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

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· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Aug 15, 2023 14:51:06 GMT -5

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Post by DTP. on Aug 15, 2023 14:51:06 GMT -5

NXT #419 – August 26, 2020
Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida
Sponsored by
"All Out Life" by Slipknot
FOUR DAYS REMOVED FROM NXT TAKEOVER XXX!

NXT UK #108: The Best of British Strong Style - August 27, 2020

- Trent Seven def. Eddie Dennis with the Burning Hammer in a Steel Corners Street Fight. (11:25) [NXT UK #80 - FEB 6, 2020]
- Tyler Bate def. Jordan Devlin with the Corkscrew Senton Bomb. (25:00) [NXT UK TAKEOVER: BLACKPOOL II - JAN 12, 2020]
- An advertisement aired promoting the new beginning of NXT UK, returning exclusively to the WWE Network on Thursday, September 17.
- British Strong Style (WWE United Kingdom Champion Pete Dunne, Trent Seven and Tyler Bate) def. The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Roderick Strong and Kyle O'Reilly) when Moustache Mountain hit O'Reilly with a springboard clothesline into a dragon suplex. (12:22) [WWE UNITED KINGDOM CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT 2018 - DAY ONE - JUN 25, 2018]

A video package aired, recapping the wild and out-of-control happenings of Saturday night's NXT TakeOver XXX. It was like nothing the NXT Universe had ever seen before, as five matches unfolded in unpredictable fashion. Lucha House Party were able to knock off the first big victory against the trio that had taken over the Cruiserweight Division, Legado del Fantasma. Karrion Kross was able to demolish Damian Priest, out of respect for his partner-in-crime Scarlett. "Absolute" Ricky Starks shocked the world by managing to slither away from Keith Lee with the NXT North American Championship. Io Shirai pulled out all the stops to retain the NXT Women's Championship in a Triple Threat match against Rhea Ripley & Dakota Kai. And in the ultimate test of endurance, Finn Bálor would overcome Adam Cole six falls to four, to retain the NXT Championship. But as the dust settled and "the Prince" had his hand raised, who would come forth with the gold in mind - but "the Tollman", Karrion Kross himself.

What's Next?
The fallout of NXT TakeOver XXX kicked off with the arrival of the NXT Champion Finn Bálor. Days removed from his intense sixty-minute Iron Man match, "the Prince" took a slow walk out to the ring in casual clothes. The NXT Universe applauded the champ for his efforts, as Finn hobbled into the ring. In a leather jacket with the gold over his shoulder, Bálor began to speak only to be interrupted by chants of "Thankyou Finn" from the crowd. Thanking the people in return, Finn said one thing ran through his mind on Sunday morning. The moment he woke up, he laid in bed for hours. Agonized, exhausted and drained, he felt like he had been hit by an eighteen-wheeler. It had taken him three-thousand, six-hundred seconds to do it - but he overcame Adam Cole like his life depended on it. The one thing he had to think about, and one that he had carried with him for the past four days however, was what he planned to do next. He returned to "the Black and Gold Brand" to make men out of the children, and reclaim the top prize.

He did exactly what he set out to do some year-and-a-half ago, and now it was time to figure out exactly the kind of NXT Champion he would be. Finn Bálor said Adam Cole was a fighter, and he gained a lot of respect for him out of last Saturday night - but while "the Panama City Playboy" declined his gesture of showmanship, which he totally expected, a new challenger emerged. So, with all of that said, he might not be 100% yet: but he wasn't about to say no to moving forward as the top dog this brand had to offer! "The Prince" had seen what Karrion Kross did to the likes of Damian Priest and Tommaso Ciampa, but if "the Tollman" expected to mow through him like he was nothing, he was damn wrong. Karrion Kross answered the call, with still no sign of his partner-in-crime. With Scarlett nowhere in sight, "the Tollman" walked without his "Siren of Destruction". Taking a slow walk down to the ring in a white suit, the devilish combatant emerged in the ring standing across the way from Bálor, sporting a sinister grin.

Finn Bálor questioned whether this was really what Karrion Kross wanted. Undefeated or not, the Irishman wasn't about to back down from a fight. Kross remained silently grinning with malicious intent from the corner, when all of a sudden his music played again. Scarlett soon arrived on the aisle, sporting a black veil and ballgown! With Finn's attention adrift, "the Tollman" jumped him from behind! Aggressively putting the boots to the wounded champion, Finn tried his hardest to fight back - just to be mowed down with an exploder suplex! Scarlett watched from ringside as Kross mounted Finn with forearm strikes - when suddenly a thrust kick saw Finn sidestep it. His leg caught in the ropes, the Irishman landed the Sling Blade! Kross rolled out wisely, as Finn welcomed him back inside. He would decline, but issued the challenge to Finn for a non-title meeting next week. Showing no restraint, the champion accepted! In the arms of her lover, Karrion and Scarlett both grinned from ear to ear.

Next week - NXT Champion Finn Bálor vs Karrion Kross

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At the announce table, Vic Joseph was standing by alongside his special guest commentator this week - former WWE Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett! The former leader of the Nexus spoke jovially about his big hero's return to "the Black and Gold Brand", noting the excitement was all over the campus of Full Sail University tonight. The broadcast team divulged that the first half hour of NXT tonight was commercial-free thanks to the USA Network, and ran down the line-up. Full Sail Arena was energized after NXT TakeOver XXX this past weekend, with members of the NXT Universe stood banging on the plexiglass in chants of "NXT", all wearing facial coverings.

Ricky Starks celebrates his NXT North American Championship victory
Exclusive footage of Adam Cole on the Pat McAfee Show
Raquel González vs Rhea Ripley
NXT Tag Team Championship - Ever-Rise (c) vs Breezango

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1) Santos Escobar (c) def. Kalisto to retain the NXT Cruiserweight Championship (15:33)

Lucha House Party scored a major coup at NXT TakeOver XXX, bringing an end to the one-sided dominance of the NXT Cruiserweight Division led by Legado del Fantasma. Kalisto returned to substitute the injured Kushida, but had made it clear he wanted a shot at "the Emperor". Escobar went in confident and it cost him, for "El Samuray" responded with a series of armdrags leading to a springboard back kick, and a Hurricanrana Driver scored a near fall! With the NXT Cruiserweight Championship on the line, the challenger would not let the champ mount any offense, using a spinning headscissors with added rotations to propel Escobar to the apron - where Kalisto would follow with an equally devastating apron DDT! A dive through the ropes allowed Kalisto to get a near fall, but as he continued to bring the fight to the leader of Legado del Fantasma, Escobar would catch the slingshotting luchador with a Phantom Driver planting him spine-first on the hardest part of the ring!

With the first half-hour of NXT tonight being commercial-free, Kalisto found himself at Santos Escobar's mercy, with a spinebuster garnering a near fall. Showing no respect to "El Samuray", the NXT Cruiserweight Champion connected with the Topé from the Depths of Hell! as "the Emperor" got back into the ring, Kalisto dragged his foot and began to fight back. The two would begin to battle back and forth on the apron, when the challenger attempted a hurricanrana - just for Escobar to drop him sturnum-first on the ring apron with the fireman's carry! An apron splash followed, but Kalisto again showed fight. The Boston Crab was fought off, when the Listo Kick gave Kalisto a much-needed shot in the arm! A springboard dragonrana and a corkscrew crossbody would give Lucha House Party hope in dethroning the champ, but as Kalisto sprung from the top rope with a crossbody, Escobar cut him off with a basement dropkick!

Santos Escobar tortured the ribs of his challenger, applying the Boston crab. "El Samuray" was insistent on hanging in the fight - but Santos would drag him away from the ropes into the center! "The Emperor" degraded Kalisto verbally, when managing to trip the leg and rolled through into a front dropkick. The NXT Cruiserweight Champion retorted with a superkick to stun Kalisto into the ropes, but a spinning headscissors saw Kalisto sent airborne, driving Escobar to the mat with a tornado DDT! Going to the top rope, Kalisto looked to end this when Escobar sent the referee into the ropes! Going down holding his throat, the official was incapacitated, and Kalisto fell to the canvas after being crotched. A diving splash would see "El Samuray" evade, and Salida del Sol planted him - but the ref was down. Suddenly Joaquin Wilde and Raúl Mendoza hit the ring, planting Kalisto with a Russian legsweep and enzuigiri combination - and Santos escaped the champ!

Legado del Fantasma's takeover of the NXT Cruiserweight Division continued, but as soon as Joaquin Wilde and Raúl Mendoza returned to the ring to return to Santos Escobar the NXT Cruiserweight Championship, out to the ring darted Lucha House Party! Reinforcements on the end of Kalisto hit the ring, with Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik swiftly running the trio from the ring. "The Emperor" continued to gloat to the annoyance of the trio of luchadores, escaping once again.

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An 'Absolute Throwback' vignette aired, taking us back to NXT TakeOver: In Your House. June 7 saw history on "the Black and Gold Brand" go made, as the NXT Universe were introduced for the very first time to "Absolute" Ricky Starks. Interrupting Keith Lee's second NXT North American Championship history, "the Center of Attention" declared that he had arrived. Tonight, "Pretty Ricky" holds a public celebration in Full Sail Arena.

At the interview area backstage, McKenzie Mitchell was standing by with Shotzi and Tegan Nox. As "the Welsh Valley Wonder" was psyching herself up for her match tonight with Mercedes Martinez, the broadcast journalist noted that much was riding on this match: particularly the chances of Tegan getting her long-desired rematch with Deonna Purrazzo. "The Ballsy Badass" screeched how sick and tired she was of dealing with Robert Stone and his stinky, dirty, icky Brand. Nobody wanted to be a part of it BUT "the Latina Phenomenon" and that gross minx "the Virtuosa". Tonight it was a nobrainer that Tegan would throttle Martinez like never before! Nox was hopeful, modestly saying how long she had pursued this rematch - she knew she could beat Deonna. Shotzi reassured her, providing an aggressive motivational speech. She was going to run through that putrid godzilla Mercedes, and then after that, Deonna could kiss her undefeated streak goodbye - because if anybody was going to put her in her place, it would be Tegan!

Tonight - Tegan Nox vs Mercedes Martinez - if Tegan wins, she gets her rematch with Deonna Purrazzo

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Nails on a Chalkboard
Returning to the NXT Arena, Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink made their way to the ring to loud boos from the people. The two Aussies addressed the NXT Universe, talking about how lacking "the Black and Gold Brand" had been without their presence. But they no longer had anything to be afraid of - why? Because the hottest tag team in the world today were back on home soil, and here to go for the gold. Abruptly interrupted by the arrival of the Undisputed Era, Roderick Strong led the way for Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly, who were both dressed for competition. "The Master of the Backbreaker" held a microphone and asked how the hell anybody could possibly be more annoying to listen to than Thorne and Vink. He called them downright irritating to listen to, no different than nails on a chalkboard! While their opponents countered that Roddy was not much better, and questioned the absence of their loser leader Adam Cole, Fish told Shane and Brendan they were so lucky they were up against he and Kyle tonight.

Remembering clearly what happened to them at the hands of Dexter Lumis not that long ago, Bobby Fish told Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink that they were going to be bent well out of shape by the boys who ran NXT - the Undisputed Era! Kyle O'Reilly said Adam Cole would be here next week, but if there was one thing the Aussies could afford to do right now - was run a mile! The UE had arrived, and now it was time for them to 'Shock the System!' Receiving a surprisingly positive response, Fish and O'Reilly headed for the ring. It appeared with "the Panama City Playboy's" hard-fought effort at NXT TakeOver XXX, the group had gained the respect of the people.

2) Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly (with Roderick Strong) def. Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink (4:19)

The Undisputed Era rarely had the support of the NXT Universe, but against Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink, the Aussies did not endear themselves to anybody. As Adam Cole recovered from the Iron Man match at NXT TakeOver XXX, Roderick Strong rallied for Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly to win one for the UE. Kyle took Vink down with a combination of kicks, tagging in Fish to hit the ropes an connect with a chest kick as O'Reilly hit a legsweep! A blind tag allowed the cunning Thorne to blindsight Fish with a ripcord knee strike, and briefly the Aussies took charge. With frequent tags, the two scored near falls with a belly-to-belly suplex from Brendan and an assisted back suplex with Shane, but Fish would strike back with a roundhouse kick into the saito suplex! O'Reilly got the tag and let the two Australians have it with a crane kick to one, a discus forearm to the other - and a noggin-knocker dazing down! Fish removed Vink with a flying knee strike, allowing Chasing the Dragon on Thorne to get the UE the win!

Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly celebrated their impressive victory in the ring, when joined by Roderick Strong. The three Undisputed Era members rejoiced as Shane Thorne and Brendan Vink were forced to regroup on the floor. As the Aussies complained to the official about the decision, the UE posed in the ring to a surprisingly positive response.

A video package aired, recapping the events of the Iron Man match this past Saturday at NXT TakeOver XXX. Finn Bálor and Adam Cole got it on to determine the better man to lead "the Black and Gold Brand", by seeing who could get the win in a sixty-minute test of endurance. "The Panama City Playboy" was able to take the lead early, constantly striving to be one step ahead of "the Prince", but somehow despite his injured foot, the Irishman evened the score - and even got ahead! Time was running out, but as the final minutes approached, Bálor reversed the Sharpshooter into a contorting version of his own - winning the match six falls to four! A graphic then aired, promoting an exclusive look at what happened when Adam Cole was the special guest on CBS Radio's Pat McAfee Show: up next!

NXT tonight was sponsored by Cricket Wireless - Smile, You're On Cricket.

Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett stood atop the Perch overlooking the rest of the Full Sail Arena, as they discussed the endurance and stamina it took Finn Bálor and Adam Cole to not only go sixty minutes, but to compete continuously with the NXT Championship at stake. They would shift gears to discuss "the Panama City Playboy's" appearance yesterday morning on the Pat McAfee Show on CBS Radio - with exclusive video footage to be shown for the first time anywhere!

Battling Egos
Footage aired from yesterday's edition of The Pat McAfee Show, recapping Adam Cole's polite introduction to the show by the host, Pat McAfee. While the former punter for the Indianapolis Colts acknowledged previous hints of animosity with the longest-reigning NXT Champion, he would profess respect for "the Panama City Playboy" initially. A cordial conversation would soon devolve into that of petty jabs made by the two-time Pro Bowl player, bringing annoyance from the NXT Superstar. The leader of the Undisputed Era later remarked how cool he found it that he could be "the King of the Brand", reigning as champion for 403 days and being admired by all of the great boys and girls in NXT. McAfee chortled at the vanity of the UE member, claiming he had surrounded himself with super-talented people such as Roderick Strong, Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly - going as far as to say that was the only reason Adam was as successful as he was!

The former NXT Champion bounced back talking about Pat McAfee's career with the Indianapolis Colts, where he was a punter kicking balls while his teammates did all the work! The host of the show argued he was an All-Pro, mocking the times the Undisputed Era were responsible for Cole hanging onto the NXT Championship. Pat jested "the Panama City Playboy" was the King of anything, let alone NXT! Rubbing in his loss at NXT TakeOver XXX, he claimed having the UE there to protect him was smart business for someone of "his size". This irked the former champ, and he tore his microphone off and confronted McAfee at his desk! Cursing and dropping F-bombs, Adam was livid about having taken time away from his family to attend this interview! A member of McAfee's entourage approached, but Adam shoved him away and stormed from the set. Pat painted himself as the good guy professional, regretting bothering inviting a raving lunatic like Cole onto his show - completely deflecting the blame.

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3) Rhea Ripley def. Raquel González (with Dakota Kai) (8:44)

She came up merely inches short in the Triple Threat match for the NXT Women's Championship at NXT TakeOver XXX, but tonight Rhea Ripley looked to topple another fierce antagonist in Raquel González. The two imposing powerhouses went face to face, as Dakota Kai continued to scream instructions at her "Insurance Policy" to strike her. Ignoring her, Raquel instead mouthed off to "the Brutalist", when who would strike first but the former champion! Ripley continued to thrust "Big Mami Cool" in the corner with knee lifts, when Raquel tried to battle back. A ribbreaker allowed her to initially gain control, but just when she attempted the Canadian backbreaker, Ripley fired back with a big boot and a belly-to-back facebuster to gain the upper hand! González would roll out to the floor, where "King Kota" berated her, screaming at her muscle to get back in and fight.

The action continued with Rhea Ripley connecting with the Freefall, when Dakota Kai's constant nagging of "the Brutalist" saw Raquel González lariat the former NXT Women's Champion in the back of the head. With forearm strikes, "Big Mami Cool" would show her power with a stalling suplex hurling Rhea across the ring. At ringside "the Insurance Policy" continued her assault, when reprimanded by the referee. Behind the official's back meanwhile, saw Dakota Kai deliver the Team Kick combination! Raquel continued to punish Rhea inside with a fallaway slam, when "King Kota" again inserted herself out of the view of the official with the Kai-O Kick! Suddenly, Io Shirai came racing down to ringside - immediately dragging Kai out to the floor. The NXT Women's Champion went at it with Dakota, and with Raquel's brief distraction, her attempt at the single-armed powerbomb went reversed into a rare hurricanrana from the former champ! Two short-arm clotheslines fed into the Rip Tide giving her the win!

No Love Lost
"The Brutalist" came out on top in a clash of the titans, and Rhea Ripley would celebrate with a warcry and a stomp. Dakota Kai was left to scoot up the aisle on her rear end, cowering after the ambush from NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai. Meanwhile, Raquel González rolled out to the floor in defeat. The former champ continued to play to the NXT Universe, when "the Genius of the Sky" joined her in the ring. Though things remained initially tense coming so soon after the Triple Threat match at NXT TakeOver XXX, Rhea would extend her hand to the champ - going received by "the Joshi Judas". With great sportswomanship on display between the two forces, out of nowhere came Ripley headbutting Shirai silly! As it turned out, there were bitter feelings on the part of the former champion, who wasn't even involved with the decision last weekend. In an unpredictable turn of events, the Rip Tide would drive Shirai into the canvas as Ripley motioned she wanted her title back! The NXT Universe booed, while "King Kota" couldn't believe her eyes!

Beyja Vu
In an empty parking lot off the coast of the Florida Keys, Chris Bey vibed along to a hip-hop track in his red convertible. Leaning over to the camera, "the Ultimate Finesser" talked about what he had learned from his time in NXT so far: don't trust anyone, and treat every match like it's your last. Bey laughed as he spoke about the Beyja vu he received joining "the Black and Gold Brand". He was time warped back to school, where everybody underestimated the kid - but then the kid came out to be better than anybody could have imagined. Bey exclaimed he was going to the top, to the top, to the top - and next week would be Cameron Grimes' best day in a long time. "The Carolina Caveman" would have the pleasure of taking an "L" from "Ya Girl's Favorite Superstar".

Next week - Chris Bey vs Cameron Grimes

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Footage aired from before the commercial break, where after having some help from the NXT Women's Champion in defeating Raquel González, and equalizing Dakota Kai, Rhea Ripley would issue Io Shirai with a handshake - just to leave her laying with a brutal headbutt and the Rip Tide! It was said "the Genius of the Sky" had suffered a broken nose as a result.

4) Dominik Dijakovic def. Faboo Andre (0:06)

"The Demolition Man" was on a mission to start his NXT tenure from scratch, doing so by decimating his opponent last week in short order. Tonight against the unsigned hopeful Faboo Andre, Dominik Dijakovic displayed a no-nonsense demeanor as the bell sounded. Before Andre even had a chance to act, the big man would leap across the ring with an earth-shattering Cyclone Kick, to break a new record in NXT history!

Dominik Dijakovic's decimation of Faboo Andre had the NXT Universe astonished, with "the Demolition Man's" victory going down in the history books as the fastest pinfall victory in the history of "the Black and Gold Brand". Without thinking twice, Dijakovic ascended to the second rope and urged the stunned crowd to feast their eyes.

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Los Luchadores Habaneros
Even McKenzie Mitchell was shocked by the immense speed in which it took Dominik Dijakovic to get the win, but she would professionally turn her attention to her guests Lucha House Party. Kalisto favored his abdomen as Gran Metalik angrily spoke in Spanish about their beef with Legado del Fantasma. Fired up, "the King of the Ropes" would have Lince Dorado translate on his behalf. "The Golden Lynx" said they were all so sick and tired of this hostile takeover garbage that was plaguing the NXT Cruiserweight Division. Raúl Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde screwed their friend out of the NXT Cruiserweight Championship, and they would not stand for it! Challenging "the Emperor's" henchmen to a Lucha Rules tag team match next week, Kalisto soon took to the microphone to voice his frustration in having Santos Escobar beat - just for the referee to be down and out. "El Samuray" refused to settle for second best, demanding a rematch!

Next week - Lucha Rules - Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik vs Joaquin Wilde and Raúl Mendoza

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An 'Absolute Throwback' vignette aired, taking us back to a montage showing the very best of "Absolute" Ricky Starks. Declining invitation to compete, this newcomer had style - but had the ability to back it up, which he showed against Isaiah "Swerve" Scott in his official NXT in-ring debut at the Great American Bash. Recording victories weekly against the likes of Leon Ruff and Mansoor, "the Center of Attention" showed exactly the kind of attitude he had when he refused to back down and cower away in fear from the NXT North American Champion Keith Lee. Tonight, who knew what the new champ had in store for his victory celebration.

On a splitscreen, the NXT Tag Team Champions slapped their gums and toyed with their hair on one-half of the screen, whilst "the Fashion Police" foxtrotted their way down the other-half! Ever-Rise and Breezango were all prepared for the title match made last week - and it was coming up next.

Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett discussed the public celebration of the new NXT North American Champion Ricky Starks, as an external shot of Full Sail University's campus was shown - the site of NXT tonight.

Calling Dibs
Rhea Ripley was still coming down from lashing out at the NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai, when approached by a timid McKenzie Mitchell. "The Brutalist" told McKenzie it was obvious what she wanted - her long overdue one-on-one shot at the NXT Women's Championship! Rhea exclaimed how she never received her rightfully earned rematch when Charlotte Flair beat her at WrestleMania, and she was sick and tired of playing the nice girl the NXT Universe had grown to like. Rhea confessed at her core was someone driven on the failures of the past, and she wanted nothing more than to not only beat "the Genius of the Sky" - but to make her feel the shame she herself felt that night in the WWE Performance Center. Dakota Kai suddenly appeared, flanked by Raquel González. With the two women harping on at one another, "the Insurance Policy" worked to keep "King Kota" back, bringing the Kiwi to question where "Big Mami Cool" was earlier when "the Joshi Judas" was kicking her butt!

"King Kota" sarcastically apologized for the rude interruption, but all of this talk about Rhea Ripley getting a rematch for the NXT Women's Championship was rich. The fact "the Brutalist" humiliated "the Black and Gold Brand" to its core when she lost to Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania aside, Dakota Kai had the audacity to tell Rhea to get in line: because she beat her to the punch. Having gone to NXT General Manager William Regal herself, she knew exactly what Ripley wanted - which was why Dakota was getting a shot at Io Shirai one-on-one first, next week on NXT's Super Tuesday! As the obnoxious Kiwi departed, Raquel González continued to keep her eyes locked on Rhea - reluctantly departing.

Next week - NXT Women's Championship - Io Shirai (c) vs Dakota Kai

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5) Ever-Rise (c) def. Breezango to retain the NXT Tag Team Championship (7:58)

Coming to the ring dressed in all silver, Breezango prepared for this big opportunity to become NXT Tag Team Champions by arriving as spacemen, complete with astronaut helmets.

In their quest for respect, the NXT Tag Team Champions had stepped on the toes of two men who had long pursued gold in their tag team endeavors, Breezango. Tyler Breeze and Fandango were ready to go as the bell sounded, when Matt Martel and Chase Parker both showed how seriously they were taking this defense by mocking 'Dango's dancing! "Prince Pretty" had his partner match it and then some, leading the NXT Universe in Fandangoing. Martel and Parker proceeded to ambush the challengers, with both men removing Breeze from the scene before double-teaming Fandango with a drop toe hold into a leaping elbow drop to the spine. Ever-Rise had momentum on their side until a spinning wheel kick caught Matt on the temple! Breeze tagged in and got off to a hot start with a series of corner forearm smashes, when Parker came in illegally with a Gory bomb!

Ever-Rise continued to corner Tyler Breeze in their corner, as Matt Martel sent Chase Parker careening into "Prince Pretty" with a corner elbow smash. As his partner held Breeze in the backbreaker position, Parker connected with the knee strike! The NXT Tag Team Champions stampeded the supermodel with stomps, when Martel picked him up in the fireman's carry. Chase went to the top rope for a blockbuster, but Breeze broke free and sent Martel colliding into his partner - crotching him up top! Fandango sprung to action, hitting a tornado DDT by kicking off Martel and dropping Parker. 'Dango hit the Falcon Arrow when Matt returned, but Breeze evened the odds with the Supermodel Kick! It boiled down to Chase and 'Dango, and with the official focused on Breeze after he was blinded with an illegal powder, Martel slung the title into the ring for Parker to lay out "the Dancer", completely out of vision from the official - and the titles were retained!

To Make The Division Sacred
The cheating ways of the NXT Tag Team Champions resumed, as Ever-Rise celebrated in the ring. Matt Martel and Chase Parker hugged whilst Tyler Breeze wiped powder from his eyes. Fandango remained down and out from the shot with the title gold, but just when Parker and Martel began to leave, Imperium made their presence felt! Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel stood dissatisfied by the performance of the champs, and would address them with a microphone in hand. Relaying orders they received from the NXT United Kingdom Champion WALTER months ago, Imperium were urged to return to the United States to keep the mat sacred in the absence of "the Ring General". Aichner was disgusted by what Ever-Rise had done to the gold, and said it would be their privilege to relieve them of their duties as the worst champions in NXT today! Barthel concluded the champs' days were numbered, bringing the French-Canadians to raise their voices. Meanwhile, from behind saw "the Fashion Police" lay the champs out with stereo superkicks!

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Earn Your Way
Legado del Fantasma's Joaquin Wilde and Raúl Mendoza vented about Lucha House Party's challenge to a Lucha Rules tag team match at NXT Super Tuesday, and plotted to make them regret coming back to their show. Santos Escobar demanded silence, confident what happened at NXT TakeOver XXX was a blip on the radar. As for tonight, "the Emperor" was still NXT Cruiserweight Champion, and that was what mattered. Isaiah Scott cooly entered the scene in a fur coat and sunglasses, bringing Legado aghast at the audacity of "the King of Swerve Style". He swung by to congratulate Santos on his win against Kalisto tonight: but if he challenged, "Swerve" didn't think it would go down that way. With Raúl and Joaquin fooling around, asking where his pet chihuahua Leon Ruff was, "Swerve" told the pups to quit yelping. He told the champ he wanted his shot. Santos told Scott to earn his way and he'd consider it. Cockily, "Swerve" removed his sunglasses, telling the champ he would, and that he'd see him real soon.

An advertisement aired, promoting the Best of WWE on Peacock. From the classic hits to in the ring, to behind-the-scenes, these were OMG moments the WWE Universe just had to see. WWE content was streaming now on Peacock.

Graphics aired, as Vic Joseph talked up what was coming up on this week's edition of 205 Live. Mia Yim would be in competition against Aliyah; Isaiah "Swerve" Scott and his little brother Leon Ruff would meet the Brian Kendrick and Ariya Daivari; and Jake Atlas would meet the debuting Ari Sterling! It was all going down on this Friday, immediately following Friday Night SmackDown - exclusive to the WWE Network.

Mia Yim vs Aliyah
The Brian Kendrick and Ariya Daivari vs Isaiah Scott and Leon Ruff
Ari Sterling vs Jake Atlas
We hear from Cameron Grimes

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Who Does and Who Doesn't Deserve a Taste
The Undisputed Era, sans their leader Adam Cole, discussed the events of the Pat McAfee Show yesterday backstage. Roderick Strong and Bobby Fish lamented that as hotheaded as "the Panama City Playboy" could be, what that NFL punter did was something everybody saw coming a mile away. Kyle O'Reilly raised the point that Adam was fresh off the hardest match of his life against Finn Bálor in the sixty-minute Iron Man match at NXT TakeOver XXX - he had every right to be furious with how he was being treated! Suddenly the NXT Tag Team Champions Ever-Rise entered the frame, with Matt Martel and Chase Parker demanded to know what the UE were talking about. For three guys thinking they ran NXT, they didn't look like guys even ready to come try them for their titles! Martel and Parker mocked Adam's outburst, and instructed Roddy, Bobby and Kyle to tell him he was banned from appearing on Ever-Rise Live forever! Fish and O'Reilly shot back saying they weren't even thinking about their titles - until they brought them up.

The four would look to get into a scuffle, with Roderick Strong and several officials trying desperately to break it up! As the NXT Tag Team Champions exclaimed Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly didn't deserve a taste of the titles, NXT General Manager William Regal arrived to come between Ever-Rise and the Undisputed Era! The GM was livid with Matt Martel and Chase Parker claiming they didn't get respect, just to go and pull some outrageous stunts by the likes they had pulled tonight. Regal reiterated how much he didn't like the UE, thinking how preposterous their claims were that they ran "the Black and Gold Brand". William said he'd been away for a while, but he was back - and he was here to remind everybody who truly ran NXT! With Super Tuesday next week, Regal couldn't think of anything better than to see if Fish and O'Reilly were willing - and whether Ever-Rise truly wanted the attention and the respect: by putting the teams against each other, with the gold on the line! Ever-Rise were livid - two title defenses in back-to-back weeks!

Next week - NXT Tag Team Championship - Ever-Rise (c) vs Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly

✕✕✕

6) Tegan Nox def. Mercedes Martinez (with Robert Stone) (5:10)

As Tegan Nox looked to get past Mercedes Martinez to get her much-desired rematch with "the Virtuosa", Deonna Purrazzo came out to the Perch to watch over the scene as her colleagues in the Brand prepared.

"The Welsh Valley Wonder" adopted a hit-and-run strategy, only to be taken down with a big boot. "The Latina Phenomenon" was talked up by Robert Stone, who goaded Tegan from ringside. Nox stunned Martinez with a series of kicks, a missile dropkick saw Martinez swat her away. Martinez attacked with the suplex propelling Tegan to the top rope. There, Nox responded with the Tegan-Go-Round! "The Hipster" pounded the apronas Nox connected with the tiger suplex. A distraction from Stone on the apron allowed Martinez to bounce back with the Air Raid Crash. She teased applying the Brass City Sleeper, but Nox rolled backwards and hit the Shiniest Wizard! Stone got up to distract the official, when Shotzi dragged him from the apron. Petrified, Robert ran but Shotzi tackled him to the ground! Mercedes responded with a boot in the corner, when the hesitation dropkick landed. Martinez prepared a fisherman buster - but an inside cradle with a hand on the rope saw Nox to pull off the upset!

Battling the Dragon
"The Girl with the Shiniest Wizard" could not comprehend the victory she had just achieved, but before she could have the opportunity to let it sink in, Mercedes Martinez blasted her from behind! "The Latina Phenomenon" was not about to let Tegan Nox out of her sight, as she proceeded to pummel the back of her head on the canvas! Martinez locked in the Brass City Sleeper as "the Virtuosa" watched from atop the Perch, when from behind came Shotzi with a kendo stick! Striking Mercedes twice with it, she would let out a battlecry before snatching the stick from "the Ballsy Badass" and throttling Shotzi with it. Snapping it over her knee, the imposing member of the Brand would turn around to receive the Shiniest Wizard from "the Welsh Valley Wonder", when Shotzi followed with a second! As Mercedes was restrained by Robert Stone at ringside, Nox pointed up at Deonna letting her know her time would soon come. Tegan would finally get her rematch with the undefeated "Virtuosa".

✕✕✕

An 'Absolute Throwback' vignette aired, taking us back to NXT TakeOver XXX. Ricky Starks would receive his first shot at gold since arriving on "the Black and Gold Brand" when he took on "the Limitless One" for the NXT North American Championship. While Keith Lee used his size as an advantage, "the Absolute One" used his high in-ring IQ to get ahead. Continuing to remain one step ahead of the champ, Keith Lee looked to have "Pretty Ricky" right where he wanted him, when in a phenomenal display of strength and power - "the Center of Attention" would deliver the world's biggest Roshambo to make history, cementing his status as the fastest rising star in the history of the NXT Brand. A graphic followed, promoting the public celebration of the new NXT North American Champion "Absolute" Ricky Starks - right here in Full Sail Arena, up next!

The eerie synthetic music began to play, when a flame was ignited by a lighter. Dexter Lumis appeared before it, staring into the flame and glaring into the camera. With arms wide open, in an apron and with gloved hands, "the Tortured Artist" would blow out the flame revealing the text - he returns to NXT next week.

Next week - Dexter Lumis returns to NXT

✕✕✕

Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett noted Dexter Lumis's intentions of pursuing gold, before looking ahead to next week. With NXT TakeOver XXX behind them, it was all about looking forward to Super Tuesday - for the next two weeks, NXT would air at the same time at 8/7 CT; in the same place at Full Sail University - but it would take place for the next two Tuesday nights on the USA Network! Revealing graphics for matches set to take place next week, Finn Bálor had accepted Karrion Kross's challenge to a non-title match; Ever-Rise would go up against Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly with the NXT Tag Team Championships at stake; Io Shirai would defend the NXT Women's Championship against Dakota Kai; and in a rematch of their double count-out result last week, Bronson Reed and Timothy Thatcher would go at it one more time! Plus, Adam Cole would return to Full Sail Arena.

NXT Champion Finn Bálor vs Karrion Kross
Adam Cole returns to Full Sail Arena
NXT Women's Championship - Io Shirai (c) vs Dakota Kai
NXT Tag Team Championship - Ever-Rise (c) vs Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly
Timothy Thatcher vs Bronson Reed

✕✕✕

Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too
The NXT Arena in Full Sail University was adorned with the face of the new NXT North American Champion. Balloons with his face on filled the golden-carpeted canvas, while around the ring congratulations banners were stuck to the plexiglass wall - much to the dismay of the NXT Universe. Atop the Perch overlooking the building stood a trumpeteer playing the opening notes of "Absolute's" entrance music - before out came Ricky Starks. In a tuxedo, "Pretty Ricky" wore the belt in place of his cummerbund - proudly displaying it around his waist. Appearing genuinely touched by the NXT Universe for their part in his self-arranged public celebration, the new champion posed with sunglasses on in the aisleway - as pyrotechnics and confetti began to rain down from the rafters! In a scene to be seen to be believed, "Pretty Ricky" received a split reception from the crowd on hand - half applauding his victory at NXT Takeover XXX; the other calling him everything under the sun!

Once on the microphone, Ricky Starks was flattered by the standup job in which management and the production staff had done for him. Though he asked for hot women in bikinis, the new Rolls Royce Wraith 2020 and his entire family to witness greatness go down in the history books of "the Black and Gold Brand" - this was almost as good enough! Ricky spoke about his wild journey to the peak of NXT, and was baffled by it taking less than three months to do, having debuted in a stunning way at NXT TakeOver: In Your House; having gone through all the NXT Universe's favorites since then; and to top it all off, he beat that big dumb doofus Keith Lee handily! "Pretty Ricky" put it down to him being nothing short of "Absolute", and considered himself the Star Attraction of NXT in the new decade! Starks continued to lavish in how great he truly was, and if the people thought he had met his peak - he was just getting started!

The "Absolute Thrillride" had only just begun as far as the new NXT North American Champion was concerned, and Ricky Starks took great pleasure in taking a moment to bask in his own glory! Posing in deep thought with the NXT Universe's thunderous boos surrounding him, "Pretty Ricky" laughed before ordering production to bring out the cake. When nobody turned up immediately, "Absolute" barked orders - this wasn't like they planned in rehearsal! Finally two assistants appeared, rolling a huge cake down to ringside - with the new champ's likeness on it! Leaving the ring, Ricky chuckled and thanked them, loving the job that catering did with it. Starks was ignorant towards the unfaithful fans, offering them cake before thinking better of it! This moment was all about "the Star Attraction", and that was exactly the way it was going to stay. Soon demanding the NXT Universe sing him happy birthday, boos continued to echo throughout Full Sail University instead!

"The Star Attraction" was about to cut to the chase and simply blow out the candles himself, when the music of "the Limitless One" brought the people to their feet! Ricky Starks' jaw dropped, recognizing what typically happened at parties such as these. Dropping the NXT North American Championship, he paced carefully around his cake up the aisle - but little did the new champion know Keith Lee stood behind him! Bitter about everything "Pretty Ricky" had to say about his grandmother, Keith hammered at Starks - before teasing throwing him into the cake! Defensively Ricky dodged the bullet and rolled himself into the ring - but the athleticism of the former champion saw him drill him with a Spirit Bomb! Lee tore at the tuxedo pants of "the Center of Attention", exposing his boxer briefs beneath as Starks slipped out to the apron. There, Keith Lee barged with the Pounce - and Starks' entire upper body landed in the cake! Devastated, humiliated and his big moment left in shambles, Lee picked up Ricky's title and declared his intentions of reclaiming what he believed to still be his!

Last Edit: Aug 15, 2023 14:51:41 GMT -5 by DTP.

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· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Aug 19, 2023 16:13:40 GMT -5

Quote

Post by DTP. on Aug 19, 2023 16:13:40 GMT -5

Friday Night SmackDown #1097 - August 28, 2020
Amway Center – WWE ThunderDome in Orlando, Florida
FIVE DAYS REMOVED FROM SUMMERSLAM! | PAYBACK: THIS SUNDAY!
Sponsored by
"Are You Ready" by AC/DC

205 Live #194 – August 29, 2020
1) Isaiah Scott and Leon Ruff def. The Brian Kendrick and Ariya Daivari when Ruff pinned Daivari with the crucifix bomb. With "Swerve's" intentions of challenging Santos Escobar for the NXT Cruiserweight Championship known, Raúl Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde of Legado del Fantasma came out to the rampway to spectate, for what would mark Leon Ruff's first recorded win since arriving on the NXT Brand. (5:57)
- After a replay from Wednesday night's NXT Cruiserweight Championship defense by Santos Escobar against Kalisto, Vic Joseph and Dio Maddin discussed the challenge by Isaiah Scott - when up stormed Vanessa Borne. Uninvited, the NXT Superstar would complain about the lack of focus and spotlight on top of her. Vanessa spoke of the leaps and bounds she had made to break out from the pact in NXT, and was dumbfounded by how many more obstacles she had put in her way. Borne told the broadcast team to consider this call a caution, because she was born to do this, and she was Borne to be the best.
2) Mia Yim def. Aliyah with Protect Ya Neck. Weeks after her big Falls Count Anywhere win against Candice LeRae, "the Blasian Baddie" took momentum with her into competition with Aliyah. Out to prove herself on her own two feet, while making good strides initially, Yim would be two steps ahead and score a decisive win. (4:09)
3) Arlo Sterling def. Jake Atlas with the Shooting Star knee drop to the spine. "The Game Changer" was not expecting the seasoned fifteen-year veteran to answer his call, as "the Sauce" proved to be the perfect foil for the offense of Atlas. Jake and Arlo competed in blink-and-you'll-miss-it action, going back and forth with Atlas attempting the LGB-DDT just for Sterling to move, quick like a cat, and pick up an impressive debut victory. (7:24)

A graphic aired, in memorium of the late "Bullet" Bob Armstrong, 1939-2020. The patriarch of the Armstrong Family, 1981-2020, who sadly succumbed to bone cancer yesterday, aged 80.

A video package aired, taking us back to the insanity which came to life before the eyes of the WWE Universe this past Sunday at "the Biggest Party of the Summer". SummerSlam was home to perhaps the most bizarre match in WWE history, as The Fiend defended the WWE Universal Championship against Brother Nero in Interdimensional Warfare. The two mad men went back in time, visited different universes, travelled from the Hardy Compound to a prison cell before it finally came to ahead in the WWE ThunderDome. Several switches in identities had led to Jeff Hardy preparing to do the unthinkable and put away "the New Face of Fear" - when who would return but Roman Reigns. Nobody could have seen "the Big Dog" coming, as he returned in a foul mood. Wrecking everything in sight, the Samoan left the Fiend and Hardy broken from a badly dinted steel chair, and raised the title high.

The opening video package aired, bringing us to the WWE ThunderDome for Friday Night SmackDown. Pyrotechnics erupted across the brand-new stage, as hundreds of the WWE Universe's faces appeared on the LED boards surrounding the ringside area. Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed us to FOX, briefly discussing the key events which unfolded at SummerSlam. Meanwhile, Payback was coming up live this Sunday at WWE Payback! With the Triple Threat match for the WWE Universal Championship already confirmed via WWE.com earlier this week for Sunday, tonight Roman Reigns would make his return to "the Blue Brand" with plenty of words for the Fiend and Jeff Hardy.

Roman Reigns returns to Friday Night SmackDown

The New Day vs Kings and Queens
The hollering voice of Big E came over the WWE ThunderDome, urging the WWE Universe to clap their hands together and feel the power! Himself and Kofi Kingston emerged moments later, making their arrival days after getting some degree of revenge on the Royal Family. In the ring, the former SmackDown Tag Team Champions talked about their heroic return as a tandem once again this past Sunday night at SummerSlam. After spending the last eight months down a man, they had finally had the opportunity to be reunited with a fallen friend. Together they had been champions, they had been screwed out of the titles. They had been isolated and they had been worked over. They had been banished and exiled from the title picture, only to get right back up and dust themselves off. 'The Power of Positivity' wasn't the only thing they had going for them, as Big E claimed they had the love and support of their friend all along. Kofi Kingston told the WWE Universe to clap their hands together - ushering out the returning Xavier Woods!

Making his way out to the stage, Xavier Woods played Francesca II to the beat of the New Day's theme music. Strutting and jiving to the ring, the New Day once again shared a ring all together again after nearly a year apart! Jumping into each others' arms, Xavier, Big E and Kofi Kingston rejoiced with a hug. The WWE Universe chanted "New Day rocks", as Xavier graced the microphone like a chalice and talked about how great it felt back - yet he wished it could have been under better circumstances. Electronically Xavier had watched Big E and Kofi thrive through the highs of being SmackDown Tag Team Champions, to the lows of the likes of Fight Night and the Royal Family damn-near decimating them; and "the Booty Family" stealing their title opportunity from them! Alas, Xavier believed they had the right to ride the unicorns of triumph once more, and now he was back that was what they planned to do - because this Sunday, Payback would be the New Day's when they beat the Kings and Queens in a six-man tag team match!

Big E hollered that 'the Power of Positivity' would be back in the New Day's favor, together once again as a trio - when out came the Royal Family. Drowned out by the boos of the WWE Universe, King Corbin told the three that he couldn't believe the New Day were back together and doing this again! He thought the band broke up the second they realized they were nothing quite like the greatness that the Royals possessed. The New Day were goofy, and not even the entertaining kind: simply put, they weren't even cut out to be their jesters! Duke Nese claimed the New Day were responsible for not only costing the King and he from becoming SmackDown Tag Team Champions at SummerSlam - but costing them their right to be at the pinnacle of Friday Night SmackDown. Kofi Kingston humorously snored on Big E, before reminding the Royal Family of what they did to deserve such shoddy treatment - hoping to shave years off of his epic career! KofiMania was alive and well, so Big E claimed, and he challenged them to come to the ring!

The Royal Family grew frustrated by the New Day cheerleading the WWE Universe in chanting "fraidy-cat" their way, finally bringing Sir Gable to speak up with a loud "Shoosh!" Questioning if that was what the three of them wanted - a fight ahead of Payback, three-on-three tonight - it simply wasn't going to happen! Gable told Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods they'd see them on Sunday, but before the Royals had the chance to leave, up behind them snuck the three of them! A six-man brawl erupted on the ramp, with the New Day gaining the upper hand until the Royals elected to run to escape! The fan favorites would return to the ring, where the trio started to dance and jive - forty-eight hours from their return as a trio to battle the Royals!

Payback - The New Day vs The Royal Family

▆▆▆

Taking Over Friday Nights
Kayla Braxton was standing by at the all-new backstage interview area resembling the corner of a squared circle. With a smile, she welcomed her guest - the newest addition to the SmackDown Brand, and the new WWE Intercontinental Champion Johnny Gargano. With a cheery grin, "Johnny Wrestling" told Kayla how happy he was to be here. It was a dream come true to answer the call of the respectable "Working Man's Champion" Daniel Bryan at SummerSlam, and to not just do that - but to become the new champion. Held by some of the all-time greats, from Randy Savage to Mr. Perfect, to Bret Hart and to "the Submission Expert" himself, it was his favorite title as a kid. The former NXT Champion confessed to being a lifelong fan, and though he had been sent packing from NXT - his free agency was done, and "Johnny Wrestling" was back to take over Friday Night SmackDown on FOX!

Up waltzed Fight Night, taking exception to the new WWE Intercontinental Champion's comments. Sheamus laughed at the expense of Johnny Gargano, telling him he had been a part of the SmackDown Brand for a couple of days and was behaving like a total fan! Shinsuke Nakamura called "Johnny Wrestling" a geek in his native tongue, as "the Celtic Warrior" was astounded Johnny didn't see through Daniel Bryan showing his true colors last Sunday, when he refused to shake his hand. That made him naive and weak, and therefore a target for "the Lads" of Friday nights. Cesaro squared up to Johnny, telling him he admired his athleticism - but he didn't see a champion with integrity. He saw a sweet little boy in way over his head! The new arrival asked "the Swiss Cyborg" if that was what he saw when he looked in the mirror, after getting schooled by Bryan himself last week. Gargano told Cesaro if he wanted to go, they could go right here tonight - and with a cocky grin, Cesaro told him he was on.

Tonight - WWE Intercontinental Champion Johnny Gargano vs Cesaro

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

1) WWE Women's Tag Team Champion Sasha Banks def. Liv Morgan (11:35)

With the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships up for grabs this Sunday at Payback between Bayley and Sasha Banks and their challengers, the Riott Squad, SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley and Ruby Riott joined Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary, as their teammates battled it out.

Tensions ran high after Sasha Banks thwarted Ruby Riott's attempt at victory on Monday Night RAW against the SmackDown Women's Champion, making it appear that "the Legit Boss" and "the One Over All" were on the same page ahead of Payback. Liv Morgan ran hot out of the gate with a series of clotheslines and an enzuigiri, before a running facebuster caught the WWE Women's Tag Team Champion by surprise. Morgan continued with a step-up enzuigiri sending Banks to the floor, when Liv was confronted by Bayley on commentary. After a brief exchange of words, the loudmouth enabled her partner Sasha to blast Liv from behind! Banks hit a diving Meteora from the second rope for a near fall, before driving her knees into the anatomy of the challenger as she laid prone across the second rope! Banks continued to gloat, allowing Liv to bounce back with a hurricanrana - just to be cut off by a dropkick!

Ruby Riott and Bayley bickered on commentary as Sasha Banks had a seated surfboard stretch applied on Liv Morgan. Flipping forward, Liv propelled "the Legit Boss" and nearly took the win with a Matrix evasion roll-up. Liv was on fire, landing a dive through the ropes. Things escalated at the announce table, with the SmackDown Women's Champion calling Ruby out for being the worst friend ever - someone who lacked having a talented bone in her body! It finally led to "the Runaway" throwing down her headset and pursuing "the One Over All", who tried escaping over the barricade - only to be trapped! Liv connected with the Jersey Codebreaker and had the win, but the referee was trying to settle the commotion between her partner and the double champ! As Liv reached out to Ruby through the ropes, she inadvertently elbowed her directly in the eye, and Sasha capitalized with the Bank Statement in motion! With nowhere to turn, the WWE Women's Tag Team Champion forced her to tap!

"The Legit Boss" rolled out to the floor as Ruby Riott slid into the ring in a hurry. Dismayed by the loss, "the Runaway" was forced to watch as the SmackDown Women's Champion would join her best friend Sasha Banks in celebration. "The One Over All" gloated in the faces of the Riott Squad, whilst Ruby tried to check on Liv Morgan, still clutching her face from the elbow. Ruby tried to help her up, but Liv backed away not even wanting to address it. The week had started with issues with the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, but appeared to head into Payback with the Riott Squad in danger of splitsville again.

▆▆▆

Backstage, the locker room door saw Roman Reigns' symbol emblazoned upon it. Days after his destructive return at SummerSlam, tonight "the Big Dog" would make his first appearance on Friday Night SmackDown since before WrestleMania - with words to come, expected for his Payback opponents The Fiend and Jeff Hardy.

Meanwhile, Jeff Hardy was seen arriving at the WWE ThunderDome! With his bag over his shoulder, the WWE Universal Champion did not appear to have slept a wink since SummerSlam last Sunday. With Roman Reigns on his mind, and his Interdimensional Warfare with the Fiend scarring him with traumatizing memories, "the Charismatic Enigma" was all systems go for Payback this Sunday - and threw down his bags, heading straight for the ring.

The 'Progressive Match-Flo of the Week' aired, taking us back to last week's unusually tense confrontation between John Morrison and The Fiend. Hell bent on retribution for "the New Face of Fear's" spontaneous attack weeks ago, "the Guru of Greatness" took the fight to the WWE Universal Champion but would ultimately go down in peril against the monstrosity. Michael Cole and Corey Graves discussed JoMo recuperating from injuries, but alerted the WWE Universe that he would be back next week on Friday Night SmackDown.

Next week - John Morrison returns

▆▆▆

Sleep Deprived and Deadly
He wasn't planned to be here at the WWE ThunderDome tonight, but nonetheless, the former WWE Universal Champion came hobbling down to the ring. Armed with a steel chair, Jeff Hardy appeared entranced and at less than 100% after Interdimensional Warfare that saw both he and his rival The Fiend fight to a no contest. Snatching the microphone from a disturbed Greg Hamilton, "the Charismatic Enigma" paced as he spoke about the craziest dream he had the other night. He was talking about his battle with "the New Face of Fear", who took him to places in his mind he had never once before roamed. It was SummerSlam one minute, and he was back home at his brother's property the next. He was even in prison, at one point - or at least that's what it seemed! Jeff talked about Fiend opening his eyes to the darkest parts of his psyche he didn't even know existed, but once it was all over - he faced no usual hangover. He woke up sober and alive, because something else happened in that dream the night before!

"The Charismatic Enigma" referenced never seeing "the Big Dog" coming until he already struck. Nobody could have seen it coming - not even the WWE Universe. But as he laid in bed on Monday morning with a raging headache, and his body burning in agony from the steel chair wreckage the night before - he realized it was no dream, but a reality. Jeff Hardy spoke directly into the lens of the camera as he spoke about Roman Reigns costing him the WWE Universal Championship, and that when it was all said and done, he discovered he held more resentment for Roman Reigns than he did for the Fiend. Jeff teased when Roman took his ball and went home, he stayed right there for the good of the WWE Universe, while the former champ took the route of a primadonna and went home! All in all, maybe it was good thing the match ended without a conclusive victor at SummerSlam: because this Sunday in the Triple Threat match, "the real" Jeff Hardy was alive, and he planned on providing all-out desolation!

▆▆▆

Riott Over?
Liv Morgan stormed backstage with Ruby Riott pursuing her. Trying to chase down her tag team partner, "the Runaway" tried to explain the elbow strike she inadvertently hit her with earlier tonight, but Morgan didn't want to hear any of it. Ruby managed to stop her from leaving, bringing up their match with the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions at Payback. Turning around, Liv remind Ruby of their hellish week. They each lost to Bayley and Sasha Banks, and now she was having doubts that Ruby was about to screw her over again! Ruby reasoned that was not the case, but Liv questioned if she was an easy target, for whenever Ruby felt like using someone. Liv reminded her she had trusted her before and got burned. What about Sarah Logan? Riott stated she could apologize a thousand times over, but Liv questioned if Ruby still saw her as that inexperienced pretty face who road her coattails when the Riott Squad first formed. Ruby hesitated, prompting Liv to rest her case and leave.

WWE Payback was live this Sunday, exclusive to the WWE Network. Presented by Hulu, watch your favorite WWE shows on Hulu.

Michael Cole and Corey Graves began to discuss the night SummerSlam was, and how WWE were keeping things scorching hot with another pay-per-view coming up Sunday. They began to discuss Payback, when interrupted by...

Anyone But You...
The opening title sequence of 'the Firefly Fun House' aired, bringing Bray Wyatt into the Fun House with a large bandage wrapped around his head. "The Eater of Worlds" acted worse for wear, nursing a hangover of sorts from the wild night he and Jeff Hardy had last Sunday night at SummerSlam. Wyatt groaned as he greeted his little Fireflies, talking about Interdimensional Warfare and how his head was pounding him - but fear not! Wyatt popped the lid and drank some medicine, before hollering like he was Stone Cold Steve Austin - complete with the glass shattering! Shaking off the cobwebs, Bray talked about being offered a prescription free of charge from "the Charismatic Enigma's" private doctor, but he thought better of it! While SummerSlam was a party, and one that will be remembered for an eternity through the annals of time - it did not have the happiest ending he would have liked. Flashes of Roman Reigns destroying the Fiend and Brother Nero appeared on-screen, Bray's demeanor grew serious.

Remarking that it had been a long time, he referred to Roman Reigns as an old friend he wished he had missed - but the more things change, the more they stayed the same. Bray Wyatt brought up their history, how "the Big Dog" took his ball and went home after WrestleMania...yet now he was back, and coming back for what he let go? "The Eater of Worlds" cackled at the top of his lungs, before breaking the laughter once again to remind Roman that in his world - it was anyone but him. Wyatt brought into frame the WWE Universal Championship which still belonged to he and his other half. They had done this dance before, and on Sunday he got to live SummerSlam all over again. What a whimsically chaotic night it would be, when Payback would belong to the monstrosity. The Fiend suddenly appeared, taking the place of Bray Wyatt. With the lights of the Firefly Fun House turning blood red, and the screeching sounds of screams, "the New Face of Fear" growled at Payback, Hell would freeze over - no survivors!

▆▆▆

2) WWE Intercontinental Champion Johnny Gargano def. Cesaro (14:31)

There was a new "Working Man's Champion" on Friday Night SmackDown, and his name was "Johnny Wrestling". Making his stunning debut at SummerSlam, Johnny Gargano knocked on the door of Daniel Bryan's Open Challenge for the WWE Intercontinental Championship - but had quickly found adversity from "the Swiss Cyborg". The two went back and forth early with Cesaro handily overpowering the newcomer, when Johnny landed on his feet from a gutwrench suplex and began to target the legs. Cesaro would rock him with European uppercuts, but Gargano dodged the short-arm lariat and connected with a string of calf kicks. Missing a big boot, Cesaro was struck with a Listo kick and a superkick that sent him out to the floor. Johnny went for a dive out to the floor - where the European caught him in mid-air with a body slam sending the new champion spine-first against the barricade! The strength of Cesaro put him in the driver's seat, with Gargano receiving a hostile welcome to FOX.

"The Swiss Cyborg" disrespected the newest addition to Friday Night SmackDown by stepping on his back as he hung draped over the second rope. Johnny Gargano would soon attempt to fight back, just to be cut off again by a bridging German suplex! Cesaro continued to clobber the new WWE Intercontinental Champion, laughing at him, when "Johnny Wrestling" tried to fight back with right hands. A hurricanrana sent Cesaro bouncing off the second turnbuckle pad, when a belly-to-belly suplex sent him upside down in the corner. Johnny headed to the apron looking for the Slingshot Spear, but Cesaro again cut him off with a European uppercut in mid-air! Cesaro was the most focused he had been in some time, as he pursued Johnny as he ascended to the top rope. With a deadlift gutwrench suplex, the strength of the European continued with Cesaro constantly one-upping the underdog newcomer to the SmackDown Brand!

Cesaro contained "Johnny Wrestling" in the crossface, when he was able to make the ropes! "The Swiss Cyborg" attempted a butterfly suplex, but Johnny Gargano broke free with kicks and landed the shiranui! The WWE Intercontinental Champion began to recuperate, stunning the muscular Fight Night member with an inverted backbreaker and a basement forearm strike. The new champ was feeling it as he looked for the slingshot spear - but Cesaro deadlifted him into the air, just to be hit with a tornado DDT! Gargano followed with the poison rana - but on every occasion, Cesaro kicked out! Gargano connected with the Slingshot Spear at long last, but Cesaro powered out at two. Gargano went to the top rope for a diving hurricanrana, when Cesaro struggled to turn it into an attempt at the Neutralizer - and Gargano would land on the apron, connecting with One Final Beat instead, to take the win!

The Express Pulls In Again
Johnny Gargano came out on top much like the underdog he was when he came in at SummerSlam. The new WWE Intercontinental Champion caught his breath over the fallen body of Cesaro, before having his hand raised and bestowed with "the Working Man's Title" by the referee. Unbeknownst to "Johnny Wrestling", out behind him rushed Sheamus and Shinsuke Nakamura, immediately overwhelming the exhausted new champion! Putting the boots to Gargano, "the Celtic Warrior" sized Johnny up for the Brogue Kick, just for he and "the King of Strong Style" to be stopped by Cesaro. "The Swiss Cyborg" scowled and demanded a moment with Johnny - but just when he appeared to show respect to the victor of the match, he would blast him with a pop-up Uppercut! The three members of Fight Night continued thier onslaught to the floor, where Shin and Cesaro held the defenseless Gargano in position in front of the ring post.

Sheamus prepared the debilitating Brogue Kick, when Braun Strowman's voice boomed through the WWE ThunderDome! "The Monster Among Men" was back, and with a brand new look. Last seen with his head shaved by Fight Night, the bald-headed barbarian came stomping down to the ring - immediately barging Shinsuke Nakamura over the barricade, with the Strowman Express arriving at the station! Cesaro looked to fight fire with fire, but Strowman too would wipe him out with a huge body block! Without even stopping for a second, Sheamus came to his senses and bolted over the barricade - directly out of the building through the LED boards. In hot pursuit, the giant leapt the barricade and continued after him - not about to let Sheamus get away this time!

He's Still Not Finished With You
It was chaos backstage at the WWE ThunderDome, as Sheamus continued to back away from the raving mad Braun Strowman. His bald head sizzling red with rage, "the Monster Among Men" told "the Celtic Warrior" there was no more use running from him. The Irishman chose to taunt him, daring him to come and fight - when in the nick of time, a crew of referees and producers arrived to prevent a melee from going down. Braun and Sheamus continued to argue over the shrieks and utters of the staff between them, finally prompting Braun to flip over a table covered in production equipment - tossing a television monitor across the hall in the Irishman's direction! Adam Pearce arrived to come between the two, as he told Braun this was not going to happen tonight. The redhead believed it should never happen - but the WWE Official decreed that upon discussion with the FOX executives during their emergency meeting, they were in agreement that they would have their match - Sunday, at Payback.

"The Celtic Warrior" protested, bringing Braun Strowman to roar his way warning Sheamus his ass belonged to him! The leader of Fight Night wisely took a walk, when who would appear but the three members of the Royal Family. King Corbin led the troupe, telling "the Monster Among Men" he was old news, and everybody was sick to death of having to walk on eggshells around him. Sir Gable and Duke Nese similarly ran their mouths, as Braun told the three of them they could have the time of their lives with the New Day for all he cared - but tonight, he came looking for a fight. Adam Pearce again tried to prevent a brawl from breaking out, but just as the Royals were about to arrogantly take their leave, the WWE Official went ahead and made the match! Corbin questioned what authority Adam possessed, but he told Corbin to consider it Payback for the part he played in Strowman's humiliation two weeks ago. Strowman grinned, telling him he was going to make him pay for ever getting involved in his business!

Payback - Braun Strowman vs Sheamus
Tonight - Braun Strowman vs King Corbin

▆▆▆

Inside the WWE ThunderDome, a long pan of the lighting rig overlooking the ring was shown - as well as the hundreds of LED boards revealing the faces of members of the WWE Universe. Michael Cole and Corey Graves discussed the night Payback was shaping up to be, this Sunday on the WWE Network - when...

Reclaiming His Yard
The familiar sound of the Shield's music powered through the building, bringing out the man who wrecked everything and left SummerSlam in shambles last Sunday. For the first time since before WrestleMania, the former WWE Universal Champion came walking out to the stage with a stern expression on his face. With a full beard and his new "Wreck Everyone & Leave" shirt, "the Big Dog" appeared cold and collected as he walked down to the ring. Met with a blend of cheers and boos, as the WWE Universe let their voices be heard through the wonders of the WWE ThunderDome - when Roman took to the microphone. Standing still, he simply waited for the volume to peter out. Dissatisfied, he impatiently teased beginning his address only to wait longer. It was shades of the night after WrestleMania four years ago, as Roman identically waited to the progressively growing negative response, before calling back to that night in Dallas by declaring himself not a bad guy or a good guy.

Roman Reigns was "the" guy, and he proved it by wrecking Jeff Hardy, and wrecking the Fiend, and taking the clown show that took place at SummerSlam, and putting it out to pasture. "The Big Dog" recalled the state he left Friday Night SmackDown in, and how he was pretty happy with it. He never wanted to leave, but what happened had to happen. WWE management didn't want to respect him anymore - in fact, they all wanted to replace him. Instantly, they thrust this "Rainbow-Haired Warrior" junkie into the spotlight, and had his entire redemption arc play out. From there, it was fun, games and cartoons with the Fiend - and he didn't appreciate "the New Face of Fear" for a second! In his pastlife, he already beat Bray Wyatt's ass more times than he could count. Disgusted, he was forced to watch weekly as the WWE Universe ignored his mark on this business on a weekly basis. He watched what he made the top title in this business be turned into some magical stunt show filled with monsters, demons, Fun Houses and Compounds.

It hurt him to witness Jeff Hardy and the Fiend be named as his replacements, sickened by the audacity of not only the WWE, but the WWE Universe. And so nobody could have ever seen it coming: he returned at SummerSlam, and he made Interdimensional Warfare look like some scorched earth battleground - which was poetic for what he vowed to do this Sunday at Payback. In the Triple Threat match, he was taking home that WWE Universal Championship. "The Big Dog" was going to finish what he started at "the Biggest Party of the Summer", and despite how he used to clamor for the love and affection and support of the WWE Universe - now he marched to the beat of one drum; his own. With harsh words for "the Charismatic Enigma" and "the New Face of Fear", Roman told the people to mark his words: Payback would be a bitch, because he planned to do what no one else could ever do: Wreck Everyone & Leave.

▆▆▆

Kayla Braxton was standing by at the interview area backstage with Alexa Bliss and Carmella, noting the savage backstage attack on Nikki Cross. "The Goddess" provided a medical update on her best friend, saying what Mickie James and Lacey Evans did was the most predictable thing in the world. They tried to make a statement, interrupting "A Moment of Bliss"; stirring up trouble with the former WWE Women's Tag Team Champions - well done to them. But "Little Miss Bliss" claimed her "Twisted Sister" would be back with a vengeance. "Money Mella" told the broadcast journalist they were going to get payback for the woman who had her back - Alexa Bliss. "The Princess of Staten Island" said they might not be usual tag team partners, but tonight's match was dedicated to "Naughty Nikki".

Tonight - Carmella and Alexa Bliss vs Mickie James and Lacey Evans

An advertisement aired, promoting 'WWE Untold - Bayley vs Sasha'. In August 2015 at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn, two women made history. Now, for the first time ever the WWE Universe would hear the true story of the historic match, straight from the women who changed the game forever - now streaming on the WWE Network.

Reunited and It Feels So Bad
Footage from earlier today heard, where a 'WWE Network Exclusive' showed Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode talking about the number they did on Mustafa Ali one week prior. "The Show Off" laughed at the expense of "the Hacker", though little did he or Roode realize that the monitor behind them glitched out. Revealing Ali's silhouette practically watching them from his computer room, "the Glorious One" told Dolph how much he had missed him! The two talked the potential of being reunited, teasing a pursuit at the SmackDown Tag Team Championships. Abruptly, up came an unimpressed Apollo Crews. "The One Man Nation" told Dolph and Robert he was never all that high on either of them, and last week just reminded him of that fact. Ziggler and Roode each took offense to Crews' interruption, when Robert planned revenge for his feat of heroism last week - challenging him to a match tonight on Friday Night SmackDown.

3) Apollo Crews def. Robert Roode (with Dolph Ziggler) (5:46)

Robert Roode hugged it out with "the Show Off" before the bell, prompting Crews to jump the gun with a corner splash, knocking both men down! Crews gave the fight to "the Glorious One", performing a jumping enzuigiri as the veteran hoped to get back in the match. As a scoop powerslam connected, Ziggler teased putting Roode's foot on the ropes, and without thinking twice, Apollo landed an apron moonsault! Back inside, Roode capitalized with the spinebuster, and some explosive strikes led to a lungblower that got him a near fall. Dolph clocked "the One Man Nation" through the ropes for control, but the Glorious DDT saw Apollo battle back! The military press slam and the standing moonsault connected, when Dolph interfered. Roode connected with the Glorious DDT, when Mustafa Ali's silhouette lit up on the LED boards! Suddenly Ziggler was wiped out by Ali's presence, with a diving crossbody off the barricade! With Roode's mind elsewhere, Apollo hit the Chariot to get the win!

Apollo Crews was victorious over Robert Roode, with some degree of help from Mustafa Ali - avenging the fate which befell him last week. "The Hacker" would join "the One Man Nation" in celebrating inside, rubbing it in the faces of Dolph Ziggler and "the Glorious One". "The Show Off" cursed enough was enough, and there would be no more Mr. Nice Guy!

▆▆▆

Fight of The Hardest Working Champion
The WWE Intercontinental Champion Johnny Gargano favored his shoulder backstage, when up walked Daniel Bryan. The former "Working Man's Champion" met with the man who took "the Working Man's Title" away from him at SummerSlam, telling "Johnny Wrestling". Johnny was amused at Daniel showing up. He was some working man - outmanned against Fight Night, the same group it seemed Bryan was colluding with! Bryan denied any affiliation with Sheamus, Cesaro or Shinsuke Nakamura - but did agree with "the Swiss Cyborg's" words. Johnny was unfitting of being the champion he was. Gargano got in Daniel's face, asking "the Submission Expert" if he reminded him of somebody. Bryan knew the kind of guy Johnny was, because of how he stabbed Tommaso Ciampa in the back. His gears grinded, Johnny shoved Bryan and told him if he was bitter about losing, to just say so! Gargano offered Bryan the rematch he was too ashamed to ask for next week. Bryan accepted, declaring he would beat "Johnny Wrestling".

Next week - WWE Intercontinental Championship - Johnny Gargano (c) vs Daniel Bryan

A graphic aired, revealing that after their respective championship matches this past Sunday at SummerSlam, we would see exclusive footage of what happened - when cameras followed the SmackDown Tag Team Champion Otis and his "Precious Peach" Mandy Rose to the Bahamas: next!

A graphic appeared, promoting the return of WWE Talking Smack - available tomorrow night on the free version of the WWE Network. Co-hosts Kayla Braxton and Corey Graves would be joined by the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Bayley and Sasha Banks; the new WWE Intercontinental Champion Johnny Gargano, and the SmackDown Tag Team Champions Heavy Machinery.

Day By The Pool
In the days following "the Biggest Party of the Summer", the hottest couple Friday Night SmackDown has to offer Otis and Mandy Rose took some time out of their schedules to sit back and relax. With the SmackDown Tag Team Championship sat between them, so were bottles of champagne submerged in a bucket of ice. A waterfall overlooked the scene as the lovebirds sat on their respective deck chairs, with "the Golden Goddess" voicing how badly she needed this after SummerSlam. Otis popped the cork off his bottle of bubbly with great relief and satisfaction, as he reminded Mandy how great she did against Bayley - voicing how her day would come to be the champion he knew she could be. In trunks and his cropped Heavy Machinery shirt, he offered "the Precious Peach" some peach champagne to her delight. Pouring her glass full, "the Powder Keg" followed by overfilling his own - it frothing over the top prompting him to lick it. From her perspective, Mandy watched Otis lick it all from his fingers in slow motion!

Knocking back peach champagne, Otis asked Mandy Rose whether they should test the waters, to which "the Golden Goddess" admitted she was feeling sleepy. Blowing a kiss to her, the SmackDown Tag Team Champion decided to go it alone, running off to the pool. Mandy covered her periphery with sunglasses, where she dosed into a nap. Dreaming about Otis dipping his toes in the pool, the enthusiastic "Powder Keg" went for a swim. She fantasized about Otis greeting her, slowly ascending from the depths of water to take a slow swagger over. Mandy bit her lip and blew a kiss at her lover, and he tore his croptop off like it was nothing. He took her by the hand and embraced her with a romantic kiss beneath the waterfall - but with a record scratch, back to reality saw Otis blurt out "CANNONBALL!" A thunderous dive into the pool drenched his "Precious Peach", but through an apology Mandy confessed she was having an amazing dream. Deciding to enter the pool, Mandy embraced her man with a passionate kiss.

▆▆▆

4) Carmella (with Alexa Bliss) def. Mickie James (with Lacey Evans) (3:40)

After her bestie Nikki Cross was taken out in a heinous backstage assault by Mickie James and Lacey Evans last week, the mainstay of the Women's Division went up against the woman who came to Alexa Bliss's aid. "The Princess of Staten Island" got off to a good start, outmaneuvering Mickie with a string of single leg dropkicks and the Mella Go Round, but where the New Yorker went wrong was where "the Country Gal" outwitted her with an arm-trap neckbreaker! "The Goddess" rooted for "Money Mella", who fired back with a diving crossbody as she sought for higher ground. Mudhole stomps in the corner saw the Moonwalk lead to the Bronco Buster, when the veteran distracted the official allowing for Lacey Evans to connect with the Woman's Right from the apron! Mickie got the cover, but Bliss rushed over and propped her friend's foot on the bottom rope. The Mickie-DT was inbound, but Mella reversed and struck with the Princess Kick into the Mella Buster - to take the win!

Carmella celebrated briefly, but it was cut short by the stampeding "First Lady" from behind! Lacey Evans aggressively put the boots to "Money Mella", when she in turn would be ran off by the Goddess Right, courtesy of Alexa Bliss. "The Goddess" would run Mickie James and Lacey Evans from the ring, before helping "the Princess of Staten Island" to her feet. The two hugged it out, as Nikki Cross was sure to be smiling from the comfort of her home, in recovery after last week's attack.

▆▆▆

The Royal Family did not anticipate making a second walk for the WWE ThunderDome when they interrupted the New Day earlier tonight, though King Corbin appeared confident ahead of his upcoming match with the red hot and returning Braun Strowman. With forty-eight hours remaining until his long-awaited grudge match with Sheamus, "the Monster Among Men" had vowed to get even with the King, Duke Nese and Sir Gable for their part in his humiliation - coming up next!

Michael Cole and Corey Graves discussed the marvelous events of SummerSlam last Sunday, but this upcoming weekend would see Payback emanate from the WWE ThunderDome - and it had potential to be as crazy as "the Biggest Party of the Summer". Graphics appeared on-screen to preview each of the matches scheduled to take place this Sunday night - exclusive to the WWE Network.

WWE Universal Championship - Triple Threat match - The Fiend (c) vs Jeff Hardy vs Roman Reigns
WWE World Championship - No-Disqualification match - Drew McIntyre (c) vs Seth Rollins
Sheamus vs Braun Strowman (NEW!)
RAW Women's Championship - Last Chance match - Charlotte Flair (c) vs Asuka
The Royal Family vs The New Day (NEW!)
WWE Women's Tag Team Championship - Sasha Banks and SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley (c) vs The Riott Squad
AJ Styles vs Matt Riddle
RAW Tag Team Championship - Theory and Murphy (c) vs Ricochet and Cedric Alexander
Payback Kickoff Show - Apollo Crews and Mustafa Ali vs Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode (NEW!)

▆▆▆

5) Braun Strowman vs King Corbin ended in a no contest (4:03)

King Corbin daringly decided to go it alone as he emerged out to the rampway in the WWE ThunderDome - when Braun Strowman came storming out after him! Rushing him from behind, "the Monster Among Men" hammered away at Corbin against the barricade at ringside, as the New Day were shown backstage chowing down on popcorn, and watching with big smiles on their faces.

Into the ring, this match got underway with the King kicking for his life to remain distant from "the Monster Among Men". Where he went wrong was where Braun Strowman caught a big boot and would deliver a huge biel throw sending him across the ring. With repeated clotheslines in the corner, and multiple vessel-popping clubs to the chest across the ropes, Strowman would hurl Corbin in once again with the gorilla press slam! Braun would look for the Strowman Express on the floor, but the patriarch of the Royal Family cut him off with a strategic chop block tackle, cutting the legs out from underneath the big, bald raging giant. Back inside, the King tried to keep Braun down, before getting a major run-up by darting from the ring and looking for the Dream Crusher - but upon reentry for the clothesline, Braun barged past him with a lariat! As the Yokosuka cutter dropped Corbin, out came Sir Gable and Duke Nese to the rescue - just to be dropped by Strowman's double clothesline!

Braun Strowman was not here for just King Corbin, as he tossed Sir Gable over the second rope. Executing the Strowman Express, Duke Nese backflipped, faceplanting the ringside floor! "The Monster Among Men" delivered a Powerbomb to Gable, when Fight Night arrived. Led by Sheamus with a shillelagh, "the Celtic Warrior" clubbed the back of the giant's leg, before directing traffic. Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura aided the Royals in another six-on-one beating. The New Day made their way out - all three men equalizing the Royals and "the Lads". Soon, Heavy Machinery joined the fray! The SmackDown Tag Team Champions hit the ring hotter than ever, joining the New Day and Strowman in their brawl with the six foes. Braun followed the King to ringside, where the Running Powerslam drove Corbin through the announce table! It was anarchy in the WWE ThunderDome, as "the Colossus" stood side-by-side with the New Day and "the Blue Collar Boys". Sunday would see Braun get Payback...finally!

▆▆▆

Serving A New Master
Suddenly, the camera cut backstage. Kayla Braxton was standing by outside of the dressing room of Roman Reigns, wishing to speak with him about the Triple Threat match this Sunday at Payback. With the WWE Universal Championship at stake, Kayla began to knock, but there was no answer. Finally, somebody did answer: Paul Heyman. Shocking the broadcast journalist, "the Advocate" frowned at the rude interruption, before remarking to her - "not right now". Slamming the door shut, Braxton was stunned - and surely so were the rest of the WWE Universe! What was going on with "the Big Dog?"

Talking Smack #60 – August 28, 2020

Kayla Braxton and Corey Graves welcomed everybody to the first edition of Talking Smack in over two years, immediately diving in with the wild cliffhanger that was revealed in the closing moments of Friday Night SmackDown moments ago. Kayla and Corey speculated and theorized about the business Paul Heyman had to conduct with Roman Reigns ahead of the Triple Threat match for the WWE Universal Championship match this Payback.

The Smackdown Tag Team Champions Heavy Machinery joined the show first, red hot after their six-on-five melee alongside the New Day and Braun Strowman opposite members of Fight Night and the Royal Family. Otis and Tucker discussed how proud they were to stand united with fellow big meaty men slapping meat, insinuating that as proud "Blue Collar Boys", they were willing to take on whoever wanted a shot next at their titles. Otis was asked about Mandy Rose, and "the Powder Keg" voiced how proud he was of his "Precious Peach" for the hard-fought effort against Bayley for the SmackDown Women's Championship at SummerSlam. Tucky believed her time would come, but right now "the Brick Hit-House" and Otis were ready for anything, getting better and better every day.

The new WWE Intercontinental Champion Johnny Gargano humbly came onto the show to discuss his intense battle with Cesaro, as well as his confrontation with Daniel Bryan. With the SummerSlam rematch set for next week on Friday Night SmackDown. "Johnny Wrestling" claimed he had no idea what "the Working Man's Champion's" problem with him was, except bitter jealousy. The former NXT Superstar admitted that he went off the rails and acted a little unfairly to Tommaso Ciampa, but the WWE Universe had to remember that "the Blackheart" turned on him first. Either way, his exile was over and he was here to start fresh. He was here not only to stand proudly as the new "Working Man's Champion", but to be the Johnny TakeOver that Friday Night SmackDown deserved!

The WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Bayley and Sasha Banks continued their tour of publicity heading into Payback this Sunday. After callously invading RAW Talk this past Monday, the SmackDown Women's Champion and her best friend talked trash about the Riott Squad and cried over the pity that was Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan falling apart at the seams. "The One Over All" and "the Legit Boss" joked about the Riott Squad being cursed from the crib - ironically the same place Liv should have stayed! As "the Boss 'n' Hug Connection" gloated about being the best thing about the WWE today, "Bayley 2 Belts" declared that they would be together for as long as she held all the gold - forever. Harrassing Kayla Braxton, the co-hosts signed off with the champs causing havoc on the set.

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

· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Aug 23, 2023 16:42:26 GMT -5

Quote

Post by DTP. on Aug 23, 2023 16:42:26 GMT -5

WWE Payback 2020 – August 30, 2020
WWE ThunderDome at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida
"Now It's Personal"

"Payback" by def rebel

THIS SUNDAY!

WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP
TRIPLE THREAT MATCH
Roman Reigns vs The Fiend (c) vs Jeff Hardy

WWE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
NO-DISQUALIFICATION MATCH
Drew McIntyre (c) vs Seth Rollins

RAW WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP
Charlotte Flair (c) vs Asuka
If Charlotte wins, Asuka can never challenge for the RAW Women's Championship again.

Sheamus vs Braun Strowman

WWE WOMEN'S TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
Bayley and Sasha Banks (c) vs The Riott Squad

Matt Riddle vs AJ Styles

The New Day vs The Royal Family

RAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
Theory and Murphy (c) vs Ricochet and Cedric Alexander

PAYBACK KICKOFF SHOW
Mustafa Ali and Apollo Crews vs Robert Roode and Dolph Ziggler

Matches to be announced.

· 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 · Aug 25, 2023 18:09:31 GMT -5

Quote

Post by DTP. on Aug 25, 2023 18:09:31 GMT -5

WWE Payback 2020 – August 30, 2020
Amway Center - WWE ThunderDome in Orlando, Florida
"Now It's Personal"

"Payback" by def rebel

Payback Kickoff Show - August 30, 2020

Charly Caruso hosted the Kickoff Show panel consisting of John Bradshaw Layfield, Jerry Lawler and Peter Rosenburg. The panel sat at a desk similar to the one used for RAW Talk and Talking Smack, with the WWE ThunderDome waiting in the background behind them.

One week following her departure from the company following SummerSlam, Charly Caruso gave a touching and heartfelt thankyou to Renee Young from the entire WWE family.

The Iiconics were interviewed backstage by Sarah Schreiber, who asked Billie Kay and Peyton Royce about how they liked Charlotte Flair's chances against Asuka in the Last Chance match. The BFFs were as obnoxious as ever, bigging up "the Queen's" credentials and putting the three of them and Nia Jax as being the fiercest foursome the WWE had ever seen. As they touted being a part of the New Four Horsemen, Nia Jax abruptly barged into them. "The Giantess" demanded the Aussies to pass on the message to their boss - win or lose tonight, she wanted the next opportunity at the RAW Women's Championship. As Nia left with threats laid out, prompting looks of disgust from the Iiconic Duo.

The WWE 24/7 Champion Samoa Joe rudely interrupted the Kickoff Show panel, complaining about the title he held not getting any love. "The Samoan Submission Machine" was disgruntled about bringing the shambles of a championship title to be the most sought after title in the WWE today, bringing debate from the team. R-Truth arrived and apologized for being late to RAW Talk, before telling the champ he wanted his title shot. Joe and "the Truth" bickered back and forth, when the rapper challenged Joe to a match tomorrow night on Prime Time Wrestling. While Joe argued with R-Truth over the name of Monday Night RAW, the rapper would hurl a bottle of water in Joe's direction before bailing.

Static intruded the feed for the Kickoff Show several times, as faint text directed from Mustafa Ali intended for Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode warned his adversaries they planned to steal the show from "the Show Off", and it would be Glorious.

Through a series of clips, the past week for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship picture was highlighted, showing Bayley and Sasha Banks get back on the same page on Monday Night RAW; whereas on Friday Night SmackDown, trouble brewed between Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott of the Riott Squad.

Video packages aired for the Triple Threat match for the WWE Universal Championship; the No-Disqualification match for the WWE World Championship; the Last Chance match for the RAW Women's Championship; and the Sheamus vs Braun Strowman match.

Included an advertisement for Coca-Cola Energy - Energy You Want, Taste You Love. Containing guarana, B-vitamins and caffeine, it's a pick me up that won't let you down.

☰☰☰

With Michael Cole and Corey Graves of the SmackDown Brand assuming commentary duties for the Payback Kickoff Show match, the lights would go out in the WWE ThunderDome before revealing "the Hacker's" symbol on each of the LED boards. Embarrassing yearbook photos of Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode each aired, exposing "the Show Off's" forgotten past as a golf caddy and a male cheerleader. Conversely, "the Glorious One's" long hair phase was depicted. Finally, a lights show with bright lasers brought Mustafa Ali out to the stage in black and silver tights, shooting even more lasers from his fingertips. Apollo Crews followed soonafter wearing green trunks, psyched up and fist bumping his tag team partner tonight.

Dolph Ziggler came swaggering out to the stage in pink and black zebra print tights, wearing his own branded hoody over the backs of his arms as he exchanged words and slapped his gums in Mustafa Ali and Apollo Crews' directions. Joined moments later by the dramatic and bright spotlight from overhead, Robert Roode returned to being "Glorious", sporting a luxurious purple and silver robe and hugging it out with "the Show Off". "The Glorious One" and he walked side by side, both confident and looking to put a stop to the ways of "the Hacker". A running turning plancha saw "the One Man Nation" take the lead immediately! As he then had to fend off both Dolph and Robert, Mustafa would join the frenzy - soaring with a springboard inverted 450 splash onto them both. Into the ring Ziggler went, with this match now under way.

0) Mustafa Ali and Apollo Crews vs Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode

Weeks of torment from Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode saw Mustafa Ali and Apollo Crews jump the gun, and immediately they would bring the fight to "the Show Off" with a hip toss off the ropes from Crews into a dropkick from "the Hacker". With quickness, Ali repeated his streak of luck with a dropdown to evade a charging Dolph. While a blind tag would be made to Roode unstopped by the official, Ali leapfrogged over Dolph, when a backwards roll allowed "the One Man Nation" strike with a springboard crossbody for the inbound Roode! Outsmarting "the Dirty Dawgs", Crews rained down strikes with ten punches connecting on the former NXT Champion. Dolph again tried to involve himself with an attack from the apron, but "the Hacker" came sprinting over the top rope and dropped Ziggler with a roundhouse kick! Knocking him to the floor, Ali would be sent from the apron by a forearm strike from Roode - when Crews drilled him with an enzuigiri against the ropes. With a dropdown and leapfrog of his own, a back elbow led to a standing moonsault attempt. Roode telegraphed it, but Apollo landed on his feet cleanly - catching Roode from behind him with a scoop powerslam!

Keeping the momentum going, "the One Man Nation" caught Robert Roode in the corner with a splash, but another blind tag from Dolph Ziggler saw Apollo Crews land a clothesline sending "the Glorious One" over the top rope, allowing "the Show Off" to sneak in and connect with a devastating leaping DDT! It was the differencemaker "the Dirty Dawgs" needed, as Ziggler aggressively landed strikes on Crews before adding insult to injury with some stomps. With a headlock applied, Apollo tried to work back to his feet, allowing Roode to tag in and get in a shot to the ribcage. With a lungblower, Roode scored a near fall, and the frequent tags saw Ziggler once again come in. As Dolph landed a corner splash on Crews, Roode landed a neckbreaker - when "the Show Off" attempted to barge Mustafa Ali from the ring apron! It antagonized "the Hacker", who tried to enter the ring illegally, allowing Roode and Ziggler to drag Crews back to their corner for some mudhole stomps behind the official's back. Dolph continued to taunt Ali, as he attempted to restrain Crews on the mat. Continuing to run his mouth, Dolph maintained pressure when Roode tagged in to deliver another stomp.

"The Glorious One" led the WWE Universe in a "Glorious" chant unsuccessfully, before missing a corner clothesline! Apollo Crews connected with the spinebuster, but as "the One Man Nation" began his reach for the tag to Mustafa Ali, Dolph Ziggler beat him to it and dragged him back in the center. Dragging Apollo back to the center by the foot, the fan favorite acended to his feet before landing an enzuigiri - but it missed! As the famouser landed for a near fall, Ziggler began to drop elbow drops on Crews, but as he showboated for his sixth consecutive drop, Crews was able to roll out of the way and land a standing moonsault! Roode got the tag, but Crews tagged Ali first! "The Hacker" ran hot with leg kicks for Roode before a knee lift cut him off. Taking to the ropes, Ali met him in the middle with a Spanish fly! Dolph came in to disrupt his flow, but Ali planted him with a hurricanrana before kipping up to his feet. Slipping to the apron, a rolling neckbreaker was attempted - but Roode drilled him with the spinebuster! Roode showboated over Ali, when Apollo reemerged with the diving crossbody from the top!

Apollo Crews caught Dolph Ziggler's Super Kick attempt and delivered a stalling military press slam, when Robert Roode came from behind with the Glorious DDT connecting! "The Glorious One" stammered back to his feet and posed for the WWE ThunderDome once again, when behind him came Ali with a tornado DDT from the second rope. Fluidly, he came in from the apron with a rolling facebuster - making the cover, but "the Hacker" was ambushed by Ziggler! After sending him shoulder-first into the ring post, the Zig Zag connected, when Apollo took him out with the Chariot! Roode hurried in with a lungblower to Apollo, before picking Ali up and attempting the Glorious DDT. Ali reversed into the Kofi Clutch, bringing Roode to struggle on the canvas - and succumb to the pressure, tapping out!

Winners: Mustafa Ali and Apollo Crews (10:16)

Mustafa Ali stumbled to his feet to have his hand raised by the referee, when into the ring came Apollo Crews behind him. With an emphatic hug, "the One Man Nation" proved to be the helping hand "the Hacker" needed to get one over on his frequent foes, Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode. "The Show Off" practically blew a gasket at ringside, slamming his fist on the mat and exchanging words with Ali. As "the Glorious One" recovered, Dolph continued to vow that Ali's time was running out - and the winner should have been him!

The opening video package aired, reviewing the event that You Never Saw Coming. SummerSlam last weekend saw the entire WWE Universe stunned as a vehement and violent Roman Reigns left the WWE Universal Champion The Fiend, and his challenger Jeff Hardy in ruin. "The Big Dog" showed no love and had reckless abandon for every bit of damage he dished out, in wrecking everyone and leaving "the Biggest Party of the Summer" the one man standing. But as "the Big Dog" returned from a four-month sabbatical, he was about to learn that Payback was all about. Tonight, three monsters would collide in a Triple Threat match for the title, in what was expected to be Warfare left over from Interdimensional Warfare seven days ago. The focus also remained on "the Monday Night Messiah", whose grasp on reality dwindled significantly after his prophecy was denied by "the Scottish Terminator". Yet, the wounded WWE World Champion left himself open to a heinous assault courtesy of Seth Rollins' "Mercenaries of the Church", AOP six nights ago on Monday Night RAW. Tonight, there would be No-Disqualification, and the WWE Universe would find out that this was personal - and Payback was a b*tch.

The opening graphic aired, sending us to the WWE ThunderDome in Orlando, Florida. Pyrotechnics erupted across the stage inside, as 3D CGI graphic appeared on-screen. Sponsored by Hulu, Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed the WWE Universe to Payback, as rows upon rows of LED boards lit up with the individual celebratory faces of fans virtually in attendance. Discussing the dramatic conclusion to Friday Night SmackDown on FOX two nights ago, the two pondered what business Paul Heyman could possibly have had with Roman Reigns, and with "the Big Dog" reportedly not yet here tonight, who knew what to expect. Sending things over to the broadcast team of Monday Night RAW, Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T ran down some of the things to expect tonight - because this time, it was personal!

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Kicking things off for Monday Night RAW saw the bootless "King of Bros" emerge to the stage inside the WWE ThunderDome. Matt Riddle swaggered out to the beat of his hip hop music, adorned in silver shorts and a tight satin jacket. Monday Night RAW's chillest Superstar came to the ring, leaping over the top rope and in the process kicking off his flip flops! "The Original Bro" posed amidst the pyrotechnics blast, when his opposition arrived.

The O.C. arrived to a negative response from the WWE Universe, with AJ Styles leading "the Good Brothers". In red and blue tights, "the Phenomenal One" lowered the hood on his leather jacket before meeting Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson with a "Too Sweet" hand signal. AJ told "the Big LG" and KA that he wanted to handle this alone, urging the duo to return backstage! Anderson and Gallows protested the decision by "Phenomenal Hoot", but reluctantly complied as AJ bounded down to the ring. Rebounding off the ropes with his pose, Styles confronted Matt Riddle with the official separating them.

1) Matt Riddle vs AJ Styles

The "Bro" chants continued, as Matt Riddle fist pumped to the WWE Universe's support, even through the virtual experience of the WWE ThunderDome. AJ Styles protested "the Original Bro's" confidence, when "the Phenomenal One" attempted a go-behind. With a waistlock applied, Riddle would pick the leg and drop AJ on his back. With a spin, Riddle grounded AJ using his knowledge of mixed martial arts, though the leader of the O.C. would show he was no slouch. Though able to wrestle out from underneath Riddle, the "Bro" teased a leglock just for AJ to latch onto the ropes. Styles ran his mouth, shadow-boxing to Riddle's amusement. He swooped in following a feeling out process, scooping AJ Styles with a fireman's carry. Styles battled the former Ultimate Fighter with use of his feet, when "the King of Bros" maintained a twisting ankle hold! AJ use his proficience to escape, before taking Riddle down with a headlock takedown. Riddle struggled to escape, when he managed to roll through and take control with the full mount! His attempt at grounding and pounding saw AJ squirm to the bottom rope again, and with the clean break, AJ would lose his temper and retreat to the outside!

"The Phenomenal One" was seething at ringside, kicking the steel steps only to hurt his own foot! Matt Riddle invited a reluctant AJ Styles back into the ring, but after shrugging him off, AJ instead helped himself into the ring. The two prepared to lock up once again, with a tug-of-war of sorts breaking out! Styles tried to force Riddle back into the corner, and just as the referee began to order a clean break, Styles became aggressive with right hands! Riddle responded with an advancement of his own after the leader of the O.C. made the rookie mistake of stopping to showboat - and "the Original Bro" would have Styles forced to retreat into the opposite corner, courtesy of strikes! The official ordered the break and Riddle complied, when Styles came swinging out of the corner - just for Matt to respond with an arm drag before taking him up for a ride with the deadlift fisherman suplex for a near fall! Several Bro Kicks impacted AJ in the corner, when an eye rake bought him time to escape from the ring. With "the King of Bros" hot on his tail, AJ led chase around ringside before returning inside.

Plotting a discus clothesline, Matt Riddle caught him up on his shoulders for the Bro 2 Sleep - but AJ Styles used the top rope for leverage to escape, connecting with a backbreaker! With Riddle down, "the Phenomenal One" showed his aggressive side with some ground and pound of his own, until a choke with his forearm demanded a break from the official. An insulting kick to the spine saw "the King of Bros" begin to get back into the fight, willing more strikes from Styles. The "Bro" went for a roundhouse kick, when AJ planted him with a pumphandle gutbuster! With a newfound sense of confidence, Styles put the boots to Riddle in the corner, delivering a facewash with the sole of his foot! Turning his attention to the bare feet of "the Original Bro", AJ stomped at the exposed ankle! A jumping knee drop saw AJ get a near fall, the veteran here to remind Riddle who "the Face Who Runs the Place" truly was. His gloating nearly cost him, as Riddle struck with leg kicks from the canvas. Styles hoped to evade it, when Riddle briefly applied a triangle choke! Styles tried desperately to push forward, inadvertently rolling over and winding up trapped in the cross-armbreaker!

AJ Styles calmly propped his foot on the bottom rope to the boos of the WWE Universe, as Matt Riddle was ordered off of his opponent. Frustrated himself now, "the King of Bros" was able to catch Styles' Pelé kick in mid-motion and briefly applied the ankle lock - when AJ was able to roll through causing the former Ultimate Fighter to collide with the ring post shoulder first. The Ushigoroshi would take "the Bro" down, giving "the Phenomenal One" control! Styles put the boots to Riddle to keep the pressure on him, before driving him into the mat with a back suplex into a facebuster - but "the Bro" continued to show signs of fight, kicking out at two! Rolling out to the apron, AJ followed suit and dropped Riddle spine-first on the hardest part of the ring with an apron back suplex! Styles believed he had this one wrapped up, as he returned to the apron and drove a jumping knee drop into the anatomy of Riddle, who folded over and collapsed out on the floor. In the fetal position Riddle was left outside, as AJ kicked back and relaxed in the ring! Mocking the "Bro" chants of the WWE Universe, the leader of the O.C. did not find any pleasure in allowing a count-out victory.

One week on from his disappointing loss to Kevin Owens for the WWE United States Championship at SummerSlam, AJ Styles propelled himself to the floor with a slingshot forearm smash! Down went Matt Riddle once again, when another back suplex saw "the Original Bro" bounce off the protective covering of the Friday Night SmackDown announce table! Into the ring for another near fall, "the Phenomenal One" opted to reconsider his options. Muscling Riddle to the top rope, it appeared AJ had a superplex in mind. Matt began to strike back with palm strikes and an abrupt forearm strike! Matt teased a sunset flip powerbomb from the top, but AJ would back body drop him down to the mat. Landing on his feet, Riddle vaulted to the top rope with a massive German suplex from the top rope! Both men hit the canvas hard, with neither showing signs of life. Finally, "the King of Bros" rose to his feet, back on offense with a series of clotheslines, when AJ cut him off with a toe kick. As a brainbuster was attempted, Riddle landed on his feet and drilled AJ with the Final Flash for a near fall!

To the top rope saw Matt Riddle ascend, but his hopes of a diving crossbody saw AJ Styles roll through and secure control with another pendulum backbreaker! "The Phenomenal One" took to the ropes for a sliding clothesline, but Riddle evaded it - and a front knee strike rocked him. AJ hit the ropes and tried a second time, but was caught in the flying armbar! "The King of Bros" had AJ stranded away from the ropes, but would manage to roll over to his knees. As Riddle transitioned into the triangle choke, it appeared Styles had the Styles Clash in mind to reverse it - with use of only one of Riddle's arms to step over - but Riddle would roll through with a hurricanrana for a near fall. The Pelé Kick from AJ went missed, when Riddle connected with a successful one of his own! The Bro Derek saw AJ struggle into a victory roll for a near fall - and "the Original Bro" walked straight into a discus clothesline. Styles tugged at his elbow pad and retreated to the apron, where the Phenomenal Forearm was tried - just for Riddle to catch him with the Superman forearm strike! A powerbomb had Styles flipped over to his knees, where a devastating knee strike wiped him out for a near fall!

As the WWE ThunderDome saw "this is awesome" chants come over it, Matt Riddle ascended to the top rope. AJ Styles narrowly avoided the Floating Bro, and with his cat-like reflexes, "the Phenomenal One" would capitalize in attempting the Calf Crusher! Riddle rived in pain, but used his instincts to slap on a grounded sleeper hold. AJ grabbed the bottom rope to escape it, rendering his submission hold useless. The damage was done however, and AJ knew it. Looking again for the Phenomenal Forearm on the former MMA fighter on one leg, AJ took to the skies - but Riddle ducked under him! From behind saw Riddle mount him as he landed on all-fours! With some hammerfists, "the King of Bros" locked the BroMission in successfully. Styles refused to tap out - and instead, succumbed to going to sleep!

Winner: Matt Riddle (16:23)

Much like Luke Gallows this past week on Monday Night RAW, AJ Styles had been put to sleep by "the King of Bros!" Matt Riddle was hesitant in releasing the BroMission hold, after the previous beating sustained at the hands of the O.C. two weeks ago. Riddle had the WWE Universe's affection as they applauded him from the comfort of their homes, pacing up and down the ring in victory. Meanwhile, "the Phenomenal One" would wake up from brief unconsciousness - absolutely livid!

We went to footage taken earlier today, where Seth Rollins arrived at the WWE ThunderDome with AOP standing either side of him. Wearing sunglasses with a stylish black suit, "the Monday Night Messiah" appeared much more confident than he was after SummerSlam. With "the Mercenaries of the Church" back in his presence, Seth knew with the No-Disqualification match to come tonight, he had a wounded WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre right where he wanted him. Akam and Rezar walked imposingly, acting as the henchmen of "the Head of the Church". Would the prophecy see Seth come out victorious tonight?

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Doing the Right Thing
Charly Caruso was at the interview area backstage standing by with the Riott Squad. Visibly not on the same page, Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott stood folding their arms and frowning towards one another, as the broadcast journalist provided context ahead of their WWE Women's Tag Team Championship match tonight with Bayley and Sasha Banks. As Charly spoke, Liv cut her off and talked about still having no forgiveness for the way "the Runaway" had treated her for so long. Morgan was left stranded and alone by those she thought was her best friends - and having seen the way Ruby turned around and treated Sarah Logan, as much as she hated her, Liv was forced to question how she could possibly trust her! Ruby resented the comments, unappreciative of being spoken to that way. Confessing it had been a long year of recuperating from serious injuries, and she made a judgment call in which she thought was the right one at the time. She realized quickly how wrong it was, comparing what she had done to complimenting the leaps and bounds Liv had come along in her absence. She proved she could stand on her own two feet.

Ruby Riott complimented the improvements Liv Morgan had made in the ring, outside of the ring, and how she had matured. "The Runaway" totally understood if she never wanted to team with her again after their complicated history - but tonight Ruby also knew what excited Liv more than anything: earning her first taste of gold. Apologizing to her Riott Squad sister, Liv reluctantly glanced at her and told her she was her big sister for a long time. Taking her under her wing was all she needed - but she was right. Tonight was the culmination of all of her hard work, and by beating the two women who had dictated this division for the longest time, they had to beat Bayley and Sasha Banks! Ruby told Liv she didn't have to like her, but tonight all they needed to do was simply get along. Morgan declared her mind was made up, accepting Ruby's apology and hugging her tightly. Together, the Riott Squad decreed they would bring the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship home to Monday Night RAW.

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Ramblin' Mad
As Michael Cole and Corey Graves turned their attention to what was coming up next, the title sequence of 'the Firefly Fun House' interrupted the discussion, bringing us to the sight of Ramblin' Rabbit sitting on top of the television set. With the background lit by candles, the WWE Universal Championship hung in the background as the ever-energetic Rabbit spoke at length about how it was all building to tonight! Three dudes were about to go at it, and it was going to be like nothing the Fun House had ever seen before. It would be every monster for themselves, and when it was done, nobody would remember Interdimensional Warfare! Ramblin' Rabbit confessed to being a big fan of Jeff Hardy previously, but claimed the WWE Universe had no idea what demented and raging thoughts "the New Face of Fear" had running through his mind. Rabbit believed Roman Reigns was a dead man tonight, and if he were "the Charismatic Enigma" - he'd run a mile! The Rabbit said his money was on the Fiend, and believed the world was over after the Triple Threat match tonight.

A video package aired, taking us back in time to take an extensive look at the history between Sheamus and Braun Strowman. Coming after his first singles championship reign as WWE Intercontinental Champion, "the Monster Among Men" had the opportunity to capture the then-vacant WWE Universal Championship when he entered a tournament. First met with "the Celtic Warrior", Sheamus not only insulted Braun, but would sideline him with a severe ankle injury. In the giant's absence, Sheamus would be joined by the former Artist Collective members Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura, and Fight Night was born. "The Lads" caused chaos and took out members of the New Day and Heavy Machinery - when back for revenge saw the monster return! Strowman was on the hunt for Sheamus, when Fight Night and the Royal Family formed a coalition with the mission statement of humiliating him. Shaving his head and leaving him laying, Braun refused to stay down for long, instead storming the ring and dismantling the Irishman on Friday Night SmackDown. Decimating King Corbin, Duke Nese and Sir Gable, Strowman was far from finished with Sheamus - the two on a collision course to this long-awaited encounter!

The WWE ThunderDome fell into darkness until Sheamus appeared at the top of the stage. His pale skin beaming before the bright white lights, the head of Fight Night came bounding out to the ring with no sign of Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura. "The Celtic Warrior" was accepting of his fate, as he climbed into the ring in green and white trunks. Months of humiliations and gang beatings had led to tonight - for Braun Strowman to hopefully seek his revenge at last.

The voice of "the Monster Among Men" boomed through the WWE ThunderDome to loud cheers, ushering out Braun Strowman. To the delight of the WWE Universe, "the Colossus" arrived in green combat pants and an astonishingly chiseled upper-body physique. Sporting the bald head thanks to Fight Night and the Royal Family's actions three weeks ago on Friday Night SmackDown, Strowman waited no time storming to the ring - only for Sheamus to meet him on the aisle! Fist flew between the two, with Braun mowing him down with a clothesline! The Strowman Express looked to leave the station early, but Sheamus would meet him with a jumping knee strike. Rolling him inside, this one was underway.

2) Sheamus vs Braun Strowman

"The Celtic Warrior" followed Braun Strowman into the ring and drove another knee strike into the side of the monster's cranium. With an axe handle strike, Sheamus began to pepper "the Monster Among Men" with right and left clubs to the back, when Strowman fired back as Sheamus hit the ropes - dropping him with a forearm club of his own to the chest! Dumping the Irishman over the top rope to the apron, Braun initiated the unrelenting Beats of the Bodhran - giving Sheamus some of his own medicine! Reddening the pale chest of Sheamus, he would eventually fight back with several haymakers. With a jawbreaker bringing Braun down throat-first across the top rope, the leader of Fight Night dragged his foe out under the ropes. Continuing to hammer the big man, "the Colossus" would reverse an Irish whip, sending Sheamus careening into the steel steps! Braun let out a roar and drove his antagonist into the barricade with a gorilla press slam. Strowman paced up and down and teased the Strowman Express once again - but as he charged for Sheamus, he would outwit Braun by sending him hurdling over the barricade!

Braun Strowman tried to pull himself back to his feet in the timekeeper's area, but Sheamus would trap his arms over the barricade wall before delivering ten Beats of the Bodhran to "the Monster Among Men!" The official would finally intervene to try and get this match back on track, as Sheamus had Braun bent over the security wall. A knee lift saw Strowman tumble back ringside, with "the Celtic Warrior" taunting to the disapproving WWE Universe! Looking for the Brogue Kick on the floor, Sheamus would be thwarted in his efforts by the official - and Braun struck with a massive uppercut! With Sheamus's wrists clutched around the ring post, Braun dragged Sheamus face-first into the LEDs four times over, before wiping him out with a body block! Tossing Sheamus into the ring, "the Colossus" connected with a body block sandwiching the Irishman in the corner, when a big boot got a near fall. Strowman screamed in his face before performing a biel throw sending his rival halfway across the ring! It was sweet revenge for the big man, but as Running Powerslam was attempted, Sheamus slipped free and powered him up with the Irish Curse backbreaker!

"The Celtic Warrior" continued to verbally degrade Braun Strowman, putting the boots to him before following with a big boot to the head of "the Colossus", as he knelt before him. A legdrop scored the leader of Fight Night a near fall, before mounting him with right hands. Mocking his catchphrase, Sheamus challenged Braun to "get these hands" - when a clubbing knee strike across the back of the head drove him face first into the mat. Driving his knee across Braun's face, the official warned Sheamus, who bantered it off. Ascending to the second rope, the Irishman looked for the diving clothesline - but Braun caught him handily! Powering the 270-pound Celt up, a gorilla press slam sent Sheamus across the ring! Rolling out for a breather, Strowman disallowed it and pursued with the Strowman Express mowing down Sheamus not once but twice! Strowman played to the crowd as Sheamus cowered back inside. Emerging back in the ring, "the Monster Among Men" rushed towards him only to be hit with a drop toe hold - Braun ran staight into the exposed steel of the turnbuckle! The conniving redhead covered, but Braun miraculously kicked out!

Having had enough of "the Monster Among Men", Sheamus pounded his chest and signalled for the Brogue Kick. In a haze, Braun Strowman stammered back to a vertical base with a cut on the side of his head - but the Brogue Kick missed! With two big clotheslines, Sheamus blocked a chokeslam with a bicycle knee strike. Looking for the Irish Curse backbreaker a second time, Braun fought out and connected with the Yokosuka cutter! Only getting a near fall, "the Colossus" went for the Powerbomb, but Sheamus raked the eyes in the nick of time. The Brogue Kick would go attempted again, but Braun would sidestep it - making way for the Running Powerslam, to gain a measure of revenge!

Winner: Braun Strowman (10:22)

"The Colossus" would finally get the redemption he set out to get four months ago, picking up the three count over the very man who sidelined him with injury; as well as shamed, humiliated and shaved his head. Sheamus remained down and out, as Braun Strowman stood tall and roared to the delight of the WWE Universe. "The Monster Among Men" was back and badder than ever before, and with "the Celtic Warrior" beaten, who knew what awaited the giant!

An advertisement aired, promoting Hulu. Watch Your favorite WWE Superstars on Hulu - the home of the latest editions of Monday Night RAW, Friday Night SmackDown, Total Bellas and Total Divas.

Not Very Iiconic
There was trouble backstage at the WWE ThunderDome, as a crew of officials and backstage personnel surrounded the Iiconics, who had both found themselves on the receiving end of a beatdown - but courtesy of who? As Peyton Royce clutched her wrist on the floor, Billie Kay was motionless in the ruins of a table. Onto the scene arrived WWE Official Adam Pearce, who demanded answers from those on the scene. Questioning who did any of this, he turned his attention to Peyton. Royce had no idea, instead angry at the fate which had befallen her BFF. Hugging her lifeless, Kay pleaded for an ambulance ASAP!

After brief discussion from Michael Cole and Corey Graves at the announce table, footage aired taking us back to last weekend at SummerSlam. As the Royal Family would come up shot in their endeavors at becoming SmackDown Tag Team Champions against Heavy Machinery, "the Biggest Party of the Summer" would heat up with the return of the New Day. Reunited with Xavier Woods, Big E and Kofi Kingston issued the challenge to King Corbin, Duke Nese and Sir Gable two nights ago on Friday Night SmackDown. While the Royals took no interest in fighting ahead of Payback, later that night with the odds stacked against Braun Strowman and "the Blue Collar Boys", the New Day would even the odds against the forces of their rivals, and of the Artist Collective.

The Royal Family made their illustrious entrance to the arena amidst the loud boos of the WWE Universe. King Corbin led the way for Duke Nese and Sir Gable, all wearing crowns and gowns with scepters in hand. The King stood centerstage, reaching out to the WWE ThunderDome expecting a positive response. Disgruntled by the lack thereof, Corbin was visibly pained after being hit with Braun Strowman's Powerbomb through the announce table just two nights ago. As the Royal Family were ready for one last pose on the second ropes, their music was cut - in favor of a certain someone's booming voice!

The New Day arrived, with Big E's voice preluding that for the first time in ten months, the three of them were back together to bring 'the Power of Positivity' to the WWE Universe Dancing out to the stage in colors of black, white and gold, Kofi Kingston and Big E welcomed back Xavier Woods, who took the time to play Francesca II en route for the ring. The Royal Family appeared besmirched as the three entered the ring. The six men stood opposite one another, with Kofi taking the time to exclaim "New Day!" at the top of his lungs. It was enough for the Royals to throw down!

3) The New Day vs The Royal Family

The showdown last weekend at SummerSlam served as merely a prelude to this six-man tag team melee, as the Royal Family met the New Day in the center of the ring! Going three on three, Big E focused on Sir Gable, Duke Nese with Kofi Kingston, and King Corbin with Xavier Woods. The fan favorites showed what 'the Power of Positivity' was all about initially, as they overwhelmed the Royals in sending them to the floor. The wild brawl continued ringside, with Big E hammering away at Gable whilst Kofi Kingston was cheap shotted by Duke Nese striking with a high boot! Aiding Corbin in his fight against Big E, the Royals began to brawl with him when Xavier Woods came vaulting over the top rope with a tope con hilo! Ducking an inbound Sir Gable's clothesline, Woods knocked him through a loop with a rolling elbow before sending him inside. Surrounded by the New Day, Big E's thrusting hips saw him grab hold of Gable's ankle before bringing him to his feet and sending him into Kofi's vertical leaping double footstomp! Woods found himself whipped into the corner by his New Day brethren shortly after, a hesitation dropkick taking Gable down.

Kofi Kingston would remain legal as the referee worked to gain control of the match. Sir Gable would block a right hand and connect with a northern lights suplex, when Kofi would bridge out of it into a backslide! Gable rolled backwards to his feet, when a monkey flip would see the former Olympian not only flip over - but land on his face! Duke Nese tagged in to meet Big E in the middle, getting the better of "the Premier Athlete" with a big striking combination of fists. A toe kick broke the sequence, and Nese hit the ropes looking for a crossbody - only to be manhandled by a belly-to-belly suplex! Big E continued to gyrate to the WWE Universe's content, as King Corbin screamed vehemently at the New Day to quit fooling around! A series of shoulder thrusts in the corner allowed Big E to tag in Xavier Woods, performing a diving axe handle from the second rope. Keeping the Duke at bay, Woods' attempt at another sliding dropkick saw the Royal evade before stunning him with a single knee gutbuster. Nese's arrogance told the story, but as Woods struggled free from a suplex, Nese would connect with a buckle German suplex!

The Royal Family found themselves with Xavier Woods at their disposal, and the King tagging in led to him choking him with his boot in the corner. Sir Gable joined in restraining Woods against the bottom turnbuckle pad in their corner, allowing for King Corbin to deliver a facewash with his boot! Corbin had help from Duke Nese in launching the New Day member across the ring with a double biel throw, before the two would hostily rush Kofi Kingston and Big E from the apron! It lured Big E and Kofi to try and enter the ring illegally, inadvertently allowing Corbin to direct traffic as the Duke and Gable put the boots to Xavier behind the official's back! Corbin delivered an inverted Yokosuka cutter to Woods for a near fall, when in came Gable to nail him with a diving clothesline. On both occasions Xavier kicked out, when Nese sauntered in. The pumphandle driver attempted, Xavier broke free and was able to connect with the springboard tornado DDT! On the crawl, he looked to tag in his brethren but Corbin would come in and drop a leg across the back of Woods's head. The chokeslam backbreaker connected, but Kofi came in to break it up.

It led to King Corbin and Kofi Kingston exchanging words, and as the patriarch of the Royal Family picked the ankle, Xavier Woods connected with an enzuigiri! Once again on the move, Woods desperately wanted the tag to Big E and Kofi - but Duke Nese beat him to the chase, dragging Big E from the apron. Big E and the Duke exchanged rights and lefts, while inside Sir Gable brought Woods back into the center with a bridging German suplex! Big E and Kofi engaged in a fight with Gable and Nese at ringside, while inside King Corbin's attempt at the Deep Six saw Xavier come out with a low kick leading to the running STO! Reaching out for the tag, he would be all alone as Kofi was sent into the steel steps; and Big E was double teamed by the Duke and Sir Gable. Woods kicked Corbin away before catching him with the jumping knee strike! The chase was on, but Nese tagged himself in. Dragging Xavier back into the middle with several stomps, Nese looked to hotshot Woods over the top rope - but in turning it around, Xavier sent Nese flying outside to the floor! The tag was made to Kofi Kingston, taking down Corbin and connecting with a roundhouse back kick.

Big E came in to even the odds, taking Sir Gable down with a facebuster! Duke Nese returned with a super kick for Kofi Kingston, but Xavier Woods reemerged with a shining wizard. The battle spilled out to the floor, with Corbin dumping Big E outside. Xavier Woods followed helping his partner against the King, when Gable joined the fray with a somersault plancha to the floor. Nese took him out with a turning moonsault plancha - no contact made with the ropes! Finally, Kofi executed the Trust Fall - wiping out everybody! Back in the ring, Kofi looked to finish Corbin off with the S.O.S., but the patriarch of the Royal Family blocked it and delivered the End of Days. The cover was made, but Xavier broke it up with the ropewalk diving elbow drop! Gable looked for the Chaos Theory, just for Woods to elbow his way free. Holding the ropes down, the Olympian fell out to the apron - where Big E connected with the spear through the ropes - both men hitting the floor! "The Premier Athlete" dropped Xavier with the pumphandle driver, and Corbin hit the Deep Six. What he didn't notice was Big E blind tag from Kofi, and in one swoop, the Big Ending would see Big E overthrow the King!

Winners: The New Day (12:01)

If there was any doubt that the New Day were back, it had to have been squashed after this performance. Payback saw the fan favorite trio reunite on one side for the first time in ten months to be victorious over the Royal Family, and Big E was met with a huge hug from both of his brethren Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods. As King Corbin was aided by Duke Nese and Sir Gable away from the ringside area, the trio were forced to take in 'the Power of Positivity' courtesy of the New Day. Xavier resorted to playing Francesca II, as he, Big E and Kofi returned to their dancing ways.

No Paparazzi
Kayla Braxton was standing by outside of the dressing room of Roman Reigns. "The Big Dog's" logo appeared on the door, as she discussed how when reached for comment two nights ago on Friday Night SmackDown on FOX, the broadcast journalist had instead been met by Paul Heyman. Hopeful of knocking for further comment from the former WWE Universal Champion, instead Paul Heyman reared his head! Poking out from behind it, "the Advocate" voiced his disgust at the unprofessionalism in which Kayla was practicing as a journalist. Heyman considered her the bottom of the barrell, akin to the likes of gossip columnists and paparazzi. Much like on Friday, the only scoop Paul had for her and the rest of the WWE Universe was that they would all have to wait for what Roman Reigns had in store tonight. Slamming the door in her face, it was all hands on deck for tonight's Triple Threat match.

Following brief discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T, footage aired from two weeks ago on Monday Night RAW. In the midst of a six-man tag team match, Ricochet and Cedric Alexander - alongside the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre - gained a huge victory against Seth Rollins and his loyalist Disciples Theory and Murphy. Six nights ago on RAW, "the Future of Flight" and "Lumbar Legacy" scored the biggest win of their tag team tenure to date, knocking off the RAW Tag Team Champions to earn a title opportunity tonight.

Trade Secrets
Theory was on the phone to a girl backstage, bragging about tonight being the night "the Monday Night Messiah" brought more gold to the Church. With Akam and Rezar of AOP being back together, and the Church firing on all cylinders - there was no way Seth Rollins wasn't leaving tonight as WWE World Championship! "A-Town Austin" brought up Drew McIntyre's bum ribs, before being asked about his tag team partner Murphy. The cocky youngster believed "the Juggernaut" was a real stick in the mud, but he had just the feeling the little softie in him was coming out! As Theory began to chat the girl on the other end of the phone up, the camera panned out to reveal Murphy stood behind him. With his arms crossed, Murphy snatched the phone out of his partner's hand and hung up, confiscating it. The redhead was livid about Theory causing leaks in the Church with every waking second he exposed the Disciples' secrets. Admitting Theory wasn't his first, second or even third choice to be RAW Tag Team Champion with, he questioned why he even had to bother babysitting him!

But since "the Monday Night Messiah" asked, Seth Rollins would get. Murphy warned Theory he wasn't here to be his friend - he was his senior, his contemporary to show "A-Town Austin" the way. "The Juggernaut" was about to explain what tonight's strategy was going to be, but Theory raised the point that it was Murphy's way last week on Monday Night RAW - and what happened? Ricochet and Cedric Alexander beat them! Theory believed tonight should be done his way and only his way - because tonight in his playbook, there was no chance "the Future of Flight" or "Lumbar Legacy" could possibly slip away with the RAW Tag Team Championship. Murphy frowned with annoyance, but complied with letting the youngster take leadership - but if he blew it, or if he was caught releasing secrets to the world again, he was going to take serious action. Murphy tossed Theory's phone back and skulked away, leaving Theory to mimic his partner.

☰☰☰

Returning to the arena, "the One and Only" graced the stage, looking up to the circling red lasers overhead. Ricochet was here and meant business, with two recorded victories over the RAW Tag Team Champions in consecutive weeks. Walking out to the ring, he would handspring into the ropes before rebounding into a backflip. On a single knee, "the Future of Flight" motioned the gold would be coming home with him tonight, when Cedric Alexander hopped out shortly after. "The Queen City's Favorite Son" smiled from ear to ear as he slipped into the ring before posing alongside Ricochet. In matching black and red tights, the duo prepared to make third time's a charm.

As the harmonic choir of the Church's theme music rang out over the WWE ThunderDome, Murphy posed with his hands clasped together. To his right saw Theory appear with his phone in hand, obnoxiously taking selfies. The RAW Tag Team Champions were not always on the same page, but had proven a winning formula time and time again. In matching black and white longsleeve shirts and tights, the champs arrived in the ring with "A-Town Austin" laughing in the direction of an antagonized Ricochet and Cedric Alexander. As the champs got prepared and appeared to dispute over who would start the match, Mike Rome handled formal in-ring introductions.

4) RAW Tag Team Championship
Theory and Murphy (c) vs Ricochet and Cedric Alexander

Theory had it his way, and would kick things off with Cedric Alexander. "A-Town Austin" appeared overconfident and in over his head with "the Queen City's Favorite Son", and as the youngster grinned and teased a blindsight attack, Cedric turned it around and responded with a series of kicks of his own! As an Irish whip saw Theory turn things around, Cedric would come back with a handspring attempt - just for Theory to sidestep it. Looking for a suplex, Alexander landed on his feet and performed a lucha roll - connecting with a single-legged dropkick! The tag was made to Ricochet, who came in with a springboard clothesline - causing the young Disciple to scram to the corner of Murphy! Hugging his senior's waist, "the Juggernaut's" eyes remained fixated on "the Future of Flight" as he entered the ring. Ricochet applied a side headlock when Murphy kicked things up a notch. Seasoned from his days on 205 Live, Murphy sent him into the ropes for Ricochet to return by rolling over his back. Murphy managed to block a dropkick, but as he attempted a tilt-a-whirl slam, "the One and Only" landed on his feet and swept the legs.

A standing moonsault saw Murphy evade it, but he was not expecting an enzuigiri upside the head! As "the Juggernaut" bailed out to the floor, he slammed his fist against the ring apron in frustration bringing Theory over. The RAW Tag Team Champions appeared out of their depths, when Cedric Alexander came soaring with a diving crossbody from the top rope! Wiping both out, it was only the beginning as Ricochet followed suit with a handspring corkscrew moonsault plancha - with zero contact made with the top rope! The WWE Universe were buzzing, as Cedric sent Murphy back into the ring for a series of chops. Murphy carried Cedric out of the corner from a ten punches situation, for Alexander to get a near fall with a sunset flip. The Disciple rolled backwards, connecting with the charging meteora! Advising his younger cohort on that being how it was done, Theory tagged in and aided his mentor in stomping a mudhole in the corner. Cedric tried to fight his way free, but a back kick from Murphy enabled Theory to connect with a flying corner clothesline! "A-Town Austin" grew more confident by the minute, striking with knee lifts in the corner.

"A-Town Austin" showboated as he planned to charge towards Cedric Alexander in the corner again, when "the Queen City's Favorite Son" caught him looking for a hurricanrana - just for Theory to use his strength to take a page out of "the Monday Night Messiah's" playbook - driving him into the corner with the Buckle Bomb! Theory tapped the side of his head denoting the intelligence, while behind him Murphy connected with a step-up enzuigiri to the back of the head. Ricochet was agitated by this, and Theory capitalized in restraining his partner throat-first against the second rope. A boot to the face from "the Juggernaut" would make matters worse! Theory was consistent with cover attempts, connecting with a snap suplex and later, a falling gutwrench powerbomb. Alexander stayed alive, when Murphy tagged in looking for a brainbuster. Cedric kicked free and blocked a toe kick with a spinning back elbow, when an enzuigiri saw the Disciple sidestep it - and a bicycle knee stike knocked him silly! Murphy again advised Theory on how it was done, inadvertently allowing Cedric to fire back with right hands.

Attempting a springboard off the second turnbuckle, Cedric Alexander was trapped by Murphy pushing his head down against the turnbuckle pad - before super kicking him in the face! Folded like an accordion, "the Juggernaut" fell into a groove and actually enjoyed the spotlight. With a smile and a pose, the tag was made to Theory to come in with a slingshot stomp to the chest. Theory and Murphy connected with a double powerbomb, but "the Future of Flight" came in to break it up. As "A-Town Austin" ran his mouth to Ricochet in his corner, little did he realize that Cedric caught Murphy off the ropes with the Michinoku driver! Rolling out to the apron, Theory turned around to witness Cedric connect with the springboard flatliner using the bottom rope. On his way, the tag was made to "the One and Only!" With an enzuigiri, Ricochet came in with a springboard flying forearm taking out Murphy. Sliding between the legs of Theory, Ricochet followed up with a kip-up dropkick. "The Juggernaut" would miss a bicycle knee strike, allowing "the Future of Flight" to defy physics with a reverse handspring spinning headscissors!

Theory came from behind looking for a back suplex just for Ricochet to land on his feet, before taking "A-Town Austin" down with a falcon arrow! Murphy came from behind with a superkick, but as he attempted the Canadian rack DDT, in came Cedric Alexander with a lucha roll into the handspring headscissors! "The Queen City's Favorite Son" met "the Future of Flight" in the center, with RAW Tag Team Championship gold in their sights. Ascending opposite top turnbuckles, Ricochet came off with the Shooting Star Press to Theory - as Alexander landed a 450 splash on Murphy. Unfortunately, both champions got their knees up! A wrist-clutch knee strike from "the Juggernaut" sent Alexander from the ring, while Theory would drive "the One and Only" across his knee with the cross-legged patella brainbuster! Once again the Disciples of the Church took control, dragging Ricochet back to their corner and allowing frequent tags to take place. "A-Town" distracted the official allowing Murphy to go medieval, wrapping Ricochet illegally around the ring post, using his foot to apply pressure! As Murphy returned to the ring innocuously, a brainbuster saw a near fall take place.

"The Juggernaut" restrained Ricochet with a bow-and-arrow stretch near his corner, when Theory wisely tagged in to put the boots to the mid-section of "the Future of Flight". Once again getting under the skin of Cedric Alexander, "the Queen City's Favorite Son" would tease coming in just to be stopped. Behind him, Ricochet tried to fight only to be hit with a super kick to the jaw from Theory, a super kick to the back of the head from Murphy, and a rolling blockbuster from "A-Town Austin!" Only getting a near fall, the chemistry of the RAW Tag Team Champions was highlighted once more as Theory maintained a sleeper hold. Ricochet tried to battle up to his feet, when Theory prevented it. With a blind tag to Murphy, two successive big boots saw the Aussie connect with a clothesline, when another sleeper was applied. With the leg grapevined, "the One and Only" managed to fight to a seated position. On the ascent to his feet, Murphy broke the hold and missed a bicycle knee strike - when Ricochet landed the reverse hurricanrana! On the crawl to make the tag...Theory dragged Cedric down from the apron at the last conceivable second!

Ricochet was stranded with nowhere to run or hide, and Theory relished in the boos of the WWE Universe, watching from the comfort of their homes. Murphy grinned mischievously, eyeing up the end of this match. Once again taking him by the wrists for a knee strike, Ricochet used "the Juggernaut's" momentum against him by pulling himself atop Murphy's shoulders - dropping him with the hurricanrana! A lucha roll saw him make the tag to Cedric Alexander, who came in with dropkicks for both RAW Tag Team Champions. Taking Murphy's foot, he would swing it Theory's way before landing a neckbreaker, taking both opponents down. "A-Town Austin" worked to intercept his roll, but "the Queen City's Favorite Son" would deliver a Spanish fly, having met him in the middle of the ring. With the cover made, Murphy barely broke it up! As Murphy worked to slow down his old foe from 205 Live, Alexander saw the Disciple coming and connected with the Neutralyzer. Ricochet would catch Theory with a death valley driver, when a front dropkick saw Cedric make the cover, just for the youngster to kick out.

Motioning for the Lumbar Check, Murphy abruptly sent him into the corner with another emerging knee strike. In a daze, Cedric Alexander appeared out on his feet as Theory ascended to the second rope. Taking his merry time to showboat, it proved to be a huge mistake once Ricochet rushed in with a vaulting frankensteiner - perfectly leapfrogging over his partner! Alexander got the cover again, but Murphy remained ever-present and able to break it up. Hobbling to the apron, Murphy tagged himself in and looked for Murphy's Law, just for Alexander to reverse into a DDT for yet another in a series of near falls! It was about who wanted the RAW Tag Team Championships worse, as Cedric went to the top rope looking for a 450 splash. Landing on his feet, he rolled through - when Theory came in and dropped him with Ataxia! Draping Murphy over, he would tackle "the One and Only" into the corner. The count was made, but Ricochet would barge Theory onto the count! All four men were feeling the effects, as "fight forever" chants rang out throughout the WWE ThunderDome.

Ricochet tagged himself in from a dazed Cedric Alexander in the corner, and went for broke in attempting the Recoil on Murphy. Blocked with a back body drop, "the Future of Flight" landed out on his feet. Wiping Theory off the apron with a forearm, Ricochet charged "the Juggernaut" with a flipping DDT for a near fall! Without thinking for a second too long, Ricochet delivered the Recoil to the Aussie, and Cedric Alexander followed with the Lumbar Check. With new RAW Tag Team Champions in the making, it was not to be as Theory broke the pin at the last second! Alexander attempted a second Lumbar Check for "A-Town Austin", who super kicked him low before delivering the ATL. With eyes on Ricochet, Theory and Murphy planned to finish it with the double Murphy's Law - but Ricochet flipped out, and arm dragged both Disciples over the top rope to the floor! Catching his breath, "the Future of Flight" took to the skies with the Fosbury Flop taking both men down. Rolling Murphy back in, Ricochet went to the top for the 630 Senton - but he got his knees up! At ringside, a shot from the title courtesy of Theory enabled Murphy to roll Ricochet up with the tights to steal it!

Winners, and still RAW Tag Team Champions: Theory and Murphy (19:48)

An instant classic saw Theory and Murphy take on their greatest battle to date against two of the finest high flyers of this generation in Ricochet and Cedric Alexander. "The One and Only" was left laying after the RAW Tag Team Championship shot to the cranium courtesy of Theory, who innocently raised the hardware high at ringside. A breathless "Juggernaut" joined "A-Town Austin" at ringside with a hug in their celebration. The Disciples of the Church were able to retain the titles by the skin of their teeth, while "the Queen City's Favorite Son" tumbled into the ring to check on his fallen partner. As the champions departed, Ricochet would be helped to his feet by Alexander to a standing ovation from the WWE Universe.

Nighty Night
AJ Styles sat in the trainer's room with an icepack on the back of his head, frustrated by the loss courtesy of Matt Riddle tonight. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson solemnly came to check on "Phenomenal Hoot". Still hot, AJ talked about how "the Original Bro" cheated to win to beat him. Still believing himself to be "the Face Who Runs the Place", "the Phenomenal One" threw down his ice in anger. "The Good Brothers" remained silent, looking at one another with growing concern. With a knock on the door, into the room walked the WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens! "The Prize Fighter" had a large brace on his arm, courtesy of SummerSlam last week, as he smiled cheekily at the O.C. Since his goons weren't going to say it, KO deemed it appropriate to speak on their behalf: he got put to sleep by "the King of Bros" not because Riddle got lucky - but because AJ Styles was not the man he once was! Gallows and Anderson jumped to Styles' defense, but the Canadian saw through their attempts to saveface. Hoping AJ had a nice nap, in spite of how much Riddle bugged him - "the Bro" was really winning him over! AJ was left to blow a gasket, with KA and "the Big LG" denying he had lost any step whatsoever.

Conditioned to Compete
Sarah Schreiber was standing by in the interview area with the wounded WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre. Ahead of his third WWE World Championship defense in seven days, "the Scottish Terminator's" condition was called to question, as Schreiber noted the brutal ambush brought on by Seth Rollins and AOP on Monday Night RAW. The Scotsman said there was no hiding it, acknowledging the heavily taped ribcage. He was hurt in a lot of ways, and he was wounded in many ways but mortally. There was no time for second guessing as champ, and he recalled preparing for Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania how this was what he would have to expect by being WWE World Champion. Andrade gave him a fight six nights ago, but it wasn't enough. The same would go for Seth Rollins tonight! There was no way he would allow what happened on Monday to go down again, because he would make "the Monday Night Messiah" regret it with every fibre of his being. Tonight was a No-Disqualification match, and he was poised to prove 'Monday Night Rawlins' to be a thing of the past. "The Head of the Church" needn't worry about a prophecy, because he was heading to the emergency room after they were through.

☰☰☰

Following discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T, a video package aired, taking us back to SummerSlam last weekend. Seth Rollins' so-called prophecy would be revealed to be anything but in an all-out state of affairs against the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre. "The Monday Night Messiah" would give it his all in working to dethrone the brave Scotsman, though in the end, the title was retained. In spite of this, McIntyre appeared on Monday Night RAW with plenty of war wounds, particularly dealing with bruised ribs. Now confronted by Andrade, "El Capo" demanded his own challenge. Stuck between two families - La Invasíon and the Church, McIntyre accepted like the fighting champion he was. It was another sordid brawl for the richest prize in the business, with victory about to be the Scotsman's. Instead, "the Scottish Terminator" would be met by Seth - and his two heavies, AOP. Leaving McIntyre a wreck with a brutal three-on-one massacre, the champ was left laying atop the steel steps. Bruised, broken and with one more title defense to make: this time there would be no disqualifications, no count-outs - and no mercy!

Seth Rollins emerged to the top of the rampway, appearing dishevelled with untidy black hair. Appearing as though he hadn't slept all week, "the Monday Night Messiah" swayed unfittingly to his choir-esque entrance music - many forced to question what was going on with him! With his grasp on reality apparently in question, Rollins smiled nonetheless as he danced into the ring. With a black leather jacket with parka fur atop his shoulders, "the Head of the Church" toyed with his single black glove, adjusted his black, white and silver tights and cackled, motioning that the WWE World Championship would be his after tonight.

The bagpipes rang out over the WWE ThunderDome, and with the arrival of the WWE World Champion saw Drew McIntyre emerge with the gold proudly displayed around his waist. In a black and blue plaid kilt, "the Scottish Terminator" paced down the rampway before fearlessly climbing into the ring. Immediately raising the title high in Seth Rollins' direction, McIntyre let out a warcry, as the two rivals nearly came to blows. Restrained by the official, Drew returned to his corner to stretch - the heavily bandaged ribs serving as the giant bullseye on the champ. Mike Rome provided formal in-ring introductions.

5) WWE World Championship - No-Disqualification match
Drew McIntyre (c) vs Seth Rollins

As the bell sounded, Seth Rollins immediately took the wise option and exited the ring. Drawing the ire of "the Scottish Terminator", he would try to barge past the referee to get the confident "Head of the Church". Instead, Drew McIntyre was restrained - until he threw the official down! With no disqualifications to concern himself with, McIntyre clobbered "the Monday Night Messiah" with haymakers at ringside until a kick to the taped ribs saw Seth take a walk. Drew came straight after him, bouncing the challenger face-first off the steel steps! A second time saw Seth tried to block it with a back elbow, but as the challenger attempted to send the WWE World Champion into them, the Scotsman blocked it and would succeed in sending Seth over the steps! Drew McIntyre looked around the WWE ThunderDome for the appreciation deserved by the WWE Universe, when Seth kicked the steel steps into the legs of the returning champion. Leaping off the bottom of the steel steps with clubbing blows, Rollins planned to get aggressive to counteract the power and intensity of Drew - who would muscle Seth over his shoulder before driving him spine-first into the ring post!

For a brief moment Drew McIntyre appeared to take Seth Rollins to "Claymore Country", but the challenger wisely rolled into the ring. Climbing inside, "the Scottish Terminator" came after his antagonist. Rollins was able to evade an attack twice from the WWE World Champion. Adopting a cat-and-mouse strategy, "the Monday Night Messiah" slid back outside the ring. Drew followed hurriedly, but it was clear with the bandaged ribs, he was winded by the speed of the agile challenger. "The Messiah" returned to targeting the taped ribs on the floor, using toe kicks to his advantage. Using his strength, the Scotsman pulled Seth in by the wrist with a short-arm clothesline, but the damage appeared to have been done. Once again pursuing Seth with a run, a drop toe hold would see Drew land ribcage-first atop the steel steps! As though Monday Night RAW this past week wasn't bad enough, "the Head of the Church" dragged McIntyre onto his back on the ringside floor before putting the boots to him. The champ favored his mid-section, as Seth sent him back into the ring. Rollins was able to strike with a springboard knee, though as he rolled through for a follow up, Drew met him with a hard clothesline!

The WWE World Champion gutted it out in spite of his potentially fractured ribs. Stepping out to the apron, Drew McIntyre trapped Seth Rollins in the ropes before furiously clubbing "the Monday Night Messiah's" chest! Looking to suplex Seth over the top rope however, the challenger managed to break out and connect with a shoulder thrust. Seth would hit the ropes looking for a strike - but Drew back body dropped him overhead! Miraculously, "the Head of the Church" landed on his feet on the floor, and with McIntyre on his shoulders, a Buckle Bomb sent the Scotsman into the barricade! Drew groaned in pain, as the challenger caught his own breath. With the Scotsman hurting progressively worse, Seth searched under the ring and would introduce a kendo stick to the equation. All legal with no disqualifications or count-outs, Rollins would brutally slam it down across the spine of McIntyre. With two more swings, "the Messiah" laughed it all up in demented fashion. The loss at SummerSlam appeared to have changed Rollins, who held the stick towards Drew's throat with all of his might. Back in the ring after a suplex on the floor, Seth acquired a near fall.

"The Monday Night Messiah" applied a grounding bearhug, latching onto the ribcage of Drew McIntyre. Right where he wanted him, Seth Rollins sensed the WWE World Championship coming to him in the very near future. "The Scottish Terminator" tried desperately to battle out, and finally would with a series of heavy hands. Drew finally broke the hold using the Glasgow Kiss, but as he hit the ropes to begin his comeback, Rollins would cut him off again with a jumping enzuigiri! From the second rope a blockbuster connected, when "the Head of the Church" resorted to pummeling McIntyre with heavy blows to the head. Returning to the floor, Seth tossed four more kendo sticks into the ring - before introducing a table. Sliding it into the ring, Rollins had barbaric thoughts in mind as he rested four sticks over the second rope in the corner. The fifth Seth used to throttle the ribcage of McIntyre against the ropes repeatedly, when hitting the ropes just for Drew to send him overhead! Barely able to avoid the sticks in the corner, Rollins turned to receive a spinebuster - putting Rollins through the four sticks over the second turnbuckle pad!

His back in pain, Seth Rollins knelt out of the corner to receive a crusade of shots from the intact kendo stick - this time courtesy of Drew McIntyre! Throwing it down, "the Scottish Terminator" took to setting the table up when "the Monday Night Messiah" struck back with a dropkick. McIntyre missed a clothesline, when Rollins took him down with the Sling Blade. After a near fall was recorded, he would begin to tear away at the heavily bandaged ribs of the WWE World Champion! With bad things in store, "the Messiah" made it worse by screaming in his face while choking him with the kendo stick. This time, Drew would throw Seth overhead before backwards rolling into a mounting position. As Seth tried to squirm away, he'd find himself set up for the crossface - as the Scotsman wrapped the kendo stick tightly to the face of the challenger! Screaming for mercy, Seth tried with all of his might to avoid tapping out - finally raking the eyes to break free. Squirming out to the floor, the champ planned to follow him. Tugging on the hair of Seth, "the Head of the Church" responded by breaking a wooden 2x4 over his head! Quick to make the cover, Drew somehow found it in him to kick out!

"The Messiah" questioned what fight Drew McIntyre had left, as he followed the WWE World Champion out to the floor. Drew tried to crawl away, but Seth Rollins would laugh as he kicked him in the ribcage. Exclaiming how he was the better man, McIntyre tried to battle back, just to receive another knee lift to the exposed ribs! On the rampway, Seth plotted to drive "the Scottish Terminator" into it with the Pedigree - though Drew would back body drop Seth onto the steel instead! As McIntyre caught his breath, Rollins clubbed the back of the leg and attempted a powerbomb, but instead the champ plant him with the Future Shock DDT! Seth was down and out cold, but just when McIntyre recuperated and was about to carry his carcass back to the ring, out came the suited and booted members of AOP. Akam and Rezar were back together again, and immediately caught the attention of the champ. After the beating the two heavies gave him six nights ago, Drew threatened them to come get some. Coming down immediately, "the Mercenaries of the Church" found themselves in a dogfight with the champ! McIntyre tried his earnest but would be overwhelmed by the two enormous men.

AOP took control of the WWE World Champion, with Rezar holding Drew McIntyre's arms behind his back for a series of body blows from Akam. Seth Rollins recovered and directed traffic, soon sendng the champ back into the ring. "The Monday Night Messiah" jostled and swaggered about the ring, as "the Mercenaries of the Church" were ordered to give Drew the Super Collider. Setting McIntyre up, the two would drive McIntyre into the canvas for their leader to cover - but as "the Head of the Church" made the pin, Drew got a shoulder up! No matter what, McIntyre refused to go down, and Seth ordered for the steel steps to be brought into play. Another traumatizing memory of Monday Night RAW was about to be relived, as Akam and Rezar disassembled the steps, tossing them in over the top rope. Seth continued to pieface and berate the Scotsman, when Drew sounded off with a thunderous chop! Rollins rebounded with a super kick, before Akam and Rezar returned and dropped him with the Final Chapter. Rollins demanded the two to hold Drew's defenseless skull against the steel steps, before the Stomp was teased - but Drew managed to fight it off and avoid it!

As Seth Rollins charged, he would receive a belly-to-belly overhead suplex from the WWE World Champion. AOP came from behind, but as Akam got Drew McIntyre up on his shoulders for the Desert Storm, "the Scottish Terminator" landed on his feet! A neckbreaker took Akam down, when Rezar charged his way - just to be sent out to the apron. If McIntyre was going down, he was taking "the Mercenaries of the Church" with him, as hit hit the ropes and delivered the Claymore Kick sending Rezar flying from the apron to the barricade! Akam was then hoisted up and driven through the table with a spinebuster, as the war raged on! Drew turned back at Seth, the battlecry welcoming the challenger to rush in for the fists to fly! Neither man got the better of it, as "the Monday Night Messiah" refused to stop - but neither would McIntyre! Another cheap toe kick saw Seth gain a lead, and a reverse STO sent McIntyre into the second turnbuckle pad. Heading to the top rope, the frog splash would connect - for Drew to kick out at two! Rollins slammed his hands into the canvas, tugging at his hair.

Desperately losing his temper, Seth Rollins screamed out to Akam and Rezar for their revivals, only to hear nothing in return. Looking for the falcon arrow, Drew McIntyre seamlessly overpowered him with one of his own connecting! Once again, "the Scottish Terminator" initiated his "Countdown to Claymore" as Rollins stumbled to his feet. The Claymore Kick went missed - and the Pedigree would go delivered! Seth could not wait a second to make that pin - but Drew got his foot on the bottom rope! Rollins' mental breakdown continued, seething with rage. Unable to comprehend how this was feasible, "the Monday Night Messiah" set up a second Pedigree. Seth landed on his feet before kicking him in the ribs. The Stomp was attempted, but Drew reversed. Rollins flipped out onto his feet where a superkick to the ribcage followed. Once again he hit the ropes looking for the Stomp, but Drew would catch him on his shoulders with a sit-out powerbomb for a near fall! Drew McIntyre did not skip a single beat, returning to the corner for the Claymore Kick. Seth blocked with another enzuigiri, when the Pedigree saw McIntyre back body drop out into Seth's sunset flip.

Seth Rollins held Drew McIntyre in position for the sunset flip for a near fall, when "the Scottish Terminator" pushed forward and hooked Seth's legs in a pinning predicament for a close fall! Both came to their feet, where the WWE World Champion caught the challenger in his hands with a two-handed choke suplex. As Rollins returned to the corner, the Scotsman prepared the Claymore Kick, but Seth would be issued a steel chair by Akam! Tossing it in Drew's direction, "the Messiah" demanded AOP hit him with a second Super Collider! The end in sight, Drew managed to land out on his feet before sending Rezar flying to the floor one more time. Akam found himself air borne after, when Seth swung and missed with the steel chair! It bounced off the top rope and sprung back straight in the challenger's face - and to make matters worse, Rollins would be taken to "Claymore Country" to allow McIntyre to retain the WWE World Championship!

Winner, and still WWE World Champion: Drew McIntyre (21:24)

For the second time in the span of a week, Drew McIntyre had defeated Seth Rollins. And for the third time in seven days, "the Scottish Terminator" had been able to retain the WWE World Championship - but at what cost? The Scotsman could barely come to his feet after the bell rang, clutching his ribs in agony. "The Monday Night Messiah" rolled out to the floor, falling into the arms of AOP. Akam and Rezar did not look pleased with the champion for once again being able to overcome insurmountable odds in order to win this No-Disqualification encounter, but would carry the leader of the Church up the rampway. McIntyre was able to come to his feet, raising the title high for the WWE Universe to see, but how much longer could he keep firing on all cylinders?

An advertisement aired, promoting tomorrow night's edition of Monday Night RAW. After his stunning return at "the Biggest Party of the Summer", the WWE Hall of Famer Edge had shown that his business with Randy Orton was all but finished. Yet, with "the Apex Predator" being issued the challenge by "the Rated R Superstar" to a match to settle the score in one last chapter, what would happen when Orton makes his first appearance since SummerSlam, tomorrow night? It would be live on USA Network from 9/8 CT.

In the dressing room backstage, Jeff Hardy was pacing back and forth with a lot running through his mind. With the trauma of last week's Interdimensional Warfare put behind him, "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" was no longer Brother Nero, but something more. He considered himself to be "The Real" Jeff Hardy this past week on Friday Night SmackDown, and believed a great deal of his future was riding on tonight's Triple Threat match for the WWE Universal Championship against The Fiend and Roman Reigns.

Michael Cole and Corey Graves sat at the SmackDown announce table, turning their attention to the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship match still to come. After weeks of apparent cracks in "the Boss 'n' Hug Connection, it would be revealed that Sasha Banks was with Bayley all the way this past week on Monday Night RAW. While Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott appeared to be on the same page in spite of the champs' best efforts, they ran footage from yesterday morning's comments made by "the One Over All" and "the Legit Boss", on WWE Talking Smack - available on the free version of the WWE Network.

☰☰☰

The Riott Squad made their way out to the stage, ahead of possibly the biggest match of their careers. Despite the efforts of the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan came out full of pent-up energy and immediately immersed each other in a big hug. Since Ruby's return from a serious injury last January, the two had had their ups and downs, but were finally on the page and in matching gear for tonight's opportunity. In black, grey and green, "the Runaway" believed tonight was all for Liv, as they sought for their first taste of gold since arriving in the WWE.

Together the Riott Squad warmed up in their corner together, when out came Sasha Banks. "The Legit Boss" wore her motto on the knuckledusters on her hands, sporting black and red with a sassy-as-ever attitude. One-half of the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions raised her glasses and ran her mouth to the challengers from afar, when out followed "the One Over All". The SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley brandished red, black and white gear as well, immediately hugging her BFF. Together, the first ever champions looked to continue their reign of dominance over the entire of the Women's Tag Team Division, climbing onto the apron and posing together, raising their gold high. The two teams would square off in the ring, as ring announcer Greg Hamilton handled formal in-ring introductions.

6) WWE Women's Tag Team Championship
SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley and Sasha Banks (c) vs The Riott Squad

The WWE Women's Tag Team Champions confronted Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott in the middle of the ring as the bell sounded, with Bayley antagonizing the challengers. The Riott Squad looked at one another, before cold-cocking the SmackDown Women's Tag Team Champion in the face! "The Legit Boss" was irked and rushed in to receive a toe kick and an up kick from Ruby, before Liv was picked up and sent into Sasha using an assisted dropkick. Liv continued her attack on Banks in one corner, as Bayley's best efforts to cut "the Runaway" went averted. "The Boss 'n' Hug Connection" would be whipped out of their respective corners into one another - but would halt before making contact with each other. Breaking out in another big hug, "the Boss 'n' Hug Connection" would turn around to receive dropkicks from Riott and Morgan! With a monkey flip, Liv sent Banks overhead for a near fall before keeping her down with a headlock. Fighting back with a snapmare, Sasha maintained a seated surfboard stretch, but Liv would kick Sasha low before front-flipping her way out! Landing on her feet, Sasha instinctively tugged her to the mat by the hair but would miss an elbow drop.

Liv Morgan connected with a hip attack in the corner, before following suit with a lucha roll into a dropkick! Sasha Banks kicked out, but when Liv looked to continue with the flow she was on ,"the Legit Boss" backed out into the ropes. The referee demanded the clean break, and in came the SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley. The feeling out process saw Bayley apply a wristlock on Ruby Riott, who rolled through and kip up. Looking for a wristlock of her own, "Bayley 2 Belts" dragged her by the pixie cut into a pinning predicament for a one-count. Kneeling with her calf across the neck, the official reprimanded the champ, who obnoxious showboated and insulted the Riott Squad before their eyes! A right hand clobbered Ruby, when an attempted sliding clothesline saw "the Runaway" evade it - springing to her feet with a step-up enzuigiri. The flatliner caught the champ for a near fall, when Bayley rolled out for cover at ringside. Sasha Banks met her with open arms, but the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions would see Ruby dive out under the second rope into their arms! Going caught, Bayley and Sasha had cruel intentions - but Liv struck with a baseball slide, taking down the two champs!

Liv Morgan helped Ruby Riott to her feet before the two took the fight to Bayley and Sasha Banks at ringside. As the official tried to get the action back into the ring, Liv brought the fight to the SmackDown Women's Champion against the barricade while Sasha Banks would rake the eyes of "the Runaway" before taking her down. Slamming her head against the ringside floor, she would toss the green-haired pixie into the ring before jumping Liv from behind. Bayley stumbled back into the ring, ambushing Riott with a knee strike to the side of the temple! With a tag made to Sasha, a backbreaker from Bayley saw Sasha connect with a diving Meteora from the second rope - a play-on of the Demolition Device. Achieving a near fall, "the Legit Boss" continued to flaunt her stuff before kicking Ruby in the ribs. Riott would catch a right hand before long, and with an chop, looked for a hammerlock - just for Sasha to elbow her in the face! Taking Ruby by the wrist for a rope-assisted armdrag off the top rope, Banks would cover - but again Liv slipped in to save her partner. An armbar would be applied, but Ruby continued on the move. Back to her feet, she attempted to break out just for Banks to take her down with a legtrip.

Stomping on the point of the elbow, Sasha Banks made the tag to the SmackDown Women's Champion, who swaggered in before taking the wrist for a series of stomps upside the face! Bayley connected with the sliding clothesline for a near fall, before again talking trash in the direction of Liv Morgan. "The One Over All" body slammed her before ascending to the top rope. With the "Macho Man" style diving elbow drop in mind, Bayley took too long and paid for it - as Riott crotched her on the top! A step-up enzuigiri rocked "Bayley 2 Belts" on the top rope, before going up for a superplex. Sasha tried to come to her best friend's aid - but Liv intercepted with a hurricanrana! Propping Ruby atop her shoulders, the Riott Squad performed a double-decker superplex sending Bayley to the canvas. Ruby covered, but Banks was able to drag her off by the foot! Once again Liv entered the ring, only to be struck with a leg-caught knee lift from "the Legit Boss". A knee strike took her down, allowing Bayley to continue with an aggressive attack on the arm - numerous stomps connecting! A handstand knee drop made matters worse, when in came Banks.

Enduring an insulting slap across the back of the head, Ruby Riott fought back up enraged, only for Sasha Banks to take her back down with a big boot! "The Legit Boss" pummelled Riott before applying a Fujiwara armbar. "The Runaway" had nowhere to turn, but squirmed with all of her might until she made it to the bottom rope! More stomps followed, when Sasha took a page out of her hero Eddie Guerrero's playbook. The Three Amigos were in motion, two consecutive suplexes leading to a third - but Ruby reversed into an inside cradle! Riott speedily headed for the tag to Liv Morgan, but Sasha grabbed her by the ankle. Managing to win the tug-of-war with her own body, Ruby roped Sasha in for the Deadly Night in the corner - and the tag was made! Using clotheslines, an enzuigiri would stun Bayley before catching both her and Sasha with a simultaneous facebuster. Ruby came in to even the odds, as Liv sat on the top rope - and the Blue Face took "Bayley 2 Belts" down for a near fall! The Riott Squad's big chance was now, and the two relished the opportunity with Liv hitting a double senton elevated by Ruby on all-fours - crashing down on the spine of Bayley.

Liv Morgan managed to evade an inbound Sasha Banks with some Matrix action, inadvertently sandwiching her own best friend Bayley in the corner. Liv would dodge an inbound Ruby Riott, who came springing in with a corner clothesline before delivering a diving hurricanrana off the second rope to Sasha. Morgan meanwhile ascended to the top rope with a diving double footstomp connecting to the SmackDown Women's Champion. With "Bayley 2 Belts" pinned, she would somehow manage to kick out! The double champ was in by herself, and the Riott Squad performed their duelling combination: the Riott Kick feeding into the Jersey Codebreaker. Ruby held Sasha back as Liv made the cover - but Banks barged her way onto breaking the count! The four women stirred back to their feet, tussling it out with right hands. To their feet, Liv and Ruby got the better of Bayley and Sasha - just for the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions to cut the Riott Squad off at the ropes. Bayley teased the exploder suplex to send Ruby out to the floor, but "the Runaway" would drag her over the top rope with her! Both women exchanged strikes on the apron, when Bayley wound up eating a back body drop on the apron!

As "the Runaway" wiped the SmackDown Women's Champion out with a running crossbody off the apron to the floor, inside Sasha Banks shoved Liv Morgan off as she attempted the ObLIVIon, and with a go-behind, the backstabber fed into the Bank Statement! "The Legit Boss" wrenched back on the hold as Liv watched her hopes and dreams of becoming WWE Women's Tag Team Champion fade before her eyes - but a last-second turnover saw Liv get a very near fall on the champ. Sasha would catch her with double knees in the corner, before berating her verbally once more. Climbing out to the apron, Sasha ascended to the top rope for the Frog Splash - but she took too long showboating and would catch nothing but canvas! As a hurricanrana saw Sasha's head bounce off the second turnbuckle pad, the ObLIVion went connected. Liv hooked the legs, and while Bayley was inches from breaking the count, Ruby would prevent her - crowning new champions!

Winners, and new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions: The Riott Squad (11:20)

Bayley buried her head in the canvas in disappointment, as "Bayley 2 Belts'" tenure was no more! Having come inches from saving Sasha Banks, "the Legit Boss" remained down - all the while Ruby Riott slid into the ring and immediately embraced Liv Morgan with a big hug. Raising her hand as victor, "the Runaway" was presented with the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships. Upon presenting Liv hers, the youngster would emotionally break out in tears! Squeezing her tightly, the Riott Squad celebrated together as the SmackDown Women's Champion continued to palm her face in shame. The Riott Squad left, prepared to usher in a new era for the Women's Tag Team Division, while Bayley slid into the ring...

One Over All
Sasha Banks nursed her head as Bayley patted her on the back. "The One Over All" convinced "the Legit Boss" that they would get the titles back - but the second her best friend turned her back, the SmackDown Women's Champion blasted her partner with Deliverance! The WWE Universe were stunned, as was the broadcast team, as Bayley appeared with a cold expression on her face. Tugging at the ends of her bob cut, she would kneel beside Sasha and apologize for how this was always going to go - before pummeling the back of Sasha's head with rights and lefts! The official tried to intercept, as Banks rolled out to the floor. Banks was dazed, when Bayley slid out of the ring a woman possessed: sending Sasha crashing into the barricade! The former "Bayley 2 Belts" was not finished yet, throwing down the referee and raising the ringside mat. Exposing the concrete floor, Bayley held her "Boss 'n' Hug Connection" by the jaw and told her this was the end once again - before the Deliverance dropped Banks face-first on the concrete floor! Bayley backed away and departed the scene, as officials came out to escort her away - and check on her once best friend.

An advertisement aired, depicting a trophy case containing various classic WWE Championship. As shots of some of the greatest WWE Superstars to hold gold throughout sports entertainment flashed upon screen, from Hulk Hogan to Stone Cold Steve Austin, to The Rock, to John Cena and to Roman Reigns. Who would join the dynasty in the heat of "the Gold Rush?" WWE Clash of the Champions 2020 was live on September 27, 2020 - exclusively on the award-winning WWE Network.

Following discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T, a video package aired, promoting the upcoming RAW Women's Championship match. It was the Last Chance for Asuka to reclaim the gold she was robbed of one week ago at SummerSlam by Charlotte Flair, and with "the Queen" surrounding herself with as many allies of possible, she remained adamant she was in the prime of her career. "The Empress of Tomorrow" did more than an incredible job holding down the fort after Becky Lynch bestowed her with the gold in an emotional scene the night after Money in the Bank. Overcoming the likes of Shayna Baszler, she would be screwed by not only "the Dirtiest Player in the Game" seven nights ago - but Nia Jax and the Iiconics as well. Asuka came into Monday Night RAW this past week with a deathwish, able to overcome "the Irresistible Force", who continued to seek her own title opportunity. Asuka was willing to put it all on the line, but it came at the behest of Flair. If Asuka lost, she would never receive another shot at Flair's title again.

The WWE ThunderDome continued to buzz in the fallout of the SmackDown Women's Champion's heinous betrayal, but out came Asuka with the RAW Women's Championship continuing to play on her mind. "The Empress of Tomorrow" made her way out to the stage in her multicolored fur coat, swaying from side to side with an evil demeanor on her face. "The Kabuki Warrior" had been on both sides of the ring time and time before, but tonight had chance to be her last when it came to challenging for "the Queen's" title. Determined, Asuka threw off her coat and prepared for battle in the ring, as the black paint ran down her cheeks and from her lips.

The remix of "Also Sprach Zarathustra" rang out over the building, prompting the WWE Universe to boo loudly. Despite the unknown status of her loyalists the Iiconics, who were found beaten down backstage earlier tonight, out waltzed the RAW Women's Champion in a pink and gold robe. Charlotte Flair had arrived, having captured her thirteen Women's Championship last week at SummerSlam. "The Queen" was full of confidence, brashly walking to the ringside area before letting off her gown. Circling the ringside era, Flair would have the referee not only back Asuka away from her - but also aid her getting into the ring! As Flair posed and displayed the gold around her waist, she made the bombastic claim that this would be the last time "the Kabuki Warrior" would ever get a shot at the title. Mike Rome handled in-ring introductions.

7) RAW Women's Championship
Charlotte Flair (c) vs Asuka
If Asuka loses, she can never challenge for the RAW Women's Championship again.

As the match got underway, "the Queen" took her sweet time issuing the RAW Women's Championship to the referee, not realizing that Asuka was coming straight for her! A corner dropkick stunned Flair, before a series of hard-hitting chest kicks continued to corner the champion. She risked a disqualification and was warned as such by the referee, when Charlotte Flair placed Asuka in the corner to deliver two knife-edged chops. The former champ turned it around and lit the new champ up with three more kicks to the torso, when a hairpull toss sent Flair careening across the ring! The hip attack was attempted, but Flair caught her with a back suplex attempt. Asuka was able to land on her feet and apply the Asuka Lock - but Flair would cling to the ropes for her life! "The Empress of Tomorrow" was not wasting a single second, as Flair found herself free thanks to the clean break - when a low kick by the ropes saw Charlotte land upside down! Backing out to the floor, the champ took a moment to catch her breath and rethink her strategy, while Asuka taunted her to the adulation of the WWE Universe.

Continuing to stall, Charlotte Flair would slowly ascend the steel steps onto the apron, but as she conversed with the official, "the Queen" would be blissfully unaware of Asuka knocking her off the apron with a running hip attack! Sliding out after her, Asuka went straight back to the kicks by the barricade, when the referee left the ring hoping to restrain "the Kabuki Warrior". The new RAW Women's Champion found time to poke the eye of Asuka, when a kitchen sink knee led to Flair clotheslining Asuka over the barricade wall! Rolling inside, the champ strutted and had the referee initiate the ring-out count. At the count of five, "the Empress of Tomorrow" rolled back into the ring - where Flair was waiting with a knee drop across the back of the neck! Strutting up and down, "the Dirtiest Player in the Game" appeared more and more like her father every day, as she let out a "Wooo!" amidst the boos in the WWE ThunderDome. As a snapmare led to a snap neckbreaker, Flair repeatedly tried to take the cover but Asuka would kick out. Flair brought the former champ to her feet and connected with an exploder suplex sending her foe overhead, and out to the floor under the ropes!

Coming out after her, Charlotte Flair had transformed this match into one with a methodical style. Clamping Asuka's head between the sole of her boot and the corner where ringside mat met barricade wall, the official again reprimanded the RAW Women's Champion, apparently to little concern of the champ. "The Queen" could only lose her title by pinfall or submission, and as she sent Asuka back into the ring, Flair would merrily waltz back inside - where "the Empress of Tomorrow" was waiting, connecting with a sole butt and an upkick. The Empress Kick was attempted, but Flair rolled out of the way. The Queen's Boot saw Asuka sidestep it and look for the Asuka Lock again - when Flair swept the legs between hers. Teasing the Figure-8, the former champ kicked her away before catching her with a Savate kick! The hip attack took Flair down for a near fall, when Asuka followed suit with the switchblade kick. Applying the Octopus stretch, Flair found herself struggling under the pressure brought on by her rival, who wrenched away demanding she tap out! Not only refusing, Flair looked to hip toss out, when Asuka caught her upside the head with a jumping roundhouse kick!

The sliding knee strike secured a near fall for the challenger, as Charlotte Flair once again rolled out to safety. "The Empress of Tomorrow" did not take any chances this time, rolling out after her and connecting with two soccer kicks to the spine on the floor! Acting with great urgency, the former RAW Women's Championship wanted nothing more than to recapture her crown, and showed such exigency by rolling Flair back inside. Missing the Queen's Boot a second time, Asuka caught her with a bridging German suplex for a near fall, when Asuka looked for the double-knee backbreaker...but Flair blocked it using her strength! Holding the challenger in mid-air, Flair would back body drop Asuka overhead. Landing on her feet, Asuka hit the ropes when the Queen's Boot nearly knocked the challenger's head off her shoulders! With deliverance of several knife-edged chops in the corner, Asuka attempted to strike back using forearm strikes - when she charged right into an STO backbreaker, and a slam for a near fall. Acknowledging the legs of Asuka, Flair tied her up with a stepover leglock from a vertical base.

Soon driving her elbow into the inner-thigh, Charlotte Flair worked to bend the leg of Asuka in effort to set up the Figure-8. "The Queen" continued to drive the point of her elbow into the kneecap of the former champ, and the new RAW Women's Champion grinned with satisfaction, as she attempted to hyperextend the foot of Asuka sideways! In desperation, the challenger attempted to lock on a sleeper hold to counter it - but Flair would fall backwards before powering Asuka onto her back. The backpack stunner dropped Asuka, but the leg that had been worked on was crushed beneath her tailbone! Clutching her ankle, "the Empress of Tomorrow" was right where the champ wanted her, and Flair would lock in the single-legged Boston crab. Smiling all the while, Asuka shook her head with refusal. Anxious to reach out and escape the hold, Flair dragged her back into the middle! While the Japanese Superstar attempted to kick her way out using her other limb, "the Dirtiest Player in the Game" secured it - the Boston crab applied! Asuka tried to pick the leg of Flair to break it, but the champ would maintain the hold with a deep squat! Still, Asuka finally made it to the ropes!

"The Queen" appeared accepting of the Boston crab's inability to put Asuka down for good, as she took to the top rope. Asuka came up from behind her on one leg, decking Charlotte Flair in the back of the head! Catching her in the tree of woe, "the Empress of Tomorrow" got her revenge with a repeat succession of kicks to the exposed torso - when a charging knee strike cut her down! With Flair on her knees, Asuka connected with the Buzzsaw kick and took the cover, but Flair was able to kick out. Asuka was ready to take the win, hobbling up and down the ring with the adrenaline pumping. Flair was sent off the ropes, but as the Empress Kick whiffed the air, the RAW Women's Champion was able to cling to the ropes! Rushing towards her, the challenger wound up on the apron. A forearm strike knocked Flair away, and the Japanese Superstar would head to the top rope. She prepared to fly when Flair hit the ropes, crotching her on the top! Then, in an astonishingly clean vertical leap, Flair took to the top with a Spanish fly to the canvas! Both women absorbed the impact of the fall, when Flair got her arm over Asuka - who miraculously managed to pop the shoulder up!

It was the very RAW Women's Championship gifted to her by Becky Lynch the night after winning a gruelling Money in the Bank ladder match, and since that night Asuka had dedicated herself to wearing the gold on her sleeve in "the Man's" absence. Charlotte Flair attempted the Figure-8, when Asuka caught her in the Asuka Lock! "The Empress of Tomorrow" wrenched away at the arm of Flair, who tried to kick and punch her way free. Swinging her limbs viciously, Asuka worked hard to maintain the hold, when Flair's foot straddled the bottom rope. At the count of four, "the Kabuki Warrior" broke the hold. Flair clutched her arm and gasped for air simultaneously. Climbing back up to her feet, she rushed - just for Asuka to catch her with the rolling cross-armbreaker! Flair was able to rotate over her, somehow muscling Asuka up only to drop down to the mat! The triangle choke completed the transition, when the former champ climbed onto her back with the Asuka Lock applied again! Flair somehow used her strength to power up to a knee, and then a second - before the two went tumbling into the corner, with the referee sandwiched against the turnbuckles!

Charlotte Flair broke off from the Asuka Lock, before charging with an attempt at a clothesline just for Asuka to move out of the way. The referee absorbed all of the blow and went down, when "the Empress of Tomorrow" once again applied the cross-armbreaker! Flair tapped like her life depended on it, yet the RAW Women's Champion's gold was safe with the official out of position. Asuka knew it and released the hold willingly to check on him, when Nia Jax came stomping out to the stage. With the Iiconics found debilitated earlier tonight, speculation was rampant that was "the Irresistible Force's" doing - but before she had the opportunity to show her allegiance and strike, from behind came Bianca Belair with a hair whip, and a series of right hands! "The EST" and "the Giantess" continued their brawl to the back, when Flair chop blocked the distracted Asuka from behind. The Natural Selection covered, and with the referee slowly coming to, the cover was made - but "the Kabuki Warrior" kicked out still! Flair could not believe it and decided it was time for reinforcements. Staggering to her feet, she climbed to the top rope, soaring with a corkscrew moonsault!

Another cover was made, but Charlotte Flair once again would only get a two-count. "The Queen" was giving Asuka everything she had, in an effort to not only retain the RAW Women's Championship, but to ensure "the Empress of Tomorrow" could never challenge for the title again. Flair began to pummel Asuka from a mounted position, driving forearm strikes into her. To her feet, Charlotte stomped at Asuka, who began to absorb each blow. With a scowl, she refused to take anymore, Asuka lit her up with a lightning-quick successsion of strikes, culminating in a spinning backfist and a sole butt. Hitting the ropes, the hip attack went sidestepped, when the champ missed the Queen's Boot. The Asuka Lock went reversed by a knife-edged chop, when a low dropkick knocked Flair down to a knee. Looking for the Empress Kick, Flair dragged the official directly into the line of fire - again wiping him out! The spear from Charlotte wiped out Asuka, but as she slowly looked at applying the Figure-8, Asuka would take Flair's foot as she stepped over - applying the ankle lock! Down to all fours went Flair, as the ankle lock went applied.

"The Kabuki Warrior" was well on her way to recapturing the RAW Women's Championship she lost only seven days ago at SummerSlam, with the ankle lock having Charlotte Flair on the edge of submission. "The Queen" squirmed to the ropes, just for Asuka to not only drag her back to the middle, but grapevine her legs around the leg of the champ! Asuka had it won - but suddenly from out of nowhere came Shayna Baszler picking her up from behind! Landing with the Kirifuda Clutch in one swift succession, "the Queen of Spades" choked the unsuspecting and fatigued Asuka away from her winning predicament, knocking her out! Baszler abruptly broke the hold before making eye contact with a stunned Charlotte, who had no idea what to make of this. As Shayna appeared to make a move for the champ, she ultimately decided against it and instead left the ring to revive the referee. Flair opportunistically applied the Figure-8, with Asuka having nowhere to go. Drained and hurting from "the Submission Magician's" attack, as well as the physicality of the match, Asuka tapped out!

Winner, and still RAW Women's Champion: Charlotte Flair (18:35)
Asuka can never challenge for the RAW Women's Championship again.

The RAW Women's Championship match was over, and it came about with a shocking conclusion. Shayna Baszler watched from ringside with an ugly grimace on her face, as she looked in to see Charlotte Flair lay back on the canvas with the Figure-8 still applied. Rolling off of her beaten challenger's prone body, "the Queen" would hobble back to her feet and stand victorious. Asuka remained down and unresponsive after a gruelling match in which she had to fight not only Flair, but "the Submission Magician" as well - Shayna soon entered the ring with the title in hand. She teased another tense scene with Flair, with the knowledge that Nia Jax herself wanted a title opportunity and was willing to do whatever bidding the champ so desired to get it. But instead, Baszler placed the title over her shoulder! Raising her hand in victory, despite all of the derogatory remarks out of "the Queen of Spades'" lips, Baszler was supporting of Flair all the way. With "the Empress of Tomorrow" permanently removed from the race, Shayna buckled the gold around Charlotte's waist and stood alongside her in celebration!

Following discussion from Michael Cole and Corey Graves, a video package aired running down what had transpired in the lead-up to tonight's Triple Threat main event for the WWE Universal Championship. The ugly rivalry between Bray Wyatt and Jeff Hardy had taken the two enigmas into SummerSlam, where Interdimensional Warfare saw The Fiend and Brother Nero duel it out in a bout that exceeded the confounds of the squared-circle. From the Firefly Fun House to the Hardy Compound, and from the past into a dystopian future, the warriors found their way to the WWE ThunderDome. "The Rainbow-Haired Warrior" went to every length possible to break "the New Face of Fear" down, but when he thought he had him beat - Roman Reigns returned. "The Big Dog" had a new demeanor, leaving "the Biggest Party of the Summer" having wrecked everyone. On Friday Night SmackDown, Reigns plead his case - as did "the Eater of Worlds", as well as Jeff Hardy. With everything riding on the outcome at Payback, the biggest shock would reveal itself: when an attempted interview saw Paul Heyman poke his head out of Reigns' dressing room. Who would come out of this monsters' ball the champion?

By Any Means Necessary
With so much riding on tonight's Triple Threat match, the lights in the WWE ThunderDome went out section by section. The eerie silence would lead to "Let Me In" by Code Orange taking the building by force, as a dark and red glow illuminated the entire room. Emerging out with a lantern in one hand, and the WWE Universal Championship in the other, the Fiend appeared conspicuously first before both of his challengers. "The New Face of Fear's" terrifying expression told the entire story, as he paced slowly down the rampway en route to the ring...when out from behind came Jeff Hardy carrying a steel chair! "The Rainbow-Haired Warrior" walloped him from behind with a shot to the spine, returning light to the building! The former champ barbarically throttled Fiend twice more with a steel chair, wanting to have this rivalry over and done with once and for all. Setting the chair up, Hardy would leap off the seat of the chair with a tackle directed at the Fiend, who tried to fight him off by the apron. Jeff would not permit the monster with the breathing room he required, when a dropkick saw Fiend roll into the solace of the ring.

8) WWE Universal Championship - Triple Threat match
Roman Reigns vs The Fiend (c) vs Jeff Hardy

Shedding his leather jacket, Jeff Hardy would take the lantern of the Fiend's from the apron and send it hurdling in his rival's direction! "The Rainbow-Haired Warrior" had spent his entire summer dealing with the mind games that the Fiend had brought his way. As "the New Face of Fear" shook off the lantern shot, Hardy hit the ropes and sent both himself and Fiend over the top rope with a clothesline! Going for broke, Jeff continued his onslaught by continuing to stomp at the WWE Universal Champion. The monster continued to rise to his feet, swiping back with a powerful throat thrust. Fiend hammered Jeff against the barricade, when Hardy toe kicked in return. Several right hands stunned the Fiend, when he backtracked to take charge. Vaulting atop the steel steps, Hardy's body block went caught by the gloved hands of the champ - driving Hardy spine-first across the ring apron! Cackling through the mask, the sadistic champ rammed his hand against the throat of Hardy against the apron, before administering a brutal neck snap! Looking to cripple his arch rival, the champion set out to do what he planned last week at SummerSlam. Meanwhile, "the Big Dog" remained conspicuous by his absence.

Returning into the ring, the Fiend sent Jeff Hardy off the ropes but received a forearm smash back. Knocking "the New Face of Fear" backwards, Hardy continued with a diving clothesline which had a similar effect. A toe kick went caught by the Fiend, but Jeff responded by connecting with a spinout enzuigiri! Hardy proceeded to take the legs with the legdrop directed at the groin, before rolling backwards directly into a front dropkick. Jeff bridged for the first pinfall attempt, despite the third man in this Triple Threat match being absent - but Fiend powered out at one. "The Rainbow-Haired Warrior" headed to one of the turnbuckle pads in the corner, exposing the steel underneath. Fiend responded with a big headbutt and a lariat, before holding Jeff's face directly against the steel. Placing his boot directly behind the skull of Jeff, the WWE Universal Champion threatened to scar the challenger permanently both mentally and physically. Hitting the ropes, Fiend looked for a crossbody, but after leapfrogging over him, Hardy took him down with a one-armed sleeper slam! As Fiend rolled out to the floor, Hardy struck with a baseball slide dropkick through the ropes, before following with a second one under the ropes!

Once again fighting at ringside, Jeff Hardy pounded away at the Fiend as he teetered on the edge of the announce table. The two adversaries had duelled over the announce table many times in their past, but "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" seemed set on ending "the New Face of Fear's" rampage over the SmackDown Brand for good. Placing a steel chair on the Fiend's chest, Jeff would teeter atop the barricade behind the table - leaping with a legdrop, driving the monster through it! Hardy rived in pain as he stammered up to his feet, and the Fiend remained down and out. Hardy attempted to drag Fiend towards the ring once more, but the WWE Universal Champion remained a dead weight. Instead going beneath the ring, Hardy revealed a ladder underneath! Returning over to the Fiend, he was met by another uppercut, as the monster sat back up in a hurry. Sending Jeff into the ring, the Fiend would slide the ladder into the ring before entering the ring. Hardy charged with another crossbody, but this time went caught with a spinout sidewalk slam that saw Hardy land spine-first on the ladder! Real or not, Hardy's body was being destroyed by the unforgiving alter ego of Bray Wyatt!

"The Big Dog's" absence remained notable as the Fiend made the cover, but Jeff Hardy knew better than to stay down. Instead placing the ladder over "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior", the WWE Universal Champion would take off to the ropes before returning with a running senton! As Hardy's chest was cut up by the constant contact with steel, the Fiend tore at the longsleeve the North Carolinian wore, leaving it in tatters over one of his antagonist's shoulders. Fiend excused himself from the ring and raised the ring apron - where he pulled out a pair of novelty-sized scissors! "The New Face of Fear" had diabolical ideas in mind for the former champ, but surprisingly instead decided to use them on the strings keeping the canvas in check. As Hardy recovered, Fiend went to each and every part of the canvas, before crawling inside and exposing the wooden floorboards beneath. With the ring being deconstructed, Fiend returned to Hardy, who caught him with a dropkick sending him into the exposed steel turnbuckle! The Hardyac Arrest followed, but Fiend kicked out. "The Charismatic Enigma" set up the Twist of Fate, but Sister Abigail saw the Fiend drive him into the mat! The leg was hooked - but Jeff kicked out!

"The New Face of Fear" appeared dismayed and shook his head. More punishment had to be in store, as the Fiend tugged at his "Hurt" glove, with the Mandible Claw to follow. Jeff Hardy tried to overpower it with his own hands, barely finding distance between the clawed hand of the monster and his gullet. Saved by another low dropkick, Jeff connected with a sit-out jawbreaker before a DDT dropped him on top of the exposed wooden boards of the ring! With Fiend down, Hardy set up the ladder and began his ascent. Looking to finish the job he started, both at SummerSlam and the Horror Show at Extreme Rules, "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" spotted the Fiend stirring once again. Using the rungs of the ladder to stand up, Jeff got down and worked to keep him down, when another Uranage slam sent Jeff to the canvas! Curiously choosing not to make the cover, Fiend instead looked towards the exposed turnbuckle pad and began to pull at it. With shocking strength, the WWE Universal Champion successfully dismantled the top rope from the ring post! Laughing maniacally, Fiend tried to use it around the throat of "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior", who tried to fight with every fibre of his being.

The Fiend was doing some heavy construction, as he once again motioned that the Mandible Claw was coming. Instead, Jeff Hardy fought again with one hand - when his other low blowed "the New Face of Fear!" With life shown in the monster's eyes behind the mask, Hardy drilled him with the Twist of Hate - before immediately following up with the Twist of Fate for good measure! The Fiend was down, and Hardy ascended to the top of the ladder. There was no interruptions this time, as Jeff shed the remaining strips of his torn shirt, looking to the heavens before coming off with the Swanton Bomb! Both men caused a break in few of the boards, their bodies sent halfway through the ring! Such was the time for "the Big Dog" to appear - Roman Reigns just so happening to arrive with Paul Heyman by his side. In his "Wreck Everyone & Leave" shirt, the former champion looked to take advantage of the situation, storming down to ringside and grabbing a steel chair from beneath the ring. Slamming it against the steel steps and the ring post, Roman's facial expression was cold with sadism in his eyes.

As Jeff Hardy's limp body was able to get an arm over the Fiend's destroyed carcass in the Swanton Bomb-sized crater of the ring, Roman Reigns would stop the count by slamming the steel chair across the spine of "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior!" Declaring this was his time, Roman grabbed hold of the fan favorite's hair and dragged him from the crater. Jeff tried to shake free, only to be the recipient of the Moment of Silence - yet Jeff still kicked out! The life of "the Death-Defying Daredevil" was not through yet, as Paul Heyman watched curiously from the corner of "the Big Dog". Cocking his gloved fist, Roman's fist made contact with the canvas. With the Superman Punch in mind, Jeff sent the steel chair flying back in his direction! Reigns was deterred by it, as the Reversal of Fate followed - but Roman kicked out. "The Advocate" continued to speak words of wisdom to the Samoan, their alliance remaining unexplained. Jeff saw Roman coming and anticipated the Whisper in the Wind, but in mid-air, Roman caught him with the Superman Punch! The Spear impaled Hardy - and with the Fiend still devastated in the crater of the ring, a new champion was crowned!

Winner, and new WWE Universal Champion: Roman Reigns (14:06)

One week following his unexpected return at SummerSlam, Roman Reigns was back at the pinnacle of the SmackDown Brand. Back where he left things off at WrestleMania, before a five-month sabbatical, "the Big Dog" would stand tall and snatch the WWE Universal Championship from the reluctant referee. Jeff Hardy remained bruised and cut up from the heat of this Triple Threat match - in which Roman had only made his arrival in the closing moments! Paul Heyman joined his new client in the ring, standing beside Roman as he raised the title high over the fallen body of "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior". With the ring in disrepair, with the canvas ripped up, floorboards exposed, the top rope separated from the ring posts, and with the wooden crater present in the corner, Reigns stood among the apocalypse as the man with all of the power. Prospering over the monsters' ball, notably the crater once containing the Fiend was no longer occupied by "the New Face of Fear" - he had vanished. Alas, Roman Reigns was officially back, and with "the Advocate" by his side, what could this brand new power couple have in store for Friday Night SmackDown on FOX?

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· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Aug 31, 2023 18:16:18 GMT -5

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WWE Hall of Famer 'Bullet' Bob Armstrong dies at 80 after battle with cancer

By Liz Roscher
28 August 2020

WWE Hall of Famer and legend “Bullet” Bob Armstrong has died at 80, his sons announced on Thursday night. Scott Armstrong, a WWE producer, and Brian Armstrong, a WWE Hall of Famer in his own right, posted the sad news on Twitter.

Scott announced in March that his dad was suffering from cancer his ribs, shoulder, and prostate, but had decided against going through treatment.

Born in Georgia in 1939, Armstrong served in the Marines and spent seven years as a firefighter before starting his wrestling career. Making his debut in 1960, back when professional wrestling was divided into territories, he made a name for himself wrestling in the southeastern territories and racked up numerous titles using his signature move, the Georgia Jawbreaker.

He retired in 1988, but he never completely retired. He continued wrestling sporadically, last stepping into the ring in 2019, when he was a sprightly 79, a whopping 59 years after his very first match.

His four sons — Scott, Brian, Brad, and Steve — all followed him into wrestling, turning it into the family business. He wrestled for six decades, and would eventually partner with each of his sons in the ring. They were on hand when he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2011.

Coronavirus cases surpass 25 million as pandemic strains nations around the world

By Noah Higgins-Dunn
30 August 2020

The number of reported Covid-19 cases across the globe surpassed 25 million on Sunday, with the U.S., Brazil and India leading the grim count, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

The coronavirus has killed more than 843,000 people worldwide since it emerged from Wuhan, China, late last year, with the Americas reporting the bulk of fatalities. The U.S., Mexico and Brazil represent more than 40% of the global death toll, according to Hopkins.

Reported Covid-19 cases surpassed 10 million in late June, then doubled just over six weeks later on Aug. 10, according to the data.

“This virus is going to be with us for a while. Without a vaccine, it’s going to be with us for years,” Carissa Etienne, director of Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization’s regional director for the Americas, said during a news briefing Tuesday. “Reopening does not mean that the fight is over.”

Some European countries have started to report a recent resurgence. France’s prime minister, Jean Castex, said the virus has spread rapidly among young people, forcing the government to intervene. Castex said France “must do everything to avoid a new confinement,” The Associated Press reported on Thursday.

Infections in Spain, which has the highest case count among European countries, have climbed to nearly 440,000 cases since the country lifted its lockdown in late June, according to Hopkins.

The U.S. continues to struggle with the world’s worst outbreak and largest reported case count, though the growth in new cases appears to be leveling off after a summer of surging outbreaks.

The U.S. reported an average of 42,000 new infections a day over the last week, a decline of more than 3% from the prior week, according to a CNBC analysis of Hopkins’ data. New cases in the U.S. peaked at 67,317 daily cases on July 22, based on a seven-day average, after a resurgence of cases ripped through the Sun Belt states in June and July.

“The current plan — wearing a mask, watching your distance, washing your hands, supplemented by smart testing, according to the state plans, surge testing and extreme technical assistance by CDC as well as our craft teams — continues to yield results,” Assistant Secretary for Health Adm. Brett Giroir told reporters last week.

However, health officials are concerned that the coronavirus may spread to America’s heartland. As of Sunday, cases were growing by 19% or more in Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, according to a CNBC analysis of Hopkins’ data.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Robert Redfield recently told Dr. Howard Bauchner of the Journal of the American Medical Association that there are worrying signs in the middle of the country where cases appear to be plateauing but not falling. Redfield said the area “is getting stuck,” which is a concern as seasonal influenza threatens to overwhelm hospitals and cause preventable deaths.

“We don’t need to have a third wave in the heartland right now,” he said. “We need to prevent that particularly as we’re coming to the fall.”

The U.S. is gearing up to distribute a vaccine, which is expected some time early next year, as part of the Trump administration’s Operation Warp Speed. Health officials have said there’s no returning to “normal” until a vaccine is distributed.

On Wednesday, the CDC proposed guidelines for who would receive the first doses once a vaccine candidate is approve, prioritizing health-care workers, essential personnel and vulnerable Americans, such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.

White House coronavirus advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci has said the initial supply of vaccine doses is expected to be limited and won’t be widely available to Americans until “several months” into 2021. The federal government has spent billions in vaccine development, locking in a minimum of 800 million doses as soon as the immunizations are cleared later this year or early next year.

However, FDA Commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn told the Financial Times he’s willing to consider granting emergency authorization for a vaccine before phase three trials have been completed.

Russia registered a vaccine, called “Sputnik V,” on Aug. 11, though scientists warn that its candidate has only gone through phase one and phase two clinical trials and not large human trials to prove the vaccine’s efficacy. Russia said it would begin phase three trials in August.

AUGUST 31, 2020 OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: DEATH OF BOB ARMSTRONG, WWE THUNDERDOME DEBUT, MORE

BY OBSERVER STAFF | STAFF@WRESTLINGOBSERVER.COM | @wonf4w

THUNDERDOME AND BEYOND

It was a huge week for WWE, with the debuting of the Thunderdome concept that led to a major ratings increase, the return of Roman Reigns, SummerSlam, the third biggest show of the year, and NXT Takeover.

The Thunderdome concept, ever evolving, has the Amway Center set up with virtual fans in front of the hard camera and a lot of special effects. The key to this is if ratings hold up after the big increases this past week.

If it does, it says the majority of the pandemic drops were due to the venue and not the creative, although it is a combination of both that was the culprit. If the novelty wears off and things go back to the level of the prior week, that would be a major blow.

The opening visual was strong. The laser light show and brightness of the building was a strong start. The problem was the audio. The fans that were shown really weren’t making any noise. They piped in fake sound, which is good for the bad matches, but bad for the good matches. Because it was just fake sound, the noise and ups and downs had no relation to the match. In particular, when Johnny Gargano won the IC title from Daniel Bryan, there was no real pop, nor was there pops for his lines in his post-match interview.

It was a learning experience. SummerSlam, on 8/23, saw them use a coordinator who would direct the fans to react. When Randy Orton came out, fans were told to boo. These were contrived reactions, even worse than the wrestlers as fans, because it was mostly the piped in noise that didn’t relate to matches, with some coordinated cheers and boos and chants that were loud, but clearly not organic. Plus, they limited it, so really it was mostly done in the matches they wanted to enhance. When a heel would come out, the coordinator would tell everyone to do a thumbs down, so you’d see everyone in unison doing something that you would never actually see for a real life crowd.

On the positive side, the look and production of the show does make a difference and by a month from now we’ll be able to figure out how much. The other positive is whether the matches themselves get over, the performers look far more like stars being in a better setting and being able to do stronger entrances. The old scenario was nearly impossible to make new stars, which was key because WWE badly needed them. Now, they look more like stars, but it’s still a situation where there are no organic stars being made by the fans, not that WWE listened to the audience that much to begin with. But the majority of the most memorable moments were first jump started by organic reactions, like the rise of Daniel Bryan, Becky Lynch, C.M. Punk and Kofi Kingston. In some cases they led to creation of the biggest stars and biggest moments that the company never would have done on its own.

The positive is WWE was in complete control of its crowd, something it hasn’t had for more than 15 years. Usually when somebody does a heel turn, the crowd cheers them wildly because they are there for “moments” and “events.” But on Raw, when Aleister Black turned heel on Kevin Owens, nobody cheered. The one thing WWE did get in the pandemic was control of the crowd reactions. But there were also a variety of issues. They told fans not to wear certain things, and of course, most listened and some didn’t. The other control is that they had a no tolerance policy. They were quick to kick people out. Even with adding people, oftentimes the same person was actually in multiple virtual seats. People were booted for wearing the wrong T-shirts, but they were told in advance. For whatever reason, it was Raw when at least four fans on the lower level on camera tried to cause a disturbance on purpose, with a guy dressed up in a KKK outfit, another person put a photo of Chris Benoit on the screen right in front, another put up a video of an execution.

They were quickly booted, but it was enough that WWE put out a statement on 8/25, saying, “This abhorrent behavior does not reflect WWE’s values and we have zero tolerance for these unacceptable acts. We are working to ban those involved from future events and per our policies, any inappropriate actions result in the removal from the live stream.”

Still, it was a huge improvement over the Performance Center as the ratings showed. The reality is not just show content, but even when it came to the look and production of the show, AEW was ahead of WWE the past few months and it showed in the difference in gains and steadiness of numbers. Now WWE is ahead of AEW at least when it comes to look and production and looks like the more major league, which is really the key advantage it had left. It also makes it curious as to why, since WWE has the ability to do it with very minimal cost as the full-time tenant through the end of October, that they are still doing NXT with the low-rent look at Full Sail University.

The actual WWE deal for the Amway Center is a sweetheart deal, because the building otherwise would go unused. WWE pays $12,500 to the building for its three PPVs on the contract, $10,000 for every night of television show, $7,500 for every day WWE does any work setting up television and $2,500 for every day between now and 10/30 that WWE doesn't do work inside the building. The contract can be extended by WWE, or shortened based on decisions as to when they deem it okay to leave the building and run buildings with an actual audience.

THE BIGGEST PARTY OF THE SUMMER
Roman Reigns returned at the end of SummerSlam, attacking and laying out both Universal champion The Fiend Bray Wyatt and Jeff Hardy. Reigns appeared to have some face work done and changed up his physique, looking both slimmer and more muscular. While rumors about his return were around the last two days, this was kept as a secret from the writers and just about everyone until around the last few days.

Reigns’ return should help Smackdown for a week or two in ratings and less after that, but he’ll be the star of the brand once again. In a sense it’s a positive in hindsight he wasn’t around, throwing out the health issue. Granted, missing Mania wasn’t a good thing from a company standpoint and Smackdown was hurt without him, but he wasn’t tainted being part of the low-rent looking shows and now he’s fresh.

Edge also returned to continue the rivalry with Orton, which has fluctuated in interest. With the Bobby Lashley program it made people forget all about the feud had since Royal Rumble back in January. It's with little doubt they'll be able to pick up the buzz with some intense promos here or there in a few weeks. The expectation is that Edge vs Orton is scheduled to be in the final stretch, which differs from original booking seeing this blow off in the main event of WrestleMania 2021 in an I Quit match.

NXT TAKEOVER FOREVER
On February 27, 2014, a new WWE concept was born which has turned into something ultra successful.

A special was done for developmental called NXT Takeover, the name Takeover because for two hours, the developmental crew would “Take Over” the WWE Network.

On 8/22, the 30th edition took place, in the same location as the first, at Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL, the company’s home. The idea one year ago of a Takeover at Full Sail sounded ridiculous. When NXT sold out the San Jose State University Events Center the weekend of the 2015 WrestleMania, the mentality changed. NXT could go to mid-sized arenas with a big show and draw well. Then, when a Takeover before SummerSlam that year at the Barclays Center drew more than 13,000 fans for a Kevin Owens vs. Finn Balor ladder match and a Bayley vs. Sasha Banks match that many consider the best women’s match in company history, they had completely outgrown a 400 seat building. Just because of scheduling, there was a last Takeover at Full Sail on June 8, 2016, but since then shows have been held in conjunction with major PPVs. This show would have been in the famed T.D. Garden in Boston under normal circumstances.

In six plus years and 30 shows, there has never been a truly bad Takeover. There was one this year that was maybe average. The other 29 have been mostly great–some “only” very good.

It’s completely different now. The original idea of Takeover is the first taste of a major show for guys trained by WWE, in their system, like a prototype of when a year, or two, or more, down the road, these guys will be first on real PPVs, and in some cases, headline them.

The 8/22 show saw Finn Balor over Adam Cole to keep the NXT title in a remarkable Iron Man match, when challenged by the big unveiling of Karrion Kross. The company sees Kross, with his look, his unique ring entrance, and using Scarlett as part of the act, as a future main roster main event act. Kross just needs his in-ring to catch up to the rest of his game. Kross is already off to a rocky start, with his match with Priest going less than ten minutes as Damian suffered a separated shoulder.

Keith Lee is being talked about being moved up, which explains his NXT North American title loss to Ricky Starks. The company is high on Ricky's potential as a top tier talent, but believe time is on his side. Lee is thought to be heading up to the Smackdown roster with a big push, particularly after seeing how well used he was at Survivor Series last year.

WWE:

RENEE'S SOIREE | Renee Young finished up on the SummerSlam preshow panel. The rest of the crew on the panel, Charly Caruso, who is taking her place as the lead, Booker T, John Layfield and Peter Rosenberg all praised her work and lauded her as a trailblazer. She thanked everyone. She then wrote on Instagram, “This November would mark 8 years in WWE. 8 years!! An opportunity of a lifetime with a global company to learn, grow, make history and do things beyond my wildest dreams before I left Toronto for this adventure. I made friends, family- literally family- I met my husband here (what a f***ing dreamboat) and people that will be a part of my life forever.

I did things I couldn’t have even imagined or dreamt up. From backstage interviews, a reality show, Talking Smack, being the first woman to be a part of a WWE broadcast in Saudi Arabia, being the first woman to sit at the commentary desk full time on Monday Night Raw, calling Wrestlemania, anchoring a brand new show with Fox Sports (which you guys will still be able to catch me on!) I’ve been so lucky. But it’s also been a lot of my hard work, drive and passion that’s landed me in these amazing spots. I’ve had such an incredible run with WWE. It’s changed my life. But that all leads me to now.

What’s next? Do I stay satisfied with what I’ve done? Or do I go in pursuit of new barriers and goals in mind? I always choose the latter. I have no idea what that means or looks like, but it’s time for me to go. Time to roll the dice again and shake things up. Time to light that fire again and forge on. Time to say bye to Renee Young and reconnect with Renee Paquette and remember why I started this journey to begin with. And as the ride slows down- as the world slows down, I see it as my opportunity to make a move. So I just wanted to say thanks to WWE and to the all the fans that have been so damn cool to me over the years. And send a crap ton of love to all of my people. I’m excited for the future! Thanks for everything.

THE BRITISH ARE COMING | The U.K. crew, which hadn’t done anything since the pandemic, was brought together this week for both training and taping shows at the BT Sport Studio. They were taping tons of programming with the plan to have the first new NXT U.K. show air on 9/17 with empty arena shows. The number we were told was eight shows taped this week though mid-November, but that number wasn’t confirmed, but WWE on the NXT Takeover show did say new U.K. programming on 9/17

TV RATINGS

SD 8/21 - 2.11 (0.65)
RAW 8/17 - 2.02 (0.55)
NXT 8/19 - 0.86 (0.26)

STAR RATINGS

SD 8/21 - Bryan vs Cesaro - ***¾
RAW 8/24 - Ricochet and Cedric vs Theory and Murphy - ****
NXT 8/26 - Santos Escobar vs Kushida - ***½

NXT TakeOver 8/22
- Lucha House Party vs Legado del Fantasma - ***¼
- Kross vs Priest - **¼
- Starks vs Lee - ***½
- Shirai vs Kai vs Ripley - ****
- Balor vs Cole - ****½

SummerSlam 8/23
- Ziggler and Roode vs Ali and Crews - **½
- Gargano vs Bryan - ***¾
- Mysterio vs Andrade - ***½
- Heavy Machinery vs Royals - *¾
- Flair vs Asuka - ***
- Owens vs Styles - ****
- Bayley vs Rose - **¾
- McIntyre vs Rollins - ****
- Lashley vs Orton - ***½
- Fiend vs Hardy - **

Last Edit: Aug 31, 2023 18:36:56 GMT -5 by DTP.

· The Pandemic Project · Keep Your Distance ·
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· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Sept 4, 2023 17:29:29 GMT -5

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Post by DTP. on Sept 4, 2023 17:29:29 GMT -5

Monday Night RAW #1423 - August 31, 2020
Amway Center – WWE ThunderDome in Orlando, Florida
ONE DAY REMOVED FROM PAYBACK!
"Legendary" by Skillet

Main Event #414 – September 3, 2020
1) Zack Ryder def. Riddick Moss with the Rough Ryder. Ahead of a big opportunity next week, "the Long Island Iced-Z" followed up where he left off following his confrontation on Monday Night RAW, overcoming a fellow former WWE 24/7 Champion in Riddick Moss. Riddick remained incapable of gaining any momentum, granting Zack the three count. (3:22)
2) Montez Ford (with Angelo Dawkins) def. Shelton Benjamin with From the Heavens. After having a fire lit beneath him by an old friend, MVP last week, "the Gold Standard" looked to make an example out of Montez Ford, who aspired to climb the singles ladder with a title opportunity next week. Benjamin worked hard to keep Tez down, but with Ang at ringside, Ford's resilience shone through. After the match, Shelton was awe-struck by how he came to lose, frustrated with his spot on the card. (8:30)

A graphic aired, in memorium of the late "Bullet" Bob Armstrong, 1939-2020. The patriarch of the Armstrong Family, 1981-2020, who sadly succumbed to bone cancer yesterday, aged 80.

The opening video package aired, bringing us to the WWE ThunderDome to a raucous greeting in the form of pyrotechnical explosions. Monday Night RAW was on the air, with the enthusiasm of the WWE Universe demonstrated among the rows upon rows of LED boards surrounding the ringside area. Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T welcomed us to the fallout of Payback last night, noting that tonight would see a wounded WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre join up with the forces of Ricochet and Cedric Alexander to take on the members of La Invasíon; Seth Rollins would look to bounce back after his disappointing loss against Rey Mysterio; and the RAW Women's Champion Charlotte Flair would explain her unexpected alliance with Shayna Baszler!

WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre, Ricochet and Cedric Alexander vs La Invasíon
Rey Mysterio vs Seth Rollins
RAW Women's Champion Charlotte Flair explains her alliance with Shayna Baszler

On My Terms Only
The WWE Universe erupted in boos, as for the first time since SummerSlam saw "the Apex Predator" make his way out to the ring. Randy Orton walked with a limp on his way to the ring, looking around and observing the thumbs downs of the people on the LED boards. Climbing into the ring, he lorded up the negative response before finally admitting that SummerSlam was not his best. What should have been a night with cause for celebration, with the culmination of his rivalry with the hot-headed imbecile Bobby Lashley, instead it turned out to being one of his darkest hours. Through no fault of his own, it took two men to beat him in the I Quit match - and one of them was a man he believed long ago was left in the dirt. For the past eight days, "the Viper" said he had been grieving what happened at "the Biggest Party of the Summer", and how last week he had to sit on his couch and tune in like everybody else like a sucker - and listen to an aging anachronistic glory hog rant and rave about finding closure.

"The Viper" disagreed with Edge's assertion that he would ever find closure. He tried to seek it nine long years ago when he first threw in the towel, and he was unable to find it. So much so, he dared to come back and mix it up with today's generation - making a historic return in the 2020 Royal Rumble match. But all "the Rated R Superstar" had been able to do to date was expose himself as being a nostalgia act and a fraud: and Randy had proven it time and time again. "The Apex Predator" claimed the WWE Hall of Famer's refusal to surrender would cost him a lot more than the last remnants of his career, explaining the pity he felt for his former Rated RKO partner was why he kept doing what he did to him. Edge was an expired thing of the past the WWE Universe could look at with rose-tinted glasses - but no matter what lenses you wore, it was easy to forget that the thing you thought was once good, had in actuality always sucked! Randy believed Edge should have stayed retired, and when he didn't, he should have stayed away.

When he gave "the Rated R Superstar" the Conchairto and wiped him out back in February; when he Punted him in the skull at Money in the Bank - each of those nights should have been the last time anybody heard his name. Randy Orton was about to wrap up, when "Metalingus" crashed through the WWE ThunderDome - and out emerged Edge himself! In a black leather jacket and jeans, the WWE Hall of Famer walked calmly in jest of the fog emanating across the stage. Casually entering the ring, he remained in his corner with a microphone in hand. With a smirk, he told Randy how funny it was - when they first met in 2002, he saw this little arrogant twerp and was left with the impression he was just another son of a Legend who had been given the keys to the kingdom without truly earning it. Little did he or anybody else realize that he would earn it in the long haul - but not before somebody portrayed the role of his personal babysitter!

Edge talked about twenty years on, and Randy Orton was still everything he believed himself to be. He was faultless to a tee - and certainly, he did the time for the crimes he committed and did what worked best for him. But no matter how many World Championships he had won, no matter how separated from the Rated RKO days they were, and no matter how many people he had injured - deep down all Edge saw was that same assh*le he knew way back when! "The Viper" gritted his teeth in anger as "the Rated R Superstar" acknowledged how they this song and dance would carry on and on. One man would be responsible for the desolation of the other, just for the other person to return with a vengeance. Brain contusions, concussions, head trauma - they could go on and on. But, Edge proposed exactly the pitch he made last week in offering a solution: a 'Final Chapter' to bring this bitterness to an absolute end. Edge asked Orton what he had to say, when "the Apex Predator" shook his head and grinned.

Randy Orton told Edge no matter what he said, he would always despise the ground he walked - but he agreed. He and "the Rated R Superstar" were bound to do this until one of them was buried six feet deep. Maybe he was onto something, maybe a 'Final Chapter' was what Rated RKO needed. The two met face to face as "the Viper" told Edge if that was what he wanted, it would have to be on his terms. Only then would he accept that this ugliness was going to reach a point of absolution. Edge told Randy so be it, because both of them knew at this point they could only move past this, and carry on with their lives without the other. Randy told Edge that was fine, because he wanted that too - but he was going to have to reject Edge's proposal! Orton went to turn and leave, but Edge turned him around hastily. Randy attempted the RKO, just for Edge to shoot him off into the ropes. A big slap sent Orton slithering for ringside, infuriating Edge! The ball was in Orton's court, telling Edge closure for him didn't exist!

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The WWE 24/7 Champion Samoa Joe shadow-boxed in the backstage hallway, moments to wait until his upcoming title defense against R-Truth. As his appearance on the Payback Kickoff Show Panel last night went rudely interrupted by "the Truth", Joe looked to prove why he called himself "Mr. 24/7" up next. As Joe left for the arena however, from around the corner peeked the head of one Akira Tozawa!

Cousins and Disciples
At the backstage interview area, Charly Caruso was standing by when interrupted by Humberto Carrillo. Entering into frame, "La Estrella" raised his hands in search of mercy as she rolled her eyes. Hopeful of charming her with his handsome qualities, Humberto sensed she wasn't who she was expecting, but he wanted her to again reconsider Angel Garza. His cousin "El Amante" was crazy for her, but the broadcast journalist's lack of love for him only filled him with a black hole of anger and pent-up frustration! Carrillo told Charly to do it for him if not Angel, eaten up by her refusing to even answer the phone. Caruso was about to answer when in walked Angel Garza with a bouquet of roses. Still effected after turning him down on their first date last month, he told Charly that all he wanted was to talk to her! For weeks he had dreamt of her and desired only her. "El Amante" tried presenting the flowers to her for her to avoid eye contact, when Humberto tried to restrain his cousin.

Angel Garza pleaded with Charly Caruso that he had changed! To Humberto Carrillo's ire he dropped to his knees as the broadcast journalist took off. Behind Los Lotharios approached the RAW Tag Team Champions, Theory and Murphy! Laughing at the fools La Invasíon had under their umbrella. "El Amante" sprung to his feet as Murphy mocked the people Andrade associated himself with, thankful for Monday Night RAW at least having one dominant faction among them! La Invasíon's men responded, Humberto Carrillo questioning the type of leader the Church had. Angel joked Seth Rollins had forgotten how to win the big one, blowing it not once but twice against Drew McIntyre! As Theory held back Murphy, he threatened Los Lotharios needed to play nice if they wanted tips on how to beat Ricochet and Cedric Alexander - the same duo they beat last night at Payback! The cousins said they wouldn't need it, because tonight would mark the ascent of a new WWE World Champion. His name? "El Capo!"

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Peeping Little Jimmys?
The WWE ThunderDome lit up with the arrival of R-Truth. Rapping his way down to the ring, the man who had quickly made himself synonymous with the WWE 24/7 Championship in the past eighteen months came out looking to become a forty-time champ after a choice interaction with "the Samoan Submission Machine" on the Payback Kickoff Show last night. Arriving in the ring, "the Truth" exclaimed "What's Up!" to the crowd's delight, before looking around in astonishment. Questioning how the little dudes and dudettes on the tiny TV screens around him could hear him, the challenger grew paranoid with all the cameras WWE had nowadays, the entire WWE Universe could have spied on him in the shower that morning!

1) Samoa Joe (c) def. R-Truth to retain the WWE 24/7 Championship (2:13)

"The Coquina Destroyer's" stronghold over the WWE 24/7 Championship had seen him dominate many foes, including WWE Legend the Big Show. Having not taken kindly to the hijinks of R-Truth during last night's Payback Kickoff Show, Joe bullishly hit the ring only to be hit with a sequence of right hands, culminating with the corkscrew calf kick! Out to become a forty-time champ, "the Truth" sent "the Samoan Submission Machine" through the ropes with the Lie Detector before attempting a crossbody plancha - only to be body slammed onto the ring apron! After a running senton on the ringside floor, Joe brutalized R-Truth with clobbering forearm blows before dumping him inside. Joe was met by the challenger in the corner, just to give him with the ST-Joe! As a powerbomb fed into a Boston crab, the former champ made it to the ropes. Continuing his onslaught, R-Truth responded with shoulder tackles akin to his hero John Cena - but was hit with an enzuigiri! The Coquina Clutch put Truth out like a light!

Something More Than Smoke
Samoa Joe was slow to relinquish the deadly Coquina Clutch after the bell, grinning all the while. Finally listening to the referee, the WWE 24/7 Champion would release the hold and allow his hand to be raised as victor. "Mr. 24/7" showboated in dominance, not even realizing Akira Tozawa sneaking up behind him. As a brain chop from the top rope connecting, it didn't even faze the hard head of "the Coquina Destroyer" - who snatched him up with the Muscle Buster for good measure! Joe was about to leave, when the Street Profits made their way out to the ring. Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins were full of life and here to meet "the Samoan Submission Machine" in the ring - as Ang spouted off issuing the challenge to Joe. Ignoring him, the champ left to boos. "The Frat Boys" wanted more than smoke, as a new challenger had appeared!

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Following discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T revolving around Payback last night, footage aired taking us back to how the Riott Squad were crowned the new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. They did the unthinkable, overcoming the thought-to-be unstoppable team of Bayley and Sasha Banks, when the SmackDown Women's Champion stabbed her best friend in the world in the back! While "the One Over All" was sure to seize the day she betrayed "the Legit Boss", tonight we would hear from Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan, the new champs, in a special in-ring interview with Booker T.

Tonight - Booker T interviews the new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions the Riott Squad

Should Have Been Me
A vignette aired, documenting the way in which the Riott Squad according to Sarah Logan came to an end. Severed out of photos metaphorically, one of the three members of the Squad sat in the corner of a room cradling herself. In the fetal position, Logan maintained she didn't deserve any of this, questioning what she could have possibly ever done to deserve becoming the Outcast. She watched YouTube videos, keeping in check with how her former teammates turned enemies were coming along: Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan had just become WWE Women's Tag Team Champions twenty-four hours ago at Payback. Exclaiming that it should have been her, Sarah threw her phone across the floor - damaging the screen completely. Dusting herself off, the blurred sight of dreadlocks brought Logan to storm off into the white background - to be continued.

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2) Bianca Belair def. Natalya (8:35)

"The EST" was looking to make waves on Monday Night RAW, as expressed in an insert promo aired on her way to the ring. Natalya did not take kindly to Bianca Belair's enthusiasm, ambushing her from behind before the bell even sounded! Out at ringside, the veteran continued to attack Belair when Bianca fired back with a series of brutal-sounding hair whips! "The Queen of Harts" escaped back into the ring and attempted a baseball slide through the ropes - just for Bianca to catch her mid-move! With a series of spanks with her braid, the Canadian scrambled back inside to be hit with a running shoulder block. Belair danced around the ring, before reversing a body slam into one of her own! Belair continued to strike with ten punches in the corner, when Natalya was able to bring her out of the corner with an electric chair drop! A snap suplex got a near fall, when she was reprimanded for tugging at Bianca's hair. Behaving innocuously, it opened her up for a series of single-legged dropkicks!

Natalya was able to turn things around, driving her knee into the back of Bianca Belair's head as she leaned prone on the ropes. Insulting "the EST's" credibility, Nattie would connect with a snapmare before following up with a basement dropkick! Still, Bianca remained resilient, annoying the veteran. Bianca tried to get back in the fight after fighting a knee-driven camel clutch variation, and a Spear looked to provide her the momentum needed to get back into this match. A military press was attempted, but Nattie reversed into a German suplex! A backbreaker took Bianca down, but as she went to the second rope for the driving elbow drop, Bianca rolled out of the way! Connecting with the Alley Oop, Belair went on the attack with the handspring moonsault connecting. Belair attempted the Glam Slam for Nattie to roll through and attempt the Sharpshooter, but Belair caught her in an inside cradle! The Nattie by Nature missed, and Bianca rolled up "the Queen of Harts" for the win!

In a hard-fought win, Bianca Belair was able to score a victory over one of the more prominent members of the Women's Division in Natalya. "The EST" took a moment to regain her breath, when from behind came a vexed "Queen of Harts" with a forearm smash to the back of the head! Finally, she was able to drill Bianca with the Nattie by Nature before slapping on the Sharpshooter to the boos of the WWE Universe. The referee involved himself to break it up, prompting Nattie to take a walk - her true colors having shown through.

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Following discussion from Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton, a video package aired recapping the events of last week on Monday Night RAW. Andrade chose to issue the challenge to Drew McIntyre, merely twenty-four hours following his SummerSlam WWE World Championship defense against Seth Rollins. While "the Monday Night Messiah" proceeded to go AWOL for the rest of the evening, facing apparent self-doubt after such a heartbreaking loss the night before, the Head of the Church would return flanked by AOP - both Akam and Rezar! Not only leaving "the Scottish Terminator" in ruin atop the steel steps, Seth had cost "El Capo" his opportunity to be champion.

Parting Wisdom
Andrade's mind had to be set on tonight's six-man tag team match with Drew McIntyre, as he prepared in La Invasíon's quarters with Zelina Vega watching on. Suddenly, he came to his feet upon Seth Rollins' arrival, flanked by AOP. The imposing Akam and Rezar towered over the scene, as "the Monday Night Messiah" calmed "El Capo's" nerves. Dressed immaculately in his suit, Seth was here to discuss last week. Last week was a bad night for the both of them, and he was man enough to admit that. The two leaders squared off when Andrade remarked that he was hearing everything he wanted - but an apology! The Head of the Church was happy to oblige, confessing he was sorry that Andrade couldn't get the job done last week and leave WWE World Champion! "El Capo" called it cute, but Seth was here for a greater purpose: suggesting La Invasíon may be in need of some backup tonight against "the Scottish Terminator", Ricochet and Cedric Alexander.

Laughing at the idea, Andrade told Seth Rollins he was doing just fine last week until he cost him his big chance to become WWE World Champion. Zelina Vega told "the Monday Night Messiah" that "El Capo", Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo would be just fine, believing that they only took advice from winners! AOP scowled over Seth's shoulders as he laughed and clasped his hands together. He knew where they all stood now, but wanted to part with some leaving thoughts for the true brains of the operations Zelina, and her big strong henchman Andrade: they could never be the leaders he was! Swaggering from the room, Andrade's eyes remained firmly locked on "the Equalizers", who coldly followed their leader. In private, Zelina told Andrade they were in a must-win situation now and could not afford further failure - but Andrade knew and declared tonight would see their enemies fall.

Following discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T, footage aired from earlier tonight where Randy Orton responded to the challenge made by his arch nemesis Edge. "The Apex Predator" had grievances to be made where "the Rated R Superstar" was concerned when he was interrupted in his speech by the WWE Hall of Famer. Face-to-face, both came to terms knowing this could only end with a 'Final Chapter' between the two - but "the Viper" would choose to play mind games by declaring he would only oblige when it suited him! A brief skirmish saw Orton slither away, again winning the game of psychological warfare.

Hell on Earth
Sarah Schreiber was backstage with Randy Orton, whose actions she questioned after his harrowing words for Edge. When asked why he continued to toyy with "the Rated R Superstar", Orton smarmily uttered that he said what he said - it didn't matter how ugly this issue became. What mattered to "the Viper" was about more than a 'Final Chapter' - it was about control. Unexpectedly, Edge hit the scene attacking Orton! The broadcast journalist scrambled as "the Apex Predator" struck low looking to fight back, though a tackle sent both bouncing off a vending machine! Officials arrived on the scene to break up the scrap, with WWE Official Adam Pearce present to try restore order. As "the Apex Predator" found himself restrained, the Canadian remained apoplectic! While Pearce demanded Edge leave the WWE ThunderDome immediately, he responded with haunting words: that until he and Orton were to engage in their 'Final Chapter', he would be out to make his life hell on earth!

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New Age Enforcer
The WWE Universe broke out in boos once the remix of "Also Sprach Zarathustra" came over the arena. Out walked Charlotte Flair, sporting the RAW Women's Championship around her waist. Royally, she made a slow walk out to the ring before stopping at the bottom of the rampway. Shayna Baszler came waltzing out to a similar response, meeting "the Queen" with a big hug! As both stood in the ring inside the WWE ThunderDome, Charlotte addressed the events of Payback, and how when push came to shove, the entire world saw what Asuka was truly made of: not only was she not cut out to be champion, but she was a fraud who had spent years lying to the entire world! All Charlotte ever heard was "you aren't ready for Asuka", but what she had learned at both SummerSlam and Payback was that she was more than ready for "the Empress of Yesterday". Flair urged the WWE Universe to celebrate the fact the championship was now free of Asuka for good, and to bow down to their champion!

Charlotte Flair spoke of how she was a thirteen-time Women's Champion, and that measure was something no other woman in the entirety of sports entertainment could ever match - in fact, something told her this reign would be monumental in the history of Monday Night RAW! Shayna Baszler took over to comment on the questions she'd received in the past twenty-four hours: why she helped Charlotte capture the RAW Women's Championship at Payback. It was simple: because Charlotte needed an "Enforcer". Like Arn Anderson was to Ric Flair, "the Queen" was the Diamond this industry deserved! Everything revolved around her, and what sense would it possibly have made "the Submission Magician" to oppose her? Shayna said she never used to like Charlotte, in fact she thought she was pompous, arrogant and pathetic - but after seeing the company she kept in the form of the Iiconics and Nia Jax, they made a deal neither could afford to turn down!

"The Queen" joked that Nia Jax was a selfish accomplice who wanted only one thing, but she too could only know she would never live up to the expectations required of the RAW Women's Champion. Billie Kay and Peyton Royce were similar - the Iiconics were peasants who belonged nowhere near her level of superstardom! Whereas, as Shayna Baszler had made clear in her short time on Monday Night RAW - she was "the New Age Enforcer" who had the presence and purpose to sit beside her on the throne. The Iiconics would make their way out to the stage in response, angry at the fact they had spent so many months carrying her bags and helping her out of jams just for Charlotte Flair to betray her! Billie Kay and Peyton Royce spoke about how Charlotte had no friends until they came along, and that they could have done so many great things as the New Horsemen. Flair scoffed in return, questioning on what planet that could ever happen!

Charlotte Flair mocked the idea the Iiconics could ever be her contemporary, and that the very sight of Billie Kay and Peyton Royce was an insult to her family's legacy! Flair declared she didn't need to follow her father's course and lead the New Horsemen - this was a Queendom, and there was no place for second-rate losers like them! Billie and Peyton interrupted, joking how rude Charlotte was. The two spoke about the brown nose Shayna Baszler had, abandoning her principles and selling out, and had the right mind to come down and give them a bloody good hiding! "The New Age Enforcer" rebutted believing that sounded like a challenge. Baszler entertained the thought, but not before asking the RAW Women's Champion for her take - believing this would be easy pickings. Kay and Royce told Charlotte and Shayna that was fine by them. They planned to do what they should have done a long time ago and kick "Queeny's" arse, and prove themselves to be the one thing Flair could never be: and that's Iiconic!

3) RAW Women's Champion Charlotte Flair and Shayna Baszler def. The Iiconics (5:44)

The Iiconics looked to take back months of loyalty from the RAW Women's Champion, after she had Shayna Baszler dispose of them last night at Payback. While Billie Kay and Peyton Royce surprised with a flurry of offense during the commercial break, hitting "Submission Magician" with a double gourdbuster, when Monday Night RAW returned, Baszler clutched Royce in a seated legscissors. Peyton used her athleticism to fight free, but "the New Age Enforcer" cut her off with the Yokosuka cutter! A soccer kick kept her down for Flair to saunter in with a jumping knee drop. The RAW Women's Champion verbally degraded Peyton until a big haymaker rocked her! The Venus Combo was sure to provide Billie with the tag, and after evading the Queen's Boot, the Fatale Defeat got a near fall. Baszler re-emerged for Royce to intercept with a Gory backbreaker, but the Sick Knee from Sidney connected with both Iiconics unaware Charlotte blind tagged in! Getting rid of Peyton, the Natural Selection dropped Kay for the win.

Collecting Her Reward
Charlotte Flair laughed in her triumph, as the RAW Women's Champion planned to leave the Iiconics in her rearview mirror alongside the former champion Asuka. "The Queen" was suddenly hit with a dropkick from Peyton Royce, but Shayna Baszler would intrude, taking her down with the Kirifuda Clutch! As Royce went to sleep, "the Queen" slapped the Figure-8 on Billie Kay - the Iiconics being destroyed with both tapping out! Thankfully, Nia Jax would come stomping out to the ring, her eyes fixed on the RAW Women's Championship. After aiding Flair in recapturing the gold at SummerSlam, "the Giantess" came to again collect on her title opportunity reward - though "the New Age Enforcer" stood in her way. Flair backed out to the apron and told Jax she didn't deserve it, while Baszler stood with a cocky grin on her face. With arms folded, Baszler protected Flair until Jax took her out with the Annihilator! As Flair departed and Baszler followed suit, Jax motioned that she wanted the next shot at the gold.

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Repressed Pain
Drew McIntyre was having his ribs taped in the trainer's office office when in walked Ricochet and Cedric Alexander. Greeting the WWE World Champion with fist bumps, "the Scottish Terminator" groaned as he asked them if they were ready. "The One and Only" and "the Queen City's Favorite Son" noted they were after last night's shortcoming against Theory and Murphy - but they wanted to check in on him. Concerned for the condition of the Scotsman, having endured three hard-fought title defenses in the past eight days on three broken ribs! Drew maintained they didn't need to worry about him - he's a champion of the people and would not let anything bring him down. What he did want however, was his assurance that Ricochet and Cedric would help him raise hell against La Invasíon tonight! The tag team were psyched up and ready, as Drew slowly came to his feet and told the boys they were going to take care of business tonight, and next after that they would be the next RAW Tag Team Champions.

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Meanwhile, backstage walked the father-son duo of Los Mysterios. Rey and Dominik Mysterio conversed with "the Master of the 619" giving the rookie some pre-match advice, ahead of his upcoming match with "the Head of the Church". Leading the way, Rey urged Dom to watch on learn as he headed for the WWE ThunderDome to do battle with Seth Rollins - up next.

A long overhead pan of the WWE ThunderDome was seen, before revealing just some of the faces of the WWE Universe in attendance electronically on the rows upon rows of LED boards around the ringside area. Monday Night RAW was emanating live from 'the Interactive Fan Experience' at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida.

Following discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T, footage aired recapping the fierce No-Disqualification fight Drew McIntyre and Seth Rollins had last night over the WWE World Championship. One week removed from SummerSlam's big defeat, and six days removed from the Church's dismantling of the already-wounded "Scottish Terminator", Payback would be the Scotsman's, overcoming the spectacular odds of "the Monday Night Messiah", and his two heavies AOP.

4) Rey Mysterio (with Dominik Mysterio) def. Seth Rollins (with AOP) (18:07)

The No-Disqualification match at Payback had not only taken a lot out of the WWE World Champion, but "the Monday Night Messiah" as well, as Seth Rollins revealed with kinesiology tape alleviating the tissues in his right shoulder. As his "Equalizers" in AOP watched sternly at ringside, Dominik Mysterio also watched as his father used quickness to remain one step ahead of Rollins. "The Legendary Luchador" escaped the clutches of Seth's Buckle Bomb attempt, setting him in position for a 619. While Seth evaded and rolled out to safety, out after him came the veteran with a slingshot Arabian press! High-fiving his son, Rey sent Seth back inside and connected with a spinning headscissors, when Seth cut him off with a knee lift. He looked for the Sling Blade, but "the Head of the Church" opened himself up to a wheelbarrow DDT that caused Seth to roll out to the floor. The masked man then came flying out with a sliding baseball splash under the ropes! Los Mysterios showboated again, as Seth lost his temper.

"The Legendary Luchador" would turn a sunset flip into a roundhouse kick to Seth Rollins, as AOP remained statuesque at ringside. Rey Mysterio was back body dropped to the apron where Seth Rollins connected with a jumping enzuigiri, before attempting a suplex over the top rope - but Rey fought free. A springboard saw Rey attempt a hurricanrana, but Rollins powerbombed him to the canvas hard! Now licking his lips, Rollins grinned in Dominik Mysterio's way as he watched his father struggle. A forearm smash in the corner was followed by a reverse STO sending the masked man into the second turnbuckle pad, but Rey kicked out. Focusing his attention on the ribcage, Seth squeezed the life out of Mysterio with a grounding bearhug. While Rey tried to fire out, a single-legged dropkick allowed him to maintain the lead. "The Monday Night Messiah" set Rey up for the superplex when the luchador looked for an escape only to get his eyes raked, when a superplex fed into the Falcon Arrow for a near fall!

The action rallied on with Seth Rollins cutting off a comeback attempt made by Rey Mysterio with the Sling Blade, before a frog splash saw "the Monday Night Messiah" garner a near fall! Seth was growing impatient, as the son of "the Legendary Luchador" watched from the corner. Dominik Mysterio rallied the WWE Universe as Rey battled a straitjacket hold when hit with a kick to the ribs. The Buckle Bomb was teased, but Rey sent him into the corner with a hurricanrana. The Mysterio Express got a near fall, when Rey ascended to the top rope with the diving seated senton! Ducking the clothesline with a springboard crossbody, Rey would have the wheelbarrow bulldog blocked by "the Head of the Church's" core strength. Mysterio transitioned and landed a Destroyer for a near fall, when the 619 was tried but avoided! The Pedigree was reversed into a bridge, when the Stomp then went reversed into a roll-up. A dropkick fed into the 619, when Rey caught him with a La Magistral pin to score a big win!

To the disbelief of Seth Rollins, Rey Mysterio had scored a big victory tonight on Monday Night RAW against the man who twenty-four hours ago had gone toe-to-toe with Drew McIntyre! As "the Legendary Luchador" escaped the wrath of "the Monday Night Messiah", as well as his "Equalizers" Akam and Rezar of AOP, Seth slammed his fist into the mat furiously. He stomped back and forth, all the while Rey was reunited with his son Dominik Mysterio at the top of the rampway. Celebrating together, Los Mysterios were on top of the world - while Seth's downward spiral appeared to continue!

A Moment of Weakness
Bursting through the curtain from the Gorilla position, Seth Rollins met with his "Equalizers" Akam and Rezar, demanding to know what the meaning of his luck was! "The Monday Night Messiah" questioned how Drew McIntyre managed to turn back the tide against his prophecy not once but twice - and then out of nowhere, Rey Mysterio was able to beat him too!? The RAW Tag Team Champions Theory and Murphy reappeared to console their leader, who vented this was supposed to be 'Monday Night Rawlins', and "the Legendary Luchador" should have been no problem for him. Seth was caught in a moment of weakness before the Church - but also Andrade! "El Capo" was met by the scowls of Theory, Murphy and AOP, who all watched him approach "the Messiah" and joke about how sorry he was, to witness another big loss! Andrade assured Seth he'd take a swing at Drew for him, before departing. Once left behind, Rollins pointed the finger and demanded they take action - and they do it tonight.

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5) Omos def. Vinny Pacifico and Raphael King in a Handicap match (2:06)

"The Nigerian Nightmare" had made plenty of waves already since arriving on Monday Night RAW last month. With a recorded pinfall win over Riddick Moss, the towering seven-foot-three gargantuan took on two Floridian-based talents by the names of Vinny Pacifico and Raphael King. They humorously tried to get on one anothers' shoulders to meet Omos face-to-face, but the big man would send them crashing down. From there, it was a demolition derby seeing Omos light Pacifico up with boxing punches in the corner to not one but both men! As a corner splash led to a mammoth clothesline to eliminate King from the equation, a one-handed claw saw Pacifico dragged to his feet where a two-handed Chokeslam put the poor men down for a pile-up pinfall.

Another week saw another massacre, as Omos would have his hand raised by the referee. In casual fashion, "the Nigerian Nightmare" towered over the official, imposing even he. The giant roared to cheers, as the WWE Universe remained impressed by the former center for the Morgan State Bears.

︾︾︾

Charly Caruso was at the backstage interview area with her special guest Matt Riddle, who seemed very glad to see the broadcast journalist. As the two made casual conversation, up behind "the King of Bros" walked Kevin Owens. The WWE United States Champion kept his presence concealed for several moments as the Bro rambled on about how magical it was to be there at the WWE ThunderDome - before KO finally questioned what he was doing! Overusing the term "bro", with his arm still in a protective brace, he questioned what he had done to deserve Charly stealing his guest away from him like this! Didn't she know they were K-Bro? While Caruso apologized, Kev reminded Matt what he told him literally not even an hour ago: he's tonight's guest on 'the Kevin Owens Show!' Riddle chuckled as though he forgot, bringing KO to wrap an arm around him - they were running out of prep time, they were on next!

A graphic aired, promoting tonight's edition of RAW Talk, immediately following Monday Night RAW. Hosted by Charly Caruso and Booker T, tonight's special guests included the Street Profits and Natalya. It all went on the air at 11:05 exclusive to the WWE Network.

Cold Feet
The ring was set up for 'the Kevin Owens Show', and standing in the center of the ring stood the host. The WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens acknowledged the brace still on his arm, and voiced his frustration at being unable to do what he did better than anything, and 'Fight Owens Fight' - but it wouldn't be long until he'd be back in this ring hitting Stunners on anything with legs, arms and a head! The WWE Universe cheered, as KO went on to talk about an oddball friend he had made in recent weeks. At first he truly wanted to detest the guy, because he came off like a martian from another planet! 'Nuff said, his guest tonight was a different kind of guy - but in spite of that, he and his guest now had plenty in common: they had both mopped the floor with AJ Styles! Welcoming out the man responsible for beating "the Phenomenal One" last night at Payback, out swaggered Matt Riddle. In his snapback, ski-jacket, shorts and flipflops, "the King of Bros" joined his buddy in the ring with a big hug!

While "the King of Bros" nearly crushed Kevin Owens' arm with the hug, the WWE United States Champion proposed they compromise with a bro-fist. Taking a seat, KO reiterated how he had absolutely no reason to like Matt Riddle - in fact, he even hated him a little bit! When he was down in NXT, he heard all this talk from "the Original Bro" about being better than a lot of people, and it soured him on KO as a person...until he saw exactly what Riddle was capable of. Owens recounted how Riddle had beaten men like Randy Orton and AJ Styles since arriving here, bringing the former Ultimate Fighter to thank Kev for the kind words! Lounging in his chair, Riddle talked about the connection they had made - K-Bro was more than just a team name, bro...it was a way of life! The two bantered on, with Kev remarking they really had something there. Riddle spoke about his hobbies and how he liked to surf on the beach, scooter on the street, and smoke some leaves when in the nick of time, out came the O.C.

Here to crash the party, AJ Styles commandeered a microphone and questioned how the hell this was allowed to take place! With Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson behind him, "the Phenomenal One" blamed Kevin Owens for the brain rot the WWE Universe was suffering every moment they had to listen from he and Matt Riddle. The WWE United States Champion voiced his disdain for AJ interrupting his show, but knew he was going to come out here. Lucky for the O.C. - KO had come prepared tonight! Pointing up at the big screen, AJ was forced to endure clips of him losing to not just Kevin Owens eight nights ago at SummerSlam; but Matt Riddle last night at Payback! Riddle was still rolling after putting AJ to sleep last night, prompting Styles to vehemently disagree. "The Prize Fighter" and "the Original Bro" prodded AJ noting he was beaten clean like a whistle, riling the leader of the O.C. up until he got madder and madder - and to make matters worse, he claimed the footage was clearly doctored!

Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson told Kevin Owens if he couldn't wrestle right now, how was he allowed to call himself WWE United States Champion? KO responded that was for "the Good Brothers" to find out. AJ reminded "the Prize Fighter" he was in the brace thanks to him, when Riddle asked KA and "the Big LG" about "the Face Who Runs the Place" finding it tougher to be so "Phenomenal". With AJ watching, Gallows and Anderson sucked up to their leader, issuing a challenge. Riddle told the O.C. they were on any time - K-Bro weren't backing down, no matter how many limbs they had! Riddle kicked off his flipflops and the O.C. made a move - just for AJ to lead them away. Styles told K-Bro they would have to wait, because when KO was out of his brace, and he was completely ready, it would be Owens and Riddle against Gallows, Anderson...and AJ Styles! The champ accepted, hopeful AJ could recover from his cold feet! Styles was restrained by "the Good Brothers", much to K-Bro's amusement!

︾︾︾

A Hit is a Hit
Suddenly cameras cut to a shocking scene unfolding backstage at the WWE ThunderDome. Having beaten their fearless leader Seth Rollins earlier tonight, Los Mysterios found themselves in the middle of conflict with none other than the Church's "Equalizers" - AOP running roughshod on the father-son duo! Akam and Rezar turned their attention to Dominik Mysterio, when Rey Mysterio came flying off a stack of shipping crates with a diving crossbody - just for the mercaneries to catch him in their arms. To "the Legendary Luchador's" aid came his offspring, sounding off with the sickening cracking of a kendo stick. Unfortunately it would go short-lived however, as a hurricanrana would see Dom inadvertently set himself up for a powerbomb through a table from Akam! Rey was sent barreling over another table for good measure, as "the Monday Night Messiah's" heavies had done exactly what the Head of the Church wanted!

'Great Alone, but Better Together' was sponsored by KFC's Secret Recipe Fries - order ahead to get contactless delivery at KFC.com. Taking us back to last night at Payback, Theory and Murphy exhibited signs of trouble down to their contrasting egos. In spite of this, the Disciples of the Church would prove to be a great combination when tasked with the opposition of Ricochet and Cedric Alexander. "The Juggernaut" and "A-Town Austin" would leave still the RAW Tag Team Champions after a heated state of affairs.

6) Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch def. The Viking Raiders (6:17)

Weeks following their impressive debut challenges against Randy Orton, Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch were back from the sidelines and looking to etch their names in the RAW Tag Team Division. Erik and Ivar stood in their way, but were receptive of their previous fellow NXT cohorts as the match got underway. Erik was able to gain control of "the London Mauler" early with his use of strength and size, but an exploder suplex saw Danny Burch spring back to his feet and respond with a heavy offset of European uppercuts followed by a missile dropkick! Oney Lorcan came in to meet Ivar with a series of chops, but a dropkick saw "the Boston Bruiser" bounce off of the rotund abdomen of "the Modern Day Viking". It compelled Oney to try harder, when he was cut off by a spinning heel kick! Erik and Ivar initially seized control, when Lorcan was sent out to the floor. From the apron Ivar missed a cartwheel but landed on his feet - when Oney came off the apron with a big shoulder tackle!

The action continued with Oney Lorcan suffering the brunt of a heel hook from Erik, when Ivar came in to drop a big leg across the back of the head! The Viking Raiders continued to corner "the Boston Bruiser", who struck back with a backhand when his charging European uppercut in the corner saw Ivar evade with a cartwheel, clotheslining him down hard! Danny Burch rooted for the tag as "the Modern Day Vikings" continued their attack, but Oney reversed a back body drop into a blockbuster! With "the London Mauler" legal, he would look to make a difference with a corner enzuigiri, a sharp forearm and a German suplex out of the corner for Erik. With a second missile dropkick, Ivar was stopped in his tracks when a suplex went awry. Oney came to his aid, but a double suplex to the big man saw Ivar reverse it! The Viking Experience was coming up, but Lorcan again used a blockbuster to reverse out, as a Lariat from Burch fed into a double powerbomb - giving Lorcan and Burch the win over Erik!

Negative Viking Experience
Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch managed to pull together and pick up a sizable victory against "the Modern Day Vikings", and quickly came to, up in arms in celebration. "The Boston Bruiser" and "the London Mauler" were out to establish themselves as an emerging tag team on Monday Night RAW, while the Viking Raiders accepted where they went wrong. Ivar would help Erik to his feet, and approached Lorcan and Burch... just to attack them from behind! In an abrupt and out of nowhere occurrence, the Vikings savagely attacked Lorcan and Burch from behind. While the duo tried to fight back, they were no match for a takedown into a knee strike from Erik, or a spinout slam from Ivar! Picking up the carcass of Lorcan, the Viking Experience would obliterate Lorcan, and the WWE Universe united in boos for the two powerhouses. What had come over the Viking Raiders?

︾︾︾

Backstage, the newly crowned WWE Women's Tag Team Champions made their way through the hall. Liv Morgan was still grinning from ear to ear in disbelief, as she walked alongside her best friend Ruby Riott - up next, WWE Hall of Famer Booker T would interview the Riott Squad in the middle of the ring!

Following discussion from Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton footage aired from earlier tonight, recapping the saga that saw Edge interrupt Randy Orton's response to his challenge issued last week - just for "the Apex Predator" to continue to play games: stretching out "the Rated R Superstar's" desire for a 'Final Chapter' to settle the rivalry. Later, as "the Viper" was in the process of being interviewed, Edge would ambush his adversary in a backstage brawl, before commenting to WWE Official Adam Pearce that until he got this match, he planned to make Orton's life a living hell.

Broski's Two Cents
WWE Official Adam Pearce was speaking with a disinterested Randy Orton backstage, who appeared bored of the speech he was being given. Adam apologized on behalf of Edge's actions, but "the Viper" advised that the two of them both knew that was a load of bull. "The Rated R Superstar" knew exactly what he was doing, much like he did. But, the WWE Hall of Famer would only get his 'Final Chapter' when and where it suited him most. Zack Ryder walked up to them and admitted he wasn't anywhere on his radar right now, but spoke about the longtime friendship he shared with Edge, as well as Christian. He was the reason he decided he wanted to be a WWE Superstar, and thanks to him - he made it. "The Long Island Iced-Z" was sick of the chess games Orton was playing on behalf of Edge - challenging Orton to a match next week! Chuckling, Randy told Zack he had no idea what he was getting himself in for, before walking off.

Next week - Zack Ryder vs Randy Orton

︾︾︾

What Have You Done?
WWE Hall of Famer Booker T stood in the ring in a lavish suit, talking about all of the wild things that went down last night at Payback - but the one major standout, at least to him was the crowning of new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions! He personally requested this opportunity to speak with the new champs in the middle of the WWE ThunderDome. Welcoming them out, the Riott Squad emerged full of life sporting gracious smiles. Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott joined Booker in the ring, who congratulated them again on their biggest win to date last night. Both would thank him, before Ruby said how proud she was of not only herself but her partner Liv. She had been through the thick of it, but was beginning to show how gifted she truly was. From the bottom of her heart, "the Runaway" could only thank Liv for not only helping her win her first championship since arriving in the WWE - but for finding it within herself to forgive her after all they had been through.

Liv Morgan thanked Ruby Riott, talking about the long and hard journey she had been made to endure since arriving on the scene in the WWE. She rose through the ranks before even she thought she was ready, making her way up from NXT to Monday Night RAW - all the while suffering from a case of imposter syndrome. It was paralyzing, but like a certain "Macho Man" once said: the cream always rose to the top, and now she knew she belonged! Booker T told the WWE Universe to give the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions another round of applause, when out walked Mickie James and Lacey Evans. Met with loud boos, "the First Lady" made fun of Liv and Ruby's little speech and believed the only reason they came out on top at Payback was because Bayley and Sasha Banks had the lovers spat to end all spats! "The Country Girl" knew from experience that the Riott Squad might be riding on cloud nine right now - but it wouldn't be long before Ruby got fed up of carrying Liv to success.

Liv Morgan sensed the jealousy from Mickie James and Lacey Evans from a mile away. Ruby Riott thought "the First Lady" and "the Country Girl's" comments were rich coming from a pair who had done nothing as a unit that earned them a chance at the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship. "The Runaway" knew what it took to be a champion, and challenged the SmackDown Superstars to shoot their shot! Mickie and Lacey laughed, Lacey said between herself and the former five-time WWE Women's Champion, newbies like them didn't stand a chance! Liv questioned how many times Lacey had won gold - infuriating the loudmouthed Southern Belle. On a tangent, Mickie and Lacey found themselves blindsighted by Nikki Cross! Revenge for a backstage assault on Friday Night SmackDown two weeks ago, "the Twisted Sister" chased her attackers backstage! "Naughty Nikki" then decided to join the champs in the ring, personally raising their hands. What was going on with Nikki?

︾︾︾

Following discussion from Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton, graphics aired promoting what was coming up scheduled for next week on Monday Night RAW. After being blindsighted by AOP under direct orders from Seth Rollins, Los Mysterios had issued the challenge and would get their chance at revenge against Akam and Rezar. In a match weeks in the making, Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler would collide - and if "the Giantess" won, she would finally receive her opportunity at the RAW Women's Championship held by Charlotte Flair. After the face-off tonight, Montez Ford would challenge Samoa Joe for the WWE 24/7 Championship; and the forces of Matt Riddle and Kevin Owens would reform K-Bro to meet the O.C. in a two-on-three Handicap match!

Handicap match - WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens and Matt Riddle vs The O.C.
Los Mysterios vs AOP
Nia Jax vs Shayna Baszler - if Nia wins, she earns a RAW Women's Championship opportunity
WWE 24/7 Championship - Samoa Joe (c) vs Montez Ford

︾︾︾

Meanwhile, La Invasíon were assembled and ready for the main event. Andrade led Los Lotharios down the hallway from their dressing room, with his business associate Zelina Vega by his side. Heading to the WWE ThunderDome for the main event, they would meet the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre, Ricochet and Cedric Alexander - next!

A graphic aired, hyping what was in store this coming week on Friday Night SmackDown on FOX. It was the talk of the entire industry, the transformation of "the Big Dog" since his unexpected return at SummerSlam. Now with his partnership with Paul Heyman revealed, the new WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns would explain his motives to partner up with "the Advocate".

Friday Night SmackDown - The new WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman explain their partnership to the WWE Universe.

︾︾︾

7) WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre, Ricochet and Cedric Alexander vs La Invasíon (with Zelina Vega) ended in a no contest (10:31)

"The Scottish Terminator" had had a physically tolling eight days, stemming from three consecutive WWE World Championship defenses against Seth Rollins, as well as Andrade. The heavily-taped ribs served as a bullseye on the champ, but he entered the ring undeterred and led the charge with a six-man brawl to kick things off! As Ricochet and Cedric Alexander went back and forth with Los Lotharios, Drew sent Andrade over the top rope to the floor before vaulting over the top rope! "The Future of Flight" prevented a double back suplex attempt with a jumping knee strike to Humberto Carrillo, before the springboard flatliner saw "the Queen City's Favorite Son" rid the ring of "La Estrella". It left Angel Garza to absorb a combination of kicks, after an enzuigiri went awry. With a Spanish fly from Cedric, Ricochet followed with a standing shooting star press! "The One and Only" went airborne with the Fosbury Flop connecting! "El Capo" came from behind, sending him upside down against the barricade!

Los Lotharios connected with a double armdrag propelling Ricochet halfway across the ring. Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo's arrogance showed with frequent tags, as Andrade entered to take liberties with "the Future of Flight". Ricochet tried to battle back with a hurricanrana, but jolting back to his feet, "El Capo" wiped him out with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker! La Invasíon taunted the WWE World Champion, when Ricochet bounced back with a spinning headscissors! Drew McIntyre arrived, scoring a belly-to-belly suplex sending "La Estrella" into the corner. "El Amante" attempted a springboard stunner, but "the Scottish Terminator" drilled him with the Glasgow Kiss, and a spinebuster followed. Ricochet and Cedric battled Andrade and Humberto at ringside, while "Claymore Country" was on the way for Angel. Suddenly out to ringside arrived Seth Rollins with AOP. With Drew distracted, from behind came Theory and Murphy with a two-on-one attack!

The WWE World Champion tried to fight off the RAW Tag Team Champions, but Theory and Murphy would overwhelm Drew McIntyre before taking him down with the double Murphy's Law! Seth Rollins grinned from ear to ear at ringside, when up to confront him saw Andrade and Los Lotharios. Zelina Vega tried to serve as peacemaker between the Church and La Invasíon, when Ricochet and Cedric Alexander came soaring through the ropes with stereo-dives for Los Lotharios, after taking out Theory and Murphy! AOP got into it with the high flyers, spilling out into the stands of the crowd - along with Los Lotharios! Zelina tried to prevent Seth and Andrade from coming to blows, when suddenly...

The Cash In
The familiar sound of a certain "All Mighty" roared through the WWE ThunderDome, ushering out Bobby Lashley for the first time since SummerSlam. Flanked by not only his associate MVP, but his wife Lana, he walked with purpose dressed for competition. Jacked to the gills, Lashley walked straight past the arguing Seth Rollins and Andrade, who stopped what they were doing to acknowledge what was going on. The WWE World Champion was a wounded man, Drew McIntyre struggling to even stand after the attack from Theory and Murphy. Yet "the Scottish Terminator" hobbled back to his feet on spaghetti legs, challenging Lashley to bring it! MVP handed the Money in the Bank briefcase he held over to the referee, and with a message for the timekeeper, ring announcer Mike Rome officially sanctioned this shocking cash in!

8) Bobby Lashley (with MVP and Lana) def. Drew McIntyre (c) to capture the WWE World Championship (1:25)

Seth Rollins, Andrade and Zelina Vega watched in amazement from the ringside area as Bobby Lashley immediately came charging at "the Scottish Terminator" with brute force! While Drew McIntyre worked to fight back with punches and clubs, the Money in the Bank holder furiously performed shoulder thrusts intended to destroy what was left of the WWE World Champion's ribcage! Dropping to the canvas, in his fourth title defense in the span of eight days, McIntyre was stalked and struck with the Spear - but lucked out by rolling his shoulder off the mat! MVP and Lana watched anxiously with anticipation from the corner, as Lashley would stalk Drew for a second Spear: devastating the Scotsman! Applying the Hurt Lock for good measure, Lashley refused to show any remorse for his opponent, while Drew tried to cling on for dear life. Unfortunately the damage had been done, and as "the Monday Night Messiah" and "El Capo" were to witness, the official was forced to call for the bell!

The WWE Universe fell silent momentarily, as Bobby Lashley allowed the now-former champion to drop to the canvas in defeat. "The All Mighty" threw his fists up in the air immediately, flexing when joined by his inner circle. His wife Lana was overcome by emotion, while MVP appeared over the moon by the outcome! While Team Lashley hugged it out in the ring, Seth Rollins, Andrade and Zelina Vega could hardly believe their eyes. Bestowed with the WWE World Championship, the new champ stood tall on the second rope, on top of the world, while "the Scottish Terminator" laid prone and defeated on the canvas. With the Money in the Bank contract successfully cashed in, Monday Night RAW was about to enter the Era of "All Mighty!"

RAW Talk #23 – August 31, 2020

Charly Caruso welcomed the WWE Universe to RAW Talk, but dedicated much of the conversation to the shocking WWE World Championship change that transpired in the closing moments of Monday Night RAW. After showing replays of Bobby Lashley cashing in his Money in the Bank contract on a beaten and battered Drew McIntyre from moments ago, she swung to Booker T in the backstage dressing room area.
Booker T stood by with the brand new WWE World Champion Bobby Lashley, who had MVP and Lana beside him. Lana continued to dry her eyes from tears of joy, as the WWE Hall of Famer asked for "the All Mighty's" thoughts. He recounted that fifteen years of dedication had paid off. Looking down at the gold in his hands, he declared this was what it was all about - and now Team Lashley was on top of Monday Night RAW. MVP ran his mouth about having such an integral part in Lashley's renaissance, and how while he received a great deal of flack for being the one to win his Money in the Bank contract back in May - Lashley earned it. When asked by Booker about beating an already overworked Drew McIntyre, Lana defended her man, affirming he did all of the hard work. Shelton Benjamin soon entered the room, applauding Lashley and telling him he earned it. While Bobby thanked him, "the Gold Standard" expressed his respect before leaving oddly. With his departure, MVP demanded the respect of the entire WWE Universe.
Charly Caruso was joined soonafter by Natalya, who responded with hostility to the accusation that she was anything resembling a "sore loser". After losing to Bianca Belair earlier tonight in what she considered a fluke, "the Queen of Harts" was sure to remind the WWE Universe of who her family was, and how long she had been around. She was trained in the Dungeon in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and did not deserve to have "the EST" strut on in and act like she owned the WWE! Demanding a rematch with Bianca next week, Nattie said she had had enough of the disrespect being shown to her before walking off-set.
Charly Caruso would be rejoined by Booker T, just in time for the arrival of the Street Profits. After skimming over the talk of a new WWE World Champion being crowned, Angelo Dawkins declared that Monday Night RAW was the place where the hits would just keep on coming! He hyped up his man Montez Ford wanting the smoke and getting it - because he was man enough to dethrone Samoa Joe of the WWE 24/7 Championship. Tez and Ang bantered about getting after it twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and now was his time to prove it. Fired up and excited, "the Frat Boys" said next week they wanted the gold, and they were coming for "the Coquina Destroyer!"

Next week - Natalya vs Bianca Belair

· 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
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· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Sept 11, 2023 13:56:34 GMT -5

Quote

Post by DTP. on Sept 11, 2023 13:56:34 GMT -5

NXT #420: Super Tuesday – September 1, 2020
Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida
"All Out Life" by Slipknot

NXT UK #109: The Best of Gallus - September 3, 2020

- Joe Coffey def. Trent Seven with All the Best for the Bells. (15:02) [NXT UK #15 - DEC 12, 2018]
- An advertisement aired promoting the new beginning of NXT UK, returning exclusively to the WWE Network on Thursday, September 17.
- Gallus (Wolfgang and Mark Coffey) (c) def. Imperium (Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner), Grizzled Young Veterans (Zack Gibson and James Drake) & Flash Morgan Webster and Mark Andrews to retain the NXT UK Tag Team Championship in a four-way Ladder match when Wolfgang and Coffey retrieved the titles. (25:00) [NXT UK TAKEOVER: BLACKPOOL II - JAN 12, 2020]

A graphic aired, in memorium of the late "Bullet" Bob Armstrong, 1939-2020. The patriarch of the Armstrong Family, 1981-2020, who sadly succumbed to bone cancer yesterday, aged 80.

A video package aired, recapping the events that unfolded last week. The simmering fallout of NXT TakeOver XXX saw the reigning NXT Champion Finn Bálor opposed by an ominous new threat in "the Tollman", who would issue a challenge to "the Prince" for a match tonight. Finn would accept Karrion Kross's challenge, and though "the Herald of Doomsday's" intentions remain inevitable, they might tonight without the title at stake. After her victory over the two combatants at NXT TakeOver XXX, Io Shirai will once again be faced by Dakota Kai with the NXT Women's Championship on the line - coming a mere seven days following "the Genius of the Sky's" decimation at the hands of Rhea Ripley. With his incident on 'the Pat McAfee Show' highlighted last week, what reception would Adam Cole receiving in his first appearance at Full Sail University following his gruelling Iron Man match under two weeks ago? It was time for a special Super Tuesday edition of NXT!

Full Sail University was full of life on a Tuesday night, for the first of two consecutive weeks of NXT Super Tuesday! Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett overlooked Full Sail Arena from atop the Perch, welcoming us to the show on a night where two titles would be defended; NXT Champion Finn Bálor would meet Karrion Kross with no title at stake; and Adam Cole would appear in-house for the first time since NXT TakeOver XXX's Iron Man match. Members of the NXT Universe adorning facial coverings were on-hand at ringside, banging their hands against the plexiglass walls housed around the ringside area.

NXT Champion Finn Bálor vs Karrion Kross
NXT Tag Team Championship - Ever-Rise (c) vs Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly
Adam Cole returns to Full Sail University

1) Io Shirai (c) def. Dakota Kai (with Raquel González) to retain the NXT Women's Championship (12:13)

"The Joshi Judas" may have made it out of NXT TakeOver XXX unscathed as the NXT Women's Champion, but last week saw her trust for Rhea Ripley get obliterated with one vicious headbutt! Entering tonight with a thought-to-be broken nose, Io came swinging straight out of the gate at her challenger. Anxious to get this match over with early, Dakota Kai tried to use her quickness to escape an early crossface attempt, before escaping the air raid crash into a sunset flip - yet the champion would roll through using a basement dropkick! Raquel González pouted her way at ringside, the terms of her alliance still unknown as she watched "the Genius of the Sky" execute a double underhook backbreaker for a two-count. Her face felt the effects of Rhea's headbutt from last week however, bringing "King Kota" to strike back with a super kick between the eyes, followed by a bicycle kick for good measure! Tugging at the face and nostrils of the champ, the obnoxious Kiwi refused to come up short again, firmly in control.

Dakota Kai remained on the attack, as the break saw Io Shirai evade a diving footstomp from a tree of woe position, but her diving crossbody saw the challenger catch her in a DDT! "King Kota" focused her attack on the broken nose of the NXT Women's Champion; a facelock applied. "The Genius of the Sky" hit a German suplex before missing the double knees in the corner and encountering a Kai-O Kick! Kai grew restless with near falls, but her efforts to use the G.T.K. backfired as a flapjack connected! Shirai performed a victory roll into the footstomp, followed by a beautiful triangle moonsault plancha to the floor. "The Joshi Judas" found herself challenged by Raquel González on the floor, allowing Kai to land a Scorpion Kick that rocked the champ! The G.T.K. drilled Io, but she was somehow able to kick out! With the Team Kick combination, Io followed Kota to the corner and caught her with the double knees - when the Koji Clutch was locked in. Despite all of her might, the Kiwi was forced into submission!

Io Shirai clutched her face and nose after another NXT Women's Championship defense, having overcome Dakota Kai in a hard-fought match. "The Genius of the Sky" showboated with her hard-earned title, but remained concerned about the condition her face was in. With "King Kota" out of the way, Io now appeared to be on the trail of the woman who headbutted her and drove her into the mat with a Rip Tide last week, Rhea Ripley! She left the ring, where Raquel González remained stood in her way - but with a snarl on her face and her arms folded, "Big Mami Cool" stepped aside allowing her exit - surely pleased with Io for humbling her employer.

✕✕✕

Bracing for Storms
The NXT Champion Finn Bálor stood in anticipation for what was sure to be a scrap tonight against Karrion Kross - in a match "the Herald of Doomsday" had curiously requested the NXT Championship not be on the line. "The Prince" remained calm and collected, when over his shoulder stroked the hands of Scarlett! "The Siren" caught Finn by surprise, and he turned to confront her. She found it cute how Finn could brace for the storm that was to come his way. But when it all came to, there would be no preparation sufficient enough to stop the carnage that would bring him to his knees to Fall and Pray. Bálor smirked back at the blonde mistress of "the Tollman", asking of her to pass a message onto her man: his pride would be his failure. Charmed, Scarlett smiled back, brushing by the Irishman and departing.

✕✕✕

One week after tarnishing not just the victory celebration of the new NXT North American Champion Ricky Starks, but "the Absolute One's" suit and dignity too, Keith Lee was in high spirits. "The Limitless One" was heading to the ring for action, and it was coming up next.

Tonight - Bronson Reed vs Timothy Thatcher

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2) Keith Lee def. Tiger Ruas (3:47)

The former NXT North American Champion earned the affection of the NXT Universe last week, when he ruined the victory celebration of the new champion Ricky Starks. Seven days after hurling him into his own cake, "the Limitless One" found himself surprised by Tiger Ruas, who fought without honor and worked to take the big man from his base. With a myriad of kicks, Lee would catch him off the ropes with a scoop powerslam before giving him what's for with a double axe chop in the corner! "The Tiger" battled with an attempt double-leg takedown, just for Keith to drill with a fireman's carry into a discus forearm. Ruas suffered the brunt of a standing moonsault, when out of nowhere a jumping legscissors was able to take him down! With a kneebar applied, Ruas was out to make a name for himself, but Lee would make the ropes. A second attempt saw Lee enzuigiri his way to freedom, before hitting a running crossbody off the ropes! Ruas would be a sitting duck, as the Spirit Bomb granted the former champ the win.

Hot Head
"The Limitless One" had his hand raised in victory, but rather than the satisfaction of hearing his own theme music, out strutted the new NXT North American Champion "Absolute" Ricky Starks! The new champ wore color-cordinated baby blue, as always sporting a microphone in hand. To be expected, succumbing to rage after his humiliation last week, "Pretty Rick" talked about how Keith Lee had truly done it now. At first he was lucky he didn't come down to that ring and whoop his ass in a repeat of NXT TakeOver XXX, but the more he thought about it - he never had to deal with him again! Ricky reminded Keith of who the victor was less than two weeks ago, and no matter how he wanted to try and sabotage him, "the Center of Attention" didn't actually owe him a damn thing! Starks turned beet-red with anger as he reminded Lee of how he beat him, and how he would never get to hold his title again. Lee found the temper tantrum amusing, chuckling and taking to his own microphone!

The NXT North American Champion listened as Keith Lee admitted "Absolute" Ricky Starks beat him at NXT TakeOver XXX. The former champ was man enough to admit that - but a "Star Attraction" he was not and never would be with a silver tongue like his! As Ricky pouted, Keith reminded the new champ how he had recaptured that title once before - and in due time, his cockiness would get away with him. "The Limitless One" all but guaranteed becoming a three-time NXT North American Champion, before dropping the mic and saluting the NXT Universe! In the process, Lee made the mistake of turning his back to "Pretty Ricky", who darted down to the ring and immediately ambushed him from behind. Clubbing away at the big man, Starks hit the ropes looking to follow up - just to be hit with a Pounce that sent him over the top rope! Much like last week, "the Center of Attention" was sent packing, and Lee would roll out to the floor looking to get his hands on the champ. Starks ran for the hills, with Lee left to return to the ring and showboat for the facemasked fans.

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No Place in Their Home
A vignette aired, bringing us to see shots of Imperium performing workout exercises together. Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner practiced their chemistry in the WWE Performance Center gym, where a huge banner hung illustrating the "Ring General;" the NXT United Kingdom Champion WALTER. Barthel and Aichner soon silhouetted before a bright white light, as they referenced the return of NXT UK in two weeks, and how they came to the United States for this: to not only keep the mat sacred for their triumphant champion - but to cleanse the NXT ring ready for his return. Their mission statement on "the Black and Gold Brand" was to end when they held NXT Tag Team Championship gold, but it appeared they had a side-quest to attend to: Breezango. The Europeans spoke condescendingly about the comedy stylings of "the Fashion Police", but believed they deserved no such place in their ring. Purists could rest assured that Tyler Breeze and Fandango would be no match for Imperium next week on NXT.

Next week - Imperium vs Breezango

An advertisement aired, promoting the Best of WWE on Peacock. From the classic hits to in the ring, to behind-the-scenes, these were OMG moments the WWE Universe just had to see. WWE content was streaming now on Peacock.

In his own personal dressing room, Karrion Kross ominously clasped his hands together as a red light luminated the room. With a sick grin on his face, tonight "the Tollman" would get exactly what he asked for last week - a match with Finn Bálor where the NXT Championship would not be at stake - but why?

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3) Chris Bey def. Cameron Grimes (9:05)

With a perfect record since his debut weeks ago, "the Ultimate Finesser" looked to continue his climb through the NXT Cruiserweight Division against a seasoned foe in "the Carolina Caveman". Cameron Grimes looked to get back on the wagon, managing to come out on top of an early technical exchange. But, the confidence of Grimes and the quickness of Bey would see the newcomer not just outwrestle the North Carolinian - but stun him with a switchblade kick! "Ya Girl's Favorite Superstar" proved exactly why they called him that, preventing a pendulm backbreaker with a backflip and an enzuigiri! A hesitation dropkick sent Grimes to the floor, where Bey truly soared with a somersault plancha! Bey was feeling it and ascended to the top rope after slinging his foe inside. Missing a dive and commencing with a lucha roll, Grimes would respond with two straight super kicks before connecting with the Collision Course! Now Cameron Grimes had control, and was the first to let everybody know it.

"The Carolina Caveman" worked to prevent Chris Bey from getting back to his feet using a German suplex for a near fall, when the newcomer hit a shiranui! "The Ultimate Finesser" looked to get back in the fight with a missile dropkick, but Grimes caught him in mid-air with a Superman forearm strike! With Bey on the floor, Cameron flew to the outside with a moonsault, before becoming agitated by Bey's refusal to lose. As the southerner teased a sit-out powerbomb, Bey turned it around with a Poison Rana instead! On the attack, a shotgun dropkick sent Grimes into the corner when a frog splash garnered a near fall. With the Chris Kick, Grimes was somehow able to pop the shoulder! Without missing a beat, he slid out to the apron attempting the Beymouser - but Grimes caught him with the powerbomb! Making a big mistake not attempting the cover, he rolled Bey back to his feet and attempted the Cave In - but Bey evaded it. "Ya Girl's Favorite Superstar" responded with the Triple C springboard cutter, to earn his biggest win to date!

Chris Bey was able to pick up another big win, continuing his ascent in the NXT Cruiserweight Division. "The Ultimate Finesser" shucked his way back to his feet, while Cameron Grimes remained prone on the canvas. The newcomer would remain undefeated, vibing to the delight of the NXT Universe.

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Unforgiven
McKenzie Mitchell was standing by at the interview area with Rhea Ripley, who the entire NXT Universe had been chomping at the bit to hear from since her attack last week on Io Shirai! The broadcast journalist jumped right in, asking "the Brutalist" about why she launched her attack on "the Joshi Judas"...when all of a sudden, Rhea smiled. Behind McKenzie saw Io Shirai appear, still holding her nose in pain. Ripley merely listened as the NXT Women's Champion raised the title in her way. She knew what this all boiled down to. In broken English, Io told Rhea she was going to give her exactly what she wanted. If she wanted to avenge WrestleMania so badly, she was setting herself up for failure. Shirai informed her attacker that at NXT TakeOver, she would be Unforgiven! Storming off, it left Ripley to simply laugh in response before departing her own way. The NXT Universe still hadn't heard from "the Brutalist!"

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Goodfellas
In the parking lot on the campus of Full Sail University, the Undisputed Era were spotted arriving at the building! Stepping out of a stretch hummer, Adam Cole was joined by Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly - both already dressed for their title opportunity! Sauntering directly off the tarmac into the building, "the Panama City Playboy" appeared confident while Fish and O'Reilly warmed up shadowboxing through the backstage area. It had been ten days since the gripping Iron Man match for the NXT Championship at NXT TakeOver XXX, but in that time the leader of the UE had had issues with Pat McAfee. With a newfound sense of respect from the NXT Universe, Adam grinned from ear to ear joining Kyle and Bobby behind the curtain at the Gorilla position. As their music struck, the Undisputed Era emerged out into Full Sail Arena - as the fans gave them a reaction Fonzie would be proud of! Heading straight to the ring, the illustrious trio emerged to the ring - Fish and O'Reilly would challenge Ever-Rise for the NXT Tag Team Championship, up next.

A graphic aired, as Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett recapped the backstage confrontation pitting Io Shirai and Rhea Ripley face-to-face. With "the Genius of the Sky" challenging "the Brutalist" for her gold, the broadcast team were able to confirm that NXT General Manager William Regal had made it official for NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven - live on Saturday, October 4 on the WWE Network: the NXT Women's Championship would be up for grabs!

NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven - NXT Women's Championship - Io Shirai (c) vs Rhea Ripley

✕✕✕

An Unexpected Visitor
As the Undisputed Era awaited the arrival of the NXT Tag Team Champions, out of nowhere came Pat McAfee! Appearing through the crowd of the NXT Universe, the host of 'the Pat McAfee Show' on Sirius XM's Mad Dog Sports Radio had arrived. With a lanyard with a VIP pass in hand, the former punter for the Indianapolis Colts had arrived in Full Sail Arena! Much to the frustration of Adam Cole, he made himself comfortable at the announce table at the side of Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett! Appearing genuinne, Pat voiced how stoked he was to see Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly battle Ever-Rise from the best seat in the house! With all the drama surrounding McAfee and Cole, Ever-Rise made their way out to the ring soonafter unimpressed with the entire predicament they had found themselves in.

3) Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly (with Adam Cole) def. Ever-Rise (c) by disqualification; Ever-Rise retain the NXT Tag Team Championship (10:46)

For the second week in a row, Ever-Rise found themselves putting the NXT Tag Team Championship at stake, and neither man appeared pleased about it. Chase Parker and Matt Martel exchanged blows with the Undisputed Era, where Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly battled back with forearms and kicks before sending Martel over the top rope to the floor. Parker struck with an elbow smash in the corner to Bobby Fish, when Kyle O'Reilly came from behind with a leg sweep setting up for a two-man combination of kicks! The former champs sent Parker overboard, landing atop his tag team partner. The co-hosts of 'Ever-Rise Live' protested the entire situation, while Adam Cole watched closeby in hysterics. The champs considered simply walking away and getting themselves counted out, but Fish and O'Reilly came bounding after them. Back inside, Martel received a cravate suplex from O'Reilly when Fish followed with a snap suplex for a near fall. From the top rope came Kyle with a knee drop - but Parker kicked out!

Ever-Rise continued to struggle against Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly, with Chase Parker the recipient of a legsweep and a running chest kick. The Undisputed Era continued to get near falls, when loudmouth Matt Martel raised his voice. It allowed Chase some time to fight back with a Gory bomb for Fish, allowing Martel to come in with a backbreaker into the knee strike! The NXT Tag Team Champions antagonized Kyle allowing for illegal double-team moves, such as a double wrist-lock slam and a drop toe hold into an elbow drop. Pat McAfee remained neutral on commentary, when Fish escaped the Knee from Niagara and caught Parker with a saito suplex! Kyle got the tag, running rabid with an axe kick and a rolling elbow for Martel, followed with a Regal-Plex for Parker. A cross-armbreaker caught Matt, but Chase broke it up. Fish locked in the Fish Hook while O'Reilly teased the brainbuster. Parker escaped, but a rebound lariat landed! The UE were about to become three-time champs with Chasing the Dragon, when Martel blatantly low blowed him!

Hell Breaks Loose
Narrowly avoiding losing the NXT Tag Team Championships, the cheating ways of Ever-Rise saw Matt Martel and Chase Parker able to live to see another day with the gold - much to the sheer anger of the Undisputed Era! Martel and Parker hugged it out in relief at ringside, when from behind saw Adam Cole appear - blocking their exit up the aisle. Behind them saw Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly strike, and between the three of them, the UE would send Ever-Rise packing! As the Canadians escaped up the aisle, "the Panama City Playboy's" attention would go grabbed by Pat McAfee over at the announce table. With a microphone in hand, Pat congratulated Cole, Fish and O'Reilly for doing what they did best - bully the opposition! Pat said he had seen a lot in his time as an NFL player, but whether on the gridiron or in the squared-circle, he had never seen an angrier elf than Adam Cole bay-bay. Storming up to the announce table, Cole screamed at Pat from the other side of the desk!

Pat McAfee kept going, mocking the shortness of Adam Cole and his unprofessionalism, bringing Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly to work to restrain their friend. McAfee was able to use this to his advantage, getting in a series of clobbering blows to the back before bailing! Cole pursued hot as hell, with Fish and O'Reilly preventing him breaking into the crowd. The former All-Pro continued to run his mouth to the steaming "Panama City Playboy", vowing he could and he would kick his ass! The Undisputed Era continued to play their role in keeping Cole back - but this hostility was only about to escalate further and further.

Following a replay showing the skirmish that transpired between Adam Cole and an unwanted guest Pat McAfee, footage aired from during the commercial break, where the scene backstage at Full Sail University was chaotic. NXT General Manager William Regal was on hand, as were Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly, for a crew of backstage security guards working to keep Adam Cole and Pat McAfee apart! The All-Pro star found himself escorted off the premises, but not before making another short joke which infuriated "the Panama City Playboy!"

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What Could Have Been
Elsewhere, Killian Dain was seen walking down the hallway before spotting someone who made him roll his eyes. Cameron Grimes appeared, distraught over his loss earlier tonight to Chris Bey. Angered after "the Beast of Belfast" had declined his proposition to team up several weeks back, "the Carolina Caveman" was consumed in a blind rage as he vented about the team they could have been! Cameron said he was better than anyone in the NXT Universe could possibly know - and Dain should have been chomping at the bit to team with him. They could have had it all, but Dain was a big selfish moron living in mediocrity! Angrily throwing his hat at Dain, the big man caught it - his eyes glaring a hole through the southerner. Not taking kindly to his remarks, Killian came after him with Grimes realizing he overstepped his mark - now he ran the risk of paying the consequences!

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5) Dexter Lumis def. Cezar Bononi (2:29)

"The Tortured Artist" was back in action after an extended hiatus. As always, the mysterious enigma of NXT kept all of his tracks covered, but was very clearly playing a card that showed he had interest in picking up championship gold. Dexter Lumis battled "the Brazilian Paragon" in a battle of mammoths, struggling with the power of Cezar Bononi. Connecting with a body slam tossing Lumis halfway across the ring, a corner back elbow devastated him before a big boot followed! Dexter remained in the fight, responding with a back suplex. A corner clothesline fed into a running bulldog, before Dex slithered across the mat. Intimidating Cezar, he rolled out to the floor leading a chase - only to capitalize on it with a pumphandle suplex on re-entry! The Brazilian grew annoyed and looked to finish things off with a spinning fireman's carry slam, but Dex landed on his feet and took him down with the head-and-arm sleeper! Silence was applied, and Silence was guaranteed!

With Cezar Bononi beaten, Dexter Lumis cradled the fallen "Brazilian Paragon" in his lap. With arms wide open, he would briefly stroke the fallen powerhouse before coldly dumping him facedown on the canvas. Slithering towards the ropes and looking into the camera, the moustached "Tortured Artist" motioned that he fancied gold around his waist - perhaps a sign of things to come.

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The Flow of Swerve
A vignette aired, taking an extensive look into the life of Isaiah Scott. Hanging out in the recording studio with Leon Ruff among several others, Isaiah "Swerve" Scott was hard at work immersing himself with his beats. Following comments from his peers, "Swerve" explained he had always been immensely passionate about music, dating back to a rendition of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" he performed in high school. In the studio, he could be loose, limber and zoned out. Leon spoke out about how "the King of Swerve Style" had helped him believe in himself, and how he brought him to be the man he is today. In comments from the man himself, Isaiah expressed how he was able to combine his flow from being an artist and allow that come hand-in-hand with his in-ring psychology, before voicing what his end game was: to become NXT Cruiserweight Champion. Discussing Santos Escobar, Scott looked down on Legado del Fantasma making a joke of "his" division, but next week he had his eyes on the prize and would shoot his shot.

Next week - NXT Cruiserweight Championship - Santos Escobar (c) vs Isaiah Scott

An exterior shot took us outside of Full Sail Live, showing us where NXT was emanating tonight. Winter Park, Florida was the home of "the Black and Gold Brand", and tonight's special Super Tuesday was only part one - they were going to do this all over again next Tuesday.

The Pinnacle of Black and Gold
McKenzie Mitchell was backstage with the Brand, when she was interrupted by Robert Stone. "The Hipster" voiced his disdain for her idea of journalistic integrity, before declaring that after months of trying to assemble the Brand - he had finally found a group capable of bringing him to the top! In waltzed Deonna Purrazzo and Mercedes Martinez, as "the Virtuosa" insulted McKenzie's "ugly" makeup. Condescendingly, she told Mitchell since she had never stepped foot between the ropes, she wouldn't know where to begin with social commentary pertaining to her match next week. Because of that, she'd spill it out in layman's terms for her: "the Welsh Valley Wonder" was destined to fail. Deonna saw it written in the stars, claiming how pathetic it was Tegan had chased this rematch for weeks and weeks! "The Latina Phenomenon" snarled at the camera as Purrazzo said NXT needed only one "Virtuosa", and next week she would be the one to bring the Brand to the pinnacle of "Black and Gold".

Next week - Deonna Purrazzo vs Tegan Nox

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6) Timothy Thatcher def. Bronson Reed (7:25)

It was two weeks ago where these two polar opposites went to war in a match heralded by a vast majority of the NXT Universe, though unfortunately for these two, it would end in a double count-out. With this second encounter, "the Battleship" and "the Toothless Grappler" immediately hit the center of the ring for an unstoppable collision of fists - with neither man refusing to back down! The combatants exchanged elbows until the big man appeared exhausted - before Timothy Thatcher would rock him with a lariat. Hitting the ropes, Bronson Reed evaded a big boot before mowing the technician down with a body block! A sitdown senton went awry and Thatcher responded with a fierce crusade of European uppercuts - ceasing fire with an overhead slap to the face! This only irritated "Aus-Zilla", who went after Tim with a scoop powerslam and a big running senton! Reed followed attempting the military press, but Thatch would grab a rear naked choke - just for Bronson to snapmare him off. The air raid crash was tried, but Thatch sunset flipped out and took the big man down with a kneebar applied!

Bronson Reed looked for a shoulder block off the apron - just for Timothy Thatcher to clobber him with a European uppercut! Thatcher targeted Reed's legs with stomps, rolling him back inside and administering leg snaps - Reed's leg colliding with the edge of the ring apron. "The Battleship" fought with elbow strikes, just for Thatcher to reverse the sit-out spinebuster into a guillotine choke! A chop block connected and a heel hook was locked in, bringing "Aus-Zilla" to struggle to the ropes! More strikes saw "the Toothless Grappler" tease a single-legged Boston crab but Reed caught him with the Jagged Edge for a near fall! Reed attempted a corner splash but Thatch sidestepped and applied another rear naked choke - but to the second rope saw Reed climb! Trying to force the break, Thatch would put Bronson out - simultaneously seeing the Aussie crush Thatcher beneath him on the canvas! With a splat, Thatcher was out but Reed was too. The hold maintained, the referee ruled Thatcher the victor!

The referee looked to help Timothy Thatcher from Bronson Reed's hefty carcass, but "the Battleship" would remain a dead weight on the body of his opponent. Lucking out in raising "the Toothless Grappler's" hand, the NXT Universe could only applaud the efforts of both battlers in a gripping sequel to their first meeting two weeks ago. Finally able to crawl out from under the unconscious "Thicc Boi", Thatcher foamed at the mouth in satisfaction - a hard-fought battle which saw Thatch barely able to come out on top.

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Ready or Not, Here They Come
After the hot pursuit brought on by Keith Lee, the NXT North American Champion Ricky Starks was spotted frantically trying to escape Full Sail University. "Absolute" had eyes in the back of his head but rolled his eyes spying McKenzie Mitchell waiting for him. "The Star Attraction" complained he had no time for McKenzie's idiocy, claiming he was busy with the burdens that came with being the best of his kind. Starks put on his shades and told Mitchell he would deal with this next week - but as he left, he saw Dexter Lumis in his path! "The Tortured Artist" wore his leather apron and popped on his latex gloves. "Pretty Ricky" backed up - when behind saw a grinning Keith Lee emerge! "The Limitless One" took full advantage of the assist, hammering Ricky with right hands before ripping the smart shirt from right off the champ's back! Lee chased Starks from the building into the parking lot, before putting his arm around Lumis admitting they made a great team! Dex refused to blink, clearly interested in the title.

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On a splitscreen, the NXT Champion Finn Bálor and Karrion Kross both departed their respective dressing rooms - ahead of what was certain to be an unorthodox fight, in a match where the NXT Championship would not even be at stake. "The Prince" looked more determined than ever before, while "the Tollman" gritted his teeth with his hands clasped together. Scarlett followed her man, "the Siren of Destruction" ready - as were the NXT Universe! The main event was around the corner.

Mind How You Go
The NXT General Manager William Regal appeared tired after a chaotic night, dealing with the business involving Adam Cole and Pat McAfee. Speaking of the devil, the GM would be greeted by none other than Adam Cole. "The Panama City Playboy" was followed by Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly, who again tried to calm their leader. Adam complained about the injustices McAfee had committed tonight - as had Ever-Rise! The former NXT Champion believed something had to be done about this, but the Englishman scowled and told the UE they hadn't learned a bloody thing. Regal refused to forget the way in which they had all behaved for the past few years. Just because they were undeniable fan favorites however, did not mean he would play favorites. Cole argued Pat had insulted not just his size but his character. He made it personal and Adam refused to let some Indianapolis Colts washout show him up any longer. Fish and O'Reilly backed Adam, but William told Adam he could only do so much.

Adam Cole was lectured on the attitude of the Undisputed Era, and while William Regal refused to allow the UE to walk over him or the NXT Universe a minute longer, he admitted that even if he could - Pat McAfee wasn't under contract to be an NXT Superstar. That meant there would be no fighting, and if there was he was thinking of the legal implications. Cole, Strong and O'Reilly refused to let that get in the way of what McAfee had done tonight, when but again the NXT General Manager's word was final. The least he could do was have the three of them share the ring next week: for a summit. Cole thanked the GM with sarcasm in his voice, when William told Adam he would change his tone the second he knew he could trust him. Regal warned "the Panama City Playboy" to be mindful of his antics - because now he was back, Regal wasn't afraid to cut the cord and finally get rid of the pillocks once and for all.

Next week - NXT General Manager William Regal hosts a Summit between Pat McAfee and Adam Cole

✕✕✕

With the news of next week's Summit seeing Adam Cole and Pat McAfee share the same ring, with NXT General Manager William Regal, next week's second part of NXT Super Tuesday was bound to go down in history. The NXT Cruiserweight Championship would be defended when Santos Escobar put the gold at stake against Isaiah "Swerve" Scott; Tegan Nox would finally get the rematch she had chased all summer long against Deonna Purrazzo; in a Lucha Rules tag team match, Lucha House Party would meet Joaquin Wilde and Raúl Mendoza of Legado del Fantasma; plus Rhea Ripley would battle Tay Conti and Breezango would go up against Imperium!

NXT Cruiserweight Championship - Santos Escobar (c) vs Isaiah Scott
Deonna Purrazzo vs Tegan Nox
Lucha Rules - Lucha House Party vs Legado del Fantasma
Rhea Ripley vs Tay Conti
Imperium vs Breezango

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Bow Down
The NXT Champion Finn Bálor made his arrival ahead of the main event - something Karrion Kross had specifically asked for, a non-championship match meeting with "the Prince". Sporting a leather jacket with his gold around his waist, the two-time champ made his way down the aisle - but it would go halted prematurely by the impeding "Herald of Doomsday" from behind! Karrion Kross continued to clobber away at the back of Finn, only to get a series of forearm strikes in return. The Irishman refused to take Kross's treatment of him, but a knee lift saw "the Tollman" aggressively hurl Finn spine-first, bouncing off the plexiglass walls on the aisle! Scarlett showed her face at the top of the stage, as she watched her man grin to the camera as he teased an exploder suplex on the aisleway. Instead, Finn fought it and was able to bring the challenger down with the Sling Blade. This was no match - it was designed to be an unsanctioned fight all along, and Finn quickly had learned the hard way!

Teasing the 1916 on the concrete floor, Finn Bálor was not afraid to end "the Herald of Doomsday's" pursuit of the NXT Championship in one foul swoop, but he would be saved by the referee's insistence on breaking up the scrap. "The Prince" found himself restrained, when Kross caught him with the exploder suplex - overhead throwing him across the ringside floor! The referee again hoped to interrupt the proceedings, but Kross inexplicably swatted him away with a back hand smack to the face. With the official down, Kross teased Time's Up, but more officials arrived. One by one, Kross was a wild man pushing and shoving them away. A big right hand took out out, while another was send hurdling into the steel steps! "The Siren of Destruction" watched with an enormous grin, but as Kross preoccupied himself attacking innocents, Finn came soaring over the top rope with a topé con hilo! The NXT Universe were fully behind Finn, who also wiped out a crew of the officials.

The NXT Champion continued to fight Karrion Kross on the floor, when the Doomsday Saito saw Finn Bálor dropped spine-first atop the steel steps! "The Prince" appeared to be out cold, when "the Tollman" took measures one step further - the Kross Jacket applied. Officials continued to try and intervene, though "the Herald of Doomsday's" grip remained tightly wrapped on the neck and head of the Irishman. Bálor was left unconscious, as Kross would finally be dragged from his foe's body. It was a set-up all along designed to influence Kross's supremacy over Bálor - and Scarlett watched from the shadows, grinning from ear to ear. Finn was devastated, destroyed and out cold atop the steel steps, while Kross continued to bark at members of security on the aisle: how would Finn retaliate from this?

· 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 · Sept 17, 2023 16:10:10 GMT -5

Quote

Post by DTP. on Sept 17, 2023 16:10:10 GMT -5

Friday Night SmackDown #1098 - September 4, 2020
Amway Center – WWE ThunderDome in Orlando, Florida
FIVE DAYS REMOVED FROM PAYBACK! | LESS THAN FOUR WEEKS FROM THE CLASH OF CHAMPIONS!
Sponsored by
"Are You Ready" by AC/DC

205 Live #195 – September 4, 2020
1) Gran Metalik (with Kalisto and Lince Dorado) def. Raúl Mendoza (with Joaquin Wilde) with the Metalik Driver. Ahead of the Lucha Rules tag team match, Kalisto and Dorado worked to ensure Legado del Fantasma did not intrude this match. Mendoza had help from Wilde, working away at the foot of "the King of the Ropes" to prevent him from ropewalking. "El Samuray" and "the Golden Lynx" got involved, running Wilde from ringside. It allowed Lucha House Party the momentum heading into NXT Super Tuesday. (7:41)
2) Shotzi def. Indi Hartwell with the diving senton. "The Ballsy Badass" was bound to be watching her friend Tegan Nox get her rematch with Deonna Purrazzo this week at NXT Super Tuesday, but tonight took on the prospering "Australian Dream", Indi Hartwell. Indi used her long legs to good use, applying a hanging triangle choke over the top rope. "The Batallion" would show what made her "Black and Gold" through and through with the inverted Cannonball before taking the win. (4:15)

Vic Joseph and Dio Maddin ran down the line-up for NXT Super Tuesday, when for a second consecutive week Vanessa Borne interrupted. Arriving at the announce table she ranted about the lack of love from the NXT Universe. After her performance last week, she expected more believing she made this show worth watching. Instead she was forced to watch untalented hacks steal air-time on NXT - what about her? Vanessa warned she would do this however long she had to to earn the respect she was owed.
3) Mansoor def. Tehuti Miles with the Moonsault. In a rematch, "the Admirable Arabian" showed respect to Tehuti at the bell, though the cocky youngster adapted his style throughout the bout. Miles grew frustrated with near falls when Mansoor made a comeback. Tehuti took a shortcut and both battled on the top rope, where Mansoor got the win. After the match, he extended the hand in a show of respect - but Miles low blowed him with a kick to the groin! Leaving alone, Miles had revealed his true colors.

A video package aired, taking us back to the events that unfolded last Sunday at Payback. The WWE Universal Championship was once again on the line, with Jeff Hardy and the reigning champion The Fiend again going to war in what was supposed to be a Triple Threat match. After an unexpected alliance struck with a previous rival in Paul Heyman was acknowledged on Friday Night SmackDown, "the Big Dog" chose his moment to strike carefully - and proceeded to do exactly what he did at SummerSlam and wreck everyone and leave! After "the Charismatic Enigma" and "the New Face of Fear" waged war on one another, and destroyed the physical confounds of the ring, the monster was left unconscious in a man-sized crater in the canvas, all the while Roman Reigns would destroy what was left of Hardy to capture the gold. With "the Advocate" by his side, what did this power trip had in store for Friday Night SmackDown?

Cutting to the WWE ThunderDome, Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed us to Friday Night SmackDown on FOX days after a shocking series of events which took place at Payback. The LED boards situated around the ring revealed the hundreds of faces of WWE Universe members in attendance.

League of His Own
The familiar theme of The Shield rang out over the building, prompting a negative reception upon the arrival of Paul Heyman. A towering CGI figure of "the Big Dog" overlooked the WWE ThunderDome as "the Advocate" looked behind him before presenting Roman Reigns to the people. The new WWE Universal Champion stood casually as the power trip arrived in the ring, where Paul proudly introduced himself to the people. Acknowledging how long it had been since he had last been forced to face the likes of the grubby little faces of the WWE Universe, Heyman took great relief in the fact that none of their mugs could be here in person. It made his day seeing them on the screens surrounding the arena, if nothing else because it hid all of their terrible qualities! Paul teased how they all had some catching up to do, but before anything else he felt obliged to present to his loyal subjects the new reigning and defending WWE Universal Champion! Not bothering to make eye contact, Roman looked down at the gold on his shoulder.

"The Advocate" began by claiming that just when he thought he was out, Roman Reigns pulled him back in - under no other pretense did he corrupt "the Big Dog", but rather Roman was the one to reach out to him. Paul Heyman claimed he was a castaway, but when push came to shove: it was the new WWE Universal Champion who saved him! He knew the WWE Universe had plenty of questions, mocking their blubbering about how they all thought Roman hated him - but what they didn't know didn't hurt them, until they were slapped by the cold hard truth last week as Friday Night SmackDown on FOX went off the air. Roman finally glanced up at the camera as Paul explained the new champ's disgust at the sorry state of "his" show in his absence. When Roman called him at his home, Heyman could not believe his ears: but the more he thought about it, the more everything added up. Here was a guy the WWE brass were reaching with. In actuality, Roman wasn't just "the Big Dog", he was the biggest dog!

As Paul Heyman listened and listened, when finally he surmised that Roman Reigns was fed up of being mistreated by the WWE machine! "The Big Dog" was more than anything they could ever perceive him to be. He wasn't like the other clowns who occupied Friday Night SmackDown every week: he was the top of the food chain; the diamond of this business. There was no bigger and no better than Roman Reigns, who he believed to be the greatest Samoan to come out of the Anoa'i Family - and what a rich lineage that was! Peter Maivia, Afa, Sika, Rocky Johnson, Yokozuna, Rikishi, Umaga, The Rock, the Usos - the list went on and on: but none were on a level remotely close to the new WWE Universal Champion. Reigns finally cracked a slight smirk, as Heyman declared the clown show was over and that Daddy was home now. Finishing with his catchphrase, he reminded the WWE Universe who he was before introducing them to his client: the reigning, defending WWE Universal Champion - Roman Reigns!

To enormous boos, the silent "Big Dog" shrugged to the camera before taking his leave with Paul Heyman. "The Advocate" went as far as to hold the ropes for Roman Reigns, who slowly descended the steel steps and began his departure. The new WWE Universal Champion was a different man altogether, and the entire WWE Universe could only question if this was the true side of the Samoan they once idolized. Suddenly, the theme music of Jeff Hardy hit ushering out "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior". The former champion appeared banged up with a bandaged arm after the all-out war he had with the Fiend at Payback, but made sure to cross paths with the man who beat him for the gold last Sunday. Reigns appeared calm as Heyman urged they don't go at it. Finally, Paul was able to pull the champ from the staredown, as Hardy arrived in the ring set for action - coming up next.

In rough shape after the Triple Threat match at Payback, Jeff Hardy clearly still had his mind set on the WWE Universal Championship. Roman Reigns had an eye on the television in his dressing room, while Paul Heyman conversed with him. Dolph Ziggler was out to score a huge win, using his quickness to take Hardy down. With his amateur wrestling abilities exhibited, "the Show Off" exuded confidence when Hardy responded by taking him down with a series of grounded punches to the face! The legdrop to the groin impacted Ziggler, when Robert Roode proved to be a distraction at ringside. The two talked trash when Ziggler connected with a corner splash into a neckbreaker! Grounding the former WWE Universal Champion, several elbow drops connected but a legdrop saw Jeff sidestep it. The Hardyac Arrest took Ziggler down in the corner, when his attempt at a double axe handle from the top rope saw Ziggler capitalize on "the Glorious One's" distraction - an avalanche X-Factor affording him control!

"The Show Off" tried to maintain a sleeper hold on Jeff Hardy, who battled back to his feet. Catching Dolph Ziggler off the ropes with a one-armed sleeper slam, "the Charismatic Enigma" followed with a gourdbuster for a near fall - when Robert Roode got back on the apron! Jeff again warned "the Glorious One", when Ziggler came from behind with a jumping DDT! Ziggler's confidence reached obnoxious levels as time went on, focusing his attack on the taped arm of the former WWE Universal Champion. His hopes of an armbar saw Hardy respond with an Alley Oop facebuster! Hardy went back on the attack, even coming back from a leg-tug from Roode under the ropes - taking him out with a dropkick baseball slide through the ropes! The Famouser connected giving Dolph a near fall, when he opted to look for the Super Kick. Jeff would evade it, dropping him with the Twist of Hate! With Ziggler going down, "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" took the win with the Swanton Bomb!

Addicted to One Thing
A hard-fought win saw Jeff Hardy succeed, with "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" immediately going on the defensive upon spotting Robert Roode out of the corner of his eye. "The Glorious One" backed up to help Dolph Ziggler from the ring, while the former WWE Universal Champion took to the microphone to address the unfolding of events from this past week. Admitting Payback was not his night, Jeff said he gave it his everything but he could only come up short. Maybe it was just how it was always going to be: maybe Paul Heyman was right - maybe Roman Reigns was in a league of his own, but at what cost did it take for "the Big Dog" to prove it? Jeff reminded the WWE Universe of how Roman stuck his tail between his legs and went home after WrestleMania, leaving a void on Friday Night SmackDown. Who picked up the pieces and led the SmackDown Brand in his absence? It was him! "The Charismatic Enigma" emphasized how he carried the brand Roman abandoned, and now he was back to take all the glory.

As Roman Reigns was seen watching fully from his dressing room, "the Big Dog" listened to Jeff Hardy voice his intentions to come back for the WWE Universal Championship. "The Rainbow-Haired Warrior" said he had been through ups, downs and all-arounds, but there was only one thing he remained an addict for: the gold sitting on Roman's shoulder. Hardy left the ring and made his way up the rampway, while backstage in their dressing room, Paul Heyman was seen watching with concern. Roman meanwhile remained cool, calm and collected, simply watching Hardy celebrate his win tonight over Dolph Ziggler.
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Michael Cole and Corey Graves sat at the announce table at ringside, as they discussed what had transpired so far with Paul Heyman explaining his alliance with Roman Reigns, and Jeff Hardy making his intentions clear of challenging for the WWE Universal Championship. Graphics appeared on-screen as they ran down what else was coming up tonight, including the WWE Intercontinental Championship rematch from SummerSlam - pitting Johnny Gargano against Daniel Bryan. Alexa Bliss would be reunited by her BFF on 'A Moment of Bliss' with special guest Nikki Cross; and in the main event, it was sure to be a war of attrition as the forces of Fight Night and the Royal Family would team up to battle Braun Strowman, the SmackDown Tag Team Champions Heavy Machinery, and Big E and Kofi Kingston of the New Day!

10-Man Tag Team match - Braun Strowman, SmackDown Tag Team Champions Heavy Machinery and The New Day vs Fight Night and The Royal Family
WWE Intercontinental Championship - Johnny Gargano (c) vs Daniel Bryan
Alexa Bliss hosts 'A Moment of Bliss' with special guest Nikki Cross

Following discussion from Michael Cole and Corey Graves, a video package aired taking us back to the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship match at Payback. Last Sunday saw dreams come true, as Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott of the Riott Squad would aspire and succeed in capturing their first taste of gold since arriving in the WWE. Doing the unthinkable, they each persevered and made it out with the titles defeating the SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley and Sasha Banks - but in an unforeseen betrayal, "the One Over All" did the unthinkable in attacking "the Legit Boss". Their friendship was thought to be stronger than ever, but as Sasha failed to cling onto the gold for "the Boss 'n' Hug Connection", Bayley would heinously drive Sasha's face into the canvas and the concrete floor at ringside with Deliverance.

Backstage, the locker room door of the SmackDown Women's Champion read Bayley's name. There was no sign of anyone inside, and it was noted that nobody had heard from "the One Over All" since she ended "the Boss 'n' Hug Connection" for good last Sunday when she took out Sasha Banks. Tonight, the WWE Universe were expected to hear from the champion, who would surely explain why she did what she did to "the Legit Boss.

The SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley explains her betrayal of Sasha Banks

The 'Progressive Match-Flo of the Week' took us back to the chaotic scenes last week on Friday Night SmackDown, where Braun Strowman looked for revenge against King Corbin. After the Royal Family involved themselves in Fight Night's head-shaving humiliation weeks prior, "the Monster Among Men" would be joined in the heat of combat against the King, Sheamus, Cesaro, Sir Gable, Shinsuke Nakamura and Duke Nese by the combined forces of Heavy Machinery and The New Day. With Braun standing alongside Otis, Tucker, Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, the decks were stacked ahead of tonight's ten-man tag team main event.

All Hands In
Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura were backstage talking among themselves, when up walked Sheamus. "The Swiss Cyborg" and "the Artist" fell silent, and the leader of Fight Night immediately recognized it. He questioned what there was to talk about: he lost last Sunday to Braun Strowman - but it was only just the beginning. "The Celtic Warrior" refused to let "the Colossus" have the last laugh after Payback, because he had an ace up his sleeve. Cesaro assured Sheamus he didn't need to justify himself to them: they'd been together in the Bar, and he'd put out the Irishman's fires for a long time already. He and Shin claimed they would remain true to Fight Night, and tonight was a different night. "The King of Strong Style" agreed, stating tonight "the Monster Among Men" alongside the New Day and Heavy Machinery would fall. All hands in, Sheamus teased if they played their cards right, they could see the SmackDown Tag Team Championships in their near future.

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Chewed Up and Spit Out
The droning voices of the Forgotten Sons were heard rambling on inside the WWE ThunderDome, bringing the WWE Universe to chant "USA" against them. Steve Cutler questioned if he was still in the United States of America, because the last time he checked, their freedom of speech had gone straight out the window! Wesley Blake spoke out about how they had the right to speak freely, and wear the Star Spangled Banner on their sleeves - but the colors red, white and blue and what they represented today sickened them to their core. Cutler reminisced to his days in the military, and how they stood for something back then: but the second he hung up his boots and left the camoflage behind, America turned thier backs on the two of them. Blake was angered that the same country he risked his life to protect forgot about he and Cutler, but maintained they were back to finish what they started and to take back "their" USA. Mercifully, the arrival of John Morrison would interrupt to a positive response!

2) John Morrison def. Wesley Blake (with Steve Cutler) (3:45)

"The Guru of Greatness" had no time to put up with the comments of the Forgotten Sons, and quickly evaded Wesley Blake's fiery offense with a series of calf kicks. A running knee strikes would garner a near fall, when Steve Cutler tried to involve himself. Blake struck with a hard-hitting clothesline before attempting a lungblower but Morrison would take him out with the Pelé kick! As a crossbody plancha took down both veterans, "the Shaman of Sexy" returned Blake to the ring for him to strike back with a uranage backbreaker! Heading to the top rope, the Frog Splash was the aim, but in one vertical leap, Morrison landed the C4 taking both down to the canvas! Both recovered where JoMo made his comeback, ducking an inbound Blake causing him to collide heads with Cutler! Instinctively, Morrison pulled off Starship Pain to get the decisive win.

"The Shaman of Sexy" picked up an impressive victory against Wesley Blake, when from behind came a furious Steve Cutler! Attacking with clubbing blows to the back, he hit the ropes but would be struck with a low dropkick making way for the Flying Chuck. "The Guru of Greatness" would follow seamlessly with a standing shooting star press, before rolling out to safety to prevent another attack from Blake. The Forgotten Sons were left fuming, as John Morrison grinned, as cool as a cat.

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The camera cut backstage, as the SmackDown Women's Champion would resurface, stepping out of her dressing room. In a black suit, Bayley wore a look of grief on her face, almost showing remorse for her actions. Days after her brutal and unprovoked assault on thought-to-be best friend Sasha Banks at Payback, "the One Over All" was heading for the ring to speak to the WWE Universe - next.

Following discussion from Michael Cole and Corey Graves, a graphic aired confirming the WWE Universal Championship match for WWE Clash of Champions - live on the WWE Network on Sunday, September 27. Roman Reigns had granted the challenge made by Jeff Hardy earlier tonight, putting the two on a collision course for the title.

Clash of Champions - WWE Universal Championship - Roman Reigns (c) vs Jeff Hardy

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Strike First, Fail Last
The WWE ThunderDome's lights dimmed, as the SmackDown Women's Champion graced the building with her presence. Bayley walked solemnly down the rampway sporting all-black. As though she was in mourning of her broken friendship with Sasha Banks, "the One Over All" would emerge in the ring with a frown on her face. She listened to the boos of the WWE Universe, who went on to chant "we want Sasha". Breaking her silence, she confessed she did too. What happened at Payback was beyond anything she had ever done before. She could never live down what she did to her greatest friend in the world last Sunday at Payback, and that was the sad truth. Bayley considered them kindred spirits, believing "the Legit Boss" to be the sister she never had. The two of them were responsible for revolutionizing this business by leading the Women's Evolution at the helm. Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch could never do what they did, which was what made she and Sasha the absolute best this business had ever had.

But, Bayley had to be smart. What atrocities occurred last Sunday at Payback had to be committed, and there was no other way around it. "The One Over All" knew the inevitable was always going to be happen, and she was going to be forced to do something she knew she would regret. The moment "the Legit Boss" decided it was time for her to quit playing second-best, she was bound to come for Bayley. The SmackDown Women's Champion tried to persuade Sasha Banks time and time again to consider going to Monday Night RAW and becoming the RAW Women's Champion - it would have been so perfect! "The Boss 'n' Hug Connection" would have commandeered the entire of WWE holding all the gold. Unfortunately for the WWE Universe, and their friendship - that would never come to pass. Bayley put it down to the greed of Sasha for willing to sacrifice their friendship in exchange for gold, and the champ knew it was just a matter of time.

As the referee's hand went down a third time on "the Boss 'n' Hug Connection's" reign as WWE Women's Tag Team Champions at Payback, Bayley knew Sasha Banks would turn her attention to her, so she did what she had to do. "The One Over All" argued it was in the name of survivalism, like any great champion would do! The SmackDown Women's Champion spoke about the deed she did in driving her spiritual sister's skull into the concrete floor of the WWE ThunderDome five nights ago, and how it ate her up but it was what she needed to do - because she could never fight someone who felt like her flesh and blood again. Finally, Naomi interrupted. Not in a raving mood tonight, "the Glow" was on a mission for the ring! Talking trash and angrily coming to fight Bayley for what she did to a former friend in "the Legit Boss", Naomi hit the ring just for Bayley to roll out to the floor. Naomi continued to vent in Bayley's direction, screaming for a fight - but instead, the champ coolly took her leave.

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Following discussion from Michael Cole and Corey Graves, a video package aired providing context to the upcoming rematch between Johnny Gargano and Daniel Bryan. SummerSlam saw the SmackDown debut of "Johnny Wrestling", who surprised everybody defeating "the Working Man's Champion" to capture the WWE Intercontinental Championship in his very first match. But while Gargano had won over much of the locker room, he was yet to earn the respect of Bryan. After Gargano was left hurting at the hands of Fight Night last week, he confronted the former champ, who chastised him for appearing unfitting of being the champion. "The Expert" was prompted and would look to get his title back - up next.

A graphic appeared, promoting WWE Talking Smack, available tomorrow morning on the free version of the WWE Network. Co-hosts Kayla Braxton and Corey Graves would be joined by Naomi, Apollo Crews, and Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode.

A Team Building Exercise
Walking away from the counter in catering, SmackDown Tag Team Champion Otis came jumping away with a cheesy grin on his face. In his hands: an entire cake! "The Powder Keg" was excited to his bountiful feast as he came over to sit down next to his partner Tucker, and his "Precious Peach". Tucky questioned what he was doing having such a hearty meal before such a big main event, Mandy Rose smiled admiringly defending her lover: Otis was a big growing man! Otis reasoned he needed this to get him through tonight, because this would be the night Heavy Machinery would finally get Fight Night and the Royal Family out of their hair! Picking up a knife and a fork, the trio would be joined by the booming voices of the New Day - their tag team partners. The trio were overjoyed to see them, with Big E massaging the shoulders of Tucker as Kofi Kingston took a lick of the frosting. Meanwhile Xavier Woods watched from the background with Francesca II in hand.

As Big E and Kofi Kingston quizzed Heavy Machinery if they were ready for a Donnybrook, Otis and Tucker exclaimed that they were born ready! Xavier Woods believed they needed to test out their creative juices, prompting "the Powder Keg" to lick his lips at the idea of juice. Xavier reminded how the New Day were guaranteed to be on top form after defeating the Royal Family at Payback - but what about themselves and "the Blue Collar Boys?" Xavier tested the waters playing Francesca II - in response, Heavy Machinery and Mandy Rose chanting "New Day Rocks!" As the party got rowdier, in walked a stone-faced Braun Strowman. Though he initially appeared hesitant to condone the antics of his partners tonight, "the Colossus" dropped the poker-face: screaming alongside them! Whether or not they would rock after tonight was another question, with the ten-man tag team main event still to come. Otis was about to take a slice of his cake, when Braun took it as collateral - first they had to win, and then he would get his dessert!

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3) Johnny Gargano (c) def. Daniel Bryan to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship (21:16)

"Johnny Wrestling" surprised the entire WWE Universe in his return at SummerSlam, dethroning Daniel Bryan to become WWE Intercontinental Champion. But, with no respect shown on the man believing himself to be the true "Working Man's Champion", Johnny Gargano came into tonight determined to turn heads. The two started slow with Bryan hopeful of dictating the pace early showing his technical abilities. The two would go back-and-forth with a series of chain-wrestling holds, when "the Yes Man" took control with a wrist-clutch suplex. Targeting the hand, Gargano would revert to quickness, soon able to catch the veteran off-guard with an armdrag and a hip toss! Johnny grinned when Bryan fought fire with fire, taking the champ down and targeting the legs. With the Romero special teased, he instead stomped the backs of the legs before aiming to contort the facial features with a wretching finger-hold. Johnny responded by upping the ante, reversing a bow-and-arrow stretch into a pinfall and a series of dropkicks!

Johnny Gargano tried to fight up from a side headlock, just for Daniel Bryan to catch him with a drop toe hold. Continuing with a kneebar, Gargano would kick free before fending off another headlock by hitting the ropes. Shoulder blocks, leapfrogs, dropdowns and attempted hiptosses followed, when both landed simultaneous dropkicks - meeting at a stalemate! "Johnny Wrestling" smiled, perhaps impressed with his own ability - when Bryan blasted him from behind! The aggression was on, with hammer-and-sickle elbow strike into the collarbone of the WWE Intercontinental Champion. Yes Kicks fed into the running dropkick in the corner, just for Gargano to kick out! Bryan re-applied the Romero special, contorting Gargano's body into a dragon sleeper! Focusing his attack on the leg, "the Rebel Heart" fought with strikes and a falcon arrow, bringing Bryan to roll out to the floor. The champ took to the sky with a dive through the ropes - but Bryan met him in mid-air with a brutal kick to the ribs!

A back suplex saw the WWE Intercontinental Champion fall from the top rope courtesy of "the Expert", but the former champ continued to fail to take the victory. Daniel Bryan shot with another tirade of Yes Kicks, when a roundhouse kick appeared to knock Johnny Gargano out cold! Uncharacteristically this brought Bryan to continue his onslaught until the referee got involved, considering a stoppage. Instead, "Johnny Wrestling" prevented him - and Bryan connected with the Running Knee - just for Gargano to kick out! Bryan attempted the Achilles Hold, but Gargano kicked out and landed a desperation Listo Kick! Johnny shot back with Yes Kicks of his own, before evading a small package with a step-up enzuigiri! Blocking Bryan's Dragon suplex attempt into running him from the ring, the champ executed a dive through the ropes - when a second saw him land fluidly with a tornado DDT to the ringside floor. "The Rebel Heart" was leaving it all out there!

Johnny Gargano continued his hot streak looking for the Lawn Dart in the corner, when Daniel Bryan escaped and sent him into the corner. As a backflip out of the corner fed into a flying clothesline, Bryan abruptly stopped in his tracks. Testing the toughness of the new WWE Intercontinental Champion, "the Working Man" clutched his wrists and mercilessly kicks into his chest! Transitioning into a triangle choke, Gargano briefly appeared out - but came to life at the last second. Able to hit a one-armed powerbomb to freedom, the Lawn Dart stammered Bryan and the Slingshot Spear struck for a near fall! He worked for the Gargano Escape, when Bryan reversed into a crucifix pin - quickly transitioning into more rapidfire knee strikes caving in the back of Johnny's head. With the Yes Lock applied, Gargano was able to keep the fight alive - rolling through and reapplying the Gargano Escape! "The Expert" battled out before connecting with a sunset flip: but Gargano fell forward! With the legs trapped, Gargano got the win!

What a Working Man Looks Like
In his toughest test since becoming WWE Intercontinental Champion, "Johnny Wrestling" was able to luck out with a meteoric victory over Daniel Bryan! With a similar outcome as SummerSlam, "the Expert" sat up in disbelief. Twice beaten by Johnny Gargano, he caught his breath but took up the opportunity to celebrate with all of his might. "The Working Man's Champion" couldn't help himself but smile, coming to his feet. With respect appearing to have been earned at long last, Bryan offered his hand to a reluctant "Rebel Heart", who clung to the gold with his other hand. Accepting the handshake, Bryan would abruptly pull him in for the Yes Lock! Refusing to break the hold, Gargano was tapping out while Daniel continued to grin: wrenching away at the neck of the champion! Finally restrained by the referee, Bryan called out to the WWE Universe to question if Johnny looked like a "Working Man's Champion". Taking his leave to a mixed response, he may have come up short again, but this situation was far from over.

Footage aired from moments ago, recapping the epic confrontation seeing Johnny Gargano retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Daniel Bryan in a rematch from SummerSlam. Again beating him with a roll-up, "the Expert" at first appeared entertained by the challenge brought on - but would drag "Johnny Wrestling" in from a handshake with the Yes Lock applied. Gargano was brutalized, with "the Yes Man" questioning whether that was what a real "Working Man's Champion" looked like!

Country Kicking
The ring inside the WWE ThunderDome was set up for 'A Moment of Bliss', as Alexa Bliss came walking out to the ring. Grinning from ear-to-ear, "the Goddess" skipped into the ring and graced the microphone, welcoming everybody to another edition of her show. Prefacing by commenting on the nasty duo of Mickie James and Lacey Evans, she called into question what the Country Gals did to skip the line and sound off against the Riott Squad this past week on Monday Night RAW! Bliss reminded everybody of Carmella's win last week and proposed if anybody deserved a shot at the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships - it was the two of them! Shifting gears, "Little Miss Bliss" did voice her relief at the sight of her BFF however, as Nikki Cross not only resurfaced like only she could: she returned by hitting "the Southern Gal" and "the First Lady" where it hurt most: right upside the jaws! With that Alexa welcomed out her good friend - Nikki Cross.

For the first time in weeks "the Twisted Sister" ran out to the stage. Racing to the ring, Nikki Cross paraded before the wonders of the WWE ThunderDome. Alexa Bliss tried to welcome her back but "Naughty Nikki" slapped a big hug on her BFF! She snatched the microphone, thrilled to be back on her and Alexa's show, 'A Moment of Bliss'. Asking the WWE Universe if they missed her, Mickie James and Lacey Evans appeared! Not impressed, the Country Gals stomped to the ring. Nikki met them immediately, taking both down with a dive! Bliss joined her; the two taking the fight to "the First Lady" and "the Southern Gal". In the ring Bliss and Cross continued the fight when Lacey clocked Nikki with the Woman's Right! The Mick Kick left "the Goddess" laying. The two put the boots to Bliss, when Carmella made the save! As Mickie and Lacey ran, "the Princess of Staten Island" helped Alexa and Nikki up - but Cross snatched her hand away. Cross left alone, while "Money Mella" and "Little Miss Bliss" questioned what her problem was.

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Where is the Honor and Credibility?
Kayla Braxton worked to keep up with Daniel Bryan backstage, a microphone in hand. Wanting the thoughts of the former WWE Intercontinental Champion was amused at the pursuit - but if the broadcast journalist wanted facts, he was going to present them nothing but. "The Expert" claimed to have no problem with a man like Johnny Gargano coming in and answering his challenge - but when it came to having what it took to wrestle "the Working Man's Champion", and defeat him with honor and dignity - that's where he could not tolerate him. He said it was no mistake he was from a different cloth, but when he saw a man like "Johnny Wrestling" come into his world and make a mockery of the sport he loved - that's where he lost respect for a charade like Johnny Gargano! Bryan admitted "the Rebel Heart" had beaten him twice, but he wasn't a real champion: he lacked the intestinal fortitude, strength and courage to be the champ he was. Daniel stormed off through a set of doors, having said his piece.

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Backstage, the doors from catering barged open - revealing Braun Strowman leading the troops into battle! "The Colossus" was supported by his teammates the New Day as well as the SmackDown Tag Team Champions Heavy Machinery, accompanied by Mandy Rose. For months the groups Fight Night and the Royal Family had ran roughshod on Friday Night SmackDown - but a ten-man tag team match would determine supremacy of "the Blue Brand" in the main event: next!

A public service announcement aired, taking us to a WWE production truck. Footage of some of the most dangerous moments in sports entertainment history aired in the background as Kofi Kingston chatted candidly with a young woman about the dangers of vaping. Comparing it to a steel chair shot to your insides, he warned using a vaping device could expose lungs to nickle, lead and other harmful toxins. The Real Cost: 'Know the Real Cost of Vaping'.

Following discussion from Michael Cole and Corey Graves, a graphic aired revealing the big interpromotional match signed for Monday Night RAW this coming week. After their exchange with Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott last week, Mickie James and Lacey Evans plotted to bring the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships home to the SmackDown Brand against the reigning champions the Riott Squad.

Monday Night RAW - WWE Women's Tag Team Championship - The Riott Squad (c) vs Mickie James and Lacey Evans

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4) Braun Strowman, SmackDown Tag Team Champions Heavy Machinery and The New Day (with Xavier Woods) def. Fight Night and The Royal Family (with Sir Gable) (8:56)

"The Colossus" earned himself a measure of retribution against Sheamus at Payback, but the battlelines had only just been drawn after the closing melee to Friday Night SmackDown last week. With Xavier Woods playing Francesca II to rally Kofi Kingston, the protesting of Duke Nese saw the former WWE World Champion impress with a fast-paced flurry. "The Premier Athlete" struck back with two low kicks of his own, but Kofi would evade an early attempt at the Running Nese and connect with a monkey flip! The Duke tagged out to "the Artist", who came in just to be struck by "the Brick Hit House" - Tucker quick to outmaneuver Shinsuke Nakamura with a Lou Thesz press! The SmackDown Tag Team Champions dropped stereo falling headbutts into "the King of Strong Style's" anatomy, when Big E entered the fray with a military press slam catching Cesaro en route to the ring! "The Blue Collar Boys" and the New Face led the ring with Fight Night and King Corbin cowering to the floor - when Braun Strowman entered and sent Duke Nese hurling with a biel throw over the top rope, onto the opponents!

Mandy Rose cheered on Otis, who caught Cesaro with a powerslam. "The Powder Keg" posed for his "Precious Peach", when Sheamus snuck in with a knee strike! King Corbin entered to choke him with his boot, antagonizing the New Day. Fight Night and the Royal Family cornered the SmackDown Tag Team Champion, with Cesaro exhibiting his superhuman strength using two suplexes! Shinsuke Nakamura struck with a jumping knee drop, but provoked Otis with Bad Vibrations. As "the Artist" showboated, Otis hit a discus lariat! Big E made the tag, running hot on anyone in sight. A big splash had Duke Nese beat when in came Sheamus and the Irish Curse backbreaker! It was bedlam in the WWE ThunderDome, as bodies began to fly, with Kofi Kingston landing the Trust Fall onto everybody on the floor! Sir Gable tried to get involved just to be punched by Xavier Woods; meanwhile, Braun Strowman commenced with the Strowman Express, before hitting the ring to take the win with the Running Powerslam on Duke Nese!

"The Monster Among Men" claimed a big victory but in no time taken whatsoever, Sheamus came from behind with a shot from a shillelagh! "The Celtic Warrior" proceeded with punches and stomps to the downed Braun Strowman, who was aided by King Corbin and Shinsuke Nakamura! While the allied powers of Fight Night and the Royal Family prepared another humiliation of "the Colossus", in came the cavalry! The New Day and Heavy Machinery acted quickly to remove Sheamus, Corbin and their men from the ring, with Big E drilling "the Artist" with the Big Ending! As Sir Gable was returned to the ring by Xavier Woods, Otis and Tucker drove him into the mat with the Compactor! The King was left gobsmacked, standing beside Sheamus on the stage. Meanwhile, Braun glared a hole through Sheamus - their business left unfinished. Xavier played the New Day's music on Francesca II, allowing Big E, Kofi Kingston and the SmackDown Tag Team Champions to dance together.

Talking Smack #61 – September 5, 2020

Kayla Braxton and Corey Graves welcomed Apollo Crews to the show, talking about "the One-Man Nation's" list of goals he set out for himself long ago when he first signed with the WWE. Apollo claimed he knew he still had a long way to go, but after five years on the main roster, he believed he was finally beginning to make the waves he always knew he could. While Apollo admitted to not performing at a high level like he knew he could, he confessed it had often been frustrated. All people saw when they saw him was a guy happy to be there: but he's still here, without any gold. He learned from Daniel Bryan what toughness was all about, which was why he planned to make 2020 his year. This would be his time, and before the year 2020 was out, he declared he would win his first championship in the WWE.

Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode crashed the set next, with "the Show Off" livid with having lost to Jeff Hardy tonight. Robert Roode backed up his best buddy, talking him up after a mockery of a couple of months where he had faced harassment, fraud, invasion of privacy - and a countless string of other crimes - all courtesy of Mustafa Ali! "The Glorious One" was baffled how WWE condoned "the Hacker's" behavior, but talked about the future rather than the past. They were "the Dirty Dawgs" and they would get back on track. Ziggler said when he saw Jeff Hardy, all he could think about was the fact it should've been him. All the accolades, the credentials and the gold should have been his - not "the Charismatic Enigma". Ziggler and Roode proclaimed they would go to the tip-top of Friday Night SmackDown when all was said and done!

Naomi joined the show last, to discuss her interruption of the SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley last night. "The Glow" acknowledged she had let her emotions get the better of her, but when "the One Over All" destroyed her longtime friend Sasha Banks at Payback, her heart broke for her. This went way beyond the fact "the Legit Boss" blindly chose Bayley over her and Tamina - this was about a truer friendship than whatever fraudulent, one-sided mess "the Boss 'n' Hug Connection" had going. Naomi made it clear she didn't even give a damn about the SmackDown Women's Championship, because to her this was about avenging her friend. While she challenged Bayley to a match next week on Friday Night SmackDown, Naomi warned that one day, Sasha would be back - and on that day, all hell would break loose.

Next week - SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley vs Naomi

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· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Sept 19, 2023 6:55:44 GMT -5

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Post by DTP. on Sept 19, 2023 6:55:44 GMT -5

WWE Clash of Champions 2020 – September 27, 2020
WWE ThunderDome at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida
"Gold Rush"

"The Champion" by The Score
THREE WEEKS AWAY!

1) WWE Universal Championship
Roman Reigns (with Paul Heyman) (c) vs Jeff Hardy

Matches to be announced.

Last Edit: Sept 19, 2023 7:08:51 GMT -5 by DTP.

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· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Sept 22, 2023 5:35:24 GMT -5

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Post by DTP. on Sept 22, 2023 5:35:24 GMT -5

Tyson Fury hints at WWE return by calling out champion Drew McIntyre

Last updated: 21/08/20 6:41pm

Whyte-Povetkin and Taylor-Persoon 2 on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office

World heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury has hinted at a return to the professional wrestling ring.

Fury, 32, currently holds the WBC world title and is set for a third bout against Deontay Wilder while a mouth-watering all-British fight against Anthony Joshua is also expected at some point in the near future.

However, Fury took to Twitter on Friday to call out WWE champion Drew McIntyre.

Fury has history in the WWE, having travelled to Saudi Arabia to face Braun Strowman in the 2019 Crown Jewel event.

He was paid a reported £11.9m for the match, which lasted just over eight minutes and was won by Fury.

"Drew McIntyre, any time, any place, anywhere buddy - let's get it on," Fury said in a short video on his official Twitter account.

McIntyre, born in Ayr, became the first British professional wrestler to win the WWE Championship after beating Brock Lesnar at Wrestlemania earlier this year.

Dilliany Whyte must battle past Alexander Povetkin on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office, to enforce a mandatory fight for the WBC heavyweight title which Fury won from Wilder.

Kevin's NJPW Summer Struggle In Jingu Review

29 August 2020 | Posted by Kevin Pantoja

Yoshinobu Kanemaru def. Master Wato. Hilariously, this feud has kind of been based on Kanemaru as the “Master Heel” being upset that Wato calls himself a Master. Wato started hot but the slimy veteran knows al the tricks and was able to turn the tide. He held serve for a bit until Wato rallied. Sensing he was in trouble, Kanemaru used the referee as a shield and hit a reverse DDT. Kanemaru kind of just rolled up Wato in sloppy fashion to come out on top. That was really bland. (7:31) [**]
Toru Yano def. Kazuchika Okada, SANADA & El Desperado to become the provisional 2020 King of Pro-Wrestling in a Four-Way match. This had some fun interactions between everyone, with Yano getting tied up in the Paradise Lock and being unable to escape as the highlight. Okada had it won with his cobra clutch gimmick but El Desperado grabbed the referee. Due to that distraction, Yano was able to low blow Okada and roll him up to win. I TAKE BACK WHAT I’VE ALWAYS SAID! GEDO IS THE GOAT BOOKER! Yano truly is the KING OF PRO WRESTLING. Yano > Okada. (7:01) [***]
Minoru Suzuki def. Shingo Takagi (c) to capture the NEVER Openweight Championship. This was a war. Suzuki was doing his signature things to wear down the champion, like the sleeper hold and attacks outside. Shingo seemed to be in more trouble than usual and he started throwing out his best offensive moves seemingly out of desperation. Suzuki avoided the Last of the Dragon and Shingo didn’t have an answer. He fought hard and hit back and as hard as he was getting but Suzuki was seemingly on another level here. Suzuki hit the Gotch Style Piledriver to win the title. That was a banger but the booking is confusing. Hard-hitting stuff like I wanted, though. (14:56) [****]
Tajiri Ishimori def. Hiromu Takahashi to capture the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship. These two put on an all-time classic in the Best of the Super Juniors finals in 2018. Hiromu came in with his shoulder banged up, giving Ishimori a target. The shoulder setup was perfect because of Ishimori’s use of the Yes Lock. It made every application of that submission feel like it could be the finish. Ultimately, Ishimori was able to make him submit to the Yes Lock. A tremendous sprint featuring two guys who work well together. They’re so quick. (13:30) [****¼]
Dangerous Tekkers (Zack Sabre Jr. & Taichi) (c) def. Golden☆Ace to retain the IWGP Tag Team Championship. Tanahashi looked happy to be wrestling in front of a decent sized crowd. Ibushi was able to kick the asses of his opponents but Tanahashi quickly found himself in trouble. After being isolated, Tanahashi made the hot tag to Ibushi, who cleaned house. He finally couldn’t get there in time after Tanahashi got hit with Zack Mephisto, falling in defeat. Another very good match on a show that is quickly becoming one of the best for NJPW this year. (16:01) [***½]
Tetsuya Naito def. EVIL (with Dick Togo) to capture both the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and IWGP Intercontinental Championships. At no point did I feel like Naito was angry at EVIL for turning on him. There needs to be fire there, especially since EVIL was his first disciple. Instead, this came across more like an exhibition you’d get in the G1 Climax or something like that. Eventually, the whole ordeal led to Naito hitting Destino and regaining the titles. This was good and much better than their last match but was still missing something to make it stand out. (26:20) [***¼]

THE FINAL SCORE: VERY GOOD
8.0
This is what I want from NJPW. A show that clocks in under three hours. A comedy Yano match. A hard-hitting Shingo outing. Hiromu having a great match with someone. Quality tag team wrestling. And Tetsuya Naito on top (where he should’ve been years ago). A really enjoyable show.

SEPTEMBER 7, 2020 OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: FUTURE OF BROCK LESNAR, ROCK BATTLES COVID-19, MORE

BY OBSERVER STAFF | STAFF@WRESTLINGOBSERVER.COM | @wonf4w

BROCK LESNAR: A FREE AGENT

The WWE's ability to license and merchandise Brock Lesnar ended this past week, which comes months after the end of the actual contract.

Lesnar had been a free agent since WrestleMania but that news never broke and at the time considered largely a formality given it made no sense for WWE to use him during the pandemic and the belief was that he was out of everyone else's price range. The belief was that, at 43, he was not going to do UFC once he pulled himself again out of the USADA testing pool and that AEW would not be able to afford to make a comparable offer to what WWE could in his case, and he's purely a money guy.

In the case of UFC, if there is any interest, given his age, the key would be he would want to rush to get back into the testing pool if he was seriously considering fighting. Lesnar is worth a ton of money, not to UFC, but to ESPN right now for at least one fight with Jon Jones. As soon as the news broke, Jones started pushing for it since it's theoretically an easy win with a big price tag. For AEW it would be a statement move, but ultimately in this environment such a move, given the price tag we are talking about and the schedule he's looking at doing, it wouldn't appear to make any economic sense. Plus a key part of his WWE act, Paul Heyman, is still under contract to WWE.

The contract gives the WWE rights to continue to sell merchandise for a length of time, in this case around five months, after the deal expires. That period is what just expired this past week.

One person in the company noted that it makes no sense to sign Lesnar to a new deal at the moment, as it would only be to keep him from AEW. The belief is Lesnar could, and probably would try to use AEW as leverage, but that at the end of the day, the belief is Lesnar's value to AEW would be nowhere near his price tag and a deal with Lesnar makes no sense for a company basically trying to just break even during the pandemic. It was said that for Lesnar, like for Tyson Fury (who issued a challenge to Drew McIntyre this past week for a match), that it's at this point Saudi Arabia and WrestleMania as the only shows that make sense right now and the belief right now is Saudi Arabia won't happen this year.

Lesnar and WWE was described as the exact same thing that UFC is doing with Conor McGregor, in the sense that his pay is so high for a show that it doesn't make sense to use him until you have a big money event.

His contract expiring isn't a new thing but in the past he's always signed a new deal before the time frame where the WWE's ability to merchandise him ends. When that time frame ended, they had to remove all merchandise from the web site.

Lesnar usually has his deal expire by design, and teases going to UFC, which would give him a big offer. It is believed Lesnar received $8 million for his UFC 200 fight with Mark Hunt and would have been able to get a similar if not larger deal for a fight with Daniel Cormier, which he shot an angle for before UFC had the deal in place. This gave him a ton of leverage in his last set of negotiations. Lesnar also always tries to sign short-term contracts, which has worked in his favor, but would work against him if Vince McMahon decides they’ve gotten what they need out of him, such as the quick loss to McIntyre to try and establish a new top guy, and that his huge paycheck and working few dates no longer made sense.

On 9/1, after the Tuesday Night Contenders show, White was asked about Lesnar.

“I haven’t talked to Brock,” White said. “I haven’t talked to Brock in probably a year. I don’t know (if he wants to fight). He’s 43 years old and he’s got a lot of money. So I don’t know what his plans are, how his body feels, any of that. Like I said, I haven’t talked to him.”

The reality is that if Lesnar had any interest in UFC, and he knows he can make more money for one fight there than he can earn in a year or perhaps multiple years in WWE, and at his age, the idea that he’s never even talked to White, if true because White is often not honest, would seem to indicate zero interest in fighting.

Another key is that Lesnar is not a big spender and doesn’t need money. He likely has enough to not just live the rest of his life, but also to insure a great life for his children after he’s gone.

SWIFT PAYBACK
Roman Reigns turned heel and joined up with Paul Heyman, and then won the Universal title in the main event of the 8/30 Payback PPV.

It’s not known whether it was Reigns or McMahon who made the call to put Heyman with Reigns, but Reigns did ask to be turned heel on his return after being out of action since March due to concerns over COVID-19.

Reigns probably should have been turned years ago but the company was adamant that he was the only person who could follow John Cena as the top full-time face of the company. The feeling is that you need a guy who has great looks, a muscular body, be at least 6-feet tall, preferably an inch or two taller, and has charisma. A lot of WWE fans rejected that, and really, as shown with New Japan and Tetsuya Naito, had they turned him heel, the fans on their own would have eventually turned him babyface, and he’d be stronger because of that and no longer face the adversarial relationship since the fans believed they had chosen him as opposed to him being forced on them. Essentially this is the same thing, only years later, and Reigns is now 35 instead of 30.

As far as Heyman, he has a top tier contract and without Brock Lesnar, they could either pay him a high figure to be a booking consultant after removing him from the guy working under Vince McMahon in charge of Raw, or try and make use of him as talent, so it fell together.

Reigns will next defend the title likely on the 9/27 Clash of the Champions show. The idea seems to be to save Fiend, his WrestleMania opponent in the original planning that Vince changed, to a later PPV.

Payback at the Amway Center in Orlando generally made sense booking. Everything was straight forward other than the Universal title match. They put over some newer talent clean, notably Matt Riddle. The show went neither too long nor too short and was an easy watch. There were some very good matches and some okay ones, and nothing bad.

MAURO RANALLO DEPARTS
Mauro Ranallo and WWE officially parted ways on 8/31 after Ranallo had missed the last two company broadcasts due to going to his childhood home of Abbotsford, British Columbia to be with his mother, who has been hospitalized.

It ends a nearly five year journey that had many ups and downs with the company, and probably in the end lasted longer than most expected it would when it started. It was a journey that, on the positive side, saw both sides learn a lot and WWE in particular learned a lot about mental illness and its ramifications. After his 2017 departure due to a breakdown after bullying, there was a strong feeling within many in the company not to bring him back, and from his side, not to come back. It was better for WWE to have him happy and working. While he was very polarizing as an announcer, he did fare very well or win almost all polls, this publication included, for best announcer for the past several years, he was very popular among the NXT talent and he was talked about by talent as the guy they would most want to call their matches. He definitely brought out the excitement level in the big Takeover matches that other announcers, who are trained internally to be low key, have not been able to do.

Eventually, after the sides reached a settlement and he was gone, he was rehired a few months later to do NXT. There was a second incident after remarks made by Corey Graves last year that caused another short hiatus from broadcasting, but he did return. The company handled that one much better as there was no talk of wanting him gone because the cardinal rule for decades if you are an announcer is that you are never supposed to miss an assignment unless it's an extreme emergency.

Publicly, everyone is calling this an amicable parting of the ways, and there was no blow-up involved. Ranallo had been considering leaving previously. During the pandemic, he had said he wouldn't fly to Orlando, so the company set up having he and Beth Phoenix both broadcast from studios in their respective homes, while Tom Phillips, and more recently Vic Joseph, handled the opens, closes and worked with them live. It was said to be very difficult to do a show where the three announcers were in three different locations but they were able to pull it off weekly.

Ranallo did leave his home in Santa Monica, CA, right off the beach (in a trivia note, he settled there because as a kid he loved Three's Company and the TV show was set in that area) last week to be with his mother, who has been seriously ill for some time, making him unavailable to do the 8/22 Takeover show and the 8/26 television show. Stu Bennett, as Wade Barrett, was brought in as a temporary replacement on the latter show and during the show it was announced he would be back for the 9/1 show, where Ranallo would still have been unavailable.

There are those who knew about him missing Takeover a few days ahead of time and that there was a chance he wouldn't be back. It was something he had privately considered during the pandemic.

Those close to the situation said that Ranallo, at 50, felt that he needed to spend more time working on various things to bring awareness and educate people on mental health, which he believed to be his calling in life.

It was his childhood dream to eventually announce for WWE and he had done so for five years. Eventually the company was going to want him to travel every week to Orlando for television and felt he no longer wanted the pressure of doing that.

He will continue to work for Showtime boxing and Bellator MMA, as well as take other gigs in different fields and also is expected to pursue doing voice over work. His relationship with Showtime and WWE was always different. He never had any notable issues with Showtime after a dozen years, and Showtime was strongly behind his "Bipolar Rock & Roller" documentary and supported his outside projects whereas WWE understood the subject better due to him but didn't really support those issues the way Showtime did.

"I appreciate the opportunity I had to realize my childhood dream of working in sports entertainment, and I wish WWE well in the future," said Ranallo. "Now I want to direct my focus and devote my time to my other projects and to my mental health charitable activities and the well-being of my mother and myself."

After the story broke, WWE confirmed it, issuing a statement on its web site saying, "WWE and Mauro Ranallo have mutually and amicably agreed to part ways. Mauro's passion and enthusiasm left an indelible and exciting mark with WWE and its fans, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors."

WWE:

NXT UK'S RETURN | Paul Levesque talked about the relaunch of NXT U.K., which starts back 9/17 with new shows on the WWE Network. They taped last week at the BT Studios and Levesque said that would be the permanent site. I guess the decision is that taping at arenas with larger crowds isn't cost-effective. "That is the intent and the hope. BT has been, I can't say it enough, an amazing partner," Levesque said in an interview with Metro U.K. "When you look at that studio, it's perfect for what we do, but they are perfect for what we do. They have been a leader in changing the game in sport across all of Europe and, really, globally. They have once of the most technologically advanced studios in the world. It's an amazing facility. The intent is for us to be able to in there long term to be able to create this content, and I think if later down the line, we get to a place where fans can come in, obviously we'd be thrilled and excited."

Levesque was also asked out the allegations of sexual misconduct in U.K. pro wrestling. "Part of this is why we started (the company) in the first place, to professionalize and put that system into place where everyone can feel safe and protected, and have a working environment that is inclusive of everyone and the opportunity to do what we do. We take every allegation very seriously, and you can refer back to our policy. It's zero tolerance for things of this manner. We look into everything. We look into it, we go from there to see what is legitimate, what is not, what is real, what isn't, and deal with it accordingly. While a lot of these things happened years ago, we take them very seriously. We also have an open policy with everybody. No one should ever feel like, `I didn't wanna say anything.' That's the exact opposite of what we want. We're trying to make this the safe, inclusive environment for everybody that it should be."

Nigel McGuinness, who was furloughed in April, is being brought back with the resumption of the NXT U.K. tapings. McGuinness was easily the best color guy in the company when he was let go

NXT TAKEOVER EXPANSION | The plan right now are for two more Takeover shows between now and the end of the year, both on Sundays, 10/4 and 12/5

NEW RECRUITS | Mike Johnson at PW Insider reported WWE signing Anthony Greene, Brandi Lauren, Joe Gacy, Curt Stallion and Josh Briggs to developmental deals. They were all contracted performers with Evolve, which WWE had recently purchased. Lauren has been used in a number of NXT skits calling for hot girl cameos in recent months. Briggs and Stallion were two of the key guys Gabe Sapolsky had pushed in recent months

WELCOME BACK WADE | Wade Barrett (Stu Bennett) has signed for a full-time return as an announcer in the Mauro Ranallo spot. Bennett had been working with the NWA, which hasn't produced any new content but is starting back on 9/15 with weekly iPPV shows

NO MORE GO BIG SHOW SHOW | Netflix has canceled "The Big Show Show." The family comedy show started out strong as far as first week viewership went. But it faded over time. There will be one more new episode, an already shot Christmas show

TV RATINGS

SD 8/28 - 2.19 (0.72)
RAW 8/31 - 1.92 (0.58)
NXT 9/1 - 0.84 (0.26)

STAR RATINGS

Payback 8/30
Ali and Crews vs Ziggler and Roode - **¼
Riddle vs Styles - ***½
Strowman vs Sheamus - **
New Day vs Royal Family - **¼
Theory & Murphy vs Ricochet & Alexander - ****
McIntyre vs Rollins - ***¾
Riott Squad vs Bayley and Sasha - **½
Flair vs Asuka - ***
Reigns vs Fiend vs Hardy - **¼

SmackDown 8/28 - Gargano vs Cesaro - ***¾
RAW 8/31 - Mysterio vs Rollins - ***½
NXT 9/1 - Shirai vs Kai - **¾

Last Edit: Sept 23, 2023 7:46:46 GMT -5 by DTP.

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· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Sept 25, 2023 7:53:50 GMT -5

Quote

Post by DTP. on Sept 25, 2023 7:53:50 GMT -5

Monday Night RAW #1424 - September 7, 2020
Amway Center – WWE ThunderDome in Orlando, Florida
LESS THAN THREE WEEKS FROM THE CLASH OF CHAMPIONS!
"Legendary" by Skillet

Main Event #415 – September 10, 2020
1) Akira Tozawa def. Riddick Moss with the diving senton. The downward spiral of "So Smooth" continued, with the former WWE 24/7 Champion sporting a straggly beard and appearing as though he hadn't slept in weeks. Tozawa looked impressive early, when Moss used a neckbreaker to gain control. Desperation set in, when Akira battled back before taking the win. (4:48)
2) Billie Kay (with Peyton Royce) def. Dana Brooke with the Fatale Destruction. After being bumped by Charlotte Flair, the Iiconics were back to their usual tricks, not only making a mockery of the mainstay Superstar, but having Peyton Royce interfere on her behalf whenever the referee's back was turned. Brooke may have made a comeback, and nearly claimed a big win with a series of roll-ups, but Kay would win after Royce tripped her under the ropes. (2:36)
3) Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch def. The Brian Kendrick and Ariya Daivari with the Lariat from Lorcan to Daivari. In a throwback to their days as part of NXT's 205 Live, Oney and Danny were faced by familiar foes from their days in the Cruiserweight Division. Kendrick and Daivari used their expertise to divide their two, but "the Boston Bruiser" and "the London Mauler" fought back and took the win - motioning that they wanted a match with the Viking Raiders in their future.

A video package aired, taking us back to last week. It had been an arduous eight days for "the Scottish Terminator", warding off the likes of Seth Rollins and Andrade in three consecutive championship defenses. With two cracked ribs, Drew McIntyre arrived after the battles seen at SummerSlam and Payback with intentions of victory against members of La Invasíon, when the Church arrived to cause trouble. Yet just when a civil war was thought to be moments from breaking out, out came "the All Mighty". Cashing in his Money in the Bank contract, with wife Lana and advisor MVP in his corner, Bobby Lashley took McIntyre down with the Spear to capture the WWE World Championship. With the Scotsman's reign finished, what would 'the Era of the All Mighty' mean for Monday Night RAW?

The opening video package aired, cutting to inside the WWE ThunderDome for Monday Night RAW. Pyrotechnics erupted across the stage, as rows of WWE Universe members saluted the camera from the comforts of their home, as seen on the LED boards around the ring. At the announce table, Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T recapped Bobby Lashley's shocking cash-in of the Money in thee Bank contract last week, and how with a new WWE World Champion, Drew McIntyre had been sidelined. Shifting gears briefly, the broadcast team ran down what was coming up tonight: a loaded episode of RAW!

3-on-2 Handicap match - K-Bro vs The O.C.
Randy Orton vs Zack Ryder
Number One Contender's Fatal 4-Way Elimination Tag Team match - Los Mysterios vs AOP vs Ricochet and Cedric Alexander vs Los Lotharios
WWE 24/7 Championship - Samoa Joe (c) vs Montez Ford
Championship Contender's match - Shayna Baszler vs Nia Jax
WWE Women's Tag Team Championship - The Riott Squad (c) vs Mickie James and Lacey Evans

A Toast for Team Lashley
Turning to the ring, set up for 'the VIP Lounge', a table full of champagne glasses and bottles took centerstage as two luxurious leather couches set the ambience of the WWE Universe. MVP sprawled out across the couch in a lavish suit, a microphone in hand as he welcomed the WWE ThunderDome to his show. Swinging up to his feet, "the Franchise Player" talked about how he had plenty of reasons for celebrating. In case the people had gone off the grid on social media or had their phone switched off all week long: there was a new WWE World Champion! For the very first time in so long, a black man was the man to beat in the WWE - and rightly so. MVP commented on how there was no man more deserving than "the All Mighty", who had a landmark year. On the brink of being a staple of the past, Lashley came bounding back from the dead and became a thing of legend. With wins in Money in the Bank and against the likes of Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre, he was the man because he earned it!

And now, with the WWE Universe waiting in anticipation, MVP had the proud honor of welcoming out his best friend in the entire business - Bobby Lashley! Stepping out to the stage in a designer maroon and black suit, the new WWE World Champion raised the title high on the stage, appearing statuesque with his wife Lana looking ravishing like never before. Applauding her husband, the beautiful blonde followed him as "the All Mighty" stepped inside and immediately met MVP with a big hug! "The Franchise Player" even held the hand of Lana with charm, truly showing how far their alliance had come in recent months. Addressing the WWE Universe for the first time as the man around Monday Night RAW, Lashley felt the need to officially usher in 'the Era of the All Mighty' - and how it revolved around him! Bob reminisced about the fifteen year journey he took to make it here, with his beautiful wife and his incredible friend behind him. Humbly he admitted if it weren't for Team Lashley's support, he wouldn't be here right now.

"The All Mighty" basked in the chants of "You deserve it" from the WWE Universe surrounding him, before Bobby Lashley raised the WWE World Championship high and contested that yet, here he was - "the End Game" of the WWE! Lashley called himself the be-all and end-all, a man Drew McIntyre couldn't stop, and a man countless other people could never stop. Bob spoke about building an empire to unleash a world of hurt to anybody who came his way, when - almost on cue - the Church made their arrival! Flanked by Akam and Rezar of AOP, Seth Rollins led his "Equalizers" to the ring with a look of amusement on his face. "The Monday Night Messiah" admitted he could say nothing about what happened last week. Knowing from experience what it was like to cash in Money in the Bank and become WWE World Champion, all he could say was "kudos" - but for him to come out and say he earned it the hard way, or that he was the most deserving man for the job was downright deluded!

"The Monday Night Messiah" compared Bobby Lashley's groundbreaking win against Drew McIntyre last week to Seth Rollins' own 'Heist of the Century' at WrestleMania 31: but the only way that "the All Mighty's" cash-in was any different to his - was that in ten years, nobody would even remember the night Lashley captured his first title! As for him, the entire WWE Universe witnessed him make history, interrupting the main event of WrestleMania! While Seth noted how the Clash of Champions was coming up on September 27, and implied he wanted the first shot at Lashley's gold, Lana stopped to ask him how many title opportunities he wanted to blow in the span of a month! Twice in one week did "the Head of the Church" lose to Drew McIntyre - what made him think he could dethrone "the End Game?" Rollins couldn't hold back his amusement, soon asking Lashley what he made of his wife having bigger balls than him! Lashley's temper caught up to him as he pursued Seth, who hid behind AOP, when...

La Invasíon joined the party! Andrade arrived with Zelina Vega and Los Lotharios. The drama was too juicy for him to sit in the back - he had to get a closer look! Andrade told "the Monday Night Messiah" while they had no heat - he had to agree with Lana. Why not let somebody else challenge for the WWE World Championship? Andrade pitched that he be the one to meet Bobby Lashley at Clash of Champions, but Seth grew annoyed! As they bickered, Lashley casually popped the cork and poured three glasses. "The All Mighty" reminded Andrade and Seth that he called the shots, Lashley handing them glasses. Believing he had a solution: tonight Lashley would fight one of them, and if they beat him, they'd get their match at Clash of Champions! Seth grinned and toasted with them, when Lashley named "El Capo" as the man he would fight tonight! Seth could only spit his champagne out in astonishment, as Team Lashley watched. The champ stared down the leader of La Invasíon - telling him he'd see him tonight!

Tonight - WWE World Champion Bobby Lashley vs Andrade - if Andrade wins, he receives a WWE World Championship opportunity at Clash of Champions

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1) The Riott Squad (c) def. Mickie James and Lacey Evans to retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship (6:53)

Following the comments made by "the Southern Belles" from Friday Night SmackDown last week, Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott offered to put the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships on the line. Their first defense saw the Riott Squad look impressive out of the gate, with an assisted dropkick with Ruby picking Liv up allowing the champs to take down both challengers. While "the First Lady" connected with a swinging neckbreaker on "the Runaway", Liv came in with a dropkick for Lacey followed by an enzuigiri for "the Country Gal". Liv was prepared to take flight, but Mickie instinctively pushed her out of harms way - the challengers evading it. Ruby tried to take action herself, but Lacey caught her flying through the ropes - the Woman's Right undoubtedly knocking her through a loop!

The Southern Belles seized control of Ruby Riott, with Mickie James taunting one-half of the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, planting her with a flapjack! Lacey Evans shared the sentiment of her partner before dropping "the Runaway" with a shoulderbreaker! "The First Lady" continued to insult the Riott Squad, when the elevated Bronco Buster from Lacey connected. Mickie administered the Muta Lock on Ruby, who squirmed her way successfully to the bottom rope. The veteran tried to keep her from making the tag, when Ruby responded with a flatliner! Liv entered with energy, going from a series of dropkicks to landing a hip attack in the corner, before rolling through with a spinning headscissors - sending Lacey into Mickie! Ruby re-entered to allow for "the Country Gal" to suffer Blue Face, when a double-team senton crushed her! Lacey looked for the Lady Lace Up, but Liv rolled through with a sunset flip - directing her into the Riott Kick. Liv capitalized with the Jersey Codebreaker to retain the titles!

Victory belonged to the Riott Squad, who showed off their impressive tandem abilities in their first defense as WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. Mickie James and Lacey Evans rolled out to the floor, leaving Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott to celebrate with a joyous hug in the ring. The Southern Belles came to and were irate knowing they had come up on the short end of the stick.

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Opposites Attract
The WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens impatiently waited in the backstage corridor, frustrated at being made to wait so long. Finally, up came Matt Riddle - riding a scooter! "The King of Bros" asked KO how he liked his new ride, but "the Prize Fighter" remained unimpressed. Joking how scooters were for eight year-olds, Riddle told the champ he needed to live a little! It didn't matter how many wheels it had or how you rode it - if it got you from A to B, that's all that mattered. The Canadian was astounded, but wanted to discuss the three-on-two handicap match tonight. The Bro urged KO that it would be no sweat. With K-Bro back together again, they would smoke the O.C. and make them recognize there was no faction better than KO and "the Original Bro!" Riding off on his, Owens was left to remark that he had never been so frustrated and enamored all at the same time. The Handicap match was up next!

Advantageous Austin
Charly Caruso was standing by at the interview area when into shot came Theory. One-half of the RAW Tag Team Champions, the smug understudy of "the Monday Night Messiah" finished drafting up a text with his arm flexed outward - before appearing to put the moves on the broadcast journalist. Ever the professional, Charly tried to ask "A-Town Austin" about the Number One Contender's Fatal 4-Way tag team elimination match tonight, and who he and Murphy were rooting for to meet them for the titles at Clash of Champions. Theory confessed he was less interested in that, but instead was interested in something more. Caruso grew annoyed as Theory was baffled as to how that creep Angel Garza could possibly strike out against a woman of her beauty! Charly rolled her eyes as "the Disciple of the Church" proceeded to ask her what she had planned after the show - but it was enough to make her cancel the interview! With a big smile maintained, the youngster knew exactly what he was doing.

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2) The O.C. def. WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens and Matt Riddle in a Handicap match (10:31)

K-Bro got the band back together for another meeting in a match that KO and "the Original Bro" themselves asked for. The O.C. were confident headed into this three-on-two Handicap match, but the WWE United States Champion and his polar opposite tag team partner immediately rushed the ring of AJ Styles, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson! Quickly did "the Phenomenal One" find himself back body dropped to the floor, when Anderson received a clothesline from KO sending him packing. It left "the Big LG" to fend for himself, just for a bicycle knee strike from Matt Riddle to pave the way for a super kick from Owens, sending him through the ropes. The trio recomposed at ringside, but KO and Riddle would not afford them much recovery time - continuing their attack on "the Good Brothers!" The chemistry of the strange bedfellows was exhibited against KA, who suffered the brunt of a backbreaker from Owens - feeding into a jumping Broton! Abruptly AJ resurfaced to take down KO with an arm-slinger!

The O.C took advantage of not only the numbers advantage over K-Bro, but also the condition of the WWE United States Champion. Karl Anderson contorted the banded arm of Kevin Owens, who struggled to fight back until Luke Gallows came in with a big boot. KO tried to bounce back only for AJ Styles to enter with another stomp! An armbar kept the champ at bay while Matt Riddle reached for the tag. KO struggled, but KA drilled him with the Rocket Kick! AJ orchestrated for the Magic Killer to put him down, when Owens countered with a headscissors to shoot "the Good Brothers" off! Matt Riddle leapt to action, fending off the trio with a Superman Forearm and a tirade of kicks! Anderson tried to intercept only to be struck with a Fisherman suplex. Riddle dropped KA with the Bro 2 Sleep, unaware of AJ's blind tag - and the Phenomenal Forearm connected! Owens blind tagged in too, and after a short exchange, KO's Stunner was blocked into a roll-up - Styles using the ropes to beat the champ!

The O.C. picked up the win, but for a three-on-two Handicap match - they had barely slipped out in victory. AJ Styles celebrated his prideful victory over the WWE United States Champion, and was met with much hooting and hollering by Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. Inside, Kevin Owens watched on from a seated position - furious at the lengths "the Phenomenal One" had taken to beat him! On the rampway, AJ and "the Good Brothers" threw them up with a celebratory Too Sweet.

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Sarah Schreiber was backstage with Zack Ryder, who appeared emotionally prepared for the biggest match in some time for the fifteen-year mainstay. "The Long Island Iced-Z" admitted to how he had been around the block plenty of times, and that if anything this match tonight shouldn't be any bigger than usual - but to him, it meant everything. For as long as he could remember, he had been passed over and fed to the wolves on a weekly basis. Yes, he was a former WWE Intercontinental Champion and a WWE United States Champion - but for all the upswings of fame and fortune, he had suffered the pitfalls of inadequacy and dread. Tonight, he had the chance to do what he always wanted to do to Randy Orton: and punch "the Viper" in the face and score his greatest win to date. Tonight wasn't just for some of his heroes, like Edge and Christian - this was for all of the Broskis who stuck with him, because tonight he was going for broke.

Following discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T, footage aired from earlier tonight where 'the VIP Lounge' was the site for a series of challenges made the new WWE World Champion's way. Bobby Lashley stood with MVP and Lana between a rock and a hardplace when interrupted by Seth Rollins and AOP, as well as Andrade and Los Lotharios. "El Capo" would usurp "the Monday Night Messiah" in his effort to challenge "the All Mighty" to a title match at Clash of Champions, with Andrade being chosen by Lashley to compete in a match tonight. If Andrade were to win, he would earn a title opportunity.

Scorned
Andrade spoke in his native language to Zelina Vega in La Invasíon's dressing room, when into the room walked Seth Rollins. Alone, "the Monday Night Messiah" could not hide the scorned sensation on his face, and when initiated by "El Capo's" greetings, Seth would demand to know what he thought he was doing! Livid at Andrade for making a fool out of him, "the Head of the Church" ordered the patriarch of La Invasíon to remember this was 'Monday Night Rawlins'. With a chuckle, Andrade nodded - but innocuously would add that all was fair in love and war. Besides, Seth had his shot and blew it - repeatedly! As he teased beating Bobby Lashley tonight and going on to become WWE World Champion at Clash of Champions, he told Seth they would see whose show 'Monday Night Rawlins' belonged to then! About to leave, a seething Seth turned to confront Andrade warning him that he would live to regret this. As he left, Andrade mocked Seth's veiled threats - trouble in the families apparent.

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3) Randy Orton def. Zack Ryder (3:50)

"The Long Island Iced-Z" was sickened by the damage Randy Orton had done to the likes of Edge and Christian, two of the men whom he had idolized throughout his career. As "the Apex Predator" licked his lips with confidence, Ryder did the unthinkable wasting no time blasting him at the bell! While Randy worked to fight back, a series of forearm smashes in the corner led to the Broski Boot! "The Viper" barely kicked out, when Ryder ascended to the second rope for the El-Bro drop! Zack tried to keep him down but Orton struck with an inverted neckbreaker. Resorting to a methodical pace, Randy went as far as to call Zack by his rival Edge's name, blaming him for this mess! Orton stomped at each limb before kicking him in the ribcage, but his attempt to finish the job with the dreaded Punt Kick saw Ryder evade it and connect with a neckbreaker! A DDT garnered Zack a near fall, when he pumped his fist for the Rough Ryder. Shooting in, he was caught dramatically in mid-air with an RKO - a victory for "the Viper".

Not On My Watch
Randy Orton slithered across the canvas, putting down Zack Ryder despite the best efforts of "the Long Island Iced-Z". While Randy had his hand raised, the smarmy "Apex Predator" would scare the referee from the ring before once again stalking his prey from the corner! The Punt Kick appeared dreadfully near for Ryder, but before leaving the corner - "the Viper" found himself dragged from the ring! Edge had appeared from out of nowhere, battering Orton with an abundance of strikes. While Randy tried to fight back, he was forced on the defensive as "the Rated R Superstar" punished Orton for the sins of the past eight months! Hammering him against the announce table, referees flooded ringside to try and restore order. WWE Official Adam Pearce arrived to help maintain the peace, but just as the WWE Hall of Famer looked to be successfully restrained - he would drive Orton with a Spear over the announce table! The officials were finally able to pry the Canadian away, as Orton recovered with a look of exasperation on his face!

A replay aired from moments ago, showing the unexpected presence of the WWE Hall of Famer Edge - who nobody even knew would be making an appearance tonight on Monday Night RAW. "The Rated R Superstar" had told Randy Orton he planned on making his life a living hell until he took up his challenge for a 'Final Chapter'. A blindsighted attack on "the Viper" brought officials to restrain the Canadian from him, but not before impacting him with the Spear over the announce table.

Seeking Closure
WWE Official Adam Pearce conversed with two referees in the parking lot, before spotting a commotion. Confronting Edge, who demanded space from five members of security, "the Rated R Superstar" demanded Adam go and find Randy Orton. He once again voiced his need for a 'Final Chapter', warning that if he thought this was far enough - they weren't even brushing how dangerous this could get. Adam understood, knowing all about the history the two had shared. They had taken each other out time after time, but he warned the WWE Hall of Famer that even if he wanted it - which he did - there was absolutely no way this 'Final Chapter' would happen unless "the Viper" consented to it. Edge again threatened to make his life a misery, but Adam made it clear he wouldn't tolerate it, having him escorted from the WWE ThunderDome. Reluctantly he obliged, but made it clear before departing that he would get his 'Final Chapter' if it killed him.

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4) Shayna Baszler def. Nia Jax in a Championship Contender's match (5:23)

"The Irresistible Force" continued her pursuit of an opportunity to challenge for the RAW Women's Championship, but first had to get past Charlotte Flair's right-hand woman Shayna Baszler. "The New Age Enforcer" played it strategically, ducking and dodging "the Giantess". With leg kicks, Baszler finally got caught, prompting Nia to hurl her across the ring with a series of biel throws! Following her to the floor, Shayna regained momentum with a knee strike, but in running the apron was caught - a swinging powerbomb seeing Shayna's head crashing into the barricade! Jax returned to the ring when Shayna went on the offensive, soccer kicks keeping her foe down. Jax tussled a double-wristlock, powering out into the corner! Jax connected with the military press slam, when the Leg Drop connected. The cover was made when Charlotte Flair made her way out to the stage! Nia was eager to get her hands on her, but the Annihilator saw Shayna latch on with the Kirifuda Clutch. It took time to do it, but Nia went out like a light!

With Charlotte Flair watching from the top of the rampway, Shayna Baszler continued to clamp down with the Kirifuda Clutch applied! While the referee worked to intervene, down the rampway waltzed the RAW Women's Champion. "The Queen" supervised the scene, sauntering over "the Giantess's" fallen body. Nia Jax was out cold, as Flair waved the gold in front of her unconscious face. Claiming there would be no title opportunity for "the Irresistible Force", Baszler finally released her grip. Jax remained out, while "the New Age Enforcer" followed Flair from the ring.

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The Street Profits were amped up in the locker room, with Montez Ford awaiting perhaps the biggest opportunity of his young career thus far. Angelo Dawkins talked his partner up, advising Tez target all of Samoa Joe's weaknesses. Growing louder and louder, Ford began to shadowbox ahead of his chance at becoming WWE 24/7 Champion. "The Frat Boys" wanted the smoke - but could they get it up next?

Closer to Her Old Soul
A vignette aired, recapping the desertion of Sarah Logan from the Riott Squad. According to her she had her wings clipped long before she ever could have been. Before she walked, she had her legs cut out from under her by Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott - but maybe it didn't have to be the end. Silhouetted by the daylight of a roaring tide, from the cave she emerged from, she speculated that perhaps in her life as the Outcast, her mediocrity would see her reach greater heights than ever before. With new found life, she could leave this body behind and build a new one - tougher, greater and built to sustain the betrayal of mortal enemies. Dipping her toe into the water, the blurred sight of dreadlocks brought Logan to step in as she declared she would become closer to her old soul - to be continued.

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5) Samoa Joe (c) def. Montez Ford (with Angelo Dawkins) to retain the WWE 24/7 Championship (10:28)

The expanding reign of the WWE 24/7 Champion continued onwards, but after last week's win against R-Truth, "the Coquina Destroyer" was greeted by the Street Profits. Angelo Dawkins watched from ringside as Montez Ford matched power with technique. Striking Joe in the corner with body blows, he made a big mistake and was struck with the ST-Joe! Joe wailed on the former RAW Tag Team Champion, even mouthing off to his partner at ringside. Ang got the WWE Universe behind his partner as Tez tried to fight a knee bar following a rolling legsweep, but defiantly he made the ropes. Joe continued to kick away at the torso of Ford, dropping him with a senton! With the STF applied, Ford managed to somehow make the ropes again! Chops lit up the chest of the challenger, who soon fired up and let out a battlecry: letting Joe have it with elbow strikes! Sending him off the ropes, a reverse leapfrog led into a dropkick - complete with a cartwheel and a backflip! With no time for letting up, Ford followed with a topé con hilo to the floor!

Montez Ford was able to spring out of the corner from an inbound "Coquina Destroyer", the challenger following up with a floatover DDT! With a rolling kipup, Tez ascended to the top rope looking for his big chance to win his first singles title in WWE history: but as Samoa Joe evaded it, and Ford rolled through, Joe secured him with a cross-legged gutbuster! In control once again, "the Samoan Submission Machine" tortured Tez with a powerbomb into the Boston crab, yet somehow Ford again hung on! Joe finally broke the hold planning to get the win with the Muscle Buster, when the WWE 24/7 Champion was hit with an enzuigiri and a stalling back suplex! Kipping up again, Tez looked to Angelo Dawkins before heading to the top: and From the Heavens would connect - only to receive a near fall! Ang talked Ford into going up a second time - but Joe was there to daze him with a back elbow into an enzuigiri. The Muscle Buster followed, putting the nail in "the Frat Boys'" coffin!

"Mr. 24/7" continued to cling onto the WWE 24/7 Championship, and he took a deep breath of satisfaction with another impressive show of dominance. Though tougher than his previous challenges, Samoa Joe's reign would continue after Montez Ford, while Angelo Dawkins would help his fallen brethren from the ring. The Street Profits would live to fight another day, as Joe raised the gold.

︾︾︾

Following discussion from Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T, a replay aired from last week - where after his win over Seth Rollins, Rey and Dominik Mysterio would suffer the brunt of a backstage ambush ordered by "the Head of the Church". AOP let their actions speak louder than words, Akam and Rezar getting back on behalf of "the Monday Night Messiah" against Los Mysterios.

Los Mysterios were warming up for the upcoming Number One Contender's Fatal 4-Way Elimination tag team match, when Rey Mysterio noticed a newfound attitude to his son Dominik Mysterio's pre-match workout. Dom voiced being ready to get even with Akam and Rezar after last week's scrap. If AOP wanted to fight, all those big slobs had to do was ask! "Equalizers" or not, Dom said that tonight, "the Mercenaries of the Church" would get what's coming to them. Rey was pleased to hear his son's enthusiasm, but reminded him that tonight was about more than getting revenge. There was a RAW Tag Team Championship opportunity at stake - and never in their history had there ever been a father-son tag team. Amazed by his son's ability to pick up this craft so fast, "the Legendary Luchador" pushed that he needed to prove that he was championship material.

Following a shot of Omos' route towards the arena backstage, a video package reviewed the path of destruction that "the Nigerian Nightmare" had left in his path. After gaining in popularity since his debut on Monday Night RAW last month - the seven-foot-three phenom would be in action next!

The Authentic Viking Experience
Following their loss and subsequent attack last week, Charly Caruso stood by backstage with the Viking Raiders. Requesting an explanation as to what happened to tip Erik and Ivar over the edge, "the Modern Day Vikings" bellowed over the broadcast journalist claiming that Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch didn't deserve to beat them! They spoke about the entire WWE Universe taking liberties with them since they made their first appearance on Monday Night RAW - but deep down to their core, this was what they were. The world moved on from the life of the Vikings - all they wanted was the Viking Experience. Now, they planned to make the world see what they were underneath it all: ugly, unfiltered and downright brutal! As the two stomped from the scene and Charly wrapped up, she would run from the scene - as the Viking Raiders had been attacked by Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch! Revenge for the post-match beatdown last week, "the Boston Bruiser" and "the London Mauler" didn't care who Erik and Ivar thought they were!

6) Omos def. Joey Pistachio, Steve Gibki and Tony Vincita in a three-on-one Handicap match (1:39)

"The Nigerian Nightmare" looked to extend his streak of destruction against not one, not two, but three opponents. Towering over each of the Tri-State trio, Joey Pistachio elected to run allowing Omos to immediately barge through both Steve Gibki and Tony Vincita! Hurling them across the ring, Pistachio made the grave error of attempting a chop block - just for Omos to clamp down on his head with a clawhold! With one palm sending Joey flying over the top rope to the floor, Omos let Vincita have it with multiple backbreakers. Gibki then ran into a knockout punch, which fed into the two-handed Tree Slam to pick up the win.

RAW is Awesome (Again)
Omos continued to demolish the competition, and the WWE Universe craved to see it. "The Nigerian Nightmare" towered over the referee at twice his height - when "I Came to Play" rang out across the WWE ThunderDome! Suited and booted in silver and black, The Miz appeared on Monday Night RAW with a microphone. Commenting on how long it had been, the Miz was finally home on Monday nights! "The A-Lister" declared with his return, RAW was Awesome again because the prodigal son was back on the USA Network - the home of 'Miz and Mrs.' Miz remarked that he saw superstardom in the "kid", prompting the giant to stare him down. Interested in building an entourage, he admitted seeing great potential in the Nigerian. Teasing entering the ring, he instead decided to slide a business card into the ring. Miz told the big man to think about it and get back to him, leaving Omos stumped! He picked it up and observed it, but remained unsure what to make of the Hollywood star's offer.

︾︾︾

Backstage, the eight combatants in tonight's Number One Contender's Fatal 4-Way elimination tag team match were seen making their respective ways to the arena. Divided four ways on a splitscreen, the four teams Los Mysterios, AOP, Los Lotharios & Ricochet and Cedric Alexander were all ready to vy for a future opportunity at the RAW Tag Team Championship. Who would go to Clash of Champions? We'd find out - next!

An advertisement aired, promoting the newest episode of the Broken Skull Sessions, starring Jerry "the King" Lawler as Stone Cold Steve Austin's guest. It was available to watch now, anytime on-demand exclusively on the WWE Network.

Too Goody-Goody
The WWE World Champion Bobby Lashley completed some preparatory press-ups in his private dressing room, before coming to his feet to wrap around Lana. As the two conversed, up walked MVP to bump fists with Bobby. Talking strategy ahead of the main event, Lashley said he liked his chances against Andrade. Momentum was on his side, and "El Capo" was a cool cat, but whether he were to meet him tonight or at Clash of Champions, the outcome would remain the same. As Lana again told her husband how proud she was of him, "the Franchise Player" agreed - with a reluctant expression on his face. Excusing himself, MVP walked inches away to meet Shelton Benjamin. After their conversation two weeks ago, "the Gold Standard" wanted to know where his update was. Tired of being overlooked, he wanted exactly what MVP did for Lashley. He'd seen the wonders he'd done for his career, turning it around completely. MVP quizzed Shelton how badly he wanted the glory, before cracking up in laughter!

"The Gold Standard's" face dropped as his longtime buddy confessed he couldn't take him seriously. That's what his problem always was: he was too goody-goody for his own good! Shelton Benjamin questioned what he had to do to be a part of Team Lashley, when MVP recommended he come back to him when he was finished playing all these "kiddy games". The difference between the WWE World Champion and him was that Bobby Lashley was about to lead an empire of winners - and when he saw Shelton, he couldn't see "the Gold Standard" he used to be! MVP apologized before turning back to hang out with "the All Mighty" and his wife Lana, leaving Shelton in the cold to leave alone.

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7) Los Lotharios def. Los Mysterios, AOP & Ricochet and Cedric Alexander in a Fatal 4-Way elimination tag team match to gain contention to the RAW Tag Team Championship (16:38)

With an opportunity at the RAW Tag Team Championship at Clash of Champions hanging in the balance, two men were to be legal at a time but the bout would quickly break out into all-out chaos! Despite their issues in recent weeks, the members of La Invasíon and the Church worked together to blindsight Ricochet, Cedric Alexander and Los Mysterios, but a series of double-team attacks from the father-son tag team of Rey and Dominik Mysterio allowed to demobilize "the Equalizers" momentarily. Familiar foes in Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo were able to bobsled "the Legendary Luchador" from the ring and look to isolate his son, though "the Future of Flight" and "Queen City's Favorite Son" teamed up to be the cavalry! In no time "El Amante", "La Estrella" and "the Mercenaries of the Church" found themselves outside the ring, where Rey and Dom flew with dives! Caught in the heavies' hands, from the top ropes saw Cedric fly with a diving crossbody - at the same time as Ricochet's Shooting Star Press!

The action continued with Rey and Dominik Mysterio delivering 619s to Humberto Carrillo! Rey was on the top rope when Angel Garza crotched him. AOP would capitalize with a double-team sitout powerbomb and neckbreaker combination, before taking the defenceless Dominik with the Last Chapter to eliminate Los Mysterios in 6:25. Akam and Rezar were forces to be reckoned with, as Ricochet and Cedric Alexander found out being caught in mid-air - leading to the Super Collider. Los Lotharios appeared to form an unholy union with the Church, when they foolishly made the decision to jump them from behind! "The Equalizers" turned on the two, bringing "El Amante" and "La Estrella" to escape. Finding themselves distracted by Los Mysterios at ringside, they provided the distraction for Ricochet to hit the Recoil on Akam! Cedric attempted the Lumbar Check on Rezar, when Ricochet aided him! Cedric hit a 450 splash and Ricochet followed with the Shooting Star Press to eliminate AOP in 9:12.

Footage from the break acknowledged AOP being removed from the arena by referees - irritated by Los Mysterios' distraction. Ricochet connected with a hurricanrana to Humberto Carrillo, when Angel Garza blasted him from behind. "El Amante" and "La Estrella" divided the ring, with the Winglock from setting up a sliding dropkick from Carrillo. The cousins of La Invasíon exuded confidence and attempted a double-team Japanese armdrag when "the Future of Flight" landed on his feet and connected with a springboard clothesline! In flew "the Queen City's Favorite Son", taking down Garza with a springboard flatliner. As Humberto narrowly missed the springboard roundhouse kick, Cedric drilled him with the Neutralyzer - for a near fall! Cedric attempted the Lumbar Check on Humberto when Ricochet came in looking for a springboard dropkick on Garza - just to catch Cedric. Garza sent him from the ring before dropping Alexander with the Wing Clipper to eliminate Ricochet and Cedric Alexander in 16:38.

Los Lotharios took the win following the miscommunication between Ricochet and Cedric Alexander, allowing the La Invasíon members to go to Clash of Champions! Humberto Carrillo and Angel Garza hugged it out on their knees, proud of how things had gone - with a future opportunity at the RAW Tag Team Championship etched in stone. "El Amante" and "La Estrella" stumbled to their feet, as Ricochet checked on his fallen partner. "The Future of Flight" helped "the Queen City's Favorite Son" to his feet, sure to fight another day. Meanwhile, how might tensions flare with the cousins now on a directed path to Theory and Murphy of the Church?

Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T discussed the newest match signed for Clash of Champions, which was already shaping up in just under three weeks on Sunday, September 27. A graphic aired confirming La Invasíon and the Church's civil war meeting for the RAW Tag Team Championship, before revisiting the match made official this past week on Friday Night SmackDown on FOX - Roman Reigns making his first WWE Universal Championship defense against Jeff Hardy.

WWE Universal Championship - Roman Reigns (c) vs Jeff Hardy
RAW Tag Team Championship - Theory and Murphy (c) vs Los Lotharios

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Last to Know
Mickie James and Lacey Evans nursed their heads after coming up short against the Riott Squad earlier tonight. Sarah Schreiber joined the two pointing out their loss to the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, before asking the Southern Belles what they made of the challenge made by Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross. Confused, "the Country Gal" and "the First Lady" demanded to know what the broadcast journalist meant - and Sarah would break the news that it was just announced on Twitter that "the Goddess" and "the Twisted Sister" had issued a challenge to them to a match this week on Friday Night SmackDown: in a Texas Tornado match! Mickie and Lacey harassed Sarah from the scene, thrown through a loop by the match being made without their permission!

Friday Night SmackDown - Texas Tornado match - Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross vs Mickie James and Lacey Evans

A graphic aired, promoting tonight's edition of RAW Talk, immediately following Monday Night RAW. Hosted by Charly Caruso and Booker T, tonight's special guests included the O.C. and Zack Ryder. It all went down at 11:05 PM, exclusively on the WWE Network.

Forced Honor
Coming after last week's post-match attack, Bianca Belair made her way out to the stage for a chance at revenge. Though she was victorious in her match, Natalya victimized "the EST" with an uncalled for beating after the match. Bianca swung her hair around as she came strutting down the rampway - but from behind came "the Queen of Harts!" Natalya blasted Belair with a forearm to the back of the head, before putting the boots to Belair. To the loud boos of the WWE Universe, Nattie showed aggression towards the beloved fan favorite - showing a grizzled new side to her veteran demeanor. Complaining about what she had done for this business, and how Bianca had no honor for her or the Hart Family's legacy, Nattie sunk in the Sharpshooter - wrenching away, with Bianca tapping out on the steel rampway! The assigned referee rushed to the scene, desperate to pull her off. Considering she herself had issued the challenge, it was revealed to be a ruse designed to humiliate Belair.

︾︾︾

The Wheels Come Off
One-half of the RAW Tag Team Champions Theory was seen backstage posing for a selfie with the title in hand, when up walked Los Lotharios. Angel Garza told "A-Town Austin" how cute the stunt he pulled with Charly Caruso was - but she was his! Theory questioned on what planet, claiming "El Amante" was anything but a loverboy: he looked like a rat! Garza grew livid as he got in the Disciple's face, when Humberto Carrillo stepped in to pry his cousin back from the champ. Theory warned that they were lucky Murphy wasn't here, because there would be no waiting for Clash of Champions - they'd take care of them right here! Garza shot back reminding Theory he was all by himself without his daddy in sight. Theory scoffed, being held back by the apprehensive "La Estrella", who Theory also pushed away. Issuing the challenge for next week on Monday Night RAW, Angel claimed he would prove he was much more handsome, much more talented, and much more determined than Theory when he kicked his ass!

Next week - Angel Garza vs RAW Tag Team Champion Theory

︾︾︾

The time for talking was done, as Andrade left his private dressing room with Zelina Vega by his side. The two strategized in Spanish en route for the ring, where "El Capo" would vy for the chance to challenge for the WWE World Championship at Clash of Champions. The patriarch of La Invasíon would meet "the All Mighty" Bobby Lashley in the main event - up next.

Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Booker T discussed the night they had had in the WWE ThunderDome for Monday Night RAW, before shifting gears to next week. Graphics aired on-screen, revealing the return of 'Miz TV' to Monday Night RAW; Los Mysterios facing off with AOP after their developing problems in recent weeks; and the Kevin Owens Show with special guest - AJ Styles, and AJ Styles alone!

WWE United States Champion Kevin Owens hosts 'the Kevin Owens Show' with special guest AJ Styles - without Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson
AOP vs Los Mysterios
The Miz brings 'Miz TV' back to Monday Night RAW

︾︾︾

8) WWE World Champion Bobby Lashley (with Lana) def. Andrade (with Zelina Vega) (11:27)

With tensions rising between the two families of Monday Night RAW, La Invasíon and the Church, Andrade looked to make his way to Clash of Champions to challenge for the WWE World Championship. Having usurped Seth Rollins, who had a heated confrontation with him later that night, "El Capo" appeared easy-going when quickly cornered by the raging WWE World Champion! The new champ obliterated him with thrusts in the corner before being warned by the official. With his back turned, Andrade came from behind just to encounter an overhead belly-to-belly suplex! Andrade found himself looking to run and hide, just for "the All Mighty" to hip toss him back in from the apron with ease. A military press slam saw the patriarch of La Invasíon finally decide to take a breather on the floor, while Lashley's wife Lana could be seen at ringside cheering him on. Andrade kicked up a fuss at ringside and stalled for time, as his business associate Zelina strived to keep him calm. Abruptly, Lashley came from behind with a clothesline!

Bobby Lashley's control continued with a punch in the corner, but "El Capo" snatched the arm and apply a hanging cross-armbreaker over the top rope! Andrade followed with a reverse tornado DDT from the top rope, before continuing to do damage to the new WWE World Champion's elbow. Bobby briefly fired back just for an eye rake, when Lashley attempted the spinebuster but Andrade squirmed free and raked the eyes before landing a handspring Pelé kick. Zelina Vega distracted the referee allowing Andrade to choke "the All Mighty" in the ropes! Further distractions finally saw Lana confront her at ringside for an argument. Zelina attempted a right hand, but Lana tackled her! Andrade's attempt to hit El Idolo backfired, but the Spear saw Andrade put the official in his path leaving a distracted to Lashley receive El Idolo! Rolling over to make the cover, Seth Rollins planted Andrade with the Stomp! "The Monday Night Messiah" grinned from ringside, when Lashley executed the Dominator for the win!

All Together and Apart
"El Capo's" hopes and dreams of challenging for the WWE World Championship at Clash of Champions went dashed when all was said and done - and it was all thanks to "the Monday Night Messiah!" As the bitterness between the two families continued to grow with hostility, the Church and La Invasíon were undoubtedly on a collision course after the events of tonight! Bobby Lashley slowly recaught his breath after a hard-hitting match with Andrade, when he was presented with the gold and a kiss from wife Lana. Raising his hand in victory, "the All Mighty" would also be joined by MVP. With Team Lashley together, the trio turned their attention to "the Head of the Church" at the top of the rampway. Lashley refused to take credit for that outcome, after the Stomp in which Seth committed. All the while, Zelina Vega would be left to check on the patriarch of La Invasíon - who tugged at his hair and screamed out for Seth's name!

RAW Talk #24 – September 7, 2020
Charly Caruso and Booker T discussed Monday Night RAW, including the takes the broadcast journalist had when it came to the head games played between RAW Tag Team Champion Theory and her ex-date Angel Garza. Caruso condemned both of their behaviors, and warned that she was not afraid to file for a restraining order against both of them. Charly wanted nothing but to be perceived as the professional she was.
The O.C. joined the show to continue their celebration, after picking up a big victory against Kevin Owens and Matt Riddle. While "the Phenomenal One" was focused on the WWE United States Championship on the shoulder of the one-armed "Prize Fighter", Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson made fun of not only "the Original Bro" and his new "ride", but everything fringing around the idea of K-Bro! "The Good Brothers" and "Phenomenal Hoot" contested 'the Kevin Owens Show' next week, but AJ was sure to show eagerness to meeting KO in the ring one-to-one.
Zack Ryder was welcomed out next, still feeling the brunt of the beating received at the hands of Randy Orton earlier tonight. "The Long Island Iced-Z" appeared out of character, as he spoke deflatedly about the loss suffered - yet he still believed he was just getting started. Ryder admitted idolizing Edge and Christian his entire career, and to this day was big fans and friends of theirs - but afte everything "the Viper" had done, the part he played was every bit as satisfying. Zack spoke motivationally about refinding himself and going back to basics: that including getting back on the saddle, and scratching and clawing back up the ladder.

· 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 · Sept 27, 2023 17:32:12 GMT -5

Quote

Post by DTP. on Sept 27, 2023 17:32:12 GMT -5

NXT #421: Super Tuesday II – September 8, 2020
Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida
"All Out Life" by Slipknot
LESS THAN FOUR WEEKS FROM NXT TAKEOVER: UNFORGIVEN!

NXT UK #110: Calm Before The Storm - September 10, 2020

1) A-Kid def. Noam Dar with the running enzuigiri. (6:57) [NXT UK #86 - MAR 26, 2020]
2) NXT UK Women's Champion Kay Lee Ray and Jinny def. Piper Niven and Dani Luna when KLR hit Luna with the Gory Bomb. (7:15) [NXT UK #87 - APR 2, 2020]

An advertisement aired promoting the new beginning of NXT UK, returning exclusively to the WWE Network next week on Thursday, September 17.
3) Ilja Dragunov def. Tyler Bate, Trent Seven, Finn Bálor, NXT Cruiserweight Champion Jordan Devlin, Joe Coffey, Flash Morgan Webster, Ridge Holland, Noam Dar, Tyson T-Bone, Kassius Ohno, A-Kid, Travis Banks, Alexander Wolfe, Oliver Carter, Ashton Smith, Joseph Conners, Dave Mastiff, Ligero & Amir Jordan in a Number One Contender's 20-Man Battle Royal when Dragunov hit Torpedo Moscow as Bate attempted to skin the cat. (22:41; 13:00 shown) [NXT UK #87 - APR 2, 2020]
4) NXT United Kingdom Champion WALTER def. Ridge Holland with the Powerbomb. (6:51) [NXT UK #88 - APR 9, 2020]

A video package aired, recapping the events from last week on NXT. It was Super Tuesday, with two titles at stake including the NXT Women's Championship and the NXT Tag Team Championship. Io Shirai would overcome Dakota Kai as Raquel González simply watched on, before later confronting her attacker from last week Rhea Ripley - issuing the challenge to her for NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven. The Undisputed Era looked to recapture the gold from the obnoxious duo of Ever-Rise, and received a hometown ovation from the NXT Universe upon Adam Cole's arrival. Yet Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly would be thwarted in their pursuits by a disqualification finish - leading to a wild and unexpected skirmish between the former NXT Champion and Pat McAfee. In the main event, Finn Bálor arrived preparing to fight suspected challenger Karrion Kross, just for "the Herald of Doomsday" to prove his stripes by annihilating "the Prince" - even going as far as to attack innocent officials. The Kross Jacket saw Kross stand tall over the NXT Champion!

The NXT Universe buzzed as we arrived to the campus of Full Sail University. With a rabid crowd of fans wearing facial coverings in attendance behind plexiglass walls surrounding the ringside area, we went atop the Perch to Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett. Welcoming us to the second edition of NXT Super Tuesday, they ran down the takeaways from last week before discussing tonight - where Pat McAfee and Adam Cole would meet in the same ring for a Summit officiated by NXT General Manager William Regal. The NXT Cruiserweight Championship would be defended; plus, in a match signed moments before coming on the air - Dexter Lumis would challenge "Absolute" Ricky Starks for the NXT North American Championship!

NXT General Manager William Regal hosts a Summit with Adam Cole and Pat McAfee
NXT North American Championship - Ricky Starks vs Dexter Lumis
NXT Cruiserweight Championship - Santos Escobar vs Isaiah Scott
Deonna Purrazzo vs Tegan Nox

Brutality Will Prevail
"The Brutalist" was met with a mixed chorus of cheers and boos from the NXT faithful, as she stepped out to Full Sail Arena. Rhea Ripley grinned as she looked around before stomping down on the aisleway, knowing she had less than four weeks to wait for her next opportunity at the NXT Women's Championship. In leather and steel, Rhea took to the microphone to admit how she had flared the tempers of both her fans and Io Shirai's fans. If it was any consolation to anyone watching, the Aussie claimed to really like "the Genius of the Sky". She was a good worker ant - but at the end of the day, she had something that belonged to her. Chants for "the Joshi Judas" followed, as Ripley reminded the people of how they once gave her the same praise - they all wanted to be friends with her! When she defeated Shayna Baszler ten months ago, it was the NXT Universe who rushed the ring and paraded her around on her shoulders - but so much for family!

Rhea Ripley reminded the people that when push came to shove and WrestleMania came around, her true crowning moment was dashed when Charlotte Flair beat her, doing everything in her power to ruin that little girl's dreaming at competing at the greatest spectacle in sports entertainment. "The Brutalist" confessed she felt like she failed, but when it came to the NXT Universe, not one of them consoled her. When she needed those friends, they were gone. Even worse was the fact she never got a chance to avenge her loss to "the Queen" - because Io Shirai did it first, capturing her NXT Women's Championship at NXT TakeOver: In Your House. Ripley was no idiot - she knew "the Genius of the Sky" thought she was better than the entire division, especially her. Io's ego had to be sky high, which was why she felt the need to come back and remind her who ran the NXT Women's Division. At NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven, the Aussie declared she would reclaim her place at the tip-top of "the Black and Gold" kingdom.

The NXT Women's Champion was receptive to "the Brutalist's" comments, and the NXT Universe came to their feet once Io Shirai made her way out to the ring. Wasting no time, she would immediately enter the ring before going nose-to-chest with her upcoming challenger. Seven days after defeating Dakota Kai in her last defence, "the Joshi Judas" snatched the microphone and demanded Rhea Ripley spare her the sob story - she would remain Unforgiven. At NXT TakeOver, Io vowed to see her fail again, but Ripley laughed. She teased a right hand but instead, "the Genius of the Sky" met her with leg kicks just to be taken down with a big boot! Ragdolling her back up for the Rip Tide, mid-move Shirai would reverse - locking in the Koji Clutch in mid-air! Rhea appeared to be on her way out, dropping to a knee - but would ultimately gut it out and follow through with a monstrous Rip Tide! Showboating to boos, Ripley added an exclamation point with a second Rip Tide to leave the Japanese Superstar laying!

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Following discussion from Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett, a replay aired from last week where Adam Cole found himself engaged in a bitter argument with Pat McAfee. The former All-Pro had helped himself to making a guest appearance at the announce table, prompting "the Panama City Playboy" to be on high alert. After again insulting the former NXT Champion's height, McAfee and Cole would have a brief scrap leading to security, officials and referees to come between the two! A graphic aired, promoting tonight's Summit held by William Regal, which would see the leader of the Undisputed Era and the host of the Pat McAfee Show share the same ring.

✕✕✕

An Absolute Joke
McKenzie Mitchell was at the backstage interview area, welcoming her guest - an incredibly vexed NXT North American Champion "Absolute" Ricky Starks. Immediately he complained how unfair it was that he was expected to make the first defense of his title with less than an hour's notice! Ricky asked McKenzie if she had any idea what lengths he had to go to to pry this title out of Keith Lee's big, fat sausage-fingered hands at NXT TakeOver XXX a few weeks ago. "The Center of Attention" continued to rant how not only was it his first defence on such little notice: it was against the biggest creep walking NXT. Questioning who conducted his background check and why he was even a part of "the Black and Gold Brand", the champ claimed to be outraged and had every right to simply not even show up for the match tonight. On cue, behind him appeared Keith Lee. Remarking how unwise it would be for "the Star Attraction" to put a blemish on the gold he brought to such great heights not too long ago, he advised he reconsider!

The NXT North American Champion rolled his eyes before questioning what he wanted to do this week: hunt him down? Throw him in another cake and ruin his swag? "Absolute" Ricky Starks made out he was fed up of harassment from a guy he beat clean in the middle at NXT TakeOver XXX! Keith Lee grinned, telling "the Star Attraction" he clearly had it all figured out - but he wasn't going to hunt him down, regardless of what he had to say about him and his family last week. Simply put, "the Limitless One" was a man with a vested interest: and tonight he wanted to make sure "Pretty Ricky" made it to the ring for his match with Dexter Lumis. Starks scoffed, asking what would happen in the event he didn't, when Lee tensed up imposingly! The champ backed down, telling Lee he would mop the floor with the moustache on Dexter Lumis's ugly face - but then he was going to do it because he was "Absolute". As Starks departed, Lee was amused at the role he played in helping him make the right choice.

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1) Lucha House Party def. Legado del Fantasma in a Lucha Rules match (7:42)

What had been brewing since Lucha House Party handed Legado del Fantasma their first loss back at NXT TakeOver XXX had led to a second Lucha Rules match - this time pitting Joaquin Wilde and Raúl Mendoza against Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik. With two men in the ring at a time and no tags necessary, the action got off to a lightning quick start with "the King of the Ropes" proving why he was exactly that with a springboard arm drag to Mendoza. Wilde came in to receive a springboard missile dropkick from "the Golden Lynx", who briefly found himself backed into a corner with a hard clothesline. Though a springboard gamengiri knocked Wilde down a peg, he came back with a springboard DDT! Legado del Fantasma were feeling it as Mendoza propelled Wilde high into the air for a dropkick to Dorado, when Metalik zipped in with a slingshot springboard wheelbarrow armdrag - both of Santos Escobar's henchmen out to the floor. Time to fly, Dorado and Metalik hit stereo Tornillos to the floor!

Gran Metalik drilled Joaquin Wilde with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker, when in snuck Raúl Mendoza illegally. Wilde responded with a hanging overhead kick. Quickly the jackyls of Legado del Fantasma took turns stomping away at "the King of the Ropes", and an aided springboard moonsault saw Mendoza and Wilde show their chemistry. Metalik fought back with a tilt-a-whirl facebuster to Joaquin when Raúl drilled him with a spinning brainbuster! Attempting the modified Cloverleaf, Metalik sent him to the floor as Dorado came bounding outside with an Asai moonsault! Dorado took on both members of Legado del Fantasma with crossbodies and a spinning wheel kick, when "the Golden Lynx" was cut off with the Hostile Makeover! Mendoza planted him with a death valley driver, crossing hairs with Wilde's 450 splash - but Lucha House Party kicked out! Metalik was barged from the ropewalk by both men leaving Dorado to luck out with a handspring Stunner, and a Shooting Star Press gave him the win over Mendoza.

No Honor Among Thieves
Lucha House Party once again proved to be unflappable against the henchmen of the NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar, rejoining in the ring to celebrate another victory. Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik hugged it out, when from behind saw Raúl Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde show their unprofessionalism by ambushing "the Golden Lynx" and "the King of the Ropes!" Legado del Fantasma dropped Dorado with Wilde's Russian legsweep and Mendoza's enzuigiri, before threatening to remove his mask. Metalik tried to intervene, only to be hit with a fisherman driver from Raúl! Thankfully Kalisto was watching, and in the nick of time would race to the ring, seeing Escobar's men cower away. "El Samuray" would surely have an interest in tonight's NXT Cruiserweight Championship match pitting "the Emperor" against Isaiah "Swerve" Scott.

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Terrance and Phillip
Breezango were hanging out backstage, deep in conversation about the current state of the NXT Tag Team Division. Coming after the Lucha Rules match, Tyler Breeze and Fandango made light of Lucha House Party for wearing masks that made them look like Uggos - yet they both lamented the fact Legado del Fantasma didn't wear masks! 'Dango admitted to finding Santos Escobar handsome, but his pets Joaquin Wilde and Raúl Mendoza needed to put masks on. "Prince Pretty" continued, talking about being eight years into this incredible friendship - and now they needed to close in on the NXT Tag Team Championship. The Undisputed Era were good guys with style that would warrant one million hours of probation; meanwhile Dango could not bring himself to comment on the stuff Imperium walked around in! "The Fashion Police" joked made jokes at the expense of Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel, right down to questioning what "keeping the mat sacred" even meant.

Abruptly, up walked the NXT Tag Team Champions Ever-Rise. Unimpressed by being overlooked, Matt Martel and Chase Parker both quizzed Breezango what they thought to them. Tyler Breeze and Fandango turned away momentarily to converse, before coming forward to present the co-hosts of 'Ever-Rise Live' with their findings: they were like Terrance and Phillip! As Parker and Martel squabbled with "the Fashion Police", who made fun of Martel and Parker's inability to win matches and defend their titles fair and square, the Canadians shot back raising that "Prince Pretty" and Dango had always been jokes and forever would be. A particularly vexed Martel was held back by Parker, hoping that Imperium would tear Breezango limb from limb tonight! As the champs were left alone, Matt voiced how offended he was that their fashion could ever be as bad as theirs. Particularly touchy, it seemed both champs were offended.

As the Summit with NXT General Manager William Regal and recent enemy Adam Cole awaited, Pat McAfee had arrived backstage at Full Sail University. Conversing with several of "The Boys" from Pat McAfee Inc., including Ty Schmit and Phil Mains wearing visitor lanyards, up walked WWE Executive Vice President Triple H. "The Game" shook hands with the trio before conversing inaudibly with McAfee. How could things possibly go tonight in the ring?

✕✕✕

No Words Necessary
Following a video replay of his record-breaking six second victory over Faboo Andre, earlier today Dijakovic was spotted walking a narrow hallway backstage before going blocked in his path by Killian Dain. "The Beast of Belfast" stood sternly in the face of "the Demolition Man", though no words would leave his lips. Dijakovic slowly removed his aviators and stared him down. Asking if he wanted to try with him, Dain simply breathed deeply in return. Placing the sunglasses back on his face, Dijakovic took no answer for a "yes".

2) Dijakovic def. Killian Dain (0:05)

On a tear since resurfacing last month as "the Demolition Man", Dijakovic had established himself as one of the most wildly unpredictable competitors on "the Black and Gold Brand". Against a true foe in Killian Dain, the Irishman arrived in jeans and a cut-off shirt for a true battle of the beasts. Instead, "the Beast of Belfast" made the mistake of turning to face the referee. Turning around, he was taken out cold with the Cyclone Kick! Dropping down immediately onto the cover, Dijakovic had just broken his own record!

Killian Dain had been destroyed by "the Demolition Man", who once again had picked up an outrageous win with the lethal Cyclone Kick. Even Dijakovic appeared in disbelief, as the NXT Universe began to chant "that was awesome" in the victor's way. "The Beast of Belfast" appeared to be still out cold, while for Dijakovic the plan was simple: to keep winning world bests, even if it meant purely breaking his own records.

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Watch Your Own Back
Footage aired from a scene last week, where Dakota Kai came to after her loss to Io Shirai with the NXT Women's Championship on the line. After being carried to the back by Raquel González, "King Kota" threw a tantrum knocking over equipment and tossing over tables! Approached by "Big Mami Cool", Dakota blamed her loss on the fact that Raquel didn't try to help her. Believing she should be champion right now, she questioned what money she was paying her "Insurance Policy's" family! González warned her to keep her family out of this, but this only willed Kai to bring up the money she was offering her to provide for her grandmother. González grew agitated as Kota pondered the possibility that she pull the plug on the funding for her relative's hospital bills! Raquel teased pushing Kota against the wall, but she could only listen as Dakota questioned if it was her granny - or her aunt. Either way, she could care less!

Up walked Mia Yim, questioning whether Raquel González was willing to take that treatment from her. Dakota Kai questioned what this had to do with her, prompting "the Blasian Baddie" to question what gave Kota the right to sass her own muscle. As Raquel remained conflicted between the two, "King Kota" said she did what she wanted and that it had nothing to do with her. The two would get into a shoving match, when Mia claimed she would school her ass anytime, any place! While González provided a wedge between Yim and Kai, the veteran would tell "Big Mami Cool" some chilling words, that every once in a while she had to watch her own back. As Yim departed, Kota reminded Raquel she could keep sending her family money - or she could cut them off.

✕✕✕

Footage aired from last week, recapping the blindsight attack from Karrion Kross, dished out to Finn Bálor before the match even got underway. There was great speculation this was "the Tollman's" plan all along, as he decimated not only the NXT Champion with the Kross Jacket - but multiple harmless officials in the process. A graphic followed, as it was noted that neither Kross nor Scarlett were in attendance tonight - we would hear from the NXT General Manager William Regal up next.

With the Summit still to come, the Undisputed Era were seen gathered in the backstage corridor at Full Sail Arena. Adam Cole conversed with Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly, when up walked Roderick Strong to hug it out with "the Panama City Playboy". The faction chatted inaudibly, as the former NXT Champion prepared to meet Pat McAfee in the ring with NXT General Manager William Regal - still to come.

Disorderly Conduct
McKenzie Mitchell was in the office of NXT General Manager William Regal, asking him to weigh in on the conduct of Karrion Kross last week against Finn Bálor. The Englishman noted the NXT Universe were bracing themselves for the Summit between Pat McAfee and Adam Cole, but he didn't want anybody to get ahead of themselves. Pat was not a trained WWE Superstar, and it was in the best interests of the NXT Brand for peace to be restored with a man such as the Pro Bowl winner. Shifting gears to the situation with "the Herald of Doomsday", he believed what happened last week had potential to set an awful precedent for NXT Superstars. He knew exactly how premeditated Kross's assault on "the Prince" was - after all, he was a "Villain" himself, but what bothered him more was the attack on hard-working innocent referees. With that said, not only was he decreeing no NXT Championship opportunity for Karrion - he was to be fined and suspended, pending further investigation!

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3) Dexter Lumis def. Ricky Starks (c) by disqualification; Starks retains the NXT North American Championship (5:23)

"The Star Attraction" was livid to be making his first defense of the NXT North American Championship against "the Tortured Artist". Dexter Lumis was jumped before the bell by Ricky Starks, who got a head start with a swinging neckbreaker. "Absolute" hammered away at Dex when a back elbow saw Silence attempted - but Ricky clung to the ropes! A running bulldog got a near fall, when Starks rolled out, just for the challenger to crawl out with his fists right behind him. Putting a scare in "Pretty Ricky", Starks lead the chase back inside for the spear - for a one count! Petrified, Ricky attempted the Roshambo but Lumis reversed and connected with a slingshot suplex - but the champ got his foot on the rope. Rolling out to the floor, Ricky planned to get himself counted out when Keith Lee came walking out! Lumis snatched Starks, who squirmed to escape! He tried to hop the barricade to escape, when Silence was locked in - but the champ would knock him out with a shot from the ring bell!

The NXT North American Champion fell back into Silence courtesy of Dexter Lumis, who appeared to have been knocked out cold with the ring bell! Ricky Starks screamed for help until the referee was able to free him from the hold. "Absolute" gasped for air upon returning to his feet and decided to put the stomps to "the Tortured Artist", who remained down and out on the floor. Keith Lee, who was watching from afar, would not allow this for a second longer and came charging down to ringside! ""The Limitless One" duked it out with the champ at ringside, but Starks was able to make a swift getaway. Lee stared a hole through "Pretty Ricky", plotting his revenge for the loss recorded at NXT TakeOver XXX.

✕✕✕

Still Not Interested
As Killian Dain sulked after the record-breaking loss at the hands of Dijakovic, "the Beast of Belfast" complained vocally when finding annoyance in Cameron Grimes approaching him. "The Carolina Caveman" claimed to know what Dain was thinking - Dijakovic got lucky and he did not deserve to lose that way. The southern boy believed that things could have fared much better for the big man had he given ol' Cameron Grimes a chance! With a pat on the chest, he still believed the two of them could make a gosh-darn great team - when he realized his most vital mistake. Grimes ran for the hills, with Dain still not interested in putting up with the smooth-talking North Carolinian!

Ashantee
A vignette aired, taking us to a smoky empty dive bar. Tehuti Miles drowned his sorrows in dismay at what transpired last week on 205 Live. As events saw him reminded of the defeats at the hands of multiple NXT Superstars, Miles was particularly aggravated in sustaining losses against Mansoor. A female bartender with white braids glanced over the counter. Asking him what got him so blue, he admitted that he was feeling pretty down and out. Sick and tired of getting no respect, he felt as though he'd been walked on his entire life. The tall female bartender believed Tehuti needed a change of pace, and she asked if she fancied sticking around after closing time. She introduced herself as Briana, and Miles said he would before asking for another drink. Briana asked to see his I.D., commenting on his cute baby face. He obliged, and she scanned it with her eyes before handing it back to him: but not before telling him that Ashantee was a much cooler name. Smiling back, he said he'd have to keep that in mind.

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4) Imperium def. Breezango (9:19)

Tensions began to build in the NXT Tag Team Division, with the likes of Imperium, Breezango and the Undisputed Era all vying for a shot at the NXT Tag Team Champions Ever-Rise. With both teams looking to climb the ranks, "the Fashion Police" made a hysterical entrance mocking the presence of Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel - even dressing in their signature ring jackets! It antagonized the Europeans, who immediately attacked them upon entry and shed their getups. Tyler Breeze hit a dropkick to fend off Barthel and Aichner, when a spinebuster fed into a soccer kick to the chest. Fandango came in with some dropkicks of his own before a scoop powerslam took Barthel overhead! The falcon arrow for Aichner had "the Dancer" cutting about the ring like only he could, when joined by Breeze with stereo dives through and over the ropes! Breezango continued to show how serious they were about a title opportunity, when Dango was cut off by a German suplex from Aichner.

Imperium honed in on the surgically repaired elbow of Fandango during the break, where "the Dancer" fought both men just for Marcel Barthel to sent him shoulder first into the ring post! Barthel and Fabian Aichner traded tags, with an Air Raid Crash from Barthel getting a near fall. Tyler Breeze wanted the tag prompting Aichner to barge him from the apron, allowing for Imperium to strike further with body blows. Dango was set up for the Imperium Bomb, but fought free with a tornado DDT - the tag made to "Prince Pretty!" Breeze took on anything moving, dropping Aichner with a cut-throat lungblower before crotching Barthel over the ropes. A big boot followed, and a dodge led to the Supermodel Kick connecting! The action broke down with the Beauty Shot connected on Aichner, when Dango stepped in for a double Supermodel Kick for Barthel. Breezango had it won when Ever-Rise arrived at ringside! Fabian capitalized sending Dango from the ring, when the Imperial Bomb on Breeze got the win!

Manhunt
Ever-Rise laughed it up from the aisle, knowing they had just thwarted Breezango in their pursuit of victory against Imperium. The NXT Tag Team Champions got even after the mockery that was made of them earlier tonight by Tyler Breeze and Fandango, who stumbled to his feet and was ambushed by Matt Martel and Chase Parker! The two would put the boots to "the Dancer" when out came Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly! Attacking the champs who cheated their way into leaving last week with the gold, the Undisputed Era pursued the French-Canadians into cowering back inside the ring. Martel and Parker found solace in the company of Fabian Aichner and Marcel Bartel in the ring, all the while Fish and O'Reilly exchanged looks with the Europeans. The champs thought they were safe, when Aichner and Barthel showed their own interest in the titles - attacking Ever-Rise! Sending them running to the floor, out of nowhere saw "the Fashion Police" get even with Imperium - with the use of stereo Supermodel Kicks! Everybody wanted the gold, as Breezango stared down the UE.

✕✕✕

Following discussion from Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett a video package aired catching us up to speed on the saga that led to tonight's rematch between Deonna Purrazzo and Tegan Nox. It was back on July 22 where "the Virtuosa" stole a win over "the Welsh Valley Wonder", who after the match struck back with a Shiniest Wizard that Deonna would never forget. As Purrazzo became influential within the Brand led by Robert Stone, for weeks on end she put roadblocks in Tegan's way of getting a rematch. Branding her as a sore loser, Nox would work harder and harder to earn her way to Deonna - even being aided in her quest by Shotzi. Now finally, after defeating Mercedes Martinez two weeks ago, Nox would get her match.

Tegan Nox was accompanied by Shotzi, who blurted out with encouraging statements for "the Welsh Valley Wonder". All summer long, Tegan had pursued her rematch with Deonna Purrazzo, and would look to knock "the Virtuosa" from her mantle - up next.

An advertisement aired, promoting the Best of WWE on Peacock. From the classic hits to in the ring, to behind-the-scenes, these were OMG moments the WWE Universe just had to see. WWE content was streaming now on Peacock.

An exterior shot overlooking the campus of Full Sail University was shown, as Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett talked about WWE on Peacock - stream WWE specials and documentaries now on PeacockTV.com.

5) Deonna Purrazzo (with Robert Stone) def. Tegan Nox (with Shotzi) (9:55)

The culmination of her summer chase had found Tegan Nox at the doorstep of Deonna Purrazzo once again. With Robert Stone supporting her, the Brand member appeared confident when rushed by "the Welsh Valley Wonder", who eagerly went on the attack with a reverse Cannonball in the corner! As a sit-out gourdbuster connected, "the Hipster" could be seen panicking at ringside, when a dive through the ropes wiped out Purrazzo on impact! Shotzi backed "the Welsh Valley Wonder" up, frightening Stone briefly, as Tegan rolled Deonna back inside. Preventing her going further with a DDT, "the Virtuosa" used her intelligence to begin using an arsenal of attacks focused on the arm of "the Girl with the Shiniest Wizard". Tegan fought back with a headbutt and a bridging fallaway slam, when cut off by a release German suplex! Purrazzo grew confident as she returned to the shoulder, utilizing joint manipulation to keep her grounded.

Tegan Nox battled back with a one-legged dropkick, before ascending to the top rope. A knee lift rocked her, Deonna Purrazzo teasing a superplex to be kicked from the top by "the Welsh Valley Wonder". Shotzi cheered her on as a Tegan-Go-Round connected, but Robert Stone distracted Nox - allowing for a Gotch-style sitout Powerbomb! "The Ballsy Badass" confronted "the Hipster" outside, when Mercedes Martinez was summoned. As "the Latina Phenomenon" got in the face of Shotzi, Nox dropped Deonna with a super kick - and another dive through the ropes took down Martinez! Tegan grabbed Stone by the tie and sent him inside, with the Shiniest Wizard bound to come his way. Deonna threw herself into the fire with the Shiniest Wizard, but Stone grabbed the referee's attention feigning for help! With his back turned, Martinez hit the ring after blindsighting Shotzi at ringside - the fisherman buster wiping Tegan out. Purrazzo followed up by applying the Venus de Milo, forcing Nox to tap!

The thought-to-be hurt Robert Stone's grimace turned to a smile, as "the Hipster" ceased feigning an ankle injury. Deonna Purrazzo came to her feet satisfied, having her hand raised by the official as though she defeated Tegan Nox all by herself! It took all three members of the Brand to beat "the Welsh Valley Wonder", who clutched her shoulder in pain. Mercedes Martinez joined "the Virtuosa" in the ring, as they stood with a perfectly fine Robert Stone - when into the ring stormed a furious Shotzi, wielding a steel chair! Sticking up for her friend, "the Ballsy Badass" swung wildly for anybody in her way, running the Brand from the ring.

✕✕✕

Backstage, the NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar was escorted down the corridor by Joaquin Wilde and Raúl Mendoza. Legado del Fantasma had already suffered one loss tonight, but before heading for the ring "the Emperor" halted his henchmen in their tracks. Santos made it clear that their loss tonight would not be tolerated, stating it was not the way of the LdF. Believing failure was not an option in their supremacy of the NXT Cruiserweight Division, he told them tonight they would watch from the sidelines as he reminded Isaiah "Swerve" Scott who ruled this landscape. Escobar's vision was paramount to the cause - and he made his way to defend the title against "the King of Swerve Style" up next!

Film Study
A vignette aired, taking us to the home of Timothy Thatcher. Wearing a deep red dress shirt, "the Professor of Pain" stood before a blazing fireplace holding a glass of red wine. Half-full, Tim swirled the glass as he addressed a small group of his students, hosting a film study. He spoke at great length of his win over Bronson Reed, persevering until the end, "the Battleship" was not expecting him to be so committed and dedicated to the craft of professional wrestling. With a television remote in hand, he replayed the footage from Reed vs Thatcher II, which ended once a sleeper hold saw Reed collapse from the second rope - just for "the Toothless Teacher" to keep the hold clamped on. As Thatch intimidated the room asking if there were any questions, he concluded expecting everyone to keep an eye on what came next: the crippling of the NXT Champion. Next week he declared victory and guaranteed it. 100% or not, he planned to relish the opportunity to serve great punishment onto "the Prince".

Next week - NXT Champion Finn Bálor vs Timothy Thatcher

✕✕✕

6) Santos Escobar (c) def. Isaiah Scott to retain the NXT Cruiserweight Championship (12:24)

While the NXT Cruiserweight Champion's reign had been a dominant one, it did not deter Isaiah "Swerve" Scott from issuing the challenge two weeks ago. While Santos Escobar dripped with confidence, "the Soul of Lucha-Libre" was not expecting the challenger to come at him with some lightning quick offense. After a dropdown and a leapfrog, a dropkick, an arm drag and a hurricanrana followed which led to "the Emperor" sliding out of the ring to safety. "The King of Swerve Style" rolled over the top rope onto his feet on the apron, teasing a lucha-libre esque dive to the floor. Having psyched him out, the leader of Legado del Fantasma plotted to outdo his opponent with a dropdown and a backward roll of his own, when a hurricanrana saw "Swerve" sail through the ropes. Escobar attempted the Topé from the Depths of Hell but Scott evaded it before hitting the ropes inside and coming over with a turning moonsault plancha to the floor - clearing the ropes entirely!

Isaiah Scott connected with a rolling flatliner, constantly on the attack. Heading to the top, Escobar blocked it with an enzuigiri, bringing him down with a sitout powerbomb! "The Spirit of Lucha-Libre" tried to ground Isaiah, catching him with a splash on the apron. Escobar's attempt at a Frog Splash went awry as Scott leaped up into a frankensteiner! Immediately following with the diving European uppercut to the back of the head, "the King of Swerve Style" began his ascent, when Escobar cut him off with a super kick! Another powerbomb was blocked, as was the Phantom Driver - and "Swerve" struck with the JML Driver: narrowly getting a two-count! The House Call connected, when against the champ's orders, Joaquin Wilde and Raúl Mendoza came to ringside. Leon Ruff tried coming to his friend's aid just to get decked, when Kalisto arrived on the scene to take out Legado del Fantasma! Escobar capitalized, planting Scott with the Phantom Driver to keep the NXT Cruiserweight Championship!

Kalisto watched in disbelief as Santos Escobar had his hand raised in victory. Hitting the ring, "El Samuray" chased the NXT Cruiserweight Champion from the ring, seeing him rejoin with Raúl Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde. Unimpressed with their help, "the Emperor" made it known by slapping both of them upside the head as he departed. Meanwhile, Leon Ruff entered the ring to help Isaiah Scott to his feet - but "Swerve" was not happy whatsoever to see Kalisto! Holding him responsible for the loss, the two argued with Ruff trying to come between them. The leader of Lucha House Party was left alone in the ring, his efforts at helping having gone awry.

✕✕✕

Graphics appeared on-screen as Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett began to discuss next week's edition of NXT - back in their usual time next Wednesday from 8/7 CT. It had already been announced that the NXT Champion Finn Bálor would be back after last week's attack at the hands of Karrion Kross, and would meet Timothy Thatcher. Elsewhere, NXT General Manager William Regal had officially signed a Fatal 4-Way match for the NXT Tag Team Championships - with Ever-Rise defending against Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly, Breezango and Imperium. Plus, Dakota Kai would take on Mia Yim; and both Io Shirai and Rhea Ripley would be in action!

NXT Champion Finn Bálor vs Timothy Thatcher
NXT Tag Team Championship - Fatal 4-Way match - Ever-Rise (c) vs Breezango vs Imperium vs Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly
Dakota Kai vs Mia Yim
NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai will be in action
Rhea Ripley will be in action

After their series of close encounters over the past two weeks, both Adam Cole and Pat McAfee were seen making the rounds through the backstage area at Full Sail University. With Roderick Strong accompanying "the Panama City Playboy", and Ty Schmit and Phil Mains following the host of SiriusXM's 'Pat McAfee Show'. They would meet and hash out their differences in the ring under the supervision of NXT General Manager William Regal - up next.

An advertisement aired, promoting all the merchandise available from "the Black and Gold Brand" at WWEShop.com - 'Show Your Allegiance'.

✕✕✕

The Collapsing Summit
NXT General Manager William Regal stood in the center of the ring, to the respect owed from the NXT Universe. As the Englishman thanked them, he believed that there was no use in wasting any more time than absolutely necessary. First ordering out Adam Cole, the leader of the Undisputed Era received a homefield advantage in terms of response, as he came accompanied by his good friend Roderick Strong. The UE sang along with "the Panama City Playboy's" signature pose in the ring, as he met with a sceptical GM. William told Adam not to give him that look, but Adam argued that with the history they shared, they might not like each other but William of all people could understand why he took a swing at Pat McAfee last week. Roddy backed up his buddy as the UE leader reminded Regal of what ran through his blood. He was born naughty to the core, and when it came to sticking up for the men and women who had made this business their passion and their life - he was simply defending it from an outsider.

As Adam Cole continued to discuss how Pat McAfee had insulted this industry and everyone in it, he concluded that what the Undisputed Era had done for the better part of three years might well be naughty - but it was undeniable how much passion they possessed for sports entertainment! "The Panama City Playboy" was met with William Regal telling him outright that he didn't bloody care. What the NXT General Manager wanted was not for Adam to be picking scraps with non-wrestlers by the likes of Pat McAfee! All of a sudden, Pat McAfee raised his voice - appearing standing atop the announce table at ringside. Amused by the lover's quarrel going on between fierce foes Adam and William, the former punter for the Indianapolis Colts couldn't help but find the whole picture hysterical. For Regal to believe he was any less of a man than Adam Cole because he couldn't lace up a pair of boots and be an NXT Superstar like him was a load of crock! Pat said he was every bit and more of an athlete than the garden gnome in that ring, and all it would take was six months in that ring to become NXT Champion.

Adam Cole raised the question asking Pat McAfee if he wanted to give it a shot, when William Regal interjected. Demanding the host of SiriusXM's 'Pat McAfee Show' get in the ring, the All Pro first wanted assurance that he'd keep "the Panama City Playboy" on a lead. Pridefully, Adam said he would behave, as Roderick Strong tried to keep him back. Pat knew why the NXT General Manager had brought them together, with hopes of providing exposure to "the Black and Gold Brand". In this day and age, cross-promotion was everything, and all anybody wanted was "the rub". Fortunately for NXT, he was a fan of the product, even if he didn't like Adam. He was man enough to put aside all of their differences for the love of the NXT Brand. While Roddy remained visibly sceptical behind him, the leader of the Undisputed Era sensed William Regal glaring at him to say the right thing, and painfully agreed he too was willing to mend fences. Putting it down to getting off on the wrong foot, he hoped they could both learn from this.

Adam Cole went to leave with Roderick Strong, when William Regal stood in their way. The NXT General Manager apologized, but he needed to see more proof that everything was going to be rosy from this point on. Trying to save face before a grinning Pat McAfee, the two Undisputed Era members argued with the NXT General Manager, accusing him of loving this humiliation! The former punter for the Indianapolis Colts asked "the Panama City Playboy" what was taking so long, and Adam was forced to suck it up and look him in the eye once more. Pat told Adam before anything, he wanted to make it clear what love and admiration he had for sports entertainment: how he was raised on the Monday Night Wars, and switching channels between Monday Night RAW and WCW Monday Nitro. He knew all there was to know, and while he spent much of his professional career playing for the Colts, at the SuperBowl and in the Pro Bowl - he had always loved this, arguably more than Adam ever could!

"The Panama City Playboy" contested that claim, but Pat McAfee wanted to voice what he didn't like about Adam Cole more than anything: the fact that for the past three years, he and the rest of the Undisputed Era had made NXT their own personal playground. If anything he pitied William Regal for having to deal with so much of their B.S., but also the entire NXT locker room who had to sit and wait, having their skills and spirits squandered so that Adam could play NXT Champion for 403 days! The NXT General Manager told Cole and Roderick Strong that they weren't the kings of NXT, when finally the GM had heard enough! Regal raised his voice telling Pat that enough was enough, and if the two of them didn't shake hands and apologize to one another, he was going to have to wash his hands of them both! McAfee continued to smirk in Cole's direction, who bit his lip and squeezed out an apology to the radio host.

Observing his hand, Pat McAfee expressed his gratitude that Adam Cole could say those words. Accepting the handshake, the All Pro apologized himself. He was sorry - sorry that his garden gnome-looking ass would never reach his level of superstardom! Pat threw a punch Adam's way, but he caught it and tackled him to the canvas. William Regal was beside himself, immediately stepping in to try and break the two men from one another! Roderick Strong allowed Adam to get in several shots before trying to drag him off - but the Undisputed Era member would relieve the pressure! McAfee battled back, with two of the members of "the Boys" racing out to his aid. Not only were Regal, Strong and a crew of officials present to try and pull the two apart - but so were Ty Schmit and Phil Mains! As Cole was restrained at ringside, McAfee soared with a topé over the top rope! It was all-out war in Full Sail Arena, as McAfee continued to hammer away at Cole - while Regal tried desperately to break it up!

Cole shoves him when Regal stands in the way. He demands the two come to terms and shake hands, because this went over both their heads. McAfee surly, says he can act like a gentleman but isn't sure Adam can. Reluctantly the two shake hands, when Pat tells Adam one last thing - making another short joke. A scrap begins with Strong trying to break it up, and a crew of officials jump in as well. Regal livid, as the two parties have a full-scale pullapart brawl with McAfee getting in some cheap shots on Cole. Pull apart continues as the show goes off the air.

Last Edit: Sept 30, 2023 6:57:56 GMT -5 by DTP.

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· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Oct 1, 2023 6:45:09 GMT -5

Quote

Post by DTP. on Oct 1, 2023 6:45:09 GMT -5

Friday Night SmackDown #1099 - September 11, 2020
Amway Center – WWE ThunderDome in Orlando, Florida
LESS THAN THREE WEEKS FROM CLASH OF CHAMPIONS!
Sponsored by
"Are You Ready" by AC/DC

205 Live #196 – September 11, 2020
1) Chris Bey def. August Grey with the springboard cutter. "The Ultimate Finesser" looked to rack up another victory in rapid fashion, but found himself challenged by the debuting August Grey. Grey showed great upside and nearly surprised Bey with an springboard variation of the Unprettier. Bey would bounce back to take the win. While he celebrated after the match, he would be rudely interrupted by the unwelcome arrival of Alex Sterling, prompting a tense war of words. (5:56)
2) Kacy Catanzaro def. Aliyah with the 450 splash. The young and excitable former American Ninja Warrior did battle with Aliyah, who continued to make waves on her own after being expelled from the Brand by Robert Stone. Aliyah worked hard to disarm Kacy and ground her, but after being pressed from the top rope, the athleticism of Catanzaro earned her the win. (3:50)

Much like the past two weeks, Vanessa Borne came waltzing out to the announce table where she voiced her anger at once again being overlooked. She continued to argue that she was fed up of watching primadonnas like Kacy Catanzaro get featured over the likes of her, which brought the American Ninja Warrior over to the desk. As Borne questioned what she was looking at, Kacy would be the woman to shut Vanessa up with a big right hand! As Catanzaro left, Borne issued threats of revenge her way.

Vic Joseph and Dio Maddin recapped NXT, where Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado overcame Joaquin Wilde and Raúl Mendoza. Later, Santos Escobar retained the NXT Cruiserweight Championship beating Isaiah "Swerve" Scott, with help from Legado del Fantasma and a distraction from Kalisto. Footage aired from after the show on Wednesday: depicting Metalik and Dorado being found beaten backstage. A graphic aired revealing a six-man tag team match for Wednesday - LdF against "Swerve", Leon Ruff and Kalisto.
3) Kalisto def. The Brian Kendrick with the Samuray del Sol. After being beaten by Santos Escobar several weeks ago, "El Samuray" was back on the trail feeling cheated by the advancements of Legado del Fantasma. With "the Emperor" in his sights, Kalisto initially fell victim to the vastly experienced Kendrick, but "the Man with the Plan" would have his plan backfire after some legwork done - Kalisto taking the win. The NXT Cruiserweight Championship in his sights, it was only a matter of time until he got his shot. (7:21)

NXT - Legado del Fantasma vs Isaiah Scott, Kalisto and Leon Ruff

A graphic aired, commemorating the lives lost and changed forever in the events of the September 11 attacks, on this day nineteen years ago. The skyline of New York City was shown, with two beaming lights shining down where the Twin Towers once stood. Never Forget.

No Good Man Would Do What You Have Done
Friday Night SmackDown went on the air, as earlier today the WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns made his arrival to the WWE ThunderDome with Paul Heyman, when who would approach "the Big Dog" but Apollo Crews. "The One-Man Nation" stopped him to question what went off in Roman's head to do what he had done. When questioned, Apollo noted that no good man would do what he had done. To make a deal with the devil was one thing, but to betray everyone who ever supported him was sickening. With a chuckle, the champ admitted he had been a little edgy lately, but that much was nothing new - the difference was, now his colors were true. He would apologize, but it was clear from Apollo's face he was angling to shoot his shot. Reigns encouraged it, and Apollo challenged the Samoan to a match tonight. As Heyman watched eagerly behind his new client, a confident champion accepted - offering to shake his hand. Crews departed instead, as "the Advocate" pondered Roman's strategy.

Tonight - Apollo Crews vs WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns

▆▆▆

Caught up to speed, the WWE ThunderDome glistened with shots of the WWE Universe appearing on the LED boards surrounding the ringside area. Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed us to the show, held in the brand-new, interactive state-of-the-art fan experience! Digesting the tense meeting between WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Apollo Crews, Corey claimed to believe that the champ was the same "Big Dog" he had always been.

1) Shinsuke Nakamura def. Daniel Bryan (13:29)

In a dream match announced earlier today across social media, Daniel Bryan was to do battle with an old training partner-turned-foe in "the Artist". Following Bryan's uncharacteristic show of disrespect to Johnny Gargano last week, "the Expert" went hold-for-hold with the agile striker of Fight Night, resorting to monkey flips to bring down the Japanese icon. Shin grew weary of the grapple game and got physical, prompting Daniel to lay in strikes in return. From forearms to chest kicks, both went for broke when a step-over wheel kick saw Bryan evade it - strategically locking in a heel hook just for Nakamura to latch onto the bottom rope. Beginning to dish up some stomps to the leg, Daniel picked at it just for Nakamura to rebound with an elbow strike, a crane kick and a wheel kick! In the corner a knee lift struck "the Yes Man" as he teetered over the top ropes, when a knee drop followed bringing Bryan crashing over the edge of the ring apron!

Daniel Bryan began to bounce back with several Yes Kicks in the corner, when his attempt at a corner dropkick went awry when Shinsuke Nakamura moved out of the way and slapped on a flying armbar! "The Expert" used what brought him to the dance to reverse, transitioning into a Romero special with the dragon sleeper applied! As "the Artist" made the ropes again, Bryan looked for the achilles hold just for Shin to take him down with an inverted powerslam. He set up for the Kinshasa, but Bryan would sweep him up from underneath! The dropkick connected in the corner before a flying clothesline landed. A missile dropkick went to take "the King of Strong Style" down, but he narrowly evaded it before rolling him backwards and connecting with the Landslide for a near fall! Nakamura went to the top rope, but Bryan ascended with him - a frankensteiner bringing both down to the mat. The action continued with Nakamura rolling to the floor, just for Bryan to come off the apron with a diving knee strike!

Shinsuke Nakamura and Daniel Bryan battled on their knees with strikes exchanged. While "the Expert" initially appeared rocked, he came firing back with a series of elbow strikes. Yes Kicks followed, but "the Artist" grimaced through the pain welcoming more! A roundhouse kick would see Shin sweep the legs and aim for the Kinshasa - but Bryan reversed into a German suplex for a near fall. The Running Knee was planned, but Nakamura rolled through. As Bryan looked for a hold and Nakamura aggressively stomped Bryan down, in the melee the referee wound up knocked down. Bryan locked in the Yes Lock, with Shinsuke tapping - but with no ref, it afforded Cesaro the luxury of interfering! Sauntering down to ringside, "the Swiss Cyborg" did not anticipate being jumped from behind by Johnny Gargano! The WWE Intercontinental Champion would fend him off, helping the man who disrespected him last week. Bryan argued with "Johnny Wrestling", before turning to receive the Kinshasa for a big win!

Didn't Ask For Help
With an all-knowing grin on his face, Shinsuke Nakamura celebrated before taking a bow for the WWE Universe. Daniel Bryan regained his composure as Johnny Gargano watched from ringside, when "the Expert" acknowledged how the WWE Intercontinental Champion was responsible for his downfall. "Johnny Wrestling" defended himself as the two went head to head in the ring, but Gargano would be sent into the line of fire with the Kinshasa knocking the champ out! Bryan would chase "the Artist" from the ring, much to the amusement of the Fight Night member. Mind games continued to be played, as hostilities remained between Gargano and Bryan.

▆▆▆

Returning to Michael Cole and Corey Graves, the two discussed what was coming up tonight including the previously announced match pitting the WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns against Apollo Crews. A Texas Tornado match would look to settle the issues between Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross with the Southern Belles; and the SmackDown Women's Champion would also be in competition when Bayley took on Naomi.

McKenzie Mitchell tried to keep up with the power-walking SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley, who sarcastically claimed she had no idea she was being followed for the past five minutes by some nagging journalist with the shrillest voice known to woman! Believing she said enough last week, "the One Over All" didn't think she had a whole lot to say - mostly because the idea of Sasha Banks was a dull one to her. After all, they had only been attached at the hip for the last five years! It was about time she got a little breathing room from "the Legit Boss", who had spent the past half-decade clinging on for the chance of fame for dear life. Bayley knew Sasha wasn't here tonight, as she hadn't since Payback - but ingenuously, Bayley hoped that her best friend was doing well - besides being chewed up and spit out! She also hoped Sasha would watch tonight to see Naomi fail just like her.

An advertisement aired, promoting Connor's Cure and the V Foundation's Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Starring the returning "Superman" Jimmy, still fighting and advocating for the WWE Universe to join him in their fight. Help the WWE Superstars of tomorrow fight pediatric cancer today. Your support matters.

The 'Progressive Match Flo of the Week' aired, taking us back to the events of last week's ten-man tag team main event. It was chaotic scenes as Braun Strowman was able to lead the contingent comprised of the New Day and the SmackDown Tag Team Champions Heavy Machinery to victory over members of Fight Night and the Royal Family. With an emphatic win and a defeat for his rival Sheamus at Payback, what was next for "the Colossus?"

A Cunning Ruffian
The WWE ThunderDome broke out in boos as the lights went out and came up with blinding white: bringing out Sheamus. The leader of Fight Night walked alone to the ring in a rare occurrence, after his teammate Shinsuke Nakamura was successful in defeating Daniel Bryan. "The Celtic Warrior" entered the ring sporting his slacks, braces and hat, taking to the microphone to address the WWE Universe. Admitting he was going to be brutal and frank about this, he wanted to talk about Braun Strowman. Since April when he wiped him out with the Brogue Kick and damn near destroyed his ankle with the steel steps, they had been at odds. He was responsible for humiliating and shaving the big ugly monster's head, much like Braun took the liberty of making him pay dearly for that in their match at Payback. The thing was, that loss did not satisfy the Irishman. He was every bit of what he said he was, which was what made him the leader of Fight Night: and he knew Braun could do better than that.

"The Celtic Warrior" goaded Braun Strowman into answering his call, asking whether "the Monster Among Men" was about to take that from the man who took what was left of his balding head of hair! Sheamus accused Braun of going soft, prompting the towering giant to emerge in the ring and confront his foe. That's where the Irishman stood back in defense. Strowman snatched the microphone and told him if he thought Payback was anything - he hadn't even gotten started! Strowman told Sheamus that he had asked for it, and therefore would get it: right here tonight. Instead, the Irishman told "the Colossus" there had been a misunderstanding! Sheamus wasn't going to fight Braun here tonight, because he believed they needed a proper time and place to blow this thing off once and for all. He sensed the paranoia Braun was feeling, but assured him there would be no Fight Night, nor would there be the Royal Family to come help him out. It was just the two of them, and that was how it would stay.

"The Colossus" grabbed Sheamus by the throat in the corner, telling him he didn't need his word to end it - he could do it any time he wanted! Sheamus knew, but the place was not here tonight. Letting the Irishman go, he curiously accepted his fate offered by the very giant he had abused for months. As Braun declared outright that next week would see their business end, he went to leave as "the Celtic Warrior" accepted this wish - before blasting him in the back of the head with a shillelagh! Concealed in his slacks, Braun collapsed from the apron to the ringside floor, where he followed and drilled with another finishing blow to the back of the head! Retrieving the microphone, Sheamus told Braun he was as big and as dumb as he thought he was - but next week would be the time they ended this. The place meanwhile was somewhere Braun would forever be familiar with, because they would conduct their business in a Bar Fight! The crafty Irishman left "the Monster Among Men" laying, telling him he'd see him then!

Next week - Bar Fight - Sheamus vs Braun Strowman

▆▆▆

The Southern Belles were dressed the part ahead of their Texas Tornado tag team grudge match with Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross. Weeks of constant harassment, and even a strung-up beatdown courtesy of Mickie James and Lacey Evans to "the Twisted Sister" had led them to this point. In booty shorts, cowboy boots, flannel shirts and cowboy hats, "the Country Gal" and "the First Lady" headed for the ring!

Raging Ape
Following a replay of what transpired between Sheamus and Braun Strowman moments ago, footage aired from during the commercial break showing Braun Strowman return through the curtain. "The Colossus" had had enough of "the Celtic Warrior's" cowardice after striking him with two lethal shots from behind with a shillelagh, and roared whilst tearing his shirt off in one fluid motion! Officials tried to keep "the Monster Among Men" calm, as he screamed for the Irishman - not wishing to wait for next week's Bar Fight.

▆▆▆

2) Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross def. The Southern Belles in a Texas Tornado match (6:15)

The bitterness between the Southern Belles and the former WWE Women's Tag Team Champions had gone on for weeks. With no disqualifications and every woman legal, a wild brawl got this bout under way. While Mickie and Lacey tried to resort to underhanded tactics, Alexa and Nikki battled back with stereo clotheslines and dropkicks as the action spread to ringside! Cross would back body drop "the First Lady" over the barricade, while inside the Insult to Injury took down Mickie for a near fall. "The Southern Gal" regained control with the Mick Kick, before sending her former accomplice up the rampway. A double suplex was planned on "the Twisted Sister", but "Little Miss Bliss" made the save and a double suplex saw James and Evans land on the stage! Nikki caught everybody on a diving crossbody off the stage, before bringing sending Evans back to the ring. Lacey looked for the Lady Lace Up, but Nikki got a sunset flip before catching her with the Whiplash - taking the win!

Tied Up
"The Twisted Sister" found great relief in victory over the Southern Belles, a certain boost of confidence needed after a sluggish summer. Nikki Cross was joined by Alexa Bliss in the ring with a hug, but little did either woman realize that Mickie James was right behind them - knocking both women down! As Mickie pummeled Nikki with right hands, a recovering Lacey Evans resurfaced with a long piece of rope. Together they would hogtie Nikki at her wrists and ankles, before "Little Miss Bliss" decked "the Country Gal" with a Goddess Right - to be met with an immediate Woman's Right from "the First Lady!" Mickie and Lacey had cruel intentions in store, when Carmella hit the ring! "The Princess of Staten Island" was able to run Mickie and Lacey from the ring, to the aid of Alexa. The two women would help Nikki out of her bound predicament, though Nikki was less than thrilled to see "Money Mella". With a scowl, she left the ring on her own, leaving Bliss and Mella to look at one another in confusion.

▆▆▆

The New Day were seen strutting their stuff on the way down the hallway backstage at the WWE ThunderDome, with Xavier Woods between Big E and Kofi Kingston. After a triumphant win in the ten-man tag team match last week, the trio were headed to grace Friday Night SmackDown with their presence - next.

Not Sweating It
Paul Heyman motivated the WWE Universal Champion in the dressing room, ahead of his match with Apollo Crews. As "the Advocate" questioned who Apollo was to challenge the once-in-an-eternity titan, Roman Reigns sat on his phone on the couch. "The Big Dog" told him to give his shtick a rest - he wasn't sweating it. While Paul was perplexed, "the Big Dog" explained he had this one under control. What Paul was doing might have been helpful for Brock Lesnar, but he was a different animal. Reigns looked Heyman in the eye as he asked him what "the One Man Nation" had ever accomplished in his life - nothing. But tonight was going to make Apollo a rich man. Reigns explained Heyman's role was to be his eyes, his ears and his special council - and tonight after decimating Apollo much like everybody else in the WWE had ever done - he would do the same to Jeff Hardy at Clash of Champions. As Roman went back to his phone, Heyman nodded in agreement - both taking Apollo incredibly lightly.

▆▆▆

Overlooking the WWE ThunderDome, CGI graphics promoted WWE Clash of Champions - live on the WWE Network on Sunday, September 27. Presented by Hyundai, and WWE 2K Battlegrounds: the all-new, in-your-face action arcade game was out on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC and Nintendo Switch next Friday, September 18 - pre-order now.

The Gate Crashing Booty Kings
The New Day came bursting out to the ring in the WWE ThunderDome, with Big E's bellowing voice bringing he, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods swaggering down the rampway. Once in the ring, Big E led the WWE Universe in a raucous chant of "New Day rocks", as Xavier proceeded in playing Francesca II. Kofi spoke out about how great it was to have the band back together! Admitting that there was a point in time where they weren't sure how life would go on for the three of them with Xavier out on the bench, Big E finished his sentence stating how they each persevered, and they got through thanks to 'the Power of Positivity!' Xavier voiced how great it was to be back, and it was clear from their efforts the last few weeks that they still had the chemistry that brought them to the top of the Tag Team Division - and as it happened, beating the booties of the Royal Family and Fight Night last week had inspired them to pursue that illustrious tenth WWE Tag Team Championship reign!

Big E did the honors of calling out their friends in Heavy Machinery, claiming the SmackDown Tag Team Champions knew exactly what this was to be about! Heavy Machinery proceeded to answer the call, accompanied with Otis's "Precious Peach" Mandy Rose. Otis and Tucker were full of beans themselves, walking out to the ring to answer the New Day's call. Tucky claimed to know exactly what it was Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods were after - raising his title high. After the year they'd had, being divided and even barred from challenging for the gold: "the Blue Collar Boys" were willing to give them the shot they wanted. "The Brick Hit House" told the New Day to name their time and date, as "the Powder Keg" added how they might be friends with the New Day, but win or lose - they would remain good buddies. Mandy held hands with her man as Xavier made a point to bring up next week's edition of Friday Night SmackDown marking its' 1,100th episode!

As the pitch was made for SmackDown 1100 next week, Heavy Machinery and the New Day were about to shake on it - when the Royal Family interrupted! King Corbin led the way for Sir Gable and Duke Nese, livid at once again being overlooked. They deserved to be the rightful number one contenders, if nothing else because they had been the willing monarchs who had overlooked Friday Night SmackDown for the past few months. Duke Nese reminded the New Day of what happened last time they tried to challenge for the titles, when Kofi Kingston said what happened was they beat their butts badly! Big E got in the Royals' faces, as he told them they might be high and mighty, but when push came to shove: they were just booties in crowns! Sir Gable shot back, maintaining the only thing "booty" was the New Day's pattern of failure in the past year, reminding that nine reigns as WWE Tag Team Champions meant they had to have lost them nine times.

Things were about to grow hostile as Xavier Woods believed there was only one way to resolve this - themselves and "the Booty Kings" throwing down tonight! Suddenly, after conferring off to the side, Tucker spoke up - saying he and Otis wanted to field this one. Bored to death of the interruptions, the SmackDown Tag Team Champions fancied themselves a piece of the Royal Family! Otis asked if that was going to be a problem with the New Day, to which Big E and Kofi Kingston said it wouldn't - they'd go and sit with their best buddies Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary! With the New Day stepping out of the ring, King Corbin, Duke Nese and Sir Gable were vexed at the change in plans, trying to say they couldn't do this. It was too late - as Mandy Rose cheered her boyfriend on, Heavy Machinery came from behind! Quickly clearing the seething monarchs from the ring, "the Blue Collar Boys" got ready to put the Royals in their place!

Next week - SmackDown Tag Team Championship - Heavy Machinery (c) vs The New Day

As the two tag teams got it on, the New Day had made themselves more than comfortable at the announce table. Joining Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary, Big E chowed down on popcorn while Kofi Kingston sat with his feet on the desk. Xavier Woods discussed the pros of Heavy Machinery and the cons of the Royal Family, while talking up their SmackDown Tag Team Championship opportunity next week.

Otis delivered a splash in the corner on Sir Gable, hitting the ropes and catching him mid-leap with a scoop powerslam! Mandy Rose was enamored by her men, when Duke Nese's distraction allowed King Corbin to strike with a big boot. Gable hit a diving clothesline from the top rope, before the Royal Family targeted "the Powder Keg's" ankle. Otis was prevented from making the tag twice until Gable slapped on the Ankle Lock. Otis's power sent him into the ropes, hitting back with a discus lariat! Tucky tagged in and hit a Lou Thesz press on the King, when a trapping suplex took Gable overhead! Otis tagged in and used his weight to prevent an ambitious German suplex - allowing for the Compactor to be executed. Nese planned to interfere again but would be confronted by Mandy Rose. A staredown would see Xavier Woods leave commentary to take him out - in the process nearly taking "the Precious Peach's" head off! Otis was gobsmacked, and the King smashed a scepter over the back of his head to steal the win!

Headache
As Xavier Woods was joined by Big E and Kofi Kingston in running Duke Nese from ringside, Mandy Rose remained in a seated position at ringside after a close encounter with Xavier. While the New Day tried to help "the Precious Peach" to her feet, their attention would be diverted by the result of the match as the Royal Family came out victorious! Brandishing the folded steel scepter after striking Otis with it, King Corbin hugged Sir Gable before the two made a choice getaway. The monarchs escaped the inbound New Day, as Tucker was focused trying to revive the unconscious Otis. After suffering a hard shot to the back of the head with the scepter, Mandy Rose joined him in mounting "the Powder Keg" hopeful of awakening him. The New Day wore expressions of guilt, as Tucky was similarly concerned. A kiss from his love would see Otis revived, and with great relief did Big E and Kofi Kingston celebrate - though Otis pointed the finger at Xavier; the SmackDown Tag Team Champions leaving the ring.

Back For More
Fight Night appeared more confident than ever after how their night had gone, with Sheamus laughing it up with Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura in the hallway. "The Celtic Warrior" made light still of the stupidity that Braun Strowman possessed, when "the Swiss Cyborg" mused how "the Colossus" accepting his invitation to a Bar Fight next week was the dumbest thing he could do: everybody knew that match was "the Great White's" favorite match! As banter was exchanged by "the Lads", Shin talked about Daniel Bryan seeing the light that they offered. He was victorious tonight, and to make things even better: he knocked Johnny Gargano into next week with the Kinshasa! The trio's laughter echoed down the hall, where up walked Johnny Gargano himself. With the WWE Intercontinental Championship in-hand, "Johnny Wrestling" clutched his head but stood before the group. Sheamus remarked that he had to be brave, smart or stupid to come back from the ring and square up to them.

"Johnny Wrestling" told Fight Night that they called him "Rebel Heart" for a reason, making it known that he had come back from worse. After the Kinshasa he received, Shinsuke Nakamura had knocked some sense into him. Johnny Gargano couldn't care less about what Daniel Bryan did or didn't do - whether he was with Fight Night or against him, that much didn't matter to him now. With his perspective changed, Gargano announced that the honeymoon was over, and now he had to be "the Working Man's Champion" he saw each and every one of his heroes were. Issuing the challenge to "the Artist", Nakamura snickered and told him he accepted. Next week at SmackDown 1100, Shinsuke promised Johnny the fight of his life.

Next week - WWE Intercontinental Championship - Johnny Gargano (c) vs Shinsuke Nakamura

▆▆▆

4) SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley vs Naomi ended in a no contest (4:16)

The betrayal of "the One Over All" over her thought-to-be soulmate and best friend Sasha Banks continued to send shockwaves through the WWE Universe. With "the Legit Boss" still absent following Payback, it was up to her old friend Naomi to bring the fight. Running down to the ring, she hunted Bayley around ringside, before taking her down with a tackle! As the SmackDown Women's Champion flocked to escape, Naomi struck with a roundhouse kick before landing a full nelson bomb. "The Glow" looked for the Rear View, but Bayley bailed again. Bayley raked the eyes as Naomi reached through the ropes, buying her some space. A rope-hung stunner jacked the jaw of Naomi, when an exploder suplex connected. Using the ropes to choke Naomi, she ascended to the top rope for the diving elbow drop - but nobody was home! Naomi bounced back with a hurricanrana and a split-legdrop. The Slay-o-mission was attempted, but Bayley heinously dumped her over the top rope to the floor!

Hide and Go Seek
At ringside, Bayley would send Naomi hurdling over the announce table before laying in hard forearm strikes to the chest. "The Glow" was in danger, as the SmackDown Women's Champion plotted doing exactly what she had done to her own best friend. Bayley flipped over the ringside mats, exposing the concrete. "The One Over All" prepared to drill Naomi with Deliverance - when Sasha Banks's music hit! The WWE Universe erupted, as Sasha finally emerged on the stage. In a fighting mood, she met the champ with right hands on the ramp! "The Boss 'n' Hug Connection" were exploding, with Sasha tackling Bayley to the floor. Tugging at her hair, Bayley kicked for freedom before leaping over the barricade into the crowd. Sasha remained in hot pursuit, chasing Bayley through the series of LED boards, out of bounds from the WWE ThunderDome. Bayley fled the arena, with Sasha chasing her outside! Finally stopping there, "the Legit Boss" warned her former bestie she had hell coming her way!

Footage aired from moments ago, where as the SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley planned to do what she did to her own best friend at Payback - give Naomi the Deliverance on the exposed concrete - Sasha Banks resurfaced. "The Legit Boss" had it out with "the One Over All", causing her to eventually flee not just the WWE ThunderDome - but the entire arena.

A graphic appeared, promoting WWE Talking Smack, available tomorrow morning on the free version of the WWE Network. Co-hosts Kayla Braxton and Corey Graves would be joined by the WWE Intercontinental Champion Johnny Gargano, the Royal Family & Alexa Bliss.

Having His Number
Michael Cole and Corey Graves talked up Monday Night RAW, where the vicious WWE 24/7 Champion Samoa Joe claimed another victim, dismantling Montez Ford. Who would interrupt but Mustafa Ali in the form of a cryptic video message. As they discussed, the screen broke into static - and Mustafa Ali appeared in his control room. Ali addressed "the Coquina Destroyer" and the reason he decided to haunt Joe. He always considered himself a freedom fighter, and now was the time for Joe's chickens to come home to roost. Acknowledging how antisocial and hotheaded Joe had become, especially since becoming the champ - Ali believed it was time for a social experiment. Revealing a phone number on-screen, Mustafa implored the WWE Universe to give it a call and let Joe know that "the Hacker" had his number...literally! Concluding that he couldn't wait to see Joe on Monday, Ali claimed the pleasure would be all his - ending the transmission.

Monday Night RAW - Mustafa Ali appears

▆▆▆

That's Showbiz
Returning to the ring in the WWE ThunderDome, the set of 'the Dirt Sheet' was constructed with a monitor and a director's chair sat in the ring atop a red carpet. An apparatus akin to the old Madison Square Garden lowered from the rafters with a spotlight descending on it - as the late, great Howard Finkel proudly introduced 'the Dirt Sheet'. Welcoming the host posthumously, out came John Morrison. "The Guru of Greatness's" teeth glistened as he smiled en route to the ring, his abs out as he wore a fur coat. Climbing into the ring, Morrison coolly graced the mic and addressed the WWE Universe declaring that 'the Dirt Sheet' was back, and with his win in the Steel Cage last month, JoMo had decided to claim full custody of it! With his former partner the Miz running away to Monday Night RAW, where he returned this past week, "the Shaman of Sexy" believed there to be no greater time like the present - and with theaters closed, he believed he could be the one to pacify what showbusiness was missing out on!

Beginning with the final trailer that came out this past week for "No Time to Die" starring Daniel Craig, John Morrison would almost immediately be interrupted by uninvited guests Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode. "The Show Off" commented that if anybody was going to host 'the Dirt Sheet' - for it to be their old buddy JoMo of all people was the biggest joke they had heard in a long time! Morrison countered that clearly Dolph had been playing back his old comedy routines, thanking them for their honest opinion. "The Glorious One" defended his partner, commenting that Morrison once served purpose, but that was now a long time ago. He was already the Jannetty once, and now deep down he had resorted to being the Jannetty again. Entering the ring, Dolph argued that he too had pitched a talk show to WWE management recently - this air time should have been his, and not with a guy who simply didn't get comedy in its' true form!

"The Guru of Greatness" was interested in Dolph Ziggler's claims, asking if "the Show Off" thought he was funnier than him. Robert Roode backed up his partner, claiming Dolph was the funniest man in the WWE! John Morrison chuckled, asking a production assistant at ringside if they could source a mic stand. Wanting to see Ziggler back up his words, Dolph yelled at the stage-hands to hurry up, because as they said in the industry: time was money! Presented with the stand, Dolph started his routine with a few jokes - Roode cracking up in hysterics. Unbenownst to them, JoMo revealed a big red button, concealed in the pocket of his coat! As Ziggler delivered punchlines, Morrison hit the button prompting sounds of drum riffs, crickets and sitcom laughter. Ziggler gradually lost his temper - but Morrison got in the first strike with a roundhouse kick! Morrison dove over "the Glorious One", using the mic stand as a weapon and swinging for "the Dirty Dawgs!" They bailed to the floor, warning JoMo he would pay for this.

▆▆▆

Ahead of what had potential to be the biggest match of his career, Apollo Crews left the dressing room backstage full of poise. "The One Man Nation" clapped his hands together in preparation, dressed for battle against the WWE Universal Champion. Apollo picked this match with Roman Reigns, and he would get it when he took on "the Big Dog" in the main event - next.

Apologies All Round
Mandy Rose walked backstage, when approached by Xavier Woods. "The Precious Peach" smiled greeting the New Day member, who wanted to apologize for nearly taking her out earlier. Mandy was flattered as Xavier wanted to make things right, knowing how much she meant to Otis. Heavy Machinery were friends of the New Day. As he asked how her boyfriend was, Otis appeared with a white bandage around his head. From the scepter shot that knocked him out cold for several minutes, "the Powder Keg" admitted his temper got the best of him tonight. Otis apologized himself, which Xavier accepted handily. Big E and Kofi Kingston would soon appear, and Tucker would enter the frame, as the New Day wanted next week to be a clean fight: one that would make the SmackDown Tag Team Division proud. Otis and Tucky wanted to have it no other way - but "the Brick Hit House" made it clear that "the Blue Collar Boys" would be leaving SmackDown 1100 with the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.

As Michael Cole and Corey Graves discussed next week's 1,100th edition of Friday Night SmackDown, they looked ahead to next week's special show entitled SmackDown 1100. Graphics appeared on-screen as they discussed the Bar Fight between Sheamus and Braun Strowman; the SmackDown Tag Team Championships being defended by Heavy Machinery against The New Day; Johnny Gargano putting the WWE Intercontinental Championship up against Shinsuke Nakamura; and John Morrison presenting another edition of 'the Dirt Sheet' with a surprise guest!

Bar Fight - Braun Strowman vs Sheamus
SmackDown Tag Team Championship - Heavy Machinery (c) vs The New Day
WWE Intercontinental Championship - Johnny Gargano (c) vs Shinsuke Nakamura
John Morrison hosts 'the Dirt Sheet' with a surprise guest

▆▆▆

5) WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns (with Paul Heyman) def. Apollo Crews (9:59)

"The One Man Nation" planned to knock the WWE Universal Champion down a peg or two, having called out his recent behavior to his face earlier tonight. Paul Heyman watched on calmly as "the Big Dog" underestimated his opponent - just for Apollo Crews to punch him square in the face! With an opening flurry, he followed with a series of shoulder thrusts in the corner before ducking a clothesline and sending Roman Reigns overhead with a back body drop. A dropkick sent Roman through the ropes to ringside, where Apollo faked out on a dive - just to abruptly change course and instead strike with a moonsault from the apron! "The Advocate" appeared wild-eyed from afar, as Apollo continued to hammer away at the champ against the barricade. While Roman elbowed back hard, sending him back into the ring just for Crews to come firing back with a spinebuster for a near fall! Crews was going in for the kill, in what had potential to be a groundbreaking upset - Heyman could not believe his eyes!

Apollo Crews hit a splash in the corner, before ascending to the top. "The Big Dog" rolled through on a diving crossbody, planting him with a Samoan drop! Roman Reigns ran his mouth, reminding the WWE Universe who owned this house when Apollo battled back just to be cut off with a belly-to-belly suplex! Paul Heyman appeared smug as Reigns mounted Crews with clenched fists, with him tying to fight back. He attempted a back suplex just for Crews to land on his feet, responding with a jumping enzuigiri! With Roman rocked, a military press slam was followed by the standing moonsault! The Chariat was blocked, when the Superman Punch was missed: the Chariot connecting - yet Roman popped his shoulder up! Crews stalked the champ, planning a second - but Roman slapped on a guillotine choke! Apollo tried to hang on, first dropping to a knee, then two. Crumbling atop a sadistic Roman, with fire in his eyes, Crews' hand went limp as the referee rang for the bell!

A Visceral Sensation
The WWE Universal Champion was victorious, but refused to relinquish the guillotine choke after the bell! Roman Reigns had a sadistic look in his eye, as he continued to wrench away at Apollo Crews - who was out cold after being forced to pass out in the hold! "The Big Dog" had been consumed by the devil, and Paul Heyman watched accordingly with a grin. As the referee failed to break Roman from the hold, he continued to clamp down. "The One Man Nation" was unconscious - but who would hit the ring, but Jeff Hardy! The man who would meet Roman in less than three weeks at Clash of Champions dove on Roman; back for revenge after being attacked and robbed of the gold at SummerSlam and Payback. Hardy refused to relent, as Reigns's special council spectated - but all of a sudden, in swept Jey Uso! Roman's cousin would separate him from Hardy, questioning what the hell either of them were doing. Taking a neutral stance, Jey looked at Jeff and Roman baffled - as Reigns calmly rolled out to the floor.

Talking Smack #62 – September 12, 2020

Corey Graves and Kayla Braxton were interrupted during their recap of Friday Night SmackDown by the Royal Family, celebratory over their victoy against the SmackDown Tag Team Champions. King Corbin led the party, and commented that Otis and Tucker couldn't even beat them - how on earth would they beat the New Day? As Duke Nese commented on how Mandy Rose was wasting her time with "the Powder Keg", Sir Gable said they didn't care who came out victorious next week - they wanted the next shot.

WWE Intercontinental Champion Johnny Gargano talked Shinsuke Nakamura after "the Artist" knocked him out with the Kinshasa. "Johnny Wrestling" addressed Daniel Bryan, saying he didn't care whose side he was on: this was about the gold they both loved. Gargano ran down the heroes who had held the title he now did, and alluded maybe "the Expert" was right: Johnny needed more of an edge. Now the honeymoon period was over, he was going to make himself a hero for future generations, declaring victory next week.

Alexa Bliss joined the show to try and make sense of the issues that had arisen between Carmella and Nikki Cross, seemingly out of thin air. "The Goddess" wasn't sure whether to put it down to jealousy or mistrust, but she definitely thought it needed to be resolved and fast. Nikki Cross barged onto the set, telling her BFF with all due respect: she couldn't stand "Money Mella". As Bliss asked why, Carmella arrived as well - an argument ensuing with Bliss caught in the crosshairs!

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

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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 · Oct 7, 2023 13:19:53 GMT -5

Quote

Post by DTP. on Oct 7, 2023 13:19:53 GMT -5

WWE Clash of Champions 2020 – September 27, 2020
WWE ThunderDome at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida
"Gold Rush"

"The Champion" by The Score
TWO WEEKS AWAY!

WWE Universal Championship
Roman Reigns (c) vs Jeff Hardy

RAW Tag Team Championship
Theory and Murphy (c) vs Los Lotharios

Matches to be announced.

Last Edit: Oct 9, 2023 14:22:08 GMT -5 by DTP.

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WF Hall of Famer

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

· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Oct 10, 2023 15:16:49 GMT -5

Quote

Post by DTP. on Oct 10, 2023 15:16:49 GMT -5

AEW All Out 2020 Results

Sep 6, 2020

September 5th, 2020, ALL ELITE WRESTLING presented the second annual ALL OUT event, live on pay-per-view!

The Buy-In Preshow kicked off with “The Bad Boy” Joey Janela (with Sonny Kiss) vs. Serpentico (with Luther)! Janela went up to the high rent district, hitting Serpentico with the big elbow drop off the top rope, securing the victory!

Private Party (Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy) vs. Dark Order’s #3 & #4 (Alex Reynolds & John Silver) was up next! Quen rocked Silver with a Pele kick and then tagged in Kassidy. They connected with Gin & Juice on Silver for the pin!

The opening contest of ALL OUT was a TOOTH & NAIL MATCH! Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. vs Big Swole! Reba handed Baker a syringe of Novocaine, but Big Swole blocked it and pushed it into Baker’s leg. Big Swole hit Dirty Dancing on Reba and Britt Baker. Swole got her revenge and finished the match by knocking out Britt Baker with a mask full of laughing gas!

The Young Bucks—Matt & Nick Jackson vs. Jurassic Express—Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus (with Marko Stunt)! Jurassic Express nailed the Extinction Level Event on Matt Jackson but Nick saved him before the three-count! The Bucks rallied back with a superkick party on an isolated Jungle Boy, and then finished him off with the BTE Trigger!

The 21 MAN CASINO BATTLE ROYALE was next! The winner earns a future shot at the AEW World Title! Trent? from Best Friends, Christopher Daniels from SCU, Jake Hager of the Inner Circle, the Blade, and Rey Fenix of the Lucha Brothers were the first group out! The next group out: Frankie Kazarian of SCU, Will Hobbs, Chuck Taylor of Best Friends, and Santana and Ortiz of the Inner Circle! Billy, Penta El Zero M, Angelico, “The Machine” Brian Cage, and Darby Allin were out to the ring next! The final group out: Shawn Spears (who walked toward the broadcast table to avoid entering the ring), Eddie Kingston, the Butcher, “The Concrete Rose” Sonny Kiss, and “The MurderHawk Monster” Lance Archer! Matt Sydal drew the Joker card and was the 21st entrant! Jake Roberts distracted Eddie Kingston with his canvass bag containing the snake, and while this occurred, Lance Archer choke slammed Kingston to the floor. “The MurderHawk Monster” is the winner of the Casino Battle Royale!

IT WAS TIME FOR THE BROKEN RULES MATCH! (LAST MAN STANDING Rules, and if Matt Hardy loses, he must leave AEW!) Matt Hardy vs. “The Spanish God” Sammy Guevara! Matt Hardy placed Sammy on a lift truck. He raised the lift but Sammy pushed Hardy off, sending him plummeting down through a table! Hardy swung wildly at Sammy, but his feet were wobbly. Referee Aubrey Edwards called for medical attention for Hardy. Sammy climbed scaffolding to escape from Hardy, but Hardy, ever the daredevil, followed him up there! Hardy knocked “the Spanish God” down, sending Sammy soaring about fifteen feet, smashing through the stage below! Sammy was unable to answer the 10-count! Hardy is your winner!

AEW WOMEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH! AEW Women’s World Champ Hikaru Shida vs. NWA Women's Champion Thunder Rosa! Shida applied the stretch muffler on Thunder Rosa but Thunder Rosa made it to the bottom rope to force the ref break! Thunder Rosa followed up with a back stabber for a near fall on Shida! But Shida gutted it out. Finally, after a lightning-like running knee strike, Shida was able to pin Thunder Rosa!

EIGHT MAN GRUDGE MATCH! The Dark Order (TNT Champion “The Exalted One” Mr. Brodie Lee, Stu Grayson, and Evil Uno) & Colt Cabana vs. The Natural Nightmares (Dustin Rhodes & QT Marshall, accompanied by Brandi Rhodes and Allie—“The Nightmare Sisters”) and Matt Cardona and Scorpio Sky! Brodie Lee swung for the fences and wiped out Dustin with the discus lariat! He tagged in Cabana. “Boom Boom” went for a moonsault but Dustin moved out of the way, rolling up Cabana for the victory! Mr. Brodie Lee was furious. “The Exalted One” jumped back into the ring and shoved Colt down in frustration!

AEW WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH! Champs “Hangman” Adam Page & Kenny Omega vs. #1 ranked tag team FTR—Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood (with Tully Blanchard)! Wheeler was isolated for the Last Call. Wheeler moved out of the way of the V-trigger, and Omega inadvertently hit Page! Wheeler chop blocked Kenny’s legs. FTR hit the Mind Breaker assisted spiked piledriver on Page for the pin! Kenny grabbed a small table and returned to the ring with it. It appeared he was contemplating hitting Page with it out of frustration. Kenny hurled it to the ground instead after thinking twice. He abandoned “Hangman” Page in the ring. Kenny walked out of the arena with the Young Bucks. Kenny got into an SUV and was chauffeured away without the Bucks.

JERICHO VS. CASSIDY III in a MIMOSA MAYHEM MATCH! In this match you can earn a victory over your opponent via pinfall, submission, or by throwing them into an 80-gallon vat of mimosa! It’s “The Demo God” Chris Jericho vs. “Freshly Squeezed” Orange Cassidy! Orange jumped off the turnbuckles but Jericho caught him with the Code Breaker for a near fall! Jericho attempted to lawn dart Cassidy into the vat of mimosa but Orange hooked his legs. Cassidy sent Jericho flying into the 80-gallon vat after two consecutive orange punches!

AND NOW THE MAIN EVENT! THE AEW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH! AEW World Champ Jon Moxley vs. #1 ranked MJF (accompanied by Wardlow)! Jon Moxley’s Paradigm Shift is banned per the written contract! As the referee was distracted, Wardlow tossed MJF the DYNAMITE diamond ring from his pocket. It backfired on MJF, who bungled the catch. Mox impaled MJF with the Paradigm Shift while the ref was still distracted by Wardlow! Mox pinned MJF!

SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: FUTURE OF BROCK LESNAR, ROCK BATTLES COVID-19, MORE

BY OBSERVER STAFF | STAFF@WRESTLINGOBSERVER.COM | @wonf4w

NO THIRD PARTIES

The WWE sent out a vague letter to talent on 9/3 regarding third party bookings that led to a ton of questions among wrestlers, some complaints, and even drew a strong reaction from a former candidate for President in 2020.

A week later, it is somewhat more clear what this means. Exactly what it was supposed to mean, or if it changed due to the reaction and tweets by Andrew Yang, is uncertain.

Talent who got details at the 9/7 Raw in a little more detail thought the policy had been eased up on, but still weren’t sure of everything.

By the next day, the explanation of the policy was that the communication to talent was not about issuing new rules, but simply a reminder of contractual agreements. The company told talent that they were encouraged to be active across all social media platforms. But that talent it not allowed to independently monetize WWE-owned or controlled intellectual property.

Basically, talent was not allowed to use their WWE characters in social media to make money without WWE being involved in the deal.

At first the belief was that talent would not be allowed to be involved with Cameo or Twitch. There was concern about YouTube as well, although the belief is that the company wanted talent on YouTube and Twitter promoting the company and themselves.

One talent said that at the 9/7 Raw they were told that they would have to switch to using their real names as opposed to their WWE names for YouTube and Twitch, but would have to let the company know.

A few days earlier, talent had been told by Mark Carrano that WWE owns the real names and that you couldn’t get around the policy by using your real name.

Regarding if talent was to get an endorsement deal or have a way to earn money on platforms like Cameo or Only Fans, are they allowed to do it using their real name, the reaction was that there are a variety of factors in play including agreements in place and how activations are branded and/or promoted on multiple platforms. The matter will be determined through the specifics and communication. In other words, it seems like things are on a case-by-case basis.

A key is that there were talents that were using their WWE names in sponsorship deals which the company wasn’t happy with.

After the vague story broke, WWE sent out a statement saying, “Much like Disney and Warner Bros., WWE creates, promotes and inverts in its intellectual property, i.e. the stage names of performers like The Fiend Bray Wyatt, Roman Reigns, Big E and Braun Strowman. It is the control and exploitation of these characters that allows WWE to drive revenue which in turn enables the company to compensate performers at the highest levels in the sports entertainment industry. Notwithstanding the contractual language, it is imperative for the success of our company to protect our greatest assets and establish partnerships with third parties on a companywide basis, rather than at the individual level, which as a result will provide more value for all involved.”

Some believed this was in specific related to Cameo, with the idea WWE wanted either a corporate relationship with that company, work with another similar company or start something similar, and thus didn’t want its own talent making individual deals that would hurt the company’s overall bargaining power.

Some, if not most talent, were privately upset, noting that with the pandemic, those without large guarantees and on prior lower guaranteed deals are earning a lot less due to no house show pay and lower merchandise pay. Now the company, while still claiming talent as independent contractors, is taking away an outside way to make income that does not affect their WWE performances or work with other promoters. The independent contractor classification has been weird because WWE controls all bookings, interviews, when people work, their work schedule and even how they work and what they say.

The argument was that because they now have far more time off with the cutback in arena events and travel, that they can use that time to both make money and also market themselves in other platforms as stars which also helps the company with stars being seen in different platforms.

Yang, on 9/4, after seeing the reaction to the letter from former WWE performers, wrote, “If I’m not the Secretary of Labor, I’m pretty confident I’ll have his or her number to talk about the ridiculous classification of WWE wrestlers as independent contractors while controlling their name and likeness for years, even for something as benign as Cameo.

“Come on Vince–you’ve already deprived the folks breaking their backs for you of health care, security, recovery time, retirement benefits and fair treatment re: licenses and royalties. At least let them make a living off their own names. Many of them need it.

“I grew up a wrestling fan and it’s been sad to see so many of my childhood heroes pass away early. I’d feel better knowing that they and their families were being fairly treated–I look forward to doing what I can for the next generation of performers. I know how tough it is for Vince. You’d better hope your old friend Donald wins because change is in the air and changes are long overdue where your corrupt labor practices are concerned. It would give me great pleasure. The people know.”

BACK TO THE BODY SHOP
Gerald Brisco received a phone call from Vince McMahon on 9/9 letting him know that he would not be brought back to the company after a storied 36 years.

Brisco, who turns 74 on 9/19, had been furloughed in April and was one of as many as 70 people let go this past week in decisions made largely regarding not bringing back those furloughed at the time. Categories hit the hardest were live event producers, production managers, and those who worked in other aspects of live events, merchandise and travel.

A number of producers were furloughed and then let go. Lance Storm had already been officially let go after being furloughed due to issues in being able to get into the U.S. and back regularly. Mike Rotunda and Sarah Stock were also let go. As a general rule, the company seems to have kept the younger producers and let the older ones go.

The cuts for the most part were inevitable with the belief that the wrestling business as it was in February is not going back as far as the live events are concerned. Live events were no longer profitable, plus the travel and fatigue and physical pounding of them led to a high injury rate. The negative is that for competitors still heavily learning, this slows down their progress. But with so much of the television aspect produced so closely, that part of the learning process has changed as well. Nobody has fully figured out what the schedule will be like when arenas can open up to full capacity business. One would expect house shows to still take place in major arenas, but the four shows per week schedule that the top stars worked on is probably never coming back.

WWE officials said that there would be no new talent releases at this time.

Brisco was a top tier wrestler as Jerry Brisco, from his 1967 debut right out of Oklahoma State University, until moving to an office position in WWF in February, 1985, after the retirement of older brother Jack, who was one of the greatest pro wrestlers of all-time. The two were in WWF as a tag team after being the architects of the sale of Georgia Championship Wrestling to Vince McMahon in 1984 early in the wrestling war, which figured to give McMahon a virtual monopoly on national wrestling with his controlling the time slots on both TBS and USA, as a key time in the wrestling war. The McMahon/Turner alliance did not go well due to declining ratings on TBS with the switch from Ole Anderson’s Georgia Championship Wrestling, with the TV show called World Championship Wrestling, to McMahon, plus Turner wanting McMahon to tape regularly in Atlanta. In addition, Turner put a new promotion, run by Anderson, Championship Wrestling from Georgia, in an early morning time slot almost from the start so McMahon didn’t have his monopoly, but the Anderson shows, due to their early time slot, did not draw big numbers.

Gerald Brisco followed his brother Jack, the 1965 NCAA champion at powerhouse Oklahoma State, to the school after placing second in the state in high school wrestling and having a strong freshman year. During the summer, he went on the road with his brother, enjoyed it so much that he never came back to school. While Jack was always the bigger star as a pro, Jerry was a great worker and top star from almost the start of his career, and a star babyface, mostly in the Southeast, throughout the 70s and into the mid-80s.

He was responsible for getting a number of history’s biggest stars into pro wrestling, including Hulk Hogan, who he and his brother met at a club when Hogan was a guitar player looking for a way into wrestling, as well as personally recruiting Brock Lesnar, Kurt Angle, and virtually every other former collegiate wrestler on the roster.

He worked as a road agent after retiring, and later became one of Vince McMahon’s most trusted advisers. He was one of the very few people who McMahon told about the Montreal screw job ahead of time, and the night before the show, tried to give Shawn Michaels a crash course in defensive wrestling in case Bret Hart, who had wrestled at a high level as a teenager, tried to attack him after the double-cross. To this day the only people who it is certain knew about the situation well ahead of time were McMahon, Brisco, Michaels and Paul Levesque, before the Hebner Brothers were told shortly before the match, and Sgt. Slaughter may have also known. His closeness with McMahon led to the television run of he and Pat Patterson as The Stooges, during the Vince Russo era.

Brisco suffered three strokes in 2009 and was taken of being off the road full-time. In 2010, Jim Ross was a key in getting Brisco a new job as talent scout. The idea is that he would attend major college and international wrestling competitions, and with his connections in the amateur wrestling world, scout for people who had the right look and charisma to make it in pro wrestling. Over the years there had been a lot of disappointment in the sense that while people like Angle and Lesnar became big stars, a lot of star amateurs did not make it. Brisco also suffered a minor stroke in 2011.

Brisco privately felt that he knew the day was coming over the past few years given his age. But from the outside, his name was perhaps the most shocking of those furloughed.

WWE:

- The Hell in a Cell PPV that was scheduled for 11/1 has been moved up a week to 10/25, meaning the day after both Impact Bound for Glory and Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje in UFC. This may be because their deal with the Amway Arena ends on 10/30 and it would be much simpler to do it with the current set up than to set up and go somewhere else a week later.

- Tyson Fury and McIntyre continue to go back-and-forth in social media and WWE’s web site is pushing it. It’s more than enough where you know that at the least, the sides are in touch about a match if it’s not already decided. But one would think with Fury’s asking price, it would be Saudi, and there’s no definite date for that, or Mania, which is a long ways away.

- Cena and Nicole Byer (best known for Nailed It!) were chosen to host a TBS remake of the TV series “Wipeout!” The revamped show will consist of obstacle courses that will best stamina but also create comedy. The original show aired on ABC from 2008 to 2014. It is interesting that Cena will be on TBS, the company that greenlit the competition pro wrestling show to WWE.

- Josiah Williams, who worked as an on-air personality on the digital side and was let go in April, was brought back this past week.

- UpUpDownDown, the video game show hosted by Austin Creed (Xavier Woods) was nominated for an Esports award for Content Creator of the year.

TV RATINGS

SD 9/4 - 2.16 (0.57)
RAW 9/7 - 1.60 (0.51)
NXT 9/8 - 0.80 (0.22)

STAR RATINGS

SmackDown 9/4 - Gargano vs Bryan - ****¼

· 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 · Oct 12, 2023 13:51:25 GMT -5

Quote

Post by DTP. on Oct 12, 2023 13:51:25 GMT -5

Monday Night RAW #1425 - September 14, 2020
'In Your Face RAW'
Amway Center – WWE ThunderDome in Orlando, Florida
CLASH OF CHAMPIONS: GOLD RUSH ONE WEEK FROM SUNDAY!
"Legendary" by Skillet

Main Event #416 – September 17, 2020
1) Dana Brooke def. Peyton Royce (with Billie Kay) with the Gotch-style cradle. The constant harassment of the Iiconics saw Dana in an unenvious position against Peyton Royce. Kay's constant interference looked to make this contest have a similar outcome to last week on Main Event, but as she tried for the Peyton-Plex, she took too long and Brooke was able to score a big upset! The Iiconics immediately put the boots to her afterwards, having underestimated Brooke too much and too long. (5:19)
2) The Street Profits def. E. J. Nduka and Danny Rivera with the Cash-In from Angelo Dawkins and From the Heavens from Montez Ford to Nduka. The Street Profits remained in the hunt for championship gold despite Tez's unfortunate loss to WWE 24/7 Champion Samoa Joe last week. Nduka and Rivera impressed, briefly looking to corner Ford, but Ang was a runaway train who could not be stopped. "The Frat Boys" picked up the win, maintaining their stance in the RAW Tag Team Division.

The opening video package aired, bringing us to the WWE ThunderDome for Monday Night RAW. The surprising sound of Michael Cole's voice welcomed us to In Your Face RAW, filling in on behalf of Tom Phillips. Seated ringside alongside Byron Saxton and Booker T, the broadcast team for the night ran down tonight's show, noting Edge was scheduled to appear. AJ Styles would face Matt Riddle; Los Mysterios would meet AOP; and the RAW Women's Champion Charlotte Flair would team up with Shayna Baszler to meet Nia Jax and a partner of her choosing - "the Giantess" had to win or risk losing the opportunity to challenge for the gold ever again!

Edge addresses Randy Orton
RAW Women's Champion Charlotte Flair and Shayna Baszler vs Nia Jax and TBA - if Nia Jax loses, she can never challenge for the RAW Women's Championship again
Matt Riddle vs AJ Styles
AOP vs Los Mysterios

Out of a Hat & Out of Luck
Coming off of last week's unfortunate loss at the hands of "the All Mighty", Andrade and Zelina Vega graced the WWE ThunderDome to an electric chorus of boos! Emerging in the ring in his pinstripe suit, "El Capo" addressed the WWE Universe in how last week would never happen again - because it never happened to begin with! Accusing Bobby Lashley of claiming a tainted victory, he placed all of the blame on Seth Rollins - the true mastermind he might have made the mistake of underestimating all along. For months, there had been two families who had ran Monday Night RAW, and while La Invasíon may have trusted the Church for long enough - what happened last week would be the last time they would find themselves in a compromising predicament. His business partner carried on, maintaining that Andrade should be the number one contender to WWE World Championship, and would be on his way to Clash of Champions: Gold Rush had it not been for the man calling himself "the Monday Night Messiah".

Zelina Vega denied that Seth Rollins was a leader of anything but his fanclub, and believed 'Monday Night Rawlins' was a prophecy Seth merely fantasized about - but would never happen. Andrade returned to the microphone to warn Seth he had made a true enemy, when out came Seth Rollins! Accompanied by none of the Disciples or Mercenaries of his Church, the Head of the Church appeared humble as he wandered to the ring to meet Andrade face-to-face. Asking what Andrade was talking about, he spoke innocently about his involvement. He didn't stick his nose anywhere it didn't belong, snarling connivingly. "El Capo" contemplated taking a swing at him but shied away! "The Messiah" made fun knowing if he took action, that all-out war would break loose on 'Monday Night Rawlins'. With a grin, the two patriarchs of their respective families were interrupted by Zelina who argued Andrade should be next in line for a WWE World Championship opportunity - ushering out Team Lashley!

The new WWE World Champion led the way in a lavish maroon suit, accompanied as ever by his wife Lana and his advisor MVP. Bobby Lashley smiled as he observed from the apron, taking the microphone and noting all of the fuss in which he had created. It was unmistakable how his stock had risen, and claimed the two of them had to be bitter that Monday Night RAW was now his stomping ground! Lana visibly locked eyes with Zelina Vega from afar as MVP joked how they might determine this - as Clash of Champions was merely thirteen days away. Maybe Seth and Andrade could play rock, paper, scissors, best of three! Or, MVP could pick a name out of a hat. Revealing a branded Team Lashley baseball cap, Bobby joked this whole Two Families of RAW stuff was annoying him, because this was truly 'the Era of the All Mighty' now! Picking out a piece of paper, Bob had Lana unfold the name drawn - to reveal Andrade would get his shot at Clash of Champions after all!

Andrade jumped with excitement, all the while infuriating Seth Rollins! "El Capo" looked Bobby Lashley in the eye and told him his fairytale would come to an end one week from Sunday, because Clash of Champions would see a new WWE World Champion crowned: the head honcho of La Invasíon! Zelina Vega continued to stare down Lana in the background, when "the Monday Night Messiah" blew a gasket demanding his opportunity! Believing himself to be robbed, the Head of the Church poked the finger at "the All Mighty", when Bobby told Seth if he had something to say, nobody was stopping him from bringing it! MVP grew concerned as Lashley said he had no problem whooping his butt too - this was In Your Face RAW after all! Rollins claimed he would be glad to - on the condition when he beat the leader of Team Lashley tonight, he would be added to the match at Clash of Champions. To Andrade's frustration, Bobby accepted - a face off proceeding with the stipulation applied!

Aggravated by his contemporary's successful pitch for the night, Bobby Lashley planned to punk Seth Rollins out, just as everybody else had been doing since he started his little joke of a Church! MVP remained concerned, as Zelina Vega and Lana continued to exchange words. Suddenly, Andrade got even in his own way - shoving "the Monday Night Messiah" from behind and causing him to headbutt "the All Mighty!" As "El Capo" bailed with his business manager, the two La Invasíon representatives watched the magic unfold, as Seth tried to cower, just for the WWE World Champion to blast him with a clothesline! MVP and Lana stepped aside, as Lashley throttled the Head of the Church with right hands in the corner. Into the corner Seth went - when the Spear was tried, just for Rollins to bail. Adjusting his collar, Lashley raised the title at both Andrade and Rollins: what would the outcome be of tonight's high stakes main event?

Tonight - WWE World Champion Bobby Lashley vs Seth Rollins - if Seth wins, he gets added to the match at Clash of Champions
Clash of Champions - WWE World Championship - Bobby Lashley (c) vs Andrade

A replay aired, recapping the events of what happened in the ring moments ago. Bobby Lashley picked Andrade's name out of a hat to earn "El Capo" the right to challenge "the All Mighty" for the WWE World Championship at Clash of Champions - but with Seth Rollins' protesting, he was challenged by the champ on the condition he would be added if victorious tonight.

Sike! That's the Wrong Number!
Charly Caruso was standing by in the interview area with the WWE 24/7 Champion Samoa Joe. Immediately interrupted by his theme song, "the Coquina Destroyer" would reveal it to be the ringtone of his cellphone - pulling it and answering with it on loudspeaker. Visibly agitated at the fact it was another moronic fan, it prompted the broadcast journalist to question how Joe felt about the antics of Mustafa Ali shown last week. Joe's phone went off again mid-question, and upon answering it Joe screamed down the line to the caller to lose his number! Caruso laughed, infuriating Joe who caused her to flee. The Samoan was enraged, cursing "the Hacker's" name and storming out of shot. Meanwhile, the monitor behind him revealed Mustafa Ali watching and laughing from the comfort of his control center.

︾︾︾

1) The Viking Raiders def. Ricochet and Cedric Alexander (5:11)

The new attitudes of "the Vicious Vikings" uncovered, they met the agile duo of Ricochet and Cedric Alexander, "the One and Only" teamed with "the Queen City's Favorite Son" to chop Ivar down with low dropkicks and an attempted double suplex - just for Erik to connect with a rolling elbow, dropping Cedric on top of Ricochet with a one-handed uranage! Ivar cornered Cedric with a corner clothesline when a sidewalk slam flattened him. Erik kept the heat on, planting Cedric with a gutwrench powerbomb into Ivar's splash! The Viking Raiders were met with resistance by Cedric's tenacity, just for Ivar to cut him off with the spinning heel kick! As the brutes grounded Cedric, he would surprise with a springboard clothesline before tagging Ricochet in! With a spinning headscissors sending Ivar into Erik, a standing shooting star press got a near fall. Leaping with a topé con hilo, Ivar caught him mid-flight! Cedric was sent to the floor, as Ricochet was sent in for the Viking Experience to connect: claiming the win!

Back For Seconds
Erik and Ivar stood in control after the bell, but would proceed to put the boots to Cedric Alexander, who tried to come to Ricochet's aid. The Viking Experience would flatten "the Queen City's Favorite Son" for good measure, when the Viking Raiders planned to do something worse. Thankfully, out came Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch to the rescue! After they were beaten down two weeks ago "the Boston Bruiser" and "the London Mauler" looked to overwhelm "the Vicious Vikings" with a tirade of offense! Erik wound up blasted by Oney's half-and-half suplex, when Danny and Oney proceeded to take turns hitting Ivar with lariats - none making him leave his feet, until he would fall out through the ropes! The Raiders were furious, as Lorcan and Burch challenged them to come back for round two.

︾︾︾

There was no more brace on the arm of Kevin Owens, who walked the hall at his own merriment with the WWE United States Championship over his shoulder. "The Prize Fighter" appeared content as he wandered towards the arena to host another edition of 'the Kevin Owens Show' inside the WWE ThunderDome. It was up next!

Nia No Friends
Natalya spoke backstage with a producer, when into frame walked the towering Nia Jax. Tasked with finding a partner for tonight's tag team match, "the Giantess" said she knew that she and "the Queen of Harts" had not always gotten along, but she was in a dire situation. She needed a partner to not only beat Charlotte Flair and Shayna Baszler tonight - but to finally get her shot at the RAW Women's Championship, originally owed to her by "the Queen" weeks ago. Nia pleaded her case, but Nattie scoffed questioning what was in it for her! The Canadian told Nia that this was always her problem - she never knew how to make friends, because she had always been an island. Nia tried coaxing her, assuring her she'd owe her one, but Nattie began to apply make-up while reasoning she couldn't - she was busy with Bianca Belair. Turning her back to "the Irresistible Force", Nattie continued to criticize how Jax treated pioneers like herself, before turning back to discover Jax was gone!

︾︾︾

Short of Phenomenal
The set of 'the Kevin Owens Show' was set up inside the WWE ThunderDome, and already standing in the ring was the host himself. Kevin Owens welcomed everybody to his show, firstly wishing to inform the people as to why he decided to hold this show. While he didn't have a guest, he did however have a feeling that he'd have company in no time - and without a doubt it would be the usual suspects. The WWE United States Champion referenced the news which broke earlier today on WWE.com, that Clash of Champions: Gold Rush would see he defend the title once again against AJ Styles. The issue was that they had sang this song before, and at SummerSlam the WWE Universe witnessed "the Phenomenal One" fail. While he could be defending the title against someone more deserving than ol' "Phenomenal Hoot", Kev believed AJ had more to offer. Despite his addiction to taking shortcuts afforded by Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, or cheating to come out on top, it was clear as day that AJ had forgotten who he was!

"The Prize Fighter" explained that was why he had the fine people in the production truck put together a video package for him - to hopefully remind AJ Styles how phenomenal he used to be. He sent us to the screen, where the best moments of "the Phenomenal One" were displayed, set to a familiar sound in VAST's "Touched". As it highlighted his 371-day reign as WWE Champion; his countless classics with the likes of Roman Reigns, John Cena and Drew McIntyre; and his greatest WrestleMania matches with Shane McMahon, Shinsuke Nakamura and Randy Orton, it painted the picture that heading the O.C. was a regressive step back. Returning to the WWE ThunderDome, Kevin Owens continued to discuss how AJ was once the most prolific competitor to never step foot inside a WWE ring - then he did. The problem was, he believed "Phenomenal Hoot" was past it: he was old news, and KO would show it at Clash of Champions. Kev grinned with amusement as the O.C. came walking out to the ring - as he expected.

The hot-headed AJ Styles confronted Kevin Owens in the ring, flanked as ever by Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. "The Phenomenal One' admitted he was touched by the effort Kev had put into his little speech - but as wrong as he was, AJ could not deny he was cunning. The WWE United States Champion knew he was getting under his skin, but AJ wasn't going to let the champ have it his way. As prideful as he was, Styles refused to admit he had gone soft in any way, shape or form. No matter what KO could say about him, he was the one with more talent in his finger than the champ had in his entire body: and he vowed to prove that out of spite by becoming the champion again at Clash of Champions - all by himself! This prompted Gallows and Anderson to speak up, questioning "Phenomenal Hoot" what he was doing. KA reminded AJ of what had happened the last few times he went it alone, while "the Big LG" claimed this wasn't the O.C.'s plan.

As "the Phenomenal One" reasoned he knew what he was doing, Kevin Owens got involved noting the disagreements in the O.C. camp. The WWE United States Champion stirred the pot, telling AJ Styles he didn't have to fight alone if he had to - he knew he needed Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson by his side at all times! The reverse psychology saw AJ bite back, with KA and "the Big LG" holding him back. "The Prize Fighter" laughed, asking if Gallows and Anderson had faith their boy could fight all by himself. Put in an awkward spot, the O.C. argued that "Phenomenal Hoot" could and he would, when Owens quizzed the trio if AJ had the gall to prove it tonight! Styles, Gallows and Anderson took the time to huddle up and debate their response - when to his boys' detriments, AJ said he would show KO exactly what would happen come Clash of Champions tonight. Owens responded how relieved he was to hear that - before ordering Gallows and Anderson to take a hike: introducing AJ's opponent, Matt Riddle on his scooter!

Clash of Champions - WWE United States Championship - Kevin Owens (c) vs AJ Styles

An advertisement aired, showing R-Truth picking an argument with a Kit Kat bar. Threatening to make it talk, "the Truth" warned that he was a former 69-time 24/7 48/7 7/11 I-95 South European Television Champion - when Liv Morgan waltzed up and broke a segment of the bar away. Crunching down, the WWE Women's Tag Team Champion departed the scene, leaving the rapper to again demand it speak or get eaten.

︾︾︾

2) AJ Styles def. Matt Riddle (15:41)

"The Phenomenal One" felt he had a lot to prove ahead of another opportunity at the WWE United States Championship in less than two weeks. The action was hot and heavy with Matt Riddle laying in a succession of kicks in the corner until a leg kick and a spinning backfist saw AJ Styles rally back. Missing a roundhouse kick, "the Original Bro" followed up with a wheel kick before sending AJ flipping out of the corner with a monkey flip! As AJ bailed out to the floor, Riddle teased a plancha just to land on the apron. As an apron moonsault saw AJ evade, Riddle landed on his feet and ducked a discus lariat before performing a back suplex landing the leader of the O.C. spine-first across the apron! As the Bro slid back in, he swaggered to the beat of his own chants - Styles livid! Riddle took the hothead down with a drop toe hold before targeting the shoulder with a Fujiwara armbar. As AJ broke out, Riddle caught him after a leapfrog and a dropdown with a flying armbar - but AJ popped his foot on the bottom rope.

"The King of Bros" sidestepped free of a sunset flip and hit a jumping Broton for a near fall. Matt Riddle targeted the shoulder with an armdrag, until "the Phenomenal One" met him with the Pelé kick! Riddle looked to capitalize regardless with a gutwrench suplex, but AJ planted him with a DDT in response. Styles took control with boots and knee drops to the ankle of the bare-footed former Ultimate Fighter, applying a variation of a heel hook before settling in with a Muta lock instead. Riddle was able to wrestle free with a grounding sleeping hold, but AJ would manage to roll back to his feet before slipping free and landing a jumping enzuigiri! As the Bro continued to fight back, AJ took the ankle out with a vicious chop block from behind. Grappling for the Calf Crusher, Riddle tried to kick AJ off just for the savvy leader of the O.C. to strike back with the ushigoroshi! Eyeing up the Phenomenal Forearm, Riddle caught him with a forearm smash before a powerbomb fed into a knee strike for a close fall!

Matt Riddle and AJ Styles jostled for position on the top rope. AJ sunset flipped from the top rope, taking "the King of Bros" with a Styles Clash attempt, when Riddle got loose with a hurricanrana. A roundhouse kick rocked "the Phenomenal One", and the Final Flash knocked him down! Riddle looked for the Bro Derek, when AJ wittingly countered into the Calf Crusher. Riddle contemplated submission, though he was able to hang on and grab the rope! Matt could hardly stand on his feet, and AJ planned to go in for the kill looking for the Phenomenal Forearm - but this time Riddle took him down with a fireman's carry - the BroMission applied again. AJ now looked for the ropes in desperation - until Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson provided the distraction. Riddle knocked KA off the apron with a bicycle knee strike, when Kevin Owens reemerged to bring the fight to "the Big LG!" As the WWE United States Champion helped fight the O.C. off, Styles took advantage with the Styles Clash to get the win.

Flyin' Solo
"The Phenomenal One" gutted it out to the end, but still relied on the help from Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson to defeat Matt Riddle. AJ Styles sighed a breath of relief before acknowledging Kevin Owens resorting to the use of a steel chair to fend off the O.C. With "the Good Brothers" backing away, AJ spotted this and struck from behind with the Phenomenal Forearm, slingshotting over the top rope to the floor! With KO down and out, AJ stood tall when approached by KA and "the Big LG". Looking for Too-Sweets, Styles instead denied them - angry about the assistance they played to ensure his victory. A reluctant Gallows and Anderson departed, when AJ looked down at the WWE United States Champion face down on the floor, telling him his reign would end at Clash of Champions.

︾︾︾

A Different Equation
Bianca Belair was in the trainer's office having a disagreement with the physician. Arguing she was in the right shape to compete despite the attack from Natalya last week, the trainer disagreed. Into the room towered Nia Jax, who caught "the EST" by surprise. Bianca remained uneasy yet cordial, as she questioned what she wanted. Given their past, "the Giantess" claimed she had every right in the world to despise her. Months ago she was tasked with knocking her off of Charlotte Flair's trail as NXT Women's Champion, and taking her out. Belair finished Jax's pitch for her, asking if the entire equation was different just because she wanted the RAW Women's Championship that "the Queen" wanted. Defensively, she argued even if she wanted to be her partner tonight she couldn't: all thanks to "the Queen of Harts!" Bianca claimed "the Irresistible Force" never needed her help before, so why should she change her mind now? As Belair left, Jax stood conflicted and alone - the clock was ticking.

︾︾︾

God's Scorched Earth
Edge was spotted arriving at the WWE ThunderDome. As he continued to yearn for a final chapter encounter with Randy Orton, the WWE Hall of Famer was ambushed from behind by Randy Orton! Sending him down, Randy kicked him in the ribcage though "the Rated R Superstar" fired back! Into a wall and a mesh fence, the two gladiators continued to fight - as officials arrived to diffuse the situation! WWE Official Adam Pearce directed orders among the staff, as security guards, referees and producers arrived to intercept. Orton came away with a black eye, screaming to Edge enough was enough! "The Apex Predator" stormed through a set of doors, as Pearce confronted Edge. The Canadian stated there was nothing on god's green earth that would stop him from settling this, but Adam concluded he had no choice but to ban him from the building! Edge angrily got in his face, but Pearce said while he couldn't fire him, he could speak to somebody else who could. With great reluctance, he left under supervision from security.

A replay aired, recapping the arrival and subsequent departure of "the Rated R Superstar". Edge was assaulted from behind by Randy Orton, who was hit with nonstop force from the WWE Hall of Famer. As "the Viper" was wounded in the heat of battle he stormed off, and WWE Official Adam Pearce was left with no other choice than to ban Edge from the WWE ThunderDome.

Loverboys
Following discussion from Michael Cole, Byron Saxton and Booker T, footage aired from earlier today. Broadcast journalists Charly Caruso and Sarah Schreiber spoke when they were interrupted by the flexing Theory. With the RAW Tag Team Championship on display, the smug youngster asked Charly if she liked what she saw. Caruso rolled her eyes as Schreiber left her to it - asserting she was not interested in "A-Town Austin". She wanted to do her job, and he was stopping that. The youngest Disciple of the Church quizzed her what she saw in Angel Garza, but before she could answer, Los Lotharios arrived. Angel was held back by his cousin Humberto Carrillo, sick of him hitting on his girl. "La Estrella" spoke Spanish and convinced "El Amante" to save it for the ring, the La Invasíon members leaving. Theory told Charly her man would be taking the "L" tonight. Left alone, Caruso scoffed, crying out that she was nobody's man!

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3) RAW Tag Team Champion Theory def. Angel Garza (6:57)

Los Lotharios had earned the right to a RAW Tag Team Championship opportunity at Clash of Champions: Gold Rush last week, in the midst of tensions flaring between the Families of RAW: the Church and La Invasíon. Theory's flirting with Charly Caruso had enticed Angel Garza to do something about it, immediately connecting with a super kick at the bell! Aggressively, the hot-blooded "El Amante" put the boots to the RAW Tag Team Champion. Tying him upside down in the corner, Angel struck with a penalty kick bringing the Disciple of the Church down from the tree of woe position. "A-Town Austin" was sent packing from the ring with a dropkick to the rear for good measure, being given a lesson for flirting with his old flame - much to the annoyance of the broadcast journalist! A dive through the ropes followed, with one-half of Los Lotharios following by intercepting a rolling blockbuster attempt into a kick to the chest! Garza hit a kneeling powerbomb, as the youngster struggled to get something going!

Angel Garza looked for a springboard stunner using the bottom rope, but Theory wisely foresaw it with a neckbreaker in return. A rolling dropkick took "El Amante" down, with the youngest Disciple of the Church showboating and flexing across the ring. With a slingshot stomp to the chest, the RAW Tag Team Champion's attempt at a fisherman suplex saw Garza reverse into a DDT! From the top rope Garza soared with a moonsault press to the floor, but back inside "A-Town Austin" used the referee as a shield. Suddenly Murphy hit the ring with a bicycle knee strike! As Theory continued to distract the official, "the Juggernaut" would drill Garza with Murphy's Law before rolling out to ringside. Remaining hidden, he watched as Theory dove on the cover to steal the win!

The RAW Tag Team Champions proved what made them a proficient team, one-upping Los Lotharios. After missing last week, Murphy returned to the ring and put the boots to Angel Garza after the bell with Theory joining in using the ATL! The Disciples of the Church stood tall, when out to the ring hit Humberto Carrillo. Coming to his cousin's aid, "La Estrella" was hot, bringing the champs to bail. La Invasíon would not stand for this!

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Spoiled Gig
Still without a partner to be found, Nia Jax walked alone down the corridor en route to the ring. In action against Charlotte Flair and Shayna Baszler, "the Giantess" would either leave tonight with a RAW Women's Championship opportunity or be banished from competing for the title ever again. It appeared she would do it alone, when "the Irresistible Force" rolled her eyes - the Iiconics approached. Billie Kay and Peyton Royce rubbed in poor lonely Nia not having any friends. As obnoxious and irritating as ever, the Aussies teased and joked what could have been had they were part of the new Four Horsewomen. Instead, they could only hold her responsible for depriving them of their best gig yet! Finally Nia scared them from the scene before continuing in her path - en route for the ring, up next.

Is Your Refrigerator Running?
The Street Profits chilled in the locker room, talking about Montez Ford's effort pursuing the WWE 24/7 Championship last week. Angelo Dawkins encouraged Tez, claiming he would one day be the man around here, but until then he had a great idea what to do to pass the time. Pulling out his cell phone, Dawkins held the phone to his and Ford's ears - when out of earshot played Samoa Joe's polyphonic ringtone! Samoa Joe stormed into the scene, questioning if the beating he gave Tez last week wasn't enough. "The Frat Boys" made fun of Joe's style and ringtone, in disbelief that Mustafa Ali literally had the champ's number. "The Coquina Destroyer" began to lecture them, when another phonecall came in. He kept declining and declining - before finally grunting and picking it up. Joe barked out with the call on loudspeaker - when in the distance R-Truth was seen asking Joe if his refrigerator was running. "The Samoan Submission Machine" spotted him immediately, bringing "the Truth" to run for the hills!

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Giantess and Empress
Following the arrival of Shayna Baszler, followed by the RAW Women's Champion Charlotte Flair, the newest unit to hit Monday Night RAW graced the ring and awaited the challenge of Nia Jax. With high stakes on the line, "the Giantess" would either finally receive her long-awaited opportunity at the RAW Women's Championship or go home with nothing, never to challenge for it again. Out came Nia Jax, wearing a visibly grimace of concern on her face. "The Queen" and "the New Age Enforcer" laughed at the sight of her alone - but before Nia powered down to face them all by herself, a smile appeared on her face. "The Irresistible Force" was joined moments later by none other than Asuka! Excluded from title competition herself at Payback, "the Empress of Tomorrow" was coming for revenge side-by-side with Jax!

4) Nia Jax and Asuka def. RAW Women's Champion Charlotte Flair and Shayna Baszler (9:24)

Having not been seen since Payback, Asuka had an axe to grind with Shayna Baszler. Immediately the two collided, with "the Empress of Tomorrow" tackling the MMA Fighter to the mat. Using her own skill, she attempted the Asuka Lock but "the New Age Enforcer" turned it around and teased the Kirifuda Clutch - when Nia Jax blasted her with a clothesline! Charlotte Flair dared to strike from behind only for "the Giantess" to absorb the blow. Two knife-edged chops saw Jax respond by grabbing Flair by the throat, just for Baszler to shoot from behind with a chop block. Flair and Baszler teamed up on Nia, when Asuka returned with a missile dropkick for Shayna before barely missing the RAW Women's Champion with a whiff of the Empress Kick! Baszler and Flair backed out to regroup at ringside, when "the Irresistible Force" mowed both down with a double clothesline. Asuka felt froggy and followed suit with a diving crossbody taking out everybody!

"The Empress of Tomorrow" lit up "the Queen" with kicks, when Shayna Baszler diverted her attention for an exploder suplex from Charlotte Flair! Flair and "the New Age Enforcer" took turns ganging up on the former RAW Women's Champion as Nia Jax watched with concern: her future title prospects at risk. Asuka tried to fight back to be caught in a single-legged Boston crab! With diabolical stomps and slams against the canvas, the ankle of Asuka was targeted. She tried to fight with an enzuigiri, but Flair prevented the tag with the Queen's Boot for "the Giantess!" Flair teased the Figure-8, but Asuka used a cradle - and Nia was unleashed! Rushing the champ, Jax hammered away when Baszler tagged in. Asuka attacked her but Flair struck with the Natural Selection. Flair wound up nearly the recipient of the Annihilator, but Baszler saved her with the Kirifuda Clutch! Jax was able to sit back, crushing Baszler beneath her, and Asuka nailed the Empress Kick. A leg drop from Nia picked up the win!

Snapped Like A Twig
Her title prospects took a significant turn for the better, as Nia Jax began her celebration - just for Charlotte Flair to come from behind with a shot from a kendo stick! Asuka darted to make the save, just for "the Queen" to throttle her with a cane shot to the ribs and the spine. With "the Empress of Tomorrow" cast aside, the RAW Women's Champion proceeded to fold, snap and break the stick across the body of "the Giantess!" Shayna Baszler came to aid in the ambush, with Flair holding Jax's arm in position for the dreaded Elbow Stamp. In the nick of time, Asuka made the save - able to run the two away with the remains of the kendo stick. As Jax shuck off the cobwebs, she was met with a glare from "the Japanese Sensation", who finally nodded her way before sliding out of the ring. Common enemies brought Asuka and Nia together - when a graphic aired confirming Nia's title opportunity - at Clash of Champions: Gold Rush!

Clash of Champions - RAW Women's Championship - Charlotte Flair (c) vs Nia Jax

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Last-Ditch Effort
With his eye bruised up courtesy of the previous scuffle with Edge outside the WWE ThunderDome, Randy Orton walked towards the arena where he was stopped by Adam Pearce. The WWE Official asked "the Viper" if he had time to talk about what happened, but Randy questioned what authority Adam even possessed. Deeming him a washed up failure, Orton exclaimed that what happened tonight was criminal on the part of "the Rated R Superstar". Arguing this past few weeks have been a nightmare, he questioned why Pearce's bosses weren't doing more to stop the WWE Hall of Famer from coming after him. While Adam mused the offer of Orton accepting Edge's challenge to a 'Final Chapter', Orton again declined - that's what Edge wanted! He wasn't about to give Edge certified right to endanger his career or his life. He was more than a body, and Edge had tried to take his humanity from him. There was only one way this could end - and he was going to the ring to make it end right now.

An advertisement aired, promoting Connor's Cure and the V Foundation's Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Starring the returning Lance "the Tumornator", still fighting and advocating for the WWE Universe to join him in their fight. Help the WWE Superstars of tomorrow fight pediatric cancer today by donating at ConnorTheCrusher.com. Your support matters.

Following discussion from Michael Cole, Byron Saxton and Booker T, a replay aired, recapping the parking lot assault made by Edge to Randy Orton. The WWE Hall of Famer had said he would not stop until he got his final chapter with "the Viper", and was threatening to make his life hell on earth until he accepted. While WWE Official Adam Pearce hoped banning "the Rated R Superstar" from the building would be enough, "the Apex Predator" had had enough and was heading for the ring.

Enough is Enough
The WWE ThunderDome broke out in boos as Randy Orton made his way out to the ring. In casual clothes, he walked with a visible mark under his eye from the parking lot assault earlier tonight. Not happy one bit, "the Apex Predator" entered the ring and examined the faces of the WWE Universe on the LED boards. Speaking slowly and softly, he began by acknowledging the situations that "the Rated R Superstar" had put him through. He had been victim to Edge's recurrent obsession with him that has effected his personal life, as well as his home life. He couldn't eat without looking over his shoulder, and he couldn't sleep without waking up in the middle of the night in a hot sweat. The WWE Hall of Famer was stalking him, and Randy continued to question what he ever did to deserve any of it. "The Viper" admitted he wanted to help save his former partner from himself, but what the Canadian was doing was pathetic. If all Edge wanted was a final chapter, Randy was afraid to say that bridge had been crossed.

"The Viper" wished it wouldn't happen like this, but Edge would truthfully never get that final chapter - because Randy Orton wasn't going to give him the satisfaction. "Also Sprach Zarathustra" suddenly came over the WWE ThunderDome - and out walked Ric Flair! Another WWE Hall of Famer with plenty of history with Orton came stylin' and profilin' out to the ring, where he met a surprised "Viper" with a hug. In an unexpected appearance, Flair claimed he was there to visit his daughter Charlotte Flair, but when he heard the spiel in which "the Apex Predator" was spewing out of his mouth - he knew he had to talk to him. Ric ordered his once-protégé to look at him, noting time he spent mentoring Orton into being one of the greatest of all-time from that naíve punk kid he once knew. He had been World Champion nearly as many times as "The Nature Boy", but for him to turn around and say "enough was enough" after a couple of sneak attacks - that was pathetic.

"The Nature Boy" continued to lecture Randy Orton, who tried to respond and say it wasn't as simple as he thought - but Flair realized "the Apex Predator" was refusing to make eye contact again, and slapped him across the face! Orton received a wake-up call and now brushed foreheads with Ric, who knew this was what he had to do to get a rise out of him. Flair was not going to let "the Viper" shy away and tarnish his entire legacy in the making by turning back from Edge. Randy owed it not just to Edge or the WWE Universe - but he owed it to himself, his family and his kids! The WWE Hall of Famer reminded Randy that to be the man, you had to beat the man - and he needed to end this the honorable way against "the Rated R Superstar" by settling this once and for all with one last encounter. Flair abruptly slapped Orton twice more to entice him, with Ric telling Randy to RKO him - to be a man and accept Edge's challenge, and release "the Legend Killer" he had raised him to be!

Ric Flair continued to hype Randy Orton up, but suddenly "the Apex Predator" backed away. Flair dropped his suit jacket and unbuttoned his cufflinks, asking Randy whether he was a man or a coward - but "the Viper" shook his head. Snatching the microphone from "the Nature Boy", he said that he simply couldn't do this anymore. Enough was enough - he was retiring, effective immediately! The WWE ThunderDome was shaken, as Orton dropped the mic on the canvas before turning his back to the WWE Hall of Famer. Walking away from the ring and up the rampway, Flair desperately tried to convince Orton to change his mind: going as far as to ask if he was really willing to be Edge's b*tch! It was enough to stop "the Viper" at the last possible moment - but Orton instead bowed his head in shame and departed the arena for potentially the last time. His mentor was shaken, as were the entire WWE Universe. Did Randy Orton really just hang up his boots for good?

A replay aired from moments ago - where the unexpected arrival of Ric Flair looked to motivate Randy Orton to accept the constant challenges made by Edge. It would have an adverse effect, as no matter how "the Nature Boy" would demand "the Viper" be a man and fight "the Rated R Superstar" one last time, "the Apex Predator" instead declared that he was retiring, effective immediately, and walked out on the WWE ThunderDome. Michael Cole, Byron Saxton and Booker T grieved the sudden departure of Randy Orton, whose coveted eighteen-year career had seemingly just ended before their very eyes.

5) Los Mysterios def. AOP (7:01)

Rey Mysterio's win against Seth Rollins led to the Mercenaries of the Church attacking the father-son tag team backstage. Rey and Dominik Mysterio looked for revenge, immediately evading the heavies using their quickness. Rey struggled to connect with the Mysterio Express, but a dropkick from Dominik allowed him to nail it. With Akam sent from the ring, Rezar received a spinning headscissors from "the Legendary Luchador" - allowing Dom to score a topé con hilo! "The Equalizers" caught Dom with a sidewalk slam and diving stomp combination, beginning to hammer at the youngster. Cutting him off, the youngster's resilience was tested as he kicked out of a neckbreaker! Two lucha rolls got him the tag to Rey, who sprung with a wheelbarrow DDT for Akam! AOP teamed up and cut Rey off with Akam landing Desert Storm! The Super Collider was tried, but Dom and Rey sent them into one another! A double 619 struck Rezar when Rey and Dom hit consecutive splashes from the top rope for the win!

Los Mysterios picked up a big win against the Mercenaries of the Church, and as Akam slid into the ring, he expressed disbelief at the upset! The father-and-son tag team combination of Rey and Dominik Mysterio prevailed over the two "Equalizers" in AOP, and they would quickly jet from the ring in order to evade the wrath of an aggravated Akam.

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Losing Control Center
An irritated WWE 24/7 Champion barged into the production truck. Samoa Joe threw his cell phone at the ground to intimidate the directors and production assistants. Baffled why "the Coquina Destroyer" was there, Joe called out for Mustafa Ali to show himself. He claimed to know this was where "the Hacker" was hiding, Joe roughed up the collar of a producer before warning the rest of the crew to step carefully. Refusing to leave until Ali revealed himself, they all tried to argue he wasn't there - when Ali's voice was heard. Echoing throughout the truck, Mustafa Ali's face appeared on the monitors, in awe at how popular Joe had become. He knew Joe wouldn't understand it, but after years of dominating anyone who dared look his way, he felt it was time for "Mr. 24/7" to find out what it was like to be humble. Ali advised Joe if he wanted to see him so badly, to come and visit him this week on Friday Night SmackDown. He accepted the invitation as the transmission cut out, the champ stomping away.

Friday Night SmackDown - WWE 24/7 Champion Samoa Joe meets Mustafa Ali

A vignette aired, showing the complex dreadlocked patterns of Sarah Logan. Distorted images of her face appeared fragmented and distorted by her reflection in a body of water, wearing antlers and warpaint on her face. She spoke of transcending who she was to unlock the path she was meant to embark on long ago. For hundreds and thousands of years, she had been destined to continue on this path and reach the potential her ancestors paved the way for her especially. Becoming one with the nature of her surroundings, Logan embarked forested regions with a stick in hand. With a new demeanor and a new look, she declared the time had arrived for her to become new again - next week.

Next week - Sarah Logan returns

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Fatherly Advice
The RAW Women's Champion Charlotte Flair skulked down the hallway when approached by Sarah Schreiber. Asked about the announcement made for Clash of Champions, "the Queen" told Sarah that tonight's outcome changed nothing. Nia Jax wished she could be as great as she was. She was stopped by the arrival of Ric Flair, her father smiling back at her. "The Nature Boy" told his daughter that tonight she suffered a setback, but at the end of the day she was what no one else in this business was or ever could be: a Flair. Giving her a pep talk, Ric reminded her she had the grace of god coarsing through her veins. The first of three women to ever headline WrestleMania; a thirteen-time Women's Champion, Flair noted she had the heart of a champion and would be victorious come Clash of Champions. With Shayna Baszler at her side, now she had an enforcer - but she knew what she had to do next! Ric patted her on the shoulder, as Flair was left to think long and hard about what her strategy should be.

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Monday Night RAW returned with a long pan of the WWE ThunderDome, providing a great in-depth look at the advanced, state-of-the-art technology on display. From the thousand LED screens present at ringside, to the millions of lights and screens overlooking the squared circle, this game-changing 'Virtual Experience' for members of the WWE Universe was sure to bring the WWE into the future. Based in Orlando, Florida's Amway Center, it was the WWE Universe's greatest ticket to live and interactive entertainment. Fans could register for their virtual seat free at WWEThunderDome.com.

6) Shelton Benjamin def. Zack Ryder (3:32)

As he made his arrival, the enlightening comments made by Zack Ryder on last week's RAW Talk aired. "The Long Island Iced-Z" hoped to climb his way back up the ladder in action against Shelton Benjamin, who also looked to regain valuable footing in the eyes of an old friend in MVP. "The Gold Standard" was met with right hands and a roll-up by Ryder, who nearly upset Shelton with two further trapping pins. While a knee lift saw Benjamin regain his footing and connect with a back body drop, Zack averted it by meeting him with a dropkick! A missile dropkick from the second rope landed, when Benjamin cut him off with a high kick on the apron. A spinebuster got a near fall, and the mean streak of the veteran revealed itself. Ryder fired back with a forearm smash in the corner, and the Broski Boot connected! Choosing against a cover, Zack went to the top rope for his rare 450 splash - but Benjamin evaded it. With Ryder winded, the Paydirt scored to grab Shelton the three count.

Shelton Benjamin knocked off Zack Ryder despite the inspired attempts made by "the Long Island Iced-Z", and "the Gold Standard" appeared to be on an ascent of his own. Rolling out to the floor, the veteran showed his enthusiasm to the dismissal of an upset Ryder. Pounding the mat with his fist in frustration, this was not the climb up the ladder that the New Yorker wanted.

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Following his surprise return to Monday Night RAW last week, the co-star of USA Network's 'Miz and Mrs' was spotted strutting the hall backstage. In a stylish suit, the Miz grinned and pointed the finger guns at a group of backstage assistants as he headed for the ring. For the first time in a long time, 'Miz TV' was about to make its' return to Monday nights - up next.

A replay aired, taking us back to earlier tonight. Randy Orton shocked the entire WWE Universe when he decided to retire in spite of an encouraging discussion with Ric Flair in the middle of the ring. With his eye black and bruised after another backstage assault by Edge earlier tonight, "the Viper" refused to provide "the Rated R Superstar" the satisfaction of one final encounter: instead deciding enough was enough.

A graphic aired, promoting tonight's edition of RAW Talk, immediately following Monday Night RAW. Hosted by Charly Caruso and Booker T, tonight's special guests included Andrade and Zelina Vega, Nia Jax & Shelton Benjamin. It all went down at 11:05 PM, exclusively on the WWE Network.

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Such Great Heights
The ring was set up for the grand return of 'Miz TV'. The Miz stood in the center of the ring in his immaculate suit, welcoming the WWE Universe back to the show that Monday Night RAW was missing all along - the most must-see talk show in WWE today! Lounging back into his chair, he spoke of how marvelous it was to be home on the USA Network, and not be flanked by that vacuum of attention John Morrison. Speaking of the custody his former partner gained in 'the Dirt Sheet' as held last week on Friday Night SmackDown, "the Guru of Greatness" proclaimed it a dud - much like everything JoMo had ever done in his professional career! Moving on to provide a massive scoop for the WWE ThunderDome to be witness to, he proudly confirmed the return of 'Miz and Mrs' for Season 3 - coming later this fall! Certainly, he believed RAW was in for a sorely-needed facelift for his return, before wishing to bring out his guest. With a future somehow more massive than he himself, the Hollywood star demanded a warm ovation for Omos!

Towering out to the stage in a suit of his own, "the Nigerian Nightmare" stomped down to the ring slowly as he approached the ammending host of 'Miz TV'. The Miz was in astonishment at the size of Omos, speaking out about the accolades in which the giant had achieved. At twenty-five years of age, when he was signed to the WWE Performance Center in 2019, the entire WWE Universe knew they had an S-tier sensation on their hands. Better yet, Miz knew he was a marvel, citing his tenure playing college basketball at the University of South Florida, and later Morgan State University. Omos was dripping in potential, and to top it off, at seven-foot three-inches tall, it was obvious to anyone looking up why that was! Omos remained silent with a sceptical expression on his face, as Miz continued by telling Omos he had impressed the masses already - but in order to go places in the WWE, all he had to do now was have somebody show him the ropes.

The Miz generously offered to take Omos under his wing and be the mentor who would bring him to unforeseen heights as a WWE Superstar. With more height puns, Miz believed nobody could rise higher than "the Nigerian Nightmare", when the newcomer suddenly took hold of the microphone. His voice booming and deep, he questioned who "the A-Lister" was and why he should care! Miz frantically told Omos he couldn't understand - he was a big fan of Omos: a huge one! Backing off, the Hollywood star reasoned that he could do amazing things for his career: including get him onto the big screen. Omos suddenly grabbed hold of Miz's shoulder, as he dropped to his knees and begged for mercy: but Omos chose not to strike him. Instead patting the shoulder of Miz, the host was stunned. Miz questioned if this meant he was giving him a chance - but Omos left the ring over the ropes, the big man left with "the A-Lister" gobsmacked, breathing a deep sigh of relief. What did this mean?

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Kiddy Games
Shelton Benjamin was seen thinking about knocking on a locker room door marked 'Team Lashley'. Deciding to do it, he was quickly met by MVP, who whispered what the hell he thought he was doing! With the WWE World Champion Bobby Lashley and Lana speaking in the background, "the Franchise Player" closed the door behind him and told "the Gold Standard" if he wanted to play politics now was not the time. Lashley was getting ready for Seth Rollins, and they had a strategy to go over. Shelton bluntly said he was tired of being swept under the rug by a guy who he thought was his friend. Referencing tonight's win against Zack Ryder, Shelton said he was ready for another run at the top - and he wanted MVP's help. MVP chuckled, telling him he'd love to help but couldn't. If he wanted to stop playing kiddy games against hasbeens like "the Long Island Iced-Z", he needed to kick it up a notch! Voicing that it wasn't a "they" thing but a "he" should, MVP advised Benjamin do more to grab Team Lashley's attention. Returning inside, the veteran voiced his annoyance and punched the wall!

Elsewhere, Seth Rollins made his way down the hall. It was now or never as far as "the Monday Night Messiah" was concerned, with the opportunity to join Andrade in the race for the WWE World Championship at Clash of Champions. The Head of the Church was heading to the ring for the main event poised for a meeting with the champ himself. Set to take on "the All Mighty" Bobby Lashley, it was coming up next!

Following discussion from Michael Cole, Byron Saxton and Booker T, the broadcast team discussed Clash of Champions: Gold Rush - live, one week from Sunday exclusively on the WWE Network. Running down the line-up match by match, graphics appeared on-screen with numerous additions made.

WWE World Championship - Bobby Lashley (c) vs Andrade (NEW!)
WWE Universal Championship - Roman Reigns (c) vs Jeff Hardy
RAW Women's Championship - Charlotte Flair (c) vs Nia Jax (NEW!)
WWE United States Championship - Kevin Owens (c) vs AJ Styles (NEW!)
RAW Tag Team Championship - Theory and Murphy (c) vs Los Lotharios

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7) Seth Rollins def. WWE World Champion Bobby Lashley (with Lana and MVP) (13:04)

The Head of the Church had to win this match in order to be added to the WWE World Championship match at Clash of Champions: Gold Rush, and his desperation showed immediately as he swarmed "the All Mighty" before he even had the chance to enter the ring. His wife Lana and advisor MVP of Team Lashley watched on, as Seth Rollins stunned the champ on his feet with two calf kicks. Still remaining vertical, "the End-Game" of Monday Night RAW struck Seth hard with a clothesline before striking with a series of shoulder thrusts in the corner. After a belly-to-back suplex, Lashley charged "the Monday Night Messiah" in the corner - just to be hit with a reverse STO sending him into the second turnbuckle pad. With everything he had, Rollins stomped a mudhole in the corner before following Lashley to the floor with a dive through the ropes: but Lashley caught him and slammed him spine-first into the LED ring post. Lashley was in the driver's seat, when Andrade and Zelina Vega came out to spectate from the top of the rampway!

Seth Rollins was doing everything in his power to keep Bobby Lashley at bay, dodging a tackle in the corner and striking with an enzuigiri. A springboard clothesline took the WWE World Champion down, when the Sling Blade connected. The frog splash was inbound, but the Head of the Church laid his eyes on Andrade and Zelina Vega, who had joined commentary. This allowed "the All Mighty" to bring him down with a military press slam! A fisherman suplex got the champ a near fall, as Team Lashley applauded their man. Lashley caught Seth as he ascended to the top, but "the Monday Night Messiah" escaped and super kicked Lashley through his legs, as his head bowed against the turnbuckle pad. Battling into position, a superplex fed into a falcon arrow - but Lashley kicked out! The desperate side of Rollins set in, following Lashley to the apron - where the Stomp sickeningly left Lashley down on the floor. MVP and Lana darted to his side; Seth hopeful of taking the count-out win - but the champ was rolled back in by the count of nine!

"The Monday Night Messiah" had the WWE World Champion at his mercy, and he grinned at Andrade and Zelina Vega on commentary in knowing it. Bobby Lashley came back with an attempted spinebuster, but Seth rolled through with a sunset flip into a super kick! The Pedigree was teased but Lashley back dropped out. Seth leaped to avoid the Spear, and the Buckle Bomb connected. The Head of the Church hit the apron for a springboard knee strike, but Lashley evaded and Seth rolled through: receiving the Spear! Lashley covered, but Rollins managed to get his foot on the bottom rope before the three count. In disbelief, Lashley struggled to apply the Hurt Lock as an alternative - when Zelina Vega left commentary to distract the official. Lana was annoyed at the distraction and dragged Vega down: the two getting into a war of words! Lashley meanwhile was hit with a low blow in a crucial escape by Rollins - who proceeded to roll "the All Mighty" up with both feet on the ropes for leverage: to steal the win!

Bagpipes over ThunderDome
Bobby Lashley came to realize he had been robbed - and the match at Clash of Champions was now a Triple Threat match! Seth Rollins was overjoyed by his victory, but before "the Monday Night Messiah" could bask any longer, he was struck with another Spear by "the All Mighty!" Andrade snuck in from behind, looking for El Idolo on the gold. Instead, "El Capo" found himself the recipient of a spinebuster! The WWE ThunderDome fell in silence - except for the sound of bagpipes. Drew McIntyre emerged for the first time in weeks: shirtless with jeans, with sights set on the man who beat him! "The All Mighty" challenged McIntyre to fight - and he came down, wiping out Andrade with the Claymore Kick on the aisleway! At ringside he ducked a clothesline from Rollins and planted he too with a Claymore Kick! Finally stepping inside, "the Scottish Terminator" eyed Bobby Lashley up face-to-face. Pointing out the WWE World Championship Lashley unfairly took from him, the Scotsman declared that he wanted his gold back!

Clash of Champions - WWE World Championship - Triple Threat match - Bobby Lashley (c) vs Andrade vs Seth Rollins

RAW Talk #25 – September 14, 2020
Booker T and Charly Caruso welcomed Andrade and Zelina Vega, still seething with rage over Drew McIntyre. "El Capo" mentioned Seth Rollins and now "the Scottish Terminator" intruding on his business with Bobby Lashley, claiming the WWE World Championship belonged to him. As Zelina began to discuss Lana, the co-hosts heard breaking news: it had been decided Drew McIntyre would be added to the match at Clash of Champions! Andrade and Vega stormed off set, outraged.
Nia Jax joined the show next, still catching her breath after the kendo stick attack from Charlotte Flair. While humbled by the response from the WWE Universe after her tag team win tonight, "the Giantess" admitted she and Asuka might never be friends - but they liked it better that way. Voicing her respect for "the Empress of Tomorrow", Jax changed her tone when discussing "the Queen" and Shayna Baszler. At Clash of Champions, "the Irresistible Force" declared she was coming for the RAW Women's Championship.
As the co-hosts relished in the announcement made by WWE management: that the WWE World Championship match would now be a Fatal 4-Way match at Clash of Champions. Shelton Benjamin waltzed onto the set, vexed by the lack of respect shown for long enough, "the Gold Standard" claimed he could have had "the All Mighty's" back, but his friendly advisor MVP had to do him dirty. Shelton claimed he was just getting started, and that he would get respect - even if it upset some of his longtime friends.

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DTP.
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· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Oct 15, 2023 20:07:33 GMT -5

Quote

Post by DTP. on Oct 15, 2023 20:07:33 GMT -5

NXT #422 – September 16, 2020
Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida
"All Out Life" by Slipknot
LESS THAN THREE WEEKS FROM NXT TAKEOVER: UNFORGIVEN!

The opening video package aired, reviewing the events that unfolded last week during the second week of NXT Super Tuesday. Championships were up for grabs, as Santos Escobar defeated Isaiah "Swerve" Scott to retain the NXT Cruiserweight Championship amidst much controversy involving the likes of Legado del Fantasma and Kalisto; "Absolute" Ricky Starks clung onto the NXT North American Championship against Dexter Lumis, but found himself the recipient of another move made by former champion Keith Lee; and tensions rose between Adam Cole and Pat McAfee, as the Summit held by NXT General Manager William Regal saw all hell break loose in Full Sail Arena! What could possibly happen tonight?

Cutting to Full Sail Arena, Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett watched over the gathered small crowd of NXT Universe members, as they chanted "NXT" and pounded on the plexiglass walls surrounding the ringside area. With Connor's Cure logos on display on the stage, the ring apron, and even the facial coverings of the spectators, Vic and Wade discussed the potential fallout of last week's chaotic brawl between Adam Cole and Pat McAfee.

1) Keith Lee def. Cameron Grimes (5:43)

"The Carolina Caveman" continued to seek the partnership of Killian Dain, who continued to show little regard for him. Tasked against the former NXT North American Champion, Keith Lee was determined to make short work of Cameron Grimes. Lee immediately threw an overhead chop into his chest, and caught Grimes off the ropes with a powerslam! Lee set up for the Spirit Bomb, when Ricky Starks made his way out to the stage. With the NXT North American Championship on display, it enabled Grimes to strike with a Superman forearm strike, before catching "the Limitless One" off the ropes with the Collision Course flipping fallaway slam! Cameron was hungry for a win, but Lee got his knees up from a moonsault. With "the Star Attraction" watching, Lee sent Grimes flying with the Pounce before a fireman's carry knocked him through a loop with a discus forearm strike! The southerner was finished as the Big Bang Catastrophe hit, all the while he stared down "Absolute" from afar.

Absolutely Trapped
Keith Lee celebrated his win proudly, a decisive one in spite of "Absolute" Ricky Starks' intended distraction. "The Star Attraction" mockingly applauded him and removed his sunglasses, as "the Limitless One" took to the microphone to speak on the most obvious thing in the world. The entire NXT Universe, including those living under a rock knew fully what he desired more than anything - and questioned "Absolute" on what he had to say. Starks took a microphone of his own and noted the gall of a guy like Keith Lee demanding things and expecting to receive them with the drop of a hat. The NXT North American Champion talked beating Keith already, back at NXT TakeOver XXX. Fair and square, he beat him and would assuredly beat him again. Deeming himself the greatest thing to happen to "the Black and Gold Brand" ever, there was nobody who could even touch the greatness of "Pretty Ricky". Talking himself into a corner, the champ obliged in offering Lee the rematch he wanted.

"Absolute" Ricky Starks claimed that everything he touched turned to gold, and this match was no exception - because the NXT Brand needed him to make big-money blockbuster events happen. He was confident enough after NXT TakeOver XXX to grant him his rematch anytime, any place with the NXT North American Championship - but before being able to deliver his signature catchphrase, "the Star Attraction" was interrupted by a casual Keith Lee - asking what about Sunday night, October 4. Considering it fitting that the name on the card was NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven, "Pretty Ricky" blindly accepted the challenge. "The Limitless One" was glad but licked his lips - telling him he wanted it to be not just any regular match. He wanted to make sure the champ couldn't run and hide like he had done his entire tenure in NXT so far: stating it would take place inside a Steel Cage! His jaw dropping, Ricky had no response, and thus a determined Keith Lee finished his catchphrase for him - the rematch made!

NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven - NXT North American Championship - Steel-Cage match - Ricky Starks (c) vs Keith Lee

✕✕✕

Returning to the Perch, Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett processed the news for the Steel-Cage match at NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven, before looking ahead at what else was in store tonight on NXT. Two weeks after the savage beatdown received from the suspended Karrion Kross, the NXT Champion Finn Bálor would return to action against Timothy Thatcher - but what shape would "the Prince" be in for his meeting with "the Professor of Pain?" Plus, as signed by NXT General Manager William Regal last week: Ever-Rise's reign as NXT Tag Team Champions would meet its' greatest challenge to date - the gold at stake against Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly, Breezango and Imperium!

NXT Tag Team Championship - Fatal 4-Way match - Ever-Rise (c) vs Imperium vs Breezango vs Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly
NXT Champion Finn Bálor vs Timothy Thatcher

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Garantierter Sieg
Earlier today, the representatives of Imperium stood before a brick wall as they discussed their mission statement headed into tonight's Fatal 4-Way match for the NXT Tag Team Championship. Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner discussed this being the eve of NXT UK's uprising from the ashes, and that could only mean the impending return to emergence of the dominant NXT United Kingdom Champion - "the Ring General" WALTER. Since July they had arrived to do Imperium proud and keep the mat sacred, and that was what they had done. Across the pond from their homes, Barthel and Aichner barked that tonight would be the crowning achievement of that mission statement, because they would leave with the NXT Tag Team Championships. No more chicanery would be had, as tonight would mark Imperium's expansion.

An advertisement aired, promoting Connor's Cure and the V Foundation's Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Starring the returning "Superman" Jimmy, he was still fighting and advocating for the WWE Universe to join him in their fight. Help the WWE Superstars of tomorrow fight pediatric cancer today by donating at ConnorTheCrusher.com. Your support matters.

The Connor's Cure logo was present on the screens around Full Sail Arena, in addition to on the aisleway floor and ring apron. They would remain there for the entire month of September, as Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett discussed Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Merchandise was available now at WWEShop.com, with 100% of the proceedings going to the families of those affected.

The broadcast team discussed the upcoming match between Finn Bálor and Timothy Thatcher, two weeks after the heinous beating received by the now-suspended Karrion Kross. In a first time meeting, the NXT Champion had to be wounded headed into battle against "the Professor of Pain". Footage aired from earlier today, showing Timothy Thatcher sparring with a student at the WWE Performance Center - where he quickly took him down and savagely rammed the poor prospect's head and face into the gym mat!

2) Legado del Fantasma def. Kalisto, Isaiah Scott and Leon Ruff (11:04)

Feeling screwed by the forces of Legado del Fantasma, it was clear Isaiah "Swerve" Scott also had animosity for Kalisto, who simply wanted to get what he felt he deserved: his own opportunity at Santos Escobar. The NXT Cruiserweight Champion had Las Hyenas lead the battle, only to be met by "the King of Swerve Style" and Leon Ruff. As Joaquin Wilde mightily sent Ruff sailing with a hanging overhead kick through the ropes, "El Samuray" would strike with a Listo Kick and a springboard armdrag. The leader of Lucha House Party showed his acrobatics with a double-jump springboard dragonrana to the floor on Wilde; meanwhile Scott hit a dive of his own on the opposite side of the ring. Returning to the ring, Isaiah and Kalisto went back-to-back, before nearly throwing hands at one another! Ruff tried to get between them, when Legado del Fantasma returned with "the Emperor" swiftly taking the underdog Leon down with a dropkick.

Legado del Fantasma managed to shift things in their favor thanks to the NXT Cruiserweight Champion. As Leon Ruff worked out from Raúl Mendoza's hammerlock, Santos Escobar tagged in and sent him from the ring; a fireman's carry dropping Ruff across the apron! "The Emperor" performed the Topé from the Depths of Hell, while Kalisto and Isaiah Scott argued Ruff gained breathing room escaping a double suplex from Las Hyenas, and a rebound clothesline off the ropes took both down! "Swerve" got the tag and ran hot, wiping Escobar out with the House Call! As a back kick got Mendoza off his back, "El Samuray" tagged himself in and delivered the hurricanrana driver - but it led to a war of words between the partners! With Ruff again coming between them, chaos broke loose between the six men; Kalisto hitting a springboard moonsault taking out everybody! With Mendoza, Wilde, Kalisto and Scott dispatched, Ruff tried his luck with the champ, just for the Phantom Driver to get LdF the win!

Return of the Time Splitter
Santos Escobar grinned menacingly over the fallen carcass of Leon Ruff, as Legado del Fantasma's dominance over the NXT Cruiserweight Division appeared to continue. LdF continued to put the boots to poor Ruff after the bell, as Kalisto and Isaiah "Swerve" Scott were left down at ringside. All alone, Ruff got in a right hand against "the Emperor", when Raúl Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde drilled him with a Russian legsweep into an enzuigiri! LdF prepared to hand Leon over to "the Emperor" for a second Phantom Driver - when Kushida's music hit. "The Time Splitter" emerged on the aisle, staring down the three men. Santos led the helm daring him to enter - but the former champion did so fearlessly. Battling off Wilde and Mendoza, Escobar was wise enough to slip out of the ring before any contact could be made. Now all eyes were on Kushida, who looked at his watch from the top rope - before pointing the finger at a familiar foe in Santos Escobar!

A replay aired from moments ago, showing the return of "the Time Splitter". Coming back for Legado del Fantasma, Kushida cleaned house of Raúl Mendoza and Joaquin Wilde before coming inches from contact with Santos Escobar. With eyes still set on the NXT Cruiserweight Championship, Kushida had the attention of not only LdF, but Isaiah "Swerve" Scott and Kalisto.

Every Man For Himself
McKenzie Mitchell was standing by with the returning "Time Splitter" in the interview area, bringing Kushida to speak in broken English about the time on the shelf. He considered El Hijo del Fantasma a formidable foe and respectful ally once - but that all ended at the Great American Bash. Twice Las Hyenas had taken him out, but now he is coming back for the NXT Cruiserweight Championship. It prompted Kalisto to enter the scene, questioning who he thought he was! Reminding him who replaced him at NXT TakeOver XXX when Lucha House Party needed him, "El Samuray" told Kushida if anybody deserved a shot at "the Emperor", it was him. Isaiah Scott then entered the frame, causing squabbling between the three Cruiserweight contenders. "Swerve" was pleased to see "the Time Splitter" but thought he and Kalisto were tripping if they thought they were gonna get past him and dunk on a title shot. The argument continued, with everybody wanting to get their hands on Escobar!

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Miserable Toerags
NXT General Manager William Regal walked the hall, when the NXT Tag Team Champions arrived. Ever-Rise contested tonight's Fatal 4-Way match, arguing how unfair it was! Matt Martel didn't believe either of the teams deserved a taste of the titles, as Chase Parker ran them down: Breezango didn't have the IQ to get the job done; Imperium were Eurotrash tourists from NXT UK; and Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly they had already beaten! The GM shut them up saying one way or another, they were a pair of miserable toerags! While the co-hosts of 'Ever-Rise Live' whinged about three title defences in three weeks, "the Blackpool Villain" reminded them of how they also moaned about not getting the exposure they thought they deserved! Parker and Martel threatened to no show tonight's match, but Regal said he would simply strip them of the titles and have their three teams of opponents battle it out: one way or another, the titles would be up for grabs tonight! The champs said this wasn't over, storming off.

✕✕✕

3) NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai def. Tay Conti (4:38)

With the NXT Women's Championship match set for NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven, both Io Shirai and Rhea Ripley were set for action. "The Genius of the Sky" met the up-and-coming Brazilian black belt in judo with a handshake at the bell, before the two went at it. Tay Conti surprised with a brief rush of offense, taking the champ for a ride with a series of arm drags. Shirai would manage to battle back with a pendulum kick after ducking out of the corner! Shirai landed a missile dropkick before attempting a crossface - but Tay responded with a swinging side slam. Showing promise, Conti hit a monkey flip with a mounting cover before connecting with double knees in the corner - followed by a bicycle knee strike against the ropes for a near fall! Shirai struck with a flapjack, but Conti caught her off the ropes with a rolling armbar! "The Joshi Judas" tried to fight back, and was able to come back to her feet. A victory roll fed into the double footstomp before slapping in the Koji Clutch. Tay tried to hang on, only to tap out!

The NXT Women's Champion put down Tay Conti, who Io Shirai soon aided to after the bell. Showing nothing but respect to a challenging opponent with much promise, "the Joshi Judas" sat Conti up for a hug between the two. The show of respect continued as Io raised the Brazilian's hand, when Rhea Ripley rudely interrupted the two! "The Brutalist" cackled hysterically at the appalling display of warmth in the ring, prompting a group of referees to come out after her. As the two crossed paths on the aisle, Io went face-to-face with the woman she would meet at NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven in less than three weeks. Keeping the two apart, the officials made sure the former champ made her way to the ring in shape for competition - in action herself, up next.

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NXT returned to the scene of Adam Cole being issued with the contract for his match with Pat McAfee at NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven by William Regal. The NXT General Manager inaudibly discussed "the Panama City Playboy's" match with the host of SiriusXM's 'Pat McAfee Show' in less than three weeks, with the leader of the UE nodding in agreement. Signing the contract outright with little reading involved, Cole handed it back before leaving the premises.

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Rip Tide Awakening
Rhea Ripley yawned as she waited in the ring for her opponent to make herself known. Restlessly she longed for the Brutality to commence, when met by the arrival of WWE Performance Center upstart Indi Hartwell. The youngster from Down Under made it halfway down the aisle when she was clotheslined down hard by the unforgiving "Brutalist!" Rhea laughed before laying in forearm strikes standing over the helpless up-and-comer, turning her upside down by ramming her face-first twice into the plexiglass walls surrounding the ringside area! With Hartwell soon sent crashing into the steel steps, Rhea returned to the ring as the referee went to check on Indi's wellbeing. Refusing to give in and forfeit the match, Hartwell rolled into the ring holding her neck to the amusement of the next challenger to Io Shirai's NXT Women's Championship.

4) Rhea Ripley def. Indi Hartwell (1:24)

"The Brutalist" prepared for NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven by disrespectfully ambushing Indi Hartwell upon sight! With a series of knee lifts into the abdomen, a biel throw saw the hurting Indi hurdling across the ring! A belly-to-back facebuster saw Rhea Ripley tease bringing this match to an end, just for her to lift Indi's head at the count of two! Choosing to instead have fun with her opponent, Ripley struck with a succession of short-arm clotheslines before taking her down with a big boot for good measures. Indi unexpectedly ducked out of the corner and hit a European uppercut and a big boot, but as she attempted a sidewalk slam, Ripley elbowed free and wiped her out with the Freefall! The Rip Tide followed, as Rhea mouthed a message for Io Shirai - her days as NXT Women's Champion were numbered.

Skyfall
"The Brutalist" grinned menacingly after the bell, but decided after having her hand raised that she was not yet finished with Indi Hartwell! Defenseless, the WWE Performance Center prospect was dragged from the mat with the Prism Trap applied. Rhea Ripley was a woman possessed with a cold-hearted demeanor, but as she dropped Indi and planned to serve up more unnecessary punishment, Io Shirai returned! The NXT Women's Champion hit the ring, just for Ripley to roll out to the ring casually. Amused by "the Joshi Judas" coming to Indi's aid, Rhea turned her head to talk trash to members of the NXT Universe - when out came Io with a triangle moonsault plancha to the floor! Laying in punches of her own, "the Genius of the Sky" was getting even for weeks of mistreatment by her challenger come NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven - but finally, officials and producers arrived at the scene to drag her away.

✕✕✕

Unisex Gowns
McKenzie Mitchell was standing by with Breezango at the backstage interview area, who appeared confident about their chances in tonight's Fatal 4-Way match for the NXT Tag Team Championship. Fandango showed off some of his sweet "ballroom karate" skills, as Tyler Breeze voiced his enthusiasm to finally win his first title as part of "the Black and Gold Brand". Dango discussed that he nor Breezy had held championship gold, but he had a great feeling about tonight. McKenzie soon wished to address the elephant in the room: why were they wearing evening gowns? Defensively, "Prince Pretty" remarked that was "the Fashion Police's" business - and their business alone! "The Dancer" defended the gowns were unisex wear, and that McKenzie would need to wait for their grand reveal later tonight when they arrived on the hunt for the titles. The unorthodox duo left, as Dango stated they had some last-minute fixes they had to make to their wardrobe.

✕✕✕

Footage aired from the trainer's office, where a visibly sore Finn Bálor sat and conversed with the trainer ahead of his match with Timothy Thatcher. While the trainer appeared reluctant to clear "the Prince", he got up and hobbled off regardless. But was this a wise decision, merely two weeks after the incapacitating attack from Karrion Kross? The NXT Champion was set for a first-time meeting with "the Professor of Pain" - up next.

Spoon-Fed Prima Donna
Pat McAfee was in a room halfway across Full Sail University chilling on his phone, when William Regal arrived to issue him with the contract for NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven. Pat joked he thought the NXT General Manager would never turn up, finding it funny he was cast aside across campus, while Adam Cole got first dibs on the contract for their match. Regal reasoned it wasn't deliberate, but the All Pro said he would need to make more demands in order to make sure this venture was worthwhile - as nice as it was being paid big bucks, a fancy limousine and sweet digs to come to the pitstain of Florida and sign a contract! William voiced how impatient he was growing, noting how he had been in this business for plenty of years and only now was he learning the biggest dolts weren't the Superstars - they were spoon-fed prima donnas like him! Again Pat laughed, snatching the contract and signing it, telling the GM he'd remember that when he was making a mockery out of NXT's golden goose Adam Cole.

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5) NXT Champion Finn Bálor def. Timothy Thatcher (7:41)

"The Prince" was visibly still hurt from the attack from Karrion Kross two weeks ago, but tried to show no fear against the highly-skilled "Professor of Pain". Timothy Thatcher immediately looked for the takedown, but Finn Bálor used his quickness to respond. No slouch, the NXT Champion turned to strikes to keep the grappler at bay. Tim responded with a series of European uppercuts in the corner, but Bálor responded with a high kick and a dropkick! Sending Thatch out through the ropes, he looked to fly with a topé con hilo - but on doing it seemed to hurt his ankle. Hobbling back inside after the technician, Thatcher immediately targeted it with a single-leg takedown and an ankle lock! Finn was finally able to fight it, sending Tim into the corner for a knife-edged chop. On one wheel, Finn hit an enzuigiri from the apron, when the sadistic teacher applying a guillotine choke over the top rope! The referee was able to break it up, but Finn collapsed to the floor - in a bad way.

Timothy Thatcher had Finn Bálor tied up with a butterfly lock, all while the NXT Champion was clamped around the body of the vertical "Professor of Pain!" The Irishman began to fight back, just to receive the brunt of a butterfly suplex. "The Prince" was feeling the pain, when he got free with a legscissors before catching Thatch in the corner with a shotgun dropkick! On the apron, Finn struck with a running kick, before connecting with a Coup de Grâce - in the process appearing to damage his ankle even worse! On one leg, Finn rolled Thatch in - who managed to slap on a kneebar! Finn was trapped, as the hold transitioned into a single-legged Boston crab. Able to cling to the bottom rope, Bálor was being taken for a ride until a Sling Blade caught the teacher off-guard! Brutal strikes to the chest saw Thatch make a last-ditch effort with the Fujiwara armbar - but Finn rolled out and connected with another shotgun dropkick! Tim went for another takedown, just to be hit with the 1916 to be put away.

Black and Blue, Red in the Face
A fight to the very end, Finn Bálor triumphed despite the setbacks that came his way. Barely able to stand on both feet, the NXT Champion had his hand raised while Timothy Thatcher gritted his teeth and foamed at the mouth. "The Professor of Pain" left on his own accord, but the two would surely meet again in the future. Bálor took to the microphone after the match, with some words in mind for the NXT Universe. Hobbling on one foot, the Irishman expressed how hard it had been to make it through the past couple of weeks. He'd been unable to focus since the attack by one Karrion Kross - a master manipulator who clearly had it out for him because of what he held. Finn talked about meeting many bad people in this ring, some of which as fearsome as "the Tollman" - but the difference between them was that they had very different approaches to confrontation. Kross liked to dance around the subject, but with him: there was no beating around the bush!

"The Prince" told the tale of how he survived sixty minutes of anguish and punishment to remain NXT Champion at NXT TakeOver XXX - and much like he showed Timothy Thatcher tonight, he wasn't afraid of any sort of competition. No matter the disadvantage, until he was black and blue, and red in the face he would fight - all for the NXT Championship! Finn glared directly down the lens of the camera in the ring, speaking to Karrion Kross and William Regal in particular. "The Tollman" might be cowardly enough to get himself suspended for beating up on officials - but the champ was awake. He wanted him one-on-one, and was offering to put the gold on the line! Bálor told the NXT General Manager to do what he asked, and reinstate him so he could give him the arsekicking he truly deserved! There was nothing taking the title from him, and Kross would know about it - one last time, Finn pleaded with the GM to bring Karrion back so he could knock him down.
✕✕✕

Hit Row
A vignette aired, showing us to Briana leading the way down a flight of stairs to an underground club. Tehuti Miles, nicknamed "Ashantee" for the first time was welcomed to Hit Row - opening a door to reveal a warehouse with concrete flooring, posters and flyers adorning the walls, and a red leather couch where a big man listened to the rap music which echoed throughout the room. A beer in hand, the basketball jersey-clad bearded guy asked B-Fab who the hell this guy was. Quick to get in the newcomer's face, she reasoned that Ashantee was cool - prompting him to shove back at the big man. He laughed in return at the defensive youngster - before wrapping his arms around him for a big hug! Introducing himself with a hand-slap and a fist bump, he introduced himself as Top Dolla - welcoming him to Hit Row. As a montage soon showed the trio hanging out at the bar and playing basketball on the court built therein, the three finally took to the barstools where B-Fab poured the two shots. Ashantee and Top Dolla laughed, getting along famously, as the former Tehuti Miles noted how badly he needed this. Dolla told him that now he was Hit Row, he was never going to be alone. Raising the shotglasses high for a toast, Ashantee declared when he met Mansoor next week - he was finally going to get a win. The three clasped the glasses before being downing the booze - a new bond formed.

✕✕✕

Following discussion from Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett, footage aired from last week showing Mia Yim intrude on the tense conversation had between Dakota Kai and Raquel González. "The Blasian Baddie" stood up on behalf of Kai's "Insurance Policy", who she insulted and teased removing the financial aid she was providing her sick grandmother. "Big Mami Cool" remained neutral with a tough choice to make, all the while the confrontation led to a challenge made for tonight. A graphic aired revealing "King Kota" was set to meet Mia Yim - next!

Blood Boiler
Following discussion from Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett, comments were heard from Tegan Nox - appearing pre-recorded by video call via Zoom. Sat in a Connor's Cure shirt, she discussed last week's loss to Deonna Purrazzo, as a clip revealed "the Virtuosa" once again stealing the win despite an entire summer of chasing a rematch. "The Welsh Valley Wonder" made it known how she wasn't one for losing her temper, but few made her blood boil like Deonna had! Nox spoke about the shortcuts this undefeated fraud had taken to get where she was today, surrounding herself with the likes of Robert Stone and Mercedes Martinez. Nox said next week she planned to be watching very closely as Shotzi took on "the Latina Phenomenon".

Next week - Shotzi vs Mercedes Martinez

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6) Dakota Kai (with Raquel González) def. Mia Yim (5:23)

"King Kota" wanted to regain her footing in the NXT Women's Division after losing to Io Shirai two weeks ago, while Raquel González watched on conflicted. "The Baddie" took her down early with clotheslines and armdrags, when a big boot in the corner set up for a cannonball! Dakota Kai rolled out to the floor, hiding behind "Big Mami Cool". Mia told Raquel she didn't need Kai, but it enabled Dakota to come from behind with a pump kick! A wrist-clutched DDT connected back inside, but the aggression did not deter the resilience of Yim. As the Kai-O Kick connected, Dakota barked orders to "the Insurance Policy" at ringside, inadvertently allowing Yim to bounce back with the tarantula! Raquel stood nearby with her back to the action! Yim took this as a sign, hitting a missile dropkick before attempting Protect Ya Neck: but Kai blocked it. The G.T.K. was reversed into a backslide, when González struck Yim from behind with a right hand! It went undetected by the referee, and the Kairopractor would get Kai the win!

Mind Made Up
"King Kota" celebrated her win dishevelled, unrealizing that Raquel González had taken her side. "The Insurance Policy" climbed into the ring, prompting Dakota Kai to flinch upon seeing her standing over her. Mia Yim recovered, when "Big Mami Cool" powered her up and drove her into the canvas with a one-armed powerbomb! Dakota was surprised, as Raquel helped her to her feet. With her mind made up, it seemed González had made a powerful enemy in "the Baddie".

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For Black and Gold
The Undisputed Era were gathered in the backstage hallway, as the main event awaited. Roderick Strong spoke to Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly as they warmed up for the Fatal 4-Way match for the NXT Tag Team Championship; Roddy telling them how they had waited months to be back in this position. While "the Master of the Backbreaker" reminded Fish and O'Reilly how close they came a few weeks ago, tonight was their night. Adam Cole entered the scene and told the boys tonight was their night, asking them to do him proud. This was not just for the UE, but for the good of the NXT Brand. Tonight, they planned to get back to their place at the very top of "the Black and Gold Brand". As Fish and O'Reilly departed, Strong asked "the Panama City Playboy" how the contract signing went. Adam said it went well - but he couldn't wait to beat the cr*p out of Pat McAfee and get rid of him for good at NXT TakeOver: Unforgiven. The two fist-bumped, as Cole said he'd be watching. The main event was next!

Take Care of Yourself
The NXT Champion Finn Bálor was having his foot iced by the trainer in his office, when into the room came the NXT General Manager. William Regal questioned if he had lost the plot, referring to the damage and mayhem Karrion Kross had caused - yet he wanted to bring that maniac back? "The Prince" claimed he said what he said, and wanted "the Tollman" reinstating, but the GM pointed out his ankle - as well as condition of his arm. Finn groaned and stood to his feet, repeating that he said what he said. Somebody had to shut him up, and Finn was the one who wanted to do it. "The Blackpool Villain" said he couldn't possibly condone it - but fine, Kross was reinstated: but would be on probation pending investigation. Next week he'd make sure he was back, but if he made the slightest error he would certainly wind up back where he started! Finn thanked William, who warned Finn that he needed to start taking better care of himself. Bálor responded that he knew what he was doing.

Next week - Karrion Kross returns to NXT

✕✕✕

Graphics aired, as Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett discussed the news from William Regal regarding Karrion Kross being reinstated - and set to return to NXT next week. Also coming up next week was a huge NXT Cruiserweight Championship match signed: Santos Escobar and Kushida scheduled to meet for a third time in a tie-breaking third instalment of their match-of-the-year candidate at NXT TakeOver: In Your House. Plus, Adam Cole would meet Dijakovic; "Absolute" Ricky Starks would take on Chris Bey; and Rhea Ripley would take on Tay Conti!

NXT Cruiserweight Championship - Santos Escobar (c) vs Kushida
Adam Cole vs Dijakovic
NXT North American Champion Ricky Starks vs Chris Bey
Rhea Ripley vs Tay Conti

Put Respect on Nessy's Name
An unwanted interruption would see Vanessa Borne once again come storming up to the announce table, hassling Vic Joseph and Wade Barrett! Despite her frequent efforts on 205 Live, nobody had time for 'Nessy, and she didn't care for it. She demanded the broadcast team put some respect on her name, calling herself "the Vision" that NXT needed. She deserved all of the fame and fortune that the very best of NXT's Superstars had - claiming to be on the same level as NXT Women's Champion Io Shirai, as well as Rhea Ripley! After weeks of interfering with the announce team in her quest for more talk-time, Kacy Catanzaro came walking out to the ringside area - and 'Nessy didn't quite know what hit her until the former Ninja Warrior laid her out with a big right hand! Catanzaro began to leave once more, leaving Borne to wake up and lose her rag again. Calling her out to fight, two referees came to escort her from the arena.
✕✕✕

7) Imperium def. Ever-Rise (c), Breezango & Bobby Fish & Kyle O'Reilly (with Roderick Strong) in a Fatal 4-Way match to capture the NXT Tag Team Championship (14:01)

After weeks of complaining, then ducking the competition, Ever-Rise were now getting what they asked for in this anything-goes, first-fall-to-a-finish Fatal 4-Way match. With their NXT Tag Team Championships in jeopardy, they ducked out immediately allowing Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly to coexist with Breezango in targeting the Europeans! Imperium tried to slug it out with Tyler Breeze and Fandango, just to be ousted by a crane kick and a discus elbow from O'Reilly, and a Flying Fish Hook from Fish! With Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel sent from the ring, it left "the Fashion Police" to go at it with the Undisputed Era - but Chase Parker and Matt Martel dragged Fish and "the Dancer" to the floor! "Prince Pretty" was outwitted by Kyle's technical prowess, as a cross-armbreaker was applied just for the champs to break it up. Subsequent near falls led to further breaks from the champs, when Imperium sent them in to be waylaid by stereo Supermodel Kicks, courtesy of Breezango!

On the eve of NXT UK's uprising, Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner ganged up on Fandango - dropping him with a spinebuster from Aichner making way for a soccer kick from Barthel! Tyler Breeze tried to will Dango to his feet, "the Dancer" would be attacked by Matt Martel, who tagged himself in. Now Ever-Rise's property, the NXT Tag Team Champions tried to put him away with the Knee From Niagara, just for Bobby Fish to break the count! Chase Parker ran his mouth at the Undisputed Era, when Dango used a tornado DDT - kicking Martel off and planting Parker! "Prince Pretty" came in fresh with flying forearms for everybody, even draping Aichner over the top rope for a big boot. Narrowly he missed Kyle O'Reilly with the Beauty Shot, and a roundhouse kick saw the UE gain control! Parker and Martel teamed up with a fireman's carry and blockbuster combination, but Aichner broke the count. The action soon wound up at ringside, with all eight men duelling it out! This one could have gone any way!

Marcel Barthel drilled Bobby Fish with a brainbuster, when Matt Martel and Chase Parker had the gall to attack Imperium! They swiftly turned the tables on them, before being hit with a Supermodel Kick from Tyler Breeze! Fandango ascended, looking for the Last Dance - but Kyle O'Reilly was there to send him to the floor, landing atop Parker and Martel! Fabian Aichner suffered the diving knee drop from O'Reilly - but Dango returned with the Last Dance to break it up! In came Ever-Rise to hit the Sweet Taste of Victory on him, but Fish applied the Fish Hook to fend the Canadians off. As Fish was stomped out by Parker and Martel, the champs received stereo German suplexes from Imperium, who went in for the kill. All of a sudden at ringside, Roderick Strong was struck by a steel chair - revealed to be from Pat McAfee in a ski-mask! Adam Cole came charging down the aisle to attack him, but after tackling the All Pro to the ground, he would witness the Imperium Bomb drilling O'Reilly to be crowned champs!

The jaw of Adam Cole dropped in astonishment, as he witnessed new NXT Tag Team Champions crowned. It was not Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly's night however, nor was it Roderick Strong's, as he laid prone in agony from the steel chair shot. Pat McAfee weaseled away into the crowd, pleased with his antics as Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner celebrated in the ring. A hard-fought effort from all four teams, it boiled down to a game of luck before Imperium were crowned the new champs! On the eve of NXT UK's return to the WWE Network, the Europeans had surely done "the Ring General" proud - as Cole stared down the All Pro from afar. Imperium had successfully achieved their mission statement!

Last Edit: Oct 15, 2023 20:11:24 GMT -5 by DTP.

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· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Oct 18, 2023 13:00:04 GMT -5

Quote

Post by DTP. on Oct 18, 2023 13:00:04 GMT -5

NXT UK #111 – September 17, 2020
"The Return"
BT Sport Studios in London, England
"God of War" by WARGASM

A video package aired, taking us to comments from the likes of Shawn Michaels and Triple H. Being off for six to eight months, in the sports entertainment business it was an eternity. "The Heartbreak Kid" had seen nothing like it, to see life on hold. The echoes of NXT UK fans chanted throughout buildings filled with empty seats, as "the Game" noted the restlessness of the talent. While the NXT UK Superstars were deprived, so was the rest of Europe. Everybody was waiting - and now was the time for "The Return". HHH revealed the prestige of a partnership with BT Sports - who were allowing them to return in the confounds of the BT Sports Studios in London. The color returned, as Nigel McGuinness spoke with enthusiasm about the return of NXT UK for the first time since March. In facial coverings, members of the roster were reunited - when the venue was unveiled: HHH asking the NXT Universe if they were ready for "The Return".

A brand new video package aired, complete with new promo shots of the NXT UK Superstars, as well as the new official theme song, "God of War" by WARGASM. Revealing BT Sports Studios, multiple screens surrounded the facilities provided in the NXT UK Brand's newfound partnership with BT Sports. The echoes of the NXT Universe set the scene, as Andy Shepherd and Nigel McGuinness stood centrestage in the middle of the ring - welcoming us back to NXT UK! For the first time since March, the doors had swung open and they were back at last for tonight: "The Return!"

1) NXT United Kingdom Champion WALTER def. A-Kid (8:53)

"The Return" was back with a bang, as the NXT United Kingdom Champion emerged to the ring for the first time in over six months. Returning to British soil, "the Ring General" went up against the aerial enthusiast A-Kid. The Spaniard looked to take the towering champion down with a series of leg kicks, when WALTER caught up with him and sent him across the ring with body slams! He tried to land the dreaded chops, but "El Niño Anónimo" used his quickness to escape - shooting off with dropkicks and a springboard clothesline. The Austrian would catch A-Kid on a moonsault into a tornado DDT, taking the champ down and out to the floor. There, the Spaniard took flight - just to get one over on WALTER with a feint springboard backflip! It was enough to make the UK Champion flinch, but as he threw a tantrum at ringside, A-Kid followed up with a triangle moonsault to the floor!

The leader of Imperium had managed to catch up with A-Kid, as a replay from the break saw WALTER swat his opponent out of the air with an open-hand chop! The brutality commenced, with the Austrian laying in heavy palm strikes, reddening and bruising the chest of the Spaniard. "El Niño Anónimo" tried to fight a German suplex, when a Uranage took him overhead! With the Boston crab applied, A-Kid had nowhere to go, but would resiliently make the ropes. His patience spreading thin, "the Ring General" looked for the Powerbomb - but A-Kid blocked it with the triangle choke! Bringing WALTER to a knee, a thunderous super kick stunned the champ - when the A-Kick knocked the big man down - for a near fall! A colossal upset could have just taken place, but as A-Kid followed up in his attempt at a flying Fujiwara armbar, the UK Champ shut him down with a crushing Lariat, before the Gojira Clutch forced him to sleep.

One night removed from his contemporaries in Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner being crowned NXT Tag Team Champions across the pond, the leader of Imperium would stand tall and dominant with the NXT United Kingdom Championship in hand. A-Kid had given an excellent showing in the first match of "the Return" for NXT UK, but now "the Ring General" appeared to be eyeing up his future contenders. In his native tongue of Austrian, WALTER called out audibly to whoever dared step up to challenge him.

☗☗☗

Following discussion from Andy Shepherd and Nigel McGuinness, footage aired from last night on NXT. Internationally, things looked to be on the top for Imperium, as not only did WALTER reign dominantly as the NXT United Kingdom Champion: Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner were similarly victorious in a Fatal 4-Way match for the NXT Tag Team Championship against the likes of Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly, Ever-Rise & Breezango.

A graphic aired, segueing from discussion about the United States' version of the NXT Tag Team Championship to one about the NXT UK Tag Team Championship. For 349 days, Gallus had been in possession of the titles - but tonight they looked to face their toughest challenge to date, in Moustache Mountain. Could Trent Seven and Tyler Bate dethrone "the Foul Ruffians" or would Wolfgang and Mark Coffey make another retention?

Tonight - NXT UK Tag Team Championship - Gallus (c) vs Moustache Mountain

Yorkshire Violence
A vignette aired, taking a prolific look at Ridge Holland. His size, agility and unmatched power had brought the Yorkshireman to the precipice of NXT UK. His voice heard, "Big Ridge" reminded the NXT Universe who he was and how he made it here. From the rugby pitch to the squared circle, he believed nobody hit harder than him. Born and bred in Yorkshire Violence, his story was only just beginning to be told. From the Yorkshire Dales, Ridge Holland was about to tear through NXT UK - returning to action next week.

Next week - Ridge Holland in action

☗☗☗

2) Pretty Deadly def. Ashton Smith and Oliver Carter (5:54)

The flamboyant pairing of Pretty Deadly were up-and-comers months ago, before the hiatus of the NXT UK Brand. Returning to action against the go-getting tandem of Ashton Smith and Oliver Carter, the prettyboys found themselves outmatched by the athleticism of their opponents. Carter performed a jumping crossbody, clearing Sam Stoker and taking down Lewis Howley, as Smith scored a near fall with a springboard back elbow! Carter looked to make impressively short work of Stoker with a 450 splash - but Sam would get his knees up! Pretty Deadly proceeded to show off what they could do in isolating opponents. As a legdrop and splash combination connected, Smith looked for the tag. The showboating of Howley got in the way, and a superkick knocked him silly! Ashton got the tag and went crazy with dropkicks, garnering a near fall with a diving leg lariat. Smith hoisted Stoker on his shoulders for Carter's springboard cutter - but Lewis crotched him! A victory roll with the tights allowed Pretty Deadly to steal it.

The prettyboy duo of Sam Stoker and Lewis Howley quickly evaded the ring, as Oliver Carter favored his groin and chased them away. As Pretty Deadly celebrated a milestone victory in the NXT UK Tag Team Division, Oliver could hardly believe his luck. Ashton Smith appeared dismayed and frustrated by the loss, as the rollercoaster ride Smith and Carter were on looked to continue.

☗☗☗

Dafty On Notice
Backstage, Francesca Brown was standing by with Noam Dar who appeared dissatisfied with the ring announcer's knack for introducing talent. Bigging himself up, Noam felt the need to remind Brown who he was exactly. NXT UK might be back, but most importantly so was "the Scottish Supernova". Dar spoke out about this new landscape a lot of people were existing in, but as for him: he was living in it. Noam called himself the main character of NXT UK, and said there was hardly anybody who could come close to his greatness! Dar asked Francesca what she was doing for dinner next week, before cutting her off instantly - she was gonna be eating McDonald's on her own, while he was out in that ring putting Ilja Dragunov in his place. Dar declared he was putting every wee dafty on notice, and it started with "the Russian Dragon".

Next week - Noam Dar vs Ilja Dragunov

☗☗☗

A graphic aired, promoting the first appearance in over six months for the reigning NXT UK Women's Champion Kay Lee Ray - up next. Scheduled for an in-ring interview with Andy Shepherd, what would "the KLR in Killer" have to say to the NXT Universe?

An advertisement aired, promoting WWE Chronicle: Jeff Hardy. Addressing his return from close to a year on the shelf, "the Charismatic Enigma's" historic rise to the WWE Universal Championship would be discussed, as he navigated his struggles with addiction. With a peek at his artistry outside of the ring, in painting and music producing, this documentary was available now on-demand on the WWE Network.

An advertisement aired, promoting WWE Clash of Champions: Gold Rush. His return at SummerSlam was one that nobody saw coming, but who could have imagined Roman Reigns to show such a visceral, calculated and cruel demeanor? Continuing his pursuit of the WWE Universal Championship, Jeff Hardy would get a prime opportunity to seek revenge for "the Big Dog's" merciless tirade - one week from Sunday, live on the WWE Network.

☗☗☗

Girls Have All The Fun
Returning to the ring, Andy Shepherd welcomed the NXT Universe back to "The Return" after six months away. Welcoming out the NXT UK Women's Champion, Kay Lee Ray sauntered out from the stage looking around at the BT Sports Studio and the many screens on display, before turning to Andy and telling him that's what she liked to see. There was no likeness or face quite as lovely as hers, and this building was a shrine for how truly great she was. Andy tried to shift gears to discuss her reign and how it started at NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff last year, but "the KLR in Killer" wanted to discuss something a bit more to her liking - who was next to step up and get taken out? KLR reminded everybody of how she beat Toni Storm more times than a drum, and that even more impressively she had also beaten that blubbering numpty Piper Niven simultaneously! Comparing herself to the former champions, Toni Storm and Rhea Ripley, she concluded that she was the greatest NXT UK Women's Champion in history!

About to depart, the NXT UK Women's Champion was interrupted by the arrival of Piper Niven! Holding a microphone of her own, she told Kay Lee Ray she wasn't finished until she said so. "The Ayrshire Mammoth" told KLR how since January she had been looking to hunt her down one-on-one. Time and time again did "the KLR in Killer" run and hide - but now there would be no more hiding. Kay Lee Ray scoffed, as she allowed Niven to barge into the ring and confront her up close. Shepherd shied from the scene, as Piper issued the challenge to KLR - just for Jinny to make her way out. "The Fashionista" was dressed to perfection and wanted her own shot, talking about how for the last two years she had sat to the side and watched the rest of the girls have all the fun. She believed now was her time, and joined them in the ring. Barging Piper aside, Jinny matched looks with KLR as another challenger had appeared - but it was all a ruse!

Jinny turned around and joined Kay Lee Ray in a two-on-one ambush of Piper Niven! The NXT UK Women's Champion and "the Fashionista" teamed up against "the Ayrshire Mammoth", but Piper shot back with a crossbody for Jinny. KLR ambitiously tried to go for the Gory Bomb, but the Scot used her size and planted her with the Snake Bite! Setting her up in the corner for the Loch Ness Bomb, Niven was about to crush the champ - when Jinny rolled her out to safety. On the second rope, Piper stared the two women down, pointing the finger and expressing her desire for the title on KLR's shoulder.

☗☗☗

A Word From the GM
Appearing from his home office remotely, NXT UK General Manager Johnny Saint had some pre-recorded comments for the NXT UK Superstars, as well as the NXT Universe. Proud to announce the return of NXT UK, the British Wrestling Legend spoke about how far he had seen the NXT UK Brand come - and how he hoped to watch it grow in the near future. Saint did have some incredible announcements to make that would have the people on their seat - but it would all come in due time. For now, he simply wished the people to sit back, relax and keep their eyes on the WWE Network every Thursday from 3PM.

A Grizzled Statement
A promo aired, taking us to a field in northwestern England. The Grizzled Young Veterans were seen having a kickabout, but took a break in the action to address the NXT Universe. James Drake and Zack Gibson voiced their distaste in having nothing to do for six months straight, while the rest of the jokers in the United States could fight to their hearts' content. They'd grown even more grizzled, even more bitter and even more hungry in that time waited - so much so they didn't wish to wait much more of a while longer. Gibson said with NXT UK's return, they were coming back with a vengeance. Meaner than ever, tougher than ever, and more savage than ever. The Grizzled Young Veterans were back, and next week they planned on making examples out of Dave Mastiff and Mark Andrews.

Next week - The Grizzled Young Veterans vs Mark Andrews and Dave Mastiff

☗☗☗

The Wiccan Witch Gets A Lesson in Wusu
As Andy Shepherd and Nigel McGuinness talked about "The Return" of NXT UK tonight, they moved to discuss what was planned for next week - when interrupted by the harsh tone of Isla Dawn's voice! "The White Witch" dressed in Wiccan clothing screeched down the microphone about how she hadn't received the invitation - so that must have meant she needed to gatecrash her way onto the show. As the fiery redhead explained NXT UK being full of fragilistic women, Isla was here to provide the alternative the NXT Universe had been missing out on all along. Suddenly interrupted, the lights went out - and came up with the presence of Xia Li!

3) Xia Li def. Isla Dawn (1:42)

In an unexpected arrival, "the Wushu Crusader" resurfaced across the pond in NXT UK! Seen for the first time since coming up short against Io Shirai in a match for the NXT Women's Championship back in July, Xia Li showed a new side to herself as she immediately ushered "the White Witch" in for a combination of kicks! Dawn initially fired back with a bicycle knee strike and a roundhouse kick, just to be caught with an exploder suplex. A spinning heel kick caught Isla on the jaw, and the Scotswoman wound up the recipient of a Tornado Kick, as Dawn recuperated on all fours. Showing no mercy, the Chinese warrior followed up with a corkscrew roundhouse kick to claim a swift victory!

Xia Li knelt atop the unconscious Isla Dawn, who appeared motionless thanks to the onslaught of the NXT Superstar from overseas. The Chinese warrior had landed on the NXT UK Brand in its return, and in her own return had proven to be unstoppable. What had brought "the Wushu Crusader" here, and what was next for her?

☗☗☗

Graphics aired as Andy Shepherd and Nigel McGuinness discussed the return of NXT UK, before looking ahead to next week. Noam Dar had made himself heard and would take on Ilja Dragunov in a big-time confrontation. After their attempted ambush on Piper Niven tonight, the NXT UK Women's Champion Kay Lee Ray and Jinny would team up against "the Ayrshire Mammoth" and Dani Luna; the Grizzled Young Veterans would meet Dave Mastiff and Mark Andrews; and Ridge Holland would make his return to action.

Ilja Dragunov vs Noam Dar
NXT UK Women's Champion Kay Lee Ray and Jinny vs Piper Niven and Dani Luna
Mark Andrews and Dave Mastiff vs The Grizzled Young Veterans
Ridge Holland in action

Backstage, Moustache Mountain were dressed and prepared for their big return. Their hair grown out, the well-groomed combination of Trent Seven and Tyler Bate headed for the ring for the first time since March - hopeful of finally capturing the NXT UK Tag Team Championship. Could they beat Gallus? The main event was up next!

An advertisement aired, promoting Friday Night SmackDown on FOX. In a milestone edition, with nine days remaining until Clash of Champions: Gold Rush, WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Jeff Hardy would sign the contract and make the match official; in a first, Sheamus and Braun Strowman would look to finally settle the score once and for all in a Bar Fight; plus, the SmackDown Tag Team Championship would be at stake when Heavy Machinery defended the gold against the New Day. SmackDown 1100 was going down tomorrow night from 8/7 CT.

☗☗☗

4) Gallus (c) def. Moustache Mountain to retain the NXT UK Tag Team Championship (14:05)

Since October 4, 2019 Gallus had reigned as the NXT UK Tag Team Champions. They had endured anybody and everybody, including a gruelling four-way tag team Ladder match at NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool II back in January. Against Moustache Mountain, "the Big Strong Bois" were out to get this new era of NXT UK kicked off the right way, as Tyler Bate showcased with some technical expertise against Wolfgang early on. Trent Seven followed by working Wolfy down to the mat, but once a blind tag to Mark Coffey was made the fun was over. "Gallus Boys" hammered away at Seven, with a Hadouken stunning him in the corner. Missing a corner attack, Seven responded with an open-handed chop before getting a near fall with a DDT! Seven tagged in Bate, who drilled him with a European uppercut off the second rope - when a distraction from Wolfgang allowed Mark to strike with the back suplex! Bate tried to battle back after a fakeout punch, but Wolfgang's fireman's carry allowed an enzuigiri from Coffey to lay him out!

The NXT UK Tag Team Champions dissected Tyler Bate, as Trent Seven watched on. Wolfgang executed a fireman's carry before landing a diving moonsault, yet "the Big Strong Boi" kicked out. Wolfy sent him off the ropes, just for Bate to strike with the rebound lariat! He tried tagging Seven, but a Uranage Spear saw Wolfy take him down! Despite a diving bulldog, Bate tried for the tag again, but Coffey dragged him out and executed a Chokeslam on the floor! "Gallus Boys" were ready to finish it, but Bate slipped out and hit a fakeout punch! Seven came in destined to become champs, striking any man who moved with clotheslines. A backfist rocked Mark Coffey for a Powerbomb, but Wolfy barely got the save. Bate came in with the airplane spin, before connecting with the Koppu kick! The Birming-Hammer had the match won, when in the disarray snuck Joe Coffey from under the ring - the third member of Gallus seeing Seven off with All the Best for the Bells - allowing his men to retain the gold!

Just when Moustache Mountain about to become NXT UK Tag Team Champions for the first time in their careers, it was the numbers game of Gallus that prevented it. Joe Coffey joined his brethren in the ring, removing his hoody to reveal Gallus colors beneath. Joining Mark Coffey in a beatdown of Trent Seven, Wolfgang took down Tyler Bate. "Gallus Boys" continued to run the show in NXT UK even after a six-month hiatus - but the BT Sports Studio shook once "the Bruiserweight's" music hit. Moments later, Pete Dunne arrive - the former NXT Tag Team Champion, and winner of the 2020 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic! Making his first appearance in NXT UK in well over a year, "the Bruiserweight" immediately joined the fight with Bate and Seven. A fistfight dwindled down to Dunne planting Wolfgang with the Bitter End - and now the three fan favorites stood tall in the ring. Gallus mouthed off at them, as British Strong Style meanwhile reunited with an embrace. The odds were even now, which could only spell bad news for the Scotsmen!

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· The Pandemic Project · NXT · Nov 11, 2020 · Oct 26, 2023 15:00:11 GMT -5

Quote

Post by DTP. on Oct 26, 2023 15:00:11 GMT -5

Friday Night SmackDown #1100 - September 18, 2020
Amway Center – WWE ThunderDome in Orlando, Florida
"SmackDown 1100"
CLASH OF CHAMPIONS: ONE WEEK FROM SUNDAY!
Sponsored by
"Are You Ready" by AC/DC

205 Live #197 – September 18, 2020
1) Vanessa Borne def. Kacy Catanzaro with Night Night. Coming days after their altercation at the announce table on NXT, Nessy got her chance to shine against the former Ninja Warrior. Catanzaro used her flexibility to outmaneuver her opponent, when "the Vision" cut her off with a suplex. Insulting Kacy, Catanzaro got physical and fired back. Borne was in danger but got her knees up on a 450 splash attempt, when the one-armed swinging neckbreaker known as Night Night connected for the win. (3:38)

Pre-recorded comments aired from Wednesday night, where the NXT Cruiserweight Champion Santos Escobar cursed Kushida for getting in his way. "The Emperor" showed no appreciation for "the Time Splitter" meddling in his business. But despite Kalisto and Isaiah Scott to worry about as well, the champion maintained that Legado del Fantasma ran this entire division. Escobar declared victory against Kushida in their rubber match this coming week - and when it was done he would take his old friend out: for good.
2) Alex Sterling def. Curt Stallion with the Moonsauce. In a showcase of two newcomers to the NXT Cruiserweight Division, young Stallion impressed the NXT Universe with his acrobatics. The Texan managed to get a near fall with a double footstomp, and came especially close to putting "the Sauce" away with an air raid crash neckbreaker. The wily veteran Sterling managed to respond by taking a shortcut, sending Stallion crashing from the top rope before landing a split-legged moonsault known as the Moonsauce. (6:27)
3) Kushida def. Ariya Daivari with the Hoverboard Lock. In his first match back since the night he lost the NXT Cruiserweight Championship at the Great American Bash, "the Time Splitter" prepared to use his rematch clause against Santos Escobar this coming Wednesday night on NXT. "Persian Power" was tasked with disarming the fan favorite, who showed no sign of ring rust despite Daivari's focused attack on his hand. Ari put up more of a fight than expected, when a sudden tornado DDT fed into the Hoverboard Lock for the win. (7:10)

The opening video package aired, bringing us to the WWE ThunderDome for the 1,100th edition of Friday Night SmackDown. Pyrotechnics erupted across the stage, as the hundreds of faces of WWE Universe members appeared on the LED screens surrounding the ringside area. Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed us to SmackDown 1100, before taking us to the ring!

1) Heavy Machinery (with Mandy Rose) (c) vs The New Day (with Xavier Woods) ended in a no contest; Heavy Machinery retain the SmackDown Tag Team Championship (10:21)

"The Blue Collar Boys" and the New Day had gotten along famously in recent months, but after weeks of fending off the likes of Fight Night and the Royal Family, Big E and Kofi Kingston had finally decided to set their sights on the SmackDown Tag Team Championship. As Xavier Woods and Mandy Rose watched from ringside, the two teams shook hands with each other when Tucker tried his hand at taking Kofi Kingston down. The wily veteran used his quickness to block a hip toss into a cradle before catching one-half of Heavy Machinery with a monkey flip! Tucky tried to contain his frustration, laughing along with Kofi before tagging in Otis. But, "the Powder Keg" wanted Big E! After moments contemplating the decision, Big E was tagged in - and big meaty men prepared to slap meat. Attempting to power Otis from his feet twice, he faltered before turning to his own speed - two shoulder block going absorbed by the champ, when Otis took him down with a missed clothesline and a powerslam! Otis jucked and jived to Big E's chagrin.

The SmackDown Tag Team Champions had managed to seize control of Big E, when he managed to sidestep an Otis splash in the corner! Attempting a powerslam again, "the Powder Keg" instead crushed him. Otis and Tucky hit a double back elbow to take Big E down. A discus lariat wiped Big E down leading to a double standing headbutt. Mandy Rose cheered her boyfriend on, when Otis missed the Caterpillar! Big E tagged in Kofi Kingston as Xavier Woods played Francesca II; Kofi taking down "the Brick Hit House" with a roundhouse back kick and a standing footstomp off the ropes! Suddenly Otis took him down with a big body tackle, before delivering a lifting front slam for a near fall. Otis and Tucky continued to control Kofi when an attempted double flapjack saw Big E get the tag! Taking on anything that moved, Big E took Tucky out with a belly-to-belly suplex before managing to powerslam Otis. Kofi came in for backup, and Tucker received the Midnight Hour - when the Royal Family arrived, King Corbin pulling the referee out!

Royal Pains
The jealousy of the Royal Family had thwarted the New Day from being crowned ten-time Tag Team Champions, and upon realizing the interference, Kofi Kingston took off with the Trust Fall out to Duke Nese and Sir Gable! Big E brought the fight to Corbin with the assist from Xavier Woods, when the Royals took over and began to hammer both men. Kofi returned to the ring with a diving crossbody - but Nese and Corbin caught him and threw him overhead! Heavy Machinery soon arrived to help the New Day out, but as the SmackDown Tag Team Champions sent Gable packing over the top rope and looked to hit Nese with the Compactor, in snuck Corbin with a brutal shot to the spine of Tucker! Another shot to the ribcage of Otis took his breath away, when the New Day chased him from the ring. The Royals posed from the rampway, with the King revealing the bent-up and damaged scepter in-hand - successful in sabotaging this title match!

▆▆▆

Following discussion from Michael Cole and Corey Graves, graphics aired promoting what else was in store on this special 1,100th episode of Friday Night SmackDown - only on FOX! John Morrison would host another edition of 'the Dirt Sheet' with a very special mystery guest; Shinsuke Nakamura would challenge Johnny Gargano for the WWE Intercontinental Championship; and as presented by the LG Velvet 5G - WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Jeff Hardy were scheduled to meet face to face in the ring, just nine days away from Clash of Champions: Gold Rush.

Presented by the LG Velvet 5G - WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Jeff Hardy meet face to face in the ring
WWE Intercontinental Championship - Johnny Gargano (c) vs Shinsuke Nakamura
John Morrison hosts 'the Dirt Sheet' with a mystery guest

Time for a Pint
In the Irish pub down the road from WWE ThunderDome, Sheamus poured himself a pint ahead of the ensuing Bar Fight with his arch rival. As his personally hired bartender changed the octaves in the background, "the Celtic Warrior" decided to take a stool and address Braun Strowman and why he decided to ever pick a fight with him. It wasn't just because he loved to fight, and the WWE Universe just knew he loved to do just that - it was because he saw "the Monster Among Men" as the big bad tough guy who made everybody cower. What could have been better than to knock him down a peg or two? The leader of Fight Night recalled taking his health, taking his hair - and tonight, he planned to take the rest of the dignity that "the Colossus" possessed. There was nobody in the WWE quite as tough as him, but until later - he took a swig of lager and told Braun "cheers".

Tonight - Bar Fight - Sheamus vs Braun Strowman

Family or Friend
Jey Uso was seen walking the backstage area when stopped in his path with a laugh. Jeff Hardy appeared before him, telling Jey how in spite of the issues he had with his cousin - he had no problem with him. Jey was brought in to a handshake and a hug from "the Charismatic Enigma", who wanted Jey to know that personally ahead of his match with Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship at Clash of Champions: Gold Rush. "Uce" assumed as such, but Jeff wanted him to know why he was going after "the Big Dog" - just for him to say there was no defending what his cuz' was doing. He'd adopted something of a mean streak, but last week had shown him a different side not only to Roman - but Jeff too. Jey admitted he wasn't sure where he stood, but when it came to friend versus family: family won every time. Hardy understood, but wanted him to know the example he was setting by condoning a thug who was willing to victimize whomever stood in his way, as cold-blooded as Roman had shown.

The former WWE Universal Champion concluded that the path Roman Reigns had taken had left him with little other choice: he was going to need to decimate "the Big Dog" before he demolished anybody else on Friday Night SmackDown. Now with a stern expression, Jey Uso confessed he couldn't overlook the respect he and Jimmy Uso had for the Hardys. His family had inspired the Usos to be the best they could possibly be: but he couldn't go up against his cousin. "The Charismatic Enigma" was left stonefaced, when "Uce" did say he did however question Roman's decision to join cohoots with that big, ugly walrus Paul Heyman! But, that remained his business - not Jeff's. Uso warned Jeff not to go making decisions for him again, planning to go and speak to his cousin about "the Advocate".

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Best Friends, Greater Rivals
For the first time since Payback, "the Legit Boss" made her arrival with intentions to speak on her former best friend. Sasha Banks swaggered out to the ring inside the WWE ThunderDome with a confident demeanor: despite the setback suffered in "the One Over All" taking her out less than two weeks ago, Sasha stood calmly in the ring. It was all a matter of friendship and betrayal, and for that she couldn't even blame her once-best friend. What Bayley did was something she should have seen coming, but didn't. She couldn't, and why would see? Over five years of friendship was gone in the blink of an eye, and it was all because they lost the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship to the Riott Squad - or was it? With rose-tinted glasses, she was blinded by how manipulative the SmackDown Women's Champion could be - but with the benefit of hindsight, she knew everything. She recalled Bayley allowing her to be eliminated from the six-woman elimination match at WrestleMania.

Sasha Banks knew about Bayley retaining the title over her in the Fatal 4-Way match at the Horror Show at Extreme Rules. She even allowed "the One Over All" to convince her that "the Boss 'n' Hug Connection" was something greater than the bond she shared with the likes of Naomi and Tamina - and to her former sisters from Team B.A.D. - all she could say was that she was sorry, and they were right. "The Legit Boss" confessed knowing it was her fault, and she could never expect them to accept her apology. All she could do however, was make things even with "the One Over All". After all of these months, she knew what she had to do now, and she planned on seizing the opportunity. Challenging her to a match at Clash of Champions: Gold Rush in nine days, Sasha vowed to get her way when she took advantage of Bayley's biggest fear: her greatest, closest friend coming after the SmackDown Women's Championship!

Bayley answered the challenge, walking out to the stage. With a microphone, the SmackDown Women's Champion was invited by Sasha Banks to come down to the ring. Instead, she told her old buddy that wouldn't be happening. She wasn't born yesterday, and she would not allow her to chase her from the building like last week. "The One Over All" talked the history they shared, and how they had good things they could be proud of. They rocked the house down at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn; they were a part of the first ever Iron Woman match, and two of the first women to ever step foot in the Elimination Chamber. They were the first WWE Women's Tag Team Champions - but it was all over now, because Sasha was nothing but selfish b*tch! Bayley reminded Sasha of how it was all her fault for ruining everything. They could have ran not only Friday Night SmackDown, but the entire WWE together! She put Sasha down to keep her in check - and now she was challenging her, Bayley had no choice but to decline her challenge!

The SmackDown Women's Champion said there would be no match at Clash of Champions because she wasn't ready for her. For almost one year, Bayley had run roughshod over the SmackDown Women's Division, and that wasn't going to change because clout-chasing Sasha Banks wanted a shot she didn't deserve! "The One Over All" reminded the WWE Universe how she was the longest-reigning SmackDown Women's Champion in WWE history, and on October 11, she would celebrate one calendar year on top. Banks finally shut her up. If she needed to earn her way to the title, she would - but she wasn't going to let that stop her from getting her hands on her! Suddenly "the Legit Boss" exited the ring and came charging up the rampway with the champ escaping backstage! Through the Gorilla Position Bayley ran, with Sasha sprinting down the hallway after her. Finally hiding in a locker room backstage, Bayley locked the door, and Sasha screamed she would get her hands on her sooner than later!

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Plan Foiled
Elsewhere, the Royal Family laughed up the beatdown of Heavy Machinery and The New Day. King Corbin was proud of them, making sure the SmackDown Tag Team Championships weren't to be tarnished any further by the likes of "the Blue Collar Boys". Sir Gable decreed "the Monarchs" were the only team befitting of such tag team royalty, and what they did tonight exemplified it. Duke Nese believed they were the next champions for sure, when in walked WWE Official Adam Pearce. Irked, he said they had salvaged a huge title match tonight, bringing Nese and Gable to high-five one another. Corbin didn't care, asking Adam if the bumbling rednecks had challenged them yet. Pearce confirmed it - but after speaking with the WWE Board of Directors: they came up with something better. The Royals would get the match they wanted at Clash of Champions - as would the New Day, in a Triple Threat match! The trio were left livid, with Corbin reminding Pearce he was the 2019 King of the Ring!

Clash of Champions: Gold Rush - SmackDown Tag Team Championship - Triple Threat match - Heavy Machinery (c) vs The Royal Family vs The New Day

SmackDown 1100 returned with a long pan of the WWE ThunderDome, providing a great in-depth look at the advanced, state-of-the-art technology on display. From the thousand LED screens present at ringside, to the millions of lights and screens overlooking the squared circle, this game-changing 'Virtual Experience' for members of the WWE Universe was sure to bring the WWE into the future. Based in Orlando, Florida's Amway Center, it was the WWE Universe's greatest ticket to live and interactive entertainment. Fans could register for their virtual seat free at WWEThunderDome.com.

Trusting the Special Council
The WWE Universal Champion was seen preparing for his in-ring confrontation with Jeff Hardy, with a watchful Paul Heyman seen lurking in the background. Into the dressing room walked Jey Uso, who met a gleeful Roman Reigns with a big cousinly hug. The two made small-talk as the two caught up from last week, before "the Big Dog" questioned if Jey was over his little outburst last week on Friday Night SmackDown. "Uce" chuckled and began to explain his actions, noting that he had a lot of love for him - but he wasn't so sure about "the walrus in the room". Paul watched silently as Jey couldn't help but remember about how all of his cousin's greatest failures had come in-part to that man - the man who not all that long ago was riding along as "the Advocate" to "the Beast Incarnate" Brock Lesnar. Roman laughed, and Heyman laughed along too. It was all a simple misunderstanding: Roman was just trying out something new!

Ever since he got back, "the Big Dog" admitted he was feeling a little rusty - but what Paul Heyman could offer him was a little help, serving as his Special Council. Paul agreed, assuring Jey Uso that nothing had changed and Roman Reigns was still the same cousin he'd always had. "Uce" nodded and understood, but maintained that it was the anger and cold-heartedness the WWE Universal Champion had shown last week that made him feel the need to make himself known. Jey knew all too well that wasn't the real Roman - and implied it was all Heyman's doing bringing it out. Again Roman laughed, patting his cousin on the shoulder and assuring him again that he was just trying something out! Reigns reasoned again that Paul could help the Usos out too - with Jimmy Uso out hurt, Jey didn't have a whole lot going on, but with the help of "the Special Council", the Bloodline could be the strongest they'd ever been. Jey was reluctant, but when prompted with a fist bump, "Uce" affirmed he was still with him.

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Big Guy, Thin Skin
The WWE Universe were taken off-guard as Samoa Joe soon made his way out to the ring. The WWE 24/7 Champion had arrived from Monday Night RAW, where he continued to be subject of the mind games played by Mustafa Ali. "The Coquina Destroyer" entered the ring and told "the Hacker" that he complied with his fun and games, and now he was here. Joe ordered him to come on down, stating that he didn't come to Friday Night SmackDown for anymore tricks. Voicing how nobody had been as dominant as he had as "Mr. 24/7", Joe didn't take kindly to being made light of by anybody: especially not Ali! The Samoan reasoned he got a new phone and a new number - one which "the Hacker" would never get his hands on, but told Mustafa to come out and play: and find out what it's like to take him on. As Joe continued to persist the SmackDown Superstar reveal himself, instead his voice echoed over the WWE ThunderDome!

"The Hacker" confessed to the debauchery he had dabbled in, how Samoa Joe was taking a dose of his own medicine. For such a big guy, the Samoan sure had thin skin. Suddenly, on each and every LED board appeared Mustafa Ali's face in place of the fans! Dotting onto the screens, covering them to reveal only himself, Ali told Joe he needed to be humbled and he was going to be the one to chop him down to size! Mustafa grinned on the big screen on the stage, warning Joe if anybody could dethrone the WWE 24/7 Champion, it was him. Suddenly Mustafa Ali appeared behind him, with a springboard dropkick sending Joe into the ropes. Joe ran into a rolling X-Factor - and down to the ring charged a referee! Nobody had dared take advantage of the 24/7 rule in weeks, but Joe kicked out. Ali ascended to the top rope - but Joe rolled out to the floor! From the top rope "the Hacker" grinned and pointed at the screen: and as Joe turned, he saw a match graphic air for Clash of Champions: Joe against Ali!

Clash of Champions: Gold Rush - WWE 24/7 Championship - Samoa Joe (c) vs Mustafa Ali

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On a splitscreen, the WWE Intercontinental Champion and "the Artist" were seen making their respective ways down corridors. After the attack last week, "the King of Strong Style" appeared psyched for the opportunity to beat "Johnny Wrestling" for the gold - up next on SmackDown 1100!

Clash of Champions: Gold Rush is sponsored by Hyundai, "Better Drives Us"; and WWE 2K Battlegrounds, "Brawl Without Limits" - available now on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.

2) Johnny Gargano (c) def. Shinsuke Nakamura (with Cesaro) to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship (12:16)

On the same night Sheamus stood a chance to put down Braun Strowman in a Bar Fight, Fight Night planned to gain gold. Johnny Gargano was poised for retribution for the Kinshasa last week, taking down Shinsuke Nakamura early with an arm drags and a calf kick, before following up with a shiranui! The WWE Intercontinental Champion was struck with a toe kick, but after missing a roundhouse kick, the champ responded with a belly-to-belly suplex into the corner! Cesaro watched on in support of his ally, as Gargano teased the Lawn Dart, but Nakamura was able to slip out and deliver a wheel kick! "The Artist" followed with Bad Vibrations in the corner, but Johnny turned it around with a legsweep, before hitting a roundhouse kick. Delivering some Good Vibrations of his own, Shin had to be composed by "the Swiss Cyborg" at ringside! With Shin distracting the official, Cesaro goaded the champ in - and a dive through the ropes saw Gargano receive a European uppercut en route to the floor!

Shinsuke Nakamura was eager to become WWE Intercontinental Champion. "The King of Strong Style" delivered a jumping knee drop on the apron, sending both to the floor. Cesaro proved a vital part of the plan, nailing a succession of European uppercuts by the barricade. Shin wrenched the arm over the barricade, with more work done inside the ring. Driving his knee into the elbow several times, Nakamura was met with some kicks - just for Johnny Gargano to go caught with a flying armbar! While the champ tried to fight, Nakamura segued into the Shining Triangle. "Johnny Wrestling" fought free, nailing a step-up enzuigiri! With the Lawn Dart connecting, busted lip and all, Gargano performed a dive to the floor - into a tornado DDT! A slingshot spear inside got a near fall, when Cesaro dragged the official out. It warranted his ejection from ringside, to much fanfare! The inverted powerslam set up the Kinshasa, but Johnny tripped Shinsuke and locked in the Gargano Escape - for the eventual tapout!

Garga-No?
A hard-fought title defense had seen "Johnny Wrestling" remain the WWE Intercontinental Champion, as he rolled away from Shinsuke Nakamura. Favoring his shoulder, Johnny Gargano staggered up to his feet where he was taken down hard by the big boot of Cesaro! "The Swiss Cyborg" had returned and promptly flattened "the Rebel Heart" with the Neutralizer, as "the Artist" returned to assist in the beatdown. Of all of the possibilities to make the save, Daniel Bryan hit the ring and was able to chase Cesaro and Nakamura from the ring. Fight Night were all smiles on the rampway, as "the Expert" stared them down before coming face-to-face with Gargano. The two remaining rivals after their SummerSlam rematch two weeks ago, the champ remained highly cautious of every move Bryan made before leaving.

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Uncomfortable Moderation
In the locker room, Alexa Bliss sat down with Nikki Cross and Carmella, hopeful of moderating the two towards working out their differences. Refusing to even make eye contact, "the Goddess" reasoned both of them were her friends, and she saw no reason why Nikki and Mella disliked one another. "The Princess of Staten Island" claimed it to be one-sided and all on "the Twisted Sister", bringing the Scot to accuse Carmella of being a liar. As animated as ever, she believed nothing about Carmella was real. With her fake hair, nails and looks, even Staten Island wasn't a real hometown - it was a borough! "Money Mella" called her jealous and said Nikki's obsession with Alexa was scary. While Nikki refused to admit it, Mella accused her of being unable to accept the fate she and Bliss made a greater team than Alexa and Nikki! It prompted Cross to come at the New Yorker, putting "Little Miss Bliss" in the unenviable position of getting between the pair. Carmella stormed out, with a match to prepare for.

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The WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns was sighted leaving his private dressing room with Paul Heyman following. Since his return at SummerSlam, "the Big Dog" had displayed a dramatically new demeanor and attitude, with Jeff Hardy thrown in the crosshairs. Ahead of his first defense as champion at Clash of Champions: Gold Rush, Roman was heading for the ring to meet "the Charismatic Enigma - up next.

The 'Progressive Match-Flo of the Week' aired, recapping last week's brutal onslaught of Apollo Crews at the hands of Roman Reigns' guillotine choke. Refusing to release the hold despite the referee's best efforts, the cold-hearted WWE Universal Champion would go met by a revenge-seeking Jeff Hardy - until the return of Jey Uso saw him come between the two Clash of Champions opponents.

Whose Side Are You On?
Paul Heyman was introduced, standing in the middle of the ring amidst loud boos from the WWE Universe. Speaking on Clash of Champions: Gold Rush being nine days away, he hoped the fans were on the edges of their seats, salivating at the thought of the gold on the line. "The Special Council" noted Clash of Champions as being a fitting title for a man like Roman Reigns, who was nine days away from making his first of what will be many WWE Universal Championship title defences! Where that name couldn't be further from the truth however, was where his opponent on Sunday, September 27 was concerned. Heyman spoke down on Jeff Hardy, believing him to be no champion. He was a tiny flame for Friday Night SmackDown in the months without the reigning and defending champion - but that was it. Paul continued by discussing "the Charismatic Enigma" as being a miracle man, for the sheer fact that he was somehow able to keep going - but no matter what Hardy could do, he was no champion!

"The Special Council" added how Jeff Hardy may inspire all of the addicts and hellraisers in the WWE Universe, but he was, nor would he ever be the champion that Roman Reigns truly was! He was at the head of the table, in a league of his own. For the better part of the past five years, the Samoan had carried the entire company on his back - but with appreciation from whom? Paul Heyman villainized the people for their derogatory remarks, boos and chants, before stating that this was why he was here. He wanted to help the WWE Universe appreciate Roman Reigns, and if they didn't then the WWE Universal Champion would simply force them to accept him as the greatest specimen to ever grace sports entertainment rings! Heyman provided a championship-calibre introduction to Roman Reigns, who came walking out slowly to the familiar sound of the Shield's music. "The Big Dog" was calm and collected as he exchanged looks with fans on the LED boards.

Roman Reigns was booed out of the WWE ThunderDome with chants of "you sold out", and "Roman sucks". The WWE Universal Champion chuckled and was about to speak - only to be immediately interrupted by Jeff Hardy! He came packing hardware, however, as the former champ brought a steel chair out with him. Wielding it and slamming it down across the rampway, "the Charismatic Enigma" slid into the ring, where he was met by Paul Heyman cowering behind the champion. "The Big Dog" didn't flinch, instead telling him that wouldn't be necessary. Telling Jeff kindly to put down the chair, all he wanted to do was talk. Reigns told Hardy he actually liked him and respected him - he watched the hell out of him and his brother growing up! Along with Jimmy and Jey Uso, they all watched the Hardys and imitated their moves when they were growing up. "The Rainbow-Haired Warrior" had every right to be on edge, after getting his ass beaten twice in a week - at both SummerSlam and Payback!

Jeff Hardy continued to grip the chair, as Roman Reigns tried to help him out and take the chair from him, but "the Charismatic Enigma" simply glared him in the eyes. He didn't know what kind of a joke "the Big Dog" thought he was, but he was about to change that. With an eager smile, the WWE Universal Champion responded - urging him to break a leg, or maybe not after last time! If he was sour about Apollo Crews and how he choked him out last week - that was strictly business too. "The One Man Nation" ran the risk and paid the price, but the problem was that he too was towing the line! Roman told Jeff he didn't know what he was in for at Clash of Champions, because he was trying this new shtick. He was riding with a new attitude, a new style, a new "Special Council". Much like Paul Heyman said, he was at the head of the table and in a league of his own! Roman asked Jeff what he had to say about September 27, to which "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" admitted - maybe he didn't need the steel chair.

Dropping it slowly, the challenger told Roman Reigns maybe he wouldn't need the steel chair at all. Maybe all he needed in nine days wasn't a ladder to dive from or a table put him through - maybe all he needed was to kick his ass. "The Charismatic Enigma" decided to demonstrate how right now - striking the WWE Universal Champion! Roman defensively tried to fight back, just for Jeff Hardy to nail him with an enzuigiri! Into the corner Jeff throttled Roman, when a throat thrust landed. Sending him into the corner, Jeff came back with Whisper in the Wind! Paul Heyman panicked and picked up the steel chair - but Hardy took it from him before he had the chance. "The Special Council" pleaded for his life as Jeff teased swinging, when Jey Uso snatched it from him! Yelling at Jeff to not even think about it, it bought Reigns time to drop him with the Superman Punch! Reigns grabbed the chair, but "Uce" seized it from him, dumping it to the floor. An agitated Roman left on his own accord, with Paul scurrying behind him.

Moon Rises Again
A vignette aired, taking us back to a time in NXT where "the Shenom" ran rampant. A former NXT Women's Champion, she was known for the daredevil tactics that made her a recognized face in the eyes of the WWE Universe. As the moon rose into the night's sky, it became blanketed by an eclipse, bringing a wolf to howl. It was Ember Moon, after a year away from the ring. The wolf is back, and "the Goddess of War" would make her return to Friday Night SmackDown - soon.

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

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3) Sonya Deville def. Carmella (2:15)

While the unexplained resentment shared between Carmella and Nikki Cross continued to place Alexa Bliss in an awkward spot, "the Princess of Staten Island" went up against the returning Sonya Deville. Mella was unstoppable as the match began, taking down "the Law" with a series of back elbows in the corner before connecting with a hurricanrana. Deville briefly gained some offense after sweeping the legs from an attempted bootwash in the corner, and with a series of knee drops to the spine, Deville connected with a sliding knee strike for a near fall. Using her knowledge of mixed martial arts, Deville looked for an ankle lock, but Mella responded with a single-leg dropkick! Following up with the Mella Buster, out to ringside came Nikki Cross - interfering with the business of "Money Mella!" Angry, Carmella told her to go away, as "the Twisted Sister" pounded her fists against the ring apron and bit the ring apron! It allowed Deville to catch Mella with a jumping knee strike, and the Elevator got her the win!

Why Can't We Be Friends?
"The Twisted Sister" laughed uncontrollably at her distraction costing Carmella the match, yet the mysterious reasons for her hatred of "the Princess of Staten Island" continued to baffle the ranks of the WWE Universe. Sonya Deville slid out of the ring and began an over-the-top celebration, all the while "the Princess of Staten Island" came to and immediately slid out to the floor! Going nose-to-nose with the antagonistic Scot, Alexa Bliss came stomping down to ringside to come between the two. Blaming Nikki and accusing her of making matters worse, "the Goddess" was met with a shove from her BFF - furious that Alexa would take Mella's side over hers! Storming off, Bliss was consoled by Carmella.

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Expert on Bar Fighting
Following discussion from Michael Cole and Corey Graves, the two welcomed a WWE Hall of Famer to SmackDown 1100 - John Bradshaw Layfield, via Zoom! JBL reminisced about being on the first edition of SmackDown, back in August 1999 before bragging about holding the longest reign as WWE Champion in the history of Friday Night SmackDown. "The Wrestling God" was interviewed by the broadcast team for his thoughts on tonight's Bar Fight, having gotten to know all about them in his days with Ron Simmons in the APA. Layfield called them unpredictable and highly dangerous - you could receive splinters from barstools, cuts from broken glass - or god forbid you get hit in the head with a beer keg! When asked for his thoughts on who would walk out victorious tonight, John weighed the merits of both Sheamus and Braun Strowman, before concluding that despite "the Colossus's" size, "the Celtic Warrior" was a fighting Irishman - and you could never count one of them out.

After thanking him for his time, Michael Cole and Corey Graves shifted gears to discuss the scene earlier tonight between Roman Reigns, Jeff Hardy - and now Jey Uso. Meanwhile in the ring, production assistants were hard at work in getting the ring set up for the upcoming 'Dirt Sheet' with John Morrison: but who would his guest be? It was coming up next on SmackDown 1100.

An advertisement aired, promoting Connor's Cure and the V Foundation's Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Starring the returning "Superman" Jimmy, he was still fighting and advocating for the WWE Universe to join him in their fight. Help the WWE Superstars of tomorrow fight pediatric cancer today by donating at ConnorTheCrusher.com. Your support matters.

Not the Time for Personal Feelings
Jey Uso had his head bowed in state of flux, when up walked Roman Reigns. With a colder demeanor than earlier, the WWE Universal Champion appreciated his help tonight with Jeff Hardy - but he had to understand that he didn't need it. "Uce" looked his cousin in the eyes and told him he didn't like the idea of where this business with Paul Heyman was going. This wasn't like Roman and he knew this wasn't him. "The Big Dog" told Jey again that he was just trying something out, before recommending Jey try it too. He needed to think smarter about his actions, noting that this wasn't the time for personal feelings to get involved with the WWE Universal Championship picture. He knew he was looking back with rose-tinted glasses when it came to Jeff Hardy - but when it came down to the greatest accolade possible in this business, it was all business. Reluctantly, Uso agreed, and the champ admitted how happy he was to see him back. Bringing him in for a hug, Jey could be seen digesting the words spoken to him.

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A long overhead pan of the LED boards were shown, each frame occupied by members of the WWE Universe. Michael Cole touted that SmackDown 1100 was being spectated by thousands, if not millions of WWE fans, who were all with them tonight thanks to the state-of-the-art interactive experience afforded by the WWE ThunderDome.

Surprise Accomplice on the Dirt Sheet
John Morrison sat with his feet up in the director's chair in the ring, as he welcomed the WWE ThunderDome to the second episode of this new era of 'the Dirt Sheet!' Asking the WWE Universe how they liked his new stellar setup, he noted the lighting being different, the logo being different - but even better than all of that was the sweet monitor he picked up! Dubbing it "the Silver Screen", JoMo said how after his friendship with the Miz had dissolved, he was determined to wipe the stink of "the A-Lister" from his show however he possibly could. With that out of the way, he spoke out about SmackDown celebrating 1,100 episodes tonight - and he held so many memories near and dear to his heart. He won the WWE Intercontinental Championship on "the Blue Brand", and while he joked he was an ECW Original - it was actually on Friday Night SmackDown he became "the Guru of Greatness" they all saw before them!

But this wasn't all about him, it was all about his surprise guest. John Morrison claimed he had to fight really hard to make sure nobody leaked who his mystery guest would be on tonight's 'Dirt Sheet', hinting that it was somebody who rocked the WWE Universe something fierce with his actions back on the very first edition of SmackDown back in August 1999. "The Shaman of Sexy" recalled being in college with his boys that hot Thursday night, when he had his world rocked. JoMo went on to confess he was a huge fan of his guest: but instead, out came Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode! To loud boos, "the Show Off" voiced how flattered he was to be Morrison's hero but said there was one problem: his research was all wrong. "The Glorious One" told John the true reason why they were here, to mend travesty that happened last week. Morrison didn't just make a mockery of his tag team partner's passion - he embarrassed the both of them!

Dolph Ziggler told John Morrison how badly it effected him to have his stand-up comedy routine criticized not just by "the Shaman of Sexy", but the entire crowd of critics in the WWE ThunderDome! Robert Roode said he and Dolph had spent all week being bombarded by Tweets, but the host of 'the Dirt Sheet' told them they should have been simply glad to hear the WWE Universe talking about them again. As JoMo joked about the relevancy he had afforded them, he admitted he had planned for this - and just like last week, he was ready! Shedding his fur coat cooly, "the Guru of Greatness" told "the Dirty Dawgs" to bring it on - and with that, Roode and Ziggler tried him. While John was initially successful, it all went awry following a spinebuster from "the Glorious One". The beating began, with "the Show Off" dropping him with the Zig Zag. But they weren't finished yet...when suddenly, "Sexy Boy" came over the WWE ThunderDome!

Shawn Michaels arrived on SmackDown 1100, in an NXT shirt and all. Removing his baseball cap, "the Heartbreak Kid" hit the ring and joined in the fight - standing up on behalf of John Morrison! With a flying clothesline, a second one sent Robert Roode over the top rope, but Dolph Ziggler came from a behind with a low blow to the WWE Hall of Famer. Tuning up the band, "the Show Off" mimicked HBK - but John Morrison intercepted with the Moonlight Drive! As Shawn stammered back to his feet, he began to tune up the band himself - executing Ziggler with the Sweet Chin Music. With crotch chops and further pose, Morrison stood tall and raised the hand of the WWE Legend - all the while Roode helped Ziggler from the ring.

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Following discussion from Michael Cole and Corey Graves, a video package aired recapping the history between Braun Strowman and Sheamus. "The Celtic Warrior" stunned the WWE Universe when he decimated "the Monster Among Men" back in April, shattering his ankle with the steel steps. As the Irishman built his army in Fight Night, he, Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura grew to control Friday Night SmackDown - until "the Colossus" returned. Yet as Braun hunted Sheamus, the group would manage to overpower the giant with an assist from the Royal Family - humiliating him further by shaving his head. At Payback Braun gained a measure of retribution, but after last week's meeting in the ring the stage was set to settle the dispute once and for all: in a Bar Fight.

Stepping foot outside of the Amway Center, Braun Strowman was jacked to the gills and stepped foot on the streets of Orlando, Florida. On a humid night, "the Colossus" began to make his way down the street to the saloon where Sheamus was waiting - the Bar Fight was coming up next!

A graphic aired, promoting tomorrow's edition of WWE Talking Smack, available on the free version of the WWE Network. Co-hosts Corey Graves and Kayla Braxton would be joined by Jey Uso, the New Day, and Fight Night's Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura.

A Matter of Capability
Kayla Braxton was standing by at the interview area with Daniel Bryan, hopeful of understanding more as to why "the Expert" had a sudden change of heart about Johnny Gargano. Bryan corrected her, making it clear that his opinion of the WWE Intercontinental Champion had not changed, and he only chose to get involved to help "Johnny Wrestling" from a beating he would not have been able to survive! The former "Working Man's Champion" elaborated in saying that Johnny didn't have it in him to outlast a beating from two trained killers in Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura, but did offer congratulations on his smart victory over "the Artist". That's when Johnny Gargano appeared, asking Daniel if that was true - where was he last week? Gargano reminded him of the similar fate he suffered last week, before he defeated that trained killer from Fight Night. Bryan told Johnny he simply wanted to see if he had what it took - but he didn't.

As the WWE Intercontinental Champion questioned the motives of Daniel Bryan in aiding him tonight, "Johnny Wrestling" questioned if "the Expert" was really here to be an ally - or whether he'd quit pretending and finally align with the members of Fight Night. With an emphatic "NO!", the former "Working Man's Champion" told him he simply wanted to try and reveal the potential that "the Rebel Heart" was incapable of unlocking. A sceptical Gargano again mused how, asking of Bryan to prove it: by teaming up with him next week against Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura. As the two faced off, Daniel licked his lips and told Johnny he was on - and next week, the champion would see just how far a way he had to go. As Daniel left, Gargano sniveled untrustingly.

Next week - WWE Intercontinental Champion Johnny Gargano and Daniel Bryan vs Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura

Michael Cole and Corey Graves discussed what a special night SmackDown 1100 had celebrated, surpassing another milestone tonight - before shifting gears to run down the line-up for Clash of Champions: Gold Rush. Nine days away streaming live on the WWE Network, graphics aired promoting each match.

WWE Universal Championship - Roman Reigns (c) vs Jeff Hardy
WWE World Championship - Fatal 4-Way match - Bobby Lashley (c) vs Seth Rollins vs Andrade vs Drew McIntyre
SmackDown Tag Team Championship - Triple Threat match - Heavy Machinery (c) vs The New Day vs The Royal Family
RAW Women's Championship - Charlotte Flair (c) vs Nia Jax
WWE 24/7 Championship - Samoa Joe (c) vs Mustafa Ali
WWE United States Championship - Kevin Owens (c) vs AJ Styles
RAW Tag Team Championship - Theory and Murphy (c) vs Los Lotharios

▆▆▆

4) Bar Fight
Sheamus vs Braun Strowman

At the bar in downtown Orlando, Florida, the appointed referee was seen waiting for the action to commence with a glass of soda with a straw in hand. Sheamus meanwhile sat across the bar from the awkward official, taping his fists in his street fighter clothes. In slacks, a white vest and wearing braces, "the Celtic Warrior" was growing all the more impatient with each passing minute, when finally the double-doors to the saloon burst open. Casually, a calm "Colossus" took a seat on the stool beside Sheamus and asked the personal bartender for a whiskey. Barely even acknowledging one another, the two sat still momentarily as Sheamus sipped at his pint of lager. Upon his return, the bartender issued him with a mere glass of whiskey on the rocks, incensing "the Monster Among Men!" Reluctantly issued with a full bottle, Strowman chugged it down wholly before the Irishman asked if that was wise for a guy like him, about to get his arse kicked!

Braun Strowman said so be it, pointing out the official at the end of the bar and noting he was only there to count to three. "The Celtic Warrior" asked "the Colossus" how he'd like to go about this, but the giant told him he really didn't care. Finally Sheamus gulped down the remainder of his pint and handed the anxiously waiting official his hat - decking Strowman with the pint glass! The fight was on as Braun immediately battled back despite the lumbering blows from "the Monster Among Men". Able to get the big man down to a knee, a knee strike followed when he was able to send him barreling over the bar - delivering the Beats of the Bodhran! The Irishman continued to wallop Strowman's chest, when unexpectedly he hulked up - muscling Sheamus and tossing him into the wall behind the bar! Bouncing his head off the octaves hanging on the wall, Strowman sent Sheamus sliding across the bar chest-first - the ring leader of Fight Night sent tumbling to the wooden floor!

"The Celtic Warrior" crawled from the bar room, but Braun Strowman followed suit. "The Monster Among Men" made it known he would take no prisoners; Sheamus leading him into the men's room. Both men continued to jockey for position with Sheamus charging his adversary into the wall, just for Braun to grab him by the throat and ram him face-first against the door to the toilet stall! Picking him up, Strowman rammed the door down with a fireman's carry smash, when a subsequent tackle saw Sheamus avoid it - and the door fully broke from its hinges! The redhead caught his breath before barging the door across the spine of Strowman - burying him beneath the rubble. He worked to ram Braun's head into the toilet bowl, but he fired back with a right hand. Sending him staggering out of the stall, Strowman grabbed Sheamus by a handful of hair before ramming him face-first into the porcelain urinal! Running his head into it, Strowman roared that he was not finished with Sheamus, as the action continued.

Braun Strowman continued to pursue Sheamus, who crawled away drenched in the contents of the urinal. "The Celtic Warrior" found himself grabbed by the ankle, but would kick "the Monster Among Men" away. Resorting to a mop to help him, the Irishman tried to swing it at the big man, but Braun blocked it and rammed it into the ribs of his rival! Nailing Sheamus over the spine with it, "the Colossus" roared and snapped it like a twig over his knee - when the redhead responded by breaking a barstool over the back of his opponent! It fell to pieces immediately, and Sheamus would take a wooden shard and aim to gouge the eyes of "the Colossus!" Strowman used all he could to prevent it, when Sheamus instead decided to stomp him. Setting his sights instead on a ladder from the nearby stock room, the ring leader hurled it down onto the anatomy of Braun, burying him beneath it. Laying in thick punches to the head, Strowman headbutted his way up - just to receive asuplex across the wooden floor!

Sheamus crawled back to his feet as Braun Strowman laid prone atop the broken pieces of wooden flooring. His power displayed, "the Celtic Warrior" covered - but "the Monster Among Men" kicked out at one! Dismayed, Sheamus dragged Braun by his mighty beard - walking him almost like a dog. Finally did the big man grab Sheamus by the seat of his pants and take him down with a clothesline, Strowman had the Celt running up a short flight of stairs. Aboard a mini-stage set up, complete with musical instruments, Braun picked up an acoustic guitar and teased playing it - before ultimately smashing it over the spine of Sheamus. Strowman teased the gorilla press slam off the stage, when Sheamus raked the eyes and was able to resort to bursting a bass drum over his foe's head! Sending the blinded and incapacitated "Colossus" careening into the rest of the drum kit, Sheamus slammed a set of cymbals across Strowman before covering again for a near fall.

"The Colossus" was able to get it from his head and roll off the stage to his feet, where he tripped Sheamus and dragged him down! While Sheamus gnawed on Braun Strowman's forehead to remain in control, he re-ascended to the stage and attempted a flying crossbody just to be caught in the arms of the big man. A body slam sent Sheamus back onto the stage, but as he planned to choke away at "the Celtic Warrior", whose head dangled over the edge, from behind came the personal bartender! Smashing a glass bottle over his back, Strowman shook off the cobwebs and turned slowly. Able to block an easy right hand from the bartender, "the Monster Among Men" took him for a ride - delivering a powerbomb onto the bar top! Sheamus reprised, laying Strowman out with a beer keg - but the giant was able to pop the shoulder up. The bar room was in shambles thanks to the Bar Fight that had been allowed to transpire in downtown Orlando, and Sheamus pounded his chest in anticipation to end the story.

Sheamus badmouthed Braun Strowman and labelled him the same goof he took out, injured and humiliated. "The Colossus" had truly learned nothing, but as he set up for the Brogue Kick, Braun caught him and roped him in for the Running Powerslam! Again causing the wooden planks beneath the redhead to break, the big man plotted his own way to finish this. Not done with the redhead yet, the ring leader of Fight Night was hoisted up with a chokeslam sending him crashing through a table! "The Celtic Warrior" was down and there was no sign of life, as Strowman dropped to his knees and made the cover - to garner the three count.

Winner: Braun Strowman (14:24)

Sheamus remained lifeless, surrounded by the debris of the table. Braun Strowman clamored back to his feet, hurting and hurt himself after a highly physical Bar Fight. Dazed, "the Monster Among Men" grabbed a beer bottle and toasted "the Celtic Warrior" - pouring booze all over Sheamus's face! Added insult to injury, Braun then threw his fists high into the air as the referee raised him the victor. Finally this ugly rivalry was over, with "the Colossus" giving the ring leader of Fight Night the ultimate comeuppance!

Talking Smack #63 – September 18, 2020

Kayla Braxton and Corey Graves welcomed Jey Uso back to Friday Night SmackDown first, as he expressed how glad he was to be back after a long couple of months. While expressing how he wished Jimmy Uso could be with him, his brother was still out injured. "Uce" was asked about what transpired with Roman Reigns last night, to which Jey understood it as his cousin wanting to be the man on Friday nights. He didn't agree with it, but maybe he was wrong to get involved in his business with Jeff Hardy. Jey maintained he had a lot of respect for "the Charismatic Enigma" - but family was family, and he supported "the Big Dog" at Clash of Champions. When asked where he would go from here, Jey entertained the idea of scoring himself his first taste of singles gold.

The New Day came onto the set next, full of life and happy to see the co-hosts. While they had every right to be furious with the Royal Family for costing them their SmackDown Tag Team Championship opportunity against Heavy Machinery, they simply saw another reason to kick those booty booties of "the Monarchs". Big E and Kofi Kingston joked about King Corbin, Duke Nese and Sir Gable being the most vanilla group in WWE history, when Xavier Woods proposed before they took the titles at Clash of Champions - they brought the Midnight Hour to the Royals one more time next week in six-man tag team action. Finally they raved about becoming ten-time WWE Tag Team Champions, because New Day rocks.

Fight Night's Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura were asked for their thoughts on Sheamus's loss to Braun Strowman in the Bar Fight. They said they were happy to see it put into the past, remarking how "the Celtic Warrior" would make a recovery and be back feistier than ever. What "the Swiss Cyborg" and "the Artist" came to discuss however, was about Johnny Gargano and Daniel Bryan. Shin addressed "Johnny Wrestling" slipping by with the WWE Intercontinental Championship tonight, but next week he would taste the Kinshasa for a third week in a row. The two joked and entertained the idea of becoming SmackDown Tag Team Champions, before verbally harassing Kayla Braxton.

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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 · Oct 27, 2023 14:37:28 GMT -5

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Post by DTP. on Oct 27, 2023 14:37:28 GMT -5

WWE Clash of Champions 2020 – September 27, 2020
WWE ThunderDome at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida
"Gold Rush"

"The Champion" by The Score
ONE WEEK AWAY!

WWE World Championship - Fatal 4-Way match
Seth Rollins vs Drew McIntyre vs Bobby Lashley (c) vs Andrade

WWE Universal Championship
Roman Reigns (c) vs Jeff Hardy

RAW Women's Championship
Charlotte Flair (c) vs Nia Jax

WWE United States Championship
Kevin Owens (c) vs AJ Styles