canvas, striking her repeatedly. AJ tried shielding her face, but Paige responded by grabbing her legs. Paige slingshotted AJ over the top rope, following her out to ringside. Paige began removing everything from the surface of the SmackDown Live announce table while AJ looked underneath the ring. When Paige grabbed AJ, 'The Black Widow' revealed a staple gun that she was now pressing against Paige's wrist before setting it off! Paige moved her arm away, trying to pluck the stable out of her wrist. AJ raised the staple gun, stapling the back of Paige's head! AJ began beating Paige's face in with the actual staple gun before tossing it to the side. AJ stepped onto the announce table, only to jump off with a Moonsault to Paige! The official began his count, but AJ expected Paige to get back up. She knew it was going to take much, much more than that to keep the WWE Champion down.
AJ rolled Paige into the ring, where she took a steel chair by its handles and began stalking 'Princess Anarchist.' When Paige got to her feet, AJ reeled the chair back and swung it at Paige's back with all of her might. The chair shot actually unfazed Paige, who turned around and glared at AJ with a seething expression. " you," Paige's lips read as AJ lifted the chair above her head, leveling Paige's! Still, Paige wasn't moved by the shot. When AJ tried swinging the chair one more time, Paige caught it. She kicked AJ in the mid-section and delivered a shot to AJ's back that was at least twice as hard as either one that AJ gave her. Paige threw the chair onto the pile and perched AJ on the top rope, looking for a Superplex that would have been a call back to the same spot in their original Last Diva Standing match. AJ punched Paige several times in her ribs, trying desperately to not have her bones be rattled by the steel. AJ utilized the same tactic she did against Alexa Bliss at WrestleMania by biting Paige's bottom lip. AJ freed herself and was able to push Paige off the top rope and onto the pile of chairs! Paige's body didn't move an inch once it made contact with the chairs, and the damage was only exaggerated when AJ leaped off with a Frog Splash! AJ rose to her feet as the official started his count. Paige lifted her head up at seven, planting her hands onto the pile of chairs to lift herself up. AJ kicked Paige in the mid-section, looking back to prepare for a DDT onto the chairs. Paige, however, was able to lift AJ's feet off of the canvas, recklessly throwing her over the top rope! AJ crashed hard onto the floor, but was able to use the announce table to help herself up. Paige ran the ropes and went for a Suicide Dive, but when she was in mid-air, AJ connected with a shot from one of the monitors!
Paige was not only prone on the floor, but she was now bleeding from her forehead thanks to the monitor shot. Paige managed to make it back up to her feet at six, AJ charging toward her. Paige was able to throw AJ onto the announce table with a Back Body Drop, though the table didn't break. Paige took the staple gun that was introduced earlier, and actually tried pulling on AJ's tongue! "Oh my God! No!" Ranallo screamed as Paige stapled AJ's tongue! AJ scrambled off of the surface of the announce table, holding her tongue while keeping her hand out to catch any blood. Paige pulled AJ by her hair and actually tried tying it around the ring post. AJ grabbed Paige's arms and pulled her face-first into the ring post to free herself. AJ looked underneath the ring, finding a leftover bamboo skewer from the Aztec Warfare match earlier. AJ took the skewer and looked for revenge against Paige for what she just did to her tongue. AJ grabbed Paige's bottom lip and pressed the tip of the skewer against the hole where Paige's lip piercing used to be. AJ was able to puncture the hole slightly with the skewer, trying to force it in even further! "She's going to rip Paige's lip off!" McGuinness exclaimed over the Madison Square Garden audience members that were freaking out over the spot. AJ was only able to push the skewer in just slightly beyond what the hole intended before Paige caught her with a thumb to the eye. Paige took the skewer out of her lip and looked underneath the ring again, bringing out a steel chain. Paige tried to wrap the chain around AJ's neck, but was backed into the steel steps.
AJ placed the chain over her fist, leveling Paige repeatedly in her already-wounded forehead. AJ smeared Paige's blood on her own shirt before throwing the WWE Champion to the floor. While the official counted, AJ prepared of her adversary to get back up by pulling out a table from underneath the ring. AJ set the table up in between the apron and barricade before sliding into the ring. As AJ anticipated, Paige got back up to her feet and tried getting onto the apron. AJ was actually able to use the bottom rope as a launching pad while running toward Paige, attempting a Sunset Flip to the outside. Paige was able to hold onto the top rope, grabbing AJ's hair to pull her up to the apron. Paige hoisted AJ onto her shoulders, driving through the table with a Death Valley Driver! Both women were down for the count now, Paige moving a piece of the table out of her way. Paige stood back up at five, while AJ needed until the count of eight to do so. Paige kicked AJ in the mid-section before rolling her back into the ring. Paige then headed toward her backpack, opening the zipper before looking inside. She pulled out the same black bag of thumbtack that she had become synonymous with. Paige moved the pile of chairs out of the way in order to create room in the center of the ring. Paige opened the bag and poured the tacks out onto the canvas, not knowing that right behind her, AJ retrieved one of the light tubes. When Paige turned around, AJ cracked the light tube over her head. Paige immediately began shaking as shards of glass were still stuck either in or near the wound on her forehead. AJ ran the ropes, launching herself into Paige with a Thesz Press onto the thumbtacks! AJ took the chairs and tried piling them onto Paige, making it more difficult for her to meet the official's count. With thumbtacks lodged into her and chairs crushing her front, Paige had little time to make it back up to her feet. At seven, she was able to move the chairs out of her way, and if she wanted to help herself to her feet, she had to press her palms and arms against the tacks. At nine, Paige made it back up, but AJ was waiting for her with the other light tube. Paige was able to counter AJ's attack with a knee to her ribs, followed by the Paige Turner onto the tacks! While the same spot at Extreme Rules kept both women down, Paige quickly made it back to her feet and grabbed the light tube that 'The Black Widow' dropped. Paige didn't try to pile chairs onto AJ as she did to her moments ago. Paige wanted AJ to see what was awaiting her if she stood up. AJ also needed to further puncture her hands and arms to stand back up, and while she knew what was about to happen to her, it's like she didn't try fighting. In fact, she instigated Paige by asking her if that was all she had.
Paige swung the light tube at the side of AJ's head, the glass shards scattering across the ring upon impact. AJ collapsed, but frantically crawled towards the ropes to make sure the official couldn't start counting. Paige went out to ringside, looking underneath the ring once again. This time, she brought out a ladder. Paige set it up between the ring apron and SmackDown Live announce table. Paige climbed the side that was facing the table, the commentators speculating that she was going to try for a high-risk attack into the ring. AJ, however, was able to exit the ropes and start scaling the other side. The official held the ladder to ensure the safety of the two superstars, though that was a lost cause at this point. Paige and AJ met at the top of the ladder, exchanging strikes until Paige delivered three headbutts to the challenger. One at a time, Paige positioned AJ's legs so that she was sitting on top of the ladder. Paige put AJ in position for the RamPaige, leaping backward to execute it off of a 15-foot ladder through the announce table!
The table just about disintegrated as Paige and AJ lied on top of the jumbled remains. The Madison Square Garden audience erupted with "Holy shit!" chants as the official checked on both superstars, prioritizing their health over the count that would've ended the match right there and then. AJ held her head while lying prone next to the barricade, Paige not moving at all since landing on the table. Instantly replays highlighted how Paige's back broke the table while her head slammed onto the floor, just about knocking her out. Returning to the live feed, Paige was still struggling to move, McGuinness noting from experience that the WWE Champion could have suffered nerve damage as a result of her fall. The Iconic Duo, who had initially promised Paige that they would not get involved in this match, rushed to be by her side. Billie and Peyton each held Paige's hands, cooperating with the official and ringside doctor to see if she'd be able to continue the match.
"... Oh my God..." Ranallo uttered when he realized that AJ saw Billie and Peyton feet away from her.
It was as if the sight of them brought AJ the second wind that she otherwise wouldn't have found. AJ charged into Peyton with a running knee to the side of her head, relentlessly punching her on the floor. Billie tried grabbing AJ, who shoved her onto the injured Paige. AJ grabbed Peyton and rolled her into the ring, shifting her focus entirely from Paige to The Iconic Duo. AJ took half of a broken light tube and tried to carve it into Peyton's forehead. Billie was able to turn AJ around, who slapped her just about as hard as she could. AJ then grabbed Peyton, throwing her shoulder-first into the ring post. Against the doctor's orders, Paige crawled back into the ring, but had trouble standing back up. AJ took Paige and threw her out of the ring before looking through the backpack, bringing out a set of handcuffs. "Those handcuffs are what cost Paige the victory in the first Last Diva Standing!" Naylor said. AJ pulled Paige's face towards the ring post while she was kneeling against it on the outside. AJ handcuffed Paige, making it impossible for her to be in a position where she could be counted out by the referee. 'The Black Widow' purposely did this so that she could have all the time in the world to torment Billie while Paige watched.
AJ searched through the backpack some more, finding two more sets of handcuffs. AJ used both handcuffs to tie Billie to the top rope, 'The Femme Fatale' left with no way to escape whatever AJ was planning. AJ dropped to her knees as she stared at the frightened Billie. AJ had to keep her distance to avoid being kicked by Billie's long legs, all while AJ grinned at the woman she thought she was going to marry a few weeks ago. AJ removed the final object from the backpack: scissors. AJ grazed the closed-scissors against her face, nobody in the WWE Universe knowing what the unstable superstar was thinking. "... Why don't you love me?" AJ asked Billie with an expression of sorrow on her face. She wasn't asking that angrily at all. She was genuinely hurt and wanted to know why Billie didn't share her feelings for her. AJ glanced over at Paige, who continuously pulled the chain of the handcuffs against the ring post to try breaking them. She then glanced over at Peyton, who was still down and out at ringside. AJ tried putting two and two together, figuring out that Peyton and Paige both had short hair in common, and Billie seemed fond of them. "Is it my hair!? You want me to cut it!?" AJ screamed at Billie before blindingly taking the scissors to her hair, cutting it short. "Or how about this!?" AJ asked before cutting her even shorter than it already was. AJ held chunks of her hair in her hands, disappointed that the action didn't seem to have to pleased Billie like she hoped it would. AJ set her hair down and picked the scissors back up, on the verge of tears. It seemed that whatever she was about to do hurt her, but she was proceeding with it anyway. AJ grabbed Billie's ring finger and took the scissors to it! "She's going to cut Billie's finger off!" yelled out Ranallo while AJ tried pushing down on the scissors. Billie screamed in agony, and that cry for help was the final push that Paige needed.
Miraculously, Paige was finally able to use the ring post to break the chainlink on the handcuffs! Paige stormed into the ring pulled AJ down to the canvas. Paige ran toward AJ with the Antithesis knee strike, knocking her out for just a moment. Paige looked through a smaller compartment on her backpack, taking out the key to handcuffs. Paige was able to free Billie, who immediately grabbed her ring finger that AJ tried severing. Paige hugged Billie while crying, apologizing for not being able to save her sooner. At ringside, Peyton began stirring to her feet, the embrace between Paige and Billie being the first thing she saw. Peyton's expression showed that she was slightly puzzled as to why Paige and Billie were close to one another, but knowing that Paige was the reason AJ was lying on the canvas, she showed gratification to the WWE Champion. Peyton met Billie in the ring, the two Iconic Duo members finally regrouping. If Paige wanted to, now would've been the time to ask them to leave. She made it clear before that she wanted to face AJ all by herself. She didn't need nor want anyone's help. It wouldn't have been in Paige's heroic character anyway to accept help from outside superstars. That's what AJ tried to do in their original Last Diva Standing match, and if you had asked Paige prior to the match, she would've denied the urge to stoop to the same level.
"... Get her," Paige said to Billie and Peyton.
The Iconic Duo began attacking AJ, 'The Black Widow' now in a three-on-one situation. Many could argue that this was what AJ had coming, but at the same time, was this really how Paige wanted to retain the WWE Championship and vanquish her greatest rival once and for all. "I'm not blaming Paige and The Iconic Duo for doing this. They've been pushed to this point," Ranallo said before McGuinness argued him on it. "Paige's greed is finally showing through. The Iconic Duo had the chance to become breakout stars tonight, but now, they're regressed to being the same thing they were to Emma in NXT: lackeys."
While Billie and Peyton continued to beat down AJ in the ring, Paige grabbed the glass panel that AJ had introduced during her entrance. Paige slid into the ring, where she set up two steel chairs to seat the panel onto. Because Billie and Peyton didn't see the entrances, they had no idea about the glass panel actually had written on it. The instant they saw it, they snapped even further. Paige slowly backed toward a corner, watching as Billie and Peyton disposed of her opponent for her. The Iconic Duo lifted AJ onto their shoulders, driving her through the glass panel with a double Powerbomb! AJ was completely out of it by that point. Paige stared down at her fallen adversary while the official made the count. There was no chance of AJ getting up, or even showing any signs of life. The ten count was finally completed. PAIGE IS STILL WWE CHAMPION!
It's over. Paige has finally ended her rivalry with AJ after almost two years of the two superstars trading the position of the number one female wrestler in the world. Or, if you're going to take the side of AJ in this outcome, you'd argue that Paige didn't beat anybody. Billie Kay and Peyton Royce were the ones who delivered the final blow to AJ after Paige changed her mind about the two of them getting involved. Paige was handed back the WWE Championship, showing zero emotion while officials and paramedics tended to AJ, whose back was severely lacerated. Billie wiped away blood from Paige's eyes so that she could see AJ's suffering for herself. After several highlights from the match were shown, the live feed showed AJ finally being placed onto a stretcher, Paige and The Iconic Duo still in the ring. The three women triumphantly raised each other's arms, Billie standing in the middle. "Coming into this match, AJ was painted as being the Devil... I'm sorry, but I think we're seeing the three Devils standing in the ring," Nigel McGuinness said. The outcome will forever be marred by controversy, but whether you take the side of Paige or revolt against her, she's the one who will be leaving Madison Square Garden and SummerSlam as the WWE Champion.
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