· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 ·

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· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Jan 21, 2023 11:58:17 GMT -5

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Post by DTP. on Jan 21, 2023 11:58:17 GMT -5

NXT #408 – June 10, 2020
Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida
Presented by GEICO

FOUR DAYS REMOVED FROM NXT TAKEOVER: IN YOUR HOUSE

NXT UK #96: Hidden Gems - June 11, 2020

- Aoife Valkyrie def. Isla Dawn with the diving split legdrop. (4:29) [NXT UK #83 - MAR 5, 2020]
- Noam Dar def. A-Kid with the Nova Roller. (6:39) [NXT UK #86 - MAR 26, 2020]
- Pete Dunne def. Mark Andrews with the Bitter End in a WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament Semi-Final match. (10:39) [WWE UNITED KINGDOM CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT - JAN 15, 2017]

A video package aired, reliving the events of this past Sunday. NXT TakeOver: In Your House was in the history books with another spectacular instalments, as the NXT Universe found themselves consumed in nostalgia. Championships changed hands, as Kushida was crowned NXT Cruiserweight Champion, and Keith Lee reclaimed the NXT North American Championship. Controversy took place, as Adam Cole slipped away from the Triple Threat match still NXT Champion, and Karrion Kross overcame Tommaso Ciampa following the shocking betrayal of Candice LeRae. But above all else, history was made when Io Shirai defeated Charlotte Flair to finally become NXT Women's Champion. What would happen tonight, in the fallout of In Your House?

Inside Full Sail University, Vic Joseph appeared in-person in front of the huge "NXT" letters. Situated with chanting, socially-distanced members of the NXT Universe around him, Joseph welcomed us to the first edition of NXT following NXT TakeOver: In Your House. Discussing the spectacular that took place four nights ago, Vic ran down what was coming up tonight - including the in-ring debut of NXT's newest arrival: "Absolute" Ricky Starks.

NXT Cruiserweight Championship - Kushida (c) vs Cameron Grimes
Karrion Kross vs Jake Atlas
The in-ring NXT debut of Ricky Starks
Rhea Ripley and Shotzi vs Robert Stone, Chelsea Green and Aliyah

1) Bobby Fish def. Velveteen Dream (5:58)
- What was intended to be the biggest night in the young career of "the Purple Rainmaker" went dashed at NXT TakeOver: In Your House, as the interference of the Undisputed Era allowed Adam Cole to retain the NXT Championship. Velveteen Dream wasted no time hitting the ring, immediately taking down the mat-specialist with a spinebuster and a flurry of strikes. A different side of the Dream was on display, when Fish responded with a roundhouse kick. Beginning to beat him down with hard chest kicks, Dream soon fired up and responded with a big boot to the face! Dream drilled Fish with the swinging DDT, when Adam Cole and Roderick Strong arrived. Dream swung for and missed the NXT Champion, when Fish's attempt at the Flying Fish Hook went reversed into Dream Valley Driver - but Roddy distracted the official! Finn Bálor rushed out with a basement dropkick for Strong! Backing "the Panama City Playboy" away from ringside, the distraction allowed Fish to strike with a roundhouse kick for the win.

The Undisputed Era had stolen another big win at the expense of Velveteen Dream. The numbers advantage continued, as Bobby Fish gloated over "the Purple Rainmaker's" body until Finn Bálor hit the ring to chase him out. As Fish was reunited with Roderick Strong at ringside, a pleased NXT Champion watched from the top of the aisleway. Adam Cole joined his teammates from the UE in victory, as "the Prince" stared them down. Bálor then went to help Dream back to his feet - just for him to shove him away. Leaving alone, it had been a long few days for the youngster.

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A graphic aired, advertising exclusive comments to be heard from the newly-crowned NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai. After overcoming Charlotte Flair in an instant classic at NXT TakeOver: In Your House this past Sunday, we would hear from "the Genius of the Sky" - up next.

This is Io Shirai's NXT Now
A video package aired, recapturing the glory that was the main event of NXT TakeOver: In Your House. Social media was abuzz, with Tweets of praise from the likes of Stephanie McMahon, Trish Stratus, the official WWE Twitter account and various NXT Superstars. Footage from WWE Watch Along recorded the stunned live reactions, while CBS Sports, Sports Illustrated and ESPN headlines flashed across the screen. Moments after the biggest victory of her career, Io Shirai was interviewed upon returning backstage in a YouTube exclusive. Emotionally, "the Genius of the Sky" spoke her native language aided by subtitles. Talking about how far she had come on this journey to become a champion in the United States of America, Io vowed to be a fighting champion and to always wear her heart on her sleeve. Holding the NXT Women's Championship high, she complimented Charlotte Flair's prowess - but this was her NXT now, and "the Joshi Judas" was only just getting started.

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2) NXT Tag Team Champions Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher def. Cal Bloom and Nick Ogarelli (1:37)
- The "Mat Men" of NXT had proven to be a no-thrills force to be reckoned with as reigning NXT Tag Team Champions. While an odd couple on the surface, Matt Riddle and his new partner Timothy Thatcher annihilated Rinku and Saurav last week - to the point Malcolm Bivens sulked away leaving them high and dry! This week against two colossals in Cal Bloom and Nick Ogarelli, the unhinged Thatcher immediately knocked the second-generation prospect down with an overhead slap! Riddle and Thatcher drilled their opponents with stereo-gutwrench suplexes, when Riddle scored a powerbomb into a bicycle knee strike to remove Bloom from the match. 'Thatch-As-Thatch-Can' was then on display in brutal fashion, as the world-class technician grounded Ogarelli with the Fujiwara armbar to take the win.

The Bro-pen Challenge
Two more imposing challengers fell in defeat at the hands of the NXT Tag Team Champions, as Matt Riddle raised the crazed Timothy Thatcher's hand the victory. Thatcher even bit into his gold, much to the surprise of even "the King of Bros". With Cal Bloom and Nick Ogarelli's defeat, Riddle took to the microphone to once again introduce the NXT Universe to his new partner "Tim". Calling him "the fun one" to laughs, Riddle knew his oldest pal hadn't been around for long, but the two of them had proven in no time they were un-Bro-atable. The truth was, while they were no pushovers, Riddle and Thatcher craved some real competition. Suddenly Timothy snatched the microphone and growled that they wanted only the best that the NXT Brand had to offer, daring anybody to come crawling out of the woodwork and to step in the ring with one bad man! Thatcher slammed the mic down, when Riddle remarked that "Timmy" was a crazy dude. The champs had opened the floodgates to all-comers!

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Chelsea Green and Aliyah gossiped in the quarters of the Robert Stone Brand, when suddenly the two's mouths gawped open. In walked an overly prepared Robert Stone - dressed from head to toe in a fully-padded suit! With fight shorts over the top and complete with goggles and a mouthpiece, "the Hipster" was jacked, ready to show Rhea Ripley and Shotzi what the Brand was all about! Green and Aliyah were taken aback, as Robert slammed his hand against the door of the locker with adrenaline coursing, just for the manager to squeal in pain and clutch his hand! Chelsea advised that they needed to rethink their strategy one more time.

Roddy Rage
Following a replay of Bobby Fish's stolen victory against the Velveteen Dream earlier tonight, during the commercial break Roderick Strong was seen being held back by a crew of backstage officials! Mad about Finn Bálor targeting him at ringside during the match, "the Prince" showed no fear as Roddy told Finn if he wanted to go - what was stopping them from doing it tonight! Bálor told him he was on, jumping to his feet in the dressing room just to have Strong skulk away from the scene.

Tonight - Roderick Strong vs Finn Bálor

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Open for Business
Full Sail University came to their feet, at the arrival of the new, two-time NXT North American Champion Keith Lee. Having defeated Damian Priest at NXT TakeOver: In Your House to reclaim the prize he had never technically been beaten for, "the Limitless One" basked in the glory of the crowd as he stepped out to the aisle. Dressed casually, Lee raised the title high in the air upon entering the ring, while the fans chanted his name. Holding a microphone in hand, Keith stated the obvious as he declared that there was a new champ in town - and his name was Keith Lee! He spoke about the bold efforts of a highly-desperate individual in "the Archer of Infamy", the new champ hoped that Priest could enjoy his infamy, because when all was said and done last weekend, he was beaten by the better big man to beat on "the Black and Gold Brand!" Lee reminisced back to April, where he had the title taken from him in a Triple Threat match, when he hadn't even lost the fall.

"The Limitless One" was back in business, but was also open for business! Keith Lee spoke to 'the Limitless Legion' about how he could not be prouder to represent NXT as their NXT North American Champion - but it was never the man who made the title. For him, it was about the challengers who made the champion! Assuring the people of Full Sail Arena he was about to get back to where he was - Lee planned to kick butts and take names, because if anybody wanted a shot, they could have it. Laying down the title before him, the champ was calling shots! The opportunity encouraged, Killian Dain came bounding out to the rampway. After gesturing him to come get some, "the Beast of Belfast" hit the ring! Blow-for-blow, two bad men exchanged blows with neither letting up. Dain cornered Keith, when out of the corner the champ hit the Irishman with a Pounce that sent him from the ring! Dain got back up on the floor, to be held back by officials. The audience wanted to see the behemoths fight!

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Proving Ground
McKenzie Mitchell was standing by backstage with Jake Atlas, on a night where he had issued a challenge to Karrion Kross. After being waylaid by "the Herald of Doomsday" two weeks ago in an unprovoked ambush, the fired-up Californian said tonight was the night. There was no turning back as far as he was concerned, because he'd been pushed around and manhandled countless times before - but he'd never backed down from a fight. Last Sunday, he watched from home at the brutality Karrion Kross was capable of as he ragdolled Tommaso Ciampa around at NXT TakeOver: In Your House - and while he expected no different tonight, Jake was convinced he stood a chance. He may not be victorious, but as far as he was concerned: this was about proving ground for him - and he planned to prove he belonged here in WWE, and as part of NXT. Atlas took to the ring - set for the fight of his life, up next!

Stills aired, taking us back to the brutal and dominant scene of last Sunday at NXT TakeOver: In Your House. Never before had the former NXT Champion Tommaso Ciampa been manhandled the way he had been by Karrion Kross, but just as "the Blackheart" thought he had a friend in trying times in Candice LeRae to even the odds against Scarlett - betrayal revealed itself, as the "Poison Pixie" struck Ciampa with his own crutch. It enabled "the Herald of Doomsday" to leave victorious, while Candice walked away vacant and cold.

The New Candice LeRae
In a WWE Network exclusive taken from NXT TakeOver: In Your House, the cameraman followed Candice LeRae backstage at the Full Sail University. "The Poison Pixie" scoffed, claiming the whole world saw it coming. Reminding the NXT Universe who her husband was, Candice couldn't believe Tommaso Ciampa could be so stupid. Reminding Ciampa how he was the one responsible for the misery her husband was forced to undergo, by exiling Johnny Gargano from NXT, he was not only depriving the NXT Universe of "Johnny TakeOver", but what her husband was capable of. He was the true "Heart and Soul of NXT", until Ciampa selfishly took his time on "the Black and Gold Brand" to an end again. Candice discussed how she had been seen as a big sisterb to everybody on NXT - but Candice LeRae was not to be underestimated, nor was she to be played. The old Candice LeRae was dead - who the people were looking at now was "the New" Candice LeRae: all hail!

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3) Karrion Kross (with Scarlett) def. Jake Atlas (5:20)
- One attack from Karrion Kross two weeks ago appeared to have lit a fire inside the courageous young flyer, Jake Atlas. Not backing down even after "the Herald of Doomsday's" dominant victory against Tommaso Ciampa at NXT TakeOver: In Your House, Scarlett watched as Kross swiftly took Atlas down with a seated hammerock. Atlas worked his way up and scored with a big forearm smash, but Kross proceeded to biel toss Atlas across the ring! Kross punished Atlas with a two-handed chokeslam, but continued to raise Atlas's head preventing the count to be made. A belly-to-belly suplex and an exploder followed, but Atlas kicked out! Valiantly Atlas responded from a release German suplex - into a step-up enzuigiri! A clothesline sent Jake to the apron, when a springboard blockbuster took Kross off-guard. "The Devil of Monterrey" was thought to have underestimated Jake, when a hurricanrana went reversed into the Doomsday Saito - yet Jake still kicked out! Finally, the Kross Jacket forced him to tap out.

The heart of Jake Atlas was on full display tonight on NXT, showing no fear in response to the dominant Karrion Kross - even 'till the end. "The Herald of Doomsday" was joined in the ring by his mistress Scarlett, who stroked the shoulders of her man and witnessed him raise his fists fiercely. With Tommaso Ciampa behind him and nowhere to be seen, one had to wonder what was next on Kross and Scarlett's agenda.

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A video package aired, recapturing the aura surrounding the NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament Finals from last Sunday at NXT TakeOver: In Your House. Kushida and El Hijo Del Fantasma gave it their all, but in the end "the Time Splitter" prevailed as the champion in a match that received nothing but praise from the likes of ESPN and Sports Illustrated. Although Kushida's act of showmanship went declined by his opponent, backstage his intentions were remarked as he was confronted by Cameron Grimes who demanded the first opportunity. With the heart of a champion in his blood, the fighting new champion accepted - and it would happen on NXT - up next!

A replay aired, recapping the events of last week on NXT. The Fight to a Finish was designed to bring closure to the burning rivalry between former members of Team Kick, Dakota Kai and Tegan Nox. In a fearless battle, "the Welsh Wonder" prospered after a superplex through a table on the floor and the Shiniest Wizard. In exclusive footage from after NXT last week went off the air, Raquel González carried the unconscious Dakota Kai in her arms. "King Kota" was still unconscious, as the cameraman asked "the Insurance Policy" for comment. Raquel instead scowled, before kicking open a locker room door and taking Kota inside.

Next week - Dakota Kai and Raquel González return to NXT.

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4) Kushida (c) def. Cameron Grimes to retain the NXT Women's Championship (10:19) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- The new NXT Cruiserweight Champion immediately wanted to create a lasting impression on the NXT Universe, by following through on his vow to be a fighting champion. Cameron Grimes did not even wait for the in-ring introductions to conclude, wanting to avenge the loss from the B-Block of the tournament two weeks ago. A pendulum backbreaker saw the challenger take control initially, just for Kushida to reverse into a tilt-a-whirl armringer! Grimes narrowly avoided the hiptoss into a dropkick, but was struck with the ever-sharp soccer kick to the arm. Rolling out to safety, Grimes was taken aback by the proficiency of "the Time Splitter".
- "The Carolina Caveman" was back in the driver's seat as NXT returned, connecting with a deadlift sit-out powerbomb for a near fall. Cameron Grimes ran his mouth and tried to toy with "the Time Splitter", bringing Kushida to respond with a rolling Koppu kick off the ropes! Kushida hit a handspring elbow to follow, to be caught in the German suplex. Grimes had issues with Kushida, jealous of the international sensation's popularity. Cameron grew angry at his failure to put away the new champ, and a superman forearm smash saw Kushida respond with a right-hand punch to the jaw! On the rebound, the champ hit the ropes to be hit with the Collision Course, just for Grimes to get a near fall. Up to the top rope, Kushida miraculously turned a superplex into an avalanching cross-armbreaker! Riving in pain, Grimes made it to the rope. Clutching his arm, Grimes cut Kushida off with the super kick, but the deadlift gutwrench powerbomb saw Kushida take the arm into the Hoverboard Lock - forcing Grimes to tap out!

The new NXT Cruiserweight Champion was able to make a successful first defense of the title, immediately establishing him as the centerpiece of the Cruiserweight Division. Kushida had his hand raised while Cameron Grimes rolled out to the floor clutching his arm in agony. "The Time Splitter" posed proudly with the title, as Kushida had set boundaries for the rest of the group.

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McKenzie Mitchell was standing by in the backstage hallway with Rhea Ripley and Shotzi, as the broadcast journalist had to ask the duo if they were intimidated whatsoever by the Robert Stone Brand. The two could not help but laugh, when the energized "Ballsy Badass" said that after all Aliyah and Chelsea Green had done, they would have no clue what hit them tonight. Rhea laughed at the fact Chelsea claimed a pinfall victory over her, but guaranteed - that would never be duplicated again. Ripley made it known that her issues remained with Robert Stone, for "the Hipster" had dared put doubt on her name. Ripley claimed she was not to be put down, and tonight Stone would see the 'Brutality' come out of her. Shotzi roared that against the Robert Stone Brand, the two of them would not be needing a partner - but suggested the Brand needed a fourth against the two wrecking machines they were!

An advertisement aired, promoting all of the merchandise available on WWEShop.com.

A Taste of the Titles
The NXT Tag Team Champions Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher walked and talked, "the King of Bros" telling his buddy he was going to love catering. The two turned a corner and bumped into Ever-Rise, who were pleased to see the champs. Matt Martel and Chase Parker remarked how Riddle and Thatcher were the two boys they wanted to see! With a bone to pick with the two knuckleheads, Parker claimed they had no idea what "chemistry" looked like. Martel agreed, true teams stuck together through it all, and they were living proof! Parker claimed they'd teamed together, lived together; even slept together. This amused Riddle, who made fun of the unaware Canadians until they realized. With an intense glare, Ever-Rise grew intimidated of Thatcher, but told Riddle they wanted a taste at the titles. A grin on his face, Riddle told them "Timmy" wanted to be a "Friend of 'The Show!'" Reluctantly, Parker agreed to let the champs on 'Ever-Rise Live' - if they could get a match in two weeks. Riddle told Terrence and Phillip they were on!

Next week - NXT Tag Team Champions Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher appear on 'Ever-Rise Live'
In 2 weeks - NXT Tag Team Championship - Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher (c) vs Ever-Rise

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An Unlikely Friend
Ahead of his match with his former friend, Bronson Reed made his entrance. "Aus-Zilla" had grown tired of Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink's attempts to dig up the past, but was not expecting his friends to ambush him from behind! The two attacked Reed putting the boots to the big man. Reed responded with a headbutt for Vink, and a suplex attempt on the floor for Thorne - when from behind came Vink with a low blow! Burning their bridges from the big man, a double DDT left Bronson laying on the aisle, with no match appearing to be taking place. Dexter Lumis appeared over Thorne and Vink's shoulders, patting both on the shoulder and giving them a fright. The two tried to run, just for Dex to catch Vink by his tights and take him in Silence! Thorne panicked and tried to free his best friend - but Bronson fended him off. As "the Shadow Walker" put Vink to sleep in the hold, his eyes remained wide with sights set on Thorne. An unconscious Vink rested in his lap, as Dexter grew to his feet and stood side by side...with Bronson Reed!

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A graphic aired, advertising the alleged moment the NXT Universe had all been waiting for. Since his unforgettable arrival this past Sunday at NXT TakeOver: In Your House, everybody had been waiting for the in-ring debut of "the Black and Gold Brand's" hottest new arrival - "Absolute" Ricky Starks: coming up next.

An "Absolute" Debut...?
After his unexpected debut this past weekend at NXT TakeOver: In Your House, "Absolute" Ricky Starks received a grand introduction from a deep-voiced ring announcer. With an exaggerated and drawn-out announcement, the voiceover echoed over Full Sail Arena to the boos of the NXT Universe in attendance. Out waltzed Ricky Starks, posing and flexing his physique beneath a Hawaiian shirt. Yet oddly, "Absolute" was not dressed for competition. As the hottest new arrival to "the Black and Gold Brand" swaggered down to the ring, Leon Ruff stood in wait in the corner as Starks took to the microphone. The newcomer could not contain his laughter as he looked his so-called opponent up and down in perplexion. He asked where the rest of Ruff was, before asking what kind of a joke the brass were playing on him! Ricky noted his background, being a highly-decorated performer who was dead set on delivering night-in and night-out.

"Absolute" Ricky Starks had come to NXT because he knew the NXT Universe were clamoring for it...and in return, the man across from him was supposed to be his opponent? Leon Ruff shrugged his shoulders and told Starks to bring it, but Ricky claimed he didn't deserve to face him much like the people didn't deserve to see him compete tonight! The newcomer was full of himself, talking about how he needed to speak to NXT General Manager William Regal about this, because this would not stand. As Ruff took offense and argued with him, Ricky assured Leon none of this was his fault. He was just scrawny, undersized, skinny, bony, child-like and lacking any purpose to step in the ring with "the True Pro" that he was. Ruff suddenly squared up to Starks and challenged him to fight regardless, but Ricky could not help but laugh out loud at his expense. Making further jokes at Ruff's expense, the newcomer walked away turning down the debut match the GM had lined up for him!

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Vic Joseph was stood in front of the "NXT" letters among members of the NXT Universe, as he addressed viewers about what a night it had been so far on NXT - but the week was not over yet. Talking up 205 Live this coming Friday night exclusively on the WWE Network, "the Voice of 205 Live" talked up "the Premier Athlete" Tony Nese being scheduled to meet Isaiah "Swerve" Scott; and Ariya Daivari would take on Tyler Breeze.

205 Live - Isaiah Scott vs Tony Nese
205 Live - Tyler Breeze vs Ariya Daivari

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The Robert Stone Brand were heading down the hall, with Robert Stone leading the way. While Chelsea Green and Aliyah appeared focused and ready for Rhea Ripley and Shotzi, the well-protected Stone was riding on adrenaline in his padded suit - with the two-on-three handicap match coming up in just a few moments!

Mauro Ranallo and Beth Phoenix presented a series of graphics, as they discussed what was coming up next week on NXT. With eight days removed from NXT TakeOver: In Your House, the NXT Universe could expect to see the new NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai in action; the NXT Tag Team Champions Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher appearing on 'Ever-Rise Live;' Deonna Purrazzo against Mia Yim; plus, Keith Lee would make his first defense of the NXT North American Championship against Killian Dain!

NXT North American Championship - Keith Lee (c) vs Killian Dain
NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai in action
NXT Tag Team Champions Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher appear on 'Ever-Rise Live'
Deonna Purrazzo vs Mia Yim

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5) Rhea Ripley and Shotzi def. Robert Stone, Chelsea Green and Aliyah (7:05) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- After weeks of problems with the Robert Stone Brand, a six-person intergender tag team match was proposed for tonight - only Rhea Ripley and Shotzi were daring enough to do it at a disadvantage! Chelsea Green and Aliyah were met with hostility from Ripley and Shotzi, as "the Ballsy Badass" was quick to dispatch Green with Ripley using a double clothesline - leaving "the Hipster" alone with the both of them! Attempting to run, Rhea and Shotzi grabbed him by the shorts over his suit - when Aliyah and Green returned to make the save. The Robert Stone Brand were all-hands on deck, but the former NXT Women's Champion showed her brute force by sending Green tumbling into Aliyah on the apron. Stone tried to run again, to be caught by Shotzi - who delivered him to Ripley for a military press to the floor, on his own clients!
- Shotzi caught Aliyah by surprise with the Question Mark Kick, when a blind tag saw Chelsea Green take advantage, catching "the Ballsy Badass" off-guard with a missile dropkick. As Green ran Shotzi against the ropes with a hanging illegal choke, she and Aliyah worked together to corner her from Rhea Ripley. Even Robert Stone got in on the fun, pushing Shotzi over twice! Performing jumping-jacks before Ripley, Aliyah returned with a northern lights suplex for a near fall, when Shotzi responded with the reverse Sling Blade! The tag was made to Ripley, who ran through Green with big boots and an electric chair drop as she attempted to climb the ropes. Ripley caught Green with Freefall, when "the Hipster" plotted a ring bell assault on Ripley - only for a pair of hands to confiscate it from him: Xia Li! Aliyah looked like she'd seen a ghost, immediately running for the hills. Inside, Green received an enzuigiri from Shotzi setting up for the Rip Tide: Ripley claiming victory.

With decisive victory scored against Chelsea Green, Rhea Ripley had avenged the upset from weeks ago. Shotzi roared in celebration, as Xia Li ran Aliyah from Full Sail Arena. Li was pleased to be back in front of the NXT Universe after being sidelined in injury by Aliyah months ago. Meanwhile, Shotzi was able to catch Robert Stone by the seat of his shorts - tossing him back inside the ring. Panicking and pleading for his life from the two, Rhea would catch "the Hipster" by the collar of his shirt and proceed to finally give the manager a Rip Tide he would remember! Shotzi proceeded to add insult to injury - beginning to tear the clothes off Stone until he was left laying exposed in his underwear.

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Finn Bálor was on the move with the main event moments away. Stopped for a conversation by McKenzie Mitchell, "the Prince" responded by discussing the unfortunate fate which befell him last Sunday at NXT TakeOver: In Your House. He knew that recapturing the NXT Championship would be no easy feat, with the entire locker room watching over him, keeping an eye on his every move. He certainly should have seen the Undisputed Era's little tricks coming, and he should have expected it. But in spite of the Triple Threat loss, his journey to becoming a two-time NXT Champion was not yet over. Adam Cole might well be the longest-reigning NXT Champion in history, but his days were still numbered. Tonight wasn't about defeating Roderick Strong, but about making a mission statement designed for "the Panama City Playboy". Finn claimed he would have his opportunity, and he would seize it accordingly. Bálor set off for the ring - in action against Roderick Strong, up next.

Failed Kidnapping
Footage aired from during the commercial break moments ago, showing a bizarre scene as two masked men abruptly decided to ambush El Hijo Del Fantasma in the parking lot outside of Full Sail University. "The Luchahero" did not see it coming, as he found himself fighting not one masked man but two! Clearly former allies of the luchador, the suit-adorned Fantasma's presence at NXT tonight was not even known until this footage was captured! Suddenly, the NXT Cruiserweight Champion Kushida arrived at the scene, aiding Fantasma in the fight. As the two finalists of the NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament pursued the masked men into their black SUV, the vehicle sped off into the night - leaving Kushida and Fantasma perplexed. "The Time Splitter" once again looked to Fantasma for a handshake, but Fantasma again declined and left the scene.

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6) Roderick Strong def. Finn Bálor (11:21) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- "The Prince's" run-in with Roderick Strong earlier tonight had drawn the ire of "the Master of the Backbreaker", who furiously confronted Finn Bálor with the challenge for this match. While NXT Champion Adam Cole and Bobby Fish did initially accompany their friend out to the aisle, they returned to the back allowing Roddy to go it alone. The member of the Undisputed Era wished to gain the opening early, in taking Finn down to the mat. In response however, Strong missed a jumping knee strike and received a basement dropkick for his worries! At ringside, Bálor teased a topé con hilo, just for Strong to evade it. Only he could not evade Finn sneaking up behind him on the apron and connecting with a running penalty kick! Bálor continued to outmove Strong inside, reversing a sunset flip attempt into a double footstomp, but the 1916 was reversed into a brainbuster from Strong!
- As NXT returned, Roderick Strong had the Strong Hold on Finn Bálor. "The Prince" had his back worked over during the break, as Strong blocked Bálor's Sling Blade at ringside with a back suplex dropping Finn on the peak of the timekeeper's steel chair! Finn made the ropes, but would be hit with a series of running forearm strikes, into the Cloud 9. Finn continued to show fight, and as Roddy looked for the Sick Kick, Bálor caught him with a turning inverted DDT! Bálor made his comeback with a legsweep into a double footstomp before setting up 1916. Adam Cole and Bobby Fish returned ringside to prevent it, in déjà vu of earlier tonight! Strong got a near fall with the Argentine backbreaker, when the Undisputed Era were ran from ringside by the Velveteen Dream and his purple bat! Cole and Fish fled, while inside Bálor scored with 1916 at last - only he was fixated by the Dream's presence at ringside. Much like earlier tonight, Bálor turned to be struck with a jumping knee strike - and the End of Heartache saw Strong steal the victory.

The Dream is Over
A perfect night for the Undisputed Era saw both of Adam Cole's most recent challengers fall in defeat. Velveteen Dream pursued NXT Champion Adam Cole and Bobby Fish to the top of the aisle, before turning back to witness the victorious Roderick Strong. Roddy obnoxiously gloated over "the Prince", putting the boots to him, when down to the ring saw the Dream return. Strong bailed out into the waiting arms of the loudmouth NXT Champion. "The Panama City Playboy" ran his mouth calling Dream and Bálor failures - the UE trio incensing Dream. Finn returned to his feet as Dream stared down the champ from afar - when "the Purple Rainmaker" struck Finn in the ribs with the purple bat! Clutching his ribcage in pain, Dream applied pressure with the end of the bat held to the jaw of Finn. The NXT Universe booed him as he ascended to the top rope, soaring with the Purple Rainmaker! The Undisputed Era had no idea what to make of this revelation, as Dream stood tall over a beaten Finn Bálor. Why Dream, why?

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DTP.
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Joined on: Jun 28, 2007 14:45:14 GMT -5
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· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Jan 24, 2023 14:22:45 GMT -5

Quote

Post by DTP. on Jan 24, 2023 14:22:45 GMT -5

Friday Night SmackDown #1086 – June 12, 2020
WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida
Presented by
BACKLASH: THIS SUNDAY!

205 Live #183 – June 12, 2020
1) Isaiah Scott def. Tony Nese with the Swerve Stomp. Nese argued with the referee's decision after the bell, before throwing a temper tantrum at another loss. (6:34)
- Vic Joseph hosted a special look back at the NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament Finals at NXT TakeOver: In Your House between Kushida and El Hijo Del Fantasma, and the first NXT Cruiserweight Championship defense made by "the Time Splitter" against Cameron Grimes, this past Wednesday on NXT.
2) Tyler Breeze def. The Brian Kendrick (with Ariya Daivari) with the victory roll. Constant interference from Daivari saw him eventually ejected from ringside. Daivari returned after the decision to lead a two-on-one attack on "Prince Pretty", culminating with the Persian Storm hammerlock DDT. (8:21)

A video package aired, recapping the events of last week. As Sheamus had left Jeff Hardy down, out and beaten with the help of a ladder the week prior, the match was official for Backlash: a Ladder match for the WWE Universal Championship. "The Charismatic Enigma" greeted Renee Young in the ring for an interview, when predictably "the Celtic Warrior" intruded. Sheamus was quick to bring up the demons of Hardy's past, which prompted "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" to respond in a passionate speech. Sheamus understood, but decided to bring the fight only for Jeff to respond with vigor. A brawl ensued providing the WWE Universe with a preview of things to come, culminating with Jeff daring to perform the Swanton Bomb from the top of the ladder, through the announce table on Sheamus - just for the Irishman to escape. Hardy was consumed with redemption headed into Backlash.

They Were The Bar
Earlier today, Sheamus arrived at the WWE Performance Center. "the Celtic Warrior" came across Cesaro in the parking lot. The Irishman asked "the Swiss Cyborg" how life was treating him, but Cesaro told Sheamus he wasn't in the mood to talk. Sheamus asked if that was because he got clowned by Apollo Crews last week, causing the Artist Collective member to warn Sheamus to get lost. With a chuckle, the challenger for the WWE Universal Championship understood but wanted Cesaro to know it wasn't his fault he lost last week - it was his weak old body's fault! Furious, Cesaro shoved Sheamus against a car and told him enough was enough. It was one thing for them to be buddies whenever it suited Sheamus, but another to question his fight and his skills. As The Bar they accomplished many things, but how it all started was with a Best of Seven Series. They beat the hell out of each other, but if he remembered they were still tied. Cesaro assured Sheamus they would settle the score tonight, storming off for the building!

Tonight - Cesaro vs Sheamus

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The opening video package aired, bringing us to the WWE Performance Center for the final edition of Friday Night SmackDown before WWE Backlash! Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed us to the show and talked about what happened moments ago with Sheamus and Cesaro, before getting straight into the action.

1) Daniel Bryan def. Shorty G (7:25) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- With his opportunity at Sami Zayn forty-eight hours away, Daniel Bryan wished to get in some practice tonight against a fellow fan favorite in Shorty G. With his WWE Intercontinental Championship match looming, Bryan shook hands with his opponent before the bell as the two began to grapple for the upper-hand. The Olympian was able to impress with a rolling escape to the wristlock from Bryan, when the two met again with Bryan catching G off-guard with a northern lights suplex. G responded with an escape from the bridge into a backslide, when the two got off and running - Shorty outmoving and connecting with a belly-to-belly suplex to "the Yes Man!" A rolling koppu kick was attempted just for Bryan to take him down in an Achilles Lock, but G rapidly grabbed the ropes before slipping to the floor. While Bryan was successful with a dive through the ropes, G would block the Yes Kicks against the barricade into a dragon screw - before connecting with a somersault plancha from the apron!
- The action remained hot and heavy, with Shorty G out to prove he was no slouch to "the Submission Specialist". With a diving clothesline stopping Daniel Bryan in his tracks, Gable looked to continue just to have the skilled veteran take him down with the Romero Special! The surfboard stretch had G caught precariously, when Bryan began rocking him back and forth - into a dragon sleeper. G escaped, and Bryan continued with further Yes Kicks - but this time G telegraphed it with an Ankle Lock applied. Bryan reached for an escape, rolling into the Achilles Lock again! Shorty kicked free, before sidestepping the Running Knee. The Chaos Theory was attempted, but Bryan reversed into the Yes Lock - forcing his opponent into submission!

The efforts of Shorty G had not gone unnoticed, as Daniel Bryan celebrated his win, taking note of his opponent's efforts. Shaking hands and hugging it out with Shorty, he raised the younger man's hand when out strutted the ever-jovial WWE Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn! "The Great Liberator" showed no fear in stepping into the ring with his opponent come Sunday, taking to the microphone and advising Shorty to scram! He told him this was "big boy business" beyond his comprehension, and though he complied, Bryan questioned what the meaning of this was. Sami mocked saluting "the great" Daniel Bryan for all of his brilliance, because he was truly the man to beat. Zayn told Daniel he had certainly proved everybody wrong, through all he had accomplished. The indie darling standing before him had truly done the world proud, whether it was headlining WrestleMania or capturing WWE World Championships - but the one person he hadn't made proud was Sami Zayn himself.

The WWE Intercontinental Champion told Daniel Bryan that for a guy calling himself "the Ultimate Underdog", he was full of it! Zayn recalled all the times the two of them would be backstage at those legion halls in Reseda, and at conventions in the ECW Arena. They would confide in one another not only about the paths their careers were on, but the uncertainty of the chase. Sami was congratulatory of his rival for making it - but he had had his shot. For himself, he had scratched and clawed to earn his place in this business. Raising his title high, he claimed that was his shot! Sami maintained that he himself was the hardest working man in the WWE today, because of the sweat and tears he had put into winning his first ever title in the WWE: but now Daniel wished to take it from him! It was clearly out of jealousy, because Daniel had to prove he was the best. Sami vowed to present a wake-up call however, as no longer would he play second fiddle. At Backlash - he was planning to beat Daniel Bryan at his own game!

Taking to the microphone, "the Yes Man" smiled at how long he had been waiting for Sami Zayn to say those words like a man! Daniel Bryan told Sami that he was right, he was hard working - but while Sami was making friends like Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura, and hiding behind their talents, Daniel was helping the next generation. He was paving the way for the likes of Drew Gulak, Apollo Crews and Shorty G. Bryan told Zayn he had clearly forgotten what it was like to be hungry, and while "the Great Liberator" had worked hard, he had still forgotten all about what made him who he was. Bryan questioned how true Sami was on his word that he would beat Daniel at his own game on Sunday. Would he fight like a man, or would he fight the exact same coward he had been butting heads with for weeks? Bryan smiled, telling the WWE Intecontinental Champion it was all up to him. Bryan left the ring leaving the champ perplexed. Had the challenger gotten in Sami's head?

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On a splitscreen, King Corbin was seen staring down members of the backstage personnel as he marched down the hallway. On the other half of the screen was the very man who had choked him out with the Gu-Lock two weeks ago - Drew Gulak! "The Militant Mat-Mite" still had much to prove however, as he prepared to go at it with "Wrestling Royalty" - up next.

An advertisement aired, promoting WWE Backlash, focused on the rivalry between Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton. "Destiny Calls" to both ahead of the WWE World Championship match this Sunday - live on the award-winning WWE Network.

Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed us back to Friday Night SmackDown, talking about what was coming up tonight. The Bar would collide after a tense altercation in the parking lot; SmackDown Tag Team Champions John Morrison and The Miz would team up with Sonya Deville to meet Heavy Machinery and Mandy Rose ahead of their respective matches this Sunday at Backlash; plus, Dolph Ziggler planned to finally call out "The Hacker" responsible for his harassment of late!

Sheamus vs Cesaro
Sonya Deville, SmackDown Tag Team Champions John Morrison and The Miz vs Mandy Rose and Heavy Machinery
Dolph Ziggler calls out "The Hacker"

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2) King Corbin def. Drew Gulak (4:39)
- The King felt disrespected by "the Militant Mat-Mite", who successfully managed to put him to sleep two weeks ago with the Gu-Lock. Drew Gulak had a new attitude ever since he started training beside Daniel Bryan, not holding anything back against the man who stole his spot in the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match. Gulak started by trying to chop Corbin down with leg kicks and a low dropkick, but Corbin cut him short with a big boot! Corbin roughed Gulak up with punches in the corner, when Gulak fired up wit shots of his own. Gulak hit a rare diving clothesline from the top rope to take Corbin down, when a series of Lariats took Corbin down for an extremely close near fall! Gulak's attempt at the Gu-Lock went blocked by Corbin slamming him into the corner, when Gulak smashed him out to ringside with a forearm. The Dream Crusher saw him clothesline Gulak inside out, but Gulak showed fight. Drew surprised Corbin with the Saito suplex, but Corbin popped back up with the End of Days resulting in victory.

King Corbin badmouthed Drew Gulak, who laid motionless beside him after the match. Coming to his feet, "Wrestling Royalty" would have the referee present him as the victor, to the boos of the limited array of WWE Universe members in attendance. Leaving the ring, Corbin demanded they each bow to him, which some did, though others continued to boo behind the plexiglass. As far as the King was concerned, peace had been restored.

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WWE Women's Tag Team Champion Sasha Banks stood addressing Tamina, "the Legit Boss" bragging about Bayley's big week. Not only had "Bayley 2 Belts" retained the SmackDown Women's Championship in the Lumberjack match last week against Lacey Evans, but the Boss 'n' Hug Connection had retained their titles against Liv Morgan and Natalya on Monday Night RAW. Banks informed "the Bouncer" that Bayley was at a vacation week, but with the champ away, they still had business to attend to. Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross arrived, explaining they did have business to take care of. Sasha scoffed, standing behind Tamina. "Naughty Nikki" told Sasha they pitied her because being "number two" was not a good look for her. "Little Miss Bliss" agreed, as not only did the WWE Universe see her as Bayley's whipping girl - but even worse, it was sad Sasha didn't have a clue! One day she'd learn, but until then, Bliss and Cross would just have to expose them. Tonight, Sasha guaranteed she and Tamina would make Alexa and Nikki look foolish.

Tonight - Tamina and WWE Women's Tag Team Champion Sasha Banks vs Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross

The Progressive Match-Flo aired, taking us back to the recent changes in the demeanor of Apollo Crews. His momentum riding a wave of success, it all started weeks ago when he hung in a hard-fought, losing effort to Daniel Bryan. From there, Apollo would be responsible not only for eliminating Shinsuke Nakamura from an Over-the-Top Rope Challenge, but last week defeating Cesaro.

Kayla Braxton was backstage with Apollo Crews, wanting to get his thoughts on his recent shift in momentum. Apollo started, but was interrupted by King Corbin, baffled at the fact Kayla had chosen to interview a loser like him over a winner like the King! Corbin bragged about defeating Drew Gulak in handy fashion tonight, whereas Apollo had not done much of anything worth celebrating. Calling Crews the same loser he was the first time he met him in NXT, Crews shoved "Wrestling Royalty" and told him to say that to him - not Kayla! Apollo congratulated Corbin on slipping by "the Militant Mat-Mite" with a stroke of luck, but before that what had the King of the Ring done? Apollo joked about Rob Gronkowski and Mojo Rawley making a clown out of him, and how Jeff Hardy schooled him hard to throw him out of the WWE Universal Championship running. While Apollo could admit his faults, Corbin had not done all that much either! Locking eyes with Apollo, Corbin humorously informed Kayla this interview was over.

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After discussion from Michael Cole and Corey Graves, a video package aired, recapping the haunting vignettes from the anonymous figure known simply as "the Hacker". An enigma that had watched from a control room for months, they were responsible for exposing Dolph Ziggler and Sonya Deville's plot to ensure Otis and Mandy Rose would not get together. A lurking figure with a keen eye on the Tag Team Division - his targets remained uncertain. Of late this "Hacker's" interests revolved around "the Show Off", revealing footage of Ziggler hitting on and being turned down by woman after woman - whether at the club or at backstage at the arena. Last week, Ziggler had finally had enough. Calling "the Hacker" out and daring them to reveal their identity, tonight Dolph hoped to come face-to-face with the person behind the conspiracy revolving around him.

Sarah Schreiber was standing by backstage with Dolph Ziggler, wanting to ask him what his goal was tonight on Friday Night SmackDown. As "the Show Off" discussed the constant headache that was "the Hacker", the trademark static flashed on the monitor behind them. Dolph claimed that through all of the harassments he had faced, for all of the stalking this so-called anonymous entity had done - tonight it would come to an end. This joker would finally get what was coming to him, if Dolph had anything to say about it.

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The SmackDown Tag Team Champions John Morrison and The Miz were geared up and ready for competition, going over their game plan to dominate Otis and Tucker, and ensure Heavy Machinery knew they had no chance against the most winningest SmackDown Tag Team Champions in WWE history! Sonya Deville joined up with them, telling "the A-Lister" and "the Shaman of Sexy" while their plan sounded okay, she had some suggestions. Miz bawked at Sonya, questioning whether she knew who she was talking to. JoMo suggested Sonya keep her eyes on Mandy Rose and look pretty. Deville shut down the champs, reminding them she wasn't the one who got embarrassed by "the Blue Collar Boys" in the 'Fifteen Minutes of Fame!' Deville told Miz and Morrison their strategies would backfire and they would lose their precious titles at Backlash. But, if they wanted a way to get one over the rednecks tonight, she advised they listen to her! Deville walked, with the champs hanging onto her every word.

Elsewhere, Mandy Rose walked hand-in-hand with her boyfriend, as Heavy Machinery were heading for the ring. Turning the corner, Otis ranted to his "Precious Peach" about getting he and "Tucky" some gold at Backlash, while Tucker told Otis that the SmackDown Tag Team Championships came on Sunday. As for tonight, it was about showing The Miz, John Morrison and Mandy's old friend Sonya Deville what was what! The six-person mixed tag team match was up next.

A Grudge Not Forgotten
A disclaimer abruptly appeared on-screen, warning us that the comments made by the Forgotten Sons was views of their own, and did not represent those of WWE's. From there, the three so-called "War Heroes" stood side by side. Jaxson Ryker spoke about the honor that the United States of America used to be all about. The truth was they came from an era that lived in respecting one's elder. Wesley Blake maintained that when a soldier died for their country, the USA were right behind them all away - but that was not something that had been handed down to the current generation! Brandishing the lead pipe in his hands, Steve Cutler spoke about how this generation was different - they did not respect those who paved the way and protected their existence. The society that surrounded them lived on the Internet, were weak little snowflakes and spat in the face of their forefathers! Ryker told his buddies that the three of them loved this country, but it had become lost.

As Jaxson Ryker told Steve Cutler and Wesley Blake that this culture had become desecrated, and how the youth of today had been brainwashed by hip trends, suddenly the New Day surprised the Forgotten Sons from behind! Big E and Kofi Kingston were outnumbered, yet it didn't matter to them, as a five-man melee broke out in the hallway of the WWE Performance Center. Bad blood had been brewing for weeks, as Big E tackled Blake into the brick wall. Cutler attempted to use the lead pipe just for Kofi Kingston to confiscate it - rattling Jaxson Ryker with a shot to the chest! Blake got involved and took it back, taking Kingston down. "The War Heroes" had the New Day surrounded, but before they had the opportunity to use the lead pipe, security arrived to break up the fight. Kofi and Big E would not give in yet however, challenging the Forgotten Sons to come back for another round! This situation had grown entirely out of hand.

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3) Mandy Rose and Heavy Machinery def. Sonya Deville and SmackDown Tag Team Champions John Morrison and The Miz by disqualification (8:50) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- Sunday looked to be a big night for Otis, Tucker and Mandy Rose, ahead of an opportunity at the SmackDown Tag Team Championship, as well as a chance for closure with a former friend. A six-person mixed tag team match was to preview the events of Backlash, as "the Blue Collar Boys" immediately caused John Morrison and The Miz to flee the ringside area before the bell. Upon daring to re-enter, "the Shaman of Sexy" and "the A-Lister" found themselves in a slugfest with their challengers, breaking down with Tucker catching Morrison off the ropes with a powerslam! Otis tagged in, but wished to share a moment with his "Precious Peach", as Otis held Mandy up for a double axe handle from the second rope for JoMo! As Miz and Morrison once again regrouped while Sonya Deville watched on in annoyance, Tucker came bounding off the apron with a cannonball senton - a strike putting Heavy Machinery in control!
- The tables had turned, with John Morrison and The Miz putting the boots to Tucker. Even Sonya Deville got a cheap shot in "the Blue Collar Boy" through the ropes! She evilled an angered Mandy Rose, while Miz connected with the corner clothesline. Morrison landed a standing shooting star press before Miz applied a camel clutch. Deville ran her mouth to "the Golden Goddess", when Tucker brawled his way out - taking "the A-Lister" down with a super kick! Otis got the tag, mowing down "the Shaman of Sexy" with shoulder tackles and clotheslines. A World's Strongest Slam saw Otis perform the Caterpillar - when Sonya dove onto his back mid-motion! Otis muscled her over to a tag to Mandy, who finally got her hands on Sonya! Fire & Desire went to war forty-eight hurs ahead of Backlash, as Heavy Machinery and the SmackDown Tag Team Champions battled to ringside. Mandy dropped Sonya with the Fall from Grace, when Deville rolled out to the floor - blatantly striking her former best friend with a steel chair!

The Plan Paid Off
Mandy Rose went down after reaching through the ropes to grab Sonya Deville, to be met with a steel chair shot to the shoulder! Sonya slid inside and began to furiously hammer away at her arm, when moments later she spotted Otis staring her dead in the eyes. His demeanor changed; the lover of "the Precious Peach" enraged and hurdling into the ring! Sonya rolled out to safety, as Otis held his injured girlfriend. The Miz struck with another steel chair to the spine of Otis! With Tucker lured up the rampway with a series of stomps from John Morrison, the SmackDown Tag Team Champions hit the ring for a gangland two-on-one assault. Otis absorbed one chair shot, but a second to the leg sent him rolling out to the floor. There, "the A-Lister" wrapped the chair around his foot - when Morrison came soaring from the apron with a stomp! Otis screamed in agony as "Tucky" ran to his aid. Heavy Machinery and Mandy had been devastated and left in pieces ahead of Backlash - was this Sonya Deville's brainchild at work?

Following a replay from what happened moments ago with John Morrison and The Miz following Sonya Deville's plan to "get one over" on Heavy Machinery and Mandy Rose, with the use of a steel chair devastating Mandy's shoulder, and Otis's ankle.

Heavy Machinery and Mandy Rose appeared worse for wear backstage after the steel chair beating, as Otis was helped by three officials. Struggling to stand on the ankle he had had crushed by a steel chair, "the Blue Collar Boy" was similarly aided by Tucker, who held the back of his neck. Things appeared bleak for the trio heading into Backlash, as "the Golden Goddess" was interviewed by Kayla Braxton for an update. With an icepack on her shoulder, Mandy claimed things were uncertain now, but the three of them were going to be there either way. Nothing could stop Otis and Tucker in their opportunity at the SmackDown Tag Team Championships - as well as revenge on John Morrison and The Miz. As for Sonya Deville and her cheap little plan, one thing was for certain: Fire & Desire was dead for certainty, but what wasn't dead was Mandy's will to make Sonya hurt. Mandy was the angriest the WWE Universe had ever seen her, as she warned Sonya that nobody ever hurt her Otis.

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Playing into the Hands of the Hacker
Dolph Ziggler made his way down to the ring, casually dressed for what he anticipated would lure "the Hacker" out of anonymity. With his hair tied back and wearing a blazer, "the Show Off" was not in the mood for showboating to the WWE Universe as he climbed into the ring and took the microphone. Dolph told the WWE Performance Center how long he'd dedicated to becoming a household name in the WWE. For fifteen years, his life had revolved around this company. He had lived, breathed and slept for this business, and had earned the reputation of being so damn good it was undeniable - yet for some reason, he just couldn't catch a break. Reeling off his accomplishments, Ziggler remarked that there wasn't a lot he hadn't done: from the World Heavyweight Championship to WWE Intercontinental Championships; from World Tag Team Championships to Money in the Bank. He was so great looking that he was every woman's dream and every guy's nightmare, because there was nothing he couldn't do!

Yet "the Show Off" knew the WWE Universe weren't as dumb as they looked: he didn't need to tell them what they already knew. But after the harassment he had received from some creep in a black hoody in his mom's basement this past weeks - he couldn't help but feel the need to justify himself! Dolph Ziggler was referring to "the Hacker", and claimed how cowardly it was for them to hide their own identity. Through what was clearly expert video editing skills, "the Hacker" had crafted this idea that Dolph Ziggler couldn't score with women - but what a total lie that was! For whatever reason, this anonymous person had decided to take whatever insecurities they have out on a household name like himself - and it was just plain sad! Ziggler declared that enough was enough, ordering "the Hacker" to finally come out into the open and reveal their identity. Dolph paced the ring daring the figure to quit being such a coward!

Suddenly, static appeared on the video screen. In the computer room, "the Hacker" appeared sat in their computer chair swiveling around. With a deepened Anonymous-esque tone to their voice, they greeted Dolph Ziggler. Disparaging the idea that they had it in for "the Show Off", the figure claimed that could not be further from the truth. There was method to the madness in why they had been following him, and that was to make their mark. The aim of "the Idea" was to ensure that the WWE Universe knew that the truth would be heard. Only, that idea was now so much more - all thanks to Dolph. "The Hacker" complimented Ziggler's brave speech, proclaiming that thanks to him, "the Idea" was "the Reality". By calling him out, Ziggler had played into "the Hacker's" hands - but while he was indebted to Dolph, the fun had only just begun! "The Truth Will Be Heard" flashed across the video screen, leaving Ziggler irate in the ring.

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Sheamus was in the hallway warming up for the showdown with his once-tag team partner Cesaro, when up walked Sarah Schreiber. Looking for "the Celtic Warrior's" thoughts, Sheamus could only chuckle. He knew there was more to her than met the eye. She didn't really want to hear about The Bar, and the memories the two shared from days gone by. Schreiber wanted to get his thoughts on Jeff Hardy! After what he did, costing the WWE Universal Champion the main event in his little cameo on Monday Night RAW, "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" was best served waiting for Sunday. When the bell sounded at Backlash and the Ladder match got underway, what he did to Jeff Hardy last Monday night was child's play compared to the punishment he planned to put the champ through in forty-eight hours. Sheamus said that at the end of the night, much like tonight with Cesaro, Sheamus would be crowned WWE Universal Champion - exactly like he should have been at Money in the Bank.

An advertisement aired, promoting WWE Backlash, focused on the rivalry between Jeff Hardy and Sheamus. "Destiny Calls" to both ahead of the Ladder match for the WWE Univesal Championship this Sunday - live on the award-winning WWE Network.

4) Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross def. Tamina and WWE Women's Tag Team Champion Sasha Banks (5:12)
- While Bayley was off vacationing after defending both the SmackDown Women's Championship and WWE Women's Tag Team Championships in the span of four nights, she had left matters in the hands of her BFF Sasha Banks, and "the Bouncer" of "the Boss 'n' Hug Connection", Tamina. Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross were poised to give a lasting impression after coming to Lacey Evans' aid in last week's Lumberjack match, immediately taking "the Legit Boss" down with a double clothesline! Nikki Cross dropped Banks with a corner battering ram, when Tamina struck with a big boot. Sasha showboated and goaded Alexa as she cornered "Naughty Nikki" alongside Tamina - until Nikki struck with a crossbody for Tamina! "Little Miss Bliss" struck with Insult to Injury to Tamina, when Sasha tagged in. The Backstabber connected, but Cross took her out with Whiplash! Tamina tagged in, looking for the Samoan Drop - instead, Alexa slipped free and landed Code Red to put away "the Bouncer".

The former WWE Women's Tag Team Champions were back, and it was clear Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross continued to have unfinished business with the women who took their titles, Bayley and Sasha Banks. The SmackDown Women's Champion stood to be intimidated when she returned from her vacation, as "the Legit Boss" protested the decision ringside. Tamina sat up in anger, while "Little Miss Bliss" and "Naughty Nikki" hugged it out and grinned in Sasha's direction.

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Where Loyalties May Lay
The Artist Collective gathered in the dressing room, as WWE Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn attempted to hype Cesaro up. He promoted that this was the group's opportunity to gain recognition for all their hard work - by bringing the WWE Universal Championship to the Artist Collective. "The Great Liberator" reasoned a victory against Sheamus would put them back in contention, as Shinsuke Nakamura showed to still be annoyed at the setback suffered weeks ago against Jeff Hardy. Cesaro however told Sami that he didn't need his input! The European argued Sami had bigger things to think about - Daniel Bryan. Cesaro questioned if Sami had taken on board what "the Yes Man" told him earlier tonight. As Sami was left speechless, Cesaro told Sami and Shinsuke this was the Bar's business. If he was WWE Universal Championship material, Cesaro planned to go it alone! As he left, Sami questioned Shin what Cesaro's problem was. The Bar was going to explode in the main event: up next.

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The Strike is Over in the Firefly Funhouse
Abruptly, the screen flashed with The Fiend's face. Peeking around the corner of the front door, from beneath the ring at the WWE Performance Center, and with clips from previous ambushes, along came an impromptu edition of 'the Firefly Funhouse!' It was like none other however, as "the Eater of World's" speeches of the past echoed, coinciding with clips of The Fiend causing chaos in recent months. Creeping into the Fun House, The Fiend snatched Ramblin' Rabbit and Huskus the Pig using his fingerless gloves marked "Hurt" and "Heal" - choking the Rabbit and the Pig out! Tossing Rabbit to the ground, the monster began to chomp on Huskus. The terrified Rabbit looked up in terror - to witness Fiend binging the mallet down, as laughter consumed the Funhouse! Abby the Witch watched with her jaw dropped - suddenly speaking in tongues. Voices of the WWE Universe chanted "he's Got the Whole World in His Hands", as footage of The Fiend as WWE Universal Champion aired... It was all a dream.

Bray Wyatt opened his eyes. Waking up on the couch, Abby the Witch told him now was the time to take action. Wyatt reasoned he had to stop midnight snacking with Huskus the Pig, though Mercy the Buzzard agreed with the Witch. Bray had wasted time moping, feeling sorry for himself. It was time to take control of the house again. Ramblin' Rabbit concurred, believing it could all be his again. Wyatt defend himself, claiming he was enjoying time spent with his head in the clouds, though the cast members chanted "Take control" at him. Wyatt was scared, as the puppets appeared to surround him. Overwhelmed, Bray was brought to scream, momentarily being replaced by an image of The Fiend. Returning back to himself, Wyatt stared wide-eyed at the camera. Confessing he had thought long about that fateful night. It turned his life upside down - but he was almost free. He felt "him" clawing to escape once more. While he could never be broken again, Wyatt declared all the Universe could do was watch.

One-half of the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks walked backstage, when noticing Tamina on the phone to somebody in the dressing room. Standing silently in the doorway, "the Legit Boss" eavesdropped as "the Bouncer" had Bayley on loudspeaker. The SmackDown Women's Champion was furious at her inability to put away Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross, asking what she was paying her for! "Bayley 2 Belts" gave the ever-silent Tamina a tongue-lashing for letting her down. Meanwhile, Sasha's eyes widened. After the words earlier tonight from Alexa and Nikki, Banks was now beginning to realize what kind of person her BFF was.

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Michael Cole and Corey Graves discussed next week on Friday Night SmackDown on FOX, as a graphic aired. Since their arrival, they had been a constant threat to Big E and Kofi Kingston. Next week, the differences between the New Day and the Forgotten Sons' Jaxson Ryker, Steve Cutler and Wesley Blake would finally be settled in a Street Fight!

Next week - Street Fight - The Forgotten Sons vs The New Day

The announcers shifted gears to discuss WWE Backlash - live, this Sunday night on the WWE Network. As graphics aired, Michael Cole and Corey Graves ran down the line-up. With five championships up for grabs, a Ladder match and a Falls Count Anywhere match all planned - "Destiny Calls" for the WWE Superstars looking to take care of business.

WWE Universal Championship - Ladder match - Jeff Hardy (c) vs Sheamus
WWE World Championship - Drew McIntyre (c) vs Randy Orton
Falls Count Anywhere match - Samoa Joe vs Kevin Owens
WWE Intercontinental Championship - Sami Zayn (c) vs Daniel Bryan
RAW Women's Championship - Asuka (c) vs Shayna Baszler
Mandy Rose vs Sonya Deville
Rey and Dominik Mysterio vs Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo
SmackDown Tag Team Championship - John Morrison and The Miz (c) vs Heavy Machinery
Backlash Kickoff Show - Apollo Crews vs King Corbin (NEW!)

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5) Sheamus def. Cesaro (14:24) [THROUGH TWO BREAKS]
- Once upon a time, these two men were known as The Bar. Together they raised the bar for the Tag Team Division, boasting four reigns as RAW Tag Team Champions, and one reign as SmackDown Tag Team Champions. Those days were clearly a thing of the past, all thanks to the silver tongue of "the Celtic Warrior" Sheamus. Ahead of the redhead's Ladder match opportunity at Jeff Hardy's WWE Universal Championship on Sunday at Backlash, he grinned at the prospect of a challenge - when Cesaro overwhelmed him suddenly using a flurry of European uppercuts! Sheamus strived to battle back with haymakers, but Cesaro caught him by surprise with a gutwrench suplex deadlifting the Irishman across the ring. A big boot in the corner saw Sheamus sent to the floor, when Cesaro followed with a baseball slide through the ropes! The European representative of the Artist Collective was giving his former partner a run for his money!
- "The Swiss Cyborg" continued to give Sheamus all he had. Focusing on the shoulder of Sheamus, a short-armed clothesline rocked the Irishman - when "the Celtic Warrior" responded with a lariat of his own! Sheamus elbowed Cesaro, when Cesaro roared back with more European uppercuts. A jumping knee strike took the European down hard, with Sheamus connecting with a rib breaker into a fallaway slam. The Artist Collective member received fists to the face, when the brutality of the Irishman saw him ground Cesaro with a seated abdominal stretch. Rubbing his forearm against the nose, Sheamus threw in some heavy forearm strikes - but Cesaro overpowered him! With a series of dropkicks, a corner European uppercut set up for a sequence of them. As Sheamus shied to the apron, Cesaro executed a deadlift superplex bringing him back in the hard way for a near fall. Cesaro teased the Big Swing, when Sheamus sent him shoulder-first into the ring post - when a rolling fireman's carry allowed the redhead to regain control.
- The Irish Curse backbreaker was executed, with Sheamus urging Cesaro to give in. Kicking out at the count of one, Sheamus sent Cesaro to the apron and hammered away with the Beats of Bodhran - until a strike exchange occurred on the apron. Cesaro rocked Sheamus inside with a big boot, before a diving European uppercut struck. As Sheamus struck with a knee lift, Cesaro took him down with a catching tilt-a-whirl backbreaker - into the Michinoku driver! Sheamus again avoided the Cesaro Swing, dropping him with a German suplex, just for Cesaro to follow with the double-leg takedown! The Cesaro Swing saw 12 reps go followed by the Sharpshooter, when Sheamus made the rope. Cesaro looked for the Pop-Uppercut, but Sheamus stunned him with a clothesline. Two more merely rocked him, when the European hit the ropes for a springboard - just to be hit with a Brogue Kick! A second one to the back of the head took Cesaro down, handing Sheamus victory!

The Bar is Raised
Backlash was so close Sheamus could taste it, his nose bloodied after a physical encounter with his former tag team partner Cesaro. "The Celtic Warrior" was not yet done, shoving the referee down and following "the Swiss Cyborg" to ringside. With no Artist Collective in sight, Sheamus stalked Cesaro for the Brogue Kick as he used the ring post for help up. Out of nowhere soared Jeff Hardy with a diving crossbody from the announce table! The WWE Universal Champion was here, and gunned for the Irishman ahead of the Ladder match at Backlash! "The Rainbow-Haired Warrior" brought a ladder from beneath the ring and lined up Sheamus as he stirred at ringside. Hardy was prepared to lawn dart the ladder - but Cesaro intercepted with a European uppercut to the back of the head! The Bar were reunited, as Cesaro hurled Jeff into the ring with a military press. Handing Sheamus the ladder, he would use it as a battering ram into the head of the champ! The Bar embraced, in it together as Backlash awaited. Was this to be a sign of things to come?

▆▆▆

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· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Jan 26, 2023 14:01:38 GMT -5

Quote

Post by DTP. on Jan 26, 2023 14:01:38 GMT -5

WWE BACKLASH – June 14, 2020
WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida
"Destiny Calls"
"Watch Me Now" - Kevin Rudolf
THIS SUNDAY!

WWE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Drew McIntyre (c) vs Randy Orton

WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP - LADDER MATCH
Jeff Hardy (c) vs Sheamus

FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE MATCH
Kevin Owens vs Samoa Joe

WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Sami Zayn (c) vs Daniel Bryan

RAW WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP
Asuka (c) vs Shayna Baszler

Humberto Carrillo and Angel Garza vs Dominik and Rey Mysterio

SMACKDOWN TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
John Morrison and The Miz (c) vs Heavy Machinery

Mandy Rose vs Sonya Deville

BACKLASH KICKOFF SHOW
King Corbin vs Apollo Crews

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Posts: 18,080

· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Jan 28, 2023 7:23:22 GMT -5

Quote

Post by DTP. on Jan 28, 2023 7:23:22 GMT -5

Backlash 2020 – June 14, 2020
WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida
"Destiny Calls"
"Watch Me Now" by Kevin Rudolf

Backlash Kickoff Show - June 14, 2020

- The Money in the Bank Kickoff Show was presented by Scott Stanford and Peter Rosenberg at WWE studios and featured special analysis provided by guest correspondents Booker T, John Bradshaw Layfield and Renee Young, who all appeared via conference call.
- Earlier today, WWE Universal Champion Jeff Hardy was seen arriving at the WWE Performance Center. Banged up after a rough night on Friday Night SmackDown, "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" had his sights set on the Ladder match with Sheamus.
- Shayna Baszler was interviewed by Kayla Braxton, and criticized her journalistic integrity. "The Queen of Spades" proclaimed Asuka as a weakling who was masquerading as "the Empress of Tomorrow". As RAW Women's Champion, Shayna claimed Asuka was a paper champion in Becky Lynch's absence - but that would be no issue after tonight. Baszler vowed to add Asuka to 'the Hit-List' occupied by Kairi Sane and Kayden Carter.
- Video packages aired for tonight's major matches, including the WWE World Championship match; WWE Universal Championship Ladder match; the Falls Count Anywhere match; and the RAW Women's Championship match.
- The panel discussed the ongoing situation revolving around the Street Profits and the Viking Raiders, with a comical look-back at their 'Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better' challenges. Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins had met Erik and Ivar in golf, axe-throwing and basketball. Now tied 2-1 in favor of the Raiders, tomorrow night on Monday Night RAW would see the two tag teams engage in another competitive storm: bowling.
- The panel discussed the recent actions of the Church of Rollins, and their apparent decimation of Aleister Black weeks ago. Seth Rollins had badly injured the eye of "the Anti-Hero" and showed zero remorse. In return, "the Ominous Man from Amsterdam" had haunted "the Monday Night Messiah" and his Disciples with a series of cryptic messages. What would happen tomorrow night, when the Church hosted 'the Funeral of Aleister Black?'
- The panel discussed Bayley and Sasha Banks dominating the Women's Division. The SmackDown Women's Champion had had her hands full with Lacey Evans, but three weeks ago became "Bayley 2 Belts" when she and Sasha Banks defeated Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross to become WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. After defending both titles days apart, Bayley had taken a vacation week - but in her absence, Sasha had become privy to the idea of Bayley being selfish and manipulative. After witnessing an angry phonecall from Bayley to Tamina on SmackDown, Banks now had her suspicions. This Friday night on SmackDown, Sasha Banks would appear on 'A Moment of Bliss'.

☰☰☰

Apollo Crews came bounding out to the ring for singles competition, full of beans after succeeding in victory against Cesaro over one week ago. In green trunks, the ever-smiling and eager Superstar had the members of the WWE Performance Center in the palms of his hands, when a replay recapped the backstage confrontation with King Corbin this past Friday night on SmackDown.

As Apollo Crews waited in the ring, soon came King Corbin in his crown and cowl. "Wrestling Royalty" had arrived to the WWE Performance Center, adorned in his black singlet and tights. Proud in spite of the negative response, Corbin wished to add yet another accolade to his list, days after overcoming Drew Gulak. Once in the ring, he and Crews mouthed off to one another, when warded off by the referee.

0) King Corbin vs Apollo Crews

While King Corbin had been preoccupied of late with Drew Gulak, a chance encounter with Apollo Crews backstage on Friday Night SmackDown saw the two butt heads, leading to this match being held. Apollo had gained greatly in momentum from two wins against Cesaro in recent weeks, yet the King protested the need for Apollo to receive any interview time or attention. Fired up and looking to continue with momentum, Crews surprised Corbin with a flurry of offense from the bell. While Corbin attempted to cut him off early with a knee to the ribcage, Crews responded with an agile sequence of dropkicks before connecting with a corner splash for an early near fall. The 2019 King of the Ring winner bailed out to the floor allowing Crews time to salute the WWE Universe in attendance, but as the King continued to stall at ringside, Apollo would catch him by surprise with a moonsault from the apron - landing perfectly on his feet! Apollo hammered on Corbin in the corner back inside, when an eye poke enabled Corbin to surprise him with a chokehold-STO. Corbin was full of it, as he proceeded to continue pummelling Apollo on the canvas.

The arrogant King of the Ring put the boots to Apollo Crews in the corner, when the fan favorite battled back with right hands. Corbin responded with a facebuster cutting Crews off, when a biel throw from the corner got a two-count. "Wrestling Royalty" maintained his patience, kneeling over Apollo and calling him a joke! With a methodical style, Corbin basked in the boos as he set up for the chokeslam backbreaker, but Crews slipped free and landed an enzuigiri! Corbin went down, and a military press slam saw the standing moonsault go executed for a near fall. Crews kept the pressure on with a scoop powerslam into a running shooting star press - but again Corbin was able to kick out at two. Whipping the King into the ropes, he was able to slip under the ropes and re-enter the ring for a clothesline - just to receive the Chariot... only Corbin was able to get his foot on the bottom rope at the count of two! Crews argued the decision with the referee, when Corbin's attempt at the Deep Six went blocked into a spinebuster. Crews climbed to the top rope just for Corbin to crotch him up top. The two jockeyed for position when Crews punched Corbin back to the canvas. A diving crossbody was attempted - but the King sidestepped it, before the End of Days sealed Apollo's fate!

Winner: King Corbin (7:22)

All it took was one misstep for King Corbin to capitalize on the mistake made by Apollo Crews. The King had the referee raise his hand over the fallen body of his opponent, soon leaving the ring and continuing to celebrate by the announce table. There, he bragged to Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary that he was "Wrestling Royalty" personified - and tonight had just proven it!

A video package aired, revolving around the concept of destiny. It was something every man and woman believed they had, but destiny came in but small doses. In the framework of sports entertainment, such destiny revolved around accolades and victories. To prosper against ones' enemies has often been the goal of many WWE Superstars throughout history - and tonight would be no different. The WWE Universal Championship would be hanging in the balance, as Jeff Hardy stood up for himself against the deep comments about addiction made by Sheamus in a Ladder match. Drew McIntyre wished to continue on his dream reign as WWE World Champion against Randy Orton, a man determined to push the champion to the edge. The deep rivalry between Kevin Owens and Samoa Joe would reach a boiling point in a Falls Count Anywhere match; and the legitimacy of Asuka's reign as RAW Women's Champion would receive its biggest test to date - against Shayna Baszler. Tonight, destiny called at the doors of every WWE Superstar in action - but whose biggest dreams would be fulfilled, and whose biggest nightmares would go tarnished for good.

The opening graphic aired, bringing us to the WWE Performance Center. With limited attendance, members of the WWE Universe congregated behind plexiglass walls inside of "the Athletic Hub for the Future" in Orlando, Florida. WWE Backlash was on the air live, as Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed us to the show on a night where dreams and nightmares would go realized. With five championships on the line and personal issues to be settled, Backlash was the place to be.

☰☰☰

The SmackDown Tag Team Championships were kicking things off, as Heavy Machinery brought the WWE Universe to their feet. The crowd made noise as Otis and Tucker made their way out to the rampway in the sleeveless denim jackets - both men poised to become SmackDown Tag Team Champions. With a bandaged knee from the steel chair footstomp received from John Morrison on Friday, it was apparent Otis was not 100%, but adrenaline had brought "the Blue Collar Boys" here tonight, and brought the energy to the WWE Performance Center.

As Heavy Machinery braced for what was potentially the biggest match of their tag team career, John Morrison and The Miz made their arrival. "The Shaman of Sexy" arrived , raising the SmackDown Tag Team Championship gold high with the wind blowing through his hair. In shades and a fur coat, Morrison grinned all-knowingly, when joined by "the A-Lister". In his black leather coat with matching headband, Miz posed with his title high - united with his fellow co-host of 'the Dirt Sheet'. Miz and Morrison ran their mouths walking down to the ring, where Greg Hamilton provided in-ring introductions.

1) SmackDown Tag Team Championship
John Morrison and The Miz (c) vs Heavy Machinery

Since capturing the SmackDown Tag Team Championships back at Crown Jewel, John Morrison and The Miz had long declared themselves as being the most winningest tag team in the history of Friday Night SmackDown. That was, until Heavy Machinery were able to beat the clock in John Morrison and The Miz's own 'Fifteen Minutes of Fame' challenge a few weeks ago. While the two teams had waited patiently for the in-ring introductions, the bell sounded bringing Otis into a bout of rage! Joining Tucker in charging the SmackDown Tag Team Champions, John Morrison and The Miz were rushed from the ring after a brief physical exchange! The Miz ran for the hills after being whipped into the ropes, when John Morrison found himself hurled from the ring the hard way - cast over the top rope onto Miz on the floor! Heavy Machinery were rolling, but as the champs wished to stall for time at ringside, "the Blue Collar Boys" crept up behind them - a double noggin-knocker knocking "the A-Lister" and "the Shaman of Sexy" silly. After sending Miz back into the ring, Tucker delivered a series of punches in the corner.

The Miz tried to fight out with right hands of his own, missing a double axe handle from the second rope and winding up hit with a back suplex and an elbow drop! Tucker made an early one-count, before tagging in Otis for a body slam followed by a double headbutt from both challengers. "The Blue Collar Boy" exchanged words with John Morrison as he tried to enter the ring, allowing Miz to gain a brief advantage following a kick to the back of the bad leg! It had started with a Pillmanizing on Friday Night SmackDown, and now Otis tried to fight Miz off as he attempted to pick the leg. Otis struck back with a forearm, when another distraction from Morrison saw Miz take the big man down with a chop block! The SmackDown Tag Team Champions goaded "Tucky", taking turns dissecting the bandaged leg of Otis with a series of stomps and stretches. The SmackDown Tag Team Champions found a groove, as Morrison connected with a running knee strike to the seated challenger for a near fall. Miz connected with an inverted backbreaker for a near fall, before once again mouthing off to Tucker.

Now posing and full of confidence, John Morrison executed a handstand legdrop when the Miz came in looking to apply the Figure-4 Leglock. Otis was easily able to kick "the A-Lister" away with his good foot, but a powerslam attempt saw Otis land awkwardly on his bad leg! As Tucker reached for the tag, Otis instead rived in pain with his leg, when John Morrison tagged in and leapt onto the back of Otis. Otis tried to climb back to his feet with "the Shaman of Sexy" on his back - when Miz kicked the leg out from under Otis! A snap DDT granted the SmackDown Tag Team Champions a near fall, as Miz dropped an elbow and wrenched away at Otis's leg. The WWE Universe gradually got behind "the Blue Collar Boys", as "Tucky" strived to make the tag. Otis was able to fight the leg lock, when Miz tried to transition - only for Otis to deadlift Miz into his arms, just for him to slip free. Miz went back for the knee, but Otis rebounded with a discus lariat! The tag was finally made to Tucker, who hit the ring with a series of clotheslines for John Morrison. Sending him out to the floor, Miz was hurled out with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex, when "Tucky" followed suit with the cannonball senton on both champions!

The Miz and John Morrison were in danger as Tucker returned John Morrison inside. After ducking a corkscrew roundhouse kick from "the Shaman of Sexy", "Tucky" responded with the super kick - but Morrison leapt to make the save! Otis tagged in and the Compactor was teased, but Miz was able to slip free. The Skull Crushing Finale went blocked, when Otis crushed "the A-Lister" with a World's Strongest Slam! The pinfall was made, but JoMo once again made the save for his tag team partner. Tucker battled Morrison to the corner, as Miz landed a low dropkick before Morrison made the blind tag. The Starship Pain connected - landed across the leg of Otis, but he was miraculously able to muscle out! Morrison got back up and prepared the Moonlight Drive, but Otis caught him in his hands and tossed him to Tucker for the Compactor! Miz leapt to make the save, but came just too short, as Otis pinned Morrison for the three count.

Winners, and new SmackDown Tag Team Champions: Heavy Machinery (12:05)

WWE Backlash was off with a bang, as new SmackDown Tag Team Champions had been crowned. Otis and Tucker were issued the titles, as the Miz glanced up to see his worst nightmare unfold: "the Blue Collar Boys" coming together as the newly reigning champs! "The A-Lister" was devastated, while John Morrison rolled out to the floor. Hobbling to his feet with assistance from "Tucky", the two big men hugged it out with a whopping belly bounce, having their hands raised in victory. It had been an uphill journey for Otis and "Tucky", but victory was theirs!

☰☰☰

As her men were victorious, an enthused Mandy Rose was seen at a monitor backstage. Overjoyed for her lover, "the Golden Goddess" had a big smile on her face when approached by Kayla Braxton. Mandy expressed how happy she was for Otis and Tucker, knowing exactly how long and how hard they had both worked for this moment tonight. After what John Morrison and The Miz put them through, Mandy could not wait to see her hunky adonis Otis wear the SmackDown Tag Team Championship proudly. But their night was not yet over, as she still had her own business to take care of. Pointing out the Kinesio tape on her right shoulder, Mandy spoke about how Otis wasn't the only one feeling the effects of a steel chair attack. Referring to Friday night where her former friend Sonya Deville lashed out at her with a shot in the arm, Mandy declared that there would be no more running and ducking her. Tonight, Fire & Desire reaches their final destination, and Mandy vowed to make Sonya acknowledge that you never knew what you had - until it was gone.

Returning to the WWE Performance Center, Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton assumed their position at the top of the rampway. Welcoming us to WWE Backlash, they discussed the opening contest before running down what was coming up tonight on the Monday Night RAW side of things! With news to deliver, the announcers made note of how things had been going hot and heavy since earlier today at the WWEPC.

The Premature Brawl
Footage aired from earlier today, showing Kevin Owens arrive at the WWE Performance Center. With a backpack over his shoulder and a suitcase under his arm, the casually-dressed KO was mentally focused on his Falls Count Anywhere match to come against Samoa Joe - when he was jumped by the man himself! A fist-fight quickly broke out on the tarmac in the parking lot, with "the Prize Fighter" fighting the Coquina Clutch attempt from Joe! Headbutts freed him, and the two tumbled into the brick wall - when security forces fled to the scene to keep the two separated. The announcers narrated the scene, noting that security had been given strict orders from WWE Management to keep the rivals at opposite ends of the building until it was time for their Falls Count Anywhere match.

A video package aired recapping the bad blood that engulfed Samoa Joe and Kevin Owens. There were few serious threats to take on Seth Rollins and his Church of Disciples, besides the combination of "the Samoan Submission Machine" and "the Prize Fighter". When Joe went down in injury, KO continued his vendetta against the Church of Rollins heading into WrestleMania. There, Owens had the upper hand against "the Monday Night Messiah" - had it not been for "the Coquina Destroyer". Joe went back to his roots, demolishing anybody who stepped foot in his path. For weeks, Joe continued to insult Owens and deride all of his fame and success. Finally, as Joe reached high for the Money in the Bank briefcase last month, Owens returned and sent him hurdling into the abyss below. KO was back and what followed was two bad men battling head-to-head. They brawled throughout the WWE Performance Center; were both counted out in the head of battle. But as personal as this had become, there was no stopping what was to come. After bringing his family into it, Owens had become a loose cannon. Who would be the better man in Falls Count Anywhere?

Kevin Owens made his arrival to the same WWE Performance Center he and his adversary had both grown incredibly familiar with. "The Prize Fighter" stepped out to the stage in his shirt and fight shorts, cranking his neck and preparing for the war that was about to commence. He had already had one pull-apart fiasco with "the Coquina Destroyer" earlier today in the WWE Performance Center parking lot, but as KO climbed into the ring he appeared unafraid. Fearless, KO stretched and waited patiently - to await the arrival of his arch rival.

Samoa Joe bounced out to the WWE Performance Center moments later, biding his time and glaring at each and every member of the WWE Universe booing him from behind the plexiglass barricades. In red and black, "the Coquina Destroyer" began to made his way down the rampway with a black towel hiding his face, when he spotted Kevin Owens leave the ring. Talking trash at him, Samoa Joe threw down his towel before challenging KO to bring it there and then! Owens charged at Joe, as a fist fight commenced!

2) Falls Count Anywhere match
Kevin Owens vs Samoa Joe

With all of the bad blood spilled from the betrayal to be remembered at WrestleMania, Kevin Owens and Samoa Joe started this Falls Count Anywhere match with a hockey fight on the rampway! The referee rang for the bell and rushed to the scene, where the Canadian gained the upper hand with haymaker after haymaker. The referee standing too close for comfort saw KO push him aside, causing Joe to blast him with a big boot to the side of the jaw! A punching combination followed when a knee lift allowed Joe to claim control. A suplex on the steel rampway was the goal, but at the last second Owens reversed into a snap suplex of his own! Joe held his back in pain after snapping across the rampway, with KO soon kicking him in the back for good measure. Rolling "the Coquina Destroyer" down to ringside, Owens maintained Joe in a seated position against the steel steps before stepping away and rushing towards him with a Cannonball senton! It was a strike, as the steel steps collapsed behind the two men. A car crash was to be expected, and it had already become! Owens was sluggish getting back up, but tried his luck to finish this early - a Package Piledriver atop the steps teased, just for Joe to back drop out!

Kevin Owens got back up and found himself driven spine-first into the edge of the ring apron. Soon sending him face-first into the plexiglass wall and barricade, Samoa Joe made his first pin attempt of the match for a one-count. He expected as such and chuckled, hurling KO into the ring for the first time in this match. "The Coquina Destroyer" began to climb in when he was hit with a dropkick from KO, who began to bring more punches in the direction of the Samoan. Joe responded with a hard headbutt, when Owens delivered a superkick knocking him from the apron! Stepping back out to the apron, Owens looked to the WWE Universe for their ovation, teasing another Cannonball senton to the floor - but nonchalantly, Joe simply walked away. Owens crashed and burned, and in response Joe began to ground and pound away at "the Prize Fighter". Forearm smashes surely had Owens groggy, as Joe again hurled him into the ring. Taking too long to argue with fans behind the plexiglass, Owens again struck with a baseball slide, and a springboard Arabian press wiped Joe out! With arms wide open, KO looked to the fans for a loud ovation before returning Joe to the ring.

With a series of right hands, Kevin Owens throttled Samoa Joe with fists before charging with a clothesline in the corner. Looking for a second, "the Prize Fighter" turned to the corresponding corner to begin a run-up - only to be stalked by Joe! A back elbow squashed KO in the corner, to be followed with an enzuigiri! The Canadian dropped to a knee, when Joe decided to follow up with an inverted atomic drop before hitting the ropes for a big boot. Another near fall saw Joe shake his head with amusement. "The Samoan Submission Machine" connected with a running senton, but again Kevin was able to kick out at two. Rolling out to the apron for air, Joe hoisted Owens over the top rope back inside by the armpits - soon clubbing him with two big clubbing blows to the chest! It was all legal in Falls Count Anywhere, when Owens fought the Samoan off with a big headbutt collision. Owens hit the ropes with a lariat that barely budged his rival, when a second one saw Joe catch him with a scoop powerslam - for another near fall. Defensively, KO again retreated out to ringside, where Samoa Joe followed confidently.

Strutting around telling Kevin Owens he was nothing but a poor man's Samoa Joe, "the Coquina Destroyer" clutched him in a headlock and drove clenched fists into the crown of his head - when KO responded by biting the arm! As Joe broke the hold, Owens fought back with a blatant kick to the groin. The Apron Powerbomb was attempted, but Joe again was able to back body drop Owens on the floor for a near fall! Joe backed Owens up against the announce table and blasted him with a series of snap jabs and body blows, but Owens fired back with a lariat stunning Joe! Kevin fired with a second, when a stun-gun saw Joe bounce jaw-fist off the announce table at ringside. Owens pressured Joe into the timekeeper's area, pounding him with shots to the back of the head. The WWE Universe grew louder with each shot, when Owens took a break to showboat to the crowd. It would turn out to be a terrible decision however, as Joe responded with a shot from the ring bell to lay Owens out! "The Samoan Submission Machine" covered the motionless Kevin Owens, who was miraculously able to raise his shoulder at two!

"The Coquina Destroyer" was in disbelief, but continued to hammer Kevin Owens with clenched fists, kneeling beside him. Gently kicking "the Prize Fighter", Samoa Joe mocked and continue to deride his foe insultingly. Raising him by the hair, Kev was able to take him down with a double-leg, before catapulting him head-first into the plexiglass! Back on the attack, Owens continued to pursue a fleeing Joe around the ringside area. Blow after blow stunned Joe, and Owens once again looked for an Apron Powerbomb. Joe was able to break loose and escape to the aisle, where the Canadian thought he had the Samoan at his mercy. Only Joe struck back with a drop toe hold sending Owens to the rampway. Dragging him back to his feet, the two battled through the curtain at the stage - this fight going backstage! Through the halls, both men battled with the referee struggling to keep up. Joe tried to send Owens face-first into the brick wall, when a back elbow saw him break out. A jab to the abdomen from the steel chair saw Owens smash it across his spine - but he wasn't finished there! Four consecutive chair shots to the body grounded Joe on the concrete, when KO dragged Joe by the head.

Knowing he loved it last time they visited, Kevin Owens talked trash to Samoa Joe before sending him into a door! As "the Coquina Destroyer" went flying through it, KO followed behind with a busted lip. The door indeed read "Men's WC" - as this rivalry was returning to a place of special interest! In the john, Kevin Owens was faced with a series of cubicles, with no sign of Joe in sight. Warning him he couldn't be a coward this late in the game, KO brought up the bull that Joe brought up about his family! Kev ordered Joe to find him before he found Joe - to no response. Browsing the bathroom, Kevin finally booted a door down at random - but inside wasn't Joe. Instead, Owens found Riddick Moss! Cowering in fear with his pants around his ankles, "So Smooth" had seen some better days. KO asked Moss if he had seen Joe, when the man himself snuck up behind him! The Coquina Clutch was attempted, but Owens was able to headbutt him from behind. Looking to ram Joe's head into the urinal, Joe blocked it by putting his hand out before bouncing his head off the porcelain!

Leaving the bathroom once again, Samoa Joe followed Kevin Owens down the hall before declaring that it was time to end this charade. Kicking KO in the ribcage as he crawled, "the Coquina Destroyer" told him he was no man - and even pointed to the camera and posed for little Owen, who was watching his father's humiliation back home in Maryville! Owens furiously fired back, taking a lead pipe and slamming it across the back of Joe's head for a near fall. Kevin screamed that he warned Joe to leave his family out of it, now kicking Joe in the ribs as he crawled! Through the curtain, these two men brawled back to the rampway, where a running senton saw Owens achieve another near fall. Lumbering back to his feet, Owens saw Joe ahead and charged - only to receive an ST-Joe on the steel! Determined to put a stop to Owens' onslaught, Joe teased sending Kev sailing from the stage to the pit in front of the socially distanced WWE Universe members - but Owens turned it around! Joe went flying, when KO came leaping off with a diving axe handle. Surrounded by fans, Kevin felt right at home! Rolling Joe back onto the stage, Kev followed him as the fight returned back ringside, with a crawling Joe leading the way.

A kick to a pursuing Kevin Owens bought Samoa Joe time to return to his feet, and the Muscle Buster on the floor was teased - but KO was able to slip free! Landing on his feet, a super kick stunned Joe but a big boot responded. Joe had to use the ring apron to prop himself up, picking up the top set of the steel steps! Joe had evil intentions, but Owens intercepted with another superkick! The steps landed directly on top of "the Coquina Destroyer", and Owens covered - but he was able to narrowly avoid defeat. Joe groaned in pain, but a kick to the groin allowed Joe to fire back. Another Muscle Buster was teased, but this time Owens escaped to his feet - and the Apron Powerbomb connected! Joe was left flat on the apron, when KO rolled his carcuss into the ring. There, Kev stalked Joe. He told him this was more than a long time coming - and claimed this was how he got his life back. The Stunner blasted the Samoan, and Kevin Owens prospered in victory!

Winner: Kevin Owens (17:24)

The statement on the shirt of Kevin Owens had never rang as true as it had tonight at Backlash, as "Fight Owens Fight" was right! Falls Count Anywhere match been everything the WWE Universe could have expected from the two behemoths colliding. Kevin Owens struggled to pull himself up using the ropes, as he raised his fists in victory over Samoa Joe. "The Coquina Destroyer" appeared down and defeated, in what had been sweet victory after how Joe had taunted him for months. Proving he was no "poor man's Joe", Owens continued to talk trash to Joe, akin to how Stone Cold Steve Austin used to. As Owens raised his fists in salute to the WWE Universe behind the plexiglass, Joe remained down and out inside.

All in This Together
Sami Zayn was warming up in the Artist Collective's dressing room...vocally. Shinsuke Nakamura listened to "the Great Liberator" as he raced back and forth talking about what he was going to do to Daniel Bryan. The WWE Intercontinental Champion spoke passionately about the years of blood, sweat and tears he had put into this business - and yet Daniel was taking the high ground! Sami detested the comments spoken on Friday Night SmackDown, claiming he didn't need Shin or Cesaro to help him retain the title. He was an independent darling once too! Cesaro entered the room, bringing tension to the room. "The Swiss Cyborg" wanted no hard feelings after their conversation on Friday. They were all still Artists at the end of the day. Cesaro apologized, but Shin came to his feet and reassured the European - Sheamus was cool with them, so long as Cesaro was still a team player. Zayn reigned the gentlemen together, standing on the bench and declaring that tonight was the night the Artist Collective got back on track. He would defeat "the Yes Man" who had plagued them for far too long, and cement his legacy as the true greatest technical wrestler in the world! The Artist Collective were all hands in.

☰☰☰

The WWE Performance Center was brought to life, elated by the arrival of Daniel Bryan. In black and red, "the Yes Man" crouched and looked out to the ring from the rampway before bounding down to ringside in "Yes" chants. The WWE Universe chanted in unison, as Bryan stretched his quads at ringside before stepping up to the second rope and raising his index fingers high. A former WWE Intercontinental Champion who had never been beaten to lose the title, tonight Daniel looked to avenge his WrestleMania loss and reclaim the gold.

Forty-eight hours flashed forward from an interesting in-ring confrontation with his challenger, Sami Zayn came jiving out to the stage. Amidst loud boos, the WWE Performance Center watched with disapproval at the arrival of the WWE Intercontinental Champion and his Artist Collective teammates. Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura posed and saluted "the Great Liberator", who danced hyperactively down to the ring. As Daniel continued to warm up nonchalantly, Sami continued to talk trash, raising the gold in "the Yes Man's face! Greg Hamilton offered in-ring introductions, but as Sami and Daniel faced off - the champ decided to send "the Swiss Cyborg" and "the Artist" to the backstage area! Zayn was determined to do it alone!

3) WWE Intercontinental Championship
Sami Zayn (c) vs Daniel Bryan

Pleasantly surprised by the actions of the WWE Intercontinental Champion, Daniel Bryan congratulated Sami Zayn on his decision to send Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura to the backstage area. While Daniel Bryan had been robbed of the title back at WrestleMania in part thanks to the Artist Collective, clearly his words from Friday Night SmackDown had reached through to "the Great Liberator". A determined Sami Zayn teased locking up with the challenger, soon interlocking fingers with a Greco-Roman knucklelock battle for supremacy. While Daniel had the grip advantage, Sami would use his motivation to force his head into the chest of Bryan. Forcing "the Yes Man" to arch backwards into a sharp bridge, the champion grinned from ear to ear. Now pouncing on top of Daniel, the champ had his rival's shoulders pinned for a one-count when he shot back up into the bridge! Sami jumped back on Daniel, but the core strength of the challenger refused to let Sami pin him again! Zayn knelt on the thighs of "the Submission Specialist", when Daniel caught Sami and placed his feet on the thighs of the champ. The momentum allowed Daniel to come back to his feet, swiftly connecting with a series of arm drags!

Sami Zayn rushed back to his feet to miss a clothesline, allowing Daniel Bryan to rope the WWE Intercontinental Champion in for a northern lights suplex. Zayn got a shoulder up before "the Yes Man" rolled back and dragged Sami to his feet. Seamlessly right back into the Greco-Roman knucklelock, Bryan forced Zayn backwards into the bridge - before smartly kicking his foot out from under him! The champ plummeted to the mat and sat up enraged! Bryan then sidestepped another inbound attack from "the Great Liberator", catching him with a backslide; transitioning into La Magistral. A near fall saw Zayn kick out, when an armdrag saw the champ prance about the ring in victory! Amused, Daniel sat on the canvas and glanced up to his foe, even applauding him! Yet the head of Sami Zayn got the better of him all over again, rushing in to receive a drop toe hold from the challenger. There, "the Yes Man" locked his feet within Sami's and connected with two consecutive stomps to the calves of the champ! Sami groaned, as Daniel stuck his fingers in the orifices of the challenger's facial features! Wrenching at the nostrils, Bryan would soon take the arms and apply a Romero Special!

Sami Zayn shook his head and refused to give in, as Daniel Bryan had "the Great Liberator" elevated in the Mexican surfboard stretch position! Suddenly, Bryan mixed things up - hooking his arm around the head of Bryan with a dragon sleeper! The WWE Intercontinental Champion could not even gasp for air, as Bryan wrenched away at him. Sami finally found an escape and scrambled out to the ringside area on all-fours. Crawling away from the challenger, "the Yes Man" followed him out. With Daniel hot on his heels, Zayn rolled in wisely before hitting the ropes and catching Bryan off-guard with a back elbow strike. As obnoxious as ever, the champ showboated to the WWE Universe, when Bryan nipped up and surprised Zayn with a big boot to the jaw! Rocking him to the corner, the challenger struck with a sequence of Yes Kicks in the corner before setting off for the running dropkick. Zayn backdropped Daniel out to the apron on his feet, where an elbow smash allowed "the Submission Specialist" to head to the top rope and connect with a missile dropkick - only for a near fall! The fun and games were over, Bryan keeping the pressure on with three straight European uppercuts.

Daniel Bryan was rocked with a knee lift from Sami Zayn, who clubbed at the back of the head and delivered a snapmare before connecting with a kick to the back! "The Yes Man" got up feeling no ounce of pain, when Sami struck with a toe kick. Locking hands with Bryan, Sami sprung to the top rope, looking for an armdrag, but Bryan would drag him back to the canvas for a roundhouse kick to connect! Once again Sami went rolling to the floor for safety, but Bryan came soaring after with a dive through the ropes! Firing up with more Yes Kicks against the barricade, the WWE Intercontinental Champion was troubled and forced to take the brunt of them. A series of forearms and European uppercuts further rocked "the Great Liberator", who soon raked the eyes of Daniel to buy him some space. Sami stood back up from the barricade corner...just to flop on his face moments after, in shades of Ric Flair! Bryan rolled Sami back into the ring, sliding in after and hitting the ropes just to be hit with a kitchen sink knee strike to the gut. Catching his breath, Sami proceeded to duck a clothesline before catching Bryan off-guard with an exploder suplex for a near fall!

It was the most physical match Sami Zayn had had in time, as he began to hammer on the back of Daniel Bryan's head as he recovered in the corner. A backbreaker saw Zayn hammer away at the exposed chest of "the Yes Man" with aggressive strikes, risking a disqualification. Quickly going back at it with further clubbing blows beside Bryan, "the Great Liberator" would get only a two-count. The rage was getting the better of the WWE Intercontinental Champion, bringing Bryan back to his feet before coming out of the corner with a tornado DDT attempt - just to have Daniel toss him off! Ducking a clothesline, Bryan landed a clothesline and looked for a second one - just for Sami to dodge it and instead clock Daniel with a calf kick off the jaw. Once again the redheaded leader of the Artist Collective pranced in the middle of the WWE Performance Center, with a select crowd on hand booing him. The half-and-half suplex left Bryan laying, but once again the challenger kicked out at the count of two. Zayn pondered what he had to do, soon hoisting him on the second rope with his back turned to him.

With clubbing blows to the back of the head, Sami Zayn soon climbed to the top rope. With evil intentions in mind, Daniel Bryan surprised the champ with more forearm strikes. "The Yes Man" even threw in a headbutt for good measure - but an eye rake from the WWE Intercontinental Champion would allow him control of the situation. Zayn mounted the top rope and looked for a sunset flip from the top rope - but Bryan would miraculously backflip out to his feet! Taking off to the ropes, Bryan connected with two flying clotheslines, before returning to Yes Kicks in the corner! A running dropkick rocked "the Great Liberator's" world, when a Regal-Plex saw Zayn's shoulder raise at the count of two. Bryan brought a dazed Sami back to his feet for a butterfly suplex attempt, but Zayn would break out and catch him out of nowhere with the Blue Thunder Bomb - though he would only catch a near fall! Without thinking further, "the Great Liberator" looked for the Sharpshooter - but Daniel would block it and instead counter with the Achilles Hold applied! Repositioning for greater effect, Daniel maintained more pressure on the limb - but Sami was quick to kick him away!

Daniel Bryan used the ropes to return back to his feet, and with some distance from Sami Zayn obtained, "the Yes Man" charged for the Running Knee. But Sami was able to sidestep out of the way, sending the challenger bouncing face-first from the top turnbuckle! A roll-up brought "the Great Liberator" a close near fall, when Daniel charged in for an exploder suplex into the corner! Zayn saw the writing on the wall and connected with the Helluva Kick - the leg hooked, just for Daniel to miraculously power out at two once more! The WWE Intercontinental Champion was aghast, unable to comprehend the fight of the challenger. Zayn was left with nothing left to be done, and called for backup! Waving to the back, out ran Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura. With the referee distracted by their arrival, Shin got up on the apron as "the Swiss Cyborg" snuck into the ring - only to be hit with Yes Kicks from Bryan! A roundhouse kick was signalled, when Sami darted in just to collide head-to-head with his own teammate! The Running Knee took Sami down and out, but "the King of Strong Style" slipped into the ring.

Trying to get his teammate intentionally disqualified, Shinsuke Nakamura charged for the Kinshasa, though Bryan would duck it - sending "the Artist" over the top rope directly onto Cesaro! Sami Zayn struck from behind with a bridging German suplex for a close near fall, before musing to himself about the very concept of the top rope. With an Arabian moonsault, Sami would crash land on nothing but canvas! The opportunistic "Submission Specialist" was in perfect position however, slapping on the Yes Lock in the center of the ring. As Cesaro and Nakamura watched with terror from ringside, Sami reached out desperately for the bottom rope - but with nowhere left to run, he was forced to tap out to "the Yes Man!"

Winner, and new WWE Intercontinental Champion: Daniel Bryan (17:14)

The WWE Intercontinental Championship reign of Sami Zayn had ended, with Daniel Bryan crowned the new champion tonight at Backlash! The WWE Universe rejoiced, as Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura were left despondant at ringside. The Artist Collective had been outsmarted by "the Yes Man", who thought he was about to bring only the best out of "the Great Liberator". Yet while Sami tried his earnest to defeat the challenger one-on-one, it was desperation that would ultimately be his downfall. Daniel celebrated with the people watching on, raising the title high with rapid chants of "YES!" Meanwhile, Cesaro and Nakamura showed remorse for Zayn as they helped him away from the ringside area.

Following discussion from Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton, a video package aired promoting the RAW Women's Championship match to come. A wrecking machine of destruction since her arrival on Monday Night RAW following the Royal Rumble, Shayna Baszler had been responsible for injury after injury to the entire of WWE's Women's Division. Though unsuccessful at WrestleMania against Becky Lynch, the WWE Universe were left stunned when on May 11, 2020, "the Man" volunteered to vacate the title. Awarding it to the Women's Money in the Bank winner Asuka, it only fuelled "the Queen of Spades'" fire further. As Becky celebrated with her WWE family about the news of her motherhood, Shayna snatched the champ and threatened to snap her arm - just for "the Empress of Tomorrow" to run to her aid. In recent weeks, the fearless challenger had broken Kayden Carter's arm and seriously damaged Kairi Sane's. Yet Asuka was not one for backing down either. Following what had been a physical few weeks, two of RAW's baddest women were to meet for the gold.

Sporting a black towel over her head, Shayna Baszler swaggered through the curtain from backstage and made her entrance to the WWE Performance Center. Unfazed by the negative response provided by the WWE Universe, "the Queen of Spades" flexed on her route to the ring, wearing black, gold and red with heavy dark eye shadow. The former MMA Fighter had waited since WrestleMania for another opportunity to become RAW Women's Champion, and with a documented victory against Asuka under belt, one had to question if the challenger was under the skin of "the Empress of Tomorrow".

In contrast, the mask-adorning RAW Women's Champion soon swayed out to the rampway. In head to toe with colors of red, orange and purple, the fur-coat clad Asuka was animated walking with the gold in-hand. Asuka saw her opposition looking smug and was reminded of what she had done to her fellow Kabuki Warrior. Asuka was ready to get even for Kairi Sane, as she hit the ring just for Baszler to wisely roll out. Shayna bided her time reentering, as Mike Rome provided in-ring introductions. Throughout this, the challenger continued to grin and finally Asuka lost her cool, jumping the shark!

4) RAW Women's Championship
Asuka (c) vs Shayna Baszler

"The Empress of Tomorrow" had waited long enough, swiftly bringing the fight to Shayna Baszler before the bell! After a flurry of high kicks cornering "the Queen of Spades", while the challenger would dodge a roundhouse kick, Asuka would spring out of the corner with a reverse dropkick! The bell sounded to get this RAW Women's Championship match underway, when Asuka struck with a hip attack for an early one-count. The champ continued with two more kicks, when Shayna ducked a third before grabbing a high wristlock and tripping Asuka down hard. With the wrist clutched, Baszler manipulated the joint only for the champ to bat her way free. Back to their feet, Asuka attempted the Asuka Lock in a hurry - but Baszler saw it coming and was quick to roll through to a victory roll. Asuka kicked out before a count could be made, when "the Queen of Spades" slipped in the Kirifuda Clutch! Asuka was caught, but her ring awareness aided her as the heel of her foot reached the bottom rope. Asuka rolled away leaving the challenger to grin, knowing her foe all too well. Shayna applied another wristlock, transitioning into the hammerlock.

Asuka tried to elbow her way free, but would connect with an arm drag, applying a headscissors. Shayna Baszler responded with a handstand to escape the RAW Women's Champion's thighs, applying a side headlock. Asuka worked her way back to her feet. "The Empress of Tomorrow" tried to send Shayna into the ropes, but the side headlock went maintained. "The Queen of Spades" transitioned back to the wrist, wrenching the limb with joint manipulation. Asuka tried to body blow her way out, but Baszler would follow through with a double-wristlock applied! The tight grip kept Asuka grounded, as Shayna used the sole of her foot to add insult to injury. The champ rived in pain, when Shayna willingly broke the hold and teased a soccer kick - just for Asuka to narrowly dodge the blow! A sole butt to the mid-section rocked the challenger, when Shayna caught an open-hand slap and chomped down on the hand with her teeth! With another arm wrench applied, Shayna divided the fingers with a grotesque snap; Asuka rolling out to safety on the apron. Shayna tried to club her through the ropes before following her out - where Asuka rocked her with a Switchblade Kick!

"The Empress of Tomorrow" used her good hand to connect with two open-hand chops, while Shayna Baszler defensively responded with a toe kick. Asuka would block a forearm and big boot Shayna from the apron, when a running hip attack to the floor wiped "the Queen of Spades" out! The WWE Universe were behind the RAW Women's Champion, who returned back to the ring and looked for a baseball slide. Unfortunately, Baszler would see her coming - and the MMA Fighter would catch Asuka by the legs - taking her from a powerbomb position, swinging her head-first into the barricade! Through her black mouthguard, the challenger was in control once more. Refusing to allow Asuka the dignity of a count-out loss where she would retain the title, Shayna hurled the Japanese Superstar into the ring and mounted her with a series of palm strikes! Trying to snatch the arm with a potential cross-armbreaker, Baszler would receive all of Asuka, who responded with a forearm strike. Baszler fired with forearms of her own, when the two soon went blow for blow! The two combatants broke out into a slap fest, culminating with Asuka sticking her face in Shayna's and screaming at her!

Another forearm strike rocked Asuka, when Shayna Baszler missed a big boot; and Asuka struck back with a rapid succession of strikes! With the challenger finally dazed, "the Empress of Tomorrow" delivered a pop-up knee strike to the jaw of Baszler, when the challenger caught Asuka's double-knee facebreaker - dropping her overhead with a big back body drop! The RAW Women's Champion tried to move but Shayna stomped on her fingers, before snatching the hand and again biting sadistically at the fingertips! A stomp to the wrist hurt Asuka further, when Shayna expertly locked in the cross-armbreaker. Asuka screamed as Shayna repeatedly snapped the fingers apart from each other - the challenger destined to leave Backlash with the RAW Women's Championship. Asuka tried to fight it, nearly able to counter with a roll-up, just for Baszler to tense her legs flat to the canvas! Asuka was on the verge of tapping out following a second snap of her fingers - but Asuka would unexpectedly flip things around. Able to escape, Asuka knocked Baszler loopy with a roundhouse kick! Asuka launched with a striking combination, before following with a rapid succession of kicks.

Shayna Baszler received the spinkick, but Asuka was only scored a two-count! "The Empress of Tomorrow" instinctively transitioned into a cross-armbreaker, though her grip was hindered by the pain in her arm. Forced to break the hold for her own wellbeing, the RAW Women's Champion missed a jumping knee strike, allowing Baszler to catch her with the Yokosuka Cutter! Another near fall, Baszler stalked before soccer kicking the arm of Asuka - then taking advantage using another stomp to the wrist! Planting Asuka's head flat on the mat, "the Queen of Spades" looked to do to Asuka what she had done to Kairi Sane and Kayden Carter - looking to add her to her hit list. Baszler went for the stomp, but Asuka evaded it with a roll-up for a near fall! The Asuka Lock was once again applied, with Shayna trying everything in her power to escape. Rolling backwards, the Kirifuda Clutch was attempted - but Asuka chomped down on Shayna's fingers! Rolling onto her front, Asuka would slip free, before dropkicking the challenger's elbow when caught in a compromising position! A taste of her own medicine received, the champ reapplied the Asuka Lock - finally forcing Baszler to tap out!

Winner, and still RAW Women's Champion: Asuka (14:23)

For the first time in her WWE career, Shayna Baszler had been forced to tap out! Asuka smiled like the crazed enigma she was - her hand raised victorious. "The Queen of Spades" continued to clutch her elbow in pain at the dropkick received moments ago, while "the Empress of Tomorrow" received her well-earned RAW Women's Championship. No paper champion was Asuka, who successfully retained the title tonight after a physical and at times grotesque technical battle with "the Submission Magician". As Asuka continued to showboat and squeal that this fight was for Kairi Sane, Shayna was approached in the ring by a trainer. Favoring her arm and all, the furious, unsuccessful challenger would come to her feet and swing for the trainer! Leaving on her own accord, the MMA Fighter would undoubtedly live to fight another day.

An advertisement aired, showing Titus O'Neil sat in a chair. Professional as ever wearing a suit, he announced that WWE was teaming up with Nestlé in partnership with No Kid Hungry. Over 22 million children across America had lost the school meals they depended on, but with WWE and Nestlé together, they had raised a sponsorship of $1 million to help families in need.

The Viper's Territory
Charly Caruso was standing by at the interview area with Randy Orton, but the challenger for the WWE World Championship tonight interrupted the broadcast journalist knowing full well what she was going to say. He had proven what kind of man Drew McIntyre was, and ensured that every single member of the WWE Universe knew what kind of heartbreak they were in for tonight. Their so-called savior - the very man who slayed "the Beast Incarnate" Brock Lesnar; the very man who overcame Big Show twenty-four hours later; the very individual who defeated "the Rated R Superstar" Edge - tonight he would fall, and the WWE Universe would be forced to witness it. Orton claimed Drew was hotheaded and weak-minded, and he knew exactly what that was like. Randy claimed that was once him, when he was the youngest-ever World Heavyweight Champion - and he lost it in mere weeks. He was immature once too, but now "the Viper" was fully formed. He was mature and he was going to become World Champion again tonight. Charly accepted this, but brought up Bobby Lashley - the Money in the Bank briefcase holder he had left laying with an RKO six nights ago.

Randy Orton chuckled, claiming "the All Mighty" knew exactly he was playing with fire. But this was Randy Orton's territory, and if Lashley knew what was good for him - he'd stay clear tonight. Randy turned to leave, only to be faced with Lashley's wife - Lana! With a keen smile, the ravishing blonde wished Orton luck tonight - Lashley was rooting for him too! Orton smirked, then warned her to tell her husband to keep the hell away from the WWE World Championship match tonight. Lana left - but Orton showed a grimace of concern.

A video graphic aired, showing that Money in the Bank 2020 was emanating from the WWE Performance Center - the WWE's "Athletic Hub" for future WWE Superstars.

Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton took us to a replay from this past week on Monday Night RAW. Six nights ago, after weeks of questions about whether the father and his son were on the same page, Dominik Mysterio would rescue his old man Rey Mysterio from a gang beating courtesy of La Invasíon. As Andrade and Zelina Vega looked to humiliate "the Legendary Luchador" once again, Dom would hit the scene - and together, the Mysterio Family teamed up ahead of Backlash, with a double 619 for the turncoat, Humberto Carrillo.

Tweets aired from this past week, showing images of Dominik Mysterio not only sitting under the learning tree of WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels, but getting into the ring with "the Heartbreak Kid" as well! All week long had Dom been training with his father Rey Mysterio and HBK at the WWE Performance Center - ahead of his official WWE in-ring debut, tonight at Backlash.

Padre e Hijo
Dominik Mysterio was raring to go, stretching with some deep squats in the dressing room. In a bodysuit reminiscent to what his father wore earlier in his career, the youngster was approached by Rey Mysterio. "The Legendary Luchador" slapped his son on the back, telling him about how hesitant he was at first. For so long, he vowed to never want his son to get involved with this business. This industry had taken so much from him, and possessed the power to make or break young stars, especially with the shadow he cast. Rey brought up Eddie Guerrero as one man he missed so much, but after so much deliberation: he realized there was no stopping him. Mysterio noted the past week had him thinking long and hard about everything, and while Dom would be green for a while, he felt he was ready. Rey told his son he was proud of him, when Dom stood up and told his father that he was sorry for everything. His attitude and his temper got the best of him, but that was only because he admired this sport so much. Rey compared his temper to a certain "Latino Heat's", when Rey decided to give his flesh and blood a pep talk!

Tonight was his in-ring debut, and there was nobody Rey Mysterio wanted his son to share this moment with other than himself. Much like he and Shawn Michaels had showed Dominik Mysterio all week long, tonight was their turn to strike back at La Invasíon, after all they had done to tarnish the Mysterio Family name. Tonight, Los Mysterios would bite back and show Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo what they were all about, and they would succeed. Father-and-son together, the two slapped hands and set off for the ring.

☰☰☰

Inside the WWE Performance Center, out waltzed La Invasíon. Led by the WWE United States Champion Andrade, dressed in a silver suit with the gold on full display around his waist. "El Idolo" was a proud man, standing side-by-side with business partner Zelina Vega, dressed in a business suit comprised of the colors of the Mexican flag. Accompanying the cousins known as 'Los Lotharios', Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo made cocky walks out to the ring in matching green tights. "El Amanté" oozed charisma with his long black hair tied back, while "El Estrella" smirked and blew off the jeers of the WWE Universe. a

As the Mexican contingent La Invasíon stood united in the ring, Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo of Los Lotharios awaited the arrival of their opponents. Moments later, Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio arrived! Los Mysterios wore matching blue and black, with the father-and-son tag team uniting for the very first time tonight, in Dominik's official WWE in-ring debut! Full of beans, the youngster showed great athleticism flipping into the ring as "the Legendary Luchador" posed, immediately pointing the finger at Andrade! The WWE United States Champion grinned at the kid's moxy, while Angel and Humberto got in the younger Mysterio's face. Rey and the referee were there to get involved, as "El Idolo" and Zelina each shied out to the ringside floor.

5) Los Lotharios (with WWE United States Champion Andrade and Zelina Vega)
vs Los Mysterios

The moment that Dominik Mysterio had been waiting for his entire life had arrived - his official in-ring debut for the WWE. Teaming alongside his father, "the Legendary Luchador" Rey Mysterio - Dominik had some huge shoes to fill. But it was about a lot more than making a strong first impression inside the squared circle. Tonight was to be Los Mysterios' revenge on La Invasíon for everything Andrade and his pack of hyenas had done to desecrete the Mysterio Family name. Immediately Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo bailed out from the ring, much to the ire of the father-and-son tag team. As they conferred with Andrade and Zelina Vega at ringside, they suddenly went surrounded once Rey and Dominik left the ring confronting La Invasíon. Even with the numbers advantage, "El Idolo" shrugged his shoulders in resistance to Los Mysterios, when Humberto and Angel shot inside. Rey and Dom were hot on their heels, but both cousins missed low front dropkicks. It enabled the Mysterio Family to make their move - both hitting the ropes and connecting with stereo-spinning headscissors! Into the corners went Angel and Humberto, who were bombarded by ten punches in respective corners by the Mysterio clan!

A jumping axe handle down from the second turnbuckle saw Dominik Mysterio conclude his attack on former friend Humberto Carrillo, leaving Rey Mysterio with Angel Garza. "El Amante" tried his earnest to slow down "the Legendary Luchador" with a basement dropkick, but when looking to follow up, showboating would cost him big - when a drop toe hold set Rey in position for a basement dropkick of his own to the jaw! With a nod, Rey applied a wristlock to maintain possession of Angel, when Dominik became legal for the first time in his newborn career. An armwrench saw Dom show the fundamentals, when Angel wisely struck with a hard elbow strike! A toe kick followed, when hitting the ropes and missing a flying clothesline. Dom foresaw it and hit the ropes with a springboard crossbody taking Angel down for an early near fall! Two arm drags followed, when the youngster nipped up to his feet! Daring Angel to bring it on, "El Amante" had had enough and scurried over to his younger cousin Humberto Carrillo for the tag. "La Estrella" smirked accepting of Dominik, but talked trash to the man he once referred to as a younger brother.

Humberto Carrillo told Dominik Mysterio that he taught him everything he knew before his old man dared, when going in for a lock-up. Receiving a flurry of leg kicks from the rookie, Carrillo caught one and swept his foot beneath him. "La Estrella" hit the ropes with a cartwheel, but Mysterio nipped back up and used the momentum off his opponent to climb the ropes - a springboard armdrag sending Carrillo across the ring! Pumped up, Rey tagged in and hit the ropes with a sunset flip connecting, transitioning right into a roundhouse kick upside the head. Los Mysterios were rolling, as Humberto found himself the recipient of a Russian legsweep from Dom leading to another roundhouse kick from Rey. The father-and-son tag team made eyes at a clearly impressed Andrade at ringside, as "the Legendary Luchado" hit the ropes just to have Angel Garza raise his knee into the kidneys. Rey fought him off with a forearm strike, when Carrillo rushed in to receive a back body drop sending both cousins hurdling to the floor over the top rope! Taking to the skies, a springboard crossbody plancha caught both members of Los Lotharios - as Rey locked eyes in a tense staredown with the WWE United States Champion!

Humberto Carrillo had the referee's attention, whilst Rey Mysterio exchanged words with Andrade at ringside - when Angel Garza came through the ropes with a baseball slide! "El Amante" showboated to the WWE Universe to Zelina Vega's applause, driving Rey into the apron from a fireman's carry position. Back inside, a cover got a near fall as the attacker connected with a double-underhook backbreaker. With a boot on his chest, the insulting pinfall attempt only got a one-count, when Humberto tagged in. Angel held Rey for a right hand from "La Estrella", taking off with a running cartwheel into a moonsault! It got a near fall as Rey showed resilience, when Carrillo locked eyes with Dominik once more. Tugging at the mask with disrespect, Carrillo dared Dom to come back for more. Rey broke loose and attempted to fire back with forearms, but a corkscrew roundhouse kick took him down! Carrillo was unfocused, looking to follow up sending Rey off the ropes - only to receive a satellite DDT! "The Legendary Luchador" got the tag to Dominik, who charged in and took on both men with clotheslines. With a hurricanrana for Angel, the youngster reversed a tilt-a-whirl attempt from Carrillo with an armdrag!

Angel Garza caught a toe kick and delivered a rising knee strike to the jaw, but "El Amante's" attempt at a powerbomb saw Dominik Mysterio escape with a code red - narrowly scraping a near fall! As Dominik hit the rope, Andrade teased grabbing his foot to trip him, but the plan would backfire once "El Idolo" found himself wiped out with a leaping crossbody plancha! Dominik exchanged words with an amazed Zelina Vega, but did not anticipate Humberto Carrillo to come soaring to the floor with a turning moonsault plancha! "La Estrella" was finding his stride as a member of La Invasíon, tossing the rookie back inside to his cousin. Garza drilled him with a slingshot inverted suplex, but curiously they turned their attention to the referee. Moments later, the WWE United States Champion would claim his revenge for Dom's disrespect - taking him down on the floor with a clothesline! As "El Idolo" adjusted his tie, Angel returned Dominik inside and connected with a springboard stunner off the bottom rope, but Dom sat up in resilience at the count of two! Rey Mysterio cheered for his son, as Angel furiously kicked him in the spine for good measure.

It was time the pants came off, as Angel Garza shed his green gear to reveal a pair of black trunks beneath! "El Amante" grinned to the ladies in attendance at WWE Performance Center, but his attempt at the Wingclipper saw the youngster fire out! Dominik sprung to action with a tornado DDT off the second turnbuckle, but as he reached out for a tag to his father, Humberto would come in illegally and drag the rookie back towards Los Lotharios' territory! Meanwhile Andrade came from behind, sweeping Rey from the apron. Once again "El Idolo" acted innocently, but Rey proceeded to respond with a wild swing for his bitter enemy! Humberto and Angel hit the ropes and delivered a breathtaking stereo handspring into a double Japanese armdrag to Dominik. Los Lotharios were feeling their oats, as Angel connected with a kneeling powerbomb, yet the newcomer had much left in the fight! The son of Rey Mysterio gritted his teeth when kicked once more by the savvy veteran. Garza hung him up to dry in the tree of woe, prompting both cousins to take turns delivering penalty kicks into the anatomy of Dominik. Finally the rookie spidered his way up to the top rope - evading an inbound spear from Humberto!

Dominik Mysterio landed a diving hurricanrana on Angel Garza, before slowly crawling his way to make the tag to Rey Mysterio! "The Legendary Luchador" came bounding in with a springboard seated senton for Humberto Carrillo. After ducking a clothesline, Mysterio connected with a springboard spinning headscissors on Angel. A slingshot Arabian press saw Rey cover "La Estrella", but Zelina Vega would pop Humberto's foot on the bottom rope. Andrade laughed in the face of a dismayed Mysterio at ringside, but the WWE United States Champion would not see Dominik Mysterio coming! A baseball slide propelled the newcomer into a sunset flip - sending "El Idolo" crashing into the announce table! Impacted by the back of his head, Dom was proving to be no pushover. Inside, Angel looked to cut Dominik's father's momentum short with the Wingclipper, but Rey caught him in a victory roll. "El Amante" bailed out to the floor alongside his cousin Humberto, when the father-and-son combination flew! A dive through the ropes from Rey and a diving crossbody from the top rope from Dom saw Los Mysterios criss-cross in beautiful fashion on Los Lotharios!

Sending Humberto Carrillo back into the ring, "La Estrella" rolled out to the apron before striking with a springboard headbutt for Dominik Mysterio. A corkscrew roundhouse kick went missed however, allowing Rey Mysterio to catch him with a low dropkick! Into the ropes went Carrillo, and Rey connected with the 619! Dominik caught Humberto in a rolling clutch cradle, only for Andrade to intentionally shove the rookie off the pin! It was in public view of the official, and he would demand that the WWE United States Champion and his business partner both he removed from ringside! With fury, Andrade and Zelina Vega tried to protest the decision. "El Idolo" threw down the WWE United States Championship gold, which sneakily went picked up by Angel Garza. "El Amante" had plans to use it on Rey, only to receive the Mexican destroyer for his troubles! Humberto then came bounding in with a springboard roundhouse kick for "the Legendary Luchador". Dominik then came from behind with an enzuigiri - and suddenly both Mysterios dialled it up for a double 619! Rey fought Angel off, as Dominik soared with a "Latino Heat" Frog Splash - claiming his first ever victory over Carrillo!

Winners: Los Mysterios (16:05)

In his first ever match as a WWE Superstar, the 24 year-old Dominik Mysterio had claimed his first victory tonight at WWE Backlash! Destiny had called for the youngster in his official in-ring WWE debut, and emotion hit him hard. Breaking down in tears with his father, Rey Mysterio hugged his son tight and kissed him on the forehead. Coming together on their feet, Los Mysterios had finally come together to get one over on La Invasíon. The reputation of the Mysterio Family's name had been restored tonight, in what was an emotional moment for "the Legendary Luchador". As Los Lotharios regrouped in disbelief on the rampway, Humberto Carrillo and Angel Garza both shook their heads in annoyance. Zelina Vega ran her mouth in Spanish at the victors, while the WWE United States Champion Andrade...could not help but smile! "El Idolo" held his title at his waist and even applauded Los Mysterios on their first win as a father-son tag team.

An advertisement aired, promoting the all-new free version of the WWE Network. Bringing the best in entertainment, with no credit card required, subscribers could gain access to over 15,000 available titles today. With every pay-per-view event including WrestleMania, Royal Rumble and SummerSlam; original documentaries including The Undertaker: The Last Ride and WWE 24; exclusive shows such as WWE Ruthless Aggression, WWE's The Bump, WWE Ride Along and Broken Skull Sessions - as well as everything from the NXT, NXT UK and 205 Live brands - it was all available now. Take a Look Inside... the Power, the Beauty, the Passion, the History, the Moments and the Emotions.

Down But Not Out
Backstage, The Miz sulked and sobbed as he complained to John Morrison about the loss suffered earlier tonight. Not only was the most winningest tag team on Friday Night SmackDown no longer the SmackDown Tag Team Champions - but to add insult to injury, the gold was now around the grotesque waists of Otis and Tucker! Growing increasingly frustrated, Miz practically threw a tantrum in disbelief that Heavy Machinery were now the champs. "The Shaman of Sexy" admitted that they messed up big time tonight, but while they were down, they were not out. JoMo talked about the contract he signed when he decided to come and rejoin the Miz on Friday Night SmackDown on FOX last December. When he put pen to paper, he knew they were destined for great things, including accolades and gold. With that said, Morrison informed Miz of a special rematch clause in his contract - any time he lost gold, he was guaranteed a rematch whenever he wanted. Miz's eyes widened, as he felt hope was restored. Morrison claimed he had already made the call to the executives down at FOX - and they had their rematch, this coming Friday on SmackDown. Miz hugged his best friend and told him he loved him!

Friday Night SmackDown - SmackDown Tag Team Championship - Heavy Machinery (c) vs John Morrison and The Miz

☰☰☰

Michael Cole and Corey Graves relayed the announcement for this coming week on Friday Night SmackDown, before showing footage of the happenings that took place earlier tonight on the Backlash Kickoff Show. King Corbin was victorious against Apollo Crews to continue the roll "Wrestling Royalty" was on. All it took was one misstep for Crews to lose, cutting his momentum short.

The Law
Sonya Deville came walking out to the WWE Performance Center, plagued by a chorus of boos. Sticking her nose up at the select WWE Universe on hand, "the Jersey Devil" walked down with a disapproving grimace on her face. For the better part of five years, she and Mandy Rose had been Fire & Desire - until Mandy's blossoming romance with Otis drew Sonya to plot against her out of spite. In the ring, Deville took to the microphone to address "the Golden Goddess" about how tonight was the night. After so long, tonight would be the last night Mandy got to prolick around and set her entire gender back fifteen years! Deville spoke about how in hindsight, she couldn't understand why she ever thought she was her best friend. Mandy was so vain, it made her sick! After all of their history together, though WWE Tough Enough and defending Mandy from critics; through the WWEPC, and all of her self-doubts. From NXT to Monday Night RAW, to Friday Night SmackDown - but now, this was where it would end. All of Mandy's vanity would come crashing down, because "the Precious Peach" would be crushed here. She planned to remind Mandy why she was "the Law" when a woman like her destroys a Diva like Mandy!

Mandy Rose came walking out to the ring, and while the visual effect showed "the Golden Goddess" in all of her beauty, the Kinesio tape on her shoulder told the story. After the steel chair shot to the arm forty-eight hours ago, the blonde was in determined to finish this business with Sonya Deville and leave their friendship in the past. Storming down to the ring, Sonya hesitated and continued to run her mouth to "the Precious Peach" in the color of the fruit. The leather clad Deville then abruptly took off to the ringside area! Around ringside, Mandy powered after Sonya until the two members of Fire & Desire returned to the ring.

6) Mandy Rose vs Sonya Deville

The referee was able to divide them into their corners, but once the bell sounded, Mandy Rose was hot after Sonya Deville! As "the Jersey Devil" tried to escape to ringside once more, Mandy would grab a hold of Sonya's foot before tugging her back onto the canvas with a big faceplant! "The Golden Goddess" was showing a more physical side against the woman she was once inseparable with, who was well-versed in mixed martial arts! As Sonya flopped like a fish on the canvas, Mandy clubbed at the back of her head, soon ramming her face into the canvas repeatedly. Once again Deville retreated to the corner, attempting to kick Rose away just for her to pull at the foot and cause Sonya to land flat on the canvas the hard way! Rolling out to the floor desperately, Mandy rolled out after her and dropped her with a clothesline! Hurling Sonya back inside, Rose followed one more time just to receive a spear! With a side headlock applied, Deville brutally hammered away at Mandy before putting the stomps to her former friend's shoulder. Fire & Desire was a long time in the past as far as Sonya was concerned, as she took the time to take in this moment.

A chest kick rocked "the Precious Peach", who shot back with a shoulder tackle with a series of thrusts in the corner. Mandy Rose favored her taped shoulder however, which only afforded Sonya Deville the opportunity to strike with another rising knee strike, targeting the shoulder! "The Law" took the arm and continue to pound away at it with hammerfists, when Mandy tried to rope her in. Unfortunately, Sonya telegraphed a clothesline and would apply a hanging cross-armbreaker - dangling upside down over the top turnbuckle! Mandy screamed in pain, when Deville broke the illegal hold at the count of four. Rolling backwards to her feet at ringside, Sonya would return with a sliding knee strike for the seated "Golden Goddess", only for a near fall. With two handstand knee drops across the shoulder, Deville contorted the blonde's shoulder in a way designed to inflict further damage to the shoulder! An armbar saw Mandy slowly fight back to her feet, when Sonya powered her up for a spinebuster. Rose kicked out at two, when a sleeper hold was applied. The submission expertise of Sonya Deville was coming in handy, but Mandy resiliently worked to her feet again.

With two back elbows, Mandy Rose hit the ropes and ducked a clothesline - catching Sonya Deville with a pop-up flapjack! With a snap suplex, "the Golden Goddess" flicked her hair back as "the Law" rolled out to the floor once again. In hot pursuit, Mandy would not let up against Sonya as she muscled her up with a charging shoulder tackle slamming her former best friend's head into the side of the steel steps! Back inside, Mandy looked for Kiss the Rose just for Sonya to sidestep - and a jumping roundhouse kick took her out! Deville looked for the Devil's Advocate, when Mandy reversed into an inside cradle for a near fall. Rose soon caught Deville on the jaw with Kiss the Rose - but the cover would see Deville power out at two! "The Precious Peach" was fuelled with animosity, as she decided to line up a second one. Deville caught her in mid-motion with an armringer, soon flipping over with a bridging armbar! Mandy screamed in agony, as Deville would not let up. But Mandy refused, and was somehow able to get her foot on the bottom rope. Rose tried to pull herself up, when Deville clocked her with Kiss the Rose herself! Sonya planted Mandy using the Elevator to shockingly take the win.

Winner: Sonya Deville (9:29)

"The Law" had been set by Sonya Deville, who did everything in her power to ensure that Mandy Rose did not get the upper hand again. Deville smiled over her best friend's body, her hand going raised by the official. "The Golden Goddess" clutched her shoulder on the canvas, when Sonya abruptly took an evil turn - delivering another chest kick for the Fire of her Desire! Deville once again put the boots to Mandy's shoulder, before re-applying the bridging armbar on defenceless Mandy. The referee tried to get involved, as Heavy Machinery re-emerged causing Sonya to run for the hills. The new SmackDown Tag Team Champions ran Deville off, as Otis attended to his "Precious Peach". Tucker consoled his best buddy, as Deville smiled at the top of the rampway. As far as she was concerned - "the Law" had arrived!

An advertisement aired, promoting the fourth episode of the Limited Series Event - 'The Undertaker: The Last Ride'. "Chapter 4: The Battle Within" would premiere tonight, immediately following Backlash - exclusively on the WWE Network.

Of Different Fibre
Charly Caruso was standing by backstage with the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre. With his match with Randy Orton not too long to wait, Charly wished to understand "the Scottish Warrior's" standpoint at this juncture of the title reign of his dreams. Drew smirked, complimenting her journalistic integrity. As was expected at the door - his differences with Randy Orton had been a psychiatrist's fever dream. First, Drew was caught in "the Viper's" problems with Edge; then, he and Randy engaged in a tense game of human chess; somehow his 3MB pals got dragged into it, but all in all - this business with "the Apex Predator" was everything he had expected coming in. McIntyre maintained that this WWE World Championship reign was unlike anything he could have ever planned. If Charly had asked three months ago if he'd be headlining WWE Network specials back-to-back with the likes of Brock Lesnar, Edge and Randy Orton, he would think Charly was lying. Those three names were future WWE Hall of Famers - and any WWE Superstar would have retired happy to do what he did. There was something different about "the Scottish Terminator:" he was not going to end his career if he lost the title tonight.

Drew McIntyre planned to keep it going. In the WWE World Champion's mind, he was just getting started! One day, "the Scottish Terminator" vowed that he too would be up on that stage with all three of those names, among the other all-time greats in WWE history as a WWE Hall of Famer: because he was made of different fibre! Randy Orton could talk about how much he had done in this business and for this business, and how Randy had done everything in his power to instil a shed of self-doubt in the WWE World Champion's mind. The truth was he was ready, and tonight he was going to be the one to take "the Viper's" tongue and rip it straight from that snake's mouth. McIntyre vowed to make "the Apex Predator" his prey, because he considered himself "the Collector" - and he was planning to keep on collecting on the opposition. Up walked MVP with a cocky grin on his face. Greeting Drew cordially, he was dressed to the nines especially to wish "the Scottish Warrior" luck tonight. "The Franchise Player" informed him that Bobby Lashley sent his regards - but unlike Orton with Lana earlier, Drew welcomed the challenge, and told Lashley to find some balls and come cash in his Money in the Bank tonight!

☰☰☰

Following discussion from Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton, a video package aired centred around the psychological battle between Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton. As they prepared to compete for the WWE World Championship, "the Scottish Terminator's" reign of a lifetime aired - how it started with winning the 2020 Men's Royal Rumble match, and truly began with a stunning victory against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania. While McIntyre had quickly earned his stripes as the top dog on Monday Night RAW, it was all thanks to Randy Orton who made McIntyre's win against Edge at Money in the Bank possible. "The Apex Predator" claimed to be one step ahead of the Scotsman, who disagreed sternly. Orton proceeded to play head games with McIntyre, claiming him to be too hotheaded. Bringing back memories of the past with 3MB, Orton took Heath Slater and Jinder Mahal out to serve a purpose to Drew - who he would leave laying with a brutal Punt Kick. "The Viper" believed he was the next WWE World Champion, and in 2020, his truest colors had shone through. Tonight, it was McIntyre's goal to prove to the world that he was here to stay on top of the RAW Brand.

Randy Orton made his walk out to the WWE Performance Center. In a sleeveless black hoody and black trunks with orange trim, the former nine-time WWE World Champion marched poised to leave Backlash tonight as the new, ten-time champ. Celebrating over twenty years since his WWE debut in 2020, "the Apex Predator" bided his time and soaked in the moment that would in his mind foreshadow the ushering in of his ninth reign on top of the mountain. Into the ring, Orton stood on the second rope and watched over the WWEPC, when interrupted by the bagpipes of the champ!

The WWE World Champion was a determined man who had waited weeks for this match. Drew McIntyre emerged to the stage, taking in the scene before him. There was nobody present in the WWE Performance Center for his life-changing win at WrestleMania against Brock Lesnar; or his title defense against Edge at Money in the Bank - but tonight thirty members of the WWE Universe were present for Backlash. "The Scottish Terminator" stomped to the ring, getting into a confrontation with Randy Orton. The referee kept them separated, as Mike Rome performed ring introductions.

7) WWE World Championship
Drew McIntyre (c) vs Randy Orton

He had led by example as a fighting WWE World Champion thus far, boasting victories over Brock Lesnar, Big Show and Edge leading into this match. While Drew McIntyre was living the life of Riley, he had yet to meet an individual like "the Apex Predator". Randy Orton bided his time as he and Drew circled the ring as the bell sounded. Moments of hesitation built to Drew cornering Orton easily with a collar-and-elbow tie-up. Orton tried to barge back only to receive two big forearms, as well as a knife-edged chop! Orton shoved McIntyre back prompting the champ to try and come for more - only to be halted by the referee, who threatened disqualification. Orton smirked knowingly, having proclaimed McIntyre a hothead for weeks. Randy talked trash and urged McIntyre to take the coward's way out, which only brought McIntyre to corner him again with forearms! This time the challenger battled back with strikes of his own. Off the ropes Orton sent the Scotsman into the ropes - just for Drew to cling to the ropes to avert "the Viper", who he outmaneuvered using a big clothesline!

In the corner once more, Drew McIntyre delivered a string of shoulder thrusts to Randy Orton, who struck back with an opportune knee lift. "The Viper" battled back with two right hands before a European uppercut blasted the WWE World Champion - or so the challenger thought! McIntyre squared up to Orton, absorbing the blow, prompting a second shot from Orton. McIntyre struck back with another loud chop that echoed throughout the WWE Performance Center! Orton again retorted to a toe kick, sending Drew into ropes. An early draping DDT was on "the Apex Predator's" agenda, but Drew fought him with a big boot over the top rope! Climbing to the top rope, a diving clothesline took Orton down for the first fall of the match, but Orton was able to slither out at two. Across the ring, McIntyre pursued, when Orton used the top rope for momentum to connect with a kick to the leg. Drew caught a second and grabbed the challenger by the foot - though Orton ducked another clothesline and lashed out with another European uppercut! "The Scottish Terminator" again absorbed the blow and roared in Orton's face. The challenger struck with a clothesline - which McIntyre took!

Drew McIntyre blasted Randy Orton with another clothesline of his own, taking "the Viper" down to the corner! With a series of punches, McIntyre then proceeded to drive his knee into the corner, sandwiching the challenger's head against the turnbuckle pad. Out to the apron, "the Apex Predator" shied from McIntyre who attempted to club away at him using the Beats of Bodhran. Orton however was one step ahead - foreseeing it and taking the WWE World Champion out to the floor with an inverted neckbreaker over the second rope! McIntyre collapsed to the floor with Orton falling all the same. The difference was when Orton sat up, he grinned from ear to ear; as the champ showed his first signs of weakness. Randy mounted the Scotsman with a series of clenched fists to the temple, drawing the official to intervene. Forced to intiate a count, the challenger rolled McIntyre in and covered - but the champ stayed alive. A seated sleeper hold saw Orton keep him at bay, but Drew worked back up to a vertical base. Able to overthrow Orton and send him rolling backwards, McIntyre hit the ropes but missed a big boot - and Orton dropped him with a scoop powerslam!

The whiplash effected the WWE World Champion, whose equilibrium still had to be in question following the Punt Kick received in the backstage trap several weeks ago. Randy Orton crept over Drew McIntyre with several more fists to the temple, when the champ shoved him off. Orton smirked again, hitting the ropes and dropping a knee drop perfectly brushing the forehead of McIntyre - for another near fall. Resting his forearm across the side of the Scotsman's cranium, the official forced the break when he shoved him off again. Rolling out to the apron, "the Viper" followed the defensive Scotsman with a draping neckbreaker on the floor! With arms raised to the WWE Universe, they booed the challenger's arrogance, with the condition of the champion in question. Struggling to drag him back into the ring, Orton struck with yet another hangman's neckbreaker for a two-count. Another sleeper hold went applied, when the Scotsman attempted to fight with rear headbutts to the face of "the Viper!" Orton broke it and attempted the Lou Thesz press - but the powerful "Scottish Terminator" saw the challenger sent overhead with a standing belly-to-belly suplex!

Still, Drew McIntyre was feeling the effects and tried to shake off the damage done by Randy Orton. A clothesline went followed by a second one. He ducked a clothesline as he threw Orton off the ropes, catching him with a spinebuster for a near fall! Energetically the WWE World Champion came to his feet and let out another battlecry to the WWE Universe, but was clearly hurting. With a charging clothesline hitting hard in the corner, "the Scottish Terminator" whipped Orton into the buckle just for brief hesitation allowing the challenger to catch him with a high boot and a dropkick! Another near fall saw Orton grow more determined, bringing Drew to his feet and powering him overhead. From a powerbomb position, Orton connected with the over-shoulder neckbreaker, hooking the leg only to see McIntyre get a shoulder up again! Into the corner, "the Viper" put the stomps to McIntyre. Out to show the people that he was no "Terminator", Orton's playing to the crowd only allowed McIntyre to fight up with two boots to the ribcage. Orton grabbed hold of one, when a variation of a front enzuigiri saw Drew slowly come back to his feet - just for Orton to catch him with an exploder suplex!

"The Apex Predator" methodically began to stomp at each limb of "the Scottish Terminator". Dead set on breaking Drew McIntyre down, Randy Orton circled the body beginning with the feet. To the arms, a final stomp to the temple rocked McIntyre, as Orton followed him to the corner. Powering Drew to the top rope, "the Viper" planned a superplex following two right hands. But as he ascended to the top rope, the WWE World Champion responded with the Glasgow Kiss rocking Orton! A suplex sent Orton landing face-first on the canvas below, when McIntyre flew with a diving elbow drop - only for a near fall! Finding momentum from deep within, Drew clutched his neck but fired with clotheslines, and a belly-to-belly suplex saw him spring back to his feet with a nip-up! McIntyre was feeling it now, and initiated the countdown to 'Claymore Country' for the challenger. Orton telegraphed it and ducked out to the apron, but Drew was there to prevent his great escape. With Beats of Bodhran levelling the abdomen of "the Viper", Drew planned to deadlift him to the top rope with a superplex! Desperate shots enabled Randy to hang on, able to rock Drew back with a European uppercut.

Randy Orton breathed a sigh of relief as he had Drew McIntyre hung in the tree of woe position...until the WWE World Champion used his unwordly core strength to power back up and deliver a two-handed choke suplex! Like a spider, Drew slinked back up and climbed to a better position on the top rope, but Orton was able to roll out to the floor. McIntyre jumped down and slid out of the ring in hot pursuit, but after ducking a clothesline, the challenger struck with the RKO out of nowhere! The WWE World Champion was left down and out, and Orton was quick to drag his carcass back to the apron. Rolling his lifeless body inside, Randy wasted no time making the cover - but his ninth title reign's commencing was not to be - Drew powering out at two! "The Apex Predator" shook his head unimpressed. On all fours, he stalked Drew McIntyre as the dazed champion tried to get back up. Pounding the canvas with his forearms behind the unsuspecting Scotsman, Orton attempted a second RKO - but Drew shoved him off and connected with a jumping neckbreaker! Once again the champ found himself on the offensive, hitting the ropes just to miss a clothesline.

Drew McIntyre blocked a toe kick from Randy Orton and slung "the Apex Predator" high in the air for a backdrop to the canvas, before taking off for the ropes and executing an elbow drop! A cover got only a two-count, when the WWE World Champion stalked the challenger now in the corner. Coming from beneath with an electric chair drop - McIntyre placed Orton on the second rope before dropping him with the inverted Alabama slam, for another near fall! It was a war of attirtion as was expected coming in, but McIntyre looked to finish this once and for all. Signalling for the Future Shock DDT, McIntyre received backlash from Orton, who struggled free. The RKO was blocked, but Drew struck with a second Glasgow Kiss! Hitting the ropes, Orton would catch him with another Lou Thesz press. Fists rained down on the champ, when Orton hit the ropes and draped the forearm across McIntyre's chest. With more forearm pounds of the canvas, Orton stalked McIntyre up for another RKO - just for McIntyre to turn him around and plant him with the Future Shock DDT! The pinfall was made, but Orton was barely able to muscle out before the three!

It had been exactly the fight the WWE World Champion had expected. The first Scottish-born champ waited impatiently from the corner, jockeying for the Claymore Kick once more. Randy Orton stumbled back up to his feet, but as Drew McIntyre raced across the ring, Orton cut him off with a dramatic RKO! Both men went down hurt, so much so Orton could not follow up with the cover. Finally, "the Apex Predator" used all of his might to force McIntyre onto his back once again. Draping himself across him, Orton covered - yet the Scotsman somehow found the ability to kick out in time! Dismayed, Orton began to rock himself back and forth. Ever the demented individual, "the Apex Predator" was dead set on ending his night becoming a nine-time WWE World Champion. Going back to the Punt Kick, Orton stalked and stalked - but McIntyre narrowly dodged it! The Celtic Cross dropped Orton on the back of his head, but as the cover was made, Orton got a shoulder up. This was a battle like Drew McIntyre had not been familiar with thus far in his much-fantasized title reign. Crawling back to his feet in a haze, "the Scottish Terminator" looked for the powerbomb, but Orton landed out on his feet - delivering a second inverted neckbreaker!

The WWE World Champion fell out to the apron, and his challenger was right there with the draping DDT planting him! Randy Orton mounted Drew McIntyre with a pile-on cover, but once again "the Scottish Terminator" kicked out at the count of two. "The Apex Predator" could not believe the fight in the Scotsman, but grew back up to a vertical base. Running his mouth, Orton resorted to slapping McIntyre repeatedly. He told Drew he was not a real World Champion, nor would he ever be! Randy told Drew he was living in a fantasy world, but this was where he would snap him back to reality. Back on his feet, "the Viper" held him by the jaw and told him to kiss his dreams goodbye - but McIntyre for a third time knocked him silly with the Glasgow Kiss! The headbutt to the jaw rocked Orton to the core, when an RKO was attempted. Drew was able to send his rival off into the ropes, witnessing Orton come back to receive the Claymore Kick! For good measure, "the Scottish Terminator" returned to the corner and executed one more Claymore Kick to claim the victory!

Winner, and still WWE World Champion: Drew McIntyre (20:52)

'Claymore Country' brought the WWE World Champion to retain his title. An all-out war with Randy Orton behind him, Drew McIntyre stumbled back to his feet. Aided by the referee, he would have his hand raise, being presented with the title he had worked tirelessly to hold onto. Randy Orton rolled out to the floor a beaten man, having tried everything within his power to ensure he left Backlash as the nine-time WWE World Champion. Instead, it was the 35 year-old from Ayr, Scotland, who was becoming more of a Legend with each and every title defense. Adding Orton to his list of victories, "the Collector" he was - but as Drew raised the title high, out came Bobby Lashley! "The All Mighty" was not dressed for competition, but held the Money in the Bank briefcase in hand. Flanked by his wife Lana and his close advisor MVP, the power trio were dressed to impress. Drew was surprised to find Bobby smile at him and offer a handshake! Unsure what to make of it all, the Scotsman refused to turn his back to the contingent. MVP and Lana applauded Drew, when even more puzzlingly - Lashley opted to be the first man to leave the ring! Lashley tapped his briefcase reminding the champ who had the power of cashing in.

An advertisement aired, centered around he countless weapons and stunts used by WWE Superstars, such as table smashes, ladder dives, cage falls, chair swings and step blows; it was 'The One Night A Year WWE Goes Extreme'. WWE Extreme Rules would air live on the WWE Network on Sunday, July 19.

Brothers Against The Good Brothers
With their flag raised ever-high, the O.C. brought their detestable rebellion to Backlash inside the WWE Performance Center. What had begun in the aftermath of WrestleMania, where their best friend AJ Styles found himself buried alive at the hands of "the Phenom", Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson had begun a campaign of sorts. It was a protest designed to call WWE higher management's attention, and demand repercussions for the Undertaker's deeds over the past thirty years! Climbing into the ring, "the Big LG" continued to wave his flag high, while K.A. presented a picket sign in hand. Reading #DownWithDeadman", Karl began by ranting about how this had all gone on long enough. For over two months, they had waited for change and action from the WWE. Gallows said they should have known better than WWE to put a WWE Superstar's health and wellbeing ahead of the coveted U.S. dollar. Anderson claimed that enough was enough, because it was time for a change! Ordering that "the Deadman" be held personally responsible for what he had done, Anderson claimed that they were officially as of this moment on strike!

Luke Gallows agreed, telling the WWE Universe that they were not leaving the ring until they had heard from the horse's mouth itself. Karl Anderson demanded to hear from the brass, stating that until they were met by someone from the Board of Directors, the O.C. were not planning on leaving the ring! The O.C. were holding up Backlash, as "the Big LG" tried to defend their actions: reiterating that they weren't moving an inch. Abruptly, hellfire and brimstone appeared - and moments later, out walked Kane! "The Big Red Monster" donned the mask once more, not planning on negotiating with the O.C. by any means. Kane immediately went at it with Gallows and Anderson, with throat thrusts and uppercuts rocking both men. K.A. struck with a chop block enabling Gallows to sound off with uppercuts of his own, but Kane responded with a sidewalk slam for Anderson! Gallows was grabbed by the throat, with a Chokeslam in mind - but K.A. low blowed him from behind. Gallows struck with a big boot, when the O.C. delivered the Magic Killer! Standing tall, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows continued to run their mouths over Kane's fallen body; Gallows breaking the picket sign over the WWE Legend's spine!

Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows took the microphone and questioned if that was all WWE had to offer. "The Big LG" called Kane a hasbeen from the past, claiming the Mayor of Knox County couldn't save WWE from them! The O.C. reiterated that they weren't leaving - when a gong came over the WWE Performance Center. An eerie blue light shone, and smoke filled the WWEPC providing flashbacks for "the Goodbrothers!" Anderson and Gallows prepared to fight, when the lights went out - returning with the Undertaker's abrupt arrival! Anderson and Gallows were mortified to see "the Deadman!" Deciding to run for the hills, they turned around to be faced by Kane. The Brothers of Destruction closed in, with Undertaker and Kane bringing the fight to the O.C. members. KA and "the Big LG" tried to run, just for Kane to take Gallows down with the Chokeslam. Anderson tried to run too, only to be dragged in by both WWE Legends. Kane clutched him by the throat, before tossing him to Undertaker: for the Tombstone Piledriver to leave KA laying. The O.C.'s strike was over, as far as the Brothers of Destruction were concerned. Undertaker and Kane stood in dominance, as they saluted one another alone in the ring.

☰☰☰

An advertisement aired, promoting all of the merchandise available on WWEShop.com. "Find What Fits You".

On a splitscreen, the WWE Universal Champion Jeff Hardy and his challenger Sheamus both headed for the ring. Walking hallways of the WWE Performance Center, momentuous music played in the background as personal matters had brought them here. For "the Celtic Warrior", it was about avenging the loss from the WWE Universal Championship Tournament Finals back at Money in the Bank. For "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior", it was about avenging all of the nasty comments made from the Irishman about his struggles with addiction. It would all be settled - in a Ladder match!

Following discussion from Michael Cole and Corey Graves, a video package aired, recapping what led Jeff Hardy and Sheamus to the Ladder match tonight. In the fallout of WrestleMania, destiny called to eight SmackDown Superstars as the WWE Universal Championship was declared vacant. At Money in the Bank, all it took was one misstep from Sheamus to allow "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" to prosper and embark on a path of redemption. As Jeff once again thrived on top of the SmackDown Brand however, "the Celtic Warrior" was the one to give the new champ a rude awakening. A brutal attack led to Sheamus using a ladder against the North Carolinian, and the Irishman would reveal the well-documented skeletons in Hardy's closet. Yet as Jeff battled inner-turmoil with his demons, he refused to stand down. To Sheamus, it was about gaining what he felt was owed to him for years of service. To Jeff, it was about not only hanging onto the prize he strived through battles to catch another glimpse of the top prize, but avenge all of the disrespect hurled his way by Sheamus. At Backlash, it was declared they would once again do battle - in a Ladder match.

As Greg Hamilton introduced the rules for the main event, a ladder stood ominously in the aisleway. Sheamus came bursting out to the stage with arms stretched wide open, the light reflecting from the challenger's pale skin. En route to ringside, "the Celtic Warrior" glanced upward and observed the ladder, taking several steps up. Posing alongside it, the Irishman felt at home at such a height - but one had to call into question whether he knew what he was in for. Climbing into the ring, Sheamus waited, all the while glancing up at the WWE Universal Championship hanging in the balance.

"The Celtic Warrior" warmed up in black and white trunks, Jeff Hardy soon made his arrival - with a familiar soundtrack blasting throughout the WWE Performance Center! "No More Words" by Endeverafter played the WWE Universal Champion to the stage, full of adrenaline in a fishnet black shirt. With Dark Maul-inspired facepaint, "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" raced to the ring, ducking the ladder in the aisleway. As Hardy took to the corners to greet the WWE Universe, Sheamus waited patiently at ringside. He and Hardy would eventually took their corners, as Greg Hamilton offered formal introductions.

8) WWE Universal Championship - Ladder match
Jeff Hardy (c) vs Sheamus

The bell sounded, as Sheamus and Jeff Hardy both stepped forward. After the intense battles the two had had over the past several weeks, the WWE Universal Championship cast a shadow over each man as they both looked upward. From there, Sheamus threw a punch - but Jeff saw it coming! Blocking with several of his own, "the Celtic Warrior" got in a knee lift before sending Jeff face-first into the turnbuckle pad. With two more body blows using his knee in the corner, Jeff would quickly turn it around on him. The redhead was cornered with rights and lefts, until an eye rake saw the Irishman stumble out. Hitting the ropes, "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" would duck a back elbow and come flying back with a flying forearm! Landing atop Sheamus and burying him in punches, the challenger ducked out to the ringside area - but Jeff was not about to let up. Climbing to the top rope, the WWE Universal Champion dedicated himself to the adrenaline he had craved his entire career - a diving crossbody taking Sheamus out on the floor! The WWE Universe were fully behind the champ, as he headed toward the ladder on the rampway.

The WWE Universal Champion reached the ladder and took it down, planning to retrieve his title early. Sheamus crawled back to his feet, receiving a shot to the chest from the lengthways steel grasped in the hands of Jeff Hardy! Dumping it on top of "the Celtic Warrior", he put the boots to him before hoisting it back up. Resting it diagonally against the ring apron, Sheamus blocked an attempt at sending him face-first into the steel. Instead dropping "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" with a body slam on top of it, Hardy's body sadistically rolled down the ladder to the ringside floor! But that wasn't all, as the Irishman proceeded to send the champ face-first a second time - this time using a catapult! As Hardy collapsed to the floor a second time, the redhead slid the ladder inside with plans to claim what he believed was rightfully his. Set up, Sheamus climbed halfway up when Jeff crawled back inside. With shots to the back, Hardy dragged his foe back down by the foot. Another fistfight broke out, but Sheamus would knock Hardy down hard with a clothesline. Running his mouth, Sheamus knelt beside him and began punishing the champ with right hands!

"The Celtic Warrior" picked Jeff Hardy up with the fireman's carry, delivering him handily to the ring apron. As Sheamus turned his attention back to the ladder however, he did not see the WWE Universal Champion scale the top rope like a cat - and a missile dropkick would take down not only Sheamus, but the ladder! Stumbling back to their feet, Jeff rocked the challenger with a second dropkick. As the redhead blocked a toe kick, Hardy responded with a spinout enzuigiri that sent him through the ropes. Picking up the ladder, the champ proceeded to use it as a battering ram - knocking Sheamus from the apron to the floor! Scurrying to reset the ladder in the center, "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" proceeded to climb when once again came Sheamus. Looking to drag Jeff down by the feet, Hardy clung to the rung of the ladder like a pull-up bar - wrapping his legs around the Irishman's head and executing a hurricanrana! Knocking the ladder down, Hardy delivered a gourdbuster right on top of the steel to leave the Irishman clutching his ribs in pain. Hardy slowly set the ladder back up but as he climbed, Sheamus shoulder barged the ladder over - and Hardy landed throat-first on the top rope.

Jeff Hardy rolled out to the apron, but Sheamus walked over with further punishment in mind. "The Rainbow-Haired Warrior" initially tried to fight what he sensed was coming next, when the redhead began to pound without relent at the chest of the WWE Universal Champion! Beats of Bodhran impacted the chest of the champ hard, when Sheamus tore open his fishnet shirt. The facepaint was beginning to peel away from Hardy's face, as "the Celtic Warrior" dragged Hardy back inside the hard way with a hip toss over the top rope! Landing spine-first across the ladder, Sheamus teased Jeff's past habits and advised he consider medication for that landing. Rolling out to ringside, Sheamus curiously secured a second ladder and prepared toslide it inside - when suddenly Hardy came bounding back with a baseball slide! The ladder went straight into the face of the challenger, who fell to the ringside floor in a heap. Bleeding from the nose, Hardy paid tribute to his brother Matt Hardy with a diving axe handle off the apron. Sliding the ladder into the ring, Jeff led Sheamus back inside, before charging at the corner with a leaping one-man Poetry in Motion!

"The Celtic Warrior" went down to all fours again, when Jeff Hardy used the second ladder to dump it on top of Sheamus. Ascending the second ladder, the WWE Universal Champion prepared to retrieve his gold just for Sheamus to hurl the second ladder into the spine of the champ! "The Rainbow-Haired Warrior" dropped to the canvas, where the Irishman effortlessly delivered a running powerslam. Sheamus again laughed at the expense of his rival, advising he consider special help to fix his aches and pains. Climbing the ladder, Sheamus believed he was in for an easy night just for Hardy to come from behind once again! With the blunt edge of the ladder into the spine, the challenger was stopped in his tracks, when Hardy propped the ladder between two rungs of the first ladder, and balanced it across the middle rope! Jeff tried to batter Sheamus down with lefts and rights, when stopped dead in his tracks following a big boot. Another fireman's carry dropped Jeff jaw-first on the horizontal ladder, when the challenger knocked Hardy down to the ringside floor with a jumping knee strike! The redhead used the vertical ladder to climb once more, and Jeff appeared out of it.

Sheamus reached high for the WWE Universal Championship overhead, when foam shot up in his face - from a fire extinguisher! Jeff Hardy had smartly saved his title reign with whatever had been hiding beneath the ring, and climbed up the opposite side. Sheamus tried wiping the foam from his eyes as "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" resumed hammering him with whatever he had. An eye rake saw "the Celtic Warrior" even his visible odds, but Jeff would clunk his opponent wih a shot from the base of the extinguisher tank! Landing spine first and bouncing off the horizontally laid ladder below, Jeff saw his opportunity and tried reaching the top - only to have Sheamus tip the two ladders over in desperation! Hardy landed on his feet, but would leapfrog the fallen-sideways ladders with a flying forearm for the challenger. More shots in the corner saw the challenger headbutt to gain a breather, just for Hardy to attempt the Twist of Fate. Sheamus reversed, catching Hardy with the Irish Curse backbreaker! Two more in succession landed, with "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" left down and broken.

Back to the ladder, Sheamus set the ladder up and began to climb - but Jeff Hardy dragged himself up using the rungs on the opposite side. "The Celtic Warrior" could not help but shake his head in dismay. The resilience of the WWE Universal Champion would surely kill him, Sheamus mused, as he reached for a handful of hair before clubbing him with another right hand. Jeff was dazed, as Sheamus hoisted him over his shoulder - the White Noise supposedly next in line. But instead, Jeff would land on his feet on the canvas below, and a sunset flip would bring Sheamus crashing down on the canvas! The WWE Universe on-hand in the WWE Performance Center had to be loving every moment of this Ladder match confrontation, as the wounded champ used the ropes to bring himself back to a vertical base. "The Rainbow-Haired Warrior" reset the ladder and slowly began to climb, as Sheamus remained motionless on the edge of the apron. Hardy had one hand on the title gold, when down to the ring came Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura! After "the Artist's" unsuccessful opportunity three weeks ago, Shin climbed the ladder as Cesaro crept up on the same side of Hardy.

Forty-eight hours after The Bar's battle leading to reuniting against Jeff Hardy on Friday Night SmackDown, Sheamus had reinforcements in the Artist Collective's own! Shinsuke Nakamura landed forearm strikes to Jeff Hardy, when Cesaro bombsrded from behind with similar. Jeff skulked lifelessly to the canvas, when "the Artist" and "the Swiss Cyborg" went over to Sheamus. Helping "the Celtic Warrior" to his feet frantically, Sheamus shook off the cobwebs and began to climb the ladder with Cesaro's help. Jeff tried to battle Cesaro in the ring, only to be struck with the Kinshasa for his troubles! Cesaro dropped him with the Neutralizer for good measure... when down the rampway darted Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak! The new WWE Intercontinental Champion and his training partner evened the odds against Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura, with the four men battling to the ringside floor. Sheamus was on his way to the WWE Universal Championship, when Jeff miraculously came back to life with a dropkick sending the ladder tipping over. As the Irishman collapsed to the canvas, he rolled out to the floor. Jeff would ascend the steel throne - being offered one of two options.

Glancing up one more time at the WWE Universal Championship, Jeff Hardy's daredevil instincts led to another moment of inner-turmoil for the champion. Surveying the chaotic five-man melee at ringside meanwhile, "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" took a death-defying choice by climbing to the top of the ladder and soaring through the heavens onto Sheamus, Daniel Bryan, Cesaro, Drew Gulak and Shinsuke Nakamura! The WWE Performance Center was loud for the Ladder match combatants, as all six men laid beaten down at ringside. Jeff was somehow the first man to move, and he used every ounce of energy he had left to climb back into the ring. Reaching to the skies for the ladder once more, Hardy was slow to ascend. He saw the title between his fingertips, but found himself on the receiving end of the Brogue Kick! The ladder sent Jeff face-first bouncing off the top turnbuckle, as a bloodied Sheamus pounded his chest in anticipation. A second Brogue Kick went missed, and much like at Money in the Bank, Jeff would knock him down with a dropkick! Dumping the ladder on top of him, Jeff ascended to the top rope before flying with the Swanton Bomb - but nobody was home!

As Jeff Hardy laid in agony on the canvas, Sheamus counted his lucky stars for having barely evaded the Swanton Bomb with the ladder over him. Spitting up blood, "the Celtic Warrior" rolled out and caused the announce team to flee. Removing the table covering, Sheamus returned and dragged Hardy out by the foot. With a Powerbomb teased, Sheamus had cruel intentions for the WWE Universal Champion. Transitioning into an attempt at the High Cross through the announce table, Hardy was barely able to land out on his feet! In desperation, a shot from an announce table monitor knocked the Irishman loopy on top of the table's surface. Moments after, Hardy would reveal a third ladder - much taller than the other two! Setting it up at ringside, Jeff looked to finish the job he started over two weeks ago on Friday Night SmackDown. Ripping off the remaining stitches of his shirt, Jeff let out a battlecry before coming off the top of the ladder with a diving legdrop - both he and Sheamus going through the table! The WWE Performance Center was buzzing, as Jeff Hardy and Sheamus laid unconscious in the debris - all the while, the gold continued to hang in the balance.

Jeff Hardy and Sheamus came to and crawled back to their feet. "The Rainbow-Haired Warrior" used the ring apron for leverage, and Sheamus would take full advantage with the Brogue Kick connecting! With a cocky grin, "the Celtic Warrior" was a crimson mask, soon noticing the steel steps. Taking them apart, Sheamus laid Hardy's foot on the chopping block before acquiring the upper set! Much like he had done to Braun Strowman two months ago, Sheamus prepared to sideline Jeff once again - but the WWE Universal Champion narrowly avoided disaster! Rights and lefts saw Jeff hammer Sheamus into the ring post, with the champ sending his challenger's head bouncing off the steel. With no desire to quit, Jeff would execute the Twist of Fate - Sheamus landing right on top of the lower steps! The champ was battered, bruised and sore - but made extra sure that the Irishman would not be getting back up. Retrieving three more ladders from under the ring, Hardy dumped each of them on top of Sheamus! Burying him, Hardy returned inside and slowly scaled to the top of the ladder. As Sheamus tried to push the ladders' combined weight from him, Hardy retrieved the title!

Winner, and still WWE Universal Champion: Jeff Hardy (23:00)

The Visitor
There was no mountain Jeff Hardy could not climb, and he had just proven that the outcome of Money in the Bank was no fluke! Sheamus remained barely visible under the wreckage stack of ladders at ringside, knowing he was unsuccessful on this night despite all of his best efforts. A broken, battered and bruised man, "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" was reunited with the WWE Universal Championship he had been without all day long. "The Celtic Warrior" had proven to be a formidable foe, but in this redemption arc for Jeff Hardy on Friday Night SmackDown - anything was possible, and the sky was the limit! Jeff Hardy posed with the title raised high, tearfully basking in the response from the WWE Universe on-hand in the WWE Performance Center. What had been a war was over now, but the question remained: who was next for "the Charismatic Enigma" to face?

One by one, the lights would go out. As darkness came over the WWE Performance Center, the WWE Universal Champion remained atop the ladder. Suddenly, with a mere eerie red glowing light shining over the WWEPC, Jeff Hardy looked around - before being met by The Fiend creeping up the other side of the ladder. As the high-pitched squeals of "the New Face of Fear's" calling card echoed throughout the building, "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" was terrified by the creature he was faced with!

☰☰☰

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Posts: 18,080

· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Jan 31, 2023 13:31:46 GMT -5

Quote

Post by DTP. on Jan 31, 2023 13:31:46 GMT -5

Coronavirus cases nearing 2 million in US with at least 110,514 deaths

June 8, 2020

Coronavirus cases in the US are nearing 2 million, and at least 110,514 people have died of the virus, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University.

There are at least 1,942,363 cases of coronavirus across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and other US territories, as well as repatriated cases -- the highest figure of any country in the world.

New York has the highest number of cases of any state at 378,097 and the most deaths, at 30,374.

There are now more than 7 million cases worldwide and 400,000 deaths globally.

Coronavirus cases are rising faster than ever -- at a rate of more than 100,000 day -- propelled by a steep increase in case numbers in South and Latin America and the Caribbean.

JUNE 15, 2020 OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: DEATH OF MR. WRESTLING II

IN YOUR HOUSE The 6/7 Takeover In Your House show was a mostly good easy watch. The show went two hours 17 minutes, and in this day and age without fans, shorter is almost always going to better. Four of the six matches were good, and one of the two that was nothing special was by design and accomplished its key goal. The main event delivered. There was some nice lighthearted entertainment from the nostalgia of the In Your House name.

While the show was built around the women's title match where Io Shirai took the title by winning over Charlotte Flair, there was also an element of the show dedicated to what happens now with Adam Cole remaining NXT champion. There remains a divide in the creative team as to whether to pull the trigger and crown Velveteen Dream as the guy to end Cole's historic reign, though he also has his detractors. While he would be the first homegrown WWE Performance Center talent to capture the NXT title, many believe the 24-year old lacks the maturity believed to carry the title. It is no secret that Dream has often caught heat in locker rooms for his attitude, and some believe the weird fiasco with the Instagram messages recently to be a red flag for what could follow. Initially, he was penned to not only beat Cole at this show, before the pandemic began, but to do so in a singles program after some big chase. Evidently did that not only not happen, but it appears they are experimenting with alternative options. Finn Balor being the big one.

The show featured two other title changes as Keith Lee regained the NXT North American title, and Kushida won a simply awesome match against El Hijo Del Fantasma in the finals of the NXT Interim Cruiserweight Tournament. With Jordan Devlin stuck in England, despite attempts to bring him to the USA, it appears the plan is now to roll with Kushida as the full-time champ. There is still chance they will revisit this in a Shawn Michaels-Razor Ramon angle when travel is again permitted. Kushida and Fantasma had perhaps the best match of the pandemic so far.

Candice LeRae turned heel, as Karrion Kross went over Tommaso Ciampa in decisive fashion. Some were stunned to see them put Kross over so dominantly, but that's the idea with building a new major heel. While Candice's turn had been planned since Johnny Gargano's turn back in Portland, it is now known within the company that Gargano is awaiting call-up to either Raw or SmackDown. The same can be said for Matt Riddle, who at press time still holds the NXT Tag Team Championship with Timothy Thatcher.

AN ABSOLUTE ARRIVAL Ricky Starks, 30, made his debut for the company at the NXT Takeover show on 6/7. Interrupting Keith Lee's big title win with a promo that received rave reviews on Twitter, it is evident that appears to be the direction for him coming out of the gate. Starks' contract officially came up with Billy Corgan's NWA on 5/18, and was known about by every major company in the business. It was no secret AEW put feelers out for Starks, and both they and WWE recruited him heavily. Due to Covid, Ricky only put pen to paper on the deal the night before the show, on 6/6, and it was said to be a high-dollar number for NXT, which is surprising after the budget cuts of the past two months. An individual close to Paul Levesque claimed that higher ups in the company "saw money" when they saw and heard Starks' performance at In Your House.

UNDER THE KNIFE Jinder Mahal underwent knee surgery this past week in Birmingham. Originally it was scheduled to be minor surgery but the damage ended up being more significant than expected. There was a report regarding a McIntyre vs. Mahal program that had to be scrapped. This probably explains why Heath Slater's on-screen involvement continued while Mahal was nowhere to be seen. While he is working without a deal even still, Slater is figured into creative plans for the foreseeable on a pay-per-appearance exclusive clause. This has similarly been offered to a few of the key releases from April's cuts.

SING THE BLUES Elias has been absent since WrestleMania due to a torn pec. Generally that's close to an eight month return, sometimes a little shorter, with surgery. Some don't have surgery. While we have no confirmation a surgery took place, one would figure his return late this year.

ON PAUSE As WWE expectedly canceled their dates in Japan from 7/2 to 7/4, in similar news also canceled was the 7/24 and 7/25 tapings for NXT U.K. in Glasgow. The WWE has nothing on the schedule at this point for the U.K. brand until October.

EVOLVE IN THE AIR There has been a lot of talk in recent weeks regarding the future of Evolve and WWE. It’s not a secret Evolve had major financial issues and the canceling of WrestleMania week was catastrophic to them. They’ve been quiet, having not said anything. There were reports of them selling their tape library and pretty much everything to WWE but when asked, neither Evolve nor WWE would confirm or deny the story

BELLA FOREVER Total Bellas was renewed for a sixth season in the fall

WON Ratings:
Cole/Dream/Bálor - NXT TakeOver 6/7 - ***½
Lee vs Priest - NXT TakeOver 6/7 - ****
Kushida vs Fantasma - NXT TakeOver 6/7 - ****½
Ciampa vs Kross - NXT TakeOver 6/7 - **¼
Shirai vs Charlotte - NXT TakeOver 6/7 - ****
Garza vs Mysterio - RAW 6/8 - ***½
Sheamus vs Cesaro - SmackDown 6/12 - ***¾

TV Ratings:
SmackDown 6/5 - 2.06 million viewers
RAW 6/8 - 1.73 million viewers
NXT 6/10 - 0.66 million viewers

Last Edit: Jan 31, 2023 13:32:17 GMT -5 by DTP.

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· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Feb 5, 2023 5:45:42 GMT -5

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Post by DTP. on Feb 5, 2023 5:45:42 GMT -5

Monday Night RAW #1412 – June 15, 2020
WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida
ONE DAY REMOVED FROM BACKLASH

WWE Main Event #403 – June 19, 2020
- Cedric Alexander def. Riddick Moss with the Lumbar Check. Riddick Moss approached announcers Tom Phillips and MVP after the match and emotionally expressed that he would be reunited with the WWE 24/7 Championship. (5:27)
- RAW Women's Champion Asuka def. Sarah Logan (with Ruby Riott) with the Asuka Lock. (8:03)

A video package aired, taking us back to the events of last night's WWE Backlash. The WWE World Championship was on the line between Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton, as weeks of animosity and psychological warfare had brought the two combatants to battle. "The Apex Predator" used his veteran craftmanship to one-up "the Scottish Terminator" at every turn, but through sheer perseverance, the Scotsman would take "the Viper" to 'Claymore Country' to come out on top. Yet, just when his battle was won, out walked the Money in the Bank briefcase holder Bobby Lashley. "The All Mighty" made no bones about the fact that he was coming for his title - but it remained a question of where and when his challenge may come about.

From 'WWE Backstage' to Monday Nights
The opening video package aired, cutting to the WWE Performance Center for Monday Night RAW. Twenty-four hours after WWE Backlash, Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton greeted us to the fallout of last night's extravaganza. A limited selection of the WWE Universe were present behind the plexiglass walls surrounding the ringside area, when unexpectedly Christian made his arrival! The WWE Hall of Famer and frequent contributor on FS1's 'WWE Backstage' wore smart-casual clothes and pointed his fingers out to his Peeps in the audience. Assuming his position alongside Tom and Byron, Christian claimed that 'the Peep Show' had returned to Monday nights - he was proud to be named the newest analyst on Monday Night RAW's broadcast team!

︾︾︾

Shooting His Shot
The ring was set up for 'the Kevin Owens Show', as ring announcer Mike Rome presented the host of the show Kevin Owens to the WWE Performance Center. Receiving a positive ovation from the people in attendance, a bandaged KO came walking out in his T-shirt, a necktie and a blazer! With a hobble after his intense Falls Count Anywhere match last night at WWE Backlash, Owens saluted the WWE Universe, taking a seat. Rejoicing in the comfort of his seat, he admitted to feeling nothing but agony after the fight with Samoa Joe last night. Kevin spoke about all of the things that "the Coquina Destroyer" had done. He'd cost him WrestleMania against Seth Rollins, sidelined him with injuries, but above all else...he had hogged opportunities from him. It was one thing to bring his family into it, when he was the one responsible for taking money straight out of his pocket, and therefore taking food from his family's table. But after all was said and done last night...Kevin Owens was the better man!

While 'Fight Owens Fight' was far more than a catchphrase, Kevin Owens claimed he was glad to move on from Samoa Joe, and to step into his agenda for tonight - hosting 'the Kevin Owens Show' with a rousing special guest! The host outlined what his guest did last night at Backlash, in surviving the onslaught of Randy Orton - introducing the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre! "The Scottish Terminator" emerged in a dress shirt and suit pants, styling and profiling with the title in hand. Climbing into the ring, Drew shook hands with Kevin, who feigned hardly being able to get to his feet. They bantered back and forth about Drew dressing for the occasion, because 'the KO Show' was the hottest thing to hit Monday nights in quite some time. McIntyre joked that since he made it out of Backlash with the WWE World Championship, he felt like he had no other choice! Drew knew he had a long way to go until his words could be said in the same sentence as Ric Flair or The Rock.

He wanted the WWE Universe to know one day he would reach that pinnacle, planning to go down in history as one of the all-time greats. Kevin Owens joked, adding his name to that list of men, before asking all about his game of human chess with Randy Orton. He acted friendly, joking he'd barely been in the ring with "the Viper", when Drew compared it to competing with a genius. He noted that while Randy could be downright diabolical, he could also be incredibly cunning. He was no slouch and knew every aspect of the game...but all it took was three, two, one - and with that, "the Apex Predator" was sent straight down to 'Claymore Country!' Drew congratulated KO on his own victory against Samoa Joe, to which the host thanked him. Kev brought up Bobby Lashley coming down to the ring and asked Drew for his honest opinion of the Money in the Bank holder. Drew asked KO how candid he could be, before telling him Bobby was a tease.

The WWE World Champion displayed the title on his lap and told Kevin Owens that being the champ meant he was on top of the mountain, and with that came immense responsibility. In his time as champion, he had fought off allcomers already - from Big Show to Edge to Randy Orton. While "the All Mighty" could come get his chance whenever he wanted, all it took was for him or someone else to come crawling out of the woodwork to challenge him for a shot. Drew would be happy to give it! Owens found that interesting, bringing up the list of opponents "the Scottish Terminator" had beaten. He asked Drew if he had it his way, who he would put the title on the line against next...but McIntyre looked eyes with the host! Drew told Kevin if he knew any better, when he invited him onto 'the Kevin Owens Show', he had an ulterior motive! McIntyre asked Kev what was stopping him from stepping up to the plate, bringing no comment from "the Prize Fighter!"

Drew McIntyre quizzed the WWE Universe on who wanted to see him defend the WWE World Championship against Kevin Owens tonight, when the O.C. broke the tension! Disgraced after being lambasted by the Brothers of Destruction last week, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson came storming out to the rampway. Anderson was hot, a microphone in hand, as he told Drew McIntyre and Kevin Owens they had heard and seen enough! All of this salivating over gold was sickening. Gallows agreed, commenting on how McIntyre and Owens were taking all of the credit for the blood, sweat and tears they spilled last night. As KA described the beating he and "the Big LG" received from the Undertaker and Kane, McIntyre and Owens had fun at their expense, asking if they were humiliated. Foolishly, they agreed! Gallows piped in to raise a new picket-sign high - reading "#Justice4TheOC!" Anderson reeled off their worldwide list of achievements, when KO questioned if this was going somewhere.

While Kevin Owens was sore and hurting from the Falls Count Anywhere match against Samoa Joe, the host of 'the Kevin Owens Show' told the O.C. he was agitated they would come out uninvited and ruin Drew McIntyre's valuable talk-time! KO quizzed the WWE Universe how much they wanted to see he and the WWE World Champion shoot the breeze, to a positive response. Luke Gallows bragged they were the ones deserving of talktime, glory and the gold - but KO responded that nobody wanted to see the two baldies talk! Bandaged and bruised and all, Owens challenged the O.C. to come and change his mind - even offering them a spot on 'the KO Show' if they could beat him down right here and now. Gallows and Anderson huddled momentarily, before coming to the ring - with McIntyre in sight too! Owens and McIntyre stood side by side, but just when they were about to enter, the O.C. got cold feet. Electing to fight later tonight, "the Good Brothers" planned to change the perception after last night - for good.

Tonight - WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre and Kevin Owens vs The O.C.

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Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and their new broadcast colleague Christian recapped what just happened with the tag team challenge made for tonight, before going back to last night at WWE Backlash. As stills showed of Kevin Owens and Samoa Joe's Falls Count Anywhere match, the broadcast team revealed that Samoa Joe had suffered a fractured clavicle and would miss six-to-eight weeks of action. Shifting gears to tonight on Monday Night RAW, Seth Rollins and the Church were preparing the apparent "Funeral" of Aleister Black!

The Church hosts 'the Funeral of Aleister Black'
WWE United States Champion Andrade and Los Lotharios vs Los Mysterios and TBA
Bowling - The Street Profits (2) vs The Viking Raiders (1)
Shayna Baszler vs Liv Morgan

A video graphic aired, showing that Monday Night RAW was emanating from the WWE Performance Center - the WWE's "Athletic Hub" for future WWE Superstars.

Crossing the Snake
Earlier today Randy Orton arrived at the WWE Performance Center. "The Apex Predator" was in a foul mood when he passed Ricochet and Cedric Alexander. Turning back to confront the two, he was paranoid following the events of Backlash. "The Future of Flight" and "Lumbar Legacy" denied saying anything, though he persisted they had something to say about last night! "The Viper" ranted about how Drew McIntyre was lucky to make it out as WWE World Champion. In a rematch, he would not be so lucky. Cedric worked to diffuse the situation - until Ricochet butted in. Refusing to be shoved around, he joked about Randy choking at 'the Big One' last night, causing Orton to seethe! Ignoring his threats, Ricochet said Randy could do what he'd done to other WWE Superstars, but Ricochet dared him to try and catch him. Challenging him to a match tonight, Randy warned him he didn't want to do this. Determined, Ricochet told him he did. He was out to turn some heads tonight.

Tonight - Randy Orton vs Ricochet

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1) Bianca Belair def. Ruby Riott (with Sarah Logan) (6:20)
- The Riott Squad voiced their opinions in an insert video during their entrance, as they congratulated Bianca Belair on a job well done overcoming Nia Jax. Despite "the EST" using her incredible power to hoist the humongous "Irresistible Force" off her feet however, Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan remained unimpressed. The two planned to beat some respect into the new girl on the block.
- "The EST" scored her biggest win since joining the RAW Brand last week, when she was able to come out on top against Nia Jax in the rubber match. Bianca Belair had the WWE Universe on her side, but tonight faced a very different opponent in one-half of the Riott Squad. Sarah Logan lurked ringside allowing the hot-headed punk rocker to strike, though the unquestionable power of Belair saw a biel toss send Riott across the ring! Logan again teased involving herself, which in turn enabled Riott to drop her with a flatliner. Ruby would send Bianca to the floor for an attempted attack from Sarah, but a forearm smash rocked her! A dive under the middle rope saw Ruby intervene, and a super kick saw her achieve a near fall. Ruby missed We Riot! from the top rope, and a comeback saw Belair catch her with the Alley Oop! Bianca warded off another distraction from Logan, and a hair whip would knock Riott silly - setting her up for the K.O.D for the three count.

"The EST" continued her hot streak after action against a game Ruby Riott. The Riott Squad's number advantage backfired, as Bianca Belair overcame her and Sarah Logan's antics. Strutting about the ring with her hand raised by the official, the newest arrival to Monday Night RAW was quickly becoming a household name.

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Erase the Rat
Charly Caruso was standing by backstage with La Invasíon, where she wished to speak to Los Lotharios about their loss last night to the father-son duo of Rey and Dominik Mysterio. Zelina Vega told Charly she wouldn't get to hear from them, because she was in the presence of "El Capo". The WWE United States Champion stood in pristine condition, assuring Zelina that Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo worked valiantly to keep the rat out of the business where he belonged. Unfortunately, that rat was proving to be a big problem. "El Idolo" talked about Rey and Dom getting lucky, and how proud the old man had to be of his son in his in-ring debut...unfortunately for "the Legendary Luchador", it would not last for long. Andrade declared that tonight, he and Los Lotharios would get even - and it didn't matter who Los Mysterios had to join them. La Invasíon departed the scene, when Angel returned, making eyes at the broadcast journalist. She would respond with a choice look of her own.

Following discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian, a video package aired recapping the horrific incident which befell Aleister Black. One night removed from Money in the Bank, "the Ominous Man from Amsterdam" once again refused to join Seth Rollins' Church despite his insistence. As "the Monday Night Messiah" wished to supposedly apologize to the WWE Universe, his Disciples would hit the ring and begin a beatdown of Black. With Seth at the helm, he at first thought better of the Stomp for Black - before heinously sending him eye-first into the corner of the steel steps. Supposedly blinding him beyond repair, tonight the WWE Performance Center would wait, as the Church had vowed to host a funeral in "the Anti-Hero's" name.

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2) Los Mysterios and Kane def. WWE United States Champion Andrade and Los Lotharios (with Zelina Vega) (10:27) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- As though last night's stunning reunion of the Brothers of Destruction wasn't enough, the father-son tag team who stole the show with an impeccable performance against Los Lotharios of La Invasíon had chosen their tag team partner to be none other than "the Big Red Monster" Kane. The WWE Legend's presence took Andrade and his men by surprise, as a big boot rocked Angel Garza before a sidewalk slam struck Humberto Carrillo. Rey and Dominik then took to the skies with a criss-cross diving crossbody and dive through the ropes to Los Lotharios - all as Andrade watched in astonishment! Zelina Vega tried to refocus the frustrated WWE United States Champion, who met eyes with "the Legendary Luchador" and his son.
- La Invasíon had begun to gang up on Rey Mysterio. Humberto Carrillo talked trash to Dominik, who tried entering and was restrained by the official. Andrade dragged Rey back to their corner for a further beating, as Angel Garza held a cobra clutch. Mysterio worked his way up and caught Garza by surprise, as a hurricanrana sent him into the ropes, just for "El Amante" to come rebounding with a springboard stunner! Los Lotharios impacted Rey with a double-team handspring Japanese armdrag, but as the WWE United States Champion toyed with him, Rey escaped with a snapmare into a roundhouse kick! Dominik tagged in and ran hot with a springboard crossbody to Humberto. With a springboard armdrag, suddenly "El Capo" struck him from behind! Andrade kicked Dom around, when Kane entered the fray bringing him to run! Humberto tried to ambush him, but "the Big Red Monster" delivered the Chokeslam! "La Estrella" received a springboard frog splash from Dom for his first win on Monday Night RAW!

La Invasíon were left livid at ringside, upon seeing Humberto Carrillo go decimated by the returning "Big Red Machine" Kane, as well as Dominik Mysterio. His father Rey Mysterio was quick to congratulate his son with a big hug, as Andrade snarled with a grotesque look of disapproval from the rampway, with Zelina Vega. Angel Garza clutched his shoulder, as Kane and Los Mysterios stood tall - with Kane raising his hands high before throwing them down with vigor.

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The WWE 24/7 Champion Shelton Benjamin swaggered the halls backstage, loving life after believing he had re-earned the nickname as "the Gold Standard". Shelton's demeanor soon changed, however, once he spotted ahead Riddick Moss. In a dirt-ridden and ripped Hawaiian shirt, Moss's beard and long brown hair appeared unkempt, as Benjamin covered his nose in the foul stench surrounding him. A dejected Moss approached Shelton and practically begged for him to help. He wasn't about to ask for much, but what he was about to ask for was all he wanted to ask. Benjamin kept distance with a joke, when Riddick confessed how broken and empty he had been since losing the title he now held. Moss wished for a rematch, and assured Shelton all he wanted to ask was a favor. As Shelton mocked the aroma of Moss resembling a Wendy's drive-thru, he could not help but take pity on him. Benjamin tried to decline the challenge, which only incensed Riddick - who quickly had Shelton running down the hall!

Tonight - WE 24/7 Championship - Shelton Benjamin (c) vs Riddick Moss

Following discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian, a video package aired recapping the RAW Women's Championship encounter between Asuka and Shayna Baszler, from Backlash. "The Queen of Spades" had long contended for such a crowning achievement, having snapped arms along her way to a meeting with "the Empress of Tomorrow". In a complex technical battle, it would be the Japanese sensation who came out on top as Asuka proved she was destined to be the champ.

Liv Morgan warmed up in the dressing room when approached by her mentor Natalya. Poised to overcome Shayna Baszler tonight, Liv ran on the spot as Nattie asked her if she was ready. Liv claimed she was, that this was everything they had trained for. Nattie agreed, but maintained how dangerous "the Queen of Spades" was - and twenty-four hours after losing out on the RAW Women's Championship against Asuka at Backlash, she was going to be in a vicious mood. Thankfully for her, the Canadian was going to be in her corner in the event Shayna tried to add Liv to her hit list. Liv told Nattie that she felt good, fit and ready for the challenge, claiming that thanks to her this was the best she had ever been. With that said, she wanted to prove that on her own - so long as that was okay with her. Hiding her disappointment, Nattie accepted, before wishing her luck. Left to prepare, Morgan was in the zone.

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3) Randy Orton def. Ricochet (with Cedric Alexander) (10:33) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- "The Apex Predator" suffered a huge loss last night at Backlash against Drew McIntyre for the WWE World Championship, but his ever-dominant presence went challenged earlier today by Ricochet. Randy Orton planned to bounce back but would have a tough time as "the One and Only" shocked Orton with a series of armdrags and fast paced pinfall attempts. Orton missed a back elbow to cut his opponent's momentum short, but Ricochet would handspring into a headscissors sending the veteran to the floor! Even Cedric Alexander was impressed, when Ricochet teased a tope just for Orton to wisely evade it. Following him to the floor, Randy gained control with a poke to the eye before delivering a pounding against the barricade. Sending him spine-first, Orton sent Ricochet in just to have "the Future of Flight" respond with a leaping enzuigiri! It took "the Viper" from the apron, and finally a handspring corkscrew plancha saw Ricochet wipe Orton out!
- Ricochet continued to give Randy Orton all he had, but would miss a top rope attack. Rolling to his feet, "the Future of Flight" followed up, but was cutoff with the scoop powerslam! "The Viper" found his equalizer, and glared at Cedric Alexander as he began to stomp away at his partner. In the corner Orton threw wild punches, but Ricochet bit back with kicks. A top rope hurricanrana garnered a near fall, when followed by the standing shooting star press. Orton rolled out to safety, but this time Ricochet received an exploder suplex, bouncing him off of the plexiglass wall! Back inside "the One and Only" was stalked for an RKO, Bobby Lashley arrived on the rampway. Not forgetting last week, the Money in the Bank briefcase holder watched on, flanked by Lana and MVP. The distraction enabled Ricochet to land the Recoil for a close fall, when the underdog headed up top! The Shooting Star Press was attempted - but Orton caught him on the way down with the RKO. With eyes locked with Lashley, Orton secured the win.

It was a tremendous effort by "the Future of Flight", who had shown no quit despite the furious "Apex Predator's" onslaught. Randy Orton continued to meet eyes with Bobby Lashley, who smirked and folded his arms. With the Money in the Bank briefcase gripped tightly in the hands of his wife Lana, MVP whispered to "the All Mighty", who clearly had not forgotten the RKO received by his so-called tag team partner last week. But as "the Viper" came to his feet, he took his eyes off the ball - and Cedric Alexander came firing from behind! "Lumbar Legacy" was shooting his shot, when a handspring headscissors sent Orton into another Recoil from Ricochet. Cedric and Ricochet soon took to the skies as Orton rolled to the floor - two stereo turning planchas able to take out the veteran! As Ricochet and Cedric celebrated getting one over on Orton, Lashley appeared satisfied, as he and his inner circle departed once more.

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Out of His Mind?
The WWE United States Champion Andrade was depicted in a foul mood in the hallway, kicking over a steel cart of production equipment. Zelina Vega tried to follow "El Capo", who reiterated that he did not need to take that bull from such a big, ugly cabron! Talking about Kane coming back past his prime, he was an old dog waiting to be put down. The leader of La Invasíon remarked that it wasn't 1999 anymore, while his business associate hoped to calm him down. Vega claimed "the Big Red Monster" would pay and there would be other days for him to meet his match. Andrade had other plans however, declaring the night was still young. He was so livid, he dared to call Kane out to a match tonight. Mano e mano, he fancied finding out who the better man was. To further entice him, Andrade even dared to put his gold at stake! Zelina attempted to talk him out of the decision, but his mind was made up.

Tonight - WWE United States Championship - Andrade (c) vs Kane

A Reminder
Charly Caruso was joined by the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre, whom she wanted to talk to ahead of the tag team match with the O.C. tonight. Charly alluded to a unique relationship shared with Kevin Owens, prompting "the Scottish Terminator" to talk about the mutual respect he shared with KO. The two of them were men of the people, but they were also thick-skulled and goal-orientated. He knew exactly the type of guy he was - a "Prize Fighter". While Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson were public enemies number one and two, as far as he and Kev were concerned however, Drew knew exactly what his partner tonight wanted: raising the title high. Suddenly, Bobby Lashley entered the frame! After the confrontation last night after his title defence against Randy Orton, "the All Mighty" stood holding the Money in the Bank briefcase. With Lana and MVP present behind him, Lashley smirked in silence. Drew smiled back at him. Lashley, his wife and his advisor soon left, with not another word spoken.

︾︾︾

Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian recapped the series of unique challenges thrown out between the Viking Raiders and the Street Profits. Footage aired as the broadcast team narrated what had started as friendly competition, and how it had resulted in mini-golf, axe-throwing and basketball. This competitive game of 'Anything You Can, We Can Do Better' had led Montez Ford, Angelo Dawkins, Erik and Ivar to tonight - where the foursome competed in a highly-intense game of bowling!

Ten Pins
The Street Profits were already present at the bowling alley, but bickered about the ugliness of their bowling shoes! Montez Ford wanted to wear his brand new Jordans, but Angelo Dawkins reminded him that in order to overcome their enemies, they needed to think like their enemies. And just like that, wearing shirts, shoes and looking the part meant that they would sure as hell overcome the Viking Raiders. Suddenly the two were taken aback, once the Viking Raiders emerged. In bowling shirts, proper trousers, and yet with facepaint and woolly fur still present, Erik and Ivar arrived armed with bowling balls! The two teams traded barbs about the score between the two, and argued about who would come out on top. Meanwhile, an employee arrived with a tray of drinks and was unsuccessful in securing 'Tez, 'Ang, Erik or Ivar's attention. The scrawny staff member screeched to grab their attention, bringing the four contestants to take their drinks.

"The Modern Day Vikings" grabbed their comically large drinking vessels and declared a toast to their opponents, who raised their red cups high - just for the Street Profits to get their plastics crushed! A montage followed, showing highlights of the two teams' game. Montez Ford was full of confidence and rolled a bal, just to receive a gutterball in return! Erik and Ivar appeared surprisingly in their comfort zone, as they repeatedly rolled spares and strikes; and Ivar would even drop a bowling ball on Angelo Dawkins' foot! Later, the Street Profits were unable to find the Viking Raiders anywhere. It was their turn, and yet the two had declared it was lunch time - and were in the kitchen, where they were thrown out. But just when the two teams thought their game was over, with the Raiders being banned from the premises, the female employee who forced them from the kitchen did not bar them from the alley - considering Ivar "cute".

All was not going according to the Street Profits' plan, as the Viking Raiders were up 100-21. The montage continued, as Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins told an employee they wanted the smoke. The staff complied, turning the lights down low and initiating the smoke machines! Strobe lights packed the bowling alley, but Erik and Ivar's game only grew better. The Profits celebrated a string of strikes - and were able to bring the game to their court. The final turn for "the Modern Day Vikings" was all up to Erik, who was faced with a tough 7-10 split following his first turn. Wiping beads of sweat from his forehead, the entire bowling alley watched in wait, as Erik launched the ball...for the spare! Erik immediately rolled a strike - winning the Raiders the game! The alley broke into uproar, celebrating with the vikings. The Street Profits begrudgingly congratulated them, but they reminded them they were tied 2-2. It was time they ended this charade with one final tiebreaker! The two teams trash-talked, arguments ensuing even still!

'Anything You Can Do, We Can Do Better' - Decathlon - The Viking Raiders (2) vs The Street Profits

︾︾︾

The O.C. were all fired up, heading for the ring. After being humiliated by the Brothers of Destruction last night, they picked a fight with WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre and Kevin Owens - who they would meet up next!

The Gargantuan
A vignette aired, depicting an empty, dark and gloomy boxing gym. Inside, a colossal man was depicted pounding at a punching bag, which spun from its' holster. With his hood up, the gigantic arms could be seen on clear display, as he was then shown warming up in the gym. Pushing his limits on the treadmill, the huge man was finally seen stepping through the ropes. There, four aspiring wrestlers in training all eyed up the arrival of the giant - to get their heads crushed by the fearsome man. As a claw led to a face-clutching chokeslam on one of the trainees, the rest scrambled in terror. That's when the man lowered his hood - revealing "the Nigerian Gargantuan" Omos - coming soon to WWE.

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4) WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre and Kevin Owens def. The O.C. (9:14) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- The O.C's efforts to go on strike during Backlash was met by the unexpected return of the Brothers of Destruction, but in humiliation Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows returned tonight to target the WWE World Champion and the host of 'the Kevin Owens Show'. Drew McIntyre and Kevin Owens appeared to share respect as they began with a four-man free-for-all - quickly clearing the ring of "the Good Brothers". But they weren't finished there, as Owens would take out both men with a Cannonball senton, and the WWE World Champion would go tumbling after with a tope con hilo! Inside, McIntyre delivered a Buckle Bomb to Anderson when Owens tagged in with a codebreaker, though Gallows would intercept it. "The Big LG" struck with a thrust kick to KO, when "the Scottish Terminator" returned with the Glasgow Kiss! Anderson and Gallows were sent to the floor, with Gallows furious!
- Kevin Owens tried to fight his way from the O.C.'s corner, but as Owens cut an inbound Karl Anderson off with a clothesline, Luke Gallows struck from behind with a high kick to the back of the head! Anderson struck with a spinebuster, as now "the Good Brothers" worked to keep KO from Drew McIntyre. The WWE World Champion was mocked by Gallows and Anderson, which afforded "the Prize Fighter" time to strike with a super kick for Gallows! On the rebound, the Canadian caught Anderson with the Argentine backbreaker - when the tag was made to the champ. "The Scottish Terminator" ran wild on the O.C. with clotheslines and Beats of the Bodhran for Gallows on the ropes! A two-handed choke suplex to Anderson saw Drew kip up, when the inverted Alabama Slam dropped Anderson hard. Gallows intruded as the Boot of Doom connected - but KO would drop him with a Stunner! Anderson would miss the Rocket Kick, allowing McIntyre to secure victory with the Claymore Kick!

The WWE World Champion prospered with the assist from Kevin Owens, and the two would share the ring with one another after the bell. Luke Gallows helped his "Good Brother" Karl Anderson from the ring, clutching his jaw and cursing Drew McIntyre's name. "The Scottish Terminator" was all smiles, when Kev suddenly snatched the title from the champ's hands! Staring deeply into it, Owens raised it to McIntyre and gestured that he wanted a title shot. Verbally, Drew nodded with a smile - accepting the challenge and granting "the Prize Fighter" the opportunity next week! The two shook hands, with Kev appearing pleased himself - but just when the two thought all was well, KO would level McIntyre with the Stunner for good measure! Owens left the ring with a cheesy grin, while behind him the Scotsman sat up with a smirk of his own, pleased with the motivations of the Canadian.

Next week - WWE World Championship - Drew McIntyre (c) vs Kevin Owens

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The Unholy Messiah
Static covered the screen, revealing a eerie vignette from Aleister Black. As dramatic flashes covered the screen of the barbaric beating he received at the hands of Seth Rollins and his Church last month, "the Anti-Hero" commented with one half of his face clouded in darkness. Black recited passages from the Bible, and spoke of the unholy "Messiah" who had martyred his way to an early grave. While the spirit he was was the furthest thing from holy, he was going to bring true renaissance to the Lord's name tonight. Black talked about all of the sins in which this "Messiah" had committed, but they would all go avenged tonight. With a black covering over his eye, "the Ominous Man from Amsterdam" uttered "an eye for an eye" will bind them together like the blood of brother. He informed Mr. Rollins that he would meet with him soon.

It's In the Past
Randy Orton paced back and forth in his dressing room backstage, embarrassed after the ambush from Ricochet and Cedric Alexander. "The Apex Predator" could not have been pleased with the past twenty-four hours, when he froze in his tracks. Into the room walked Bobby Lashley - the very man responsible for nearly costing him the match. Alone, the Money in the Bank briefcase holder told "the Viper" he wanted to clear the air. Knowing exactly what it was like to be upset by "the Future of Flight", "the All Mighty" proposed they team up once again next week. Orton called Lashley crazy! He knew a set-up from a mile away, and after the RKO he gave Bobby, how could he trust him? Lashley chuckled, affirming in all honesty what happened last week was in the past. After all, Randy was in need and needed help getting back on the saddle! Orton was convinced Lashley was trying to get under his skin, but told him much like last week - one wrong move and he was not afraid to lay his ass out with an RKO.

Next week - Bobby Lashley and Randy Orton vs Ricochet and Cedric Alexander

︾︾︾

A graphic aired, promoting tonight's edition of RAW Talk, immediately following Monday Night RAW. Hosted by Charly Caruso and Christian, tonight's special guests included the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre, Los Mysterios and "the Big Red Monster" Kane. It all went down at 11:05 PM, exclusively on the WWE Network.

5) Akira Tozawa def. Shelton Benjamin (c) & Riddick Moss to capture the WWE 24/7 Championship (4:36)
- The desperation of Riddick Moss became apparent in the aftermath of his Money in the Bank loss at the hands of Rob Gronkowski. "So Smooth" was struggling with existentiality, and had practically begged the WWE 24/7 Champion Shelton Benjamin for this opportunity. "The Gold Standard" walked with presence, having refound his mojo since becoming champ. Benjamin was overconfident, but underestimated the hunger of the challenger who struck with a shoulder tackle! Right hands in the corner saw a corner spear follow, and a knockout punch saw Moss claimed a close near fall. The former champ delivered a biel throw, but Benjamin would catch him off-guard with a big boot! Shelton hammered on Moss with ten punches, before delivering a German suplex for a near fall. The Paydirt was attempted, but Moss caught him with the fallaway slam into the corner. Suddenly however, Akira Tozawa hit the ring with a missile dropkick taking out Moss! Covering Shelton in a hurry, Tozawa successfully infiltrated the match to become champion!

Akira Tozawa raced from the ring hurriedly, snatching the WWE 24/7 Championship from the official and raising it high with energy. As Shelton Benjamin remained down, Riddick Moss sat up disturbed in the ring. "So Smooth" could not believe it, as he was forced to watch Tozawa celebrate the title he once had high!

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After coming up slightly short in the RAW Women's Championship battle with Asuka at Backlash last night, Shayna Baszler paced down the hallway of the WWE Performance Center full of pent-up rage. Cranking her neck and gripping the towel around her, "the Queen of Spades" was geared up and prepared to meet Liv Morgan - up next.

An advertisement aired, promoting this upcoming week on Friday Night SmackDown on FOX. In the fallout of an unanticipated Backlash, the WWE Universal Champion Jeff Hardy planned to discuss the Ladder match with Sheamus, and shed some light on the sudden appearance of The Fiend after the match. Plus, the SmackDown Tag Team Championships would be at stake when John Morrison and The Miz cashed in their rematch clause against the new champs Heavy Machinery; and it would be a Street Fight between the New Day and the Forgotten Sons!

Meeting of the Families
Seth Rollins stood in a full suit, with his hair tied up and black gloves on his hands. Looking into his palms, "the Monday Night Messiah" would look up and speak with his Church. RAW Tag Team Champions Murphy and Theory, and "the Equalizer" Akam all stood suited and booted for the occasion themselves, as Seth spoke about how tonight was going to define their future for an eternity. It was only fitting that Aleister Black's WWE career received the correct send-off, and they would be the administers who would execute said send-off. The Disciples nodded, when Theory questioned why they were doing this - "the Anti-Hero" was their adversary! Murphy shunned his tag team partner and protege, reminding him his job was to sit under the learning tree of "the Messiah" and nothing more. Seth defended Theory's naivete, claiming it was symbolic for the power they had over the entirety of the RAW Brand. Forgiving him, suddenly the Church crossed paths...with La Invasíon!

The WWE United States Champion Andrade stood with Angel Garza, Humberto Carrillo and Zelina Vega, as the two groups met eyes. "El Capo" wished Seth Rollins well in his funeral for Aleister Black tonight. Conversely, Seth wanted to wish Andrade luck in his WWE United States Championship defense against Kane. With a chuckle, Andrade turned back to look at Los Lotharios. Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo watched the RAW Tag Team Champions Murphy and Theory intently, and the Disciples returned the favor in glaring back at them. Andrade joked that the Church and they would have to meet soon, before he led La Invasíon away. While smiling moments before, "the Monday Night Messiah" turned to a scowl, watching the group leave.

︾︾︾

6) Shayna Baszler def. Liv Morgan (5:25)
- "The Queen of Spades" could not have taken the loss to Asuka well, as she marched to the ring with purpose. With one day removed from Backlash, Shayna Baszler was prepared for competition against Liv Morgan. Wishing to go it alone, Liv would evade the technically profound former MMA Fighter with a series of leg kicks, when Baszler ran her down with a clothesline! With chest kicks in the corner, a soccer kick struck Liv for a near fall, when Baszler applied a double-wristlock. Morgan fought it and got a close upset with a Matrix-style evasion and a roll-up, when a handspring spinning headscissors sent Baszler to ringside! She would miss a baseball slide, when a knee strike cut Morgan down! Inside, palm strikes grounded Morgan but Liv refused to give up. Firing up in rage, clotheslines followed with an enzuigiri and a facebuster! Liv got a near fall with the Jersey Codebreaker, but Shayna caught her with a roundhouse kick. The Kirifuda Clutch took Liv down, forcing her into submission!

The Big Sister Act
The hard effort by Liv Morgan did not pay off, as Shayna Baszler stood dominantly after the bell. "The Queen of Spades" refused to relinquish the grip of the Kirifuda Clutch, when the referee finally rushed in to break up the hold by force. Morgan was left defenceless, but "the Submission Savant" raced the official ffrom the ring. Dragging the motionless Liv onto her front, she propped her elbow into the air and planted her palm down. Setting up for yet another arm-breaking Elbow Stomp, Baszler was ready - when Natalya came running to the ring! Baszler was ran from the ring, uninterested in fighting the big sister figure in Morgan's life. Nattie called out Shayna to get into the ring and try her luck with her, but as she helped Liv back up to her feet... the Canadian inexplicably ran her down with a hard discus lariat! The WWE Universe were stunned, as Nattie stood tall with a cold grimace on her face. Morgan was down and out, and was left astray by the figure who had spent the past several months mentoring her!

︾︾︾

Kane marched down the hall on his way to an opportunity at the WWE United States Championship. After his return earlier tonight, "the Big Red Monster" had drawn the ire of Andrade of La Invasíon. The ill-tempered "El Capo" had issued the challenge himself, and now the WWE Legend had the opportunity to capture gold he'd never once had - next!

Having stolen the WWE 24/7 Championship from Shelton Benjamin in the heat of his match with Riddick Moss earlier tonight, Akira Tozawa was full of energy. Caressing the title, Akira spoke broken English and practically confessed his love to the title - when growing wary of a nearby R-Truth incognito! "The Truth" was undercover as a custodian, but the rousing suspicions of the new champ brought him to cower from the scene. Hoping to flee, R-Truth dropped his mop and raced after him! The hunt for the WWE 24/7 Championship was just heating up!

︾︾︾

7) Andrade (with Zelina Vega) (c) def. Kane to retain the WWE United States Championship (5:16)
- After a six-man tag team match saw Kane and Los Mysterios overcome La Invasíon, a furious Andrade issued the challenge, ill-advised by Zelina Vega. Kane immediately took him down with a series of throat thrusts, when a sidewalk slam impacted "El Capo". A corner clothesline swept the champ from the ring, bringing the leader of La Invasíon to be spoken strategy by his business advisor. Back inside, Kane's onslaught saw Andrade kick the middle rope into a low blow. A handspring Pelé kick stunned Kane, and the champ would quickly target the foot. Kane fired back following a running powerslam, when Andrade caught him with a rope-hung cross-armbreaker! Kane broke it and delivered the Chokeslam from it - when out came Los Lotharios for the distraction. Kane swatted Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo away, when Los Mysterios arrived to even the odds! With the referee distracted, Andrade low blowed Kane before landing the Hammerlock DDT to retain the title.

Andrade slipped out of the ring into the waiting arms of Zelina Vega, Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo, as the WWE United States Champion was reunited with his title. As La Invasíon retreated to the rampway, Los Mysterios took to the ring. Standing side-by-side with Kane, Rey and Dominik Mysterio continued to stare a hole through "El Capo" and Los Lotharios.

︾︾︾

Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian discussed the magnitude of next week's edition of Monday Night RAW - boasting a huge main event when Drew McIntyre put the WWE World Championship on the line against Kevin Owens! The 'Anything You Can Do, We Can Do Better' string of challengers would come to ahead with a tiebreaking decathlon between the Street Profits and the Viking Raiders; and after her betrayal of Liv Morgan, Natalya would hopefully explain her actions.

WWE World Championship - Drew McIntyre (c) vs Kevin Owens
'Anything You Can Do, We Can Do Better' - Decathlon - The Viking Raiders (2) vs The Street Profits (2)
Natalya explains her actions

︾︾︾

A trumpeteer was present backstage at the WWE Performance Center. On the backs of four backstage assistants saw a casket being escorted to the arena. Behind the "pallbearers" marched Seth Rollins and the rest of the Church. With looks of sorrow and remorse on the faces of the RAW Tag Team Champions Murphy and Theory, as well as the stone-faced grimace on Akam's face, suddenly "the Monday Night Messiah" beamed into a huge grin. Whatever the Church had planned - the so-called 'Funeral of Aleister Black' was up next.

Not Over Yet
Shayna Baszler caught up with Charly Caruso after defeating Liv Morgan, wishing to know why the broadcast journalist didn't want to hear from her about her win! "The Queen of Spades" threatened Caruso with arms in position for the Kirifuda Clutch, as "the Submission Savant" questioned what Charly might have to say to the RAW Women's Champion. Baszler accused her of bias, when Asuka appeared. Shayna laughed, releasing Charly. Baszler went face-to-face with "the Empress of Tomorrow", asking how she liked being taken to the limit. In broken English, the surprisingly stern Asuka told Shayna she was not happy with how Backlash went down. She may have won, but it was not a true victory to her. Shayna invited her to take one more opportunity to put her down. Baszler called Asuka's Elbow Stomp weak, but was willing to give Asuka another shot to take her down. Asuka accepted - putting the title at stake and calling her out next week: to a Submission match! Baszler shrugged, telling her it would be her funeral.

Next week - RAW Women's Championship - Submission match - Asuka (c) vs Shayna Baszler

︾︾︾

The Funeral and Rebirth of Aleister Black
The WWE Performance Center was set up for 'the Funeral' presented by Seth Rollins and his Church. As a stained glass portrait of "the Monday Night Messiah" and his Disciples appeared on the big screen on the stage, the ring was covered in a black carpet. An easel was set up inside depicting "the late" Aleister Black, while a casket was present inside. Seth Rollins came walking out to organ music playing, accompanied by the Church. Akam watched over "the Messiah" as the RAW Tag Team Champions Murphy and Theory followed the group, all dressed in black suits fitting for such an occasion. Once in the ring, Seth stood beside the easel of "the Anti-Hero" at the stand, where he explained to the limited selection of WWE Universe members that they were all gathered today to pay their respects to the WWE career of Aleister Black. Seth discussed the ups and downs of Black, listing his accolades. He was a true pioneer - like nobody who had ever graced the squared-circle before. He was a former NXT Champion, and...well, that was it!

Seth Rollins appeared unapologetic for the deeds in which led to Aleister Black's untimely demise at the hands of "the Monday Night Messiah", but maintained that "the Anti-Hero" knew exactly what he was getting himself in for. Theory mockingly shed a tear as Murphy laid a hand on his shoulder; all the while Seth explained that without the ability to see with one eye, Black's career was inevitably cut short. Yet while they were gathered here to mourn the departure of Aleister's potential - perhaps this was what he wanted all along! Seth spoke from the heart about how he and the rest of the Church had tried time and time again to reach out and bring Black into their family. They wanted only the best for "the Ominous Man from Amsterdam", but he continued to push and push away. Now, he was gone - but his spirit would live on. Albeit, it would be with one blind eye! Rollins smiled as he led the Church and the WWE Universe into prayer.

The Church bowed their heads, Seth Rollins leading them in prayer. Being thankful for a savior like "the Monday Night Messiah" for not only saving Monday Night RAW - Seth claimed he had saved all of the WWE Superstars! He preached being the one to bestow hope and promise to every prospectful young athlete across the WWE Universe, and urged every man, woman and child to remember the figure who brought them life: Seth freakin' Rollins! As Theory, Murphy and even Akam recited "amen", the lights went out! Suddenly, Aleister Black appeared behind them. With a series of rapidfire kicks to Theory, Murphy charged - but the lights to go out. They returned with Black dropping Murphy with a discus knee strike, when Akam was summoned by Seth. Again the lights went out, and this time Aleister clocked "the Equalizer" with the Black Mass! Alone, Black stood with a covering over his eye - standing across the ring from the very man responsible. "The Ominous Man from Amsterdam" had crashed his own funeral!

RAW Talk #13: June 15, 2020
- Following the challenge made for next week on Monday Night RAW, the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre would join the show to field questions about Kevin Owens. "The Scottish Terminator" spoke positively of the prowess his next challenger possessed, and claimed that he had made it openly clear from the start at WrestleMania: that he was open season and waiting for allcomers to chase him down. While he respected KO however, "the Prize Fighter" was in for a wake-up call he would never forget next week. Drew remained charming and spoke with a smile however, concluding that he would get even for the Stunner he received tonight and take the Canadian to 'Claymore Country'.
- Los Mysterios joined RAW Talk raving about the in-ring debut of Dominik Mysterio at Backlash. Rey Mysterio provided an evaluation of his son's performance in his first-ever outing, when Charly Caruso and Christian asked Dom how he felt after his first two matches. The newcomer claimed it was a rush he would never ever forget. He wished the fans were present, but that only drove him to keep going. Dominik said it was a dream to stand before 70,000 screaming fans at WrestleMania, before speaking out about his former friend Humberto Carrillo. Labelling him a turncoat, he was still not over his betrayal. Challenging him to a match next week, his father believed they had to go - work was to be done.
- After two matches tonight against members of La Invasíon, Kane dropped into the show. The Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee was joyous and unmasked however, as he spoke positively about the future of the WWE. While Kane spoke of the tumultuous times, he believed there was still days to be had for "the Big Red Monster", and while Andrade may have got lucky tonight in retaining the WWE United States Championship; he could only run on for long enough. When asked about his half-brother's future, Kane could only speculate and urged the people to watch 'The Undertaker: The Last Ride' this Sunday on the WWE Network.

︾︾︾

· The Pandemic Project · Keep Your Distance ·
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DTP.
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Joined on: Jun 28, 2007 14:45:14 GMT -5
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· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Feb 8, 2023 14:31:25 GMT -5

Quote

Post by DTP. on Feb 8, 2023 14:31:25 GMT -5

NXT #409 – June 17, 2020
Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida

TWO WEEKS FROM NXT GREAT AMERICAN BASH!

NXT UK #97: Hidden Gems - June 18, 2020

- NXT United Kingdom Champion WALTER def. Kushida with the Powerbomb. (16:40) [NXT #373 - OCT 9, 2019]
- Toni Storm def. Meiko Satomura with the Storm Zero in a Semi-Final match of the 2018 Mae Young Classic. (13:06) [MAE YOUNG CLASSIC 2018 #8 - OCT 24, 2018]
- Ilja Dragunov def. Alexander Wolfe with Torpedo Moscow in a No-Disqualification match. (14:50) [NXT UK #75 - JAN 2, 2020]

A video package aired, recapping last week on NXT. In the aftermath of NXT TakeOver: In Your House, NXT Champion Adam Cole would watch as the Velveteen Dream battled Bobby Fish. The presence of Finn Bálor at ringside to ward off "the Panama City Playboy" however, saw Dream lose the match, when later that night a challenge from Roderick Strong saw the match made for himself and "the Prince". Bálor refused to give in to Roddy's signature offense, when much like earlier in the night, "the Purple Rainmaker" caused Cole and Fish to flee with the purple bat in hand. Distracted, Finn would lose the match giving the Undisputed Era a clean sweep. But the shocker would come moments after, when an incensed Velveteen Dream would leave Finn laying amidst boos from the NXT Universe.

"NXT" chants flooded Full Sail University, as a limited selection of NXT Universe faithfuls stood behind the plexiglass at ringside, as Vic Joseph welcomed us to NXT. Standing before the large black-and-gold letters, he hyped kicking things off in the biggest possible way - passing us on to the remote-working Mauro Ranallo and Beth Phoenix.

1) Keith Lee (c) def. Killian Dain to retain the NXT North American Championship (4:25)
- The new, two-time NXT North American Champion Keith Lee encouraged any NXT Superstar wishing to challenge him to come out and fight, and just like that, Killian Dain accepted the challenge. The Irishman threw down his leather jacket and raced to the ring for a colossal fist-fight with "the Limitless One", who was able to impresss with a big dropkick for the challenger! With a biel toss, "the Limitless Legion" basked in glory alongside the champ, when Dain rallied back with the Barn River Boot! Dain dropped Lee with the fireman's carry slam and delivered the senton, but the champ powered out! Keith Lee took down Dain with a hurricanrana off the ropes out of nowhere, when a running crossbody gave Dain a taste of his own medicine. Lee looked for the Spirit Bomb, but Dain landed out and dropped him with a Powerbomb of his own - just for a near fall! Both colossals were going full throttle, when Dain's Vader Bomb saw "the Beast of Belfast" get knees to the ribcage. Lee then scored emphatic victory with the Big Bang Catastrophe.

It was all-go from start to finish, but in the end Keith Lee was able to leave with the NXT North American Championship. "The Limitless One" raised his title high as the referee raised his hand, while Killian Dain rolled out to the floor. Dropping to a knee, "the Beast of Belfast" may have loved to fight - but on this night, Keith Lee would remain the champ.

Graphics aired, as Mauro Ranallo and Beth Phoenix discussed what was coming up tonight on NXT. After not delivering on his end of the bargain last week, "Absolute" Ricky Starks would make his NXT in-ring debut this week against Leon Ruff; the new NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai would be in action; plus, NXT Tag Team Champions Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher would appear live on 'Ever-Rise Live'. But coming up next, we would hear an explanation from the Velveteen Dream for his attack on Finn Bálor!

The Velveteen Dream explains his decision to attack Finn Bálor
Dexter Lumis and Bronson Reed vs Brendan Vink and Shane Thorne
Rhea Ripley vs Chelsea Green
Ricky Starks vs Leon Ruff
NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai in action
'Ever-Rise Live' with special guests NXT Tag Team Champions Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher

An advertisement aired, bringing us 'NXT's Greatest Hits of the Summer' - presented by Brownie and Yellow Cake Batter Shakes, available for a limited time at Sonic. On August 10, 2019 at NXT TakeOver: Toronto, Adam Cole and Johnny Gargano met one last time to complete their trilogy of instant classics. In two-out-of-three falls, "the Panama City Playboy" would overcome "Johnny Wrestling" two falls-to-one, in a series that saw the combatants go to war in a wrestling match, a Street Fight and a Barbwire Steel Cage match.

Goldie in Mind
A video package aired, taking us back to NXT TakeOver: In Your House, where Karrion Kross destroyed "the Blackheart" to the shock of the NXT Universe. Black and white consumed the screen, as Scarlett marched towards it. Candles surrounded images of doomsday projected on the screen. She spoke of "the Blackheart" going rendered broken, thanks to the inconquerable fury of "the Herald of Doomsday". As Karrion Kross's body was profiled, with tattoos documented through. He would stand with arms folded as Scarlett circled him. Declaring his time as arising, the honeymoon period for NXT was over. "Black and Gold" had been cured of its' Ciampa problem, but soon would come the next phase of their plan. Kross clenched his fingers together and stepped forward, as color returned. He considered himself "the Demolition Man" that NXT had been missing since the beginning, but now was the time for a reboot. Implying there was somebody with the gold he desired, he vowed the prophecy spoke that he would soon hold "Goldie" in his hands.

✕✕✕

Popularity Contest
The NXT Universe issued a mixed response, as Velveteen Dream strutted out with style. In a white lace shirt and velvet tights, "the Purple Rainmaker" made a crucial decision last week. Adorning the triad-sunglasses, Dream stretched his arms with the microphone in hand. Listening to the boos of the NXT fans, Dream scoffed at the simple nature of the people, talking about the very idea that he "sold out" last week when he took his purple bat and struck Finn Bálor. The truth was, he was one step ahead of the curb. He reminded the NXT Universe of how it was not long ago when they detested "the Prince" for gatecrashing NXT uninvited, and as far as he was concerned: Finn was gatecrashing on his destiny! Dream repeated how longingly he was destined to become NXT Champion, believing it to be the reason he was in this ring. "The Purple Rainmaker" had grown weary of playing starving artist, because now he was compelled to go down in the history books as NXT Champion, because he was "the Protagonist" of "the Black and Gold Brand".

Abruptly, Finn Bálor interrupted, but "the Prince" was not one for the idea of smoke and mirrors tonight against the Dream! Finn power-walked down the aisleway and stepped into the ring, immediately bringing Dream to step out to the apron and wield his purple bat in his direction! Bálor stole the microphone and told him the only thing he was "the Protagonist" of was getting his butt whooped tonight by Finn Bálor! The NXT Universe cheered as Finn got down to brass tax about how each of them came equally as close to the NXT Championship at NXT TakeOver: In Your House. They each could argue how things could have been had it been one-on-one - but it wasn't! "The Prince" challenged Velveteen Dream to a match, wanting it to be made for tonight! While "the Protagonist" remained reserved however, he would calmly respond to Finn Bálor declaring that he would think about it. The Undisputed Era soon arrived, with the egotistical NXT Champion leading the way.

Adam Cole refuted the idea that either Finn Bálor or Velveteen Dream were still in the running for a shot at "the Panama City Playboy". Bragging about the victory he achieved in the Triple Threat match at NXT TakeOver: In Your House, Adam told the two that as far as he was concerned - they were destined for the back of the line! Considering both men losers, Adam believed they had proven that both were not on the champ's level. Dream told Cole he was a scalded dog without an owner, but affirmed that Adam's entire act was tired. While he had been champion for over one calendar year, the river was running dry, and he would soon be without the NXT Championship. The NXT Universe cheered, and Finn surprisingly agreed with him. Adam barely clung to that title's grasp as he left In Your House - and when he got his opportunity to challenge again, it was "the Prince's" goal to ensure that Adam Cole was done! Roderick Strong soon snatched the microphone and professed how pointless this whole argument was.

Furious at how Finn Bálor and Velveteen Dream simply could not take no for an answer, Roderick Strong spoke out about how dominant and untouchable his best friend Adam Cole had been. Since June 1, 2019, "the Panama City Playboy" had reigned in a league of his own against allcomers - and after NXT TakeOver: In Your House, there would be no rematch for either of them! The NXT Champion smiled, as Bobby Fish chimed in to agree, again calling both men pathetic losers. The Undisputed Era were full of confidence, as Cole joked he planned to go another trip around the sun with his title - when William Regal appeared via Skype on the big screen! The NXT General Manager sat in his home office, his patience growing thin with this situation. He had observed this business unfold for weeks, but after the blatant interference from the UE at In Your House; perhaps a Triple Threat match was the wrong way to go about this!

The NXT General Manager was understanding of Finn Bálor having fans, and the Velveteen Dream having fans too - but at the end of the day, in his mind they were both deserving shots at the NXT Championship. Regal revealed that in two weeks, NXT would pay respects to a time-honored tradition with the return of the Great American Bash over two nights. On Wednesday, July 8, the NXT Universe would be in charge to decide who Adam Cole's challenger would be! A fan vote would see the number one contender named - but as for tonight, "the Prince" and the Dream would do battle to hopefully put the ugliness of their dispute behind them once and for all! William Regal had laid down the law, but when "the Panama City Playboy", Roderick Strong and Bobby Fish turned around to argue with the GM on the screen, Regal declared that his decision was final! Meanwhile, Finn Bálor surprised "the Purple Rainmaker" with a shotgun dropkick sending him from the ring. Finn dared Dream to throw down - everything unfolding tonight on NXT!

Tonight - Finn Bálor vs Velveteen Dream
NXT Great American Bash - Night 2 - NXT Championship - Adam Cole (c) vs Finn Bálor or Velveteen Dream

A replay aired, recapping the events from before the commercial break. NXT General Manager William Regal had decreed a fan vote would determine Adam Cole's next challenger come Great American Bash. A graphic soon aired, as Mauro Ranallo and Beth Phoenix revealed that the fan vote would go live on WWE.com as soon as NXT went off the air tonight at 11 PM Eastern - and it would remain up until Wednesday, July 1 at 10 PM Eastern. Who would be "the Panama City Playboy's" next challenger - Finn Bálor or Velveteen Dream? Fate was in the hands of the NXT Universe.

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All Hail King Kota
Dakota Kai stood with Raquel González watching over her shoulder, as McKenzie Mitchell welcomed "King Kota" back after a two-week break. Kai was sarcastic as ever toward the broadcast journalist, who wanted to get an update on her condition following the Fight to a Finish with Tegan Nox two weeks ago. Dakota claimed she was not yet cleared to compete, but time was of the essence, and it spelled abysmal news for the rest of the girls in her NXT Women's Division! Refusing to air any comments about "the Welsh Valley Wonder", Kai made a veiled threat to the new NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai that once she was back at 100%, she would be coming for her gold. "Big Mami Cool" glared daggers at the camera, as she followed Kai away. All Hail!

2) Brendan Vink and Shane Thorne def. Dexter Lumis and Bronson Reed (8:23) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- The bizarre combination of Dexter Lumis and Bronson Reed was a sure sight to be behold, as they prepared to enter the fray with Brendan Vink and Shane Thorne. The Australians worked to get the jump on their larger opponents, but Dexter and Bronson would turn the tables in a hurry! Lumis showed shocking agility with a kipup legdrop, when Bronson sandwiched both of his former friends with a corner splash. "The Shadow Walker" and "the Battleship" soon met eye-to-eye from across the ring, bringing Lumis to raise a thumb in the direction of Reed. That's when Vink and Thorne dragged both men out, as Vink stunned Lumis with a big boot, and Thorne capitalized with a running axe handle. Sending Bronson hurdling over the steel steps, the two then battled the ominous Dexter two-on-one - who sounded off with throat thrusts, until an assisted back suplex across the apron rocked him!
- For the first time in the mysterious career of Dexter Lumis, he was worked over by Brendan Vink and Shane Thorne. The two Aussies worked to keep "the Shadow Walker" down, but despite a ripcord knee strike from Thorne and an overhead belly-to-belly suplex, he would keep getting back up! Absorbing each blow, Dex finally caught Thorne by the throat until Vink came to his aid. Lumis landed out of a double suplex with a double back suplex to both opponents - when eye contact was made, and in came Bronson Reed! "The Battleship" rocked both with body blocks, before focusing his attention on Thorne. A military press slam and senton saw Vink get involved - but Bronson would slam him through his own partner! As Dexter dragged Brendan to the floor, Reed struck Thorne with a Powerbomb before heading to the top rope. Looking for the Tsunami, Vink struck suddenly with an unspotted shot from a spare turnbuckle rod! With a thunderous splat went "Aus-Zilla", affording Thorne to capitalize with the three count made.

Dexter Lumis nailed Brendan Vink with a huge throat thrust on the floor, before crawling in fast to cause Shane Thorne to flee! As the Australians rejoiced on the aisleway, Thorne posed with the turnbuckle rod in hand - the differencemaker all along. Bronson Reed favored his leg in agony, while "the Shadow Walker" gave the two a thousand-yard stare. If they weren't wanted men by the mysteriously eerie Dexter before, they absolutely were now!

✕✕✕

The Robert Stone Brand were backstage at the Full Sail Arena, as Chelsea Green continued to warm up for her match momentarily against Rhea Ripley. Robert Stone entered the room to speak about the aburdities from last week, and how what happened to them was unjust and unfair! Aliyah was so terrified that she didn't even want to come to the building today - meanwhile, that sociopath Xia Li was creeping in the shadows waiting to strike. Chelsea tried to refocus Robert, talking about how she and Rhea Ripley had done this same song and dance before, and she was the one who was "Victorious". Chelsea rubbed her image consultant's shoulder, assuring "the Hipster" that Chels was going to run through the former NXT Women's Champion all over again.

An advertisement aired, promoting all of the merchandise available on WWEShop.com.

Just the Way It Is
Following the groundbreaking announcement by NXT General Manager William Regal tonight regarding NXT Great American Bash in two weeks, the Undisputed Era were in disarray in their dressing room. Roderick Strong and Bobby Fish called the entire system out to get them - and they were so over it! Roddy wondered what Kyle O'Reilly could do for the UE over in Hollywood, because this would not stand in their NXT. Adam Cole stormed through on the phone to the NXT GM, who he argued with. "The Panama City Playboy" professed it unfair that he would only have seven days to prepare for whomever the moronic NXT Universe voted to face him - besides, he had already beaten Finn Bálor and the Velveteen Dream! Things clearly weren't going Cole's way, as he abruptly hung up the phone and cursed Regal - ever the thorn in the side of the NXT Champion.

✕✕✕

Go Hard or Go Home
The NXT Universe buzzed with the anticipated arrival of "Absolute" Ricky Starks. As a voiceover introduced the man himself, the hottest acquisition to land on "the Black and Gold Brand" came swaggering out to the aisleway in a bright pink pair of trunks. Posing and showboating to the booing fans, Starks made another entrance of Superstars before gracing the microphone. Making a hammock out of the top rope in the corner, Ricky oozed charisma as he once again apologized for not feeling up to making his NXT debut last week. The fact of the matter was he wanted to make his in-ring debut on NXT, but it had to be absolutely perfect! The water had to be right, the earth had to be in the correct alignment, and "Sweet Daddy" Starks' teeth had to be shining that special way when he first wowed the entire roster with his presence. Leading the NXT Universe in cheers as he questioned who wanted to see him compete - he would demand his challenger present himself!

Leon Ruff made his arrival, playing to the crowd as he climbed into the ring, all the while Ricky Starks laughed over the microphone! "Absolute" questioned if that was all the matchmakers behind NXT had for him - the scrawny bag of bones standing across from him! He questioned why, but more jokes directed at Ruff's expense only fired him up more! Leon rallied the NXT Universe behind him, telling Starks to go hard or go home. Ricky told Leon he was either a genius or an imbecile, accepting his challenge. "Sweet Daddy" Starks ordered him back to his corner - but with Ruff's back turned, Ricky launched an aggressive ambush! The referee tried jumping in to break it up, but Starks would plant him with the spear. Powering him up with ease, Starks planted him with a sit-out dominator known as "Absolution". Yet Ricky wasn't finished yet, mounting him with further heavy fists - when finally, out charged Isaiah Scott for the save! Starks rolled out to the floor, leaving "Swerve" to check on the senseless Ruff.

✕✕✕

For the first time since overcoming Charlotte Flair at NXT TakeOver: In Your House, Io Shirai appeared backstage at Full Sail University. Brandishing the NXT Women's Championship she captured, "the Genius of the Sky" was all smiles as she headed for the ring - set for singles competition, up next.

An advertisement aired, promoting the fourth episode of the Limited Series Event - 'The Undertaker: The Last Ride'. "Chapter 5: Revelations" would premiere this Sunday - exclusively on the WWE Network.

The Second Journey to the Mountaintop
Finn Bálor was in the interview area with McKenzie Mitchell, who wanted to understand "the Prince's" motivation headed into tonight with the Velveteen Dream. Finn remarked that he thought he had made it abundantly clear, but he would merrily recite it again. After all, he was here tonight to do one thing and make "the Purple Rainmaker" regret every decision he had since the day he put on a pair of boots. Bálor commented that Dream claimed to be "the Protagonist", but he was still just a boy living in a man's world. Meanwhile Finn had been to the mountaintop of NXT, and taken in the view. While tonight he was going to make Velveteen recognize what "the Prince" was all about, he had a keen eye on Adam Cole and the Undisputed Era. McKenzie asked Finn for some words for the NXT Universe planning to vote, and Bálor promised all of his potential voters watching that if they wanted the NXT Championship to finally change hands, to vote Finn to kick Adam Cole's arse at the Great American Bash.

✕✕✕

3) NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai def. Indi Hartwell (3:08)
- "The Genius of the Sky" showed the NXT Universe exactly how great she could be at NXT TakeOver: In Your House, as Io Shirai conquered over Charlotte Flair. With "the Queen" nowhere to be seen, the newly-crowned NXT Women's Champion tasked WWE Performance Center prospect Indi Hartwell with a big opportunity. Indi was motivated early, but the skilled "Joshi Judas" swiftly tripped Indi with a victory roll into a double footstomp, and a flapjack scored a near fall. Hartwell would rake the eyes and land a big boot, before draping Io over the middle rope from the apron for a series of European uppercuts. Hartwell landed an impressive springboard elbow drop, but Shirai muscled out! Indi quickly lost her temper, when Io wiped her out with a rolling sole butt! The rushing double knees in the corner impacted Indi, setting her up for the Moonsault giving the new champ the win.

Flair and Square
The momentum of the new NXT Women's Champion was second to none, as Io Shirai celebrated a decisive win against Indi Hartwell after the match. "The Genius of the Sky" prepared to leave, when interrupted by the Iiconics of Monday Night RAW! Billie Kay and Peyton Royce came strutting out obnoxiously, lambasting Io for having the cheek to proclaim herself a real champion following the way she won back at NXT TakeOver: In Your House! Kay told Shirai she may have gotten lucky against Charlotte Flair, but she was yet to fairly beat "the Queen" in a match to prove her legitimacy. Io responded to the complaints with comments of her own, but Royce called the champ a cheater and rolled footage on the big screen! A replay from In Your House followed, showing Io Shirai defeat Charlotte with the Koji Clutch - though the footage zoomed in to reveal that "the Queen's" foot was evidently on the bottom rope.

The Iiconics blamed the amateur officiating for being the reason nobody had addressed it yet. Billie Kay and Peyton Royce believed Io Shirai should have been stripped of the NXT Women's Championship immediately, but "the Queen" sent them to get the job done a better way. Finally "the Genius of the Sky" had heard enough and ordered the besties to get in the ring! Io told them she'd take them both, as the Iiconics actually accepted the challenge. Shirai battled well alone - but when Io sidestepped Kay causing her to punch Royce in the face, out ran Charlotte Flair! The former NXT Women's Champion returned, with a big boot being the equalizer on "the Joshi Judas". The Iiconics held Io's arms as "the Queen" directed traffic. Repeating Io was a dirty cheater, she presented the title she once held. Flair proclaimed she would be getting it back - before clocking Shirai with the title gold! Flair and the Iiconics had invaded NXT from Monday Night RAW, and Flair raised Shirai's title high with intentions of getting a rematch!

A replay aired, recapping the surprise return of Charlotte Flair, who would join the Iiconics in beating down the new NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai in the ring. A graphic aired, confirming that after the controversial ending to their match at NXT TakeOver: In Your House, "the Queen" had been granted her rematch - and it would go down in two weeks time on the first night of NXT Great American Bash!

NXT Great American Bash - Night 1 - NXT Women's Championship - Io Shirai (c) vs Charlotte Flair.

✕✕✕

4) Rhea Ripley def. Chelsea Green (with Robert Stone) (7:29) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- It was over a month ago when Chelsea Green scored a huge upset against the former NXT Women's Champion. Rhea Ripley was still working through her issues with the Robert Stone Brand, which had begun following her major loss to Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania. Green had a momentary lapse of confidence causing her to try and flee as the bout got underway. Ripley began to throttle her as Robert Stone grew terrified, but Green was finally able to slip out to freedom. Rhea stared down "the Hipster" as she approached at ringside, when a bicycle kick saw Green take advantage. Inside, a camel clutch tried to restrain Ripley, who swiftly powered her up and connected with the Freefall! Green slipped out once again, with "the Brutalist" in control!
- The Robert Stone Brand starlet regained control during the commercial break, as a distraction from Robert Stone had afforded Chelsea Green time to strike with a knee to the face. A hanging choke saw Rhea Ripley struggle, as the arrogance of "the Victorious" saw her swagger and strut the ring. Rhea stunned her with a capoeira kick, before two short-arm clotheslines led to a ripcord dropkick! Ripley warcried to the NXT Universe's delight, but Chels would avoid the Rip Tide as she slipped out to the floor again. Faced by Stone once again, "the Hipster" did not notice the presence of Xia Li behind him! With a shot from a kendo stick, Stone went down and backed off, while Green struck with another bicycle kick. Back inside, the I'm Prettier went reversed - and the Rip Tide would put her away!

Rhea Ripley had avenged the upset loss suffered weeks ago with such a decisive victory against Chelsea Green, as Robert Stone cowered up the aisleway from the scowling, kendo stick-wielding Xia Li! Li had to have her mind set on the absent Aliyah, though tonight was all about "the Brutalist's" big win. Rhea motioned that the NXT Women's Championship would once again come to her waist, having seemingly moved on from the disappointing loss to Charlotte Flair back at WrestleMania.

✕✕✕

The Most Dangerous Tools
Earlier today, Ever-Rise hosted another rousing edition of 'Ever-Rise Live'. One week from their big chance at capturing the NXT Tag Team Champions, Matt Martel and Jeff Parker bragged about how it was a no-brainer that they would beat Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher. With no tag team chemistry, nor a single braincell between them, "the King of Bros" and his misfit friend "Timmy O'Tool" had nothing on the two of them. The cocky Canadians bragged about how they had earned their stripes, unlike a certain toothless wonder like Thatcher. Chase mentioned that the two of them were well-travelled too, and had wrestled in armories and bingo halls exactly like the two of them. Matt said in spite of this, they were podcast professionals, and while perhaps not friends of "the Show", this edition of 'Ever-Rise Live' sought to find out a little more about the lick of dry paint riding "the Original Bro's" coattails.

A smashcut brought 'Ever-Rise Live' to show Matt Martel and Chase Parker sitting across the counter from the NXT Tag Team Champions Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher. With coffee mugs in hand, Tim could not help but observe the mug and sit in silence, as Ever-Rise read questions from a script. They asked how Riddle "found" Thatcher, questioning if he was left in a basket on his front porch or abandoned in a dumpster on a sidestreet. Casually, "the Original Bro" claimed he and Tim had been buddies for a long time, having bonded in their time over sparring and experimenting with new submission strategies. They went way back, but all in all, while Timmy appeared to be a serious guy - he was the fun one of the team! Thatcher continued to glare into mid-air, bringing Ever-Rise to laugh and joke. Parker reached out waved his hands in front of him, prompting the animalistic submission expert to snap out for his fingers. Riddle joked that Timmy had been known to do that - warning him to keep to himself.

Matt Martel made a remark about the lack of intelligence the NXT Tag Team Champions had, and Matt Riddle joked while he and Timothy Thatcher might not be the sharpest tools in the shed, they were the most dangerous ones in there. They'd proven the two of them were wrestling machines, and told Ever-Rise to ask Rinku and Saurav how it felt being tied in knots by Riddle and Thatch! Chase Parker remained defensive around Thatch, as Riddle had a question for the hosts, asking whether they were aware what kind of fight they were in for next week. Riddle let Martel and Parker know they were in for a world of hurt, because he and "the Fun One" weren't going to take it easy on them. Riddle and Thatcher came to their feet. Offering handshakes to Ever-Rise, the challengers unwittingly accepted - but as Parker's palm approached Tim, he would take him down to the desk with the Fujiwara armbar! Riddle laughed that he'd warned Chase - as Martel scrambled to pry Tim off of his partner.

Not in Swerve's House
McKenzie Mitchell was standing by backstage with Isaiah Scott, who was still riled up following him making the save for Leon Ruff at the hands of "Absolute" Ricky Starks. "Swerve" explained his relationship with Ruff to the broadcast journalist, claiming the reason he got involved was because he knew Ricky too well, and had no love for what he did to his guy Leon Ruff. Scott and Ruff had been around the block a good few times, and he cared about his man like a little brother. He might not be the biggest guy or the toughest guy - but he sure as hell had the biggest heart. That was not to underestimate his little bro, but meanwhile "Sweet Daddy" Starks wanted to come into "Swerve's" House and fool around - that was not going to sit well with "the King of Swerve Style". Isaiah removed his sunglasses and told Starks he was calling him out.

✕✕✕

Situated in front of the large "NXT" letters among the NXT Universe behind the plexiglass, "the Voice of 205 Live" Vic Joseph stood with a microphone, as he promoted this coming week's edition of 205 Live. Exclusive to the WWE Network, graphics aired revealing that the NXT Cruiserweight Champion Kushida would make his return to the show to battle Jake Atlas; plus, Cameron Grimes and Tony Nese would meet Oney Lorcan and Danny Buch. Things were heating up on "the Mile High Brand!"

5) The Brian Kendrick (with Ariya Daivari) def. Tyler Breeze (5:15)
- What started with jealousy when Tyler Breeze was granted a backstage interview over The Brian Kendrick had evolved into something personal. Aligning with Ariya Daivari on 205 Live recently, the 205 Live Originals had a plan to out the "worthlessness" of "Prince Pretty's" existence in the NXT Cruiserweight Division. Breeze opposed it with a forearm smash knocking Daivari from the apron, before a catapult sent Kendrick into the corner for a roll-up. Tyler stayed on with a series of dropkicks, when a cut-throat lungblower scored a two-counted. Kendrick feigned injury, but with the referee's back turned, Daivari struck with a hiptoss bouncing Breeze off the turnbuckles! Kendrick aggressively stomped away at Breeze, scoring a near fall with a Regal Plex. Breeze landed on his feet from the Tiger Suplex, and a comeback ensued with Breeze locking in the single-legged Boston crab! Daivari distracted however, when Kendrick opportunistically took him down with the Captain's Hook - forcing Breeze into submission.

The number's game had favored The Brian Kendrick, and with Ariya Daivari's distraction, he was able to secure the victory. "The Man With a Plan" was not yet done however, as he swaggered the ring before continuing to put the boots to a defenceless Tyler Breeze! "Prince Pretty" was dropped with Daivari's Persian Twist hammerlock lariat, when all of a sudden a song started playing. The NXT Universe began Fandango'ing, in salute of the returning Fandango! Racing to the ring, "the Dance Expert" battled both Kendrick and Daivari off, before dropping Kendrick with a Falcon Arrow. Fired up and revitalized after spending six months on the shelf, Breeze wiped Daivari out with the Beauty Shot - and Fandango rose to the top rope, landing the Last Dance! Breezango hugged it out, reunited once more.

✕✕✕

Still on the Hunt
Brendan Vink and Shane Thorne were celebratory over their unexpected victory, talking about how even they had no idea they would beat Bronson Reed and Dexter Lumis. Thorne laughed as he presented the turnbuckle rod responsible for crippling their big, dumb ex-best friend "the Battleship". The two mocked Reed, before talking about how the future was in their hands. Aussie Anarchy had officially arrived, and they were primed and ready to make "the Black and Gold Brand" theirs for the taking! The two high-fived, before spotting Dexter Lumis rise in the background behind them! Vink and Thorne cowered away, as the wide-eyed "Shadow Walker" clenched his gloved hands together. Cruel intentions were sure to come Aussie Anarchy's way when Lumis got his hands on them.

✕✕✕

The Velveteen Dream walked the hall backstage, his purple bat as always in tow. The self-proclaimed "Protagonist" of NXT walked with a new mystique about him, as he prepared for an anticipated clash with Finn Bálor. "The Purple Rainmaker" was prepared for "the Prince", having left him laying in the middle of the ring last week. Ahead of the Great American Bash in three weeks, he was ready for the task of getting one over on Finn with the pending launch of the fan vote later tonight!

Open Season
Curious footage aired from during the commercial break, taking us to NXT North American Champion Keith Lee as he drank a bottle of water after an intense title defense against Killian Dain. Into the locker room walked Roderick Strong and Bobby Fish, who congratulated "the Limitless One" on another landmark win. Roddy and Bobby toyed with the clearly amused champ, asking how many times he had won the title now. Roddy then reminded Fish of who Keith beat to win the first time. Coming to his feet, Lee told the Undisputed Era "lackeys" that he knew exactly the course of action that was going to follow. He had no qualms defending the gold against anybody; if Strong and Fish wanted to have a cointoss, play rock, paper, scissors or even have Adam Cole name who got a title shot, he'd allow it! Lee turned his back to the UE members, when they decided to gang up on him! Keith tried to fight them off only to be swarmed by Strong and Fish; Roddy picking up the gold and confiscating it from Lee!

✕✕✕

Graphics aired, as Mauro Ranallo and Beth Phoenix began to discuss the Great American Bash kicking off in just two weeks time! A two-week blockbuster taking place on Wednesday, July 1 and Wednesday, July 8 - two major matches had already been made known, as the NXT Championship would be at stake with the results of a number one contender's fan vote pending; plus, in a rematch from NXT TakeOver: In Your House, Io Shirai would defend her NXT Women's Championship against Charlotte Flair.

NXT Great American Bash - Night 1 - NXT Women's Championship - Io Shirai (c) vs Charlotte Flair
NXT Great American Bash - Night 2 - NXT Championship - Adam Cole (c) vs Velveteen Dream or Finn Bálor

Mauro Ranallo and Beth Phoenix soon shifted their attention to next week on NXT - where after losing the NXT North American Championship at NXT TakeOver: In Your House to Keith Lee, Damian Priest would return. The NXT Tag Team Championships would be at stake when Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher defended the gold against Ever-Rise; NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai and a partner of her choice would take on the Iiconics; Xia Li would finally get a chance at revenge for a knee injury against Aliyah suffered three months ago; and Deonna Purrazzo would go one-on-one with Mia Yim!

Damian Priest returns to NXT
NXT Tag Team Championship - Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher (c) vs Ever-Rise
NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai and TBA vs The Iiconics
Mia Yim vs Deonna Purrazzo
Aliyah vs Xia Li

✕✕✕

6) Finn Bálor def. Velveteen Dream (14:20) [THROUGH TWO BREAKS]
- The fan vote was moments away from launching live on WWE.com, to determine who would challenge Adam Cole for the NXT Championship at the Great American Bash on July 8. Following their confrontation in the ring earlier, Finn Bálor wasted no time interrupting the Velveteen Dream's entrance! With forearms flying on the aisle, "the Prince" rolled Dream into the ring to receive a diving crossbody to get the match underway. With a series of rapidfire elbows in the corner, a basement dropkick was attempted - but Dream rolled out to the floor. Finn would respond however, delivering a topé con hilo over the top rope! The NXT Universe were well behind "the Prince" as he posed towards the crowd. Bálor rolled Dream back inside a second time, for "the Purple Rainmaker" to crotch him on the top rope. With some right hands of his own, a draping swinging neckbreaker took Finn crashing to the canvas! Dream had his own supporters, as he showboated over Finn Bálor.
- Velveteen Dream sent Finn Bálor into the ropes for him to dropdown and leapfrog, but "the Purple Rainmaker" cut him off with an inverted atomic drop. A throat thrust dazed Bálor, before a spinebuster got a near fall. Dream was confident in covering Finn with suggestive covers, and flexing his long body to the NXT Universe. Dream went to send him into the ropes for the big boot reminiscent of Hulk Hogan - but Bálor responded with a legsweep and a double footstomp! Riding the wave of momentum, Finn landed a missile dropkick for a near fall, before following Dream to the floor with a running apron kick! Bálor continued to deck "the Protagonist" at ringside, when Velveteen cut him off with a clothesline. Dream was now on the comeback, but in hurling Finn inside, Bálor would cut him off with the Sling Blade - only getting a near fall. "The Prince" grew confident and stalked Dream with a kick to the ribcage, but Dream battled back with right hooks. Dream swung and missed a lariat, when Bálor dropped him with an inverted DDT!
- Finn Bálor maintained a side headlock on the rising Velveteen Dream, as the NXT Universe in Full Sail University chanted for both men back and forth. "The Purple Rainmaker" would duck two back elbows and the Sling Blade attempt from "the Prince", when both men's attempt at a crossbody saw both go down! The two resorted to a collision of strikes on the canvas, kneeling with forearm strikes exchanged. Dream began to "Hulk Up", absorbing the blows of Finn just to receive a basement dropkick. Dream missed the big boot again and the Pelé kick landed - but a lariat took him down! From the top rope, Dream landed the Macho Man Randy Savage influenced double axe handle, before look for the Dream Valley Driver. Finn reversed and tried the 1916, but Dream landed out and connected with the Dream Valley Driver - for a near fall! Velveteen was stunned, but went back to the top rope for the Purple Rainmaker. Finn evaded it, catching him with an inside cradle to take the win!

"The Prince" rolled out to ringside, where he had his hand raised by the official. Inside, the Velveteen Dream looked furious, having been inches away from certain victory just to have it snatched from him by his rival. Finn Bálor grinned at the irate "Purple Rainmaker" knowingly, when all of a sudden Adam Cole came running down the aisleway! The NXT Champion blasted Finn from behind a right hand, before putting the boots to the fatigued Irishman. Dream simply watched on, but after much deliberation, "the Protagonist" decided enough was enough! Grabbing his purple bat, the Dream leapt from the ring and pointed it towards "the Panama City Playboy". Dream followed him up the aisle, when Cole bailed backstage! Finn soon span Dream around for a tense face-off. In just mere moments, the poll would open up for the fan vote - but which of the two would go on to Great American Bash?

✕✕✕

Last Edit: Feb 8, 2023 14:41:50 GMT -5 by DTP.

· The Pandemic Project · Keep Your Distance ·
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· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Feb 12, 2023 17:34:23 GMT -5

Quote

Post by DTP. on Feb 12, 2023 17:34:23 GMT -5

Friday Night SmackDown #1087 – June 19, 2020
WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida
Presented by
FIVE DAYS REMOVED FROM BACKLASH!

205 Live #184 – June 19, 2020
1) NXT Cruiserweight Champion Kushida def. Jake Atlas with Back to the Future. Kushida and Atlas shook hands after the match. (8:11)
- Broadcast team Vic Joseph and Dio Maddin reviewed the parking lot kidnappings from several months ago, and how nobody had heard from Joaquin Wilde nor Raúl Mendoza since. This Wednesday night on NXT, El Hijo Del Fantasma planned to call out his attempted kidnappers.
2) Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch def. Cameron Grimes and Tehuti Miles when Burch hit a lariat into Lorcan's half-and-half suplex on Miles. Grimes helped Miles to his feet after the match, before taking him out with the Cave In. "The Carolina Caveman" left alone. (7:47)

A video package aired, recapping this past weekend at WWE Backlash. The WWE Universal Championship dispute was settled as Jeff Hardy went to war in a Ladder match against Sheamus. "The Celtic Warrior" was explosive and posed a genuine threat to the title reign of "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior", though just when Sheamus had the assist of Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura of the Artist Collective, out came the new WWE Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak to fend them off. The Irishman looked to take Hardy out of action by smashing his ankle across the steel steps, but Hardy would miraculously turn the tables. Burying Sheamus in ladders after a Twist of Fate atop the steps, Jeff would retain the gold. "The Charismatic Enigma's" star continued to grow...when the lights turned to red, and from the other side of the ladder climbed The Fiend - out to reclaim the WWE Universal Championship!

Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed us to Friday Night SmackDown, days removed from WWE Backlash this past Sunday night. Presented by Progressive - the First Round Choice for Auto-Insurance, the two discussed the many transpiring developments coming out of the WWE Network special. Though none were more significant than the terrifying return of The Fiend. Tonight, the WWE Universal Champion Jeff Hardy had intentions of calling out the man behind the mask, Bray Wyatt.

WWE Universal Champion Jeff Hardy calls out Bray Wyatt
SmackDown Tag Team Championship - Heavy Machinery (c) vs John Morrison and The Miz
Apollo Crews vs King Corbin
WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks, SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley and Tamina vs Alexa Bliss, Nikki Cross and Carmella

1) The New Day def. The Forgotten Sons (with Steve Cutler) in a Street Fight (10:16) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- The New Day had had issues with the Forgotten Sons dating back to the arrival of the trio shortly after WrestleMania. Responsible for barring the New Day any opportunities at the SmackDown Tag Team Championships so long as John Morrison and The Miz held them, it had all led to this Street Fight. With wins against one another, a Street Fight was perhaps the venue to settle it, as a four-man free-for-all kicked things off at ringside! Steve Cutler kept his distance whilst Jaxson Ryker and Wesley Blake interrupted the arrival of Big E and Kofi Kingston, but the New Day would gain the upper hand! Warding Cutler with the lead pipe away, inside a monkey flip for Ryker fed into a body block from Big E. The Forgotten Sons tried to pick up some steam once Blake connected with a lungblower, and a double uranage backbreaker dropped Big E - but Kofi came out of nowhere with shots from two trash can lids! Causing Ryker and Blake to bail, with a boost from Big E, Kofi soared with a Trust Fall plancha over the top rope onto all three Sons!
- The tables had turned against the New Day during the break, as Kofi Kingston rolled Wesley Blake inside to be struck from behind by Steve Cutler. The Forgotten Sons focused their attack on Big E, who tackled Ryker into the corner, though the Forgotten Sons would execute a unique assisted flatliner, with Ryker executing the move simultaneous to Blake landing a missile dropkick. The New Day stayed in the fight, as a buckle bomb saw Blake send Kofi into the knees of Ryker, but Big E returned with a steel chair! Shots to "the War Heroes" saw Big E feeling it, delivering the overhead belly-to-belly suplex to Blake - just for Blake to break up the fall! Wielding the lead pipe, Cutler's attempt saw Kofi intercept with a jumping double footstomp! Big E delivered a spear through the ropes sending Blake from the apron to the floor, when Ryker dropped Kofi with a sit-out spinebuster known as No Remorse. Big E would make the save, but as Ryker tried to fight them, the New Day capitalized with the Midnight Hour onto the chair to take the win!

Kofi Kingston and Big E had been to battle but came out on top against "the War Heroes" tonight. The Forgotten Sons were in varying states of disarray, and it was all thanks to the tag team experience of the New Day. The two celebrated with the WWE Universe through the plexiglass walls at ringside, while Steve Cutler, Jaxson Ryker and Wesley Blake came back together on the rampway, disillusioned by the loss in this Street Fight.

▆▆▆

Nothing to See Here
Sasha Banks was in the dressing room with Tamina, as she wanted to ask "the Bouncer" about what was said when Bayley called her last week after their match. Remaining tight-lipped, Tamina was about to speak when into the room walked the SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley. Pleased to see her two favorite people, "Bayley 2 Belts" hugged "the Legit Boss", before knowingly gesturing to Tamina to keep her yapper shut! A suspicious Sasha asked her BFF how her vacation treated her, to which the champ mentioned that she felt so much better for it. Being a double champ really took it out of a gal! But with that said, she was back and re-energized, ready to fight alongside her girlies. Bayley hugged Sasha before taking off. Sasha still appeared perplexed, as she looked at the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship hanging on the wall and shrugged.

A video package recapped the dramatic turn of events in the SmackDown Tag Team Championship match from this past Sunday at Backlash. John Morrison and The Miz strived to walk out still "the Most Winningest Tag Team in SmackDown History", but walked into a hard-fought battle with Otis and Tucker of Heavy Machinery. Despite their best efforts, "the Shaman of Sexy" was dropped with the Compactor, and while "the A-Lister" was inches from making the save, "the Blue Collar Boys" accomplished their goal - winning their first gold since arriving in the WWE.

The Miz read a screenplay in a director's chair in his dressing room, when up behind him surprised John Morrison. Enthused to see how his best friend was, "the Friday Night Delight" declared tonight was the night "the Most Winningest Tag Team in SmackDown History" recaptured the SmackDown Tag Team Championships. "The A-Lister" appeared discouraged, though JoMo assured Miz that Heavy Machinery got lucky at Backlash. Otis and Tucker were living in a fantasy, and there was no ifs or buts about it. "The Shaman of Sexy" maintained Miz and Morrison were going to bring the ugly rendition of Shrek 2 and snap "the Blue Collar Boys" into reality. Miz agreed, but remained sceptical. Morrison gave him a pep talk, telling Miz that he was awesome - and nobody could take that away from him. He was Hollywood, and few other WWE Superstars could possibly ever say that. Miz grinned, claiming he knew exactly what to say and when to say it. Miz told Morrison they'd knock it out of the park tonight, and an excited Morrison left to get ready.

▆▆▆

The Working Man's Title
The WWE Performance Center provided a polite response to the suit-clad Drew Gulak. Standing before them in the ring with a microphone in hand, "the Militant Mat-Mite" discussed how tremendous Backlash was. Titles changed hands, but none in quite as spectacular fashion as the feat his training partner accomplished. Welcoming out the brand new WWE Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan, the WWE Universe came to their feet as "the Yes Man" arrived. Throwing his hands into the air and pacing sideways down the rampway, Bryan would join Gulak in the ring where the two shook hands. He spoke about the battle he had with Sami Zayn mere days ago, and how he still felt the rush of the competition and the crowd chanting "YES!" alongside him. He felt each and every blow that "the Great Liberator" mustered up, and he sensed the tingling of adulation coarsing through his veins. Bryan claimed that last Sunday night, Sami did not disappoint when he brought every bit of fight - even if he did get the Artist Collective involved.

Daniel Bryan claimed that there, against all odds, he proved exactly why he was "the Submission Expert" because professional wrestling was what he did and what he breathed! Drew Gulak watched on proudly, as the WWE Universe chanted "YES!" in approval. But, the WWE Intercontinental Champion made sure everybody knew that the work didn't stop just because he wore gold around his waist. His job had just begun. Removing the title and raising it high, Daniel reminded all of the forty-one year lineage of the gold - how it had been held by the very best in the world. With a gigantic host of names, among them men like Ricky "the Dragon" Steamboat, Bret "Hitman" Hart, "the Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels and Kurt Angle had held it. Throughout the history of sports entertainment, it had been the one true working man's title in WWE - and that's exactly what Daniel vowed to make of it!

"The Yes Man" planned to remove the stink from the WWE Intercontinental Championship brought on by the Sami Zayns of the WWE, when out came King Corbin. Interrupting Daniel Bryan, the man who had had his fair share of issues with Drew Gulak of late walked out to the rampway dressed for competition. "Wrestling Royalty" told Daniel he truly believed his own hype. With sarcasm, the King salivated after yet another marvelous performance brought on by the great Daniel Bryan. A masterclass was put on, when he ousted Sami Zayn! Corbin mocked the idea that this artform Daniel spoke of had any place in today's WWE - maintaining that as pretty as some of his little submissions could be, he was nothing more than a bug on his windscreen. Climbing into the ring, the King told Daniel to look at his crown and sceptre and understand that if anybody was a true Superstar here - it was him! Corbin basked in his own essence, when Daniel admitted he looked ridiculous.

Drew Gulak laughed when King Corbin defended his appearance. He was the 2019 King of the Ring winner, and that meant he was owed respect! Daniel Bryan claimed the only respect he had was the hard-working trainees of fast-food establishments across the United States. Daniel compared Corbin to legendary mascots like Colonel Sanders and the Burger King - but ultimately, King Corbin was more like a Ronald McDonald! Corbin was furious, when "the Militant Mat-Mite" jumped in claiming if he thought he'd forgotten what happened last week, he had the nerve to take him down in the Gu-Lock right there and then. Daniel chuckled, but told the King with all seriousness, he wanted to see what he could do. As the holder of the prestigious working man's title, Daniel offered to defend the WWE Intercontinental Championship against whoever came out on top in his match tonight. Corbin bragged that Bryan's reign would go cut short - when interrupted by Apollo Crews! Motivated and up for the challenge, Apollo headed to the ring.

The Progressive Match-Flo aired, taking us back to last week on Friday Night SmackDown. Having grown tired of being humiliated by the Hacker, Dolph Ziggler had called out the hooded figure in the computer room and took to the ring to proclaim them a coward. In response, the shadowed figure appeared on the screen and responded to "the Show Off" claiming that thanks to Dolph, the "idea" had become "reality". With more in mind, the anonymous figure had declared the fun and games had only just begun.

Dolph Ziggler walked the backstage area, when he stumbled across the Lucha House Party. Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado talked among themselves, but with "the Show Off" at ear's length, Dolph speculated what they were saying. He was no idiot - he could perfectly understand Spanish! Dolph ranted to the luchadores that the Hacker was coward who got off trying to humiliate the likes of himself, who wasn't afraid to show their face to envious masked men like them. Dolph told "the Golden Lion" and "the King of the Ropes" that they too were cowardly, mocking the idea of what they looked like under the hoods. He called the two ugly and unattractive, bringing Dorado to shove him back! Dorado told Dolph he was no idiot either - he perfectly understood English! Lince had watched Dolph run his mouth for long enough, but tonight was where they would be the ones to shut him up. Hacker or no Hacker, Dorado challenged him to a match tonight! Taken aback, "the Show Off" did not see that coming.

Tonight - Lince Dorado vs Dolph Ziggler

▆▆▆

2) King Corbin def. Apollo Crews to be named number one contender to the WWE Intercontinental Championship (5:40)
- Following King Corbin's victory on the Backlash Kickoff Show, Apollo Crews had asked for this rematch tonight, but with the victor earning a WWE Intercontinental Championship opportunity, the stakes were higher. Apollo caught Corbin with an armdrag and a dropkick, clotheslining him to the ringside floor. A standing moonsault from the apron followed, but upon being rolled back in, Corbin responded with the Dream Crusher. Showboating as he choked and stomped at Crews, a seated surfboard stretch saw him build up to be cut off with an inverted Yokosuka cutter. Corbin posed, but it proved to be his downfall once Apollo clocked him with an enzuigiri and a spinebuster! The military press slam landed, when a standing moonsault was missed. Crews blocked the Deep Six but his foot skimmed the referee, temporarily incapacitating him. Suddenly, as Apollo landed the Chariot, out of nowhere came Tony Nese with the Running Neese in the corner! Slipping to ringside, Corbin capitalized with the End of Days to claim the win.

Tony Nese watched on with a grin on his face, as King Corbin would have his hand raised by the official. Apollo Crews rolled out to the floor, having come so close to be thwarted by "the Premier Athlete". Yet as the newly-named number one contender to the WWE Intercontinental Championship celebrated an emphatic victory, he would be joined by the NXT Cruiserweight! Nese applauded the King of the Ring, and even got on his knees to bow down to "Wrestling Royalty". As Nese paid his respects, Daniel Bryan and Daniel Bryan watched with looks of amusement on their faces from the backstage monitor.

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Chips on Shoulders
Kayla Braxton was standing by backstage with Sonya Deville, who strutted onto the screen brandishing an arrogant grin on her face. Kayla wanted to understand the despicable act she took part in this past Sunday at Backlash, though "the Law" claimed to no nothing of what she meant. Rolling footage from last week on Friday Night SmackDown, where Sonya introduced a steel chair and smashed it across Mandy Rose's shoulder; soon footage aired from Backlash. As things were going "the Golden Goddess's" way, Mandy would soon find herself taken down and trapped in a bridging armbar that would force her to tap. Worse, the aftermath saw Sonya refuse to release the hold until Heavy Machinery arrived at the scene. Scoffing, Sonya told Kayla she didn't expect her to understand and nor did she care to explain. As well-documented, Fire & Desire's friendship was greater than anything the WWE Universe would ever know. Their bond was indestructible - or so she thought.

Sonya Deville mused that all it took was one disgustingly repulsive and putrid blob like Otis to drive their friendship into the ground. All that remained between herself and Mandy Rose was bitterness. "The Law" told Kayla Braxton that she was doing fine, but feared for "the Golden Goddess". She was a trophy gilfriend, and knowing the lifespan Otis was going to have with his cholesterol - she expected Mandy to be on her way to dropping off fat baby Otis's anytime now! Mandy Rose hit the scene from behind, out to get even with Sonya! With a taped shoulder, Mandy tackled her former friend over a table of production equipment, before mounting her with lefts and rights. All it took was one right hand to the shoulder to buy "the Law" space, and a knee strike took Mandy down! As she laid on the concrete, Deville grabbed her bad shoulder with cruel intentions - when in raced Heavy Machinery to "the Precious Peach's" aid. Tucker comforted Otis, as he attended to Mandy. How could the new SmackDown Tag Team Champions focus?

A replay aired, taking us back to moments ago where a furious Mandy Rose rushed in for revenge on Sonya Deville for the added damage done to her shoulder at Backlash, just for "the Law" to target the limb for her own gain. Sonya appeared to be on her way to putting "the Golden Goddess" on the shelf, until Heavy Machinery arrived at the scene.

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3) Alexa Bliss, Nikki Cross and Carmella def. Tamina and WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks and SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley (6:25) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- Sasha Banks' loyalty to Bayley was raised in question by Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross last week, and after overhearing Tamina being dressed down over a phonecall by her best friend, "the Legit Boss's" suspicions had to be raised. The former SmackDown Tag Team Champions immediately targeted the SmackDown Women's Champion, leading to a tag team brawl with Sasha Banks and Tamina. It broke down with "the Bouncer" receiving two a battering ram in the corner from "Naughty Nikki", a running dropkick from "Little Miss Bliss", and finally a Princess Kick from Carmella! Tamina was forced to flee, but would be given no room for a breather as Bliss connected with a cannonball from the apron. Cross followed with a dive through the ropes, and Carmella would drag Sasha back inside for a flatliner for a near fall. Bayley dragged her best friend out to ringside, as Alexa and Nikki challenged the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions to come back and fight.
- Nikki Cross fought Bayley and Sasha Banks, the Scotswoman able to wipe the SmackDown Women's Champion out with a forearm when Tamina delivered an over-shoulder backbreaker! "Naughty Nikki" was at the mercy of "the Bouncer", who applied a camel clutch. "The Legit Boss" struck with a Meteora for a near fall. Sasha slapped her around and had Bayley join in, as the two goaded Alexa Bliss and Carmella. Bayley clutched Nikki when Sasha flew overhead with a somersault codebreaker; the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions rubbing her face into the mat. "The Princess of Staten Island" rallied the WWE Universe behind her, when Nikki cut a trash talking Bayley off with a neckbreaker! Carmella hit the ring with clotheslines and single-leg dropkicks for all, when the Mella Go Round connected on Bayley. With ten punches on Tamina, Sasha would strike with running knees, when Alexa tagged in. Bayley watched, as "Little Miss Bliss" stunned "the Bouncer" with the Goddess Right - and a DDT would put her down for the win!

The SmackDown Women's Champion watched in disgust, as Alexa Bliss would be joined by an overly excited Nikki Cross! The BFFs reunited with a hug, when joined by Carmella to have their hands raised. "The Princess of Staten Island" congratulated "Little Miss Bliss" on the victory against "the Bouncer" Tamina, all the while Sasha Banks rejoined the agitated Bayley. The WWE Women's Tag Team Champions could only watch, though "the Legit Boss!" was weary of her frustrated best friend.

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Kayla Braxton was joined by the New Day, parading and taking the broadcast journalist by surprise with 'the Power of Positivity'. Big E and Kofi Kingston were over the moon, having come out on top against the Forgotten Sons. The faces of Jaxson Ryker, Steve Cutler and Wesley Blake may go forgotten, but New Day would never forget the booty-whooping "the War Heroes" received! Big E was jazzed because John Morrison and The Miz were no longer SmackDown Tag Team Champions - and that meant the ban was lifted! Kofi claimed the titles were not off limits for the New Day, as Big E thrusted his hips. Vowing to become nine-time WWE Tag Team Champions, their chanting was interrupted by Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura. "The Swiss Cyborg" claimed New Day were not going to leap them in the standings. "The Artist" said they would have to go through them first, and the New Day challenged them to a match next week! Big E and Kofi danced away, leaving the Artist Collective unimpressed.

Next week - The New Day vs Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura

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Bandaged and sore following the events of the Ladder match back at Backlash, the WWE Universal Champion Jeff Hardy had still managed to make it to the WWE Performance Center tonight. Following his defeat of Sheamus last Sunday, "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" had had an eerie encounter with none other than The Fiend. Up next, Jeff had documented plans to call out the man behind the madness - Bray Wyatt!

An advertisement aired, promoting the all-new free version of the WWE Network. Bringing the best in entertainment, with no credit card required, subscribers could gain access to over 15,000 available titles today.

Crazier Than A Box of Squirrels
The nostalgic sound of "No More Words" by Endeverafter blasted through the WWE Performance Center, bringing the WWE Universal Champion out to the stage. Throwing his arms into the air, Jeff Hardy showboated as he came down to the ring. Though the effects of the Ladder match this past weekend were on display, "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" graced the microphone as he addressed the performance Sheamus put on at Backlash. "The Celtic Warrior" gave him one hell of a fight, but he expected nothing less from an Irishman. But in the end, it was contested in his playground - the match that was already on the map, but also the very match he revolutionized for good! Jeff had the selection of audience members on his side, before getting to what happened after the match. In what was supposed to be the closing act of his redemption, he celebrated with the WWE Universal Championship he had to pry from the heavens above - only to be faced with an uninvited guest. On the opposite side of the ladder saw a visitor arrive: his name, The Fiend.

The WWE Universal Champion spoke about having seen exactly the psychotic things in which the Fiend was capable of, and "the New Face of Fear" was nothing to mess with. Jeff Hardy also knew the Fiend was retracing his steps, having had his reign of terror broken by Goldberg at Super Show-Down, for the title he now held! Jeff made no qualms that he knew all about the Fiend, but he was also all so familiar with the man behind the mask. The same guy his brother Matt told him all about, when they held the RAW Tag Team Championships together. With that, Jeff called out Bray Wyatt! Hardy called out to the kindred spirit, claiming this was "Brother Nero" reaching out to "Brother Bray". Hardy waited patiently, staring at the video screen - when luck would have it, 'the Firefly Fun House' title sequence aired on the stage! Bray Wyatt came through the door to a round of applause from the auidence of children. His ears were ringing, and everybody knew what that meant - it was time for Bray to make his retort.

Bray Wyatt stood in a navy sweater on the set of 'the Firefly Fun House' as he talked about how it was no secret that he and the Hardy Family had history. Much like Jeff Hardy had said, he and Matt Hardy were bitter enemies who made better friends. But this was a different time, and this incarnation of Bray came from another place. "The Rainbow-Haired Warrior" listened as Bray spoke about all of the adulation he had overcome. The amount of adversity he had overtaken deserved so much more than the clickbait articles and mini-documentary pieces Hardy had had focused on him. For every day in rehab or the ICU for another daredevil stunt gone wrong - Jeff was a real survivor! Wyatt took a fedora from the coatrack behind him just to tip it for the WWE Universal Champion, commending him on a job well done... but "he" didn't care for anything he had done. Bray talked about how he watched, heard and saw Jeff survive everything he had dealt to him, even if 99% of the time, it was self-inflicted!

The corporate machine loved a success story, which was why Jeff Hardy was where he was. Bray Wyatt admitted what The Fiend wanted: the WWE Universal Championship. Bray was forgiving on "Brother Nero", though The Fiend was not. Wyatt mused how "he" was a survivor too. The difference was for reasons he could not understand, 'the Fireflies' loved Hardy! Meanwhile, The Fiend: everybody feared him. He was "the New Face of Fear", a monster like no other. Warning Jeff he did not want "him" to eat the champ alive, Bray said Jeff had what "he" desired. Wyatt's smile disappeared, threatening him to wrap up his redemption arc. "The Rainbow-Haired Warrior" called Bray crazier than a box of squirrels, knowing the WWE Universe liked his shtick, but Jeff was tired! If The Fiend was to come for him, that was cool by him - proposing he bring his friend next week! Astonished by his bravery, Bray accepted, planning to summon The Fiend! Joyously, he waved goodbye and bidded him farewell for "the last time".

Next week - Bray Wyatt summons The Fiend to meet the WWE Universal Champion Jeff Hardy

▆▆▆

The new SmackDown Tag Team Champions Heavy Machinery stepped out of the trainer's office, as Sarah Schreiber wished to receive a medical update on the condition of Mandy Rose. Emotionally, Otis could not even make eye contact, as Tucker explained what happened. At the hands of Sonya Deville, Mandy had suffered what the doctor thought was a dislocated shoulder. "Tucky" put his hand on Otis's shoulder as he commented that spiritually, Mandy was doing as good as ever. Otis was a rollercoaster of emotions but said that he was dedicating tonight's match to his "Precious Peach", because it was all thanks to her that he and "Tucky" made it to the gold. Otis talked about how he wasn't the most confident man, but the last thing he was was a joke. They were "Blue Collar Boys", and tonight against John Morrison and The Miz - they were going to prove Backlash was no fluke! Otis stormed off, surprising even his partner.

An advertisement aired, promoting the brand new edition of the 'Broken Skull Sessions'. Stone Cold Steve Austin would be joined by WWE Hall of Famer, "the World's Strongest Man" Mark Henry. It would premiere exclusively on the WWE Network, one week from Sunday.

Following discussion from Michael Cole and Corey Graves, the broadcast team fed to a video package showing the WWE Community outreach work that Titus O'Neil had been working on. Following his nomination, it had been confirmed that he was officially a finalist in the running for the 2020 Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award.

▆▆▆

5) Dolph Ziggler def. Lince Dorado (4:11)
- Last week's near-meeting with The Hacker had drawn paranoia from "the Show Off", as Dolph Ziggler's backstage encounter with Lucha House Party saw Lince Dorado stand up for he and Gran Metalik. "The Golden Lynx" shut the cocky veteran down early with a spinning wheel kick and a hurricanrana, before Dolph backdropped him to the apron. A gamengiri saw Lince come back in, landing the Handspring Stunner for a near fall! Dorado teased a dive through the ropes, but Dolph would bail. Yet it was all part of Lince's strategy, as he would soar with an Asai moonsault! Back inside, Ziggler cut him off with a jumping DDT, when the aggressive side set in. A sequence of elbow drops led to a jumping one, but Dorado stayed in the game. The Sleeper was attempted but Lince fought back up, stunning Dolph with a super kick! To the top rope saw Dorado go, but the Shooting Star Press connected - with no water in the pool. Ziggler connected with a Super Kick of his own to capitalize on victory.

Close Encounters of the Anonymous Kind
"The Show Off" had been given a real fight from Lince Dorado, but it would come to a halt thanks to the antics of Dolph Ziggler. "The Golden Lynx" held his jaw in pain on the canvas, when Dolph mouthed off to Dorado - speaking to him as though he were the Hacker! Dolph promptly began to unlace the back of Dorado's mask, looking to unmask the luchador. Tradition was about to be desecrated, when he spotted a figure standing in the front row behind the plexiglass - the Hacker! Dolph relinquished Lince's mask and rolled out to confront the man behind the wall, when Gran Metalik arrived with a rope-walking diving crossbody to the floor! Metalik levelled Dolph with a series of strikes causing him to flee the ringside area, leaving Lucha House Party to come together at ringside. Meanwhile, the anonymous, hooded figure disappeared through the WWE Universe.

▆▆▆

The new WWE Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan and his training partner Drew Gulak were between workout sessions in the weight room of the WWE Performance Center, when in swaggered the newly-named number one contender King Corbin. Flanked by the obnoxious "Premier Athlete" Tony Nese, "Wrestling Royalty" wished for "the Yes Man" to see who he would be losing his title to. Daniel jokingly asked if it was his new pal Tony, who angrily corrected him - it was the Duke Antony Nese to him! Gulak asked if this was a joke, when the King of the Ring winner told him the only joke here was "the Militant Mat-Mite". The Royal Family were going to make Friday Night SmackDown their kingdom, and the next phase of their plan involved taking the IC title from "the Submission Expert's" waist. The King and the Duke departed, leaving Daniel to scratch his head in confusion. Gulak called them a family of tools!

▆▆▆

Elsewhere, the former SmackDown Tag Team Champions were seen making their way down to the corridor. En route to their rematch for the titles they lost last Sunday at Backlash, John Morrison and The Miz were motivated and ready for the challenge. The main event title match against the new champs Heavy Machinery was coming up next!

An advertisement aired, promoting the fifth episode of the Limited Series Event - 'The Undertaker: The Last Ride'. "Chapter 5: Revelations" would premiere this Sunday - exclusively on the WWE Network.

In the backstage corridor, the SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley could be heard raising her voice at somebody. Furious about the way in which tonight's six-woman tag team bout came to a close, "Bayley 2 Belts" was at the end of her tether with Tamina. She claimed "the Bouncer" was supposed to be her and Sasha Banks' muscle - but all she had done since she was brought into their team of winners was lose, lose lose! Bayley questioned what Tamina had spent the past decade of being a WWE Superstar doing - she was worthless! As Bayley threatened her to get her act together or get out, the champ stormed off. A tight-lipped Tamina remained stonefaced, when the camera zoomed in to reveal the WWE Women's Tag Team Champion's partner Sasha Banks through the crack of the door. Having witnessed the entire thing, "the Legit Boss" now had to be questioning her loyalty to Bayley.

▆▆▆

Michael Cole and Corey Graves talked about the night it had been on Friday Night SmackDown, before talking up what was coming up next week on FOX. While the WWE Universal Champion Jeff Hardy had daringly challenged Bray Wyatt to summon The Fiend for an in-ring confrontation; the WWE Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak would meet King Corbin and his new accomplice Duke Antony Nese. Plus, the New Day would meet Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura; and Renee Young would conduct a sit-down interview with Lacey Evans, who had been absent from the WWE Performance Center since her Lumberjack match loss to Bayley.

Bray Wyatt summons The Fiend to meet the WWE Universal Champion Jeff Hardy
WWE Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak vs King Corbin and Duke Antony Nese
The New Day vs Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura
Renee Young conducts a sit-down interview with Lacey Evans

▆▆▆

5) Heavy Machinery (c) def. John Morrison and The Miz to retain the SmackDown Tag Team Championship (11:19) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- Dreams came true at Backlash, when Heavy Machinery captured their first taste of gold. Defeating John Morrison and The Miz to become SmackDown Tag Team Champions, the new champs looked to maintain their place while the former champions looked to reclaim their mantle as "the Most Winningest Tag Team in SmackDown History". "The A-Lister" and "the Shaman of Sexy" jumped the new champs as their backs were turned, but "the Blue Collar Boys" brought the fight! with Miz and Morrison narrowly avoiding being whipped into each other - only to be hoisted up and rammed into each other spine-to-spine! An incensed Otis was still reeling after the fate that befell her girlfriend Mandy Rose. A rollercoaster of emotions, Otis would catch an inbound John Morrison off the apron, body slamming him across the apron. Miz chop blocked the bandaged knee, the leftover result of the steel chair Pillmanizing that occured last week. Otis caught him with a military press when Morrison shot through the ropes with a dive!
- The knee of Otis was a target as far as John Morrison and The Miz was concerned, as the former champs split the legs of the big man, tearing at the bandaged knee. "The Shaman of Sexy" taunted "Tucky", mimicking Heavy Machinery's team spirit before a split-legged moonsault landed across the leg. "The A-Lister" teased applying the Figure-4 Leglock, but the tree trunk legs saw Otis send him into the ring post! A discus lariat connected, but before a tag could take place, Morrison dragged Tucker from the apron. John Morrison landed the Flying Chuck for a near fall, when Miz's snap DDT saw Otis deliver a belly-to-belly suplex in reverse! Tucker got the tag and ran wild, a Lou Thesz press for Miz leading to a corner splash for JoMo - who dragged the referee in the way! Miz introduced the SmackDown Tag Team Championship, but he would miss Tucker and nail his partner instead. As a super kick wiped out Miz, Morrison was dropped with a trapping suplex from Tucker - paving the way for the Caterpillar to allow Otis the three count!

Hey Hey, No No
Otis and Tucker came together in a hugging salute, having proven that Sunday at Backlash was no fluke! "The Blue Collar Boys" were awarded the SmackDown Tag Team Championships, which they showcased to the WWE Universe. With a celebratory belly-tbounce, Heavy Machinery left a crestfallen Miz kneeling at the side of John Morrison. Devastated by the loss and clutching his ribs, "the Shaman of Sexy" tried to convince "the A-Lister" it was not his fault. Morrison reassured his disillusioned best friend, who could not believe he had lost the titles - as well as the stipulated rematch clause in their contract. In spite of it, the Miz would accept Morrison's hand to come back to his feet, and the two would hug it out...but once Morrison's back was turned, Miz would wipe him out with the Skull Crushing Finale! A cold demeanor came over "the A-Lister's" face, as he left his best friend and co-host of 'the Dirt Sheet' down and unconscious. So much for "the Most Winningest Tag Team in SmackDown History!"

▆▆▆

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· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Feb 15, 2023 15:35:36 GMT -5

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Post by DTP. on Feb 15, 2023 15:35:36 GMT -5

Wrestlers Shed Light on Industry’s Toxic Culture With #SpeakingOut
by Dan Gartland

June 19, 2020

A growing movement on social media is shedding light on sexual, physical and emotional abuse inflicted by and upon members of the wrestling industry.

Using the hashtag “#SpeakingOut” on Twitter, many prominent female wrestlers are commending those who have come forward to share their experiences.

At least three male WWE wrestlers have also been accused of misconduct against women. Jordan Devlin, who wrestles for WWE’s NXT UK brand and was WWE’s Cruiserweight Champion until travel issues related to the pandemic forced him to drop the belt, was accused of physical abuse by a woman who shared photos of her bruised body.

“We take any allegation of this nature very seriously and are looking into the matter,” WWE said in a statement.

Candy Cartwright, an independent wrestler, accused WWE’s Matt Riddle of pressuring her into performing sex acts while in a van with other wrestlers in 2018. Riddle, in Twitter direct messages to a British YouTuber whom he had previously been interviewed by, denied the allegation and accused Cartwright of harassing him. Riddle said his lawyer and WWE were exploring the possibility of legal action against Cartwright. WWE’s statement on the allegations against Riddle was identical to the one issued about Devlin.

A third WWE wrestler was accused by a woman on Twitter of making repeated unwanted sexual advances at a 2014 New Year’s Eve party.

Longtime wrestling personality Jim Cornette and his wife, Stacey, are also accused of acting inappropriately with wrestlers. Independent wrestler Phil Earley alleged that when Cornette was in charge of Ohio Valley Wrestling, then a developmental territory for WWE, novice wrestlers were pressured into performing sex acts with Stacey (“many times with [Cornette] watching”) in exchange for opportunities in OVW. Several former OVW performers backed up Earley’s allegations. (During an argument with Cornette on Twitter in March, All Elite Wrestling’s Joey Janela alluded to “a hot tub party. Like the ones you and your wife used to have with the OVW boys.”)

Other male wrestlers have come forward to say they were taken advantage of early in their careers.

The majority of the wrestlers being accused of misconduct by women using the #SpeakingOut hashtag work in the U.K. On Wednesday, prominent independent wrestler David Starr (real name Max Barsky), an American who was a fixture in the British wrestling scene, was accused of sexual abuse by a woman he had been in a relationship with. Several promotions cut ties with Starr after the allegations.

WWE halts production after wrestler tests positive for COVID-19
by Liz Roscher

June 16, 2020

World Wrestling Entertainment has temporarily suspended television production at its Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, after a developmental wrestler tested positive for COVID-19.

The wrestler, who was not named, was last at the Performance Center on June 9. In a statement, WWE associate medical director Dr. Jeffrey Dugas said that no other individuals have reported any symptoms, but production will be halted so everyone involved can be tested.

“A developmental talent, who was last on site at WWE’s training facility on Tuesday, June 9, has tested positive for COVID-19. Since that time, no other individuals that attended the facility have reported symptoms,” Dugas said in the WWE’s statement.

“However, out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the health and safety of the company's performers and staff, all talent, production crew and employees on site at the training and production facilities will be tested for COVID-19 immediately. Following the test results, WWE plans to proceed with its normal television production schedule”

Dean Muhtadi, who goes by Mojo Rawley in WWE, tweeted about his own COVID-19 test on Tuesday morning.

Since WWE’s training facility is located in Florida, they’ve been able to continue producing television programs during the widespread shutdown driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis decided in mid-April that the WWE and other sports, entertainment and media were all essential businesses that could continue operating despite statewide stay-at-home orders.

Recently, WWE started having developmental talent appear ringside as audience members. They’ve been separated from the wrestlers with a large pane of plexiglass, similar to a hockey arena. According to Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer, the WWE would not allow anyone to wear masks.

The Wrestling Observer also reported that these COVID-19 tests would be the first that the WWE has done. An employee identified as on-screen talent tested positive in April, but the WWE said that the individual had no contact with any WWE employees or wrestlers after being exposed to the virus by two healthcare workers. They considered the situation to be “low risk” and did not initiate employee or wrestler testing.

JUNE 22, 2020 OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: DEATH OF MR. WRESTLING II

#SPEAKINGOUT BEGINS The career of David Starr (Max Barsky, 29) appears in jeopardy after a sexual assault charge and public exchange between Starr and an ex-girlfriend named Victoria took place on social media this past week.

This has led to a groundswell of charges on social media, largely involving U.K. wrestlers, but also a number of well known names on the U.S. scene.

Before the end of the day, accusations were being thrown around that included a ton of name wrestlers and former wrestling performers, including one Hall of Famer. There are at least six performers for the WWE U.K. brand charged in different social media posts, as well as one AEW wrestler by name and second one implied, a top ROH star, an NWA exec and a well known Impact name. Undoubtedly this is the tip of the iceberg and all of these stories and more are likely to unfold over the next week.

WWE did make a statement regarding Jordan Devlin, whose name came up in a unique way.

Devlin, who was cruiserweight champion until plans changed on the idea of an interim champion and Kushida was crowned the permanent champion on 6/7, noted that there is a new chapter in OTT with Starr gone.

A woman who went by the name Hannah tweeted, “My head is full, but my abuser is no tweeting about OTT wrestling vacating their championship. You’re in danger of putting another abuser right in Starr’s place.”

She then tweeted photos of bruises on her legs saying that Devlin did that to her, and said she also had bruises on her back and butt that she didn’t want to post online.

WWE said, “We take any allegation of this nature very seriously and are looking into the matter.”

Devlin, nor any of the wrestlers named aside from Starr had not said anything publicly on the various charges.

Many of the other cases involve guys coming on to women who didn’t want it but would be inappropriate behavior, and in some cases such as trainer/student or veteran/rookie, in some cases power issues involved, or inappropriate messages sent through texting or social media. In some cases, particularly involving people with power over careers and young women getting started, like in most any form of entertainment, this is going to exist but it shouldn’t exist. In some higher profile industries it has come out and huge names in major entertainment industries have been forced out of the business by stories.

EVOLVE CLOSES ITS DOORS Details are still not known, but Evolve/WWN is said to be finished and it is believed its library and other assets were sold to WWE, but neither side has confirmed or denied the transaction. However, Gabe Sapolsky did send out a message to the Evolve core roster telling them that there are no more plans to run shows and that the core roster secret social page is shutting down. He said that for those in the group he feels you have a good future in the business, it’s not the end of the road, just taking a different path from a fork in the road. Evolve/WWN had not sent out refunds until recently for the canceled WrestleMania week shows due to the company’s financial issues. In April they had stated that they would refund all money but said that it would take some time, so they’ve acknowledged the issues. On 6/18, Sapolsky wrote, “We just got an update from Etix. They’ve made some refunds. The rest will be made in the next week or two. They are working on them and everyone will be refunded. My deepest apologies it is taking this long. I’m not going to make any excuses, but I assure you this has been the foremost thing on our minds and we are doing everything we can to get this done as quickly as possible. I understand if you are angry and upset. You will be made whole if you are owed a refund. Be safe & well.” .

BRING BACK THE UNIVERSE WWE is making plans for a return to live events at arenas with crowds. Nothing is definite because nobody knows what’s going to be going on in two months and what places will be open and what restrictions there will be. Vince McMahon does want SummerSlam to be held before a live audience, which would be August, likely not in Boston, although the date could be moved to September if it’s easier to be allowed to return to arena events.

BACKLASH CASUALTIES While Backlash was considered an all round success given the circumstances of everything that has come up over the last few weeks, it was not without its setbacks as two key talent came away with injuries.

Samoa Joe sustained a concussion in the falls count anywhere match with Kevin Owens, said to come from a shot to the head during the opening minutes.

Considering the ladder match had a lot of stunts for a show held behind closed doors, Jeff Hardy and Sheamus were said to both be banged up, but ok the day after.

Sami Zayn was written out per his own request, not feeling that the current situation was doing him any good and feeling uncomfortable with the set up of carrying on in the midst of the pandemic. He dropped the WWE Intercontinental title to Daniel Bryan and is expected out until further notice. He joins the likes of Roman Reigns, the Usos, Naomi, Walter, Pete Dunne, Kyle O'Reilly, much of NXT UK and others.

WON Ratings:
Sheamus vs Cesaro - SmackDown 6/12 - ***¾

Corbin vs Crews - Backlash 6/14 - **¼
Heavy Machinery vs Miz & Morrison - Backlash 6/14 - **½
Kevin Owens vs Samoa Joe - Backlash 6/14 - **¾
Bryan vs Zayn - Backlash 6/14 - ****
Asuka vs Baszler - Backlash 6/14 - ***¼
Mysterios vs Angel & Humberto - Backlash 6/14 - ***
Sonya vs Mandy - Backlash 6/14 - **
McIntyre vs Orton - Backlash 6/14 - ***½
Hardy vs Sheamus - Backlash 6/14 - ***¾

Orton vs Ricochet - RAW 6/15 - ***½

TV Ratings:
SmackDown 6/12 - 2.04 million viewers
RAW 6/15 - 1.89 million viewers
NXT 6/17 - 0.60 million viewers

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· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Feb 18, 2023 16:38:24 GMT -5

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Monday Night RAW #1413 – June 22, 2020
"Championship Monday"
WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida
LESS THAN FOUR WEEKS FROM THE HORROR SHOW AT EXTREME RULES!

WWE Main Event #404 – June 26, 2020
- WWE United States Champion Andrade (with Zelina Vega) def. Zack Ryder with the Hammerlock DDT following a distraction from Zelina. (5:45)
- Liv Morgan def. Sarah Logan (with Ruby Riott) with the ObLIVion following an unintentional collision between the Riott Squad members. (6:13)

A video package aired, promoting the night ahead. It was Championship Monday on the USA Network, with two major WWE championships up for grabs! The WWE World Championship and RAW Women's Championship would both be at stake, with a dream match for the WWE Universe to be expected between the champion Drew McIntyre and his challenger Kevin Owens. Meanwhile, the rivalry would peak when the champion Asuka defended her crown against Shayna Baszler in a Submission match. A 'Tale of the Tape' series of graphics accompanied each of the four combatants - as tonight Monday Night RAW was the sight for Championship Monday!

The opening video package aired, cutting to the WWE Performance Center for Monday Night RAW! Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian welcomed the WWE Universe to this Championship Monday edition of Monday Night RAW - kicking things off with the Submission match.

A video package aired following Shayna Baszler's arrival to the ring inside the WWE Performance Center, setting the scene for tonight's Submission match for the RAW Women's Championship. Since her arrival, "the Queen of Spades" had been a one-woman wrecking crew of the entire Women's Division. Only unsuccessful at WrestleMania against Becky Lynch by roll-up, Baszler was driven to add the RAW Women's gold to her growing list of accolades - but when opportunity knocked, Asuka capitalized. "The Empress of Tomorrow" would win the Money in the Bank briefcase and go on to be awarded the title from "the Man". Naturally, Shayna grew even more violent with every passing week. Having hospitalized Vanessa Borne, broken the arm of Kairi Sane, and even threatened the pregnant Becky Lynch, Baszler went into Backlash with a head full of steam - only to be given a taste of her own medicine. For the first time in her WWE career, Baszler tapped: but tonight, she had vowed never to let it happen again!

1) Asuka (c) def. Shayna Baszler in a Submission match to retain the RAW Women's Championship (17:25) [THROUGH THREE BREAKS]
- "The Queen of Spades" was too furious to allow the formality of the customary pre-match ring introductions, immediately engaging Asuka with a series of rights and lefts. The RAW Women's Champion telegraphed it and fired back - both women going blow for blow! The WWE Universe watched with anticipation as Shayna Baszler struck Asuka with the Baszler Rush - when Asuka cut her off with the hip attack! A second one went blocked into an atomic drop by the challenger, who hit the ropes for a soccer kick, just to have "the Empress of Tomorrow" sweep the leg from under her with a kick! Through the ropes landed Baszler on the ringside floor, when a diving knee strike from the apron took out Baszler. The Japanese sensation swaggered at ringside following a strong start.
- The RAW Women's Champion refused to be taken lightly by Shayna Baszler, as she maintained a headscissors on the ground. Baszler wrestled free into a side headlock, but Asuka worked back to their feet and dropped down into a leapfrog. Another hip attack went foreshadowed by "the Queen of Spades", but a Switchblade Kick stunned the challenger! Asuka attempted a single-legged Boston crab, but Baszler wrestled out using her swift technical prowess. With a knee strike to the gut, a soccer kick took Asuka down hard - when Baszler followed with mounted palm strikes! Asuka was able to fight her off, when Baszler applied a double wristlock. Asuka made it to the ropes quick, but Baszler would follow suit with more grounded strikes. A sequence of deadlift gutwrenches saw Asuka hurled overhead into a suplex, when Baszler targeted the ankle with stomps. Asuka was able to fight with an enzuigiri, but Baszler applied a rolling kneebar! The champ was thought to be done, but she made it to the ropes!
- Shayna Baszler maintained pressure on the foot with a twisting ankle hold applied. Asuka repeatedly tried to kick the persistent "Queen of Spades" away, but she would maintain the hold without fail. "The Submission Savant" applied a heel hook intensifying the situation, but thankfully "the Empress of Tomorrow" was able to grab the bottom rope! Baszler grinned through her mouthguard, before refocusing her attention on the arm. As the black tape on her elbow suggested from Backlash, Baszler's arm was not one-hundred percent, following being the recipient of an elbow stomp. Baszler started to run her mouth, treading on the fingers of the RAW Women's Champion and teasing the lethal stomp. Yet it would prove to be a mistake as Asuka rolled through with a flying cross-armbreaker! Shayna was in trouble, despite her best efforts to escape. Taken down twice, Baszler would hoist her up for a powerbomb - sending the champ into the corner with a buckle bomb!
- Shayna Baszler now had Asuka wrestled to the canvas with a cross-armbreaker of her own, though much like "the Submission Savant" had done minutes earlier, the RAW Women's Champion would hoist Baszler up upside down and plant her face first! A running hip attack against the ropes stunned Baszler, and a spin kick knocked the challenger down. "The Queen of Spades" was stunned, barely able to remain vertical - when the Asuka Lock was applied! Shayna tried to fight it as best as she could, able to roll backwards into the Kirifuda Clutch. An inverse of the closing moments from Backlash, Shayna was compelled to not make the same mistake - but Asuka would roll onto her front and wisely slip out from under her! A legsweep saw the champ miss an enzuigiri - when Shayna stomped on the hand. The lethal elbow stomp narrowly missed, and Asuka capitalized with a swift Octopus Stretch reverse - taking Shayna down into a seated position. The innovative hold left her with no choice but to tap out!

"The Empress of Tomorrow" could not believe the outcome herself, as the referee rushed to raise her hand. Shayna Baszler had been defeated again, in her own domain of the Submission match! Asuka secured the RAW Women's Championship she had fought valiantly to retain, screaming to the camera in Japanese. Championship Monday was off to a roaring start, though Asuka refused to be removed from her mantle over the RAW Women's Division.

︾︾︾

Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian again welcomed the WWE Universe to Championship Monday, on a night where outside of the WWE World Championship being at stake - we would bear witness to the tiebreaking 'Anything You Can Do, We Can Do Better' challenge - when the Street Profits and the Viking Raiders met in the Decathlon. Plus, strange bedfellows would share a team when Randy Orton and Bobby Lashley meet Ricochet and Cedric Alexander; and the WWE 24/7 Championship would be at stake in a Fatal 4-Way match!

WWE World Championship - Drew McIntyre (c) vs Kevin Owens
Randy Orton and Bobby Lashley vs Ricochet and Cedric Alexander
'Anything You Can Do, We Can Do Better' - The Tiebreaker - Decathlon - The Viking Raiders (2) vs The Street Profits (2)
Dominik Mysterio vs Humberto Carrillo
WWE 24/7 Championship - Fatal 4-Way match - Akira Tozawa (c) vs R-Truth vs Shelton Benjamin vs Riddick Moss

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The Scotsman to Beat
Kayla Braxton was standing by backstage with the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre. Mentally in the zone, "the Scottish Terminator" wanted to ask Kayla if she smelled what was in the atmosphere tonight. It was fate, and it was destiny, and it called out to Kevin Owens. Drew considered KO a remarkable athlete who had worked his way up through this industry without relent. He was no slouch, a former WWE Universal Champion in his own right. But he too realized how long it had been since he had risen to the mountaintop! Drew had little doubt the Canadian would bring his A-game, because he proved last week he was not letting this opportunity slip through his fingers. McIntyre claimed this was the type of opportunities he craved, that he longed for the competition and the hunger of a challenger. As WWE World Champion, it was his task to be the man to beat - and to welcome allcomers as they tried to beat him. Tonight at Championship Monday, the Scotsman was driven to overcome "the Prize Fighter".

A 'Did You Know?' graphic aired, informing us that the free version of the WWE Network was available now. With no credit card required for signing up, this version boasted over 15,000 WWE titles including RAW, SmackDown, NXT, and RAW Talk - immediately following Monday Night RAW.

Ground Rules
Bobby Lashley listened to his advisor MVP as he psyched himself up in the dressing room. "The All Mighty" was given a motivating chat from "the Franchise Playa", who verbally drilled into his head the humiliating upset Lashley suffered against Ricochet over a month ago. Lana sat with the Money in the Bank briefcase, asking why her husband had to go through with the match tonight. She knew exactly how scary Randy Orton could be, having seen what he'd done to Edge not once but twice. MVP bickered back that nobody could stop "their" man, prompting yet another quarrel between the two about the safety and competence of the Money in the Bank briefcase holder. Lashley hushed them up, claiming "the Viper" wouldn't dare do a damn thing out of step tonight - which was all well, until Randy Orton appeared behind him with a smile. Orton advised Bob comfort his wife while he could, but that wouldn't change what he could make happen if push came to shove tonight.

Lana grew uncomfortable and wished to hide behind her husband, as MVP got between Bobby Lashley and Randy Orton. An intense face-off saw "the All Mighty" ask what "the Apex Predator" had in mind, bringing him to suggest that one dumb move could cost him big. With a smirk, the Money in the Bank briefcase holder questioned how he might go about that, goading Orton and asking him what might happen if he struck first. "The Viper" grinned back, telling his partner the ground rules for their tag team match tonight. If Bob did so much as to look at him funny, Orton wasn't afraid to take him down with an RKO no different than the one he fed him two weeks ago. Even worse, with his wife sobbing for mercy - she and their puppet MVP would be forced to witness Lashley get his head Punt kicked off his shoulders no different than a pigskin. That, was what Randy had in mind. Lashley chuckled, but looked back and urged him that sounded fine to him - but warned Orton not to choke like he did against Drew McIntyre at Backlash!

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Rey Mysterio joined Dominik Mysterio in the corridor, as "the Legendary Luchador" tried going over stategy with his son headed into his first ever singles match. Dom smiled telling his father how he had been filling him with knowledge all week long! Asking when he would take a break, his Dad laughed. Rey knew he did well last week and at Backlash - but a singles match was a different game. Against a turncoat Benedict Arnold like Humberto Carrillo - they had no idea what they could expect with La Invasíon around. Dom knew Rey had reason to be concerned. "La Estrella" knew everything about him, much like Dom knew everything about Carrillo. They were bros once, tighter than Rey could know! But that would be Humberto's downfall. Forced to smile and nod along, Rey wished his son luck and told him he wouldn't fill his head with anymore advice. He turned to leave, but Dominik turned his father around and gave him a quick hug - Los Mysterios still on the same page, though the rookie wished to learn from his own experience.

︾︾︾

Following discussion from Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton, a video package aired recapping Seth Rollins and his Church presenting 'the Funeral of Aleister Black' one week ago. "The Monday Night Messiah" gave a eulogy to Aleister Black, only for the man himself to return. Eerier than ever before, with an eyepatch shielding his injured eye "the Anti-Hero" emerged from the shadows taking out each and every one of his Disciples one by one. Down went Akam, and down went both RAW Tag Team Champions Theory and Murphy - leaving only Black and Seth Rollins. Face-to-face, "the Appropriator of Habit" was back to reak havoc on "the Messiah" who stole his sight. A graphic followed, promoting a special appearance from the man himself. Aleister Black would address the Church of Rollins - up next!

An advertisement aired, promoting the fifth episode of the Limited Series Event - 'The Undertaker: The Last Ride'. "Chapter 5: Revelations" was streaming now, exclusively on the WWE Network.

Like Blood Brothers
The lights went out over the WWE Performance Center, and with a creek rose Aleister Black from the stage. With one eye on display, "the Appropriator of Habit" made a powerful return to Monday Night RAW last week, when he gatecrashed his own funeral. Dressed for competition, with an eye covering or not, it was apparent that Black was not frightened of whatever sinister fate awaited him as he emerged in the ring. Aleister held the microphone close as he knelt before the WWE Universe on-hand. Aleister claimed that he was blessed to have this moment to once again stand in this ring. For a short period of time, he felt weakness, for the idea of his future between the ropes had fallen into question. This nasty business with Mr. Rollins had grown all the more bitter, and all the more dramatic. It had cost him the ability to see using his right eye, but it had also enabled him to seek knowledge. Detailing the relationship he had with Seth Rollins, himself and "the Monday Night Messiah" were closer than he initially thought.

Aleister Black mused that there had to be reason for Seth Rollins to wish so vehemently for him to join the Church, and what it took was a career-threatening injury to be raised with such an epiphany. Himself and "the Monday Night Messiah" were like blood brothers, because they each gave every bit of life and spirit they had to this combat sport - they just shared differing philosophies. Black ginned knowing this now, saying had he known this sooner, he may have entertained such an idea and joined his band of Disciples. Black could have been another in a line of foot soldiers for Seth to run rampant on "Monday Night Rawlins" - but it was too late for that, and there was no turning back. Black claimed there was no excusing what Mr. Rollins had done, because while all he could see was blurred vision with one eye closed, unfortunately for "the Messiah" was the fact that he could still fight. Black claimed Seth had ran on long enough, but it was high time he received karma for the martyr he had become.

Aleister Black reiterated that now he and Seth Rollins were to meet once again - An Eye for An Eye! "The Appropriator of Habit" prepared to await the Church's response, when Seth Rollins came to the rampway moments later. Unimpressed and flanked by his Disciples - the RAW Tag Team Champions Theory and Murphy stood either side of their leader, as Akam peered over his shoulder. Seth cackled at the thought of Aleister being serious, noting how he'd said it himself - he was 50% blind, yet he thought he could go one-on-one with the great "Monday Night Messiah!" Rollins laughed the thought off, telling Black any hope he ever had of getting the match he wanted was long gone. Seth told Aleister it was in his best interest he stay stowed away in the shadows where it was safe, because another encounter would see him lose even more of his sight. With an evil grin, the leader of the Church told Aleister to stand down - calling him his little brother!

"The Monday Night Messiah" threatened to bring his Church down to the ring as a reminder to Aleister Black for the ugly things they did to him, but Black called the Church's bluff. Adopting a seated position with his legs crossed, "the Appropriator of Habit" informed Seth Rollins he would do whatever it took for his prophecy to go fulfilled. An amused Rollins was surprised to hear this, and proclaimed that he planned to call Aleister's bluff. Seth knew all too well that he had never been one to back down from a challenge, even if it was a stupid decision to be made. With that, Seth planned to test such a prophecy: because if "the Anti-Hero" wished to step into the ring one-on-one with "the Monday Night Messiah" again...he'd have to pledge his allegiance, by taking on each of his Disciples. Challenging Black here and now to prove his worth by running the gauntlet against his Church, the man with an eyepatch accepted the challenge. Seth cackled once more, declaring him a foolish man - sending Akam down to the ring to get things underway!

2.1) Aleister Black def. Akam in a Gauntlet match (2:20)
- "The Appropriator of Habit" wished to fulfil the prophecy he envisioned for the future of so-called blood brother Seth Rollins. To do so, Aleister Black first had to endure the three Disciples from the Church. Seth Rollins and RAW Tag Team Champions Theory and Murphy watched from the top of the rampway as Akam immediately cornered Aleister with body blows. A biel throw launched him from one side of the ring to the other, though Black would immediately come back fighting with a striking combination! A discus back elbow rocked Akam to a knee, when a jumping knee strike stunned him. Black attempted the Meteora from the top rope, just for Akam to catch him with a Super Collider powerbomb! Akam planned to make short work of the man with the eye covering - but Black fired back with a roundhouse kick! Akam was stunned, when a rolling legsweep took one-half of AOP down. "The Equalizer" evaded a bicycle knee strike, but Black escaped a spinebuster and sent the big man down with Black Mass for the three count!

The WWE Universe came to their feet in shock, as Aleister Black returned to a seated position on the canvas. With his legs folded and arms outstretched, "the Appropriator of Habit" was still as strong as he was with two eyes of vision! Eyepatch or not, Aleister pointed towards the Church gathered on the rampway and awaited his next challenge. Seth Rollins looked to Murphy and urged "the Juggernaut" to shut Black down! The Gauntlet would resume - next.

2.2) Aleister Black def. RAW Tag Team Champion Murphy in a Gauntlet match (6:24)
- "The Anti-Hero" shockingly put Akam down in no time, but as Monday Night RAW returned from the break, Murphy managed to put up a fight against Aleister Black. One-half of the RAW Tag Team Champions struck with a sit-out powerbomb, as Seth Rollins and Theory watched from the rampway. Black kept looking to fight "the Juggernaut", who cut him off with a striking combination capping off with a knee strike! The Aussie looked to target the eye of Black, as "the Monday Night Messiah" let out a cackle - but "the Appropriator of Habit" fired back with a brainbuster! Aleister followed with the Iron Octopus applied, but Murphy was able to escape out and two the floor. A triangle moonsault from the second rope wiped the champ out, when Aleister sent him back inside for a snapmare into a double footstomp! Black looked to put away his second Disciple of the Gauntlet, when Murphy evaded it and knocked Black loopy with the wrists-clenched knee strike - but Murphy's Law saw Black respond with Black Mass to take the win!

Career rivals as they were, Aleister Black would take his second victory against another of Seth Rollins' Disciples! Down went Akam, and down went Murphy, as "the Appropriator of Habit" once again assumed a seated position. His legs crossed, Aleister glared with one eye towards "the Monday Night Messiah". Coaching Theory and relieving him of the RAW Tag Team Championship, Seth advised his youngest Disciple to put an end to the Gauntlet. Psyched up, he would race to the ring!

2.3) Aleister Black def. RAW Tag Team Champion Theory in a Gauntlet match by disqualification (2:34)
- There was but one more obstacle separating Aleister Black from his prophecy of meeting blood brother Seth Rollins one more time, as "the Monday Night Messiah" watched intently from the rampway. His youngest Disciple Theory planned to hold down the Church for his leader, though his inexperience would see the RAW Tag Team Champion narrowly avoid the Black Mass early! Blocking a kick into a rolling kneebar, he would make it to the ropes before catching "the Anti-Hero" off-guard with a rolling blockbuster from the corner! Theory was on the attack and delivered a snap suplex, but the mouth of the youngster star Theory's spinout torture rack powerbomb reversed into a bridging German suplex! "The Appropriator of Habit" flew with a Meteora from the top rope, before bringing Theory up for the Black Mass. Disciple victim number three was moments away... when Rollins jumped his blood brother from behind!

Prophecy Fulfilled
Aleister Black had been mere moments from disposing of Theory to bring this Gauntlet to an end, had it not been for Seth Rollins! Armed with his Disciple's RAW Tag Team Championship gold, Seth Rollins put the boots to "the Appropriator of Habit" - soon eyeing him up for a shot from the gold. Even with one eye, Black rolled out of the way, and a springboard moonsault from the second rope would catch "the Monday Night Messiah" by surprise! Black knelt beside Seth and began to pound away at his blood brother's eye - when Theory would save the day with a super kick upside the head! Seth ordered Theory to restrain his foe as Seth promptly tore the covering from Black's face. Exposing a disturbingly black eye with a diluted pupil on "the Anti-Hero", Black would fight back! Seth was stunned, as Theory received Black Mass - though Rollins would run for the hills. Now alone - Black stood with one eye blacker than the other. His prophecy was to come true, with a future match in store against "the Messiah!"

︾︾︾

Following discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian, a video package aired recapping the string of 'Anything You Can Do, We Can Do Better' challenges exchanged between the Street Profits and the Viking Raiders. Once allies, now the two tag teams had endured competitions ranging from bowling to axe-throwing and from basketball to mini-golf. Now tied two points against one another, tonight was the tiebreaking challenge. Erik and Ivar of "the Modern Day Vikings" were ready for "the Frat Boys" as they prepared for the Decathlon - up next.

A graphic aired, confirming the first official match signed for Extreme Rules - live, exclusively on the WWE Network in less than four weeks on Sunday, July 19 - Aleister Black would have the opportunity to exact his prophecy against Seth Rollins.

Extreme Rules - Aleister Black vs Seth Rollins

Preparing for the Decathlon
Earlier today, at a local gymnasium in downtown Orlando, Florida the Street Profits were in the process of changing for the finalé of the 'Anything You Can Do, We Can Do Better' challenges. Montez Ford considered the zaniness of their rivalry with the Viking Raiders to Angelo Dawkins, and how these wacky escapades felt crazier and more unpredictable by the week! 'Ang questioned what 'Tez's point was, to which he questioned whether they were becoming cartoon characters. Dawkins laughed but told Ford he'd been on the smoke for too long - but that was alright. After today, their series of challenges with "the Modern Day Vikings" would end, and they could look forward to once again going out on a limb and recapturing the RAW Tag Team Championships - with no interruptions! Suddenly, locker doors across the dressing room were heard clanging shut - revealing that the Viking Raiders were changing there too! Dressed to impress in the Decathlon, Ivar still chomped into a turkey leg while Ivar disputed "the Frat Boys'" claim.

As the four in gym shorts and headbands got into each other's grills, tempers once again flared between the two teams. Erik, Ivar, Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins' differences could not be any more serious to the foursome - and in conversation with one another, the stakes were made even higher riding on today's Decathlon challenge! With both teams tied two-against-two, it was proposed that today's victorious team in the tiebreaker would be named number one contenders to the RAW Tag Team Championships! "The Modern Day Vikings" told "the Frat Boys" they'd see them on the field, but the Street Profits told the Viking Raiders: not if they'd see them first!

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The Families of Monday Nights
Seth Rollins paced back and forth in the backstage corridor. Fuming to have witnessed Aleister Black not only overcome his three most loyal Disciples from the Church tonight, "the Monday Night Messiah" had Akam and the RAW Tag Team Champions Theory and Murphy line up to be dressed down. Seth questioned how loyal they were to his cause, questioning if they too had seen the killer instinct in the eyes of that psychopathic "One Eyed Man from Amsterdam". Theory tried to explain, but Murphy hushed him - though Seth told Murphy it was okay. Theory did not know much better, nor did he realize the fate that was about to befall Black. A gobsmacked "Juggernaut" listened as Seth patted Theory on the shoulder for a well-fought effort, even apologizing for costing him what would have undoubtedly been the biggest win of his young career. Grinning from ear to ear, the youngster accepted - when Seth gave his protegé a hug.

Slow clapping his way on-screen came WWE United States Champion Andrade. Accompanied by La Invasíon, Zelina Vega, Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo came face to face with the RAW Tag Team Champions and "the Equalizer". "El Capo" was amused how handily Aleister Black beat them, though Seth Rollins claimed it was a fluke. Andrade claimed La Invasíon would never let such an embarrassing feat occur, though Seth maintained in their second meeting, Theory would put "the Appropriator of Habit" out of his misery! The youngest Disciple was baffled, as Seth declared that Theory would do just that next week. Los Lotharios laughed behind Andrade, as they joked at the expense of Murphy for being outshone by "twinkle toes". "The Juggernaut" was annoyed, when Andrade bid the Church farewell - La Invasíon had their own business to attend to - when Humberto Carrillo took Dominik Mysterio down and out. The Church were left scowling, as animosity simmered beneath the surface.

Next week - RAW Tag Team Champion Theory vs Aleister Black

'Champions with a Fighting Spirit' aired, presented by Modelo. Setting the gold standard for authentic Mexican beer since 1925, for those with a Fighting Spirit - a video package aired recapping the momentous 179-day reign for the current WWE United States Champion Andrade. After defeating Rey Mysterio at a WWE Live event in Madison Square Garden, "El Capo" had gone on to defend the title against allcomers, and even form a new family named La Invasíon.

3) Humberto Carrillo def. Dominik Mysterio (5:38)
- Since making his WWE in-ring debut back at Backlash, where he and his Rey Mysterio were victorious against Los Lotharios, Dominik Mysterio was undefeated. Former friend-turned-ally of La Invasíon Humberto Carrillo wished to be the one to end that record. "La Estrella" was arrogant, allowing Dominik to impress from a dropdown and leapfrog. Mysterio bombarded Humberto with dropkicks, when a springboard crossbody scored! Dom swaggered like his father's late friend Eddie Guerrero. Carrillo turned things around with a springboard roundhouse kick, and a turning moonsault plancha saw the newcomer get taken out! Humberto grounded and slapped him around, but his confidence cost him once Mysterio landed a code red! Dom looked for the 619, when the video screen showed Andrade, Angel Garza and Zelina Vega backstage - standing over Rey Mysterio. A distraught Dom was dropped with a springboard headbutt, and with a handful of tights, Carrillo stole it!

Humberto Carrillo stood tall over Dominik Mysterio with a snarl on his face, while the video screen showed the rest of La Invasíon continuing to stand dominantly over Rey Mysterio's carcass. "El Amante" grinned as Zelina Vega supervised with a calm demeanor. The WWE United States Champion would crouch down over his longtime adversary meanwhile, claiming to have warned "the Legendary Luchador" that this day would come. La Invasíon had offered Dom membership in their ranks - but instead, his son had chosen violence. "El Capo" declared that with Rey out of the picture, now the WWE Universe would see whether his son would sink...or swim! A parting stomp to the ribcage from Garza saw La Invasíon depart - leaving Carrillo laughing from afar at the beaten rookie.

︾︾︾

Restarting the Kevin Owens Show
Kevin Owens warmed up in the hall, understanding fully the implications of the WWE World Championship opportunity tonight. "The Prize Fighter" bided his time with patience when joined by Charly Caruso. Kev explained to Charly that while he wished to be left alone, he wished to explain one thing. It had been three long years, since he last held the WWE Universal Championship. That title meant the world to him, but even he could admit it made him a terrible person. Owens claimed that a lot had changed since then, how the landscape of this business had changed much like he had matured as a human being. Now, he wanted to become World Champion to not only for his family; not just to prove to the rest of the WWE Universe he belonged to be mentioned in the same sentence as names such as The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H and John Cena - but to prove to himself that he was worthy. As KO wished for peace of mind ahead of his match with a man he respected in Drew McIntyre, he declared that tonight 'the Kevin Owens Show' would get off and running once again.

︾︾︾

Backstage, Ricochet and Cedric Alexander concluded going over strategy. With a secret handshake, the two friends prepared for a tag team match of epic proportions. "The Future of Flight" and "Lumbar Legacy" were ready to meet strange bedfellows in Randy Orton and Bobby Lashley, who made separate walks to the arena on a splitscreen. How could "the Apex Predator" and "the All Mighty" co-exist? We would find out - next.

An advertisement aired, promoting a schedule for tomorrow night. With 'WWE Backstage' set to be broadcast at 10PM Eastern on FS1, as hosted by Renee Young and Booker T; it would be preceded by WWE Royal Rumble 2008 - shown in its entirety at 7PM.

You Talk Too Much
Natalya stood backstage, addressing the WWE Universe. Wanting to make the people understand until they had walked a mile in her shoes, they would never understand. She asked if anybody knew what pressure felt like being in the shadow of the Hart Family - she didn't think so. Nattie claimed over three months ago, she was approached by Liv for help. She wanted to prove she could stand on her own two feet - which told her everything. Liv wanted to leech her heritage and surpass her, because "'Mother Goose Nattie' didn't seem to mind". The truth was, she wasn't here to mentor anybody - she was here to take back the Women's Revolution and be "the Frontrunner". Bianca Belair confronted Nattie, claiming she ran her mouth a lot for somebody as slimy as her. Nattie scoffed, as "the EST" challenged her to a match. Scoffing at the sight of her, she claimed she'd take her on happily - next week. Bianca laughed as the Canadian departed, telling her her pink-and-black butt was gonna get whooped!

Next week - Bianca Belair vs Natalya

︾︾︾

4) Ricochet and Cedric Alexander def. Randy Orton and Bobby Lashley (with MVP and Lana) (7:58) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- While Randy Orton was victorious against Ricochet last week, he was humiliated by continued hijinks from the playfully spiteful Bobby Lashley. The Money in the Bank briefcase holder still wished to get even from an RKO received two weeks ago, as the strange bedfellows prepared for tag team competition. As Orton and Lashley argued about who to start, Ricochet and Cedric Alexander rushed the pair with stereo dropkicks. After sending "the Viper" from the ring, "Lumbar Legacy" and "the Future of Flight" connected with a series of strikes that wound knock "the All Mighty" silly on his feet! Lashley swung for a clothesline on Ricochet, who backflipped to evade it - and a springboard flatliner would see Cedric take him down for a near fall. Lashley rolled out into the arms of his wife Lana, as MVP again tried to separate Lashley from Orton!
- The early offense of Ricochet and Cedric Alexander continued, until "the One and Only" took Bobby Lashley down with a backflip kick into an enzuigiri. Randy Orton made the blind tag, and "the Apex Predator" capitalized with an inverted neckbreaker. Orton and "the All Mighty" showed some chemistry, as the Money in the Bank winner hurled Ricochet up for a scoop powerslam from Orton. Orton maintained a sleeper on "the One and Only" as Alexander looked for the tag, and finally after a powerbomb reversal, Ricochet tagged! Alexander ran hot with low dropkicks for Lashley. The Neutralyzer connected, when Lashley cut him off with a spinebuster. Bobby looked to tag Randy, but Orton left him high and dry! Walking out to the irritance of MVP and Lana, Lashley worked to fight off both opponents. A clothesline took Cedric down, when a handspring headscissors from Ricochet saw Lashley sent into the corner. Cedric delivered the Lumbar Check, when the 630 Senton allowed Ricochet to claim the win!

Randy Orton watched with a big smile on his face, witnessing Bobby Lashley fall to the combination of Ricochet and Cedric Alexander! The Money in the Bank winner had been beaten in a handicap match situation, though "the Future of Flight" and "Lumbar Legacy" would celebrate in the ring. MVP hit the ring and threw down his suit jacket, furious with the actions of "the Viper". As Orton continued to grin from the top of the rampway, Lana comforted her husband in the ring. Clenching his jaw, Lashley was furious and slammed his fist into the canvas. Orton had made a laughing stock of Lashley, much like Bobby had done Randy last week!

︾︾︾

Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian discussed how Championship Monday was unfolding, coming off of such an unpredictable result in the tag team match. Shifting gears to discuss the backstage assault earlier tonight however, the broadcast team brought up an update on the condition of Rey Mysterio. "The Legendary Luchador" was feared to have suffered two broken ribs as a result of the ambush from WWE United States Champion Andrade earlier tonight. They wished him a quick recovery, before pondering what had to be going through the mind of his son Dominik Mysterio.

︾︾︾

All Aboard the Good Brother Express
The O.C. were backstage raving about how their future looked brighter than ever, when Charly Caruso approached them with curiosity. Harrassed by the eccentric Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson claimed while it was none of the broadcast journalist's business, KA and "the Big LG" knew that tonight was going to be a good night. Anderson confessed how it had been a long couple of months, how they had tried to go to WWE management in protest and got no justice in return. They had the bejeebus kicked out of them by a couple of old men in The Undertaker and Kane. Gallows added that he and KA were done with going on strike, they were finished with crying out for justice. From now on, he and Karl were nothing but straight shooters, and that meant Good Brothering daily and Good Brothering nightly! Anderson and Gallows hollered that tonight was the turning point they'd been waiting for! Charly questioned whether they had intentions to get involved in the WWE World Championship main event, the duo left dodging the question.

A graphic aired, promoting tonight's edition of RAW Talk, immediately following Monday Night RAW. Hosted by Charly Caruso and Christian, tonight's special guests included Randy Orton and Bianca Belair. It all went down at 11:05 PM, exclusively on the WWE Network.

︾︾︾

Don't Cross The Viper
Cutting to the backstage area, a wall of referees were set in place to separate the stewing egos of the smiling Randy Orton, and the sieging Bobby Lashley! MVP and Lana were also on hand, screaming at "the Apex Predator" for causing the humiliation of their man "the All Mighty" earlier tonight. As Lashley tried to charge his way through the barricade of humanity set forth in his way, the Money in the Bank briefcase holder screamed that he was going to get "the Viper" for this and ring his neck! Orton simply shrugged, having warned Lashley on the way in not to cross him! The hot-headed game between Orton and Lashley continued, with the veteran having caused Lashley's embarrassment tonight.

︾︾︾

5) Riddick Moss def. Akira Tozawa (c), R-Truth & Shelton Benjamin in a Fatal 4-Way match to capture the WWE 24/7 Championship (3:53)
- The WWE 24/7 Championship picture was as turbulent as ever. The four most recent champs went at it in a Fatal 4-Way match, where Akira Tozawa possessed the title of desire. "The Gold Standard" was desperate to recapture the gold, attacking Tozawa before the four participants even arrived; though a powerbomb would see R-Truth make the save! The Little Jimmy dropped Shelton to remove the veteran, but as "Truth" targeted Tozawa with right hands, Riddick Moss snuck into the ring with a fire extinguisher in hand! "So Smooth" blinded the veteran with the foam, but his roll-up attempt would see R-Truth and Shelton target him instead. With his hair and beard ungroomed, Moss snatched the title gold and planned to take off with it - just for Tozawa to soar with a diving senton from the top rope onto the three challengers! Inside, Shelton fought a German suplex and delivered the Paydirt - but Moss slipped in from behind and drilled him with the Smooth Sailing neckbreaker! Moss covered Tozawa to regain the title.

For His Kids
Emotionally, Riddick Moss could not even believe that he came out on top. Now a three-time WWE 24/7 Champion, "So Smooth" fought back tears as he reached out for the WWE 24/7 Championship across the ring and held it in his arms. Hugging it closely, the boyhood dream had now come true for Moss, who raised the gold high and paraded it around the ring! Akira Tozawa rolled out in defeat while R-Truth and Shelton Benjamin got into an argument at ringside, unable to comprehend how this match turned out. Moss made his way out of the WWE Performance Center with the title held high - when all of a sudden, Heath Slater came from behind with a steel chair shot to the spine! "The One-Man Rock Band" was no a contracted WWE Superstar, but seized the opportunity with a cover...Heath Slater becoming the WWE 24/7 Champion! Excitedly, the man in the "I Got Kids" shirt had to have done his children proud - energetically exiting the WWEPC with Shelton and Truth hot on his tail.

︾︾︾

Following discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian, a video package aired, promoting the main event for this special Championship Monday edition of Monday Night RAW. At Backlash, Drew McIntyre once again retained the WWE World Championship when he was able to overcome Randy Orton. It was a psychological battle, but "the Scottish Terminator" would add "the Viper's" name to a list of defeated men including Brock Lesnar, Big Show and Edge. Last week, Drew was invited onto 'the Kevin Owens Show', though he was quick to see through "the Prize Fighter's" true intentions. While the O.C. would interrupt setting up a tag team match, the Scotsman and the Canadian would come out victorious - when KO's intentions became all the more clear. A Stunner was all it took for Kev to confirm the belief of Drew McIntyre, who welcomed the challenge with a smile. Tonight, who would leave with the title?

An advertisement aired, promoting the all-new free version of the WWE Network. Bringing the best in entertainment, with no credit card required, subscribers could gain access to over 15,000 available titles today.

The Winners Are...
The Viking Raiders made their grand entrance to the field for the Decathlon, where in tonight's tiebreaking 'Anything You Can Do, We Can Do Better' challenge, the victors would be named number one contenders to the RAW Tag Team Championships. Erik and Ivar were prepared for whatever came ahead, when moments later out swaggered the Street Profits from the dressing room. With no fans in attendance, only a WWE referee was present to call this challenge down the middle. He declared that each team would pick five events to engage in. The action got underway with a 1600-meter dash chosen by "the Frat Boys", who won in shockingly easy fashion - as Montez Ford lapped Ivar multiple times! As the big guy continued to try and finish his lap in the background meanwhile, "the Modern Day Vikings" had chosen archery - and conversely, Erik overcame Angelo Dawkins.

In the second phase of the Decathlon, the Street Profits had declared that their specialty would be contested next: a game of flipcups. Winning handily, Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins were riding high on top of their game - when the Viking Raiders responded with a game close to their heart: sword-fighting! As Erik and Ivar revealed their weapons, 'Tez forfeited instantly out of fear before they had even begun! A montage aired, revealing Dawkins overcoming Ivar at hurdles - though the Viking Raiders argued that they won on account of barging through each and every hurdle! Erik would defeat 'Tez in a tug-of-war, as Ford was dragged mightily into a kiddy pool. Next came a dance-off, seeing three judges present for the proceedings on the field. Montez Ford danced to "Sexy Boy" by Shawn Michaels, whilst Ivar danced to the theme song of Fandango! The female judge called Ivar cute and promptly voted for "the Modern Day Vikings", but the two male judges picked "the Frat Boys!"

The Viking Raiders were victorious at pole vaulting, tying the teams once again. It all boiled down to the two final challenges - one chosen by the Street Profits, and one chosen by the Viking Raiders. "The Frat Boys" felt confident in voting shotput, which brought confidence to Erik. 'Ang took his turn, though as sweat dripped from Dawkins' brow waiting for Erik's turn, a distraction from 'Tez threw him off! The Profits celebrated with confidence, proclaiming this Decathlon theirs! Feeling they had earned bragging rights - Ivar smirked. The final challenge was "the Modern Day Vikings'" - choosing turkey leg-eating! A montage showed the confidence of "the Frat Boys" turn to horror, as the Vikings came out victorious. Celebrating loudly and veraciously, the WWE referee however reminded both teams that the winners were...both of them! Stunned, the teams protested the decision - though the official maintained that the teams remained tied after the Decathlon, 5-5! The two teams were furious - chasing the official from the field enraged!

Next week - Tag Team Match - Number One Contender's match - The Street Profits (2) vs The Viking Raiders (2)

︾︾︾

The main event had arisen in the WWE Performance Center. Kevin Owens made his cautious entry to the building he trained in to first become a WWE Superstar, looking around and nodding in preparation. "The Prize Fighter" had been to the top of the mountain before - a former WWE Universal Champion. Over three years following the conclusion of his last reign, tonight was KO's next big opportunity. Climbing into the ring, Owens looked around and let out a warcry to the select number of WWE Universe members in attendance, all behind the plexiglass in wait. Owens jogged on the spot, as the bagpipes soon began to play. Drew McIntyre arrived in pristine condition, with the WWE World Championship around his waist. Immediately raising the title high, "the Scottish Terminator" began his pace down to the ring, where he immediately went nose-to-nose with his challenger. Ring announcer Mike Rome set the scene with formal in-ring introductions - as the main event was coming up next!

A graphic aired, revealing breaking news that next week on Monday Night RAW, Vince McMahon would personally grace the WWE Performance Center with his presence. But for what purpose would the WWE Chairman be present next week?

︾︾︾

6) Drew McIntyre (c) def. Kevin Owens to retain the WWE World Championship (20:42) [THROUGH THREE BREAKS]
- The bell sounded getting this WWE World Championship main event underway. Both men bided their time, understanding the levity of the match. Drew McIntyre smiled towards Kevin Owens, but from the first collar-and-elbow tie-up, the ferocity of the challenger was shown as Kev slugged it out in the corner. The referee intruded to prevent an early disqualification, though it instead afforded the champ time to bring the haymakers to the challenger! "The Scottish Terminator" was admonished by the official , prompting Owens to strike back with a big headbutt. A series of lariats stunned the champ, but mudhole stomps would take him down in the corner. In search of a the Cannonball, Drew intercepted with a belly-to-belly suplex! Kipping back up to his feet, the Scotsman followed to ringside. The two brawled, when Owens delivered a drop toe hold sending him into the steel steps - and the Cannonball sandwiched the WWE World Champion against the barricade.
- Kevin Owens was in control, more stomps directed at Drew McIntyre in the corner. "The Scottish Terminator" struck back with a high knee, and a diving clothesline from the second rope connected. The Scotsman followed Owens to the apron and battled him up to the top rope. Looking for the inverted Alabama slam, Owen landed out on his feet and attempted the Stunner! The champ defended with a big boot, but Owens would catch the champ off-guard with a codebreaker. Owens looked for the Pop-Up Powerbomb - but Drew slung himself full-force at KO with the Glasgow Kiss! McIntyre grinned as Owens collapsed to the canvas, soon drilling him with the Celtic Cross. "The Prize Fighter" hung in the match with vigilance, as Kev fought a spinebuster attempt and took the champ down hard with Argentine backbreaker. Owens lined up a second Cannonball in the corner - but did not see the champ catching him in his plans! With a deadlift, McIntyre grew back to his feet and planted KO with a sit-out powerbomb - for a near fall!
- Drew McIntyre angled for a superplex on Kevin Owens, just to have the challenger send the WWE World Champion crashing to the canvas. The Bullfrog Splash connected for a close near fall - but the momentum favored "the Prize Fighter". Owens struck Drew with clotheslines, when a block from the Scotsman saw Owens strick with the Super Kick! The Pop-Up Powerbomb was attempted, but "the Scottish Terminator" reversed into the Future Shock DDT - only getting a near fall. Both men grew to their feet and began throwing haymakers. McIntyre struck with a lariat, but another desperation super kick rocked the champ. The Stunner drilled McIntyre - but KO was unable to capitalize! The O.C. raced down to the ring looking to meddle in McIntyre and Owens' business, but as Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows put the boots to the champ, KO and McIntyre would team up to fight "the Good Brothers" away! The referee was prepared to call for the bell, only to be stopped in his tracks by both Drew and Owens! This war looked to continue!
- Drew McIntyre had Kevin Owens at his mercy on the apron with clubbing forearms to the chest of the challenger. "The Scottish Terminator" delivered the superplex on KO, yet the resilience of the challenger continued. "The Prize Fighter" battled upward against the WWE World Champion, but the Glasgow Kiss rocked the challenger. 'Claymore Country' appeared near, though Owens sidestepped it and attempted another Stunner, just to be blocked. Owens broke free from the Future Shock DDT and sidestepped the Claymore Kick attempt into the Pop-Up Powerbomb connected, but the Scotsman miraculously powered out. Owens could not believe it, arguing with the decision! In disbelief, KO pondered what would put the champ down for the count, as he planned to hoist Drew up. With a Package Piledriver in mind, Owens was ready to capture the title that had eluded him - but the champ backdropped out into a sunset flip. McIntyre ducked a clothesline - and the Claymore Kick put KO down for the count!

The WWE World Championship had been retained after an instant classic between Drew McIntyre and Kevin Owens! Barely able to stand, "the Scottish Terminator" would have his hand raised in the corner, as he sat with the gold on his lap. KO shook off the lingering effects of being taken to 'Claymore Country', as the Scotsman celebrated with the WWE Universe - soon being faced by "the Prize Fighter". A disappointed Canadian finally confronted the champ, offering him a handshake. The Scot was cautious but accepted the show of respect from the challenger, as KO raised McIntyre's hand high before departing the ring. Just when the coast was thought to be clear, the familiar sound of organs rang out...

Don't Want None
With the O.C. reemerging, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson were not alone this time...as AJ Styles returned to Monday Night RAW! McIntyre watched in awe, as "the Phenomenal One" laid his eyes on the champ. His intentions were clear, as he and AJ exchanged words from afar. After months of exile, it appeared that "the Face Who Ran the Place" was back to reclaim what he thought was rightfully his!

RAW Talk #14: June 22, 2020
- Following the shocking conclusion to Monday Night RAW's Championship Monday, co-hosts Charly Caruso and Christian took the time to discuss the classic WWE World Championship defense of Drew McIntyre against Kevin Owens, and the return of AJ Styles.
- Bianca Belair was introduced as tonight's first guest, wanting to discuss the show. "The EST" responded affirmative to the efforts of both Asuka and Shayna Baszler in their Submission match for the RAW Women's Championship, but believed that the best woman won. With gold in mind for the future, Bianca claimed she would not back down if "the Empress of Tomorrow" came knocking on her door tomorrow. When asked about her confrontation backstage with Natalya earlier tonight, Bianca believed the Canadian was frustrated after years of being seen as "Mother Goose", but after what she did to Liv Morgan, Belair planned on making her into "the Ugly Duckling" she'd always been seen as, next week on Monday Night RAW.
- Randy Orton would join the show to discuss his evening, and how he was responsible for infuriating Bobby Lashley. "The Viper" saw it as getting even with "the All Mighty" after the Money in the Bank briefcase holder tried to embarrass him last week - but he had been done dirtier than what Bob had done tonight. Orton explained how he didn't even dislike him, though he pitied Lana for having to waste her time with a man like her husband! "The Apex Predator" was clear in that he did not see Lashley ever being capable to support the WWE as a World Champion, cash-in or not - and that came from a legend like himself. He would make a veiled threat towards Christian after being questioned about what his plans were when Edge inevitably made his return - but before Orton could finish his retort, out came Bobby Lashley. Referees fled the scene as chaos consumed the set of RAW Talk in its' closing moments.

︾︾︾

Last Edit: Feb 27, 2023 19:16:01 GMT -5 by DTP.

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· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Feb 23, 2023 14:18:00 GMT -5

Quote

Post by DTP. on Feb 23, 2023 14:18:00 GMT -5

NXT #410 – June 24, 2020
Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida
ONE WEEK FROM NXT GREAT AMERICAN BASH!

NXT UK #98: Hidden Gems - June 25, 2020

- James Drake and Zack Gibson def. Flash Morgan Webster and Mark Andrews with the Ticket to Ride in an NXT UK Tag Team Championship Tournament Semi-Final match) [NXT UK #23 - JAN 9, 2019]
- Randy Savage (c) def. Shawn Michaels (with Sensational Sherri) with a diving crossbody to retain the WWE Championship. (16:21) [UK RAMPAGE '92 - APR 19, 1992]
- Toni Storm def. Dakota Kai with Storm Zero. (7:17) [NXT UK #6 - NOV 7, 2018]

Full Sail University was electric with a selection of NXT Universe members chanting the titular three letters of "the Black and Gold Brand", as Vic Joseph welcomed us to NXT. One week away from the return of the Great American Bash, he sent us to Mauro Ranallo and Beth Phoenix, who got us kicked off with a bang!

1) Ever-Rise def. Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher (c) to capture the NXT Tag Team Championship (6:22)
- After last week's edition of 'Ever-Rise Live', the NXT Tag Team Champions were prepared to make short work of Ever-Rise. Matt Riddle cut Chase Parker off with a monkey flip sending him directly into a forearm smash from Timothy Thatcher! "The Original Bro" and "the Mad Scientist" teamed up with a belly-to-belly suplex into Riddle's knee strike for Matt Martel, when a blind tag saw Riddle cut off by a drop toe hold into the leaping elbow drop from Parker! The challengers cut Riddle off with a criss-cross wrist-lock slam and cornered him, until Riddle escaped a powerbomb from Parker and tagged in Thatcher, who rushed in with European uppercuts for all! A guillotine choke took down Martel, who clung to the ropes, causing the referee to pry him off. Riddle tagged and looked to cool his partner off - but Thatcher responded hostility - taking Riddle with a lariat! Abandoning Riddle, as Ever-Rise delivered a Samoan drop into the diving blockbuster - though the champ kicked out. He fought back, just to be cut off with the Sweet Taste!

In what had to be the biggest upset in recent memory on "the Black and Gold Brand", new NXT Tag Team Champions had been crowned - and the combination of Ever-Rise could not be more thrilled! Matt Martel hugged Chase Parker, the two themselves in disbelief at such an outcome being possible. Matt Riddle rolled to the corner, forced to witness the obnoxious French-Canadians come together with a grandiose hug and pose. In a highly unanticipated event, "the Original Bro" had to be furious at whatever happened with Timothy Thatcher!

✕✕✕

Graphics aired, with Mauro Ranallo, Beth Phoenix and Vic Joseph discussing what else was coming up tonight. With the fan-vote poll active on WWE.com, and with one week remaining until its deadline, tonight the Velveteen Dream and Finn Bálor would state their cases to the NXT Universe. Ahead of her rematch with Charlotte Flair, NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai would choose a partner to combat "the Queen's" henchwomen the Iiconics; "Absolute" Ricky Starks" would make his long-anticipated NXT debut against Isaiah "Swerve" Scott; and Damian Priest would make his return coming off losing the NXT North American Championship.

Finn Bálor and Velveteen Dream state their cases to the NXT Universe
The Iiconics vs NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai and TBA
Damian Priest makes his return to NXT
Isaiah Scott vs Ricky Starks
Aliyah vs Xia Li

One Bad Day
Following a replay showing the unexpected NXT Tag Team Championship change moments ago, footage rolled from during the commercial break. Timothy Thatcher paced back and forth in the hall backstage at Full Sail University, when confronted by a seething Matt Riddle. The former champs exchanged words, as "the Original Bro" questioned what had gotten into Timmy! Riddle was furious to have been left to fend for himself - but suddenly, Tim struck hard with a right hand! The two exchanged haymakers, prompting a herd of officials and backstage assistants to rush in and intercept the two. Pulling the so-called friends and partners apart, Tim was like a rabid dog; and Riddle refused to back down! All it took was one bad day to tear a tag team apart.

Vic Joseph stood in front of the large "NXT" letters in the audience area of Full Sail Arena, discussing the news he had just received from NXT General Manager William Regal. Out to ensure that "the Original Bro" received the justice he deserved for the NXT Tag Team Championship loss moments ago - the GM had granted Riddle the opportunity to fight Timothy Thatcher tonight, one-on-one!

✕✕✕

2) El Hijo Del Fantasma def. Jake Atlas (7:07)
- After being targeted two weeks ago by the same masked kidnappers who months ago were responsible for the disappearances of Raúl Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde, El Hijo Del Fantasma looked to blow off some steam against the charismatic Jake Atlas. Atlas surprised the luchador early with a series of armdrags and a bicycle kick for a near fall, when the experience of the veteran set in following a basement dropkick. Fantasma unleashed open-hand chops for Atlas to respond with some of his own, when Jake sidestepped an enzuigiri and caught him with a hurricanrana. Jake continued with a dive through the ropes, but would roll Fantasma inside to receive the Topé from the Depths of Hell! Fantasma applied a Boston crab on Jake, who made it to the ropes, but a back body drop enabled the fan favorite to soar with a moonsault plancha! The headlock driver drilled the luchador for a near fall, and the LGB-DDT was inbound. Fantasma cut him off and dropped Atlas from the fireman's carry across the top rope, when the Phantom Driver got the win.

Another Cruiserweight showcase saw El Hijo Del Fantasma come out on top, when at the top of the aisle appeared the two masked kidnappers! Watching in wait, Fantasma exchanged glares with them until the NXT Cruiserweight Champion Kushida came out from NXT Universe! "The Time Splitter" had the back of Fantasma, joining him in the ring for a showdown with the two kidnappers, who decided to take their leave. As the two finalists from the recent NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament shared the ring, Kushida offered a show of respect to Fantasma, who responded much like he did at NXT TakeOver: In Your House - refusing and walking away!

✕✕✕

Damian Priest was seen arriving in the parking lot of Full Sail University. In a cut-up shirt, sunglasses and wearing leather pants, "the Rockstar" of NXT had arrived at the building in his first appearance since NXT TakeOver: In Your House. Since losing the NXT North American Championship, Priest was to address the NXT Universe regarding what was next for him - up next.

The New Horsewomen
The Iiconics were backstage gossiping among themselves, when approached by McKenzie Mitchell. After their helping hand in Charlotte Flair's ambush of the NXT Women's Champion last week, the broadcast journalist questioned Billie Kay and Peyton Royce whether they were intimidated by who Io Shirai choose for a partner. The Iiconics claimed they had "the Joshi Judas" at their mercy last week, soon going off on a tangent about what "joshi" meant. As Royce and Kay pledged their allegiance to "the Queen", who they guaranteed would become the first three-time NXT Women's Champion in history next week, Charlotte Flair appeared. Ordering McKenzie to scram, "the Queen" told the ladies how proud she was of what they were able to make happen last week. Promising great things if they were able to match that again tonight with a big win over Shirai, Flair urged the Iiconics not to let her down! As Flair left, Billie and Peyton were rejoined by McKenzie. They said this was why they were chosen to be "The New Horsewomen".

✕✕✕

What's Next for The Rockstar of NXT?
For the first time since NXT TakeOver: In Your House, Damian Priest came walking out to the ring. In style, "the Archer of Infamy" received a surprisingly positive response from the NXT Universe as he arrived in the ring. On the microphone, the deep-voiced "Rockstar" of NXT claimed "Daddy" was home where he belonged. As he asked who had missed him, the former NXT North American Champion took the time to commend Keith Lee on giving him one hell of a fight several weeks ago. "The Limitless One" may have gotten the better of him, but he too hoped that Keith understood that he officially earned his respect. He explained that there were a lot of things he wasn't proud of doing in the past, but that through it all he wouldn't change a single thing. This was his world and everybody in Full Sail University, and watching from home on the USA Network, were living in it! With that said, "the Rockstar" decided to allow his audience to suggest ideas for where he went from here.

Quizzing the limited fans about whether he should continue pursuit of Keith Lee and become a two-time champ, Damian Priest took in the reaction from the NXT Universe - and suggested that it was high time he pursue a greater prize...one held presently by Adam Cole! The faithfuls in Full Sail University lit up, as "the Rockstar" discussed watching who were to come out on top in two weeks: whether Finn Bálor, Velveteen Dream, or "the Panama City Playboy" - because whoever it was, they would quickly have to deal with "the Archer of Infamy", who wanted the NXT Championship! Suddenly the building grew cold as the eerie guitar riffs of "the Herald of Doomsday" rang out throughout the building. But as the picture grew black and white, it was only Scarlett who would make her entrance. Dressed in black leather and intriguingly without her partner in crime, "the Siren of Disaster" marched down to the ring with an unenthused demeanor. Priest questioned what he could do for her, before answering his own question: he could do a lot!

"The Archer of Infamy" knew Scarlett from her association with Karrion Kross, and what "the Herald of Doomsday" had been able to accomplish so far was nothing short of spectacular. Whether it was taking Tommaso Ciampa down... or doing absolutely nothing but post creepy videos for Twitter hits and Instagram likes! Damian let Scarlett know she was the one carrying the black hole of charisma she hung around with. Priest grinned; Scarlett rolled her eyes. "The Siren of Disaster" warned Damian it was in his best interest to keep away from the path of her man. Scarlett proclaimed Kross the future NXT Champion - and if Damian tread on his toes, he would suffer that same fate. Damian proposed if Kross wanted to hook it up, all he needed to do was show up himself - and if Scarlett fancied a change of pace behind closed doors, "the Rockstar" issued her with a business card: advising she give him a call! With a smile on his face, and the people on his side, Damian left a disapproving Scarlett alone in the ring.

✕✕✕

A video package aired, taking us back to March 2020. Xia Li and Aliyah collided in a Women's Number One Contender's Ladder Qualifying match, but it would be cut premature when "the Wushu Crusader" went down unexpectedly with a fractured foot. Meditating in the shadows of the temple she called a home, the Chinese Superstar's training regimen was on display as she prepared for combat - up next, Xia Li would get her shot at revenge against Aliyah of the Robert Stone Brand.

It's Not Fair, Bay-Bay
McKenzie Mitchell was standing by backstage with the NXT Champion Adam Cole, wanting to ask who the leader of the Undisputed Era would prefer to meet for the NXT Championship in two weeks time. Cole responded insulted, repeating the ludicrous fact that he had already beaten Finn Bálor and Velveteen Dream fair and square! In his mind, there should be no fan vote, and there should be no title defense come Great American Bash. For the past year, "the Panama City Playboy" stressed that he had carried "the Black and Gold Brand" on his shoulders, yet for reasons that escape him, he could not understand why the so-called brilliance of NXT General Manager William Regal could not understand such moronic decisionmaking! Knowing that "the Prince" and "the Protagonist" were going to plead their case to the NXT Universe like a couple of saps tonight, Adam Cole Bay-Bay vowed to make the decision much simpler for the general public!
✕✕✕

3) Xia Li def. Aliyah (with Robert Stone and Chelsea Green) (3:29)
- The Robert Stone Brand were still regrouping from the beating from Rhea Ripley and Shotzi two weeks ago, as a visibly intimidated Robert Stone was reassured by "the Victorious" Chelsea Green, in the corner of Aliyah. Equally fearsome of "the Wushu Crusader", she would rush Aliyah with a series of kicks! With an intense expression on her face, Aliyah ran for the hills at ringside, where she was comforted by Chelsea. Li struck with a baseball slide, soon scaring "the Hipster" with a sudden martial arts pose! Xia struck with a big boot, when Green distracted allowing Aliyah to connect with the swinging neckbreaker. A Bad Cat Combo rocked the Chinese Superstar, making way for a diving legdrop from the second rope - but Li caught her in mid air with a jumping knee strike! As Li closed in to bring this match to an end, Green popped up on the apron. Aliyah came from behind and attempted Total Aliyah-Nation - but Xia sent her butting heads with Chelsea! Li knocked Aliyah out cold with the Tornado Kick to take the win!

Xia Li returned to the "wushu" pose, defending against the presence of the Robert Stone Brand at ringside. Robert Stone was distraught to see his women beaten again, as Chelsea Green clutched her nose in agony. Aliyah rolled out to the floor, where Chels shoved her with vigor! Getting into a shouting match over the miscommunication, Green argued that she thought Aliyah had broken her nose. Aliyah proclaimed innocence and blamed Green's face for costing her the match, when "the Hipster" came between the two looking to allow cooler heads to prevail. Instead, Xia Li struck with a baseball slide knocking Stone down to the floor - and with that "the Wushu Crusader" posed to ward off the bickering Chelsea and Aliyah.

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El Hijo Del Fantasma was winding down in the dressing room after his match with Jake Atlas, when into the room walked the NXT Cruiserweight Championship Kushida. With a chuckle, Fantasma was amused at the persistence of "the Time Splitter". In broken English, the luchador questioned if this was about the respect, to which Kushida claimed he knew what he wanted. The mysterious masked men could wait - if they were to get on the same page, he knew what needed to be done. Holding out the title before him, Kushida granted Fantasma a rematch for the NXT Cruiserweight Championship! Fantasma grinned and placed his fingertips on the title, telling Kushida he was on.

Next week - NXT Cruiserweight Championship - Kushida (c) vs El Hijo Del Fantasma

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Dressed in a leather jacket, Finn Bálor was in living color in Full Sail University. "The Prince" appeared calm amidst the fan vote to determine the NXT Championship number one contender ongoing; though up next, he and his adversary the Velveteen Dream were to face the NXT Universe. With one week remaining, "the Protagonist" wore a pink hairband, rimmed glasses and a velvet maroon suit. Both prospectful challengers were dressed to the nines for this important appearance - coming up next.

Ever-Rise regrouped in the backstage area, exhausted from their hard-fought win against Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher. In disbelief themselves, Matt Martel and Chase Parker emotionally gripped the NXT Tag Team Championships as they discussed how long they had been waiting for this moment. It was worth all of the setbacks and sacrifices: the long drives, the time away from loved ones, and above all else, the amount of times they had to scratch and claw their way into NXT. Chase remarked this was the best night of their seventeen-year career as a tag team, and they had done it all by themselves! The two hugged it out, as Martel claimed they were never letting the titles go - calling for a celebration of epic proportions next week on NXT!

Next week - The new NXT Tag Team Champions Ever-Rise celebrate their big win

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The Great Race of 2020
Finn Bálor was introduced to the ring in Full Sail University, with on week to the hour remaining until the deadline of the official fan vote on WWE.com. "The Prince" walked down to the ring, who posed in all black wearing a leather jacket. The NXT Universe gave Finn a loud reaction, but as he grasped the microphone about to speak a single word - out came the Velveteen Dream! "The Purple Rainmaker" was dressed to perfection, also receiving a loud and positive response. The two men rivalling for the next opportunity at Adam Cole's NXT Championship, come Great American Bash would soon meet in the ring, where the two would each stand at respective podiums. Dream smiled from behind his rose-tinted glasses towards Bálor, though Finn commented on how he wasn't sure what was funnier - the idea Velveteen thought he looked cool dressing up like Barney the Dinosaur at a wedding; or the notion that Dream thought he could think about getting beneath his skin.

"The Protagonist" scoffed, sassily quipping that Finn was the last man on earth he wanted to ever get under the skin of! Finn Bálor could not help but laugh, as the Velveteen Dream addressed the NXT Universe claiming that this fan vote was ongoing, and it was sure to be an intense race. The people were witnessing history personified, but they would be remiss to not consider the history that they could cause to unfold. A sequenced chain of events were in motion, and the people were the key to it all. He naturally wasn't talking about Bálor getting yet another opportunity to make a dork out of himself, but the culmination of the journey of a legend in the making. All the Dream ever wished to do was become was NXT Champion, and finally against all odds, Great American Bash was his chance. Affirming that this was his time and the NXT Universe would bare witness to it, it was up to them to ensure the reign of Adam Cole's would come to an end in two weeks. Finn tried to control himself, but remarked how the NXT Universe could alternatively vote for him, and he too would bring an end to the reign of terror of "the Panama City Playboy's!"

The Velveteen Dream watched with disgust, as Finn Bálor admitted he was no stranger to success: he was a former NXT Champion. Now, he was back. Seven months into his returning foray on "the Black and Gold Brand", what started as a mission statement had become an optimum point of intrigue to him. "The Prince" proclaimed the NXT Universe had the ability to vote for Dream to achieve his dream - or be guaranteed that Finn Bálor was the guy who they could all count on when he became NXT Champion at Great American Bash! Dream rolled his eyes, asking Finn to divulge the true reason he came back. Failing to work out on the main roster, he had come to the same place he supposedly outgrew - but while Finn was a former top guy in NXT: this wasn't the same NXT he remembered. Dream spoke of the places NXT went, only after Bálor left. Now he looked to hog that credit! "The Prince" shook his head, telling "the Protagonist" bluntly that Velveteen would be wasting away on the indie scene if it weren't for his trailblazing reign!

"The Prince" knew that the poll vote was open for another week, but quizzed the present NXT Universe on who they wanted to see beat Adam Cole's butt for the NXT Championship at Great American Bash. Velveteen Dream talked over Finn Bálor proclaiming he would not stand for pandering. Bálor joked that if anybody was pandering, it was the desperate "Purple Rainmaker!" As the two running opponents went face to face, the Undisputed Era came out to the ring! NXT Champion Adam Cole led the way for Bobby Fish and the NXT North American Championship-holding Roderick Strong. Finn braced for action, but unexpectedly struck Dream with a sharp elbow to the jaw! Having smelled a set-up from allcomers, "the Prince" tried to get the step up against the UE, who quickly hounded away and overwhelmed the Irishman! Dream, who had rolled out to the floor, contemplated walking away and leaving Bálor stranded much like he had done weeks ago - but instead revealed a purple bat from beneath the ring!

Taking the moral highground, the Velveteen Dream wielded his purple bat, catching Bobby Fish in the ribcage with it! Dream fired away blows against Roderick Strong, taking him down with a right hook! Adam Cole tried getting the jump on "the Protagonist", but Dream turned around; his bat pointed towards the NXT Champion! "The Panama City Playboy" backed off, but Roddy saved his good friend with a shot to the back of the head from the NXT North American Championship! The UE set Dream up for the Last Shot from Cole, when the theme music of Keith Lee introduced the true NXT North American Champion! Immediately targeting Roderick Strong with right hands, Fish was pounced from the ring, as a panicked Cole exited immediately. As "the Limitless One" hoisted up a wooden podium and slung it at the aisle, where it smashed, he was joined by reluctant forces in Finn and Dream. Roddy posed with the stolen title belonging to Lee, while Cole ran his mouth from the aisle!

Following a replay from moments ago, during the break Keith Lee was seen backstage on the cell phone with someone. "The Limitless One" was furious to still be without his NXT North American Championship, though the call would conclude with the champ grinning from ear to ear. As McKenzie Mitchell approached the champ, he relayed the news. Having just been on the phone with NXT General Manager William Regal, next week would see Roderick Strong suffer a severe bout of deja vu. Keith brought up how he was the one who ended Roddy's theme song before, but next week he was going to end the reign of his dreams. If Strong wished to parade around the ring with his gold, Keith hoped he would enjoy it while he could - because next week, he would be faced with his Glory!

Next week - NXT North American Championship - Keith Lee (c) vs Roderick Strong

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Earlier today, footage aired of Candice LeRae arriving at Full Sail University when met in the hall by Mia Yim. "The Blasian Baddie" was not pleased to see the same woman she once held a great deal of respect for. Mia understood perfectly why she did what she did to Tommaso Ciampa, to do her husband's bidding. Yim asked how uninteresting "the Poison Pixie" had to be, but with a vacant stare Candice apologized for her lack of caring. Claiming she zoned out on account of Mia butting in with her opinion without being asked, LeRae told Mia that while normally she would have a lot of time for her - now was not one of those moments! Candice told Mia to keep her opinion to herself, because nobody was listening. LeRae began to leave, but Yim would turn her around and tell Candice if she wanted to go - they could go! LeRae rolled her eyes and walked away, while Yim had to prepare for action with Deonna Purrazzo.

4) Deonna Purrazzo def. Mia Yim (8:32) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- "The Virtuosa" was impressive in her NXT debut several weeks ago against the up-and-coming Kacy Catanzaro, but now had to concern herself against a seasoned veteran in Mia Yim. "The Blasian Baddie" bounced to the ring after her interesting run-in with Candice LeRae, catching the newcomer with a dropkick and a neckbreaker! Deonna tried to outwit her experienced opponent with a unique trapping stomp armbreaker, but Yim fired back with a takedown into a bow-and-arrow stretch! Deonna raked the eyes to escape the hold, slipping out to the apron - only to receive a swift big boot knocking her to the floor! Swaggering around the ring, Mia awaited the return of a hesitant "Virtuosa" - who appeared to have underestimated the prowess of "the Baddie!"
- The tables had turned, as Mia Yim received a step-over knee drop to the arm by Deonna Purrazzo. "The Virtuosa" delivered a gourdbuster, and after some work done to the arm, a knee lift scored a near fall. Purrazzo restrained the veteran following an armringer with an armbar, but with the NXT Universe behind her, "the Blasian Baddie" would respond with a series of clotheslines. Code Blue came from nowhere for a near fall, when Deonna missed a big boot opening her up for a dragon suplex. Yim looked for Sole Food, but Purrazzo blocked it and attempted the scissored armbar known as the Venus de Milo! Yim reversed into a roll-up, when "the Baddie" dropped her with Protect Yo Neck! Mia went for the cover, when Candice LeRae arrived on the aisle. With a cocky expression on her face, "the Poison Pixie" exchanged words with Yim allowing Deonna to take her down with the Venus de Milo! Yim tried to fight through the pain, but with her eyes set on Candice, she would succumb to giving up.

"The Virtuosa" was slow to relinquish the Venus de Milo, picking up another impressive win over Mia Yim. The glaring reason was present at ringside, as Candice LeRae confidently walked her way up the aisle without once looking back at her handiwork! "The Blasian Baddie" was left agonized, while Deonna Purazzo rejoiced knowing she had picked up a fruitful win.

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Cameras cut backstage, where a second fight had broken out between the men who had entered tonight as NXT Tag Team Champions! Security guards and officials were on hand in the parking lot now, as Matt Riddle rushed to try and get his hands on Timothy Thatcher - who was like a wild animal, screaming and grunting to go at it with "the King of Bros!" Never before had such a burning rivalry developed in the span of one night - as these two now-former teammates were prepared to collide in tonight's main event!

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An advertisement aired, promoting all of the merchandise available on WWEShop.com.

A vignette aired, showing the reign of dominance Imperium had maintained over NXT UK. Since arriving in January 2019, WALTER's strong hold over the NXT United Kingdom Championship had remained strong in part thanks to his loyalists Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner. With a message for the NXT Universe across the pond, Barthel and Aichner declared that they were coming to the United States to protect the saced mat from all of their competition. In two weeks, Imperium's Barthel and Aichner were to return to NXT.

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No Longer Bros
McKenzie Mitchell was standing by with Matt Riddle, hoping to understand more about the sudden flare between himself and alleged former tag team partner Timothy Thatcher. "The Original Bro" explained that he thought Timmy had grown, but he was dead wrong. For as much of an experienced mat technician he was, Timmy's temper sometimes got out of hand. He and "the Mad Scientist" had had their fair shares of problems before, but never this bad. He thought it was all under the bridge, but clearly he was dead wrong! What Timmy did earlier tonight, costing him the NXT Tag Team Championship after landing him such a sweet gig with NXT? Talk about ungrateful. "The Original Bro" spoke boldly for the first time in a long time, as he declared that now, he was glad NXT General Manager William Regal signed off on their match for tonight - because he was going to put that asshat in his place.

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5) Breezango def. The Brian Kendrick and Ariya Daivari (4:37)
- Dressed fashionably as astronauts from NASA, Breezango returned in style for their first match as a unit since last December. With his return last week from Tommy John surgery, Fandango looked in immaculate condition as he got off to a hot start sending Ariya Daivari inadvertently careening into the Brian Kendrick. Tyler Breeze connected with a calf kick, prompting the co-founders of 'the Fashion Files' to take a dance break mid-match! Kendrick was quickly losing his temper, as "Prince Pretty" stunned the Persian with an enzuigiri, when "the Man with a Plan" grabbed a hold of Tyler's hair and slammed him to the mat! Cornering him instinctively, the 205 Live Originals took turns putting the boots to Breeze while "the Dance Expert" strutted on the apron. Finally a dropkick caught Kendrick in mid-air, and Fandango leapt in with the tag! Making short work of Daivari, a double Supermodel Kick wiped Kendrick out! As Breeze drilled Daivari with the Beauty Shot, Fandango soared with the Last Dance for the three count.

In decisive fashion, Breezango had rapidly established themselves in the NXT Tag Team Division. Tyler Breeze and Fandango came to their feet and hugged it out, before dancing around the ring gleefully. Reunited and feeling so good, they paraded the ring to a positive response while the Brian Kendrick watched in disgust from the aisle.

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Chelsea Green and Aliyah continued to yell at one another in the quarters of the Robert Stone Brand, as Robert Stone again tried to interrupt their bickering. His clients finally screamed at "the Hipster" to butt out, promptly bringing him to scream at them to get a hold of themselves! Robert brought up how things were going so well, but now they were allowing a misunderstanding to get the better of them. Stone declared that he had just about had it, ordering the two to get on the same page - or the Brand might be in need of some changes. Stone left the scene, bringing Green and Aliyah to argue even further about whom Robert was referring to!

The Mad Scientist Explains
Timothy Thatcher performed deep squats, as McKenzie Mitchell nervously approached "the Mad Scientist". Hoping to gain insight as to his sudden transformation over the course of the night, the newcomer who walked in as NXT Tag Team Champion snatched the microphone and caused the broadcast journalist to flee! Tim glared down the lens of the camera and explained that Matt Riddle had never been a friend of his, and was someone clinging to the abilities he possessed. He was no mixed martial artist, nor was he an NXT Superstar - he was a professional wrestler, and tearing people limb from limb was what he did better than anybody! Thatcher claimed he wasn't as barbaric or psychotic as it seemed, which brought him to express his gratitude towards "Matty" for bringing him in. But that's where their alliance ended. With a foot in the door, Tim declared that from now on, he was going to show "the Black and Gold Brand" exactly what 'Thatch-As-Thatch-Can' was all about.

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Vic Joseph was standing in front of the large 'NXT' letters in the audience area of Full Sail University, promoting this coming Friday night on 205 Live. Not only would the NXT Cruiserweight Champion Kushida be in action against youngster Tehuti Miles; but Cameron Grimes would meet Leon Ruff - who had something to prove after being left laying by Ricky Starks last week!

205 Live - NXT Cruiserweight Champion Kushida vs Tehuti Miles
205 Live - Cameron Grimes vs Leon Ruff

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Access Denied, Again
On the topic of "Absolute" Ricky Starks, Isaiah Scott made his arrival to Full Sail Arena to a positive response from the NXT Universe. Following two consecutive weeks of the NXT newcomer claiming he would make his debut, both times Starks had declined the opportunity - and after taking out Leon Ruff last week, "Swerve" took it upon himself to throw out the challenge himself. Scott appeared motivated as he removed his sunglasses and leather jacket, when out swaggered Ricky Starks...wearing pajamas! With his shirt open revealing his abs, Ricky yawned and stretched to loud boos as he held a microphone. While he would love to make his long-awaited NXT in-ring debut tonight, he was exhausted! Ricky talked about being too sleepy to compete, and if there was one thing he simply couldn't do - it was get in that ring tonight. Starks apologized to "the King of Swerve Style" for the disappointment, but truth be told - he bored him to death!

Ricky Starks told Isaiah Scott he would see him around, but an incensed "Swerve" was furious. Departing the ring, "Swerve" confronted "Absolute" on the rampway - though the referee was cautious and quick to intervene. As "the King of Swerve Style" screamed at Ricky to man up, put up and shut up, Starks threw his hands up in defense and took a turn back. Incensed by the newcomer, Scott made the mistake of turning his back...allowing Starks to blast him from behind with an elbow strike. With a series of stomps, Starks began to put the boot to Isaiah - who fired back with right hands himself! Ricky sped to the backstage area in a hurry, but "Swerve" was not yet done. Yelling out to the NXT Universe, the fans echoed the NXT Superstar's sentiment: Full Sail was '"Swerve"'s House!'

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The Iiconics were dressed and prepared for tag team competition. Once upon a time, they were top contenders to the NXT Women's Championship - but now, with their alignment with Charlotte Flair, Billie Kay and Peyton Royce were about to step in the ring with Io Shirai. Walking to the ring alone, "the Joshi Judas" appeared unnerved by the challenge. But who would her tag team partner be? The match was up next.

The Fun and Games Are Over
Following a replay of "Absolute" Ricky Starks ducking another challenge against Isaiah "Swerve" Scott, we returned backstage to see Isaiah Scott still seething and reering to go. "The King of Swerve Style" vocalized his thoughts and feelings about Ricky being a yellow-bellied coward, and repeated that this was NXT - and Full Sail University was '"Swerve"'s House!' Scott was ready to go, but he was approached by Leon Ruff. Looking to compose Scott's emotional state, he revealed "Swerve's" phone - and NXT General Manager William Regal was on video call! The GM told "Swerve" how ludicrous Ricky Starks was being, and how he empaphized with he and Leon. Regal declared "Absolute's" habits of making NXT look like a playground were bloody well over - because in two weeks Ricky Starks either made his debut against Isaiah Scott, or he would be out on his arse where he came from! "Swerve" grinned and thanked the GM, telling he and Leon that nobody would recognize "Pretty" Ricky when he was done with him.

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6) NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai and Tegan Nox def. The Iiconics (6:09)
- One week from Io Shirai's rematch with Charlotte Flair, the NXT Women's Champion was revealed to have a tag team partner, as she pointed to the stage to introduce Tegan Nox. "The Welsh Valley Wonder" wore a bandage on her knee after the Fight to a Finish weeks ago against Dakota Kai, as she exploded with a headbutt for Peyton Royce! Io and Tegan showed their chemistry with a double suplex, and the NXT Women's Champion impressed with the flapjack to both of "the Iiconic Duo!" Nox lit Billie Kay up with forearms, when Charlotte Flair made a grandiose arrival to the aisleway. It distracted Nox, allowing the Iiconics to strike, and the Fall From Grace was the differencemaker! The RAW Superstars took turns dissecting Tegan, who rallied back with a German suplex for Kay. Shirai tagged in and ran through both Iiconics. Nox evened the odds, and both Iiconics received a double tiger feint kick from the champ. The Shiniest Wizard to Royce followed with the Moonsault giving them the win!

A Trivia Note?
Io Shirai and Tegan Nox celebrated with a hug in spite of the presence of Charlotte Flair, who frowned with disapproval from the top of the aisleway. "The Joshi Judas" presented the NXT Women's Championship to "the Queen", who laughed over the microphone. The RAW Superstar told Io how little she truly meant to her. If she thought the loss at NXT TakeOver: In Your House meant anything, it was a mere trivia note. In actuality, she could never beat "the Queen", because she was too good and too powerful. Charlotte was the daughter of "the Dirtiest Player in the Game", and that made her blood all the more richer than Io's. She had held more championships than Io could count, and headlined WrestleMania more times than she would ever. Next week would be the end of this worthless title reign, because Charlotte would once again break records by becoming a three-time NXT Women's Champion at the Great American Bash. Flair dropped the mic and stared down Io, who roared back in preparation. Both women were ready - as next week could not come soon enough!

✕✕✕

Mauro Ranallo and Beth Phoenix discussed the first night of the Great American Bash, taking place live next Wednesday night on NXT! Graphics aired, advertising that the first thirty minutes would air commercial-free on the USA Network. The NXT Women's Championship would get things underway with Charlotte Flair challenging Io Shirai; the NXT North American Championship match would see reigning champ Keith Lee look to reclaim the title stolen by Roderick Strong; in a rematch from the classic at NXT TakeOver: In Your House, Kushida would defend the NXT Cruiserweight Championship against El Hijo Del Fantasma; plus, the NXT Universe would find out the victor of the poll to determine NXT Champion Adam Cole's next number one contender. Who would it be - the Velveteen Dream, or Finn Bálor?

The winner of the poll will be revealed as the number one contender - as chosen by the NXT Universe - would it be the Velveteen Dream or Finn Bálor?
NXT Women's Championship - Io Shirai (c) vs Charlotte Flair
NXT North American Championship - Keith Lee (c) vs Roderick Strong
NXT Cruiserweight Championship - Kushida (c) vs El Hijo Del Fantasma
Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink ring in the 4th of July

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It had been an intense night for the very two men who walked in as NXT Tag Team Champions and partners - as a splitscreen showed Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher heading for the ring. Both walking backstage, they had not only lost the titles to Ever-Rise in tonight's opening match; but had fallen apart at the seams, being separated from backstage brawls twice. "The Original Bro" had declared he would put Thatcher in his place, while "The Mad Scientist" had explained he was going to make NXT find out what 'Thatch-As-Thatch-Can' was all about. The two collided - next!

The Shotcallers
The Undisputed Era were backstage, Adam Cole still reeling over what transpired in the ring. Roderick Strong backed him up, proclaiming they were the champs and didn't deserve this treatment! In possession of the NXT Championship and Keith Lee's NXT North American Championships, Cole and Roddy clinked the gold together. Bobby Fish agreed, accusing NXT General Manager William Regal of running a dictatorship! Roderick proclaimed that the UE would bounce back from this, because he was going to squash that ball of Jell-O and "retain his title". "The Panama City Playboy" explained this was why Roddy was his best friend - because he knew what needed to be done, and Bobby and Kyle did too! It didn't matter whether the NXT Universe voted for the Velveteen Dream, or Finn Bálor. The result would remain the same. Adam announced he would personally reveal the winner of the number one contender's poll next week, because they ran NXT - and that was Undisputed.

Next week - NXT Champion Adam Cole will reveal who won the number one contender's poll - Velveteen Dream or Finn Bálor.

✕✕✕

6) Matt Riddle def. Timothy Thatcher by referee stoppage (8:15) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- Close to two hours following their last defense as NXT Tag Team Champions, all hell had broken loose dividing a tag team built on inflicting violence and outclassing allcomers. Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher had twice tonight come to blows, and wasted no time coming together a third time to determine who the better man was. Tim and Matt slugged it out once the bell sounded, with neither man letting up! Blow for blow, Riddle threw a series of kicks when Thatcher attempted a takedown on "the Original Bro". Fighting him off using his MMA experience, Riddle attempted a cross-armbreaker from underneath just for Thatcher to break free. Transitioning into a sadistic bow-and-arrow stretch, he shoved fingers into the orifices of "the Bro", until Riddle palm struck his way free. With a series of strikes, Riddle missed a leaping knee strike when Thatcher knocked his friend-turned-foe through the ropes with a European uppercut!
- NXT returned from its' final commercial break, as Timothy Thatcher goaded Matt Riddle from a rear position. Applying a grounded sleeper, Riddle struggled in the grip of "the Mad Scientist", who attempted to contort the arms of Riddle where possible. "The Original Bro" headbutted free, surprising Thatcher with a deadlift fisherman buster! Exhausted, Riddle fired up with Bro kicks, but the twisted Thatcher fired up. A pelé kick finally rocked him, when a deadlift German suplex got a near fall! Attempted the Bro Derek, Thatcher slipped out and locked in a single-legged Boston crab - his knee driven into the spine of "the King of Bros". Riddle would grab the ankle and use an ankle lock to transition out, but Thatch made the ropes! Stalking Tim with the Final Flash, Thatcher rolled through with a kneebar attempted - just to be reversed into a deadlift gutwrench suplex. Bro 2 Sleep saw Thatcher escape, when a swift knee strike knocked him down! With a bloodied nose, he tried to fight - but the referee stopped the match!

A controversial decision saw the NXT Universe boo the outcome, as Timothy Thatcher argued with the referee's decision. Though "the Mad Scientist" was still in the game, the official made a judgment call - and it cost him big! Thatcher grabbed the ref by the collar and sent him from the ring, engaging in another crazy brawl with Matt Riddle. Neither man let up, as Thatch opened up with palm strikes, while Riddle attempted to choke him out with a guillotine choke. The two rolled around in search of a dominant stance, until they collapsed out on the floor. Riddle threw blows, but Thatch tackled him into the plexiglass! The back of "the Original Bro's" head clashed with the wall, as the locker rooms emptied! NXT Superstars, personnel and producers spilled out to ringside - when Riddle leapt from the steel steps onto the sea of people, in an attempt to get to Thatch!

Neither mauler would let up, when finally the NXT General Manager William Regal appeared on the big screen! Appearing via Skype, the GM demanded Timothy Thatcher and Matt Riddle break up the carnage, as the NXT Universe's chants of "NXT" came to a hush. Everybody stopped what they were doing, as Regal claimed tonight had been pure, unadulerated chaos - but that's not what he wanted NXT to become! Whatever animosity existed between the two would come to an end in two weeks, because the Englishman decreed that he was bringing something from up his sleeve that had been a long time coming. Riddle vs Thatcher: in the Fight Pit! The two glared at one another, as the burning question remained: what the hell was the Fight Pit?

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· The Pandemic Project · Keep Your Distance ·
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DTP.
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· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Feb 27, 2023 18:59:36 GMT -5

Quote

Post by DTP. on Feb 27, 2023 18:59:36 GMT -5

Friday Night SmackDown #1088 - June 26, 2020
"The Undertaker's Legacy"
WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida
Presented by
LESS THAN FOUR WEEKS FROM EXTREME RULES!
"Are You Ready" by AC/DC

205 Live #185 – June 26, 2020
1) NXT Cruiserweight Champion Kushida def. Tehuti Miles with the Hoverboard Lock. After the match, Kushida was confronted by the two masked kidnappers at ringside, who simply watched him. (7:20)
- Vic Joseph and Dio Maddin provided a special analytical look back at the NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament Finals from NXT TakeOver: In Your House, showing highlights of Kushida against El Hijo Del Fantasma ahead of their rematch come Wednesday's NXT Great American Bash.
- McKenzie Mitchell conducted a backstage interview with The Brian Kendrick and Ariya Daivari, who declared their issues with Breezango needed to be resolved. They issued a challenge to Tyler Breeze and Fandango for next week on 205 Live.
2) Cameron Grimes def. Leon Ruff with the Cave-In. Grimes underestimated Ruff during the match, finally resulting in a fiery comeback from Ruff before being cut off and defeated. Grimes ran his mouth afterwards, until being surprised by a dropkick from behind from Tehuti Miles. (4:23)

A video package aired, taking us back to the infamous introduction of The Undertaker at the 1990 Survivor Series. "The Deadman" had been named many things by many observers and spectators over the year. "The Lord of Darkness" to "the Phenom"; from "superhuman" to "unhuman". He had captured championship gold and recorded history-making streaks throughout over three decades of destruction, all while creating groundbreaking events that the sports entertainment history may never see repeated. Spliced in were interview clips from the WWE Network series 'The Undertaker: The Last Ride', echoing the comments made by Mark Calaway himself this past weekend. Finally declaring that he was retiring, what many thought would never come to fruition had finally taken place - and tonight, some of WWE's greatest Superstars would pay respect to The Undertaker's Legacy.

Friday Night SmackDown opened to the sight of a limited selection of WWE Universe members in attendance chanting "Thank You 'Taker" in salute to "the Phenom". WWE Superstars gathered on the stage, including WWE Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan, SmackDown Tag Team Champions Heavy Machinery, The New Day, Drew Gulak, Apollo Crews among others - as tonight's special edition on FOX would see some of the all-time great WWE Legends pay their respects to The Undertaker's Legacy.

WWE Hall of Famers and WWE Superstars comment on The Undertaker's retirement
WWE Universal Champion Jeff Hardy shall meet The Fiend face-to-face
WWE Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak vs King Corbin and Duke Tony Nese

Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed us to Friday Night SmackDown, discussing the breaking news coming away from 'The Undertaker: The Last Ride' this past Sunday - streaming now on the WWE Network. The thirty year career of "the Deadman" had finally come to a close following Undertaker's heart-wrenching announcement. They discussed their favorite moments of "the Phenom's" iconic career - from WrestleMania Streaks to innovating the Hell in a Cell match and the Casket match.

A second video package aired, providing another overview of The Undertaker's Hall of Fame-worthy career. "The Phenom" made his debut as part of Ted Dibiase's team at the 1990 Survivor Series, and had gone on to do it all in his thirty year WWE career. A four-time WWE Champion and a three-time World Heavyweight Champion, he had won the Royal Rumble match and gone on to headline countless WrestleManias. He was the man who put the Hell in a Cell match on the map with star-making performances against Shawn Michaels and Mick Foley. The Undertaker's Streak had encompassed twenty years until going broken by Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania XXX - yet he continued to go, chasing the perfect match to go out on and ride off into the sunset. In the fallout of the Buried Alive match against AJ Styles at WrestleMania 36 this past year, "the Phenom" confessed he felt his prophecy had finally gone fulfilled.

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A 'Tribute to The Undertaker' video package aired, featuring John Cena and Roman Reigns discuss their thoughts and opinions on the Legacy of The Undertaker. John talked about "the Deadman's" legacy being about the reliability he had, having cared about the business as much as he did. "The Big Dog" considered him one of the greatest performers of all-time, having dedicated his entire life to it. Through the passion, everyone believed that no matter what, the Undertaker would be the Undertaker.

A 'Tribute to The Undertaker' video package aired, featuring Bret Hart, Edge and Christian discuss their thoughts and opinions on the Legacy of The Undertaker. "The Rated R Superstar" spoke about the mood that changed throughout the arena whenever the gong hit. Christian spoke about the aura around "the Deadman", and the character that left him in awe every time he saw him. "The Hitman" voiced how he always delivered, and always raised the bar. Edge compared the greatness of the character to being like lightning in a bottle - but he caught it and kept it, for over thirty years.

No More Slip Ups
Tamina was backstage warming up for action, when "the Bouncer" was confronted by the SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley. Unenthused at the fact she had to team up with Tamina tonight, she made her frustrations clear as to the sheer incompetence of the second-generation Superstar. Tamina remained tight-lipped as "Bayley 2 Belts" showed off her gold and the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship, claiming that she got the two titles by being a winner and actually doing her job as being the frontrunner of Friday nights! With Sasha Banks allegedly off the show tonight due to sickness, Bayley warned that one small slip-up by Tamina against Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross tonight would see her career in the gutter for the bazillionth time! The ever-apprehensive champ stormed away, leaving "the Islander" to roll her eyes.

Tonight - SmackDown Women's Champion and WWE Women's Tag Team Champion Bayley, and Tamina vs Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross

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1) Dolph Ziggler def. Gran Metalik (4:49)
- "The Show Off's" growing obsession with The Hacker's identity revealed an ugly side to his demeanor last week. In attempting to unmask Lince Dorado, Gran Metalik came to his aid. The luchador surprised Dolph Ziggler, catching him with an inverted Sling Blade and a spinning facebuster! "The King of the Ropes" showed how high he could fly with a rope-run missile dropkick, and when Ziggler tried to escape the ring, Metalik would soar with a Tornillo connecting! Ziggler finally caught Metalik as he walked the ropes like a tightrope - a dropkick catching the luchador from the second rope. The Lucha House Party member was grounded by a sleeper hold on the mat, but Gran fired back. Cut off by the Famouser, Ziggler delivered a series of elbow drops - when Metalik nearly caught the win with a brainbuster! Dolph interrupted Metalik's second rope dive and climbed to the apron - where Metalik connected with a leaping Frankensteiner. He would attempt the Yoshi Tonic, but Dolph hooked his legs with the ropes to cheat his way to victory!

Dolph Ziggler had his hand raised by the official, clearly taken aback by the competitive nature of Gran Metalik. The Lucha House Party member contested the decision with the referee, when "the Show Off" needlessly wiped him out with the Super Kick! Mounting him with some furious right hands, Ziggler again attempted to unmask the luchador - his obsession with identities getting out of hand! Thankfully Lince Dorado would save the day for his partner, bringing Dolph to bail from the ring in time. That's when a black-out sent the WWE Performance Center into darkness, until the big screen lit up on the stage - the Hacker silently watching from the comfort of his control room. Ziggler was growing increasingly agitated by the games played by this anonymous figure.

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Royal Flush
King Corbin and Duke Nese were dressed to impress in their formal, royal attires. With the tag team match coming up tonight against the WWE Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak, the two turned a corner backstage to bump into Shorty G. Unimpressed, the King and the Duke began to crowd the Olympian with verbal harrassment. Asking how life was like on the losing edge, the newcomer to Friday Night SmackDown mocked G's lack of success, whereas Corbin proclaimed Shorty nothing but a loser whose career was going absolutely nowhere. Finally, Shorty reminded them of the scene last year - where in the King of the Ring Tournament Finals, he came so close to beating Corbin to being named King Gable. Yet, Corbin proclaimed that he didn't beat him; and so from that day forth, he would be known as nothing but a "stinking loser!" Obnoxiously, the Royals walked away, leaving G to scowl in response. Apollo Crews appeared to put his friend at ease, though Shorty G was livid.

A 'Tribute to The Undertaker' video package aired, featuring Kane and Ric Flair discuss their thoughts and opinions on the Legacy of The Undertaker. "The Big Red Monster" believed the character was the greatest in sports entertainment history. Unique and mythical, Kane believed "the Deadman" role was legendary. "The Nature Boy" spoke about the size of the Undertaker, and his athleticism. So strong and so well-defined, Kane called it a perfect total package; while Flair echoed the sentiment, calling Undertaker the greatest star in the history of the business.

The Law
Sarah Schreiber stood by backstage with Sonya Deville. After the damage she did to Mandy Rose's shoulder last week, she deflected the broadcast journalist's questions, holding no remorse over what took place. Deville repeated that she was "the Law" who ran Friday Night SmackDown - and to any of the little girls in the locker room who had any doubts, what she made of her ex-best friend was all the proof they needed. Sonya claimed she was sick and tired of playing second fiddle to anyone, much like she was disgusted at the idea of having to play third wheel to "the Precious Peach" and "the Fugly Fatso" Otis. Deville vowed to be the one whose career would skyrocket - not "the Golden Goddess's!" Finally, Carmella entered the scene, telling Sonya her mouth wrote cheques her moves couldn't buy. 'Mella told Sonya everybody was sick to death of hearing about "the Law", but implored her if she wanted to lay down that law tonight - she could be her guest. Deville scoffed, claiming 'Mella would regret this tonight.

Tonight - Carmella vs Sonya Deville

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Boosted Esteem
Alexa Bliss stretched in the locker room, preparing for the tag team match tonight against Bayley and Tamina. In walked a downtrodden Nikki Cross, who took a seat on the bench. Alexa asked her partner what was wrong, and while the Scot was initially hesitant, she would confess guilt over feeling like she was the reason Bayley and Sasha Banks beat them for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship last month. Full of self-doubt, "Little Miss Bliss" confronted Nikki and told her that she was good enough. They were the best tag team in the division, and they had proven that twice in the past - and they would again tonight! Alexa convinced Nikki she was good enough to not only win the Women's Tag titles again, but to be considered SmackDown Women's Championship material too! Cross was relieved to hear this and thanked her bestie for boosting her esteem. With an overjoyous hug, Nikki said she would not let them down and would not leave without a W tonight! Cross zoomed from the room, leaving Alexa overstimulated.

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The Next Level
Dolph Ziggler stomped through the backstage area, furious with how things had gone down again tonight! "The Show Off" cursed the Hacker's identity and once again blamed them for not just overshadowing him, but stealing his spotlight! Dolph paced angrily up and down, talking to himself about how he was renowned for stealing the show and refused to be humiliated again by that coward in a cloak - when the video monitor near him sparked up with a screenful of static. Ziggler confronted it, to see The Hacker appear. What had started was all of Dolph's undoing, and next week the two of them would take things to the next level. Dolph tried to respond, but The Hacker's signal would see him vanish. In return, Dolph kicked the monitor over and screamed for the anonymous meddler to reveal himself!

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Elsewhere, the WWE Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak concluded their pre-match warmups before setting off for the ring. With his first number one contender named since becoming champ back at Backlash, in King Corbin; "the Yes Man" and his training partner "the Militant Mat-Mite" set out for the ring. Set to meet the King and Duke Nese in tag team action - it was coming up next.

A 'Tribute to The Undertaker' video package aired, featuring Triple H and Shawn Michaels discuss their thoughts and opinions on the Legacy of The Undertaker. "The Game" spoke candidly about the loyalty of the man Mark Calaway, to the business he dedicated himself to. "The Heartbreak Kid" spoke of the longevity of "the Phenom", and how magic it was to exist on top of the entire business for such a prolonged period of time. HHH commented on him being a locker room leader, and considered his legacy that there would never be another Undertaker.

Following discussion from Michael Cole and Corey Graves, a video package aired recapping what happened last week. Following The Fiend's unnerving jump-scare appearance, confronting Jeff Hardy atop the ladder at Backlash, the WWE Universal Champion took to the ring last week to personally call out Bray Wyatt. The demented protagonist of 'the Firefly Fun House' responded to the challenge, promising to summon "the New Face of Fear" tonight. Would we see the first appearance of the Fiend on Friday Night SmackDown in months, tonight?

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2) King Corbin and Duke Nese def. WWE Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak (7:07) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- King Corbin was victorious last week against Apollo Crews following a choice confrontation with Daniel Bryan, cementing his position as the next in line for a shot at the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Following his debut costing Apollo the match, Tony Nese had been reborn as Corbin's right-hand man - Duke Nese. Drew Gulak had extensive history with his former 205 Live colleague, and immediately targeted him with relentless forearm smashes. A body slam into the corner went averted as Nese connected with a buckle German suplex, when King Corbin made the tag. The Gu-Lock nearly put the number one contender to sleep again, when "the Patriarch" of the Royal Family slipped out to ringside and intercepted "the Militant Mat-Mite" with a clothesline! Corbin and Nese each showboated to Bryan, as they successfully sectioned Gulak in their corner.
- Drew Gulak aimed to battle his way from the corner against Duke Nese and King Corbin, when the King tagged in and cut him off with the Deep Six! Corbin again showboated in the face of the WWE Intercontinental Champion, who got the WWE Universe behind "the Militant Mat-Mite". Corbin's cobra clutch saw Gulak eventually wrestle out, when Nese got the tag and cut him off with the leaping hotshot. Nese attempted the triangle moonsault - but Gulak got his knees up! The tag was made to Daniel Bryan, who immediately sent Corbin from the apron with a dropkick. Yes Kicks rocked Nese's world when the Duke responded. Bryan backflipped from the corner and connected with the flying clothesline, soon applying the Romero special! Corbin broke it up and looked for the End of Days, but Bryan reversed into the Yes Lock - broken by Nese! Gulak tagged in looking for the Gu-Lock, when Corbin delivered a huge haymaker! Nese capitalized with the Running Kneese to pick up the win.

The two Royals were victorious in this tag team outing, as WWE Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan soon slid into the ring. Drew Gulak was down, and his training partner rushed to his side - when King Corbin blasted "the Yes Man" from behind with a shot from the Royal Scepter! Corbin and Duke Nese put the boots to "the Submission Expert", bringing "the Militant Mat-Mite" to try and turn the tide. In return, the End of Days planted Gulak, when finally out came Shorty G - with Apollo Crews not far behind him! The two pursued Corbin and Nese from the ring, and the two would soon help Bryan and Gulak to their feet.

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The New Day were backstage psyching themselves up for their tag team match still to come with Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura, as Big E gleefully remarked at how after months out of the hunt - now John Morrison and The Miz were no longer SmackDown Tag Team Champions, it was a New Day for the tag team division! Kofi Kingston declared their intentions to re-enter the hunt tonight, because once they beat those stinky starving artists "the Swiss Cyborg" and "the King of Strong Style" - they were coming back for those titles. Thrusting their hips and gyrating in unison, they declared that they would once again be named WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions.

Friday Night SmackDown on FOX was sponsored tonight by Progressive - the first-round choice for auto insurance.

Following discussion from Michael Cole and Corey Graves, a video package aired revealing the events of last week's shocking betrayal as Friday Night SmackDown went off the air. In the style of an epic movie trailer, following a masterful reign as SmackDown Tag Team Champions, one man decided to once again break out and become his own man - as The Miz left John Morrison laying in the ring with a Skull Crushing Finale. He was a Hollywood movie star, a reality television hit, and hosted the most must-see talk show in WWE history - coming this summer, "the A-Lister" had vowed to launch his career to the stratosphere all over again. He was The Miz: and he was Awesome!

The Series Finale of The Dirt Sheet
The camera panned out to reveal the movie trailer reviewing the dissolution of John Morrison and The Miz's alliance was being broadcast on a television monitor inside of the squared-circle. The Miz was sat in a director's chair inside of the ring in a black suit and tie, beside an empty chair listing his ex-tag team partner's name. With a microphone in hand and a somber voice, "the A-Lister" welcomed us to the series finale of 'the Dirt Sheet'. It would be the very final edition of the show, and for that the WWE Universe could hold "the Shaman of Sexy" responsible. While he could confess that the chemistry the two of them possessed as a unit was without a shadow of a doubt must-see, Miz claimed that he never needed the reassurance that John Morrison's partnership had to offer. He never needed the confidence boosters or the pep talks that John had to offer him - and furthermore, he didn't even dislike John! The truth was, he nothinged him!

The Miz admitted John Morrison may have helped him, but when push came to shove, he couldn't even help himself. "The A-Lister" reached unmatchable heights the last time this happened, when he was on his way up. He became WWE Champion and headlined WrestleMania without him. The only reason he decided to rehire "the Friday Night Delight" to be his sidekick of a partner, was pity! Miz felt sorry for Morrison having to go it alone, striving to survive. What ultimately cost him, was his eagerness to beat a dead horse and proclaim to him information he already knew. The fact of the matter was, Miz knew how good he was and no longer needed John's friendship! Coming to his feet, Miz urged the WWE Audience to pour one out for 'the Dirt Sheet', because this was the last time they'd see it. Looking down at Morrison's director's chair, he glanced down at his name, telling John he wished him well in his future endeavors! Kicking the chair over, Miz left alone - onto greener pastures for the former SmackDown Tag Team Champion.

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Shorty G was in the zone, after having gotten a piece of King Corbin and Duke Nese alongside Apollo Crews earlier tonight. Apollo entered to check on his tag team partner, who told him this was where he turned a new page. For long enough had he been made a mockery of by the likes of meatheads such as the King and the Duke. Apollo agreed, telling him he was right and he would stand by him all the way. In walked the WWE Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak, who expressed their gratitude for coming to their aid. Man-to-man, "the Submission Expert" told Chad Gable how much potential he saw in him. He was better than the Royals, and implored he and Apollo to get them another taste and get even with those two jokes. G looked back at Daniel, telling him he would, leaving the room. Bryan soon turned to Crews, promising him he would get his own title shot soon enough.

A 'Tribute to The Undertaker' video package aired, featuring Batista and Mick Foley discuss their thoughts and opinions on the Legacy of The Undertaker. "The Animal" reminisced about his own career and how it would not be summed up about him or his own accomplishments; but the greatness of the Undertaker through their past encounters. "The Hardcore Legend" spoke of the stunned responses he received whenever bringing up outside of the business that he had wrestled "the Phenom". Batista claimed Undertaker was at the top of the totem pole, while Mick mused how understated it would be to consider the impact that working with "the Deadman" had had on his career. Batista declared he was the very best he ever met in the ring. Foley claimed Undertaker transcended sports entertainment, and called him one of the greatest in all of entertainment.
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3) Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross def. SmackDown Women's Champion and WWE Women's Tag Team Champion Bayley, and Tamina (5:15)
- This match was scheduled to be a rematch between Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross and the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Bayley and Sasha Banks, until "the Legit Boss" was forced to withdraw due to sickness. Substituting her was "the Bouncer" Tamina. The SmackDown Women's Champion opened with a fired up Nikki Cross, who outwitted Bayley at every turn. A crossbody and a diving clothesline saw "Bayley 2 Belts" cower out to Tamina. "The Islander" tried to contend with Alexa Bliss, drilling her with a headbutt and an over-shoulder backbreaker, though as Bayley gave her partner marching orders, "Little Miss Bliss" fired back with dropkicks and a somersault neckbreaker! Blissful Stomps connected in the corner, when Tamina tagged out to Bayley! Furious, Bayley connected with the exploder suplex for Alexa, when Cross connected with the Whiplash! With Bayley down, both Nikki and Alexa covered to pin the champ!

In Sasha Banks' absence, the former WWE Women's Tag Team Champions were simultaneously able to score a pinfall win over the SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley! Tamina slid back into the ring moments too late, as Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross celebrated with a big hug. "Bayley 2 Belts" rolled out to the floor in disappointment, leaving Tamina devastated by what happened. Looking to even the score, she looked for a double clothesline just for the two besties to drill "the Bouncer" with a double DDT! Bayley was distraught on the rampway, unable to comprehend that she had been beaten!

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A replay aired, taken from last month on Friday Night SmackDown. In the fallout of the Lumberjack match where Bayley defeating her to retain the SmackDown Women's Championship, exclusive footage aired with permission from "the First Lady". Lacey Evans was shown to be inconsolable as she returned backstage to the WWE Permission Center. Breaking down on the concrete floor, with her head buried in her arms, Evans' was approached by several WWE producers and backstage officials who each tried to comfort her. A graphic soon followed, advertising her sit-down interview with Renee Young - still to come tonight.

Tonight - Renee Young conducts a sit-down interview with Lacey Evans

A Survivor
Earlier today, Renee Young of FS1's 'WWE Backstage' sat down in-studio with her special guest Lacey Evans. Upon reviewing the material permitted by "the First Lady" to be shown, Renee wished to understand more about her mindset following her issues with Bayley. Lacey commented that it took a great deal to throw her through a loop. Her relationship with her father was well-documented, and how it drove her to want to succeed a fruitful life. All of what Bayley and Sasha Banks both dragged to the surface involving her history - a home life torn by alcoholism, depression and drug use - it raised to her so many flags about her past that she didn't even know existed. Young concurred it may have brought to light underlying issues Lacey didn't know existed, and Lacey nodded in affirmation. When asked about her life in the Marines. Lacey explained her past life as a military officer, but her heart was set on the thing her father never capitalized on: competing. So she wrestled, and she strived.

Finally, she made it here to the WWE - the promised land her Dad would have loved to have seen her compete. Renee Young asked Lacey Evans if she felt prideful knowing exactly how far she had come, and "the First Lady" emotionally held back tears. With a single tear on her cheek, a proud Lacey took the time to consider her journey, and how with the losses to Bayley - she thought her career was done. But it wasn't over yet, because it had barely begun. Evans claimed she would continue to keep going on her journey because she was proud of the career and life she had carved out for herself. After everything she had done, she would come back from these setbacks. Why? Because she was a survivor. Renee thanked Lacey for her time with a big hug, telling her to stay strong and kick butt.

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4) Sonya Deville def. Carmella (4:00)
- The violence in which Sonya Deville was capable of was on full display in the days coming out of Backlash, where she not only defeated ex-best friend Mandy Rose, but sidelined her with a shoulder injury. "The Law" was tested by Carmella, who challenged her to this match, and after a brief flurry of offense including a monkey flip into a Lou Thesz press, and a sit-out mat slam, Deville was quick to roll out to safety. "The Princess of Staten Island" pursued, when Deville cut her off with a spinebuster! Mounted punches saw Sonya deliver body blows in the corner, when a series of knee lifts to the chest knocked the wind out of 'Mella. A bodyscissors went applied, but Carm' used her athleticism to break out, connecting with the 'Mella Go Round! The Princess Kick went blocked and the Hellevator connected, before Sonya applied the bridging armbar responsible for sidelining Mandy! Carmella had no choice but to tap!

"The Law" had been declared on Friday Night SmackDown, as Sonya Deville celebrated her victory - by immediately heading back over to Carmella and re-applying the bridging armbar! "The Princess of Staten Island" could not do much more than tap all over again, as the official was finally able to break Deville away from 'Mella. Deville left proudly, relaying a direct message through the lens of the camera to her ex-best friend Mandy Rose - imploring her to stay far, far away!

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The SmackDown Tag Team Champions Heavy Machinery were in the catering area backstage, where a tuxedo-shirt-clad Otis chowed down on a bowl of noodles. Tucker recapped their luck last week, not only beating John Morrison and the Miz twice - but causing their downfall! Otis grunted through his food as "Tucky" rejoiced at their reign of terror being over. "The Blue Collar Boys" were on cloud nine, though a sorrowful Otis wished that Mandy Rose was here. Tucker assured they would be reunited soon enough, when into frame walked Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura. "The Swiss Cyborg" remarked to his partner who it was - the two chumps they would be taking the gold from. "The Artist" expressed in broken English that Otis looked like a certain Cookie Monster, incensing the champs. Heavy Machinery told Cesaro and Nakamura those were fighting words, but Shin told the "fat men" to calm down and watch them beat the New Day. Taking off for the ring, they were up next!

The Boss and No Hug Connection
Tamina shook her head in annoyance at what transpired earlier tonight. Into the room stormed Bayley, who threw down the SmackDown Women's Championship and WWE Women's Tag Team Championship gold, turning to confront "the Bouncer" with rage! Bayley could not understand how Tamina had been a WWE Superstar for the better part of a decade, but had done absolutely nothing but lose, choke and blow every opportunity that came her way! Tamina remained tight-lipped and silent as "Bayley 2 Belts" dressed her down, claiming if Sasha Banks didn't hold so much loyalty to her, she'd pull all of the strings in her power to make sure "the Islander" was out on her butt. As Tamina took her dressing down from the double-champ, Sasha Banks was spotted on the other side of the door - but this week, "the Legit Boss" entered in defense of her longtime friend! Bayley could not believe her BFF was here all along, but as she tried to backtrack and compliment the great trailblazer Tamina was, Banks stormed out!

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5) Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura def. The New Day (11:19) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- With the ban lifted on the New Day being eligible to challenge for the SmackDown Tag Team Championship, the confrontation last week by Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura of the Artist Collective appeared to be a sign that the route to Heavy Machinery started through them. Kofi Kingston and Big E showed perfect tag team chemistry early, as a roundhouse back kick from Kofi allowed Big E to blast through "the Artist" with a body block! The New Day were feeling it, when Kofi performed the epic Trust Fall plancha to the floor, wiping out Shin and "the Swiss Cyborg!" The New Day continued their gyrations, as Big E caught Cesaro as he attempted a big boot - an exploder belly-to-belly suplex taking the European down for a near fall! The Artist Collective members were forced to regroup at ringside, as the former eight-time WWE Tag Team Champions had the WWE Universe in the palms of their hands!
- The action continued with Big E being struck with a striking combination from "the King of Strong Style". Shinsuke Nakamura delivered Bad Vibrations to him, as Kofi Kingston reached for the tag. Big E looked to fight free, only to be cut off by Cesaro, taking him down with a scoop powerslam! The strength of Cesaro was astonishing, as a deadlift gutwrench suplex took Big E hurdling across the ring. Finally Big E battled both opponents with a double tackle, when a military press slam saw "the Swiss Cyborg" sent airborne into the arms of Nakamura! Kofi lept to action, with clotheslines and diving crossbodies connected. A monkey flip saw Cesaro land on his feet, only to collide into Shin! The Boom Drop connected on both men, when Big E set up for the Midnight Hour. Kofi went up top, but Cesaro would distract the referee. Suddenly, Sheamus came out of nowhere, striking Big E with the Brogue Kick! Kofi pursued "the Celtic Warrior" only to be taken out with the Kinshasa - giving Nakamura the win!

In the absence of Sami Zayn, the Artist Collective secured a major victory tonight against the New Day. Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura stood tall over Big E and Kofi Kingston, as Sheamus curiously spectated from ringside. "The Swiss Cyborg" suddenly targeted Kofi, planting him with the Neutralizer for good measure! As "the Artist" performed Bad Vibrations to Big E in the corner, Sheamus joined the two in the ring and hugged them each - an apparent new alliance formed. Finally, the SmackDown Tag Team Champions Heavy Machinery came stomping down the rampway, though upon entry, Sheamus simply greeted "the Blue Collar Boys!" Sheamus, Cesaro and Shinsuke departed, leaving Otis and Tucker to check on the New Day.

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With last week's eerie confrontation with Bray Wyatt playing in the back of his mind, the WWE Universal Champion Jeff Hardy had arrived at the WWE Performance Center. En route to the ring, the casually dressed "Charismatic Enigma" was prepared to come face to face with The Fiend for the first time since Backlash. Who could anticipate what would happen next!

A 'Tribute to The Undertaker' video package aired, featuring Steve Austin and Kurt Angle discuss their thoughts and opinions on the Legacy of The Undertaker. Stone Cold talked about the mystique surrounding the Undertaker, whereas the Olympic Gold Medalist discussed his intelligence, and his performances in the ring. "The Texas Rattlesnake" paid attention to his WrestleMania history, calling him a warhorse, while "the Olympic Hero" compared him to Superman. Austin believed Undertaker was one of the best in the history of the business.

Michael Cole and Corey Graves spoke about the Legacy of The Undertaker, and the impact and influence that "the Deadman" had had on today's generation of WWE Superstars. Shifting gears to next weeks, graphics promoted what would take place next week on Friday Night SmackDown - including the SmackDown Women's Championship being at stake when Bayley defended the gold against Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross in a Triple Threat match! Plus, The Miz would look to move on alone as he took on WWE Universal Champion Jeff Hardy.

SmackDown Women's Championship - Triple Threat match - Bayley (c) vs Alexa Bliss vs Nikki Cross
WWE Universal Champion Jeff Hardy vs The Miz
Duke Nese vs Shorty G
The Hacker takes things to the next level with Dolph Ziggler

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Meeting of the Minds
Following last week's bizarre meeting between the WWE Universal Champion and the man behind the Firefly Fun House, Jeff Hardy made his way out to the ring in the WWE Performance Center. With the WWE Universal Championship over his shoulder, "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" climbed into the ring and saluted the WWE Universe around him before taking to the microphone to address them. Jeff opened by discussing the mind games that Bray Wyatt had long been known with. Everybody knew that "the Eater of Worlds" had a long intertwined relationship with the Hardys, much like everybody knew that "the Eater of Worlds" had a knack for getting inside everybody's heads. Jeff voiced how his meeting with Bray Wyatt last week was something that had been playing on his mind for the past seven days, but when push came to the shove - he refused to allow The Fiend to get inside his head. While John Cena, Daniel Bryan and The Miz were what they were, he was unlike any of them.

"The Charismatic Enigma" was his own animal, completely and perfectly unique, and he refused to let a guy like Bray Wyatt, or a monster like The Fiend convert him to whatever he saw fit. Jeff Hardy had the WWE Universe behind him as he spoke about enduring more downward spirals and encountering more rock bottoms that Bray could ever consider. While Bray wanted to masquerade that he didn't hate Jeff; Jeff didn't hate him either - yet he did loathe the demon Bray considered himself to be. Hardy placed the WWE Universal Championship down in the corner and said he was here tonight not to yap away - but to confront "the New Face of Fear" in this ring! Jeff challenged Fiend to come out - but inside, Bray Wyatt made his way out! In a black sweater and orange shirt, the leader of the Firefly Fun House came skipping out merrily! Joining Jeff in the ring, he told Hardy how happy he was that he was here wanting to play his games.

Addressing the WWE Universal Champion like a buddy or a pal, Bray Wyatt expressed the immense respect he had for his multi-dimensional brother from another mother! But, he had to call into question the moral fibre of Jeff Hardy, claiming how "the New Face of Fear" did not listen to naysayers and doubters. Jeff finally grabbed Bray by the collar and repeated himself - his mission statement tonight was to confront the man Bray was hiding behind! Jeff demanded to know where The Fiend was, bringing Wyatt to laugh with hysterics. "The Rainbow-Haired Warrior" had had enough, reiterating that he wasn't playing his twisted games. Wyatt continued to howl - before suddenly stopping. With arms wide open, Bray informed Jeff: he was here - Let Him In! Suddenly, the lights inside the WWEPC turned red - and as Jeff turned around, The Fiend was standing across the ring from him! Bray backed out to ringside, as Bray exclaimed "Yowie Wowie!" from the floor! As the ear-piercing screeches synonymous with "the New Face of Fear" echoed through the building, Jeff stood his ground - The Fiend here with eyes for the gold!

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Last Edit: Feb 27, 2023 19:14:27 GMT -5 by DTP.

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· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Mar 3, 2023 5:56:34 GMT -5

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Post by DTP. on Mar 3, 2023 5:56:34 GMT -5

WWE THE HORROR SHOW AT EXTREME RULES – July 19, 2020
WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida
"The One Night A Year WWE Goes Extreme!"
"Down to Hell" by Asking Alexandria
LESS THAN FOUR WEEKS AWAY!

Seth Rollins vs Aleister Black

Matches to be announced.

Last Edit: Mar 3, 2023 6:00:02 GMT -5 by DTP.

· The Pandemic Project · Keep Your Distance ·
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DTP.
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Joined on: Jun 28, 2007 14:45:14 GMT -5
Posts: 18,080

· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Mar 3, 2023 15:58:29 GMT -5

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Post by DTP. on Mar 3, 2023 15:58:29 GMT -5

MORE ON THE END OF WWE BACKSTAGE

by Mike Johnson

June 22, 2020

FOX held a meeting several hours ago to inform everyone working on WWE Backstage that the series was done in its current format for now.

There will not be a new episode tomorrow. They had announced Bayley for the episode. A rerun of an older episode is most likely.

Among those who worked on the series, the belief is the show is completely done beyond the outside chance that it could be used for special programming down the line. There is no gameplan for such a thing currently, but things are being left open with the idea that FS1 could do more if they choose to do so.

Since we have gotten a few hopeful emails on this, I am sorry to douse the fire - CM Punk is under contract to FOX, not WWE, so the end of WWE Backstage does not mean he's going to migrate over to other WWE programming. WWE and Punk would have to make a deal and as we've seen, that doesn't seem likely. WWE had dropped even plugging Punk was part of the FOX series. .

Jaxson Ryker and other WWE Superstars released

June 26, 2020

WWE has come to terms on the release of Travis Banks, Ligero and Jaxson Ryker. We wish them the best in all their future endeavors.

JUNE 29, 2020 OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: #SPEAKINGOUT CONTINUES, WWE COVID OUTBREAK

#SPEAKINGOUT The Pro Wrestling industry in Europe and North America, an industry that has had a male-dominated culture since its inception, was rocked to the core by women this past week with story after story of abuse with names from every significant promotion.

The U.K. scene was hit the hardest, but there were allegations against significant names in every promotion.

WWE has fired Jaxson Ryker, Travis Banks and Ligero. Banks, Ligero, David Starr and referee Mark Parry were earlier let go by Progress Wrestling, which has strong ties to WWE.

We previously wrote about Ryker's comments regarding using President Donald Trump's comments to justify his role as a part of the Forgotten Sons team. The feeling was from sources close to the company that the heat following up from that was too hot to handle. It is unknown what will become of Steve Cutler and Wesley Blake, the unfortunate scapegoats in all of this. One would presume they will be repackaged.

Jordan Devlin & Scotty Davis, the Progress tag team champions, were both suspended indefinitely by that promotion. Devlin was also the previous WWE Cruiserweight Champion. While NXT UK operations are currently suspended due to U.K. lockdowns, Devlin joins Joe Coffey and Wolfgang as suspended pending investigation.

From NXT, following the abundance of accusations from Velveteen Dream's interactions with teenaged fans on the Internet. While there are supporters of Dream within the company, there are also his detractors. While long considered a pet project of the WWEPC, there are those who feel that with his push of late, Dream's confidence has begun to rub people the wrong way. While there is yet to be an announcement as to a suspension or potential firing, given the ongoing NXT storyline of a fan vote between Finn Balor and he with the idea the winner challenges for the NXT title on 7/8, it is suspected WWE may wait until after the storyline is completed before a decision is made.

Violet O’Hara claimed Ligero had indecently assaulted her after she allowed him to lay in her bad when he was in a hotel room she was sharing with others. Ligero denied that, but did apologize to two specific women he trained.

“The current story that has been released by Violet O’Hara/Claire-Michelle Oldfield is neither accurate nor true. This is a completely false allegation and whilst I’ve done other things in my life that I deeply regret, this isn’t an accurate or truthful portrayal of events. This is something I strongly deny and is something I’ve been in the process of speaking to a legal team about.”

But he did corroborate other women regarding his role as their trainer.

“Regarding the other statements from people like Laura, Natalie, who have spoken about the way they were made to feel, and others that have come forward about unwanted messages, I have no excuse. It’s inappropriate. It’s a embarrassment and it’s an absolute shameful way to act from someone in a position of trust. I sincerely apologise for my actions and any hurt I’ve caused. I have no justification of my actions in the slightest. In these situations, I have failed people as a friend, as a fiancé and as a decent human being.”

Hannah Francesca posted photos of her body bruised up and attributed that to Devlin.

“This is scary.” she wrote. “ I’m really scared. Jordan Devlin did this to me. And this is just the physical damage. Not including my arse and back bruises because I don’t fancy posting that online. To the promotions, wrestlers and fans staying silent. I hear you. To the abusers tweeting their support. I see you. I was also told to reach out to my abuser as the whole thing might just be a `misunderstanding?’ Promoters. Educate yourself. Don’t gaslight your fans or talent.”

Devlin wrote in response, “I didn’t even want to address the hurtful allegation made against me, but for the sake of my followers and friends on this platform that may be for whatever reason be unsure, I’m going to address this once. The recent allegation made against me is completely and utterly false and I deny it entirely. This is a case of a malicious personal agenda being executed against me on the back of a very brave telling of true experiences by other women. I completely denounce it. This is all I will say on the matter and I am now working with a legal tea to help decide how to proceed from here.”

WWE stated, “Individuals are responsible for their own personal actions. WWE has zero tolerance for matters involving domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault. Upon arrest for such misconduct, a WWE talent will be immediately suspended. Upon conviction for such misconduct, a WWE talent will be immediately terminated. WWE’s ability to fine suspend or terminate a WWE talent will not be, however, limited or compromised in any manner in the event incontrovertible evidence fo such illegal misconduct is presented to WWE.”

Millie McKenzie, a well regarded U.K. wrestler who started at the age of 14, and is now 20, listed a number of things. She claimed at the age of 14, an early trainer told her that he would leave his wife for her.

At 16 she started training in Wolverhampton at Fight Club Pro. Banks was the head trainer, who was 33 at the time. She said that they started a relationship shortly after, which Banks wanted kept secret, but it was well known on the local scene. Banks was her coach at the time. McKenzie also claimed Banks cheated on him multiple times in front of his face and was horrible to her. She also produced screen shots of an argument between the two of them where Banks begged for her to let her into his hotel room and begging for forgiveness while she kept telling him to leave her alone. The two have since broken up.

Banks released a statement saying the relationship was between consenting adults that failed. If the relationship started when she was 17, that is consenting by the laws of the U.K. McKenzie later said Banks destroyed the last years of her childhood and that the relationship had a massive effect on her mental health and self-confidence and she grew to hate wrestling and the person she was when with him.

With so many names linked, the very future of NXT U.K. is in question, since it’s a money-losing proposition put in place to kill the World of Sport, which is already dead. WWE’s long-term goal after the launch was to put NXT outposts all over the world with the U.K. brand as the first model. But after COVID and things scaling back, those expansion plans were temporarily shelved until things get back to normal.

In the U.K. the general feeling among many in and around the industry is shock and disgust, and within the U.S., it’s the same but with less fear regarding the future of the business itself. In the U.K. we’re told there is a realization that this has gone on too long, and while hidden in some ways, it’s been in plain sight all along. But the belief is few if anyone, while every knew something existed and maybe even suspected it being very bad, realized the problem was as big as it was.

One thing I’ve learned from women contacts and friends is that women who talked with each other were far less surprised about the names and the stories as guys, who all knew stuff existed but had no idea of the extent with some of the talent.

There is great concern about the U.K. scene. The popularity of wrestling peaked during the period when the independent scene was also strong in the U.S., with lots of marketable talent all around at the same time. Then WWE started stockpiling talent, first to keep them from ROH and New Japan which were gaining popularity, and then from World of Sport, and even more in the past year, from AEW. AEW itself put together a major roster, and ROH, MLW and Impact started signing up more people to try and fill their rosters and be competitive. Suddenly, the independent scene guys dried up in the U.K. and WWE also had a major decrease in popularity and drawing on recent tours.

Several promotions that relied on so many of the names mentioned, like Progress, OTT and RevPro, are hurt badly. The belief is some companies may not have come back from COVID even if this didn’t happen. The fear is the scene will revert back to the levels of 20 years ago and have to be rebuilt. But to rebuild needs a structure where young people can learn by working a ton of shows, which the top guys were able to do in the past.

OUTBREAK SHUFFLE During a week of ugliness, a second terrible story broke out with a COVID outbreak within WWE that also impacted AEW.

Details are sketchy because WWE literally has said nothing, not to talent, not to anyone. What we do know is that they were scheduled to tape two weeks of Smackdown and Raw on 6/26 and 6/27, and all shows have had to be rewritten multiple times because of talent that won’t be available.

Kayla Braxton, Jamie Noble and Adam Pearce are the only official names because they, for their own reasons, decided to go public with positive tests. For Braxton, her admission came warning people that just because you have had the disease and gotten through it doesn’t mean you can’t get it a second time. Second cases have been extremely rare. Braxton was the first WWE talent to test positive. She was the person show tested positive at the time of the WrestleMania tapings as the talent who was there when all talent was told about her positive test. Braxton was believed to have gotten it by socializing with people working at Florida hospitals in March.

One of the NXT talents in the audience had gotten sick and on her own, was tested. WWE alerted the media and talent of this on 6/15, and canceled tapings on 6/16 for a test for all performers, production people and staff who worked the tapings, as well as for friends and families of talent that were allowed in as fans starting on 6/15.

For the tapings on 6/17, they started late because they wouldn’t let anyone in until they got a negative test result. Because of that, they had to make a change in schedule, with Smackdown and Raw for 6/26 and 6/29 originally being taped on 6/26, and Smackdown and Raw for 7/3 and 7/6 being taped on 6/27.

Talent was brought in a few days early for testing scheduled for everyone involved, including the fans, from 6/23 to 6/25. It was the tests on the first day that had multiple positives, and there were evidently more as the week went on. Literally nobody knows anything about how deep the problems are except for perhaps the few top people in charge.

But that was changed again on 6/26 with the Raw for 6/29 being moved to being taped on 6/27 and it was unclear about 205 Live.

This would mean they would have to return on 7/3 for Smackdown tapings and likely tape the 7/6 Raw on that date as well. The belief is that with so many people unable to work the shows this week they hope they can tape with more people taping next week, which was originally supposed to be off.

NXT will tape the Great American Bash shows for 7/1 and 7/8, on 7/1, and then tape for 7/15 and 7/22 on 7/2.

Because of performers being absent, the 6/26 Smackdown show was changed to a tribute to Undertaker, with less live footage being used and more taped stuff, including airing the entire Undertaker vs. A.J. Styles boneyard match from WrestleMania. The report ahead of time was that they would tape about one hour on that afternoon and the rest of the show would be taped material related to Undertaker. In theory, airing the most talked about match from Mania and being an Undertaker tribute, this should do well above normal numbers. Then again, when they did shows built around HHH’s 25th anniversary, those shows drew very disappointing numbers.

With Pearce, there was a lot of concern since he worked so closely with both Bruce Prichard, who is 57, and very heavy, and Vince McMahon, who is 74. In addition, Ric Flair, who is 71, and has had numerous major health issues in recent years, was one of the performers who appeared on both days of tapings last week when the breakout took place. As of last word, Flair was not experiencing any health issues.

With Braxton, after trying to let the public know that you can get the disease twice, something a lot of people, including herself, were not aware of (there are cases of it but they are rare), was harassed online by cyberbullying to the point that she deactivated her account. Braxton in particular had posted a photo of herself at the beach with no mask on just recently before her positive test, which led to the harassment. She even stated that she thought she was invincible regarding the disease because she had already had it once, and warned people that having it doesn’t make you immune from getting it again, writing “Don’t be dumb like me.”

While it can’t be pointed out with surety, the belief is the person responsible for this latest outbreak was a female NXT performer in the stands.

Producer T.J. Wilson (who wrestled as Tyson Kidd), came to testing on 6/25 with a fever. Both he and wife Nattie Neidhart tested negative for COVID in I believe two different tests, but as a precautionary measure, the company asked both to sit out this weekend even though she was fine.

Obviously, it was horribly irresponsible for WWE to continue to tape shows during the pandemic without doing anything but temperature checks until 6/16. No other sports company even dreamed of continuing without regular COVID testing. Most were insisting on regular tests weekly, often more than once a week, and far more isolating. That, combined with not having people wear masks in the building, was almost mind-boggling in ignorance, or perhaps arrogance, to where the look at what they want the TV show to look like is more important than the health of the performers. AEW can be criticized for some things as well, but they did institute COVID testing, They did not have all people in the stands with masks and the talent at ringside was on top of each other, and there were several people in their 60s on television. But they didn’t discourage mask usage and were transparent about what they were doing. They also ran outdoors in a much larger arena which was a far safer venue.

For the tapings this week, WWE had sent at least four e-mails to their list of hardcore NXT fans to come and get tested this week until a final e-mail on 6/24 which stated that everything had changed and no fans would be allowed to upcoming tapings. Talent had already been unhappy about fans being let in, feeling that you never know where the fans had come from and they felt safer if it was only wrestling personnel in the building. WWE had than told all NXT talent that they were basically required to work as fans for this week’s tapings, although likely the biggest names that are stars on NXT television would probably not be used in that role.

Regarding the mandating of masks in Orange County, FL, where WWE starts taping again on 6/26, it will not apply to the WWE television shoot. Those in WWE have said the mandate is for all public places and the Performance Center is not under that category.

Regarding fans at the 6/15 WWE, none wore masks but there were four people who did, two production people, one producer and a social media person. While multiple reports including us got a number of messages that masks were banned and that if they didn’t feel comfortable not wearing a mask not to come, for fans who were there, they were not told not to wear masks. We were told that somebody did inquire to one of the doctors if he should wear a mask and the doctor said it’s not required, but did not say that he couldn’t. But none of the fans in the crowd nor trainees wore them at the show.

WWE had planned to start taping with crowds in Florida. They have contacted a company for local people for a Friday and a Monday in late July (7/24 and 7/27 were the dates being bandied about) for live televison shoots at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, FL, an 8,000 seat arena. The plans was to allow fans but to have social distancing, so limiting crowds to a percentage of capacity. Last word is that may be pushed to August, but the July dates were originally set to be announced this coming week because Vince McMahon was determined to be the first person to run a live indoor sports event with a crowd.

WHEN THE CHIPS ARE DOWN WWE’s next PPV will be Extreme Rules: Horror Show, on 7/14. The irony of Horror Show being added to the title after this week is the epitome of a lack of self awareness. In actuality it is being used as a technique to entice viewers into watching. With the concept already to present a show choc full with gimmick matches, the idea is from those in higher management that subtitles are the in-thing in marketing right now. It is suspected that SummerSlam and September's Clash of Champions will follow suit with similar subtitles.

RUSH JOB While the plan long-term was for Matt Riddle to defend the NXT Tag team championships alone before introducing Timothy Thatcher, clearly there was big changes made. With Pete Dunne still trapped in the U.K., Thatcher was always intended to come in for a feud with Riddle as his introduction to the audience. This was sped up dramatically on 6/24, with Riddle and Thatcher not only losing the titles to Ever-Rise, but having a match intended to build for the first ever Fight Pit.

Conceptually it looks to be a steel cage match without ropes, akin to Josh Barnett's Bloodsport.

We have received word that with Matt Riddle being earmarked for a main roster push, his feud with Thatcher is intended to get him ready for the next step.

THE LAST RIDE? The Undertaker Last Ride series ended on 6/21 with an episode where Undertaker was happy with his match with A.J. Styles and said he would be fine to end his career with that bout.

He said that because of all the retakes, that people may have thought that match was physically easier than a normal match but he described the hours of taping to doing a very physical 45 minute match. He never said he was retired, and during the series there were a number of times where he went into the ring thinking it was his last match, and left the ring thinking that as well. He said the Bill Goldberg match, which was a disaster, was always in the back of his head.

During the series, the theme was that his wife, Michelle McCool, always wanted him to retire. He also noted that just before the taping of the Styles match, that his older brother died of a heart attack and McCool’s younger brother died in an auto accident and it made him reevaluate his priorities. McCool, however, encouraged him to face Styles, as did Styles, with the idea he was so talented and a safe worker and was the guy so good he could end his career on a high note. Really, if he was looking for a last final bow, that match was it.

The fact they aired this series where he pretty much gave up the character that he protected for decades always felt to me that the final episode would tell you he’s done. But we also know that every year with the lure of the money and Vince asking him to help out a show, whether it’s Mania or Saudi Arabia, you just never know. Plus, the idea of an advertised ahead of time retirement match and Hall of Fame week like they did with Ric Flair is, for this time where very little makes a business difference, this would be huge as a spectacle, as well as for media attention. It would also bring fans from the past back for one show.

WWE has not announced Undertaker has retired but Madison Square Garden did on its outside billboard this past week thanked Undertaker for 30 years.

KO-NCELLATION The One Night Only show with Owens in Glasgow, Scotland has been moved to 11/5.

WON Ratings:
Asuka vs Baszler - RAW 6/22 - ***½
McIntyre vs Owens - RAW 6/22 - ***¾
Fantasma vs Atlas - NXT 6/24 - ***¾

TV Ratings:
SmackDown 6/12 - 2.08 million viewers
RAW 6/22 - 1.99 million viewers
NXT 6/24 - 0.78 million viewers

· The Pandemic Project · Keep Your Distance ·
Only on the Sims Board!

DTP.
WF Hall of Famer

Joined on: Jun 28, 2007 14:45:14 GMT -5
Posts: 18,080

· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Mar 6, 2023 14:24:38 GMT -5

Quote

Post by DTP. on Mar 6, 2023 14:24:38 GMT -5

Monday Night RAW #1414 - June 29, 2020
WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida
Presented by
LESS THAN THREE WEEKS FROM EXTREME RULES!
"Legendary" by Skillet

Main Event #405 – July 2, 2020
1) Los Lotharios (with Zelina Vega) def. R-Truth and Zack Ryder with the Wingclipper by Angel on Ryder. "The Long Island Iced-Z" and "Truth" had issues from start-to-finish, coming after issues surrounding the WWE 24/7 Championship Division.
2) Ricochet (with Cedric Alexander) def. Akam (with RAW Tag Team Champion Murphy) by count-out after a Space Flying Tiger Drop. Ricochet and Cedric evaded the Disciples' wrath following the match.

...Or Else
Monday Night RAW went on the air with the sight of Dominik Mysterio arriving backstage at the WWE Performance Center. Peering over his shoulder following the fate which befell his father Rey Mysterio last week, the youngster was thrown on the defensive when faced by La Invasíon. Led by the WWE United States Champion, Andrade greeted Dom with open arms! Even Humberto Carrillo and Angel Garza were all glad to see him. Andrade tried to hug the son of "the Legendary Luchador", just for him to shove "El Capo" away! Voicing his anger about the group sidelining his father with two broken ribs, Zelina warned Dom to choose his actions wisely. The way La Invasíon saw it - Dominik was all alone. His old man was out of the picture, and that meant just one thing. Humberto was wise and dove free from the fire - and he did so by joining La Invasíon. Andrade grinned, urging Mysterio to join them to make the best decision of his career - or else! La Invasíon left, with Zelina telling Dom he had until the end of the night.

︾︾︾

The opening video package aired, bringing us to the WWE Performance Center for Monday Night RAW! Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian welcomed us to the show, recapping the events of last week's Championship Monday. Asuka was able to successfully defend the RAW Women's Championship in a hard-hitting Submission match against Shayna Baszler; whereas Drew McIntyre would topple Kevin Owens to retain the WWE World Championship. But then after the match, who would make their return - none other than "the Phenomenal One" - AJ Styles!

Territorial Hissings
The O.C. made their way out to the ring, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows looking pleased in the fallout of last week's Championship Monday. Climbing into the ring, KA exclaimed to the WWE Universe in attendance that the boys were home, the boys were together, and together they were louder and prouder than ever! "The Big LG" demanded KA "two-sweet" him; Gallows telling the story of how "the Phenomenal One" finally was back in WWE. Anderson confessed it was a tough and auspicious negotiation period, but once "Uncle Allen" was able to look past the whole being buried alive by the Undertaker thing - all it took was some softly brothering, some two-sweeting and a couple of Ben Franklins to motivate "Phenomenal Hoot" into coming back to reclaim his place on Monday Night RAW! "The Good Brothers" concluded their introduction, welcoming out the man of the hour - the next WWE World Champion AJ Styles! Making a full entrance in a hooded leather jacket, AJ had returned to the WWEPC to a show of respect from the audience.

"The Phenomenal One" declared that he was home and he was here to stay! AJ Styles reminisced on what a bizarre couple of months it had been, musing about overcoming the adversity of death - how what didn't kill him made him stronger, and even The Undertaker realized it: hence why he retired! AJ bragged about being the reason "the Deadman" finally rode off into the sunset, when Kevin Owens made his arrival. Congratulating AJ on escaping death in the Buried Alive match at WrestleMania, KO used sarcasm to talk about how graceful and resilient "the Phenomenal One" was. Meanwhile, the O.C. chose to stick their fugly bald heads in his business with Drew McIntyre last week! "The Prize Fighter" made fun of Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson for the way they spoke about their "uncle". KO even asked what exactly "Two-Sweeting" meant - was it an innuendo? It used to be a pretty cool hand-gesture, but there were two things considering: one - it wasn't 2015 anymore, and two - nobody gave a damn about their Club anymore!

The O.C. deflected claiming that Kevin Owens was just bitter he lost to Drew McIntyre last week. AJ Styles proclaimed that this made him the defacto number one contender, because without offending KO - he was the only guy in this building that could stand to dethrone "the Scottish Terminator!" Owens smirked as Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson each told Owens to take a hike, "the Good Brothers" each complimenting the merits that "the Phenomenal One" possessed. Arguing AJ had been WWE World Champion twice before, and had reigned as champ for over an entire calendar year, KA exaggerated that the 2020s belonged to "Phenomenal Hoot". Owens could not contain his laughter, demanding to know what "Hoot" even meant! Counting AJ's head and the bald heads in the ring, Owens wished it hadn't come down to this - but elected to hit the ring for a piece of the O.C.! KO swung for Styles just for Gallows and Anderson to intercept. Fighting with all of his might, Styles would cut him short with a Phenomenal Forearm connecting!

The O.C. were like vultures pounding on the carcass of Kevin Owens, as AJ Styles orchestrated Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson to follow with the Magic Killer. "The Good Brothers" had "the Prize Fighter" in position - when Drew McIntyre charged toward the ring! The WWE World Champion took care of business, with "the Big LG" sent to Claymore Country; followed by KA being back body dropped over the top rope into his arms! AJ elected back out to the apron as "the Scottish Terminator" helped KO back to his feet. With a microphone in hand, the jeans-clad Scotsman had heard both men state their case. While he did not hold power as WWE Authority, he felt standing as the reigning WWE World Champion surely counted for something. Since Owens wanted another shot, and Styles wanted a shot - he was going to let them fight it out tonight! McIntyre departed, as KO dared "the Phenomenal One" to put them up - not done by a long shot. AJ backed away, urging KO to rest up - because he was leaving with the opportunity.

Tonight - Number One Contender's match - Kevin Owens vs AJ Styles

︾︾︾

Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian recapped what just transpired in the ring, with the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre acting as shot-caller. Receiving confirmation that the number one contender's match would take place tonight, the broadcast team discussed what else was scheduled to take place - including Aleister Black taking on Theory in a No-Disqualification match; plus, the Street Profits and the Viking Raiders would hope to bring an end to the 'Anything You Can Do, We Can Do Better' series - competing in a tag team wrestling match.

No-Disqualification match - Aleister Black vs Theory
'Anything You Can Do, We Can Do Better' - The Viking Raiders vs The Street Profits
Charlotte Flair holds a 'State of the Universe Address'

Monday Night RAW returned with footage taken from outside of the WWE Performance Center! A limousine pulled up in the parking lot, with none other than the WWE Chairman Vince McMahon stepping out! Aided by the limo driver, Vince began to perform his signature strut towards the building. Entering through the front door of the WWEPC, with reception staff holding the doors for him - what brought the boss to RAW tonight?

︾︾︾

A graphic appeared, showing countless comments of love and praise for The Undertaker from the WWE Universe on Twitter. Following his apparent retirement last week on 'The Undertaker: The Last Ride', Friday Night SmackDown saw countless 'Tributes for The Undertaker' take place. A video package followed, with WWE Hall of Famers and Legends such as John Cena, Ric Flair, Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels, Kurt Angle, Bret Hart, Kane, Mick Foley, Batista and Edge all paying their respects to "the Deadman".

︾︾︾

Natalya was met with a negative response from the WWE Universe as she stepped into the ring. The second-generation Canadian secured a microphone and began to address the people, but before she could even get a word out - the theme music of Bianca Belair hit! "The EST" of Monday Night RAW came skipping out to the stage, twirling her hair to the fury of the daughter of "the Anvil!"

1) Bianca Belair def. Natalya (6:16) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- The betrayal of Natalya against her own protegé Liv Morgan two weeks ago had soured many in the WWE Universe on the long-tenured Canadian, though perhaps none greater than Bianca Belair. "The EST" was able to antagonize Nattie earlier with a series of hair whips in the corner, and when the experienced Calgary Dungeon graduate hoped to take the newcomer down with a German suplex, Belair would land on her feet and connect with a military press slam! Nattie was sent from the ring with a clothesline, bringing the referee to order Nattie take a time-out at ringside! Seething, the veteran refused to take such disrespect from "the NewEST" addition to Monday nights.
- Natalya was able to turn the tables spanning from a catapult which slung Bianca Belair throat-first into the bottom rope. Nattie continued to make breathing difficult for Bianca with a series of sit-drops driving "the EST" against the ropes. A Russian legsweep saw Bianca escape and deliver a running shoulder block, followed by a single-leg dropkick! Belair mounted offense with the Shining Star Press, but Nattie would come back with a sit-out powerbomb for a near fall. The Canadian looked for the electric chair drop just for Belair to land on her feet for the Glam Slam to connect! The Shining Star Press saw Nattie get her knees up and grab an inside cradle, when Bianca turned it around - the cradle scoring her the win.

Cat and Mouse
Bianca Belair could not believe she caught Natalya down for the count of three, but as she came back to her feet, "the EST" was ambushed by a jaded Nattie! The veteran put the boots to Belair before applying the Sharpshooter - when Liv Morgan came charging out to the ring. In her first appearance since being left abandoned by her mentor, Liv chased the Canadian from the ring - but was not yet finished with her! As Nattie hoped to hide behind the referee, Liv shoved the official down causing the cat-and-mouse chase to continue up the rampway! Liv pursued Natalya, who cowered behind Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian at the announce table. Making a tactical escape moments later, Liv called out and demanded she stop running, and just fight her!

︾︾︾

A perturbed Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian were forced to shift gears to talk about the proposition set out by members of La Invasíon at the beginning of the show. Andrade and Zelina Vega had given Dominik Mysterio a deadline, urging him to strongly consider joining their group after sidelining his father last week. A replay aired showing Rey Mysterio being ambushed in the backstage area. It was confirmed in a medical update that "the Legendary Luchador" had been sidelined with two fractured ribs.

Ex Hermanos
Dominik Mysterio sat in deep thought in the locker room, when the sound of a steel chair scraping across the floor was heard. Dom scowled up at Humberto Carrillo, who smiled back. Taking a seat backwards on the chair, he asked the son of "the Legendary Luchador" if he thought at all about Andrade's proposal. Dom remained silent and refused to make eye contact, when "La Estrella" forced him to look him in the eyes! Ordering he consider his options, he could either join La Invasíon and be spared his entire career being derailed - and the two of them could be hermanos once more - or he could receive a fate worse than what happened to his old man. Dom told Carrillo he would not join "El Capo", but Carrillo urged him to think it through. If a little accident fractured his Daddy's ribs, imagine what they could do if he said no. Carrillo chuckled, assuring he would receive the right tutelage. They were the keyholders to his destiny, and Humberto could not wait to be reunited with his little hermano.

Following discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian, a video package aired recapping the outcome of the 'Anything You Can Do, We Can Do Better' series. Set to comical music, throughout the past five weeks the Street Profits and the Viking Raiders had been engaged in a highly competitive rivalry. The two teams of former RAW Tag Team Champions had met at bowling, mini-golf, axe-throwing and basketball. Tied at every turn, "the Modern Day Vikings and "the Frat Boys" had even drawn in the outcome of last week's Decathlon. Now, with the promise of a RAW Tag Team Championship opportunity on the line, Erik and Ivar would meet Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins where both teams best excelled - in the ring!

2) The Street Profits def. The Viking Raiders to earn an opportunity at the RAW Tag Team Championship (7:31)
- It had come down to this - weeks of a competitive rivalry involving mini-golf games, bowling games, basketball games, axe-throwing contests and even a decathlon, had finally led these teams to a wrestling match with a future opportunity at Theory and Murphy's RAW Tag Team Championship at stake. Montez Ford looked to take Ivar off his feet with fast hands and an enzuigiri, to be pounced into Angelo Dawkins! The Viking Raiders hammered at 'Tez as 'Ang rooted for the tag. Erik delivered a deadlift wheelbarrow hold into a springboard clothesline for a near fall, when Ford dodged a cartwheel clothesline and responded with acrobatics into a dropkick! Dawkins was hot, even powering Ivar up with an exploder suplex! As the Cash Out connected, 'Tez was sent from the top into 'Ang by Erik! Looking to send him into Ivar for a rope-assisted seated senton, the Cash Out was delivered - and From the Heavens gave the Street Profits the win, with Erik having missed the save by inches!

"The Frat Boys" were able to come out on top when all was said and done - finally bringing an end to 'Anything You Can Do, We Can Do Better' series that had engulfed both teams. The Street Profits celebrated in style, now with an open road ahead to potentially recapture their RAW Tag Team Championships from Theory and Murphy. Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins hoped to be true sportsman however, looking to Erik and Ivar and hoping the Viking Raiders would accept their handshakes like gentlemen. "The Modern Day Vikings" looked to one another before staring 'Tez and 'Ang in the eyes - opting to decline their invitations to call it even! By burning bridges, the Vikings refused to give the Profits the dignity of appearing superior to them.

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Busted!
The new WWE 24/7 Champion Heath Slater could not be happier, as he grinned and rubbed the gold around his waist. Joined by Charly Caruso, the broadcast journalist wished to hear how elated "the One-Man Rock Band" was, but noted that title or not - he was no longer employed by the WWE! Heath told Charly how wonderful life was right now. He didn't need a contract to say he was a WWE Superstar, because he went out last week and reached for that brass ring! He grabbed that ring, not just for himself - but for his kids! Slater pointed out his "I Got Kids" shirt and gave shout-outs to Tiffany, Amber and Joseph back home in the trailer park with his "better-half", commenting that all four of them were happy because Daddy went out and was living his dream! Slater claimed WWE now had to pay him, because he was the WWE 24/7 Champion! Abruptly, behind him crept Vince McMahon - the WWE Chairman startling the new champ.

In his cold and grovely voice, Vince McMahon asked Heath Slater how he was finding the WWE Performance Center. "The One-Man Rock Band" took a deep sigh and slowly turned around, where the WWE Chairman sternly told Slater he wanted to see him in the ring - now! As the boss left, Slater accepted his fate - when Akira Tozawa entered the frame! As Slater ducked out, Shelton Benjamin entered with right hands for Tozawa. The two collided with punches bringing Charly to flee, when Zack Ryder joined in too! Everybody wanted the WWE 24/7 Championship!

Dominik Mysterio was in the hallway considering his options, but just as he propped a set of headphones over his ears to find inspiration in music, up walked Ricochet and Cedric Alexander. Wanting to let Dom know that La Invasíon weren't the only ones with an eye on the newcomer - "the Future of Flight" and "Lumbar Legacy" also had Dominik's back! Cedric spoke fondly of Rey Mysterio, and how they looked up to Dominik's father - and how they knew he only wanted to make "the Legendary Luchador" proud. Cedric urged Dom to continue on his path and stay the course - and never agree to a single thing Andrade offered him. The two said they were rooting for him and had Mysterio's support, walking away and leaving the rookie in thought.

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The Boss is Back
To a formal introduction from ring announcer Mike Rome, out strutted the WWE Chairman to the WWE Performance Center. As a small assembled audience of WWE Universe members gathered in salute, they bowed as Vince McMahon came bounding down to the ring with a pompous smile on his chiseled face. The boss was back on Monday Night RAW, and in such unorthodox times, he wanted to send salutations to everybody dealing with the current state of the world! Vince commented that these were uncertain times, but what truly brought him to RAW tonight was not to give the people a pep rally - he knew this nation didn't need that. What he was here to do however, was address the goings-on of one man in particular. Vince recalled a time in the past where he preached the phrase "Ruthless Aggression". Questioning who had seen the series on the WWE Network to a positive response, Vince hoped everybody remembered that because he was twenty years wiser and about forty years more forgetful.

While the phrase "Ruthless Aggression" was the mantra in which many WWE Legends such as John Cena and Batista abided by in their prime, today was a different world. It was a different climate, and that went for everybody here to rule the day. Vince McMahon name-dropped Heath Slater - the very man he recalled actioning a contract termination for two months ago. The WWE Chairman confirmed that he ordered "the One-Man Rock Band's" release, but in spite of that; and despite having no existing contract as a WWE Superstar - not only was he here, but he was WWE 24/7 Champion! He was a voluntary WWE Superstar, and to Vince: that had balls. This was not an easy job, and it clearly showed the man's dedication to this business! Vince knew Slater had to be backstage soaked in sweat awaiting for this public conference - but he wanted him to know it was okay. Vince called Heath Slater out to the ring, and out came the champ. With a nervous grin on his face, even the WWE 24/7 Champion didn't know what to expect!

Climbing into the ring, Vince McMahon ordered his music be cut by the production truck - this man was no WWE Superstar, he was a public servant! A hard-working laborer indeed, the WWE Chairman confronted Heath Slater and questioned who the hell he thought he was. Vince snarled as he recalled giving the orders for "the One-Man Rock Band's" firing, having considered him dead weight for long enough. Yet all it took was a call for him to march back in like he had any room for leverage! Vince urged the WWE 24/7 Champion to call Bret Hart to ask him how being WWE Champion and heading to WCW worked out! But this was different - Slater was not "the Hitman", because another Screwjob would do nothing for the needle. Heath was prepared to apologize for everything, claiming that all he wanted to do was go back to making a decent living for his family. Vince exclaimed he had heard enough - it made him sick. The boss told Heath he was going to do something that would make everybody in the industry take note.

The WWE 24/7 Champion braced for a firing, when Vince McMahon granted Heath Slater congratulations. Offering "the One-Man Rock Band" a hug, the former WWE Superstar was aghast! The Chairman warned he may never receive such an honor again, ushering him in for a hug. Wanting to welcome Heath back to the WWE, a knee to the groin brought the champ to his knees! The boss's demeanor changed, adding that he wanted to - but couldn't. McMahon departed the ring, when Riddick Moss appeared ringside, having been disguised under a baseball cap and a facial covering - as a cameraman! With a shot from the camera Riddick Moss became WWE 24/7 Champion, and he celebrated big! Darting around joyously, Moss celebrated like he had won the World Series! On the stage Moss turned to receive the Knock Out Punch from Big Show! "The World's Largest Athlete" shrugged, placing his size-22 boot on the chest of Moss. Big Show had won the WWE 24/7 Championship!

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The Roles of the Disciples
Murphy had words for Theory in the Church's locker room. Akam overlooked the scene, as the youngster voiced his nerves about tonight's No-Disqualification match. After Aleister Black tried to gouge Seth Rollins' eye out last week, the youngster was concerned "the Appropriator of Habit's" aim was to make an example. "The Juggernaut" was uncaring, instructing Theory to consider it a sacrifice for the greater good - their leader, "the Monday Night Messiah". Murphy explained their roles as Rollins' Disciples, when Theory pointed out their other role as champs. Into the room came the Street Profits, the next challengers held back by "the Equalizer", who stared through them. Montez Ford cockily wished Theory luck tonight, claiming he'd need them. Angelo Dawkins added that if he made it out alive past Aleister, they were next in line - and they would be taking back their titles! The two teams faced off, when "the Frat Boys" departed. Theory had a lot on his mind - ahead of the No-DQ match, up next!

The 'RAW Highlight' aired, sponsored by State Farm. Recapping the events of last week, Aleister Black was ordered to run the Gauntlet set by "the Monday Night Messiah". Overcoming Akam and Murphy, "the Appropriator of Habit" looked to make it a round trio of Disciples by defeating Theory - when Seth Rollins struck. "The Messiah" was quickly outwitted by "the Anti-Hero", whose blackened and bruised eye was exposed. Aleistrer remained unmoved in the ongoing saga with his supposed blood brother.

3) Aleister Black def. RAW Tag Team Champion Theory (with Murphy) in a No-Disqualification match (10:32)
- The missing piece of the puzzle from last week's Gauntlet match got away from the clutches of defeat, as Aleister Black was attacked by Seth Rollins. Sparing Theory, tonight was the RAW Tag Team Champion's time to get what "the Appropriator of Habit" thought he needed. The Disciple was quick to try and escape the black-eyed battler, though the martial arts skills of Black was immediately on display with a series of swift kicks! Theory hoped to escape, only to be prevented by his more seasoned tag team partner Murphy - when Black fired from the apron with a Meteora! Aleister got in the face of "the Juggernaut" buying the youngster time to strike with a series of lashes from a kendo stick! Theory grew confident, as a reverse Russian legsweep using the cane garnered a near fall, when a rolling legsweep took him down. Black whipped Theory with his own stick, when a brainbuster connected. Black was advantageous, when Seth Rollins sauntered out to the stage - accompanied by Akam!
- "The Monday Night Messiah" had joined commentary at the top of the rampway, as Theory went up for a suplex just to have Murphy hop on the apron to bring him down to earth. A buckle bomb turned the tide for the RAW Tag Team Champion, who showboated eagerly. Seth Rollins and Akam watched from afar as Theory delivered a rolling blockbuster for a near fall. Targeting the blackened eye of Aleister Black, he tried to fight back with a striking combination, when a super kick knocked him to a knee - and a second laid him out! "The Appropriator of Habit" landed a double footstomp on Theory when "the Juggernaut" ran in with a pump knee strike! Murphy's Law was on the way, when Black landed on his feet and drilled him with a bicycle knee of his own. Theory connected with a cross-legged brainbuster across the knee, but Black kicked out! As the twenty-two year old looked for the biggest victory of his career, Black landed out of the ATL attempt - and Black Mass knocked Theory down for the count!

Closer to God
A harder than expected victory showed the toughness of the Church's youngest Disciples, though in the end Theory was unable to knock off Aleister Black. With a scowl, "the Appropriator of Habit" glared towards Seth Rollins, who could not help himself but stand and clap from the announce table. With eyes locked, Black anticipated Murphy's attempt at an attack from behind - and the two came to fight once again! The career rivals brawled, as Black landed a German suplex on "the Juggernaut" when Akam came from behind with a big clothesline! "The Equalizer" lit Black up in the corner with body blows, but would miss a corner splash - opening him up for the Black Mass! Down went a second member of the Church, and as Murphy missed another pump knee strike, Black Mass wiped out the third Disciple! Aleister Black caught his breath, but made a mistake in doing so as Seth Rollins struck from behind with the kendo stick to the spine.

"The Monday Night Messiah" ran his mouth towards his apparent blood brother, before a swift kick to the ribcage saw Aleister Black tumble to the floor. Following suit, "the Messiah" grinned and introduced "the Appropriator of Habit" to the same steel steps that cost him sight in his eye, looking to once again ram him face-first into them! Black struggled, coming closer closer to certain catastrophe - when he was able to headbutt free. Seth was thrown a loop with a big boot, and a drop toe hold saw Seth collide with the steps! Black forced Rollins inches away from his fate being sealed with the razor-sharp edge of the steps - when Theory saved the day with right hands! Grabbing his "Messiah" and darting up the rampway, Seth had to have been praying for the cavalry, as Black assumed a cross-legged position on the ringside floor. Biding his time, Black was waiting for the Horror Show at Extreme Rules.

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The O.C. were gathered in the locker room, where AJ Styles chatted to Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson about how Vince McMahon made the effort to come to Monday Night RAW tonight, not to name him the next number one contender for the WWE World Championship, but to give Heath Slater the beating he deserved! "The Big LG" and KA joked about the star aura supposedly surrounding "the One-Man Rock Band", before turning their attention to the match with Kevin Owens tonight. "The Phenomenal One" claimed he wasn't even sweating it. He'd fought "Krazy Kev" before, and "the Prize Fighter" had absolutely nothing on ol' "Uncle Allen!" "The Good Brothers" cackled and did impersonations of the Canadian's accent; mimicking what he would say when he lost tonight's Number One Contender's match.

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In a curtained area of the WWE Performance Center, Charlotte Flair was seated on the set of where she planned to hold her "State of the Universe Address". The Iiconics acted as campaign managers, Billie Kay and Peyton Royce continuing to follow "the Queen" wherever she went. As Charlotte prepared to meet Io Shirai in an NXT Women's Championship rematch this Wednesday at the Great American Bash, the WWE Universe would find out what the former champ had to say - next.

An advertisement aired, promoting the newest edition of 'the Broken Skull Sessions', as hosted by Stone Cold Steve Austin. Joined by WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry, "the Texas Rattlesnake's" interview with "the World's Strongest Man" was available for streaming now on the WWE Network.

Liv Morgan continued to hunt for Natalya in the backstage area, seething with her mentor for the uncalled-for betrayal last week. Spotting her at the end of the corridor, Liv began to proceed - but it was a trap, as the Riott Squad came from behind! Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan continued their dispute with the outcast third member of the group, until from out of nowhere charged the fearless RAW Women's Champion Asuka! "The Empress of Tomorrow" screamed at Ruby and Sarah in Japanese, fending them off - as Liv told them if they wanted a match - they had one, tonight!

Tonight - RAW Women's Champion Asuka and Liv Morgan vs The Riott Squad

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The State of the Universe Address
In a curtain area, a formally dressed Charlotte Flair sat as she addressed the WWE and NXT Universes. With the Iiconics stood behind her, Billie Kay and Peyton Royce stood presentably in silence, as "the Queen" wished to discuss the events that were sure to follow this Wednesday night on the USA Network. Herself and Io Shirai had been at odds for quite some time, but on NXT's Great American Bash it would come to a head. While she possessed an incredible amount of respect for "the Joshi Judas", she did not believe she was the woman that the NXT Women's Division needed. Charlotte told the audience to acknowledge the facts that existed - how prior to NXT TakeOver: In Your House, she had raised that title to brand new heights. It was ironic that the very gold that made her in 2015 was the same gold she made relevant again in 2020 - bringing it to WrestleMania, and to main event title defences on Monday Night RAW.

Charlotte Flair stated she would not be denied greatness, and once again spoke of the cheating ways of Io Shirai - who foully won their match at NXT TakeOver: In Your House, despite "the Queen's" foot being underneath the ropes. As far as the three of them were concerned, the jury was still out on "the Genius of the Sky" as champ - because the line went through her. Flair reiterated being the personification of greatness, and how the Great American Bash was something her father Ric Flair built his epic legacy on. A two-time NXT Women's Champion, in forty-eight hours she would break yet another record by becomig the first woman in history to be a three-time champ. Flair urged the Universe to ask not what this company could do for them - but what she could do for them. On Wednesday night, the United States would watch and rejoice as she makes them see what made this country 'Flair Country'.

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Kevin Owens was in preparation for battle against AJ Styles in mere moments, when into the room walked the WWE World Champion. Following their instant classic on last week's 'Championship Monday' edition of Monday Night RAW, Drew McIntyre wanted to personally tell KO that he enjoyed their fight last week, and would love for it to happen again. "The Scottish Terminator" was man enough to admit Kev was inches from beating him on multiple occasions, and was avidly waiting for round two. The Canadian grinned and told the Scotsman he truly did have him, and in the end McIntyre made it out by mere inches himself. But with all due respect, he didn't need Drew's validation earlier tonight nor would he in the Number One Contender's match tonight. "The Prize Fighter" told Drew to keep the title he held warm for him, because next time they fought - he was not going to be inches away from anything. Drew nodded, as KO headed for the ring. Who would Drew meet for the WWE World Championship at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules?

A video graphic aired, showing that Monday Night RAW was emanating from the WWE Performance Center - the WWE's "Athletic Hub" for future WWE Superstars.

In For a Fright
Charly Caruso was at the interview area backstage with an unlikely guest - the ever-brooding, blackened-eye sporting Aleister Black. As the bruising circled his eye, "the Appropriator of Habit" immediately advised Charly to kindly step aside, for he was in no mood for conversation. This business with his blood brother had gone on far longer than he anticipated. They had each come close to being blinded by the other's inhibitions, and now it was clear what their destiny truly represented. With their date with destiny set for in less than three weeks at Extreme Rules, "the Anti-Hero" planned to make it a true Horror Show - by going face-to-face with Seth Rollins. Face-to-face, man-to-man - An Eye for An Eye! Black stormed away, leaving the WWE Universe to speculate what on earth such a match entailed!

The Horror Show at Extreme Rules - Eye for an Eye - Aleister Black vs Seth Rollins

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4) AJ Styles def. Kevin Owens to be named Number One Contender to the WWE World Championship (20:11)
- "The Phenomenal One" returned in an epic fashion last week, upstaging Kevin Owens, who had moments prior come inches away from defeating Drew McIntyre for the WWE World Championship during 'Championship Monday'. While present during his entrance, the leader of the O.C. instructed Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson to return to the back, when Kevin Owens surprised with a lariat! Hounding away at AJ with rights and lefts, Styles tried to hang in there with a striking combination only to be struck with a high big back body drop! Instinctively zipping out to the apron, AJ connected with a hotshot draping KO throat-first over the top rope. The Phenomenal Forearm was teased, but KO ducked it and attempted the Stunner - just for AJ to evade it! Slipping out to the floor, AJ took a breather as "the Prize Fighter" challenged the so-called "great" AJ Styles to re-enter the ring and Fight Owens Fight!
- The Number One Contender's match continued in "the Phenomenal One's" first match since being Buried Alive back at WrestleMania against the Undertaker. AJ Styles caught Kevin Owens with a flying clothesline in the corner, sending the Canadian into the ropes. Two back elbows missed, when KO was struck with a dropkick! A snap suplex scored a near fall, when AJ landed a jumping knee drop. Taking "the Prize Fighter" to the mat, AJ targeted the back using a pendulum backbreaker. Further knee drops to the spine kept him grounded, when KO roared out of nowhere using a codebreaker off the ropes! Owens wiped AJ out with a super kick before heading to the top rope and connecting with a Swanton Bomb! He only got two, but without missing a beat, the Cannonball in the corner landed. Taking Styles to the top rope, both men jockeyed for position with Owens looking for an avalanche powerbomb - only for AJ to escape into a sunset flip powerbomb from the top. Both men were down, with the stakes high!
- Kevin Owens landed free of the Ushigoroshi, catching AJ Styles with the pumphandle neckbreaker! "The Prize Fighter" wanted to rise to the occasion he came close to last week, with the Pop-Up Powerbomb in mind. Landing on his feet, AJ hit the ropes and connected with the Pelé kick. The striking combination culminated in a backfist and a clothesline, when AJ slid to the apron for the springboard 450 Splash - though Owens got his knees up! The Stunner connected, but AJ's foot landed on the bottom rope! KO looked for a second, but the O.C. came down to ringside. The Canadian tried to fight Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson off the apron, when AJ soared from the other side of the ring with the Phenomenal Forearm - but Kev stayed alive! "The Good Brothers" again involved themselves, when Ricochet and Cedric Alexander evened the odds! With solidarity for his brethren, Owens was hit with a low blow out of the referee's vision. The Styles Clash followed, making AJ the victor!

"The Prize Fighter" had fought harder than most this past two weeks, but in the end it was the shenanigans of AJ Styles and "the Good Brothers" that allowed the O.C. to sink their teeth into the WWE World Championship picture. "The Phenomenal One" celebrated with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson in the ring, as Ricochet and Cedric Alexander came to following their fist-fight exchange with the duo moments prior. As AJ's Kliq hand-gesture was met by Gallows and Anderson, the music of the WWE World Champion roared through the WWE Performance Center. Out stomped Drew McIntyre, walking out to the ring and standing across the ring from Styles. The number one contender acted coolly, talking trash to the champ - as "the Scottish Terminator" raised the title high in the O.C.'s direction. McIntyre's challenger had been named for the Horror Show at Extreme Rules!

The Horror Show at Extreme Rules - WWE World Championship - Drew McIntyre (c) vs AJ Styles

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Sound Advice
Dominik Mysterio continued to consider his options, as the deadline set by La Invasíon drew nigh. The son of Rey Mysterio voiced his concerns about his well-being and reputation. With his father out and injured, and he was all alone with so much to prove. When asking the person off-screen for their thoughts and advice, the camera slowly panned out to reveal a cold-hearted WWE Chairman Vince McMahon! Having half-listened to the rookie and what he said, he told the second-generation WWE Superstar that it was a no-brainer. Unless he wanted to get the tar kicked out of him by the WWE United States Champion and his goons, he should join them regardless of who "the Legendary Luchador" was. Dom reluctantly took it on board, when Vince warned him not to be foolish - if he did, he would have his head. Vince didn't give a damn whose son he was, he would be fired in a heartbeat! McMahon casually departed the WWE Performance Center by the front door, leaving Mysterio startled.

Graphics aired, confirming the newest matches made official for the Horror Show at Extreme Rules - less than three weeks away, live on the WWE Network. Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian recapped the outcome of the Number One Contender's match, and noted that AJ Styles would officially challenge Drew McIntyre for the WWE World Championship on Sunday, July 19. Plus, as noted earlier tonight, Aleister Black was out for revenge against Seth Rollins. Except this time, it was An Eye for an Eye - whatever that meant!

Charly Caruso was standing by with Seth Rollins and the Church, as she questioned "the Monday Night Messiah" for his thoughts on the challenge issued by Aleister Black. Seth was amused by the idea his so-called "Blood Brother" wished to go down this route again. As for what an Eye for an Eye match truly was, "the Messiah" frankly didn't care. He was unafraid of the fate that awaited he and "the Appropriator of Habit" in less than three weeks. Aleister was a lost soul in his eyes, but he would personally put him out of his misery come the Horror Show at Extreme Rules. As Murphy and Akam watched imposingly, Seth suddenly wrapped his arms around Theory wishing to give his youngest Disciple credit for saving him earlier. Much like Seth had saved him, Seth told his other followers that they should take a page out of the RAW Tag Team Champion's book, before departing. "The Juggernaut" and "the Equalizer" remained vacant.

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5) Nia Jax def. Dana Brooke (2:36)
- "The Immovable Object" returned to competition on Monday Night RAW following her defeat at the hands of Bianca Belair several weeks ago, up against the newest addition to the RAW Women's Division. Dana Brooke's contract with Friday Night SmackDown had expired, and in her first match since signing with the RAW Brand, she was up against stiff competition. With a lot to prove, Dana tried hard to stun the menacing monster with dropkicks and even a diving crossbody from the top rope - but with a splat, Nia Jax body slammed her opponent and delivered the Bulldozer taking Brooke down hard! Nia tortured Dana briefly with a choke against the ropes, before a Chokebomb connected. Jax followed up with the Exclamation Point to take the win.

In a devastating debut as a RAW Superstar for Dana Brooke, Nia Jax steamrolled over her in dominant fashion. "The Immovable Object" was back to her winning ways, though as Dana suffered on the canvas and tried to gasp for air, who would be watching the match from a monitor backstage - but Charlotte Flair and the Iiconics! Who knew what "the Queen" had to consider about Nia.

︾︾︾

La Invasíon hung out in their own private dressing room, where cousins Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo conversed with one another in Spanish. Their business associate Zelina Vega stood closeby on her cell phone, when into the room swaggered the WWE United States Champion. As Andrade spoke optimistically about how their family was about to grow even larger and stronger, "El Capo" was met by Los Lotharios questioning how likely he thought it would be that Dominik Mysterio would see things their way. With a cocky laugh, Andrade reasoned that Dom may be a rookie - but he wasn't an idiot. The deadline was close.

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Meanwhile, the Money in the Bank holder Bobby Lashley had arrived to the WWE Performance Center. In casual dress, "the All Mighty" was in no mood for the hopes of de-escalation from close advisor MVP. Silently and nervously, Lana also followed her husband as it appeared Lashley was heading for the ring.

A graphic aired, promoting tonight's edition of RAW Talk, immediately following Monday Night RAW. Hosted by Charly Caruso and Christian, tonight's special guests included the newly-named number one contender AJ Styles, Nia Jax and the new WWE 24/7 Champion Big Show. It all went down at 11:05 PM, exclusively on the WWE Network.

Right Where He Wanted Him
The WWE Universe came to attention as "the All Mighty" made his arrival. With associate MVP and his wife Lana behind him, the ill-tempered Money in the Bank holder paced to the ring for an unexpected appearance. Bobby Lashley immediately entered the ring and took to the microphone, talking about this pathetic little game of tag he had going with Randy Orton. It was clear to him and everybody that "the Viper" was afraid of him, and that was why for the better part of the past few weeks he had avoided him! Lashley had a short fuse and demanded Randy come out and do something he hadn't done for a long time - be a man! Bob angrily walked back and forth across the ring, as Lana and MVP - surprisingly on the same page - tried to calm the big man down. Finally, Randy Orton responded to the call with a slow walk out to the stage. "The Apex Predator" smirked at the trouble he had caused, remarking at how thin-skinned Bobby was.

If this was all because he gave the big brute an RKO a few weeks back, and what truly grinded his gears was being left alone in a tag team match last week - he would have been a whole lot more careful! Making fun of Bobby Lashley's temper, Randy Orton suggested his foe consider anger management - or at least come with an instruction manual. "The All Mighty" snorted and told "the Apex Predator" to shut his big mouth, as Randy laughed at how much Bobby could give - yet he couldn't take it! It was no wonder he had two handlers behind him, if he could call MVP and Lana that. The truth was they weren't his friends - they were his babysitters! Lashley tried to leave the ring, only to be restrained by his wife and his advisor. Orton approached ringside, and with caution approached up the steel steps, laughing at the enraged beast before him. Addressing the Money in the Bank briefcase his wife currently held, "the Viper" reminded Bob of how he supposedly "won" the briefcase.

Randy Orton reminded the WWE Universe that Bobby Lashley did not capture Money in the Bank through hard work or kicking butt, but from his babysitter putting the briefcase in his hands! Knowing he had "the All Mighty" where he wanted him, "the Apex Predator" clamped down deeper - amused at the idea Bob would go on to do anything. He wasn't going to be a World Champion, because he wasn't World Championship material - he was a baby! Lashley finally snapped, his judgment clouded. Rushing Randy with right hands, "the Viper" bounced back with clubs to the back. Lashley struck with repeated shoulder thrusts as MVP tried to break up the ruckus. Bobby refused to listen to "the Franchise Player", but enough separation had bought Orton time to land an RKO on Lashley! Running MVP and Lana from the ring, Orton saw his opportunity and took it - picking up the abandoned Money in the Bank briefcase and confiscating it! Randy made off with the briefcase like it was his own - as Lashley was left livid!

︾︾︾

Following their planned set-up earlier tonight, comprised entirely to target Liv Morgan, Natalya wished the Riott Squad luck as they set out for the WWE Performance Center. On the other half of a splitscreen, Liv Morgan was laser-focused as she was joined by none other than the RAW Women's Champion Asuka! After saving Liv from a beatdown earlier tonight, "the Empress of Tomorrow" had her back against Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan - whom they would meet up next.

An advertisement aired, promoting this Wednesday's edition of NXT. A time-honored tradition born from the genius of "the American Dream" Dusty Rhodes in 1985 would be reborn in the colors red, white and black - as well as two new additions: black and gold. In the first of a two-night special extravaganza, NXT: The Great American Bash kicked off this Wednesday night on the USA Network. Charlotte Flair challenges Io Shirai for the NXT Women's Championship; Kushida defends the NXT Cruiserweight Championship against El Hijo Del Fantasma; and "Absolute" Ricky Starks makes his in-ring debut at last against Isaiah "Swerve" Scott.

6) RAW Women's Champion Asuka and Liv Morgan def. The Riott Squad (4:25)
- Coming after 'Championship Monday's Submission match victory against Shayna Baszler, Asuka came to Liv Morgan's aid after she was the attempted victim of a set-up courtesy of the Riott Squad and Natalya. The RAW Women's Champion and Morgan brought the fight to Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan to get the match off to a hot start, when a hip attack from Asuka fed to a hip attack from Morgan out of the corner! Liv connected with a springboard missile dropkick for Ruby, when Logan struck with a pop-up headbutt. The Riott Squad took advantage whipping Liv into the corner, when Ruby landed a flatliner. Logan restrained Liv with a straitjacket hold, when Morgan flipped out onto her feet! With a Matrix evasion, a roll-up led to a hurricanrana - and Asuka made the tag! The Japanese Superstar delivered atomic drops for Ruby and Sarah, when a spin kick knocked Logan loopy. Liv tagged in and capitalized by blocking the Riott Kick with a knee strike - and ObLIVIon allowed her to knock off Ruby Riott!

As Asuka took Sarah Logan down with a high kick, Liv Morgan came to her feet in celebration - when down the rampway emerged Natalya! The Canadian ambushed the RAW Women's Champion, sending her colliding with Liv. Nattie delivered a spinebuster to "the Empress of Tomorrow", when Liv looked to intervene with the Jersey Codebreaker. It went blocked, and Nattie would lock the Sharpshooter in on her former protege - when out darted Bianca Belair! With unfinished business, "the EST" attacked with a series of hair whips for the daughter of Jim "the Anvil" Neidhart. Standing tall, Asuka and Bianca showed Liv respect by raising her hands victorious, leaving Nattie and the Riott Squad to scowl from the floor.

︾︾︾

Time had run out for Dominik Mysterio, as he was seen leaving the backstage area. En route for the ring to voice his decision to the proposition set out by La Invasíon earlier tonight, a deflated Dom was suddenly stopped - by none other than the new WWE 24/7 Champion Big Show! "The World's Largest Athlete" told Dom how he and his old man Rey Mysterio had never been close. He had Chokeslammed Rey to hell and swung him against a ring post while attached to a gurney like a baseball bat - but at the end of the day, it wasn't about the friends you made. Friends came and went in sports entertainment - but family remained forever. Dom nodded silently, as the WWE Legend told Dom he knew exactly what he needed to do: make himself a star! Mysterio thanked the veteran, continuing on his journey. What would Dom's response to Andrade be?

The First Face Off
Charly Caruso was backstage with the WWE World Champion, asking for Drew McIntyre to respond to the confirmation that his next challenger come the Horror Show at Extreme Rules, would be none other than AJ Styles. "The Scottish Terminator" accepted it, knowing how gifted "the Phenomenal One" was. As a matter of fact, doing such a thing would be like beating a dead horse, because all week long that was all anybody had to say about him. Yet Drew didn't see that in AJ, and the reason was because of how he beat Kevin Owens tonight - relying on "the Goonies" Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. The O.C. suddenly arrived, bringing the Scotsman to chuckle. AJ told Drew he didn't expect to come back and see him as WWE World Champion, which was all fine and dandy - but it wouldn't last. In less than three weeks, Styles promised to bring the title home with him, where it belonged.

︾︾︾

A graphic aired, promoting next week's edition of Monday Night RAW. To commemorate the Fourth of July, the reigning WWE United States Champion would not only host an Independence Day Open Challenge - but he would also reveal a brand new championship title to the WWE Universe.

Next week - WWE United States Championship - Independence Day Open Challenge - Andrade (c) vs TBA

Kid with a Deathwish
Decision time had arrived, as La Invasíon made their way out to the ring. Together and united, the WWE United States Champion Andrade led his familia out to the ring looking the part. In a white suit, "El Capo" was dressed like one as he climbed into the ring with his business associate Zelina Vega by his side as always. With a smirk, Andrade allowed her to do the talking for him. She spoke of the proposition they had for one Dominik Mysterio earlier tonight, and called back to what they did to his father Rey Mysterio last week. She urged that Dom had thought his final decision through, because this was no ultimatum. Dom was either with La Invasíon or against them - but to go against Andrade, Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo was a terrible decision. Los Lotharios stood in similar-colored suits, as the champ graced the mic. He told Dominik one more time about the opportunities that laid ahead of them. Together, they had done this song and dance before - but he refused to have this decision rescinded again.

Andrade wanted Dominik Mysterio to come to his senses and accept his future place in La Invasíon: his one and true family! "El Capo" waited patiently, before again demanding the kid come out. With reckless abandon, out came Dominik Mysterio, though the butterflies thrived in his stomach. As the son of Rey Mysterio made his way down the rampway, the WWE United States Champion could not help but grin and compliment the second-generation prospect. "El Idolo" remarked at the potential that existed with him, to come out from beneath his father's oversized and overrated shadow and become a legend in his own right! But that could only happen if he chose to join La Invasíon. The leader asked what his final decision was, reiterating that his answer could make or break his entire career before it even started. Dom took to the microphone, glaring a hole through Los Lotharios, namely his former friend Humberto Carrillo. Angel Garza stood in front of his cousin with a big grin on his face, when Andrade once again asked for his decision.

Dominik Mysterio turned to the WWE Universe for help making his decision. Andrade demanded to know what it would be - with La Invasíon, or against them. The son of Rey Mysterio continued to stall, when Zelina Vega stressed the seriousness of the situation. Reminding him Papi wasn't around to save him, for he was home nursing two fractured ribs, Rey could not help him. Zelina demanded Dom join the family - but the youngster decked "El Capo!" The WWE United States Champion went down and Dom mounted him - to be cornered by Los Lotharios. Humberto Carrillo and Angel Garza restrained him, when the champ delivered double knees in the corner! As Dom laid prone on the canvas, the champ badmouthed his stupidity before taking the leather belt from around his waist. Ordering "El Amante" and "La Estrella" to tear the shirt from Dominik's torso, the cousins held him down for Andrade to deliver lashes from the belt! Finally relenting, La Invasíon stood over the suffering son of Mysterio - the red marks showing consequences of his decision!

RAW Talk #15 – June 29, 2020
- Charly Caruso and Christian first welcomed AJ Styles, who came to the interview with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. The co-hosts of 'RAW Talk' found the O.C.'s jokes obnoxious, though "the Phenomenal One" made it clear he was taking Drew McIntyre as seriously as he possibly could. AJ recounted recovering from Buried Alive, and recalled the epiphany he had in getting his strength back up. Styles believed it would be from the grace of God that he would make the comeback of a lifetime to become WWE World Champion - and at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules, the WWE Universe could expect to see no hijinks: only the very best of "the Demi-God". "The Big LG" and KA soon added calling out Ricochet and Cedric Alexander for being a couple of nerds, daring them to step to them again and be knocked down!
- Nia Jax joined 'RAW Talk', immediately beginning to intimidate Charly Caruso until Christian stepped in between them. Nia refused to answer any questions from Charly, but told Christian that there was only one thing playing on "the Immovable Object's" mind after tonight: gold. Jax stomped away, a woman on a mission.
- The new WWE 24/7 Champion Big Show exchanged pleasantries with the co-hosts, as Charly Caruso and Christian recapped "the World's Largest Athlete's" unorthodox victory. Show had nothing but good things to say about Heath Slater, but this was his renaissance - not "the One-Man Rock Band's". Show reminisced on the title's long, unpredictable and convoluted history over the past fifteen months - but he planned to be the longest reigning champ in history! As Christian jokingly implied he would be the one to leave with the gold tonight, Show claimed he'd have to catch him while he was sleeping.

Last Edit: Mar 6, 2023 14:53:35 GMT -5 by DTP.

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· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Mar 10, 2023 14:11:14 GMT -5

Quote

Post by DTP. on Mar 10, 2023 14:11:14 GMT -5

NXT #411: The Great American Bash – July 1, 2020
Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida
Presented by
"All Out War" by Slipknot

NXT UK #101: Greatest Hits - July 2, 2020

- Kay Lee Ray def. Xia Brookside, Rhio, Rhea Ripley, Piper Niven, Nina Samuels, Killer Kelly, Kanji, Jinny, Jazzy Gabert, Isla Dawn & Candy Floss to be named the number one contender to the NXT UK Women's Championship in a Battle Royal. (8:40) [NXT UK #47 - JUN 19, 2019]
- Gallus (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey and Wolfgang) def. Dave Mastiff and The Hunt when Joe Coffey hit Wild Boar with All the Best for the Bells. (12:25) [NXT UK #50 - JUL 10, 2019]
- Adam Cole (c) def. Zack Gibson to retain the NXT Championship with the Last Shot. (9:59) [NXT UK: DOWNLOAD FESTIVAL 2019 - DAY 3 - JUN 16, 2019]

A video package aired, taking a look back at the rich history of the Great American Bash. What began in 1985 from the creative genius of "the American Dream" Dusty Rhodes, soon captivated an entire generation of fans. It saw World Championships change hands, the invention of WarGames, and legacies created in an instant. Now, for the first time in history, "the Black and Gold Brand" celebrate the independence of the United States of America with NXT Great American Bash! Footage aired, focusing on the NXT Women's Championship beef between Io Shirai and former champ Charlotte Flair; as well as the competitive rivalry revolving around the NXT Cruiserweight Championship - as Kushida defends against El Hijo Del Fantasma. Tonight, a new legacy began in NXT history - as the first night of the Great American Bash was about to commence!

Full Sail Arena was lit up in the colors of red, white and blue as the first night of the Great American Bash went on the air! White sparks flew as pyrotechnics erupted on the stage, and a limited selection of the NXT Universe were on hand chanting for "the Black and Gold" Brand. Vintage American cars and banners set the stage for the show, as Vic Joseph welcomed us to NXT in-person. With Mauro Ranallo and Beth Phoenix on commentary remotely, the ring was lined with red, white and blue ropes. With the first half-hour on USA Network to take place commercial break, what a way to get Independence Day weekend off and running!

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1) Io Shirai (c) def. Charlotte Flair (with The Iiconics) to retain the NXT Women's Championship (19:21)
- In a rematch from the main event of NXT TakeOver: In Your House last month, the new NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai made her first title defense against the former champ. Charlotte Flair felt slighted in her TakeOver defeat, citing that her foot was more than under the bottom rope as she tapped out to the Koji Clutch. With the Iiconics in her corner, the red-clad "Queen" was confident out of the gate but would be struck with a series of strikes from the new champ. With a basement dropkick, Flair was sent into the corner but evaded a back elbow. Shirai responded with a pendulum kick, when a springboard sunset flip scored a near fall. Shirai kept things going as the challenger backed out to the floor into Billie Kay and Peyton Royce's arms. With a triangle moonsault plancha in mind, "the Genius of the Sky" landed on her feet as the Iiconics guarded their woman. Io got into a shouting match with "the Iiconic Duo", allowing Flair to connect with the Queen's Boot!
- "The Queen" was in the driver's seat as she began to strut across the ring. Distracting the referee, the Iiconics cornered Io Shirai on the floor just for "the Joshi Judas" to deliver a palm strike to Billie Kay! Shirai slipped back inside, but as Kay and Royce tried to get back at the NXT Women's Champion, the referee ordered their ejection! The Iiconics contested it, as did Flair, when out darted Tegan Nox! Bringing the fight to "the Iiconic Duo", Billie Kay and Peyton Royce were sent packing by "the Welsh Wonder". Charlotte was hit with a flapjack and double knees from a handstand position, as "the Genius of the Sky" looked to follow up. Blocking the 619, Flair countered and connected with a sit-out powerbomb for the champ! Charlotte began to work at slowing Shirai down, with knee drops and a shinbreaker connecting. Io tried to fight as "the Queen" brought her to the top rope, but a missile dropkick went deflected! Flair connected with an exploder suplex, when the Figure-4 headlock grounded Shirai.
- Io Shirai fought using a headstand into a front dropkick, but "the Genius of the Sky's" comeback would be prevented a cheap eye poke from "the Queen!" Charlotte Flair followed suit with a chop block to the front of the knee, and the Figure-8 was attempted - just for Io to wisely block it with an inside cradle! Back on their feet, the NXT Women's Champion attempted a huricanrana, just for Flair to reverse into a backpack stunner for a near fall. Another cutoff kept Shirai at bay, as the Figure-4 Leglock was reapplied! Not yet bridging into the Figure-8, Shirai fought with all of her might - able to reach out and grab the bottom rope. Flair was savvy and brought things back to the center, though Io turned it over on Flair! Reversing the pressure, she slammed her knees and Charlotte's again the canvas below for the break! With a springboard evasion dropkick and a crossbody, Io was able to escape the Charlotte's Web pinning combination and apply the crossface! Flair tried to fight with all her might, when Shirai transitioned into the Koji Clutch!
- Charlotte Flair was fast to grab the bottom rope, which on this occasion went noticed by the official. Io Shirai thought she had "the Queen" dead to rights, but spotted "the Queen" settle in the corner. The NXT Women's Champion drilled her with the double knees, before heading to the top rope for the moonsault - but Flair dragged her foot out from under her! Collapsing to the mat, Flair went up top - but missed a moonsault of her own! Shirai rolled out of the way, just for Flair to land on her feet and catch her with the standing version! Flair could not believe the resilience of "the Genius of the Sky", picking Io up and connecting with an STO backbreaker! Io rebounded using a bridging German suplex for a near fall, when a victory roll led to a double foot stomp! "The Joshi Judas" shot up to the top, for Charlotte to again trip her. Both women mounted the top rope, with Flair looking for a powerbomb from the top - when Shirai turned it around into a frankensteiner! Springing back up top, the Moonsault allowed Shirai to retain her title!

In her first defense of the NXT Women's Championship, Io Shirai proved her credibility with another victory over Charlotte Flair. It was a hard-fought battle, but there remained no question that this time around "the Queen" was beaten fairly and squarely. "The Joshi Judas" held her title dearly and would have her hand raised, as the Iiconics returned to ringside. With scowls on their faces, Billie Kay and Peyton Royce hoped to help the former champ to the back, just to have Charlotte curse them out, blaming them for her downfall!

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Living in America
Earlier today, Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink were seen living the high life on their front lawn. In front of a lavish house, the two catched some rays on deck chairs in flag shorts, shades and using reflectors, when Brendan voiced how awesome it was to be here in America! Stoked for his first Fourth of July since joining the NXT ranks, Thorne appeared less interested as Vink claimed that he was living the American dream! Shane advised Brendan to play it cool, before pulling out his cell phone. Each holding cans of Australian lager, Thorne showed Vink his newest "side-piece" - a hot young blonde in a leopard-print bikini top. As the two bantered back and forth, they high-fived and hollered! Thorne said she would be making an appearance at the party they'd be holding tonight in their mansion. Vink was buzzed, living for tonight - this was going to be the best Fourth of July party ever!

✕✕✕

A series of graphics aired, showcasing what was still to come tonight. Mauro Ranallo and Beth Phoenix discussed the line-up, as on the first night of the Great American Bash we would see the NXT Cruiserweight Championship on the line when Kushida defended the title against El Hijo Del Fantasma. NXT Champion Adam Cole would reveal the results of the fan voting poll. Who would challenge him for the gold next week? The Velveteen Dream, or Finn Bálor? Plus, Rhea Ripley would reveal her future plans following the rumors and speculation having spread across social media this past weekend; and an exclusive Prime Target special providing a first glimpse of the Fight Pit ahead of Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher's grudge match next week.

NXT Cruiserweight Championship - Kushida (c) vs El Hijo Del Fantasma
NXT Champion Adam Cole reveals results of the fan vote ahead of next week's title defence
Rhea Ripley reveals her plans for the future
Prime Target - A first glimpse of next week's Fight Pit

To The Top
McKenzie Mitchell was standing by with Cameron Grimes backstage, as she wanted to understand why "the Carolina Caveman" had issued the challenge to Damian Priest for a match tonight. As obnoxious as ever, "the Carolina Caveman" squealed about how was there was simply no satisfaction in beating small fries like the NXT Cruiserweight Champion Kushida, and that if the legend of Cameron Grimes was going to go to the top - he was choosing to set his sights on the biggest, baddest and toughest that "the Black and Gold Brand" had to offer. McKenzie reminded Cameron of how Kushida had beaten him on three separate occasions, demanding Mitchell to stop spreading her lies! Suddenly, Damian Priest entered the frame. Coolly, "the Archer of Infamy" smirked at how Grimes' entire shtick was pretty cute. If big, bad and tough was what Cameron wanted - he promised to make him regret it tonight.

Tonight - Cameron Grimes vs Damian Priest

Footage aired from earlier today, showing El Hijo Del Fantasma arriving at Full Sail University. Having waited weeks since the finals of the NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament, back at NXT TakeOver: In Your House, the luchador was psyched up to do battle with Kushida - when all of a sudden, the same two masked kidnappers attacked! Fantasma was able to somehow gain the upper hand, running the unknowns from the scene. Perturbed but infuriated, Fantasma was not going to let anything get in his way tonight at the Great American Bash.

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The Future
Rhea Ripley made her arrival to Full Sail University, coming mere days following rumors and speculation hit social media about the potential of a call-up for the former NXT Women's Champion. As a graphic revealed a cryptic Tweet from her posted this past weekend, Ripley took to the microphone and began to discuss how the Web was in uproar over the news. Her phone had been buzzing all week, whether from friends, family, and even enemies! As the NXT Universe waited impatiently, Rhea announced her plans to address them all right here and now. Discussing all she had done, she claimed that her time in NXT had been a dream come true. She came to the WWE with dreams to be the best, and in her short time on "the Black and Gold Brand", she felt she had proven just that. What started with the 2017 Mae Young Classic had led her to being the first NXT UK Women's Champion; to being the one to end the 416-day reign of Shayna Baszler and become NXT Women's Champion.

Rhea Ripley had even competed at WrestleMania - and she wasn't even twenty-five years old! Ripley was about to make her announcement, when out to the ring came Dakota Kai! With Raquel González towering behind her, "King Kota" climbed into the ring unimpressed with Rhea's announcement. Dakota knew all about Rhea's history, reminding her of being the one to knock her out of the 2017 Mae Young Classic. She knew all about the highs and lows of her stay here on "the Black and Gold Brand" - but if she truly felt she had done all there was to do, what was stopping her from just packing her bags and leaving Kota's Brand! The NXT Universe booed, Kai claiming nobody cared about what Rhea wanted, but if she was going to bail, she should hit the bricks for Monday Night RAW or Friday Night SmackDown. Raquel eyed Ripley up, who laughed. Expecting nothing less from the Kiwi, she asked how NXT belonged to her when the last anybody had heard from Kota was when she was being held like a baby by her insurance policy!

Raquel González and Rhea Ripley locked eyes, as Dakota Kai began to get between them, trying to get the attention of the former NXT Women's Champion! Failing that, "King Kota" lost her temper with an ear-shattering scream, prompting Ripley to tell Dakota to be quiet - the real adults were talking here! González refused to budge and neither did Raquel, when Dakota finally turned Rhea around and demanded she look her in the eye and listen to what she had to say! The people booed, as Kai told Rhea if she wanted to leave with her tail between her legs, following the humiliation she faced of losing to Charlotte Flair and tarnishing the reputation of "the Black and Gold Brand" back at WrestleMania - she should just up and leave, and quit wasting everybody's time! Kai told Rhea nobody wanted her here, because the fact was when she was champ - she truly blew it for everybody in NXT, from the Superstars to the Division, to the Universe!

Dakota Kai scowled at Rhea Ripley, pointing to the stage and ordering her to get out of "her" building. With a laugh, the towering Ripley told "King Kota" if that's what she thought - so be it. She didn't give a damn what anybody thought about her. Admitting dropping the ball, she lost to Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania and allowed "the Queen" to take the NXT Women's Championship. What she was here to do tonight - was squash rumors of her going anywhere! Ripley told Kai, Raquel González and the NXT Universe she wasn't be going anywhere - because she had unfinished business which involved the NXT Women's Championship. Ripley had a lot of making up to do, and glared at González - ready to go when she was! Kai was furious, unable to believe the stubborness of the "failure" she had shared the ring with. This was King Kota's brand - and if anybody was going for that title, it was her! Dakota warned Ripley that next week, she was going to expose her greatest fears all over again - one-on-one.

The Great American Bash - Night II - Dakota Kai vs Rhea Ripley

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Isaiah Scott was warming up for his awaited match with "Absolute" Ricky Starks, when in walked Leon Ruff. The underdog who had faced the wrath of the yet-to-debut newcomer asked "Swerve" if he was ready, to which Isaiah told him he'd been counting down the days for tonight. Full of pent-up frustration from weeks of Ricky ducking him time after time again, tonight he was in for a bad debut - because "the King of Swerve Style" was going to whoop that boy so bad all he was going to see was "Black and Gold!" Setting off for the ring, up next would finally see Ricky Starks in action with "Swerve!"

A vignette aired, showing the reign of dominance Imperium had maintained over NXT UK. Since arriving in January 2019, WALTER's strong hold over the NXT United Kingdom Championship had remained strong in part thanks to his loyalists Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner. With a message for the NXT Universe across the pond, Barthel and Aichner declared that they were coming to the United States to protect the saced mat from all of their competition. Next week, Imperium's Barthel and Aichner return to NXT.

The Great American Bash - Night II - Imperium returns to NXT

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2) Ricky Starks def. Isaiah Scott (8:20) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- Following his unexpected debut at NXT TakeOver: In Your House, "Absolute" Ricky Starks had twice abandoned his own in-ring debut plans against Leon Ruff. After attacking Ruff two weeks ago, Isaiah "Swerve" Scott came to his aid, though Ricky again had his debut rescheduled from last week, citing injury. Tonight under orders of NXT General Manager William Regal, there was no more running for "Pretty Ricky". Starks was overwhelmed from the start, laying into Starks with chest kicks against the ropes. With a snapmare and a diving European uppercut into the back of "Absolute's" head, the hottest new arrival to "the Black and Gold Brand" would roll out to safety - only to be caught with a turning moonsault plancha! "The King of Swerve Style" was proving Full Sail was his house!
- A replay from the break showed "Absolute" Ricky Starks' ability to gain momentum, as a springboard attempt by Isaiah Scott saw him smartly pull down the ropes. With "Swerve's" knee looking to be tweaked, Starks delivered the Rocket Kick for a near fall, and the hot temper of "Pretty Ricky" soon revealed itself. When a swinging neckbreaker would cut "the King of Swerve Style's" comeback short, with a jumping knee strike going caught into a sit-out powerbomb, Ricky considered cutting his in-ring debut short. Yet the Roshambo would see "Swerve" land on his feet for a superkick to land! Starks grabbed the ropes just to be hoisted up and planted with You Got Swerve! Starks narrowly got his foot on the ropes, much to the ire of Scott. Looking for the House Call, Ricky ducked out and struck with a spear! "Swerve" was dazed, and the Roshambo would follow giving Starks his first win in NXT!

It took merely one misstep for Isaiah "Swerve" Scott to fall in defeat to Ricky Starks. "Absolute" scored his first win in NXT following his official in-ring debut, and in cursing the fight that was brought by "the King of Swerve Style", Starks knew he had been in a battle. Rolling out of the ring, he bragged to the camera and badmouthed Isaiah's fighting spirit - though the question now remained to what extent of success would "Pretty Ricky" find in NXT?

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The Undisputed Era chilled in the dressing room on video call with the absent Kyle O'Reilly, as Roderick Strong joked he would slap some old-school submission holds on Keith Lee next week, just to pop his best buddy Kyle! He and Bobby Fish slapped the NXT North American Championship on his shoulder, as Kyle expressed how much he missed the guys. Soon enough he'd be finished with his big Hollywood movie role, and reunite with the UE. Adam Cole assured him they would make sure NXT stayed Undisputed by the time he returned, when a backstage assistant entered the room. To the chagrin of the trio, "the Panama City Playboy" questioned what he wanted! Issued an envelope containing the outcome of the fan vote, the NXT Champion's ears perked up. As Fish ran the poor guy from the room, the champ expressed now was the time. Strong, Fish and O'Reilly wished Cole luck as he departed the room - who would challenge him for the NXT Championship next week?

An 'NXT Highlight' aired, presented by Mountain Dew. Taking us back to NXT TakeOver: In Your House, the NXT Cruiserweight Championship was finally decided as Kushida overcame El Hijo Del Fantasma in an instant classic. Clips of the match recapped the fierce fight, though "the Time Splitter" would narrowly come out victorious. Yet when the dust cleared and the smoke settled, Kushida's show of gratitude to Fantasma in the form of a handshake would go rejected by the luchador.

The NXT Cruiserweight Championship hung in the locker of "the Time Splitter", as Kushida practised his strikes in anticipation for the main event of tonight's Great American Bash. Knowing exactly the war he was in for following the battle at NXT TakeOver: In Your House, one had to imagine that the existence of the kidnappers had to be casting a shadow over the focus of both combatants.

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And the Loser Is...
Full Sail University broke out into boos, as the NXT Universe, facial coverings and all showed no respect to the presence of NXT Champion Adam Cole. In skinny jeans and a cut up Undisputed Era T-shirt, "the Panama City Playboy" made his swagger to the ring carrying an envelope containing the results of the fan vote that had been ongoing on WWE.com for the past two weeks. As he climbed into the ring, Adam began to speak - only to be drowned out by loud boos from the crowd. Cole tried to talk over them on two further occasions, getting booed out of Full Sail Arena both times! Finally, Adam insulted the people and reminded that it was thanks to the Undisputed Era that they were even able to enjoy "the Black and Gold Brand" right now! Adam claimed if anybody was a trailblazer, it was none other than the guy who had been rocking the title for the past thirteen months. Cole proclaimed that his historic title reign of legendary status would last until he was dead and gone, regardless of whose name was in the stupid envelope on-hand!

Adam Cole repeated the same spiel he had made known for weeks - having beaten both Finn Bálor and Velveteen Dream in the past, and he didn't see reason to give a damn who he beat next week. The NXT Champion unceremoniously ripped into envelope , when out came the Velveteen Dream. In black leather, "the Protagonist" wagged his finger in the face of "the Panama City Playboy". Addressing him and reminding him he was the guy he had ducked for the last six months, in the eyes of "the Purple Rainmaker" - his time had finally ran out. Dream told Cole to accept that his fate had been sealed, and he was a mere seven days away from having that NXT Championship stripped from his waist. The NXT Universe gave Dream a positive reaction, as he regarded himself as "the Protagonist" of NXT because he was the main character. Nobody else possessed the status, presence or rise like Velveteen did - and next week, his rise to superstardom would peak like he would peak: when he became NXT Champion.

Finn Bálor joined the fray, with Adam Cole growing even more impatient! The Velveteen Dream's eyes rolled as he turned to see "the Prince" join his two adversaries in the ring. The former two-time NXT Champion climbed into the ring, questioning if this was really how this was going to go. Both "the Panama City Playboy" and the Dream expressed disgust as Finn claimed they couldn't drop the bombshell like this - the NXT Universe deserved the glitz and glamor of this decision, much like they did the Emmys or the Grammys! Bálor grinned, disagreeing with the idea the NXT Universe chose to stand with a slimeball like Adam Cole, or a self-absorbed primadonna like "Velvy". What it came down to, and what the NXT Championship was about - was who was the most destined for greatness! Dream argued that as true as that was, this was a popularity contest - and nobody out there desired the adulation of a true Superstar more than they did the Velveteen Dream!

Boos rang out over Full Sail Arena, as the NXT Champion stood his ground and continued ripping into his envelope. Demanding they get this over with, "the Panama City Playboy" pulled the letter out and revaled the victor of the WWE.com fan vote. The man who would challenge Adam Cole next week at the Great American Bash would be...Finn Bálor! The NXT Universe cheered and chanted Finn's name, as he grinned knowingly. Velveteen Dream appeared despondant and disapproving, looking around at the people and running his mouth. The NXT Champion was disgusted by the outcome and told his challengers they both made him sick. "The Prince" meanwhile, ever the gentleman, decided to offer a show of respect to "the Protagonist" with a handshake. While he thought about it, abruptly, Dream dropped him with a kick to the groin! Dream Valley Driver took Bálor down hard, when a series of stomps would shockingly see Adam Cole run "the Purple Rainmaker" from the ring!

"The Panama City Playboy" went out of his way to help next week's challenger up. Velveteen Dream was showered with boos on the aisle, storming to the back without another word spoken. Adam Cole told "the Prince" he wanted to wish him congratulations, but the outcome was always going to remain the same. Suddenly, the NXT Champion drilled a distracted Finn with the title! With boots to his challenger, he continued his onslaught as Roderick Strong and Bobby Fish came out to join in. Though Finn tried to fight Roddy and Fish, Cole swept in with a superkick! The Fish Hook was applied, when Adam Cole left the ring to secure a steel chair. Finn was brought to his feet only to be struck with a chair shot to the leg! With intentions of taking Finn out, the UE would be interrupted by the NXT North American Champion! Keith Lee hit the ring, running the trio off - though Strong would still squirm away with "the Limitless One's" title. Lee helped Finn back to his feet, as both appeared primed and ready!

NXT Great American Bash - Night II - NXT Championship - Adam Cole (c) vs Finn Bálor

A replay aired from moments ago, showing NXT North American Champion Keith Lee serve as the cavalry for Finn Bálor, after an attack from his opponent next week, NXT Champion Adam Cole and the rest of the Undisputed Era.

Finn Bálor was helped to the backstage area by two officials, when the NXT North American Champion Keith Lee appeared before him. "The Limitless One" explained how he didn't just get involved tonight to try and reclaim his title from that sneaky little thief Roderick Strong; but because somebody had to bring an end to the UE's hold on NXT. For thirteen months, Adam Cole had served as NXT Champion and he needed to be stopped. Lee tapped Finn on the shoulder with his knuckle and told Finn he was the man for the job - or maybe he was wrong. Lee tried to light a fire in Finn, who favored his leg. Lee wished Finn luck next week, and the Irishman responded similar for the leader of "the Limitless Legion!" Finn said there was a zero percent change of him not coming to Great American Bash next week, regardless of the state his leg was in. Adam Cole had done it for the last time, and last week he guaranteed the end of his title reign!

✕✕✕

3) Damian Priest def. Cameron Grimes (7:03)
- Following his unsuccessful stint in the NXT Cruiserweight Division, "the Carolina Caveman's" attention had moved to issuing a challenge to the former NXT North American Champion Damian Priest. "The Archer of Infamy" looked to make short work of Cameron Grimes with a series of clotheslines and an elevated flatliner, though "the Silver-Tongued Savage" decided to take a breather at ringside. Priest pursued with a big boot, bringing Grimes back in to receive a missed roundhouse kick! Hollering all the while, a Superman forearm strike rocked Priest, and a pendulum backbreaker showed the immense power of the Carolinian! Cameron looked to keep Damian grounded, though "the Rockstar" flew with a springboard clothesline! Grimes fought off the Reckoning attempt and performed a freakish deadlift German suplex, before following up with the Collision Course for a shocking near fall! Grimes planned to finish Priest off, heading to the second rope - only to be caught with South of Heaven connecting. Priest picked up the victory!

An ambitious effort was had by Cameron Grimes tonight, though Damian Priest would be the man with his hand raised. The former NXT North American Champion coolly shrugged off having his hand raised, when abruptly "the Archer of Infamy" was left in the darkness! The eerie sounds synonymous with "the Herald of Doomsday" came over Full Sail Arena, and out strutted Scarlett. As beautiful as ever, "the Siren of Destruction" mouthed the lyrics of her man's entrance music - though unlike last week, Karrion Kross would emerge behind her! Mind games were on display at the sake of "the Rockstar", who challenged Kross to enter the ring. Karrion, clad in a black suit however, claimed that Priest's time was running out - Tick Tock!

✕✕✕

Following the attempted kidnapping from the two masked unknown attackers earlier today, El Hijo Del Fantasma was shown warming up for the main event. Prepared to add more gold to his trophy case, the newcomer from Mexico City appeared to be in immense condition for the NXT Cruiserweight Championship main event tonight. Though while Kushida had to be on his mind, it was evident that Fantasma also had eyes in the back of his head.

An Uninvited Guest
At the residence of Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink, the party had gotten started. Music rang throughout the Aussies' mansion, as two girls danced in the lounge. Thorne and Vink could barely hear one another as Vink remarked this was ringing in the Fourth of July the right way. Shane couldn't hear him, when Brendan wished his housemate a happy Independence Day. Another swig of their cans of lager, the team from Down Under made their move on the American women. All was well, when the girls took off for the bathroom. As Thorne issued them with convoluted instructions, the males galavanted about which girl they fancied. Running into the issue of which girl belonged to whom, off-screen a scream took them by surprise. Thorne and Vink each secured a weapon from around the mansion - a spatula and a table lamp. Creeping up the stairs, the boys were startled by the girls running into their arms! Screaming of an intruder, the girls ran downstairs - as Shane and Brendan marched ahead.

✕✕✕

4) Mia Yim def. Candice LeRae by disqualification (5:48)
- Looking at Candice LeRae weeks following her backstabbing of Tommaso Ciampa was like looking at a different person. "The Poison Pixie's" attitude had incensed many in the NXT locker room, particularly Mia Yim. "The Blasian Baddie" was fired up and struck hard with dropkicks early, when a corner big boot led LeRae into receiving a running clothesline from the apron! Yim applied the Tarantula for good measure, when LeRae was able to escape and turn the tide with a rope-hung neckbreaker! From there the aggression of Candice was in full effect, nearly getting disqualified for refusing to cease firing strikes in the corner, as well as gouging her opponent's eyes! Yim capitalized from the referee's admonishment, landing Code Blue for a near fall. LeRae cut her off with the arms-trapped German suplex, when the Quebrada landed - but Yim got her knees up! Sole Food sent Candice through the ropes, and upon pursuing her, Candice struck her with the use of a kendo stick!

Mia Yim went down in the ring, as Candice LeRae grinned despite being disqualified! It didn't matter one bit to "the Poison Pixie", who entered the ring and continued with level "the Blasian Baddie" with kendo stick shots! Soon kneeling beside her and getting in some shots for good effect, suddenly Yim responded with a drop toe hold. With a series of rights and lefts, Yim secured the kendo stick herself just for Candice to bail up the aisle! Knowingly, Candice grinned in defeat, as a furious Mia was not finished with Ms. LeRae!

✕✕✕

Cameras caught up with Velveteen Dream in the backstage hallway. McKenzie Mitchell was on hand looking to find out more about "the Protagonist's" thoughts on being the runner-up in the fan vote. Dream appeared cold and vacant as he ignored the broadcast journalist's question, but would drop his trademark purple bat with a clunk on the floor. Dream turned his back to her and the cameras, promptly taking a walk from the building. "The Purple Rainmaker" had left Full Sail University.

The Golden Boys
Adam Cole and Roderick Strong celebrated their grand scheme from earlier tonight in the dressing room, Adam Cole polishing the NXT Championship on his shoulder whilst Roderick Strong polished the NXT North American Championship - which didn't even belong to him! The two discussed how tough it was carrying NXT as champions, before Roddy commented on how tough it was carrying an angry leprechaun like Finn Bálor and an enormous blob like Keith Lee to five-star performances every week! "The Panama City Playboy" remarked that this was their duty, because the UE ran the show and that was how it was going to be forever. Strong complimented the wit of "the Panama City Playboy" for taking "the Prince" down when he had the chance, as the two partners hugged it out. Cole told Roddy he loved him in a heart-felt moment of friendship.

✕✕✕

Prime Target - First Glimpse of the Fight Pit
Following discussion from Mauro Ranallo and Beth Phoenix, a 'Prime Target' special provided intricate insight into the skilful differences and similarities in which Matt Riddle and Timothy Thatcher shared. Previously good friends, and until last week NXT Tag Team Champions, footage aired from their documented history in EVOLVE, as well as on various independent circuit events. Finally, bitterness had seen such a friendship explode into absolute anarchy. Thatcher reasoned why he did what he did, commenting on how sick and tired he was of having to have his coattails ridden by "the Original Bro". Riddle was not even a fifth of the type of combatant he was, and as far as he was concerned, did not even belong in the same league as him! Tim explained what Thatch-As-Thatch-Can was all about - how it was no style, but a legacy! It was the Thatcher way, to inflict as much damage and pain and not just force their opponent to tap out: but make them never forget the moment it happened - ever.

For the first time in quite some time, "the Original Bro" responded to Timothy Thatcher's comments with a degree of seriousness. Throwing down his baseball cap, Matt Riddle said how he should have seen this coming. Timmy burst into NXT on his dime, because Matt needed a partner in Pete Dunne's absence, as NXT Tag Team Champion. Riddle regretted the whole thing, because Timmy got his foot in the door and now nothing would ever be the same. Matt admitted how skilled as a grappler Thatcher was, but stated this Fight Pit was no wrestling match. This was not going to be like last week's match - this was in his back alley now! "The King of Bros" declared he would knock Thatch out because he wasn't getting tapped out in his own yard. The structure was finally shown - a steel cage with scaffolding and platforms overlooking the "Pit". Without ropes, there was to be no pinfalls, count-outs or disqualification. The only way this score would be settled was by submission, knock out, or referee's discretion!

✕✕✕

Partying is Such Sorrow
The Fourth of July party at the mansion of Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink's had been put on pause, as the two girls cowering behind couches downstairs. Upstairs, Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink wielded their lamp and spatula, as the duo bickered about how to find the intruder. Thorne had an inkling it was Bronson Reed, noting he had a spare set of keys. Vink firmly believed it to be Dexter Lumis. The two crept up towards the bathroom door, with further words had about who would open it. Finally Vink kicked it down - to find it vacant. Nobody inside, the loudmouth Aussies screamed for the home invader to come out of hiding, before coming up with another strategy. Choosing to split up and hunt down the intruder across the house, the team found themselves at odds this time as Vink was nominated to start with the attic! Brendan pulled down on a string to bring down the ladder, and cautiously, he ascended to investigate. Creeping his head up, he would be startled by a wild owl, causing him to run for his life!

A graphic aired, promoting the main event. They tore down the house last month at NXT TakeOver: In Your House, but up next was to see the long-awaited rematch. With the NXT Cruiserweight Championship at stake, Kushida defended against El Hijo Del Fantasma - up next!

A Dark Turn
As Brendan Vink cooled off from the owl scare in the attic, Shane Thorne took it easy. Entering the bedroom and closing the door, he got comfortable on the bed when the door creaked open. In walked one of the girls from downstairs, assuming Shane had already saved the day. Wanting to show gratitude, she opened her coat to reveal a bikini patterned in the stars and stripes! Thorne's eyes bolted from his head as he blessed America, but as the two embraced in a hug, the girl let out another scream - it was him! Shane released the girl, when from behind Dexter Lumis applied Silence! From across the hall, Brendan heard the commotion and rushed to the scene. "The Night Walker" stalked behind the door, hushing the girl's cries with a finger to his lips. Vink finally darted in with a warcry - getting knocked out with a clothesline from behind the door! As the bikini girl was left to cover up, Dex gave her a thumbs up. He took the lined up bodies of Thorne and Vink away with him as text appeared reading "To Be Continued..."

NXT Great American Bash - Night II - What happened when Dexter Lumis took Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink?

✕✕✕

Vic Joseph stood before the Great American Bash letters, as he discussed how big the return of the historic event had been thus far. Soon discussing 205 Live this coming Friday immediately following Friday Night SmackDown on the WWE Network, the Voice of the Cruiserweight Division hyped a Texas Tornado tag team match between the Brian Kendrick and Ariya Daivari and the returning duo of Breezango; plus, Mansoor would make his return to meet Tehuti Miles.

Texas Tornado match - Breezango vs The Brian Kendrick and Ariya Daivari
Tehuti Miles vs Mansoor

Mauro Ranallo and Beth Phoenix continued, discussing the second night of this year's Great American Bash. Taking place next Wednesday, graphics aired on-screen promoting the NXT Championship match confirmed: Adam Cole defending the gold against Finn Bálor. NXT North American Champion Keith Lee would hope to reclaim the title thieved by Roderick Strong; Rhea Ripley and Dakota Kai would meet one-on-one; plus, in the first-ever Fight Pit in NXT history - Matt Riddle would meet Timothy Thatcher.

NXT Championship - Adam Cole (c) vs Finn Bálor
Fight Pit - Timothy Thatcher vs Matt Riddle
NXT North American Championship - Keith Lee (c) vs Roderick Strong
Dakota Kai vs Rhea Ripley

✕✕✕

5) El Hijo Del Fantasma def. Kushida (c) to capture the NXT Cruiserweight Championship (13:35) [THROUGH TWO BREAKS]
- The finals of the NXT Cruiserweight Championship Tournament at NXT TakeOver: In Your House received rave reviews from the NXT Universe, but after El Hijo Del Fantasma continued to show little respect to "the Time Splitter", the fighting Japanese champion granted him this rematch. The action got off to a hot start once Fantasma again refused to shake the champ's hand. An exchange of chops saw Fantasma connect with a basement dropkick and an armdrag, when Kushida turned it around with one of his own. A cartwheel saw Fantasma evade it, when a spinebuster was attempted - only to go reversed into the tornado DDT! Fantasma slipped out to the apron where Kushida connected with the rolling kick. Onto the apron, the NXT Cruiserweight Champion connected with a hurricanrana before rolling Fantasma back inside. A Buzzsaw kick saw the challenger duck, when a hurricanrana rocked the champ to the floor. With a Topé from the Depths of Hell, Fantasma was feeling it!
- The action had slowed down as NXT returned, El Hijo Del Fantasma grounded Kushida using the bodyscissors. "The Time Splitter" was able to slip free, when the challenger evaded a flying cross-armbreaker and connected with an enzuigiri! A sit-out powerbomb connected giving the luchador a near fall. The NXT Cruiserweight Champion fired with a series of leg kicks and a sole butt, before sidestepping a super kick from Fantasma - Kushida connecting with a German suplex! Climbing to the top rope, the Japanese Superstar looked to fly when Fantasma intercepted. Both men jockeyed for position up top, with Fantasma landing the Frankensteiner! Immediately rolling through, Kushida was trapped in the Boston crab as Fantasma continued to wrench at the back of the champ! Kushida was able to make it to the ropes, but at what cost? The champ was in danger!
- "The Time Splitter" found himself caught on the top rope once again as NXT returned, momentarily applied the Hoverboard Lock on the top rope. Body blows enabled the challenger to free himself, when El Hijo Del Fantasma teased an avalanche Phantom Driver - using the fireman's carry to drop Kushida on the ropes! Returning to the top, a diving splash connected though the NXT Cruiserweight Champion remained resilient. Fantasma's Phantom Driver went blocked into the armringer! The running penalty kick impacted the arm of the challenger, when Kushida looked for Back to the Future - just for Fantasma to land the Phantom Driver using one arm! Suddenly, the two masked kidnappers arrived at ringside. Their arms folded, watching, Kushida and Fantasma came to and stood side-by-side ready for a fight... until an enzuigiri wiped Kushida out! Fantasma's entire demeanor changed, as he opportunistically took the champ to the second rope - drilling him with the Phantom Driver to be crowned the new champion!

A new NXT Cruiserweight Champion was crowned on the first night of the Great American Bash, but the NXT Universe remained in awe of what happened. The two masked men who just earlier today had tried to kidnap El Hijo Del Fantasma, had just led him to the gold against Kushida! Fantasma raised the title high in the air, when the masked men climbed into the ring. Following an interesting face off, Fantasma suddenly pointed to "the Time Splitter" - revealing himself to be the man giving the orders! Suddenly, the masked men began to put the boots to a defenseless former champ, as Kushida was too vulnerable to fight back. Double knees to the seated Kushida from one of the men fed immediately into a lungblower from the second. That's when suddenly the two unmasked to reveal... Raúl Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde! Standing with Fantasma, this bizarre trio came together to parade the title gold high. What was the meaning of this alliance?

Last Edit: Apr 4, 2023 10:58:30 GMT -5 by DTP.

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· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Mar 14, 2023 8:33:50 GMT -5

Quote

Post by DTP. on Mar 14, 2023 8:33:50 GMT -5

Friday Night SmackDown #1089 - July 3, 2020
WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida
Presented by
LESS THAN THREE WEEKS FROM EXTREME RULES!
"Are You Ready" by AC/DC

205 Live #186 – July 3, 2020
1) Breezango def. The Brian Kendrick and Ariya Daivari with the Supermodel Kick from Tyler Breeze to Daivari in a Texas Tornado match. The Brian Kendrick took to the microphone after the match, calling Tyler out to a Good Housekeeping match, one-on-one next week on 205 Live. Fandango stood closeby as "Prince Pretty" accepted the challenge. (7:23)
- Vic Joseph showed footage of the events of Wednesday night's NXT Great American Bash, showing El Hijo Del Fantasma become NXT Cruiserweight Champion after defeating Kushida, with the unexpected help from the two masked kidnappers - later revealing themselves to be Raúl Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde. Joseph promoted this coming Wednesday, we would hear an explanation from the new champ.
2) Mansoor def. Tehuti Miles with the Moonsault. Mansoor scored the win in his 205 Live debut, following a lengthy hiatus. Respect was shown following the match by Miles.

A video package aired, taking us back to last week on Friday Night SmackDown. Following his bizarre encounter with Bray Wyatt the week prior, "the Charismatic Enigma" bravely decided to take to the ring and call out The Fiend. Jeff Hardy showed no fear as the leader of 'the Firefly Fun House' responded, but upon further determination from the WWE Universal Champion, out walked "the New Face of Fear". Now face-to-face, The Fiend met the champ in the ring - his terrifying stare on the title on Hardy's shoulder!

The opening video package aired, bringing us to Friday Night SmackDown. Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed us to the show, breaking the news from earlier today on WWE's social media platforms that it was now official for the Horror Show at Extreme Rules - Jeff Hardy would defend the title against The Fiend! The two talked about the events of last week, before bringing up what was coming up tonight. The WWE Universal Champion would meet The Miz; Sheamus would battle Big E; and in the main event, both Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross would challenge for Bayley's SmackDown Women's Championship.

The Horror Show at Extreme Rules - WWE Universal Championship - Jeff Hardy (c) vs The Fiend
Tonight - SmackDown Women's Championship - Triple Threat match - Bayley (c) vs Alexa Bliss vs Nikki Cross
Tonight - WWE Universal Champion Jeff Hardy vs The Miz
Tonight - Big E vs Sheamus

1) Duke Nese (with King Corbin) def. Shorty G (with Apollo Crews) (5:53)
- Following the patronizing conversation Shorty G had with the Royal Family last week, the Olympian raced to the aid of Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak to get even with them. Pent up and with much to prove, Shorty G took down Duke Nese with his amateur wrestling background, as King Corbin ran his mouth rooting for the Duke. G connected with a missile dropkick, but despite a distraction from Corbin, Nese was caught with a belly-to-belly suplex over the top rope! Shorty G called out Corbin when Apollo tried to calm him down, buying "the Premier Athlete" time to land a hotshot, following up with a buckle German suplex. Nese flexed and distracted the official allowing Corbin to big boot G through the ropes. Apollo finally had enough, attacking Corbin! As Crews took the fight to the King, Nese soared with a springboard triangle moonsault to the floor - when G joined in with a springboard moonsault of his own! G looked for the Chaos Theory, but Nese landed on his feet and planted him with a pumphandle driver to pick up the win.

Duke Nese had his hand raised in victory, as King Corbin slowly returned back to his feet and stammered into the ring. Apollo Crews, having been sent into the broadcast position, stumbled back to his feet and aided a disappointed Shorty G from the ring. The Royal Family stood tall together, as "the Premier Athlete" had just cemented his worth on Friday Night SmackDown.

▆▆▆

Kayla Braxton was standing by backstage, but did not even find time to introduce her guest as the New Day strutted into the scene! Big E exclaimed joy at seeing Kayla, before talking about what they had planned here tonight. Kofi Kingston spoke up about Sheamus helping Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura rakc up a win last week, but it would never last. Big E had a lot built up, and he was on the cusp of letting it all out! All the juices were about to pour, because tonight on Friday Night SmackDown he would make that boy right. Kofi mused how "the Celtic Warrior" was unable to get the job done against Jeff Hardy, and tonight would be another "L" that Sheamus could add to his collection. Big E impersonated ring announcer Greg Hamilton, declaring this contest would be scheduled for one fall, and feature big meaty men slappin' meat! Big E said he would be the bigger man tonight, and that New Day rocked.

Friday Night SmackDown on FOX was sponsored tonight by Progressive - the first-round choice for auto insurance.

Smoothing Things Out
WWE Women's Tag Team Champion Sasha Banks was in the dressing room unpacking her bags, when into the room walked a sheepish SmackDown Women's Champion. Bayley tried to play it cool, as Tamina stood with her arms folded watching the awkward exchange. "Bayley 2 Belts" was incredibly casual, hoping to iron things out with her best friend, who continued to unpack her bags in ignorance. Finally, Bayley tried to hug "the Legit Boss", only bringing her to shove Bayley away! Coming to her feet, the two finally conversed with Bayley commenting on why Sasha had been ducking her for weeks. She was tiptoeing around, while her co-champ was here in dire need of her BFF! Bayley questioned what happened to "the Boss 'n' Hug Connection", when Sasha finally told Bayley she knew exactly what happened. After the way she treated Tamina over the past couple of weeks, it was awfully apparent what Bayley truly thought of them - accessories for hire.

Sasha Banks claimed she was more than that, and that she was a true friend - but she refused to allow Bayley to treat her the same way. The SmackDown Women's Champion hoped to patch things out, taking her time to apologize to Tamina for how ugly her temper had been. Claiming she was trying so hard to not be that person, "Bayley 2 Belts" expressed how she had msised "the Legit Boss", and needed her help. She claimed she would never allow her friendship with Sasha go, and that compared to their relationship - the titles on her shoulders meant absolutely nothing. Banks stood firmly with her own arms folded, but responded affirmative. Cordially, Sasha told Bayley she believed her, but when the champ asked if this would mean she would help her ahead of the Triple Threat match tonight - Sasha told Bayley she was a double champ, and that meant she could do this herself! Walking out of the room, "the Bouncer" followed her. Bayley was left alone, with the match with Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross to come!

▆▆▆

Two Different Types of Kings
The Royal Family continued to occupy the ring inside the WWE Performance Center, as King Corbin present Duke Antony Nese to the disapproving members of the WWE Universe in attendance, before asking how they all liked to see "the Premier Athlete" at work. Corbin claimed that Shorty G stood no chance, because if there was one thing he and Antony couldn't stand - it was competitors devoid of personality. The King compared Shorty G to the uninspiring "Submission Expert" Daniel Bryan, who he proclaimed incredibly boring. Corbin then moved on to discuss how the people could even get behind people like Shorty and Daniel - when true men like the King and the Duke were all they needed. Talking over the boos and struggling, the King slandered the peasants who stood behind the plexiglass and refused to bow down to royalty when Nese snatched the microphone and demanded the peasants' silence and respect! Declaring that their King was talking, they were met by the arrival of Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak.

The WWE Intercontinental Champion and his training partner made their way out to the ring, amused by the whole procession unfolding before their eyes. "The Militant Mat-Mite" remarked at how pot-kettle-black it was of King Corbin and Duke Nese to consider anybody devoid of personality, when all they needed to do was look in the mirror! Drew talked about how he and Daniel were in the right mind to come down to the ring and kick the Royal Family's butts right now, but he and "the Submission Expert" had decided to do things the gentlemenly way. Daniel took to the microphone to discuss how opposite they truly were. Their ideologies were completely separate: he and Nese might well be royalty; but he was a King of Wrestling. The champ was willing to let Corbin have his crown from Burger King and his septer from Wall*Mart, but when it came to real accolades - the King had to look no further than what was in his hand! Raising the title high, Daniel told him he was awaiting a time and a place for their match to take place!

"The Submission Expert" told King Corbin he found it interesting that despite being number one contender for weeks, he had still not set a date - though speculation said the King was a coward! Daniel Bryan got the WWE Universe members to chant "coward" at the King of the Ring, bringing Duke Nese to raise his voice. Ordering them to respect the King, it only made the chants worse. Corbin relented if Daniel wanted it so badly, and the peasants in Orlando wanted it so badly - he would set a time and a place for their WWE Intercontinental Championship match: but it wouldn't be tonight! The WWE Performance Center booed loudly, but before the Royal Family could take their leave, Drew Gulak took to the microphone. "The Militant Mat-Mite" understood a guy as sensitive as the King needed time to prepare. But if he was free for the night, Gulak was shooting his shot for the King's tune-up match tonight! Before Corbin could respond, Gulak decked the King - as Bryan struck Nese with a dropkick!

2) King Corbin (with Duke Nese) def. Drew Gulak (with WWE Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan) (4:27)
- One month following Drew Gulak putting King Corbin to sleep with the Gu-Lock for several minutes, "the Militant Mat-Mite" continued to drill the number one contender to the WWE Intercontinental Championship with a a dropkick and a Saito suplex. Much like the King of the Ring winner had done earlier, Duke Nese distracted Gulak allowing Corbin to cut him off with a big boot! From there, Corbin showboated gracefully around the ring, repeatedly sending Gulak spine-first into the corners! A chokeslam backbreaker got a near fall, as Daniel Bryan distracted the King from ringside! It allowed Gulak to fire back with a series of lariats, when the Cylone Crash connected for a near fall! Drew closed in for the Gu-Lock just for Corbin to snapmare free. Gulak charged, but Nese would trip him from the floor! Undetected by the official, Corbin capitalized with the End of Days giving the number one contender victory.

The King took the win, though it came largely with the assistance of Duke Nese. King Corbin celebrated briefly in the ring, when the WWE Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan surprised his number one contender with the Flying Knee! With hammer and sickle, "the Submission Expert" pounded on Corbin's collarbone with elbow strikes, when "the Premier Athlete" darted in to break it - just to be taken down in the Yes Lock! Bryan broke the hold allowing the Royal Family to back out to the floor. Shaken by the efficiency of Bryan, he led the WWE Universe in "YES!" chants, as he helped Gulak to his feet. Corbin would one day meet "the Yes Man", but when remained questionable!

▆▆▆

Following discussion from Michael Cole and Corey Graves, a video package aired recapping the saga that Dolph Ziggler had been taken on by the mysterious and anonymous Hacker. "The Show Off" had been haunted by the figure in the control room for weeks; the figure having revealed his biggest pitfalls - from exposing his and Sonya Deville's conspiracy theory to thwart Otis and Mandy Rose's prospects, all the way to exposing Dolph's immense inability to score with the ladies. In recent weeks, Dolph had tried his earnest to get the Hacker to reveal themselves - and last week, the Hacker left a video to play just for Ziggler, informing him that next week they were prepared to take things to the next level.

Dolph Ziggler psyched himself up as he headed down the hall, pacing on his way to the ring. After weeks of torment from the Hacker, "the Show Off" vowed to not allow the anonymous figure to do it ever again. What would happen when they met - next!

Arriving at the Ascent to Awesomeness
The Miz walked the hall in the backstage area, psyched up and in the zone for his match tonight with the WWE Universal Champion. Pausing and ordering a backstage assistant to stop, "the A-Lister" had to know what came to mind when a guy like him saw a guy like the Miz. Candidly, the assistant told him "ridiculous", causing Miz to point the finger at him. Declaring that nothing and nobody was going to get him down tonight, this was the night that the former SmackDown Tag Team Champion would hop back on the saddle. The puny assistant was looking at one of the richest men in the entire WWE. He had headlined WrestleMania, been WWE Champion, and was a serious Hollywood movie star, and a reality TV hit sensation! Miz wrapped his arm around the assistant and declared tonight's win the first phase of the Miz's 'Ascent to Awesomeness', and when he beat "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" tonight - it was going to be nothing but "Awesome".

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Close Encounters
Dolph Ziggler made his arrival to the WWE Performance Center in casual wear, unimpressed with the ongoing charades played by the Hacker. After being informed by the figure themselves that tonight would see the next level being realized, "the Show Off" climbed into the ring in a hurry and clearly was in a foul mood. Voicing his disgust with the way things had been going down of late, he spoke of the absurdity that was the fact that WWE management were allowing some geek on his mom's computer living in his basement to toy with one of the hottest Superstars to come out of the 21st century! Dolph was at a loss as to how WWE Headquarters at Stanford, Connecticut seemingly didn't hire any I.T. technician skilled enough to thwart this anonymous dork's attempts to sabotage him. Listing his accomplishments as a former World Heavyweight Champion, a former six-time WWE Intercontinental Champion - suddenly, his microphone was cut!

Furious, Dolph Ziggler screamed to ring announcer Greg Hamilton at the timekeeper's position to hand him another microphone. "The Show Off" took it, continuing to list the amount of success he had had over the course of a fifteen year career with WWE - when this mic would go cut as well! Furiously he began to ram the microphone against the top turnbuckle, before hurling it from the ring. Ziggler stormed over to Michael Cole and Corey Graves - where he snatched the headset from Cole! Dolph yelled at the Hacker directly, glaring into the camera lens - when his voice was toned down deep, before being heightened to a high-pitch squeal! Realizing how he sounded, he threw down the headset in rage. Suddenly, Dolph turned to see the Hacker - for the first time in person! Stood watching "the Show Off" from behind among the WWE Universe members, Ziggler would punch the plexiglass only to hurt his hand! The figure disappeared into the darkness, leaving Dolph clutching his fist.

▆▆▆

Nikki Cross was deep in thought in the backstage hall, when caught up with by Alexa Bliss. "Little Miss Bliss" smiled as she greeted her BFF, asking how she was doing. Nikki was passive in her response, hyperfixated on the Triple Threat match to come for the SmackDown Women's Championship. Alexa saw right through "the Twisted Sister's" lackluster response, wanting to tell her that they each knew what was at stake. But while they both had the same opportunity at the title - they also had the same opportunity to beat the tar out of Bayley tonight! Bliss was reassuring, telling Nikki if it truly did come down to it - may the best woman win, though no matter what their friendship would forever prosper. Cross thanked Alexa for the kind words, when she hugged her tightly. Cross responded with love for her bestie - though her eyes told a different story.

A graphic aired, promoting the upcoming match. One week after a freakish meeting with the Fiend as well as Bray Wyatt, the WWE Universal Champion would go to battle against the very man who stabbed his best friend John Morrison in the back - the Miz. It was coming up next.

Not Law-Abiding
Friday Night SmackDown on FOX returned to a dramatic scene in motion backstage at the WWE Performance Center. Members of backstage personnel and security rushed to the scene of a scrap that had broken out - seeing Carmella and Sonya Deville going at it! Coming after last week where "the Law" refused to break the bridging armbar, "the Princess of Staten Island" showed she had a mean streak to herself as well, as she tugged at the hair of Sonya while officials dragged her away from her!

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3) WWE Universal Champion Jeff Hardy def. The Miz (7:22) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- "The Rainbow-Haired Warrior" had chosen to not let the Fiend nor Bray Wyatt get under his skin, after two weeks of out-of-this-world meetings with the Firefly Fun House outcasts. The Miz meanwhile hoped to begin his 'Ascent to Awesomeness' with a victory against the WWE Universal Champion, jumping Jeff Hardy while his back was turned! "The A-Lister" capitalized with an inverted backbreaker into a neckbreaker, but his attempts at following up would be hindered once "the Charismatic Enigma" connected with an enzuigiri! Administering a legdrop to the groin, the champ was at the top of his game as Miz backed out to the apron. The two jockeyed for position, seeing Miz drape Jeff throat-first across the top rope. To the top he went, though Miz's diving axe handle would go caught with a mid-air collision dropkick! As Miz rolled out to the floor to regroup, the champ was breaking down "the Awesome One's" strategy stage-by-stage.
- During the commercial break, the Miz was able to use the referee's distraction to prevent Jeff Hardy from taking him down from the apron. As the WWE Universal Champion pursued, "the A-Lister" planted him with a snap DDT across the apron! Miz choked Jeff with his boot, following with the Awesome clothesline in the corner. "The Awesome One" showboated in state of delusion, though the Figure-4 Leglock would be kicked away by Jeff! "The Charismatic Enigma" responded with an inside cradle for a near fall, when Jeff soared with Whisper in the Wind. Clotheslines landed, following with a gourdbuster. As a diving legdrop connected from the second rope, Jeff saw Twist of Fate in his sights, when Miz shoved the champ into the referee! Taking Jeff down with another snap DDT, Miz rolled out to the floor looking to grab a steel chair. Instead, Miz was caught by the airborne John Morrison - who sprung from the announce table with a crossbody! Punches landed before Miz was rolled in for the Twist of Fate from the champ, giving him the victory.

John Morrison smiled from ringside, having gained a slight measure of retribution against his former confidante. The Miz remained down, as "the Shaman of Sexy" brushed his hands of "the A-Lister". Weeks ago they were SmackDown Tag Team Champions, but now, they were once again on opposite sides of the coin to one-another! JoMo departed the scene, as Jeff Hardy raised the WWE Universal Championship high...until 'the Firefly Fun House' jingle began to play.

Greetings from Below
On the video screen, Bray Wyatt opened the front door of 'the Firefly Fun House' and began to greet Jeff Hardy from afar! As jovial as ever, the main character welcomed "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" to his merry little world. The WWE Universal Champion watched in disapproval as Bray spoke about how he was so happy to have Jeff accept his invitation. They had a date - and that date was Extreme Rules! Wyatt pondered what to wear, and questioned where Jeff would take them. Suddenly his demeanor changed however, as he hoped "the Charismatic Enigma" would take him back down to where he once was. Some deep, dark scary places existed beneath the precipice, in the past of Brother Nero. Bray mused it would be a Horror Show at Extreme Rules when Jeff met "him" - proposing that Jeff let "him" in. As shots of The Fiend's path of destruction flashed across the screen, Jeff continued to refuse to ever let him in!

As the WWE Universal Champion watched Bray Wyatt stare back at him, he would be startled by the appearance of Abby the Witch and Mercy the Buzzard in two corners of the ring! Both advising Jeff Hardy to let "him" in, from the edge of the ring peered Ramblin' Rabbit, joining in with the chants. The champ tried to remain composed, as Bray Wyatt led the puppets in repeating the words. Hardy responded, kicking the Rabbit puppet to the floor before dropkicking Mercy out of the corner! Jeff's refusal brought laughter to Bray, though a shaken "Charismatic Enigma" would fail to see The Fiend creep into the ring! With his fingers reaching down the throat of Hardy, the Mandible Claw was locked in! Hardy tried to fight but "the New Face of Fear" clamped down deeper - as the eerie screeches echoed throughout the WWE Performance Center. Finally The Fiend rendered Jeff unconscious, and picked up the WWE Universal Championship - as Bray watched on satisfied from the screen!

A replay aired from moments ago, showing the WWE Universal Champion Jeff Hardy potentially meet his ultimate match. Bray Wyatt finally got to "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior", who would be taken by The Fiend with the Mandible Claw.

Eat His Lunch
Meanwhile, The Miz was spotted fumbling his way backstage. Like he had seen a ghost, "the A-Lister" begged for forgiveness from John Morrison, wherever he might be! Abruptly, "the Shaman of Sexy" would come flying from the top of a scaffolding fixture located behind him - another crossbody wiping out his former best friend and confidante! JoMo refused to let up, as backstage personnel raced to the scene. In the midst of a busy night for the staff of the WWE Performance Center, all hell appeared to be breaking loose! Finally "the Awesome One" escaped Morrison's grasp, as the attacker was escorted from the building.

▆▆▆

4) Sheamus def. Big E (9:16) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- The New Day were on the right path to a SmackDown Tag Team Championship opportunity last week, until interference from none other than Sheamus enabled Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura to take the win. "The Celtic Warrior" was met with ferocity from Big E, who overwhelmed Sheamus with a series of shoulder tackles, before a clothesline sent him hurdling over the top rope! Racing out to ringside, a body block would take the Irishman down - as the energy of Big E continued! Back inside, Sheamus would manage to escape a military press slam, when a big clothesline impacted his opponent. Big E absorbed the blow and battled back with a clothesline met with zero response. The big meaty men were slapping meat on FOX tonight, as Big E would look to take Sheamus down with another shoulder block, just for Sheamus to rock him with a high knee strike! The Irish Curse backbreaker took Big E down, as the "Fella" took control.
- "The Celtic Warrior" kept the pressure on Big E, as he impacted the chest of the New Day member using the Beats of Bodhran. Big E tried to fight back just to be intercepted by a slingshot clothesline from over the top rope. Sheamus continued to ground Big E, when out of nowhere he fired back with a huge spear! Big E ducked clotheslines and connected with his own, and almost scored the win with a gutwrench shoulderbreaker. As a corner splash let to a big splash for a near fall, Big E beat his chest and anticipated the Big Ending to shortly follow. Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura made their way out and attempted to cause the distraction - until Kofi Kingston ran down to help his buddy out! As Kingston tried to battle both men, he hammered on Shin when Cesaro struck with a European uppercut. Big E drilled Cesaro with a spear through the ropes - the European landing on "the King of Strong Style!" Racing inside, Sheamus was ready and waiting, and the Brogue Kick would give them the win!

"The Celtic Warrior" was celebratory, coming to his feet and having his hand raised by Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro. The Bar embraced one another with a big hug, when "the Artist" took to continuing the assault on Big E! The WWE Universe booed as "the Swiss Cyborg" joined in, when Kofi Kingston slid into the ring with right hands for "the Artist!" Sheamus took Kofi down hard with the Irish Curse backbreaker, as the New Day looked to be in trouble. At ringside, Cesaro and Nakamura set Big E up with his face against the ring post. With his arms in position, Sheamus prepared to brain him with a second Brogue Kick against the LED plates, when down the aisle ran Heavy Machinery! The SmackDown Tag Team Champions would rush the international trio from the ringside area, as Otis and Tucker saved the day and came to check on the New Day.

▆▆▆

The Hug 'n' Hug Connection
Sasha Banks flicked through posts on her phone, when behind her walked the SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley. After their spat earlier, "Bayley 2 Belts" claimed she needed Sasha's help tonight with the SmackDown Women's Championship at stake. "The Legit Boss" played it coolly, continuing to give her the cold shoulder, trusting Bayley could do it alone. Bayley apologized to Sasha once again and told her that she had even apologized to Tamina, though Sasha claimed she had already accepted Bayley's apology! Passively she told her BFF to consider their dispute solved, and there was no friction between them. As relieved as the double-champ was, when she asked her partner if this meant she would come down to ringside for the Triple Threat match, Banks told her she couldn't make it! Sasha told Bayley to prove how good she was - not just for herself, but for the good of "the Boss 'n' Hug Connection". Sasha wished Bayley luck, leaving the champ alone, as the main event rapidly approached.

Apollo Crews tried to recompose Shorty G in the dressing room, assuring him that he was cheated tonight by Duke Nese. G questioned who he had become. He wasn't Shorty G, he was an Olympian. His name was Chad Gable, and he'd had it with people putting labels on his abilities. In walked the WWE Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan, accompanied by Drew Gulak, complimenting Apollo on standing his ground against King Corbin. Bryan complimented Shorty too, who refused to hear it, storming from the room. Daniel backtracked to two weeks ago where he came up short against the King. Since Corbin wanted to duck him however, the champ needed competition - which was why he was offering Crews a shot at the title next week! Apollo's eyes lit up, but he would decline - feeling unworthy. Bryan and Gulak persuaded him, when he agreed! Shaking hands, Apollo humbly told "the Yes Man" it would be an honor. Bryan urged Apollo to hold nothing back - wanting only the best Apollo had.

▆▆▆

Michael Cole and Corey Graves discussed what was coming up next week on Friday Night SmackDown, as graphics aired on-screen. With the opportunity granted and gone accepted, Apollo Crews would challenge Daniel Bryan for the WWE Intercontinental Championship; following a head injury sustained by Big E courtesy of Sheamus earlier tonight, Kofi Kingston would team with the SmackDown Tag Team Champions Heavy Machinery to meet he, Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura; in a sneak peek of what to expect at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules, Carmella looked to get revenge on Sonya Deville; plus, Miz TV would return to FOX!

WWE Intercontinental Championship - Daniel Bryan (c) vs Apollo Crews
SmackDown Tag Team Champions Heavy Machinery and Kofi Kingston vs Sheamus, Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura
Extreme Rules match - Sonya Deville vs Carmella
Miz TV returns

Static suddenly took over the screen, as a high-pitched squeal was heard. Text showed a message sent directly from the Hacker, who claimed tonight was the night things were taken to the next level with Dolph Ziggler. But now, the anonymous entity felt tiresome of "the Show Off's" ability to humiliate himself. Informing the WWE Universe that next week would be the week - the Hacker declared that they would reveal their true identity next week on Friday Night SmackDown. "The Truth Will Be Heard".

▆▆▆

Going Nuclear
Kayla Braxton was standing outside of the trainer's room, when out stammered the WWE Universal Champion Jeff Hardy. In a foul mood, and still clutching his throat after the Fiend's fingers had been down it, "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" excused himself if he wasn't in the talking mood. Wanting to make it clear for the record that he knew exactly what he was in for against Bray Wyatt, what would happen next would reveal that. "The Eater of Worlds" had been tormenting WWE for long enough, but unlike those whom "the New Face of Fear" had tortured physically and mentally: he refused to be made an example of! "The Charismatic Enigma" reiterated that he had been down some dark and scary alleys of his life, and the Fiend didn't intimidate him. Jeff declared he wasn't afraid to go nuclear and prove it the next time he saw him! Hardy stormed off, clearing his throat all the while, refusing to back down.

▆▆▆

The WWE Performance Center came to life as Alexa Bliss made her way down to the ring for the main event. A former SmackDown Women's Champion looking to become champ once again, "Little Miss Bliss" prepared for the Triple Threat match - against her best friend Nikki Cross, and Bayley - coming up next!

Michael Cole and Corey Graves provided an update for the Horror Show at Extreme Rules, scheduled to take place in less than three weeks on Sunday, July 19 - streaming exclusively on the WWE Network. Graphics aired as they ran down the line-up, including the newest addition - the WWE Universal Championship match pitting Jeff Hardy against The Fiend in a Last Man Standing match!

WWE Universal Championship - Last Man Standing match - Jeff Hardy (c) vs The Fiend
WWE World Championship - Drew McIntyre (c) vs AJ Styles
Eye For An Eye - Aleister Black vs Seth Rollins

▆▆▆

5) WWE Women's Tag Team Champion Bayley (c) def. Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross in a Triple Threat match to retain the SmackDown Women's Championship (11:19) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- With Sasha Banks and Tamina on the outs with "Bayley 2 Belts" after the way she had addressed "the Bouncer" last week, the SmackDown Women's Champion was outnumbered against the former WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. Bayley stalled as Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross awaited her entry to the ring, finally deciding to drag her in the hard way! The challengers put the boots to Bayley when a double snap suplex sent her overhead. "Little Miss Bliss" scored with a dropkick to send the champ reeling to the apron, where Nikki sent her to the floor with a battering ram! Now the two besties shared the ring, with the two shaking hands. Preparing to go at it themselves, a collar-and-elbow tie-up saw the two grapple for position rolling around the ring! As a backbreaker saw Bliss lead, Nikki responded with a monkey flip, transitioning into a crossface when Bayley slipped in with an axe handle. Bayley hammered on both, connecting with a sliding clothesline on Bliss. Cross soared with a diving crossbody - again taking Bayley from the ring!
- Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross attempted a double superplex from the top - but the SmackDown Women's Champion knocked both down to the canvas! "Bayley 2 Belts" delivered a diving elbow drop to both challengers, covering just for Bliss and Cross to each kick out! The Belly-to-Bayley saw Cross block and connect with a swinging neckbreaker, though Bliss dragged her off the cover. Another face-off saw "Little Miss Bliss" and "the Twisted Sister" begin to fight - the former WWE Women's Tag Team Champions colliding with blows. Bliss scored a Code Red for a near fall, when Cross responded with the swinging Fisherman suplex. Bayley came in with a double exploder suplex before the Snapmare Driver was attempted, when Bliss fought free and planted her with the DDT. Insult to Injury connected, but Cross got her up for the Samoan Driver. Alexa broke out and landed the Goddess Right into the Infinite Roll! Nikki escaped narrowly, when Bayley rolled Bliss up with her hand on the rope to steal the win!

The SmackDown Women's Championship would not change hands, as Bayley slid from the ring as quickly as she possibly could - retrieving the gold! "Bayley 2 Belts" was the luckiest person in the WWE Performance Center tonight, as Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross scowled in rage and disbelief at the result. Clutching both of her titles tightly, Bayley dropped to her knees on the rampway - when joined by Sasha Banks! "The Legit Boss" hugged her best friend tightly - their spat over, with Bayley supposedly having proven herself as the incomparable double-champ. One had to wonder when Bayley's luck would run out: but it would not be tonight, having survived the Triple Threat match!

▆▆▆

· The Pandemic Project · Keep Your Distance ·
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DTP.
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Joined on: Jun 28, 2007 14:45:14 GMT -5
Posts: 18,080

· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Mar 16, 2023 11:26:22 GMT -5

Quote

Post by DTP. on Mar 16, 2023 11:26:22 GMT -5

WWE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Drew McIntyre (c) vs AJ Styles

WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Jeff Hardy (c) vs The Fiend

AN EYE FOR AN EYE MATCH
Seth Rollins vs Aleister Black

Matches to be announced.

· The Pandemic Project · Keep Your Distance ·
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DTP.
WF Hall of Famer

Joined on: Jun 28, 2007 14:45:14 GMT -5
Posts: 18,080

· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Mar 20, 2023 18:02:10 GMT -5

Quote

Post by DTP. on Mar 20, 2023 18:02:10 GMT -5

JULY 6, 2020 OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: OUTBREAK FORCES WWE TO MAKE CHANGES, MORE

COVID SMASHES WWE After a COVID-19 outbreak that has greatly affected the promotion, WWE has made a number of changes.

The biggest change was in the schedule. WWE had planned to tape two weeks worth of Raw, Smackdown, Main Event and 205 Live on 6/26 and 6/27.

However, with the outbreak and a large number of talent unavailable, the decision was only to tape the necessary shows for this week. Smackdown was cut back to about an hour of new content with numerous stars missing, with the show built around a tribute to The Undertaker.

The outbreak caused a change in the tapings schedule and more taping this week. NXT was to tape its shows for 7/1 and 7/8 on 7/1, which it did. It was supposed to tape 7/15 and 7/22 on 7/2, which has been moved to an upcoming set of tapings. Smackdown and 205 Live for 7/3 and 7/10 was taped on 7/2, while Raw and Main Event for 7/6 and 7/13 was to be taped on 7/3. It was noted that it was a lot safer keeping the Raw brand tapings on one night and Smackdown on the other, because taping both the same night and doing different weeks on different days led to an outbreak that hit both brands hard. Keeping the brands on separate days means, in theory, if there is another outbreak, it would only affect one brand.

The WWE outbreak affected AEW, as Jon Moxley, on his own, decided it wasn’t prudent to come for the taping on 7/2 for the second night of Fyter Fest, where he was to face Brian Cage for the AEW title. Moxley took a second COVID test on 6/26 in Las Vegas. He got the test result on 6/30 or 7/1 and it was negative. Moxley is expected to return on the 7/15 live show, called Fight for the Fallen, provided he tests negative on a third test that will be taken in a few days.

Even with the two negative tests, Moxley noted he was around someone who tested positive for several straight days and after talking to doctors felt there was still a risk he could have it in its early stages where it would not come up in a test but could be contagious. He didn’t want to risk the safety of the AEW locker room or be responsible for a new outbreak.

Renee Young, his wife, has been doing much better. As of midweek, she still felt funny and her chest felt heavy but overall felt a lot better.

The COVID issue in the U.S. now back to setting new records of cases and with Florida as a hotbed, has led to other changes.

Masks are required in indoor buildings in Orange County, where WWE runs. WWE has gone from not wanting anyone wearing a mask while shooting television, to having it allowable after much criticism on 6/26 for Smackdown, to making them mandatory at the tapings starting on 6/27.

But even on both 6/27 and the 7/1 NXT tapings, while almost everyone was wearing a mask, there were exceptions. Kona Reeves had a mask but was not wearing it on 6/27 and there may have been others, including those who did have masks covering their mouths and not their noses. On the 7/1 taping, they moved the crowd and had far less crowd shots, and the crowd was also darkened. But there was one woman very noticeable in a number of shots with no mask and others with masks that weren’t on.

The only names public from WWE who tested positive were Renee Young, who went public without telling WWE, and Mojo Rawley, Jamie Noble and Adam Pearce. It’s pretty much impossible to believe Noble or Pearce would have gone public on their own so it appears WWE wanted a few names out of people that the fans wouldn’t care about since they aren’t active wrestles. Due to HIPPA laws, WWE could not release the names of anyone who tested positive without their permission. Braxton did give them her permission in March to release her name but they did not.

Mojo Rawley has not been spotted at any of the TV tapings since the deal with Rob Gronkowski fell through the cracks, and those close to sources speculated whether he was the scapegoat following Gronk's release. As it turned out, he caught COVID last month and while doing somewhat better, is being held off TV until officials believe it safe for him to do so.

One anonymous WWE name told Wrestlinginc.com that the company has forbid any talent who contracted it to go public. It is known that they were not happy at all that Young posted what she did. It was said that the company would take care of all medical treatment and that the public relations department would handle all information to the public.

What is known is that some of those names tested positive, at least one was held off for precautionary reasons, some asked for time off so as not to risk their families due to the outbreak, and some were not originally booked this week. There were no answers as to who fit into the latter two scenarios. The Mysterios were definitely booked to appear live and instead did a taped segment from home.

Some have noted that a major issue to some talent is how other talent is not taking it seriously enough. One person noted to us that they basically go to work, and to the store, and that’s it, while others are out at bars hanging out with no masks in close quarters, or boats, or hot tubs, crowded beaches, or gyms, with the risk they can get it, and bring it in the room. At the same time, the profession does call for people to have to be in the gym, in particular the women, because of how they are costumed and what they are judged by, but really everyone on WWE television has to train, and the women in particular can make a lot of money on Instagram with constantly putting up new photos.

John Brody, the Executive Vice President and Global Head of Sales and Marketing answered the question about WWE continuing to run shows which came under a lot of fire.

“First thing’s first, the health and safety of our superstars like Charlotte, our legends like Ric (Flair), all of our frontline workers because we have frontline workers also, is first and foremost of paramount importance to us. But it comes down to leadership in many ways. Our leader (Vince McMahon), our founder, our chairman, our CEO believes that we have a social responsibility to put fans first and to help fans get a little break from what was, then, coming and now in the midst of and we have a responsibility to try and take them away for a few hours and let them watch Charlotte (who did the interview with him and nodded her approval during this) do the amazing things that she and her colleagues do in the ring and give them a smile, give them a chance to feel something other than what they’re watching, which is also important, on the news.

“We leaned in, not because we knew an exactly straight path ahead but to say, `We are going to put fans first.’ We are going to do everything we can working with state, local, and federal officials to make sure it’s safe first for our most important resource, Charlotte Flair and the WWE superstars but we are going to do whatever we can to deliver content for our partners Fox, NBCU, all of our partners, Sony, all of our partners around the world, but our fans. We did it with a closed set, we immediately went into the WWE Performance Center. I was saying to Charlotte before, most people think, `Well, WWE did it because they had a studio ready to roll’ Ask Charlotte if that’s a studio. It’s a gym. It’s a really nice gym but it’s a gym that we have transformed into a set. And, the way we have done it is first, make sure we only have essential personnel, we have a closed set, no fans, we’re testing all the superstars to make sure they’re healthy. But, we have a responsibility to our fans and we wanted to continue to deliver for them to help them in the small little way we could.”

After the surge in COVID cases in Florida and change in regulations, WWE on 6/29 alerted those involved with both the 7/24 and 7/27 TV tapings scheduled with fans in Lakeland, FL, that they delaying plans for touring and those two events have been canceled. There are tickets currently being sold for a 9/28 Raw show in Cleveland.

It should be pointed out that at the time of the interview they were still allowing some fans in, although only those on a contact list of friends and family that the company personally e-mailed as a group. But where they fail is saying they are working with state, local and federal officials. They may be in compliance with certain letters of the law regarding the holding of the event itself, but if anything the mask ordinance in Orange County while technically not applying to them based on the idea they are a private facility, is very much against the spirit of the ordinance.

#SPEAKINGOUT HITS WRESTLING The WWE addressed sexual allegations against women on 6/30 when Paul Levesque spoke on a conference call to the NXT U.K. brand, which was rocked by so many allegations that there were people fearful of the future of the brand.

Levesque told the performers that the company’s protocol on any allegations of that type are that there is zero tolerance to any charges like that provided there was irrefutable evidence to the charges. It came across as a warning to talent. The company’s policy has in the past been that if there are police charges, talent will be suspended until there is either a conviction or an exoneration. A conviction would lead to firing. The company can also act on its own without charges involved if it has what it considers serious evidence.

WWE has released Simon Musk (El Ligero), Travis Bligh (Travis Banks) and referees Joel Allen and Chris Roberts. They have also suspended Joe Coffey, but no action at this point has been taken regarding charges against either Matt Riddle, Jordan Devlin, Barry Young (Wolfgang) or Patrick Clark (Velveteen Dream).

Clark has been featured heavily in NXT storylines of late, with the plan being for a long-term chase leading to him dethroning Adam Cole to win the NXT Championship. In light of allegations hitting the industry, WWE felt they had to make a snap decision, and instead determined Finn Balor as a better option. It must be noted that while the fan vote on WWE's website was a shoot, it was as gimmicked as any of the old Cyber Sunday polls used to be.

Clark was in an auto accident on 6/26 and hospitalized briefly from it, but still appeared on 7/1 to write himself off. His official status with the company has not changed. His case did include multiple accusers, text messages and even audio of phone conversations that were released.

In the Riddle case, WWE was aware, through Riddle, of the issue that involved female performer Candy Cartwright in an alleged incident that took place while in a van that a number of Evolve talent was using and there were others with Evolve in the van at the time, although Cartwright claimed they were sleeping. WWE was said to have investigated at the time so it is unlikely anything will come of it. Riddle is also key in NXT's Great American Bash show on 7/8, facing Timothy Thatcher in an MMA cage match known as "the Fight Pit".

THE WEDNESDAY NIGHT WARS The biggest Wednesday night competition of the year took place as part of the two-week Fyter Fest vs. Great American Bash promotion.

Both sides can claim victory in week one, with NXT having more viewers due to its huge edge over 50, but AEW winning solidly in the key 18-49 demo.

It was a very strong news day, which historically hurts AEW more, and given it’s usually well over a 100,000 gap between the two sides in DVR viewership, AEW will almost surely win the overall for total viewers this week. Still, NXT has had a major resurgence and it has hurt AEW in all age groups, but particularly over 50.

NXT and USA in competition announced limited commercial interruptions on the show, and going with no commercials for the first half-hour. That would have contributed somewhat to an increase in the show’s numbers but the minute-by-minute data isn’t available at press time to fully examine how much difference it made. Based on the usual loss of viewers during commercials, it would have made a minor difference in the overall ratings, not enough to change NXT winning in total viewers, but the gap would be a little closer. Even at this gap, since AEW traditionally beats NXT by 100,000 to 150,000 viewers in DVR viewership, AEW will win the overall when all is said and done.

Both groups had lots of pyro. Besides the other wrestlers, AEW had some models in bikinis both at ringside as fans and also laying in beach chairs in different places around the ring. NXT tried to push the specialness of the event from the start with a Great American Bash video package, using clips from WCW using Ric Flair, Sting, Hulk Hogan, Dusty Rhodes and others and trying to tie in those larger than life stars with the shows they are putting on this week and next.

NO ESPY FOR TITUS In a week with so many negative stories about pro wrestling, the fact a pro wrestler was the finalist for the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian of the year at the ESPY Award brings up a more positive aspect of some people in the industry.

Titus O’Neil, real name Thaddeus Bullard, didn’t win the award that was announced on 6/21. That went to Nelson Cruz of the Minnesota Twins.

But he should be recognized within wrestling for his work over the past several years.

O’Neil, 43, has been a community leader in Tampa for years, especially working on behalf of children.

O’Neil’s background is a key part of his story. He was born after his mother, age 11 at the time, was raped. He spent five years as a troubled youth at the Florida Sheriff’s Boys Ranch. Those years taught him, through strong mentoring, to focus on school and sports, and he became one of the top high school football players in the country, a Parade Magazine All-American, and was heavily recruited.

He played at the University of Florida but his college career was not at the level of his high school career. He was a regular player for four seasons, but only started three games. He was also student body president. He wasn’t drafted by the NFL and played a few years of arena football. He ended up being friends with Dave Bautista, who was one of WWE’s top stars and got him to try pro wrestling.

Still, even with the recent layoffs, O’Neil, given his age and how little he’s used, would have been a likely cut. But he’s the type of person you want working for your company.

This past week he helped promote the “Love Walk” with himself and Bautista in Tampa on 6/27 trying to bring together business leaders, local politicians and families to talk about peaceful protests against racism and police brutality.

During the recent issues in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, O’Neil tried to be a public voice of reason. He spoke eloquently on the subject while trying to unify the community and not divide it like so many have. Given the tensions of the situation, it had to be difficult to be nuanced, not either preachy or over-the-top.

He’s heavily involved in local charity work and has helped more than 245 student athletes from the area get into college. He’s led measures such as reading books to children in after-school programs, been involved with the United Way’s Walking School bus program in at-risk neighborhoods by walking with children on foot to school and helping school breakfast programs. Every year he hosts a Joy of Giving even where he and others hand out toys to more than 1,000 children. He spearheaded raising tens of millions of dollars for more than 300 different non-profit organizations.

SAVED BY THE BELL Although he had been working on a per date deal since reappearing after the mass lay-offs a few months ago, Heath Slater has re-signed a multi-year deal with the company.

REIGNS SPEAKS Roman Reigns spoke to The Hindu Times regarding his departure during the pandemic, basically saying it was a move made for the protection of his family, saying the company does all it can to protect the wrestlers but he can’t trust that every wrestler has done the same. Really, regarding defending the company, what else can he say? “The decision was taken mainly because each performer travels so much, and we are all such a diverse group and from all over the place. I’m not convinced, and I can’t trust the fact that everybody is taking it as seriously and locking themselves down at home like I am. I trust my life with my co-workers every time I step foot in the ring, but I just can’t put the same trust when it has my children, my wife and my family involved. But I don’t want it to come off as I am taking a stand against the company at all, because I love the WWE. I’ve been a part of this company just since I was a little boy. That’s why I always take it so personally when I represent them.

- KAIRI GOES HOME Kairi Sane, 31, returned to Japan to be with her husband. This has been in the works for a while and the company has known about it since May if not earlier. Sane was injured by Shayna Baszler in a Raw match taped on 5/12 for air on 5/18.

- A FADING EMBER Ember Moon may need a second surgery to repair her torn Achilles tendon. She had complications after the first surgery. Moon spoke to Comicbook.com this past week about the situation saying, “It’s just a very, very long process and I would love, love, love to have a date back on the board but it’s up in the air. I’m sitting here and I’m fighting a second surgery. I’m fighting against the second surgery. That’s how bad it is. When I went on Backstage and I said, `I don’t know if I’m ever going to wrestle again,’ I meant what I said.

NO EMMY FOR CENA The show “Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader” hosted by Cena on Nickelodeon which had a nomination, didn’t win the Daytime Emmy category of Outstanding Game Show on Daytime Television. “Jeopardy!” was announced as the winner.

WON Ratings:
Styles vs Owens - RAW 6/29 - ****
Shirai vs Flair - NXT Great American Bash 7/1 - ***¼
Starks vs Scott - NXT Great American Bash 7/1 - ***
Priest vs Grimes - NXT Great American Bash 7/1 - **¾
Yim vs LeRae - NXT Great American Bash 7/1 - **¼
Fantasma vs Kushida - NXT Great American Bash 7/1 - ***¾

TV Ratings:
SmackDown 6/26 - 2.17 million viewers
RAW 6/29 - 1.80 million viewers
NXT Great American Bash 7/1 - 0.80 million viewers

· The Pandemic Project · Keep Your Distance ·
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DTP.
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Joined on: Jun 28, 2007 14:45:14 GMT -5
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· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Mar 25, 2023 5:43:51 GMT -5

Quote

Post by DTP. on Mar 25, 2023 5:43:51 GMT -5

Monday Night RAW #1415 - July 6, 2020
WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida
THE HORROR SHOW AT EXTREME RULES: ONE WEEK FROM SUNDAY!
"Legendary" by Skillet

Main Event #406 – July 9, 2020
1) R-Truth def. Shelton Benjamin with the Attitude Adjustment. (6:10)
2) Billie Kay (with Peyton Royce) def. Dana Brooke with a roll-up using Peyton's hand for leverage. (4:35)
3) The Viking Raiders def. Cezar Bononi and Arturo Ruas with the Viking Experience on Ruas. (3:39)

The opening video package aired, bringing us to the WWE Performance Center for Monday Night RAW! Independence Day had come and gone, and the select few WWE Universe members voiced their enthusiasm with facial coverings in the colors of the Stars and Stripes. Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian welcomed us to the show, on a night where the WWE United States Champion Andrade would pay his own respects to America with an Open Challenge; plus, Randy Orton and Bobby Lashley would take their differences one step further with a Beat the Clock Challenge!

'The Fourth of July Open Challenge' - WWE United States Champion Andrade vs TBA
Beat the Clock Challenge - Randy Orton vs TBA; Bobby Lashley vs TBA
Beat the Clock Challenge - Bobby Lashley vs TBA

Right Down the Middle
The WWE World Champion kicked off Monday Night RAW, as Drew McIntyre graced the WWE Universe with his presence. The jacked "Scottish Terminator" greeted the people, taking to the ring to address them. With the title on his shoulder, he hoped that everybody enjoyed Fourth of July before discussing how as the fireworks exploded overhead this past weekend, all he could do was reflect on the kind of champion he had been. It was well established that he was the kind of champion willing to fight day-in and day-out to prove himself as the guy to beat on Monday Night RAW, much like he had done time and time again! But with that said, Drew couldn't help but think about his newly named number one contender. He recounted the battle between AJ Styles and Kevin Owens last week, and how it was a war much like he had anticipated. The Scotsman even enjoyed watching it, when the reality of the situation set in - KO was robbed, and the man he would meet at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules was "the Phenomenal One" himself.

"The Scottish Terminator" spoke of how incredible AJ Styles could be, how his monicker lived up to the athlete he was. "The Phenomenal One" had once held the WWE World Championship for over an entire year - but clearly those days were behind him, because he couldn't help but have Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson carry the ball when it grew too heavy! Drew McIntyre recounted how AJ hadn't been the same for some time, that he always needed the O.C. to have his back - but that wasn't the type of match he wanted to have. In less than two weeks, Drew wanted to meet "the Face Who Ran the Place" for 371 days - not the guy still traumatized by being buried alive by The Undertaker. He wanted AJ at his best, before sending to a video package he had the production team whip up! Set to "Touched" by VAST, it displayed AJ's phenomenal feats of athleticism in years gone by - from WWE Championships, to still images from his past in TNA, and overseas in New Japan Pro Wrestling.

Drew McIntyre smiled and urged AJ Styles to consider it strongly, because he wasn't going to let Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson get involved one way or the other. The O.C. made their way out in response, with AJ gesturing a tear in his eye. Applauding the Scotsman for such a touching tribute - it was truly befitting of the next WWE World Champion! "The Good Brothers" agreed, supporting AJ and claiming they always knew "the Scottish Terminator" was a good brother. Yet AJ had some discrepencies with what Drew had to say, claiming that he was still "the Face Who Runs the Place", and that he would have absolutely no problem beating him at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules - clean as a whistle, right in the middle! KA and "the Big LG" then brought up the namesake of the event one week from Sunday, acknowledging that it was the one night a year WWE went "extreme!" The two heavies intimated they couldn't possibly have just a straight-up wrestling match at a spectacle known as "Extreme Rules".

AJ Styles agreed, and claimed he nor Drew McIntyre thought that would be any fun whatsoever. "The Phenomenal One" decided there was only one way to determine the conditions of their WWE World Championship match: and it would be to provide the WWE Universe a preview of what the outcome of the Horror Show at Extreme Rules would be! The O.C. challenged the Scotsman to a six-man tag team match tonight, with the winner getting to choose the stipulation for the big night - telling "the Club" that they were on! With an obnoxious laugh, AJ told the Scotsman he could consider himself a fighting champion representing of the brand all he wished - but he still had a long way to go to be truly "Phenomenal". The truth was AJ could do it all alone, and vowed to do just that tonight, against he and whoever dorks he picked to team with him. As Gallows and Anderson jeered the champ and claimed he had no friends, the O.C. departed - the match made for tonight!

Tonight - Winner chooses the stipulation at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules - WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre and TBA vs The O.C.

︾︾︾

On the topic of six-person tag team matches, Natalya walked and talked with the Riott Squad. Her true colors shown over the past couple of weeks, Nattie appeared to be mentoring Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan ahead of their match. They would meet the RAW Women's Champion Asuka, Bianca Belair and Liv Morgan - up next!

An Unsuccessful Handover
Footage aired from earlier today, showing the confrontation had between "the All Mighty" and "the Apex Predator". After Randy Orton stole the Money in the Bank briefcase last week, Bobby Lashley stood in a hallway with MVP and Lana, knowing full well this handover would not go down as planned. "The Franchise Player" carried a briefcase of his own, assuring him this transaction to go down - "the Viper" stole his property, but they were here to make things right. Lana questioned what buying Orton would do for Bobby's credibility, proclaiming him a future WWE World Champion. The two bickered as Bobby rolled his eyes, when Randy Orton appeared - without the Money in the Bank briefcase. An outraged MVP questioned the kind of game "the Viper" was playing, as Orton threatened to wipe him out in seconds if he didn't watch his step. He and Lashley went face-to-face as Randy made it known he didn't think he deserved the briefcase, claiming he would blow any opportunity his sidekicks outlined for him.

Bobby Lashley smirked telling Randy Orton he worried too much about him, but "the Viper" claimed he did because "the All Mighty" couldn't think for himself. Raising the point that Bob had never been WWE World Champion, the Money in the Bank briefcase was pointless being in his care - but he was a nine-time champion who would not blow his opportunity. Lashley asked how Randy fared against Drew McIntyre back at Backlash, asking him for pointers on how not to blow it when he won his first title! In stepped Lana to call Randy out on taking from "the All Mighty". His wife claimed he would pay dearly for it, though Orton simply looked Bobby in the face and asked him if she ever shut up! The condescending veteran told the three Bobby would get his briefcase back, but he didn't want MVP's dirty money. Instead, all Lashley had to do was beat him tonight in a Beat the Clock Challenge. Lana and MVP raised their voices again, but this time Lashley accepted!

︾︾︾

1) RAW Women's Champion Asuka, Bianca Belair and Liv Morgan def. Natalya and the Riott Squad (14:20)
- What started with Natalya turning her back on Liv Morgan, whom she had spent months mentoring, had quickly spiralled into a six-woman tag team dispute. Liv was eager as ever to get her hands on her previous mentor, only to find herself caught by her former Riott Squad tag team partners. Asuka and Bianca Belair would show some chemistry with stereo hip attacks delivered to Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan, when Liv soared with a dive through the ropes onto the three opponents. The fan favorites rallied the WWE Universe, as the Canadian veteran reprimanded her tag team partners on the floor!
- The action continued with Bianca Belair able to effortlessly catch Sarah Logan from the second rope with a spinebuster, when in came Asuka with a series of kicks. The RAW Women's Champion was distracted momentarily by Ruby Riott, allowing Logan to come in with a shotgun knee stike! Sarah set up a shiranui, when Asuka rotated her onto her feet, into a codebreaker! "The Empress of Tomorrow" tagged in Liv Morgan, taking Riott by surprise with a series of armdrags and a hurricanrana - before a Matrix evasion saw Logan miss her - allowing Morgan to handspring into a spinning headscissors! Liv set her sights on Natalya, causing a war of words between the two - when from behind saw the Riott Squad strike with a double flatliner! From there, Nattie decided to belittle her former protege with a disrespectful slap to the face as she was down. Liv tried to bounce back with forearm strikes - only to be taken down with a wheelbarrow facebuster!
- Natalya and the Riott Squad remained on the attack against Liv Morgan. Ruby Riott sent Liv face-first into the turnbuckle pad using the Deadly Night, when in came Sarah Logan with a Fisherman suplex. Liv remained resilient as Natalya came in again with a cravate applied, punishing her former student. Morgan fought her way out, when a powerbomb would see Liv land on her feet - connecting with the Jersey Codebreaker! Both women crawled to their respective corners, though Asuka would get the tag in time. The RAW Women's Champion roared through the Riott Squad as Asuka landed the Switchblade Kick on Logan, when in snuck Riott from behind - for Bianca Belair to fire with an echoing hair whip to the face! "The EST" knocked Nattie from the ing using a shoulder block, and rather than attempt to re-enter, she merely watched as Asuka wiped Riott out with a spinkick. Logan clashed Belair with the pop-up headbutt, but hit the ropes only to walk into the ObLIVion - giving Liv the win!

In a showcase of what the RAW Women's Division was all about, Liv Morgan was paraded around the ring in victory by her tag team partners, the RAW Women's Champion Asuka and Bianca Belair. Natalya watched on angrily at ringside, having neglected to save the day for the Riott Squad leading to her partners' downfall. Ruby Riott was seen watching from ringside, and oddly complimented Liv on the win despite their rivalry. Sarah Logan forced Ruby to step away from ringside, while inside "the Empress of Tomorrow" continued to share the ring with "the EST" - who noticably had her eyes on the Japanese Superstar's title.

︾︾︾

He's Just One Man
Outside of the WWE Performance Center, Heath Slater was seen swaggering across the parking lot wearing a pair of sunglasses. "The One Man Rock Band" was eager to get the WWE 24/7 Championship back when stopped by a security guard at the door! Heath tried to play it cool, letting it be known he was a WWE Superstar, though the imposing guard would inform Heath that he was under orders from "high above" to not allow Slater into the WWEPC! Slater removed his sunglasses and told him he was a champion literally last week, and had been all over Monday Night RAW of late. Heath urged the guard to reconsider, in jest of what Vince McMahon said last week, but the guard explained his hands were tied. Heath began to grow agitated, warning the guard he was not afraid to force his way in - though the guard would call for back-up on his tranceiver. Slater wisely decided to scram.

︾︾︾

Meanwhile, Seth Rollins led the Church through the corridors inside the WWE Performance Center. The RAW Tag Team Champions Theory and Murphy, as well as Akam kept eyes in the back of their heads for another sneak attack from Aleister Black. With whatever an Eye for an Eye match entailed, coming up at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules, "the Monday Night Messiah" seemed awfully confident as he headed for the ring.

A graphic aired, showing the most recent cover of TV Guide. Advertising the summer's craziest show, the magazine graced none other than The Miz! With the wild new water competition series scheduled to premiere this Thursday at 8/7 CT, tonight after Monday Night RAW a special sneak peek would air of 'Cannonball' - hosted by "the A-Lister".

Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian discussed the personal situation between the two 'blood brothers' of sorts, Aleister Black and Seth Rollins. With a second meeting scheduled to take place at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules in shy of two weeks, they elaborated on the rules for what the Eye for an Eye match entailed. As explained to them by "the Appropriator of Habit" himself, it would be no match - but a fight - without pinfall, submission, disqualification or even count-out. The only way the match would come to an end would be when one man were to take an eye from his opponent. Christian commented on having been in plenty of firsts in his career - but this one sounded downright barbaric.

The Church Gets Smoked
Seth Rollins made his arrival to the WWE Performance Center, as a portion of the WWE Universe appeared to be loyal to "the Monday Night Messiah", bowing from behind the plexiglass as he made his arrival. The Church followed behind him, though Seth remained cocky ahead of the Eye for an Eye match in less than two weeks. In the ring, the gloved hand of Seth took to the microphone to address Aleister Black, and how crazy this whole situation was. Hopeful of backtracking on everything he had done over the past few weeks, Seth iterated how he and "the Appropriator of Habit" were not 'blood brothers' - what happened with the steel steps back in May was an accident! Rollins commented on the rules for what an Eye for an Eye match was, asking his Disciples in attendance how bizarre and unnecessary it all sounded! While Murphy remained tight-lipped, Theory spoke up to his tag team partner's annoyance - he believed it was downright idiotic!

The youngest Disciple spoke out about the riches in which Seth Rollins should be gifted for holding the fort down on Monday Night RAW - but for what? He had been met with absurdist threats and diabolical attempts to ruin his image as "the Head of the Church" by a mad man in Aleister Black. Finally, Murphy demanded silence and respect from his partner as "the Monday Night Messiah" spoke, though Seth okayed the RAW Tag Team Champions' plight. Akam remained silent as Seth wrapped his arms around Murphy, hugging him and making it known how much faith he had in the future of the Church. Theory went above and beyond for them all last week, fearlessly going toe-to-toe with "the Appropriator of Habit". The Street Profits suddenly made their way out to the rampway, much to the chagrin of "the Equalizer". Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins were energetic as ever, as they prodded Seth's followers comparing them to the Three Stooges - Akam, Theory and Murphy were "S-tier tools!"

Angelo Dawkins brought up how he and Montez Ford had been waiting for this since they had the RAW Tag Team Championships stolen from them by Theory and Murphy at Money in the Bank, but now they were here - the number one contenders - and they were gonna get the smoke they wanted! The Street Profits slipped into the ring for Akam to stand guard of the Church. As angered as Murphy as, Seth Rollins stood before his Church and questioned what he could do for the two men. "The Frat Boys" were clearly lost souls acting out, and wanting to be found by the Church. "The Monday Night Messiah" asked Tez and Ang if they wanted to be Disciples - but Ford countered that the only thing lost would be Seth's eye when Aleister Black when it was all over! Seth blew a gasket, restrained by his followers. Challenging Tez to a match here and now, "the Head of the Church" didn't deserve to be addressed like that! Ford accepted, claiming he was about to dunk on Seth just like Michael Jordan in 'the Last Dance!'

2) Seth Rollins (with the Church) def. Montez Ford (with Angelo Dawkins) (9:09)
- As the Church and Angelo Dawkins all departed the ring, a referee jogged out to the ring and started the match - with "the Monday Night Messiah" immediately rushing in! Montez Ford saw Seth Rollins coming and sounded off with a series of right hands, just for "the Head of the Church" to battle back. A back body drop sent Ford over the top rope to the apron, where an enzuigiri went amiss - and a springboard crossbody would take down Seth for a one-count! Ford leapt back to his feet, as Rollins regrouped at ringside in the waiting arms of his Disciples. The RAW Tag Team Champions Theory and Murphy helped their leader back to his feet, as Akam threatened Ang from across the ringside area!
- Montez Ford's momentum was cut during the break, as Seth Rollins dodged a standing moonsault and planted "the Frat Boy" with an STO in the corner. "The Head of the Church" took pride having one-half of the Street Profits under his control, as a camel clutch kept him down. Ford was resourceful, dodging a corner forearm smash, only to be hit with a blockbuster from the second rope. "The Monday Night Messiah" showboated with confidence - a big mistake, once Ford responded with an enzuigiri! On the comeback, Ford blocked a springboard knee strike attempt with a leaping dropkick sending Seth to the floor from the apron; and a topé con hilo would see the Church get wiped out! Ford was rolling with a reverse leapfrog into a dropkick, when a DDT got a near fall. Ford was closing in, climbing to the top rope when the referee spotted Akam attack Ang on the floor! With his back turned, Murphy knocked Tez from the top rope, right into superkick flush on the jaw. The Stomp would grant Seth the three count!

The Harder They Fall
The antics of the Church had granted their supposed "fearless leader" victory, once "the Monday Night Messiah" would have his hand raised in victory. Angelo Dawkins ceased laying fists into "the Equalizer" Akam by the barricade, long enough for Theory to slyly strike with a RAW Tag Team Championship shot to the back of the head! Murphy joined Seth Rollins in the ring, putting the boots to a defenseless Montez Ford - when Seth demanded "the Juggernaut" hold him place. Exiting the ring, Seth secured a toolbox from under the ring, scattering tools all across the canvas! Finally returning with a screwdriver in hand, he would have Murphy hold "the Frat Boy" in place as Seth threatened to make a sacrifice out of Ford! Aiming for the eye, Ford tried to fight it with all of his might, when finally Aleister Black arrived! "The Appropriator of Habit" landed strikes in the corner, with Seth taking the brunt of each blow!

With arms wide open Seth Rollins demanded more, when from behind blindsighted Akam! "The Monday Night Messiah" laughed as his heavy looked for the Desert Storm in the corner - but Aleister Black slipped free and took Akam down with the Black Mass! Faced with his rival, Seth remained unmoved running his mouth at the black-eyed Black, when Murphy urged him to leave the showdown. One week from Sunday would see the 'blood brothers' collide at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules - with one man supposedly leaving without an eye!

︾︾︾

Ricochet and Cedric Alexander were chatting in the locker room, when in walked the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre. "The Scottish Terminator" exchanged pleasantries with "the Future of Flight" and "Lumbar Legacy", before getting down to brass tax. They all had an axe to grind with the O.C, and the way he saw it - this was their chance. Drew had been impressed by the two of them as a tag team for months, and what they did taking out Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson during last week's number one contender's match was the icing on the cake. Ricochet and Cedric spoke of their long-time grudges with AJ Styles and "the Good Brothers", how they couldn't stand them and that nobody gave a damn about their little Club in Japan. The Scotsman smiled, asking them if he could count on them in tonight's six-man tag team main event. With handshakes, the two accepted!

Sarah Schreiber was standing by with La Invasíon, who arrived with a black bag on Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo's person. The WWE United States Champion Andrade and Zelina Vega were asked about the Independence Day Open Challenge though "El Capo" gestured for Schreiber to be quiet. Choosing to address Dominik Mysterio. Comparing him to un poco paloma, Andrade claimed they gave him the beating his daddy Rey Mysterio should have given him long ago. Zelina found it laughable Dom could possibly ever fill his father's shoes. As much as they hated "the Legendary Luchador", Dom was a stain on his old man's legacy! "El Idolo" claimed his son did not have the heart everybody thought he had, but as far as he was concerned - it was onto greener pastures. Andrade teased revealing what was in the black bag, but told the WWE Universe they would all find out later. Tonight, Mexico would reign supreme in the Open Challenge!

︾︾︾

3) Shayna Baszler def. Santana Garrett (1:56)
- In her first appearance since the Submission match loss two weeks ago to the RAW Women's Champion Asuka, "the Queen of Spades" appeared to be in a foul mood. Shayna Baszler wasted no time going in against Santana Garrett, who worked hard to outmove "the Submission Magician" early on. A series of dropkicks saw the underdog rally the WWE Universe behind her - when Baszler cut her off with an abrupt cross-armbreaker! Santana was able to make the bottom rope with her foot, infuriating Baszler and almost leading to her getting disqualified! Baszler finally broke the hold but would continued to focus on Santana's arm with a double-wristlock, when Santana surprised with an enzuigiri! A handspring elbow was attempted, just for Shayna to catch her in mid-air with the Kirifuda Clutch - quickly forcing the submission.

As ever with reckless abandon, Shayna Baszler refused to break the Kirifuda Clutch on Santana Garrett until the referee would jump in to force the separation! "The Queen of Spades" shoulder barged and got face-to-face with the official, but with his back turned, Baszler would kick him out of the way. Immediately taking Garrett's arm and bending it in position, Shayna stomped the elbow - assuredly breaking the arm of Santana! She would weep in agony on the mat, but just as "the Submission Magician" began to take her leave... she would turn back and target the second arm! Enraged still after being submitted by Asuka two weeks ago on Championship Monday, Baszler would stomp the good elbow - with poor Santana Garrett's arms in severe agony! As the cold-hearted fighter left the ring, she did not turn back once to observe the devastation, as medics flooded ringside to attend to her opponent.

︾︾︾

Charly Caruso was standing by with Riddick Moss, who had personally requested this interview time. With a new look, Riddick noted how of late he had not exactly been as smooth as he had said he was - but tonight was where it all turned around! Fired up, Moss claimed this was where he got back to where he left off - before football players and comedians got in his way of being "Mr. 24/7". Moss expressed his need of becoming WWE 24/7 Champion once again - but this time, he wasn't going to let anybody get in his way! Riddick claimed Big Show didn't intimidate him... when into frame came the Big Show. "The World's Largest Athlete" towered over Moss and asked if that's how he felt. Commenting that all he had to do was ask, the veteran told Moss casually he could have his match tonight before departing. With a visible change in his demeanor, the reality had set in and Moss was visibly scared!

Tonight - WWE 24/7 Championship - Big Show (c) vs Riddick Moss

︾︾︾

Bobby Lashley paced back and forth in the hallway, as MVP tried to get in the head of "the All Mighty". Provoking him with his words for what Randy Orton did - not just undermining his dominance, size and ability; but stealing his property of the Money in the Bank briefcase - he had to smash the competition in the Beat the Clock Challenge tonight. Lashley remained silent, when up walked his wife Lana. Unhappy as often seen, she surprisingly agreed with "the Franchise Player". Calling "the Viper" downright disgusting, she incensed her husband by questioning why he wasn't angrier! On the same page in a rare occurrence, MVP and Lana fired Lashley up until he turned red with rage - letting out a wacry: he was going to get back what belonged to him! Lashley set off for the ring - Beat the Clock moments away!

A vignette aired, depicting an empty, dark and gloomy boxing gym. Inside, a colossal man was depicted pounding at a punching bag, which spun from its' holster. With his hood up, the gigantic arms could be seen on clear display, as he was then shown warming up in the gym. Pushing his limits on the treadmill, the huge man was finally seen stepping through the ropes. There, four aspiring wrestlers in training all eyed up the arrival of the giant - to get their heads crushed by the fearsome man. As a claw led to a face-clutching chokeslam on one of the trainees, the rest scrambled in terror. That's when the man lowered his hood - revealing "the Nigerian Garangtuan" Omos - coming soon to WWE.

︾︾︾

What a Hoot
Ricochet and Cedric Alexander continued to talk in the dressing room area, when out of nowhere struck Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson! Ahead of the six-man tag team main event, the O.C. had devised a shortcut to overcome the WWE World Champion and his partners - though "the Future of Flight" and "Lumbar Legacy" worked to hold back the tide brought by "the Good Brothers!" Finally overwhelmed, "the Big LG" would lawn dart Ricochet head-first into the steel cabinet, leaving Alexander in harm's way for the Magic Killer on the marble flooring! KA expressed it as revenge for last week, as the two departed. Drew McIntyre's partners were motionless!

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Snake Games
With MVP and Lana in his corner, Bobby Lashley came stomping out to the ring to a mixed reaction. Without his briefcase, the Money in the Bank briefcase holder was pumped up - and continued to be prepped for this Beat the Clock Challenge competition lined up by "the Apex Predator". As his wife and his advisor fired "the All Mighty" up in the ring however, Randy Orton would come walking out with a sniveling grin on his face. "The Viper" was once again without Lashley's briefcase, but raised his hands in mercy as a rattled Lashley tried exiting the ring to pursue him. Orton told Bob he knew how fired up he was, because deep down he had all of this repressed anger! Orton joked that it wasn't good to walk around so hotheaded all the time, because rage was weakness, and it would cost him big when it mattered most! Randy assured Bobby the briefcase was just fine in his care - and if Lashley simply beat his opponent in less time than him, he would get it back. Lashley raised his voice, when out paced Danny Burch from NXT to take up the challenge!

4) Bobby Lashley (with Lana and MVP) def. Danny Burch in the Beat the Clock Challenge (3:54)
- All "the All Mighty" wanted was for his Money in the Bank briefcase to be returned to him, following Randy Orton's theft of it last week. Now finding himself forced to take the Beat the Clock Challenge against "the Viper", Bobby Lashley was caught by surprise by NXT's Danny Burch! Striking with a relentless series of European uppercuts, Lashley tried to cut him off using his power. Shoulder thrusts attempted to keep "the London Mauler" at bay, when Burch struck from nowhere with a headbutt that rocked him! Lana was petrified as Burch landed a step-up enzuigiri in the corner, and a crossface was applied! Lashley was on the verge of submission as an eager "Apex Predator" watched from the rampway - when Lashley was able to spinebuster his way free! Biel tosses would follow, though Burch would refuse to give in! A stalling suplex connected, but once again Burch got his index finger up vertical in the air! Finally, Lashley had no choice but to apply the Hurt Lock - forcing Burch into submission!

3:54 was the time to beat, as Bobby Lashley reluctantly released the dead weight of Danny Burch from the Hurt Lock. "The All Mighty" caught his breath, as MVP and Lana joined their man in the ring. The Money in the Bank briefcase holder had been caught off-guard by "the London Mauler" - but with his back turned, Randy Orton hit the ring! "The Apex Predator" attempted to slip in with an RKO, just for Lashley to chuck him away before dropping him with the Spear! As Lashley slid out to ringside, his wife and his advisor were impressed - when out came "the Viper's" opponent. Oney Lorcan came pacing down to the ring, with his index finger high in the air!

5) Randy Orton def. Oney Lorcan in a Beat the Clock Challenge (5:21 - fail) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- Randy Orton now had 3:54 to put away Oney Lorcan if he wanted to win his self-set Beat the Clock Challenge against Bobby Lashley. Working with a disadvantage after being given the Spear from "the All Mighty", "the Viper" was struck with a clothesline from the NXT Superstar. Following the effort from "the London Mauler", Oney continued hammering Orton with a series of European uppercuts when stopped with a powerslam! Shrugging off the pain, he kept his eyes on Bobby Lashley at ringside - beginning to hammer "the Boston Brawler" with right hands in the corner. Lorcan fired with a dropkick in return, only to be stopped short again with the inverted neckbreaker! Oney was covered numerous times, but kept kicking out. Time was beginning to run away, as Lorcan went to the top rope only for Orton to pull his leg from under him. The draping DDT dropped Oney flat on his face - but he managed to get a shoulder up, as the timer ran out! Orton had lost the challenge to Lashley, as this match continued!
- The time had expired, but the fight of Oney Lorcan remained as he battled a sleeper from "the Apex Predator". Bobby Lashley, Lana and MVP watched with smiles on their faces, to the point Randy Orton began to grow irritated. It allowed Oney to rally back with a hard lariat stunning Orton, who fired back with a European uppercut of his own. The two men exchanged hard uppercuts, when Oney caught Orton by the jaw and began to slap him repeatedly with fury! An eye rake blinded "the Boston Brawler", when a running blockbuster connected - narrowly seeing Orton kick out. In what was turning into a memorable showing, Lorcan caught "the Viper" in a victory roll for a near fall - when the RKO came out of nowhere! Failing the challenge, the veteran appeared unimpressed with the victory scored in 5:21.

Randy Orton bit off far more than he could chew against Oney Lorcan, and as a result had lost out on the Beat the Clock Challenge he himself had set! Bobby Lashley suddenly came from behind, looking to pick the bones of "the Apex Predator" with the Hurt Lock attempted. Randy was wise enough to battle free with the use of the ropes, his strength, as well as a low blow - soon dropping "the All Mighty" with an RKO! Orton slid across the ring and began to take his leave, but noticed Lana send the signal to MVP to go and find the Money in the Bank briefcase! It was a decoy set up by Lashley, and now the chase was on as MVP rushed for the backstage area, with Orton quick on his heels.

Better Luck Next Time
Following a replay from moments ago, cameras caught up backstage where MVP was seen pacing back and forth. Outside of Randy Orton's dressing room, "the Franchise Player" tried to knock on the door. Citing the stipulations "the Viper" himself had set for the Beat the Clock Challenge, MVP stated Bobby Lashley deserved the Money in the Bank briefcase back! To no answer, Lana soon joined the scene to question how Montel Vontavious Porter could have possibly screwed this up. He had a head start on "the Apex Predator!" As MVP made excuses about his cardio not being what it used to be, up came an intense Bobby Lashley. Seething with rage, "the All Mighty" ignored MVP's excuses as he raced towards the door - shoulder barging it open! Lashley screamed for the briefcase - but found nobody in the dressing room. What he did find however, was a note from Orton himself! Reading aloud the words "better luck next time", Lashley kicked a chair across the room in anger. The head games continued to curse Lashley!

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The True Face of America
La Invasíon had taken over the ring inside the WWE Performance Center, as Andrade stood dressed for his Open Challenge. Surrounded by his familia, Zelina Vega graced the microphone to wish the United States of America a happy birthday - but now was time to show the pride of Mexico the respect he truly deserved! The WWE Universe in attendance booed as "El Capo" took over to take in the chants of "USA" from his subjects. Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo both held the item in black cloak in their hands behind him, as Andrade finally told America enough with the patriotism! He understood what this was all about - Mexico started these types of celebrations after all. But Independence Day wasn't about fat, out of shape men and women swilling beer, picking fights and fireworks - it was about showing the proper respect and dignity to the champ! "El Idolo" insulted Americans further, before pointing out the black cloak held by "El Amante" and "La Estrella".

Andrade grinned from ear to ear, citing today as a very special day. Not only were they all together to celebrate another big Fourth of July holiday weekend coming to an end - or to pay homage to the greatest WWE United States Champion of all time. It was to reveal the new centrepiece of the United States of America! Pulling the item from the black bag which contained it, Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo both marvelled as "El Capo" revealed a brand new WWE United States Championship title! Kissing it proudly, he would have Los Lotharios place the title around his waist - but as Zelina demanded the WWE Performance Center take a good look at "the Face of America"...out came Kevin Owens! A former champ in his own right, KO could not believe what he was seeing. Firstly, he was doing recycled material fresh out of 2017. The Canadian called it sad to see "El Idolo" resort to tired ideas, sarcastically implying he had to have gotten them from somebody much more successful than him.

La Invasíon did not take the interruption kindly, as Andrade brought up possibly reasons Kevin Owens was out here. While the WWE United States Champion implied KO was feeling neglected because nobody cared about him, "El Capo" assumed this had to do with "the Prize Fighter" being denied another opportunity at the WWE World Championship! Zelina Vega, Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo mocked KO, and Kev even voiced his disdain. Surprisingly admitting it outright, the Canadian dwelled on the fact he got beat by AJ Styles - and Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson - but while the O.C. would remain on his hit list, tonight they were giving it up for America, and the way he saw it - if Andrade wasn't going to enjoy it, KO was more than happy to relieve him of his duties as champ! Owens came storming down to the ring, immediately sweeping the ring of "El Amante" and "La Estrella" with a back body drop over the top rope! The Open Challenge had been answered.

6) Kevin Owens def. Andrade (with La Invasíon) (c) to capture the WWE United States Championship in the Fourth of July Open Challenge (11:33) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- There was a brand new WWE United States Championship title being defended in this 'Fourth of July Open Challenge', and as irony would have it, it pitted a Mexican against a Canadian! La Invasíon watched eagerly as Kevin Owens continued with signature offense to get this match off the right way. "The Prize Fighter" caught Andrade from a back elbow, connecting with a big lariat that would sent the champ through a loop! At ringside, the challenger had Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo take a back seat, which would allow "El Capo" to step in with an eye rake. A suplex would see KO turn it around, but Owens would be distracted by the persistent Los Lotharios. Deflecting them with a certain hand gesture, the champ would capitalize - and a powerbomb saw the Canadian go launched spine-first against the ring post!
- The WWE United States Champion continued to keep the pressure on his challenger, as 'the Fourth of July Open Challenge' continued. Andrade applied the rope-hung cross-armbreaker on Kevin Owens until a count of four, when forced to break the hold. Keeping on the arm, "El Capo" would distract the official enabling Los Lotharios to strike with cheap shots through the ropes. A tilt-a-whirl backbreaker secured a near fall, when following KO to the floor with a triangle moonsault plancha attempt. Andrade missed but landed on his feet - but "the Prize Fighter" dropped him with the super kick! KO landed the Cannonball senton in the corner, though Zelina would prop Andrade's foot on the bottom rope. With the challenger pursuing her, Humberto landed a springboard roundhouse kick just for KO to kick out! Furious, Los Lotharios reentered only for Kev to sent Carrillo into the referee. The Pop-Up Powerbomb planted Angel Garza, when Zelina handed "El Idolo" the title. Andrade was prepared to use it, but Dominik Mysterio suddenly appeared under a hood at ringside! With one hand on the title, a tug of war saw Dom clock Andrade in the jaw! The Stunner followed - and with that, a new champ was crowned!

The Fourth of July weekend had bestowed Monday Night RAW with not just a new WWE United States Championship title, but a brand new WWE United States Champion! Kevin Owens himself was surprised, as he was handed the gorgeous new gold in the middle of the ring. La Invasíon were rabid dogs at ringside, as Los Lotharios pursued Dominik Mysterio up to the top of the rampway. At ringside, Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo returned to check on Andrade, who was similarly supported by Zelina Vega. Red with rage, "El Capo" scowled towards Dom, who had scored a major coupe to get even with the man who had spent months emasculating the Mysterio Family name! Meanwhile, KO's celebration continued at ringside. Holding the title to the plexiglass walls, the WWE Universe chanted "the Prize Fighter's" name - once again "the Face of America!"

A graphic aired, promoting tonight's edition of RAW Talk, immediately following Monday Night RAW. Hosted by Charly Caruso and Christian, tonight's special guests included the newly crowned WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens, as well as Shayna Baszler. It all went down at 11:05 PM, exclusively on the WWE Network.

7) Big Show (c) def. Riddick Moss to retain the WWE 24/7 Championship (3:10)
- Since losing the WWE 24/7 Championship to Rob Gronkowski at Money in the Bank, "So Smooth" Riddick Moss's career prospects had taken a downturn. While Riddick arrived tonight determined to turn his luck around however, the WWE 24/7 Champion invited Moss to this opportunity. Moss aimed low and targeted the legs with kicks, shrugged off by a side kick from the WWE Legend. With an open-hand chop, "the World's Largest Athlete" stood on the chest of Moss on the mat until Moss connected with a low football tackle! A second one took Show down, and Moss kept on top. A spinebuster got a near fall, when Moss set up a third tackle - just to receive a spear! Big Show fired back when the Chokeslam connected. Scarily he headed to the top rope when Akira Tozawa, Shelton Benjamin and Zack Ryder arrived on the scene! R-Truth suddenly arrived to even the odds for Show, as an Attitude Adjustment took out "the Gold Standard". Surprised, Big Show shrugged it off and levelled Moss with the Knockout Punch for the win.

"The World's Largest Athlete" casually claimed another successful defense of the WWE 24/7 Championship, when R-Truth foolishly came from behind with a failed attempt at a roll-up! "The Truth" knew he had done wrong, once Big Show looked beneath his legs and spotted his challenger. Sorrowfully, R-Truth begged for the mercy of the WWE Legend - but Big Show would crank it up for a mercy-killing Knockout Punch!

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Whiplash
Zelina Vega was livid after Kevin Owens had beaten Andrade to become WWE United States Champion. Calling it the worst Fourth of July ever, she ordered Los Lotharios to hunt down Dominik Mysterio and bring his rat tail to "El Capo". Andrade entered the room and took a seat on a steel chair, still feeling the effects. As Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo commented on rumors of Dom exiting the building already, the former champ spoke up calmly. Zelina was surprised at the cool demeanor of Andrade, who commented how he knew how to deal with this. La Invasíon should have expected this, but it would never happen again. After the whipping he gave that boy last week, Andrade claimed he would just need to give him another one - and with nothing to lose anymore, nothing could stop him from giving Dom what he was owed: an Extreme Rules match at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules with "El Idolo" himself!

The Horror Show at Extreme Rules - Extreme Rules match - Andrade vs Dominik Mysterio

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The O.C. were gathered in their dressing room mocking the accent of Drew McIntyre, when Charly Caruso entered. With the six-man tag team main event approaching, she questioned what would become if Ricochet and Cedric Alexander were unable to compete. AJ Styles mocked Charly's tone, claiming they were cutting dead weight from a match everybody knew the outcome to. "The Phenomenal One" took them all back to earlier tonight, where "the Scottish Terminator" had the gall to insist to him a clean match at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules. Lucky for the WWE World Champion - he was squeaky clean; he was Mr. Clean! Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson recounted how "Phenomenal Hoot" was about to become a three-time WWE World Champion, and while they weren't going to get involved - AJ was now affording the WWE Universe a sight to behold tonight - when mano y mano, he beats the Scotsman and gets to name his own stipulation! The three set off for the ring, proclaiming it was going to be a fair fight - but was it?

An advertisement aired, promoting WWE's Horror Show at Extreme Rules. Centred around the eerie dispute between WWE Universal Champion Jeff Hardy and The Fiend, it would come to a head one week from Sunday in a Last Man Standing match, live and exclusively on the WWE Network.

Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Christian recapped Monday Night RAW tonight, and how they had seen a new WWE United States Champion crowned in Kevin Owens. Shifting gears to next week, with the Horror Show at Extreme Rules six days away, what would happen when Aleister Black took over the WWE Performance Center as the Eye For An Eye match would go officially sanctioned with a member of WWE's Board of Directors? Plus, the next number one contender to Asuka's RAW Women's Championship would be determined with a Women's Battle Royal!

Aleister Black has the Eye For An Eye match officially sanctioned by WWE's Board of Directors
Number One Contender's Battle Royal - the winner faces Asuka for the RAW Women's Championship in two weeks

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Where's Heath's Shot?
The WWE 24/7 Champion Big Show was about to relax after a decisive win against Riddick Moss, when Sarah Schreiber appeared hopeful of comment from "the World's Largest Athlete". Casually and undeterred, the WWE Legend explained it all came from a day's work of being the unmatchable giant of Monday Night RAW. Not only had he been around for over twenty years, but he still had a buttload in the tank. He was seven-foot-two, 420-pounds, and was dominating the entire 24/7 Division! The veteran implored allcomers to come and step up if they wanted some - when a WWE Performance Center staff member struck him with a steel chair shot to the spine! The big man remained unmoved however, and Show would turn his head to see Heath Slater remove his disguise. In awe of "the One-Man Rock Band", he remained unafraid of Show as he declared his desire for a shot - but suddenly, a group of four security guards raced the scene, chasing the WWE alumni away for a second time tonight!

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8) The O.C. def. WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre, Ricochet and Cedric Alexander (13:27) [THROUGH TWO BREAKS]
- With the ability to name the WWE World Championship match's stipulation come the Horror Show at Extreme Rules riding on the outcome of this match, it was thought that Drew McIntyre would be forced to go it alone against the O.C. Following Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson's heinous backstage attack on Ricochet and Cedric Alexander, "the Good Brothers" teased allowing AJ Styles to fight fairly and competitively with "the Scottish Terminator" - though an early exchange saw McIntyre outwrestle "the Phenomenal One!" A jumping neckbreaker responded an early attempt at the Ushigoroshi - when "the Big LG" and KA both stuck their noses in! Though the Scot sounded off on Anderson in the corner, a super kick from Gallows led the way for a spinebuster from Andeson! The O.C. would put the boots to McIntyre despite the referee's orders - when out hobbled "the Future of Flight" and "Lumbar Legacy!" Evening the odds, the three fan favorites sent the O.C. packing to ringside.
- Ricochet executed a handspring into a headscissors on Karl Anderson, as Luke Gallows entered - only to be met with a springboard clothesline from Cedric Alexander. In came Drew McIntyre with a diving crossbody from the top rope - the WWE World Champion's own source of agility on display! "The Scottish Terminator" exchanged words with AJ Styles as he connected with a fallaway slam on Anderson, which would go followed by the standing shooting star press from Ricochet. "The Phenomenal One" dashed in with a forearm smash to the back of the head, before meeting "the Future of Flight's" backflip kick and connecting with a Pelé kick! A brainbuster put Ricochet down, and the tables turned to favor the O.C. Drew rooted for "the One and Only" to make the tag, as the Boot of Doom from "the Good Brothers" scored a near fall. As a fireman's carry from Gallows went reversed into an enzuigiri, Ricochet leapt for the tag - just to have Styles and Anderson yank McIntyre and Alexander from the apron!
- AJ Styles laughed at Drew McIntyre, again questioning whether this is what the WWE World Champion meant by a fair fight. With a back suplex into a facebuster on Ricochet, "the Phenomenal One" followed with the knee drop. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson re-entered and looked to put "the Future of Flight" away with the Magic Killer, when Ricochet reversed into a tornado DDT for KA - simultaneous with a spinning headscissors for "the Big LG!" Drew relented with a bombardment of rights for "the Phenomenal One", while AJ was forced on the defensive. AJ went for the Phenomenal Forearm , going caught with a choke suplex from "the Scottish Terminator!" Ricochet and Cedric performed stereo dives to "the Good Brothers", while McIntyre planted AJ with the inverted Alabama slam! As "Claymore Country" neared, KA handed AJ a set of brass knuckles - and instead of the Claymore Kick, Drew received a shot between the eyes! The springboard 450 splash followed, handing "the Phenomenal One" a pinfall over the champion!

Heaters United
AJ Styles grinned from ear to ear, as Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson were quick to re-enter the ring and celebrate with "the Phenomenal One". The O.C. were victorious as the number one contender hid the evidence - the brass knuckles. Yet the trio were not done, as "the Good Brothers" joined AJ in putting the boots to "the Scottish Terminator!" Drew McIntyre was aided temporarily by a returning Ricochet and Cedric Alexander, though Anderson immediately cut "the Future of Flight" off with an inverted neckbreaker. The Magic Killer dropped "Lumbar Legacy", when AJ had Gallows and Anderson hand him McIntyre's carcass. The Styles Clash planted the champ, when AJ got his hands on the WWE World Championship! Raising it high, the O.C. stood over McIntyre's body when Styles named the stipulation for the Horror Show at Extreme Rules - to be Three Stages of Hell! It was sure to be a war one week from Sunday, but a new stage of hell had potential to be discovered once McIntyre recovered from this!

The Horror Show at Extreme Rules - WWE World Championship - Three Stages of Hell - Drew McIntyre (c) vs AJ Styles

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The Runaway Briefcase
Cameras abruptly caught up with Sarah Schreiber in the parking lot with Randy Orton, who had the Money in the Bank briefcase in his possession! The broadcast journalist asked "the Apex Predator" on going back on his word, refusing to give up the briefcase belonging to Bobby Lashley. "The Viper" reasoned he never said he would hand back the briefcase, only he was willing to! Orton called Bob nothing but an overzealous, undeserving hothead who didn't possess the braincells capable of being the multi-time World Champion he was. Orton instead instructed Lashley to prove his worth once for all - and fight him for it at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules. Orton was about to talk ill of Lashley's wife Lana, when Bobby Lashley suddenly arrived! Orton fled to his car and jumped in, as "the All Mighty" began to try and break his way in - just for the car to drive away in the nick of time! Lashley was hotter than ever seen before, and Orton realized it: but he could not hide forever.

The Horror Show at Extreme Rules - For the Money in the Bank Briefcase - Bobby Lashley (c) vs Randy Orton

RAW Talk #16 – July 6, 2020
- Charly Caruso and Christian briefly discussed the situation involving the Money in the Bank briefcase and confirmed the match between Bobby Lashley and Randy Orton set for the Horror Show at Extreme Rules, before being joined by the new WWE United States Champion. Kevin Owens was still catching his breath, insulting the stupidity of Andrade to try and test his position as "the Face of America". KO joked that La Invasíon had what was coming to it, and defended the actions of Dominik Mysterio - ultimately it all played a part in giving him the title, the week of America's independence. They asked what "the Prize Fighter" planned to do now and questioned his pursuits of the O.C. Kev claimed his business was far from over with AJ Styles, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson - much like it was with Drew McIntyre. For the respect he possessed for "the Scottish Terminator", there would be a rematch and he would become the WWE World Champion. Owens joked with Christian about Canadian customs, and closed by declaring that he was going to Disney World - when it reopened!
- Shayna Baszler joined the co-hosts next, and unlike their previous guests, was unenthused at the very idea of being on the show. "The Queen of Spades" denied ever tapping out to Asuka, claiming what happened in the Submission match two weeks ago didn't happen. Shayna made the excuse that she had a twitch, but spoke of the fact she would still get to where she once was in NXT. Reciting how she was the longest reigning NXT Women's Champion in the history of "the Black and Gold Brand", she proclaimed that would beat Becky Lynch's record as the longest reigning RAW Women's Champion too - declaring her entry into the Number One Contender's Battle Royal next week. "The Submission Magician" threatened to break Charly Caruso's arm much like Santana Garrett tonight, but with Christian standing in the way, she instead took her leave.

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