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Post by DTP. on Dec 22, 2023 16:49:23 GMT -5
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Post by DTP. on Dec 26, 2023 11:37:19 GMT -5
 Florida is moving forward with reopening. Are we in for a second surge?
By Romy Ellenbogen
Published Oct. 8, 2020
As Florida continues under Phase 3 of reopening, public health experts consider where the state is at with coronavirus spread.
When Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Florida would move into Phase 3 of reopening with no capacity restraints on businesses, he pointed to a decline in the number of coronavirus infections across the state.
There were fewer cases, fewer people in the hospital and lower positivity rates, he said.
Florida has seen a general decline since a strong surge peaked in July, when hospitals experienced an influx of positive patients and deaths spiked. Over the summer, the state recorded hundreds of new fatalities every day for weeks. But public health experts fear that the latest reopening may spur yet another surge in infections and deaths.
For example, while levels are certainly lower now, Florida’s overall level of infection and spread still hovers at about the same levels recorded in the early summer, shortly after DeSantis loosened restrictions at the start of Phase 2 of his reopening plans, said Dr. Mary Jo Trepka, a professor and chair of the Department of Epidemiology at Florida International University.
“We’re not any better than we were at the time of reopening,” Trepka said. “Within a few weeks of reopening we started having an explosion of cases. Just because we’re in a good place now doesn’t mean we’re in a good place a few weeks from now.”
Florida has averaged about 2,300 new cases a day over the past week, which is similar to where cases were in mid-June and nearly four times higher than they were in late April when the governor announced the first phase of reopening.
Trepka said she hopes people are still cautious about social distancing and wearing masks, and that the virus doesn’t pick up at the speed it did over the summer. She said she does think the Phase 3 reopening will lead to more people being exposed.
And unlike the loosening restrictions from Phase 2 in late spring, there are more factors at play now, Trepka said. Universities are open, and cases in those communities are on the rise. In-person schooling is happening across the state. And flu season is about to begin, which could mean busier hospitals.
“It’s actually reopening faster than we did during the summer and we know how that turned out,” Trepka said. “Maybe things are going to be different at this point, there are slightly more people that are probably immune at this point, but nowhere near herd immunity.”
As Florida reopens, it’s important to look at the earliest indicators of increased coronavirus transmission, said Jennifer Tolbert, the director of state health reform at the Kaiser Family Foundation. New cases and positivity rates are still the best way to gauge disease spread.
Florida’s average new daily cases are the third highest in the country behind California and Texas, Tolbert said. There’s more than 100 cases per million people, which is above the general public health recommendation.
“Until we have a vaccine, we can’t fully let down our guard even as trends appear to be moving in the right direction,” Tolbert said.
Studies show that people who tested positive for the coronavirus were more likely to have eaten in a restaurant in the past week, she said. Entering an area where people may not be wearing masks to begin with creates a higher risk of contracting the virus. Other states that have been hard-hit by COVID-19 but saw some decline still have restrictions in place, Tolbert said.
“People want life to return to normal,” she said. “But I think the reality is that until we have a vaccine and that vaccine has been widely obtained by the general public it’s dangerous to try to lead life as normal.”
Updated NJPW G1 Climax 30 Standings After Night Twelve October 8, 2020 | Posted by Joseph Lee
The standings for NJPW’s G1 30 Climax have been updated following this morning’s night twelve. You can see the updated standings for both A Block and B Block below.
The standings are:
A Block
1. Kota Ibushi (4-2) (8 pts)
2. Jay White (4-2) (8 pts)
3. Will Ospreay (4-2) (8 pts)
4. Kazuchika Okada (4-2) (8 pts)
5. Taichi (3-3) (6 pts)
6. Minoru Suzuki (3-3) (6 pts)
7. Shingo Takagi (3-3) (6 pts)
8. Tomohiro Ishii (3-3) (6 pts)
9. Jeff Cobb (2-4) (4 pts)
10. Yujiro Takahashi (0-6) (0 pts)
B Block
1. Tetsuya Naito (5-1) (10 pts)
2. EVIL (4-2) (8 pts)
3. Juice Robinson (3-3) (6 pts)
4. Toru Yano (3-3) (6 pts)
5. Hiroshi Tanahashi (3-3) (6 pts)
6. Hirooki Goto (3-3) (6 pts)
7. SANADA (3-3) (6 pts)
8. Zack Sabre Jr. (3-3) (6 pts)
9. KENTA (2-4) (4 pts)
10. YOSHI-HASHI (1-5) (2 pts)
Night 9 - A Block
Takamatsu City General Gymnasium - Takamatsu, Kagawa
1. Yuya Uemura def. Gabriel Kidd.
2. Shingo Takagi def. Yujiro Takahashi in a G1 Climax tournament match.
3. Jeff Cobb def. Jay White in a G1 Climax tournament match.
4. Kazuchika Okada def. Minoru Suzuki in a G1 Climax tournament match.
5. Tomohiro Ishii def. Taichi in a G1 Climax tournament match.
6. Kota Ibushi def. Will Ospreay in a G1 Climax tournament match.
Night 10 - B Block
Hiroshima Sun Plaza in Hishi-ku, Hiroshima
1. Yota Tsuji vs Yuya Uemura ended in a draw.
2. Hirooki Goto def. Toru Yano in a G1 Climax tournament match.
3. SANADA def. Zack Sabre Jr. in a G1 Climax tournament match.
4. EVIL def. Juice Robinson in a G1 Climax tournament match.
5. Tetsuya Naito def. YOSHI-HASHI in a G1 Climax tournament match.
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi def. KENTA in a G1 Climax tournament match.
Night 11 - A Block
Hiroshima Sun Plaza in Nishi-ku, Hiroshima
1. Yota Tsuji def. Gabriel Kidd
2. Tomohiro Ishii def. Yujiro Takahashi in a G1 Climax tournament match.
3. Kazuchika Okada def. Jeff Cobb in a G1 Climax tournament match.
4. Will Ospreay def. Minoru Suzuki in a G1 Climax tournament match.
5. Jay White def. Taichi in a G1 Climax tournament match.
6. Shingo Takagi def. Kota Ibushi in a G1 Climax tournament match.
Night 12 - B Block
Zip Arena Okayama in Okayama, Okayama
1. Gabriel Kidd de.f Yuya Uemura
2. Hirooki Goto def. YOSHI-HASHI in a G1 Climax tournament match.
3. Zack Sabre Jr. def. Toru Yano in a G1 Climax tournament match.
4. SANADA def. KENTA in a G1 Climax tournament match.
5. Tetsuya Naito def. Juice Robinson in a G1 Climax tournament match.
6. EVIL def. Hiroshi Tanahashi in a G1 Climax tournament match.
OCTOBER 12, 2020 OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: NJPW SHAKEUP, WWE TALENT AND 3RD PARTY DEALS BY OBSERVER STAFF | STAFF@WRESTLINGOBSERVER.COM | @wonf4w
Going Capitol
NXT had another strong Takeover show on 10/4, as the first show since the brand has moved from Full Sail University to the Performance Center, renamed the Capitol Wrestling Center.
The new setup includes a wall for virtual fans, a setup for 100 fans and a barricade that had both a metal fence over the regular barricade and the plexiglass. Fans were required to wear masks, although early on some of them started taking them off but seemed to be ordered to put them back on. All fans were tested for COVID a day ahead of time, which is better than temperature checks. But they were also clearly on top of each other in a small indoor building. The timing of doing this right after a breakout seems strange as one would think you’d want fewer people in the building and only those necessary. As people involved have brought up, people can get tested and then go out to bars that night since in Florida, everything is open.
Capitol is an ode to Capitol Sports, which was the parent name of Vincent James McMahon’s WWWF promotion. On the NXT TV show they even showed clips of Buddy Rogers, Vincent James McMahon, Bruno Sammartino and showed old clips of announcer Ray Morgan at the start of the show.
This came just weeks after WWE was talking about how important it was to get TV out of the PC because it was needed for training. Now they’ve changed it to bring in fans, friends and family, plus using virtual fans and piping in fake sound which ranges from enhancing some matches to being out of sync (it was much better for the NXT TV show than for Takeover). The move has to do with COVID and Full Sail.
NXT will now be taped every Wednesday at the CWC with two hours of NXT and 25 minutes of 205 Live.
No titles changed hands, but there were a few big angles and debuts.
Pete Dunne returned to the U.S. after being shut out of the country since the beginning of the pandemic. He resurfaced at the NXT U.K. tapings last month, which was clearly a way to get him ready for a return to NXT television. He joined forces with Pat McAfee and Dijakovic, so one would assume this will tie into a full-blown faction warfare feud with Undisputed Era.
In hindsight, this was crazy for endless reasons. McAfee put on one of the best performances you’ll ever see from someone in his first pro wrestling match. As far as being a complete heel wrestler, with the taunts, talking, mannerisms, selling and doing a few flashy moves for street cred, the performance was mind-blowing and complete. Yes, Adam Cole is a great wrestler, but this was by no means a carry job. Even crazier is that generally in matches like this you do full rehearsals and the whole match is practiced over-and-over. I was told that the two never practiced. There have been NFL players whose first match was more intense and real (Kevin Greene) or more athletic (DeAngelo Williams, whose first and only match after just a few days of practicing with Scott D’Amore, while just short high spots and in a tag match and nowhere near as complete was actually more impressive considering he literally walked in on a few days of training). Cain Velasquez’s debut at TripleMania was also more athletic, but this was largely good athletic and great when it came to poise.
McAfee had dreamed of a match like this since the age of ten. He had purchased a ring years ago and trained in it for years, and also trained heavily with Rip Rogers on his own. He will be able to wrestle as much as he wants most likely and it really depends on his schedule and commitments. But for a first match, the guy was as complete as anyone you’ll ever see.
McAfee told CBS Sports after that he understood whatever backlash there was against him, although it didn't appear to be significant from anyone rational.
While most signs point to that as the best match of the show, Io Shirai retained the NXT Women's title in a strong match against Rhea Ripley. Judging by the post match, it is safe to assume Rhea is pegged for a main roster push starting anytime now. We had been told that this was originally planned for early summer, but then the corona-virus put everything on hold.
Another one destined for the main roster soon may be Keith Lee, who lost out in a great cage title match to Ricky Starks. It's obvious they are really high on Starks, and if I were them I'd be wanting to bring him up as soon as possible
We've heard there are plans to bring some names up in the Draft next week, so we'll see. Notable names missing of late include Tommaso Ciampa (neck injury) & Damian Priest.
Riddle Issues
Samantha Tavel, who wrestles under the name Candy Cartwright, filed a more than $40 million lawsuit against Matt Riddle, World Wrestling Entertainment, Evolve Wrestling and Gabe Sapolsky on 10/8 in U.S. Circuit Court in Cook County, IL.
The lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal actions that have gone back-and-forth between the two over allegations that Riddle sexually assaulted Tavel during an affair the two had which she claimed was during a time frame between 2017 and 2020.
The lawsuit seeks more than $10 million each from Riddle, WWE, Evolve Wrestling (which has been sold to WWE) and Sapolsky, who was the booker and co-promoter for Evolve and now works for WWE as an NXT producer. The money figure claims to be based on actual damages, damages for emotional distress, punitive damages, attorney’s fees and costs.
The suit, filed by John W. Chwarzynski Jr., of the Chicago law firm of Hale & Monico, claims Riddle first sexually assaulted Tavel in April 2017 after a wrestling show in Brooklyn promoted by Evolve. The suit claimed that Riddle bragged about raping Tavel to Sapolsky and other employees of Evolve.
“Sapolsky tacitly approved of this conduct by Defendant, Matt Riddle...(and allowed) Matt Riddle to continue his behavior toward (Cartwright),” according to the lawsuit. It claimed that Sapolsky and Cartwright had a special relationship and thus, he had a duty to prevent a foreseeable attack.
“Gabe Sapolsky knew of and encouraged these sexual acts.” the suit claims.
The WWE tie-in with the suit is that in May 2018, it was claimed that after a show in Summit, IL, outside Chicago, that Evolve was an agent promotion of WWE, and that Riddle forced Tavel to perform oral sex on him in the same van with several others in the van while leaving the event and claimed he choked her until she consented.
WWE was also tied into the suit with claims that Travel had bookings with WWE and Evolve, but on January 31, 2020, when she refused to continue to perform sexual acts on Riddle, the suit claims, she had her bookings with both promotions terminated.
However that is provably false as Tavel still worked for Evolve as late as March 1, 2020, or at least on that date posted footage from Evolve 146 with her working the company’s final event, held in Melrose, MA. That was Evolve’s last show before the pandemic hit which led to the promotion closing and selling its assets to WWE.
Riddle had filed for a restraining order against Tavel in Orange County, FL, but dropped the petition on 9/7. Tavel had accused him of sexual assault on Twitter and in an article in Newsweek. Riddle’s lawyer, Daniel Rose, had informed Tavel’s lawyer, that he would be filing a slander/libel lawsuit against Tavel on 9/22 for alleging he sexually assaulted her. The lawsuit had not been filed at press time.
WWE and Riddle were not aware of the lawsuit until a few hours before a press conference was held in Chicago. The WWE claimed on 10/8 that they had not yet been served with the suit.
“WWE has not been served with a lawsuit by Ms. Tavel. However, if served, we will vigorously defend ourselves and contest it,” said a WWE release to this publication.
The first filing by Riddle was to get a restraining order to keep her from the Performance Center, where she allegedly came and caused a scene in late 2019.
Tavel and her Florida lawyer, Allison Lovelady, were given five-day notice of plans to file a suit by Riddle against her in Marion County in Florida on or after 9/22 based on comments that came out after the petition was dropped, claiming Tavel made up the claim and was attempting to ruin his career after he broke up with her.
Riddle and Tavel had a relationship for several years on-and-off. Riddle, who is married and has three children, claimed he broke it off twice.
WWE was aware of the issues between the two for more than one year and had looked into the case at the time and it had not affected Riddle’s standing with the company. Riddle had contemplated filing for a restraining order against her last year but it was said that he decided against doing so after he talked with WWE about the situation.
The two had a relationship at the time of the alleged sexual assault that Tavel had previously claimed, and continued the relationship after that time period.
Riddle’s statement in his most recent petition was that he met Tavel in 2016, and they started having an affair on November 6, 2017. He said he tried to break up with her in June 2018, but they ended up still seeing each other under he broke up with her again in July 2019.
Tavel gives different dates, claiming a start in April 2017 and a finish on January 31, 2020, and now claims continued sexual assaults on both those dates as well as in between. But that would indicate getting back together after he had first looked into filing for a protective order against her and after making WWE aware of the problem.
The lawsuit listed an April 2017 date as the first sexual assault while in a vehicle in a parking lot after an Evolve show. It claimed he bragged about it to Sapolsky and other employees of Evolve that he did this without her consent, and was never disciplined over it by Evolve or WWE. Of course WWE wasn’t even in the picture at this point.
The Draft Awaits
The WWE will be doing its draft on the 10/9 Smackdown show and the 10/12 Raw show. Generally speaking, the draft shows boost ratings significantly, although the gain has lessened in recent years.
Usually, there is a form of a balancing act. Such as switching both the WWE and Universal champions to give them fresh opponents, or both the IC and U.S. champions. Sets of tag champions or women’s champions are more complex because those titles have the brand name, but that doesn’t mean they couldn’t make those switches.
The format thus far looks the same as last year’s two shows, which were not well received creatively. There will be 20 names drafted on Friday and 30 on Monday. They will again do rounds of five, where Raw will get the first, third and fifth pick, with Stephanie McMahon announcing the picks. So during the Smackdown show, there will be four rounds.
There are 25 acts announced for Smackdown meaning 20 will be drafted and five acts will end up as free agents.
The key to these names is obviously Lashley and Reigns. As the two brand champions, one would expect they would be put on different brands. It is possible they could end up on the same brand but then quickly switch one of the titles. Reigns losing right now would be a surprise and a bad idea. McIntyre losing to Randy Orton is obviously very much in play.
The women’s tag champs and 24/7 champs are allowed to work both brands, and as we’ve seen, while they say people will be exclusive to one side other than the women’s tag champs, there will be crossovers, likely a lot in November for Survivor Series, and likely leading to Mania as well, as well as any period if ratings start falling.
Also, while certain groups are linked together, like The Hurt Business, New Day, Mysterios, etc., that means they will probably be drafted together, but it isn’t a lock that they will be as the wording is “tag teams will count as one pick unless FOX or USA Network in conjunction with WWE officials, want to pick one Superstar from the team.”
So the idea, like last year, is that FOX and USA are picking. Hopefully they don’t do the cheesy FOX and USA war room stuff segments and celebrations which made the whole thing come across like a joke last year.
The picks are usually kept a secret from everyone. Only the biggest stars in general get tipped off ahead of time, so talent is just like fans when it comes to draft days. Because Styles was mad about missing his son’s high school football games, which are mostly played on Friday, he could go to Raw. The fact he did a clean job for Jey Uso on Smackdown was another indication, but nothing is ever a sure thing.
WWE:
NEWEST RECRUITS | The WWE announced five new signings this past week for developmental. Most of them had already been reported. Brandi Pawelek, 24, has been performing as Brandi Lauren and Ava Storie. She’s done spots on NXT dating back to 2018, usually spots where they need a female extra. She’s also worked as a model and was a regular with Evolve. Actually all the signings but one were from Evolve. Camron Rogers. 30, better known as Curt Stallion has been around the indies for seven years. Anthony Greene, 26; Dartanya Ruffin, 24, is better known as Leon Ruff. He’s done enhancement work on Raw, Smackdown and NXT. Joseph Ruby, 33, is CZW star Joe Gacy, who was also working in Evolve and has been wrestling for 14 years. Joshua Bruns, better known as Josh Briggs, was the Evolve champion when the promotion folded and has been wrestling four years. Jake Clemons is a referee out of Ohio who has worked on Raw in the past and was a ref for Evolve. The other new signee is Jacob Kasper, 25, a two-time All-American heavyweight from Duke who was recruited by Gerald Brisco, who once told me the guy had potential to be a top guy in the company. Kasper went 30-6 in the 2017 season, finishing sixth at the NCAA tournament. And then as a senior in 2018, he went 36-4 and finished fourth
GLOW GETS CUT | Netflix has canceled the award winning television show GLOW. The original plan was to go four seasons with the show. They had completed three seasons. The cancellation was related to the problems filming with COVID-19. The creators of the show, Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch said to Deadline, “COVID has killed actual humans. It’s a national tragedy and should be our focus. COVID also apparently took down our show. Netflix has decided not to finish filming the final season of GLOW. We were handed the creative freedom to make a complicated comedy about women and tell their stores. And wrestle. And now that’s gone. There’s a lot of crapty things happening in the world that are much bigger than this right now. But it still sucks that we don’t get to see these 15 women in a frame together again. We’ll miss our cast of weirdo clowns and our heroic crew. It was the best job.” They had started filming the scheduled final season in late February and then had to shut down three weeks in. The combination that the costs of filming increased due to COVID, and Netflix decided it was too costly. Taya Valkyrie of Impact was to be a cast member in season four.
TWITCH TAKEOVER | The situation with WWE taking over Twitch accounts from talent and paying them a percentage, that is counted against their downside guarantee has led to several unhappy campers. One talent noted to us that everyone is mad, but time after time they get mad and they never stand up. In this situation, the women are losing out the most since a lot of them have been able to make a good deal of money from their fan bases through twitch and cameo. Paige actually tweeted, “Learned a lot about unions today,” which led to Zelina Vega writing “hmm.” It’s known that a few of the talents talk with Andrew Yang, and depending on how a lot of things play out, the Yang/WWE story in 2021 could prove to be very interesting
MCINTYRE V. FURY? | WWE was apparently looking at doing a U.K. PPV which would have been headlined by McIntyre vs. Tyson Fury, but they aren’t able to do it at this time. Both WWE and AEW were in a race for the first U.K. PPV in years as AEW had planned for something big this year as well. The idea of the match isn’t dead but they have to work based on Fury’s schedule
OLYMPIC TUMOR | Kurt Angle did a podcast with PW Insider and said he had a tumor in his neck that he needed to get removed
A YEAR ON FOX | FOX is doing special programming this week to commemorate the one year anniversary of Smackdown. On Sunday, 10/11 there will be a WWE: Best Moments of 2020 special either right before or right after the NFL broadcasts. The show will do monster numbers in the markets where it follows the NFL broadcast. There will also be a 30 minute special at 7:30 p.m. on 10/16 which will be billed as the start of the second season (makes sense since 10/9 will do a good number for the draft so push 10/16 as the anniversary show) with a kickoff show hosted by Renee Paquette (Renee Young, who will be working for FOX, not WWE and not using her wrestling name) and Booker T. No doubt they’ll go back to the bringing back people from the past card
FORBES MOST INFLUENTIAL | Forbes put Stephanie McMahon as No. 2 on the list of the world’s most influential chief marketing officers. They claim this is a list of CMO’s who are redirecting industries and creating a more diverse and equitable future within business, culture and society. They pushed that she is a big proponent of performers building their own brands via social media. Boy was this the week to promote her like that, when the company was trying to take over the social media accounts of its independent contractors
THE RETURN OF MIZ & MRS. | The next season of Miz & Mrs. on USA debuts on 11/12 and will air on Thursdays at 10:30 p.m. I expect another big ratings drop this season due to the time slot
TV RATINGS SD 10/2 - 2.1 (0.56)
RAW 10/4 - 1.69 (0.54)
NXT 10/7 - 0.73 (0.22)
STAR RATINGS NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven 10/4:
Deonna Purrazzo vs Tegan Nox - **½
Dijakovic vs Roderick Strong - ***¾
Ricky Starks vs Keith Lee - ****
Santos Escobar vs Kalisto vs Kushida vs Isaiah Scott - ***¾
Io Shirai vs Rhea Ripley - ****
Pat McAfee vs Adam Cole - ****¼
Finn Bálor vs Karrion Kross - ****
NXT 10/7 - Pete Dunne vs Adam Cole - ***¾ |
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Post by DTP. on Dec 27, 2023 19:52:48 GMT -5
 Monday Night RAW #1429 - October 12, 2020
WWE ThunderDome at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida
HELL IN A CELL: ONE WEEK FROM SUNDAY!
"Legendary" by Skillet
Main Event #420 – October 15, 2020
1) The Street Profits and R-Truth vs Zack Ryder, Akira Tozawa and Riddick Moss - clean win for the Profits and Truth over Ryder, thanks to miscommunication with Tozawa. Ryder blows up at Akira before apologizing after the match. Moss is left alone and suffers the Cash Out and From the Heavens. (7:25)
2) Natalya def. Aliyah with the Sharpshooter. "The Queen of Harts" wanted to avenge her upset losses at the hands of Dana Brooke against fresh meat from "the Black and Gold Brand" - only Aliyah nearly surprised her on two separate occasions with roll-ups and inside cradles. The Canadian cut her off with a spinebuster, and refused to break the hold even after the bell sounded. (3:42)
Clear skies grew overcast and gloomy in the WWE ThunderDome, as claps of thunder and lightning flashes took over the building. Pyrotechnics suddenly shook the Amway Center, as the LED boards lit up with the faces of the WWE Universe. Monday Night RAW was live, and Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T welcomed us to the second night of the 2020 WWE Draft! They discussed some of the shocking developments from this past week on Friday Night SmackDown - where the WWE Draft commenced - but tonight, we would see the second-half rock the landscape of the WWE indefinitely.
The House Rules
The announce team recapped the rules for the 2020 WWE Draft as a graphic detailed the rules. Monday Night RAW tonight was scheduled to see six rounds take place, with a seventh occuring on RAW Talk - immediately following RAW, on the WWE Network. Any undrafted WWE Superstars left unpicked by representatives from the USA Network and FOX, would be declared as free agents, and be available to sign with whichever brand they desire. Talks between WWE officials and representatives were ongoing, as the broadcast team encouraged staying locked in to WWE Digital for updates.
| - The WWE Draft concludes on Monday, October 12, 2020 on Monday Night RAW on the USA Network. WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon will preside over both nights of selections.
- Over 60 Male Superstars, Female Superstars and Tag Teams have been placed into the 2020 WWE Draft.
- More than 30 Superstars are eligible to be drafted on Monday Night RAW.
- Six rounds of drafting would take place tonight on Monday Night RAW, with an additional seventh round taking place on RAW Talk exclusively on the WWE Network.
- Due to the length of each show, for every two picks that SmackDown selects, RAW will get three picks.
- Tag Teams will count as one pick unless FOX or USA Network, in conjunction with WWE Officials, wants to pick one Superstar from the team.
- Any undrafted Superstars will immediately be declared free agents and able to sign with the brand of their choosing.
- WWE Superstars have been split into an eligible Superstar Pool for the Monday Night RAW edition of the WWE Draft. Conversations have been ongoing between WWE Officials, FOX and USA Network, so stay locked into WWE Digital for the latest.
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The Superstar Pool
With half of the active roster determined on Friday Night SmackDown on FOX, half of the field remained. A graphic appeared revealing the remaining WWE Superstar Pool eligible for drafting tonight - as reported earlier today by FOX Sports. 
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| - The Fiend
- Braun Strowman
- Daniel Bryan
- WWE Intercontinental Champion Johnny Gargano
- SmackDown Tag Team Champion Otis
- Sheamus
- Cesaro
- SmackDown Tag Team Champion Tucker
- Shinsuke Nakamura
- King Corbin
- Apollo Crews
- Carmella
- John Morrison
- Dolph Ziggler
- Duke Nese
- Ember Moon
- Naomi
- Mustafa Ali
- Robert Roode
- Sir Gable
- Tamina
- Drew Gulak
| - Edge
- Randy Orton
- Drew McIntyre
- Asuka
- Andrade
- WWE 24/7 Champion Samoa Joe
- Ricochet
- WWE Women's Tag Team Champion Liv Morgan
- Angel Garza
- WWE Women's Tag Team Champion Ruby Riott
- Cedric Alexander
- Nia Jax
- Shelton Benjamin
- Karl Anderson
- Humberto Carrillo
- R-Truth
- Erik
- Omos
- Ivar
- Billie Kay
- Peyton Royce
- Dana Brooke
- Zack Ryder
- Riddick Moss
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Round 1: Game ChangersTo a loud response, the WWE Chief Brand Officer made her way out to the stage in the WWE ThunderDome. The WWE Universe showed their respects to Stephanie McMahon, who was recently voted by Forbes to be among the most influential female World Marketing Officers in the world. Standing at the podium on the stage, she quizzed the people on whether they felt ready for a second night of excitement, courtesy of the WWE Draft. Receiving a loud response, Stephanie was excited to tell all, as she examined the cue cards beneath her. Revealing the first round of picks made by FOX and the USA Network for the second night of the 2020 WWE Draft, it was revealed that Drew McIntyre would be heading to Friday Night SmackDown, while Braun Strowman would be joining the RAW Brand!
- RAW picks Edge, Asuka & Braun Strowman
- SmackDown picks Drew McIntyre & The Fiend
"Metalingus" by Alter Bridge roared over the WWE ThunderDome at Amway Center, bringing smoke to flood the stage. Edge came waltzing out moments after in a pair of denim jeans and a flannel shirt, gracing the WWE Universe with his presence. Coming into contact with Stephanie McMahon, the WWE Hall of Famer spoke with the WWE Chief Brand Officer briefly before passing her by to head for the ring. A desk and black carpet sat in the center, as "the Rated R Superstar" was prepared to sit down and sign on the dotted line - what was expected to be an intense contract signing for both he and Randy Orton ahead of Hell in a Cell, up next. ︾︾︾
An advertisement aired, promoting 'the Final Chapter' in the rivalry between Edge and Randy Orton. They had fought relentlessly all year long, ever since "the Rated R Superstar" made his return at the Royal Rumble. After nine years of being banned from in-ring activity, and sitting in retirement, "the Viper" was driven to bring his career to a definite end. Edge had too, and now would have his shot at taking down "the Apex Predator" before he had the chance. Edge vs Orton: 'The Final Chapter' inside Hell in a Cell - live on the WWE Network, one week from Sunday from 7E/4P. It's OfficialThe WWE Hall of Famer remained in the ring, where Adam Pearce now joined the proceedings. Edge looked around at the faces of the WWE Universe on the LED boards, as the WWE Official got things underway. He talked about 'the Final Chapter' coming up rapidly, taking place one week from Sunday. He spoke of the relief that came with knowing this was all drawing to a conclusion, because not only had both men been dead set on crippling the other for the past ten months; he had also witnessed a plethora of men and women uninvolved that had fallen in harms way thanks to them. Adam was about to talk about added stipulations amended in writing before this contract signing, but "the Rated R Superstar" didn't want to hear it. Talking over him, he talked about there being no promises he would or wouldn't do anything tonight - let alone at Hell in a Cell! Edge declared he was going to do what he thought was the best thing to do - whether Adam liked it or not. Pearce wished he would reconsider, when out came Randy Orton amidst loud boos. "The Apex Predator" arrived menacingly down the rampway, his eyes fixed on his arch rival.
Once in the ring, "the Apex Predator" stroked his chin before taking a seat at the desk opposite Edge. Randy Orton placed his feet up on the desk to further entice "the Rated R Superstar", who remained unmoved. Adam Pearce urged both men to not resort to violence tonight, but Randy took to the microphone to ask Edge if he considered himself happy. He wondered if Edge was the kind of guy he was when he was out here in the ring, because when he looked deep into his eyes - he saw a failure. Edge chuckled , as "the Viper" continued, speaking about how cool Edge was - he was burning up inside trying not to think of what was next. Randy reminded Edge of the last time that happened and he had to go to the drawing board. In fact, Randy remembered the day visually: April 12, 2011 - the day after he officially announced his retirement. Orton could remember the tears he choked back on that night, because it was then he realized that the one man who helped mentor him after Evolution - was officially dead to him. Randy added that he wished Edge had stayed that way, too, because in thirteen days he wasn't just going to beat Edge, he was going to destroy what was his life - and not just for nine years - but forever.
Adam Pearce tried to speak up, instructing the two heated enemies to sign the contract and make October 25 official, but Edge told Randy Orton he talked good but knew for a fact he was full of empty threats. Edge made it clear to him that after all that had transpired between them, there would be no coming back from this. Whether life went on the same way, if not similar, they would remember that one night in Orlando, Florida where they teared the other limb from limb. "The Rated R Superstar" said they may as well declare the other to be dead - Rated-RKO was dead and buried, and after they walk into "the Devil's Playground", they may as well be too. "The Viper" listened as Edge talked about the career Orton had led. It was a wild ride that had seen him evolve and lead one of the greatest legacies this business had ever seen, heard or known - but after Hell in a Cell, the people weren't going to remember him for Evolution, or the Legacy, or his countless World Championship reigns. On October 25, "the Legend Killer" would become "Legend Killed", and all anybody would ever remember of Orton in ten years from now: was "the punk ass b*tch Edge destroyed in Hell in a Cell!"
"The Rated R Superstar" nonchalantly signed on the dotted line. "The Viper" looked at Edge coyly, but with not another word spoken, he signed the contract. The match was official: "Devil's Playground" on October 25 - 'the Final Chapter'. Suddenly, Orton stood up - his office chair flung across the canvas. Edge joined him - both men standing either side of the desk. Adam Pearce finally had the opportunity to speak: revealing the amendments in the contract. Upon conferring with Triple H, the decision had been made to stipulate that for the betterment of the WWE Universe, they would no longer be able to lay so much as a finger on the other between now and Hell in a Cell! With the contract signed, if they were to be in violation of that stipulation - there would be no 'Final Chapter' in one week from Sunday, and the match would be cancelled! The WWE Universe were stunned by the revelation, but as Edge and Orton continued to stare each other down, not a single eye was batted. Randy slowly stepped away, before dropping the WWE Official with an RKO for good measure! Slipping out of the ring, Edge continued to glare him out - mouthing "thirteen days" until their last encounter!
- 'The Final Chapter' - Hell in a Cell match - Edge vs Randy Orton - if physical contact is made between now and October 25, the match is cancelled.
︾︾︾ Bring Your Own GoldSarah Schreiber was standing by at the interview area with the newest addition to the SmackDown Brand - Drew McIntyre. Asked for his thoughts on being drafted in the first round to Friday Night SmackDown, "the Scottish Terminator" believed it to be an honor. He begun his WWE career on "the Blue Brand" and after Hell in a Cell would be right back where it all started - but before then he had some unfinished business. Drew talked about being screwed out of the WWE World Championship the night after Payback, all thanks to Bobby Lashley cashing in his Money in the Bank contract. Yet while moving brands would mean leaving "the All Mighty" alone, there was nothing stopping him from taking back what should still belong to him - that same prize he won in front of zero fans at WrestleMania. Drew maintained he had carried the RAW Brand on his back ever since, and after Hell in a Cell, while he would be heading to SmackDown - he would be bringing the WWE World Championship along with him! Sarah asked for clues as to who the Scotsman had in mind for the tag team match tonight against Lashley and Shelton Benjamin - when McIntyre brought up fate once more.
Into frame towered the newest addition to Monday Night RAW - Braun Strowman! The big brolics patted each other on the shoulder, as "the Colossus" arrived on the RAW Brand two weeks early. Letting out a growl, the giant said the humor was not lost on him - as Drew shifted to SmackDown, he was coming to RAW. As luck would have it, he too planned on bringing gold along with him: because come Hell in a Cell, he was taking the WWE Universal Championship from Roman Reigns! Braun said he was flattered Drew made the call, but assured "the Scottish Terminator" he wasn't here because he wanted him to be - he was here to put the chumps in Team Lashley in their rightful place. Tonight, he was going to eradicate Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin, exactly like he was going to Roman Reigns and Jey Uso this Friday night on SmackDown. The two challengers to the big gold left, with Team Lashley put at monstrous odds!
- Tonight - Drew McIntyre and Braun Strowman vs WWE World Champion Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin
Following discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T, a graphic aired reviewing the acquisitions that Monday Night RAW had been able to pick up this past week on Friday Night SmackDown, on the opening night of the 2020 WWE Draft - not including the first round of tonight's pick that saw the RAW Brand gain Braun Strowman!
| RAW Acquisitions [From Oct 9, 2020] - SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley
- Jeff Hardy
- Sasha Banks
- Alexa Bliss
- Big E
- Nikki Cross
- Elias
|
- RAW picks Randy Orton, La Invasíon's Andrade, Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo & Daniel Bryan
- SmackDown picks WWE Intercontinental Champion Johnny Gargano & Damian Priest.
The WWE ThunderDome erupted as "the Nocturnal Rockstar" came bounding out to the stage. Damian Priest had arrived on the main roster, the former NXT North American Champion dressed and chiseled like a statue. Looking out with a smile towards the WWE Universe, "the Archer of Infamy" took a cool walk down the rampway before climbing into the ring and posing on the ropes. The bows of "the Archer" were pointing directly towards Friday Night SmackDown!
Following discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T, the broadcast team shifted gears to discuss what else was to be expected tonight on Monday Night RAW. Graphics aired promoting 'the Kevin Owens Show' with special guest Omos; the big tag team match pitting Team Lashley against Drew McIntyre and Braun Strowman; and in the main event, father and son combined were going for the RAW Tag Team Championships against the Church's Theory and Murphy.
- RAW Tag Team Championship - Theory and Murphy (c) vs Los Mysterios
- WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens hosts 'the Kevin Owens Show' with Omos
︾︾︾ 1) Asuka def. Shayna Baszler (12:19)
 As two former rivals prepared to engage in combat, out came the RAW Women's Champion Charlotte Flair to spectate. With the entirety of Queendom scheduled to make the move to SmackDown following Hell in a Cell, Asuka made the most of her chance with a rapid succession of kicks off the bell. Baszler was brought to bail, but a running hip attack off the apron saw "the Empress of Tomorrow" get the upper hand! Inside, Asuka continued with a facebreaker, before a series of soccer kicks to the spine rocked her. "The Diamond" watched from the top of the rampway, distracting the former champ, when Baszler took her down with a spinebuster! Baszler took to the mat, grounding and pounding away at her foe, until Asuka blocked a penalty kick and struck back with the Switchblade Kick! Asuka struck back until being met in the corner with a step-up knee strike, but as Shayna teased the Yokosuka Cutter, she reversed into the Asuka Lock! Baszler scampered to the floor, as Asuka climbed the ropes a crazed woman on a mission!
"The Empress of Tomorrow" began to work the arm with a hammerlock suplex, but Charlotte Flair's presence at the top of the rampway allowed Shayna Baszler to send her from the ring. A brief back-and-forth saw Asuka miss a spinning backfist, allowing Baszler to respond by sending Asuka into the ring post! The RAW Women's Champion applauded "the New Age Enforcer" as she went straight back to grounding Asuka, working her arm. Wrenching away at it, Shayna teased an armbar when Asuka broke loose and connected with a pop-up knee lift! Favoring her shoulder, Asuka caught her in the Octopus stretch, but Shayna was able to wrestle free. With a German suplex, Asuka charged with a hip attack but wound up hung upside down in the ropes! With an ankle lock applied, Baszler was sent into the ring post when a victory roll got a near fall! As a Savate kick missed narrowly, Baszler nailed her with another armringer! The hanging armbar saw Asuka rive in pain, when she teased a cross-armbreaker. Asuka was able to roll through - applying a version of the Dis-Arm-Her! Flair made her move, distracting the official - when Shayna came from behind with a gutwrench facebuster!
The RAW Women's Champion proved to be a difference-maker, aiding "the New Age Enforcer" in returning to work away at the shoulder and arm of Asuka. "The Empress of Tomorrow" tried to wrestle free of an armbar, when the Kirifuda Clutch was teased. Asuka responded and broke out - the Fujiwara armbar trapping Shayna now! She was able to fight free, but walked straight into a rolling armbar from the Kabuki Warrior. Asuka wrenched away, but Baszler made the ropes. On the comeback, Asuka struck with a sole butt and hit the ropes, but the hip attack saw Shayna catch her with a Kirifuda Clutch attempt - but Asuka got her with arm drag and wiped her out with the Empress Kick! The cover was made when "the Diamond" of Queendom got on the apron again - but Kairi Sane ran down to ringside, dragging Flair from the apron! "The Pirate Princess" aided her best friend, while inside Shayna took the leg out from under Asuka with the chop block. Looked for the Elbow Stamp, Shayna was startled by Kairi on the apron, allowing Asuka to take the win with the victory roll!Arm for an ArmAsuka was able to take the win, but as Shayna Baszler briefly ambushed her after the bell, into the ring snuck Kairi Sane behind her! "The New Age Enforcer" came face to face with the woman whose arm she snapped months ago, and as she tried to engage, "the Pirate Princess" took her down with the Fujiwara armbar! Looking to snap the arm of Shayna's as the ultimate form of retribution, it was Charlotte Flair who managed to help her out to the floor. Queendom backed up the rampway with Baszler holding her arm, while the Kabuki Warriors paraded in the ring. Sane was committed to getting revenge for being taken out of action for months, whereas Shayna actually appeared intimidated by the once-smiling Pirate - replaced by a woman consumed with rage!
︾︾︾ Glory and DisappointmentLos Mysterios were in the dressing room preparing for the main event. Dominik Mysterio appeared gassed for the opportunity of a lifetime, when in walked his father. Rey Mysterio told Dom how proud he was of him, but wanted him to know that win or loss he was still making insane progress for his age. Dom could not comprehend the idea of losing, eagerly speaking out about capturing his first title. He wanted them to be the first father-son tag team to become RAW Tag Team Champions, but as the youngster went back to preparing, "the Legendary Luchador" maintained how long Theory and Murphy had reigned as champions. If Dom thought last week was rough, overcoming both Los Lotharios and the Viking Raiders, Rey feared he was setting himself up for potential disappointment. Dom responded, telling his old man he knew now why he did this, and why he wasn't home for him growing up all those years. Like his Dad, this was his blood now - and tonight, he wanted to pay it back to him by winning the Mysterio Family the gold. They fist-bumped, with the title opportunity still to come.
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Stephanie McMahon was spotted backstage being handed a new set of WWE Draft cue cards. Inaudibly, she thanked her assistant and began to browse through them. The WWE Chief Brand Officer presiding over the 2020 WWE Draft was scheduled to rejoin the WWE Universe, for Round 3 of the Draft - up next.
Following discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T, a video recap aired recapping the untimely separation of the New Day. Caused by the results of the 2020 WWE Draft dividing Big E from Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, "Big Time" Big E was announced to be picked for the RAW Brand, while Kofi and Xavier would remain on SmackDown. Their deflated reactions led to them hugging it out in the ring - as it was noted this week on Friday Night SmackDown would see Michael Cole bring them together to ask what the future was for the popular group.
- Friday Night SmackDown - Michael Cole interviews the New Day about their future
Round 3: Bask in His GloryThere was a buzz in the WWE ThunderDome, as Stephanie McMahon once again graced the podium centerstage. On the rampway, the WWE Chief Brand Officer asked the WWE Universe if they were ready for more excitement. Announcing another round of picks made in the 2020 WWE Draft, among them was the news that the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions and SmackDown Tag Team Champions were staying put; that Ricochet was heading to SmackDown, while Monday Night RAW would be gaining...Keith Lee!
- RAW picks WWE 24/7 Champion Samoa Joe, WWE Women's Tag Team Champions the Riott Squad's Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott & Keith Lee.
- SmackDown picks SmackDown Tag Team Champions Heavy Machinery's Otis and Tucker & Ricochet.
Destroyer Meets LimitlessThe WWE Chief Brand Officer was interrupted, by none other than the WWE 24/7 Champion! Samoa Joe came bouncing out to the stage, exchanging glances with Stephanie McMahon. She left without much said, as "the Samoan Submission Machine" smiled towards the WWE Universe. Propping the gold over the micstand on full display, he informed the WWE Universe that they could sleep well at night knowing "their" champion was staying put on Monday Night RAW. "The Coquina Destroyer" bragged about the men he had beaten, from both RAW and SmackDown - so really, it would have made no difference if he was on RAW or SmackDown. Referring to himself as "Mr. 24/7", he told the booing WWE ThunderDome that they should be glad the USA Network picked him, when at the mercy of the people subjected to hear from the champ, out came Keith Lee! The newest arrival to the RAW Brand came bounding out to the stage in his sleeveless jacket, smiling towards Joe. The two mammoths went nose-to-nose, with "the Limitless One" not even breaking a smile! Joe picked up his title and returned to the back, as Lee raised his fists in the air: the big man had arrived!
︾︾︾
Following discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T, a graphic aired confirming a new match made official for Hell in a Cell. In light of his appearance tonight to team with Drew McIntyre against Team Lashley, Braun Strowman would receive his opportunity to become WWE Universal Champion one week from Sunday, when "the Colossus" meets Roman Reigns! How would this and "the Scottish Terminator's" shot at the WWE World Championship impact which gold goes where, when the 2020 WWE Draft comes into effect?
- Hell in a Cell - WWE Universal Championship - Roman Reigns (c) vs Braun Strowman
Believe In The All Mighty
MVP and Lana discussed the plan for the night, when into frame walked the WWE World Champion. Suavely dressed, Bobby Lashley told his advisor that if Drew McIntyre wanted to bring in the big guns in Braun Strowman, he could. "The Franchise Player" listened nervously to his wife's glee, as Lashley talked about what he planned to do to "the Colossus" and make him realize who ran Monday Night RAW. He was "the End Game", whether Braun was coming to RAW or not. Lana was assured her husband would dominate like he always did, when Lashley said the same would happen to Drew McIntyre when all was said and done, come Hell in a Cell. MVP had his own reservations, bringing Lashley to question whether or not he believed in "the All Mighty". Breaking up the tension, Shelton Benjamin entered the frame and said he was here not for the respect or the sake of the champ. It sure as hell wasn't because MVP was a good friend - but it was because he had something left to prove. Believing he could still go, Shelton vowed to stay true to his word tonight, because he planned on being the one to bring Drew McIntyre begging on his knees at Team Lashley's feet.
︾︾︾ Tall and SilentReturning to the WWE ThunderDome, the stage was set with a board bearing the logo of 'the Kevin Owens Show'. The WWE United States Champion had spared no expense as he walked to the ring with a necktie around his T-shirt adorned neck. Kevin Owens smiled towards the WWE Universe, as he welcomed everybody to the long-awaited return of 'the KO Show'. He spoke about it being a while since he last stood in the ring and hosted one of these talk shows - but when he became champion, he became a lot more focused on fighting over talking. That was, of course, until he saw the Miz trying to do what he did best and corrupt the minds of people who didn't know any better on 'Miz TV' two weeks ago. Because of that, KO believed "the Nigerian Nightmare" deserved the platform to speak for himself and no one else - welcoming out his biggest guest in the history of the show: the seven-foot-three giant, Omos! Impeccably dressed in a black and red suit, the big man marched down to the ring to meet the champ. Owens asked for him to take a seat at the desk with him, but Omos remained unmoved.
With Omos not budging an inch, Kevin Owens offered him an official mug - but again the gigantic guest remained unmoved. The WWE United States Champion played it cool, telling "the Nigerian Nightmare" he had to have been the biggest man he had ever seen: and in the short time he'd been in the WWE, he'd make a huge statement - pun totally intended! Allowing the big man to stand, he asked Omos to talk about something the Miz simply wouldn't let him speak about - and that was himself! KO believed the WWE Universe wanted to hear what the big man had to say - but still, Omos remained silent. "The Prize Fighter" joked how he didn't invite him to stand tall and silent, but before Omos responded, the Miz came storming out to the ring! "The A-Lister" was livid at KO for stealing his thunder, and taking away the biggest prospect walking sports entertainment right now. The gargantuan grew defensive, as the host of 'the Kevin Owens Show' assured the host of 'Miz TV' he wasn't stealing anyone. Tired of having Miz take advantage of people like the rookie monster, Owens believed he was more than just a tool that would take him to the top of the WWE again.
Angered by being turned on by Omos last week, "the A-Lister" pointed out the big man stepping towards him as he stood on the apron. The Miz warned him he would not forgive or forget the defiance he showed last week - but "the Nigerian Nightmare" decided to grab him by the throat! With both hands, he dragged Miz over the top rope effortlessly! Kevin Owens was amused by the whole thing, but as Omos powered "the Awesome One" up, Miz continued to beg and plead for forgiveness - when Omos suddenly put him down, and knocked the WWE United States Champion silly with a haymaker! As Miz collapsed to the canvas and gasped for air, the gargantuan roared until met with two super kicks from the Canadian. KO went for a third, but instead Omos caught him by the foot and pulled him in - the Tree Slam leaving him down and out! Miz finally recovered and laughed at the fate which befell KO, before jumping up into the arms of the rookie monster. Omos remained unfazed, as Miz leaned over Owens's fallen body: revealing that Omos made his mind up long ago, and he'd made the best money decision for himself - making it the worst decision for Kevin!
Footage aired from moments ago, recapping Omos's mind made up - and it included his decision to side with the Miz over Kevin Owens on 'the Kevin Owens Show'. The WWE United States Champion had defended "the Nigerian Nightmare" from the manipulative ways of "the A-Lister" - until he inexplicably had decided to attack KO with a Tree Slam. Had Omos signed up to be part of the Miztourage?
2) The Viking Raiders (with Valhalla) def. Ricochet and Cedric Alexander (3:26) While Ricochet was soon to be a part of the SmackDown Brand per the 2020 WWE Draft, he and Cedric Alexander had personally requested this rematch with the Viking Raiders. Erik and Ivar rushed in head-first to a series of kicks from Ricochet and Alexander; the tag team able to take Erik out with a backflip kick from "the Future of Flight" into an enzuigiri from "the Queen City's Favorite Son". Both struggled with Ivar, but evaded a double clothesline and took him to a knee with a Neutralyzer from Cedric into a satellite DDT from Ricochet! Ricochet continued in trying to keep the big man down, when Ivar performed a cartwheel clothesline! Ivar connected with a gutwrench powerbomb into Ivar's seated senton, but the aerialist showed fight. Trying to bounce back with a spinning headscissors, Erik instead blocked it and connected with a stalling Uranage! After body slamming Ivar onto him, Erik set Ricochet up for a takedown knee strike, but Ricochet hit a reverse-rana on Erik! The tag was in sight - but Ivar dragged Alexander from the apron at the last second! Despondent, Ricochet initially dropped Erik with the Recoil, when a crossbody from Ivar set the scene for the Viking Experience!
Unfinished BusinessFor a second week in a row, the Viking Raiders triumphed with Valhalla storming up and down at ringside. Cedric Alexander slowly recovered at ringside, but Erik and Ivar continued to pillage away at poor Ricochet! "The Future of Fight" was defenseless, as "the Modern Day Vikings" continued their assault. Valhalla even got involved; until Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch hit the ring! Their business with "the Modern Day Vikings" having gone on for weeks, "the Boston Bruiser" and "the London Mauler" engaged in battle with Erik and Ivar - a European uppercut from Oney managing to send Ivar out to the floor! Cedric Alexander continued to recover at ringside as Burch set up a table on the floor. Valhalla dove onto Burch's back only to be dragged off overhead - when Ivar narrowly escaped being put through the table by Erik! The Vikings escaped the ringside area, as Lorcan and Burch checked on Ricochet inside the ring.
︾︾︾ The Iiconic Plan BackfiresCharly Caruso was in the backstage interview area when approached by the Iiconics. Deserving to know where their interview time was, the broadcast journalist questioned what they wanted to talk about. Billie Kay and Peyton Royce obnoxiously affirmed they had recorded not only a clean victory against the cowardly WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, but last week took the Riott Squad out! The Aussies explained they were just too good and demanded the opportunity to beat Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott and cement their place as Iiconic two-time champs. Into shot walked the Riott Squad, confronting them. Ruby argued the Iiconics were lucky to get this opportunity, but after what they'd done to them the past two weeks - they were asking for it! Liv knew Billie and Peyton were trying to get under their skin - and it worked, but it was about to backfire for the challengers. Next week, the champs laid out the challenge: a title rematch between the two teams - but this time there would be no count-outs or beatdowns before the bell. This time it would be in a Lumberjack match! The champs left Kay and Royce pretending to show no fear.
- Next week - WWE Women's Tag Team Championship - Lumberjack match - The Riott Squad (c) vs The Iiconics
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Meanwhile, in white and black pinstripe, the patriarch of La Invasíon walked with presence. Andrade smiled modestly at passersby, as "El Capo" looked to be heading towards the WWE ThunderDome. After rejecting Seth Rollins' offer to merge "the Two Families" together, Los Lotharios found themselves screwed out of a RAW Tag Team Championship opportunity last week. One week after declaring war on the Church, it looked like Andrade had a response for "the Monday Night Messiah - next.
The Peace TreatyThe 2020 WWE Draft had decreed "the Two Families" were to remain on Monday Night RAW, and Andrade could not seem happier. Walking out to the ring in his shades, the pinstripe-clad patriarch of La Invasíon got on the microphone and voiced the need to discuss last week. Recalling the words that came out of Seth Rollins' mouth, he heard the offer loud and clear. "The Monday Night Messiah" may have been understood to have said he wanted to merge the two groups into one dominant faction - what Andrade heard it as was that Seth and his Disciples could not handle the heat that La Invasíon brought! Between himself and Los Lotharios, "El Capo" claimed to not blame Seth - after all, he had spent his career hiding behind others. Theory and Murphy were merely doing their bidding last week, but ultimately if the Church couldn't handle the heat - they needed to get out of the kitchen! Seth Rollins interrupted, once again walking out to the stage, unable to comprehend what he was hearing. Flabbergasted by Andrade doubling down on his statements last week, it was almost like he wanted to be demolished courtesy of "the Visionary" and his Disciples!
"The Monday Night Messiah" pointed out hearing some words out of Andrade's mouth last week that maybe he regretted. Wanting to know if Andrade truly said the three-letter word most people dreaded, Seth Rollins demanded "El Capo" speak more clearly and openly about what this means for "the Two Families". With a smarmy grin, Andrade told Seth there couldn't have possibly been more of a misunderstanding. The truth was the words he expressed to Los Lotharios last week were out of passion. In the heat of the moment, Andrade could not possibly declare war on the Church. Rollins face lit up as he grinned ear-to-ear. Instead, Andrade questioned why they had to fight at all. They didn't need to join forces, but they didn't need to fight. He questioned why they couldn't simply coexist, but Seth knew that Andrade had similar goals for La Invasíon to take reign over 'Monday Night Rawlins'. The Church simply couldn't allow that, and Seth claimed Andrade knew this! The truth was the RAW Brand was too big for the both of them...unless Andrade cut a deal with them to back off and let the Church bring 'Monday Night Rawlins' into a new decade!
Andrade accepted immediately. He claimed he would let Seth Rollins reign over Monday Night RAW, so long as the Church and La Invasíon didn't come to blows. He could let him become WWE World Champion again, and his Disciples to be RAW Tag Team Champions. "The Visionary" could not believe what he was hearing, as Andrade hugged and kissed Seth on the cheek with glee! Snapping his fingers, Andrade claimed this called for a celebration. Seth cackled evilly while "El Capo" explained he had already done something that the Church might like. As a gift, the result of their agreement, Andrade directed Seth to the big screen: showing Los Lotharios standing tall over a badly injured Dominik Mysterio! Clutching his taped shoulder hurt last week, Dom was stomped away at by Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo until Rey Mysterio appeared to run them off! Seth was baffled by what he was seeing in the ring, but as Andrade put an arm around him, he told Seth the words he wanted to hear last week: "I'm sorry". Rollins grinned again - what did this arrangement mean for the future of Monday Night RAW; and what did this mean for tonight's RAW Tag Team Championship match?StubbornRey Mysterio nursed the injured shoulder of Dominik Mysterio, right by his side. Trainers came onto the scene alongside referees and producers, with WWE Official Adam Pearce presiding. Pearce believed Dom to be in no shape to compete tonight, and "the Legendary Luchador" agreed. Suddenly, Dom sat up in denial. Refusing to let this get in the way of his biggest opportunity to date, he claimed him and his father had titles to win! Even Rey was reluctant, reminding his son of how bad his shoulder was last week. Dom didn't care, trying to stand on his feet only to falter in agony with his shoulder. The advantage was clearly in Theory and Murphy's camp, ahead of the RAW Tag Team Championship match still to come.
︾︾︾
In the corridor, Stephanie McMahon had just received the next round of draft picks, and flicked through the cue cards in hand. Walking with her eyes on the cards, the WWE Chief Brand Officer was heading to the podium in the WWE ThunderDome - Round 4 of the 2020 WWE Draft was up next.
A graphic aired, publicizing Forbes naming Stephanie McMahon to be the world's most influential female CEO. The WWE Chief Brand Officer was named over influential Chief Marketing Officers for the year 2020 over the likes of P&G, Microsoft, Google, Adobe, Lego, FCA, BMW and RBI.
Round 4: Shuffling the DeckStephanie McMahon was once again stood out at the podium in the WWE ThunderDome to reveal the fourth round results of the 2020 WWE Draft. Shuffling through the cue cards before her, the WWE Chief Brand Officer spoke into the microphone and revealed the selections - including Apollo Crews and John Morrison coming to Monday Night RAW, while the Viking Raiders would be leaving for SmackDown.
- RAW picks Cedric Alexander, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson & John Morrison.
- SmackDown picks Fight Night's Sheamus, Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura & the Viking Raiders' Erik and Ivar.
Hash It OutBackstage, Cedric Alexander stared blankly as the news broke on the monitor in front of him. Due to remain on Monday Night RAW, he was joined by a frustrated Ricochet - still hurting after the defeat at the hands of the Viking Raiders. "The Future of Flight" questioned where he was to help him out against "the Modern Day Vikings", but Cedric coldly maintained that he had help from Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch - besides, Ricochet never bothered tagging him in! Alexander went to leave, when Ricochet turned him around and wanted to speak to him man to man. For the past six months they had been good buddies, great training partners, and an even better tag team. He didn't want to see that come to an end over a couple of defeats. "The Queen City's Favorite Son" sighed and told Ricochet he was right - he was being a jerk. The two bumped fists as Cedric pointed out the two of them going their separate ways due to the 2020 WWE Draft anyway - he believed they had to make the most of it. In the background, MVP was seen scurrying past.
A graphic aired, revealing the official theme song for Hell in a Cell 2020 - "Welcome to My Hell" by Holy Wars, available now to Listen on Apple Music & Spotify.
︾︾︾ 3) Drew McIntyre and Braun Strowman def. WWE World Champion Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin (with MVP and Lana) (11:19) Drew McIntyre could not wait to get payback on Bobby Lashley for when he cashed in Money in the Bank to become WWE World Champion. "The Scottish Terminator" rushed to the ring alongside Braun Strowman - the cross-brand bruisers hitting the ring for a four-man face-off with Team Lashley! MVP and Lana panicked as "the Colossus" caught Shelton Benjamin off the ropes, biel throwing him across the ring into "the All Mighty". Drew continued to hammer away at Lashley with the Beats of Bodhran over the ropes, when Strowman tackled him off the apron! The chaos continued as the Strowman Express was initiated - the SmackDown Superstar soon-to-be coming to RAW taking out everyone in his way. Finally frozen by the appearance of Lana in his path, "the Monster Among Men" froze briefly - inadvertently setting him up for a tackle into the steel steps, courtesy of Bobby Lashley! Lashley and Benjamin briefly double teamed him, when Drew returned from the floor with a flying clothesline from the top rope. McIntyre went to town on "the Gold Standard" with a belly-to-belly suplex, but as he attempted an inverted Alabama slam, Shelton landed out and took him out with a Dragon Whip!
Bobby Lashley was a confident man, having managed to successfully ground the man he would meet in thirteen days. Drew McIntyre was ambushed in the corner with shoulder thrusts, but as the former champ got a knee up, the WWE World Champion had Shelton Benjamin tag in and connect with a rising knee strike! "The Gold Standard" was proving he still had what it took, as a spinebuster knocked the wind out of "the Scottish Terminator". He and Bobby Lashley took turns grounding him - as "the All Mighty" applied a bear hug on the mat. Braun Strowman encouraged the tag, but as Drew struck free, the Glasgow Kiss rocked Shelton - but Lashley charged in with a chop block! The champ took the Scotsman down with another bear hug, as MVP ran his mouth at ringside about Hell in a Cell, but Drew would again fight up. Lashley attempted the fisherman suplex - but McIntyre landed out on his feet and caught him with the Buckle Bomb! McIntyre tagged in Braun Strowman, who ran through Lashley and Benjamin with clotheslines. "The All Mighty" wound up sent into Benjamin with a fallaway slam, when a big boot sent Benjamin to the floor - for a tope con hilo courtesy of the flying Scotsman!
"The Colossus" barged Bobby Lashley in the corner with a splash, but Shelton Benjamin caught him with a high kick! "The Gold Standard" set off for the top rope, only to be caught with a military press slam. Bobby Lashley rushed in with a running punch in the corner, the WWE World Champion looking for a second when Braun Strowman nailed him with a clothesline. Braun reached out for the tag - to be grabbed by the foot by Shelton, so Lashley could wipe him out with a flatliner! "The All Mighty" throttled Strowman, but as Lashley teased a suplex, the giant turned it around. Drew McIntyre got himself some of the champion, before battling off Benjamin! A belly-to-belly suplex sent him overhead, when a powerbomb was trialed on Lashley just for MVP to tug on his man's foot. McIntyre took down the champ, before setting his sights on "the Franchise Player!" The advisor for Team Lashley wound up sent into "the Monster Among Men" for a sidewalk slam, when McIntyre sent Lashley to the floor! The two battled over the barricade and disappeared through the rows of LED boards, as inside Benjamin leaped from the top rope only to be caught with the Running Powerslam - Strowman getting the win!Out of BoundsThe WWE World Champion and his challenger come Hell in a Cell were spotted battling in the LED boards, with Drew McIntyre continuing to hammer away at Bobby Lashley! His wife Lana watched on with grave concern, pleading for mercy from the former champ - prompting "the Scottish Terminator" to exchange words with her. It enabled "the All Mighty" to come from behind with the Hurt Lock - but he was unable to get the finger interlocked! McIntyre fought free and nailed the leader of Team Lashley with the Claymore Kick on the floor of the Amway Center - left standing tall! In the ring, Braun Strowman also stood tall - both Drew and Braun going for gold one week from Sunday, come Hell in a Cell.
︾︾︾
Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T discussed the bizarre exchanges shared between Andrade and Seth Rollins, as it now appeared they were in cohoots and tighter than ever. What was decreed by "El Capo" to mean war last week had turned to a show of respect to the leader of the Church - and as consolidation for an agreement, Los Lotharios had gone after Dominik Mysterio, with not much time at all to spare before his RAW Tag Team Championship opportunity against Theory and Murphy. After footage aired recapping the incident from earlier tonight, the broadcast team were able to provide a medical update on Dom's wellbeing. Rey Mysterio's assessment from earlier tonight had proven correct, in that things were not looking good for his son to be able to compete against the Disciples of the Church tonight.
A graphic aired, touting the success of WWE on YouTube. A milestone was passed this past week, as the official WWE on YouTube channel had achieved 50,000,000,000 total views. Surpassing 50 billion hits, it was the number one sports channel ahead of NBA, NHL, NASCAR, ESPN, MLB and NFL. Go to YouTube.com/WWE for more!Round 5: Toni TimeThe 2020 WWE Draft rolled on with the penultimate round of selections, as Stephanie McMahon welcomed everybody back to Monday Night RAW. She talked about some of the picks that had been made by the brain trusts on FOX and USA Network's sides - and they were not yet done. Reading the cue cards in hand, the WWE Chief Brand Officer revealed that while the RAW Brand would be gaining Mustafa Ali, Friday Night SmackDown would be gaining former NXT UK Women's Champion Toni Storm!
- RAW picks Nia Jax, Apollo Crews & Mustafa Ali.
- SmackDown picks the Royal Family's King Corbin, Sir Gable and Duke Nese & Toni Storm.
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Easy Night AheadThe RAW Tag Team Champions remained baffled by what Los Lotharios did for them earlier, with Theory not understanding the motive behind it. Maintaining he still didn't like Angel Garza, Murphy told him to shut up, when Seth Rollins appeared. Overjoyed with the cooperation from La Invasíon, the leader of the Church talked about how pleased he was that things were finally falling into place. "The Juggernaut" had questions for "the Visionary", who told him they had nothing to worry about. "A-Town Austin" agreed Dominik Mysterio was a nonfactor, but Murphy took issue with Garza and Humberto Carrillo's actions. Seth assured him that wasn't the case, but Murphy maintained something funny was going on, and he didn't like it. Last week Andrade told Seth he wouldn't apologize, let alone join forces with the Church. Now, he was saying sorry and doing them favors? Coldly, Seth urged his loyalist to stand in line and take the easy win tonight. They had an easy night ahead against Los Mysterios, but Murphy told Seth sharply they may be Disciples, but they were also their own men. Murphy left, with Theory astounded by his mentor's words!
︾︾︾ O.C. Implosion"The Phenomenal One" made his arrival to the WWE ThunderDome, raising the hood and erupting his pyrotechnics across the stage. AJ Styles waltzed down the rampway en route to the ring, for the first time in a long time as his own man. Since the O.C.'s eruption at Clash of Champions, with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson betraying him, AJ graced the microphone and voiced being disappointed in the boys. Pointing out the friendship he devoted to LG and KA, for it to end the way it did several weeks ago was just plain sad. For the past decade, they had travelled the globe, air mile for air mile. They'd all won gold overseas, and they'd taken over the world with a revolution that had taken the business by storm! But AJ understood why Gallows and Anderson did it - they were sick of him coming up short, but what they didn't realize was that's why he was here tonight. "The Demi-God" spoke of being in his gear despite not being scheduled for action tonight, because he was calling "the Good Brothers" out! He'd heard they thought he was past his prime, and he was prepared to prove them wrong.
Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson responded, microphones in hand. On the rampway, the former O.C. members took pity on AJ Styles for having his feelings hurt. It was almost as bad that "Uncle Allen's" boo-boo face was being moved over to SmackDown - in what was surely a way to escape "the Good Brothers!" LG told "Phenomenal Hoot" that they did what they did at Clash of Champions because it was the next best thing for their careers. "The Good Brothers World Tour" was off to the races, and now they weren't AJ's lackeys any longer, they were going to become Tag Team Champions all over again! KA piped up about how decorated a tag team the Good Brothers were, and said that he was going to take Styles up on his little challenge! Anderson braced for impromptu action, as he removed his shirt and walked down the rampway with LG right behind him. AJ got ready, and Anderson hit the ring, where a hockey fight ensued! KA got in an eye poke and began to stomp a mudhole in the corner, but as he stepped away and charged, AJ back body dropped him over the top rope! Anderson was embarrassed, as a referee arrived in the ring!
An advertisement aired, promoting the Best of WWE on Peacock. From the classic hits to in the ring, to behind-the-scenes, these were OMG moments the WWE Universe just had to see. WWE content was streaming now on Peacock.
A lower-third graphic aired, promoting WWE on the Peacock Network. Stream WWE Specials and Documentaries on PeacockTV.com.
4) AJ Styles def. Karl Anderson (with Luke Gallows) (4:17)
Revenge was served cold, and AJ Styles looked to prove that to be the case as we joined the action in progress. Karl Anderson tried to outsprint "the Phenomenal One" with a dropdown and a leapfrog, but in hitting the ropes, AJ struck with a dropkick! Styles followed with a Phenomenal Forearm plancha, when Luke Gallows teased taking a swing at KA! AJ and LG exchanged words, when Anderson struck from behind using a pump kick! Back inside, a European uppercut rocked "the Demi-God" for a near fall. Choking away at AJ over the bottom rope, Anderson distracted the official allowing for Gallows to nail his former friend with a throat thrust! The Good Brothers continued to work over Styles until Anderson's neckbreaker missed, and a Pelé kick knocked him silly! On the comeback, Styles came bounding off the second rope with the Stylin' DDT, before a brainbuster got a near fall. LG charged in with a big boot, but the Stylin' Combination wiped him out! Anderson hit a spinebuster from behind for a near fall, when KA looked at a diving neckbreaker just to get nothing but mat. AJ capitalized, locking in the Calf Crusher to force him into submission!
At Odds"The Demi-God" gained a measure of retribution against Karl Anderson for the deception of the Good Brothers, when Luke Gallows immediately hit the ring with a series of stomps! LG choked AJ Styles in the corner with his boot, before driving him into the canvas with the Gallows Pole! KA staggered to his feet and mounted him with right hands, until Matt Riddle hit the ring! "The Original Bro" hit KA up with a striking combination, before sidestepping an inbound Gallows with a roundhouse kick. Anderson missed the Rocket Kick and received a German suplex, before the Final Flash wiped him out. The BroMission was locked in on the big man, when AJ shoved him off of him! The two exchanged more words, and after AJ had come to Riddle's aid last week, it was clear he was merely returning the favor. The two continued to argue with no trust between them, as Gallows and Anderson shied away from the ring.
︾︾︾ Friends or NotBianca Belair stretched for her tag team match against members of Queendom, when Nia Jax snuck up behind her. "The Giantess" voiced her upset with how "the EST" handled matters last week, bringing confusion to her. As far as Bianca was concerned, she did nothing wrong. Nia, however, cost them the main event against the Queendom hussies! Jax told Belair to follow her lead tonight, and they would decimate Chelsea Green and Candice LeRae; though Bianca told her she was doing nothing of the sort! Bianca remembered a few weeks ago when Nia came crawling to her for help in her vendetta with Charlotte Flair, despite the two of them never seeing eye to eye. Then why was it tonight, Nia was finally getting her way - the two of them joining forces, and all the while Nia was the one being confrontational! Jax told Belair not to cross her, but Belair told her she was going to keep on doing things her way - and when it came to taking down Queendom, she was going to show Candice and Chelsea why they called her "the EST" of WWE.
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A graphic aired, recapping the rundown of draft picks selected on behalf of the USA Network and FOX tonight on Monday Night RAW. The 2020 WWE Draft had seen the landscape change amid a certain new era in the WWE, but we were not yet finished. With one more round to be selected, WWE Chief Brand Officer Stephanie McMahon would take to the podium one last time - next.
A graphic aired, promoting RAW Talk - live tonight immediately following Monday Night RAW. Co-hosts Charly Caruso and Booker T would be joined by Matt Riddle, the Miz and Omos. Plus, one final round of the 2020 WWE Draft would round out the RAW and SmackDown Brands - it all went down at 11:05/10:05C on the WWE Network.Round 6: The UnforgettableStephanie McMahon was at the podium for one last announcement, as part of the 2020 WWE Draft. She talked about the emotions that had gone into a lot of the decision-makings this past two nights, both on Friday Night SmackDown on FOX, and tonight on Monday Night RAW on the USA Network. Proud to declare the sixth round picks, among them was Aleister Black coming to the SmackDown Brand - despite not being seen in months - and NXT's Swerve moving over to RAW!
- RAW picks Shelton Benjamin, the Iiconics' Billie Kay and Peyton Royce & Swerve.
- SmackDown picks Aleister Black & Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode.
The Realest on RAWSwerve came swaggering out to the stage moments later, taking the WWE Chief Brand Officer by surprise. Stephanie McMahon was met by the newest addition to Monday Night RAW with a hip bump, and to the encouragement of "the King of Swerve Style" and the WWE Universe, Stephanie decided to bust a move with the NXT Superstar! Swerve had arrived on RAW in the final round of the 2020 WWE Draft - and what future awaited the prospectful hip-hop artist?
︾︾︾ RebornThe picture began to glitch, and crackle into full static. Suddenly, a high-pitch tone brought us to a vignette courtesy of "the Hacker". Taking a look at the journey of the former Chicago police officer, from humble beginnings in the Cruiserweight Classic; to becoming a breakout star in 205 Live. Swimming with the sharks on Friday Night SmackDown, he even came within fingertips of becoming WWE Champion, and capturing the Money in the Bank briefcase. But since that time, he had become something else - a symbol against injustice and determined to bring change. Mustafa Ali appeared in his control room, his back to the camera - but he logged out, and watched each of the many monitors cut to black. A flurry of Ali's most athletic moves were displayed, as Ali said the fun and games were over - he would be born again on Monday Night RAW: soon.
︾︾︾ 5) Chelsea Green and Candice LeRae def. Nia Jax and Bianca Belair (3:31) While their fellow Queendom allies Charlotte Flair and Shayna Baszler had their issues earlier tonight with the Kabuki Warriors, it was put-up or shut-up for the newcomers from NXT. Bianca Belair and Nia Jax had words before the bell, bringing Candice LeRae and Chelsea Green to jump them, getting a head start! A lungblower took "the EST" from the equation, but "the Giantess" steamrolled both with a double clothesline! Hammering "the Emerald", she would miss a big splash allowing her to make the tag to a reluctant LeRae. "The Perfect Poison" attempted the missile dropkick, but her feet would merely bounce off of Nia! Jax continued to run roughshod until Belair decided to tag herself in, bringing problems between the two. Green dropkicked Bianca into Nia, when a bicycle kick allowed Queendom to take control. LeRae performed a slingshot jawbreaker for a near fall, but as the two traded tags, Belair saw an opening as Green showboated - nailing her with a spear! Bianca went for the K.O.D. when Jax tagged herself in, infuriating Bianca. LeRae dropkicked Jax into Belair to send her to the floor - and Queendom capitalized with a double DDT, to pin "the Giantess!"Never Ever Ever Getting Back TogetherQueendom claimed the win in light of prevailing problems between Nia Jax and Bianca Belair, but Chelsea Green and Candice LeRae were not yet finished with "the Giantess!" The jackals of the RAW Women's Champion's group continued to beat Nia Jax down after the bell, when Bianca Belair finally took the moral highground and hit the ring! "The EST" brawled with both "the Perfect Poison" and "the Emerald", until they decided to hit the bricks. Belair faced off with the two of them, when behind her Jax got in her face for helping her out! She pointed the finger and made it clear she didn't need her help, but as Bianca shrugged, she decided to get into a fight with her as well! Queendom watched the fight from the top of the rampway - as the Annihilator went reversed, and Belair dropkicked the big woman through the ropes tumbling to the floor! Belair twirled her hair to a loud ovation, with Jax continuing to mouth off at her once-partner!
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Dominik Mysterio was backstage arguing with officials, his shoulder and arm heavily taped up. They all argued with one another, as WWE Official Adam Pearce tried to be the voice of reason. Dom was joined by Rey Mysterio, who tried to advise his son against it. Dom was having none of it, telling his father he was not passing this opportunity by. Reminding him of all the times "the Legendary Luchador" went out against doctors' orders, Rey reluctantly allowed it. Los Mysterios were heading to the ring to compete after all. The RAW Tag Team Championship match was coming up next!
Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T discussed the 2020 WWE Draft, and while it would not take hold until following Hell in a Cell, the entire landscape of the WWE was about to change for good. They ran down some of the key highlights of the night as a graphic aired providing the updated list of acquisitions Monday Night RAW had made, from the SmackDown Brand, and even several from NXT. | RAW Acquisitions [From Oct 12, 2020]
- Braun Strowman
- Daniel Bryan
- Keith Lee
- Apollo Crews
- John Morrison
- Mustafa Ali
- Swerve
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The broadcast team shifted gears to Hell in a Cell one week from Sunday, with all of the talk being based around 'the Final Chapter' between Edge and Randy Orton. Running down the line-up for the night "the Devil's Playground" would make its return, it had been made official: Kairi Sane would receive a prime opportunity to get the ultimate redemption, when she battled Shayna Baszler one-on-one.
- 'The Final Chapter' - Hell in a Cell match - Randy Orton vs Edge
- WWE World Championship - Bobby Lashley (c) vs Drew McIntyre
- SmackDown Women's Championship - Bayley (c) vs Sasha Banks
- WWE Universal Championship - Roman Reigns (c) vs Braun Strowman
- Shayna Baszler vs Kairi Sane
︾︾︾ 6) Los Mysterios (c) def. Theory and Murphy to capture the RAW Tag Team Championship (16:03) After winning two matches in one night last week, Los Mysterios stamped their ticket to a RAW Tag Team Championship opportunity, but with the ongoing situation between members of the Church and La Invasíon, Dominik Mysterio was at an extreme disadvantage after the backstage assault earlier tonight. His shoulder wrapped up, he started out with Theory and was able to impress. "A-Town Austin's" arrogance got in the way, allowing Dom to strike with aa hurricanana, when in came Rey Mysterio! "The Legendary Luchador" ran circles around the youngster, who tried to slow him down to receive a tornado DDT. Dom came back in with a diving fist drop, still favoring his shoulder but working towards weakening the arm of Theory. Able to pick up the pace of the match, Theory flicked the switch with a snap suplex and a standing moonsault before bringing in Murphy. "The Juggernaut" treaded on the temple of the rookie, as his father watched on. Murphy too was taking advantage of the shoulder, but as Dom fought back after being belittled, the loyalist right-hand man of "the Visionary" struck with an upkick and a chest kick taking him down hard!
Theory performed a Buckle Bomb into a high kick from Murphy in the Church's corner, as the RAW Tag Team Champions continued to dissect the shoulder of young Dominik Mysterio. "A-Town Austin" drove his knees into the shoulder, applying a grounded hammerlock. Peeling off the kinesiotape, Dom groaned in agony as his father watched on. Theory tried to keep his son down, but Dom worked up and connected with an armdrag. The code red was executed, but as he tried tagging to his Dad, Murphy scrambled in and trapped him! Knocking Rey from the apron, "the Juggernaut" used the senior's fury to tug the arm out of his son's socket using the ropes - completely unspotted by the referee! Theory came in for a double suplex to Dom, when he began to take measures one step further. Ripping at the bodysuit of Dominik, his chest and shoulder went fully exposed by the Disciple. As a slingshot stomp couldn't get the win, Theory left for a rolling dropkick - but Dom caught him mid-move with one of his own! The chase was on for the tag to Rey, but Murphy again zipped into the ring - dropping Dom with a bicycle knee strike and a brainbuster for a near fall!
"The Juggernaut" grew frustrated with the rookie, who kicked out of a Kamigoye. Theory aimed for a patella brainbuster saw Dom roll through, and a springboard crossbody caught him - able to make the tag to "the Legendary Luchador". With a springboard seated senton for Murphy, and a spinning headscissors for Theory, Murphy dazed him with a super kick, but as Murphy's Law was attempted, Rey span out to hit a wheelbarrow bulldog! With Murphy outside, Dom landed a baseball slide into a sunset flip - the back of his head colliding with the side of the announce table! Rey had Theory dead to rights with the 619, but the referee was dragged in by the champ! Dom performed a diving hurricanrana - but with no referee to count, it was a nonfactor. Suddenly La Invasíon arrived, putting the boots to Los Mysterios! "El Capo" watched smugly, but as Theory and Murphy confronted them - Andrade dropped Theory with El Idolo! Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo removed Murphy from the picture, pummelling him on the floor. Inside, Rey dove with a splash; and Dominik followed with a Frog Splash. The rookie made the cover - to win his first taste of WWE gold!
Dominik Mysterio burst out into tears, clutching his shoulder in agony. His father Rey Mysterio joined his son in a special moment, as Los Mysterios hugged it out on their knees in the ring. In a touching scene to end a dramatic rollercoaster of a night, Rey and Dom had become the first father-son tag team in WWE history to become Tag Team Champions! Seth Rollins came out to the stage, tugging at his hair and turning red with rage! "The Visionary" dropped to his knees in disbelief, as La Invasíon surveyed the scene from ringside. Andrade laughed at the Church's predicament, as if things weren't hostile before - they sure were now!
  RAW Talk #29 - October 12, 2020 Charly Causo and Booker T discussed the 2020 WWE Draft, as the selections for the seventh and final round came in. Among them, Riddick Moss and Zack Ryder were headed to Friday Night SmackDown, whereas Monday Night RAW would be gaining Carmella.
Matt Riddle joined the show to talk about why he made the rescue attempt for AJ Styles, coolly talking about his issues with the O.C. ever since he arrived on Monday Night RAW. "The Original Bro" hinted at looking for some gold, but first things first - he had unfinished business with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. Riddle maintained he had no loyalty or trust for "the Phenomenal One", but said next week, so long as AJ stayed out of his way, his aim was to choke somebody out - warning KA and LG to watch out.
The Miz and Omos came on to explain the events of 'the Kevin Owens Show', as "the A-Lister" handled all the talking. "The Nigerian Nightmare" sat imposingly beside him, towering over the scene, as Miz talked about the contract being signed over a week ago - but because Kevin Owens was so full of himself, he felt like playing a trick to humble him. Miz said he still wanted the WWE United States Championship; but now he was also pleased to announce Omos was the official heavy of his new-and-improved Miztourage. He assured Omos they would own the world in weeks, pleased with his acquisition.
Swerve made a surprise appearance to talk being drafted to the RAW Brand, and discussed his favorite memories growing up of this show. Now, this show was 'Swerve's House' and nobody was going to make the most of it like he was. "The King of Swerve Style" said he was the baddest, realest dude on the scene, and every week on Monday Night RAW, the WWE Universe could look no further than Swerve to make sure they knew what was up.
- RAW picks R-Truth, Dana Brooke & Carmella.
- SmackDown picks Riddick Moss & Team B.A.D.'s Naomi and Tamina.
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Post by DTP. on Dec 30, 2023 15:02:08 GMT -5
![]()  The 2020 WWE Draft
October 9, 2020 - October 12, 2020
WWE ThunderDome at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida
 
 
Friday Night SmackDown #1104 - October 9, 2020 |
| Rnd. | Pick # | Superstar(s) | Pre-Draft Brand | Post-Draft Brand | Brand Pick # | | 1 | 1 | Bobby Lashley
WWE World Champion
with MVP and Lana | RAW | RAW | 1 | | 1 | 2 | Roman Reigns
WWE Universal Champion
with Paul Heyman | SmackDown | SmackDown | 1 | | 1 | 3 | Bayley
SmackDown Women's Champion | SmackDown | RAW | 2 | | 1 | 4 | AJ Styles | RAW | SmackDown | 2 | | 1 | 5 | The Church
(Seth Rollins & RAW Tag Team Champions
Theory and Murphy) | RAW | RAW | 3 | | 2 | 6 | Kevin Owens
WWE United States Champion | RAW | RAW | 4 | | 2 | 7 | Queendom
(RAW Women's Champion Charlotte Flair,
Shayna Baszler, Candice LeRae &
Chelsea Green | RAW | SmackDown | 3 | | 2 | 8 | Los Mysterios
(Rey Mysterio & Dominik Mysterio) | RAW | RAW | 5 | | 2 | 9 | Jey Uso | SmackDown | SmackDown | 4 | | 2 | 10 | Bianca Belair | RAW | RAW | 6 | | 3 | 11 | Jeff Hardy | SmackDown | RAW | 7 | | 3 | 12 | Sami Zayn | SmackDown | SmackDown
| 5 | | 3 | 13 | Matt Riddle | RAW | RAW | 8 | | 3 | 14 | The Street Profits
(Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins) | RAW | SmackDown | 6 | | 3 | 15 | Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross | SmackDown | RAW | 9 | | 4 | 16 | The Miz | RAW | RAW | 10 | | 4 | 17 | Kairi Sane | RAW | SmackDown
| 7 | | 4 | 18 | Sasha Banks | SmackDown | RAW | 11 | 4
| 19 | The New Day
(Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) | SmackDown | SmackDown | 8 | | 4 | 20 | Big E | SmackDown | RAW | 12 |
Talking Smack #66 - October 10, 2020 |
| Rnd. | Pick # | Superstar(s) | Pre-Draft Brand | Post-Draft Brand | Brand Pick # | | 5 | 1 | Elias
| SmackDown | RAW | 1 | | 5 | 2 | Oney Lorcan & Danny Burch | RAW | SmackDown | 1 | | 5 | 3 | Akira Tozawa | RAW | RAW | 2 | | 5 | 4 | Sonya Deville
| SmackDown | SmackDown | 2 | | 5 | 5 | AOP
(Akam & Rezar) | RAW | RAW | 3 |
Monday Night RAW #1429 - October 12, 2020 |
| Rnd. | Pick # | Superstar(s) | Pre-Draft Brand | Post-Draft Brand | Brand Pick # | | 1 | 1 | Edge
| RAW | RAW | 1 | | 1 | 2 | Drew McIntyre | RAW | SmackDown | 1 | | 1 | 3 | Asuka | RAW | RAW | 2 | | 1 | 4 | The Fiend | SmackDown | SmackDown | 2 | | 1 | 5 | Braun Strowman | SmackDown | RAW | 3 | | 2 | 6 | Randy Orton | RAW | RAW | 4 | | 2 | 7 | Johnny Gargano
WWE Intercontinental Champion | SmackDown | SmackDown | 3 | | 2 | 8 | La Invasíon (Andrade, Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo) with Zelina Vega | RAW | RAW | 5 | | 2 | 9 | Damian Priest | NXT | SmackDown | 4 | | 2 | 10 | Daniel Bryan
| SmackDown | RAW | 6 | | 3 | 11 | Samoa Joe
WWE 24/7 Champion | RAW | RAW | 7 | | 3 | 12 | Heavy Machinery
(Otis and Tucker)
SmackDown Tag Team Champions
with Mandy Rose | SmackDown | SmackDown
| 5 | | 3 | 13 | The Riott Squad
(Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott)
WWE Women's Tag Team Champions | RAW | RAW | 8 | | 3 | 14 | Ricochet | RAW | SmackDown | 6 | | 3 | 15 | Keith Lee | RAW | RAW | 9 | | 4 | 16 | Cedric Alexander | RAW | RAW | 10 | | 4 | 17 | Fight Night
(Sheamus, Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura) | SmackDown | SmackDown
| 7 | | 4 | 18 | Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson | SmackDown | RAW | 11 | 4
| 19 | The Viking Raiders
(Erik and Ivar)
with Valhalla | SmackDown | SmackDown | 8 | | 4 | 20 | John Morrison | SmackDown | RAW | 12 | | 5 | 21 | Nia Jax | RAW | RAW | 13 | | 5 | 22 | The Royal Family
(King Corbin, Duke Nese and Sir Gable) | SmackDown | SmackDown
| 9 | | 5 | 23 | Apollo Crews | SmackDown | RAW | 14 | | 5 | 24 | Toni Storm | NXT UK | SmackDown | 10 | | 5 | 25 | Mustafa Ali | SmackDown | RAW | 15 | | 6 | 26 | Shelton Benjamin | RAW | RAW | 16 | | 6 | 27 | Aleister Black | RAW | SmackDown
| 11 | | 6 | 28 | The Iiconics
(Billie Kay and Peyton Royce) | RAW | RAW | 17 | | 6 | 29 | Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode | SmackDown | SmackDown | 12 | | 6 | 30 | Swerve | NXT | RAW | 18 |
RAW Talk #29 - October 12, 2020 |
| Rnd. | Pick # | Superstar(s) | Pre-Draft Brand | Post-Draft Brand | Brand Pick # | | 5 | 1 | R-Truth
| RAW | RAW | 1 | | 5 | 2 | Riddick Moss | RAW | SmackDown | 1 | | 5 | 3 | Dana Brooke | RAW | RAW | 2 | | 5 | 4 | Team B.A.D.
(Naomi and Tamina) | SmackDown | SmackDown | 2 | | 5 | 5 | Carmella | SmackDown | RAW | 3 |
WWE Free Agency - Not selected in the 2020 WWE Draft |
| No. | Superstar(s) | Pre-Draft Brand | Status | | 1 | John Cena | SmackDown | Inactive. Last seen at WrestleMania 36: Night 1 on April 4, 2020. | | 2 | Becky Lynch | RAW | On maternity leave. Last seen on Monday Night RAW # - May 10, 2020 | | 3 | Ronda Rousey | RAW | Inactive. Last seen at WrestleMania 35 on April 7, 2019. | | 4 | Goldberg | SmackDown | Inactive. Last seen at WrestleMania 36: Night 1 on April 4 on April 4, 2020. | | 5 | Jimmy Uso | SmackDown | Recovering from knee injury. Last seen at WrestleMania 36: Night 2 on April 5, 2020. | | 6 | Big Show | RAW | Inactive. Last seen on Monday Night RAW #1420 on August 10, 2020. | | 7 | Christian | RAW | Recovering from injuries sustained by Randy Orton. Last seen on Monday Night RAW #1420 on August 10, 2020. | | 8 | Ember Moon | RAW | Vignettes airing, due back soon from ruptured achilles. Last seen on Monday Night RAW # on September 23, 2019. | | 9 | Drew Gulak | SmackDown | Recovering from pectoral injury. Last seen on Friday Night SmackDown #1095 on August 14, 2020. | | 10 | Zack Ryder | RAW | Active. Last seen on Main Event #420 on October 15, 2020. | | 11 | Jinder Mahal | RAW | Recovering from broken femur. Last seen on Monday Night RAW #1408 on May 18, 2020. | | 12 | Bo Dallas | SmackDown | Inactive. Last seen at WWE Crown Jewel 2019 on October 31, 2019. | | 13 | Titus O'Neil | RAW | Working as a WWE Ambassador. Last seen on Monday Night RAW #1418 on July 27, 2020. | | 14 | The Southern Belles (Mickie James & Lacey Evans) | SmackDown | Active. Last seen on Friday Night SmackDown #1411 on October 9, 2020.
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Post by DTP. on Jan 3, 2024 15:05:16 GMT -5
NXT #425 – October 14, 2020
Capitol Wrestling Center in Orlando, Florida
"All Out Life" by Slipknot
TWO WEEKS FROM HALLOWEEN HAVOC!
1) NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai def. Stephanie DeAnders with the Moonsault. With her next defence confirmed this past week on NXT, "the Genius of the Sky" made a rare 205 Live appearance against the prospectful prettyface. DeAnders showed potential in brief spurts of offense, but ultimately succumbed to the acrobatic and hard-hitting style that brought "the Joshi Judas" to the title. Shirai was looking forward to Halloween Havoc. (3:49)
 McKenzie Mitchell interviewed Hit Row about their tag team loss sustained last week to Mansoor and his new friend, Rick Bugez. Top Dolla voiced his outrage at "the Bugezmeister" getting up in their grill, and talked about being called "Big Money" for a reason - but he wasn't always as chill as he let on. B-Fab agreed, as she spoke on behalf of Ashante about "the Saudi Superman". "The Adonis" issued one last challenge to Ashante for a match next week - one-on-one on 205 Live, in a Fight to a Finish.
2) Rust Tyler def. Ariya Daivari - "Persian Power" graced the microphone to brag about his wealth before the bell, when Rust Tyler choosingly decided to answer the call. The well-travelled "SoCal kid" brought the fight to Daivari in the early goings of the match, with the veteran able to slow down the newest addition to NXT. When the Persian Plunge backfired however, Tyler locked in a hold known as the Gaia Lock to score a marginal upset. Daivari was furious after, denying he tapped out. (5:23)
3) Alex Sterling def. Leon Ruff after blocking the Crucifix Bomb. The feisty underdog refused to let "the Spice" get under his skin, though Sterling was arrogant in dictating the pace of the match. While Ruff repeatedly fought back with everything he had, he resorted to high-flying tactics and found himself on the verge of defeating Sterling - until his trusty Crucifix Bomb went blocked with the legs hooked, allowing Sterling to get the win. Continuing the assault, "the Spice" was an arrogant individual. (6:23)
- Next week - Fight to a Finish - Ashante vs Mansoor
 A video package aired, taking us back to last week's edition of NXT. It was the dawning of a new era for "the Black and Gold Brand", with the Capitol Wrestling Center as the setting for Pat McAfee to lord it up as the self-proclaimed "King of NXT". Joined by Pete Dunne and Dijakovic, the trio were challenged by Adam Cole and Roderick Strong of the Undisputed Era, and in the main event it was "the Bruiserweight" who succeeded in defeating "the Panama City Playboy" with a lot of assistance from McAfee's henchmen. Elsewhere, Finn Bálor came to the ring to address his NXT Championship match victory back at NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven - when a confrontation with Scarlett allowed Karrion Kross to swoop in and lay waste to "the Prince": his intentions clear in wanting one more shot at the gold!
The Capitol Wrestling Center came to life with the NXT Universe exploding in loud chants for "the Black and Gold Brand". Banging their hands against the plexiglass, ricocheting off of the chain-linked fence surrounding ringside, NXT was on the air with Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett presiding. Standing on the Perch overlooking the CWC, the broadcast team discussed what was scheduled to come tonight - including the first ever Gauntlet Eliminator match to determine the next number one contender to NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai; and in a Street fight, Dijakovic and Roderick Strong would battle one more time.
- Number One Contender's Gauntlet Eliminator match - Mia Yim vs Dakota Kai vs Kacy Catanzaro vs Mercedes Martinez vs Raquel González
- Street Fight - Roderick Strong vs Dijakovic
When No One is LeftDarkness fell over the building, bringing the eerie arrival of Karrion Kross. Led by his mistress Scarlett, the two walked and posed to the ring in due course, with "the Siren of Destruction" singing the symphony for her man's diabolical nature. In a black suit, the black and white remained on-screen as "the Tollman" took to the microphone. Talking about what he did to Finn Bálor last week, he questioned what kind of champion allowed himself to look as weak as the Irishman did. Kross wondered what made "the Prince" so difficult to beat for a lot of noble other challengers; and concluded that clearly he was made of a different substance. "The Herald of Doomsday" spoke of Finn's chance victory over him at NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven, issuing him with his first and lone loss since arriving on "the Black and Gold Brand" seven months ago. He did it on a fluke, rolling him up when the champion knew the challenger had him dead to rights. Kross called Finn out for his cowardice, but was willing to accept defeat.
Karrion Kross did believe that what Finn Bálor managed to do at NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven made him a lucky, lucky man. He got out alive in their No-Disqualification match by the skin of his teeth - but the truth was he wasn't done with him, and wouldn't be until he wore the NXT Championship around his waist. "The Siren of Destruction" smiled as she graced the microphone, bringing up the fragile masculinity of the champion. When they met last week, she saw the fear in Finn's eyes; the tremor in his step, and the hair on his palms stand straight. Why? Because he knew his days were numbered. Scarlett said when no one is left, there will only be one who would walk the planet: Karrion Kross. His detructions, his strengths and his dominance would bring NXT into a new light, and when all was said and done, that man would be her's. Karrion declared his intent to "the Prince" again, and noted if Finn was a true champion, he would have somehow made it here to answer him face to face.
Instead, color returned as the big screen showed a short video package of Finn Bálor's violence afforded by his work - as "the Demon". With the warpaint on, the NXT Champion barked in his message for Karrion Kross, talking about what started at NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven was merely round one. He planned to show "the Tollman" what humility was all about. Finn was the furthest thing from finished with Kross either, and when the inevitable came to be and they were matched by one another side by side: "the Demon" would be the downfall of "the Herald of Doomsday". He told Karrion he was on, and that this time he wasn't coming empty-handed. Come Halloween Havoc in two weeks, he would force Kross to live on in infamy, when "the Demon" would leave him for the vultures to pick his bones! The message ended, with Kross loosening his tie and tearing open his shirt. Enraged, Scarlett tried to keep her man calm and collected, as the match was made for October 28!
- NXT Halloween Havoc 2020 - NXT Championship - The Demon Finn Bálor (c) vs Karrion Kross
✕✕✕
A graphic aired, as Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett detailed the rules for tonight's first-of-its-kind Gauntlet Eliminator match. Bullet-point per bullet-point, they detailed that two women would start with one new entrant arriving every three minutes - to be determined by a random drawing. Elimination rules would apply, with pinfall or submission resulting in one's elimination. The match would continue until one woman remained - and she would receive an NXT Women's Championship opportunity in three weeks time at NXT Halloween Havoc. A graphic aired, officially revealing the combatants - all of which would be vying for the chance to take Io Shirai's title!
Earlier today Mia Yim was seen arriving at the Capitol Wrestling Center. With a backpack over her shoulder, the blue-haired "Blasian Baddie" would be one of six participants in tonight's first - the Gauntlet Eliminator match. Who would challenge Io Shirai for the NXT Women's Championship at NXT Halloween Havoc? We'd find out tonight!
Following a recap of "the Demon" Finn Bálor's cryptic answer to Karrion Kross's challenge for a rematch of NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven, a graphic aired confirming the match as official for NXT Halloween Havoc.
Kacy Catanzaro performed some stretches in the backstage hallway. Thrust into the spotlight with her biggest opportunity to date in tonight's Gauntlet Eliminator match, the influential youngster appeared calm as she went up against great odds.'Nuff SaidMcKenzie Mitchell was standing by in the interview area with a casually dressed Io Shirai. The NXT Women's Champion was asked about the Gauntlet Eliminator match in tonight's main event, and questioned who she personally wanted to win of the six competitors. "The Joshi Judas" feigned giving it some deep thought, before conceding that she didn't care who won. What she cared about was the competition of the NXT Women's Division. Whoever she faced, at NXT Halloween Havoc, the winner would be "the Genius of the Sky".
✕✕✕ 1) Bronson Reed def. Killian Dain (10:13)
 Two big bad men were scheduled to lock up, with Killian Dain welcoming the fight as the bell sounded. The Irishman came to clubbing blows, exchanging standing lariats with "the Battleship". Neither man showed any signs of relenting, when Dain hit the ropes looking for another lariat just to be taken down with a shoulder tackle! A senton got a near fall, when Bronson Reed hit the ground running with a corner splash. Looking for an early Jagged Edge, "the Beast of Belfast" escaped and came off the ropes with the Divide to finally take the Aussie down! Dain tried to continue his assault with a pummelling of right hands on the floor, but as he threatened a charging body block into the barricade, Bronson sidestepped it sending him crashing into the chain-linked fence and plexiglass! In a daze, Dain came to - being struck with the running shoulder block off the apron to the floor!
Killian Dain continued to savagely attack Bronson Reed, setting up for the Belfast Blitz - but before being able to do so, out came Cameron Grimes. In a grey suit with his hat in hand, "the Carolina Caveman's" presence was just distraction for "Aus-Zilla" to fight back with a powerslam! Grimes surveyed the scene from afar, but as "the Beast of Belfast" nailed the Barn River Boot, he continued to growl at the involvement of the innocuous southerner. A shotgun dropkick fed into the Belfast Blitz, though "the Battleship" managed to pick out. Furious, he set up for the Vader Bomb out of the corner - but Reed got his knees up! On the comeback, a King Kong Lariat rocked the Irishman - when the Jagged Edge was delivered! The Tsunami was teased when Cameron came running to the apron, causing he and the official to become distracted. Dain barged Bronson with a fireman's carry slam and a senton, but his arguing led to Reed coming out of nowhere with the Jagged Edge to get him the win!Thanks for Nothing"The Battleship" had prospered in this clash of the titans against Killian Dain. Bronson Reed had his hand raised, before being suddenly ambushed by Cameron Grimes! Clearly wishing to get on the right side of "the Beast of Belfast", "the Carolina Caveman" was able to get the big man groggy with a roundhouse kick, when the King Kong Lariat wiped him out! Reed teased the Tsunami, but Killian Dain came to and took "Aus-Zilla" down with another Barn River Boot. Regaining his composure, the Irishman came to his feet with Cameron by his side. Hopeful of celebrating with the big man, it was clear there was no love lost as Dain wiped him out with the shotgun dropkick! The Vader Bomb crushed Grimes, and Dain would leave alone. Cameron clutched his ribs in sorrow, still unsuccessful in obtaining the partnership of Killian.
✕✕✕ Much to ProveA vignette aired, showing the newest arrival of NXT standing alone in an empty WWE Performance Center. Speaking about her storied history in the dawn of the Women's Evolution, she talked about what the business was like when she first arrived on the scene. Speaking candidly about the state of the industry in the late-2000s, "the AK" worked long and hard to do her bit. She travelled the world, from England to Japan, and even made a splash in the 2018 Mae Young Classic. But while snubbed before, finally she was here. As clips of her in Absolute Insane Wrestling aired, she talked about having a chip on her shoulder. Now was her opportunity, and she was not going to waste it. Warming up and gearing up for battle - Allysin Kay declared she was ready for anything. A graphic aired, promoting her NXT debut against Vanessa Borne - coming up next.
An advertisement aired, promoting all of the NXT merchandise available at WWEShop - "Find What Fits You".
The Secrecy of LuchaA promo aired, taking us to Joaquin Wilde and Raúl Mendoza in a darkly-lit room. In black suits with chains, onto the scene walked Kalisto. Similarly donning a suit with a black mask, the former "El Samuray" spoke about making a change he needed to have made a long time ago. He knew before anyone else did that Lucha House Party was spitting on the legacy of lucha-libre. He watched them parade with piñatas and rattle their ratchet noisemakers for months from the shadows - and it was making a mockery of what did better than anybody. Kalisto spoke bitterly about the opportunities Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik received in his absence, but as this was going on change was taking place - as clips of Santos Escobar's ascent to power was shown from NXT. Kalisto decided then to join the cause of a group of likeminded gentlemen out to preserve what they did best - protect the sacrecy of lucha abaout jokes like "the King of the Ropes" and "the Golden Lynx". Tonight, Legado del Fantasma would take out the trash.
- Tonight - Kalisto, Joaquin Wilde and Raúl Mendoza vs Kushida and Lucha House Party
✕✕✕
Tonight, NXT is presented by Cricket Wireless - when awesome calls, you answer. Smile, You're on Cricket!2) Allysin Kay def. Vanessa Borne (4:13) "The AK" finally decided to act when Vanessa Borne began to take her frustrations out on defenceless broadcast journalist McKenzie Mitchell last week. Looking to strike while the iron was hot, Ness got the first strike in by jumping the newcomer with her back turned. The experience veteran was hit with a leg-hook sidewalk slam, but her attempted at putting Allysin Kay away with a corkscrew neckbreaker would go awry. Kay fired back with clotheslines and suplexes, before catching Borne in mid-air off the ropes with a fallaway slam! "The Vision" briefly bounced back with a turning suplex, and the Koronoco choke punished Allysin in the ropes. Looking for a spinning reverse neckbreaker, the Discus from Detroit laid "the Drama Queen" out, before the Kay-Gato Jime gogoplata was slapped on - forcing her to tap out in no time!
"The Alternative" had made a powerful impression in her NXT debut, as she stood tall after the bell. Allysin Kay had arrived on "the Black and Gold Brand", and had instantly put the NXT Women's Division on notice. Vanessa Borne rolled out to the floor and pantomimed after being choked out by "the AK". Gasping for air, "the Drama Queen" demanded a bottle of water and received it, to the humor of the NXT Universe.
✕✕✕ The InnovatorMcKenzie Mitchell was standing by with The Brian Kendrick, wanting to know for the 205 Live Original's decision to target Chris Bey after last week's loss. Kendrick spoke about turning a new leaf in his career, disregarding the fact that because he had been around for so long, and was so seasoned - a lot of the Cruiserweights of today thought him to be past his prime. Kendrick reminded the broadcast journalist he was "the Innovator" for a reason, and for punk kids like "the Ultimate Finesser" to come along and act like he'd been there and done it all - it insulted him. Kendrick maintained he was only just reaching the prime of his career, and he vowed to show him who was boss. Suddenly, Chris Bey arrived with an attack from behind! The two once again came to blows, with the typically cool-natured youngster being dragged away from the defensive veteran! Bey had lost his cool, as officials intervened and Kendrick exited the scene.
✕✕✕
Following discussion from Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett, footage aired recapping the past instances of Roderick Strong and Dijakovic's conflicts. It all started last month when "the Demolition Man" assaulted Roddy and aligned himself with Pat McAfee, opposite the Undisputed Era. One week later, "the Master of the Backbreaker" would get some measure of revenge in brawling with Dijakovic to the back. At NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven, Dijakovic put Strong down, yet last week the defiant UE member came firing back in a brawl around the backstage area of the Capitol Wrestling Center. Tonight there'd be no count-outs and no disqualifications, when the two met in a Street Fight.
Roderick Strong was suited and booted for the Street Fight in a few moments, as Adam Cole massaged his buddy's shoulders. "The Panama City Playboy" had Roddy's back against potential intrusions from the rest of Pat McAfee's group, while "the Master of the Backbreaker" prepared himself for an NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven rematch with Dijakovic. The Street Fight was coming up next.True Rulers"Symphony No. 9 in E Minor" rang out, as footage in red and black recapped the NXT Tag Team Championship victory three weeks ago. In a Fatal 4-Way match, Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner prospered against Ever-Rise, Breezango and the Undisputed Era. Moments later, Imperium stepped out of the shadows, with the gold around their waists. Addressing the recent controversies received, the Europeans discussed their match two weeks ago against Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly by recognizing the shady means in which brought the pair to retain their titles. They served to maintain the sacred state of the mat, and stressed it needed to be protected at all cost. Dissatisfied with how events occurred, Imperium spoke of their quest to be recognized as the True Rulers of the ring in every sense of the term. With "the Ring General's" blessing, they announced their desire to consider the application of the Undisputed Era - offering Fish and O'Reilly a rematch next week - in a two-out-of-three falls match. That way, the UE and all of NXT will recognize the brilliance of Imperium.
- Next week - NXT Tag Team Championship - Two-Out-of-Three Falls match - Imperium (c) vs Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly
✕✕✕
Tegan Nox jogged on the spot in the dressing room area, knowing the stakes were high headed into tonight's Gauntlet Eliminator match. "The Welsh Valley Wonder" was one of six hopeful of going to NXT Halloween Havoc in two weeks to challenge Io Shirai for the NXT Women's Championship.
✕✕✕ 3) Roderick Strong def. Dijakovic in a Street Fight (13:31) The match began before either reached the ring, as once Pete Dunne was sighted accompanying Dijakovic to the ring, Roderick Strong struck from behind! The numbers game saw Strong outnumbered against Dijakovic and "the Bruiserweight", until Adam Cole came to the aid of his friend! "The Panama City Playboy" brawled to the backstage area with Dunne, as "the Master of the Backbreaker" sent "the Demolition Man" hurdling into the steel steps! Raking his face across the chain-linked fence dividing the combatants from the NXT Universe, Dijakovic soon battled back with a big boot and a lariat. Duelling precariously on the apron, Roddy came from nowhere with a jumping knee strike, before a back suplex drove him spine-first across the hardest part of the ring! Following with two dives through the ropes, a trash can walloped Dijakovic across the spine. Propping it over his head, Roddy struck with an enzuigiri! Soon came a table, but in setting it up, he left himself open to a Fosbury Flop!
Dijakovic took to torturing Roderick Strong with a kendo stick, as the break saw him send Strong careening into the chain-linked fence at ringside. He slid the table inside before executing a springboard elbow drop, but Roddy would not let up. Big boots saw "the Demolition Man" take to trapping Roddy in the ropes for multiple kendo stick strikes to the torso! The one-handed chokeslam got Dijakovic a near fall, but his efforts to execute a diving corkscrew moonsault saw Strong move out of the way. "The Master of the Backbreaker" rebuttled with an Olympic slam and a double-underhook backbreaker, before the Crash Landing got him a near fall! Going for broke, Roddy teased the Cloud 9, but Pete Dunne returned with a kendo stick shot to the spine. Aiding Dijakovic with cruel intentions, Dijakovic set him on the top rope, but Adam Cole returned with more fight for "the Bruiserweight". As a superkick rocked Dijakovic on the ropes, Roddy capitalized with an avalanche Destroyer through the table for the ring!Undisputed BrothersThe war between Roderick Strong and Dijakovic came to a close with Dijakovic left laying, surrounded by the debris of table. "The Master of the Backbreaker" was helped to his feet in a groggy state by Adam Cole, who was abruptly attacked again by "the Bruiserweight". Pete Dunne pummeled at "the Panama City Playboy" to loud boos, when Roddy came back to life with the Sick Kick from nowhere! Strong attacked Dunne until "the Demolition Man" staggered back to life. He teased Feast Your Eyes, but instead, Cole nailed him with a low superkick! With the Last Shot in mind, Dunne saved the big man, dragging him to safety on the floor. The Undisputed Era came to and stood tall, daring Pat McAfee's henchmen to come back for another round - it was bedlam in the CWC! Riot TimeAs footage aired covering the events of before the break, Pete Dunne and Dijakovic were spotted in a shouting match with officials, as a full-scale brawl was moments from breaking out again against members of the Undisputed Era! Adam Cole and Roderick Strong tried to come back for more of "the Bruiserweight" and "the Demolition Man", as a crew of officials and producers intervened to try and prevent a riot from breaking out!
✕✕✕
Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett shifted gears to discuss the 2020 WWE Draft from this past week, both on Friday Night SmackDown on FOX and Monday Night RAW on the USA Network. A graphic aired, issuing congratulations and best wishes to Keith Lee, Damian Priest and Swerve on being selected in the Draft.
✕✕✕ WitchhuntThe NXT North American Champion graced the Capitol Wrestling Center, Ricky Starks strutting out to the stage in a stylish dress shirt and pants. With the title under his arm, "Absolute" swaggered down to the ring and donned the microphone for a speech. Bragging about 'the Absolute Pop' he was getting week-in and week-out, he talked about it helping supply him with the funds possible to wear the expensive threads on his gorgeous body. Declaring himself the greatest NXT North American Champion "the Black and Gold Brand" had ever seen, "Pretty Ricky" wasn't here to talk about any of that - as much as the poors of the NXT Universe wanted to know how he looked so good. Instead, he was out here to talk about a freak among the locker room. Starks pointed out how many oddities and weirdos the NXT Brand had to offer - but none compared to Dexter Lumis. "The Star Attraction" questioned how officials could possibly ever let a guy who had harassed, stalked and assaulted him even be an NXT Superstar.
"Pretty Ricky" said he wouldn't be surprised to learn if the man calling himself Dexter Lumis - if that was his real name - had killed before. And to learn that this sideshow was now on his tail, wanting to come for his NXT North American Championship: Ricky Starks believed it was high time to start a witchhunt. Ricky Starks stressed he didn't come to "the Black and Gold Brand" to get haunted by "the Tortured Artist", and to hear he wanted a title shot was ludicrous - demanding credentials: maybe four different types of identification, or better yet, a federal investigation! "Absolute" was met by laughter and chants from the hostile NXT Universe, to which he expressed his fear at being thought of as a wanted man by a mad man. But in spite of that, Ricky affirmed he wasn't really scared of Dex, but what he did in his spare time was his business and didn't need to be anybody else's! One thing was for sure, and that was he was the champ, and there was nobody who could hold the title like he did.
Moving on to talk some more about himself, "Absolute" Ricky Starks" put his sunglasses back on and bragged about what was next for him. He talked about ascending to great heights no other NXT Superstar in history had done...all the while, Dexter Lumis snuck out from underneath the ring! Over Ricky's shoulder, as he looked straight down the camera frame, "the Tortured Artist" slithered into the ring and silently placed the leather gloves over his hands. Starks kept talking and telling the audience to shut up - blissfully unaware that Dex was standing directly behind him, breathing down his neck! "Pretty Ricky" turned slowly, before planning a fast escape - only to be caught in Silence! Starks tried to escape, grabbing and pulling away at the arms of Dex around his throat and shoulder - but in no time did Lumis knock Ricky out cold! The title sat in the ring in front of Dex, as he cradled "the Star Attraction" in his arms, seated on the mat. The gold was in his sights, and one had to think he was closing in on it!
✕✕✕
Issues between Dakota Kai and Raquel González continued backstage in the dressing room area, as inaudibly the squabbling resumed with "King Kota" and her so-called insurance policy. "Big Mami Cool" deflected the orders requested by Kota, on a night where both women would be involved in the first-ever Gauntlet Eliminator match. Who would challenge for the NXT Women's Championship in two weeks? We'd find out tonight.Bugez CruiseAfter their big tag team victory last week on NXT, Rick Bugez sat on a stool at a dive bar. Classical rock music rang out with "the Bugezmeister" rocking out on the air guitar, mimicking the instrumentation with his vocals. The staff appeared unfazed by the admitted "Party Animal", when up along walked Mansoor. In a fancy dress shirt and bootcut jeans, "the Saudi Superman" enthusiastically greeted Bugez and thanked him again for the help last week. Bugez was incredibly animated in shaking hands with Mansoor and squeezing his hand - before throwing him over his shoulder and spinning him around wildly with excitement! Describing how he left after last week's win over Hit Row, he believed it was time they had the talk. Mansoor hesitantly questioned what it was all about, bringing Bugez to mention his dress, his style and his attitude. He needed to shake these issues with Ashante, Top Dolla and B-Fab - and Bugez knew how he could do it exactly!
With a tone of seriousness, Rick Bugez asked if he wanted to be his best friend - and with a moment to consider it: Mansoor was all in. "The Bugezmeister" proceeded to let the party begin, tearing the smart dress shirt of "the Saudi Superman" open and telling him that was great - but before anything, he needed to cut loose and embrace his wild side! Mansoor asked how, bringing him to throw an arm around him and tell him to see where the night took them. What followed was a montage of two boozing buddies having the time of their lives at an abandoned dive bar, with the shots flowing and the singing and air guitar going. The next morning, a hungover Mansoor woke up with a landshade over his head, upside down on the couch. He looked up and saw "the Party Animal" approach him with fried eggs and bacon, telling him to dig in. As he sat up and tried to recall a large chunk of the night before, Bugez told him to hurry up and get ready: they were about to do it all over again tonight!
Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett discussed the arrival of Rick Bugez to NXT, as a graphic aired promoting a match signed for next week: pitting Rick Bugez against Top Dolla.
- Next week - Top Dolla vs Rick Bugez
✕✕✕ 4) Kushida and Lucha House Party def. Kalisto, Joaquin Wilde and Raúl Mendoza (12:26) The betrayal of Kalisto could have never been expected by Lucha House Party. Now a loyal member of Legado del Fantasma, he led Joaquin Wilde and Raúl Mendoza into battle against Kushida and his former allies - with Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado cleaning house of "Las Hyenas". Kalisto ducked out to escape the wrath of his allies, but he would not be safe from a tope con hilo from Dorado or a tornillo from Metalik! Kushida punished him with work done to the arm, when a spinning wheel kick from "the Golden Lynx" scored the luchadores a near fall. "The King of the Ropes" kept it up for his team using a springboard armdrag, but when attempting a ropewalk missile dropkick, Kalisto rolled out of the way! The tag was made to Mendoza, who drilled him with a death valley driver. Wilde came in with a springboard DDT for good effect. Metalik managed to catch an inbound Joaquin with a tilt-a-whirl facebuster not long after, but it was a Hurricanrana Driver from Kalisto that prevented his ex-teammate's tag!
"El Samuray" executed a spinning back kick to prevent a tag from Gran Metalik. Joaquin Wilde and Raúl Mendoza double teamed "the King of the Ropes" until he zipped to the second rope, performing a ropewalk dropkick! Metalik fought Kalisto with a Yoshi Tonic, before catching Mendoza in mid-air using a brainbuster! Wilde worked fast to prevent the tag, but "the Time Splitter" became level! With a brain chop for Wilde and a hip toss into a dropkick for Mendoza, he found himself going back and forth with Kushida. Angling for the Hoverboard Lock, he wound up struck with a Listo Kick! LdF got involved to receive a rolling Koppu kick, when Metalik and Dorado cleared the ring and hit with stereo dives. As Kalisto sent Kushida to the floor, Metalik took flight on the top rope - a reverse frankensteiner seeing both land on the floor, on top of their partners! Wilde and Mendoza worked together to prevent Metalik taking victory, but Kushida struck with the clenched fist. As this was going on, the Metalik Driver planted Wilde to get the win!Sin MáscaraAlmost immediately, Kalisto shot Gran Metalik in the face with a front dropkick! Putting the boots to his former ally, Lucha House Party as a trio contingent had collapsed thanks to the Legado del Fantasma influence! Lince Dorado tackled "El Samuray", but Raúl Mendoza wiped him out with a fisherman driver! Kushida came in to make the save, slapping the Hoverboard Lock on him - but Kalisto wiped him out too with Samuray del Sol! The NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar had to be loving the display, as Kalisto ordered Wilde and Mendoza to execute the Russian legsweep and enzuigiri combination on "the King of Ropes" - but to make matters worse, Kalisto stole the mask of Metalik! Cupping his face in his hands, Metalik was ashamed, as Kalisto paraded his mask before dropping it to the mat and treading all over it! The LdF were supposed to be about preserving the tradition of lucha-libre - instead they were plain insulting it!
✕✕✕
Robert Stone walked eagerly behind Mercedes Martinez, who walked with a knowing smile on her face. The imposing "Disasterpiece" looked primed and ready to claim the Gauntlet Eliminator match for the taking.
Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett discussed the rules of the first-ever Gauntlet Eliminator match one more time, as a graphic aired revealing the rules on-screen. Two randomly-selected women would start, with every three minutes marking the arrival of a new participant. With elimination occurring by pinfall or submission only, there were no disqualifications or count-outs to be had. The only way victory could be obtained was by being the last woman standing after all others had been eliminated - and that victor would go on to challenge Io Shirai for the NXT Women's Championship. A graphic aired soonafter promoting the main event - which was coming up next!
An advertisement aired, promoting the Best of WWE on Peacock. From the classic hits to in the ring, to behind-the-scenes, these were OMG moments the WWE Universe just had to see. WWE content was streaming now on Peacock.The Return of Fashion FilesTyler Breeze dressed in a suit with a badge. Reviewing footage of last month's NXT Tag Team Championship victory for Imperium, he took notes at the freezeframes, analyzing it deeply. In walked Fandango in a sleeveless shirt, topped with a police hat. The officer pulled out his nightstick and addressed arresting some perps for their choices in style, but advised to the detective he didn't want to know where his nightstick had been. "Prince Pretty" fell silent, then went on to talk about what he was up to. With Ever-Rise defeated, he knew they were next in line for a title shot. He could practically taste it - in fact he could feel it on the tip of his tongue. Dango diagnosed it as an ulcer, blaming it on the hot cup of java he made. Fandango concluded it was time to go to Europe, though Tyler corrected him: they couldn't travel right now. Correcting himself, Dango proposed it was time to interrogate some Europeans, popping his aviators on. A graphic aired - "the Fashion Files" was back - to be continued next week.
Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett ran down the currently announced line-up for NXT Halloween Havoc - including some breaking news for the NXT Championship match. The rematch from NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven would now be determined by the outcome of 'Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal'. A roulette wheel of scary match types would determine what this match between "The Demon" Finn Bálor and Karrion Kross would be; as it would for the NXT Women's Championship match pitting Io Shirai against Mercedes Martinez. Plus, "Absolute" Ricky Starks would put the NXT North American Championship on the line against Dexter Lumis! It all went down two weeks from tonight, on October 28.
- NXT Championship - Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal - "The Demon" Finn Bálor (c) vs Karrion Kross
- NXT Women's Championship - Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal - Io Shirai (c) vs TBA
- NXT North American Championship - Ricky Starks (c) vs Mercedes Martinez
✕✕✕ 5) Mercedes Martinez (with Robert Stone) def. Tegan Nox, Raquel González, Mia Yim, Dakota Kai & Kacy Catanzaro to win the first-ever Number one Contender's Gauntlet Eliminator match (24:21)
With an opportunity at the NXT Women's Championship up for grabs, all six women prepared for this first in NXT history. Dakota Kai and Kacy Catanzaro started out, with the youngster using her Ninja Warrior expertise to put Kai to shame! A spinning headscissors from a leapfrog saw her nearly eliminate "King Kota" in no time with a victory roll, but Kai was quick to put a stop to it with a pump kick! A pump stomp drilled her in the spine, and she began to belittle Catanzaro. A wrist-clutch DDT scored a near fall, and the action developed to where Kai fought Catanzaro off her tail with a double footstomp from the top rope, with Kacy in the tree of woe position! Tegan Nox arrived to the horrified reaction of Kota, as the rivalry was renewed between the two co-founders of Team Kick. With dropkicks and a German suplex, Kota was sent out to the floor, and following a daring diving crossbody to the floor from "the Welsh Valley Wonder", Kacy involved herself with a corkscrew plancha!
As Dakota Kai regained her footing against Tegan Nox, Kacy Catanzaro zipped in with a somersault legdrop! "The Welsh Valley Wonder" decided it was time to change things, firing with a superkick for the youngster! Mercedes Martinez joined the fray, but the former members of Team Kick worked together to try take "the Disasterpiece" down. Mowing through them, a T-bone suplex sent "King Kota" across the ring, and a Uranage drove Nox through her. Martinez hammered at Kacy, but as Robert Stone watched, Dakota fired with a Scorpion Kick! The Team Kick combination rocked her, and Kacy teamed up to deliver a breathtaking 540° corkscrew senton from the top rope! Suddenly, Kai hit the Kairopractor to eliminate Kacy Catanzaro in 7:29. Mia Yim entered, coming straight for Kota. Tegan sided with her briefly, when Martinez destroyed Nox with a spinebuster! "The Blasian Baddie" hit Sole Food into Kai's Go To Kick, and the Chokeslam from Nox saw her cover Mercedes - who somehow kicked out at two!
"King Kota" blocked the Vulture Culture Destroyer and hooked Tegan Nox's legs for a near fall, when Mia Yim struck with Protect Ya Neck out of it - to eliminate Dakota Kai in 12:47. Raquel González entered last, and was met by a hostile Kai on the rampway. She gave her orders, but "Big Mami Cool" shoved her aside and confronted Mercedes Martinez! All eyes were on the titans, but Nox and Yim intervened. Yim scored Code Blue on Martinez, but a distraction from Kota allowed Gonzaléz to hit the one-armed powerbomb to eliminate Mia Yim in 14:36. Kai loved every bit of it, when from behind came Kacy Catanzaro to attack her! As they battled to the back, inside "the Disasterpiece" and González battled once more! Martinez struck with the fisherman buster, when Nox intruded on the Brass City Sleeper with the Shiniest Wizard. Nox connected with a Tiger suplex to eliminate Raquel González in 19:20! In a hurry, González got revenge with a big boot for Nox - we were down to two!
It boiled down to two women vying for a shot at the NXT Women's Championship. Tegan Nox squared up and kept fighting Mercedes Martinez; trying for the Vulture Culture Destroyer. Caught with the air raid crash, "the Disasterpiece" got two! Robert Stone watched nervously, as Martinez dumped her opponent to the floor. Sending her into the steel steps, she had cruel intentions - but Nox bounced back! The Tegan-Go-Round from the apron knocked Mercedes down at ringside, when she prepared to size up the Shiniest Wizard. Charging towards her, Martinez dodged her like a bullet - and Nox landed knee-first into the ring steps! With her history of leg injuries documented, Martinez executed a series of shinbreakers! Still, "the Welsh Valley Wonder" showed fight, as a Tiger suplex narrowly got a near fall. Valiantly, Nox failed to concede with another Shiniest Wizard. Martinez clamped on the Stretch Muffler - the leg of Nox wrenched over her neck, folding her like an accordion to defeat Tegan Nox in 24:21!
"The Disasterpiece" had been named victorious, yet she continued to apply pressure with the deadly Stretch Muffler applied. Tegan Nox could not tap any longer, succumbing to passing out, but as Mercedes Martinez refused to break the hold per the referee's orders, finally Io Shirai made her arrival. The NXT Women's Champion walked down to the ring unimpressed with her challenger. Despite the significant height and size difference, "the Joshi Judas" stood fearlessly opposite Mercedes and Robert Stone. The Brand clearly wanted the title - but what match would these two women meet in in two weeks, for 'Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal?'
- NXT Halloween Havoc 2020 - NXT Women's Championship - Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal - Io Shirai (c) vs Mercedes Martinez
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Post by DTP. on Jan 5, 2024 13:22:26 GMT -5
 NXT UK #115 – October 15, 2020
BT Sport Studios in London, England
"God of War" by WARGASM
The opening video package aired, bringing us to BT Sport Studios for another week of NXT UK! Andy Shepherd and Nigel McGuinness welcomed us to the show, with the arena within BT Sport Studios present in the background. One week away from the epic showdown months in the making between WALTER and Ilja Dragunov; tonight we would see a 'Prime Target' exclusive look at the rivalry over the NXT United Kingdom Championship. Plus, "the Battle of the Bad Blokes" would pit "Bomber" Dave Mastiff against Ridge Holland; Xia Li would meet Nina Samuels in a rematch; and in the main event - a four-corner elimination tag team match to determine the next challengers to Gallus's NXT UK Tag Team Championships!
- Number One Contender's Four Corner Tag Team Elimination match - Grizzled Young Veterans vs Aussie Attack vs Pretty Deadly vs Moustache Mountain
- 'Prime Target' - an exclusive look at the rivalry between NXT United Kingdom Champion WALTER and Ilja Dragunov
- Nina Samuels vs Xia Li
- "The Battle of the Bad Blokes" - Ridge Holland vs Dave Mastiff
The Unofficial Champion
The unofficial NXT Cruiserweight Champion made his way out to the ring for singles competition, sporting the gold around his waist. While Santos Escobar laid claim to the gold across the pond in the United States, Jordan Devlin proudly displayed the title he never officially lost. Stepping into the ring, "the Irish Ace" talked about the lie that was "the Black and Gold Brand" telling the NXT Universe that "the Emperor" ran the Cruiserweight Division. Following up on his tirade from two weeks ago, Devlin said there was only one true champion, and that was the man who had never lost the crown - him. In spite of the cheek of NXT UK management however, Devlin decreed he would simply show what made him the International Ace when he put his title on the line tonight! With not another word said, out danced the talented youngster from Pakistan, Amir Jordan. Jordan was unimpressed by the jovial nature of his challenger, when "the Bhangra Bad Boy" struck unexpectedly with a loud dropkick!
1) Jordan Devlin (c) def. Amir Jordan to retain "the Real NXT Cruiserweight Championship" (9:02)
 In his return two weeks ago, Jordan Devlin pronounced himself "the Real NXT Cruiserweight Champion". Taking things one step further, now he wanted to defend his crown against the likes of the NXT UK locker room. Amir Jordan was not about to let "the International Ace" take advantage of him, surprising with a series of European uppercuts in the corner. Devlin tried to escape with chops, but "the Bhangra Bad Boy" came out of the block with a diving two-hand chop from the second rope! As the Irishman bailed to the floor, he left himself open for a dive through the ropes! The challenger wanted to win the title Devlin had clung onto since January, rolling him back inside and executing a rolling neckbreaker for a near fall. Amir took the time to dance, when a back body drop saw him land on the apron. With an enzuigiri, Jordan went for another - just to be struck upside the head with a sharp forearm strike! Working over him on the floor, an Irish whip sent him hard into the ringside guardrail!
Jordan Devlin kept up on "the Bhangra Bad Boy", executing a bootwash in the corner. "The Real NXT Cruiserweight Champion" followed with a lungblower out of the corner, but he remained in the match. The Pakistani went for a toe kick to be throttled with a spinning back elbow, but "the International Ace's" double wrist-clutch saw the challenger respond with a cutter! The champ narrowly kicked out, and tried to keep him down to receive a handspring headscissors. Devlin wound up the recipient of a rolling thunder splash from the apron! The Irishman's unofficial title reign appeared to be in jeopardy as a missile dropkick connected, but as he went to the top rope for the Bhangra Bomb, Devlin got up and nailed him with the headbutt! As a twisting enzuigiri rocked the challenger, Devlin went for the slingshot cutter only to be caught with abackslide! A superkick caught him on the nose, and Amir went to the top rope again - but missed the Bhangra Bomb. Devlin capitalized, lucking out with Ireland's Call for the three count!
Lucking out after being put at risk against a game Amir Jordan, "the International Ace" sat up and took a big sigh of relief. Parading to his feet, he clutched "the Real NXT Cruiserweight Championship" in his hands. "The Bhangra Bad Boy" came close, but when it came down to it, Jordan Devlin was the better man on this given night.
☗☗☗
Full Of It
A video package aired, showing the three members of Gallus at their hangout. The NXT UK Tag Team Championship gold sat on the table, as the trio of Joe Coffey, Wolfgang and Mark Coffey hung out, drank beer and played cards. They joked about the goon Pete Dunne turned out to be, running halfway across the planet because he knew what the Gallus Boys would do to him! A small television sat in the background, showing footage of the four vying tag teams in contention for an opportunity. The Coffey Brothers and Wolfy turned their attention to talk about tonight's Number One Contender's match, and how it was all futile. Pretty Deadly were sweet boys nowhere near ready for them; Aussie Attack were two weaklings who couldn't cut it in the United States; Moustache Mountain they'd taught lessons to before; and the Grizzled Young Veterans weren't as grizzled as they were cracked up to be. With confidence, the three laughed, saying no matter who won, Gallus Boys would do what they always did - come out on top.
An advertisement aired, promoting the journey of Drew McIntyre. Documenting the growth of the Scotsman through Florida Championship Wrestling, he was prematurely named "the Chosen One" by Vince McMahon in 2009. High praise saw Drew enter a self-destructive freefall until a choice to rebuild led to a dream achieved. From the WWE Intercontinental Champion, to a member of 3MB, to being released in 2014 and having to make a name for himself on the independent circuit, "the Scottish Terminator" would return from places such as ICW and EVOLVE to ascend to the mountaintop: becoming WWE World Champion. WWE 24: Drew McIntyre - the Chosen One is streaming now on the WWE Network.
 Attack of the Dafty
Following discussion from Andy Shepherd and Nigel McGuinness, footage aired from last week on NXT UK. After being upset in their match earlier that night, Noam Dar brutally ambushed A-Kid from behind in the locker room area! "The Scottish Supernova" found himself dragged off of "El Niño Anónimo" by a crew of officials, when the Spaniard bounced off of the bench onto him in retaliation! A-Kid refused to let up, as Dar verbally abused his rival in being forced from the room. This matter was getting uglier, with both barred from the building tonight as a result!
☗☗☗
2) Dave Mastiff def. Ridge Holland by disqualification in "the Battle of the Bad Blokes" (6:27)
In NXT UK's answer to Big Daddy and Giant Haystacks, the NXT UK's resident big men collided with a nasty exchange of strikes. Neither "Big Ridge" nor "the Lancaster Bomber" shifted an inch as they unwielded with strikes as the bell sounded. The slugfest finally saw Dave grow tired first, but as Ridge tried to lift him for a body slam, Mastiff responded with a double-handed chop and a shotgun dropkick! The agile "Human Hate Machine" landed a running senton, but as he attempted a running seated senton, Holland ducked. The Yorkshireman bounced back with clotheslines, when a German suplex shockingly took Mastiff down! He worked for the Northern Grit early, but Mastiff broke it and executed a powerslam. Insulting the former rugby player, the cannonball was delivered, when Ridge hit a Sambo hip toss! Muscling him up with a trapping suplex, Holland went for Northern Grit - but Dave crashed down on his ribs! As Dave rolled out, out of nowhere soared Mark Andrews from the ring steps!
Not seen in weeks, "the Pop-Punk Prodigy" was back with more fight for the man who betrayed him, Dave Mastiff! Mark Andrews continued to swat away at Dave Mastiff, who was finally able to shove him away. As "the Lancaster Bomber" backed off up the aisle, the raging Welshman found himself confronted by an irate "Big Ridge". Unhappy with the outcome, Ridge Holland got in Andrews' face. Mark showed no sign of remorse for the Yorkshireman, who continued to place the blame on Andrews!
☗☗☗
Five Minutes
Following a recap of her successful NXT UK Women's Championship defense against Piper Niven, footage aired from last week after NXT UK went off the air. Francesca Brown was standing by with the NXT UK Women's Champion Kay Lee Ray and Jinny, as they laughed at the expense of "the Ayrshire Mammoth". KLR talked about being the most unbeatable Women's Champion in all of the WWE, whether that included NXT UK, NXT, RAW or SmackDown. "The Fashionista" puckered up to "the Firestarter", calling her unstoppable in her fourteen month reign. Jinny listened as KLR talked being better than Toni Storm and Piper combined - but as they looked off-screen, Ray questioned why some randomer was staring her out. Enter Xia Brookside, who talked about the injustices they had committed. Jinny got in her face asking who she thought she was - prompting her to tell Jinny she was the next in line for a title shot. Jinny couldn't contain her laughter, calling her nothing more than a nepo-hire!
"The Fashionista" continued to roast the newly emerged challenger, questioning what she had proven to earn herself an opportunity at being in the same room as the NXT UK Women's Champion - let alone challenge her! Xia Brookside smirked and admitted she was still new, but she bet she could last five minutes against Kay Lee Ray - but then again, maybe "the Firestarter" was afraid of being upset. Jinny accused Xia of making cheques her mouth couldn't cash, but KLR abruptly pushed her aside. Looking down her nose at the so-called "nepo-hire", the champ declared she didn't care what legacy her father had on this sport. Letting her name the time and the place, the Scot agreed - if Xia lasted five minutes with her, she'd get her title opportunity. Brookside smiled back at Kay Lee Ray, telling her to expect the unexpected. A graphic aired, promoting two weeks from tonight - the challenge would take place: KLR vs Xia!
- NXT UK - October 29, 2020 - NXT UK Women's Champion Kay Lee Ray vs Xia Brookside - if Xia lasts five minutes, she receives a title opportunity.
A graphic aired as Andy Shepherd and Nigel McGuinness discussed the 2020 WWE Draft from this past week, both on Friday Night SmackDown on FOX and Monday Night RAW on the USA Network. A graphic aired, issuing congratulations and best wishes to the former NXT UK Women's Champion Toni Storm, on being selected in the Draft.
Respect of the Sport
The 'Prime Target' aired, taking an analytical background look at the competitive rivalry between WALTER and Ilja Dragunov. On April 2, 2020, "the Mad Man From Moscow" stamped his ticket when he achieved victory in a 20-Man Battle Royal to earn himself an opportunity at the NXT United Kingdom Championship. In a black suit, the smart-dressed Russian Ilja Dragunov sat and talked about the emotions he felt knowing he was next in line for a shot at "the Big One". Dragunov recalled fighting hard for the vast majority of his life to even make it to the WWE, let alone be in contention for one of its' most prestigious prizes. Contrasting to NXT TakeOver: New York on April 5, 2019, "the Ring General" began a killer reign as NXT United Kingdom Champion, ending the 685-day reign of Pete Dunne. With footage of his most dominant defences made, against the likes of Joe Coffey, Tyler Bate, Dave Mastiff and Trent Seven, Zoom video calls from Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner documented their admiration for the champion.
Sporting a tracksuit, the leader of Imperium explained why he was here to stand on the empire of NXT UK as the reigning NXT United Kingdom Champion. WALTER believed the sport of professional wrestling deserved to be protected at all costs, and indeed, he was not only "the Ring General", but "the Ring Master" at that. In contrast, Ilja Dragunov described his in-ring abilities - his hard-hitting toolkit of strikes, attacks and moves - all meaningful, all precisely used, and all used with the goal of survival. "The Mad Man From Moscow" discussed his entire life being about survival - how his mother brought him to Germany at the age of five when neither knew a lick of German. From working at a gas station and a pizza parlor he scratched and clawed, until he came to discover the passion of his life: professional wrestling. Dragunov claimed his and WALTER's ideologies were similar, and noted their fierce battles in the past in places such as wXw and PROGRESS. The champ talked about the word "respect", and how many expected him to respect Dragunov because of their similarities.
WALTER made it clear that there was no respect to be had. When it came to the two of them, he didn't respect Ilja Dragunov because he was a lesser wrestler. "The Ring General" believed Ilja to be a charity case, and while they both collected wins in the past, he was at the top of his game. "The Mad Man From Moscow" would need a lot of fibre to take him from the mantle he had kept for the past nineteen months. Meanwhile, Ilja liked his chances. He'd taken on the worst of what the NXT United Kingdom Champion had to offer, and in this encounter - their most famous - he was not going to let the NXT Universe down. If anyone could take "the Ring Master" down, it was him. Imperium would fall, and it would be because of "the Czar" - the next NXT United Kingdom Champion! The Austrian passively admitted to liking one thing about the Russian - he was prideful. But it wasn't going to save him. Next week, he would beat the pride out of him and break him down: chop by chop, blow by blow.
3) Xia Li def. Nina Samuels (3:30)
 "The Chongqing Assassin" had been undefeated since arriving across the pond back on "the Return of NXT UK last month, but was up against arguably her biggest challenge to date in "the Prima Donna". Nina Samuels was out to make an impression, dressed fashionably and impressive with her athleticism early. A neck snap saw Nina reveal her aggressive side, though as Samuels showed off with a beaten down "Wushu Crusader", the NXT Superstar came battling back! Using her educated feet, a jumping knee strike led to the spinning heel kick. Back on the rise, Xia performed an exploder suplex when missing the Tornado Kick! Samuels capitalized with a slingshot corkscrew splash from the apron, though a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker would only get two. Distraught, "the Forbidden Fruit" planned to follow with a fireman's carry - but Xia landed on her feet and knocked her silly with a roundhouse kick! Out on her feet, Xia made sure to finish the job with a corkscrew roundhouse kick to pick up the win!
Xia Li continued to dominate the competition with another victory, tonight over "the Prima Donna". Nina Samuels was down and out, despite the referee's best efforts to awaken her. "The Chongqing Assassin" posed dramatically over the fallen foe, remaining undefeated since her arrival in NXT UK.
☗☗☗
A Big Row
Andy Shepherd sent us to footage shot from during the break, where he interviewed the returning Mark Andrews. Riled up and set on revenge against "the Lancaster Bomber", "the Pop-Punk Prodigy" admitted to losing his composure tonight. From his perspective, however, he had to spend six long months trying to rack his brain on who attacked him. And who was it? But a man he thought to be a good mate. The Welshman refused to trust again, and claimed he wanted Dave Mastiff one-on-one - especially after his deception a few weeks ago! Suddenly, Ridge Holland stormed into shot, demanding justice for what happened. Blaming him for the loss tonight, "Big Ridge" challenged him to a match. Andrews told him he was sorry, but before he had chance to accept, in stormed Dave Mastiff for a row with the both of them! Two officials were on hand to try and get a grip of this development, as Shepherd was caught up in the middle of it.
A graphic aired, promoting the main event. With a future opportunity at the NXT UK Tag Team Champions Gallus at stake, four of the best tag teams in NXT UK today would vy for the right to be named Number One Contenders. In a Four Corner Elimination match, Aussie Attack, Pretty Deadly, Moustache Mountain and the Grizzled Young Veterans would compete - up next.
An advertisement aired, promoting 'the Final Chapter' in the rivalry between Edge and Randy Orton. They had fought relentlessly all year long, ever since "the Rated R Superstar" made his return at the Royal Rumble. After nine years of being banned from in-ring activity, and sitting in retirement, "the Viper" was driven to bring his career to a definite end. Edge had too, and now would have his shot at taking down "the Apex Predator" before he had the chance. Edge vs Orton: 'The Final Chapter' inside Hell in a Cell - live on the WWE Network, one week from Sunday from 7E/4P.
Come Fly With MeA vignette aired, showing the very best of "the Lady of the Opera". With a graceful array of athleticism, the woman spoke of the lengths she was willing to go to to be the one with her hand raised. From Dublin, the twenty-three year old had already amounted to much in her short time in NXT UK. And the sky would be her limit, because next week when she stepped foot in the ring - Aoife Valkyrie would fly again.
Following discussion from Andy Shepherd and Nigel McGuinness, graphics aired promoting what was coming up next week on NXT UK. Finally, the wait was over for two of the top forces in NXT UK today - when WALTER would bring his rivalry with Ilja Dragunov to the United Kingdom. They had fought around the globe, and now would meet for the NXT United Kingdom Championship. Aoife Valkyrie would return to action; and we would hear from Noam Dar after his actions attacking A-Kid backstage last week! Next week would be a big one for "the Big One!"
- NXT United Kingdom Championship - WALTER (c) vs Ilja Dragunov
- Noam Dar will address A-Kid
- Aoife Valkyrie will be in action
☗☗☗
4) Moustache Mountain def. Grizzled Young Veterans, Pretty Deadly & Aussie Attack in a Number One Contender's Four Corner Elimination match (17:26)
Gallus had to have a vested interest in the outcome of this match, as the four teams confronted one another in the ring. Pretty Deadly were obnoxious towards Moustache Mountain, when Aussie Attack coldcocked them both! The action was off to the races, with Sam Stoker and Lewis Howley running for the hills from Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink. They found themselves in conflict with the Grizzled Young Veterans, but once Moustache Mountain got involved, they would clean house of everyone! Trent Seven psyched out the other six men in the match, opening them all up for a huge dive to the floor from Tyler Bate. "The Big Strong Boi" took Zack Gibson for a ride with the airplane spin, when a blind tag from Howley allowed him to catch Bate off-guard with a back elbow! Pretty Deadly opened up their partnership with GYV from last week, as James Drake applied a Koji clutch on Tyler. The first ever NXT United Kingdom Champion powered up, but a blind tag allowed Gibson to come in with a chop block!
Aussie Attack were eager for the tag, as Tyler Bate warded off James Drake with a fakeout punch, but a neckbreaker from Sam Stoker enabled Pretty Deadly to keep him cornered. "The Big Strong Boi" evaded a leapfrog into a DDT from Lewis Howley - tagging in Seven! "The Guvna" fired on all cylinders, when the GYV were able to cut him off. Shane Thorne came in with a bicycle knee strike for Gibson, and Brendan Vink followed with a fireman's carry knee strike! Howley blind-tagged in, and as Stoker tripped Vink, Howley capitalized cradling Thorne with the tights to eliminate Aussie Attack in 7:15! Pretty Deadly were celebratory, when the Grizzled Young Veterans attacked "the Prettyboys!" Moustache Mountain got involved, with Seven taking out Gibson with the Birming-Hammer. Meanwhile, Bate was hit with Spilt Milk! The cover was made, but Drake and Seven's brawling allowed Aussie Attack to run distraction - and the Ticket to Mayhem allowed GYV to eliminate Pretty Deadly in 10:13!
As footage showed Pretty Deadly and Aussie Attack wind up engaging in a brawl to the backstage area during the break, Trent Seven found himself at the mercy of the well-versed Grizzled Young Veterans. "The Guvna" tried to battle back against James Drake, but a low dropkick enabled them to keep the pressure applied. Zack Gibson managed to connect with the Helter Skelter, but Seven showed signs of life! As a double facebreaker across the knees scored a two count, Seven finally came back with a double DDT. Tyler Bate came in with suplexes for both, until Gibson struck with the Ticket to Ride! Drake came in as the Ticket to Mayhem was teased, but Seven came to his aid with the Seven Star Lariat for Gibson. The Tyler Driver '97 was sabotaged by Zack, and the Shankly Gates went applied - but Seven cut him out with a dragon suplex. Bate fought off Drake with the Rebound Lariat, and as Seven restrained the Scouser on the floor, the Tyler Driver '97 connected to eliminate the Grizzled Young Veterans in 17:26!
Glassed
After narrowly falling short last month, Moustache Mountain had successfully managed to be recrowned as number one contenders to the NXT UK Tag Team Championship. Unfortunately, Trent Seven and Tyler Bate would not even have the opportunity to have their hand raised, let alone celebrate. Gallus immediately hit the ring, conducting a three-on-two attack on "the Big Strong Boi" and "the Guvna!" Retaliation for the loss to British Strong Style last week, Joe Coffey secured a beer bottle as Bate tried to fight off Mark Coffey and Wolfgang - only to be struck with the title gold. The Gallus Boys held him up for Joe and the bottle, but Seven came to his aid! Trying to fight off the champions, Joe Coffey suddenly shattered the glass in the face of Trent. Bate returned after several moments with a steel chair, running the trio from the ring. As Wolfy and the Coffey Brothers watched from ringside, Bate screamed for help - as Seven screamed, with shards of glass in his eyes!
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Post by DTP. on Jan 7, 2024 15:53:45 GMT -5
 Friday Night SmackDown #1104 - October 16, 2020
WWE ThunderDome at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida
"Are You Ready" by AC/DC
HELL IN A CELL: ONE WEEK FROM SUNDAY!
Main Event #421 – October 22, 2020
1) Apollo Crews def. Drew Gulak with the Chariot. Having not been seen in months, the free agent "Militant Mat-Mite" hoped to get back on the winning trail, refusing to shake hands with the fellow fan favorite. "The One Man Nation" used his athleticism to fight off the repeated submission attempts made by Gulak, who relentlessly worked over the ankle. Kicking away from an ankle lock, the rollercoaster momentum of Crews allowed him to pick up the victory. (5:20)
Fear NotPaul Heyman appeared nervous in the dressing room, when in walked the WWE Universal Champion. Roman Reigns said he knew about his reservations about Braun Strowman, but told his "Special Council" he did not need to be concerned about "the Colossus" - in fact he was offended Paul had reason to be concerned. Heyman recalled what "the Monster Among Men" had put him through. He'd not just brutalized him; he'd thrown him from a cargo bay strapped to a gurney! As the champ rolled his eyes and listened, his advisor remembered how Reigns was trapped in an ambulance that was tipped on its' side by the raw strength of the monster. Reigns finally told Heyman to shut up, because that was all a part of the past. He'd been there and wrecked that - and that was exactly what he was going to do at Hell in a Cell! Roman was sickened at the idea Heyman doubted his chances in nine days, and told him he was going to find Jey Uso, ahead of a tag team main event.
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The opening video package aired, cutting to inside the WWE ThunderDome for Friday Night SmackDown - live on FOX! Pyrotechnics erupted over the Amway Center and the LED boards lit up with members of the WWE Universe watching from the comfort of their homes. Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed us, nine days away from Hell in a Cell! They ran down what was in store tonight, including a huge tag team main event pitting Roman Reigns and cousin Jey Uso against Braun Strowman and Jeff Hardy; and the WWE Intercontinental Championship would be at stake, when Johnny Gargano looked for revenge for Clash of Champions against Sami Zayn.
- WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Jey Uso vs Braun Strowman and Jeff Hardy
- WWE Intercontinental Championship - Johnny Gargano (c) vs Sami Zayn
1) Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode def. SmackDown Tag Team Champions Heavy Machinery (with Mandy Rose) (12:11)
 The first ever 'Invitational Heavy Machinery Hot Dog Eating Contest' resulted in a confrontation between the SmackDown Tag Team Champions and "the Dirty Dawgs" last week, with the challenge being made. With title implications, Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode worked to slow down the runaway train offense of the champs, but Otis and Tucker would quickly run roughshod of their frequent rivals! "The Blue Collar Boys" teamed up with a double hip toss for Ziggler, when Roode wound up the recipient of a rebounding diving crossbody from the second rope from Tucky! Ziggler and Roode were forced to recompose after a Lou Thesz press from Tucker, but Otis mowed through them at ringside! Tucker caught "the Show Off" with a scoop powerslam, when Ziggler began to lead a chase around ringside. With a dropdown and a leapfrog upon re-entry, "the Glorious One" tagged in and snapped "the Brick Hit House" up with a spinebuster! Mandy Rose was startled, as the challengers took control.
Dolph Ziggler proceeded with a front facelock on Tucker. With Mandy Rose, it only antagonized Otis, which allowed Robert Roode to come in with stomps for his partner. Tucky caught an inbound Ziggler with a back suplex, but before making the tag, Roode came in blind and hit with a chop block! The work began on the leg, with "the Show Off" applying an inverted figure-four leglock. Tucky hung on and powered out - dropping Ziggler with a hiptoss before getting the tag! Otis was hot, taking on allcomers with body slams and clotheslines. "The Powder Keg" connected with a corner splash for "the Glorious One", before Ziggler came from behind with a neckbreaker! He looked for a missile dropkick, but Otis caught his legs with a catapult into Tucker's belly-to-belly suplex. The Compactor was coming up, but Dolph slipped free and dropkicked Otis! Mandy was knocked from the apron, and as he scrambled out to check on his "Precious Peach", it allowed "the Dirty Dawgs" to deliver a double Glorious DDT to put away Tucky!
As Otis knelt beside his unconscious "Precious Peach" on the ringside floor, he looked up to realize what happened. Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode put themselves on the board with a pinfall victory over the SmackDown Tag Team Champions, and "the Powder Keg" grew despondent. "The Dirty Dawgs" celebrated on top of the world in the ring, while at ringside Mandy Rose came to after hitting her head. Apologetic towards his girlfriend, Otis was saddened by how it all transpired.
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The 'Progressive Match-Flo of the Week' aired, recapping the scene last week on Friday Night SmackDown. The 2020 WWE Draft was full of surprises, though perhaps none bigger than the development that was the New Day being drafted to separate brands. For the first time in six years, the trio would be apart from one another, as Big E would be heading to Monday Night RAW - whereas Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods would remain on the SmackDown Brand. With a hug, the brothers embraced regardless of the outcome.Don't You Dare Be Sour
Michael Cole stood in the middle of the ring as he talked about the unbreakable bond that the New Day shared. In six years they had amounted to plenty, from countless reigns as WWE Tag Team Champions. In ten days when the 2020 WWE Draft took hold, they found themselves divided - Cole welcomed his guests, the New Day. Without much of a beat skipped, the trio danced out to the WWE ThunderDome. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods pointed repeatedly at Big E, who gyrated his hips with vigor. In the ring, Michael talked about how the WWE Universe would miss the three of them together, but Xavier told Michael to keep positive - the New Day weren't going anywhere! He pointed out himself and Kofi staying put on Friday nights, and as much as it bothered them, "Big Money" Big E was going to make that super jump into superstardom! Kofi talked about 'the Power of Positivity' overcoming all, and that's where their heads remained ahead of the new WWE Draft taking effect.
Big E spoke about how it was going to be different, but a bro-talk with Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods allowed him to see the silver lining - it was time to him to fly the nest and go it alone with a singles career. Cole talked about what got the New Day started six years ago, bringing Xavier Woods to recall them finding each other. When their careers were going nowhere fast, it was the bond afforded by the New Day joining forces that allowed their careers to take flight together. Now, it was time for them to spread their wings - but the New Day name would stay alive! Big E told Michael Cole, along with the entire WWE Universe, they were all cordially invited to next week - 'the New Day Send Off' - where they were going to make Booties out of whoever wanted to face them! Kofi concluded the time for talking was over - it was time to dance! Big E encouraged Cole to dance with them, as Xavier played Francesca II to their music. Going out in a blaze of glory, 'the Power of Positivity' would reign supreme!
- Next week - 'The New Day Send Off' - The New Day vs TBA
▆▆▆ Common EnemiesAfter a dominant display this past week on Monday Night RAW, Braun Strowman towered into frame as Kayla Braxton welcomed in her guest. "The Colossus" popped his gigantic hand on her shoulder and spoke of opportunity knocking in nine days. Reminiscing about becoming WWE Intercontinental Champion back in January, it was thought to be the culmination of a five year pursuit of singles championship gold for the big man. But then Braun had a realization - he could do better than that. Strowman said he chose to come for Roman Reigns not because he'd demolished him in the past, or wanted to do it again - but it would be sweet to see "the Head of the Table" suffer, admittedly! Strowman talked coming to define his career by being considered the WWE Universal Champion. "The Monster Among Men" did take time to look back to 2017, where he took all the fun in the world in sending Roman to hell - but they were both very different men today.
As "the Colossus" began to discuss the new demeanor of Roman Reigns, now flanked by his scummy "Special Council" Paul Heyman, up walked Jeff Hardy. Taking exception to Braun Strowman intruding on his business, "the Charismatic Enigma" made it clear he didn't appreciate the big man coming to his aid last week - but now all that didn't matter so much. What drove Jeff now was the need to cut the Bloodline off. He might be separated from Reigns and Jey Uso following Hell in a Cell, but he wouldn't be separated from Braun. They were going to the RAW Brand together - which meant there was a chance the WWE Universal Championship would be coming along with them. Standing face to face, Strowman knew where the former champ was going and told him he welcomed it - but before anything, they had a job to do tonight: putting Roman and Uce in their place. Extending his hand, Jeff slapped it hard in accepting the handshake before walking away.
An advertisement aired, promoting 'the Final Chapter' in the rivalry between Edge and Randy Orton. They had fought relentlessly all year long, ever since "the Rated R Superstar" made his return at the Royal Rumble. After nine years of being banned from in-ring activity, and sitting in retirement, "the Viper" was driven to bring his career to a definite end. Edge had too, and now would have his shot at taking down "the Apex Predator" before he had the chance. Edge vs Orton: 'The Final Chapter' inside Hell in a Cell - live on the WWE Network, one week from Sunday from 7E/4P.
Following discussion from Michael Cole and Corey Graves, we went to the NFL on FOX studios. At the desk a group of panelists gave their predictions on who would come out victorious in 'the Final Chapter' between Edge and Randy Orton in nine days at Hell in a Cell. Among them was Pro Football Hall of Famers Tony Gonzalez and Terry Bradshaw, NFL on FOX host Colin Cowherd and analysts Dave Wannstedt and Michael Vick. The consensus was it would see two of the all-time greats collide in one violent final battle, but when all was said and done, "the Rated R Superstar" led the predictions 3-2 over "the Apex Predator".
▆▆▆ Artists No LongerCesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura conversed in the hall, when up walked Sami Zayn. Dressed for action, "the Great Liberator" gleefully greeted his Artist Collective allies, to which "the Swiss Cyborg" and "the King of Strong Style" appeared irritated. Sami talked about the Fight Night members finally coming to terms with whom their allegiance needed to lie, he asked them both if they were ready to witness their fearless leader become a two-time WWE Intercontinental Champion tonight! With arms over their shoulders, Sami's smile disappeared once the European said he didn't remember saying anything about getting the group back together. Shin told Sami he needed breath mints, bringing the redhead to question what their problem was - he was offering them the keys to the kingdom, because he wanted them ringside for his opportunity to beat Johnny Gargano for the title here tonight! Nakamura comically declined, but wished him luck - as he and Cesaro walked away. Left alone and furious, Sami told them they'd regret this!
▆▆▆ 2) Naomi and Tamina def. Alexa Bliss and Carmella (3:41) While the Riott Squad would defend the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship against the Iiconics on Monday Night RAW in a Lumberjack match, future competition was lined up for the four future RAW Superstars. With a show of respect, Naomi mixed it up using her quickness to trap Alexa Bliss in a headscissors on the mat. "The Godess" used her flexibility to perform a somersault neckbreaker, before working the arm. Naomi struck back using a roundhouse kick, but Carmella zipped in with a single-legged dropkick! "The Princess of Staten Island" kept Naomi down with an Octopus stretch, but Naomi came back with a full nelson bomb! The tag was made to "the Islander", who struck with super kicks on entry. Tamina connected with the Samoan drop for Bliss, but Mella dropped her with the Mella Buster, when Nikki Cross stormed ringside! Dead set on coming for Mella, Naomi performed the Rear View for the win!Acting CrazyTeam B.A.D. put themselves in good stead for a future WWE Women's Tag Team Championship opportunity down the line, but the bigger story tonight was the unexpected return of Nikki Cross! Naomi and Tamina hugged it out and celebrated to the WWE Universe, while Nikki was restrained at ringside by two officials. Her hair wet and her makeup running, she warned a petrified Carmella she was coming for her, when Alexa Bliss confronted her BFF! Accusing her of costing she and "the Princess of Staten Island" the match, she told Nikki no one was happier to see her than she was - but her obsession with Mella had to stop. Cross's outlook turned as "the Goddess" put her arm around an upset Carmella and left. Under the watchful guard of the referees, Cross dropped to her knees in emotional distraught.
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Johnny Gargano came barging through a set of doors backstage at the Amway Center. With the WWE Intercontinental Championship around his waist, "Johnny Wrestling" had a shot at redemption against the man who ambushed him at Clash of Champions, Sami Zayn. With the title on the line, Gargano was heading to the ring to meet "the Great Liberator" - next.Crazy FriendshipDuring the break, Nikki Cross was dragged out of the Amway Center by two officials, when up stormed Carmella. Telling Nikki she needed to stay out of her life, "the Princess of Staten Island" provoked the Scot, calling her crazy. After all Mella had tried to do for her, "the Twisted Sister's" had no reason to hate her! Nikki argued , calling her the fakest lassie she had ever known. The two nearly came to blows, when Alexa Bliss arrived. Nikki challenged Mella to a match, which went accepted for next week, when "the Goddess" told Mella to take a walk. Ignoring her at first, Alexa told her again to let talk to Cross alone. With reluctance she did, and Nikki began to plead her case to Alexa immediately. Not in the mood to hear any of it, she told Nikki this had to stop - and it had to next week. If she wanted to go back to living an unhinged and lonely life, she could: and if she continued matters past next week with her friend Carmella, Nikki could consider their friendship over. Cross was left to sob into the concrete floor, once Alexa skulked off.
- Next week - Carmella vs Nikki Cross
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Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed WWE Hall of Famer Jeff Jarrett to Friday Night SmackDown - as "Double J" was pictured attending the WWE ThunderDome at ringside as part of the LED boards. Among the WWE Universe, he merrily waved for the camera.3) Johnny Gargano (c) def. Sami Zayn to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship by disqualification (14:08) "The Great Liberator" did not yet have the faith of his former Artist Collective allies, but hoped to by recapturing the WWE Intercontinental Championship tonight. Johnny Gargano started slow with the arrogant challenger, who teased a Greco-Roman knucklelock to begin. "Johnny Wrestling" was able to speed up the pace and put Sami Zayn to task, outwitting him with a headlock takedown! Displaying signs of ring rust following four months away from the ring, the challenger ducked out and grew frustrated. In re-entering the ring, Gargano again took him down with a dropdown and a leapfrog into a calf kick! With Zayn rattled, Johnny tried to go in for the kill with a roundhouse kick - but again, Sami was able to duck out to the floor! The champ followed him, chopping him hard against the barricade. Zayn began to battle back with a back elbow and a series of chops of his own, but as Johnny rebounded with a discus clothesline, Gargano charged but missed the target - hiptossed shoulder-first into the ringside barricade!
The challenger's chances grew by the minute, as Sami Zayn worked to keep Johnny Gargano down using an armbar. The WWE Intercontinental Champion worked up to his feet, just to be driven into the mat with a backbreaker! With focus on the shoulder still, "the Great Liberator" continued his attack by brutally stomping and treading on "the Rebel Heart's" shoulder in the corner. He showed fight, but this time walked straight into the Blue Thunder Bomb, for a near fall! With a Fujiwara armbar, Sami's grin shined until Gargano kicked his way free - and shot back with a Listo Kick! On the rebound with flying clotheslines, Gargano sent Zayn out to the floor and attempted a dive through the ropes - just for Sami to catch him with a big boot in mid-air! After clobbering him with right hands and sending him shoulder-first into the ring post, Zayn gave "Johnny Wrestling" what for - vaulting between the bottom and middle turnbuckle pads to execute a tornado DDT on the floor!
The WWE Intercontinental Championship reign of Johnny Gargano was in grave danger as Sami Zayn shucked and jived, continuing the work on his shoulder. "The Great Liberator" cut him off with a Half and Half suplex, when the Helluva Kick saw "Johnny Wrestling" sidestep it and deliver a tornado DDT! Favoring his arm, Johnny fought back with everything he had, ducking a clothesline and giving a belly-to-belly suplex into the corner! A gourdbuster set up the Lawn Dart, though the challenger slid free; a Michinoku driver connecting! A see-saw bout saw Zayn attempt the exploder suplex in the corner, but Gargano escaped and performed a reverse-rana into a falcon arrow! Only getting a two-count, Johnny scratched and clawed his way to the apron - but the Slingshot Spear was met with a big boot from the challenger. Zayn attempted the Blue Thunder Bomb one more time, but this time Gargano zipped in with One Final Beat - only out of nowhere came Sheamus, striking with the Brogue Kick!
Sabotaging an instant classic match with the WWE Intercontinental Championship hanging in the balance, "the Celtic Warrior" continued the assault by hammering away at the face of a beaten Johnny Gargano. Sami Zayn rolled out to the floor, as Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura were spotted looking on from a monitor backstage. With "the Great Liberator's" chances of leaving with the title dashed, Sheamus snatched the gold from the timekeeper's table and threatened nailing "the Rebel Heart" with it. Instead, Sami came to and got into a shoving match with him - furious about being cost the title! The head of Fight Night argued back with him, and the second Sami's head turned, Sheamus instead dropped him with the gold! Posing with the title, it was clear the Irishman wanted the IC gold for himself.
▆▆▆ In or Out?Jey Uso texted in the corridor, when he spotted who was coming his way. Rolling his eyes in annoyance, Roman Reigns appeared before him, as Uso dripped with sarcasm. Claiming the big boss had come down from his throne to talk to little Uce, the WWE Universal Champion was curious to know where this was coming from! The only reason he came to talk to him was because he wanted to make sure they were on the same page. Jey remained on the defensive, as he crossed his arms and told the champ they had always been family and always would be - but when it came to "the Head of the Table", it wasn't himself who had changed: it was Roman! Jey questioned the cold-blooded approach Roman had taken, but he said this was who he had always been - it was only now did he realize it was what he needed to be. Reigns tried to convince Jey it was in his best interest to do the same, especially against men like Braun Strowman and Jeff Hardy.
The Uso said he wasn't sure whether Roman Reigns needed him or merely wanted him, and mused letting him find his own partner - but the WWE Universal Champion pleaded that he was the only guy for the job. Lighting a fire under Jey Uso, or trying, Roman told him he was next in line. He didn't mean to baby Jey, but he was going to be a big time player now. He needed to get a hold of himself, and that was why he wanted him on his side! Reigns asked what happened to the Bloodline, before asking Jey one last time if he could count on him ahead of tonight's main event. With great reluctance did Jey say he could trust him, accepting a fist bump from his cousin. With deliberation, the Bloodline would remain strong - but at Hell in a Cell, Roman would need all of his own power, alone, to beat Braun Strowman and keep his title.Had Better NightsMandy Rose iced the back of her head in the trainer's room, as Otis entered the room with a hot dog in hand. Deeply apologetic for knocking his "Precious Peach" from the apron earlier tonight, he spilled his sorrows and expressed his guilt to which Mandy assured him repeatedly it was fine. "The Powder Keg" believed his girlfriend to be hungry and had gone to the food vendor to get the biggest hotdog he could find, but while Mandy thanked her "Husky Adonis", she said he could have it. Without skipping a beat he piled it into his mouth but spluttered how sorry he was. Into the room came an irate Tucker, questioning what happened to their match! "The Brick Hit House" was hurting after the double Glorious DDT he suffered at the hands of Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode, and called into question whether they were SmackDown Tag Team Champions or not. While Otis concurred they were, Tucky questioned where he was when he needed them.
Tucker stressed how hard they worked to become SmackDown Tag Team Champions, and needed to know with certainty that there were no secrets in Heavy Machinery. "The Powder Keg" grew overwhelmed and apologized frantically, to which "the Brick Hit House" comforted him. He simply wanted Otis to have his back like he had Otis's. Mandy Rose then spoke up behind them, admitting fault at why Otis was otherwise incapacitated! Her "Husky Adonis" defended him, but Tucker was more glad than anything that she was alright. Expressing their need to work together more efficiently, with all due respect to "the Precious Peach" he reminded Otis that it was he and Tucker who were a team - and he was not just some third wheel. With his hands covering his eyes, he apologized, to which Tucky accepted again before taking off to shower. Otis remained emotional until Mandy hugged him tight - a rough night for "the Blue Collar Boys".
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A graphic aired, promoting Hell in a Cell presented by Skittles - live on the WWE Network on Sunday, October 25.4) Sasha Banks def. Mickie James (with Lacey Evans) (7:45) Sasha Banks had a date with destiny against her former best friend Bayley at Hell in a Cell, but first had to bypass one-half of the Southern Belles. "The Country Gal" was flanked by Lacey Evans as always, and was quick to go hold-for-hold with "the Legit Boss". Banks outmaneuvered Mickie James in the early goings, taking flight from the top rope with an arm drag! Sasha continued with an array of lucha rolls before connecting with a diving Meteora from the second rope, when the experience factor of the veteran allowed Mickie to surprise the top contender with an arm-trap neckbreaker! The mean streak of Mickie set in, bridging with a front chancery applied on Sasha. She was able to battle back, but as Banks mounted a comeback, she hit the ropes only to have them pulled down on her by Lacey Evans. The official remained with Mickie, as "the First Lady" then levelled Sasha with the Woman's Right on the floor!
Mickie James continued to keep the pressure on "the Boss", who tried to fight her way down from the top rope. Receiving the Mick-A-Rana, the veteran again kicked Sasha Banks out to the floor for a series of stomps from the intruding Lacey Evans. The Southern Belles worked as a well-oiled machine, as a Muta Lock kept Mickie's opponent at bay. While Sasha grabbed the bottom rope, Mickie set up the Mick Kick only to miss - and a knee strike clocked her! The Three Amigos connected, and Sasha started feeling froggy - but the Frog Splash was thwarted by Lacey on the apron! "The First Lady" wound up kicked down to the ringside floor, when Sasha was met by Mickie on the top rope. A superplex saw her planted, and the Frog Splash saw her miss. Saving herself with a roll, the Mick Kick failed to connect again - and the Bank Statement was executed, forcing Mickie into submission!You Can't RunSasha Banks came to her feet to celebrate her victory, while Lacey Evans helped Mickie James out of the ring. On a one-way road to Hell in a Cell, "the Legit Boss" decided that she was not yet finished the night. The challenger for the SmackDown Women's Champion got on the microphone and cut straight to the chase: she knew her ex-best friend was here tonight, and she wanted her out to the ring right now! Sasha had something to tell Bayley, and "the One Over All" walked out to the stage. Bayley appeared nervous as Sasha wondered why she was so scared of her. After all, it wasn't as if they had been friends for years. They were supposed to be forever, but something happened to her - she became yellow all over, and thought only about the title in her hands. Banks found irony in after being dominant in their friendship, she had become so weak and scared! Bayley finally raised her voice, asking when Sasha was going to spare the banter and get to the reason she came out here.
Not in the mood to put up with her bull, Bayley claimed she didn't have a whole lot left to say to her. Sasha Banks had always been obsessed with what she had - what Bayley had, Sasha simply had to have too! She was the SmackDown Women's Champion - therefore Sasha wanted it. Bayley was heading to Hell in a Cell, so Sasha was too! "The One Over All" was heading to Monday Night RAW - and "the Boss" simply couldn't allow that to happen. Bayley told Banks to admit she was obsessed with her, but she knew she wouldn't - so come Hell in a Cell, she planned to make sure Sasha never followed her in her footsteps again! Banks found it sweet coming from the once-obsessive fangirl she first met. The truth was everything Bayley had tried to do since turning on her back at Payback had backfired: she may have lost at Clash of Champions, but she scratched and clawed her way into the Number One Contender's Battle Royal to stand in her way again.
"The Legit Boss" warned Bayley that she had her number. Congratulating her on one calendar year as SmackDown Women's Champion, Sasha Banks had a funny feeling it would all come to an end in nine days. "The One Over All" questioned how she might make that happen, joking that Sasha couldn't beat her on her best day. She clowned her in NXT, she clowned her on the main roster - what could she do to beat her? Banks took note of the amount of times Bayley had ran from her, but there would be nowhere to run one week from Sunday. She knew that because Bayley would only be able to do so in an act of God. There would be nowhere to run because she would be locked in, with her, inside Hell in a Cell! Her jaw dropped, but as she tried to rebel, Sasha claimed it was too late: it was set in stone. The champ facepalmed, but came to the realization all was well. It didn't matter if it was in "the Devil's Playground" or not - because she had a funny feeling something spicy was about to go down any second now!
Suddenly, the Southern Belles returned to attack Sasha Banks from behind! Mickie James wanted revenge for the loss moments prior, and Lacey Evans joined her in the attack. Bayley watched smugly from ringside, as the Mickie-DT set up for the Lady Lace-Up! Thankfully, in the nick of time, Naomi and Tamina hit the ring! Team B.A.D. were back for another fight after being victorious earlier tonight, and after a brief two-on-two scrap, "the First Lady" and "the Country Gal" ran for the hills! The sisterhood among Team B.A.D. remained, as the three welcomed the SmackDown Women's Champion and her friends to come inside for a fight!
- Hell in a Cell - SmackDown Women's Championship - Hell in a Cell match - Bayley (c) vs Sasha Banks
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Artists and Fighters At OddsCesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura hung out in the locker room, when in came Sheamus. Happy to see his mates, "the Celtic Warrior" asked Fight Night how they were getting on - but "the Artist" questioned who he was . "The Swiss Cyborg" excused his friend - Shin had short-term memory. The Irishman began to grow annoyed, when Cesaro brought up the fact that since his Bar Fight with Braun Strowman, he had been radio silent! Neither he nor Shinsuke had been able to get in touch with him, and as a result of that, he had some gall coming back to see them. Sheamus apologized to "the Lads" but assured them he was back after nursing some injuries, and he wanted the WWE Intercontinental Championship. In stormed Sami Zayn, less than thrilled with what he heard! The two men argued over the result of the match, with both redhead not only moaning about who wanted Johnny Gargano's title more - but about who led Cesaro and Nakamura! The two continued their row, as Cesaro and Nakamura dispersed.
A graphic aired, promoting the grand return of 'the King's Court', hosted by the Royal Family. For the first time in years, King Corbin would bring back the classic talk show, and would be joined by Duke Nese and Sir Gable. "The Monarchy" would be live in the WWE ThunderDome - up next.
A vignette aired, taking us back to a time in NXT where "the Shenom" ran rampant. A former NXT Women's Champion, she was known for the daredevil tactics that made her a recognized face in the eyes of the WWE Universe. As the moon rose into the night's sky, it became blanketed by an eclipse, bringing a wolf to howl. It was Ember Moon, after a year away from the ring. The wolf is back, and "the Goddess of War" would make her return to Friday Night SmackDown - soon.
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An advertisement aired, showing Rob Stone on video call with WWE Hall of Famer Stone Cold Steve Austin. NFL host Rob Stone laughed and chatted with "the Texas Rattlesnake" as they made plans for the morning, before a graphic aired promoting tomorrow's Big Noon Kickoff on FOX, starring special guest Steve Austin. It went down tomorrow at 10 ET/7 PT.
Gimmick InfringementThe WWE ThunderDome had been taken over by the arrival of the Royal Family, who sat in the ring. On three respective thrones differing in sizes, King Corbin sat in the center of Duke Nese and Sir Gable, as he welcomed everybody back to 'the King's Court'. Back and better than ever before, the King talked about how there was no royalty greater than the three of them. The Duke made reference to Jerry "the King" Lawler, but Sir Gable affirmed that there was absolutely nothing Lawler could do that they couldn't. Corbin claimed "the Monarchs" were the best thing about Friday Night SmackDown today, and things would stay that way as the 2020 WWE Draft would see them remain in charge of "the Blue Brand!" Getting down to business, the King welcomed his two guests for the night - none other than Nese and Gable! The WWE Universe booed loudly as the charade went on, though before another word could be said, out came Jerry Lawler!
Dressed as "the King" the industry had come to know him as, sporting tights, a robe and a crown, Jerry Lawler questioned what was going on here tonight! King Corbin never asked for his permission to 'the King's Court', and said this was a mockery of what his show was all about. Climbing into the ring, Lawler was met by Duke Nese, who strongly suggested the old man cool his jets and let King Corbin speak. Sir Gable even bowed down at his feet, as the King remained seated on his throne. Corbin was actually going to invite him out to be their special guest. They had so much respect for "the King of Memphis" for leading the way...but the King did not like how they had been addressed. For a "King", Jerry made an awful amount of jokes, and that much was more befitting for that of a jester in "the Monarch's" eyes. Jerry continued to crack jokes, before conceding he was sorry. Corbin accepted - on one condition. He could get down on his knees, and do what Bret Hart made him do years ago: kiss his royal feet!
"The King" laughed off the whole thing, believing this to be an awful parody of what 'the King's Court' was all about. Jerry Lawler refused, before telling King Corbin that he wasn't about to kiss anybody's feet! King Corbin laughed in response, but affirmed that he wasn't asking him to do something - he was telling him. Suddenly, Duke Nese and Sir Gable took the WWE Hall of Famer by the arms and dragged him to the feet of King Corbin! About to force him to kiss his feet, out of nowhere came Elias - throttling Gable in the spine with his acoustic guitar. As Corbin and Nese turned their attention, John Morrison sprung in from the apron with the Flying Chuck! Corbin was tackled to the canvas by "the Drifter", who had spent five months on the bench thanks to the King! As the King was dragged out to safety by his fellow "Monarchs", Elias and JoMo helped Lawler back to his feet - raising "the King's" hands high. The Royals were furious at seeing their show go tarnished!
▆▆▆
Michael Cole and Corey Graves discussed the night it had been on Friday Night SmackDown, before announcing what was coming up next week. Forty-eight hours from Hell in a Cell, Johnny Gargano put the WWE Intercontinental Championship up for grabs against Sheamus; the SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley and the Southern Belles would team up against all three members of Team B.A.D; Otis would take on Robert Roode; Sir Gable and Duke Nese would defend the honor of King Corbin against Elias and John Morrison; and in their final match as a trio, Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods would team up in 'the New Day's Send Off' against three men now known. Sami Zayn had gone to WWE management and got it locked in: the Artist Collective would team up again - though the question remained whether Cesaro or Shinsuke Nakamura were up for the task!
- 'The New Day's Send Off' - The New Day vs The Artist Collective
- WWE Intercontinental Championship - Johnny Gargano (c) vs Sheamus
- Team B.A.D. vs SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley and the Southern Belles
- SmackDown Tag Team Champion Otis vs Robert Roode
- Sir Gable and Duke Nese vs Elias and John Morrison
A graphic aired promoting the main event. Braun Strowman would challenge for the WWE Universal Championship one week from Sunday at Hell in a Cell, but before then, "the Colossus" would team up with Jeff Hardy to take on the champion Roman Reigns and his cousin Jey Uso. Who would gain the advantage? We would find out next!
Following discussion from Michael Cole and Corey Graves, graphics aired promoting Hell in a Cell - live, one week from Sunday. With the dramatic announcement made by Sasha Banks earlier tonight, the SmackDown Women's Championship would be defended inside "the Devil's Playground!"
- 'The Final Chapter' - Hell in a Cell match - Randy Orton vs Edge
- WWE Universal Championship - Roman Reigns (c) vs Braun Strowman
- WWE World Championship - Bobby Lashley (c) vs Drew McIntyre
- SmackDown Women's Championship - Hell in a Cell match - Bayley (c) vs Sasha Banks
▆▆▆
The broadcast team turned their attention to the front row of the LED boards. At ringside in the WWE ThunderDome for the main event tonight was none other than the host of FOX's Big Noon Kickoff, Rob Stone, and to the left of his square was WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry.5) Braun Strowman and Jeff Hardy def. WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Jey Uso (with Paul Heyman) (10:25)
It seemed that all was well within the camp of the WWE Universal Champion as they made their respective arrivals, but that soon changed the moment Braun Strowman stomped out to the stage. Jeff Hardy joined him in racing the ring for a wild brawl to get this match underway, which led to poor Jey Uso being sent hurling across the ring by "the Colossus" - directly into his cousin! Strowman pursued the man he would meet in nine days at Hell in a Cell, but Uce provided a constant distraction - that is until "the Charismatic Enigma" wiped him out with a spinout enzuigiri! Roman thought he was safe until receive a baseball slide through the ropes from Hardy, and on the floor he would bring the fight to "the Head of the Table" against the barricade! Uso tried to hang in there, chopping down the tree trunk legs of "the Monster Among Men" only to falter - but as Jeff came in with a missile dropkick, everything continued to go the way of the former champ and the number one contender - as Paul Heyman watched on in concern!
Jeff Hardy evaded a Samoan drop from Jey Uso and hit a legdrop to the groin, but as the former WWE Universal Champion teased the Hardyac Arrest in the corner, Uce got the boot in the way for a low blow! Roman Reigns pummelled "the Charismatic Enigma" with throat thrusts, all the while running his mouth to Braun Strowman. Jeff fired back, just to be hit with a tilt-a-whirl slam ! Reigns landed the Moment of Silence, before tagging in Jey and giving him orders. Reluctantly, Jey struck with a heavy Samoan Wrecking Ball in the corner, and a superkick saw him ground him - until Jeff worked up and landed a sleeper slam! In came "the Monster Among Men", untameable in taking down "the Head of the Table". With clotheslines and even a military press slam, Paul Heyman panicked! As the Strowman Express wiped out both members of the Bloodline on the floor, Heyman helped the champ to the top of the rampway. Leaving him high and dry, Strowman planted Uso with a Running Powerslam - feeding into the Swanton Bomb to pick up the win!High and DryThe WWE Universal Champion regained his composure at the top of the ramp, as he witnessed the demolition of his own cousin in the ring! Braun Strowman licked his lips as he eyed up Roman Reigns from afar, who all the while remained stoic with a firm hand clinging to his title. Jeff Hardy celebrated alongside "the Colossus", who tried to charm "the Head of the Table" into returning back to the ring. Paul Heyman's eyes widened as Roman teased doing so, but ultimately took a walk with his "Special Council" - leaving his cousin Jey Uso high and dry! Braun saluted the WWE Universe, before ultimately picking Jey up and dropping him with another Powerbomb! Strowman and Hardy stood tall over Uso, as "the Monster Among Men" motioned that come Hell in a Cell, the WWE Universal Championship would be coming to him!
Talking Smack #67 – October 17, 2020
 Sheamus joined co-hosts Corey Graves and Kayla Braxton, after stunning the WWE Universe with his return. Asked about his situation with Fight Night - or the Artist Collective - "the Celtic Warrior" made fun of Sami Zayn for being such a hothead - but the truth was Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura were grown men. The Irishman deferred to talk about next week, where he vowed to show "the Great Liberator" how it was done, when he became WWE Intercontinental Champion.
The Southern Belles joined the show to talk their partnership with Bayley, with Lacey Evans sucking up to the SmackDown Women's Champion. While the co-hosts reminded "the First Lady" about Money in the Bank, and all the things Bayley said about her family, Mickie James interjected. "The Country Gal" complained about the respect they were owed - and next week they'd get it. Team B.A.D. were so 2015, and they were going to show Sasha Banks, Naomi and Tamina that when they beat them next week.
As the co-hosts ran down Hell in a Cell's line-up, Johnny Gargano arrived unexpectedly. Speaking out about how an "Expert" taught him that with the WWE Intercontinental Championship, he needed to show who "the Working Man's Champion" was - which was why he challenged "the Celtic Warrior" next week. He didn't care what shape Sami Zayn left him in, because "Johnny Wrestling" was here to stay, and after over a decade of sweat and tears making it here, it would take a lot to take the title from him.
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Post by DTP. on Jan 11, 2024 17:14:31 GMT -5
   UPDATED: OCTOBER 19, 2020 WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW airs every Monday night from 8/7 CT, live on the USA Network.
WWE RAW TALK airs every Monday night from 11:05/10:05 CT, live on the WWE Network.
WWE MAIN EVENT airs every Thursday on the WWE Network.
| 
| 
| WWE WORLD CHAMPION Bobby Lashley [1] def. Drew McIntyre (Monday Night RAW #1324, Aug 31, 2020)
[49+ days] | UNITED STATES CHAMPION Kevin Owens [4] def. Andrade (Monday Night RAW #1415 - Jul 6, 2020)
[105+ days]
| WOMEN'S WORLD CHAMPION Bayley [2] def. Charlotte Flair (Friday Night SmackDown #1051, Oct 11, 2019)
[373+ days] |  | 
| 
| RAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS Los Mysterios [1] (Rey Mysterio [5] and Dominik Mysterio [1]) def. Theory and Murphy
(Monday Night RAW #1429, Oct 12, 2020) [7+ days] | 24/7 CHAMPION
Samoa Joe [1] def. Big Show (Monday Night RAW #1417, Jul 20, 2020)
[91+ days]
| WOMEN'S TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS The Riott Squad [1] (Ruby Riott [1] and Liv Morgan [1]) def. Bayley and Sasha Banks (Payback 2020, Aug 31, 2020)
[50+ days] |
| 
|  | 
| 
| Akam
"The Equalizer"
AOP
290 lb - 6'3 Abbotsford, Canada | Akira Tozawa
| Andrade
"El Capo"
La Invasíon
with Zelina Vega
220 lb - 5'9
Gomez Palacio, Mexico
| Angel Garza
"El Amante"
La Invasíon - Los Lotharios
206 lb - 5'11
Monterrey, Mexico
| Apollo Crews
"The One Man Nation"
240 lb - 6'1 Stone Mountain, GA
| 
| 
|  |  |  | Bayley
"The One Over All"
5'5 San Francisco, CA Women's World Champion
| Becky Lynch
"The Man"
5'6
Dublin, Ireland
| Bianca Belair
"The EST"
5'6 Knoxville, TN
| Big E
The New Day
285 lb - 5'11 Tampa, FL
| Bobby Lashley
"The All Mighty"Team Lashleywith MVP and Lana273 lb - 6'3 Denver, CO WWE World Champion |  |  |  |  |  | Braun Strowman
"The Colossus"
385 lb - 6'9 Sherills Ford, NC
| Carmella
"The Princess of Staten Island"
5'5 Staten Island, NY
| Cedric Alexander
"Queen City's Favorite Son"
Team Lashley
205 lb - 5'10 Charlotte, NC
| Dana Brooke
5'3 Seven Hills, OH
| Daniel Bryan
"The Expert"
210 lb - 5'10 Aberdeen, WA |  |  |  |  |  | Dominik Mysterio
Los Mysterios
200 lb - 6'1
San Diego, CA
RAW Tag Team Champion | Edge
"The Rated R Superstar"
WWE Hall of Famer
241 lb - 6'5
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| Elias
"The Drifter"
227 lb - 6'0
Pittsburgh, PA
| Humberto Carrillo
"La Estrella"
La Invasíon - Los Lotharios
220 lb - 6'0
Monterrey, Mexico
| Jeff Hardy"The Charismatic Enigma"
225 lb - 6'1
Cameron, NC
|  | 
|  |  |  | Jinder Mahal
"The Modern Day Maharajah"
238 lb - 6'5
Punjab, India
| John Morrison
"The Guru of Greatness"
215 lb - 6'0
Los Angeles, CA
| Karl Anderson"K.A."
Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson
241 lb - 6'0
By way of Tokyo, Japan
| Keith Lee
"The Limitless One"
340 lb - 6'2
Wichita Falls, TX
| Kevin Owens
"The Prize Fighter"
266 lb - 6'0
Marieville, Quebec, Canada United States Champion | 
|  |  | 
|  | Liv Morgan
The Riott Squad
5'3
Elmwood Park, NJ Women's Tag Team Champion | Luke Gallows
Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson
"The Big LG"
290 - 6'8
By way of Tokyo, Japan
| Matt Riddle"The Original Bro"
216 lb - 6'2
Las Vegas, NV
| The Miz
"The A-Lister"
The Miz and Omos
225 lb - 6'2 Hollywood, CA
| Murphy"The Juggernaut"The Church225 lb - 5'11 Melbourne, Australia
| 
|  |  |  | 
| Mustafa Ali
"The Hacker"
182 lb - 5'10
Chicago, IL
| Natalya"The Queen of Harts"
5'5
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| Nia Jax
"The Giantess"
6'0
San Diego, CA
| Omos"The Nigerian Nightmare"The Miz and Omos
405 lb - 7'3
Lagos, Nigeria
| Peyton Royce
The Iiconics
5'7
Sydney, Australia
|  |  |  |  | 
| R-Truth
"The Truth"
220 lb - 6'2
Charlotte, NC
| Randy Orton
"The Apex Predator"
250 lb - 6'5
St. Louis, MO
| Rey Mysterio"The Legendary Luchador"Los Mysterios
175 lb - 5'6
San Diego, CA RAW Tag Team Champion | Rezar"The Equalizer"AOP
330 lb - 6'3
Amsterdam, Netherlands
| Ruby Riott
"The Runaway"The Riott Squad5'4 Lafayette, IN Women's Tag Team Champion |  |  |  |  | 
| Samoa Joe
"The Coquina Destroyer"
282 lb - 6'2 Huntington Beach, CA 24/7 Champion | Sasha Banks
"The Legit Boss"
Team B.A.D.
5'5
Boston, MA
| Seth Rollins
"The Monday Night Messiah"
The Church
225 lb - 6'1
Davenport, IA
| Shelton Benjamin
"The Gold Standard"
Team Lashley
248 lb - 6'2
Minneapolis, MN
| Swerve
"The Realest"
200 lb - 6'1
Tacoma, WA
|  | | | |
| Theory
"A-Town Austin"
The Church
220 lb - 6'1 Atlanta, GA | |
|
|
|
  | 
| 
| 
| Lana
"The Femme-Fatale"
Team Lashley
Wife of Bobby Lashley
5'7
Gainesville, FL
| Maryse
"The French-Canadian Beauty"
Wife of The Miz
5'8
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| MVP
"The Franchise Player"
Team Lashley
Bobby Lashley's advisor
Hosts 'The VIP Lounge'
260 lb - 6'3 Miami, FL
| Zelina Vega
La Invasíon
Business associate of Andrade
5'1 Queens, NY
|
 
| 
|  |  |  | Booker T
WWE Hall of Famer
RAW color analyst
RAW Talk co-host
263 lb - 6'3 Houston, TX | Byron Saxton
RAW play-by-play analyst
RAW Talk co-host
| Charly Caruso
Broadcast journalist
5'2 Indianapolis, IN | Mike Rome
RAW ring announcer
Main Event ring announcer
6'2 San Diego, CA | Sarah Schreiber
Broadcast journalist
5'4 Nutley, NJ | 
|  | | |
| Titus O'Neil
"The Real Deal"
Main Event color analyst
WWE Ambassador
270 lb - 6'6 Tampa, FL | Tom Phillips
RAW lead analyst
Main Event lead analyst
6'0 Philadelphia, PA |
| | |
 
| Monday Night RAW #1430
October 19, 2020 - Orlando, FL - WWE ThunderDome - Amway Arena
with Main Event #420 & RAW Talk #30
| 
| 
| Hell in a Cell 2020
October 25, 2020 - Orlando, FL - WWE ThunderDome - Amway Arena
with Hell in a Cell 2020 Kickoff Show
| 
|
| Monday Night RAW #1431
October 26, 2020 - Orlando, FL - WWE ThunderDome - Amway Arena
with Main Event #421 & RAW Talk #31
|
|
| Monday Night RAW #1432
November 2, 2020 - Orlando, FL - WWE ThunderDome - Amway Arena
with Main Event #422 & RAW Talk #32 |
|
| Monday Night RAW #1433
November 9, 2020 - Orlando, FL - WWE ThunderDome - Amway Arena
with Main Event #423 & RAW Talk #33 |
|
| Monday Night RAW #1434
November 16, 2020 - Orlando, FL - WWE ThunderDome - Amway Arena
with Main Event #424 & RAW Talk #34 |
| 
| Survivor Series 2020
November 22, 2020 - Orlando, FL - WWE ThunderDome - Amway Arena
with Survivor Series 2020 Kickoff Show |
|
︾︾︾
WWE FRIDAY NIGHT SMACKDOWN airs every Friday night from 8/7 CT, live on FOX.
WWE TALKING SMACK airs every Saturday morning, on the WWE Network.
WWE MAIN EVENT airs every Thursday on the WWE Network.
| 
| 
| WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPION Roman Reigns [3] def. The Fiend & Jeff Hardy (Payback 2020, Aug 30, 2020)
[50+ days] | INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION Johnny Gargano [1] def. Daniel Bryan (SummerSlam 2020, Aug 23, 2020)
[57+ days] | WOMEN'S UNIVERSAL CHAMPION Charlotte Flair [5] def. Asuka (SummerSlam 2020, Aug 23, 2020)
[57+ days] | 
|
| | SD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHeavy Machinery [1] (Otis [1] and Tucker [1]) def. John Morrison and The Miz (Backlash 2020, Jun 14, 2020)
[127+ days] | WOMEN'S TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS The Riott Squad [1] (Ruby Riott [1] and Liv Morgan [1]) def. Bayley and Sasha Banks (Payback 2020, Aug 31, 2020)
[50+ days] | |
 
| 
|  | 
| 
| AJ Styles
"The Phenomenal One"
218 lb - 5'11 Gainesville, GA
| Aleister Black
"The Appropriator of Habit"
215 lb - 6'0
Amsterdam, Netherlands
| Angelo Dawkins
The Street Profits
260 lb - 6'5 Fairfield, OH
| Bo Dallas
234 lb - 6'1 Brooksville, FL
| Bray Wyatt
"The Eater of Worlds"
Also known as The Fiend
285 lb - 6'3 Parts Unknown
| 
|  | 
|  | 
| Candice LeRae
"The Poison Pixie"
Queendom
5'2 Anaheim, CA
| Cesaro
"The Swiss Cyborg"
Fight Night
232 lb - 6'5 Lucerne, Switzerland
| Charlotte Flair
"The Crown Jewel"
Queendom
5'10 Charlotte, NC Women's Universal Champion | Chelsea Green
"The Prodigious One"
Queendom
5'7 Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| Damian Priest
"The Archer of Infamy"
249 lb - 6'5 New York City, NY
| 
|  | 
| 
| 
| Danny Burch
"The London Mauler"
Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch
190 lb - 6'0 London, England
| Dolph Ziggler
"The Show Off"
Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode
218 lb - 6'0 Hollywood, FL
| Drew McIntyre
"The Scottish Terminator"
265 lb - 6'5 Ayr, Scotland
| Duke Nese
"The Premier Athlete"The Royal Family196 lb - 5'9 Long Island, NY
| Ember Moon
"The Goddess of War"5'2 Dallas, TX
|  |  |  |  |  | The Fiend
"The New Face of Fear"
285 lb - 6'3 Parts Unknown
| ErikThe Viking Raiderswith Valhalla
247 lb - 6'1 Overseas
| IvarThe Viking Raiderswith Valhalla
304 lb - 6'1 Overseas
| Jey Uso
The Usos
242 lb - 6'2 San Francisco, CA
| Jimmy Uso
The Usos
251 lb - 6'3
San Francisco, CA
| 
|  |  |  |  | Johnny Gargano
"Rebel Heart"
200 lb - 5'10
Cleveland, OH Intercontinental Champion | Kairi Sane
"The Pirate Princess"
The Kabuki Warriors
5'10
Yamaguchi, Japan
| King Corbin
The Royal Family
2019 King of the Ring winner
285 lb - 6'8
Kansas City, MO
| Lacey Evans
"The First Lady"
The Southern Belles
5'8
Parris Island, SC
| Mandy Rose
"The Precious Peach"
with Otis
5'4
Yorktown, NY
| 
|  |  |  |  | Mickie James
"The Country Gal"
The Southern Belles
5'4 Richmond, VA
| Montez FordThe Street Profits
232 lb - 6'1 Chicago, IL
| Naomi"The Glow"
Team B.A.D.
5'5 Orlando, FL
| Oney Lorcan
"The Boston Bruiser"
Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch
290 lb - 6'1 Boston, MA
| Otis"The Powder Keg"
Heavy Machinery
with Mandy Rose
330 lb - 5'10 Superior, WI SD Tag Team Champion | 
|  |  |  |  | Ricochet
"The One and Only"
207 lb - 5'9 Paducah, KY
| Riddick Moss
"So Smooth"
245 lb - 6'2 Minneapolis, MN
| Robert Roode
"The Glorious One"
Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode
235 lb - 6'1 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| Roman Reigns"The Head of the Table"
with Paul Heyman
280 lb - 6'3 Pensacola, FL WWE Universal Champion | Sami Zayn
"The Great Liberator"
212 lb - 6'1 Montreal, Quebec, Canada
|  |  |  |  |  | | Shayna Baszler
"The New Age Enforcer"
Queendom
5'7 Sioux Falls, SD
| Sheamus
"The Celtic Warrior"
Fight Night
250 lb - 6'3 Dublin, Ireland
| Shinsuke Nakamura
"The Artist"
Fight Night
229 lb - 6'2 Kyoto, Japan
| Sir Gable
"The Olympic Knight"
The Royal Family
202 lb - 5'8 Minneapolis, MN
| Tamina
"The Bouncer"
Team B.A.D.
5'9 The Pacific Islands
|  | | | |
| | Tucker
"The Brick Hit House"
Heavy Machinery
with Mandy Rose
250 lb - 6'3 Hubbard, OR SD Tag Team Champion | |
|
|
|
 
| 
| Paul Heyman
"The Special Council"
with Roman Reigns
Scarsdale, NY
| Valhalla
The Viking Raiders
5'6 Overseas |
 
| 
| 
|  | Corey Graves
SmackDown color analyst
Talking Smack co-host
208 lb - 6'1 Pittsburgh, PA | Greg Hamilton
SmackDown ring announcer
Main Event ring announcer
5'10 Butler County, OH | Kayla Braxton
Broadcast journalist
Talking Smack co-host
4'11 Wadley, AL | Michael Cole
SmackDown lead analyst
5'9 Amenia, NY |
 
| Friday Night SmackDown #1105
October 23, 2020 - Orlando, FL - WWE ThunderDome - Amway Arena
with Main Event #422 & Talking Smack #59 | 
| | Hell in a Cell 2020
October 25, 2020 - Orlando, FL - WWE ThunderDome - Amway Arena
with Hell in a Cell 2020 Kickoff Show | |
| Friday Night SmackDown #1106
October 30, 2020 - Orlando, FL - WWE ThunderDome - Amway Arena
with Main Event #423 & Talking Smack #60 |
|
| Friday Night SmackDown #1107
November 6, 2020 - Orlando, FL - WWE ThunderDome - Amway Arena
with Main Event #424 & Talking Smack #61 |
|
| Friday Night SmackDown #1108
November 13, 2020 - Orlando, FL - WWE ThunderDome - Amway Arena
with Main Event #425 & Talking Smack #62 |
| | Friday Night SmackDown #1109
November 13, 2020 - Orlando, FL - WWE ThunderDome - Amway Arena
with Main Event #426 & Talking Smack #63 | |
| Survivor Series 2020
November 22, 2020 - Orlando, FL - WWE ThunderDome - Amway Arena
with Survivor Series 2020 Kickoff Show |
|
 WWE NXT broadcasts live every Wednesday from 9/8 CT on the USA Network. WWE 205 Live broadcasts live every Friday from 10/9 CT on the WWE Network.  ![]() 
| 
| 
| NXT CHAMPION Finn Bálor [2] def. Adam Cole (NXT Great American Bash 2020 - Jul 8, 2020)
[103+ days] | NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPION Ricky Starks [1] def. Keith Lee (NXT TakeOver XXX - Aug 22, 2020)
[105+ days]
| NXT WOMEN'S CHAMPION Io Shirai [1] def. Charlotte Flair (NXT TakeOver: In Your House, Jun 7, 2020)
[133+ days] | 
|  |
| NXT TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS Imperium [1] (Fabian Aichner [1] and Marcel Barthel [1])
def. Ever-Rise, Undisputed Era
& Breezango
(NXT #422, Sep 16, 2020)
[33+ days] | CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION
Santos Escobar [1] def. Kushida (NXT Great American Bash 2020, Jul 1, 2020)
[110+ days]
| WOMEN'S TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS The Riott Squad [1] (Ruby Riott [1] and Liv Morgan [1]) def. Bayley and Sasha Banks (Payback 2020, Aug 31, 2020)
[50+ days] |
 
|  | 
| 
|  | Adam Cole "The Panama City Playboy"
The Undisputed Era
200 lb - 6'0 Panama City, FL
- | Alex Sterling
"The Sauce"
cw
185 lb - 6'1 Lexington, KY
- | Aliyah
"The Boujee Beauty"
5'3 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- | Allysin Kay
"The AK"
5'10 Detroit, MI - | Ariya Daivari"Persian Power"The Brian Kendrickand Ariya Daivari190 lb - 5'10 Minneapolis, MN
- |  |  |  | 
|  | Ashantee"The Adonis"Hit Row
204 lb - 5'10 Baltimore, MD
| | Bobby Fish
The Undisputed Era
210 lb - 5'11 Albany, NY
| Bronson Reed"The Battleship"330 lb - 6'0 Adelaide, Australia
| Cameron Grimes"The Carolina Caveman"220 lb - 6'0 Cameron, NC
| 
|  |  |  |  | Catalina"La Diva del Ring"
5'2
Santiago de Chile, Chile
| Chase Parker
Ever-Rise
Host of 'Ever-Rise Live'195 lb - 5'11 Châteauguay, Quebec, Canada
| Chris Bey"The Ultimate Finesser"cw171 lb - 5'7 The Bey Area, AVA
| Curt Stallion"The Lone Star"cw190 lb - 6'1 Crane, TX
| Dakota Kai"King Kota"Raquel González and
Dakota Kai5'6 Auckland, New Zealand
|  |  |  |  |  | Deonna Purrazzo"The Virtuosa"The Brand
5'3
Hackettstown, NJ
| Dexter Lumis
"The Tortured Artist"
230 lb - 6'2
Recluse, WY
| Dijakovic"The Demolition Man"The Diamond Mine
270 lb - 6'7
Worcester, MA
| Fabian Aichner
Imperium
220 lb - 6'0
South Tyrol, Italy NXT Tag Team Champion | Fandango"The Dancer"Breezango
254 lb - 6'4
Westbrook, ME
|  |  |  |  |  | Finn Bálor
"The Prince"
Also known as "The Demon"
190 lb - 5'11 Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland NXT Champion | Gran Metalik
"The King of the Ropes"
Lucha House Party
189 lb - 6'9 Guadalajaro, Jalisco, Mexico
| Indi Hartwell
5'10
Melbourne, Australia
| Io Shirai"The Genius of the Sky"5'2 Tokyo, Japan NXT Women's Champion | Joaquin Wilde"The Hyena"Legado del Fantasma (LdF)
180 lb - 5'7 Chicago, IL
|  | 
|  |  |  | Kacy Catanzaro
5'0 Glen Ridge, NJ
| Kalisto"El Renegado"Legado del Fantasma170 lb - 5'6 Mexico City, Mexico
| Karrion Kross"The Tollman"with Scarlett265 lb - 6'4 Sin City
| Kayden Carter5'2 The Philippines
| Killian Dain "The Beast of Belfast"322 lb - 6'4 Belfast, Northern Ireland
|  |  |  | 
|  | Kushida"The Time Splitter"187 lb - 5'9 Tokyo, Japan
| Kyle O'ReillyThe Undisputed Era206 lb - 6'0 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| Leon Ruff
157 lb - 5'7 Pensacola, FL
| Lince Dorado
"The Golden Lynx"
Lucha House Party
168 lb - 5'7 San Juan, Puerto Rico
| Mansoor201 lb - 6'1 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
|  |  | ![]() 
| 
| 
| Marcel BarthelImperium
220 lb - 6'3 Hamburg, Germany NXT Tag Team Champion | Matt Martel
Ever-Rise
Co-host of 'Ever-Rise Live'
203 lb - 5'10
Châteauguay, Quebec, Canada
| Mercedes Martinez"The Disasterpiece"The Brand
5'7
Brass City, CT
| Mia Yim
"The Top Baddie"
5'7 Fontana, CA
| Pat McAfee"The King of NXT"The Diamond Mine
Host of 'The Pat McAfee Show'6'1 - 223 lb Indianapolis, IN
| 
|  |  | 
|  | Pete Dunne"The Bruiserweight"The Diamond Mine
205 lb - 5'10
Birmingham, England
| Raquel González"Big Mami Cool"Raquel González and
Dakota Kai
6'0
Rio Grande Valley, TX
| Raúl Mendoza"The Jackal"Legado del Fantasma (LdF)190 lb - 5'7 Córdoba, Veracruz, Mexico
| Rick Bugez
"The Party Animal"
285 lb - 6'2
Franklin, WI
| Ricky Starks"Absolute"The Diamond Mine
220 lb - 6'0
New Orleans, LA North American Champion | 
|  |  |  |  | Rhea Ripley
"The Brutalist"
5'7 Adelaide, Australia
| Roderick Strong"The Master of the Backbreaker"
The Undisputed Era200 lb - 5'10 Tampa, FL
| Rust Tyler185 lb - 6'0 Phelan, CA
| Samir SinghThe Bollywood Boyz175 lb - 5'7 Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| Santos Escobar"The Emperor"Legado del Fantasma (LdF)204 lb - 6'1 The Highlands of Guerrero, Mexico Cruiserweight Champion | 
|  |  |  | 
| Shotzi"The Ballsy Badass"Shotzi and Tegan Nox
5'6
Oakland, CA
| Sunil SinghThe Bollywood Boyz
205 lb - 5'10 Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| Tay Conti
5'5
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| Tegan Nox"The Welsh Valley Wonder"Shotzi and Tegan Nox
5'6
The Welsh Valleys
| The Brian Kendrick"The Man With A Plan" | 
|  |  |  | 
| Timothy Thatcher
"The Professor of Pain"
225 lb - 6'3
Sacramento, CA
| Tommaso Ciampa
"The Blackheart"
201 lb - 5'11
Milwaukee, WI
| Top Dolla
Hit Row
330 lb - 6'5
Washington, D.C.
| Tyler Breeze"Prince Pretty"Breezango205 lb - 6'0 Seasonal Residences
| Vanessa Borne "The Vision"
5'4
Scottsdale, AZ
|
 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| B-Fab
Hit Row
5'9 Orlando, FL
| Malcolm Bivens
5'8 Harlem, NY
| Robert Stone
The Brand
201 lb - 5'11 The Jersey Shore
| Scarlett
"The Siren of Destruction"
Mistress of Karrion Kross
5'8 Chicago, IL
| William Regal
"The Villain"
243 lb - 6'3 Blackpool, England NXT General Manager |
 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| Alicia Taylor
NXT ring announcer
205 Live ring announcer
5'6 Saginaw, MI | Dio Maddin
205 Live color analyst
315 lb - 6'8
North Easton, MA
| McKenzie Mitchell
Broadcast journalist
5'7 Dexter, MO | Vic Joseph
NXT lead analyst
205 Live color analyst
6'4 Cleveland, OH | Wade Barrett
NXT lead analyst
246 lb - 6'7 Preston, England |
 
| NXT #427
October 21, 2020 - Orlando, FL - Capitol Wrestling Center - WWE Performance Center
with 205 Live #202 | 
|
| NXT #428
October 28, 2020 - Orlando, FL - Capitol Wrestling Center - WWE Performance Center
with 205 Live #203 |
|
| NXT #429
November 4, 2020 - Orlando, FL - Capitol Wrestling Center - WWE Performance Center
with 205 Live #204 |
|
| NXT #430
November 11, 2020 - Orlando, FL - Capitol Wrestling Center - WWE Performance Center
with 205 Live #205 |
|
| NXT #431
November 18, 2020 - Orlando, FL - Capitol Wrestling Center - WWE Performance Center
with 205 Live #206 |
|
| NXT #432
November 25, 2020 - Orlando, FL - Capitol Wrestling Center - WWE Performance Center
with 205 Live #207 |
|
 WWE NXT UK airs every Thursday from 3/2 CT on the WWE Network. 
|  | 
| 
| NXT UNITED KINGDOM CHAMPION WALTER [1] def. Pete Dunne (NXT TakeOver: New York - Apr 5, 2019)
[557+ days] | NXT UK TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS Gallus [1] (Wolfgang [1] and Mark Coffey [1]) def. Mark Andrews and Flash Morgan Webster (NXT UK #64 - Oct 17, 2019)
[375+ days] | NXT UK WOMEN'S CHAMPION Kay Lee Ray [1] def. Toni Storm (NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff - Aug 31, 2019)
[409+ days] | "CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION" Jordan Devlin [1] def. Angel Garza, Isaiah Scott &
Travis Banks (NXT Worlds Collide 2020 - Jan 25, 2020) Disputed
[409+ days] |
 ![]() 
| 
|  |  | 
| A-Kid
154 lb - 5'8 Madrid, Spain
| Alexander Wolfe
"The Axe Man"
Imperium
245 lb - 6'1 Dresden, Germany
| Amale
"The Enchantress"
5'4 Béziers, France
| Amir Jordan
"The Bhangra Bad Boy"
Kenny Williams and
Amir Jordan
189 lb - 5'10 Dewsbury, England
| Aoife Valkyrie
"The Lady of the Opera"
5'6 Dublin, Ireland
| 
|  |  |  | 
| Ashton Smith
Ashton Smith and Oliver Carter
205 lb - 5'8 Manchester, England
| Brendan Vink
Aussie Assault
253 lb - 6'5 Adelaide, Australia
| Dani Luna
5'4 Croydon, England
| Dave Mastiff
"The Human Hate Machine"
322 lb - 5'10 The Black Country, England
| Ilja Dragunov
"The Mad Russian"
187 lb - 5'9 Moscow, Russia
| 
|  |  |  | 
| Isla Dawn
"The Countess"
5'7 Glasgow, Scotland
| Jake Atlas
"The Game Changer"
200 lb - 5'10 Los Angeles, CA
| James Drake
Grizzled Young Veterans
181 lb - 5'10 Blackpool, England
| Jinny
"The Fashionista"
5'6 London, England
| Joe Coffey
"The Iron King"
Gallus
248 lb - 5'11 Glasgow, Scotland
| ![]() 
| 
|  |  | 
| Jordan Devlin
"The Irish Ace"
194 lb - 5'10 Bray, County Wicklow, Ireland "Cruiserweight Champion" | Kay Lee Ray
"The KLR in Killer"
5'8 Glasgow, Scotland NXT UK Women's Champion | Kenny Williams
"The Lucky Yin"
Kenny Williams and
Amir Jordan
180 lb - 5'9 Thunder Road, Hill Valley
| Lewis Howley
Pretty Deadly
172 lb - 6'1 Grays, England
| Mark Andrews
"The Pop-Punk Prodigy"
165 lb - 5'8 Cardiff, Wales
| 
|  |  |  | 
| Mark Coffey
Gallus
232 lb - 6'3
Glasgow, Scotland NXT UK Tag Team Champion | Nina Samuels
"The Prima Donna"
5'7 Aldershot, England
| Noam Dar
"The Scottish Supernova"
178 lb - 5'9 Ayr, Scotland
| Oliver Carter
Ashton Smith and Oliver Carter
198 lb - 5'11 Ghana, West Africa
| Piper Niven
"The Ayrshire Mammoth"
5'7 Ayrshire, Scotland
|  |  |  |  |  | Ridge Holland
"Big Ridge"
260 lb - 6'1 The Yorkshire Dales, England
| Sam Stoker
Pretty Deadly
175 lb - 5'11 London, England
| Shane ThorneAussie Assault220 lb - 6'2 Perth, West Australia
| Trent Seven
Moustache Mountain
216 lb - 5'11 Wolverhampton, England
| Tyler Bate
Moustache Mountain
175 lb - 5'7 Dudley, England
|  |  |  |  | 
| WALTER
"The Ring General"
297 lb - 6'4 Vienna, Austria NXT United Kingdom Champion | WolfgangGallus
255 lb - 6'1 Glasgow, Scotland NXT UK Tag Team Champion | Xia Brookside
5'3 Leicester, England
| Xia Li
"The Wushu Crusader"5'3 Chongqing, China
| Zack Gibson
Grizzled Young Veterans
220 lb - 6'3 Liverpool, England
|
 
| Johnny Saint
"The Man of 1,000 Holds"
154 lb - 5'9 Blackpool, England NXT General Manager |
|  |  | Andy Shepherd
NXT UK lead analyst
6'1 Leicester, England | Francesca Brown
NXT UK ring announcer
5'7 London, England | Nigel McGuinness
NXT UK color analyst
235 lb - 6'3 London, England |
| NXT UK #426
October 15, 2020 - London, England - BT Sport Studios
| 
|
| NXT UK #427
October 22, 2020 - London, England - BT Sport Studios
|
|
| NXT UK #428
October 29, 2020 - London, England - BT Sport Studios
|
|
| NXT UK #429
November 5, 2020 - London, England - BT Sport Studios
|
|
| NXT UK #430
November 12, 2020 - London, England - BT Sport Studios
|
|
| NXT UK #1108
November 19, 2020 - London, England - BT Sport Studios
|
|
| NXT UK #1109
November 26, 2020 - London, England - BT Sport Studios
|
|
  ![]() 
| | 
| 
|  | Big Show
"The World's Largest Athlete"
WWE Hall of Famer
383 lb - 7'0 Tampa, FL
| Brie Bella
The Bella Twins
Co-star of 'Total Bellas'
5'6 Scottsdale, AZ
| Christian
223 lb - 6'1
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| David Otunga
Kickoff Show panelist
6'0 - 229 lb Hollywood, CA
| Drew Gulak
"The Militant Mat-Mite"
6'1 - 195 lb Philadelphia, PA
| 
| 
| 
| ![]() 
| 
| Evan T. MackCo-host of WWE's 'The Bump'
5'10
Carlisle, PA
| GoldbergWWE Hall of Famer
6'4 - 285 lb
Atlanta, GA
| Hulk Hogan"The Hulkster"WWE Hall of Famer
6'7 - 260 lb
Venice Beach, CA
| JBL"The Wrestling God"
6'6 - 290 lb
New York City, NY
| John Cena
6'1 - 251 lb
West Newbury, MA
|  | 
| 
| 
|  | Jonathan CoachmanKickoff Show panelist6'3 Fort Worth, TX
| KaneAlso known as "Demon Kane"The Mayor of Knox County, TN
7'0 - 323 lb
Knoxville, TN
| Kurt Angle"The Olympic Hero"WWE Hall of Famer
6'0 - 227 lb
Pittsburgh, PA
| Mark Henry"The World's Strongest Man"WWE Hall of Famer6'4 - 360 lb Silsbee, TX
| Nikki BellaThe Bella TwinsCo-star of 'Total Bellas'
5'6
Scottsdale, AZ
| 
| 
|  | 
| 
| Matt CampHost of WWE's The Bump6'0 Bergenfield, NJ | Paige"The Anti-Diva"5'8 Norwich, England
| Peter Rosenberg
Kickoff Show panelist5'8 Chevy Chase, MD
| Ric Flair
"The Nature Boy"WWE Hall of Famer
6'1 - 243 lb
Charlotte, NC
| Ronda Rousey
"Rowdy"5'7 Santa Monica, CA
| 
|  | 
|  | 
| Ryan PappollaHost of WWE's 'The Bump'
5'9
Norwalk, CT - | Sam Roberts
Kickoff Show panelistHost of Notsam Wrestling5'7 New York City, NY
| Scott Stanford
Host of 'This Week in WWE'6'1 Haverstraw, NY
| Shane McMahon
6'2 - 230 lb Greenwich, CT
| Shawn Michaels
"The Heartbreak Kid"WWE Hall of Famer6'1 - 225 lb San Antonio, TX
| 
| 
|  | 
|  | Stephanie McMahon
WWE Chief Brand Officer5'8 Greenwich, CT
| Steve Austin
"Stone Cold"
Hosts 'Broken Skull Sessions'WWE Hall of Famer6'2 - 252 lb Victoria, TX
| Triple H"The Game"WWE ExecutiveCreator of NXT
6'4 - 255 lb
Greenwich, CT
| The Undertaker
"The Phenom"
6'10 - 309 lb Houston, TX
| Vince McMahon
WWE Chairman
6'2 - 242 lb Greenwich, CT
|  | |
| | | Zack Ryder
"The Long Island Iced-Z"
6'2 - 224 lb Long Island, NY
| |
| |
|
| Hell in a Cell 2020
October 25, 2020 - Orlando, FL - WWE ThunderDome - Amway Center
with Hell in a Cell 2020 Kickoff Show |
|
| Survivor Series 2020
November 22, 2020 - Orlando, FL - WWE ThunderDome - Amway Center
with Survivor Series 2020 Kickoff Show |
|  | TLC 2020: Tables, Ladders & Chairs
December 20, 2020 - Orlando, FL - WWE ThunderDome - Amway Center(?)
with TLC 2020: Tables, Ladders & Chairs Kickoff Show |
| 
| Royal Rumble 2021
January 31, 2021 - Orlando, FL - WWE ThunderDome - Amway Center(?)
with Royal Rumble 2021 Kickoff Show |
| 
| WrestleMania 37 - Night 1
April 10, 2021 - Tampa Bay, FL - Raymond James Stadium
with WrestleMania 37 Kickoff Show |
|
| WrestleMania 37 - Night 2
April 10, 2021 - Tampa Bay, FL - Raymond James Stadium
with WrestleMania 37 Kickoff Show | |
|
|
|
|
Post by DTP. on Jan 13, 2024 18:15:52 GMT -5
 WWE Hell in a Cell 2020 – October 25, 2020
WWE ThunderDome at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida
"Welcome To My Hell" by Holy Wars
ONE WEEK AWAY!
The Final Chapter - Hell in a Cell match
Randy Orton vs Edge
SmackDown Women's Championship - Hell in a Cell match
Bayley (c) vs Sasha Banks
WWE World Championship
Bobby Lashley (c) vs Drew McIntyre
 WWE Universal Championship
Roman Reigns (c) vs Braun Strowman
|
|
|
|
Post by DTP. on Jan 14, 2024 13:29:51 GMT -5
 ![]() 
WWE-DDING BELLS WWE legend John Cena marries Shay Shariatzadeh in secret Florida wedding two years after split from Nikki BellaKatherine Schaffstall
Published: 15 Oct 2020WWE legend John Cena married Shay Shariatzadeh in a secret wedding ceremony.The surprise nuptials come after John's nasty split from ex-fiancée Nikki Bella.
TMZ confirmed the wedding news on Wednesday after obtaining official records. They claim the couple tied the knot in Tampa, Florida, on the quiet on October 12. John, 43, and Shay, 31, began dating in early 2019 following the former wrestler's split from Nikki.
The pair reportedly had a low profile engagement and filed for a marriage certificate in Florida earlier this month. According to official documents obtained by TMZ Sports, the newlyweds tied the knot on October 12 during a ceremony in Tampa. John and Shay met on the set of Playing With Fire in British Columbia.
They made their relationship red carpet official as they held hands in front of cameras at the Playing With Fire premiere in October 2019. Shay has since acted as John's date to his work events and they even kissed on the red carpet at the Dolittle premiere. This is the actor's second marriage, as he was previously married to Elizabeth Huberdeau from 2009 to 2012. John dated Nikki for about six years before they eventually called it off their engagement in May 2018 due to their differing opinions on wanting kids.
While John doesn't want to have children, the 36-year-old Total Bellas star was determined to have kids of her own. The pair briefly reconciled for two months before officially calling it quits in October 2018.
Following her split from John, Nikki announced her engagement to her former Dancing With the Stars partner Artem Chigvintsev in January 2020. The WWE star gave birth to their son, Matteo Artemovich Chigvintsev, on July 31, 2020. Her twin sister, Brie, was pregnant with her second child at the same time as Nikki. Nikki spoke about her decision to end her relationship with John while appearing on Maria Menounos's YouTube show Better Together in May.
Updated NJPW G1 Climax 30 Standings After Night Sixteen October 15, 2020 | Posted by Joseph Lee
The G1 Climax 30 tournament is nearing its conclusion, with night sixteen happening last night. You can find the updated standings for the tournament below.
The standings are:
A Block
1. Kota Ibushi (6-2) (12 pts)
2. Jay White (6-2) (12 pts)
3. Kazuchika Okada (6-2) (12 pts)
4. Will Ospreay (5-3) (10 pts)
5. Taichi (4-4) (8 pts)
6. Jeff Cobb (4-4) (8 pts)
7. Shingo Takagi (3-5) (6 pts)
8. Tomohiro Ishii (3-5) (6 pts)
9. Minoru Suzuki (3-5) (6 pts)
10. Yujiro Takahashi (0-8) (0 pts)
B Block
1. Tetsuya Naito (6-2) (12 pts)
2. EVIL (6-2) (12 pts)
3. Zack Sabre Jr. (5-3) (10 pts)
4. SANADA (5-3) (10 pts)
5. Hirooki Goto (4-4) (8 pts)
6. KENTA (4-4) (8 pts)
7. Toru Yano (3-5) (6 pts)
8. Hiroshi Tanahashi (3-5) (6 pts)
9. Juice Robinson (3-5) (6 pts)
10. YOSHI-HASHI (1-7) (2 pts)
Night 13 - A Block
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium - Namba, Osaka
1. Yuya Uemura def. Yota Tsuji.
2. Jeff Cobb def. Tomohiro Ishii in a G1 Climax tournament match.
3. Jay White def. Yujiro Takahashi in a G1 Climax tournament match.
4. Will Ospreay def. Taichi in a G1 Climax tournament match.
5. Kota Ibushi def. Minoru Suzuki in a G1 Climax tournament match.
6. Kazuchika Okada def. Shingo Takagi in a G1 Climax tournament match.
Night 14 - B Block
Aichi Prefectural Gymnsium in Nagoya, Aichi
1. Gabriel Kidd def. Yota Tsuji.
2. Zack Sabre Jr. def. YOSHI-HASHI in a G1 Climax tournament match.
3. KENTA def. Toru Yano in a G1 Climax tournament match.
4. SANADA def. Juice Robinson in a G1 Climax tournament match.
5. Hirooki Goto def. Hiroshi Tanahashi in a G1 Climax tournament match.
6. EVIL def. Tetsuya Naito in a G1 Climax tournament match.
Night 15 - A Block
Hamamatsu Arena in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka
1. Yuya Uemura def. Gabriel Kidd.
2. Jeff Cobb def. Will Ospreay in a G1 Climax tournament match.
3. Kota Ibushi def. Yujiro Takahashi in a G1 Climax tournament match.
4. Taichi def. Shingo Takagi in a G1 Climax tournament match.
5. Jay White def. Shingo Takagi in a G1 Climax tournament match.
6. Kazuchika Okada def. Tomohiro Ishii in a G1 Climax tournament match.
Night 16 - B Block
Yokohama Budokan in Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama
1. Yota Tsuji def. Yuya Uemura.
2. KENTA def. YOSHI-HASHI in a G1 Climax tournament match.
3. Zack Sabre Jr. def. Juice Robinson in a G1 Climax tournament match.
4. Tetsuya Naito def. Toru Yano in a G1 Climax tournament match.
5. EVIL def. Hirooki Goto in a G1 Climax tournament match.
6. SANADA def. Hiroshi Tanahashi in a G1 Climax tournament match.
OCTOBER 19, 2020 OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: WWE DRAFT, G1 CLIMAX 30
BY OBSERVER STAFF | STAFF@WRESTLINGOBSERVER.COM | @wonf4w
The Draft Takes Hold
The WWE draft, held on the 10/9 Smackdown and 10/12 Raw shows, with a few lower picks at other times, saw most of the talent stay with their brand, with a few switches.
The champions all stayed with their brand aside from a trade of women's champions, with Bayley going to Raw and Charlotte Flair going to Smackdown. Perhaps the most talked about aspect was the split up of The New Day, with Big E staying a single on Raw while Kingston and Woods remain on SmackDown.. The idea is to get Big E away from the act and make him more serious for a singles push. Historically, WWE has broken up tag team acts in the draft before and while there are exceptions, most of the time they find out the combination of parts was more effective than the parts individually.
One would suspect E getting a major singles push, which was talked about weeks ago and somewhat started. The idea is to get him out of the comedic mode. There is a logic to it even though, because the New Day has been established together for so many years and have been popular, there was going to be a negative reaction breaking them up without a storyline leading to it.
Trying to use logic to explain the draft is a waste of time. Such as, if acts can be drafted together, why did Raw pick Woods & Kingston and not Big E when it was specifically stated acts will be drafted together and in the WWE’s own listings of who can be picked, The New Day was listed as all three together.
Raw came off in a lot better state, with Sasha Banks moving to Raw to continue the program with Bayley. This leaves Smackdown with arguably more star power, with Drew McIntyre and AJ Styles switching to SmackDown, but on the same level Daniel Bryan and Braun Strowman moving to Raw freshens the scene up quite well. Notably the members of the Church & La Invasíon remained on Raw, but with Raw involved in the story and the battle for who runs things, they pretty much had to.
Of the switches, the biggest names were Bayley, Sasha Banks, Daniel Bryan, Jeff Hardy, Braun Strowman and Big E to Raw, and Drew McIntyre, Charlotte Flair, A.J. Styles, Aleister Black an Ricochet to SmackDown.
From NXT, there were a few surprises, like Keith Lee and Isaiah Scott (now going as "Swerve") joining Raw, while Damian Priest is going to SmackDown. We also had Rhea Ripley's name listed as going to Raw in the Draft, but for reasons unclear, there was no mention of anything.
It was noted to us by one key person in WWE that having a lot of the stars on SmackDown was on purpose due to the feeling that no matter what, Raw on USA is a lock. FOX doesn’t need Smackdown. FOX is heavily into sports and sports rights are escalating and the feeling is niche sports, and Smackdown on FOX could qualify as that, would be in trouble as far as being able to land a good deal. Smackdown will be fine with current numbers in two years, but if they drop 25 percent each year, that wouldn’t be good.
The draft shows weren’t as corny as last year as they dumped the “war room” footage and it was just Stephanie McMahon reading off the names of five people at a time, three for Raw and two for Smackdown, based on the idea that Raw being three hours would get more picks. Unlike in the past, nobody from NXT was brought up.
Among those not picked for various reasons were Becky Lynch, Brock Lesnar, Ronda Rousey, Goldberg, Big Show, Ember Moon (though she is still listed internally as heading to SmackDown), Drew Gulak, Zack Ryder, Jinder Mahal, the Southern Belles (perhaps the strangest omission). The idea is that all of them are to be free agents.
Lynch is the company’s most valuable woman performer. Nobody knows what her future is but one would think the earliest she would be back is WrestleMania, if she does return.
With so much work into the draft and how PPV shows have become far less of a priority, for the 10/25 Hell in a Cell show we only have four matches, Edge vs Orton in the cell, which we already knew, Reigns vs Strowman for the Universal title, Bayley vs Banks for the Smackdown women's title in the cell, and Lashley vs McIntyre for the WWE title. It looks like they will have to shoot the key angles for the remainder of the show, since nothing all that clear has been promoted, on Smackdown on 10/16 and Raw on 10/19.
WWE:
HEYMAN HUSTLING | Paul Heyman has been talking a lot this past week about Rock vs. Reigns. Basically his line is that Rock brought it up, not Reigns. Make no mistake about it. Dwayne Johnson would love to put Reigns over at a WrestleMania in front of a big crowd. The issue has been insurance issues regarding other work he has coming up. It’s been an issue since the second Cena match. There have been at least three ideas, a singles with Lesnar, a singles match with HHH, and Rock & Rousey vs. HHH & Stephanie for him but none ever materialized
RETURN OF THE DIVA | Eva Marie (Natalie Nelson Coyle, 36) is returning to the company. She was cast for the first season of Total Divas in 2013 and rushed into a wrestling role with the idea of being a newcomer that would rub the veterans the wrong way, notably the Bella Twins. The original idea was Nikki and Eva in a feud but it really never took off. Because of her looks she was given all kinds of chances and time to develop her wrestling, because she was rushed onto TV with very little training in an era where the belief was it was all about looks first, second and third and wrestling fourth at best. She kept getting new roles until she decided to leave in 2017 and pursue acting. She did some stuff with Dwayne Johnson’s Seven Bucks Entertainment but didn’t do a lot notable past being in the 2019 Celebrity Big Brother cast and having a role in the movie “Hard Kill.
DEL RIO | Jose Alberto Rodriguez Chucuan, best known as Alberto Del Rio, Alberto El Patron, and earlier in his career, as Dos Caras Jr., was indicted on four counts of sexual assault and one count of kidnapping, stemming from a May incident involving a former girlfriend. Rodriguez, 43, was first charged with sexual assault on 5/9 from an incident that allegedly took place on 5/3 and the early morning hours of 5/4 at Rodriguez’s house in the San Antonio area.
The case is scheduled to go to trial on January 25, 2021. It was the second serious arrest of Rodriguez in the past year. Rodriguez, who wrestles sparingly since the folding of the NLL promotion that he was the public face of that aired on Mexican national television, was also the figurehead President of the Combate Americas MMA promotion and recently fought Tito Ortiz for the company in its biggest match in its history. Rodriguez is no longer affiliated with the promotion. On 5/7, Rodriguez was arrested in San Antonio and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was released on $20,000 bond. According to the court documents, the woman, whose name was withheld because she is a plaintiff in a sexual assault case, said the incident, which is alleged to have taken place at Rodriguez’s home, started as an argument.
Rodriguez accused her of being unfaithful. He wanted her to admit to cheating on him. When she wouldn’t admit to it, she alleged that he slapped her in the head twice and took her to his downstairs bedroom. She claimed he open-hand slapped her eight more times and also choked her. He then forced her to put on a dress and ordered her to dance for him, but she refused. She claimed Rodriguez then told her not to cry or he would take her son and “drop him off in the middle of the road somewhere.” The woman, only described as 5-foot-5 and 132 pounds, who only speaks Spanish, said that the ordeal lasted four-and-a-half hours, saying it started at about 10 p.m. and didn’t until about 2:30 a.m.
She said Rodriguez also smashed her cell phone, destroyed her computer and attempted to burn her passport. She claimed that Rodriguez ended up tying her hands with straps, put a sock in her mouth and sexually assaulted her for several hours, using his penis, other body parts and a variety of objects. She was adamant she did not consent to any of this. She said with the sock in her mouth she was having difficulty breathing. She claimed he also punched her in the back. Investigators said her injuries from the beating including from the punch were visible, and the responding officer saw bruises throughout her face, arms, legs and neck. The alleged victim said she didn’t remember much after he put his hand around her throat and choked her. She also said she was feeling woozy and dizzy from the shots to the head.
If convicted, by Texas law, aggravated kidnapping could result in a prison sentence ranging from five to 99 years and a fine of up to $10,000. If the accused can prove to have released the alleged victim voluntarily, it would be second degree aggravated kidnapping which would result in a prison sentence of two to 20 years and a fine of up to $10,000. Sexual assault charges would be two years to 20 years per charge and a fine of up to $10,000.
Rodriguez was released on 5/10 on $50,000 bond.
TOTAL BELLAS | Total Bellas will return on 11/12 in the Thursday at 9 p.m. time slot on E! So the idea is Total Bellas on E! and then Miz & Mrs. On USA right after with the idea that WWE fans, mostly younger women, of the reality show genre will spend Thursday switching channels. The last season, built around Nikki & Brie being pregnant at the same time was a big success, up from previous years at a time everything has been declining. The show also does great numbers via DVR, far more than any traditional pro wrestling show. If you include DVR viewers, the season finale did 1.3 million viewers and 764,000 in 18-49, which beats a lot of Raws & Smackdowns even throwing in DVR numbers, and kills every wrestling show with Woman 18-49 at 489,000 including DVR viewers. In live viewers, it would be behind all the shows except Miz & Mrs. and NXT
LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON | During Bloodsport, a WWE rep was filming the Davey Boy Smith Jr., match for a documentary that is being done on Davey Boy Smith, who they will be inducting into the Hall of Fame whenever they can do that ceremony, likely at this coming year’s WrestleMania. The WWE Network is also working on a story about Davey By Smith for next year. WWE was filming Smith Jr. all weekend from training at the gym to the show
BYE BYE BIG SHOW SHOW | The final episode of The Big Show Show on Netflix, which has already been filmed, was a Christmas episode that will be released on 12/9
TV RATINGS SD 10/9 - 2.17 (0.66)
RAW 10/11 - 1.84 (0.57)
NXT 10/13 - 0.63 (0.17)
STAR RATINGS SmackDown 10/16 - Johnny Gargano vs Sami Zayn - ***¾ |
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Post by DTP. on Jan 17, 2024 15:02:51 GMT -5
Monday Night RAW #1430 - October 19, 2020
WWE ThunderDome at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida
HELL IN A CELL: THIS SUNDAY!
"Legendary" by Skillet
Main Event #421 – October 22, 2020
1) The Viking Raiders (with Valhalla) def. the Street Profits with the Viking Experience on Montez Ford. "The Frat Boys" held nothing back in taking Erik and Ivar to the limit, until Tez wound up cornered by "the Savages". Angelo Dawkins was a house on fire on entry, and the match quickly devolved into a free-for-all. Valhalla tripped Ford as he tried From the Heavens, leading to the finish. The Raiders continued their assault, when Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch came to their aid in a brief flurry. (7:09)
Mob WarfareMonday Night RAW was off to a roaring start, as we faded from black to see members of the Church and La Invasíon trying to go at it in the backstage area of the Amway Center! Theory and Murphy, the former RAW Tag Team Champions tried desperately to fight off Los Lotharios, while Seth Rollins and Andrade screamed at one another - all the while being separated by officials! Adam Pearce was on hand to try and calm the tensions in the air, as the chaotic scene was filled with shouting and yelling - the result of the tensions brewing between members of "the Two Families" reaching an all-time high. Finally "the Visionary" exclaimed that he had had enough, calling out "El Capo" to meet him in the ring so they could talk this out! As Rollins stormed off, Zelina Vega tried to discourage Andrade from complying with any of what "the Messiah" had to say for himself - but his mind had been made up: sternly telling his business partner he was going to go out there and be the bigger man.
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The opening video package aired, bringing us to the WWE ThunderDome for Monday Night RAW. Pyrotechnics erupted over the arena, as the faces of the WWE Universe lit up on the LED boards surrounding the ringside area. Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T welcomed us live, to the final stop before Hell in a Cell - this Sunday on the WWE Network. Before another word could be uttered - "the Messiah" made his way out to the ring!Gentleman's AgreementSeth Rollins walked with purpose, dishevelled from the turf war exchanged with members of La Invasíon moments prior. "The Visionary" was oddly met with cheers as he exclaimed that he had had it with this "Two Families" bull - there was only one family worth a damn on Monday Night RAW, and it sure as hell wasn't Andrade's! "The Messiah" claimed he wanted to be civil, he hoped they could coexist - but now, it was too late. The truth was, Andrade was unreasonable and power hungry - but for a spot that didn't exist. The deluded leader of the Church claimed himself to be the franchise of 'Monday Night Rawlins', the one who had carried RAW through this entire pandemic! Seth repeated that he had had it, and if anything was the straw which broke the camel's back: it wasn't Theory and Murphy being screwed out of the RAW Tag Team Championship; it wasn't even La Invasíon coming after them last week as RAW went off the air - it was the lack of respect shown to him from "El Capo".
Finally "the Visionary" called out the patriarch of La Invasíon, and out walked Andrade. To fanfare of his own, he immediately removed his pinstripe suit jacket and unbuttoned his black shirt, making a beeline for the ring! Zelina Vega tried to come and pursue after him, but as the two approached ringside, Seth Rollins informed "El Capo" he wasn't here to fight. Rollins encouraged Andrade to step into the ring for a gentlemanly discussion, which afforded Zelina time to speak with her business partner. Composing himself, he slowly swaggered into the ring and took a microphone of himself. Andrade understood that Seth wanted to be gentlemen about this - but they were far past the point of no return. He told Seth to his face that he had had his time in the sun. He'd been WWE Universal Champion and headlined big shows - but when push came to shove, nobody cared about "the Messiah". If there was anyone more deluded than Seth Rollins: he'd like to meet him!
Seth Rollins laughed, but said the problem when it came to Andrade and Los Lotharios was that he didn't think his family could do quite the job the Church had done. "The Visionary" implied that "El Capo" was disciplined enough to lead the helm, and when it came to running Monday Night RAW - he wasn't good enough! Rollins claimed La Invasíon weren't the Church, but was giving him and his boys the benefit of the doubt. "The Messiah" proposed La Invasíon try and take down he and his Disciples. It would be 'the Meeting of the Families' - the Church against La Invasíon, at Hell in a Cell! Andrade chuckled as he listened to the whispers of Zelina Vega. "El Capo" was willing to accept: but on one condition. If Seth wanted to throw down, they could do just that in six nights - but what was stopping them from getting it on tonight! Just the two leaders of "the Two Families" - mano y mano! Seth laughed, then accepted before storming out fuiously. The stage was set: not just for tonight, but for Hell in a Cell this Sunday!
- Hell in a Cell - 'Meeting of the Families' - The Church vs La Invasíon
- Tonight - Andrade vs Seth Rollins
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Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T talked about the news moments ago, and the scenes that tonight had already seen - pitting members of La Invasíon against the Church. With the match between the leaders of "the Two Families" set for tonight; graphics aired also advertising the WWE World Champion Bobby Lashley scheduled to take on Ricochet. The O.C. would explode when AJ Styles teamed with Matt Riddle to battle Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson; plus, Randy Orton would be here to address Edge - six nights away from 'the Final Chapter'.
- WWE World Champion Bobby Lashley vs Ricochet
- Randy Orton will address Edge ahead of Hell in a Cell
- Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson vs AJ Styles and Matt Riddle
The WWE ThunderDome had cleared out, though members of the RAW Women's Division came walking out to the ringside area. Among them were the RAW Women's Champion Charlotte Flair, Shayna Baszler, Candice LeRae and Chelsea Green of Queendom; Asuka and Kairi Sane of the Kabuki Warriors; Bianca Belair; Nia Jax; Natalya; Dana Brooke & Valhalla. The WWE Women's Tag team Championship would be on the line in a Lumberjack match - coming up next. When Opportunity KnocksRicochet warmed up with pull-ups on a bar in the locker room area, as opportunity awaited him tonight. Cedric Alexander entered behind him, playing it cool and talking up his tag team partner ahead of the match with the WWE World Champion. "The Future of Flight" underplayed it, but Cedric noted he had upset Bobby Lashley in the past and had complete faith he could do it again! Ricochet phewed as he noted the pressure was on, but "the Queen City's Favorite Son" told him he'd have his back in case any of those Team Lashley chumps got involved. The two high fived and hugged, when Cedric took the time to apologize for the way he'd been acting. The last thing he wanted was the two of them to end things on bad terms. Ricochet knew that things had been rocky, and their partnership would be made trickier when he starts on SmackDown next week when the WWE Draft takes effect - but they were still here together, and tonight's opportunity wasn't just for him: it was for him too!
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As the Lumberjacks assumed position at ringside, a video package aired recapping the past several weeks of controversy that had led the Riott Squad and the Iiconics to this match. "The Iiconic Duo" were looking for a shot at the titles they once held, but in their two previous meetings - with the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships at stake - they had not only taken a count-out win, but had decided to ambush and sacrifice their opportunity instead! It worked effectively in Billie Kay and Peyton Royce's plan to antagonize Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott - but now there would be no shortcuts to take. In a Lumberjack match, the Iiconics would put up or shut up!1) The Riott Squad (c) def. The Iiconics in a Lumberjack match to retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship (10:20) The Lumberjacks surrounding the ring for this match included RAW Women's Champion Charlotte Flair, Shayna Baszler, Candice LeRae and Chelsea Green of Queendom, and Natalya on the side of the Iiconics; and Asuka and Kairi Sane of the Kabuki Warriors, Nia Jax, Bianca Belair and Dana Brooke on the side of the Riott Squad.
Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan immediately pursued the challengers, who almost left the ring to be cornered by the Lumberjacks on the floor. Dragged in the hard way, Liv dropped Peyton Royce with a hip attack and a running dropkick in the corner, while on the opposite side of the ring, Ruby dodged a rolling elbow from Billie Kay and delivered an STO! Ruby and Kay started things out, with "the Runaway" getting off to a roaring start with two punches in the Riott Squad's corner. Though she tried to fight it, Ruby rammed Billie's face into her rear with the Deadly Night! The WWE Women's Tag Team Champions proved what made them competent champions as Blue-Face stunned Billie, when she rushed over to tag in a reluctant Peyton. Again brought in the hard way, Liv scored with a hurricanrana that nearly sent her to the floor again - screaming as the Lumberjacks confronted her! Liv went for a dive, but Royce wisely struck with an elbow strike, before the Fall From Grace allowed "the Iiconic Duo" to turn the tide!
Billie Kay choked Liv Morgan over the bottom rope, throwing her out to the floor. As the Iiconics distracted the official, Queendom put the boots to Liv in a scene which occurred moments prior during the break! The challengers continued the attack with the Iiconic Combo to lay out Liv, and as Ruby Riott was taunted, Peyton Royce executed the Deja Vu for a near fall! The Iiconics were increasingly arrogant, but it allowed Liv time to let up and strike back with an enzuigiri for both! On the comeback, Liv was sent into the corner just to rebound with a missile dropkick from the second rope. Tossing Peyton outside, the Kabuki Warriors led the stampede on the floor! Ruby Riott tagged in and ran hot, all the while bedlam broke out between the two groups of five Lumberjacks at ringside. Queendom went up against the women they fought two weeks ago, while inside the Sick Knee from Sydney saw Ruby take Royce out with the Riott Kick, before she and Liv executed the Diamond Dust to get the win over Kay!What Did You Expect?The WWE Women's Tag Team Champions were victorious, but as Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott began to celebrate their win over the Iiconics, the Riott Squad were jumped by members of Queendom! Charlotte Flair led the pack, as she began to direct traffic for Shayna Baszler, Candice LeRae and Chelsea Green to brutalize them! The RAW Women's Champion was full of it initially, when into the ring hit the Kabuki Warriors. Bianca Belair and Nia Jax were amongst them, as Kairi Sane once again took down "the New Age Enforcer" with a ground-and-pound sequence. Tearing at the arm with a triangle choke applied, Queendom ducked out of the ring in hurried fashion. Dana Brooke joined "the EST" and "the Giantess" as they helped the champs back to their feet, when Asuka took the microphone and screamed out the challenge to Flair and Baszler: to meet the Kabuki Warriors tonight! "The Trailblazer" accepted to the dismay of Shayna, as "the Pirate Princess" glared out Baszler, a woman obsessed, from the ring!
- Tonight - The Kabuki Warriors vs RAW Women's Champion Charlotte Flair and Shayna Baszler
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Following discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T, a recap earlier from last week showing Omos shockingly turn against Kevin Owens. It was on 'the Kevin Owens Show' where "the Nigerian Nightmare" refused to speak about the man who tried to contract his services, the Miz - but as the WWE United States Champion tried to speak up on behalf of the big man opposite "the A-Lister", Omos betrayed and left KO laying. The Miz revealed it was a decoy all along, and that Omos had been part of his Miztourage all along! A graphic aired, promoting 'Miz TV' still to come - where Omos would speak for the first time as the Miz's new muscle!
- Tonight - 'Miz TV' - The Miz presents the newest member of the Miztourage, Omos
Meanwhile, Keith Lee was spotted chatting to a backstage assistant. Soon setting off for the arena with a big smile on his face, the former NXT North American Champion had made a shocking arrival last week during the 2020 WWE Draft. Up next, "the Limitless One" would make his in-ring debut as a RAW Superstar.Scared of NobodyFollowing the announcement of a challenge made moments ago from the Kabuki Warriors to two particular members of Queendom, in their locker room Charlotte Flair stressed to Candice LeRae and Chelsea Green that the Kabuki Warriors had no right calling them out. The RAW Women's Champion believed that as far as the WWE Women's Division went, they were assembled because they were the crème de la crème. "The Trailblazer" talked about Asuka and Kairi Sane being rejects who wouldn't even be seen together again once next week rolled around; but the room fell silent as soon as Shayna Baszler entered, holding her arm for safety. "The New Age Enforcer" questioned the eyes being on her, bringing Charlotte to confront her about "the Kairi Sane Problem". She refuted any problem existing, reminding of how she snapped her arm once and was going to do it again no problem. Charlotte quizzed if she was afraid of her, because everything over the past few weeks were pointing in that direction. The MMA Fighter denied any evidence of fear, to which "the Diamond" asked of her to prove it.
The RAW Women's Champion said she gathered them all to Monday Night RAW over a month ago because she believed they were the best that the WWE had to offer, and wanted only the greatest of opportunities for them all. It was that, why she told the Iiconics and Nia Jax to take a hike. Tonight and tonight onwards, she demanded they show more initiative and stand up for Queendom and what it stood for - and that went for the woman she boldly proclaimed to be "the New Age Enforcer". Flair looked Shayna Baszler in the eye, as she told her to prove she wasn't afraid by breaking Kairi Sane's arm again tonight. Baszler scoffed, assuring "the Trailblazer" it would be her pleasure.
︾︾︾ 2) Keith Lee def. Akira Tozawa (2:13) "The Goliath" from NXT made a shocking debut on Monday Night RAW last week, when he was chosen as part of the 2020 WWE Draft. In his in-ring debut, Akira Tozawa saw it as the prime opportunity to take a huge win for himself, though his hard-hitting strikes saw "the Limitless One" absorb each shot, before striking with a brutal forearm smash! As a biel throw sent Tozawa sailing across the ring with the slightest ease, Lee teased a terrifying dive - just to use the top rope to forward flip over the top rope! Hanging on the apron, Tozawa opportunistically nailed him with a dropkick to the knee, and briefly began to ground his opponent. Where he went wrong was when Tozawa went for a missile dropkick and found himself caught in the fireman's carry for a discus elbow to daze him. It was elementary from there, as the Big Bang Catastrophe drove him into the canvas for the win!Thou Shalt Not BaskThe WWE Universe were astonished by the marvel that was "the Goliath". Keith Lee returned to his feet to have his hand raised the victor, as Akira Tozawa remained motionless on the canvas. With a keen smile on his face, the newest arrival to Monday Night RAW had made a powerful impression - when all of a sudden, the WWE 24/7 Champion appeared! Samoa Joe wandered down to the ring, his towel round his necka nd the gold over his shoulder. Dressed for competition, "the Samoan Submission Machine" nonchalantly entere the ring, completely ignoring the existence of "the Limitless One". With his back turned to him, Lee could only chuckle! Joe then inexplicably left the ring and returned to the backstage erea - clearly giving his honest opinion of the new acquisition.
︾︾︾ Don't Cross Me, Bro AJ Styles was gloved up and ready to get payback on his O.C. brethren, but was stopped in the hall as Matt Riddle came rolling up - riding a scooter! Doing circles around "the Phenomenal One", Riddle stopped before him as he warned him to think long and hard before he even thought about having a reunion party with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson tonight. He knew they'd had their ups and downs in the past, but when Riddle came to his aid over the past two weeks, it wasn't for him - it was because what the O.C. did to him weeks ago, AJ included, needed to get a receipt courtesy of "the Original Bro". AJ claimed to not have a clue what Riddle was talking about, but said it would be no issue. Next week he heads to SmackDown, and that will be the end of their association. Meanwhile, he was here tonight to show "the Good Brothers" what happened when you crossed AJ Styles! Heading for the ring, the Bro followed suit - tag team action up next.
Footage aired from earlier tonight, reviewing the chaotic brawl backstage between members of La Invasíon and the Church. Seth Rollins and Andrade were at war with one another, which meant their fellow members Theory and Murphy and Los Lotharios were as well! After a tense confrontation in the ring, the heads of "the Two Families" of Monday Night RAW had decided to settle this. A graphic aired, confirming the six-man tag team 'Meeting of the Families' this Sunday at Hell in a Cell!3) AJ Styles and Matt Riddle def. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson (5:28) The O.C. was tarnished forever at Clash of Champions, when Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson betrayed their longtime friend AJ Styles. Despite their past differences, "the Phenomenal One" and Matt Riddle teamed up to bring the fight to "the Good Brothers". While "the Original Bro" sent LG out to the floor with a thrust kick, inside AJ averted the pump kick in the corner from KA - hitting the Pelé kick! Styles continued to impress with a dropkick, when Gallows returned with a big boot wiping out their former leader! Anderson and Gallows continued to talk trash to their ex-best friend, though AJ bounced back briefly with a Stylin' Combination to Gallows - only to be struck with the Rocket Kick from Anderson! Styles showed resilience, when finally the Magic Killer saw AJ fight free - and Riddle tagged in! A one-man machine, the Bro struck with suplexes aplenty, when AJ prevented the Gallows Pole with a spinning backfist kocking LG into the BroMission for the submission!
Luke Gallows went out like a light, as Matt Riddle celebrated the win. Karl Anderson tried to sneak in from behind, but "the Phenomenal One" was there to intercept - dropping him with the Styles Clash! "The Original Bro" was none the wiser, as he turned to see AJ Styles stand across the ring from him. In what would be his final appearance on Monday Night RAW ahead of the WWE Draft taking effect next week, AJ and the Bro exchanged words. Things continued to remain uneasy between the two previous adversaries - when AJ offered a Bro-fist that went accepted! "The Good Brothers" were visibly livid at ringside, as KA tried to wake LG up from his BroMission-induced coma on the floor. Badmouthing AJ all the while, Styles could only wave goodbye to the traitors - heading for the SmackDown Brand.
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Randy Orton was out of attire as he skulked through the halls of the Amway Center. 'The Final Chapter' awaited this Sunday in "the Devil's Playground" at Hell in a Cell - so long as no physical contact was made between he and his greatest rival. "The Apex Predator" was en route for the WWE ThunderDome to address Edge - up next.
An advertisement aired, focused around the rivalry between Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman. Since his shocking return, he had been a polarizing figure on the SmackDown Brand. Hell-bent on wrecking everyone in his path, with Paul Heyman on his side, "the Head of the Table" awaited his toughest test to date as WWE Universal Champion. With a history of violence and brutality, their roles were now reversed when "the Colossus" got his shot. Hell in a Cell was live, this Sunday on the WWE Network, from 7E/4P.
Following discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T, footage aired recapping the emotional victory of the father-son tag team Los Mysterios last week. Despite the setback influenced by La Invasíon assaulting Dominik Mysterio backstage that very night, Dom would ignore doctors orders and hit the ring in the main event alongside Rey Mysterio - and the two would dethrone Theory and Murphy to capture the RAW Tag Team Championship!
Claiming ResponsibilityCharly Caruso was standing by in the interview area with the new RAW Tag Team Champions Los Mysterios. Greeting them cheerily, Dominik Mysterio wore his arm in a sling as Rey Mysterio spoke of how proud he was, of not just himself, but of his son for last week. He noted how he had persevered through injury to achieve the win. It was not only his first championship victory in his rookie year - but it made the history books: they were the first father-son WWE Tag Team Champions in sports entertainment history! Dom could not smile wide enough, noting how he might look hurt, but the sling was temporary. He couldn't wait to get back in that ring, and defend the gold with his old man! Suddenly, Los Lotharios arrived to take credit for how they beat Theory and Murphy last week. Angel Garza smarmily greeted a disgusted Charly, whilst Humberto Carrillo brought up how they not only allowed them to win the titles - they allowed them to have their feelgood story!
The La Invasíon members were confronted by Dominik Mysterio, who was fired up and offered to shut them up! Rey Mysterio held his son back and noted his injury, bringing Los Lotharios to laugh. Humberto Carrillo acknowledged his past with Dom, and always noted he was a little bit loco. Angel Garza spoke of how they were days away from taking out the garbage that was the Church at Hell in a Cell - but if anything, their RAW Tag Team Championships should belong to them! "El Amante" and "La Estrella" continued to gloat to Dom's wrath, naively granting them a shot! After brief conference with "the Legendary Luchador" however, Rey annoyed his son by pointing out his injury. Not backing down from Angel and Humberto, he told them he would take on either one of them - and if they won, Los Mysterios would give them the title shot they so wanted. Scoffing, Humberto told Rey it'd be an honor making it two-for-two when he wiped the floor with him tonight.
- Tonight - RAW Tag Team Champion Rey Mysterio vs Humberto Carrillo
At the End of the WorldInside the WWE ThunderDome, the lights flickered as "the Devil's Playground" suddenly descended down from the rafters! Having been concealed by cubular LED screens directly above the ring, the demonic structure slowly lowered to consume the ringside area with its' presence. Making an appearance six days early, Hell in a Cell had arrived in all of its' red glory, when "Voices" by Rev Theory brought out Randy Orton. In jeans and a black shirt, "the Apex Predator" walked methodically down the rampway, glancing up and observing the structure. He ran his fingers through the chain-linked walls before stepping inside through the door, where he took to the microphone. "The Viper" overcame boos as he talked about wishing to come out here and talk about what transpired last week. He came to the ring to not interrupt Edge, but simply hear him out. Claiming to honestly want to know what "the Rated R Superstar" had to say, it was in that instance he knew how full of his own cr*p he truly was!
Echoing the sentiments of his former ally in Rated-RKO, "the Viper" reminisced to all those country miles spent travelling town to town all those years ago. Edge took him under his wing and made him mature with every passing day - but with the benefit of hindsight, now it was clear that he was more mature than "the Rated R Superstar" all along! With a grin, Randy Orton talked about the WWE Hall of Famer being the most selfish, self-centered, arrogant son of a b*tch he had ever known; and he couldn't wait to clean the WWE of him one more time this Sunday at Hell in a Cell. Looking around at the confounds of "the Devil's Playground", he talked about it being not just 'the Final Chapter', but the last encounter. It would be the end of an era, because never again would they meet. There would be no Christmas cards exchanged, nor would there be an acknowledgement of one-another. It all ended with Hell in a Cell, inside the four walls surrounding him. One thing was certain - they would both never be the same.
Unexpectedly, "Metalingus" by Alter Bridge roared out over the WWE ThunderDome - and with the smoke flooding the stage, Edge came jogging out to a big ovation. In an unexpected appearance, "the Rated R Superstar" began to make his way down to the ring in a leather jacket, but would find himself stopped by WWE Official Adam Pearce, aligned with a crew of officials! Randy Orton stood in the ring amused by the whole spectacle, as Edge tried to negotiate his way past them. "The Viper" told Adam to send his boys to the back - there would be no fighting tonight. Pearce was reluctant to budge, but as Edge persuaded him, the Official warned him if there was so much as a finger laid on "the Apex Predator" - 'the Final Chapter' was off. Edge understood, and the officials allowed him past. Slowly stepping into the ring, both men conferred inside the demonic structure. For ten months they had waged war - and this Sunday it would come full circle.
"The Rated R Superstar" stood with a hand in his pocket, as he confessed there was one small part of him that wanted to come here tonight and give "the Viper" one last chance to redeem himself. Over the past week, there was part of him that believed things didn't need to end in this Hell. Hell in a Cell changed lives and careers for good, and after nine years on the shelf with neck injuries - the last thing he wanted was to be taken back out. "The Apex Predator" told the WWE Hall of Famer he should have stayed in retirement, but Edge explained immediately he had second thoughts. Edge knew this was what Randy Orton wanted more than anything: to inflict pain or to endure it. The Canadian had spent so much of the past year talking about "grit" and how it brought him back. He'd said Randy possessed a different kind of "grit" - but truly, that grit was still to be revealed. Now, he looked forward to Hell in a Cell - he looked forward to seeing the grit that Randy had to offer.
"The Viper" listened as Edge expressed his desire to not only destroy the grit his arch enemy possessed - but destroy what made him man. "The Rated R Superstar" turned to leave, but Randy Orton wasn't finished yet. He said it was always going to turn out this way. Their egos were too big to allow the other man to coexist alongside them - Rated-RKO was finished, dead and buried, and Sunday would see their ultimate ending. The end of everything came this Sunday with one standing tall over the other, and that man would be "the Apex Predator". Edge nodded, but told him that he was mistaken. There would be one man left standing at the end of all out war. At the end of the world, that man would not be snake or man: it would be a God. The two continued to stare each other down, when Orton told him "may the best man win". Parting ways for the final time before "the Devil's Playground", Edge left the structure he would walk again therein in six days time - who would be left standing at the end of the world?
A graphic aired, as Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T theorized the possibilities that would come to Monday Night RAW next week for the Season Premiere edition, live on the USA Network from 9E/8C! Not only would it see the fallout of Hell in a Cell the night prior, but would be the first night in which the 2020 WWE Draft would take effect. A follow-up graphic aired, revealing the acquisitions made by the RAW Brand from not only SmackDown, but NXT.
| RAW Acquisitions [Effective from October 26, 2020]
| From SmackDown | From NXT
|
- Bayley
- Braun Strowman
- Sasha Banks
- Jeff Hardy
- Daniel Bryan
- Big E
- John Morrison
- Alexa Bliss
- Mustafa Ali
- Carmella
- Elias
- Nikki Cross
- Apollo Crews
| - Keith Lee
- Swerve
|
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A graphic aired, promoting Hell in a Cell being presented by Skittles - Wear the Rainbow, Taste the Rainbow.4) RAW Tag Team Champion Rey Mysterio (with Dominik Mysterio) vs Humberto Carrillo (with Angel Garza) ended in a double disqualification (11:07) The new RAW Tag Team Champions were out to prove what brought them to the titles last week, despite the involvement of Los Lotharios. Caught in the turf war between the Church and La Invasíon, Rey came into the match with armdrags and hurricanranas, before executing a wheelbarrow bulldog. Dominik Mysterio watched ringside with a sling, as his father kept the action going, evading "La Estrella's" cartwheel off the ropes, and winding up the recipient of a satellite DDT! Everything was going his way, until winding up on the apron. A springboard was attempted, but as the referee was with Humberto Carrillo, Angel Garza harshly dragged Rey to the floor! "El Amante" put the boots to the champion, and as Dom treid to barge past the official, Carrillo came soaring over the top rope with a twisting tope! Carrillo continued to work over Rey in the ring, stretching the limbs of Rey over his knee. Mysterio tried to fight back with a springboard - only to be caught in mid-air with a powerbomb!
The pressure remained on as Humberto Carrillo continued to show little respect to "the Legendary Luchador". Rey Mysterio tried to fire back, only to receive a corkscrew roundhouse kick! Sent to the floor, Angel Garza hurled the RAW Tag Team Champion over the barricade, when Dominik Mysterio got in the face of "El Amante". It would lead to Dom being ejected from ringside, allowing Los Lotharios to gang up on the helpless elder Mysterio! As Dom protested being sent to the back, Angel went for the Wing Clipper just to kick off Carrillo! Fending off Angel with a dropkick to the rear, Humberto struck with a springboard headbutt for a near fall. Looking for a moonsault, Rey got the knees up - and the Mysterio-Rana set things in motion for the 619 to connect! Mysterio went to Drop the Dime, but Angel dragged him from the apron again. Suddenly, Theory and Murphy appeared to ambush both men! The former champions were back for revenge - all the while continuing their rivalry with Los Lotharios.Where There's Smoke, There's FireThe Disciples of the Church wiped out Rey Mysterio on the floor before being struck with stereo dives from Los Lotharios through the the ropes. The shades of grey in the rivalry between "the Two Families" consumed the two teams as Theory and Murphy wound up the recipients of a fist fight flurry from Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo! Things were escalating between La Invasíon and the Church ahead of Sunday at Hell in a Cell; while later tonight their leaders Seth Rollins and Andrade were about to collide. Out of nowhere returned Dominik Mysterio to join the fight - one armed and all - against allcomers. As this was going on, his father Rey Mysterio took flight - the slingshot Arabian Press moonsault taking out everybody! Officials dispersed the three-way fight, looking to regain control!
A graphic aired, shifting things forward to promote what was coming up next. After recruiting Omos successfully to leave Kevin Owens laying last week on 'the Kevin Owens Show', the Miz would host 'Miz TV' with the newest member of his Miztourage - "the Nigerian Nightmare". It was coming up next.
Swerve's WorldA vignette aired, showing the emergence of a dreadlocked figure through a dark and smoke-filled corridor. For months he had been a highlight reel on "the Black and Gold Brand" - his quickness and slickness unmatched by many opponents. With moves none cooler than the inventive "Realest", Swerve said he had arrived on Monday Night RAW, and the boys and girls of "the Red Brand" didn't even know what he had in score. When they found out, it will have already happened. Next week, RAW gets Swerved!
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Following another brawl between members of the Church and La Invasíon, the dressing room saw Andrade converse with Zelina Vega inaudibly. The two business partners were surely plotting ahead of the first-time confrontation between the heads of "the Two Families". Tonight, "El Capo" would meet Seth Rollins!
︾︾︾ OutsmartedThe set of 'Miz TV' was made up in the ring, as the Miz was suited and booted at the side of his newest recruit. With a suave suit with an expensive Rolex on his wrist, "the A-Lister" ran down the WWE Universe for doubting his intelligence. None of them had any faith he could get the job done. When it came to scoring a gigantic coup, he was far brighter than anybody had any clue - but how could anybody doubt the brilliance of a Hollywood megastar, who once headlined WrestleMania and walked out as WWE Champion! "The Awesome One" began to run down the accolades of Omos, who stood sternly and balled his huge fists against his palms. A college basketball giant who found he was too big and too bad for any court he was on, the Miz was pleased to announce the biggest prospect the WWE had ever seen - "the Nigerian Nightmare" had joined his Miztourage! Together they were going to be unstoppable, as demonstrated last week when they outwitted the hapless half-wit, Kevin Owens.
Curiously, who would interrupt but R-Truth! "The Truth" came dancing out to the stage, rapping to the WWE Universe. "What's Up" got a big response, while the Miz remained perplexed as to what beef the former WWE 24/7 Champion had with him. Miz immediately told R-Truth he had made a mistake - he wasn't invited onto 'Miz TV' and he had zero reason to be here. R-Truth said on the contrary, observing the statuesque and unmoved "Nigerian Nightmare". His arms folded, Omos glanced down at the rapper, who commented how he was one tall, tall man. As Miz tried to tell "Truth" to buzz off, he repeatedly made fun of Miz, claiming he was an angry man and should consider seeing a therapist. He knew a guy who could help. Handing him a business card, the appalled Hollywood star looked down his sunglasses to see it wasn't for a therapist - it was an exterminator! R-Truth claimed he was here because he had been told exactly to "ruin Miz TV", it brought the host to scoff - clearly it was a ploy from Kevin Owens.
"The A-Lister" was astonished how stupid Kevin Owens must be to get R-Truth in on the trick, but as R-Truth told him he too wanted to be part of the Miztourage, the host sent Omos after him! The Miz had his biggest recruit grab "the Truth" by the throat with both hands - hoisting him up effortlessly for a Tree Slam. "The Truth" clung to his microphone and begged for forgiveness, when behind them saw the cameraman remove his facemask and baseball cap - it was Kevin Owens! The WWE United States Champion walloped Omos in the back with the camera to free his distraction - and a Stunner dropped the host of 'Miz TV!' R-Truth stunned Omos with a corkscrew kick to daze him, before he and KO wisely exited the ring. "The Nigerian Nightmare" raged the ring over a fallen Miz. Meanwhile "the Prize Fighter" laughed at the expense of the duo. Owens had outsmarted Miz and Omos!
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Backstage, Team Lashley were prepared and en route for the ring. WWE World Champion Bobby Lashley was at the center of the pack, with MVP and his wife Lana either side of him. Shelton Benjamin towed the line behind "the All Mighty", as he was geared up and ready for action. Six days from his defense against Drew McIntyre come Hell in a Cell, Lashley would go up against Ricochet - next.
Following a recap of their final meeting ahead of Hell in a Cell earlier tonight, Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T discussed the long rivalry that Randy Orton and Edge had had over the better part of the past sixteen years. A video package aired, covering everything the two bitter enemies had been through. From their first meetings in 2004, it was the WWE Hall of Famer who dethroned "the Viper" to end his first title reign, capturing the WWE Intercontinental Championship. At one time the two were inseparable, with Edge taking the youngster under his wing as Rated-RKO. At times they were allies, at others they were rivals. Then, after nine in retirement, "the Rated R Superstar" made a triumphant return as part of the 2020 Royal Rumble match. He and Orton briefly rekindled the flame, when the following night "the Apex Predator" struck down his rival. He wanted to end his career all over again, and came close to doing so with a brutal Conchairto.
But Edge would come back for redemption, getting revenge for an RKO to his wife Beth Phoenix weeks prior. With a deathwish, Randy Orton paid for his sins at WrestleMania as "the Rated R Superstar" came out victorious in a barbaric Last man Standing match - but Orton would return at Money in the Bank, with a Punt Kick putting him out on the shelf! For months, "the Viper" continued to allude to Edge's retirement, and on the set of 'the Peep Show', he went as far as to decimate Edge's longtime best friend Christian. It brought the WWE Hall of Famer to storm back with a vengeance at SummerSlam, out to raise as much hell on Orton. The two engaged in fight after fight over the coming weeks, with Orton seemingly brought to the brink of retiring himself - only it was revealed to be a ruse, in a parking lot assault. Finally, the two sides came to an agreement: 'the Final Chapter' at Hell in a Cell. In the confounds of "the Devil's Playground", Edge would face Orton one last time!
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5) WWE World Champion Bobby Lashley (with Team Lashley) def. Ricochet (with Cedric Alexander) (13:23)
"The All Mighty" was getting primed and ready for battle with Drew McIntyre at Hell in a Cell, but first was tasked with taking down "the Future of Flight". Following a major upset in the spring, Ricochet wittingly sprung to life in the opening moments with a low dropkick and a crucifix for a grating near fall, when the athleticism of the newcomer saw him take the WWE World Champion across the ring with a handspring headscissors! A series of dropkicks rocked the powerhouse, when Bobby Lashley briefly drove a knee into the ribcage of Ricochet. A suplex went reversed into a stunner from the high flyer, and after holding down the ropes for Lashley to go tumbling to the outside, Ricochet came vaulting to the floor with a handspring corkscrew moonsault plancha! Landing on his feet, Ricochet high fived Cedric Alexander - all the while, Lashley was fuming. Shelton Benjamin, MVP and Lana aimed to maintain his composure, restraining the embarrassed champion!
Ricochet badly wanted to keep the momentum but as he connected with a springboard, he went caught with a fireman's carry - and a fisherman suplex sent him overhead! The WWE World Champion had been rattled, but upon the orders of MVP and Lana, he looked for the Spear to make short work of "the One and Only". Instead, Ricochet leapfrogged the Spear and rolled him up for a near fall. A springboard tornado DDT dropped the champ, as Cedric Alexander rooted for his ally. Lashley prevented another move, firing with a corner punch as Ricochet went to the top rope - though a superplex saw Ricochet land on his feet in the ring. The champion readjusted, but Ricochet leaped with a frankensteiner, for another near fall. "The Future of Flight" was living for tomorrow, when MVP distracted the official allowing Shelton Benjamin to play distraction enabling Lashley to hit a belly-to-belly suplex! "The All Mighty" throttled him in the ropes, his temper lost. A Yokosuka cutter got a near fall, but Ricochet refused to quit.
Cedric Alexander rooted for Ricochet to fight back from a torture rack, and finally he was able to break free just to be impacted with an elevated flatliner! "The All Mighty" continued to talk trash with Team Lashley, gearing up for the Spear one more time. Instead, "the Future of Flight" caught him with a superkick! On the top rope, a Shooting Star Press connected - Ricochet narrowly only able to get a two-count! A 180 from his minute-long loss to Brock Lesnar for the WWE World Championship back at Super ShowDown, Ricochet stalked for the Recoil - just to be dropped with a powerbomb. Having had enough, the champion mouthed off to the WWE Universe enraged, as he locked in the Hurt Lock. Ricochet tried to fight, hanging on until the very end: but the grip was just too much as he was forced to succumb to passing out!Team Lashley ExpandingCedric Alexander palmed his face as Bobby Lashley refused to relinquish the killer grip of the Hurt Lock. The WWE World Champion had been embarrassed by "the Future of Flight", but as MVP and Lana encouraged him to cause serious harm to poor Ricochet, Drew McIntyre made his arrival! Removing his shirt, the fierce Scotsman stormed the ring - looking to get a piece of his opponent at Hell in a Cell. Fighting off Shelton Benjamin, "the Scottish Terminator" clobbered Lashley with right hands before setting up the Claymore Kick. Counting down to 'Claymore Country', "the All Mighty" was doomed - until Cedric Alexander knocked him silly with a dropkick! To loud boos, "the Queen City's Favorite Son" glared a baffled Ricochet in the eye with intensity - when Alexander abruptly pummeled his partner in the corner! MVP laughed and applauded at ringside, as Ricochet was driven with a Lumbar Check! As this went on, Lashley gave directive to "the Gold Standard" to drop McIntyre with the Paydirt.
Team Lashley was increasing in numbers, as Shelton Benjamin and MVP welcomed Cedric Alexander to the group. The WWE World Champion knelt beside the unconscious "Scottish Terminator", before stalking him for the Spear. Bobby Lashley took off, but out of nowhere saw the Claymore Kick hit him hard! Sending the inbound "Gold Standard" over the top rope, Alexander narrowly evaded a haymaker as he leaped out to safety on the floor. McIntyre clutched his jaw, kneeling beside the betrayed and beaten "Future of Flight" in the ring. The soon-to-be SmackDown Superstars glared down Team Lashley, as Cedric, Shelton and MVP worked to keep Lashley's nose clean ahead of Hell in a Cell!UnfazedFollowing a recap of the shocking betrayal of Cedric Alexander, turning his back on Ricochet before the break, Drew McIntyre returned through the curtain and was pursued by Sarah Schreiber. Looking for the reaction of the challenger to the WWE World Championship in six nights, "the Scottish Terminator" spoke of Bobby Lashley's performance tonight proving exactly why he was not a deserving champion. This may well be his final night as a RAW Superstar, but there was a fat chance he was going to let this sour him ahead of Hell in a Cell. He would get revenge for the gold being taken from him, and this time there would be no three other men involved to prevent it. There was no Money in the Bank cash-in that could save "the All Mighty" - and whether it was Cedric Alexander, Shelton Benjamin, MVP or even Lana: the Scotsman was prepared for anything and anybody. This Sunday, Drew vowed to take the WWE World Championship with him to Friday Night SmackDown.
︾︾︾ 6) The Kabuki Warriors def. RAW Women's Champion Charlotte Flair and Shayna Baszler (8:15) The return of Kairi Sane spelled bad news for Shayna Baszler, who although she had denied it, had made all efforts to escape the wrath of "the Pirate Princess". Charlotte Flair ordered "the New Age Enforcer" to face her fears by starting out, when Kairi immediately went on the attack with a crossbody and a mat slam! Applying a rolling armbar, the MMA Fighter tried desperately to escape before going running to "the Trailblazer". Baszler's mystique had been thwarted by the driven Sane, as Asuka came in to go at it with the RAW Women's Champion. "The Diamond" took control initially, deflecting all strikes coming her way. Flair was able to block "the Empress of Tomorrow's" octopus stretch into an STO backbreaker, but Asuka would dodge a knee drop before taking the champ down with a Savate kick! Asuka executed a hiptoss into a soccer kick to the spine before Flair joined Baszler out on the floor. Queendom squabbled before looking to re-enter, just to get knocked back down by stereo hip attacks from the Kabuki Warriors!
"The New Age Enforcer" gutted out against her fears, clobbering Asuka with back elbows in the corner. Shayna Baszler took her for a ride with a gutwrench suplex before ground and pounding "the Empress of Tomorrow". Shayna made out she wanted a piece of Kairi sane, but proceeded in preventing the tag to be made - a kick to the ribcage setting up the Yokosuka Cutter to Asuka. Charlotte Flair came in to further insult the former champ, as a figure-4 headlock was applied. After moments trapped in the hold, Asuka broke loose and caught Charlotte with a sole butt and a spinning backfist! In came Kairi Sane, and though hesitant, Shayna went all in in combating her! Immediately struck with a takedown and an axe kick to the back, Baszler wrestled with Kairi only to succumb to the dragon screw. Flair tagged in, as Baszler kicked her off. The Anchor was applied - but Flair came in with the Queen's Boot! Looking for a powerbomb, Sane reversed into a prawn hold with the bridge - scoring the upset over the RAW Women's Champion!Warriors Forever"The Pirate Princess" had scored a landmark victory over Charlotte Flair, but Shayna Baszler immediately came from behind with a big boot to the back of the head! Asuka had been left laying at ringside, and "the New Age Enforcer" had grown a spine tough enough to lay a beating in the very woman she flocked from earlier tonight. The MMA Fighter continued to hammer away at the back of Kairi Sane's head, when the RAW Women's Champion joined in on the act. "The Trailbazer" had a newfound sense of faith in her Enforcer, as the two members of Queendom got Sane's hand pressed against the canvas. With the elbow bent, Baszler prepared to shatter the arm once again with the dreaded Elbow Stamp - but in the nick of time, Asuka returned with the stick in hand! "The Empress of Tomorrow" ran Queendom from the ring, as Kairi came back to her feet. With tonight marking the Kabuki Warriors' final night as a tag team, Sane celebrated alongside her confidante to the annoyance of Queendom.
︾︾︾ Straight to the TopRicochet recovered on the concrete floor in the hallway, as Charly Caruso came to his side to hear his reaction to the betrayal that happened moments ago. He responded saying just when he thought he knew someone, they revealed their true colors. "The Future of Flight" wasn't surprised - that had been the story of his career. He'd been trusting and backstabbed, but what he thought both he and Cedric Alexander shared was clearly of little substance. Sitting up, Ricochet admitted "the Queen City's Favorite Son" got him good tonight, but he would have no problem giving Cedric a taste of his own medicine. They may be going their separate ways: he may be going to SmackDown, while he would be staying here on Mondays - but this Sunday, he was calling his ass out. "The One and Only" wasn't fooling around anymore, and it didn't matter if he was Team Lashley or not - Ricochet was going in one direction: straight to the top.
An advertisement aired, promoting the Best of WWE on Peacock. From the classic hits to in the ring, to behind-the-scenes, these were OMG moments the WWE Universe just had to see. WWE content was streaming now on Peacock.
The Church mingled in their dressing room, as Theory and Murphy inaudibly conversed with Seth Rollins the outcome of the constant brawls with Los Lotharios. "The Visionary" appeared calm and composed as he sat on a steel chair, gearing up for the upcoming match with Andrade. Ahead of 'the Meeting of the Families', the leaders of "the Two Families" would meet in a first-time encounter - tonight.︾︾︾ MVP of Little FaithMVP, Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander celebrated the newest addition to Team Lashley, when into the room stormed the WWE World Champion. With his wife Lana smiling behind him, Bobby Lashley questioned what the hell was going on here. "The All Mighty" never cleared Cedric doing what he did - and when it came to "the Gold Standard" helping him out against Ricochet: he didn't need it! Lashley talked about him having "the One and Only" all taken care of, but "the Gold Standard" began to talk him down. Bobby didn't want to hear it, while his longtime colleague tried to make him. Finally Cedric stepped in to show the champ respect - but he would only come aboard if Lashley wanted him. Bobby took a backstep before speaking to "the Franchise Player" telling him they needed to talk. Confused, MVP told Lashley it sure looked like he needed help tonight! He told Bob he may be his friend, but he's far more than a servant. He's not just an advisor - he's a strategist, a publicist and a marketer.
"The All Mighty" fell hush as MVP listed his services, selling Bobby Lashley on the virtues of the addition of Cedric Alexander. Lashley took Shelton Benjamin on board, so what was the hold up when it came to "the Queen City's Favorite Son?" The WWE World Champion said the jury was out when it came to him, but questioned what kind of remark it was that MVP was taking charge of Team Lashley - something containing his very name! Lana was spotted loving every moment of this, as "the Franchise Player" was questioned if he thought he could take Drew McIntyre in a fight. Silence befell the room, prompting Lashley to sigh deeply and storm out. MVP was peeved, as Shelton and Cedric stood by awkwardly. Lana rubbed the disagreement in his face, uttering how Montel had really done it now! Team Lashley were having issues, with the titular member of the group being issued a vote of no confidence ahead of Hell in a Cell.
︾︾︾ HuntressThe Kabuki Warriors said their farewells in the backstage area when approached for comment by Sarah Schrieber. Loud as ever, Asuka and Kairi Sane rambled on and gossiped in their native tongues - the two hugging it out before providing comments. "The Empress of Tomorrow" expressed that on next week's Season Premiere of Monday Night RAW, she would be here - but her best friend would be going to SmackDown. Not only that, she was going there along with the entirety of Queendom. "The Pirate Princess" said in broken English that she was coming for Charlotte Flair's title, but before that she had unfinished business with "the New Age Enforcer". She would not stop until revenge was hers, as she pronounced herself "the Huntress" of "the Trailblazer's" group. It started this Sunday at Hell in a Cell, where she vowed to snap Shayna Baszler's arm like a twig!
Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T talked about Hell in a Cell this coming Sunday night, exclusive to the WWE Network. They ran down the announced line-up as graphics appeared on-screen - including the official confirmation that former partners, Cedric Alexander and Ricochet would collide. Plus, as just issued by Kairi Sane, "the Pirate Princess" would receive her big chance at the ultimate revenge when she went up against Shayna Baszler!
- 'The Final Chapter' - Hell in a Cell match - Randy Orton vs Edge
- WWE World Championship - Bobby Lashley (c) vs Drew McIntyre
- WWE Universal Championship - Roman Reigns (c) vs Braun Strowman
- 'The Meeting of the Families' - La Invasíon vs The Church
- Kairi Sane vs Shayna Baszler
- Ricochet vs Cedric Alexander
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The WWE ThunderDome braced themselves as the patriarch of La Invasíon made his way out to the stage. Andrade arrived alongside his business partner Zelina Vega, dropping to his knees and throwing his arms up to the heavens. "El Capo" made his way to the ring ahead of a first-time encounter with the leader of the Church. With 'the Meeting of the Families' between the Church and La Invasíon coming up this Sunday at Hell in a Cell, Andrade would meet Seth Rollins in the main event - up next!
An advertisement aired, promoting '30 Days of the Deadman' on the WWE Network. November marked thirty years of infamy for The Undertaker, going down as one of the greatest Superstars of all time. Now was the chance to see him like you'd never seen him before, with exclusive new shows including 'The Mortician - The Story of Paul Bearer'; 'Brothers of Destruction'; and 'Steve Austin's Broken Skull Sessions - Undertaker: Part II'. It all began on Sunday immediately following Hell in a Cell, with 'WWE Untold - The Phenom and Legend Killer'. Subscribe now on WWENetwork.com!
An advertisement aired, focused on the friendship turned bitter rivalry between Bayley and Sasha Banks. "The Boss 'n' Hug Connection" were one of the most inseparable teams to arrive in WWE, until one of their heads grew big enough to destroy everything, so long as she remained SmackDown Women's Champion. Now, "the Legit Boss" was gunning to take it all away and make "the One Over All" beg inside "the Devil's Playground". Hell in a Cell was live, this Sunday on the WWE Network, from 7E/4P.
A graphic aired, promoting RAW Talk - live tonight immediately following Monday Night RAW. Co-hosts Charly Caruso and Booker T would be joined by WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens, Keith Lee and Cedric Alexander. It all went down at 11:05/10:05C on the WWE Network.
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Andrade waited in the ring for the arrival of "the Visionary", as Zelina Vega stood patiently at ringside in his corner. Seth Rollins came trotting out to the stage in grandiose fashion, sporting black, white and red. All of a sudden, "El Capo" decided he had waited long enough - storming the rampway and colliding with the unsuspecting "Messiah!" The two traded blows with Seth trying to escape his wrath. With an eye poke, he was initially successful. Trying to escape through the barricade, Seth caught a breather when Andrade leaped the barricade with a springboard-esque crossbody! Hammering away at him among the LED boards, a snapmare sent Seth upside down, wiping out an entire section of the panels of WWE Universe members! Hurling Rollins over the barricade, finally the action made it to the ring. Months of tensions had led "the Two Families" to this point, ahead of Hell in a Cell!7) Seth Rollins def. Andrade (with Zelina Vega) (6:35) Seth Rollins backed up into the corner for the charging double knees courtesy of "El Capo". Exchanging words with the official allowed "the Messiah" to strike with an enzuigiri, but Andrade fired back with a flying forearm - hammering away with right hands! A tilt-a-whirl backbreaker brought him down, as Andrade consulted with Zelina Vega. "The Visionary" came back with the Sling Blade from the ropes before slapping the patriarch of La Invasíon around. Finally Andrade struck back, just to be cut off with a low kick! A superkick missed and Andrade hit him with a Buckle Bomb - connecting with El Idolo! The match was his, when Theory and Murphy hit ringside - just to be met with fists by Los Lotharios! "The Two Families" engaged in war, as referees spilled out to try and put out the flames. All the while, Andrade decided to fly too close to the sun - using Seth's own Stomp against him, and missing! The leader of the Church rolled him up with the tights to steal the win!AnarchySeth Rollins rolled out to the floor, cracking up with laughter at how he obtained victory in the first meeting between the heads of "the Two Families". "The Visionary" celebrated with fists raised high, when Andrade came shooting through the ropes with a dive! Zelina Vega watched from the safe position behind the barricade, as Andrade and Seth continued to fight - but Theory and Murphy quickly ganged up on behalf of their leader! "The Messiah" directed traffic as he talked trash in the face of "El Capo". He spat back at his nemesis, when Los Lotharios rejoined the fight! Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo protected the patriach of La Invasíon against the clutches of the Church; all the while officials and producers arrived to once again try and restore order. If anything was to go by, "the Meeting of the Families" at Hell in a Cell would be straight up anarchy!
RAW Talk #30 – October 19, 2020
Booker T and Charly Caruso recounted the gang warfare that had taken place between La Invasíon and the Church, when Kevin Owens arrived with R-Truth. Now "the Truth" was playing dressup as a cameraman, whilst the WWE United States Champion took amusement in fooling the Miz. KO made fun of "the A-Lister" bringing Truth to entertain with his oddball sense of humor. "The Prize Fighter" told Omos he wasn't scared and issued the challenge to an "unsanctioned fight" - next week he'd do what he did best.
Keith Lee joined the show to talk about his debut as a RAW Superstar. "The Limitless One" was charming and well-spoken as he explained what he wished to accomplish on Monday Night RAW: gold, dominance and - most importantly - glory. As his NXT career was detailed, including two reigns as NXT North American Champion, when it came to the WWE 24/7 Champion Samoa Joe, "the Goliath" knew "the Coquina Destroyer" was playing it nonchalant - but he knew he wanted a fight and was willing to earn it.
Cedric Alexander had a new attitude, gracing the set with Shelton Benjamin. The former partner of Ricochet called "the One and Only" dead weight who would accomplish nothing alone. "The Queen City's Favorite Son" proclaimed himself "the Queen City Chosen One" as he and Shelton talked what they would do with MVP in Team Lashley. Abruptly, Ricochet stormed the set with a steel chair! Running everybody away, the fired up "Future of Flight" stood on the desk demanding Alexander to get some!
- Unsanctioned Fight - WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens vs Omos
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Post by DTP. on Jan 21, 2024 14:36:49 GMT -5
NXT #426 – October 21, 2020
Capitol Wrestling Center in Orlando, Florida
"All Out Life" by Slipknot
ONE WEEK FROM HALLOWEEN HAVOC!
205 Live #202 – October 23, 20201) NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar def. Lince Dorado with the Phantom Driver. "The Golden Lynx" wanted revenge for Legado del Fantasma stealing Gran Metalik's mask over a week ago. The high-flying Dorado vied for a future title shot, but in "the Emperor's" return to "his" show, he managed to capitalize following a distraction from Kalisto, who sauntered to ringside. The two LdF members celebrated after the match, with "El Renegado" still in possession of "the King of the Ropes'" mask. (9:24)
Allysin Kay worked out at the gym after an impressive debut last week on NXT against Vanessa Borne. "The AK" was interrupted on the treadmill by Indi Hartwell, who snobbily insulted her tattoos and grotesque look. It drew the ire of the loner, who told the outspoken Aussie she planned to do to her what she did to "the Vision" in a match next week on 205 Live. Hartwell scoffed, looking down her nose at the newcomer. She predicted victory.
2) Aliyah and Tay Conti def. Ellie Hiles and Jessi Kamea with the Tayliyah Driver on Ellie. The newest tag team to arrive on the scene in NXT were in action, as "the Bombshells" appeared wearing matching gear. With respect between the two spanning from a match they had weeks ago, the two made short work of the upstarts Hiles and Kamea, performing a jumping double DDT to put the new combination of "Tayliyah" on the map. (3:03)
3) Mansoor def. Ashante (with B-Fab) in a Fight to a Finish with a Moonsault through the trash can. "The Adonis" had changed his entire look to try and finally get a win over "the Saudi Superman", though his new Hit Row association faced the test. A physical brawl seeing creative use of a trash can, a stop sign and even a kitchen sink saw Ashante take Mansoor down, with constant interruptions from B-Fab. Finally, B-Fab interfered and missed Mansoor with a stop sign shot - hitting her man and causing his defeat. (7:41)
A video package aired, recapping the events of last week's NXT. After a vengeful Karrion Kross took out the NXT Champion in savage fashion the week prior, the challenge for a rematch went accepted - though not by Finn Bálor. Instead, "the Tollman" would meet "The Demon" at Halloween Havoc. "Absolute" Ricky Starks had much to say denouncing an up and coming contender in Dexter Lumis - but when "the Tortured Artist" slithered in the ring behind him, he ran for the hills. Meanwhile, the inaugural Gauntlet Eliminator match saw six women vy for the opportunity to meet Io Shirai for the NXT Women's Championship at Halloween Havoc - and the one who came out on top was none other than Mercedes Martinez! What would happen tonight, with one week until "the Scariest Night of the Year?"
Going to Brass City
NXT was on the air from the Capitol Wrestling Center, and as the NXT Universe members rammed the chain-linked fences against the plexiglass walls at ringside - out came the next challenger for the NXT Women's Championship, as part of the Brand. Robert Stone led the way for Mercedes Martinez, as Deonna Purrazzo walked with them, her hand in a cast. The victor of the first ever Gauntlet Eliminator match stood imposingly in the ring, as "the Hipster" proclaimed it inevitable that only one gladiator would come out on top in last week's Number One Contender's match. It should have come as no surprise a woman as fearsome and bold as "the Disasterpiece" could do such a feat, disposing of five mortal women to make it to Halloween Havoc. The people booed as Mercedes was talked up for her strength, her power, and her technical ability as well. Now on a one-way course to "the Genius of the Sky" - victory would belong to her!
Robert Stone boldly predicted that there would be a new NXT Women's Champion crowned next week, and it would still come as no surprise when Io Shirai was left laying at the feet of "the Disasterpiece" of the Brand - Mercedes Martinez! Deonna Purrazzo took the microphone and lamented her injury, noting how the outcome would have been the exact same had it been her in the Gauntlet Eliminator match last week. Though as envious as she was, "the Virtuosa" knew Martinez would do the Brand proud. By entering the match in her condition, with a broken hand, she would be risking her prized and spotless record! Right now was Mercedes' time, and in seven days at Halloween Havoc there would be a new champion in NXT - one belonging to the Brand. Io Shirai had something to say about that, walking out to the stage with the NXT Women's Championship on her arm. Despite walking alone, "the Genius of the Sky" came waltzing right down to the ring and immediately stared down her opponent next week!
With the stipulation to be determined by Shotzi's Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal turn still to come, "the Genius of the Sky" gave up serious height as she looked up directly at Mercedes Martinez. The size advantage was in "the Disasterpiece's" court, and Robert Stone laughed at the very sight of it - but Io Shirai stomped on his foot! With a right hand rocking Deonna Purrazzo, the NXT Women's Champion was not letting her next challenger intimidate her, ducking and kicked the legs of the Latina. Suddenly "the Virtuosa" knocked Shirai senseless with a shot from her casted hand! "The Hipster" led traffic as the Brand representatives put the boots to the outnumbered "Joshi Judas". Ragdolling her, Martinez clamped in a hold known only as the Brass City Sleeper - stretching away and forcing Io to fall unconscious! Stone screamed in her ear in irritating fashion, when Mia Yim arrived to chase them away. Io was still out cold as Stone arrogantly raised Martinez's hand - one week ahead of Halloween Havoc.
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Standing at the Perch overlooking the Capitol Wrestling Center, Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett recapped the scene in the ring before transitioning to talk about what the Host of NXT Halloween Havoc would be spending tonight doing. Shotzi would Spin the Wheel and Make the Deal for the three big matches coming up next week - including the NXT Championship, NXT North American Championship and NXT Women's Championship matches. We would also see the NXT Tag Team Championships would be on the line when Imperium put the gold at stake against Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly in a Two out of Three Falls match; plus, in a first-time meeting Karrion Kross would battle Kushida.
In the backstage dressing room area, Kushida warmed up shadowboxing and practicing his kicks. "The Time Splitter" awaited a huge opportunity tonight when he took on Karrion Kross. His match with "the Tollman" was still to come, in tonight's main event. Let Fate DecideA vignette aired, promoting "the Scariest Night of the Year". The host appeared in a marble archway of an old, decrepit mansion in a vampire-esque gown; Shotzi counting down the days to her favorite night of the year. Beside the Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal roulette wheel, she voiced her enthusiasm for the NXT Championship match between "the Demon" Finn Bálor and Karrion Kross; the NXT North American Championship between "Absolute" Ricky Starks and Dexter Lumis; and the NXT Women's Championship match between Io Shirai and Mercedes Martinez. But what would would fate decide? Would the titles be decided in a Blindfold match, a Coal Miner's Glove match, a Buried Alive match, or even a Chamber of Horrors match? "The Ballsy Badass" cackled as she said she would be the judge. NXT Halloween Havoc was next Wednesday from 8E/7C - live on the USA Network.
A recap aired, showing what happened moments ago. The NXT Women's Champion showed no fear towards her challenger next week, but as Io Shirai got ready early against Mercedes Martinez, a shot from the cast of Deonna Purrazzo saw "the Disasterpiece" clamp on a deadly submission: the Brass City Sleeper. Finally Mia Yim came to her aid, though things did not look good ahead of Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal next week.
✕✕✕ 1) Bronson Reed def. Cameron Grimes (6:45) "The Battleship" was dominant in action against Killian Dain last week, but now had to put up with "the Carolina Caveman". Grimes ran his mouth and wound up hit hard, leading to a corner hip attack crushing him! Cameron began to use his cat-like agility to evade the Aussie's offense, until finally going caught with a Samoan drop! As a spinning chokeslam got a close fall, Reed missed a running senton and wound up the recipient of a roundhouse kick and a superkick! Foolishly he tried a powerbomb and got sent west, when Killian Dain plodded out to ringside. With the distraction afford, Grimes shocked everybody with forearm strike and a brainbuster - narrowly only getting a two count! "The Beast of Belfast" watched with disinterest, as Grimes attempted the Cave In just to be caught with a double powerbomb! Rolling him backwards into a big forearm smash, "Aus-Zilla" hit the ropes and knocked him out with the King Kong Lariat - before heading to the top and getting the win with the Tsunami!Still Not InterestedBronson Reed impressed with another win, as Cameron Grimes laid on the mat clutching his ribs. After being crushed by the Tsunami, "the Carolina Caveman" could only roll out to the floor as Reed took notice of Killian Dain at ringside. Inviting him in, "the Beast of Belfast" took "the Battleship" up on his offer. Staring down one another, the two big men refused to break eye contact when Reed finally left the ring. Dain turned and found himself given a browbeating by Cameron. Once again distraught at Killian's refusal to help him, the Southerner questioned what he had to do to get through to him. Dain showed no notice as Grimes continued to dress him down - when the Barn River Boot abruptly knocked him down hard! Dragging him by the wrist towards the corner, Grimes suffered another heavyweight crushing - the Vader Bomb leaving Cameron flat out cold!
✕✕✕ RenegadoFollowing a recap of last week, with Kalisto stealing the mask of Gran Metalik, a video promo aired showing Santos Escobar in a suit at a table. Holding the mask of "the King of the Ropes", he remained stoic. The NXT Cruiserweight Championship sat beside it on the desk, as Raúl Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde stood to attention. The LdF leader spoke about making a house call to "their" show this Friday night on 205 Live. Lince Dorado wanted some, but the champ was not going to take any prisoners. Lucha House Party were a laughing stock and Santos refused to allow them to trample "their" Cruiserweight Division. "Las Hyenas" agreed when in walked Kalisto. Also in a suit, with a black mask, "El Renegado" explained again why he joined their group - because he believed in Santos Escobar. He joined LdF because he said words to live by. Looking Wilde and Mendoza in the eyes, he told each of them they needed to get their act together if they wanted to stand alongside he and "the Emperor".
An advertisement aired, promoting Cricket Wireless - a proud sponsor of WWE. Rose, the tall green character synonymous with Cricket Wireless strutted around backstage wearing the robe of Charlotte Flair. Video calling her, she talked trash to "the Queen" as she bragged about what her coverage entailed. Finally she bumped into the WWE Superstar, prompting her to panic - though Flair admitted the character looked good in her robe. Smile, You're on Cricket.Only One RuleThe options of the roulette wheel were seen as it slowly spun. The commandeer was none other than the Host of NXT Halloween Havoc herself, as Shotzi toyfully reviewed the options. She wondered what would come of the fate befalling the NXT Superstars once "the Scariest Night of the Year" came around. Speaking candidly of her disdain for the Brand - particularly Robert Stone most of all - she said it was time to determine what would happen to Io Shirai and Mercedes Martinez, when they collided for the NXT Women's Championship. Seductively she asked the NXT Universe were ready, before the spin was made. Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal was back - and the camera focused on the outcome, as it landed on none other than "Weapons Wild". Cackling at the top of her lungs, "the Ballsy Badass" explained the rules - that two women entered, but only one could leave with the title. No disqualifications and no count-outs could contain them. There was only one rule: use as many weapons as possible!
- Halloween Havoc - NXT Women's Championship - Weapons Wild match - Io Shirai (c) vs Mercedes Martinez
✕✕✕ 2) Dexter Lumis def. Alex Sterling (4:36)
The eeriest figure walking "the Black and Gold Brand" today had lucked into a shot at the NXT North American Championship. With the stipulation yet to be revealed by Shotzi in Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal, the stage was set for Halloween Havoc next week. "The Spice" had much to prove, and held nothing back with unique offense early. While Dexter Lumis received a jumping knee strike, an enzuigiri and a Pelé kick, he simply kept getting back up and finally drove Alex Sterling into the mat with a sidewalk slam! Backstage Ricky Starks held his title near and dear to his heart, nervously watching the monitor. Lumis found himself the recipient of a hurricanrana, which allowed the Cruiserweight to vault the ropes with a springboard moonsault plancha! With a somersault axe kick as Dex re-entered, "the Torture Artist" refused to stay down as a diving corkscrew senton saw Lumis sit up. On the comeback with a Lou Thesz press, a bulldog got a near fall! Alex briefly elbowed free of a spinebuster, but the Silence trapped him - forcing him to go out like a light!
Dexter Lumis sat with the unconscious Alex Sterling in his lap, cradling him with eyes wide open. "The Tortured Artist" had a bright future ahead of him, if Halloween Havoc was to go to plan. The Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal decision was still to come, as "the Tortured Artist" finally slid from the ring leading by his gloved fists. Meanwhile, a mystified "Absolute" Ricky Starks was seen shaking his head in denial from the backstage monitor. The NXT North American Champion immediately took off, heard saying he was going to find William Regal! What would "Pretty Ricky" have to say to the NXT General Manager?
✕✕✕ GrampsMcKenzie Mitchell was at the interview area with Chris Bey. "The Ultimate Finesser" was asked about his differences with the Brian Kendrick, which saw the two exchange fists in a brief backstage fight last week. Bey chuckled and talked about the expertise of "the Innovator". He had done a lot of things to pave the way for the NXT Cruiserweight Division of today. Unfortunately for him, that didn't mean diddly to Chris, because he didn't care about what the history books had to show. What mattered was what Kendrick had done lately, and that wasn't a whole lot! Bey called Brian "Gramps" and disregarded his influence because he was nothing but a dinosaur from a bygone era! Suddenly the Brian Kendrick stomped into shot, telling Bey he'd show him what he did right here tonight! The two proceeded to get into another back and forth, with a shoving match resulting in officials intercepting a fight from breaking out! The two argued, with a challenge gone accepted for here tonight.
- Tonight - The Brian Kendrick vs Chris Bey
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Footage aired from last month on NXT, where Imperium captured the NXT Tag Team Championship in a Fatal 4-Way match against the likes of the Undisputed Era, Ever-Rise and Breezango. Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner walked away in victory, but it was all thanks to the involvement of Pat McAfee. Similar happened two weeks ago, where "the King of NXT" was responsible for costing Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly their big chance to become four-time champions. Finally, it was not enough to appease the Imperium members, tasked with cleansing the sacred mat - and they had issued the challenge for tonight. A graphic aired, promoting the two out of three falls match for the gold - coming up next.Making a SplashFootage aired of the performance of one of NXT's brightest up-and-comers in last week's Gauntlet Eliminator match. Kacy Catanzaro impressed many in "the Black and Gold Brand" with her perseverance, and in returning through the curtain in defeat, was met by a cameraman for her thoughts. Kacy was overwhelmed, talking about giving it her all and leaving it all in the ring. She fought until she could no longer - but one thing was for sure, she had had enough of Dakota Kai sticking her nose where it didn't belong. The former Ninja Warrior smilingly said she wanted a piece of "King Kota".
✕✕✕ Unsafe Working EnvironmentThe NXT General Manager spoke with officials in the backstage hall at the Capitol Wrestling Center, when into frame came the incredibly animated NXT North American Champion. William Regal was forced to listen to Ricky Starks complain about his upcoming title defense against Dexter Lumis. "Absolute" called him not only undeserving, but incapable of getting the job done. The match next week at Halloween Havoc was going to be one-sided as sin, and a complete waste of his talents! The GM murmured, proposing "Pretty Ricky" had a phobia! Starks denied that, but lectured the Brit on the sloppy shop he was running! He should sue "the Black and Gold Brand" for workplace safety violations, and demanded a proper background check done on the freak calling himself "the Tortured Artist". William tried to talk him down, but misled him to believe the match was off. If anything, it was too late to cancel!
When quizzed why by "the Star Attraction", William Regal pointed him in the direction of a television monitor on the wall above them. Ricky Starks was forced to watch in horror as Shotzi was pictured standing beside Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal! "The Ballsy Badass" declared it was crunch-time for the NXT North American Championship, and pondered what the match would be next week at Halloween Havoc. Spinning the roulette wheel, it would land on the Chain of Horrors match! The witchy host was astonished by the selection and ran down the rules: two mortals would be chained together by the wrist, and the only way to victory would be to touch all four corners of the ring. She wished the combatants luck, before howling - startling "Absolute!" Regal then made the champ jump even worse, bringing him to call William out for hosting an unsafe working environment. Making a quick getaway, Regal was left to chuckle - "Pretty Ricky" knew exactly what he was getting himself in for!
- Halloween Havoc - NXT North American Championship - Chain of Horrors match - Ricky Starks (c) vs Dexter Lumis
✕✕✕ 3) Imperium [2] (c) def. Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly [1] in a Two out of Three Falls match to retain the NXT Tag Team Championship (24:26)
On the eve of "the Ring General's defense of the NXT United Kingdom Championship against Ilja Dragunov, this was a huge week for Imperium. WALTER's men went into action against the Undisputed Era members, with Kyle O'Reilly quick and easily outworking Marcel Barthel. Fabian Aichner wisely blind tagged in as O'Reilly began to gain an opening, but as he came in with a standing powerslam off the ropes, Bobby Fish had also wisely tagged in unnoticed - a dragon screw taking him down! The Italian began the target of Fish and O'Reilly's attacks, as in their quest to become four-time NXT Tag Team Champions, a snap suplex from Fish and a jumping knee drop from O'Reilly saw the challengers come close to their first fall immediately! Able to bounce back briefly with a spinebuster, Aichner got physical with O'Reilly. Kyle elbowed out once propped on the top rope, but a gamengiri from Barthel allowed a superplex to take down the UE member - Imperium in control.
The leg of Kyle O'Reilly was the target of Imperium's onslaught, as during the break O'Reilly came close to tagging in Bobby Fish - just for him to get dragged from the apron! Marcel Barthel hyperextended the ankle across his knee, when Kyle began to fight back - just to be hit with an over-shoulder cutter! O'Reilly did stay in the fight, as Bobby Fish motioned for the tag. As Barthel came from the top rope, Kyle caught him in the jaw with a big boot, and an axe kick to the back of the head led to a rolling elbow! Inches from the tag, Fabian Aichner shot in with a deadlift German suplex! Increasingly cocky, the NXT Tag Team Champions attempted a rocket launcher brainbuster, but Kyle escaped and in came Fish! With hard kicks, he caught both members of Imperium with a dragon screw, before performing a slingshot somersault senton. With an exploder to Aichner, he set up the Flying Fish Hook - but Aichner dropped him with Hasta La Vista to get Imperium the first fall in 10:42. (1-0)
The challengers were at a disadvantage, as Bobby Fish found himself at the mercy of Marcel Barthel. A penalty kick rocked him, when Fabian Aichner arrived to deliver a stereo dropkick to the hung-up Fish. The Bolt Suplex from the German saw Kyle O'Reilly break the count, though the NXT Tag Team Champions continued. A double springboard moonsault allowed the Italian to remain in control, but a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker saw Fish land out and hit a Saito suplex! Kyle buzzed in again allcomers as the brawl commenced, growing physical with strikes. Blocking Landungsbrücken with a cross-armbreaker applied, Aichner came in with a suplex - just to get dropped by the Kyle Combination! A diving knee drop from the top rope only got the Undisputed Era a near fall, when Fish re-entered, saving his partner from the Imperium Bomb! The Fish Hook caught Aichner on the mat, while Kyle came back with a rebound lariat for Barthel. It set up Chasing the Dragon for Fish and O'Reilly to tie in 17:25. (1-1)
The NXT Tag Team Champions went back to the leg of Kyle O'Reilly, as Fabian Aichner stomped to the knee procured by Marcel Barthel. Kyle was hit with the Air Raid Crash; the German and the Italian continuing to do damage. An Aichner spinebuster into a penalty kick saw O'Reilly put through the ringer, but as Aichner teased a suplex, Kyle reversed into a brainbuster! Bobby Fish arrived to put pressure on Imperium with corner knees and a roundhouse kick, though outnumbered by the champs. That's when Fish planted Fabian with the falcon arrow! Chasing the Dragon to Aichner saw the fall broken, and Kyle tagged in to be stunned with a European uppercut. O'Reilly blocked the Imperium Bomb with the guillotine choke on Barthel! Ring awareness enabled Barthel to tag Aichner, unknowingly to Kyle, whose leg was stomped by the Italian. A variation of the Indian deathlock was locked in, and as Marcel defended against Fish, O'Reilly had no choice but to tap out for Imperium to win in 24:26. (2-1)
The mat was kept sacred by the hearty effort put up by Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly, who came out short-handed in a tag team masterclass! Imperium had to have done "the Ring General" proud with their performance, as Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel reunited at ringside. Celebrating with the NXT Tag Team Championships, Imperium's stoic demeanor was no longer - replaced by rejoice and desperation! Fish aided to O'Reilly, who clutched his leg in the ring. All the while, the NXT Universe on hand in the Capitol Wrestling Center could not help but give the Undisputed Era members a standing ovation for their efforts.
✕✕✕ The Dark PassengerFollowing the announcement of next week's Chain of Horrors match at Halloween Havoc, the NXT North American Champion had gathered his belongings and was hightailing it from the Capitol Wrestling Center! In the parking lot, Ricky Starks feverishly ran to make an escape in his car. Pursued by McKenzie Mitchell, "Absolute" was infuriated to be asked for his response. Again denying any fear for his title reign, this wasn't about the gold he loved the most: but his health, and most importantly his life! The broadcast journalist was told to scram, as "the Star Attraction" opened his car door and tossed the bags in. Walking around to hop into the driver's seat, little did he realize that Dexter Lumis was right there with him in the passenger's seat! The dark passenger grabbed the unsuspecting "Pretty Ricky's" shoulder prompting him to scream - before rushing to get out of there! As Starks ran out of sight, opting for the scenic route, "the Tortured Artist" glared longingly into the distance.
What Are Friends For?In comments recorded earlier today, Adam Cole and Roderick Strong sat back on the couch of the WWE Performance Center and talked about Pat McAfee. Roddy texted on his phone, while "the Panama City Playboy" could not believe that the Pro Bowler had given them so much trouble. Strong acted nonchalant, as the former NXT Champion mentioned Dijakovic and Pete Dunne coming in to defend his so-called legacy as "the King of NXT". Cole admitted he was unsure what to make of Pat stealing the win from him at NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven, when Roddy sat up and told him they needed to talk about something: it was about this self-doubt he was facing. There was no need for it! Everything Adam had touched since day one had turned to 'Undisputed Gold'. When the UE arrived in 2017, they immediately put the spotlight on them and it willed guys like him to take notice. Adam Cole was a former NXT Champion - the longest reigning in history, for that matter!
"The Master of the Backbreaker" questioned why Adam Cole was taking one loss to Pat McAfee, where he was screwed out of victory, so personally. It prompted "the Panama City Playboy" to think long and hard about it, when Roddy told him he needed to get it together! As his best friend, he had to realize that they needed to take care of things the Undisputed Era away. If "the King of NXT" wanted to have groundlings fight his battles for him - what was stopping them? They may be banned from the Capitol Wrestling Center tonight, but next week at Halloween Havoc - they had the right mind to call Dijakovic and Pete Dunne out for a match! Cole admitted he had let this hang over him, but Roddy was right. The downward spiral was done, as far as he was concerned. If McAfee wanted to hide behind "the Demolition Man" and "the Bruiserweight" he could - but the UE were going to knock at their door. That, was Undisputed.
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Tonight, NXT is presented by Cricket Wireless - when awesome calls, you answer. Smile, You're on Cricket!4) Rick Bugez (with Mansoor) def. Top Dolla (with Hit Row) (3:36)
Mansoor and Ashante were ready for battle in a Fight to a Finish this week on 205 Live, and had a confrontation which allowed Top Dolla to get the head-start on Rick Bugez. "The Bugezmeister" was here to prove his stunning debut as "the Saudi Superman's" partner was not just luck, as he fought out of the corner, evading a big splash and managing to perform a forearm smash into the one-handed bulldog! B-Fab tried to get involved, briefly allowing "Big Money" to come in with a two-handed chokeslam! The big man was aggressive in keeping Bugez grounded, but at ringside "the Adonis" put the boots to Bugez leading to Mansoor to attack! Dolla came firing off the steel steps with an agile cannonball, before getting Bugez on his shoulders - for a crucifix bomb to be the result! Rick came firing back with everything he had, somehow able to power Dolla from his feet with a powerslam for the three count!
Still fired up and full of energy, NXT's hottest newcomer came to his feet and roared, shaking the ropes wildly! Rick Bugez picked up the win after displaying exceptional strength over the 340-pound Top Dolla. Mansoor joined "the Bugezmeister" in the ring, as B-Fab shook her head. Ashante wiped a spec of blood from his lip and cursed "the Saudi Superman" - their Fight to a Finish coming up on 205 Live this Friday. Bugez energetically powered Mansoor up on his arms, squealing excitedly to the adulation of the NXT Universe.
✕✕✕ Anything to WinA video promo aired, returning us to 'the School of Pain'. Another week, another seminar from Timothy Thatcher, as he led the class in talking about winning matches with broken bones. He'd achieved the heights of glory with a lot of things: a fractured jaw, a broken thumb. He'd had his teeth knocked out, his nose broken - but none of that was any excuse for him to lose. The students listened eagerly and nervously, as "the Professor of Pain" explained while there was no shame in losing, there was shame in weakness. He encouraged his prospects to fight until there was absolutely nothing left they could do! Tingling in their arms or struggling to raise their arms - it was no excuse! This wasn't ballet, this was real life. So long as the job was done, that was all that mattered. The students were assembled in a line, and Thatch confronted each of them. Without blinking an inch, he pondered who didn't belong, because he didn't think a lot of them were ready for the rigors of this sport.
Coming across a hairy powerhouse, one Nick Ogarelli, Timothy Thatcher sized him out for a moment before thinking about moving on. Ogarelli was clearly nervous, and "the Professor of Pain" instantly picked up on it - brutally throttling him with a forearm smash! The other students could only watch as Tim talked trash and slapped Nick hard across the face, on his hands and knees. Finally Nick decided to tackle him into the corner - but Thatcher clamped in a front facelock and transitioned into the Fujiwara armbar! Ogarelli was left to scream in agony with a high squeal. The crazed grimace of the teacher looked each of the watching students in the eyes, before finally breaking the hold! As the teacher got back up, he shouted at each of them to get Ogarelli the help he needed - before telling him he was out of the School of Pain!
An advertisement aired, promoting all of the NXT merchandise available at WWEShop - "Find What Fits You".
Know Your PlaceFootage aired from last week after NXT went off the air, showing Dakota Kai meeting Raquel González as she came through the curtain. Following their defeats in the Gauntlet Eliminator match, "King Kota" was livid at the gall of the rat, Kacy Catanzaro. She believed Kacy didn't know her place, and she needed to pay the price. "Big Mami Cool", sceptical, told Dakota she couldn't make her pay the price even if she tried. It prompted Kota to warn her insurance policy to remember who the boss was. Raquel stood stoically with her arms folded as Kai explained she was going to beat the tar out of that girl, no questions asked. Pointing the finger, Dakota reminded her muscle not to forget her drycleaning. As Kai walked away, a fed up González sighed in annoyance.
✕✕✕ 5) Chris Bey def. The Brian Kendrick (6:31) In a fueled rematch from a few weeks ago, the Brian Kendrick ambushed "the Ultimate Finesser" during his entrance! The backstage fights during interview sessions had taken "the Innovator" over the edge, as a dragon suplex sent Chris Bey overhead for a near fall. Kendrick aggressively kicked at him in the corner before being admonished by the official - leading to Bey to come bounding back with the Chris Kick! An Argentine rack facebuster scored him a near fall, when a slingshot DDT saw Kendrick driven into the edge of the apron! Kendrick was able to turn things around with a calf kick, when more physical right hands stunned him. Bey missed a roundhouse spin kick, enabling Kendrick to drill him with a tornado DDT! Setting the stage for Captain's Hook, Bey fought out with his kicks - but the Triple C was blocked. The Kendrick was attempted, but Bey stayed on his feet: performing a Sliced Bread #2 of his own! A fast-paced exchange of reversals finally saw Captain's Hook reversed into a roll-up for the win!Over the Deep EndFor a second time, Chris Bey had picked up the victory against The Brian Kendrick! "The Ultimate Finesser" laughed in satisfaction, when from behind came "the Innovator" with a big boot. Aggressively putting the stomps to Bey, the NXT Universe booed once Captain's Hook went applied. Refusing to release the hold per the referee's attempts to intervene, finally Kendrick stood tall and left the ring. Shouting at members of the crowd, Kendrick had truly gone over the deep end - snapping at the disrespect shown from the Cruiserweights of today!
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Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett sat at the announce table and shifted gears to talk about next week. NXT Halloween Havoc was seven days away, next week live on the USA Network. Talking about some of the stipulations revealed by Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal, Shotzi had still yet to spin the roulette wheel and let the NXT Universe know what the NXT Championship match would entail. Graphics aired as they provided the rundown, with two new additions - a Texas Tornado match would see Adam Cole and Roderick Strong get their hands on Dijakovic and Pete Dunne; and Kacy Catanzaro would go one-on-one with Dakota Kai.
- NXT Championship - Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal: TBD - "The Demon" Finn Bálor (c) vs Karrion Kross
- NXT Women's Championship - Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal: Weapons Wild match - Io Shirai (c) vs Mercedes Martinez
- Texas Tornado match - Dijakovic and Pete Dunne vs Adam Cole and Roderick Strong
- NXT North American Championship - Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal: Chain of Horrors match - Ricky Starks (c) vs Dexter Lumis
- Dakota Kai vs Kacy Catanzaro
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"The Tollman" slammed his hands against a door in the backstage corridor, as Scarlett directed her man towards the arena. Karrion Kross gritted his teeth in a prepared rage, en route to the Capitol Wrestling Center. With his NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven rematch next week with the NXT Championship on the line, Kross would prepare for "the Demon" Finn Bálor by taking on Kushida - the main event coming up next.
A graphic aired, promoting 205 Live. The NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar would be checking into "his" show when he went one-on-one with the partner of Gran Metalik, Lince Dorado. It would take place this Friday night on the WWE Network, immediately following Friday Night SmackDown on FOX.
- 205 Live - NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar vs Lince Dorado
✕✕✕ 6) Karrion Kross (with Scarlett) def. Kushida (11:27) It was "the Time Splitter" who had requested this match, believing in his abilities enough so that he could combat "the Tollman". Only defeated once in his NXT tenure to date, Karrion Kross found it hard keeping up with him as Kushida broke free from a tilt-a-whirl and connected with an armdrag. A hurricanrana sent him for a spin, but the armbreaker from Kushida would see Kross deadlift him into a powerslam - to be reversed into a DDT! The former NXT Cruiserweight Champion laid in the strikes, as Scarlett watched on mystified. Kross bounced back with a corner clothesline, but a biel throw saw his opponent send him to the floor with another armdrag! With an Asai moonsault to the floor, Kushida threw caution to the wind as he nailed a running senton from the apron! "The Siren of Destruction" made eyes at Kushida, which allowed Kross to come out of nowhere with the spinebuster into the barricade!
A running powerslam paved the way for "the Tollman" to apply a grounded hammerlock on the former NXT Cruiserweight Champion. Referring to his prey as "the Demon" Finn Bálor, Karrion Kross was ready for Halloween Havoc. Kross readied the Doomsday Saito, but Kushida struck out with a clenched fist strike! A buzzsaw kick fed into a kick to the arm, and the armbreaker took him. Surpassing all expectations, Kushida hit a diving moonsault - though Kross kicked out! Looking to stamp his ticket to a future title opportunity of his own, Kushida went to the top just for Kross to cut him off. Looking for the Doomsday Saito from the top rope, instead Kushida executed a flying cross-armbreaker - from the top to the canvas! Kross rived in pain, but was able to make the ropes. In a star-making effort, Kushida closed in with a handspring elbow just to be caught with a deadly exploder suplex! The Doomsday Saito connected, but Kross struck with the Kross Hammer to put Kushida down for the definite three count.What Makes An AnimalKushida had Karrion Kross where he wanted him at one or two points, but despite his best efforts, "the Tollman" proved too much for the former NXT Cruiserweight Champion. Scarlett slowly marched into the ring from her man's corner, posing before him. "The Siren of Destruction" handed Kross a microphone to speak out at "the Demon" Finn Bálor. He recited that bodypaint and make-up did not make an animal rabid - what truly made a mad man was what came out from within. In seven days, the clock was ticking down on the reign of the NXT Champion. At NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven he beat him - now he could admit it. But with this rematch, Halloween Havoc would be the resting place of this façade. He declared he would be the next NXT Champion - though all of a sudden, Shotzi rose from a smoke-filled platform located behind the announce table! Kneeling beside Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal, the host of NXT Halloween Havoc met Kross's eyes with intrigue; whilst Scarlett scowled.
"The Ballsy Badass" asked the NXT Universe if they were ready to find out the fate of "the Demon" and "the Tollman". To a loud response, Shotzi declared it time to Spin the Wheel and Make the Deal! The crowd waited in awe as the roulette wheel span - landing on Tables, Ladders, Chairs and Scares! TLC was coming to the Capitol Wrestling Center, and there would be only one who would walk away with the NXT Championship hanging over the ring. The host cackled as the lights continued to flash throughout the CWC - when the smoke cleared to reveal The Demon Finn Bálor crawling into the ring behind him! Catching Kross and "the Siren of Destruction" by surprise, Finn fought Kross with forearms, before getting the better of him with a shotgun dropkick in the corner! Karrion wanted to carry on, only to be helped from the ring by his mistress. The Demon stalked him menacingly from the canvas in the ring, the NXT Championship laid out before him. "The Scariest Night of the Year" was one week away!
- Halloween Havoc - NXT Championship - Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal: Tables, Ladders, Chairs and Scares match - The Demon Finn Bálor (c) vs Karrion Kross
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Post by DTP. on Jan 24, 2024 17:16:09 GMT -5
NXT UK #116 – October 22, 2020
BT Sport Studios in London, England
"God of War" by WARGASM
The opening video package aired, bringing us to the BT Sport Studios for a much-anticipated edition of NXT UK! The faces of the WWE Universe lit up the big screens overlooking the arena in London, as Andy Shepherd and Nigel McGuinness stood in the distance with the ring in view behind them. They welcomed us to the show, on a night where after seven months in the making, Ilja Dragunov would finally receive his shot at the NXT United Kingdom Championship against WALTER!
1) Aoife Valkyrie def. Dani Luna (7:10)
She had dazzled NXT Universe members with her performances in the past, but with the return to the ring of "the Lady of the Opera", for the first time since "the Return" last week, she looked to take on the powerhouse from Croydon. While Aoife tried to chop the strongwoman down to size, her arm-trap Pelé kick would see no luck as a clothesline led to a stalling suplex! Luna showcased her power with a gutwrench suplex and a front fireman's carry into fallaway slam, when Valkyrie made her return with open-palm strikes! Using her striking abilities to bounce back, an armringer saw Luna launch her across the ring with a waistlock takedown. The Lariat took the Irishwoman down, but as Dani set up the powerbomb, she escaped, and dazed her opponent with an up kick and a spinning wheel kick! With a kneeling pumphandle driver, Aoife only got a two-count; though from the top rope, Peripeteia got her the win.
In impressive fashion, Aoife Valkyrie celebrated her victory against Dani Luna, making up for what she didn't have in size with her ability to persevere and fly to get the win. "The Lady of the Opera" turned her back for a mere moment, when in ran Jinny! Surely getting even with Luna for her part in "the Fashionista's" interference going thwarted two weeks ago, the right-hand woman of NXT UK Women's Champion Kay Lee Ray found himself grabbed by the hair by the Irishwoman! Valkyrie nailed her with an open-handed slap, sending her direction into a sitout powerbomb from Luna. The two opponents recognized one another, as Luna raised Aoife's hand in a sign of respect.
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Following a recap of how NXT UK went off the air last week, Andy Shepherd and Nigel McGuinness grew serious for a moment as they talked about Trent Seven's eye injury. Seven days on, "the Guvna" was still unable to see out of his right eye, as a result of the heinous attack from the NXT UK Tag Team Champions Gallus. It came with the smashing of a glass bottle to the face after Seven and Tyler Bate had won a Four Corner Elimination tag team match to be named number one contenders. Following on from Wolfgang and the Coffey Brothers' part played, NXT UK General Manager Johnny Saint was said to have given the champs a severe warning. With Moustache Mountain's future title prospects in jeopardy, "the Gallus Boys" would return next week to issue a personal apology.
- Next week - NXT UK Tag Team Champions Gallus issue a personal apology
An advertisement aired, focused around the rivalry between Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman. Since his shocking return, he had been a polarizing figure on the SmackDown Brand. Hell-bent on wrecking everyone in his path, with Paul Heyman on his side, "the Head of the Table" awaited his toughest test to date as WWE Universal Champion. With a history of violence and brutality, their roles were now reversed when "the Colossus" got his shot. Hell in a Cell was live, this Sunday on the WWE Network, from 7E/4P.
A video package aired, promoting the main event. It had been seven months since Ilja Dragunov had won the 20-man Battle Royal, outlasting nineteen NXT UK Superstars to be named number one contender. In an abridged version of the 'Prime Target' which aired last week on NXT UK, "the Mad Man from Moscow" discussed his previous battles with the NXT United Kingdom Champion. WALTER remained dismissive that Ilja would be the one to end his 566-day reign as the champ. "The Ring General" held no respect for "the Czar" despite their dozens of heated affairs in previous years. Both men refused to lose - but only one could leave with the biggest prize this side of the water. WALTER vs Dragunov was still to come.
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A graphic aired, promoting a special start time for NXT UK next week - next Thursday from 4PM EST/8PM GMT.
Pretty Sick
Pretty Deadly strutted to the ring, interrupting the announcers with an unscheduled appearance. Miffed after coming up short in last week's Four Corner Elimination Number One Contender's match, Sam Stoker and Lewis Howley got on the microphone in their priceless outfits, to talk about what happened. It was insane to think that the next in line for an NXT UK Tag Team Championship shot was a man child and a blind man in Moustache Mountain. If anybody deserved a shot, it was the two most gorgeous and glorious individuals to ever grace the screen. Sam said when it came to who deserved the chance to meet Gallus, it was without question it should be the two of them! Not only were they the ones who masterminded a partnership with Grizzled Young Veterans, but they were far better, more successful and devilishly handsome than Aussie Attack combined! Howley considered themselves the uncrowned champs, before he and Stoker complimented one another on their clothes.
Mercifully, Aussie Attack interrupted "the Pretty Boys". Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink were having none of what Sam Stoker or Lewis Howley were selling. When it came to who the better tag team was, on either side of the pond, it had to be "the Down Under Darlings!" Taking issue with everything Pretty Deadly had to say, not only did they not deserve an NXT UK Tag Team Championship shot after last week's blunder - they weren't even close to being the most handsome tandem in NXT UK! Howley recalled their poor track record overseas, and noted how when it came to the Four Corner Elimination match last week it was they who made sure "the Darlings" didn't get a shot at "the Gallus Boys". Thorne noted it was true they were eliminated thanks to the two of them - but lucky for them, they both knew there was no use crying over Spilt Milk. Thorne and Vink hit the ring, but Stoker and Howley fled instantly. The four men argued from afar, with the Aussies challenging the Brits to come back and fight!
☗☗☗
Following discussion from Andy Shepherd and Nigel McGuinness, footage aired from two weeks ago on NXT UK. Things continued to escalate between A-Kid and Noam Dar, as the two got into a pull-apart brawl after "El Niño Anónimo" scored a big upset over "the Scottish Supernova".
El Niño Dafty
Earlier this week, Andy Shepherd sat down in the lounge of BT Sport Studios to speak with Noam Dar about his situation with A-Kid. "The Supernova" first could not help but make fun of the commentator's style of dress or his haircut, finally addressing the root of his problem with "El Niño Dafty". He didn't think a twerp like A-Kid should be swimming with the sharks in NXT UK. Noam talked being part of the WWE before NXT UK was even thought of. He was a Cruiserweight Classic standout while "El Niño Anónimo" was in college. Dar responded to Andy about how he wanted things to end, Noam believed "the Spanish Flyer" had to know better than to mess with the titans of NXT UK, like himself. Everybody was here to try make a name for themselves - but Noam Dar didn't have to. He screamed "Superstar", and next week he was going to beat that scrawny little wee-un in a Falls Count Anywhere match.
A graphic aired, promoting the return of NXT Superstar Jake Atlas. Footage aired of his previous win against Kenny Williams, and next week "the Game Changer" would once again land in action on NXT UK.
- Next week - Jake Atlas in action
2) Ashton Smith and Oliver Carter def. Callum Newman and JJ Gale (3:44)
As Ashton Smith and Oliver Carter made their entrance, an insert promo reviewed comments from the two from earlier today, speaking about their time spent in the WWE UK Performance Center. They said they had been down and out before, but were ready to get back on the saddle.
Back in the fold after spending several weeks working out the kinks in their work as a tag team, Ashton Smith and Oliver Carter took the fight to JJ Gale. Callum Newman initially impressed with a series of armdrags to Carter, when a springboard back elbow slowed him down. The two worked to keep Newman from his partner, when Gale cut off Smith with a death valley driver! Gale and Newman then took over, isolating Ashton from Oliver - but Carter eventually made the tag and fired through both opponents. Smith took out Gale with the Cool Runnings, paving the way for Smith to pop Newman on his shoulders for a Doomsday Springboard Cutter!
The innovative teamwork of Ashton Smith and Oliver Carter had put the pair back in their winning ways. JJ Gale and Callum Newman counted their losses as they recovered at ringside, while Carter and Smith hoped to regain all lost momentum.
☗☗☗
Big Scrap
Francesca Brown stood by backstage with Ridge Holland, who tipped his cap to her and asked how she was. The Yorkshireman addressed last week, how he had Dave Mastiff beaten where he was in 'the Battle of the Blokes' - only to be screwed out of it by the petulant Mark Andrews. "Big Ridge" admitted to letting his emotions get the better of him, but he believed it was with rational cause. Ridge could beat "the Lancaster Bomber", and if that petulant, acting-out teenager had anything to say, he'd give "the Pop-Punk Prodigy" a good hiding as well. Suddenly, Dave Mastiff emerged on the scene, with two officials working to keep him back! It was last week all over again, as Brown flocked the scene - Dave and Ridge trying to go at it!
☗☗☗
Andy Shepherd and Nigel McGuinness discussed the upcoming main event, before diverting the conversation to next week. Graphics aired on-screen as they ran down the line-up for the show with a special start time of 4PM EST/8PM GMT. The challenge had been accepted, and A-Kid would face Noam Dar in a Falls Count Anywhere match to settle the score; NXT UK Women's Champion Kay Lee Ray would give Xia Brookside the biggest opportunity of her young career - daring her to last five minutes against her; NXT UK Tag Team Champions Gallus would issue a public apology to the blinded Trent Seven; and Jake Atlas would be in action!
- Falls Count Anywhere match - A-Kid vs Noam Dar
- NXT UK Tag Team Champions Gallus issue a public apology
- 5-Minute Challenge - NXT UK Women's Champion Kay Lee Ray vs Xia Brookside
- Jake Atlas in action
A graphic aired, promoting the main event. It was seven months in the making, but the wait was nearly over. WALTER would defend the NXT United Kingdom Championship in the extension of a rivalry that had lasted years - taking on the top contender, Ilja Dragunov. WALTER vs Dragunov was up next!
An advertisement aired, promoting 'the Final Chapter' in the rivalry between Edge and Randy Orton. They had fought relentlessly all year long, ever since "the Rated R Superstar" made his return at the Royal Rumble. After nine years of being banned from in-ring activity, and sitting in retirement, "the Viper" was driven to bring his career to a definite end. Edge had too, and now would have his shot at taking down "the Apex Predator" before he had the chance. Edge vs Orton: 'The Final Chapter' inside Hell in a Cell - live on the WWE Network, one week from Sunday from 7E/4P.
A graphic aired, revealing 'Breaking News' that went live on social media during the break. After the comments from Ridge Holland, and the subsequent face-off with Dave Mastiff, NXT UK General Manager Johnny Saint had okayed the idea, and in two weeks on NXT UK we would see a Triple Threat match pitting "Big Ridge", "the Lancaster Bomber" and Mark Andrews against each other.
- NXT UK - November 5, 2020 - Triple Threat match - Dave Mastiff vs Mark Andrews vs Ridge Holland
☗☗☗
3) WALTER (c) def. Ilja Dragunov by stoppage to retain the NXT United Kingdom Championship (22:14)
The fight of the year for NXT UK began in dramatic fashion, once Ilja Dragunov charged across the ring looking for the Torpedo Moscow - only to be caught with a sleeper suplex! "The Ring General" clobbered Dragunov time and time against with brutal chops from his bear-like mits, though "the Czar" refused to back down. Eventually Dragunov rebounded with a spinning backfist that rocked the NXT United Kingdom Champion, but a wrist-clutch chop saw Dragunov's neck cruelly whiplash against the ropes! As "the Mad Man From Moscow" rolled out to the floor for safety, the champ joined him and continued with chops. Ilja screamed at him to give him more, when a sharp forearm strike wiped him out! The apron powerbomb drove the challenger spine-first across the hardest part of the ring, when a European uppercut saw him sent back inside. A senton crushed Ilja, when he came out of nowhere with a German suplex! The Russian had fight, but a big Lariat from the Austrian turned him inside out!
"The Ring General" maintained a Boston crab on the challenger, soon transitioning into an STF. WALTER was punishing Ilja Dragunov, grounding him with all of his body weight. Eventually "the Mad Man from Moscow" powered through, making the ropes and responding to more chops! His chest red with handprints and broken blood vessels, WALTER cut him off with a big boot sending him into the corner - but a European uppercut dazed the NXT United Kingdom Champion: setting up a Gotch-style suplex! The heart of the Russian saw him execute a grounding elbow smash, but the champ somehow kicked out. The NXT Universe knew exactly how physical this was going to be going in, but the teardrop suplex saw elbows club the back. A Uranage drove "the Czar" into the canvas, but the moment WALTER sent him into the ropes, Ilja came back with a Konstantin Special that narrowly got a two-count! From the corner, Torpedo Moscow was attempted again - but WALTER slapped him out of the air!
The NXT United Kingdom Champion punished "the Czar" with a dragon sleeper, though the challenger made the ropes. WALTER readied for another Lariat, but an enzuigiri rocked him! A teardrop suplex took "the Ring General" down and a missile dropkick followed - the Torpedo Moscow making impact with the back of the champion's skull! Unable to capitalize due to his injuries, "the Mad Man From Moscow" stirred as he spotted his rival's movement. A second Torpedo Moscow knocked him down - but Dragunov had also knocked himself out cold! WALTER capitalized, picking the Russian up for a Powerbomb. The big splash from the top rope barely achieved a near fall, much to the shock of the champ! It was time to get more ugly as WALTER grounded and pounded away at Ilja from the mount. Finally pulling him up with a rear naked choke with the bodyscissors, Dragunov laid but refused to give in! Gasping for air; spluttering blood from his mouth - finally the referee had no choice but to stop the war!
WALTER relinquished the rear naked choke after an incredible war against "the Czar". The NXT United Kingdom Champion, typically stoic and towering, could not take his eyes off the fight that Ilja Dragunov had displayed. With an admitted look of horror on his face, "the Ring General" was issued his prize and raised the title high. An instant classic of a gruesome fight had seen the referee order the stoppage, as "the Mad Man From Moscow" continued to cough up blood on the mat. Refusing assistance from the official, Dragunov's gurgles saw him use whatever strength he had left to pick himself back up. On his feet, Dragunov received a standing ovation. On this Autumn night, he was unsuccessful - but Ilja Dragunov would be back to fight another day.
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Post by DTP. on Jan 28, 2024 16:41:59 GMT -5
Friday Night SmackDown #1105 - October 23, 2020
WWE ThunderDome at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida
"Are You Ready" by AC/DC
HELL IN A CELL: THIS SUNDAY!
Main Event #422 – October 29, 2020
1) Elias and John Morrison def. Duke Nese and Sir Gable after the Starship Pain from Morrison to Nese. Following last week's mishap on 'the King's Court' involving Jerry "the King" Lawler, King Corbin called his cohorts to deal with "the Drifter" and "the Guru of Greatness". While Elias had his shoulder worked over by "the Monarchs", the Royal Family ran into trouble once JoMo dazzled with his athleticism. It broke down into a four-man melee, culminating with Drift Away feeding into Morrison taking the win. (5:34)
The WWE ThunderDome rumbled, as the clear skies visualized throughout the arena turned to stormclouds. Lightning flickered, before Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed us to Friday Night SmackDown! Presented by Progressive, they discussed Hell in a Cell being two nights away - sure to be one of the most intense nights of the year.1) Johnny Gargano (c) def. Sheamus to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship (13:05) "Johnny Wrestling" was all about proving he was the new "Working Man's Champion", immediately getting things off to a physical start, for the part played in last week's title defense against Sami Zayn. Sheamus used his size, but Johnny Gargano struck with leg kicks until running into a backbreaker from the challenger! Pummeling the WWE Intercontinental Champion, Sheamus used one arm to powerbomb Johnny Gargano over his shoulder - only for it to be reversed into a hurricanrana! A basement forearm strike sent him to the floor, when a baseball slide stunned the Irishman! Gargano continued to fire as Sheamus re-entered, but after sidestepping a slingshot shoulder tackle, the champion came through with a rope-hung neckbreaker! Gargano continued to work to put the head of Fight Night to the test, when a spear saw Sheamus get a knee up. Capitalizing with the Irish Curse backbreaker, the redhead used three simultaneously, before dumping him to the floor.
Tied in a tree of woe, the WWE Intercontinental Champion received the Beats of Bodhran from "the Celtic Warrior". Sheamus impacted him with a running knee strike. He toyed with Johnny Gargano, who tried to fight back. A step-up enzuigiri knocked him through a loop, but a rolling fireman's carry allowed the Irishman to capitalize! The Cloverleaf was applied, with the head of Fight Night hopeful of adding the IC gold to his growing list of accolades. Able to make the ropes, "Johnny Wrestling" refused to quit! Out on the apron, Gargano attempted One Final Beat, but Sheamus caught him with another Irish Curse backbreaker. Beating his own chest, the challenger readied for the Brogue Kick, but Gargano struck with the superkick! As the Lawn Dart impressively powered the redhead into the corner, the Slingshot Spear was executed - but Sami Zayn hit the ring to interfere! Ducking a clothesline, Johnny dropped him with a superkick, when Sheamus missed the Brogue Kick allowing the champ to roll him up to retain the title!
"The Great Liberator" shrugged off the attempted sabotage of Johnny Gargano, who celebrated his victory in the ring. Sheamus was devastated by defeat, but pointed the finger at the innocuous Sami Zayn at ringside! "The Celtic Warrior" rolled out of the ring and had words with the retreating originator of the Artist Collective, who tried to keep his distance. The WWE Intercontinental Champion continued to reign supreme with the gold still in his possession. Challenging both of them to come back for seconds, "Johnny Wrestling" had all eyes on him.
▆▆▆
Following discussion from Michael Cole and Corey Graves, a video package aired commemorating the scene for the New Day's Send Off in tonight's main event. For the better part of six years, a brotherhood had been formed that had brought Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods to be as close as family. From humble and unpopular beginnings in 2014, the trio became known for 'the Power of Positivity' and were celebrated as seven-time WWE Tag Team Champions. They had captured the hearts of the WWE Universe well enough to even be celebrated with their own brand of cereal - Booty-Os. While they would live on with Kofi and Xavier remaining on Friday Night SmackDown, Big E was about to embark on a voyage of his own on Monday Night RAW. The journey was only beginning for the New Day, heading down the yellow brick road of Superstardom. A graphic aired, promoting the main event, where the New Day would take on Sami Zayn, Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura of the Artist Collective.
- Tonight - The New Day's Send Off - The New Day vs The Artist Collective
Meanwhile, the SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley led the Southern Belles to the ring in the Amway Center. Walking the corridor, "the One Over All" appeared nervous ahead of the Hell in a Cell match against her best friend this Sunday night. Bayley would team with Mickie James and Lacey Evans to battle Team B.A.D. - Sasha Banks, Naomi and Tamina - next.
An advertisement aired, promoting '30 Days of the Deadman' on the WWE Network. November marked thirty years of infamy for The Undertaker, going down as one of the greatest Superstars of all time. Now was the chance to see him like you'd never seen him before, with exclusive new shows including 'The Mortician - The Story of Paul Bearer'; 'Brothers of Destruction'; and 'Steve Austin's Broken Skull Sessions - Undertaker: Part II'. It all began on Sunday immediately following Hell in a Cell, with 'WWE Untold - The Phenom and Legend Killer'. Subscribe now on WWENetwork.com!
An advertisement aired, promoting 'the Final Chapter' in the rivalry between Edge and Randy Orton. They had fought relentlessly all year long, ever since "the Rated R Superstar" made his return at the Royal Rumble. After nine years of being banned from in-ring activity, and sitting in retirement, "the Viper" was driven to bring his career to a definite end. Edge had too, and now would have his shot at taking down "the Apex Predator" before he had the chance. Edge vs Orton: 'The Final Chapter' inside Hell in a Cell - live on the WWE Network, this Sunday from 7E/4P.
Thick and ThinJey Uso was spotted arriving at the Amway Center, but froze immediately upon seeing Roman Reigns standing across from him down the corridor! The WWE Universal Champion was alone with a huge smile on his face, pleased to see his cousin. Uso nearly turned around and left, but "the Head of the Table" approached him. There was no Paul Heyman, he reasoned; it was just cousin to cousin. Jey thought better of meeting him without pointing out what happened last week. As he got his ass whooped by Braun Strowman and Jeff Hardy, all his cuz did was watch! Jey questioned how that made Roman the big bad brute he was now - to run and hide, and let his flesh and blood suffer. Reigns understood the hostility, but it wasn't like that. The champ knew he messed up, but wanted Uce to know that didn't change anything. He cared about him all the same, and in fairness, he'd taken a lot worse than a beating from the two of them!
As Jey Uso sighed, "the Head of the Table" told him that even if he wanted to help, he'd have been outnumbered! Roman Reigns asked Jey how he could have helped when he too was getting his ass kicked. Uso remembered Roman to be different to the man he looked in front of him. He remarked about chatting to his brother Jimmy the other day, and how he thought Roman had been bad news since he came back. Jimmy couldn't understand why he was going through with this for him! Reigns eased him in, patting him on the shoulder and telling him the Bloodline stuck together - through thick and thin. If Jey didn't want to be a part of it anymore, then he was sorry. All he could do was leave him alone. The champ began to walk off, when the guilt of Jey took over. He apologized to the WWE Universal Champion, and brought him in for a handshake. Roman vowed to treat his blood with a little more respect, bringing the two to hug it out. As Roman left, a contemplative Jey watched.
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A graphic aired, revealing the official theme song for Hell in a Cell 2020 - "Welcome to My Hell" by Holy Wars, available now to Listen on Apple Music & Spotify.
A graphic aired, promoting Hell in a Cell being presented by Skittles - Wear the Rainbow, Taste the Rainbow.
2) SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley and the Southern Belles def. Team B.A.D. by disqualification (8:49)
"The Devil's Playground" waited for "the Boss 'n' Hug Connection" this Sunday, but tonight saw Bayley and Sasha Banks in action. Sasha Banks chased the SmackDown Women's Champion from the ring, when Mickie James and Lacey Evans targeted her. Equalized by a hurricanrana from Naomi, "the Legit Boss" took the fight to Mickie in the early goings. Blocking an arm-trap neckbreaker into a DDT, Sasha evaded "the First Lady's" clothesline, allowing Tamina to come in with a big boot! "The Glow" and "the Bouncer" executed a double hip attack against Lacey, when Mickie tagged in. Naomi continued to impress with a crossbody and a split legdrop, but she was unknowing of a blind tag made to the champ - Bayley blasting her from behind with a sliding clothesline! "The Islander" was knocked from the apron by "the Country Gal", as Bayley joined the Southern Belles in cornering Naomi. She tried to fight back, attempting Bootylicious in the corner on Mickie when Bayley blocked it with a back suplex!
The SmackDown Women's Champion taunted her ex-best friend, performing the Bank Statement on Naomi! "The Legit Boss" was infuriated, but Naomi escaped, connecting with a full nelson bomb! Lacey Evans prevented the tag with a swinging neckbreaker into a rolling splash, before choking at Naomi. She went for the slingshot elbow drop, just for Naomi to get a boot in her face! Tamina became legal, with a Samoan drop from Mickie James! Bayley tried to jump in, but "the Islander" fell into Sasha Banks for the tag! "The Legit Boss" grabbed Bayley before she could escape, nailing "the One Over All" with a diving Meteora from the second rope. Bayley was on the defensive with an exploder suplex connecting, but Naomi came in with the Rear View! Lacey nailed her with the Woman's Right, when Tamina executed a swinging side slam. "The Country Gal" struck with the Mick Kick, but Sasha took her down with the Bank Statement! Mickie was on the verge of tapping - when Bayley nailed her with a steel chair to the spine!Head StartThe WWE Universe deflated as Bayley struck two more times with brutal shots from the steel chair! The SmackDown Women's Champion had realized she was near the end of the line, with the Hell in a Cell match pending in forty-eight hours. Looking for the advantage going into Sunday, "the One Over All" coldly tossed Sasha Banks to the floor, when Naomi and Tamina tried to make the save. Team B.A.D. wound up beaten down by the Southern Belles, Mickie James and Lacey Evans putting the boots to "the Glow" and "the Bouncer". At ringside, the champ sent "the Legit Boss" into the steel steps, screaming in her ear all the while! Bayley claimed they could have had the world, together as "the Boss 'n' Hug Connection" - instead, Sasha's greed ruined everything. Setting up the Deliverance on the steel steps, finally Naomi and Tamina chased Bayley away. Sasha slowly came to on the steps, declaring that Bayley was dead meat come Sunday.
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Artist or a FighterSheamus was spotted storming towards a defensive Sami Zayn in the hallway backstage. "The Great Liberator" professed his innocence, but "the Celtic Warrior" was raging after believing Sami cost him the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura arrived to try and come between the two, as the Irishman called Zayn a pathetic little man. Sami responded by provoking him, going as far as to offer him a spot in "his" Artist Collective! Sheamus was angry at the name and maintained they were Fight Night, and Sami was out on his arse. "The Swiss Cyborg" and "the Artist" continued to restrain the two, as Sami continually aggravated the temper of the furious redhead - mocking him for the loss to Johnny Gargano!
Meanwhile, Braun Strowman towered the halls as he stomped towards the arena. Forty-eight hours away from his WWE Universal Championship match with Roman Reigns, "the Colossus" would be live in the WWE ThunderDome for an in-ring interview with Michael Cole - coming up next.
A graphic aired promoting next week's Season Premiere edition of Friday Night SmackDown, live on FOX from 8E/7C! It would be new beginnings for a host of WWE Superstars from RAW and NXT, as the 2020 WWE Draft would officially take effect. A follow-up graphic aired, revealing the acquisitions made by the SmackDown Brand from not only RAW, but NXT.
| SmackDown Acquisitions [Effective from October 30, 2020]
| From RAW | From NXT
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- Drew McIntyre
- Charlotte Flair
- AJ Styles
- Shayna Baszler
- Aleister Black
- Kairi Sane
- Candice LeRae
- Montez Ford
- Chelsea Green
- Ivar
- Oney Lorcan
- Erik
- Angelo Dawkins
- Danny Burch
- Riddick Moss
| - Damian Priest
- Toni Storm
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▆▆▆ Monsters Have Dreams, TooMichael Cole stood in the ring to talk about Hell in a Cell in two nights, seeing the WWE Universal Championship on the line. He welcomed out his guest, Braun Strowman, who came stomping down to the ring to a positive reception. "The Colossus" marched into the ring, where he first told Michael how glad he was that he had this time to talk. Many people had come to know him as a mountain of a man hell bent on causing carnage and inflicting as much damage as humanly possible. He'd lifted cars, ambulances - you name it - he's done it! Despite what it appeared, he was a human with dreams - and those dreams included the desire to become champion. He talked grew up bigger and uglier than everybody else around him, and while people marveled at his size, they also ran in fear. They all made fun of him because he was the giant freak in their class, who had no friends. Well, he had a lot of friends now. "The Monster Among Men" had embraced who he was deep down, and on Sunday when he captured the big one, he'd look out to all of the runts who doubted him and say "look at me now!"
"The Colossus" soaked in the cheers of the WWE Universe, when Michael Cole discussed his checkered past with Roman Reigns - the man he once brutalized over and over, just to have him come back and overcome him. Braun Strowman thought he knew all about "the Big Dog", but not anymore. Much like a lot of others, he had watched Roman change with every passing week since returning at SummerSlam. While in a past life, Roman was almost the toughest, most unstoppable man he had ever had the displeasure of fighting; he had to question who he was now. Did he still have what it took to go chest-to-face with "the Monster Among Men?" Last week said otherwise. Strowman talked seeing the fear in "the Head of the Table's" eyes last week, when he took the fight to him, and beat the living tar out of his cousin Jey Uso. Echoing the very line he said three years ago, "the Monster Among Men" said he wasn't finished with Roman Reigns - and this Sunday would become the new WWE Universal Champion!
The WWE Universal Champion did not like what he was hearing, and came walking out to the stage. Paul Heyman led the way for Roman Reigns, as both joined Braun Strowman and Michael Cole in the ring. "The Head of the Table" was amused, asking if standing across the ring from him looked like fear. He quizzed his "Special Council" the same, to which Heyman responded it didn't. Roman told Paul to lay down some lines for "the Colossus", and at will, graced the microphone. Astonished at the size of Strowman, he admitted never seeing him look quite as big or as imposing as he did right now. Before him was a man clearly primed and ready for ascent to the top of the WWE - but it would have to wait until the night after Hell in a Cell to happen! Paul alluded to the 2020 WWE Draft taking shape the second Sunday night ticked over to Monday morning, and acknowledged that Braun had been drafted to RAW.
He might plan for the WWE Universal Championship to take a trip with him to Monday nights, but Roman Reigns had other plans for him! The truth was, and this rang true as much as it did three years ago, as it will today: "the Monster Among Men" was not on the same level as Roman Reigns! The champion smiled as Braun Strowman asked Paul Heyman when he was going to let "the Big Dog" speak up for himself. Taken aback, Roman scoffed and told Braun he'd tell him exactly what Paul just did. But, he was willing to give him one better. Braun was not nearly the shot-caller he was! He didn't have the pull or backing to make things happen. Roman, on the other hand was a megastar. He'd headlined WrestleMania year-in and year-out; won Royal Rumble matches; and even ended the Undertaker! Reigns wasn't sure how obvious he had to make it: that was the reason why he was going to beat "the Colossus" again in forty-eight hours at Hell in a Cell.
Braun Strowman chuckled, as Roman Reigns declared it would end the way it always did - with a Superman Punch, and a giant-sized Spear. Once again, the WWE Universal Champion would 'Wreck Everyone' and Leave'. Dropping the microphone with the pipebomb dropped, Reigns chuckled with Paul Heyman in the corner, when the giant advised Michael Cole to take a walk! As he exited the ring, Strowman questioned why they had to wait for Sunday night. Why couldn't Hell in a Cell happen tonight? Reigns tensed up, though "the Special Council" pleaded with his man to think better of it. Roman seemed game for it, despite being backed up in the corner. Roman ignored his cornerman's cries and slowly removed his shirt for conflict - when Braun turned around and caught Jey Uso from the top rope! Throwing him down, it served as the perfect opportunity for the Superman Punch to rattle him. A second consecutive blow knocked Braun to a knee; and a third was incoming but blocked as Braun caught his fist!
Jey Uso struck with a superkick, issuing some measure of revenge for last week! Uce grounded and pounded on Braun Strowman, when the challenger hurled him across the ring with rage. With a growl, "the Colossus" clotheslined Roman Reigns over the top rope, before sliding out of the ring and initiating the Strowman Express! Tackling the Uso over, Paul Heyman flocked for safety over the barricade as "the Head of the Table" got mowed over. Jey came bounding over the top rope with a plancha - only to again go caught in the hands of the challenger. The WWE Universal Champion retreated under advisement from his "Special Council", left to watch from the rampway as Braun decimated Jey Uso - a Running Powerslam planting him through the announce table! Effortlessly did "the Monster Among Men" rip his own shirt in half, before growling with eyes on the champ. Hell in a Cell could not come soon enough for the giant!
▆▆▆ New SigneeWWE Official Adam Pearce was in his office, when Drew Gulak entered with a signed contract in hand. "The Militant Mat-Mite" joked they couldn't get rid of him; he was back with a vengeance! Pearce congratulated him, but Gulak said how humiliating it was to have to ask for his job back. He was already a SmackDown Superstar - it wasn't fair that the 2020 WWE Draft made him a free agent. While Adam explained that was how the Draft worked, Gulak was agitated by being out nursing a shoulder injury and had to find out via the Internet. Adam again congratulated him, wishing to get rid of him, but Gulak then questioned when his next match would be. He deserved it, seeing as he was SmackDown's hottest new acquisition! While initially reluctant, a lightbulb went off in the Official's head, as he told Drew he had just the match for him. He'd better hurry, though - the match was up next! Gulak was left wondering who his opponent would be, yelling how lucky it was he never forgot his gear.
- Free agent Drew Gulak signs with SmackDown.
Footage aired from moments ago, where an emotionally charged Braun Strowman headed 'the Strowman Express' leading into his WWE Universal Championship shot at Hell in a Cell, by inviting Roman Reigns to a fight. Naturally, "the Head of the Table" set this up with Jey Uso, who also found himself overwhelmed by "the Colossus". Much like last week, Reigns ran for the hills and was left to watch his cousin decimated with a Running Powerslam through the announce table.Not GoodbyeKayla Braxton was in the interview area, when in danced her guests - the New Day! The broadcast journalist talked about the influence that the three of them together had had on the WWE Universe, bringing Big E to voice his excitement. Kofi Kingston posed the question to Kayla why there was any need for feeling sour on a day like this. This was no funeral; there would be no farewells. The three of them were still the greatest of friends, and their legacies would live on together! Xavier Woods said they would still see each other all the time. With 'the Power of Positivity' on their side, the three of them saw this as a prosperous time of opportunity. One day they would be reunited; the WWE Universe would witness them in all of their glory. While Kofi and Xavier would be on SmackDown becoming WWE Tag Team Champions one more time - their best buddy "Big Time" Big E would go over to Monday Night RAW and get himself some singles gold of his own!
Big E talked about leaving the nest the New Day built together, he preached he would wear the New Day colors with pride and integrity on Monday Night RAW. But that was then - this was now. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods shifted gears to talk the New Day's Send Off match tonight against "the Booty Collective", making fun at the scarecrow hairdo of Sami Zayn, and the custody battle he had going on with Sheamus. It was hijinks like that that "Big Time" said he would miss, but tonight "the Great Liberator" and his two children, Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura of the Artist Collective would have their dreams shattered. Tonight, 'the Power of Positivity' would sweep the WWE Universe like wildfire, and when it was all over, all over the world people would be clapping their hands and chanting the three sweetest words in the dictionary: "New Day Rocks".
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Friday Night SmackDown on FS1 is presented by Progressive - save when you buy auto-home or motorcycle insurance.
3) Damian Priest def. Drew Gulak (2:41) "The Militant Mat-Mite" had quickly gotten ready for action after being tasked his first match back from a shoulder injury by Adam Pearce before the break. Little did he know he wasn't the only new acquisition in action - his opponent being the former NXT North American Champion! Damian Priest smile at Gulak, who wasted no time getting physical with him. With a hot flurry of strikes, "the Archer of Infamy" didn't budge much, before catching him with an unexpected spinning roundhouse kick! With an elevated flatliner, the NXT Superstar got a near fall, when the tactical technician shot got the leg with a chop block. A Saito suplex took "the Rockstar" down, as he floated over into a heel hook. Priest easily kicked him away, before sending him to the floor for a shocking tope con hilo over the top rope - after springing from the second rope! The falcon arrow connected for a two-count, and as Gulak mounted a comeback again, Priest struck with the Reckoning to get the three count!
A stunning victory in his debut on the SmackDown Brand had gotten things off on the right foot for one of "the Blue Brand's" hottest new acquisitions. Damian Priest stood tall and had his hand raised, to the excitement of the WWE Universe. "The Archer of the Infamy" posed on the second rope, no doubt planning to become a staple of Friday Night SmackDown in months to come.
▆▆▆ Moral SupportMandy Rose sat in the dressing room, where her "Husky Adonis" walked in. Otis was psyched for action against Robert Roode, and "the Golden Goddess" was excited on his behalf. "The Powder Keg" was ready to give "the Glorious One" a measure of retribution after the loss last week, though Otis took a minute to address the accident that saw Mandy get hurt. She tried to deflect the apology, sorry for getting in his way. "The Precious Peach" was asked by the SmackDown Tag Team Champion if she would join him in his corner, but she said she was planning on staying backstage. This upset Otis, who questioned what was wrong. Mandy didn't wish to get in her boyfriend's way again, and told him to go on and do her proud. Otis apologized and pleaded for her to accompany him at ringside. Rose told him she loved him, but this was for the best. The lovers were interrupted by Tucker, who told his partner he had to go - they were up. As a conflicted Otis set out for the ring, Mandy told him to give Roode hell.
Michael Cole and Corey Graves discussed Hell in a Cell as a graphic aired, confirming a new match made for this Sunday, live on the WWE Network. He'd had successful defenses against both men in back-to-back weeks - but now both Sami Zayn and Sheamus would get their shot at the WWE Intercontinental Championship simultaneously in a Triple Threat match, against Johnny Gargano.
- Hell in a Cell - WWE Intercontinental Championship - Triple Threat match - Johnny Gargano (c) vs Sheamus vs Sami Zayn
The 'Progressive Match Match Flo of the Week' aired, taking us back to last week. Heavy Machinery took the fight to "the Dirty Dawgs" in tag team competition, where things were all going the SmackDown Tag Team Champions' way. Suddenly, Otis inadvertently knocked his own girlfriend Mandy Rose from the apron, rendering her unconscious. It set things up for Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode to claim victory over the champions, as a double Glorious DDT took down Tucker.4) Robert Roode def. SmackDown Tag Team Champion Otis (6:16) With Mandy Rose choosing to stay backstage, her "Husky Adonis" ran through Robert Roode as the match got underway. The SmackDown Tag Team Champion was an untamable wrecking ball as he shot through Roode with clotheslines, before catching him with a body slam! "The Glorious One" was being put through the paces for last week, when, sidestepping a corner splash, Robert was able to strike with a lungblower. One-half of "the Dirty Dawgs" contained Otis in a chinlock, keeping him grounded using a blockbuster from the second rope. Roode was arrogant when "the Powder Keg" blocked a neckbreaker and rallied back with a pop-up spinebuster! A discus lariat wiped him out, as "the Blue Collar Boy" readied for the Caterpillar - but Mandy Rose was suddenly spotted on the screen, talking to none other than Dolph Ziggler! Mandy wanted no part of "the Show Off", who offered her flowers. Meanwhile, Roode used the distraction to strike with the Glorious DDT from behind to get the win!
For a second consecutive week, the SmackDown Tag Team Champions had eaten defeat, though Robert Roode was not yet done with Otis! Putting the boots to "the Powder Keg", Tucker immediately hit the ring and "the Glorious One" dipped out. Tucky consoled his tag team partner and best friend, but it was clear after seeing Mandy Rose speak with a flirtatious Dolph Ziggler that he was bothered. Meanwhile, it was all coming up for "the Dirty Dawgs" with a surefire future title opportunity secured.
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A vignette aired, taking us back to a time in NXT where "the Shenom" ran rampant. A former NXT Women's Champion, she was known for the daredevil tactics that made her a recognized face in the eyes of the WWE Universe. As the moon rose into the night's sky, it became blanketed by an eclipse, bringing a wolf to howl. It was Ember Moon, after a year away from the ring. The wolf is back, and "the Goddess of War" would make her return to Friday Night SmackDown - soon.
An advertisement aired, promoting the Best of WWE on Peacock. From the classic hits to in the ring, to behind-the-scenes, these were OMG moments the WWE Universe just had to see. WWE content was streaming now on Peacock.
An advertisement aired, promoting the culmination of a two month chase. Bobby Lashley stunned the WWE Universe when he cashed in Money in the Bank on a mortally-wounded "Scottish Terminator" to become champion. Through weeks of ducking him, and overcoming other contenders, now was the former champion's shot at redemption. Despite mowing through the army that "the All Mighty" had assembled in Team Lashley, now Drew McIntyre was the hunter - but would Lashley become the hunted? Hell in a Cell was live on the WWE Network, this Sunday from 7E/4P.
Mindless ViolenceWeeks of an unknown animosity between Nikki Cross and Carmella led to singles action, as posed by Alexa Bliss last week on Friday Night SmackDown. "The Twisted Sister" had been more unhinged and crazy than usual, since her return from a mystery attack at Clash of Champions. This was revealed to be all the more true once Carmella made her arrival to the WWE ThunderDome. Moonwalking across the stage, "the Princess of Staten Island" opened herself up to an unsuspecting ambush from Nikki Cross! Refusing to let up, Mella tried to fight back with rights and lefts of her own - just for Cross to take her down with a snap suplex on the rampway! Throwing the baseball cap in her face, she treaded on "Money Mella's" hair and tugged at her arms, before the referee got involved. Cross engaging in arguments with them only opened her up to a Princess Kick from Mella, who called Cross crazy. The vicious fight saw Carmella try to get things in the ring, but Cross instead slammed her face-first into the ring post twice!
"Money Mella" was down and out, and the referees quickly intervened from letting "the Twisted Sister" mount her! With her opponent unconscious, Nikki Cross was picked up and carted back up the rampway by four officials to boos, when Alexa Bliss quickly came storming out to the stage. Walking past Nikki and the referees, "the Goddess" came down to check on Carmella. It prompted Nikki to scream for Alexa to help her, but instead she was met with a stern look. The former WWE Women's Tag Team Champions conversed, with Alexa blaming Nikki for all of this mindless violence. Nikki claimed she was sorry, but Alexa didn't want to hear it - storming away. Cross tried to break free and follow her, but her so-called BFF wasn't willing to wait around.
▆▆▆ Tender Heart of the Big Man Mandy Rose walked backstage, when she expressed sadness upon seeing Otis coming her way. Wanting to comfort her "Husky Adonis", the SmackDown Tag Team Champion admitted he didn't feel good. While she thought that was because of the defeat issued by Robert Roode, her lover admitted it was because he saw her flirting with Dolph Ziggler! It was shown on the big screen - the entire WWE Universe saw it. Mandy cupped her face as Otis accused Mandy of going behind her back with "the Show Off", though "the Precious Peach" stressed that was not the case. She had no interest in Dolph, and hadn't spoken to him since WrestleMania. The champ told his girlfriend he remembered back then, too, because his heart still broke at the thought of them together. As the big man turned to leave, Mandy pursued and told him this wasn't fair, reiterating she wanted no part of Ziggler. "The Powder Keg" barged off through a set of doors, when Tucker arrived. Out of the loop, "the Brick Hit House" asked Mandy what was wrong with Otis.
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Michael Cole and Corey Graves talked about Sunday's WWE Network Special. Graphics aired on-screen as the broadcast team ran down the line-up. With 'the Final Chapter' sure to be a hate-filled last encounter between the two biggest titans of the modern era, 'the Meeting of the Families' sure to see "the Two Families" battle for supremacy of the RAW Brand; and four championships to be defended - Hell in a Cell looked to burn the landscape of the WWE to a crisp.
- 'The Final Encounter' - Hell in a Cell match - Edge vs Randy Orton
- SmackDown Women's Championship - Hell in a Cell match - Bayley (c) vs Sasha Banks
- WWE World Championship - Bobby Lashley (c) vs Drew McIntyre
- WWE Universal Championship - Roman Reigns (c) vs Braun Strowman
- 'The Meeting of the Families' - La Invasíon vs The Church
- WWE Intercontinental Championship - Triple Threat match - Johnny Gargano (c) vs Sami Zayn vs Sheamus
- Shayna Baszler vs Kairi Sane
- Kickoff - Cedric Alexander vs Ricochet
A graphic aired, promoting the New Day's Send Off. For the final time for the forseeable, all three members of the New Day would team up. Ahead of Big E moving to the RAW Brand this coming week, he teams with Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods to do battle with the Artist Collective in the main event - up next!Should Have ListenedFootage aired from during the break, where after her savage attack to Carmella moments ago, Nikki Cross tried to pursue after Alexa Bliss. "The Goddess" did not want to speak to "the Twisted Sister", who dropped to her knees, begging for forgiveness! Alexa told Nikki she didn't want to hear it, but apologized profusely, while clutching her leg. Cross rambled that she knew from the start that "the Princess of Staten Island" was evil. Before being able to explain further, Alexa kicked her away and told her she'd had enough. Mella hadn't done a thing to her to deserve being left laying like that. The Scot listened as her BFF talked about the amount of people who warned her that Nikki was bad news, but she never listened to them. Bliss implied that perhaps she should have, before leaving the Amway Center. Cross was left crestfallen.
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A graphic aired, promoting a special one-hour edition of WWE Talking Smack, immediately following Friday Night SmackDown on FS1. Corey Graves and Kayla Braxton would be joined by the SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley, Paul Heyman, the New Day and Damian Priest. It all went down at 10:05/9:05C on the WWE Network.5) The New Day def. The Artist Collective in 'the New Day's Send Off' (18:29)
One final blow out for the New Day saw the trio showboat as the bell sounded. Sami Zayn did not want to hear any of it, but with his relations with Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura strenuous, "the Great Liberator" received right hands from Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods! The three sent him to the floor, before "the Swiss Cyborg" attacked Xavier from behind. He thought back, though once "the Artist" came from behind with a knee lift and a chest kick, Big E stormed through them with a double clothesline! Kofi Kingston leaped to the top rope with ten punches, before a hurricanrana sent Shin into a body block from "Big Time!" The two members of Fight Night argued with Sami Zayn, who tried to give the internationals orders - all of a sudden, Kofi came over the top rope with the Trust Fall! The New Day continued to give the fight to the Artist Collective, and Cesaro struck with a European uppercut knocking Big E through a loop. Xavier missed a rolling elbow - walking into a Michinoku driver from Sami!
"The Swiss Cyborg" grinded his boot against Xavier Woods' face in the corner, when Sami Zayn snuck in with right hands for the back of Xavier's head! Shinsuke Nakamura tagged in - the Fight Night members still taking issue with "the Great Liberator". More kicks lit Xavier up, when he finally fought back with forearms. Missing a jumping knee strike, "the Artist" drove him with an inverted powerslam! Zayn tagged himself in and stomped away aggressively, driving his knee into the face for added insult. Woods finally fought back with a low dropkick and a reverse STO; but his effort to make the tag was broken by Sami - scoring with a Half-and-Half suplex! Determined to sabotage the New Day's Send Off, Cesaro toyed with his prey with a floatover gutwrench suplex, when Xavier escaped a deadlift suplex from the apron! Xavier knocked Cesaro down from the second rope, and a springboard tornado DDT was executed. Crawling for the tag, Sami Zayn instead darted in - knocking Big E and Kofi off the apron!
The Artist Collective were in control as Cesaro performed the Giant Swing; transitioning into the Sharpshooter on Xavier Woods! He made the ropes, though Shinsuke Nakamura tagged in. Missing the knee drop and escaping his wrath, Kofi Kingston became legal! He took down the Fight Night members with clotheslines before a monkey flip sent Sami Zayn colliding into Shin. The S.O.S. was blocked by Cesaro, but Big E give him some fight. Kofi executed a diving crossbody onto Nakamura, but walked into the Blue Thunder Bomb from Sami! "The Great Liberator" planned to corner Kofi, but he countered the exploder suplex into a backflip DDT! The tag made to Big E, powering through anything that walked. The Big Ending was teased on Shin but was broken by "the Swiss Cyborg". The Pop-Up Uppercut saw Kofi fly over him and execute Trouble in Paradise, while Xavier sent Sami to the floor. All alone, Nakamura missed the Kinshasa and was set up for the Midnight Hour - "Big Time" covering to get the win!
A hard-fought battle saw the New Day come out on top in their last match for the forseeable as a trio. Meanwhile, Sami Zayn had been held back from making the save by none other than Sheamus, who had ran down to make it so! "The Great Liberator" shouted at "the Celtic Warrior", who had a big grin on his face at the top of the rampway. Meanwhile, Shinsuke Nakamura helped Cesaro from the ring as Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods stood tall. There was only one thing left to do for the three men - and that was dance to the sound of Francesca II! Hugs were exchanged by the fan favorites, as pyrotechnics erupted overhead in the WWE ThunderDome. Blue, pink and purple confetti fell from the rafters of the Amway Center to commemorate a magical farewell for Big E ahead of his move to RAW this coming Monday. The New Day's Send Off had to have been seen to be believed!
Talking Smack #68 – October 23, 2020
Corey Graves and Kayla Braxton hosted the SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley, who talked more about her attack on Sasha Banks. She denied wanting to have a clear advantage heading into Hell in a Cell, because when she walked into "the Devil's Playground" she was already assured of victory. "The One Over All" celebrated her one-year title reign and said "the Legit Boss" had always been dragging her down. Now it was over - because Sunday would be her end inside the ominous structure.
Damian Priest made an impressive debut against Drew Gulak tonight, and was asked about his future prospects after being brought up from NXT as part of the 2020 WWE Draft. "The Archer of Infamy" spoke respectfully of Drew Gulak, but "the Militant Mat-Mite" had no idea what hit him. Priest coolly discussed being champion before, but now he wanted to win more gold. It was a hunger that had begun, and when it came to Friday Night SmackDown, "the Rockstar" was driven to make it his utopia.
Paul Heyman spoke on behalf of Roman Reigns with regards to the wellfare of Jey Uso, believing he needed to stand up for himself for a change, and accept sometimes you get beaten down with no one around. "The Special Council" mocked Kayla's line of questioning regarding Hell in a Cell, as he talked Roman Reigns having the homefield advantage against Braun Strowman. "The Head of the Table" would leave Sunday as Hell in a Cell on Sunday - and that wasn't a prediction, it was a spoiler.
The New Day were victorious in their farewell victory over the Artist Collective, and had fun with the co-hosts. Big E spoke about the bond the three men shared, and how it would live on for the rest of their lives. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods spoke how much the New Day as a faction meant to them, and how they had so little going for them at the beginning. "Big Time's" future prospects were brought up, and Kofi and Xavier teased wanting major results - when for one last time, they danced for the people at home as a trio.
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Post by DTP. on Jan 30, 2024 19:09:16 GMT -5
WWE Hell in a Cell 2020 – October 25, 2020
WWE ThunderDome at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida
"Welcome To My Hell" by Holy Wars
TONIGHT!
The Final Chapter - Hell in a Cell match
Randy Orton vs Edge
SmackDown Women's Championship - Hell in a Cell match
Bayley (c) vs Sasha Banks
WWE World Championship
Bobby Lashley (c) vs Drew McIntyre
WWE Universal Championship
Roman Reigns (c) vs Braun Strowman
'The Meeting of the Families'
The Church vs La Invasíon
WWE Intercontinental Championship - Triple Threat match
Sheamus vs Johnny Gargano (c) vs Sami Zayn
Kairi Sane vs Shayna Baszler
Hell in a Cell Kickoff Show
Cedric Alexander vs Ricochet
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Post by DTP. on Feb 2, 2024 14:44:37 GMT -5
WWE Hell in a Cell 2020 – October 25, 2020
WWE ThunderDome at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida
 
"Welcome To My Hell" by Holy Wars
 Hell in a Cell 2020 Kickoff Show - September 25, 2020
 The Hell in a Cell Kickoff Show was presented by a panel hosted by Charly Caruso, joined by Jerry Lawler, Booker T, Jeff Jarrett and Peter Rosenberg. They provided special analysis at the roundtable, situated among the LED boards of the WWE ThunderDome. The ring sat visibly in the background, where the ominous red demonic Hell in a Cell structure was fully descended around the ring.
The CreditOne Bank's 'One to Watch' saw the WWE 24/7 Champion Samoa Joe crash the Kickoff panel, commenting on what he'd seen floating around on social media in the last week. "The Coquina Destroyer" went on record saying he was not afraid of Keith Lee, believing him to be phony tough. He claimed "the Limitless One" was impeding on the same RAW Brand he had dominated for months, but was quizzed by the panelists to prove it. In response, he issued a challenge to the former NXT North American Champion tomorrow night on the Season Premiere of Monday Night RAW.
- Monday Night RAW - Tomorrow night - WWE 24/7 Championship - Samoa Joe (c) vs Keith Lee
Peter Rosenberg and Jerry Lawler took a walk around the ominous "Devil's Playground" surrounding the ring. Inside the structure, they discussed Hell in a Cell historically, as "the King" noted the padlock would be secured by an official manning the door - ensuring there was no escape, with the only ways to win being pinfall or submission. The WWE Hall of Famer teased ramming Peter's face into the chain-linked fence, as they provided detail to the perilous realities the prison entailed for tonight's combatants.
The panel provided an interview with Sheamus ahead of his WWE Intercontinental Championship opportunity in tonight's Triple Threat match. Conducted via splitscreen, the leader of Fight Night sat in his dressing room and talked about being screwed out of the title this past week on Friday Night SmackDown. "The Celtic Warrior" declared he was going to take out both Johnny Gargano and Sami Zayn - planning to squash the worm that was "the Great Liberator". When it came to Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura, the Irishman was certain "the Swiss Cyborg" and "the Artist" were loyal to him and not Sami.
Video packages aired for tonight's major matches, including 'the Final Chapter' Hell in a Cell match; the Hell in a Cell match for the SmackDown Women's Championship; the WWE World Championship, and the WWE Universal Championship matches.
The Kickoff Show panel ran down the line-up for tonight's Hell in a Cell event, with the breaking news that the WWE Universal Championship pitting Roman Reigns against Braun Strowman would kick off the main card.
The panelists recapped Seth Rollins meeting Andrade six nights ago in the first meeting between the leaders of "the Two Families". Ahead of 'the Meeting of the Families' tonight, a ferocious night of fights between La Invasíon and the Church saw "El Capo" steal one over "the Messiah".
A lower third graphic promoted Hell in a Cell tonight live on the WWE Network, with the added incentive that by subscribing tonight would also see viewers receive next month's Survivor Series free of charge - scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 22 from 7E/4P.
An advertisement aired, promoting all of the merchandise available at WWEShop.com - 'Bring It Loud, Bring It Proud, Bring It On: Find What Fits You". Tonight only, visitors could buy one T-shirt and get one for $1, and save up to $50 on championship titles.
Must-Win
Los Lotharios were in La Invasíon's dressing room, preparing for the night ahead. Angel Garza sprayed deodorant and told Humberto Carrillo about his plans for after tonight - to go out on the town and pick up some mamis. His cousin was all ears as "El Amante" began a story about an experience he had recently, when Zelina Vega arrived. The business partner of "El Capo" stressed how serious this night was - not just for their leader or their futures, but for their careers. By shutting down the Church now, they were on the cusp of taking Monday Night RAW hostage as their own playground. Vega stressed Angel and "La Estrella" needed to stay levelheaded ahead of tonight's confrontation with Seth Rollins and his Disciples, Theory and Murphy. Andrade proceeded to enter in a pinstriped suit, talking about the four of them sticking together. He may have the homefield advantage, beating "the Messiah" this past week on Monday Night RAW - but the job was just beginning. Tonight, Andrade proposed they all make sure the Church crumbles tonight for La Invasíon to come away the victors of 'the Meeting of the Families'. The group all raised their fists high in unison.
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Conquer the Colossus
Kayla Braxton was standing by outside of the dressing room of the WWE Universal Champion, with Paul Heyman. He was immediately irritated to hear the broadcast journalist speak dismissively of Roman Reigns' chances in coming away from tonight with the gold. Demanding she remove all hype from her voice, he insulted the idea that "the Monster Among Men" posed any real threat to "the Head of the Table". Paul spoke about Braun being an imposing and destructive wrecking ball of anger and force waiting to explode - but in the past, despite all adversity the champion had been one step ahead. "The Special Council" ridiculed the notion that Roman Reigns was being made to open Hell in a Cell tonight, noting how despite not being in "the Devil's Playground", he had never been pinned or submitted inside the structure. Roman was undefeated inside Hell in a Cell, except for one occasion two years ago: and that was only when both he and Braun were unable to continue. It was that motivation which served sufficient in Reigns' quest to conquer "the Colossus" - and indeed, tonight there would be one man who would walk away victorious: "the Tribal Chief" himself.
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The WWE ThunderDome sat in wait, as Ricochet came sprinting out to the stage. With the lightshow of lazers pointing down at him, "the Future of Flight" raised his hands to the spotlight before firing up with a walk down the rampway. Sporting black and white shorts, "the One and Only" energetically hit the ring and performed a handspring backflip into a kneeling position in the ring. After the surprising betrayal of his partner this past week on Monday Night RAW, the soon-to-be SmackDown Superstar planned on getting some revenge in parting on Cedric Alexander.
With new music and a new attitude, Cedric Alexander sauntered out to the stage. Vacantly, he looked towards the ring at his once tag team partner, sporting black tights with a red trim. "The Queen City Chosen One" ran his mouth as he teased entering the ring only to duck out to the floor once Ricochet stepped towards him. Finally talked into entering on his own accord, with distance provided from his opponent, the newest addition to Team Lashley slowly stepped through the ropes - but ducked behind the official, as again "the Future of Flight" tried coming towards him.
![]() 0) Cedric Alexander vs Ricochet
A toe kick instead took the wind out of Cedric Alexander, who clubbed his opponent's back. Ricochet fought with a back elbow, but found himself back dropped overhead onto the apron. With another gamengiri, a repeat of moments ago nearly took place as "the One and Only" prepared a springboard - just for Alexander to shove him down! Ricochet landed on his spine on the ring apron, and from a sidewalk position, "the Queen City Chosen One" drove him spine-first against the hardest part of the ring! Alexander picked up his hurting ex-partner and lit him up with chops by the apron. Two forearms saw the aerialist bounce back, just for Cedric to commandeer the match by taking him up for a back suplex - just to drive him spine-first again, this time against the top of the barricade! Not wanting to get the win by count-out, Cedric went from showboating to breaking the count and tossing his former teammate into the ring. A springboard flatliner drove him down, though Ricochet refused to quit. Driving his knee into the spine, Cedric crossed Ricochet's arms in front of his shoulders with a straitjacket hold. He tried to shake him off, but was hit with another backbreaker!
Dictating the pace, "the Queen City Chosen One" reaffirmed with the straitjacket hold, but with Ricochet trapped in the camel clutch position. Once more did "the Future of Flight" begin to stir, and used his feet to kick free and regain use of his arms. Taken back with a toe kick, Ricochet caught a second one only to receive a spinning back elbow from Cedric Alexander! Sent into the ropes, Ricochet was drilled with a Michinoku driver! Defiantly kicking out, Cedric claimed "the One and Only" made a foolish decision. Sarcastically he wished him luck on SmackDown, tying him up again - this time in a bow and arrow stretch! Ricochet moaned in pain, but refused to show any sign of giving up. Going as far as to tug the hair of Alexander, Cedric broke the hold and eyed up the Neutralyzer - but in performing the handspring, ate a superkick! Missing a clothesline, Alexander was driven with a falcon arrow for a near fall. Seeing the faces of the WWE Universe, a series of clotheslines led to a leapfrog - but as he hit the ropes for a third, Alexander cut him off with a Spanish fly! With a knowing grin, Cedric went to the top rope - the 450 splash connecting, but only getting Ricochet's knees!
Ricochet feigned injury to his spine, but as he ducked an emerging Cedric Alexander's attack, a rolling headscissors sent him across the ring. A backflip kick saw him land on his feet for a follow-up enzuigiri, when a German suplex got a near fall. Alexander cut him off with a spinning back elbow, and the Neutralyzer followed! Rolling over to make the cover, "the Future of Flight" kicked out! Cedric knew he had to end this now, though the Lumbar Check saw Ricochet backflip out onto his feet. With a low kick and a superkick upside the jaw, Ricochet followed with a standing Shooting Star Press for a near fall! Out on the apron, Ricochet was interrupted in trying to ascend to the top rope. Dragged up there instead, Cedric had bad intentions in the form of a superplex. Instead, Ricochet managed to land out in the ring on his feet! As Alexander rotated to turn him, he was taken from the second rope with a leaping frankensteiner courtesy of "the One and Only!" The Recoil connected, but Alexander managed to get his shoulder up. Ascending to the top, Cedric tried and failed to prevent the high-flyer. Knocked down with a big boot, Ricochet executed the 630 Senton to get the win!
Winner: Ricochet (11:31)
Gaining a lick of retribution for the betrayal six nights ago on Monday Night RAW, Ricochet staggered to his feet and had his hand raised the winner. "The Future of Flight" was hurting with pain in his back, though as Cedric Alexander rolled out to the floor in defeat, the newest member of Team Lashley was forced to acknowledge the soon-to-be SmackDown Superstar. Ricochet crouched and grinned defiantly at the beaten "Queen City Chosen One", who slammed his fist against the mat and hobbled away.
A video package aired, as shots of the WWE ThunderDome's unveiling was shown. Cutting to static, in unison with the clapping sounds of thunder, abruptly the horrifying structure that was Hell in a Cell would be revealed. Demonic imagery appeared on an old-timey television set from the 1950s, as lullaby music rang out. The voice of a child sang along, as visuals of the brutality and wartime atrocities that had befallen WWE Superstars inside "the Devil's Playground" in the past were documented. All of a sudden, the television set flickered - and a warning sign appeared on the TV. With focus on the likes of SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley, WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, WWE World Champion Bobby Lashley ahead of their respective matches tonight against Sasha Banks, Braun Strowman and Drew McIntyre; suddenly the television set turned off. Shots of the rivalry that Rated-RKO had spent months building to flickered across the scene, once Edge appeared and stared longingly at the screen - ready to make Randy Orton suffer in 'the Final Chapter'.
The opening graphic aired, as Skittles presented WWE Hell in a Cell. Pyrotechnics erupted throughout the WWE ThunderDome, including from the stands of the LED boards surrounding the ringside area. "The Devil's Playground" was spotted concealed beneath the astonishing lighting rigs set up inside the Amway Center, as Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed us to the twelfth annual Hell in a Cell! They discussed lives changing forever inside the hazardous, dangerous structure hanging above the ring - as we looked on live from the start-of-the-art facilities built just for you - the greatest fans in the world.
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Braun Strowman's music roared through the Amway Center, bringing out the challenger to the WWE Universal Championship. Immediately tearing his tight forest-green shirt off, "the Colossus" stampeded en route to the ring wearing camoflage pants. Two years on from his last singles confrontation with Roman Reigns - that time spent inside the Hell in a Cell structure - "the Monster Among Men" vowed to correct the no-contest conclusion he took "the Head of the Table" to - looking to win his first major prize.
A video package aired, promoting the WWE Universal Championship match. Since 2017, Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman had been enemies. They had put each other through unthinkable amounts of pain and anguish, in assaults that ranged from stretcher attacks, to ambulance assaults. Yet now, for the first time in their history, the roles had been reversed. The new demeanor of "the Head of the Table" had seen a sadistic and manipulative side come out. With Paul Heyman behind him, Roman had become unrecognizable, as he constantly used his cousin Jey Uso as a weapon against the likes of Jeff Hardy. But "the Monster Among Men" refused to let things go any further, laying waste to the Uso while the champion ran - on two separate occasions. A long hunt had seen Braun win his first singles title already this year - but could he win "the Big One" for the first time in his career, in the WWE Universal Championship?
In black combat pants, the WWE Universal Champion debuted a new 'Show Up & Win' shirt. Roman Reigns was ready for battle, as Paul Heyman silently followed him to the stage. "The Head of the Table" negated any signs of fear on his methodical walk down to the ring, all the while his "Special Council" held the WWE Universal Championship high. Upon entering the ring, Roman slowly ascended to the second rope and raised the gold - while Braun oddly remained calm and collected. Greg Hamilton provided formal introductions.
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1) WWE Universal Championship
Roman Reigns (with Paul Heyman) (c) vs Braun Strowman
Repeat body blows against the ropes led to Braun Strowman sending the WWE Universal Champion across the ring with a biel throw! Roman Reigns was aided by his "Special Council" on the floor, voicing words of wisdom to the champion. That is, until "the Colossus" declared it time for the Strowman Express to leave the station! Ramming Roman over with a shoulder tackle, a 180-degree turn saw him connect with a second. Sizing up a third one, on this occasion "the Head of the Table" narrowly evaded a third tackle, wiping the challenger down for the first time in this match with a monster-sized Spear! Out of it himself, the champion slowly staggered to his feet and hoisted the gigantic carcass of his opponent from the floor. Rolling him back inside, the champ stalked before charging forward with a second Spear! With the leg hooked, he anticipated a three-count, but Strowman defiantly powered out at the count of one! Strowman sat up as Reigns' jaw dropped with astonishment. Grabbing him by the throat, Strowman muscled the champ to his feet for Roman to break free with a barrage of back elbow strikes.
Roman Reigns hit the ropes one more time, but instead of the Spear coming back, Braun Strowman executed a big boot! The WWE Universal Champion was the recipient of a one-handed Chokeslam, but refused to give in; kicking out at the count of two again. Paul Heyman was in state of shock at the domination his man was met with. Roman collapsed out to the floor again, and Braun followed suit. Barging the cover and monitors from the announce table, "the Monster Among Men" had more diabolical damage to dish up for "the Head of the Table". That is, until Roman escaped a Chokeslam attempt using a big Samoan headbutt! Both knocked through a loop, Reigns performed the Drive-By Kick landing spine-first on the table! Strowman was stunned, and a Superman Punch took him down to a knee. Tossing him back inside, Reigns howled and cocked his fist. The Spear saw Roman caught in mid-motion: another Running Powerslam landing! The cover was made, but Paul Heyman propped his man's foot on the bottom rope! Strowman was an inch shy of leaving Hell in a Cell as the champ, and immediately set his sights on "the Special Council".
Pursuing him around the ringside area, Braun Strowman confronted Paul Heyman, whose attempts to cower away and beg for forgiveness, saw him trip over the ringside mat! "The Colossus" was about to make "the Special Council" pay dearly, picking him up by the throat - when Roman Reigns came from nowhere with the Superman Punch! A second one knocked Strowman silly, and as he hurled the challenger back inside the ring, Roman came leaping off the top rope - going caught by "the Monster Among Men" in mid-air! The Chokeslam saw Roman go up, but he clamped on with the Guillotine Choke clamped in. Strowman refused to go down for moments, as Reigns sunk in deep with more pressure. Finally folding him in half, Braun dropped to a knee - then two knees. His face planting the mat in the deadly grip, the WWE Universal Champion continued to add pressure until the referee checked for sign of life - only to declare Braun unconscious!
Winner, and still WWE Universal Champion: Roman Reigns (7:03)
The WWE Universal Championship was staying put and nobody could believe it! Even Paul Heyman was in state of disbelief, gasping for air and holding his throat after the decision. Roman Reigns laid on his back after a hectic sprint against Braun Strowman, before slumping out to the floor. After shoving the dead weight that was the unconscious "Monster Among Men" from his body, the Samoan sluggishly left the ring in relief, reclaiming his title and holding it tight. As "the Colossus" finally regained consciousness and sat up in dismay, Reigns raised his title from the top of the rampway - before turning to address the absent Jey Uso, surely watching from home. Dedicating his match to the Uso taken out on Friday Night SmackDown, Reigns said he did it for the Bloodline.
An advertisement aired, promoting all of the merchandise available at WWEShop.com - 'Bring It Loud, Bring It Proud, Bring It On: Find What Fits You". Tonight only, visitors could buy one T-shirt and get one for $1, and save up to $50 on championship titles.
Custody Battle
Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura were spotted talking in the hallway backstage, when into frame walked Sheamus. Pally and pleased to see his mates, "the Celtic Warrior" asked how they had both been knowing they'd been out of touch. "The Swiss Cyborg" and "the Artist" were comically brief with him, with Shin even crossing his arms, looking away and responding with one word: "busy". The Irishman cut straight to the chase and apologized for being off-grid lately, but tonight he had a great opportunity ahead that would put Fight Night back on the map! The two remained disinterested, when Cesaro pointed the finger at his former teammate from the Bar days, blaming him for being the reason they lost to the New Day on Friday Night SmackDown! Sheamus claimed he deserved that, but believed if they were to help him become WWE Intercontinental Champion, it would put "the Lads" back in good stead. Suddenly, Sami Zayn appeared, greeting his friends from the Artist Collective! Bumping fists with Nakamura, and being met with a stern nod from the European. "The Great Liberator" then met eyes with Sheamus from afar, both questioning what the other was doing there!
Sheamus told Sami Zayn he was here to seek the help of his Fight Night mates, but "the Great Liberator" rebutted that they were called the Artist Collective, and they weren't his "mates" after Friday Night SmackDown. "The Celtic Warrior" reminded Sami of how he started all of this, when he screwed him out of the WWE Intercontinental Championship! Zayn responded the same being said for him - and that was why they were in this mess with a runt named Johnny Gargano. The Celt knew how to solve this, squaring up to Sami, who knowingly jumped behind Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura! Protecting him from certain danger, "the Swiss Cyborg" finally declared enough was enough - he and Shin were keeping out of this. Tonight, if they wanted to be champion bad enough, they'd do it themselves! Walking off, Shin remained conflicted between the two parties. Sami and Sheamus both hoped to persuade "the Artist" to help them, but with a sassy eye roll, he stated again that he was "busy!"
Inside the WWE ThunderDome, the broadcast team from Monday Night RAW welcomed us to Hell in a Cell. Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T discussed the nature of tonight's 'Final Chapter' between Randy Orton and Edge, before discussing the forthcoming match.
Footage aired from June, where Shayna Baszler brutally snapped Kairi Sane's arm with the Elbow Stamp. It took "the Pirate Princess" out of action for some time with a broken arm, but she would make her return three weeks ago on Monday Night RAW - revenge on her mind, hunting down "the New Age Enforcer" of Queendom. In recent weeks the MMA Fighter, previously fearless, had been thought to actually be intimidated by what Sane may do to get retribution.
Kairi Sane made her way out to the stage, dressed in a two-piece silver outfit, complete with a pirate's hat and robe. With a slingshot in hand, pointing it at the camera, she called herself "the Huntress", declaring she was going to break Shayna Baszler's arm! With Asuka accompanying her, "the Pirate Princess" ascended to the second rope in the ring, with a fierce expression on her face. This new attitude spelled potential disaster for "the New Age Enforcer".
The RAW Women's Champion Charlotte Flair joined Shayna Baszler as she got herself hyped up for tonight's challenge. "The New Age Enforcer" jumped on the spot and glared fiercely towards the ring - no longer showing any signs of fear of Kairi Sane. "The Diamond" talked in her ear en route to the ring, as a lower-third graphic appeared promoting tomorrow night's Season Premiere of Monday Night RAW - seeing Charlotte appear one last time on "the Red Brand" for a 'Championship Exchange' with the SmackDown Women's Champion - whether Bayley or Sasha Banks.
- Monday Night RAW - Tomorrow night - 'Championship Exchange'
2) Kairi Sane (with Asuka) vs
Shayna Baszler (with RAW Women's Champion Charlotte Flair) Shayna Baszler got ready to square up to Kairi Sane, but as the bell sounded, "the Pirate Princess" charged right at her opponent! With a back elbow, a fluirry of forearm strikes led to Shayna responding with clenched fist punches of her own. Sane responded by ducking a clothesline, before quickly taking "the New Age Enforcer" out with the Interceptor! Rolling out to the floor, Shayna clutched her ribs and slammed her fists angrily against the ring apron. Charlotte Flair rushed to try and keep her enforcer calm, as Sane attempted to leave the ring and get more, only to be restrained by the official. Baszler bided her time and stepped back into the ring. Both women locked fingers in a test of strength, though the power of the MMA Fighter saw her overthrow "the Huntress". Baszler had Kairi arch back into a bridge, before jumping with her knees onto the thighs to chop her down. Sane would show her strength by kicking her off before dragging her in for a monkey flip! A hip toss led to an attempt at the Sliding D; but Baszler evaded it and again rolled out to the floor. This time coming prepared, Sane shot out with a baseball slide!
"The Huntress" was marking her prey as she sent Shayna Baszler back into the ring, though not before exchanging looks with Charlotte Flair from a distance. Asuka appeared behind the RAW Women's Champion prompting her to flee, as Kairi Sane returned to the ring with a missile dropkick connecting! "The New Age Enforcer" remained on the defensive, as a knee lift saw her look for a way to fight back. Looking for the gutwrench suplex, Shayna made the error of spinning her around. In response, Sane took advantage of the rotation - turning it into a reverse DDT! Again getting a near fall, Kairi looked for an armbar, but "the Trailblazer" at ringside saw Flair trip her off the ropes - completely unspotted by the official! Baszler capitalized with an arm snap, twisting with a leglock trapping the arm of "the Pirate Princess!" She favored it dearly, before Shayna took measures one step further with aggressive stomps to the bicep of Sane! As Kairi squirmed in agony, Baszler went as far to deliver a handstand knee drop into the arm for good measure. The previously broken arm was targeted, and Baszler proceeded to contort it awkwardly around the bottom rope!
As Asuka tried to intervene, warning the official, she inadvertently allowed Charlotte Flair to execute a Queen's Boot through the ropes, straight to the jaw of "the Huntress!" Shayna Baszler delivered a spinebuster to Kairi Sane before transitioning into a series of ground-and-pound palm strikes. While the referee was quick to prevent any further, "the New Age Enforcer" transitioned into a cross-armbreaker! Kairi had nowhere to turn, but hoped to transitioned through with the hold. Her previously broken arm was the point of contention, but "the Pirate Princess" refused to give in. Sane reached for the bottom rope, when Shayna diabolically used her foot to push the rope further away! The official admonished her for it, but in breaking the hold, it nearly cost the MMA Fighter control! Kairi struck back with her other hand, but made the crucial mistake of using a spinning backfist with her damaged arm - allowing Shayna to take advantage of weakness! Two knee strikes rocked Kairi into the corner, where a step-up enzuigiri followed. Sane went down, but with the wrist control, Baszler continued to execute brutal chest kicks to "the Pirate Princess".
Running her mouth all the while, finally Kairi Sane responded with a forearm smash - but Shayna Baszler climbed to the second rope and locked in the brutal hanging armbar! "The Pirate Princess" cried out in pain as Asuka and Charlotte Flair argued at ringside, prompting the referee's immediate attention. With the illegal hold applied for even longer, "the New Age Enforcer" finally relinquished her grip and re-entered the ring. Looking for the Baszler Rush, Sane shot out of the way of the forearms, body blows and leg kicks before catching her opponent with a crossbody! Slipping out to the apron, Kairi went to the top rope for the Flying Kabuki Elbow - but instead, Baszler crotched her! Shoving her from the top, Sane landed on her knees on the apron, just in time for Shayna to put the boots to her through the ropes. Stepping outside with her opponent, Baszler teased the Elbow Stamp, when Sane stopped her with a low dropkick! The Spike DDT dropped Baszler on her head on the apron, with both women collapsing to the floor! "The Empress of Tomorrow" and "the Diamond" both checked on their friend, but Kairi shoved Asuka off.
A woman possessed, Kairi Sane rushed Shayna Baszler with an aggressive series of forearm strikes - much like how this match began! Charlotte Flair was backed down by Asuka, as "the Pirate Princess" came from the apron with the Flying Kabuki Elbow to the MMA Fighter. With eyes remaining on the RAW Women's Championship, Sane again returned to the ring - just to get the arm kicked by her opponent. "The New Age Enforcer" applied a double wristlock on Sane, who tried to fight her off - just to be taken down with a legscissors! From the mounting position, Shayna maintained the lethal hold, though "the Huntress" bit down on her arm to try and negate the agony she found herself in. Able to power her up to a degree, a spinebuster saw Baszler hit the mat hard enough to break it - and Sane caught her crawling foe with an axe stomp to the spine! To the top rope she went, looking for the Marine Spike just to miss the double footstomp. Rolling through, Kairi ducked another clothesline allowing her rival to roll through beneath her: the Anchor going applied! Shayna screamed with the arch in her spine expanding - but as she was finally brought to surrender, Flair got on the apron!
The RAW Women's Champion's distraction cost Kairi Sane victory with the Anchor, but as Charlotte Flair finally got down from the apron, she was met with a surprise ambush of strikes from Asuka! "The Trailblazer" flocked from the ringside area, but "the Empress of Tomorrow" continued to fire away with kicks. Inside, Sane executed the Sliding D in the corner before looking at heading to the top rope! The InSane Elbow was up next - but as she soared, Baszler managed to catch her upon impact with the Kirifuda Clutch! Sane was trapped in the hold, but miraculously rolled backwards with a bridging clutch pin for a close two-count. On their feet, Sane attempted the prawn hold with a bridge for another two-count, when Baszler drilled her with a gutwrench facebuster! Going in for the kill with the hand planted and the arm bent - the Elbow Stamp was teased - but Sane took her down with a roll-up to get the win!
Winner: Kairi Sane (12:15)
Hunted
While "the Huntress" celebrated victory over Shayna Baszler, "the New Age Enforcer" immediately put the boots to the previously broken arm of Kairi Sane! Baszler mounted her with more right and left hands, when Charlotte Flair returned with stomps of her own. The RAW Women's Champion ordered Shayna to snap her arm just like before, getting the Elbow Stamp ready...for Asuka to hit the ring! "The Empress of Tomorrow" drilled Flair with the spin kick, as "the Pirate Princess" broke free from the clutches of Baszler. The MMA Fighter had found herself outnumbered against the Kabuki Warriors, as an Empress Kick from Asuka saw Kairi follow with the InSane Elbow! With both women going for their separate ways as the 2020 WWE Draft took hold, Asuka encouraged Kairi to do the deed. Shayna was trapped on her front with Kairi folding an arm, planting the palm on the mat! As Kairi delivered the Elbow Stamp, Baszler screamed as she rolled out to the floor in agony! The Kabuki Warriors celebrated together in the ring, as "the Diamond" was spotted livid on the rampway, coming to ringside to check on her confidante!
Make You Hurt
Lana, MVP, Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander conversed in the locker room of Team Lashley, when the door swung open. In walked the WWE World Champion, with a scowl on his face. Bobby Lashley was not happy with how things had gone down in the past couple of weeks, rhetorically asking if this was "the Era of the All Mighty" or not. When it came to Drew McIntyre tonight, he despised the notion that "the Scottish Terminator" had anything on him. There was a reason why he beat him when he cashed in Money in the Bank - and that's because Monday Night RAW depended on him. Lashley looked each of them in the eye, including his wife Lana, and made it clear that he didn't want or need any of their help tonight. He knew he could beat the Scotsman, and tonight McIntyre was going to Hurt.
Footage aired, recapping nine days ago on Friday Night SmackDown. In the heat of the much-anticipated WWE Intercontinental Championship match between Johnny Gargano and Sami Zayn, it was Sheamus who intruded - costing "the Great Liberator" his opportunity. Then, two nights ago, "Johnny Wrestling" battled "the Celtic Warrior" with the gold at stake, though this time it was the Irishman who was responsible in allowing Gargano to remain champion. That set the stage for tonight - a Triple Threat match with "the Working Man's Title" on the line.
Darkness befell the WWE ThunderDome, before a beaming white light eclipsed the body of Sheamus on the stage. "The Celtic Warrior" let out a battlecry beneath the lights, beating his chest and pacing down the rampway to the ring. The pasty Irishman wore black and white trunks, and was dead set on becoming WWE Intercontinental Champion tonight, for the future good of Fight Night. After a choice interaction earlier with Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura, it was obvious that Sheamus and Sami Zayn appeared to be battling for not only the gold, but custody of their friends as well.
Out came the obnoxious "Great Liberator", stamping across the stage in neurotic dance. Sarcastically he ran his mouth to the WWE Universe, in green combat pants with a matching jacket and shirt. His hair wild and untidy, the leader of Artist Collective wanted nothing more than to recapture the WWE Intercontinental Championship. In the ring, he faced off with Sheamus, as the power struggle looked to continue as both leaders argued over the ensuing situation.
The squabbling finally saw the WWE Intercontinental Champion arrive to a positive response. Johnny Gargano threw up his hands as he walked out to the stage. Energized and ready to go, "the Rebel Heart" wore a sleeveless tanktop matching with his blue and black flamed trunks. Poised to show what he could do against both men he had fought in recent weeks, he defiantly ignored Sheamus and Sami Zayn as he stepped into the ring and hopped onto the second rope, to pose for all the WWE ThunderDome to see. From their corners, Sami Zayn and Sheamus's eyes remained fixated on "Johnny Wrestling".
 3) WWE Intercontinental Championship - Triple Threat match
Sheamus vs Johnny Gargano (c) vs Sami Zayn "The Rebel Heart" noticed that all eyes were on him, as the three competitors circled the ring with one another. Sheamus and Sami Zayn set aside their differences from as recently as earlier tonight, but before they had the chance to close in, Johnny Gargano came fighting off allcomers! Swinging wildly at both challengers, Sheamus finally shoved him back a step. Gargano charged towards him, "the Celtic Warrior" picking him up and sending him into Sami with an inadvertently assisted dropkick. With toe kicks, he tried to fight off the Irishman, who teased the Irish Curse backbreaker just to receive back elbows. Two leg kicks led to a shotgun dropkick that sent "the Celtic Warrior" into the corner; when Sami came charging in, sidestepped by "Johnny Wrestling" and sent colliding into the other challenger! As Zayn landed flat on his back on the canvas, the WWE Intercontinental Champion watched...when the tree fell down, and Sheamus headbutted Sami in the groin! With an Oklahoma roll on Sheamus he scored a two-count, before ducking a clothesline and pulling off a bridging German suplex for a near fall.
Across the ring, Johnny Gargano stayed on his toes with a sunset flip to Sami Zayn, just for Sheamus to respond with a big boot. "The Great Liberator" reversed the cradle for a two-count, when the champion bypassed Sami to catch Sheamus with a backslide! Zayn was quick to break it up, but was met with a calf kick for one man and a belly-to-belly suplex to the other! "The Celtic Warrior" was upside down in the corner, as "Johnny Wrestling" ascended to the top rope looking to fly. Sami stirred and was able to prevent the WWE Intercontinental Champion from going a step further. With Sheamus strung up in the tree of woe, Sami and Johnny tussled it out with a superplex in mind...when Sheamus used his core strength to sit up - a German suplex smashing Sami to the canvas - with the superplex to Gargano following suit! The WWE Universe were astonished, as Sheamus let out a loud warrior's cry. Gargano rolled out to the apron and was secured, with the ten Beats of Bodhran impacting his chest. Sami slyly tried to join in as well, standing out on the apron - but instead, the Irishman grabbed hold of him too!
With Sami Zayn and Johnny Gargano both clutched on the apron, Sheamus dished out double Beats of the Bodhran! Refusing to let up, as Gargano dipped out to the floor, Sami continued to receive blow after blow from the anvil-sized hands of "the Celtic Warrior!" Finally relenting to a massive ovation from the WWE Universe, the redhead stepped out to the apron himself and performed a running shoulder tackle from the apron to the floor! The WWE Intercontinental Champion was in trouble as he whipped him into the barricade - a back body drop sending him overhead onto the ringside floor. Rolling him back inside, Sheamus exacted victory with a brutal knee lift as he draped over the edge of the ring. About to head in and go for the win, to the floor saw Sami take flight with an Arabian moonsault! "The Great Liberator" slid inside for the cover, but Gargano managed to kick out. With a headlock applied, he dished up several closed fists to "Johnny Wrestling" before connecting with a snap neckbreaker from the seated position! With mudhole stomps in the corner, Zayn began to choke "the Rebel Heart" - with no disqualifications to be had in this Triple Threat match.
Johnny Gargano finally began to fight back, repeat forearms leading to a discus clothesline to Sami Zayn - but Sheamus came from behind. "The Celtic Warrior" joined "the Great Liberator" in sending the WWE Intercontinental Champion into the ropes for a double back elbow, when Sami proposed they eliminate the champion from the equation first. The strange bedfellows continued to put the boots to "Johnny Wrestling" in the corner, when Sheamus had the idea to execute the Irish Curse backbreaker - which Sami added onto, delivering a diving legdrop from the second rope! The Demolition Device-esque move saw Sami tease covering, but the Irishman was quick to warn him against it. Instead, Sami delivered a brainbuster to Gargano - setting up Sheamus for a sliding lariat! Sheamus went for the cover, prompting Zayn to shove him off! Warning him against taking the win from both of them, the redhead initially apologized - when Sheamus struck Sami with a big boot! It remained every man for himself, as Sheamus looked for the White Noise on Gargano - just to go caught in a sunset flip. Zayn broke it up, dishing up haymakers for him.
Charging for a clothesline, Sami Zayn wound up back body dropped over the top rope, when Sheamus had the ropes pulled under him by the wily WWE Intercontinental Champion. Taking off, a dive through the ropes tore through both of his challengers! Heading back in for a second, Gargano was met by two right hands - stereo, from both "the Great Liberator" and "the Celtic Warrior!" Sheamus drove Gargano into the mat with a powerbomb, when Sami gained a measure of retribution using a half-and-half suplex on the Irishman! Zayn had had enough and was going for broke, setting up the Blue Thunder Bomb on "Johnny Wrestling"...just for the champ to plant him with a hurricanrana! As a slingshot spear through the ropes took down Sheamus, Gargano eyed up the Lawn Dart. Sending Sheamus into the second turnbuckle pad, Gargano walked straight into an exploder suplex from Zayn, sending him into Sheamus! Both men suffered the Helluva Kick, but as Sami covered "the Rebel Heart", he only scored a near fall! In disbelief, he then tried to cover Sheamus...but again got a near fall!
"The Great Liberator" badly wanted the WWE Intercontinental Championship back where it belonged, but as he sized up a second Helluva Kick, Sheamus caught him with an attempted Irish Curse backbreaker...just for Sami Zayn to spin around into a headscissors. When a calf kick stunned Sheamus, a Michinoku driver drilled Johnny Gargano - but the champ was saved by "the Celtic Warrior!" Sheamus and Sami took to dishing out the blows back and forth on their knees, Sami ducking a clothesline and executing the Blue Thunder Bomb - but as he covered, Gargano ran in with the Meteora! A cover made, Sami kicked out at two; and Sheamus wound up struggling off a Gargano Escape attempt. Sami was instantly there to disrupt it, clamping in the Koji Clutch! The Irishman slowly recovered, but as Gargano was on the verge of tapping out, the other redhead in the match, Sheamus, took the legs and locked in a Cloverleaf! "Johnny Wrestling" refused to give in, as Sheamus and Sami both demanded he tap - only to be informed by the official that there could be only one victor! Sami and Sheamus broke their respective holds and began to argue with one another, though when Sheamus turned his back, Sami nailed him!
Sheamus did not move a muscle, instead turning around and catching an attempted toe kick from "the Great Liberator". With a knee lift, Sami Zayn was knocked down hard; but the Brogue Kick was teased. Hammering his chest over and over, "the Celtic Warrior" went in just for a low superkick leading to a second! Johnny Gargano was back again, ever resourceful, as a shiranui took the Irishman down. Gargano used the second rope for a tornado DDT, but Sami was present to prevent the three count. Looking for the Blue Thunder Bomb, Gargano landed out on his feet, firing with a falcon arrow! Zayn rolled outside, as Johnny hit another dive - transitioning in mid-air into an attempted tornado DDT. Instead, Sami sent him over the barricade. Sprinting back into the ring, the Helluva Kick wiped Sheamus out; and a second was enough to knock the Irishman unconscious! Crawling across the ring, Sami went for the cover - but the agile Gargano leaped in with One Final Beat! Covering Sheamus, the three-count was made!
Winner, and still WWE Intercontinental Champion: Johnny Gargano (15:42)
The WWE Intercontinental Champion was able to come out victorious in a gripping Triple Threat match that could have gone either way. Johnny Gargano slowly stumbled to his feet to have his hand raised by the official, issued with the title which he held dearly. "Johnny Wrestling" had become a fixture of the SmackDown Brand since arriving, and was now claimant of the throne of a true fighting, defending WWE Intercontinental Champion! As "the Rebel Heart" left, Sheamus and Sami Zayn both arose from defeat and began to bicker. Neither wanted to claim responsibility for dropping the ball, though "the Celtic Warrior" left "the Great Liberator" high and dry behind. Whether the Artist Collective or Fight Night - what did Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura make of this apparent battle of custody?
'The Final Chapter' awaited both Randy Orton and Edge, for both were pictured in their respective dressing rooms, bracing for warfare still to come. Since his return to the ring at the 2020 Royal Rumble, "the Rated R Superstar" and "the Apex Predator" had awaited this night - one to settle the score and put this bitter rivalry behind them. Inside "the Devil's Playground", that was sure to happen. Inaudibly, both prepared mentally and physically for Hell in a Cell - bound to go down in history as one of the most volatile Hell in a Cell match encounters in sports entertainment history.
The clock was ticking, as the SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley was spotted leaving her dressing room. With the title on her shoulder, for the past 379 days, she had reigned as the champion to beat on Friday Night SmackDown. Despite moving to the RAW Brand tomorrow night, she knew she had to outlast her one truest of rivals: Sasha Banks. Walking the hall, she was supported by Naomi and Tamina of Team B.A.D. "The Legit Boss" was more focused than ever, prepared to enter "the Devil's Playground" for a match years in the making.
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A video package aired, taking us back through the history of "the Boss 'n' Hug Connection". They had been fierce rivals and the greatest of friends, known for partly revolutionizing what became known as the Women's Evolution alongside other members of the Four Horsewomen. From NXT TakeOver to the main roster, Bayley and Sasha Banks each made history by winning Women's Championships and becoming title match fixtures at WrestleMania. After becoming the first ever WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, the two strayed paths to a dramatic extent. "The One Over All" captured the SmackDown Women's Championship and became increasingly egotistical by the week. Joined by "the Legit Boss", the two ran Friday Night SmackDown for months - but the cracks began to show as Bayley's lust for greed and power continued. Finally Sasha was betrayed at Payback, and in their first encounter since, Clash of Champions saw Bayley slither away with the title. Weeks of running and hiding saw Sasha earn her way back to the gold: and this time was to ensure there was no more running: inside the demonic structure known as Hell in a Cell.
The WWE ThunderDome waited in anticipation, for "the Devil's Playground" descended from the casing of the LED lighting box situated over the ring. From the rafters of the Amway Center saw the beaming red Hell in a Cell structure entrap the ringside area entirely, harkening the broadcast team back to 1997, where Shawn Michaels and the Undertaker first stepped foot inside the deathtrap. Who would have ever thought over twenty years later, women would wage war inside it. More menacing as years went by, Hell in a Cell was over 20-feet tall, weighed 5 tonnes of steel; and was made up of thousands of square feet of chainlink.
Sasha Banks made her arrival, as the Hell in a Cell structure waited ahead of her with the door hanging open. "The Legit Boss" made a slow walk to the stage but showed immense concentration, sporting black and gold gear with a leather jacket ever-present. The knuckledusters were on, and she enthusiastically posed for the WWE Universe upon gaining steam, heading towards the ominous Hell that awaited her. Sasha stepped inside and climbed into the ring, quick to take to the second rope and gesture that the SmackDown Women's Championship would be hers after tonight.
The SmackDown Women's Champion followed, hesitant in walking out and facing the music. Bayley was angry about the entire situation, looking ahead at Hell in a Cell, where her former best friend awaited. "The One Over All" wore white and gold as she held the title in her arms like a child, looking cautiously at the structure. "The Legit Boss" grew agitated as Bayley killed more time, taking a stroll around the chainlinked structure. Finally, as Bayley hesitated in finally stepping inside, Sasha came out with a dive through the ropes! Tossing her into the ring, Sasha slammed the door shut!
4) SmackDown Women's Championship - Hell in a Cell match
Bayley (c) vs Sasha Banks
"The One Over All" was grabbed by the ankle by Sasha Banks, but clung to the chainlinked wall for dear life. Sasha continued to drag at her foot, elevating Bayley - but the elevation would see the champion relinquish her grip, and momentum saw the challenger sent bouncing into the demonic structure! With a drop toe hold, Sasha was sent into the floor, and Deliverance was trialled early - but Banks was able to elbow out. Into the ring they went for the first time in this match, Bayley immediately following her enemy in and battering her with rights and lefts to the back of the head. A hard Irish whip sent "the Legit Boss" spine-first into the corner, but she remained resilient as a cover was made. The SmackDown Women's Champion refused to let up on her antagonist, driving two elbow drops into the lower back of the blue-haired Massachusetts native. A sliding lariat connected, but again Sasha was able to get the shoulder up before three. Rolling outside, Bayley went scavenging under the ring for reinforcements - pulling out two kendo sticks. Sasha was stirring and rolled over to fight the champ with rights and lefts. In response, Bayley fired with a hard kendo stick shot to the chest!
Rolling back in, Bayley refused to let up as she bombarded "the Legit Boss's" torso in shots with the cane! Choking her with the cane across her throat, the champion had her opponent in a seated position. Sasha Banks refused to give in, which only made her madder. With a further kendo stick swing to the spine, Banks was covered again only for a near fall. Propping the stick in the corner, "the One Over All" gathered two more canes and placed them alongside it - the triad of sticks forming a bridge across the second rope. Bayley teased a suplex, but Sasha broke out with knee lift and a running knee strike! A hurricanrana sent Bayley out to the floor, where the challenger followed suit with a second dive through the ropes - Bayley sent spine-first bouncing against the steel wall! Rolling her inside, Sasha went to the top rope: but Bayley was somehow able to catch her mid-flight, and perform an exploder suplex driving her through the bridge of kendo sticks! Crumpled in half in the debris of broken canes, as Bayley scrambled over for the pin - but Sasha kicked out still! Vengefully, the SmackDown Women's Champion secured one of the remaining parts of stick before holding it against the jaw of her ex-best friend.
Bayley departed the ring and went beneath the ring - this time pulling out a table. Setting it up diagonally against the corner of "the Devil's Playground" at ringside, the SmackDown Women's Champion found herself grabbed by the hair by her nemesis! Sasha Banks was fought off, and a rope-hung stunner caught the challenger across the throat with the bottom rope! Folding over and collapsing hard on the floor, Bayley had evil thoughts in mind as she prepared another Hugplex - but Sasha escaped! Sending Bayley bouncing face-first against the wooden surface, Sasha attempted a snap suplex just for Bayley to hit the breaks. With a suplex of her own on the cold ground, "the One Over All" followed with another sliding clothesline! Peppering her with haymakers, this melee saw the champ grow more sadistic. She picked Sasha up for a back suplex, but Banks was able to land on the apron. Bayley was able to sweep the leg, planting Sasha face-first against the apron. Climbing up with her, she teased Deliverance on the hardest part of the ring - but Sasha blocked it and sent her hurdling to the floor! Bayley rolled through to receive a Meteora from the apron - both women going through the table!
Sasha Banks cradled her knee in pain from the impact, as she slowly rolled out of the wooden debris. Both women remained down as chants rang out throughout the WWE ThunderDome. Bayley was not moving, and the challenger knew she had her dead to rights. Tired and hurt, "the Legit Boss" slid her back into the ring and went for the cover - but somehow "the One Over All" popped the shoulder up! Bewildered, Sasha recognized this was what helped her rival attain a 379-day reign on top of Friday Night SmackDown. Rolling out gingerly, the challenger lifted the apron and revealed a steel chair from beneath. Back inside, she went for Bayley just to be met with a drop toe hold! The SmackDown Women's Champion turned the Bank Statement against her ex-best friend, as Sasha squirmed for a way out of her own finishing hold. Bayley wrenched back on the neck, when finally the fingernails of Sasha raked the eyes of her enemy! Fighting dirty against the dirty champion, Sasha would connect with the Backstabber preluding the Bank Statement - but Bayley rolled her foe off. Resetting back on their feet, Bayley tossed the chair into Sasha's catching hands for a dropkick to connect!
The Deliverance was teased, but Sasha Banks got the steel chair up and rammed it into the ribs of Bayley. A second shot to the spine rattled the SmackDown Women's Champion, when the chair was set up in the corner. "The Legit Boss" lit Bayley up with forearms, settling her down in a seated position on the chair. Banks backed off and looked for the running knees...but Bayley moved! Sasha held her knee in pain, when she turned around to receive a running sunset flip that sent the back of Sasha exploding into the chair! Bayley covered, desperately looking for the win - but Sasha kicked out even still! On the verge of a tantrum, Bayley screamed at Sasha, demanding to know why she wouldn't let her have this moment. Once again returning to the floor, "the One Over All" pulled out a ladder to a big ovation. Sliding it into the ring, Bayley was caught red-handed - for Sasha connected with a baseball slide, sending the lengthways end into the face of Bayley! She bounced against the chainlinked fence again, as Sasha proceeded to follow her out and ram her face gruesomely against the walls of Hell in a Cell.
With the help of the chainlink cage walls, Sasha Banks charged with another Meteora from the apron - but this time, Bayley was prepared. "The One Over All" fought her antagonist, before setting her on her shoulders. A devastating powerbomb planted Sasha spine-first against the top half of the ladder, which dangled over the edge of the ring! Banks clumped to the floor as the ladder began to slide out, but Bayley tossed her back inside and set the structure up. Gingerly, she staggered to the top of the ladder used the top rope for help. Taking a seat at the top, the SmackkDown Women's Champion took a look around at the WWE ThunderDome, as well as "the Devil's Playground" both of them were contained within. With tribute to "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Bayley went for the diving elbow drop - but Sasha was able to roll out of the way! Bayley crashed and burned on the canvas; and Sasha capitalized with Deliverance executed on the originator of the move! The champion was covered, but Bayley was able to kick out! Banks recognized what she had to do next, and that was inflict damage on Bayley how she had done to her.
Tipping the ladder over the spine of the SmackDown Women's Champion, Sasha Banks grew medieval with her attack - stomping away at the back of "the One Over All!" Bayley was stuck beneath the ladder, which "the Legit Boss" picked up and repeatedly slammed down across the champion's back. Sasha drove double knees across the ladder, throwing caution to the wind! Her knee be-damned, Banks hooked the legs only for the champion to kick out at two. Sasha believed she was on the cusp of walking away the champion - so long as she could still walk - and picked her former friend up for Three Amigos. Two consecutive suplexes led to the third, but Bayley reversed out and connected with a back suplex on top of the ladder! Picking up the steel chair, Bayley missed Sasha and dropped the chair over the top rope - "the Legit Boss" catching her with a roll-up. The cover was made for a narrow two count, when the Bank Statement was tried! Bayley blocked it and went for Deliverance - but Sasha planted her with a DDT! Crawling out to the apron, the challenger hobbled to the top rope. Paying her own homage to "Latino Heat" Eddie Guerrero, the Frog Splash landed - but Bayley got her knees up!
With a single-legged Boston crab applied, Bayley targeted the injured knee of "the Legit Boss". Sasha Banks had the knee of the SmackDown Women's Champion in her spine, bringing "the One Over All" immense pain! Sasha screamed and tried her hardest not to tap - as Bayley screamed at her best friend to finally give in and let her have this time to shine. "The Boss" finally fought, and was able to turn over and kick Bayley off into the corner. Clutching her knee, Sasha hammerfisted at it - and as Bayley charged towards her, little did anyone realize - she had exposed the middle turnbuckle pad! Bayley was sent face-first into the exposed steel, much like at Clash of Champions, and Banks applied the Bank Statement! Bayley refused to give in, but Sasha arched back and began to stomp at the bare hand of the champion. Bayley screamed, in shades of NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn five years ago - but Bayley was somehow able to turn it into a roll-up. With one hand on the ropes, and the tights in her hand, Bayley managed to escape with the pin!Winner, and still SmackDown Women's Champion: Bayley (24:39) Steel Statement
Sasha Banks released the Bank Statement, dumbfounded. Believing she had Bayley beaten, "the One Over All" slumped out to the ringside floor in hysterics. The SmackDown Women's Champion threw up her hands from a prone position, victorious over her ex-best friend. "The Legit Boss" contested the outcome with the official, while Bayley used the chainlink fence to drag herself back to her feet. Barking orders to the referee outside of "the Devil's Playground" to free her from the shackled door - unfortunately, it was too late. Sasha grabbed "the One Over All" by the hair and pulled her back into the ring! Without relent, "the Legit Boss" hammered away at the champ as the WWE Universe lapped it up. Bayley tkicked away, but Sasha grabbed a steel chair and slammed it down across her spine! Breaking off a column of the weapon with her foot, Sasha proceeded to use the narrow piece of metal to lock in the Bank Statement. Bayley was defenceless and had nowhere to run, while the official grappled to try and break her from the unforgiving hold! Finally successful was the official, and Sasha took a walk. Without the title, she left Hell in a Cell - but she was the one left standing when all was said and done!
An advertisement aired, depicting the Street Profits complaining about losing their luggage. Montez Ford was down on his luck, when Angelo Dawkins recommended they take a load off and make the most it - by visiting "the Stylin' Room". Ric Flair was stood waiting with shades, and told "the Frat Boys" he had them covered for their wardrobe emergency. "The Nature Boy" took Ang and Tez in with a hearty "Wooo!", and an extreme makeover saw Ford enamored with an Ultimate Warrior-like get-up! Dawkins was not keen, asking for another go around. "Naitch" had their backs, and the three emerged dressed to the nines in suits. Now they had "the Smoke", there was no problems to be had. Skittles - Wear the Rainbow, Taste the Rainbow.
Hell in a Cell is presented in part by CreditOne Bank - visit CreditOne.com today - it's Life Ever Rewarded.
The heavenly sound of the Church's music rang out over the WWE ThunderDome, presenting the illustrious trio. Seth Rollins led his Disciples out, sporting black tights with white lines. A single gloved on his hand, the gown-clad "Messiah" of the group was backed by Theory in black and white pleather trunks. Murphy sported a longsleeve black tee over his black shorts with white trim, as the former RAW Tag team Champions were led down the rampway. "The Visionary" posed on the second rope with his Disciples supporting him in the ring, as pyrotechnics erupted - awaiting 'the Meeting of the Families'.
As one of "the Two Families" stood in wait, La Invasíon kept the Church waiting until revealing themselves. Andrade led the way in golden tights with a white jacket, kneeling down on the stage for Los Lotharios to come walking out. Angel Garza posed obnoxiously in olive colored pants, while his cousin stood alongside him in gold tights with red trim. Humberto Carrillo hugged "El Amante", as "El Capo" led his familia down the rampway. Not backing down, the families met in the ring with neither backing down. Angel and "La Estrella" faced off with Theory and Murphy, as Seth Rollins paired off with Andrade.
5) 'The Meeting of the Families'
The Church vs La Invasíon (with Zelina Vega) Mayhem quickly broke out as the three pairs of men teed off with one another. The WWE Universe erupted as Seth Rollins took the first shot at Andrade! Theory and Murphy were not far behind in combating the brash Los Lotharios. In one corner, "the Messiah" laid into the man who stole one from him this past week on Monday Night RAW. Theory and Humberto Carrillo traded open-hand chops in another. Meanwhile, Theory took a shortcut with an eye poke to Angel Garza. Sending him into the ropes, "El Amante" came roaring back with a springboard stunner off the bottom rope! Humberto was sent out to the apron by "the Juggernaut", who teased a suplex on the apron - just for "La Estrella" to turn it into a hurricanrana bringing both to the floor! Andrade teased a hanging armbar, but Seth was able to shove him off - going over the top rope! As the cousins brought the fight to his Disciples, "the Visionary" took to the skies with a tope con hilo taking out both of them! Returning his attention to Andrade, "El Capo" drove him into the barricade with a fireman's carry landing him jaw-first! At another part of ringside, Theory sent Humberto overboard into what would have been the depths of the WWE Universe.
"El Capo" pummeled away at Seth Rollins in a kneeling position at ringside, as Angel Garza raked the eyes of Murphy and performed a step-up enzuigiri in the corner of the ring. Theory sent Humberto Carrillo bouncing off of a row of the LED boards baring the faces of the WWE Universe, when up behind him snuck Angel Garza with a snap suplex on the concrete floor of the Amway Center. Suddenly, Theory came from the barricade with a diving crossbody - taking down both members of Los Lotharios! At ringside, Andrade teased the Buckle Bomb into the barricade - but Seth was able to turn it around and knock him down with a superkick to the jaw! The Church took centerstage back in the ring, where they claimed homefield advantage. The crowd actually supported them, as they fired the people up and challenged La Invasíon to come back for round two. The patriarch and the cousins huddled at ringside in strategy, though there was no waiting for the Church! Seth Rollins slammed Los Lotharios' heads together as Murphy lit up Andrade with kicks and strikes against the barricade. Theory and Angel Garza got into a fist fight exchange, when into the ring saw "the Messiah" bring "El Amante".
The referee was finally able to restore some degree of order as Seth Rollins cut off Angel Garza's jumping clotheslines, batting off a dropkick attempt and a corner forearm smash. "El Amante" tried to fight back with open-handed chops, only to walk into a reverse STO into the second turnbuckle! "The Messiah" tagged in Murphy to aid him in stomping away at Garza. Andrade and Humberto Carrillo assumed positions on the apron as Seth worked to antagonize them. Murphy connected with a diving Meteora from the second rope, catching the seate Garza for a near fall. In came Theory for a rolling dropkick from the apron, as Angel was held in position by his partner. The former RAW Tag Team Champions appeared to be a well-oiled machine after losing their titles under two weeks ago, teaming up with a double flapjack to Garza. Seth then returned, performing a springboard clothesline for a two count. With a chinlock, Seth taunted "El Capo" and "La Estrella", who both expressed annoyance with him. "The Messiah" performed a snap neckbreaker when "A-Town Austin" smugly re-entered. A standing moonsault was the idea - but Garza rolled out of the way!
A soccer kick to the chest lit a fuse under "El Amante", who connecting with a sequence of dropkicks before blocking a toe kick with a knee lift. The kneeling powerbomb was connected, before he rolled Theory backwards to a kneeling position - a superkick knocking him silly! In charged Murphy to get back body dropped over the top rope instantly, and the olive pants tore away to reveal the white trunks of Angel Garza. Tagging in his cousin, Humberto Carrillo executed a springboard roundhouse kick, before Los Lotharios teamed up with a double wishbone targeting the groin of "A-Town Austin". Seth Rollins could only watch his youngest Disciple suffer the fate of an inverted rolling thunder from "La Estrella". Andrade clapped it up, driving Theory down with a reverse tornado DDT from the second rope! With closed fists impacting the temple of him, La Invasíon had targeted the least experienced member of the Church. While he tried to fight back, Theory attempted a fisherman suplex just for Andrade to land on his feet - a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker planting him! Angel Garza had Humberto Carrillo and "El Capo" hoist Theory in the air for a pop-up soccer kick to the chest - yet this time Seth broke it up!
"The Visionary" exchanged words with Andrade, as Angel Garza mocked the leader of the Church. A double underhook backbreaker saw "El Amante" plant Theory again over his knee, when La Campana was locked in! Hanging "A-Town Austin" in mid-air, the reverse Boston crab saw Angel insultingly hold Theory in the lucha-inspired submission hold - when Garza transitioned to apply the rings of saturn! In a rare scene, the WWE Universe got behind the arrogant twenty-three year old, as he struggled his way - successful in making the ropes! Humberto Carrillo lucked in for a springboard headbutt - but in mid-air Theory nailed him with a dropkick! On the crawl, Angel returned looking for a slingshot inverted suplex using the top rope - but instead, Theory caught him with a gutwrench powerbomb! The tag was made to Murphy, coming in with a quick succession of dropkicks. Evading Andrade, two kicks led to a bicycle knee strike for "El Capo". Humberto Carrillo scored with a running armdrag, when "the Juggernaut" caught him with a deadlift German suplex! Andrade suffered the brunt of a superkick and a brainbuster, when Garza broke the count.
"The Messiah" came in and warded off Angel Garza, as Murphy set up a sit-out powerbomb on Andrade - just for Humberto Carrillo to strike with a corkscrew roundhouse kick to the back of the head! "El Capo" deposited him with the double knees in the corner, before quickly dragging him towards the corner of La Invasíon. Seth Rollins grew frustrated as his Disciples were both equalized. Los Lotharios performed a double Japanese armdrag for a near fall, when Humberto Carrillo came off the top rope with a Moonsault! The cover was made, but Seth again broke the count. "La Estrella" talked trash to "the Visionary", when "El Amante" returned. Angel Garza used the top rope to his advantage, slingshotting himself over the top rope using Murphy's back as a transition into the powerbomb. Instead, Murphy landed on his feet and used a wrist-clutched driving knee strike! Hitting so hard he fell backwards - Seth Rollins got the tag! "The Visionary" returned to legal offense, taking down Garza with a springboard knee strike and shoving Humberto from the apron. Andrade snuck in looking for El Idolo, just to receive the Sling Blade!
On the floor, Seth Rollins performed dives to Los Lotharios, before returning to the ring and evading a big boot to score a falcon arrow! "The Visionary" had the WWE Universe buzzing, when Angel Garza came in from behind with a low kick to the leg! "El Amante" looked for the Wing Clipper, but instead Seth broke out with a leaping enzuigiri. As he sent Garza into the corner with the Buckle Bomb, Theory got his foot up and a diving Meteora followed. "The Messiah" directed his Disciples as Theory and Murphy drove Angel into the mat with the double Murphy's Law - but out of nowhere, Andrade came in with a handspring Pelé kick! The Disciples were wiped out, and Andrade sent Seth out as well. Humberto Carrillo lept the top rope with a twisting moonsault plancha, when "El Capo" soared from the top rope with a death-defying corkscrew moonsault press! Making it look easy, the patriarch of La Invasíon sent Murphy back into the ring for a diving moonsault - but as "the Juggernaut" rolled out of the way, Andrade landed on his feet, switched direction and scored with the follow-up standing moonsault!
The WWE Universe were in disbelief at the athleticism on display - everything was riding on the outcome of 'the Meeting of the Families'. Angel Garza came to as Seth Rollins rolled back in, just in time for Andrade to meet him with stomps. Teaming up, "El Capo" and "El Amante" set up a double El Idolo, but "the Messiah" broke free. Sending Andrade over the top rope, Humberto Carrillo tagged in but missed a handspring - and was met with two superkicks, building to the Pedigree! Rollins had the cover, when in the last hair of a second, Zelina Vega appeared to put "La Estrella's" foot on the bottom rope! The business partner behind La Invasíon smirked at Seth, but what she wasn't counting on was Theory to appear behind her. Zelina began to back off in fear, before warning "A-Town Austin" what this may cost him. Frantically she backed up, when behind her snarled Murphy! The Disciples had her cornered, when Angel Garza struck with a jumping baseball slide. Skinning the cat back inside, the Wing Clipper was teased on Seth, who struck back with a sole butt. Following with an upkick, a second Pedigree was planned when Andrade intruded.
Theory came out of nowhere with the ATL, but Humberto Carrillo returned to life with a springboard headbutt! Murphy looked for a brainbuster, but Carrillo reversed into a Destroyer! Little did he realize that Seth Rollins was behind him and drilled him with a jumping knee strike. "The Messiah" riled up the WWE Universe, hitting the ropes and executing the Stomp on Angel Garza! "The Visionary" made the cover - but the referee refused to count. Pleading his case that "El Amante" wasn't the legal man, out of nowhere snuck in Andrade with El Idolo planting the leader of the Church on his skull! With both legs hooked, Andrade bridged over with a huge grin on his face...La Invasíon taking victory!Winners: La Invasíon (18:23)
For the second time in one week, Andrade had stolen the win from Seth Rollins! "The Messiah" was left laying in the middle of the ring, while "El Capo" was helped out of the ring by an overjoyed Zelina Vega. She paraded his win, cementing La Invasíon's supremacy over the Church. As Theory and Murphy hit the ring to check on their fallen leader, Los Lotharios joined Andrade in celebration on the rampway. In disbelief, the Disciples did not know what to do now that they had been beaten by the opposing side of "the Two Families". Andrade was the man of the match as far as 'the Meeting of the Families' were concerned!
Following discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T, a video package aired providing an extensive look at the situation involving the WWE World Championship. Since being the one to beat Brock Lesnar for the gold at WrestleMania, "the Scottish Terminator" ran Monday Night RAW against allcomers. A beloved staple in the eyes of the WWE Universe, McIntyre was thought to be invincible - as in the span of eight days, he overcome the odds of injury with three title defences. But, on August 31, 2020, his meteoric reign as WWE World Champion came to an end, thanks to Bobby Lashley. Ushering in 'the Era of "the All Mighty"', the Money in the Bank cash-in provided the top guy of Team Lashley the confidence boost needed to lead Monday Night RAW with an iron fist. Joined by Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander, the group grew with MVP and Lashley's wife Lana in command. Yet "the Scottish Warrior" refused to be denied. Time and time again he came back for more, demanding his rematch. He was unafraid to fight Lashley in the ring or in the stands, so long as it led him back to the gold. Now was the chance for the Scotsman to turn back time and reclaim the gold.
Bagpipes rang out over the Amway Center, bringing out the former WWE World Champion. Drew McIntyre emerged in a black and blue tartan kilt, with a gigantic sword in his hand. "The Scottish Warrior", normally charming with a faint smile, was fully focused with a stoic grimace on his face. He walked out to the rampway, before slamming his sword down into the stage igniting fireball pyrotechnics, before beginning on his path to the ring. There, he disrobed of the kilt, revealing black leather trunks beneath. Calling out for the support of the WWE Universe, the Scotsman cried for one man - Bobby Lashley!
Ripples of electricity buzzed throughout the WWE ThunderDome, as MVP and Lana stood on the stage. Between them came Bobby Lashley with the WWE World Championship around his waist. "The All Mighty" was statuesque, as pyrotechnics erupted up and down the rampway. In black and gold tights bearing the words "Hurt Business", Lashley teased jumping into the ring, much to the challenger's amusement. Finally the champ entered for Mike Rome to provide formal introductions - but as Lashley posed with the title to his namecall, Drew took his head off with the Claymore Kick! 6) WWE World Championship
Bobby Lashley (with MVP and Lana) (c) vs Drew McIntyre "The All Mighty" did not anticipate a Claymore Kick at the moment he posed for his name to be announced, and Lana and MVP both panicked at the sight! Revenge for the Money in the Bank cash-in saw Drew McIntyre make the cover, but Bobby Lashley was miraculously able to kick out. "The Scottish Terminator" laughed as the dazed WWE World Champion stumbled out to the floor. His advisor and his wife immediately ran to check on him, as the challenger waited at ringside. Finally deciding to roll out and come after him, Bobby was met with a barrage of haymakers, to which the champion pushed away from. McIntyre struck with a big boot, before rolling him inside. With eyes laid on MVP and Lana, he warned both of them to keep their distance. Re-entering the ring, the champion suddenly muscled Drew up with a fireman's carry takedown. Mounting him and claiming the north-south position, Lashley battled back with knee strikes from a front facelock. McIntyre was able to power up however, and a northern lights suplex took him overhead for a near fall! Lashley backed up, for Drew to begin nailing him with a succession of punches.
Fired up after close to two months without the WWE World Championship he unfairly lost, Drew McIntyre examined the WWE ThunderDome before rushing in to be back body dropped over the top rope. He clung to the apron and nailed Bobby Lashley with another strike, before darting to the top rope - but "the All Mighty" crotched him on the top rope, bouncing off the ropes! A running punch saw "the Scottish Terminator" fumble to the floor, as the champion continued to shake off the cobwebs from being prematurely taken to 'Claymore Country'. At ringside Lashley clobbered Drew with an arsenal of heavy right hands, before turning to mudhole stomps by the barricade. MVP and Lana applauded him as he posed, when Drew struck back, tackling him to the floor. Lashley battled back with knee strikes to the upper anatomies of the challenger, before powering him up with a thrust spinebuster into the ring apron! Lashley sent McIntyre back into the ring and mowed him down with a clothesline, covering for a one-count. It would take plenty more than that to keep the Scotsman down, and Lashley was quick to apply a rolling bear hug on the canvas.
It was three broken ribs that allowed "the Scottish Warrior" to be beaten so handily the night he lost the WWE World Championship, and now Bobby Lashley was capitalizing on it. Drew McIntyre slowly built back to his knees, clapping his beefed-up arms against the sides of "the All Mighty's" head. At point-blank range, haymakers rattled the WWE World Champion, before finally freeing him from the hold. Catching Lashley with two clotheslines and a back body drop, a clothesline sent the champ out to the floor! McIntyre seized the opportunity and hit the ropes - a tope con hilo in sight, but Lashley was able to dive out of the way to safety! The flip dive saw the challenger land spine-first on the ringside floor with a sickening thud, and Lashley quickly capitalized - picking Drew up and sending "the Terminator" into the ring post skull-first with a charging fireman's carry! Rolling back into the ring, the head of Team Lashley rolled into the ring casually as the referee was forced to begin his count. With his onlookers celebrating amongst themselves, Lashley showboated prematurely - though McIntyre remained unmoved.
Finally at the count of six, "the Scottish Warrior" began to stir - though he remained slow and unable to stand. Just as Bobby Lashley thought he had the match won, Drew McIntyre beat the count, making it in at the count of nine! MVP and Lana couldn't believe it either, as "the All Mighty" began to put the boots to him. A belly-to-belly suplex took the burly challenger overhead for another near fall, before Lashley locked in a rear naked choke. With the legs grapevining the body, Drew was trapped and the champion squeezed the life out of him. The WWE World Champion began to fade, as Lashley made it so by repeatedly clobbering the challenger upside the head with his huge arms. The official checked the hand for signs of life, going unresponded twice - but on the third and final try, Drew's arm remained stable! Lashley felt himself losing momentum in the grip and relinquished the hold as "the Terminator" returned to a knee, when Lashley took to the ropes for a running crossbody! With a release fisherman suplex, the champ covered - but again, Drew kicked out in the nick of time. Shaking his head, Lashley teased going for the Spear, but upon rushing towards the challenger: he was met with a Glasgow Kiss!
With the WWE World Champion knocked silly, a belly-to-belly suplex sent the champ overhead into the cover! Drew McIntyre executed a spear in the corner, before hitting the ropes and connecting with a flying clothesline for a near fall. "The Terminator" pounded his chest and roared for the WWE Universe. Bobby Lashley was backed onto the top rope, when the former champion stuck his head between his legs. The inverted Alabama slam landed Lashley face-first off the mat, but again the champ kicked out in defiance. "The Scottish Warrior" lapped up seeing his rival in a moment of weakness, still groggy after having his skull slammed into the LED ring post. In the corner, Drew trapped his enemy with ten punches - but Lashley was able to hoist him overhead and slam him down with a stungun! Staggering away, Lashley performed a corner spear of his own - when a spinebuster took the challenger down, Drew crashing hard! "The All Mighty" was encouraged to end this , setting up the Spear - but this time, Drew caught him once again with the Claymore Kick! The cover was made, but MVP dragged the referee out at two! Not standing for this, the official wasted no time in having Lana and MVP ejected!
As the two protested the decision, Drew McIntyre grinned and waved goodbye to the intrusions. With MVP and Lana aggravated by their plan backfiring, "the Scottish Warrior" slowly returned to his feet and spotted Bobby Lashley stirring. From the corner, the former champion lined up his prey. For a third time in this match planning to send "the All Mighty" to 'Claymore Country', the countdown began - but Lashley dove out of the way. The Spear tore through McIntyre, but as the legs were hooked, the official could only count two! The WWE ThunderDome buzzed as the match went ongoing. Lashley gritted his teeth in annoyance, before picking "the Terminator" up for the Dominator. The challenger was able to hammer his way to freedom, when the WWE World Champion clubbed him on the back, as he was set down on the second rope! Bobby readjusted and went for the Dominator once more, but Drew slipped free onto his feet - taking Lashley down with a sit-out spinebuster! Only getting two again, McIntyre slowly recovered and pounded the mat. Reviving himself, the Scot sluggishly met the champ on his knees.
Going blow for blow, initiated by "the Scottish Warrior", he and Bobby Lashley decked one another until a knee lift from the WWE World Champion saw him gain control. A suplex was attempted, but Drew McIntyre landed on his feet and executed a German suplex! Rolling back to his feet, "the All Mighty" rushed in for a spinebuster, but the challenger blocked it with elbow strikes - before the Future Shock DDT drilled him into the mat. The cover was made - but again, only for a two-count! McIntyre wasted no time powering Lashley up and looking for the Celtic Cross. Lashley somehow reversed into a sunset flip for a near fall, when both reset on their feet. Hitting the ropes, Drew walked straight into a powerslam as Lashley teased the Hurt Lock! McIntyre fought with all of his might to prevent the fingers from being interlocked. Reverse headbutts led to freedom - but as Drew ducked a clothesline, and then a second one, the third Claymore Kick of the match saw Lashley hurl the referee in his way! With the referee unconscious, another Spear wiped out Drew - but with no referee, the champ knew what he could now do.
Grabbing a steel chair from the timekeeper's table, Bobby Lashley returned to the ring. Sizing up Drew McIntyre, "the Scottish Terminator" managed to duck the swing attempt made before overpowering the WWE World Champion in a tug of war over the weapon. A sitout powerbomb drove Lashley spine-first on the chair he himself introduced to the match, but with no referee still, "the Terminator" knew there was no way he could leave now as WWE World Champion. Going over to tend to the official, out came Shelton Benjamin with a Paydirt attempt - only to be sent across the ring with a biel throw! McIntyre connected with a clothesline in the corner, when Cedric Alexander appeared out of nowhere with the Neutralyzer! Ignoring the orders of "the All Mighty" earlier tonight, the champ had wanted to do this on his own - but now every member of Team Lashley was involved! Bobby Lashley was helped up by "the Gold Standard", but he shoved him away. Lashley pointed the finger at both he and "the Queen City Chosen One", demanding they get lost. In return, McIntyre went for the Claymore Kick only to nail Shelton and Cedric. Lashley capitalized with an explosive Spear to finally pick up the win!
Winner, and still WWE World Champion: Bobby Lashley (16:39)
The WWE World Champion successfully retained his title, but looked more than elated to have achieved victory. Bobby Lashley surveyed the damage done; as Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander remained down on the floor. Drew McIntyre remained flat on his back; and the official remained out of it as well! One man staggered to his feet: the man who would remain the one to beat. "The All Mighty" was joined by his wife Lana and advisor MVP, who hugged and issued him with the title - but Lashley again told both of them he didn't want to share the spotlight with either of them. With Team Lashley made to take a backseat for the reigning champ, Lashley stood tall on the second rope - above them all, still the man to beat on Monday Night RAW: but it took the five members of Team Lashley to defeat "the Scottish Warrior!"
An advertisement aired, promoting '30 Years: Phenom Forever'. A montage highlighted the many faces, many looks, many walks and many Tombstone Piledrivers synonymous with "the Deadman". With this November marking three 'Decades of Destruction' for the man from the Dark Side, the show would premiere as part of '30 Days of Deadman' - exclusive to the WWE Network.
Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T recapped the events of Hell in a Cell thus far, before moving on to discuss next month. A lower third graphic aired promoting the next time the WWE would be live on the WWE Network. The 2020 Survivor Series would come live from the WWE ThunderDome on Sunday, November 22 from 7E/4P.
Following discussion from the broadcast team from Monday Night RAW, a graphic aired promoting this upcoming week of Season Premieres. Both RAW on the USA Network and Friday Night SmackDown on FOX would kick things off with all-new seasons. A fresh start was to be had once the 2020 WWE Draft selections came into effect from midnight tonight. A follow-up graphic revealed the new acquisitions for both the RAW and SmackDown Brands.
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| RAW Acquisitions
- SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley
- Braun Strowman
- Sasha Banks
- Jeff Hardy
- Daniel Bryan
- Keith Lee
- Big E
- John Morrison
- Alexa Bliss
- Mustafa Ali
- Carmella
- Elias
- Nikki Cross
- Apollo Crews
- Swerve
| SmackDown Acquisitions
- Drew McIntyre
- RAW Women's Champion Charlotte Flair
- AJ Styles
- Shayna Baszler
- Damian Priest
- Aleister Black
- Kairi Sane
- Candice LeRae
- Montez Ford
- Chelsea Green
- Ivar
- Oney Lorcan
- Erik
- Angelo Dawkins
- Danny Burch
- Riddick Moss
- Toni Storm
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The time had arrived for 'the Final Chapter'. The WWE ThunderDome awaited "the Devil's Playground" to descend from the lighting casing beyond the ring for a second time tonight. Earlier, Bayley was able to outlast her ex-best friend Sasha Banks in an explosion of "the Boss 'n' Hug Connection" - but now was about Rated-RKO. For the past ten months, Randy Orton and Edge had been involved in one of the most personal rivalries in WWE history. Careers had been threatened, and lives had been endangered. Tonight, at Hell in a Cell 2020: it all came down to this. The red demonic structure surrounded the ringside area, awaiting for the gladiators' arrivals.
A video package aired, recapping the stakes that brought us to tonight's heated confrontation. Sixteen years ago, two men met for the first time in a match pitting the present against future. On that night, Edge won over the prospectful "Legend Killer" at Vengeance 2004 - but little did anybody know, it was only the beginning. In 2006, "the Rated R Superstar" took Randy Orton under his wing. Together they formed Rated-RKO, becoming World Tag Team Champions. Their run was brief, and tensions flared which tore them apart in months - yet their legacy ran on for years. Over the years, they had brisk encounters and had gruesome battles at every instance. Both headlined WrestleMania, and continued to win World Championships. Yet in 2011, when the WWE Hall of Famer was at the peak of his career, he was struck down in injury: forced into retirement. In that time, "the Viper" went on to become recognized as one of the greatest of all-time. You would be hard-pressed to find a WWE Superstar with a more complete career than "the Apex Predator" - that is, until the hands of fate provided a familiar friend with a second chance to make things right.
At the 2020 Royal Rumble, Edge shocked the entire world when he returned in the Men's Royal Rumble match. Randy Orton was astonished, and though it was every man for himself, Rated-RKO turned back the clock over a decade - before "the Rated R Superstar" outshined Orton, eliminating him from the match. It soured "the Viper" to be hurled out, and the next night on Monday Night RAW, he vented his frustration - demolishing Edge and putting him back out on the shelf. In the coming months, he decimated anybody in close proximity - including the WWE Hall of Famer's wife Beth Phoenix. Finally, Edge returned with a vengeance. Last Man Standing saw the men go to war at WrestleMania, where Edge brutally removed his antagonist from the WWE with a head contusion. While the veteran looked at one more shot at the WWE World Championship, Orton returned with a spiteful Punt Kick one month later at Money in the Bank. It took Edge out, and allowed "the Apex Predator" to go back to his vile ways. Refusing to have everything taken away from him again, the Canadian stubbornly returned, laying waste to his arch nemesis at SummerSlam: declaring it was time to settle this once and for all.
Though he demanded one last encounter between the two, Edge was turned down by Randy Orton, claiming there would be no more rematches. As the two argued over grit, "the Rated R Superstar" instead decided that it was important to push the envelope to ensure he got his way. Backstage assaults saw the WWE Hall of Famer threaten "the Viper's" career - when he finally declared enough was enough. Taking to the ring, he didn't his rival the satisfaction of 'the Final Chapter' - instead, he declared his own retirement. As Kurt Angle advised Edge it was over, and Randy Orton told Ric Flair he was done, it was revealed to all be a master plan created by "the Apex Predator". In a parking lot attack, Orton told the Canadian he had his match. Weeks later, the contract was signed to make it official: Hell in a Cell, one last time. As WWE Official Adam Pearce had it included that neither man could lay a finger on the other until "the Devil's Playground" came around, this match had not been just weeks in the making. It hadn't been months in the making. Rather, it had been years in the making. Orton vs Edge: 'the Final Chapter' was now. Who would come out on top?
"Voices" played, signalling the arrival of "the Apex Predator". The sounds of Rev Theory played Randy Orton out to the stage, where he looked dead ahead at the demonic Hell in a Cell structure. With much history spent inside the hellacious container, the veteran slowly walked the rampway while glancing around at the WWE Universe. "The Viper" sported black leather trunks with red decals, sporting a sleeveless hoody for the occasion. Slowly stepping into the ring, he looked up and around at the prison surrounding him - patiently awaiting his fate.
"Metalingus" roared through the WWE ThunderDome, as smoke flooded the stage in anticipation. Out jogged the WWE Hall of Famer in black and red tights, with off-yellow knee pads. In a worn black leather duster, "the Rated R Superstar" looked around at the faces of the WWE Universe on the LED screens, before darting back and force. Jumping on the spot, he began to power walk down to the ring, with eyes locked on a smirking Randy Orton. "The Viper" wisely rolled out to the floor as Edge slithered into the ring, removing his jacket and awaiting 'the Final Chapter' to begin.
 7) 'The Final Chapter' - Hell in a Cell match
Randy Orton vs Edge
As Edge hit the wall face-first, self-inflicted, Randy Orton went on the attack. He clobbered him with clenched fists to the face as he kneeled on the ringside floor. Back inside he went, with "the Viper" brutally kicking the WWE Hall of Famer in the ribs twice. The stomps began, methodically targeting each respective limb of his former good ally turned burning enemy. Edge slowly rose and tried to fight back, but another stomp took him down. Kneeling on his face to keep him in place, a jumping knee drop was executed and a cover was made - though Orton lifted his head up himself. Declaring it was a long way from over, Randy used his feet to push Edge out to the apron. Teasing the draping DDT over the second rope, Edge suddenly rebelled with right hands. Fighting up to his feet, he hit a toe kick and took off for the ropes. A swinging neckbreaker was attempted, but Orton reversed it into the inverted neckbreaker! Slithering over the Canadian's carcass, "the Apex Predator" slid out to the floor and brought up two steel chairs. A one-man Conchairto was about to give Edge flashbacks to the night after the Royal Rumble nine months ago - but Edge rolled out of the way!
A sickening sound echoed throughout the WWE ThunderDome as chair collided with chair. Edge meanwhile began to kick the back of "the Apex Predator's" legs from a grounded position - until Orton brought down a steel chair shot to the spine! A second one kept "the Rated R Superstar" at bay, when he dropped the chair by his feet. Sending Edge him out to the apron once more, the draping DDT connected - directly on top of the chair! The leg was hooked, but the WWE Hall of Famer continued to remain down. Randy smirked knowingly, realizing he had much more pain to inflict. Grabbing Edge in a chinlock, he began to drive his knuckles sharply into the sides of the temple of the Canadian. Edge was able to bat his rival away, when Orton picked up the steel chair again. He talked trash to Edge, advising he stay down. He suddenly went for a wild swing - but Edge turned, and protected himself with the other chair! Another collision of steel echoed throughout the Amway Center, and a dropkick took Orton down! Back on the attack, the veteran came firing back with a big boot, when a diving clothesline from the second rope got a near fall.
Sliding outside and dragging Randy Orton by the head, "the Rated R Superstar" delivered a knee lift to the jaw as his enemy hung over the edge. Dragging him by the sides of his head, Orton was sent twice face first against the hardest part of the ring, when Edge pulled a ladder from out beneath the ring! Randy unexpectedly struck with a Lou Thesz press from behind, raining down punches on the WWE Hall of Famer. Whipping him hard into the steel steps, they exploded upon impact, and Orton had another diabolical scheme in mind. Teasing a piledriver on top of the bottom segment of the steps, he dangled Edge's feet in mid-air for surely a career-ending headplant on steel - when Edge fought free and back dropped "the Viper" spine-first across the edge of the steps on the way down! Riving in pain, Orton's back revealed a long gash across his back, as Edge collapsed forward. Randy continued to plead with the referee for help, but there was no helping him. Tossing him back into the ring, Edge returned to the ladder and slid it into the ring. Rolling in after him, Orton struck back with a desperate European uppercut.
A second one stunned Edge, who punched his way free. Hitting the ropes, "the Viper" took him down with a scoop powerslam! Randy Orton struggled to stand but persevered, picking up the ladder and driving it into the upper anatomy of "the Rated R Superstar!" With a thud, the ladder was dropped to the mat, as Orton made the cover - but Edge kicked out again. The wound on Orton's back told the story, as did the gash opened up on the forehead of the Canadian. Orton executed a back suplex on top of the ladder, before stumbling over him to mount him with more punches. Going as far as to bite him grotesquely, Orton stomped his rival before looking for a suplex. Edge was able to stumble out on his feet - the Edge-o-Matic driving "the Apex Predator" down across the ladder! The WWE Hall of Famer showed resilience, as he quickly took to applying the Sharpshooter in the center of the ring! Orton groaned in pain, as his rival had him trapped. He began to crawl, as Edge applied more pressure - when Orton not only made the ropes, but began to crawl free. Edge stumbled over, as in a match with no rope breaks, it was nomansland inside "the Devil's Playground".
Edge slowly rolled out to the floor, where he met Randy Orton using the walls of Hell in a Cell for help. "The Viper" rattled "the Rated R Superstar" with a European uppercut, when Edge met him with a haymaker of his own. Back and forth they went at it, when a toe kick saw Orton gain the upper hand. Edge blocked being driven face-first into the chainlink, and Orton wound up bouncing off the fence again. Edge tried a second time, but in tugging at the WWE Hall of Famer's hair, Orton began to sadistically ram the bloodied Edge's face directly into the steel structure! Orton revealed a table from underneath the ring, picking it up and dumping it on the body of his enemy. Picking it up once more, he slid it inside before standing the Canadian up against the barricade. Slapping him across the face repeatedly, Randy had to be asking for it - when Edge began to fire back with strikes! An eye rake allowed Orton to send his opponent back inside...when Edge hit the ropes and executed a baseball slide into the ladder! The ladder sent Orton back out to the floor, as Edge found breathing space sufficient to set up the ladder.
"The Viper" slowly stirred and returned to the ring as Edge constructed the ladder, before meeting his enemy with a series of stomps. Edge teased the Edgecution, but Orton shoved his rival off and dropped him with an RKO! With the legs hooked, "the Rated R Superstar" was surely beaten - but Edge kicked out! Orton's jaw dropped, as he then decided to set up the table. Returning to hammer at the Canadian, Randy went for a DDT but Edge reversed into a Russian legsweep! The Canadian hovered to the top rope, looking to fly - when Orton met him with a back elbow strike! A European uppercut kept Edge seated on the top rope, and the two began to jostle for position on the second and top ropes. Though Edge tried to fight him, clawing the eyes of his foe, Orton responded with more punches - and a superplex saw both men crash through the table below! The WWE Universe voiced their enthusiasm with loud chants, as neither man showed any sign of life. Finally Orton crawled over and laid so much as a finger over Edge's chest - for him to pop the shoulder up at the count of two!
Both men were getting as much out of 'the Final Chapter' as physically possible, as Randy Orton rolled over to the corner. Edge groaned in anguish, barely able to liven up using the ropes for assistance. On last legs, "the Rated R Superstar" suddenly rushed forward - the Spear seeing Orton sidestep it! Edge was dazed after colliding with the ring post shoulder-first - and Orton proceeded to pick up the steel chair and slam it down across his spine! Orton followed with four more shots to the torso and legs of the WWE Hall of Famer. Another cover was made, but Edge refused to stay down. Growing impatient, Orton had malicious intent. Wrapping the chair around the head of his antagonist, "the Viper" teased another RKO with Edge's throat in a Pillmanized position! Edge was able to elbow free, before tossing the chair in Orton's direction. As Randy staggered back to his feet, the Spear connected - but Orton kicked out! Slamming his fist down against the canvas, Edge did not know what else he had to do to win this. Then, a lightbulb went off in his head. Glancing up, he spotted the ladder standing precariously off-center by the corner.
"The Apex Predator" was down and out, and Edge used what energy he had left to drag his sorry carcass rung-by-rung up the ladder. "The Rated R Superstar" was reminded by Tables, Ladders and Chairs of years' past. Seating himself at the top of the ladder, the perched Edge looked up at the heavens and "the Devil's Playground" around him - performing a splash from the ladder to the canvas! Clutching his ribs and kicking himself in pain, Edge finally rolled over for the cover: but Randy Orton was able to kick out at two again. The last encounter between these two was neverending, as both men inflicted Hell on one another in a battle to see who would outlast the other. Stalking his prey from the corner, Edge teased the Spear. One last one was inbound, but as he set off it was clear he was actually going for the Punt Kick! Randy was able to narrowly dodge it - a DDT dropping him. He could have covered, but Randy thought better of it. Instead choosing to stalk Edge now, the Punt Kick near enough obliterated the Canadian much like at Money in the Bank - but as Orton hooked the legs, Edge once again kicked out before the three count!
In disbelief, Randy Orton watched as Edge appeared out of it. His eyes glazed over, "the Rated R Superstar" was doubtful to have much left in the tank. "The Viper" disputed the count of the referee, getting in his face and slapping his hands - mimicking how to count to three. The official refused to take any of his treatment - when Orton dramatically drilled him with an RKO! Orton had snapped, as he welcomed any fines coming his way. The diabolical "Apex Predator" then pickpocketed the poor employee - revealing a key from his pocket. Sliding to the floor, Randy had words with the intimidated official through the chainlink steel. Threatening him if he wouldn't let him out, "the Viper" took it upon himself to unlock the door! The padlock dropped to the floor, when Edge came to life once more. He dragged himself to the ringside floor of the WWE ThunderDome, where Orton met him with a knee lift. Another barrage of right hands dazed Edge, but the Canadian fought back. Suddenly Edge teased the Edgecution - but had everybody fooled, using the mesh wall as leverage to execute a tornado DDT!
Edge stirred, as Randy Orton used what life he had left to stumble back to his feet. Orton tried to escape the breathless Canadian, who slowly came back to his feet. Ascending up the cage, "the Viper" spotted "the Rated R Superstar" on his tail. Looking to kick him away, Edge secured the foot and tried to pull him back down. Both men hung precariously up the side of the structure. Blow for blow, with one hand secured in the chainlink wall of Hell in a Cell, it was Orton who won out! Edge collapsed to the floor below, but Orton went straight after him - landing awkwardly on his ankle! Randy screamed in pain, as both men raced to get back to their feet. "The Apex Predator" could hardly put pressure on his foot, and Edge sensed it. Sending Orton back into the structure, Edge stalked Orton for the Spear - but Orton caught him mid-motion with the RKO! The cover was made, but the referee remained down and out. Finally, they came around for the referee to make the count - but Edge kicked out! Randy drowned his head into the canvas in annoyance, before reaching outside of the ring. From under the ring, Orton secured something in his hand.
"The Apex Predator" teased a shot from what was revealed to be the padlock from the Hell in a Cell door, Edge managed to disarm Randy Orton with a shot from the steel chair to the legs! Pillmanizing the foot of Orton, "the Rated R Superstar" turned back the clock to 2002 - as the Edgecator was locked in. Orton screamed in pain, as the tort got to his ankle. The WWE Hall of Famer wrenched away at it, as Orton tried to clamp down on his hand to avoid tapping out. He reached forward for the padlock and looked to crawl away from the lethal hold. Finally, enough was enough - as "the Viper" passed out in the hold. The referee spotted immediately and called for the bell - Orton rendered unconscious!
Winner: Edge (32:41)
Closing the Book
The last encounter saw Edge outlast his career rival. "The Rated R Superstar" dropped to the canvas, wiping his forehead of the sweat and blood that he wore - mostly his own, but some of it his enemy's. Randy Orton was left down and out cold with the referee checking on him. Removing the steel chair from his foot, "the Apex Predator" soon came to life but was dismayed to find that he had succumbed to defeat. Edge sat tiredly in the corner of the ring, emotionally battered after a brutal Hell in a Cell battle. Orton was aided in sitting up in his own corner, as parademics and officials came out to help Orton from the ring. From across the ring, Edge and Orton both exchanged glances - both men acknowledging their hellacious rivalry reaching its' final destination tonight in the WWE ThunderDome. As Orton was helped out by the medics, placed on the stretcher, the WWE Hall of Famer would be joined by his supporting wife Beth Phoenix. Concerned for her husband's health, the two hugged it out as Beth helped him to his feet to raise his hand victorious. Pyrotechnics erupted throughout the Amway Center, as the veteran had shown just how much grit he possessed.
'The Final Chapter' had been everything it designed to be: to shut the door on the wars waged between the former members of Rated-RKO. It was to serve as a means to an end of perhaps the most bitter rivalry in WWE history. On this October night in Orlando, Florida, perhaps we had just witnessed the greatest match ever at Hell in a Cell!
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Post by DTP. on Feb 6, 2024 16:14:40 GMT -5
WWE Survivor Series 2020 – November 22, 2020
WWE ThunderDome at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida
"Shot in the Dark" by AC/DC
FOUR WEEKS AWAY!
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Post by DTP. on Feb 8, 2024 18:20:08 GMT -5
 ![]()  
US passes 8m coronavirus cases as death toll approaches 220,000Joan E Greve and Joanna Walters
Published: 16 Oct 2020Trump claims virus will ‘peter out’ in country with most cases and highest death toll.
The US passed 8m recorded coronavirus cases on Friday, another unwelcome mark for the country with the most cases and the worst death toll from the global pandemic, approaching 220,000.
Despite there being no sign that the pandemic is under control in the US, on Thursday Donald Trump said that the virus would “peter out”.
Cases are increasing in 32 states, holding steady in 15 and decreasing in just three: Louisiana, Kentucky and Vermont.
According to Johns Hopkins University, by mid-afternoon on Friday the US had confirmed 8,008,402 cases since March. On Thursday, 63,610 new cases were reported, the highest single-day total since mid-August. The US is seeing an average increase of 50,000 cases a day.
At an event in Florida earlier on Friday, Trump insisted: “We are rounding the turn. I say that all the time.”
But experts have warned of increased spread of the virus in the midwest, as the weather gets colder and more Americans gather inside.
Wisconsin has set up emergency overflow hospital facilities and the national guard is helping out at extra testing sites.
“We are in crisis here in Wisconsin,” said Julie Willems Van Dijk, deputy secretary of state health services. “The trajectory does not look good. We need to be prepared for that.”
In Utah, Gary Herbert, the Republican governor, said: “Our hospitals are getting overwhelmed. The dramatic increase in infections has put the integrity of our healthcare system at risk.”
Herbert said the national guard was on standby to build a field hospital in a convention center outside Salt Lake City. On Tuesday, he ordered that masks be worn at all outdoor events.
Hotspots are also springing up in Oklahoma, Wyoming, Missouri, Mississippi and North Dakota.
Missouri reported limited intensive care capacity “in several regions”.
Indiana is facing “critical ICU bed shortages along with personnel shortages”, the state’s chief medical officer, Lindsay Weaver, said. In late September, the Republican governor, Eric Holcomb, lifted most coronavirus restrictions. Now officials are calling for volunteers to plug staffing gaps at some hospitals.
Further south, parts of Texas and New Mexico are in trouble. The border city of El Paso, in west Texas, reported that it was running out of intensive care beds.
New Mexico’s Democratic governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham, announced early closing for restaurants and bars, restricted gatherings to no more than five and said: “This is the most serious emergency New Mexico has ever faced.”
In a Friday online conversation between Dr Anthony Fauci and Johns Hopkins University experts, the nation’s top infectious disease public health expert warned Americans eschewing public health advice: “By not wearing a mask and not socially distancing, you’re becoming part of the problem when you should be part of the solution.”
Trump has belatedly recommended wearing masks, after months of dismissing and discouraging them and avoiding wearing one himself.
The president caught coronavirus earlier this month and was hospitalised for several days.
Kevin's NJPW G1 Climax 30 Finals Review October 18, 2020 | Posted by Kevin Pantoja
- Suzuki-gun (DOUKI, El Desperado, Taichi and Zack Sabre Jr.) def. CHAOS (Hirooki Goto, Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano and YOSHI-HASHI). The match itself was your standard NJPW multi-man tag. It had fine action and was mostly here to simply set something up for the near future. YOSHI-HASHI is still a giant geek even after his G1 performance, eating the pin to DOUKI, who is bottom of the barrel in NJPW. There was help from the tag champs but still. (10:34)
- CHAOS (Hiromu Takahashi and Shingo Takagi) def. Suzuki-gun (Minoru Suzuki and Yoshinobu Kanemaru). Hiromu put down Kanemaru with Time Bomb. It was probably done to set up Kanemaru & Desperado/Hiromu & BUSHI. Not new but fine. The match itself was good. (11:55)
- Hiroshi Tanahashi, Jeff Cobb, Juice Robinson and Master Wato def. Bullet Club (Jay White, KENTA, Taiji Ishimori and Gedo). A lot of the focus is on the possibility of Bullet Club dissension. Again, this was another quality NJPW multi-man tag. Gedo was the guy to take the loss here, tapping out to Tanahashi’s Cloverleaf. A fun little tag that accomplished what it needed to and gave the good guys a win. (9:12)
- United Empire (Will Ospreay and The Great O-Khan) def. CHAOS (Kazuchika Okada and SHO). After some involvement from Bea Priestley, Willy won with the Figure Four on SHO. As a match, it was bland. For story purposes, it sets the stage for Okada/Ospreay, most likely in the Tokyo Dome. I like that there’s a new faction because NJPW is incredibly stale at times but this is not off to a great start. Will is unlikable so he fits the role but O-Khan is lame so far. SHO is awesome, though. (12:35)
- Bullet Club (EVIL and Yujiro Takahashi) def. Los Ingobernables de Japón (Tetsuya Naito and BUSHI). A bland match that saw EVIL win by making BUSHI submit to the Darkness Scorpion. I couldn’t get into this and hopefully we only have one more EVIL/Naito match on the horizon. Just blah. (14:14)
- Kota Ibushi def. SANADA to win the G1 Climax 30 Finals. As usual, the finishing stretch was pretty strong but this whole thing was just so odd. It was disjointed and didn’t make a ton of sense, yet still had aspects that I enjoyed. I don’t know. Ibushi won with Kamigoye to win back-to-back G1s. A hard match to rate. At times, I dug it and others, it was really bad. (35:12)
THE FINAL SCORE:
5.0
That was kind of lame, wasn’t it? Even if you enjoyed the main event more than I did, the whole show was pretty bland. There weren’t any standout matches or even any major angle development. It just felt like a show where not much of significance happened.
A Block
1. Kota Ibushi (7-2) (14 pts)
2. Will Ospreay (6-3) (12 pts)
3. Jay White (6-3) (12 pts)
4. Kazuchika Okada (6-3) (12 pts)
5. Taichi (4-5) (8 pts)
6. Jeff Cobb (4-5) (8 pts)
7. Tomohiro Ishii (4-5) (8 pts)
8. Shingo Takagi (4-5) (8 pts)
9. Minoru Suzuki (3-6) (6 pts)
10. Yujiro Takahashi (1-8) (2 pts)
B Block
1. SANADA (6-3) (12 pts)
2. EVIL (6-3) (12 pts)
3. Tetsuya Naito (6-3) (12 pts)
4. KENTA (5-4) (10 pts)
5. Zack Sabre Jr. (5-4) (10 pts)
6. Hirooki Goto (4-5) (8 pts)
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi (4-5) (8 pts)
8. Juice Robinson (4-5) (8 pts)
9. Toru Yano (3-6) (6 pts)
10. YOSHI-HASHI (2-7) (4 pts)
Night 17 - A Block Finals
Ryogoku Kokugikan in Sumida, Tokyo
1. Yota Tsuji def. Gabriel Kidd.
2. Yujiro Takahashi def. Jeff Cobb in a G1 Climax tournament match.
3. Shingo Takagi def. Minoru Suzuki in a G1 Climax tournament match
4. Will Ospreay def. Kazuchika Okada in a G1 Climax tournament match.
5. Kota Ibushi def. Taichi in a G1 Climax tournament match.
6. Tomohiro Ishii def. Jay White in a G1 Climax tournament match.
Night 18 - B Block Finals
Ryogoku Kokugikan in Sumida, Tokyo
1. Gabriel Kidd def. Yuya Uemura.
2. YOSHI-HASHI def. Toru Yano in a G1 Climax tournament match.
3. Juice Robinson def. Hirooki Goto in a G1 Climax tournament match.
4. Hiroshi Tanahashi def. Zack Sabre Jr. in a G1 Climax tournament match.
5. KENTA def. Tetsuya Naito in a G1 Climax tournament match.
6. SANADA def. EVIL in a G1 Climax tournament match.
Night 19 - Finals
Ryogoku Kokugikan in Sumida, Tokyo
1. Suzuki-gun (Taichi, Zack Sabre Jr., DOUKI and El Desperado) def. Chaos (Toru Yano, Tomohiro Ishii, YOSHI-HASHI and Hirooki Goto)
2. Los Ingobernables de Japón (Shingo Takagi and Hiromu Takahashi) def. Suzuki-gun (Minoru Suzuki and Yoshinobu Kanemaru)
3. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Jeff Cobb, Juice Robinson and Master Wato def. Bullet Club (Jay White, KENTA, Taiji Ishimori and Gedo)
4. Will Ospreay and Great O-Khan def. CHAOS (Kazuchika Okada and SHO)
5. Bullet Club (EVIL and Yujiro Takahashi) def. Los Ingobernables de Japón (Tetsuya Naito and BUSHI)
6. Kota Ibushi def. SANADA in a G1 Climax tournament match.
OCTOBER 26, 2020 OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: G-1 CLIMAX, MORE
BY OBSERVER STAFF | STAFF@WRESTLINGOBSERVER.COM | @wonf4w
WWE:
NEW PROSPECT | Ben Carter, who looked great in AEW matches with Scorpio Sky and Lee Johnson, signed here. The guy is a real talent who deserved to be signed. It would have been better if he would have gotten a year working the indies first to get matches with a wider variety of people, but that isn’t possible now. AEW is tough because they already have too many guys for the amount of TV time they have. But WWE is even worse as they have guys even more talent stockpiled. Carter had also just appeared on Impact tapings and did an Xplosion match with Chris Sabin that people were raving about
THREE DECADES OF DESTRUCTION | WWE is pushing a 30 Days of Undertaker theme for November on the WWE Network. The idea is that November would be the 30th anniversary of Undertaker’s Survivor Series 1990 debut. The key shows will be a 10/25 show WWE Untold: The Phenom and The Legend Killer talking about the 2005 Undertaker vs. Orton program; is Meeting Mark Calaway, where wrestlers like Austin, McIntyre, and Orton talk about when they first met Calaway; 11/8: The Story of Paul Bearer with a background feature on Bill Moody, who played Bearer as well as Percy Pringle earlier in his career; 11/15 will be the Brothers of Destruction documentary, which is a sit down discussion with Calaway and Glenn Jacobs talking about their careers of being rivals and partners and going back-and-forth, and 11/22 will be a second edition of Stone Cold Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Sessions with an interview with Undertaker
CHASING GLORY | WWE and Lilian Garcia reached a deal to bring her “Chasing Glory” podcast to the WWE Network. It looks like the new phase of the network will be creating new programming based on podcasts, documentaries, and compilation shows. Garcia’s podcast will be pushed on the free version of the network on 10/26. They also added a Swerve Scott podcast and there is talk of adding more
SON OF OLD SCHOOL | Colby Corino, whose father Steve works as a producer here, was part of a recent tryout camp. He was with Evolve and has done extra work over the years for WWE.
TV RATINGS SD 10/16 - 2.04 (0.5)
RAW 10/19 - 1.79 (0.54)
NXT 10/22 - 0.57 (0.15)
STAR RATINGS SmackDown 10/16 - Johnny Gargano vs Sami Zayn - **** |
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Post by DTP. on Feb 10, 2024 20:29:12 GMT -5
Monday Night RAW #1431 - October 26, 2020
WWE ThunderDome at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida
"Season Premiere"
ONE DAY REMOVED FROM HELL IN A CELL!
"The Search" by NF
Main Event #422 – October 29, 2020
1) Apollo Crews def. Josh Briggs with the Chariot. "The One Man Nation" arrived as a RAW Superstar for the first time since the 2020 WWE Draft came into effect, going up against up-and-coming WWE Performance Center rookie Josh Briggs. Josh used his speed to wrestle Crews to the mat, but he outwrestled him and showed his agility. While Briggs tried turning the page on him, Apollo picked up the win and appeared determined for the first time in a long time - turning a new leaf. (4:10)
A video package aired, reviewing the events of Hell in a Cell. 'The Final Chapter' exceeded all expectations as the agonizing rivalry between Randy Orton and Edge reached a fiersome conclusion inside the confounds of "the Devil's Playground". Hell in a Cell saw them fight until neither man could stand any longer, and when the dust settled, "the Apex Predator" succumbed to the tremendous pain that was an Edgecator with his leg wrapped around the steel chair. Both men sat in a semi-conscious state once Hell froze over, with "the Rated R Superstar" locking eyes knowingly with the beaten and injured Randy Orton. He was helped out by EMTs, while the WWE Hall of Famer came out victorious - grit conquering all!
A new opening video package aired, set to "The Search" by NF, featuring the new RAW roster with the results of the 2020 WWE Draft now in full effect. The WWE ThunderDome erupted in pyrotechnics across the stage, as Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T welcomed us to the Season Premiere of Monday Night RAW - just twenty-four hours following an epic night that was Hell in a Cell.SmackDown vs RAWThe WWE World Champion Bobby Lashley graced the WWE ThunderDome with his presence, making his way down to the ring with his accomplices from Team Lashley. MVP, Lana, Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander joined "the All Mighty" to the ring, where he stood in an immaculate burgundy suit. Removing his sunglasses, he looked out at the faces of the WWE Universe and quizzed them on what they thought about him now. He wasn't the champion they all thought him to be, and he proved that when he last night defeat Drew McIntyre at Hell in a Cell. Lashley doubted anybody believed he had what it took to beat the same man who once conquered Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania; the same individual who defeated Edge at Money in the Bank, or AJ Styles at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules. Who beat Seth Rollins and Andrade in rapid succession, before falling to "the All Mighty". Lashley smirked, telling them he proved everybody wrong.
"The All Mighty" talked himself up as being the most unstoppable WWE World Champion in the near-sixty year history of the title, while his cohorts in Team Lashley were smiles, applauding him on such a dominant showing the night before...until Bobby Lashley turned to them and questioned what they were so happy about. Whether they were with him or not, they too showed no confidence in his abilities, that he could get the job done and defeat Drew McIntyre at Hell in a Cell. Unexpectedly, he began testing the allegiance of MVP, Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander, questioning what he told them not to do - and that was get in his way. But what is it they did? They defied him! Lashley toed the line and squared up to "the Gold Standard" as a nervous MVP looked on. He knew all about what got him here. He was more than just a guy in the weeds. He'd been around for a long time - which made him question why he continued to challenge him!
Turning his attention to "the Queen City Chosen One", Bobby Lashley interrogated him about why he was even here. All he knew was that Cedric Alexander wanted to try and hang out with the sharks - bringing him to MVP. Cedric tried to speak up, telling "the All Mighty" about how he respected him and was here to create change. Alexander was about to give the WWE World Champion the spiel about what brought him to Team Lashley, but the champ didn't want to hear it: pressing matters on "the Franchise Player". Nervously, MVP told Bobby he did it out of nothing but admiration and loyalty. He saw the potential that he had before anybody else ever did, and as he blossomed in his younger years, MVP was there alongside him to watch. Now he was WWE World Champion, and he got there all by himself - he simply wanted to see Lashley remain the man to beat on Monday Night RAW! Lashley smirked, but was reminded of who helped him win Money in the Bank, and later persuaded him to cash in his briefcase.
"The All Mighty" stepped closer towards MVP as he commented on him stepping on the WWE World Champion's toes. "The Franchise Player" responded by raising that it wasn't just the three of them who was in responsible in Bobby Lashley winning last night. If anybody doubted the champ - it was his wife Lana! Stunned, she confronted MVP when Lashley stepped before him threateningly. Team Lashley were about to blow up - when out came Daniel Bryan! Arriving on RAW for the first time since the WWE Draft, he voiced his shock in seeing how big Lashley was up close. Amazed by the army he had amassed around him, he commented Lashley looked the part with the gold on his shoulder. As Bobby questioned what he wanted, "the Expert" noted how he was new here on the RAW Brand and fancied testing the kind of man the head of Team Lashley said he was. Once upon a time, he once held the very gold he did - winning it in front of 70,000 fans chanting "YES!", in the main event of WrestleMania!
The WWE Universe chanted "YES" accordingly, as Daniel Bryan decided to cut straight to the chase: winning the WWE World Championship took a lot of dedication and willingness to leave it all on the line, let it all hang out and throw caution to the wind. Nobody wanted to see him headline WrestleMania - but just when he felt like his cries were falling on deaf ears, the WWE Universe rebelled along with him and ushered in "the YES Movement" to get their wish. Against all odds, Daniel won that title - and he would be lying if he said he didn't want to once again become champion. If Lashley was the champion he said he was, Bryan proposed he put the title on the line against him so that the WWE Universe could find out fairly and squarely - though as MVP and Lana voiced their chagrin, "the All Mighty" accepted...on one condition! Bobby knew the kind of champ he was, but for him he was going to entertain the idea of decimating "the Planet's Champion"...
...If he could beat Team Lashley first. Bobby Lashley smirked, telling Daniel Bryan he needed to pay his dues in 'the Era of the All Mighty'. If he could find some friends to take down Team Lashley in a six-man tag team match tonight. Bryan feigned being unable to find friends to help him from Monday Night RAW - after all, he was the new kid on the block. But, he had found some friends from SmackDown who would be happy to knock the champ down a peg! Team Lashley were stunned as Jeff Hardy came walking out to the stage, standing by the side of "the Yes Man". With his warpaint on and with eyes fixed on the WWE World Champion, a pause led to the arrival of Braun Strowman! After falling to Roman Reigns last night, "the Colossus" had arrived for backup, and led the force formerly of Friday Night SmackDown down to the ring. Team Lashley decided to take a walk, as the battlelines had been drawn! On the Season Premiere of RAW, the landscape was being changed already.
- Tonight - Daniel Bryan, Jeff Hardy and Braun Strowman vs WWE World Champion Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander
La DisputeFollowing 'the Meeting of the Families' last night, Theory bothered Murphy with chatter about how La Invasíon robbed the Church blind of victory. Eager to state their superiority over goons like Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo, Andrade had to cheat at all costs to pin "the Messiah". "The Juggernaut" remained silent in "A-Town Austin's" presence, when up sauntered Los Lotharios. Baring obnoxious grins, they proclaimed they made the Church look like the jokes the world knew they were! Insulting the Disciples for standing by "the Visionary", there was no overtaking "El Capo" at the top of Monday Night RAW. Angel pitied Theory and Murphy being brainwashed by Seth, which brought Theory to a boiling point! "La Estrella" held "El Amante" back - promising new champions in tonight's Triple Threat match for the RAW Tag Team Championships. Murphy restrained his apprentice, when up walked Andrade with Zelina Vega,coolly telling the cousins to save their energy for Los Mysterios - the Church were wastes of their time.
Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T welcomed us to Monday Night RAW, discussing the tensions between "the Two Families" after last night at Hell in a Cell. Moving forward, they ran down what was coming up tonight on the Season Premiere, displayed via on-screen graphics. Not only would Team Lashley take on the troupe of ex-SmackDown Superstars, Daniel Bryan, Jeff Hardy and Braun Strowman; but the RAW Tag Team Championships would be on the line when Los Mysterios were put between Los Lotharios and Theory and Murphy. Elsewhere, WWE United States Champion issued the unique challenge to Omos - Kevin Owens set to collide in an Unsanctioned Fight. As well as that, newest recruit from Friday Night SmackDown, Alexa Bliss would host 'A Moment of Bliss' to resolve frustrations between her friends Nikki Cross and Carmella.
- WWE World Champion Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander vs Daniel Bryan, Braun Strowman and Jeff Hardy
- RAW Tag Team Championship - Triple Threat match - Los Mysterios (c) vs Theory and Murphy vs Los Lotharios
- Unsanctioned Fight - WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens vs Omos
- 'A Moment of Bliss' - Alexa Bliss hosts special guests Nikki Cross and Carmella
︾︾︾ Grown Men Don't SleepMatt Riddle came swaggering out to the stage with a huge smile on his face, as the WWE ThunderDome erupted in applause. "The Original Bro" strutted down to the ring in his flipflops, shooting them off to coincide with pyrotechnics as he leaped into the ring. The Bro was ready for action with Luke Gallows, when The Good Brothers came out to ringside. Karl Anderson was armed with a microphone and told Riddle this was not going to end the way he thought it would. Last week he made his big buddy go to sleep, and he would pay for it. LG unintentionally had the people cracking up as he described how humiliating it was being put to sleep, complaining that he wasn't a baby boy - he didn't have a bedtime anymore because he was a grown man! Anderson told the WWE Universe to quit making fun of them, while Gallows warned Riddle he wouldn't be laughing when he was finished with him!
1) Matt Riddle def. Luke Gallows (with Karl Anderson) (3:20) The former O.C. cohorts were embarrassed by defeat to AJ Styles and Matt Riddle last week, and after going to sleep thanks to the BroMission last week, Luke Gallows was dead set on revenge. The Bro outwitted the big man early, striking with hard strikes and landing a jumping Broton. He teased the BroMission early, just for Karl Anderson to drag his buddy to safety. LG was able to dodge a kick from Riddle on the apron, and a powerslam sent "the King of Bros" crashing on the ringside floor! Gallows continued to pummel the Bro in the ring, getting a near fall with a pumphandle drop. KA hit the ring with the Rocket Kick behind the referee's back, but the former Ultimate Fighter kicked out at two! The Gallows Pole was coming up, but Riddle reversed into a rear naked choke - Gallows in danger. Dropping to a knee, Riddle took an inbound Anderson out with a roundhouse kick, and the Bro 2 Sleep got the win!
With an impressive win, Matt Riddle was able to take out both Good Brothers in one foul sweep! "The Original Bro" began to celebrate over an unconscious Luke Gallows, when Karl Anderson charged in just to get locked in the BroMission! KA tried to fight it for dear life, but, much like LG last week, was knocked out like a light! Riddle celebrated, as Gallows checked on Anderson, who had gone full fetal!
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Following discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T, stills aired from last night's other excruciatingly brutal and personal affair inside Hell in a Cell - when Bayley was able to make it out alive against Sasha Banks to keep the SmackDown Women's Championship. "The One Over All" again bested "the Legit Boss" in "the Devil's Playground", but after a savage attack from her ex-best friend, Banks clamped in the Bank Statement using a bracket of a steel chair!Not InvitedOn the Season Premiere of Monday Night RAW, now SmackDown Superstar Charlotte Flair was spotted arriving at the WWE ThunderDome with the RAW Women's Championship over her shoulder. With Chelsea Green following behind her, "the Diamond" ordered security to move and let her into the building. They obliged, but noted that her friend had to stay outside! Green was banned from the building, on the grounds she was not invited - and she was not a RAW Superstar. The leader of Queendom was livid, proclaiming they were here literally last week! Grunting, she reluctantly would be forced to go it alone in tonight's 'Championship Exchange' meeting with the SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley.
- Tonight - 'Championship Exchange' - RAW Women's Champion Charlotte Flair trades titles with SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley
RAW UndergroundCharly Caruso was standing by with the WWE United States Champion, who walked into the scene full of life. Kevin Owens wore taped fists with jeans, and talked about how he had waited all week for this night: the opportunity to not only fight, but to beat that gigantic doofus Omos, and make him look like a little b*tch! KO ranted about how he should know better by now not to trust and help new WWE Superstars from idiots like the Miz from corrupting him. Evidently, "the Nigerian Nightmare" wasn't nearly as smart as he gave him credit for - because if he had a brain, he wouldn't be going underground with him. "The Prize Fighter" urged the cameraman to follow him, opening the door to reveal a staircase. Down the stairs saw a darkened warehouse area, where a ring was set up but devoid of ropes or turnbuckles. Alternative-dressed members of the WWE Universe and general misfits surrounded the battlezone, all chanting "Fight Owens Fight!"
︾︾︾
Following discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T, footage aired from Hell in a Cell, where Kairi Sane overcame Shayna Baszler. It was a tense meeting between the two, but when it was over, Asuka came to the aid of her fellow Kabuki Warrior and ensured "the New Age Enforcer" took her medicine - an arm-snap leaving her arm in disarray. With a big hug, the Warriors embraced - as "the Empress of Tomorrow" would head to RAW while "the Huntress" was heading for SmackDown.
WWE Survivor Series 2020 was live on the WWE Network on Sunday, November 22 - presented by Cyberpunk 2077 available on November 19 on the Xbox One, PC and PlayStation 4; as well as the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5.2) Asuka def. Natalya to be named the Captain for Team RAW in a Survivor Series Qualifying match (8:25) The Survivor Series was scheduled to see 'the Best of the Best' compete when RAW and SmackDown collided. To determine who would lead Team RAW into the Women's Survivor Series Elimination match, "the Queen of Harts" jumped Asuka as she made her entrance just to have Asuka turn the tables on her with a hip attack! A missile dropkick from the apron took the Canadian down on the floor, when back inside a buzzsaw kick connected. An Octopus stretch kept Nattie at bay, but the veteran wisely made the ropes. The former RAW Women's Champion remained in control, when Nattie caught her with a wheelbarrow facebuster! Showing an aggressive side with a step-over kick to the jaw, the daughter of Jim "the Anvil" Neidhart executed a snap suplex for a near fall. Asuka began to fire up with strikes, when the fight led to the apron - where Nattie made a difference with a shinbreaking drop across the hardest part of the ring!
Natalya remained firmly in control, as she applied a stump puller in the middle of the ring. Asuka finally wrestled out and caught her with a flying armbar - but again Nattie battled free, targeting the leg! A hip attack went caught by "the Queen of Harts" with a German suplex, and the Nattie by Nature knocked "the Empress of Tomorrow" down hard for a near fall. A headlock saw Asuka fired up and struck back with kicks, when a hammerlock suplex harmed the elbow of the Canadian. The Asuka Lock was attempted, but Nattie broke free skilfully and transitioned - the Sharpshooter able to go reversed! A roundhouse kick knocked the daughter of Jim "the Anvil" Neidhart through a loop, and the hip attack scored a near fall. Taking a page out of Becky Lynch's book, "the Man's" Dis-Arm-Her applied! Nattie was able to keep moving, but as she broke free, a sequence of reversal led her into an Empress Kick - handing Asuka the win!
"The Empress of Tomorrow" came out on top over Natalya in a tense back-and-forth outing, named officially the Captain of Team RAW headed into Survivor Series. Asuka showed her enthusiasm as she paraded the ring with excitement, whilst Nattie threw a tantrum after being caught off-guard by defeat. It was official - the Kabuki Warrior would lead the RAW Women's Division into the Women's Survivor Series Elimination match.
- Survivor Series - Women's Survivor Series Elimination match - Team RAW (Asuka, TBA, TBA, TBA and TBA) vs Team SmackDown (TBA, TBA, TBA, TBA and TBA)
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Footage aired, recapping the second night of the 2020 WWE Draft. Keith Lee arrived from NXT - the newest acquisition to Monday Night RAW. Interrupted by the WWE 24/7 Champion, it brought to life the idea of a potential dream match outing with Samoa Joe. Last week after "the Limitless One" made short work of Akira Tozawa, "the Coquina Destroyer" returned to again taunt the newcomer. Last night on the Hell in a Cell Kickoff Show, Joe issued the challenge for tonight - but refused to put his gold on the line!
Sarah Schreiber stood in the interview area to introduce her guest Keith Lee. "The Limitless One" appeared charming as he exchanged pleasantries with the broadcast journalist, who asked how it felt to meet Samoa Joe in a first time encounter tonight. Keith expressed his relief at the fact "the Samoan Submission Machine" was not as soft as he was afraid he was. But while he might not be qualified enough to earn a WWE 24/7 Championship opportunity, in time he would. Keith reminded the WWE Universe of his two reigns as NXT North American Champion on "the Black and Gold Brand" - but he was here to start fresh. He was here to make waves and allow new faces to 'Bask In His Glory'. "The Coquina Destroyer" had enjoyed his undeniable presence as the champ, and after interrupting him week-in and week-out, clearly he had found what he was looking for. But if Joe wasn't impressed with Keith Lee yet, he would after tonight, and he would earn that title shot. Heading for the ring - Lee vs Joe was next!
Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T discussed the return of NXT Halloween Havoc, live this Wednesday from 8/7c on the USA Network. The franchise was back for the first time in two decades, for "the Spookiest Night of the Year!" They ran down the line-up, including the Tables, Ladders, Chairs and Scares match pitting "the Demon" Finn Bálor against Karrion Kross for the NXT Championship; and the Texas Tornado match seeing Adam Cole and Roderick Strong battle Pete Dunne and Dijakovic.
3) Keith Lee def. WWE 24/7 Champion Samoa Joe (9:09) In something of a dream match, "the Limitless One" met with the WWE 24/7 Champion in a hard-hitting encounter. The two battled back and forth with strikes as the bell sounded, with neither backing down. Finally Samoa Joe charged him in the corner to receive a back elbow, and a forearm smash rocked him! Keith Lee charged Joe in the corner, only to be rocked with the Uranage! "The Coquina Destroyer" immediately went to the mat, grounding the newcomer previously from NXT - but as Joe's sleeper hold attempt went fought out of, Lee dazed Joe with a fireman's carry discus elbow for a near fall! A crossbody took "the Samoan Submission Machine" down, when a second rope moonsault was performed - but Joe rolled out of the way...just to be witness to see Lee land out on his feet! A series of clotheslines and a scoop powerslam saw Joe backtrack to the floor, where Lee attempted another moonsault from the apron - but Joe evaded it and sent him into the ring post!
"The Samoan Submission Machine" continued to put the heat on Keith Lee with a back elbow and enzuigiri in the corner, before taking him to the top rope. Samoa Joe teased a massive superplex, but "the Limitless One" knocked him down and teased a shocking missile dropkick - but again the WWE 24/7 Champion noped away from it! Joe continued to hammer at Lee, using a striking combination in the corner before hitting the ropes just to be cut off by an iron claw STO! Lee fired back up, taking down Joe repeatedly before shocking with a hurricanrana! As a one-arm spinebuster got a near fall, the newcomer to the RAW Brand sent Joe across the ring with the Pounce! The official went over to check on him, but he would send the official into Lee's direction. The Coquina Clutch was attempted - but Lee used his size to spin out of it, before catching him out of nowhere with the Spirit Bomb to take the win!
Never before had Samoa Joe been tested like he had been by Keith Lee, who stumbled back to his feet and celebrated by helping up the referee. "The Limitless One" had the WWE Universe eating out of the palm of his hand as he began to leave, while the WWE 24/7 Champion used the ropes and the official to drag himself back to his knees! "The Coquina Destroyer" was in disbelief at how the newcomer to Monday Night RAW had taken him to the limit, and Keith knew so - having proven his way!
︾︾︾ Out For ThemselvesDaniel Bryan, Braun Strowman and Jeff Hardy gathered in the dressing room, as "the Yes Man" rallied the team of former SmackDown Superstars. With the six-man tag team match confirmed, Bryan acted as leader of the team, though "the Monster Among Men" questioned what made "the Expert" the boss. Strowman claimed Bryan didn't deserve a shot at the WWE World Championship over him, when Bryan remarked that "the Colossus" had an opportunity at the WWE Universal Championship last night - and he lost! Braun and Daniel butted heads as "the Charismatic Enigma" came between them, noting if anybody was primed and for a shot, it was him! Braun asked Jeff how many title shots he'd gotten lately, when Daniel came between them. Bryan soothed things over, claiming tonight they would beat Team Lashley. Next week: they could determine who the better man truly was. Strowman and Hardy went their own ways, things not looking good for the trio - all vying for a shot at Bobby Lashley.
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Ahead of 'the Championship Exchange', the SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley had finally decided to arrive at the Amway Center. Sporting a neckbrace and sporting sunglasses, "the One Over All" felt the effects of last night's Hell in a Cell beating against her ex-best friend Sasha Banks. Bayley had eyes in the back of her head, paranoid of another ambush from "the Legit Boss" - but moments away she would meet the RAW Women's Champion Charlotte Flair to exchange their titles!
In the basement of the WWE ThunderDome, the Underground was depicted with rabid alternative-looking, dishevelled masses of the WWE Universe surrounding the ring. Chanting, cheering and pounding on the edges of the half-assembled ring in anticipation for the Unsanctioned Fight - who knew what would happen tonight when Omos fought the WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens.
Exchanges MadeWWE Official Adam Pearce stood in the center of the ring with a microphone in hand, as a black carpet and a table served as decor behind him. Discussing the roaring success that was the 2020 WWE Draft thus far, Adam had been informed by management that it was absolutely necessary for there to be decisions made, and changes made to the current arrangement. As it stood, there were two Women's Champions belonging to differing brands. Without question, the impact that Charlotte Flair and Bayley had had on their respective brands was not to be ignored - though where the RAW Women's Champion was drafted to SmackDown, and the SmackDown Women's Champion belonged to RAW - there needed to be an exchange made. First welcoming out the woman selected for Monday Night RAW, Bayley came hobbling out to the stage, still worse for wear after Hell in a Cell last night. In sunglasses with a neckbrace for support, Bayley demanded and received help entering the ring from Adam Pearce - who got yelled at for doing so!
"The One Over All" snatched her own microphone from the WWE Official, claiming that the last place she wanted to be was right here in Orlando, Florida. Bayley discussed the effects that Hell in a Cell had on her, and how she and Sasha Banks went to war and the right woman won - again - but "the Legit Boss" was a sore loser and had to get her own back. Bayley ranted and raved, grimacing in pain all the while, about how Sasha devastated her, despite the fact that she was the most dominant reigning Women's Champion in WWE history - today, still standing at 380 days! Holding the title high but struggling, she turned to Adam Pearce that if she was being stripped of the SmackDown Women's Championship for that zero, Charlotte Flair, she would refuse to let her record-setting reign go tarnished by some shoddy 'Championship Exchange!' Adam tried to explain what would happen, but before another word could be uttered - out came Charlotte Flair!
The previous RAW Women's Champion strutted out to the ring in high heels and a dress, immediately climbing into the ring and snatching a second microphone from Adam Pearce. Charlotte Flair was not fazed by Bayley crying and moaning as she always did - but demanded answers as to the treatment she had received. It was only last week she was a staple of the RAW Brand. She understood that the WWE Draft had taken effect, but she was royalty! "The Trailblazer" demanded better respect from the WWE Official, when Bayley fired back telling her she deserved nothing. She congratulated her on surrounding herself with goons like Shayna Baszler, Candice LeRae and Chelsea Green to have her back - but when it came down to who the better Women's Champion was, Charlotte could look no further than the very woman who beat her for the title in her hands today - Bayley! Flair smirked, telling her the only reason she had made it to 380 days herself was thanks to her best buddy Sasha Banks.
This lit a fire under "the One Over All", who pointed the finger at Charlotte Flair, who smiled back at her. Adam Pearce tried to restore order and get things moving forward - commenting it was time for the 'Championship Exchange' to take place. "The Trailblazer" ignored the WWE Official, reminding Bayley of the time she cashed in Money in the Bank to beat her - and then when she began her so-called "transcendent" reign as SmackDown Women's Champion, it was all thanks to "the Legit Boss". "The One Over All" defended herself claiming Sasha Banks was a nonfactor, reiterating how she beat her to her breaking point last night at Hell in a Cell. As the two champions bickered, Adam finally demanded both women lay their titles on the table! Flair did so first, laying her title on the table. Moments after, so did Bayley. With reluctance they each complied - though before Bayley could claim the RAW Women's Championship, Flair snatched the opposite end of it!
A tug of war saw the two claim back their own titles, with Charlotte Flair taking the SmackDown Women's Championship. Bayley stood with the RAW Women's Championship on her shoulder, as Adam Pearce declared that both women's reigns as champions would not go effected. Bayley would retain her 380-day reign as champion - but she would do so now known as the WWE Women's World Champion! Similarly, Charlotte could keep her reign uninterrupted - but her title from today onwards would now go by the WWE Women's Universal Championship. As the WWE Official thanked them for their part in the 'Championship Exchange', the two went head to head. Flair turned her head for a moment - when Bayley lamped "the Trailblazer" in the back of the head with the microphone! Flair charged, tackling the neckbraced Bayley over the table! The two refused to be separated, as Pearce screamed for officials and producers to break them apart! Flair was finally removed from the ring, while Bayley feigned agony in her neck!
- The RAW Women's Championship will now be known as the WWE Women's Universal Championship, exclusive to the SmackDown Brand.
- The SmackDown Women's Championship will now be known as the WWE Women's World Championship, exclusive to the RAW Brand.
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Following discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T, a graphic aired acknowledging Elias's new EP "Universal Truth" as charting at #2 in the iTunes Soundtrack Chart. In the top 25 on the Apple Top 200 Charts, it was available now to Listen on Apple Music & Spotify. Tonight, "the Drifter" would perform live for the pleasure of the WWE Universe.
A vignette aired, showing the emergence of a dreadlocked figure through a dark and smoke-filled corridor. For months he had been a highlight reel on "the Black and Gold Brand" - his quickness and slickness unmatched by many opponents. With moves none cooler than the inventive "Realest", Swerve said he had arrived on Monday Night RAW, and the boys and girls of "the Red Brand" didn't even know what he had in score. When they found out, it will have already happened. Up next, RAW would get Swerve'd!
Ejected and ElatedFollowing a replay from before the break, it was chaos backstage at the Amway Center, as Charlotte Flair was dragged from the building in the arms of four officials. The WWE Women's Universal Champion found herself hoisted overhead removed forcibly, as the neckbraced WWE Women's World Champion Bayley chased after her! "The Trailblazer" blamed "the One Over All" for her part in what transpired in the 'Championship Exchange', when Charly Caruso approached "the One Over All" for comment as Flair was removed from the WWE ThunderDome. Bayley bragged her reign as the untarnished best ever Women's Champion in sports entertainment would live on, before addressing Sasha Banks. Quizzing the broadcast journalist where the cowardly "Legit Boss" was, she insulted her lack of toughness, when Charly received word and revealed breaking news: at Survivor Series, Bayley and Charlotte would fight one-on-one; champion vs champion! Stumped, Bayley yelled at Caruso for stealing her thunder, chasing her away.
- Survivor Series - WWE Women's World Champion Bayley vs WWE Women's Universal Champion Charlotte Flair
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Inside the WWE ThunderDome, Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T acknowledged the graphical presence of Susan G. Komen for the Cure around the arena. With logos on the stage, on the ramp and on the LED boards around ringside, they discussed how in a moment, breast cancer could change everything. This October, WWE had teamed up with Susan G. Komen once again to give moments of joy, strength and courage to breast cancer patients and survivors.4) Swerve def. Xyon Quinn (3:25)
After being drafted to the RAW Brand two weeks ago, much anticipation had led to Swerve popping up in his in-ring debut tonight. The WWE Universe were all about "the Realest" as he hit the ring for action against WWE Performance Center upstart Xyon Quinn. Outmoving him with cat-like agility, it was a sequence of hurricanranas and a jumping knee strike that got the match cooking in his favor. Quinn rallied back following a big clothesline, but as he put the boots to Swerve he inadvertently walked into a back mule kick and executed a rolling flatliner! Quinn tried to turn back the tide only to receive a leaping back kick upside his skull, known as the House Call to pick up the win!
As impressive as ever in his debut, Swerve rallied the WWE Universe behind him as he began to swerve from side to side in victory after the decision. Xyon Quinn remained out cold in the middle of the ring, while "the Realest" grinned ever-confidently on his departure. The future was bright for the newcomer from NXT.
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Samoa Joe held the back of his head in pain, as he stomped the halls with the WWE 24/7 Championship over his shoulder. Sarah Schreiber reluctantly approached "the Coquina Destroyer" for comment, prompting him to complain at it being a fluke! Keith Lee was nothing more than a flavor of the month - and on any other given night he would have disposed of "the Limitless One" like he was yesterday's garbage! Joe bigged himself up as "Mr. 24/7" in denial of the loss, when up walked a grinning Keith Lee. All he said was "good match" - which was enough to prompt "the Samoan Submission Machine" to sulk away in anger!
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Elsewhere, Los Mysterios paced for the ring with the RAW Tag Team Championships around their waists and shoulders. Rey Mysterio showed some concern for Dominik Mysterio - his shoulder still taped up from the gauntlet he ran several weeks ago. The Mysterio Family found themselves at the center of animosity between La Invasíon and the Church - and would defend their titles against Los Lotharios & Murphy and Theory in a Triple Threat match - live, next!The Guiding LightA vignette aired, showing Mustafa Ali sat in his computer room. Reviewing footage of the past, his facial expressions were captured as he reviewed his highs and lows. Competing for championships at WrestleMania and coming close to the WWE Championship were some of the highlights - but his lowlights consisted of constant defeat, Brock Lesnar interrupting his bid to claim the Money in the Bank briefcase, and suffering agonizing injuries that hindered his career. Narrating his thoughts, "the Hacker" reminisced for all of his life he had fought for the people - he was just a police officer from Chicago - but it wasn't enough to help the people. He became a hacker in pursuit of his own idea of justice, but believed the WWE Universe didn't need a hacker. They needed someone with heart, soul and someone to fight for them. Ali pulled the plugs from the wall, and watched as each monitor cut to black behind him. Spinning in his chair, Mustafa turned to the camera and declared himself "the Guiding Light" to save the people he loved.
︾︾︾ 5) Los Mysterios (c) def. Theory and Murphy & Los Lotharios (with Zelina Vega) in a Triple Threat match to retain the RAW Tag Team Championship (14:36) The rivalry between the Church and La Invasíon continued to rise after last night's 'Meeting of the Families', but now both factions' attentions turned to achieving the RAW Tag Team Championship. Rey and Dominik Mysterio found themselves in the crosshairs, fending off both Los Lotharios and Theory and Murphy. Zelina Vega watched as the fast-paced action whittled down to Dominik leapfrogging and monkey flipping Angel Garza overhead, when a blind tag to Theory enabled him to come in with a rolling dropkick! Murphy joined in ganging up on Dom with a wrist-clutched knee strike, and when he tried to bounce back, "the Juggernaut" wedged his head against the turnbuckle pad on the second rope - a superkick knocking him silly! Theory and Murphy gloated in Los Lotharios' way, inadvertently allowing Dom to bounce back with a tilt-a-whirl armdrag and a code red! Humberto Carrillo was sent over the top rope, as the father-son duo took flight taking out both the Church members and La Invasíon members!
Rey Mysterio reversed a sunset flip into a roundhouse kick to Angel Garza, before catching Humberto Carrillo with the Mysterio-Rana! Dominik Mysterio targeted Theory and Murphy on the apron, as Rey executed a hurricanrana pin - just for "La Estrella" to break it up! "The Legendary Luchador" fought him off, when "El Amante" excuted a slingshot sitout powerbomb! Tensions remained high between Theory and Murphy and Los Lotharios, but they managed to coexist in a joined effort to ground the elder Mysterio. Dominik rooted for his old man to fight back, but as he tried a victory roll on Carrillo, he rolled through and in snuck "A-Town Austin" with a tornado DDT to Humberto, allowing Theory to drill him with the ATL! Mysterio showed resilience, when Murphy's brainbuster saw him try the cover, which led to cracks between the Church and La Invasíon to show once again! The two teams of challengers got into a shouting match - when the tag was made to Dom who came flying in with a springboard crossbody!
The match had grown chaotic as members of the Church and La Invasíon found themselves in the heat of battle against one another. Murphy drilled Humberto Carrillo with a bicycle knee strike, when Angel Garza struck with a superkick and a springboard stunner. Theory delivered the rolling blockbuster, but a low dropkick from both of Los Mysterios saw them execute the double 619! Zelina Vega distracted the referee, but as Dom went to the top rope for the Frog Splash, in ran Andrade - knocking both RAW Tag Team Champions out with the title gold! Vega remained on the apron as Angel began to crawl over - but out of nowhere came Seth Rollins with the Stomp for Garza! With eyes locked on "El Capo" with a cackle, the patriach of La Invasíon could only watch and shake his head, as Rey groggily Dropped the Dime to pick up the win!Running in the FamiliesRefusing to be denied, the RAW Tag Team Champions pulled out all the stops to overcome the odds of Theory and Murphy of the Church, as well as Los Lotharios of La Invasíon. Seth Rollins slipped out to the floor to be bombarded in argument with Andrade. Zelina Vega tried to prevent another argument of epic proportions to break out, but the two leaders of "the Two Families" began to bark at one another! It was all fair in love and war, but as "the Visionary" raised how "El Capo" cheated to beat him at Hell in a Cell - over the top rope came both Rey and Dominik Mysterio with stereo tope con hilos! The two faction leaders were wiped out by the champs, who were not about to allow themselves to take a backseat in gang warfare! Both Seth and Andrade were helped up by their respective groups, with all eyes remaining on the champs.
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Following discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T, a video package aired recapping the climactic battle for the WWE World Championship last night at Hell in a Cell. Drew McIntyre wanted to reclaim his gold from "the All Mighty", fighting valiantly in his efforts. Bobby Lashley claimed he wanted to go it alone with no help from Team Lashley, but it came down to every member of the group getting involved - allowing the champ to retain the gold against "the Scottish Terminator".Who Runs the ShipWhile troubles brewed in the camp of their opponents, Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander chatted with MVP in their dressing room. They discussed strategy for the six-man tag team match, when up walked Lana. Unappreciative of MVP trying to throw her under the bus, she questioned if "the Franchise Player" knew who she was. Lana argued she was the reason they were allowed to be in the same presence as "the All Mighty", claiming her husband was allowing each of them to get the rides of their lives. MVP chuckled and told her she behaved so angelic for a gold-digging thot - when in walked Bobby Lashley. The WWE World Champion warned the boys there would be no discussions about anything tonight: he was the champ, and he was running the ship. He would be in charge, and when it came to Daniel Bryan, Braun Strowman and Jeff Hardy, Team Lashley had to show the SmackDown Superstars who this show belonged to.
Here for the Big Time
Seth Rollins could not control his laughter as he sauntered through the hallway, when approached by his Disciples. Theory and Murphy questioned what was so funny, when "the Juggernaut" raised his concern about "the Visionary's" whereabouts for the past twenty-four hours. Seth reasoned he had a lot on his mind, but told his loyalists that they did an incredible job against Los Lotharios tonight. As "A-Town Austin" questioned what this meant for the Church in their ongoing disputes with Andrade and the rest of La Invasíon, though "the Messiah" found himself surprised to see...Big E! The new addition to the RAW roster told the boys how happy he was to see each of them, but was met with scowls. With a contagious smile, E remained unaffected by the hostility, as he apologized for the loss they faced last night at Hell in a Cell. But, with 'the Power of Positivity' on their side, he remained faithful that their spirits would turn around!
"The Messiah" wondered if Big E being separated from the New Day had rattled his brain. If he was losing it because he was all alone for the first time in his career, a spot was available for him in the Church of Rollins - but E chuckled and said thanks, but no thanks! E didn't believe in whatever religion Seth Rollins preached, which infuriated Theory and Murphy. Big E made fun of the two of them, remarking that he was here on Monday Night RAW and had arrived for "the Big Time". Next week, he wanted to make Seth realize what the E was all about. Seth laughed back at him, questioning if E thought he could just waltz in and make himself the king of the castle that was 'Monday Night Rawlins' - accepting the challenge to a match next week! Rollins warned E he would not overcome "the Visionary", as the Church departed. Big E remained unfazed and unafraid of whatever awaited him!
- Next week - Big E vs Seth Rollins
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A graphic aired, providing special thanks to AC/DC for providing the official theme song for Survivor Series - "Shot in the Dark", available to Listen on Apple Music and Spotify today. It was from their new album "PWR/UP", available on November 13.No More SecretsThe ring was made up for the first edition of 'A Moment of Bliss', as Alexa Bliss stood in the center of the ring. Pleased to be here on the RAW Brand for the Season Premiere of Monday Night RAW, "the Goddess" felt nostalgic for a time gone by. It was on "the Red Brand" she won her first Women's Championship - and absolutely, one day she was looking to get back where she once was. But the reason Alexa had called upon the talk show tonight was to address the ugliness that plagued much of her friendship and trust with Nikki Cross, as well as Carmella. Sick and tired of the fighting between the both of them, she didn't even know what they were feuding about! Therefore, she was welcoming both "the Princess of Staten Island" and "the Twisted Sister" to the show tonight - one final opportunity to make amends. Carmella made her way out to the ring first, stepping into the ring and hugging her friend. "Money Mella" admitted how emotional she was for things to have gotten so wildly out of control.
In recent months, she felt she had really become best friends with Alexa Bliss and she didn't want to lose that one bit! Carmella reasoned she never meant for their friendship to be damaged because of any of this - but blamed Nikki Cross for doing everything in her power to make her out to be something she wasn't. "The Princess of Staten Island" proclaimed "the Twisted Sister" to be a villainous damsel looking to prey on women like her for her looks - and it was without a doubt in her mind that "the Goddess" was next. Alexa had no idea what Mella was saying and tried to make sense of it, but before another retort could be made, Nikki Cross's voice was heard. Stepping out through the rows upon rows of LED boards among the WWE Universe, a dishevelled and psychologically disturbed Nikki called Carmella a terrible, terrible liar! As Alexa Bliss demanded Nikki Cross come to the ring and explain herself right now, "the Twisted Sister" answered back that there was little to explain.
It was all clear as day - it was a shame that "the Goddess" didn't realize it. Hopping the barricade and slipping into the ring, Cross blamed Carmella for ruining everything! "The Princess of Staten Island" was accused of being the one to attack her at the Clash of Champions Kickoff Show, sidelining her for weeks and forcing her to witness Alexa turn her back on her. It was obvious "Money Mella" was out to steal her friendship with Bliss - who knew better! Mella denied anything of the sort, accusing Nikki of being a manipulative psycho who didn't deserve a gal like Alexa! Bliss was conflicted, but told the Scot she couldn't speak to her like this - not when she was acting this crazy. With their backs turned, Carmella barged Bliss into Nikki! With Bliss sent to the floor, Carmella dropped Nikki with the Mella Buster and removed her belt! Lashing Nikki across the back with it, finally Alexa returned to run her off. Mella had shown her true self, as Cross was checked on by her distraught BFF.
︾︾︾ Time to FightDownstairs in the Underground, the band of misfits and alternative-looking members of the WWE Universe chanted "Fight Owens Fight", as the WWE United States Champion paced back and forth in the half-constructed ring. Kevin Owens bounced on the canvas and looked around at the lack of ropes or turnbuckles, speaking loudly and proudly that he had had enough of being screwed over by the likes of morons like the Miz and Omos. "The Prize Fighter" said he was done trying to help people out and do people favors, asking who was with him. KO rallied the people for their thoughts and beliefs on "the A-Lister" and "the Nigerian Nightmare" - when abruptly, the room fell silent! The Miz led Omos into the tired basement of the Amway Center, glancing around in disgust in a full three-piece suit. The gargantuan eyeballed Owens from afar, as he removed his brown coat revealing white taped fists and an all-black ensemble. KO told him to just bring it, as the Unsanctioned Fight was moments from breaking out!
The FightThe Underground beneath the Amway Center was buzzing, as Omos appeared cool in the corner. Speaking with the Miz in his corner, the seven-foot-three gargantuan circled the ring with an eager Kevin Owens. The WWE United States Champion soon came barraging him with heavy rights and lefts, nailing the big man with uppercuts to the midsection. Aiming high, "the Nigerian Nightmare" struck with a knee lift before clubbing the back of KO mightily. Tossing him across the ring with a reverse biel throw, the monster proceeded to light "the Prize Fighter" up in body blows to the rallying of the raucuous crowd on-hand. KO tried to keep on fighting just to find himself biel tossed across the ring once again! He rolled out to the concrete floor, provided some distance from the WWE Universe members. Omos quickly approached, when Owens tripped the foot and dragged him out to fight! "The A-Lister" watched in distress as KO kicked and punched Omos to his heart's content - just for the big man to respond with a ruthless headbutt!
"The Nigerian Nightmare", a man of few words, told Kevin Owens to stay down, as he drilled him with another series of big right hands against the edge of the canvas. As "the Prize Fighter" stirred against the ring post, Omos aimed for a finishing haymaker - but the WWE United States Champion ducked, and the gargantuan punched the steel! Dropping to a knee and clutching his fist in agony, Omos opened himself up to a rabid succession of strikes from Kevin Owens. Jumping onto the canvas, a running Cannonball senton took Omos down for the first time in his career! KO was hurting as blood could be seen in his mouth - perhaps the effects of internal bleeding. Omos meanwhile used the ring post to drag himself back up. KO refused to back down, continuing to hammer the giant through the amassed crowd in the basement of the Amway Center! The Underground was in a frenzy, when Omos cut him off with a knee lift to the ribcage.
With dangerous intent, Omos attempted the Tree Slam on the concrete floor, as the crowd of onlookers created a circle around them. Kevin Owens was in dire straits, when he bit at the potentially-broken hand of "the Nigerian Nightmare!" KO sent Omos back into the ring, but before being able to follow up and potentially finish off the giant; from behind came the Miz with a lead pipe to the ribcage! "The A-Lister" cowardly hurled the WWE United States Champion onto the canvas, where a big boot laid KO down and out! Omos delivered a terrifying one-handed Chokeslam to leave "the Prize Fighter" unconscious, when finally into the Underground area rushed a crew of officials and producers! Swerve also appeared with a chain in hand, fending off an irate Miz on the floor. As the party was disbanded, "the Realest" tried to help KO back to his feet - but stubbornly he refused, wanting to do it on his own! Things were far from finished with the Miz and Omos, as the champ demanded he wanted to fight some more!
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A graphic aired, promoting the live performance of "the Drifter". For the first time in a long time, Monday Night RAW would be graced by the presence of Elias, set to perform a song from his new EP "the Universal Truth" live in the WWE ThunderDome - coming up next.
An advertisement aired, promoting Susan G. Komen for the Cure. WWE Superstars Mandy Rose, Titus O'Neil and Natalya talked about breast cancer and its effects, as footage aired of patients embracing with loved ones. Living with the condition and undergoing the tolling effects of chemotherapy, the WWE Community provided survivors with a constant influence to help give them the strength and courage to overcome a crippling disease. This month give a moment of joy. Family, health, support, friendship and love - one moment can change everything. #GiveAMoment today. Go to Komen.org/wwe to learn more."Lead Me Home"The WWE ThunderDome sat in darkness, before a strum of a guitar saw John Morrison appear in the middle of the rampway. Standing beneath a lone spotlight in a tuxedo, "the Guru of Greatness" clutched a microphone and welcomed the WWE Universe back to the performer like no other. He had spent months not only recovering, but recording - finally, "the Drifter" was back to the promised land of the WWE! JoMo reminded the people that WWE stood for "Walk With Elias", before introducing his friend - the man, the myth, the rock legend - Elias! Another guitar strum saw him appear at the top of the rampway, sat on a barstool. Reintroducing himself, he sat in a suit of his own. Thanking Morrison for the kind words, he tuned his guitar before namedropping his new record "the Universal Truth". Enticing the people, he began to play "Lead Me Home" from the EP as Morrison vibed along with it. At the song's conclusion, he applauded and raised Elias's hand in victory - a successful performance!
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Following discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T, footage aired from moments ago in the Underground. The Unsanctioned Fight was everything the WWE Universe had come to expect and more, but when it was all said and done, Kevin Owens took Omos to the limit like nobody else had thus far - and had it not been for the Miz and the use of a lead pipe, the WWE United States Champion might well have beaten Omos. A graphic aired, promoting next week on Monday Night RAW where Kevin Owens would meet the Miz to determine who would join Team RAW in the Men's Survivor Series Elimination match. What state might KO be in when he goes up against "the A-Lister?"
- Next week - Survivor Series Qualifying match - The Miz vs WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens
︾︾︾ Iiconic EmbarrassmentNia Jax made her way out to the ring for another Survivor Series Qualifying match, to which she was met with a mixed reaction. As she began to pose, she went intruded on by the arrival of "the EST" - her tag team partner Bianca Belair! Enthusiatically swinging her hair around, Belair skipped down to the ring before coming to words with "the Giantess". Jax and Belair's tribulations continued, when out stormed the Iiconics. Their opponents were less than enthused to have to face two women who couldn't even coexist, as Billie Kay and Peyton Royce argued how unfair it as they even had to go up against them! After being screwed out of the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship last week, "the Iiconic Duo" deserved better. They believed they deserved to represent Team RAW automatically! Nonetheless, they planned to give Nia and Bianca beatings they would never forget - which led to their opponents shrugging to one another, and coming out after them! A brief fight saw the Aussies into the ring - this match underway.6) Nia Jax and Bianca Belair def. The Iiconics to join Team RAW in a Survivor Series Qualifying match (6:00)
In tag team competition to determine who would join Asuka on Team RAW's women's team, Nia Jax and Bianca Belair briefly enjoyed tag team dominance as they sent the Iiconics colliding with one another from out of separate corners! "The Giantess" and "the EST" then began to bicker about who would officially start the match, until Billie Kay and Peyton Royce rushed Nia from behind! She sandwiched Belair in the corner, and the two quickly took to putting the boots to Belair. Bianca began to bounce back with a spinebuster for Kay, when a military press slam sent Royce across the ring. Her head killing her, Bianca had the opportunity to tag in Nia - but she chose not to! Belair executed the Shining Star Press for a near fall, when "the Iiconic Duo" used their conniving tactics to gain control; Kay raking the eyes while Royce distracted the official. With constant distractions, the Aussies took control - taunting a grouchy Jax all the while.
"The EST" caught Billie Kay in the corner with a back elbow, and as she stumbled out of the corner en route to Nia Jax, in came Peyton Royce - to eat a spear! Bianca Belair suddenly had a change of heart as she came close to "the Giantess" however: deciding against tagging in her partner. Nia was livid, but Bianca was the recipient of a roundhouse kick from Peyton. "The Iiconic Duo" found themselves in the driver's seat, but as the Sick Knee from Sydney went connected, in came Jax to barge them off! Returning to the corner, Jax expected the tag - but at the last second, Bianca caught an inbound Kay with the Glam Slam! Eyes locked on Nia, Belair decided to dispatch the Aussie with the K.O.D. for the win!Getting Along InfamouslyAll by herself, "the EST" managed to take down the Iiconics, but as she celebrated, she found herself confronted by Nia Jax. "The Giantess" hurled the beaten Billie Kay over the top rope, before getting in the face of Bianca Belair. Hostilities from the past were continuing, as these two women expected to become teammates at the Survivor Series found themselves ready to collide! In the nick of time, Asuka hit the ring - the team captain of Team RAW able to come between the two. "The Empress of Tomorrow" hoped to get them on the same page, but Jax decided to walk out instead. Belair continued to run her mouth, to the annoyance of the captain.
- Survivor Series - Women's Survivor Series Elimination match - Team RAW (Asuka, Bianca Belair, Nia Jax, TBA and TBA) vs Team SmackDown (TBA, TBA, TBA, TBA and TBA)
︾︾︾ A graphic aired, promoting the six-man tag team main event. Team Lashley had been challenged by the combined forces of three WWE Superstars formerly of Friday Night SmackDown. Now a part of the RAW Brand thanks to the 2020 WWE Draft coming into play, up next the WWE World Champion Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander would meet Daniel Bryan, Jeff Hardy and Braun Strowman!
An advertisement aired, promoting the Best of WWE on Peacock. From the classic hits to in the ring, to behind-the-scenes, these were OMG moments the WWE Universe just had to see. WWE content was streaming now on Peacock.
A graphic aired, promoting RAW Talk - live tonight immediately following Monday Night RAW. Co-hosts Charly Caruso and Booker T would be joined by Big E, Alexa Bliss, John Morrison and Elias. It all went down at 11:05/10:05C on the WWE Network.
Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T talked about the night it had been on Monday Night RAW, before moving on to talk about what was coming up next week as graphics appeared on-screen. For the first time since last night's epic 'Final Chapter' at Hell in a Cell, Edge would be in the house; in Survivor Series Qualifying matches, Big E would face Seth Rollins; and Andrade battles Matt Riddle; and the WWE United States Championship will be defended when a wounded Kevin Owens takes on the Miz.
- Edge appears live for the first time since Hell in a Cell
- Survivor Series Qualifying match - Seth Rollins vs Big E
- Survivor Series Qualifying match - Matt Riddle vs Andrade
- WWE United States Championship - Kevin Owens (c) vs The Miz
︾︾︾ 7) Team Lashley (with MVP and Lana) def. Daniel Bryan, Braun Strowman and Jeff Hardy (7:13) "The All Mighty" had warned Team Lashley not to get in his way but were set to compete against the former SmackDown Superstars; Daniel Bryan had difficulty keeping between his allies, as Braun Strowman rushed the ring and succeeded in overcoming Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander. "The Yes Man" and Jeff Hardy acted on their own accords for a six-man melee, when Lashley found himself barged from the ring by "the Colossus!" A series of Yes Kicks set the scene for Team Lashley to be rushed from the ring! Lashley barked orders to "the Gold Standard" and "the Queen City Chosen One", when out leaped "the Charismatic Enigma" with a plancha. Cedric tried to take on Jeff Hardy, only to be hit with a string of dropkicks! Hardy aimed for a third, but inadvertently nailed Strowman on the jaw! Alexander capitalized with the springboard flatliner, as "the Monster Among Men" charging in, only to be prevented by Bryan. Behind the referee's back, Lashley, Benjamin and Alexander triple-teamed Hardy!
Braun Strowman argued with Daniel Bryan, as Bobby Lashley restrained Jeff Hardy on the canvas in a bearhug. "The Charismatic Enigma" tried to fight free, just for Cedric Alexander to hit a Michinoku driver! "The Queen City Chosen One" showed chemistry with Shelton Benjamin, when Hardy took "the Gold Standard" down with a sleeper slam! Making the tag to Daniel Bryan, he rushed in with an unstoppable sequence of attacks, culminating with Yes Kicks to the WWE World Champion! Alexander knocked him down with the Neutralyzer, but Bryan fell into "the Colossus" who tagged himself in! Strowman raged through Benjamin and Alexander, before cornering the WWE World Champion with a corner splash. Outside the ring the Strowman Express ran through everyone in sight - including Jeff Hardy! It irked Bryan upon reentry to the ring, but as this went on Lashley took Strowman down with the Spear! Bryan was restrained by Shelton and Cedric in the corner - allowing Team Lashley to get the win!No Friends NecessaryTeam Lashley got the win, but it came with the help of opponents unable to get on the same page! The WWE World Champion Bobby Lashley slipped out of the ring in a hurry, as Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin flocked from the ring as well. MVP and Lana joined "the All Mighty" at ringside as Daniel Bryan tried to help Braun Strowman to his feet. Shoving him down, "the Colossus" was in a foul mood - blaming Bryan for costing him the fall! Suddenly Jeff Hardy returned to the ring, trying to get at "the Yes Man!" The two were kept apart by "the Yes Man", who failed to keep the two from arguing. "The All Mighty" found humor in witnessing the squadron formerly of SmackDown fall apart, as Team Lashley stood dominant at the top of the rampway.
Byron Saxton and Charly Caruso welcomed Big E to the RAW Brand, as he outlined his plan for what he wanted to do now that hewas riding solo on "the Red Brand". Big E reiterated that he was ready for "the Big Time" and that started next week when he made the team for RAW at the Survivor Series. When asked about Seth Rollins, E admitted he had respect for "the Messiah" once - but all of the Church stuff would not fly with him. He practiced 'the Power of Positivity' and next week he would begin a new Biginning.
Alexa Bliss joined the show to discuss what went down on 'A Moment of Bliss'. Disturbed by what transpired with Carmella, "the Goddess" was ashamed to have not considered the possibility a girl like her could do a deed like that. When asked about Nikki Cross, Alexa admitted she hadn't seen "the Twisted Sister" since, but she wanted to put out a message: if she was watching, she was sorry for everything she'd done - meanwhile, it was time to make things right by getting revenge on "the Princess of Staten Island".
John Morrison and Elias joined the show with "the Guru of Greatness" buzzing over how amazing the performance was earlier tonight. "The Drifter" remained humble as JoMo talked up the roaring success that was the release of "the Universal Truth". Morrison bigged up the musician, who humbly thanked him - when he encouraged Elias to play another tune on his guitar! With great reluctance, he pulled out his guitar and played "Amen (I'm Going In)" to close RAW Talk.
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Post by DTP. on Feb 17, 2024 8:37:59 GMT -5
NXT #427: Halloween Havoc – October 28, 2020
Capitol Wrestling Center in Orlando, Florida
  "All Out Life" by Slipknot
205 Live #203 – October 30, 2020
1) Allysin Kay def. Indi Hartwell with the AK Cutter. Looking to continue her momentum after defeating Vanessa Borne, "the AK" went up against "the Delicacy From Down Under". Hartwell found herself outmatched by Kay, but after bailing and leading chase, she managed to take control temporarily with a fireman's carry snake eyes in the corner. Indi insulted Allysin and got a near fall with a sidewalk slam, when Kay came rolling with the punches and got the win. Allysin was destined for great things in NXT. (3:49)
2) Kalisto (with Legado del Fantasma) def. Rust Tyler with the Salida del Sol. With Santos Escobar away on business, "El Renegado" took on the ambitious newcomer. Rust was hard-nosed and hard-hitting, scoring two near falls over the veteran. Tyler bounced back with a tope onto "Las Hyenas", but his dedication to take out Joaquin Wilde and Raúl Mendoza allowed the masked man to take the win. Kalisto celebrated by turning his back, allowing Wilde and Mendoza to continue their assault. (6:22)
Tay Conti and Aliyah were getting along like a house on fire in the backstage dressing room, when up walked Tegan Nox. Wowed by their outing last week in tag team action, "the Welsh Valley Wonder" chatted with the duo about team names. Suddenly confronted by the troupe of Vanessa Borne with Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke, the trio ran their mouths and insulted their opponents. "The Vision" mocked Nox for failing to beat Deonna Purrazzo, and an argument led to a challenge made for next week.
3) Kushida def. Akeem Young with the Hoverboard Lock. Akeem impressed with an acrobatic array of innovative maneuvers, but the former Cirque du Soleil athlete was too inexperienced for the former NXT Cruiserweight Champion. He tried to take the win with a leaping somersault senton, but "the Time Splitter" schooled the young upstart with a sequence of attacks targeting the arm. Young attempted a tilt-a-whirl armdrag when he went caught in the Hoverboard Lock, forcing him to tap out. (5:09)
The opening video package opened with Shotzi sprawled seductively across a lavish rug in front of a roaring fireplace. Dressed as a vampire complete with fangs, "the Ballsy Badass" expressed glee at tonight being "the Spookiest Night of the Year". In the corner of the room, video nasty footage played on an analogue television set - the color battling static and revealing the atrocities of NXT Superstars. As a witch and as Frankenstein's bride she talked about her infatuation with this time of the year - and how she loved trick or treat so much. The Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal roulette wheel span rapidly, as highlights recapped what led to the return of "the Fiend". Finn Bálor and Karrion Kross were on a crash course to Tables, Ladders, Chairs and Scares tonight - at Halloween Havoc!
The Capitol Wrestling Center was loud, as the camera panned over the scenic view of bare tree branches to reveal the raucous site of Halloween Havoc! The franchise was back after twenty years of deactivation - NXT bringing it back for "the Spookiest Night of the Year". The small group of NXT Universe members were amassed in fancy dress costumes to commemorate the occasion, as the top of the stage sat a gigantic inflatable pumpkin. The ropes were orange to coincide with the theme, and behind the announce table saw themed items decorate the CWC - dressed up to resemble a graveyard. Vic Joseph dressed as Where's Waldo to the disgust of Wade Barrett sat beside him. The two welcoming us to the show - presented by GEICO, where you can save even more by bundling car and home insurance - "Happy Geicoween!"
The Freaks Come Out on Halloween NightThe Host of NXT Halloween Havoc spooked the NXT Universe with her presence, as Shotzi rose from the platform towering over the rest of the Capitol Wrestling Center. In a one-piece ghoulish costume consisting of veins and bloodsplatter, "the Ballsy Badass" sat on a throne made of skulls, as she welcomed everybody to her favorite night of the year. "The Spookiest Night of the Year" was upon us, and she was ready for the first of three Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal matches to take place! Soon howling to the heavens, she declared to let Weapons Wild begin!
✕✕✕
Scary MaskIn an unusual sight, the NXT Women's Champion made her arrival to the ring first - but Io Shirai did not come alone. Joined by the heavy metal singer-songwriter Poppy, she would play the champ to the ring for her Weapons Wild title defense tonight against Mercedes Martinez. Performing "Scary Mask" to the amazement of the NXT Universe, "the Genius of the Sky" posed stoically on the top rope, as Poppy tore the house down with her electric vocals. "The Joshi Judas" was psyched up for combat - when joined by Mercedes Martinez. Flanked by Robert Stone, "the Disasterpiece" clenched her fists together as she stomped down the ring to meet her foe.1) Io Shirai (c) def. Mercedes Martinez (with Robert Stone) in Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal: Weapon's Wild to retain the NXT Women's Championship (13:23) "The Disasterpiece" came out on top in the first ever Gauntlet Eliminator match to earn this title opportunity, and last week it was determined her shot at "the Genius of the Sky" would take place in Weapons Wild. Io Shirai immediately came in with leg kicks cornering the challenger, though Mercedes Martinez fired off with a shove sending the champion across the ring. With a charge, she walked into the feet of the NXT Women's Champion with a pendulum kick, when a missile dropkick sent her to the canvas! Shirai maintained the pressure with thrusting double knees in the opposing corner, and the Moonsault was teased - but Robert Stone dragged his Brand representative out to safety! "The Joshi Judas" remained unfazed, connecting with a diving crossbody wiping out "the Hipster" on the ringside floor. In response, Martinez smashed a trash can across the spine of the champion! Io was dropped with an exploder suplex on the ringside floor - no disqualifications or count-outs in this type of match.
Mercedes Martinez executed a spinebuster for a near fall. Io Shirai tried to wrestle free from a full nelson, resorting to using a stop sign! "The Genius of the Sky" executed a springboard, but "the Disasterpiece" caught her with a German suplex! Martinez punished the NXT Women's Champion with a kendo stick, setting up the Brass City Sleeper - but Io fought with kendo stick shots! A fisherman buster connected, when Robert Stone urged the challenger to introduce the steel steps. Shirai showed heart, but Mercedes teased a suplex on the steel - reversed into a victory roll double stomp! The Moonsault connected, but Deonna Purrazzo smashed Shirai over the head with her hand in cast! Draping Martinez's hand over her, Mia Yim hit the ring to fight her off! "The Blasian Baddie" and "the Virtuosa" brawled out of sight, while Martinez's attempt at a powerbomb saw Shirai reverse with the Koji Clutch applied! Mercedes worked to fight, but ultimately dropped onto the steps - passing out to the pain!
It was all action in the first of three Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal matches of the night, but as the bell sounded on this Weapons Wild match, it was Io Shirai who had put "the Disasterpiece" to sleep! The NXT Women's Champion stumbled to her feet after a hard-fought battle, as Deonna Purrazzo clutched her hand in plaster to hopefully fight the pain. Robert Stone helped Mercedes Martinez from the ring, as the Brand backed away in irritance. Meanwhile, "the Genius of the Sky" raised her title - not knowing that Mia Yim was standing right behind her. "The Blasian Baddie" had eyes on the prize, but ultimately raised the champ's hand in a show of respect.
✕✕✕ War RoomThe Undisputed Era gathered in their dressing room, as Adam Cole and Roderick Strong geared up in denim and cloth for the Texas Tornado fight against Pete Dunne and Dijakovic. Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly bigged the boys up when "the Panama City Playboy" complimented them on an admirable showing last week in the NXT Tag Team Championship match. Kyle and Bobby shrugged it off, unimpressed at the loss handed by Imperium, but "the Master of the Backbreaker" believed the two were the best tag team in NXT today - besides from "The Undisputed Dream Team' of he and Adam, of course! Laughs were had all round, when Cole addressed his UE brethren. What brought them here was their desire to make Pat McAfee's henchmen regret ever knowing him. He blamed "the Bruiserweight" for causing him humiliation at NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven - but tonight, he would run him back out of the country. Roddy voiced his excitement, eager to expose as the big dumb b*tch everybody knew he was!
A graphic aired, promoting the second of three Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal matches scheduled to take place tonight at Halloween Havoc. The Chain of Horrors match would see Dexter Lumis receive an opportunity at the NXT North American Championship held by "Absolute" Ricky Starks. With nowhere to run and nowhere to hide, this match would be presented by GEICO - "Happy Geicoween!" - and it was coming up next!
Footage aired from last week on NXT, recapping the Brian Kendrick meeting Chris Bey in their second meeting. "The Man with a Plan" wanted to teach "the Ultimate Finesser" about respect, just for Bey to once again come out on top. He would not have the opportunity to celebrate for long, however, as Captain's Hook saw the seasoned veteran choke the youngster out without relent!Spontaneous LivingIn footage taped last week, the Brian Kendrick returned to the locker room and raised his arms wide open. Putting the locker room on notice he called each of "the offspring" out. The unhinged veteran received nothing but silence from the room of WWE Performance Center upstarts - until the camera panned to reveal Bronson Reed. Standing up, he told "the Man with a Plan" he would take him up on his offer - if it meant crushing him like a bug! Brian made fun of "the Battleship" and namedropped wallabies and kangeroos, but told the big man he wasn't afraid. For so long he had been "the Man with a Plan" - but now he lived in spontaneity. Kendrick bragged about fighting when he wanted, where he wanted, and "Aus-Zilla" could do anything about it. Reed called Kendrick out to fight right there and then, questioning the kind of man he was. Kendrick responded by hurling water at him from a bottle, prompting Reed to come after him - prevented by the ranks of the dressing room.✕✕✕ No More RunningThe NXT General Manager William Regal chatted with a referee when interrupted by Ricky Starks. The NXT North American Champion protested the decision to put him against Dexter Lumis in tonight's Chain of Horrors match. "Absolute" believed the GM promoted an unsafe working environment, and as "the Star Attraction", he refused to be pushed around any longer! William chuckled, advising him it was okay if he didn't fancy going up against "the Tortured Artist" - they'd just strip him of the title! This perturbed "Pretty Ricky", when Regal questioned if this was because he was afraid of his challenger. Ricky denied fear, and grunted in anger. As Regal explained it would be a breach of contract if he didn't compete as contractually obligated, Ricky told him he was lucky he loved this business. As he ran his mouth about being what "the Black and Gold Brand" needed, he spotted Dexter Lumis in a mirror reflection, screamed and ran! Regal turned and saw nobody, laughing at the champ's hysteria.
Following discussion from Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett, a video package aired set to "Don't Chase the Dead" by Marilyn Manson - available now to Listen on Apple Music and Spotify. It reviewed what led us to tonight's Chain of Horrors match, pitting "Absolute" Ricky Starks against Dexter Lumis. The NXT North American Champion escaped the wrath of "the Tortured Artist" some time ago, and was even responsible for incapacitating him for a period of time - but as "the Star Attraction" overcame Keith Lee in the Steel Cage at NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven, back from under the ring crawled "the Shadow Walker". Lumis had hunted NXT Superstars for months, but for the first time ever craved the opportunity to win gold. While "Pretty Ricky" had escaped him grasp twice before, this time there was nowhere to run - as decreed by Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal. How would "the Star Attraction" fare against the ominous monster on this hallowed eve?The Chain of HorrorsAgainst a dark red background, Shotzi wore a chainmail shirt and toyed with a chain in hand. She grinned maliciously as she walked slowly over to the Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal roulette wheel to reveal the Chain of Horrors match that had been decided for tonight's NXT North American Championship bout. Explaining the rules, the Host of Halloween Havoc draped the chain over her shoulders, revealing that there would be no disqualifications and no count-outs. No pinfalls or submissions either - the combatants would be bound by the wrists with a ten-foot chain. There was but one way to win the match - and that was by touching all four corners of the ring. "The Ballsy Badass" implored the NXT Universe to wish the gladiators well - the battle awaiting!
2) Ricky Starks (c) def. Dexter Lumis in Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal: Chain of Horrors to retain the NXT North American Championship (7:04)
"Absolute" was stressed by the thought of being chained to Dexter Lumis, and stalled as much as he could before the bell. Able to bail outside, the champ badmouthed the challenger until he came crawling out after him at a break-neck speed! Hammering away at him by the barricade, he sent him back inside - and the chain was attached! Ricky Starks was pummeled and nailed with the chain by "the Tortured Artist", who connected with a rebound Lou Thesz press using the volative weapon for the assist! As a bulldog out of the corner landed, Dex made his first attempt to become NXT North American Champion, but "the Star Attraction" cut him off at the second corner with a swinging neckbreaker! Starks throttled Lumis, sending him repeatedly into the turnbuckles three times. A Rocket Kick allowed the champ time to go for the four corners, but Lumis pulled the chain and sent "Pretty Ricky" over the top rope! Dangling with all the pressure on his wrist, Lumis slipped out and roped him in for a clothesline!
The mean streak of "Pretty Ricky" was revealed, as he repeatedly dragged the chain, whiplashing Dexter Lumis face-first into the ring post! Standing over the other side of the corner, Ricky Starks continued to pummel the dazed challenger. Going for the four corners, he made three when driven with a spinebuster to prevent the fourth! "The Tortured Artist" bounced back with a slingshot suplex before heading to the top rope. An astonishing Swanton Bomb saw Lumis take rare flight, but as he tried to tap the four turnbuckle pads, "the Star Attraction" came from nowhere with the Spear! Starks went to the corners, but Lumis refused to allow him the satisfaction. The Silence was clamped in - but a low blow enabled the NXT North American Champion to plot an escape! Lumis recovered and tugged on the chain to bring him back in the ring - when Starks knocked Dex unconscious with a ring bell from under the ring skirt! Lumis was out cold, and the cowardly champion accomplished the unthinkable to retain the gold!
For the first time in his career and perhaps life, "the Tortured Artist" had been rendered unconscious courtesy of the ring bell clutched by "Absolute!" Ricky Starks grinned from ear to ear as he noticed the deadweight that was Dexter Lumis after the bell, before hurriedly escaping the bound nature of the Chain of Horrors. The NXT North American Champion rolled out of the ring quickly, picking up the ring bell and hugging it tightly. Pleased with the victory and relieved by it all, "the Star Attraction" began to celebrate on the rampway!
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A graphic aired, promoting the Texas Tornado match between members of the Undisputed Era, and two accomplices of Pat McAfee. For weeks Pete Dunne and Dijakovic had both proven themselves threats to Adam Cole and Roderick Strong, but the whole dispute had quickly devolved into carnage. Now, "the Panama City Playboy" and "the Master of the Backbreaker" would form "the Undisputed Dream Team'" to combat "the Bruiserweight" and "the Demolition Man" - coming up next!
'The NXT Superstar Profile' presented by GEICO aired, taking an extensive look at Karrion Kross. "The Tollman" had been a menace to "the Black and Gold Brand" since he walked through the door back in April. He had dismantled opponents and obtained a near-perfect record that had only seen him beaten once by pinfall - and that man was to his arch nemesis, Finn Bálor. After NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven, Kross and his partner-in-crime Scarlett plotted to double-down in their targeting of "the Prince" - but may live to regret it once his encounter with "the Demon" is done tonight.
Following discussion from Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett, a graphic aired promoting a newly-announced match for next week on NXT. Santos Escobar had decided to issue an open challenge to any NXT Cruiserweight on the roster. Willing to put the NXT Cruiserweight Championship on the line - who would "the Emperor's" challenger be?
- Next week - NXT Cruiserweight Championship - Open Challenge - Santos Escobar (c) vs TBA
✕✕✕ Terrence and PhillipMcKenzie Mitchell was in the interview area with Cameron Grimes, who appeared downbeat after failing to recruit the partnership services of Killian Dain. Admitting he was at the end of his tether with "the Beast of Belfast", all he ever wanted was to find somebody he could count on. The Irishman was that animal not so different than he - but it was not meant to be. Enthusiasm returned to "the Carolina Caveman's" voice as he declared himself a free man on the rise to the top. Into frame stomped the former NXT Tag Team Champions Ever-Rise, complaining how much they had to do just to get on NXT. They were former champs, and they hadn't been gifted their rematch, or even offered an interview! Matt Martel pointed out Cameron taking their shine, when Grimes compared he and Chase Parker to Terrence and Phillip. Martel's eyes grew wide with rage, but was restrained by his partner. Grimes wished them luck because he was going 'To The Moon'. Infuriated, Ever-Rise recomposed, intimidating McKenzie.
✕✕✕ 3) Pete Dunne and Dijakovic vs Adam Cole and Roderick Strong ended in a no contest in a Texas Tornado match (13:41) The situation between Adam Cole, Roderick Strong, Pete Dunne and Dijakovic had grown out of control leading to a match no disqualifications or count-outs to solve it. The match got started prematurely when "the Bruiserweight" and "the Demolition Man" made their arrival to the Capitol Wrestling Center. "The Panama City Playboy" and "the Master of the Backbreaker" went straight to work on dividing and conquering the hired guns of Pat McAfee! Cole sent Dunne bouncing face-first off the mesh fence walls dividing the ringside area from the NXT Universe, whereas Roddy chopped away at Dijakovic! Both would turn the tables around briefly, but a jumping knee strike allowed Strong to send the big man fumbling to the backstage area! Cole missed the Last Shot to Dunne in the ring, but all by himself, the Brit was dropped with Death by Roderick in the ring. Dijakovic reappeared until Strong took him out with a dive - until Dunne came out of nowhere with the X-Plex for Adam!
Dijakovic battled with Adam Cole backstage, sending him into a brick wall. In the ring, Roderick Strong connected with forearm strikes in the corner when Pete Dunne dropped him with a clothesline! "The Bruiserweight" focused his attack on the knuckles and fingers of "the Master of the Backbreaker". Elsewhere, Cole struck with two side kicks to set up the superkick. "The Demolition Man" wiped him out with the Cyclone Kick before heading back to the ring to gang up on Roddy! He tried to fight both off, but after being sent to the floor with Time to Fly, Strong blinded both of them with a fire extinguisher! Roddy blocked the Bitter End and dropped Dunne with Cloud 9, when Dijakovic returned with a one-handed chokebomb. Miraculously, Adam Cole returned hitting Florida Keys on Dunne! Sidestepping Dijakovic, the Panama Sunrise took him out. The cover was made - when out of nowhere came someone in a ghoul mask - striking Adam in the back of the skull with a crowbar!Disputed EraAn ally of Dijakovic and Pete Dunne brained Adam Cole with the crowbar, and the man in a black gown and a ghoul mask revealed his identity...it was Pat McAfee, grinning ear from ear! "The King of NXT" had cost the Undisputed Era, and as Roderick Strong went after him, he found himself pummelled by "the Bruiserweight!" Pete Dunne handcuffed Roddy to the middle rope as McAfee drove boots into "the Panama City Playboy". Roddy tried hard to fight back just to get his fingers snapped by the joint manipulation of Dunne. Finally, out charged Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly to the aid of their brethren - just for Fish to be nailed with a crowbar to the ribcage from McAfee. O'Reilly was able to temporarily disarm him, but "the Demolition Man" struck with the Cyclone Kick! The Undisputed Era were left down, beaten and broken by the three men - McAfee standing tall with his two accomplices. Raising the crowbar high, nobody had ever been able to do this to the UE!
An advertisement aired, promoting the Best of WWE on Peacock. From the classic hits to in the ring, to behind-the-scenes, these were OMG moments the WWE Universe just had to see. WWE content was streaming now on Peacock.
Footage aired from moments ago, recapping the unthinkable. The Texas Tornado match ended in unadulterated carnage - Adam Cole and Roderick Strong taking the fight to Pete Dunne and Dijakovic when Pat McAfee hit the ring in a Halloween costume of his own. Together, they handcuffed and decimated not just "the Undisputed Dream Team", but Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly as well! Nobody had obliterated the Undisputed Era like McAfee or his recruits had.
✕✕✕ The Aliens Who KnockIn black and white, 'the Fashion Files' returned in the style of film noir. Like a modern Walter Neff, Fandango dressed in a three-piece suit and a trilby, holding a short glass of orange juice on the rocks and gazing out of his apartment window. A running monologue heard Dango describe how it felt to be a part of 'the Fashion Police', believing a dark cloud of bad luck and misfortune was hanging over them. In seven years, they had yet to achieve gold. Thwarted by injuries, illnesses and straight up deprival, he pondered about some sort of conspiracy theory designed to prevent he and his partner from marking their names down in the history books. Sidetracked by the idea of tacos for supper later, he became distracted in chatter about food, when into the room came Tyler Breeze. Stylishly dressed in braces and a dress shirt, "Prince Pretty" unwrapped a lollipop and stuck it in his mouth. Breeze and Dango didn't acknowledge the other, though as Tyler enjoyed his sweet treat, he began his own line of monologuing, hopeful that Dango liked his idea of tacos for supper.
Fandango somehow became aware of Tyler Breeze's internal thoughts, and the two comically chattered about tacos for supper, and how to cook them. They finally resolved with the idea of ordering pizza in, before realizing that they could simply speak out loud. "Prince Pretty" told of a theory he had about Imperium, much to the growing fascination of Dango. Breeze documented the roadmap of Imperium's journey across the globe - they dominated Europe, they dominated NXT UK - and now they were spreading to the United States. Fandango speculated they were part of a hostile takeover, when Breeze theorized that WALTER and his men Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner were actually aliens in the midst of an invasion! Warning what happened if they kept expanding, Breezango were afraid of what they were capable of if they achieved global domination. They had to take this evidence to William Regal, and get themselves a shot at the NXT Tag Team Championship! But first, they had to go and get pizza.
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A lower-third graphic aired, promoting the exclusive Poppy x NXT T-shirt on sale now on WWEShop.com - only for the next 48 hours.4) Dakota Kai (with Raquel González) def. Kacy Catanzaro (5:35)
The former Ninja Warrior had a breakout night last week in the first-ever Gauntlet Eliminator match. With a remarkable showing, she went as far as to intrude on Dakota Kai's attempts to interfere on behalf of Raquel González. "King Kota" wanted to put her back in her place, but Kacy used her flexibility to throw her off her scent. A leapfrog handspring headscissors fed into a jumping corner clothesline, when Dakota knocked her off the top rope to the floor! "King Kota" tried to order "Big Mami Cool" around, but she remained stoic and kept her distance. It bought Kacy time to come back with a prawn hold for a near fall, and a somersault legdrop to Dakota got a near fall. When a Kai-O Kick knocked the up-and-comer back a step, Kai mouthed off again at her supposed bodyguard - but Raquel simply elected to walk out! It nearly cost Kota, as a satellite DDT took her down for a near fall, when Kai came out of nowhere with the Kairopractor for the three count!New Team on the Block"King Kota" took care of Kacy Catanzaro in the nick of time, on the cusp of being humiliated by defeat at the hands of the charming youngster. Dakota Kai found herself frustrated, not only by the threat of Kacy beating her - but of her own muscle Raquel González abandoning her! The power struggle continued when Dakota inexplicably throttled Catanzaro with a Switchblade Kick before putting her down with the GTK! Suddenly, Kayden Carter came to the aid of Catanzaro, hitting the ring and firing with a series of clotheslines and dropkicks. She applied a spinning kneebar, when out returned Raquel González. "Big Mami Cool" swung for both Catanzaro and Carter, but they were able to slip out unscathed. A new friendship had arrived on the scene, drawing the ire of the unstable combination of Kai and González.
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'The Tale of the Tape' aired, showing off the different attributes of "the Demon" Finn Bálor and Karrion Kross. Where "the Tollman" had the weight and height advantage, it was notable that "the Prince" had only lost one match since introducing "the Demon" persona back in 2014. Six years later, the NXT Championship was up for grabs in the payoff to end all payoffs - in Tables, Ladders, Chairs and Scares. The main event of Halloween Havoc was coming up next!
Have No FearA vignette aired, returning us to 'the School of Pain'. Timothy Thatcher had his class of students on edge as ever, walking back and forth in menacing manner. His protégés remained silent around their trainer, who talked about fear. "The Professor of Pain" claimed that a lot of people lived in fear and had fear - but in order to be a grappler like he was, they could not fear a thing. If their opponent sensed even a semblence of fear, they would rip them apart. In this world, you had to fight. It was dog-eat-dog, and there was no tomorrow when you stepped in between these ropes. He came across Nick Comoroto sporting a bandage on his arm, and stopped in his tracks. Getting in the big man's face, Thatch questioned if he was feeling weak. Comoroto said no. The teacher asked again, wondering why he even let the rookie in his seminar. Tim snarled, eyeballing him until finally he blinked. In the nick of time, another student, Barry Buchanan spoke up and asked when they were going to get to matwork.
Impressed by the second-generation hopeful's moxy, Timothy Thatcher grinned and talked about Barry Buchanan raising a very good question. Tim pointed out his lineage to the rest of the class - his father was a hard-working blue-collar guy who breathed this business. He asked Barry what motivated him, to which he explained the desire to compete and be a Superstar. It prompted laughter from "the Professor of Pain", to a maniacal extent. Abruptly, he slapped Buchanan across the face, knocking him down! As Barry clutched his cheek and registered what happened, he was slapped a second time by Thatch - who sadistically grounded and pounded at him with point-black forearm strikes! Applying a rear naked choke on the mat, it took five trainees to pull the so-called trainer from the unconscious. Cackling like a crazed man, Thatch told his students that class was dismissed - and their assignment for next week was to get ready for a challenge. Next week, he was going to put them all through the ringer!
- Next week - Timothy Thatcher puts his 'School of Pain' students through the ringer
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A graphic aired presented by GEICO, informing us that this is the "unlucky" thirteenth Halloween Havoc spectacular, dating back to its inception on October 28, 1989. "Happy Geicoween!" - save even more by bundling car and home insurance.
A graphic aired, as Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett promoted that Pat McAfee, Pete Dunne and Dijakovic would be in the house next week on NXT to address their actions in laying waste to the Undisputed Era tonight. What would the self-proclaimed "King of NXT" have to say to the NXT Universe?
- Next week - Pat McAfee, Pete Dunne and Dijakovic will address the NXT Universe
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The Demon AwakensRising from the ground in the graveyard set up behind the announce table, Shotzi sat on a skull throne with Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal behind her. As the ringside area was littered tables, ladders and chairs, the Host of Halloween Havoc welcomed everybody to the main event: Tables, Ladders, Chairs and Scares where the NXT Championship would be at stake! Only this was different than your average TLC match: you could only win by pinfall or submission! "The Ballsy Badass" flailed her limbs over the chair she sat on, before first introducing the challenger. Karrion Kross marched out to the stage with Scarlett leading his path. In black and white, "the Tollman" and his "Siren of Destruction" fit Halloween Havoc's theme to a tee, as the challenger's partner-in-crime thrashed around the ring introducing color to suit the wild frenzy of the psychotic Kross. He looked around at the playground around them, as Shotzi welcomed the champion. While on most nights he went by "the Prince", tonight he went by another monicker.
It was one that mortal men dreaded the presence of, for he was undeniable and fearsome. Shotzi demanded a grand ovation to the reigning and defending NXT Champion - "the Demon" Finn Bálor! The Capitol Wrestling Center ominously filled with dimmed red lights and smoke, as the many screens around the building showed close ups of the bodypaint being applied. Karrion Kross waited intently with Scarlett in his corner, when the music hit a crescendo ushering out the champion. Crawling on all fours, "the Demon" returned for the very first time in over two years. With the title around his waist, Bálor's body was covered in paints resembling that of a reddened beast. Arriving to the ring, he perched on the top rope and threw his hands to the air, to the timing of fireball pyrotechnics on either side of the stage! Finally, the two men went face to face in the center of the ring. The official raised the title high - but not another second passed before this hatred led to the main event getting underway!5) "The Demon" Finn Bálor (c) def. Karrion Kross (with Scarlett) in Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal: Tables, Ladders, Chairs and Scares to retain the NXT Championship (22:10) The much-anticipated main event got off to a hot start, as Karrion Kross and "the Demon" went back and forth duking it out. While the challenger gained the upper hand with the size advantage, Finn Bálor turned it around with a series of hard chops in the corner! Kross landed a double throat thrust before firing with chops of his own! The NXT Champion turned it around again, nailing forearm strikes until being back body dropped onto the apron, when a gamengiri led to a missile dropkick! Kross rolled out to the floor, but the champ followed with a baseball slide and a running kick on the apron. With "the Tollman" taken back a step, Finn picked up a steel chair and planned to use it - only to be hit with a German suplex on the floor! Scarlett grinned from a distance as her man picked up two steel chairs from ringside and hurled them both at "the Demon!" Back in the ring, Finn showed more fight once again - but the Sling Blade went caught with an exploder suplex onto the chair!
"The Tollman" continued to punish "the Demon" with a grounded hammerlock, sniveling and grinning at how warpaint wouldn't save him. It only inspired Finn Bálor to begin his ascent - but was taken down with a chokeslam! From the mount, Karrion Kross smothered the NXT Champion with rights and lefts, before locking in a cross-armbreaker. Finn Bálor was in peril in this Tables, Ladders, Chairs and Scares match - where you could only win via pinfall or submission. Still, "the Demon" roared through the agony, when the challenger planned to change it up with elbow smashes. Bálor responded by ducking a clothesline, and the Pelé kick connected! Kross dropped to a knee, when a shotgun dropkick sent Kross into a ladder set up in the corner! Out to the floor went Karrion, when a second shotgun dropkick sent Kross bouncing off the barricade. Finn propped a table up against a corner barricade adjacent to him, but in turning his back made a grave error - as a tackle took both men through the wood!
Karrion Kross punished "the Demon" with a suplex toss onto a set up steel chair as the punishment resumed; "the Tollman" taking Finn Bálor to the limit like nobody had done before! Scarlett urged her man to go for the gold, and he complied teasing the Doomsday Saito. Finn broke it with elbow smashes - and the Sling Blade connected! With a steel chair, "the Demon" became unleashed with seven nasty chair shots to the spine and torso of the challenger; the NXT Champion looking around wildly to the NXT Universe. Bálor planted Kross with 1916, but he freakishly kicked out at one! Sitting up and foaming at the mouth, both men went back and forth trading forearms, when Kross attempted the Kross Jacket. Finn slipped free and landed an arm drag - following immediately with a double footstomp! Setting up a table in the ring, Finn noticed Kross taking a walk and took flight - but mid-tope con hilo, he wound up going through a table set up by "the Siren of Destruction!" Kross rolled him back in - but Finn kicked out!
"The Tollman" teased the forearm strike to "the Demon's", but he ducked it and tried 1916. Kross reversed into the Doomsday Saito, but Finn Bálor kicked out! Adrenaline had the NXT Champion back up, and Karrion Kross received a basement dropkick. Finn set a steel chair on Kross's chest and went for Coup de Grâce: but Kross escaped it. A powerbomb drove the champ, but Finn poppedback up! Running on fumes, he sidestepped a knee strike and flapjacked Kross into a ladder in the corner. Setting it up, Bálor went up looking for something dangerous - when Scarlett got in the ring! In his way, "the Siren of Destruction" bought her man time to climb to the top of the ladder and execute a hip toss from ten feet in the air. Kross took a moment to survey the damage...when Tommaso Ciampa climbed the ladder! Karrion was in disbelief to see him, and Ciampa took him with an Air Raid Crash sending both exploding through a table! "The Blackheart" rolled out in pain, as Bálor nailed the Coup de Grâce to retain the title!
Daddy's Home"The Demon" came out triumphant, even if he didn't look like it after the tremendously dangerous Tables, Ladders, Chairs and Scares match just witnessed by the NXT Universe. Finn Bálor's face was cut up, with the warpaint chipping away, as he laid prone clutching his ribs in the ring. Karrion Kross remained down and out in the debris of the table - all thanks to Tommaso Ciampa on the floor. "The Blackheart" feigned injury himself from the Air Raid Crash, but as "the Prince" slowly returned to his feet, who would come strolling into the ring with his title but Tommaso himself! Tossing the gold at Finn's feet as he remained unable to stand, Ciampa removed his facial covering before rolling out and begin his exit - Finn keeping an eye on him. Scarlett was left to check on her partner - "the Tollman" taken to the limit; when it came to the NXT Championship, it would take far more to dethrone "the Demon!"
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