The Pandemic Project · Keep Your Distance · RAW · November 9, 2020 ·

[DTP]

NXT #397 - March 25, 2020
Full Sail University - Orlando, Florida
SEVEN DAYS FROM ONE FINAL BEAT

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A video package aired, recapping the bad blood that had been sizzling since NXT TakeOver: Portland. For years, Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa had been the best of friends; the most bitter of enemies - and after their ups and downs, tonight they would stand in the center of the ring - with the Creator of NXT present, Triple H!

The lights were on in the Full Sail University, as the arena was shown made up as Mauro Ranallo's voice ushered us back in to Full Sail after several weeks away at the WWE Performance Center! Joined by regular Kickoff Show panelist Sam Roberts of SiriusXM as his broadcast colleague, the two discussed #DIY's hangups leading to the confrontation tonight with Triple H present. Plus, Charlotte Flair and Bianca Belair would go head-to-head!

1) NXT Tag Team Champion Matt Riddle def. Roderick Strong (with Bobby Fish) (9:48) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- With Pete Dunne still stranded in the United Kingdom, "the King of Bros" went up against Roderick Strong after Strong cost him his match last week with Bobby Fish. Fish would prove to be a distraction for Matt Riddle until Velveteen Dream arrived wearing the NXT Championship, to counter-act Fish! The End of Heartache went reversed into Riddle's BroMission, forcing Strong to sleep!

An Undisputed Proposition
The NXT Tag Team Champion was overjoyed after the victory, as Velveteen Dream joined him in the ring. The two stood tall, while at ringside Bobby Fish tried to wake Roderick Strong up from the BroMission. That's when the Dream took to the microphone and addressed the running and hiding of the NXT Champion Adam Cole. Congratulating him on becoming the longest-reigning NXT Champion in history, Dream hoped that Undisputed Era had one wail of a party to celebrate it - without the gold! Dream stroked the title around his waist as he told Adam he knew what to do if he wanted to wear the luscious belt again - and that was beg the Dream for a match with the title on the line. Adam Cole would come storming out to the aisle, calling this absolutely ridiculous! Without the NXT Championship, Cole told Velveteen Dream that he was making a sick joke out of the crown jewel of NXT - that title belonged to him. Dream again stressed what Cole had to do if he wanted to get it back - he looked naked without it.

Adam shook his head in denial, refusing. Believing the Dream was not worthy of a championship opportunity, Adam came up with another solution. In two weeks, it would be he and Roderick Strong - and the two of them were going to meet the Dream and Matt Riddle in a tag team match...for the NXT Tag Team Championship! Cole negotiated that if Dream wanted the title shot, he would have to accept. Riddle looked at Dream in confusion, knowing how Dream wasn't even his partner. Riddle told the UE they were on, dedicating the match to his BroserWeight Pete Dunne. The Dream confirmed that Cole and Strong had themselves a deal - soon dumping the NXT Championship to the canvas for the desperate champion to grab. Holding it closely, Cole was furious at Dream's disrespect!

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A replay aired, taking us back three weeks ago to NXT: Fan Appreciation Night. Where fans were present inside the WWE Performance Center, Tommaso Ciampa would gatecrash Johnny Gargano's explanation for his betrayal at NXT TakeOver: Portland, and the two former #DIY members would go on to destroy the WWEPC. Next week, as announced by NXT General Manager William Regal - Ciampa and Gargano would collide.

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Mauro Ranallo and Sam Roberts talked about the article shared in Sports Illustrated yesterday - how with NXT TakeOver: Tampa Bay's untimely cancellation, throughout the month of April would instead see the scheduled matches take place on WWE NXT on the USA Network! That went for the Women's Number One Contender's Ladder match; the match just announced pitting Matt Riddle and Velveteen Dream against NXT Champion Adam Cole and Roderick Strong for the NXT Tag Team Championship; and Johnny Gargano against Tommaso Ciampa. Sam compared it to one month-long edition of NXT TakeOver, free of charge.

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2) Killian Dain def. Joaquin Wilde (3:18)
- He had spent weeks dissecting and decimating his victims, and tonight "the Beast of Belfast" looked to add another notch to his belt of victories. Up against the young Joaquin Wilde, Killian Dain showed no mercy on Joaquin and would put him away decisively with the Vader Bomb.

Killian Dain crawled from the fallen body of Joaquin Wilde after the match, but before leaving the ring - "the Beast of Belfast" thought better of it deciding to deliver a second Vader Bomb, and then a third! Who would stop Dain?

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Following a replay showing the ambush on Tegan Nox last week, Mercedes Martinez stood backstage for an interview with McKenzie Mitchell, when confronted by Raquel González. The two fierce women stared each other down, when Dakota Kai arrived to present Mercedes with payment. Claiming she was good for her word, Kai offered Martinez a wad of cash that "the Latina Sensation" silently counted. Responding in disgust, Dakota and Raquel departed, leaving Mercedes to count her cash. Suddenly, from behind came Tegan Nox! Striking with a kendo stick, "the Girl with the Shiniest Wizard" mounted Mercedes before chasing her away. Throwing Dakota's dirty money after her, Tegan told Mercedes that she would see her next week for a rematch!

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A vignette aired, showing the sinister and downright disturbing face of Dexter Lumis creeping from the darkness. After making an impression in the NXT Breakout Tournament last summer, next week Dexter Lumis would make his return to an NXT ring.

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3) Aliyah def. Xia Li to qualify into the Women's Number One Contender's Ladder match via referee stoppage (5:27)
- During the match, Robert Stone and his client Chelsea Green were seen walking out to the barricade to get a closer look at the potential competition in the Women's Number One Contender's Lader match in two weeks.
- Xia Li was against the returning Aliyah, whom she had taken out of action last November. Aliyah pursued revenge but Li showed her martial arts expertise. Aliyah dragged her from the apron to the floor and she cradled her foot in agony. She laid in some stomps, but the referee called the match off!

Aliyah grinned as Xia Li wept on the ringside area. Clutching her foot in agony, Xia was too injured to continue, meaning the returning Aliyah had qualified into the Women's Number One Contender's Ladder match! Behind the barricade, Chelsea Green whispered to Robert Stone, who clapped in favor of Aliyah. Were they scouting the competition, or scouting for potential recruits to the Robert Stone Brand?

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Kushida spoke on the cell phone in the backstage locker room in his native language, when in waltzed the obnoxious Cameron Grimes. Impressed by the sight of "the Time Splitter", Cameron noted how he too was a fan of the Back To The Future series. Kushida hung up and listened as "the Carolina Caveman" questioned who he thought he was for interrupting his celebration last week. Nobody interrupted Cameron Grimes - not even an out-of-this-world guy like him! Cameron asked if he understood, and Kushida bowed and nodded. Cameron took this as sarcasm, and questioned if he thought he was smarter than him. Grimes said nobody was more intelligent than he was, and if he wasn't careful he would wind up on his wrong side. Kushida responded affirmatively and apologetically, as Cameron departed.

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A graphic aired, showing the NXT North American Champion Keith Lee. With one week until his NXT TakeOver: Portland rematch against Dominic Dijakovic, up next "the Limitless One" would be in action!

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An advertisement aired, promoting the latest episode of 'WWE Ruthless Aggression' - the new series available for streaming now on the WWE Network.

4) NXT North American Champion Keith Lee def. Cezar Bononi (3:14)
- Following a choice interaction with Dominic Dijakovic last week that set up the NXT North American Championship match next week, Keith Lee took on another tall competitor in the Brazillian Cezar Bononi. Bononi got in some offense, but incredibly "the Limitless One" picked up the win with the Spirit Bomb.

Don't Turn Your Back
Keith Lee stood in dominance over the fallen Cezar Bononi as he was bestowed with his NXT North American Championship by the referee. Raising it high, "the Limitless One" mouthed words to the surely watchful Dominic Dijakovic - whom he meets next week in a rematch from NXT TakeOver: Portland. Suddenly, Damian Priest struck again - his baton nailing Keith Lee in the back of the leg! Much like two weeks ago, "the Archer in Infamy" went to work on the champ when Dominik Dijakovic hit the ring. With rights and lefts, Dijakovic sent Priest to the floor before clotheslining him over the guardrail! He wanted Keith Lee in prime condition for their title meeting next week. Dijakovic returned to the ring and spoke out to Priest - before turning around and being the recipient of the Spirit Bomb himself! Lee left with the title in hand, with eyes in the back of his head.

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A video package aired, taking us back to the arrival of Charlotte Flair last week. Claiming to have expected more from the NXT Women's Champion Rhea Ripley, "the Queen" was interrupted by none other than Bianca Belair! "The EST of NXT" challenged Flair to a match tonight with major title implications - and as confirmed by NXT General Manager William Regal, up next, should Bianca win - she would be added to the NXT Women's Championship Triple Threat match at WrestleMania!

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An advertisement aired, promoting Friday Night SmackDown this week. An all-new edition of the Firefly Fun House with Bray Wyatt would air, while the Usos and the New Day would re-enact their tag team rivalry with an opportunity at facing John Morrison and The Miz at WrestleMania at stake. Plus, Alexa Bliss would battle the SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley!

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5) Charlotte Flair def. Bianca Belair (11:16) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- There was a lot at stake in this one, as Charlotte Flair had promised Bianca Belair last week that if she beat her tonight, then she would be added to the NXT Women's Championship match at WrestleMania. "The EST of NXT" knew how important it was and gave "the Queen" the fight of her career - but the more experienced former champ began to work on her knee. Belair used her power and looked for the KOD, when her knee gave out! Flair used the Natural Selection to take advantage for the three count.

Charlotte Flair smiled as she stood tall after the bell, with another injury looking to have occurred tonight. "The Queen" found delight in seeing Bianca Belair clutch her leg no differently than Xia Li earlier tonight, but the 2020 Women's Royal Rumble winner decided she was not done with "the EST of NXT!" Dragging her by the legs to the ring post, Flair swung the bad knee against the steel, before preparing to slap on the Figure-4 Leglock much like she did the NXT Women's Champion two weeks ago!

Suddenly, Rhea Ripley came storming out to her music; "The Nightmare" meeting Charlotte Flair with rights and lefts on the floor! The NXT Women's Champion fought the knife-edged chops and sent Charlotte inside, soon scoring with the Riptide! Ripley warned Flair that NXT belonged to her now, as she angrily told Flair that she would see her come WrestleMania.

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Footage aired from moments ago, showing Joaquin Wilde after his unsuccessful match with Killian Dain earlier tonight, having to fend himself off from the clutches of those same masked assailants who kidnapped Raúl Mendoza two weeks ago! Wilde tried his earnest, but the masked men would outnumber Wilde before sending him into the back of their black SUV. It drove away into the night - another victim disappearing!

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6) Danny Burch and Oney Lorcan def. Ever-Rise (4:41)
- Danny Burch and Oney Lorcan battled Chase Parker and Matt Martel in a hard-hitting affair. Ever-Rise worked on Lorcan, but an electric chair into a European uppercut saw the two hard-nosed fighters take another win in the NXT tag team division.

Danny Burch and Oney Lorcan stood in victory after the bell, both raising their fingers after taking care of Ever-Rise in a competitive tag team affair. Suddenly, two giants hit the ring jumping the NXT Superstars from behind! Ever-Rise elected to slip away from the scene undetected, as the two Indian brutes dropped Burch with a sit-out double suplex! Both sporting long hair with warpaint on their foreheads, out to the aisle walked a bald, bearded African American in a suit. Introducing himself as Malcolm Bivens, he welcomed the world to the men in the ring: Rinku Singh and Saurav Gurjar! - together forming Bivens Enterprise! For a long time, they sat and they waited to make their mark and allow pandemonium to unfold in NXT - but finally they figured that there was no time like the present. Bivens declared they were here to do just that - because Indu Sher were the future of NXT's tag team division.

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

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A replay aired, showing the assault moments ago on Danny Burch and Oney Lorcan - responsible by Rinku and Saurav Gurjar of Bivens Enterprise. Indu Sher were under the command of Malcolm Bivens, it seemed, after a powerful impact was made.

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7) Candice LeRae def. Mia Yim in a Women's Number One Contender's Ladder match (6:31)
- A rematch from last week, Candice LeRae was not pleased with the manner in which she defeated Mia Yim to qualify into the Women's Number One Contender's Ladder match. "The Blasian Baddie" fought hard to win this second opportunity in a hotly-contested match for the final spot - when a series of near falls saw LeRae grab a blatant handful of tights to steal the win!

Sinching the final spot in the Women's Number One Contender's Ladder match in two weeks, Candice LeRae rolled out to the floor and celebrated with her fists raised high. Mia Yim was devastated to have been not only bested by Candice, but played by "the Pint-Sized Pixie" as well! LeRae shrugged her shoulders at Yim and mimicked crocodile tears on Mia, who argued the result to the official. What had gotten into LeRae?

Aliyah watched the television screen backstage at Candice LeRae's rounding out of the Women's Number One Contender's Ladder match, when up walked Chelsea Green with Robert Stone. Chelsea looked at Aliyah as well as the screen, telling her that what she did tonight was awfully impressive. Taking out a skilled martial artist like Xia Li was something they had taken note of. Robert Stone then proceeded to deliver a hardsell to Aliyah, allowing her to understand what the Robert Stone Brand could do for her. Promising bundles of opportunities and luxuries, and chances to connect with celebrities and powerful people worldwide, Chelsea then proposed they were women above and beyond their fellow four opponents in the Ladder match. Asked for her thoughts, Aliyah appeared flattered: but urged the two to give her a week to consider. Robert and Chelsea grinned, telling her they looked forward to hearing from her.

A graphic aired, showing the final six women who would officially enter the Ladder match in two weeks on NXT on USA - Chelsea Green, Dakota Kai, Tegan Nox, Io Shirai, Aliyah and Candice LeRae would all vy for a future opportunity at the NXT Women's Championship!

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Backstage, Triple H was seen drinking a bottle of water and chatting to a member of backstage personnel. Up next, the Creator of NXT would make a rare appearance - as "the King of Kings" would stand before and moderate a choice encounter between Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa!

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A vignette aired, images flashing across the screen of a city in ruin; the bones of man; vultures watching over wastelands. A female's voice foreshadowed that end times were near, as a bald, goateed man's face was shown.

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Mauro Ranallo and Sam Roberts audibly ran down what was coming up next week on NXT, including an alteration to the NXT North American Championship match. After Damian Priest's constant meddling with their feud, he had now been added to the title match pitting Keith Lee against Dominic Dijakovic!

• One Final Beat – Johnny Gargano vs Tommaso Ciampa
• NXT North American Championship – Triple Threat match – Keith Lee (c) vs Dominic Dijakovic vs Damian Priest
• SmackDown's Alexa Bliss hosts 'A Moment of Bliss' with Charlotte Flair and Rhea Ripley
• Tegan Nox vs Mercedes Martinez
• Austin Theory vs Isaiah Scott
• The return of Dexter Lumis.

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A Meeting with The Creator
Triple H stood in the middle of the ring in Full Sail University, a microphone in hand. Providing context to their heated rivalry, "The King of Kings" talked about how this had gone on far, far too long. The two were former NXT Tag Team Champions, and had both been NXT Champions as well. From the independents, to the heights of NXT TakeOver, they were once #DIY but now, they were rivals and had exemplified that over and over again. The Creator of NXT was about to order both men out to the ring, when Tommaso Ciampa abruptly came stepping down the aisleway. HHH cut Ciampa's music for him, telling him that he should've known he did not tolerate interruptions. "The Blackheart" however did not care, instead understanding the levity of Triple H coming out to Full Sail University on account of this. That said, Ciampa wasted no time wanting Johnny Gargano to get his ass down to the ring so they could settle this!

"The Game" warned Tommaso Ciampa that there would be no violence in this meeting, bringing up the charges both men had paid on account of the damages done to the WWE Performance Center two weeks ago. That said, HHH also ordered Gargano out. With that, Johnny Gargano answered the call. Reluctant to enter the same ring as Ciampa, "Johnny Wrestling" hoped to deflect blame on Ciampa - who had attacked him, who had shattered the weight room mirror with a dumbbell, and who had driven him off the Perch with an Air Raid Crash through the announce table. Gargano blamed it on Ciampa, but HHH laid down the law. If he had it his way, Ciampa and Gargano would have found themselves out on the street without jobs - but thanks to NXT General Manager William Regal, they were still here. Triple H repeated that this rivalry had gone on long enough, when Gargano again blamed Ciampa for all of it. Reminding Hunter of how this was meant to end last year, when Ciampa went and broke his neck.

Johnny Gargano claimed he wished he was the one who broke Tommaso Ciampa's neck. Ciampa was held back by Triple H, agreeing that this needed to end. Looking his former #DIY partner in the eye, Tommaso questioned what was stopping them. HHH again stated it would not happened here tonight. Gargano knew the match was scheduled for next week, but argued that they didn't need any of the frills that the WWE Performance Center or Full Sail University had to offer. All they needed was a building, a referee and a camera. Eyeing up both men, "the Game" told them if that's what it would take, to consider it done. He promised to find an empty building and to put a ring in it. In one week's time, it would go on until a present referee was there to tell them it was over, and a camera to show that it was over. When that happened - it would be over for good! HHH declared One Last Beat would see it all end, and if NXT wasn't big enough for the both of them - then one man would just have to leave, forever.

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[DTP]

NXT UK #86 - March 26, 2020
Coventry Skydome in Coventry, England
UNDER FIVE WEEKS FROM NXT UK TAKEOVER: DUBLIN

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A video package aired, promoting the main event. With so much beef in their past, tonight two nemeses will meet again for the NXT Cruiserweight Championship. Since capturing the gold at Worlds Collide back in January, "the Irish Ace" had used the gold as proof that he was the best Cruiserweight in the world today - but when he was faced by NXT UK General Manager Johnny Saint two weeks ago with this match announcement, the demeanor of Jordan Devlin changed from confidence to concern. Tonight, for the first time on British soil, the NXT Cruiserweight Championship will be defended as Jordan Devlin takes on Travis Banks.

The opening video package aired, cutting to the Coventry Skydome for another smashing edition of NXT UK. With the 20-Man Battle Royal next week Andy Shepherd and Nigel McGuinness welcomed us to the show. Things were sure to heat up between A-Kid and Noam Dar; on the very night Jordan Devlin would defend the NXT Cruiserweight Championship against his old rival Travis Banks.

1) Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel def. Ashton Smith and Oliver Carter (7:29)
- As they awaited a new challenger to WALTER's NXT United Kingdom Championship, Imperium's Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel battled Ashton Smith and Oliver Carter, who showed great fire against the Europeans. In the end, Aichner and Barthel would get the win with the European Bomb on Carter.

Imperium folded their arms behind their backs after the match, Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel once again dominant in disposing of Ashton Smith and Oliver Carter. One week away from the 20-Man Contender's Battle Royal, who would be WALTER's next challenger?

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A vignette aired, showing members of Gallus sitting in a pub playing a game of cards. As a hesitant fourth member of the group watched the three burly blokes gamble, Wolfgang, Joe and Mark Coffey each discussed the NXT UK brand and mused the ease in which they went to make it their own kingdom. With the NXT UK Tag Team Championships laid on the table, the trio decided to take off - leaving behind three cards: three Kings.

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An advertisement aired, promoting the Broken Skull Sessions with Bret "Hitman" Hart. Hosted by "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, the podcast is now available for streaming exclusively on the WWE Network.

Moustache Mountain chatted backstage about the impending 20-Man Battle Royal coming up next week on NXT UK. Trent Seven and Tyler Bate each made a case for winning and going on to challenge WALTER for the NXT United Kingdom Championship at NXT UK TakeOver: Dublin - coming to a joint agreement: may the best boi win.

Elsewhere, Alexander Wolfe talked about the 20-Man Battle Royal next week. Declaring that he would enter to win it, he made it known that he would do so in the best interest of Imperium on top of the NXT UK brand. "The Hatchetman" vowed to keep the mat sacred.

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2) Aoife Valkyrie def. Nina Samuels (4:49)
- Thus far undefeated on the NXT UK brand, Aoife Valkyrie now went up against her latest threat in "the Primadonna" Nina Samuels. Samuels took control, but an insulting slap started a fire in "the Lady of the Opera". Picking up the win swiftly, Valkyrie scored the fall with the Peripeteia - a guillotine legdrop.

Aoife Valkyrie bided her time in wait, posing for the Coventry crowd. The newcomer was taking the NXT UK women's division by storm.

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A replay aired, taking us back to last week where Piper Niven would make the save for Dani Luna last week from a post-match beatdown courtesy of NXT UK Women's Champion, Kay Lee Ray. Josiah Williams interviewed Piper Niven earlier today, asking for her interest in what happened. Piper talked about how Dani was a big enough and strong enough girl to be able to take someone like KLR, but she wasn't sure she knew how devious and sly KLR was. Piper brought up Toni Storm, how she had already seen Kay Lee Ray destroy one of her friends. She'd already had to send one 'get well soon' letter, and wasn't planning to send a second. Next week, Piper and Dani Luna planned to take on Kay Lee Ray and Jinny - and Piper planned to get her hands on the champ.

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An advertisement aired, promoting the final edition of Monday Night RAW, six days from WrestleMania: "Too Big For One Night". It would be all hands on deck when "the Beast Incarnate" Brock Lesnar would be in the house, and a six-man tag team battle would see Kevin Owens team with the Street Profits to take on Murphy and AOP. The Road to WrestleMania ran through RAW, live this Monday night on the USA Network.

Footage aired from during the break, where Ashton Smith and Oliver Carter were interviewed by Josiah Williams about their shortcoming against Imperium's Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel. The two began to talk their strategy when Pretty Deadly showed up. Sam Stoker and Lewis Howley congratulated the team on another loss, which led to Smith having to restrain Carter! Pretty Deadly claimed they were only joking. The prettyboys left as Carter hoped to console Smith, urging him to focus on the 20-Man Battle Royal next week. Smith agreed, the team reminding each other of their motto: "always forward".

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3) A-Kid def. Noam Dar (6:57)
- Following the cunning smack-talk from "the Scottish Supernova" last week towards the Spanish high-flyer, A-Kid wished to make Noam Dar put his money where his mouth was. The wiser, more experienced Dar used technical precision to ground A-Kid, but he would pull off a huge upset with a running enzuigiri!

To the shock of everyone in Coventry, A-Kid had knocked off a victory against one of NXT UK's senior members! Noam Dar was in a daze as the young Spaniard had his hand raised, but once he got to his feet, "the Scottish Supernova" would strike with a low blow to the newcomer. The Nova Roller would follow, with Noam Dar claiming that it was a fluke! Dar took to the microphone and said he was going to win the 20-Man Battle Royal match next week just to prove that he could. He was better than A-Daftie a dozen times over, and he was going to be the one to challenge WALTER for the NXT United Kingdom Championship! The mean-spirited side of the Scotsman had reared his ugly head.

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

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A video package aired, showing off the dominance of the reigning NXT United Kingdom Champion WALTER. The leader of Imperium, "the Ring General" had led the NXT UK brand for a year, since ending Pete Dunne's reign at NXT TakeOver: New York. Since then, he had defended the gold against Travis Banks, Trent Seven, Tyler Bate, Joe Coffey and Dave Mastiff. Who could possibly dethrone him? Who would be his next challenger, after next week's 20-Man Battle Royal?

Preparing for Battle
Following a replay showing the injury sustained to Mark Andrews last week before six-man tag team action against Gallus, Flash Morgan Webster provided an update on his tag team partner's condition earlier today at the NXT UK Performance Center. He said Mark was still undergoing testing, but whomever injured him last week, Webster vowed to find out. For now, his sole priority was winning next week's 20-Man Battle Royal and dedicating it to Andrews.

Dave Mastiff had some similar words to say regarding the 20-Man Battle Royal. After his hard-hitting clinic with WALTER several weeks ago, Mastiff called himself the most powerful man in NXT UK. He believed there was nobody in the Battle Royal who could throw a proper British heavyweight over the top rope.

Kassius Ohno talked about "the Wrestling Genius" being put in the ring with nineteen mongrels. He claimed that technique, skill and acumen would propel that "Wrestling Genius" to win the Battle Royal.

Ilja Dragunov spoke of men simply relying on training hard, but he dedicated himself to preparing for war. The "Invincible" Dragunov said he would just go in next week, while his nineteen opponents in the Battle Royal would just go out. Ilja said there were a lot of excellent competitors in the field next week, but there was only one person who was "Unbesiegbar".

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4) Jordan Devlin (c) def. Travis Banks to retain the NXT Cruiserweight Championship (14:35) [THROUGH TWO BREAKS]
- These two men had had a serious rivalry in the past, but now it was about who was worthy of being the NXT Cruiserweight Champion. Jordan Devlin took as many shortcuts as possible, but "the Kiwi Buzzsaw" would keep firing until he took "the Irish Ace" down. Banks delivered the Kiwi Crusher, but Devlin would get his foot on the bottom rope. The Lion's Clutch would go applied moments later, but the champ would roll Banks over and put his feet on the ropes for leverage - to steal the match!

Jordan Devlin was able to escape as the NXT Cruiserweight Champion, overcoming Travis Banks once again in their re-ignited rivalry! "The Irish Ace" slipped free to safety, leaving "the Kiwi Buzzsaw" to plead his case with the referee. To no avail, Devlin's reign as the leader of the Cruiserweight division was to continue moving forward.

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[DTP]

Friday Night SmackDown #1075 - March 27, 2020
WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida
Sponsored by

WRESTLEMANIA: ONE WEEK FROM SATURDAY

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205 Live #174 - March 27, 2020
- Tony Nese def. Tehuti Miles with the Running Nese. (7:23)
- Tyler Breeze def. Mike Bennett with the Beauty Shot. (8:44)

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The opening video package aired, bringing us to the WWE Performance Center for Friday Night SmackDown. A light show ensued, with eight days remaining until the first two-night WrestleMania in sports entertainment history. Michael Cole greeted us to Orlando, Florida, sponsored by Progressive! Tonight we would see new number one contenders for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships named when the Usos and the New Day renew their rivalry. Plus, the Artist Collective would meet Braun Strowman, Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak in a six-man tag team match with title implications; and an all-new edition of Bray Wyatt's Firefly Fun House would premiere!

1) SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley def. Alexa Bliss (4:41)
- Bayley's best friend Sasha Banks joined commentary for this match, where she declared no matter who Bayley's challengers would be at WrestleMania - there was no doubt she would walk out still SmackDown Women's Champion.
- Her challengers in the Six-Pack Challenge elimination match yet to be announced, Bayley battled longtime rival Alexa Bliss, who strived to knock off the SmackDown Women's Champion. Bayley grounded "the Goddess" until Bliss made a comeback. Suddenly Asuka came dancing out to the rampway in her mask! The RAW Superstar provided the distraction, when Bayley landed the Headlock Driver to steal another win!

"The Empress of Tomorrow" took joy in costing Alexa Bliss the match, but for what reason was the RAW Superstar here on SmackDown? Sasha Banks refused to consider why on commentary, when Alexa Bliss's BFF Nikki Cross came storming to ringside! The Scotswoman got in Asuka's face, when Kairi Sane snuck up from behind - cracking her spiral umbrella in half over Cross's spine. The WWE Women's Tag Team Champions hollered in Japanese over her fallen body, as "the Goddess" reached out on the canvas - looking to help her friend out.

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A recap aired, taking us back to one month ago where Bray Wyatt would answer the challenge made by John Cena for a match at WrestleMania. Two weeks ago from the WWE Performance Center, John Cena would address the former WWE Universal Champion, when Wyatt would answer with some demented words. Tonight, an all-new edition of the Firefly Fun House premieres!

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

Bayley Has a Big, Big Problem
Following the controversial match before the commercial break against Alexa Bliss, SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley pretended to be pleased with the outcome of her match. With Sasha Banks beside her, the two mused to each other that the champ didn't need Asuka's help one bit - the outcome was always going to be the same. Bayley then addressed the interaction last week with Paige, and how the "former WWE Diva" had really put the scare in her with her claims of a Six-Pack Challenge elimination match at WrestleMania. Yet, that lazy part-timer hadn't even named her challengers! Bayley claimed she wasn't scared, when "the Legit Boss" brought up Paige wasn't scaring anybody these days, just herself. The Boss 'n' Hug Connection laughed at her being unable to challenge for the title because of her neck - when Paige suddenly showed up on the video screen! "The Anti-Diva" was back on SmackDown via Skype, fully prepared that this would happen.

"The Anti-Diva" joked while she was prepared to believe Bayley would play nice and patiently for her challengers to be named, everybody knew Bayley and Sasha Banks would run their mouths and spoil it. Paige said she would love to be there herself to watch the SmackDown Women's Champion's jaw drop in person. Paige ushered the five challengers to make themselves known! One by one, Bayley's challengers appeared. Lacey Evans strutted out first, prompting Bayley and Sasha to laugh. Following her came Naomi, which caused Bayley to bring up how she'd already beaten her! Tamina came out, prompting major laughter from the Boss 'n' Hug Connection - they had no idea she still worked at WWE! Next came Carmella, as Paige told Bayley to have fun at WrestleMania. The champ noted she was a loser short. That's when Paige dropped the big bombshell: Bayley's fifth and final opponent would be Sasha Banks! The champ was floored, as Sasha's expression deflated. How would their friendship survive?

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Alyse Ashton was backstage with The Usos , as she made note of the many times in which Jimmy and Jey Uso had met with their opponents tonight - the New Day. The Usos talked about how it wouldn't be the Road to WrestleMania if they weren't up against the New Day. Alyse was right, they had been to hell and back over the years, but tonight would be no exception. WrestleMania may be "Too Big For One Night", but WrestleMania was too big for the Usos and the New Day in their mind! Tonight, all the respect they had for Big E and Kofi Kingston would take a backseat, because the Usos wanted the SmackDown Tag Team Championship back around their waists. Come WrestleMania, John Morrison and The Miz were going to the Uso Penitentiary, and there would be nothing personal against the New Day.

​

Michael Cole welcomed us back to Friday Night SmackDown, talking about the situation that had led us to tonight's six-man tag team match. After taking the WWE Intercontinental Championship from Braun Strowman in a three-on-one handicap match back at Elimination Chamber, Sami Zayn and his Artist Collective unsuccessfully tried to recruit Daniel Bryan. Too loyal toward his training partner Drew Gulak, the two had their fair share of issues with Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura. But "the Monster Among Men" would return last week, prompting tonight's big match.

Backstage, Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak performed a pre-match warmup ritual. Bumping chests and flexing arms, Drew asked Daniel how prepared he felt for tonight. Bryan was psyched to bust some heads against the Artist Collective, when "the Militant Mat-Mite" asked Daniel a personal question - was he a nobody? Bryan chuckled, telling Gulak he might not be a celebrity, but he sure as hell possessed the makings of one! Bryan told Gulak he didn't need to be, that he was his training partner and how in just a few short weeks, Daniel had come a long way. There were so many gaps in his game until they fought at Elimination Chamber! Up walked Braun Strowman , slapping his arms in anticipation. Tonight, "the Monster Among Men" declared there was no losing: and whether tonight or next week, Sami Zayn would definitely get those hands!

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Back in the WWE Performance Center, Michael Cole looked to segue into conversation about the Host of WrestleMania Rob Gronkowski's massive announcement last week - how for the first time ever, WrestleMania was "Too Big for One Night". Abruptly, a guitar strummed. Elias was seen fiddling with his acoustic guitar atop the Perch overlooking the empty training facility. Treating it like a stage, he greeted the WWEPC as though it was a packed house, introducing himself. With WrestleMania around the corner, "the Drifter" had worked on yet another special song for his opponent. It was no mistake he had no regard for King Corbin, especially after the last few weeks. But after one week from Saturday, Elias vowed to shut Corbin's stupid mouth for good. He performed his song, before urging a baffled Cole to clap in response. Reluctantly, Michael complied.

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Kayla Braxton was backstage with The New Day. Moments to wait until their SmackDown Tag Team Championship Contender's match with the Usos, Big E and Kofi Kingston remarked with enthusiasm how ready they felt! WrestleMania Season was upon them, and it meant a whole 'nother year of butting heads with Jimmy and Jey, the Usos. Kofi stressed that there were no greetings cards at Christmas exchanged between the two teams, but there was an unspoken bond between them. Big E noted when they met in the Tag Team Elimination Chamber match weeks ago, all four of them knew it was back on. The New Day were still reeling after losing the gold to "the Booty Brothers" John Morrison and The Miz back at Super ShowDown - but tonight was a good night and they had a good feeling! Back on track, they were prepared to go to WrestleMania and become six-time SmackDown Tag Team Champions of the World! Kingston led a chant of "New Day rocks", as Big E thrust his hips. The match was next!

​

Michael Cole talked about Monday Night RAW coming up this week, in which we will be only six days away from WrestleMania. With all hands on deck, not only would the WWE Champion Brock Lesnar be in attendance; but both Edge and Randy Orton would be in the same house at the WWE Performance Center. Plus, Murphy and AOP of the Church of Rollins would meet Kevin Owens and RAW Tag Team Champions the Street Profits in six-man tag team action.

▆▆▆​

2) The Usos vs The New Day ended in a no-contest in a Number One Contender's match (9:44) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- SmackDown Tag Team Champions John Morrison and The Miz had had a lot of fun over the weeks mocking the rest of the tag team division. Tonight they had similar plans in mind, as they joined commentary.
- These two teams had met countless times. With a SmackDown Tag Team Championship opportunity at WrestleMania up for grabs, they went all-out. Big E took Jimmy and Jey Uso out of the ring going into the commercial, but back from the break saw the Usos take control. Big E finally tagged in Kofi Kingston, who set up the Boom Drop until the Usos bailed. The match spread outside, where the New Day ducked stereo-super kicks from the Samoans - knocking Miz and Morrison out of their chairs! Back inside, the Midnight Hour connected on Jey when Miz and Morrison attacked both teams in rage!

The bitter SmackDown Tag Team Champions showboated with the gold as they continued putting the boots to Big E and Jey Uso. John Morrison held Jimmy Uso up for the Miz to strike with a title shot to the jaw, when suddenly Rob Gronkowski danced his way out to the stage! The SuperBowl Champion greeted 'The Dirt Sheet' co-stars jokingly, introducing himself as a New England Patriot. Miz cut Gronk off and corrected him: he used to be! Rob laughed, but reminded Miz he was assigned to be the Host of WrestleMania. That gave him matchmaking privileges! In the interest of entertainment, the draw outcome would not sit with Gronk - and instead, Gronk named the Usos...and the New Day as Miz and Morrison's challenge in eight days!

Rob Gronkowski was not finished, adding that it would be in a Triple Threat Tag Team Ladder match! Stunned, the SmackDown Tag Team Champions did not register their foes' recovery. The Usos dropped both men with another round of super kicks; setting John Morrison up for the Midnight Hour from the New Day! Left laying, Jimmy and Jey Usos squared off with Big E and Kofi Kingston. Words exchanged, only one team could leave WrestleMania as the champs!

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Michael Cole repeated the revelation made by Rob Gronkowski that the SmackDown Tag Team Championships would be up for grabs in a Triple Threat Ladder match at WrestleMania, but coming up next - a look back at the WrestleMania 32 encounter seeing Roman Reigns challenge Triple H for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship!

​

Michael Cole welcomed the watching WWE Universe back to Friday Night SmackDown, before being about to introduce the look back at WrestleMania 32. Instead, the Kabuki Warriors appeared to loudly explain why they were here on SmackDown tonight! The WWE Women's Tag Team Champions were intolerable as they ranted about Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross not being the best friends that they were. Asuka and Kairi Sane pointed out the titles around their waist and reminded everybody that they beat "the Goddess" and the Scotswoman for the gold. "The Empress of Tomorrow" and "the Pirate Princess" each tugged at Cole's suit jacket irritatingly, bringing Cole to quickly introduce a look back at Roman Reigns' meeting with Triple H.

​

-) Roman Reigns def. Triple H (with Stephanie McMahon) to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship (27:11) [WRESTLEMANIA 32 - APR 3, 2016] [THROUGH THREE BREAKS]
- WrestleMania 32 historically was recognised for boasting the greatest attendance in WWE history. 101,763 piled into the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas to witness "the Big Dog" challenge "the King of Kings" for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
- Stephanie McMahon watched like an eagle as her husband Triple H defended the Authority's honor against Roman Reigns. "The Big Dog" fought hard but would find himself debilitated by the champion's wife's presence. With a low blow, "The Game" targeted the nose of the challenger, when Roman fought back - just for Stephanie to once again involve herself. Reigns would power out of the Pedigree and take Stephanie McMahon out with the Spear. Dodging the WWE World Heavyweight Champion's patented sledgehammer, Reigns struck with two Superman Punches and nailed the Spear to regain the biggest prize in the business for a third time!

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A recap of Dolph Ziggler's antics last week was shown, involving "the Show Off" intentionally getting a rise out of the dejected and heartbroken Otis. As Ziggler showed off photos of himself and Mandy Rose together, Otis would blow up in a furious fit of rage!

Backstage, Dolph Ziggler leant against a training ring with a smirk on his face. His cell phone in hand, he appeared to browse social media. Having discussed what happened with his girlfriend, Mandy Rose had ordered her boyfriend to apologize to Otis in person about last week. "The Show Off" was heading to the ring, up next.

Also tonight - a graphic aired, previewing an all-new edition of the Firefly Fun House with Bray Wyatt - still to come tonight.

​

The Show Skipper
Dolph Ziggler came prancing down the rampway in the WWE Performance Center, as Friday Night SmackDown returned. In smart casual, "the Show Off" got into the ring while texting on his cell phone. Disinterested, all the while he continued to smirk in response to some of the messages he was receiving. As his music finished, he continued to text with the sound effects blasting. Startled, Dolph remembered where he was - live on FOX, like a guy like him deserved to be! Ziggler talked about how it had been a hot minute since he had last been in the eyes of the adoring public, but to get the WWE Universe up to speed: everything was going swimmingly between he and his babe, Mandy Rose! Ever since they locked eyes for the first time several months ago, he knew it was destiny calling his name. And who could blame her? After all, he was Dolph Ziggler. But, it wasn't all fun and hotness while he was out there. Taking care of some "housekeeping", Ziggler brought up last week where he apparently upset Otis.

On the big screen, a video package recapped Otis losing his temper at the distractions prompted by Dolph Ziggler last week, which would cost Heavy Machinery their shot at the SmackDown Tag Team Championships against John Morrison and The Miz. Back on SmackDown, Dolph mocked shedding a tear for the heartbroken Otis, before reading off an insincere apology from his phone. Heavy Machinery finally made their way out to the rampway, with Tucker holding back an emotionally charged Otis. Dolph told him this was perfect - now he could apologize in person to the "big lug!" Dolph began to talk about how sorry he was to have saddened him, but allegedly tapped the wrong button. On the big screen showed a ravishing photo of Mandy Rose in lingerie, and Otis's eyes popped out of his head in astonishment! Dolph snickered, clearly doing so intentionally. It was however, enough to set Otis off again!

Tucker tried to restrain his best friend, but Otis stormed past him and slipped into the ring. Dolph Ziggler snuck out from beneath a clothesline and quickly evaded the onslaught of the demolisher - but Otis was an emotionally fuelled beast! Slipping through the ropes after him, "the Show Off" would receive some right hands against the ring apron. That's when Otis missed a clothesline, and Dolph would send Otis crashing knees-first over the steel steps! Ziggler backed away from an inbound Tucker, scurrying up the rampway. Thrusting his hips, Ziggler had the audacity to tell Otis that he'd tell Mandy he said "hi!" Tucker checked on Otis, who heartbrokenly clutched his knees on the ringside floor.

▆▆▆​

Michael Cole voiced his disgust in Dolph Ziggler's actions, before turning to discuss WrestleMania in eight days time. "Too Big for One Night", WrestleMania would emanate from right there inside the WWE Performance Center!

• WWE Universal Championship – Goldberg (c) vs Roman Reigns
• WWE Championship – Brock Lesnar (c) vs Drew McIntyre
• John Cena vs Bray Wyatt
• Buried Alive match – The Undertaker vs AJ Styles
• No Holds Barred – Edge vs Randy Orton
• SmackDown Tag Team Championship – Triple Threat Tag Team Ladder match – John Morrison and The Miz (c) vs The Usos vs The New Day
• Seth Rollins vs Kevin Owens
• SmackDown Women's Championship – Six-Pack Challenge Elimination match – Bayley (c) vs Carmella vs Tamina vs Lacey Evans vs Naomi vs Sasha Banks
• RAW Women's Championship – Becky Lynch (c) vs Shayna Baszler
• NXT Women's Championship – Rhea Ripley (c) vs Charlotte Flair
• King Corbin vs Elias
• Aleister Black vs Bobby Lashley

A video package aired, highlighting the career accolades of the two men that would meet in the Spear vs Spear match at WrestleMania. Bill Goldberg made his name as a member of the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers. Roman Reigns competed for the Minnesota Vikings and the Jacksonville Jaguars. While Goldberg went to the University of Georgia, Roman attended George Tech. Goldberg would plow through the competition like no other, garnering a 173-0 undefeated streak in his rookie year in WCW. A former WCW World Heavyweight and United States Champion, Goldberg would continue to smash the competition for years to come. Meanwhile, "the Big Dog" made himself a Legend after earning his stripes in the brotherhood known as The Shield. A former three-time WWE Champion and WWE Universal Champion, now Roman was in for a dream match. Both men were in the prime of their lives, but only one man could leave WrestleMania on top of the WWE. Would it be Goldberg or Reigns?

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In the locker room, the Artist Collective were seen putting all hands in. WWE Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn appeared to be more focused than we'd seen him in weeks, as he alongside Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro took off to the ring to meet Braun Strowman, Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak - up next!

​

A recap from moments ago aired, showing Dolph Ziggler once again trifle with the emotions of Otis before ducking him and making it out alive. Back from the commercial break, the taunting of Dolph Ziggler had left him cracking up in laughter at the expense of Heavy Machinery. That's when Sonya Deville showed up, disapproving of the way he used Mandy Rose to toy with Otis. Dolph questioned what Sonya's deal was, when Deville reminded him about Fire & Desire. She said she didn't approve of the two of them, before telling Ziggler how creepy it was to see him show the world such a private and intimate photo of her in lingerie! "The Show Off" scoffed, telling Sonya that Mandy was mad now, but just to wait until he arrived later tonight. That's when Sonya revealed that she'd just got off the phone with his girlfriend: and Mandy was sick and tired of being objectified by the both of them. Mandy had told Dolph not to call - because next week, she was coming back to SmackDown. Dolph was stunned.

Returning to the WWE Performance Center Michael Cole discussed Mandy Rose making her return to Friday Night SmackDown next week, where we will be one day away from "the Grandest Spectacle in Sports Entertainment" - WrestleMania. Cole talked about the final edition of SmackDown on FOX next week.

• WWE Universal Champion Goldberg and Roman Reigns will meet one day prior to WrestleMania.
• John Cena will be in the WWE Performance Center.
• Mandy Rose will address Dolph Ziggler and Otis.

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3) Braun Strowman, Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak def. The Artist Collective (6:18) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- "The Monster Among Men" resurfaced from his loss at Elimination Chamber last week, and was hot on the heels of the man who took the WWE Intercontinental Championship from him, Sami Zayn. Braun Strowman chased "the Great Liberator" from the ring before the bell, when Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura targeted the giant. Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak came to his aid, and Bryan went on the attack against "the Swiss Cyborg". "The Militant Mat-Mite" gave Bryan feedback following a surfboard stretch to "the Artist", when Sami Zayn snuck in to jump Bryan from behind.
- Following the break, Drew Gulak found himself at the mercy of the Artist Collective, with Sami Zayn particularly demeaning the technical expert. Slapping him around, Gulak fired back with a stiff clothesline to the WWE Intercontinental Champion, when Daniel Bryan made the hot tag. A six-man melee would round off the match, when Shinsuke came off the second rope looking for a diving Kinshasa - but Strowman caught him with the Running Powerbomb for the three count!

Braun Strowman let out a war cry as he came to his feet, having beaten Shinsuke Nakamura with the assistance from Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak. Per the match stipulations, "the Monster Among Men" had earned himself a rematch with WWE Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn at WrestleMania, but "the Great Liberator" would snatch the microphone from Greg Hamilton at ringside. With the title in hand, Sami congratulated Strowman on his grand victory - but clearly nobody was paying attention to him last week. Braun would not be the one getting the chance to fight him for the title. Zayn had kept things open because he was the champion - so he got to decide his opponent. Sami told a furious Braun, Daniel and Drew from the rampway that his opponent next week would be...that pathetic lowlife nobody, Drew Gulak! Sami laughed, telling Drew he wasn't even good enough to go on to WrestleMania. Braun was left livid, while Bryan celebrated the major opportunity for his training buddy - who could not believe it!

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Bray Wyatt Invites John Cena to the Firefly Fun House
The graphic interrupted the feed from the WWE Performance Center, prematurely bringing us from Orlando, Florida to Bray Wyatt's Firefly Fun House. Laughing maniacally, Bray entered the house to the theme music of his arch rival, John Cena. Dressed in the veteran's threads, Wyatt mimed the well-known taunts of "the Greatest of All-Time" to the amusement of Ramblin' Rabbit and Huskus the Pig Boy. Rabbit chanted "let's go Cena, Cena sucks" as Wyatt danced and pretended to be Cena - before inexplicably grabbing the Rabbit by the head and football punting him off-screen! Turning to the camera, Wyatt removed his Cena baseball cap and hurled it at the screen. Now appearing in his usual clothes, Bray stood before the camera and addressed how John Cena was such a silly guy. For so many years, he had been "the man" around the WWE. With flashy colored shirts and a catchy beat of a theme song: he was the franchise! There was no taking away from that.

But Bray Wyatt did take issue in the fact that while nobody could take that away from John Cena...John Cena had taken everything away from him. But it went a lot deeper than some silly little loss at WrestleMania seven years ago. Bray talked about karma, and what came around went around. You reaped what you sowed, and after so many years on top, finally John Cena was going to get his. Chuckling to himself, Bray wanted to meet John Cena in a lot more personally a way than anybody anticipated. He didn't want to hurt John and beat him up, but he wanted to witness him Rise Above Hate one more time - not just physically, but mentally and psychologically. He wanted to share this haven that he had created with John, so that John could see what kind of sick, twisted soul he was down deep. Bowing beneath the scene, Bray popped back up to reveal himself in Muscle Man attire. A funky workout track played as Bray commented how hard he had been training for WrestleMania.

Everybody wanted to be on top of their game, and he was no exception! Huskus flexed and danced with Bray Wyatt, as he spoke about everything changing since 2014 - the entire landscape was different, and now freaks like him ran the asylum known as the WWE. Cena had kept busy, taking time out from competing to dedicate himself to Hollywood and television...yet Cena always claimed he would never be like The Rock! Wyatt told Cena this was the only way to bring him back to reality to keep him humble. Taking his giant mallet and golf swinging Huskus from the scene, Wyatt's demeanor changed as he invited John to the Firefly Fun House at WrestleMania. Bray asked John if he wanted to be a manly man and play psychological head games with him - and two could play at that game. One week from this weekend, John, it would be a slaughter - he just didn't know it yet. The Fiend unexpectedly flashed across the screen and the feed cut to black - how might Cena respond to this madman?

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[Kim Jong Umb]

Brilliant move bringing Balor over into the UK gives NXT some star power there plus in reality Finn being in the uk at time feels right

 

[DTP]

​

WWE offers free access to WWE Network, including past WrestleMania

3/23/20​

WWE is pleased to present a vast portion of the WWE Network library and extend free access to thousands of hours of on-demand content, including every WrestleMania in history, countless pay-per-view spectaculars, original documentaries and more, for a limited time.

This unprecedented offering to members of the WWE Universe worldwide includes each epic installment to date of WrestleMania, plus, every Royal Rumble, SummerSlam and Survivor Series event; every NXT TakeOver and NXT UK TakeOver; and groundbreaking originals such as the entire WWE 24 docuseries, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's Broken Skull Sessions interview show, the recent five-episode hit, WWE Ruthless Aggression, and its 20-episode predecessor, The Monday Night War series.

Also included:
- Recent episodes of Monday Night RAW
- Recent episodes of Friday Night SmackDown
- Recent episodes of WWE NXT
- Recent episodes of WWE NXT UK
- Recent episodes of WWE 205 Live
- Every WWE Worlds Collide special
- Complete Mae Young Classic tournament special
- Every episode of WWE Untold
- Every episode of WWE Chronicle
- A Future WWE: The FCW Story
- Much, much more

We’ve already doubled down with an historic WrestleMania this year that’s Too Big for Just One Night, streaming on WWE Network next Saturday, April 4, and Sunday, April 5, at 7 ET/4 PT. (The two-night WrestleMania event is only available to WWE Network subscribers.)

Now, in the lead-up to The Show of Shows, you can relive classic matches, re-experience sports-entertainment’s defining moments and celebrate WWE’s greatest Superstars, past and present. Just create your account and stream on your favorite device!

- WWE.com Staff

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MARCH 30, 2020 OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: CORONA VIRUS CHANGES CONTINUE, MORE.

3/27/20​

- WWE have finished all its tapings through the 4/6 Raw after WrestleMania as of this past week, with empty arena shows taped at both the Performance Center in Orlando and Full Sail University in Winter Park. Whether coincidence or not, the tapings were already underway when the county announced a stay-at-home order going into effect at 11 p.m. on 3/26, through 4/9. The first TV show that would not be covered at this point would be either NXT on 4/8 or Smackdown on 4/10.

Included in the taping was most if not all of WrestleMania, which was taped on 3/25 and 3/26 at the Performance Center. There are a few WrestleMania bouts that will be done on location, notably Undertaker vs. A.J. Styles.

- At least two WWE talents were pulled from the tapings due to what were described as symptoms, Dana Brooke and MVP. Brooke was supposed to be in the 6-Pack Challenge match for the Smackdown Women’s title. She arrived for the 3/20 taping at the Performance Center and after being checked medically was asked to quarantine herself. MVP had symptoms and stayed in Miami and quarantined himself. There is no indication either has the coronavirus and it was just a matter of being cautious. We’re told that as of 3/26 nobody in the company has tested positive. Jerry Lawler was not used due to his age, and the heightened risk involved for older members of the roster to be in contact with those with coronavirus symptoms.

- At this point we know of 18 scheduled matches for WrestleMania, with the elimination of both the men’s André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal and the women’s Battle Royal.

- With the shutdown affecting Hollywood, Lana is available earlier than expected. That could have led to the decision to put Lashley on the show against Black.

- Even though Full Sail University was shut down, WWE was able to tape multiple episodes of NXT there on 3/22. So there are weeks of shows in the can. The decision was made for the scheduled and already announced Takeover matches to air on the regular Wednesday night shows starting on 4/1.

- The 4/26 NXT UK Takeover show at the 3A Arena in Dublin has been moved to 10/25.

- WWE stock during the past week has had its ups and down. WWE was better equipped to handle an economic downturn because of guaranteed money as the key part of its revenue. Also, as the market started to rebound when it appeared short-term business was politically winning over doctors and science, the stock rose to $39.04 per share.

- Daniel Bryan, 38, who doesn't live an expensive existence and has had a number of huge money years, openly talked about retiring very soon. He noted he really loves being a dad. He signed a three-year contract that ends in the fall of 2021. He said that WWE was giving him six weeks off when his wife, Brie, gives birth to their second child.

- Regarding The Revival, Scott Dawson's tweet reading "free at last" led to speculation that his contract had expired, but officially it has not. But it is a few weeks from expiring.

- I will tell you one thing under these situations of duress that we’ve learned is who are really the guys worth cheering in this industry, who are the real frauds in politics, who are the people in power who can adapt under pressure and so many other things. When the shelter-in-place act was put into effect in Illinois, canceling the empty arena shows that Freelance Wrestling was going to put on, Mustafa Ali still donated money he had pledged to the wrestlers who were going to work the first show. Rusev pledged $20,000 for those involved in production or security if they need money since they are without income.

- Saree is moving to the United States to start in NXT. Trained by Kyoko Hamiguchi, Kaoru Ito and Kyoke Inoue, she debuted in 2011 and has spent the last decade working the womens indies in Japan where she is a former Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana World Champion and a Junior Champion from the former JWP Joshi Puroresu promotion. She announced on February 22 after a match for the Diana promotion she had signed a deal, but now the question is will she be able to make the move to the U.S. during a pandemic.

- While it is noteworthy that NXT talent such as Kacy Catanzaro, Brendan Vink, Shane Thorne and Leon Ruff have been called up to take part in Raw and Main Event tapings of late, there is nothing confirming this to be a permanent decision. It is simply a move where the talent have been available for ring-time.

TV Ratings:
RAW - 2.09 million viewers
NXT - 0.66 million viewers
SmackDown - 2.32 million viewers

- Wrestling Observer Newsletter's Dave Meltzer​

 

[DTP]

Monday Night RAW #1401 - March 30, 2020
WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida
Presented by

WRESTLEMANIA: THIS SATURDAY & SUNDAY!

​

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WWE Main Event #392 - April 2, 2020
- Ricochet and Cedric Alexander def. Ever-Rise with the Recoil into the Lumbar Check on Chase Parker. (5:29)
- Angel Garza (with Zelina Vega) def. No Way Jose with the Wingclipper. (6:16)

︾︾︾​

A video package aired, looking back at the comments in which AJ Styles had to say about The Undertaker. Over the past few weeks, The O.C. had been making fun at the expense of "the Deadman", bringing his personal life into things in order to get a rise out of the Undertaker. Finally last week, a furious Undertaker came storming to the ring for his contract signing - but Styles, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson all refused to get lose to "the Phenom!" Styles continued to poke the bear, and would have the contract moderated to include a stipulation: their match at WrestleMania would now be a Buried Alive match. AJ signed his soul away, but ordered Gallows and Anderson to go to the ring and hand-deliver the contract. Undertaker would respond furiously and although the O.C. kept their distance, "the Deadman" would destroy Gallows with the steel steps and drive Anderson into the canvas with the Tombstone Piledriver.

The Undertaker will make AJ Styles famous
The Undertaker addressed AJ Styles, talking about how "Allen Jones" had really done it now. Asking if AJ even knew what he was getting himself in for at WrestleMania, "the Deadman" claimed that he had to be the ballsiest human being walking the planet, or the dumbest son of a b*tch he had ever heard of! He had heard worse from better people than "the Phenomenal One", but as much as he hated to admit it: Undertaker confessed that some of what AJ had to say was true. "The Phenom" spoke about AJ Styles not wanting to call the Undertaker out to a fight ten years ago, because while AJ was happy being the big fish in a small pond, Undertaker saw through AJ like a hole. Deep down, AJ knew he couldn't hang with the likes of Steve Austin, The Rock, Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Kurt Angle, Mick Foley, Eddie Guerrero, Booker T or Edge. But AJ wasn't born yesterday - he waited until each and every one of those men were gone before he decided to come and make a splash!

But now his ego was running on an all-time high, the Undertaker claimed AJ Styles was wanting to call him out because he knew there was no match bigger than "the Phenom" at WrestleMania. Undertaker saw through the sound logic of AJ coming for him, but criticized Styles for foolishly crossing the line. When he mentioned "her", it was enough for him to come for AJ - and he sure as hell didn't need to make it a Buried Alive match to entice Undertaker to stomp his ass out! Telling AJ to keep his wife's name out of his mouth, Undertaker said he hoped AJ would bring his dumbass friends Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson along too, because he planned on giving them theirs too. Vowing to make Allen Jones famous, he told AJ that at WrestleMania he would hurt, he would suffer...and he would rest in peace. Staring into the camera, it would pan out to reveal a tombstone: "AJ Styles: 1977 - 2020".

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Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton welcomed the WWE Universe watching at home to Monday Night RAW. Five days from the start of a WrestleMania "Too Big For One Night", it would take place this Saturday and Sunday - but tonight, the WWE Performance Center was prepared for appearances from the WWE Champion Brock Lesnar; and Edge! Plus, in what was sure to be chaotic six-man Tornado Tag Team match, Kevin Owens and the RAW Tag Team Champions the Street Projects would do battle with Murphy and AOP!

Suddenly, Seth Rollins came sauntering out to the rampway. "The Monday Night Messiah" called out to the announcers in the ring that his ears were burning! The leader of the Church of Rollins looked to be heading to the ring to make a speech - as RAW continued to get underway.

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Earlier today, the truck trailer with "The Man" Becky Lynch's likeness all over it was seen parked in the parking lot of the WWE Performance Center. Despite being choked out last week by Shayna Baszler, the RAW Women's Champion was showing she was not afraid of "the Cage Fighter".

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"There is No Performance Center Without Seth Rollins"
Seth Rollins stood in the ring watching the video screen with a smile. Lounged across the top ropes, "the Monday Night Messiah" talked about how he had had a wonderful couple of weeks getting ready for WrestleMania. He and his boys in the Church of Rollins were getting ready for "the Grandaddy of Them All:" it was "Too Big for One Night!", and that was because the WWE had to make room for Seth "Freakin'" Rollins! Seth laughed, admiring the WWE Performance Center around him. Kevin Owens had heard enough, however. Coming out to the rampway, he told Seth that he didn't have to hear this. He didn't answer to preachers on his doorstep, so there was no reason he came to work tonight to listen to Seth Rollins preach his propaganda to the WWE Universe - whom Kevin didn't think really gave a damn! All the WWE Universe wanted, in his mind, was to see him drop Seth with another Stunner. Kev told Seth he can run all he wants, but there is no more hiding at WrestleMania - no getaway drivers to save the day.

Kevin Owens had his match, and it would happen this weekend at "the Grandaddy of Them All" - in the place that made him the man he is today: the WWE Performance Center. Seth yawned, explaining that wasn't the first time he'd heard him sing the praises of the training facility that made him. It was like this building was a laboratory that made Kevin from nothing. Looking around, Rollins had to admit the WWEPC was a nice building. Seth wanted to tell a story, about the day he walked into the WWE. When he started on his first day in developmental, there was no Performance Center. It wasn't even a thought yet. On his first day, he had to go to some warehouse in Tampa, Florida. Instead of sellout crowds in Full Sail University like Kev, Seth Rollins made his name in front of thirty people in a little hole in the wall called the FCW Arena. When the WWEPC was opened, its foundations were built on his blood, sweat and tears. Rollins suffered, not only for himself - but for people like Kevin Owens.

"The Monday Night Messiah" built the system from scratch. He was trying to do the same on RAW, yet KO continued to push back. Without Seth Rollins, there was no WWE Performance Center - no Johnny Gargano, no Tommaso Ciampa, no Undisputed Era, no NXT TakeOver, no Women's Revolution! Most importantly, Rollins claimed without him, there was no Kevin Owens. Accepting the match at WrestleMania, Seth noted his track record was superb, whilst Owens spoke only one word: "failure". He was at his best on "the Grandest Stage", because when the pressure was on, he was a God! Kevin said he was full of bullsh*t. Nobody could stand him - but nobody could stand him like Kevin. One thing he took pride knowing was he was not delusional like him. He could claim to be a God, and Owens a disappointment; but KO planned on looking God in the face and flipping him the bird. This Saturday, the talking would stop when he proved that Seth was no messiah or God. If anybody was going to burn it down: it was Kevin Owens.

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Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton talked about the challenge made by Edge last week, for a No Holds Barred match come WrestleMania against Randy Orton. They recapped footage from "the Rated R Superstar's" legendary monologue about grit, before showing "the Apex Predator's" response via video call. Backstage, Randy Orton was shown composing himself ahead of heading to the arena.talked up WrestleMania this Saturday and Sunday night, live exclusively on the WWE Network. With the match made for Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins, a replay aired taking us back to last week. As hostilities between the Street Profits and AOP transpired, an out of control brawl saw the action break out all across the WWE Performance Center. And while KO would chase "the Monday Night Messiah" to the parking lot, where a mystery assailant would pick Seth up in a getaway, WrestleMania would spell the end of the rivalry. Meanwhile tonight, there would be no limitations for Kevin Owens or the Street Profits, when they took on the Church of Rollins' Murphy and AOP - Akam and Rezar!

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A Snickers Satisfies moment aired, bringing us back to WrestleMania XXIV. On March 30, 2008, a legacy would come to an end as the thirty-six year career of "the Nature Boy" Ric Flair sat on the line. After an iconic clash with his longtime friend Shawn Michaels, "the Heartbreak Kid" would proclaim he was sorry, and that he loved the sixteen-time World Champion, before putting Flair to rest with Sweet Chin Music.

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Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton talked about Shayna Baszler's assault on the RAW Women's Champion Becky Lynch last week, discussing how "The Man" had never been manhandled the manner in which she was by "the Cage Fighter". While WrestleMania would see the title on the line between Lynch and her toughest test to date, Shayna Baszler, Phillips and Saxton would take us back to last year's WrestleMania, where history was made.

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-) Becky Lynch def. RAW Women's Champion Ronda Rousey & SmackDown Women's Champion Charlotte Flair in a Winner Takes All Triple Threat match to capture both Women's Championships (21:30) [WRESTLEMANIA 35 - APR 7, 2019] [THROUGH THREE BREAKS]
- 82,265 members of the WWE Universe piled into the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey to witness the first time ever that women was to headline "the Grandest Stage of Them All" WrestleMania. Ronda Rousey had her good friend, rock 'n' roll Hall of Famer Joan Jett perform "Bad Reputation" for her big arrival while Charlotte Flair received a fireworks display. "The Man" had no fanfare but the fans in attendance, as she entered with nothing and fought from underneath.
- Ronda Rousey found herself the target of the WWE homegrown Superstars, Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch both able to powerbomb "the Rowdy One" from a double armbar attempt to both women. A table was introduced, as all three women pulled out all the stops in this historic main event on the thirty-fifth anniversary of WrestleMania. A Becksploder through a table in the corner would remove "the Queen" from the equation, when Rousey's attempt at Piper's Pit saw Becky reverse into the crucifix to claim both RAW and SmackDown Women's Championships!

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A Sit-Down Session with Shayna Baszler
Charly Caruso sat in the training ring at the WWE Performance Center with Shayna Baszler. Noting her acts of brutality since arriving on the RAW brand, "the Cage Fighter" had been undeniable in her onslaught of the entire women's division. Clips of the Women's Elimination Chamber match aired, where Shayna victimized the other five women, then went on to annihilate the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions the Kabuki Warriors. Last week, she added "The Man" herself to the list. Shayna told Charly she didn't need to explain her actions. All anybody needed to know was that this was only just the beginning. Her whole life, she had committed to making others feel pain. She let it be known she showed no remorse for any actions, and at WrestleMania she would leave as RAW Women's Champion - because Becky was too gutless to do anything to stop her. The challenger was struck in the spine with a steel chair! From the shadows emerged Becky Lynch, who stood tall and watched Shayna's suffering with a blank expression on her face!

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Liv Morgan and Natalya were backstage at the WWE Performance Center talking, as Liv noted she had a big match tonight against Asuka. Nattie assured Liv that she could do this: she had the potential to knock off a major victory against one-half of the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. Morgan then thanked Natalya for mentoring her, when her former friends Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan arrived. Chortling and laughing at the sight of Liv with Natalya, they joked that Morgan had gone running to "mommy" for help! Discontent, Liv told them to take a hike, but Ruby came to thank her for giving them the motivation to suck it up and reunite the Riott Squad. After so much time apart, finally the band was back together...it was just a shame Liv wasn't invited! Logan laughed at Morgan as the reformed Riott Squad departed, Liv fired up. Nattie urged her to let this fuel her headed into action with Asuka.

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1) Aleister Black def. Jason Cade (0:45)
- This weekend, WrestleMania would see two of RAW's most dominant Superstars collide one-on-one. After interrupting Bobby Lashley's one-sided victory last week, "the Anti-Hero" made his ever-impressive entry before swiftly putting down New York City talent Jason Cade with the Black Mass.

The Black Mass had claimed another culprit, as the brooding "Anti-Hero" assumed a seat in the ring. Sat cross-legged, Aleister Black basked in another win against Jason Cade, when suddenly interrupted by the arrival of Bobby Lashley! Much like Black did last week, Lashley made a slow walk out to the ring flexing the whole way. Finally, he climbed into the ring and met Black face-to-face. Talking trash, Lashley claimed he was the alpha male of Monday nights. That's when Lashley would effortlessly hoist a semi-conscious Jason Cade to his feet, drilling him with the Dominator! All Black did was watch, expressionless. As Lashley left, he remarked that at WrestleMania they would see who the top dog truly was.

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Following her surprise attack on Shayna Baszler during her interview with Charly Caruso, Becky Lynch was followed by the broadcast journalist for her side of the story. She apologized to Charly for sabotaging her little exclusive scoop, but "The Man" waited for no one and nothing. Shayna Baszler should have expected it what with her huge truck trailer sat waiting in the parking lot outside the building. The RAW Women's Champion claimed "the Cage Fighter" could consider it retribution for last week; or she could consider it a warning shot fired. Becky claimed she had been maimed and held down before, and it used to happen time and time again. But the truth was, it kept her hungry. Without the title, Becky claimed she wasn't sure who she was. Admitting how much she was willing to sacrifice for the gold in her hands, Lynch told Shayna that WrestleMania would be a fight to a finish - and when it was done, Baszler was getting what was coming to her.

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A Walk in the Park
Footage aired from earlier today, where the WWE 24/7 Champion Riddick Moss was spotted hanging out at a local park. Sat on a bench, he wore the gold around his waist and revealed a brown bag. Scanning the surroundings for potential interference, Moss unbagged his sandwich and was about to take a bite when an old man hobbled up. Using a cane, he elder asked him for the time, but Moss got in his face - he wasn't going to tell him! Moss knew this was a distraction and called out to Mojo Rawley that he wasn't going to fool him. The gentleman claimed innocence, but Moss was convinced the old man was R-Truth in disguise. Claiming the man's cane, the old man refused to let go - when Akira Tozawa came from behind! With a sequence of blows, Tozawa would pick the old man up and use his feet to dropkick Moss! The old man was furious and waved his cane in his direction; all the while, the WWE 24/7 Champion was able to get away - snatching his sandwich from the bench as he crawled.

Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton moved on to discuss the upcoming appearance by Edge. They noted how Randy Orton was also here in the WWE Performance Center tonight, and with less than a week until the No Holds Barred match between two former confidantes, it was expected to be catastrophic.

The announcers were interrupted by WWE 24/7 Champion Riddick Moss, who came out swaggering with the gold on his shoulder. Moss told Tom and Byron at the announce table not to be worried: this wouldn't take long. Moss bragged about being the longest-reigning champion in the title's history, and how nobody else could do what he's done. Riddick claimed no matter who tried to stand in his way, who snuck up behind him or chased after him - he was just "Too Smooth". Moss claimed he was going to prove it, because this weekend was WrestleMania: where legends are made in an instant! Moss claimed it would be his crowning achievement to be the first champion to not have a match - and yet still enter unchartered territories, and walk out the other side. He was walking into WrestleMania on Satuday as WWE 24/7 Champion - and would leave WrestleMania on Sunday as WWE 24/7 Champion: because he Riddick Moss was "Too Smooth".

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A video package aired recapping the past several weeks between Edge and Randy Orton. Much animosity lingered between the two former Rated-RKO members. It came from the 2020 Men's Royal Rumble match where the WWE Hall of Famer made his in-ring return following a nine-year absence. Edge eliminated "the Viper", and Randy would respond by taking him out with a lethal Conchairto the following night. It removed Edge from WWE screens for two months, as Orton would set out on a path of destruction. He took Matt Hardy and put him out of the picture indefinitely, and had the audacity to hit the RKO on Edge's own wife Beth Phoenix. Finally Edge returned with a deathwish: challenging Orton to a No Holds Barred match at WrestleMania. Edge claimed he was a junkie for the roar of the crowd, but last week, "the Apex Predator" responded that he was only a junkie for his own ego.

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Kevin Owens was backstage stretching for the six-man Tornado Tag match scheduled tonight, when he was joined by the RAW Tag Team Champions. With red cups in hand, the ever-energetic Street Profits hollered at KO, hyping him up for action! Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins were stoked, set out to give Murphy, Akam and Rezar a whooping they'd never forget. Tonight, with no disqualifications and no limitations, Street Profits claimed they would take AOP to the parking lot for an IRL Street Fight. Angelo declared the Church of Rollins would get the Smoke, as the trio headed for the ring. The match was next!

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An advertisement aired, promoting the release of 'the Big Show Show'. A sitcom about WWE Superstar the Big Show tackling the tough challenge of raising three daughters with his wife, the entire first season is available for streaming on Netflix from April 6.

2) Kevin Owens and RAW Tag Team Champions The Street Profits def. Murphy and AOP in a six-man tornado tag team match (7:48) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- Following the out of control brawl between Kevin Owens, the Street Profits and the Viking Raiders with the Church of Rollins last week, there would be no disqualifications, no count-outs and no tags necessary in this six-man brawl. Seth Rollins had to be scouting ahead of their WrestleMania match, as Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins teamed up to try and bring the fight to Akam and Rezar. The fight splintered into thirds, with each man targeting an opponent and brawling across a section of the WWE Performance Center!
- When Kevin Owens was tackled into the barricade by the beastly Rezar, Angelo Dawkins was similar incapacitated. In the ring, Murphy led AOP into taking down Montez Ford. Having to fend for himself, the lone RAW Tag Team Champion tried using his agility. Murphy cut him off with a knee strike, when Kevin Owens came to his aid. With Angelo Dawkins out of the picture, the Viking Raiders would come to battle AOP - and it would prove to be what KO needed. A Stunner to Murphy would allow Owens the win!

Clutching his ribs, Kevin Owens celebrated his win in this chaotic six-man Tornado tag team match. The Viking Raiders and AOP were separated by the referee, when Akam and Rezar suddenly targeted Erik and Ivar again! Owens checked on Angelo Dawkins with Montez Ford at ringside, when Seth Rollins appeared at the top of the rampway. Imploring Kevin to come after him, "the Monday Night Messiah" lured his WrestleMania opponent into following him to the backstage area!

As the Church of Rollins' fight with the Viking Raiders continued in the WWE Performance Center, backstage Seth Rollins continued to back away from Kevin Owens. Kev demanded he fight him, asking what was stopping them from going at it tonight - why wait until WrestleMania? The two were about to come to blows when a man struck Owens in the back of the head using a baseball bat! Wearing a hooded black cloak, Seth smiled upon seeing the mystery assailant. Apparently the same man as last week, Rollins made another getaway - but not before telling KO he'd see him at "the Grandaddy of Them All!"

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A replay aired, taking us back to during the commercial break. As hostilities continued between the Viking Raiders and the Church of Rollins, the battle between Erik, Ivar, Akam and Rezar expanded to include Murphy and the Street Profits. The fight spilled out to the floor, with hands thrown between six of the seven men. That's when Montez Ford came vaulting over the top rope with an astonishing vertical leap - the dive catching all of the other men on the way down! Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton discussed the issues having brewed for weeks - and it would reach an apex at WrestleMania this weekend. The Street Profits and the Viking Raiders would team up in an eight-man tag team match to battle Murphy, AOP and whomever Seth Rollins' mystery assailant was!

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Family Matters
In the ring, WWE United States Champion Andrade and his business associate Zelina Vega stood in the middle of the ring at the WWE Performance Center. As always, lavishly dressed, "El Idolo" stood in an expensive grey suit, while Zelina began to talk about how her client Andrade was looking forward to WrestleMania until all plans changed. First, to learn the size of the venue would be downgraded from Raymond James Stadium, all the way to this shoddy training facility? Zelina claimed Andrade deserved better. But now, to learn that her client would not even be having a match at "the Grandest Stage of Them All?" That idea was preposterous! Zelina questioned how big WrestleMania was if it was "Just Too Big for One Night" - and was without their WWE United States Champion! Andrade graced the microphone, making note of Rey Mysterio. An adorned luchador in their fateful country of Mexico, for over thirty years this "Legendary Luchador" had been an institution in this ring.

People had looked up to Rey Mysterio for his heroism and his bravado; his heart and agility. Yet, in Andrade's opinion - he thought Rey was spineless for refusing to challenge him at WrestleMania. Asking Rey if he was too big to fight him, Andrade spoke about Mysterio failing to stand true as the WWE Legend he claimed to be. He believed Mysterio was overrated: a gutless coward afraid of failing again. If anybody was the pride of Mexico, it wasn't Rey - it was Andrade! But he understood, Rey was too afraid. The jaded WWE United States Champion said "never meet your heroes", finally bringing Rey Mysterio to the ring. Coming to the ring, he told Andrade to his face that if it made him feel big, then he would fight him at WrestleMania. He wasn't doing this for himself, nor his legacy, nor his will to become WWE United States Champion again. Rey Mysterio claimed he was going to do this to do one thing - and that was shut Andade's mouth!

"The Legendary Luchador" admitted his best years might be behind him, and while he wasn't yet finished being "the Human Highlight Reel", he was holding out on somebody deserving of the spotlight to take his place. Clearly, that man was not Andrade. The champ smirked, admitting surprise at the fact Rey had accepted his challenge. He had a feeling that Mysterio would be a lot more stubborn to turn around. "El Idolo"confessed Rey called his bluff. Andrade then clapped, when on the stage Dominik flew out onto the rampway! Angel Garza followed, punching Rey's son to the ground! Furious at the sight, Rey targeted Angel and pursued him. Garza ran, when Andrade slipped out to jump him from behind. Andrade and Angel had the Mysterio Family where they wanted them, but Humberto Carrillo dashed out with a steel chair! Chasing them to ringside, Humberto stood his ground for the Mysterios! Fuel had been added to the fire, as Rey would meet Andrade at WrestleMania.

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The WWE Women's Tag Team Champions the Kabuki Warriors walked the hall backstage at the WWE Performance Center. Following Asuka's attack on Alexa Bliss this past Friday night on SmackDown, "the Empress of Tomorrow" laughed and walked with Kairi Sane - as Asuka was set to meet Liv Morgan, next!

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Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton discussed Friday Night SmackDown this coming week. With twenty-four hours before the start of WrestleMania, WWE Universal Champion Goldberg and Roman Reigns would meet in a face-to-face confrontation; John Cena would make his return to answer Bray Wyatt's challenge for the Firefly Fun House match; and Sami Zayn would defend the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Drew Gulak.

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3) WWE Women's Tag Team Champion Asuka (with Kairi Sane) def. Liv Morgan (with Natalya) (4:10)
- The Kabuki Warriors had done a number on Alexa Bliss this past Friday night on SmackDown, Asuka furious at the idea of Alexa and Nikki Cross being greater friends than the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. Kairi Sane and Natalya played cornerwomen, as Liv Morgan used heart to keep in the fight, but "the Empress of Tomorrow" would hit hard and toy with her prey. Nattie rooted for Liv to the point Morgan surprised Asuka with a second wind. With a DDT, Liv got a near fall, before succumbing to the sudden Asuka Lock - forcing her to tap.

Kairi Sane irritably screeched in victory at the top of her lungs following the bell. With Asuka victorious, "the Empress of Tomorrow" refused to relinquish the Asuka Lock on poor Liv Morgan, when Natalya climbed into the ring. Nattie got in Asuka's face, but Kairi came from behind with a dropkick to the back! The Kabuki Warriors began to put the boots to Nattie and Liv, when Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross came out of nowhere with a surprise attack for the champions! Asuka and "the Pirate Princess" evacuated the scene, when Alexa took to the microphone to verbalize their invasion of Monday Night RAW. Talking about who the better BFFs were, "the Goddess" laid out the challenge - a match at WrestleMania this weekend, with the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship at stake. Asuka and Kairi accepted the SmackDown Superstars' challenge.

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A graphic aired, showing that coming up next, WWE Hall of Famer Edge would be live and in person. With Randy Orton also known to be present at the WWE Performance Center tonight, how intense would things be between the No Holds Barred rivals - just days before WrestleMania?

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An advertisement aired, promoting this Wednesday's special edition of NXT. With NXT TakeOver: Tampa Bay's untimely cancellation, the bad blood had ran for too long between former #DIY members Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa. This week, in an empty arena, "the Rebel Heart" and "the Blackheart" would fight to a finish one final time with the loser leaving NXT for good.

Before the Sky Falls...
Metalingus rushed through the WWE Performance Center, as Edge emerged from the smoke machines on the rampway. Making his way to the ring, the WWE Hall of Famer was mere days away from putting everything on the line against Randy Orton: his health, his pride, his dignity and his respect all dependent on the outcome of the No Holds Barred match in several days, Edge got on the microphone and talked about knowing Randy Orton was back there. Inviting him out to the ring, Edge stressed that he wasn't here to fight Randy - he was simply out there to talk. Days before the sky fell and cracks appeared to take the ground from beneath them both, Edge wanted to say some things to Randy that he simply could not do as "the Rated R Superstar". Edge urged Orton to know it as coming from Adam Copeland - the man who was allegedly a junkie for Edge. Randy Orton shockingly responded, walking out cautiously. "The Apex Predator" bided his time walking down to the ring, but maintained distance.

Edge told Randy not to get it twisted: that he was able to admit that Adam Copeland was a junkie for the persona he'd created called Edge. But it wasn't like he thought it was - believe it or not, it wasn't about ego. The truth was he loved the feeling and reaction of the crowd when his music hit. He shared a connection with the fans, which he loved, because he was one of those fans. Edge brought back memories of being there live in Toronto SkyDome for WrestleMania VI: the place he witnessed Hulk Hogan and the Ultimate Warrior meet that started his passion and drive for this sport. The truth was that they were both junkies for this - and if he was wrong about Randy being a junkie, then he was simply taking up space. Orton nodded, but told Edge that when as eloquently put as that was, he might be right. But if he was - who cared? What did it matter? Orton claimed his passion was greater than Edge's, noting that their upbringings meant nothing compared to their motivation to be the absolute best.

"The Viper" brought up memories about how excited he was to team with one of his idols. A starry-eyed man that had already been World Heavyweight Champion was asked to team with his idol - by his idol. And they even held the Tag Team Championships tonight. Rated-RKO may have saved his career because Edge had saved him from himself - but what Adam failed to realize was that he was doing that all over again, here in the year 2020. Orton said he was tired of people on the Internet saying he was the best he'd ever been, and that was all thanks to Edge. The truth was, he was at his best now because he wasn't just a junkie for this business: but a junkie for the way Edge made him feel! The voices in his head had made Orton do some things he wasn't proud to admit, and that Royal Rumble may have been enough for Randy to wake up and smell the coffee. Perhaps this will be the end, but right here and now, he wanted Edge to look him in the eyes one last time.

Before the world changed as they knew it, Randy wanted to shake Edge's hand. Edge looked Randy in the eye and told him that they can agree to disagree, but the one thing he will do - ill-advised - was shake hands with a snake like him. Come WrestleMania, the No Holds Barred match - all bets were off. Edge told Randy he'd tried to end his career again, and take away his livelihood. This weekend, he'd claim it all back and become "the Ultimate Opportunist" again. "May the best man win", Edge said, as he and Randy shook hands. The WWE Hall of Famer suddenly turned his back to Orton, with Randy teasing an RKO - but ultimately, Orton resisted! Choosing to wait until WrestleMania, Randy powdered out to the floor. The world was going to end at WrestleMania when these two collided at last.

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Still to come tonight on Monday Night RAW, we would be joined by the WWE Champion Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman - but first, a look back at the all-out war between two current champions - "the Beast Incarnate" and the phenomenon known as Goldberg. Up next, we would go back to WrestleMania 33!

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Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton talked about the stakes being heightened even higher for WrestleMania. "Too Big for One Night", they ran down each of the matches announced for this weekend's spectacular. With new matches added, they urged the WWE Universe to keep an eye on WWE's social media accounts over the coming days - as line-ups would be revealed for both Day 1 on Saturday, and Day 2 on Sunday!

• WWE Championship – Brock Lesnar (c) vs Drew McIntyre
• WWE Universal Championship – Goldberg (c) vs Roman Reigns
• Buried Alive – The Undertaker vs AJ Styles
• No Holds Barred – Edge vs Randy Orton
• John Cena vs Bray Wyatt
• RAW Women's Championship – Becky Lynch (c) vs Shayna Baszler
• Seth Rollins vs Kevin Owens
• NXT Women's Championship – Rhea Ripley (c) vs Charlotte Flair (?)
• SmackDown Tag Team Championship – Triple Threat Ladder match – John Morrison and The Miz (c) vs vs The Usos vs The New Day
• WWE United States Championship – Andrade (c) vs Rey Mysterio
• SmackDown Women's Championship – Elimination Six Pack Challenge – Bayley (c) vs Carmella vs Tamina vs Lacey Evans vs Naomi vs Sasha Banks
• King Corbin vs Elias
• RAW Tag Team Champions The Street Profits and the Viking Raiders vs Murphy, AOP and the Church of Rollins' mystery assailant
• Aleister Black vs Bobby Lashley
• WWE Women's Tag Team Championship – The Kabuki Warriors (c) vs Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross
• Riddick Moss presents "The WrestleMania Dash" - can he make it out of WrestleMania Weekend as WWE 24/7 Champion?

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-) Brock Lesnar (with Paul Heyman) def. Goldberg (c) to capture the WWE Universal Championship (4:45) [WRESTLEMANIA 33 - Apr 2, 2017] [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- WrestleMania 33 saw a climactic war ensue between two gladiators who had previously fought at the 2016 Survivor Series. Goldberg had shocked the world by overcoming Brock Lesnar in his first match back in a WWE ring in over twelve years, and later became WWE Universal Champion. "The Beast Incarnate" came back for more at "the Ultimate Thrillride", walking the Camping Ground Stadium in Orlando fueled by the WWE Universe's reception.
- It was all-action as Goldberg and Brock Lesnar clashed, with German suplexes, Spears, press slams and F5s galore. Goldberg tackled Lesnar through the barricade with a Spear as his advocate Paul Heyman watched on in fear. Ultimately, Lesnar became the first man in history to survive the Spear and Jackhammer, before leapfrogging his way back into control; taking Goldberg to Suplex City! Brock then shockingly put Goldberg away decisively with one final F5 to become WWE Universal Champion.

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The Warning Shots Fired
From the Camping Ground Stadium to the WWE Performance Center, Paul Heyman stood alone in the ring as he talked about what the WWE World Heavyweight Champion was capable of. "The Advocate" discussed how Drew McIntyre had all the right in the world to ignore and deny what Brock Lesnar could do in this squared circle, but questioned if "the Scottish Warrior" had any idea what he was getting himself into after witnessing that footage. Heyman urged Drew to look at himself in the mirror before WrestleMania, and question what made him different from men such as Randy Couture, of Shane Carwin, John Cena, the Undertaker, Goldberg and Roman Reigns. Drew needed to ask those people what it was like to go up against "the Beast Incarnate" - because the truth was, he had no idea. Heyman claimed when there was a big fight feel, it was time to go down or throw down, and there was no Claymore Kick that could put Brock away.

Like no Rock Bottom, Tombstone Piledriver or Leg Drop could beat him, Paul Heyman claimed Drew McIntyre would have no clue what happened until he was taken to Suplex City and beaten with a ferocious F-5. Finally, Drew McIntyre interrupted. The 2020 Men's Royal Rumble winner heard enough from "the Twisted Genius", asking him if he'd ever considered going into podcasting. McIntyre walked down to the ring, telling Paul he had been watching Brock Lesnar for years, and when the gloves came off this weekend - he knew exactly what kind of animal "the Beast" was. There was a big fight feel in the air, all week long he was to be salivating at the idea of meeting Brock Lesnar in a ring, with the WWE Championship on the line. But now, he had to wonder - where was the WWE World Champion hiding? Win, lose or draw WrestleMania would see Brock get the very best of him, but the last few weeks, ever since he embarrassed Brock Lesnar - he'd seen a new side to "the Beast" and "the Conqueror"...that being his scared side!

The determined challenger told Paul Heyman that Brock Lesnar was the unstoppable dragon who had made the WWE his house for the past decade, maybe more - but when it came to put-up or shut-up, Drew McIntyre was going to take his sword and slay that dragon at "the Grandaddy of Them All", because this house belonged to him now. Paul's face turned to a smirk, as McIntyre questioned "the Advocate's" demeanor. Brock Lesnar soon appeared at the top of the rampway, and Drew would drop his microphone. Challenging the WWE Champion to go at it, Lesnar licked his lips and walked to ringside where McIntyre met him with haymakers! The fight was on five days ahead of WrestleMania, with Drew headbutting Brock and pounding into him by the barricade - until Lesnar tackled Drew into the steel steps! Heyman watched anxiously, as Lesnar throttled McIntyre and sent him into the ring. Tossing the steel steps into the ring over the top rope, Lesnar emerged inside - to see McIntyre narrowly miss the Claymore Kick!

Brock Lesnar delivered the F-5 atop the steel steps, before picking up the WWE Championship. With Heyman beside him, Lesnar raised the title high and placed a boot on the chest of his challenger. With the title raised high, would this be the outcome in the main event of WrestleMania?

︾︾︾​

 

[DTP]

NXT #398: One Final Beat - April 1, 2020
Full Sail University - Orlando, Florida
WRESTLEMANIA: THIS SATURDAY & SUNDAY!

​

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A video package aired, recapping the five year story between Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa. Once the best of friends, a part of one of the most gifted tag teams in WWE history, #DIY drifted apart and went their separate ways when "the Blackheart" stabbed "Rebel Heart" in the back. It became a chase surrounding the NXT Championship, but after the heated dispute was thought to be over, #DIY reunited - until Gargano cost Ciampa "Goldie" back at NXT TakeOver: Portland. In recent weeks, they had wrecked the WWE Performance Center and tried to kill one another. After meeting with Triple H last week, "the Creator of NXT" would declare that tonight: it would be "the Blackheart" against "Rebel Heart": One Final Beat. One man would be forced to leave NXT forever, tonight!

In the Full Sail University, Mauro Ranallo was joined audibly by Sam Roberts on commentary. They discussed how it had all come down to this. A Loser Leaves NXT fight to a finish tonight in an undisclosed location - "the Blackheart" against "Rebel Heart" in One Final Beat! Plus, with WrestleMania merely days away, Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair met earlier today for a sit-down interview with "the Voice of WWE", Michael Cole.

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1) Damian Priest def. Dominik Dijakovic & Keith Lee (c) in a Triple Threat match to capture the NXT North American Championship (10:23) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- In what had become the biggest three-way rivalry in NXT history, three bad dudes mixed it up in a Triple Threat match with the NXT North American Championship hanging in the balance. The three gargantuans battled for supremacy, with Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic removing "the Archer of Infamy" from the equation before going at it themselves. "The Limitless One" and his career rival Dijakovic collided with feats of agility, when Damian Priest re-emerged with his nightstick in hand!
- Damian Priest and Dominik Dijakovic worked to take the NXT North American Champion out of the mix with a double suplex - but Keith Lee responded with an amazing double suplex! Lee attempted the Spirit Bomb on Dijakovic, who was somehow able to power Lee up for Feast Your Eyes. With the titles inches away, Damian Priest snuck in and stole it from him: Reckoning dropping Dijakovic, allowing him to win the title!

A new NXT North American Champion had been crowned, and Damian Priest wasting no time slipping out of the ring and snatching the gold from the referee. "The Archer of Infamy" had achieved his first major accolade since walking into "the Black and Gold Brand", and Keith Lee sat up in shock. Priest posed at the top of the aisle, pleased with this monumental victory. Without being beaten for it, "the Limitless One" had lost the the NXT North American Championship!

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​

Following a replay from last week's domination of Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch, earlier today Malcolm Bivens stood between the two colossals known as Rinku Singh and Saurav Gurjar. with some comments to be made for NXT's tag team division. Having kept a close eye on NXT over the past couple of months, Malcolm had scoured the planet in search of untapped talent. It was what he did - discovering new talent to putting new eyes on them. Now, Rinku Singh and Saurav Gurjar had arrived from India, and were about to do what they did last week - and multiply it tenfold. They saw the NXT Tag Team Championship in their future, and Malcolm warned anybody in their way to watch their step.

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An Undisputed Prediction
The NXT Champion Adam Cole soaked up the rays in his backyard, talking about how kind of NXT General Manager William Regal it was to offer him the night off. The sun shining, Cole lounged with his sunglasses on, and the gold on his arm, claiming how care-free he was knowing that there was nobody in NXT on his level. While he was looking forward to watching Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano tearing each other apart tonight, Adam claimed how well-deserved it was to be officially recognized as the longest-reigning NXT Champion in history! And next week, Adam Cole was about to make history again, when he and Roderick Strong planned to take the NXT Tag Team Championships from Matt Riddle, and that inconsiderable goof Velveteen Dream! Cole had been a double-champion before, and he was going to do it again next week. The champ discussed Dream's advances made in recent weeks, but Cole considered him to be an unproven challenger.

With the immaturity of Dream, Adam Cole believed it was no surprise to see him clinging to a joke like "the King of Bros". Cole called Riddle a manchild, whose partner Pete Dunne couldn't even stand enough to travel this side of the planet, to help him defend the titles! Adam Cole said the Undisputed Era was all about making history, and next week history would be realized when he becomes a two-time double champion.

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2) Dexter Lumis def. Gentleman Jack Gallagher (2:25)
- It had been a long time since NXT had last been graced by the presence of Dexter Lumis. With a thousand-mile stare, his wide eyes played psychological warfare with Gentleman Jack Gallagher, who took it upon himself to strike before Lumis even stepped foot in the ring. Lumis used a spinebuster to take down the Englishman, when a side slam transitioned into a side-sleeper chokehold forcing Gallagher to sleep!

The man from "an undisclosed location" continued to cradle the unconscious Jack Gallagher in his arms, the eyes of Dexter Lumis still wide open. Finally releasing him, Dexter crawled from the ring slowly. It had been a long time since the NXT Universe had been introduced to somebody as intimidating as this newcomer!

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Johnny Gargano prepared in his locker room earlier today, wearing jeans and a white T-shirt. With five years of history shared with Tommaso Ciampa, tonight one man would vanish from the landscape of the NXT Universe. It was "Blackheart" against "Rebel Heart" tonight, in One Last Beat.

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McKenzie Mitchell was backstage in the Full Sail University with the newly-crowned NXT North American Champion Damian Priest. Talking about how unexpected "the Archer of Infamy's" victory came, Priest told McKenzie to believe the hype because he was the hype. It was no surprise to anybody that he was better than Keith Lee or Dominik Dijakovic, and the win in the Triple Threat match confirmed it. He was the shot-caller in NXT, and he was putting the entire locker room of blast. With his nightstick in hand, Damian declared this his time. McKenzie questioned how confident in his abilities Priest could be, when he had failed to defeat the champ. Priest declared the interview over.

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3) Tegan Nox def. Mercedes Martinez (7:22)
- She had been a gun for hire by Dakota Kai of late, and tonight she was tasked with removing Tegan Nox from the Women's Number One Contender's Ladder match next week. Nox fought from underneath as the fight saw both women brawl around ringside and up the aisleway. Martinez would take the upper hand with a side slam into the ring post, before systematically aiming to ground Nox. Dakota Kai and Raquel González arrived to spectate from the aisleway, which put pressure on Martinez.
- As Dakota Kai and Raquel González watched, Tegan Nox fought back against Mercedes Martinez. Using the fire that had willed her toward next week's Women's Number One Contender's Ladder match, Tegan soon met eyes with her arch rival, when Martinez got a near fall from a big boot. Nox would reverse Bull Run into the Shiniest Wizard, to give Tegan the victory.

Dakota Kai and Raquel González watched in dissatisfaction, as Tegan Nox had her hand raised. No matter how hard Mercedes Martinez tried, she had failed to live up to her end of the bargain. Nox again locked eyes with her arch rival, daring her former tag team partner to come face her in the ring. The two women approached ringside, when Dakota sent Raquel in to fight Tegan on her behalf! Nox caught the imposing González with a flurry of strikes, when Kai struck with a swift kick to cut Nox off! Nox looked for the GTK, when Io Shirai unexpectedly darted down to the ring! Kai and González bailed to the ringside floor, as "the Genius of the Sky" helped Nox to her feet. But Tegan would grab Io by the wrist and share some choice words with her. Next week, Dakota, Tegan and Io would be three of six women to compete in the Ladder match to determine a Number One Contender!

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Chelsea Green sat on the couch texting, while Robert Stone watched in disgust at the sight of Io Shirai and Tegan Nox teasing a partnership. Stone argued there would be no collusion in the Women's Number One Contender's Ladder match next week, while Green confidently said it wouldn't matter - she was coming out on top. Into the room walked Aliyah , who asked Robert why he wanted to see her. Robert marvelled in the damage done to Xia Li last week, and how amazing she looked. Green continued texting while Stone theorized the impact the two could make as a unit together. Not only could they work together to make sure the other four women don't win, but they had great potential as the star attractions of the Robert Stone Brand! Chelsea ceased texting and told him that sounded great, and proposed Aliyah helping her win. Aliyah told them that was a great pitch - but she'd be the one winning next week. The two faced off with Chelsea questioning who Aliyah was, while Stone tried to interject.

​

A vignette aired, images flashing across the screen of a city in ruin; the bones of man; vultures watching over wastelands. A female's voice foreshadowed that end times were near, as a bald, goateed man's face was shown.

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Tommaso Ciampa stood in his dressing room. With fists taped, camoflage pants on and the look of disdain on his face, "the Blackheart" was prepared for One Last Beat - when a piece of paper showed Johnny Gargano's face on it. Ciampa used it to psychologically motivate himself. One man would be ousted from NXT for good tonight, in the fight to a finish!

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A video package aired, recapping the Road to WrestleMania that Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair had endured. While she made her mark in NXT years ago, "the Queen" had gone on to become a future WWE Hall of Famer on the RAW and SmackDown brands when she became the 2020 Women's Royal Rumble winner. But Charlotte wasn't interested in the gold Becky Lynch or Bayley had - she chose Rhea Ripley and the NXT Women's Championship. Ripley showed she was not about to be pushed around by slapping Charlotte to the mat. But the veteran would respond by fiercely attempting to dash the youngster's dreams of leaving WrestleMania on top of the world, by locking in the Figure-4 Leglock around the ring post. Flair had underestimated Ripley for long enough, and was to be in for a shock at "the Grandaddy of Them All!"

A Big Fish in a Small Pond
Filling in for Mauro Ranallo, earlier today Michael Cole took a seat between the NXT Women's Champion Rhea Ripley and the 2020 Women's Royal Rumble winner Charlotte Flair. sWith WrestleMania merely seventy-two hours away, Cole ran down the history that Charlotte had had at "the Grandest Spectacle in Sports Entertainment". Charlotte smiled to Rhea, asking her to know what she was getting herself in for, because in three days she was going to be bowing down at feet of "the Queen" - a woman who had been to the top of the mountain and headlined WrestleMania before. In case Rhea was confused, Charlotte added that was a lot different than headlining at Full Sail University on Wednesdays, or some strip mall on Saturdays! The NXT Women's Champion chuckled it off, telling Charlotte that she deserved that. It was no mistake she was new here. Making her WrestleMania debut, she enjoyed the fact that she walked in as champion - and in her first impression, vowed to walk out champion.

Remarking at the long journey she had taken to get to WrestleMania, she was a long way from home. From Adelaide, Australia to the 2017 Mae Young Classics, she cannot fathom ever wanting to be like her opponent this Sunday. And that's why she decided to forge her own path. Charlotte cut her off, telling Rhea how bored she was of hearing about this Australian little girl's wild journey to "the Showcase of the Immortals". Bringing her rival back to reality, Charlotte reminded her that this was no fairytale, and how this match would not see a happy ending for Ripley. Flair brought up how the NXT Women's Championship was the first title she had ever held, and how she was sad to see it go to the likes of Busch League talents like her. Flair noted Rhea seemed to enjoy hiding in the shadows and jumping her from behind, because she knew she wasn't in the same league as "the Queen". Rhea smiled again, as Flair spoke of how rich the "kids" of NXT had it - coming after founders like herself, Paige and Bayley.

Rhea Ripley fired back, telling Charlotte Flair how it had been so long, she had forgotten how ill-informed she was. It had been a long time since "the Queen" had been here on "the Black and Gold Brand" - how it was not the same NXT that she put on the map five years ago. In case Charlotte had forgotten, they weren't struggling to sell out Full Sail University anymore; they were selling out the Barclays Center at every NXT TakeOver without Charlotte's doing. Rhea reminded Flair how she was the one who chose NXT, no doubt because she hoped for an easy target. But news flash: Rhea Ripley was no easy target. Ripley said she was allowing Charlotte here to fight for her relevancy, but told her to consider the fact that at WrestleMania, she'd find out the hard way that when she's a big fish in a small pond, she's still got nothing on the brutality of Rhea Ripley. Flair was shunned by the words of the champion, as Michael Cole commented how excited he was to witness their match at WrestleMania.

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

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A video package aired, promoting this coming Friday night on SmackDown on FOX. With twenty-four hours remaining until WrestleMania goes on the air, WWE Universal Champion Goldberg and Roman Reigns would meet one last time with a confrontation in the center of the ring; John Cena would address the challenge of a Firefly Fun House match from Bray Wyatt; plus, Sami Zayn would defend the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Drew Gulak.

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Dennis Arnell was standing by with Cameron Grimes. Grimes took satisfaction in asking what Dennis wanted to discuss. Arnell was made to feel awkward by the enthusiastic Carolinian, who rattled off about how good he was until Kushida appeared. Silently, Kushida greeted Cameron with a nod. Furious, Grimes claimed he had warned Kushida once enough to stay out of his way! He questioned Dennis if he had anything he wanted to ask Kushida, because he could get his own damn talk time! Better yet, Cameron refused to believe anybody cared about what Kushida had to say. Responding softly in basic English, he told Grimes his breath smelled like a swamp. It infuriated him enough to call him out to a match next week, and how when he was done it would teach Kushida never to interrupt a star like him ever again!

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Mauro Ranallo and Sam Roberts spoke about WrestleMania this coming weekend being "Too Big For One Night", before talking about what was coming up next week.

• NXT Tag Team Championship - Matt Riddle and Velveteen Dream (c) vs NXT Champion Adam Cole and Roderick Strong
• Women's Number One Contender's Ladder match - Chelsea Green vs Dakota Kai vs Tegan Nox vs Aliyah vs Candice LeRae
• Kushida vs Cameron Grimes

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A graphic aired, promoting the main event. The time had arrived for the big match pitting "Blackheart" against "Rebel Heart". After their meeting with Triple H last week, "the Creator of NXT" had announced this would be the final encounter in this storied five-year rivalry. In an undisclosed building, a ring had been placed inside and Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano had both been given the location. In mere moments, Gargano and Ciampa would fight to a finish in Anything Goes, Loser Leaves NXT - 'One Final Beat!'

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A vignette aired, showing close ups of Io Shirai. Her exile ended last week when she returned two weeks ago and handily defeated Kayden Carter to qualify into the Women's Number One Contender's Ladder match. She spoke about needing the time to set herself right and reset - and now, reset was what she would do. Discussing her opponents next week, whether Candice LeRae, Dakota Kai, Tegan Nox, Aliyah or Chelsea Green, there was only one "Genius of the Sky", and that "genius" was destined to become NXT Women's Champion. Whether Rhea Ripley or Charlotte Flair - she had her eyes on WrestleMania.

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4) "Blackheart vs Rebel Heart: One Final Beat"
Loser Leaves NXT - Anything Goes Fight To A Finish
Johnny Gargano vs Tommaso Ciampa
[THROUGH FOUR BREAKS]​

Stepping out of a black SUV, Johnny Gargano arrived at the unmarked building in jeans and a white T-shirt. He looked around cautiously, when his wife Candice LeRae told him to be careful - and to finally end this with the man he loathed. Gargano kissed her goodbye, and as "the Pint-Sized Pixie" began to drive away, "Rebel Heart" looked around cautiously in the event of a blindsight from Tommaso Ciampa. Cut to inside the unmarked building, and Gargano stumbled across "the Creater of NXT" Triple H, sat backwards on a steel chair inside an NXT ring. Much like was discussed last week, "the Game" greeted Gargano with a silent nod, when a second door slammed shut. From the shadows crept Tommaso Ciampa, who already had his eyes locked on his arch rival. HHH told both men either side of the ring that this was to be the final chapter in their rivalry. With no disqualifications and no count-outs, there was only to be pinfalls or submissions counted.

Triple H stressed not caring what the #DIY members wished to do to one another, but there would be a referee present to count falls and check on submissions. Drake Wuertz appeared from the corner, as Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa stared one another down inside the ring. HHH reminded them there would only be one winner, and the loser would be banished from NXT for good. Wishing them both luck, he urged this would be the end of it - finitely and completely. "The Game" soon took a leave. Wuertz began to lay out the rules as Gargano and Ciampa eyeballed one another, when Johnny prematurely tackled Ciampa! Ciampa reversed on the ropes and began laying into him with body shots. A rising knee strike saw Johnny side-step, but "the Blackheart" caught him off the ropes and draped him throat-first across the top rope with a stungun! Ciampa continued to lay into Gargano in the corner with punches, when an eye poke saw Johnny attempt a slingshot. Instead, Ciampa caught Gargano with the knee strike, sending him to the floor.

The battle continued out to ringside, where "Johnny Wrestling" seemingly hoped to evade Tommaso Ciampa's extended beatdown. Crawling away, Johnny Gargano would kick the leg out from under "the Blackheart" and follow with a suplex onto the concrete floor of the building! Ciampa rived in agony, as Gargano grabbed his foot and pressed it harshly into the floor. Bad-mouthing him to his face, Johnny knelt on the shinbone and clubbed Ciampa with forearm strikes before slamming his leg into the floor further! Gargano was targeting the well-documented leg of his arch rival, when Ciampa surprised Gargano with a shot from a trash can lid! Ciampa retaliated, a snap suplex seeing Gargano compacted into the surface of the ring post! Back from the commercial break, Johnny Gargano sought out a steel chair from beneath the ring, when Tommaso Ciampa surprised him with a kendo stick shot across the spine. Holding it against his neck, Tommaso was not expecting for Gargano to clock him with the chair!

Johnny Gargano gloated in the face of the dazed Tommaso Ciampa, as "the Blackheart" knelt before him. "Rebel Heart" looked for the killing blow, arching back with the steel chair just for Ciampa to respond with a low blow! With no rules to be concerned with, Ciampa stunned Gargano with a lariat before wedging the steel chair between the top and middle turnbuckles. Tommaso hammered him across the back of the head before looking to whip "Johnny Wrestling" into it - but Gargano switched it up and hit a drop toe hold - Ciampa going head-first into the chair! Gargano stepped out to the apron again looking for the slingshot, when Ciampa cut him off with a big right hand sending him off the apron. Taking the steel chair with him, Ciampa rolled out to ringside and choked Gargano with the edge to his jaw. He told Johnny he deserved all of this, when Johnny kicked him away. Tommaso responded with a chair shot to the spine, when looking for the Fairy Tale Ending on the floor.

Johnny Gargano backdropped out of it, with Ciampa landing spine-first onto the concrete. With the steel chair, "Rebel Heart" wrapped it around the documented neck of "the Blackheart" before asking him how he liked it. Gargano went to heinous lengths, sending Ciampa into the ring post - the chair surely crushing the larynx of Ciampa! Gargano told Tommaso to give up, as he gasped for air clutching his throat. Covering him, Ciampa miraculously powered out at two. Refusing to leave "the Black and Gold Brand", Gargano was in disbelief. Covering a second and third time, Ciampa refused to stay down and let Gargano have his moment. Johnny argued with Drake Wuertz about the decision, when Ciampa gave Gargano a taste of his own medicine - striking him in the spine with a crutch! A callback to the original demise of #DIY at NXT TakeOver: Chicago, Ciampa struck Gargano in the spine again as he fell to the concrete.

Repeatedly using it to throttle "Johnny Wrestling", Tommaso Ciampa was a man possessed as he covered Johnny Gargano for a close call. Defiantly, Johnny was not allowing Ciampa to take NXT from him a second time in two consecutive years. "The Blackheart" turned his back to prepare a table inside the ring, when Gargano surprised him with the spraying of a fire extinguisher! Blasting it into his face, Gargano connected with an enzuigiri, but a hurricanrana saw Ciampa reverse into a powerbomb through the wood! Collapsing on top of him, Ciampa only found a two-count. Returning from the commercial break, the fight had extended away from the sight of the ring. Johnny Gargano tried to escape Tommaso Ciampa's wrath, when "Rebel Heart" found a ladder. Climbing it, he kicked "the Blackheart" in the jaw and began to climb away. But Ciampa was hot on his heels, climbing up after him. The two men jockeyed for position on top of a scaffold, when Gargano found himself at a dead end.

Tommaso Ciampa had Johnny Gargano trapped atop a heightened platform in the abandoned warehouse. "Rebel Heart" begged for forgiveness before aiming low - but Ciampa would block a low blow with a big boot to the face! Hoisting him up, Ciampa teased the Air Raid Crash. Much like they did weeks ago from the Perch in the WWE Performance Center, "the Blackheart" was willing to risk his life to end "Johnny Wrestling" - when Gargano escaped, and slapped on the Gargano Escape out of pure desperation! Ciampa faded as referee Drake Wuertz climbed the scaffolding and checked on his wellfare. That's when Tommaso began to rotate his body - now hanging off the side of the scaffolding. Rather endanger himself than tap to the Gargano Escape, Ciampa would cling to the edge of the platform's beam forcing Johnny to break it. Gargano looked to stamp the fingers of Ciampa from the beam, but Ciampa would grab the ankle and use it to bring him back up to safety.

"Johnny Wrestling" low blowed Tommaso Ciampa to escape his reach, before cowering back down the ladder of the scaffold. Back from the commercial break, "the Blackheart" returned to the ringside area of the warehouse. Calling out, he appeared to have lost Johnny Gargano - when "Rebel Heart" struck from behind using the crutch! Blaming his former partner for everything, Gargano hit the ring and connected with a suicide dive through the ropes - the crossbody putting Ciampa through a second table! Both men refused to lose, as Johnny covered Tommaso just to get a kickout at two. Gargano picked Ciampa's carcass up and dumped him back inside the ring, finally connecting with the slingshot DDT for another near fall. Gargano grew agitated, but decided to resort to barbaric tactics. Using a pair of scissors from beneath the ring, he bought time with a stomp to the head of Ciampa. Slicing the canvas up, Gargano ripped at the ring mat before pulling up the ring and exposing bare wooden boards beneath.

Johnny Gargano exposed a quarter of the ring's wooden boards, when Ciampa came alive. Fighting back, another rake of the eyes saw "Rebel Heart" super kick him to his knees. A second super kick rocked "the Blackheart", who was positioned on the top rope. Gargano looked for a superplex up top, clubbing at Ciampa with forearm strikes. Instead, Ciampa now raked the eyes and dug his teeth into the forehead of "Johnny Wrestling" - when a Code Red from the top saw Gargano land spine-first onto the wooden boards! With the cover made, Gargano once again powered out at two. Ever-resilient, Ciampa urged Gargano not to think he was the hero of the story. Ciampa held Johnny's face up to look him in the eyes. Dazed, Ciampa told Gargano this was where it ended - when Gargano rolled Ciampa up before connecting with a superkick! Again, the Gargano Escape went applied but Ciampa would respond with a trash can lid shot to the face of his former tag team partner.

Firing up, Tommaso Ciampa grabbed the crutch and broke it down. Stepping, standing and tugging at the crutch saw it become nothing more than an edged spike, which "the Blackheart" looked to gouge the face of Johnny Gargano with. Drake Wuertz had seen enough brutality and pressed Ciampa not to go through with it, which prompted a tug-of-war between "the Blackheart" and the official. Johnny Gargano would come from behind, sending Ciampa into the corner - but a superkick saw Gargano take Wuertz out clean from the ring! Ciampa sent Gargano to the apron before delivering the Willow's Bell - the draping DDT atop the wooden boards surely spelling the end. Yet Drake was still down at ringside, and both men slowly stirred. To their knees, the two gladiators battled blow for blow. Back and forth, they were beaten, tired and broken physically and mentally. Gargano got the advantage with double knees to the face of Ciampa, when he yelled at Ciampa calling him a failure!

Picking up the spike created from the crutch, Johnny Gargano called "Whitney" pathetic; a "Johnny Wrestling wannabe!" Now kneeling atop him, Gargano threatened taking Ciampa's eyes out with the spike, but Ciampa would bite the fingers in desperation. The spike was dropped, but Gargano executed a slingshot spear through the top and middle ropes. Johnny chuckled on his knees, again running his mouth to a pained Ciampa. Calling his entire life a misery, he told him he should have never let him into his life. Gargano even insulted his wife Jessie, and slapped him repeatedly. This only willed Ciampa on, as he came to his feet and brushed forehead-to-forehead with Gargano. Hammering him with a series of right hands, Gargano fought back with hockey-fight punches - when a low blow saw Gargano drop him to his knees! Johnny told Tommaso he'd love to say he was sorry - but he deserved this. It was to end here.

Johnny Gargano picked up the spike and looked to sink it into "the Blackheart's" skull, when Tommaso Ciampa used a half-Nelson to toss the spike from the ring! Ciampa took "Rebel Heart" with a kick to the gut, and with the Fairy Tale Ending proceeded to spike Gargano on top of his head with a piledriver variation - right on top of the boards! The dust simmered, as referee Drake Wuertz slowly crawled back inside the ring. Ciampa hesitated as he leant over Gargano's fallen body. Lifeless, Ciampa told Gargano it was to end here - covering him for One Final Beat.

Winner: Tommaso Ciampa (36:27)
Johnny Gargano must leave NXT.​

The match was over, as was the career of "the Heart of Soul of NXT" on "the Black and Gold Brand". Silence fell over the undisclosed location, as Tommaso Ciampa buried his forehead into the motionless body of Johnny Gargano. Emotionally, "the Blackheart" still succumbed to confliction over the end of perhaps the greatest rivalry in NXT history. The end of an era, Ciampa raised Gargano's head and clenched his forehead to Gargano's before letting it flop to the canvas. Rolling out of the ring, Tommaso walked out as a shocked and disturbed Candice LeRae entered. Her face covering her mouth, she raced to attend to her husband, when Ciampa tried to stop her. Apologizing to LeRae, Candice told him to go to hell with a slap to the face! "The Blackheart" exited the abandoned warehouse that Triple H had chosen, all the while passing a car containing a watchful Karrion Kross and Scarlett. With one last look back at the undisclosed location, Tommaso Ciampa gulped back his emotions and bit his tongue as his car left the building never to return.

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[DTP]

NXT UK #87 - April 2, 2020
Coventry Skydome in Coventry, England
WRESTLEMANIA: THIS SATURDAY & SUNDAY!

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A video package aired, showing some of the top names on the NXT UK brand. With the 20-Man Battle Royal looming with a future opportunity at the NXT United Kingdom Championship up for grabs, stars such as Jordan Devlin, Ligero, Joe Coffey, Kassius Ohno, Ilja Dragunov, Ashton Smith and Oliver Carter, A-Kid, Noam Dar and Tyler Bate voiced their determination to win and go on to meet "the Ring General" WALTER. Enter Finn Bálor - tonight, the former WWE Universal Champion and NXT Champion similarly finds himself vying for a new opportunity to present itself. Who comes out on top? There was only one way to find out!

The opening video package aired, bringing us once again to the Coventry Skydome for another massive edition of NXT UK. Andy Shepherd and Nigel McGuinness welcomed us to the show, where tonight a number one contender to the NXT United Kingdom Championship would be determined in the massive 20-Man Battle Royal!

1) NXT UK Women's Champion Kay Lee Ray and Jinny def. Piper Niven and Dani Luna (7:15)
- Following the NXT UK Women's Champion's insulting post-match attack on Dani Luna two weeks ago, Dani wanted a piece of Kay Lee Ray much to the protest of the cautious Piper Niven. It caused animosity that saw KLR and Jinny take control of Niven, when she came firing back. Luna made the tag and brought the fight to both KLR and Jinny, but following a numbers advantage, KLR would surpise Luna with the Gory Bomb to secure the victory - with Piper Niven inches from breaking the count!

The NXT UK Women's Champion wisely rolled out of the ring, with Piper Niven chasing Kay Lee Ray to ringside. Standing inside the ring, Piper made her intentions clear this week as she pointed to KLR's title and motioned that she wanted a shot at the gold! With Dani Luna down in the ring, Niven checked on her as KLR and Jinny celebrated up the aisleway.

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An advertisement aired, promoting next week's edition of NXT UK - a special ninety-minute edition taking an extensive look at the rise of the fastest rising brand in British Wrestling today. From the WWE United Kingdom Tournament to the crowning of the first-ever NXT United Kingdom Champion; from NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool to NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff - next week was one that the NXT Universe would not want to miss!

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A video package aired, taking a look at the dominance of Joe Coffey and the NXT Tag Team Champions, Wolfgang and Mark Coffey. Since forming their faction, Gallus had been on a tear and did not look to be stopping anytime soon - content in calling NXT UK their kingdom.

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2) Xia Brookside def. Amale (2:57)
- The daughter of British Legend Robbie Brookside took to the ring for her first match on NXT UK in quite sometime. 'The Leicester Lass' battled "the French Hope" Amale in a match that saw Xia impress with her high-flying arsenal of moves. Amale tried to slow her down, but Xia would take the win with Broken Wings.

The second-generation talent was taking NXT UK by force, her hand being raised in victory following an impressive win against Amale. The sky was the limit for Xia Brookside, as she continued to navigate the NXT UK Women's division.

☗☗☗​

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

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An advertisement aired, promoting "the Grandest Spectacle in Sports Entertainment" - WrestleMania. For the first time ever, "the Grandaddy of Them All" was "Too Big for Just One Night" - emanating live from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida this weekend on Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5!

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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 (22:41) [THROUGH THREE BREAKS]
- With the opportunity to challenge WALTER for the NXT United Kingdom Championship in this Number One Contender's over-the-top-rope Battle Royal, twenty NXT UK Superstars entered with only one man being able to leave triumphant.
- Early on, Dave Mastiff made a sterling impression eliminating both Amir Jordan and Ligero with ease, when the British Heavyweight was eliminated handily by two-thirds of the other participants. Imperium's Alexander Wolfe would be responsible in taking advantage - dumping Ashton Smith not moments later.
- Finn Bálor made his presence, showing how badly he wanted the NXT Championship match with WALTER. "The Prince" eliminated not just "the Hatchetman" from Imperium, Alexander Wolfe; but former fellow NXT Superstar Kassius Ohno as well.
- Noam Dar dumped A-Kid slyly from behind and rubbed his face in it, following on from "the Scottish Supernova's" huge upset loss to the Spaniard last week.
- Travis Banks was on a roll after eliminating Oliver Carter, but as he worked to eliminate Noam Dar, Kassius Ohno would low blow him and bring his chase of contention to an end. When "the Wrestling Genius" contested his elimination at Finn Bálor's hand later however, Ohno's argument with officials would see "the Kiwi Buzzsaw" returned - as Banks and Ohno brawled to the back!
- An unlikely underdog was made, as Flash Morgan Webster time and time again escaped elimination by the many larger adversaries in the Battle Royal. As Ridge Holland was responsible for the elimination of Joseph Conners, Tyson T-Bone and Noam Dar, the Yorkshireman would shockingly find himself shoved over the top rope by "the Mod-Father". Sadly, Webster had no time to celebrate, as Jordan Devlin sent him careening to his elimination moments later.
- Joe Coffey aimed to bring the NXT Championship to Gallus's camp, but "the Iron Man" would find himself taken care of by Moustache Mountain - Trent Seven and Tyler Bate sending him to the floor!
- While the NXT Cruiserweight Champion had aspirations of becoming the first double-champion to cross the pond in NXT Championships, "the Irish Ace" would be eliminated by a shotgun dropkick by none other than his former mentor Finn Bálor. Jordan Devlin was beside himself, but "the Prince" would then be stunned - as Tyler Bate came from behind, ousting the former WWE Universal Champion. Finn and Bate exchanged looks afterwards, with referee restraining Finn from the ring, still in disbelief.
- Tyler Bate and Trent Seven found themselves alone in the final three, deciding to go at it by themselves. Having been double-teamed by Moustache Mountain moments prior, Ilja Dragunov seized the opportunity with a running clothesline to take Seven out.
- Down to two, Ilja Dragunov and Tyler Bate duelled it out. The winner to meet WALTER for the NXT United Kingdom Championship on a future date, "the Big Strong Boi" attempted to powerbomb "the Invincible" Russian over the top rope. Instead, Dragunov slid free before knocking Bate over. Tyler hoped to skin the cat, but Ilja proved he was contention-worthy with the swift Torpedo Moscow to claim the win!

Ilja Dragunov knelt alone in the ring, having outlasted nineteen of the best competitors that the NXT UK brand had to offer. The youthful Russian emotionally came to his feet, letting out a battlecry as Tyler Bate sat on the ringside floor in shock. "The Big Strong Boi" would not be meeting WALTER for another opportunity at the NXT United Kingdom Championship - instead that role would be reserved for Ilja Dragunov. As he celebrated inside, Bate climbed inside and met with him. After a few moments of time standing still, Coventry Skydome came to life as Bate raised Dragunov's hand. With a shot to knock WALTER from his mantle, Ilja Dragunov had proven what made him "Unbesiegbar!"

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[DTP]

Friday Night SmackDown #1076 - April 3, 2020
WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida
Sponsored by

WRESTLEMANIA: TOMORROW & SUNDAY!

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WWE 205 Live #175 - April 3, 2020
- Isaiah Scott def. Gentleman Jack Gallagher with the House Call. (6:11)
- The Brian Kendrick def. Tyler Breeze with Captain's Hook. (6:38)

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A Three Way Dance to Remember
The opening video package aired, bringing us inside the WWE Performance Center. Already in the ring were the five-time former SmackDown Tag Team Champions the New Day dancing and jiving in the middle of the ring. Kofi Kingston clapped his hands while Big E thrust his hips, as he welcomed the WWE Universe to Friday Night SmackDown on FOX! On WrestleMania's Eve, they wanted to take the time to look back and reminisce at what became of their match with the Usos last week. They had the match in the bag, and were well on their way to becoming named number one contender's to the SmackDown Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania, when John Morrison and The Miz thought they could ruin another instalment in their rivalry - however, they were wrong. Kofi gave a shoutout to the Host of WrestleMania Rob Gronkowski for hooking them up with the Triple Threat Ladder match, when a fired up Big E gave a pumped up speech about how the Miz and Morrison had escaped clutches of defeat one time too many.

There would be repercussions to pay this weekend at "the Grandaddy of Them All", and it would come in the form of the New Day and the Usos kicking their booties! But when it came to who walked out of the WWE Performance Center the SmackDown Tag Team Champions, Big E declared the outcome would remain the same, whether in front of 75,000 people or no people: he and Kofi Kingston proudly becoming the six-time WWE SmackDown Tag Team Champions! Kofi and Big E encouraged a "New Day rocks" chant, when the Usos defiantly protested their career rivals! Waltzing to the ring, Jimmy and Jey had microphones of their own as they talked about their history. They'd battled for bragging rights, to find out who the better team was; they'd competed for gold, whether WWE Tag Team Championships or SmackDown Tag Team Championships; they'd battled in tag matches, Ladder matches, singles matches and even Hell in a Cell; and they'd fought on SmackDown, on pay-per-view...at WrestleMania. This weekend was no exception.

Jey Uso said that last week's match may have resulted in a draw, but in the Samoans' mind, they had the match won. Jimmy claimed the New Day didn't have anything in the bag - because as far as he and Jey were concerned, the New Day were trapped in the Uso Penitentiary. The two teams took to bantering back and forth, when John Morrison and The Miz interrupted. The SmackDown Tag Team Champions took a slow walk to the ring, mocking the New Day and the Usos arguing and bickering like children. Morrison claimed they were pathetic, while Miz discussed beating both teams in different circumstances: they won the titles from New Day at Super ShowDown; and the New Day ate defeat inside Elimination Chamber! They complained about Rob Gronkowski being jealous enough of them to book this Triple Threat Ladder match, but in spite of that there would be a party the WWE Universe would never forget when Miz and Morrison once again overcame the odds!

The Miz proclaimed there would be no Uso Penitentiary, and no "New Day rocks" once WrestleMania was finished with, before leading himself and John Morrison in a chant of "Miz and Morrison, Hey-hey! Ho-ho!" What the SmackDown Tag Team Champions did not expect was a swift attack from the challengers! The Usos and the New Day targeted the champs much like last week, with the co-hosts of 'the Dirt Sheet' able to slip away from the ring! The Ladder match was sure to be explosive, as New Day showboated the champions inside the ring...until the Usos clocked Big E and Kofi Kingston with stereo-super kicks! The Usos stood tall, as they trash-talked an aggravated Miz and Morrison!

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Michael Cole sat ringside, as he welcomed us to a special WrestleMania edition of Friday Night SmackDown. Surveying the brutality inside the ring, he spoke of "the Grandest Stage of Them All" being just twenty-four hours away. As the Triple Threat Ladder match for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships was set for WrestleMania, tonight we would see WWE Universal Champion Goldberg and Roman Reigns share the ring; John Cena would respond to Bray Wyatt's challenge to a Firefly Fun House match; and Sami Zayn would defend the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Drew Gulak! But coming up next, contestants in the Six-Pack Challenge match for the SmackDown Women's Championship match would meet - Bayley, Sasha Banks and Tamina meeting Carmella, Lacey Evans and Naomi.

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An advertisement aired, promoting one of the most unforgettable matches in WrestleMania history tonight. Getting into "the Grandaddy of Them All" spirits, tonight a look-back at WrestleMania XXIV would be seen as Shawn Michaels challenges Ric Flair in a Career Threatening match.

1) SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley, Sasha Banks and Tamina def. Lacey Evans, Carmella and Naomi (5:29)
- With Bayley's opponents named for the Six Pack Challenge elimination match at WrestleMania last week by Paige, the SmackDown Women's Champion was partnered by very strong company in Sasha Banks and Tamina. The two former Team B.A.D. members looked to have Bayley's back against Lacey Evans, Carmella and Naomi. Naomi and Carmella used tag team offense on "the Legit Boss" when Tamina came in with a Samoan drop on 'Mella to take control.
- Bayley grounded Carmella and ran her mouth, not endearing herself to Lacey Evans or Naomi. Tamina aided her and Sasha Banks gang up on Carmella when she struck with a hurricanrana. Naomi made the tag and she ran roughshod on all three women with hip attacks. The action broke down when Lacey Evans laid into Bayley and had her beat with the Woman's Right - but Tamina would sneak in with the Samoan drop connecting! She draped the champ's arm atop "the Sassy Southern Belle" to take the win!

Carmella and Naomi could not believe their sights, as Sasha Banks slipped into the ring and hugged Bayley. Bringing her best friend to her feet, the SmackDown Women's Champion did not even realize what happened as "the Legit Boss" pointed and gloated the victory in the face of 'Mella and Naomi. The two then raised the hands of Tamina, buddying up to the Samoan. But as Banks gloated, Tamina stared a hole through the champ herself! Pointing to the title, Tamina snatched her arm from Sasha and motioned that the title would be her's come WrestleMania. The odds were stacked against the champ headed into the Six Pack Challenge elimination match!

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Rob Gronkowski chatted to Mojo Rawley backstage bout WrestleMania, and how the excitement was through the charts! Mojo proclaimed this would be the most hyped WrestleMania in history, with the entire world craved for sports ready to witness two long days of sports entertainment! 'Gronk' laughed and high-fived his buddy, as the Host of WrestleMania thanked Mojo for getting him in touch with the WWE. Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross soon arrived, congratulating the SuperBowl Champion on all of his hard work setting up WrestleMania. The Scotswoman excitedly chattered about "the Grandest Spectacle" being "Too Big For One Night", when Alexa told Rob they had business to take care of. He listened as Alexa elaborated on their beef with the Kabuki Warriors. She took being cost the match with Bayley by Asuka last week very personally, and it opened an old nerve that reminded them who beat Bliss and Cross for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships back at Hell in a Cell.

The former New England Patriot forecast exactly what Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross was getting at, telling them that they could have the match: at WrestleMania this weekend, they would get their shot at the Kabuki Warriors for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship. "The Goddess" smiled and thanked Rob Gronkowski, when Nikki Cross unexpectedly hugged him from behind! As they departed, 'Gronk' looked at Mojo Rawley perturbed, before talking about how this was the energy SmackDown needed. This was WrestleMania Eve - and to show how hyped he was to be the Host of WrestleMania...he was going to be the third person in the ring tonight, for the confrontation between Goldberg and Roman Reigns!

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

Michael Cole sat at the announce table taking us back to two weeks ago on Friday Night SmackDown, where a replay showed Rob Gronkowski and Mojo Rawley fraternizing to embarrass King Corbin after a choice showdown with Elias. Later that night, "the Hype Man" battled the 2019 King of the Ring winner, when Elias would be responsible in Mojo scoring a big upset against "Wrestling Royalty".

"Baron's Blues"
With the match set for WrestleMania, the lights were dimmed in the WWE Performance Center, as Elias sat on a chair with his guitar on-lap. Introducing himself to the WWE Universe watching from home, he spoke of missing each of them and how he wished to play them a song named "Baron's Blues". Named after his WrestleMania opponent, Elias began to play another song detrimental to King Corbin, when King Corbin prematurely interrupted his song! Furious, Corbin declared how asinine all of this was! Not only was it an unfair predicament laid out by Rob Gronkowski and his bonehead fraternity buddy Mojo Rawley; but a hindrance to the true potential that a King of his stature could be prepared to face at WrestleMania. He could be going one-on-one with Goldberg for the WWE Universal Championship, or meeting the Undertaker himself at "the Grandest Stage of Them All". Instead, he's reduced to wasting his breath on Elias!

Climbing into the ring, King Corbin told Elias that he knew exactly what he was up to - he was a cunning guy. "The Drifter" had made a career out of getting under people's skin, but at WrestleMania he planned to do what nobody else had apparently been able to do until now - and shut Elias's mouth. Surprised to hear the reception to his tune, Elias asked any member of the auidence to speak up if they felt Baron had been treated unfairly. Crickets could practically be heard throughout the WWEPC, as Corbin corrected Elias - he was a King, and demanded to be treated with respect. "The Drifter" responded telling him he could call he what he wanted, because Corbin's opinion of him wouldn't change. Nonetheless, Elias vowed to change that perception at WrestleMania where a star would be born. The King would fall, and the WWE Universe would "Walk With Elias" once more as he sang the blues - 'Baron's Blues'. Elias smiled as he prepared to play another note, when King Corbin big booted him in the face!

The King had been insulted by Elias for the last time, as he mounted and throttled "the Drifter" with clenched fists in the center of the ring. With a swing of his wooden chair, King Corbin kicked Elias from the ring before sending Elias face-first into the steel steps at ringside! Now grabbing his semi-acoustic guitar, Corbin asked Elias how he liked to sing the blues - smashing him over the head with his own musical instrument! Corbin then raised it high in the air, in his robe and crown; the mangled remains of the guitar high in the air. It was to be a fight for respect at WrestleMania.

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Drew Gulak prepared for his WWE Intercontinental Championship opportunity in the dressing room performing Hindu squats. Daniel Bryan entered, his training partner enquiring about his preparation. "The Militant Mat-Mite" confessed to anxiousness, saying no matter how in the zone he was that he was not good enough to beat Sami Zayn. Bryan told Drew that was the dumbest thing he had ever heard. With some words of encouragement, he told Drew he was one of the best wrestling purists the WWE had to offer, and that although Sami Zayn was a world-class athlete in his own right: "the Great Liberator" was no Drew Gulak. Gulak contested this, but Bryan reminded him of Drew exposing all of the gaps in his game despite being a former WWE World Heavyweight Champion - and tonight, he does the same to Sami. In walked Braun Strowman, who stared down at Gulak. Drew was nervous, and Bryan was cautious - but "the Monster Among Men" would surprisingly wish him luck.

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Michael Cole welcomed us back to Friday Night SmackDown, talking about the challenge made one week ago by Bray Wyatt. A replay aired of another delusional edition of 'the Firefly Fun House', where Bray Wyatt challenged John Cena to make the match at WrestleMania a "Firefly Fun House match".

Stepping into the Fun House
John Cena made his return to the WWE Performance Center for the first time in several weeks. With his match at WrestleMania official, the former sixteen-time WWE Champion made a dash down to the ring to address the remarks and challenge made by Bray Wyatt last week. On the microphone, he spoke about the Firefly Fun House and provided additional context. One month had passed since the WWE announced that they would be continuing with shows moving forward without an audience. It was all a learning curve with moments of great moments matched with some bad ones. With tthe prestige of WrestleMania entering its' thirty-sixth annual instalment, this weekend would be something different than anybody could ever hope or dream to expect. It was "Too Big For One Night", and instead of happening in a colosseum before hundreds of thousands of people like every year, it would happen before nobody. For the first time in history, nobody knew what to expect at "the Grandaddy of Them All".

It would be the most viewed and talked about WrestleMania in history, and for an entire generation of people, tomorrow would see an epic broadcast play out. While nobody knew what was going to happen, John Cena also alluded to the Firefly Fun House challenge last week, and wasn't sure what to expect. He didn't know what the rules were, what that match was, what it entailed or what it meant! But regardless, he also didn't think The Fiend did either. Cena claimed The Fiend thrived on that uncertainty, that fear and panic, and on the eve of WrestleMania there was bound to be uncertainty. It was the theme of the last few weeks, but one thing he had always taught the WWE Universe was to "Never Give Up", to push on and forward and to "Rise Above Hate". At Super ShowDown, John Cena noted Goldberg had exposed some chinks in the armor of this monster known as The Fiend, to capture the WWE Universal Championship. Like Goldberg started, he planned to finish it, promising to defeat The Fiend.

And if he had to do it in whatever a Firefly Fun House match was, then so be it! John Cena planned to walk through the valley of the shadow of doubt and accept uncertainty - and overthrow Bray Wyatt in his latest twisted game. Suddenly, Ramblin' Rabbit appeared at ringside! A front row seat behind the barricade, he told John Cena how stoked he was to have him enter the Fun House. Mercy the Buzzard joined him the opposite side of the ring, when Abby the Witch and Huskus the Pig also arrived to lend their support to Cena. The puppets willed John on, when their demeanor turned. From joy to fear, Rabbit stated "he" was here. Suddenly, Cena looked up to see The Fiend staring back at him - from atop the Perch in the WWEPC! The two exchanged looks in a tense face-off, when abruptly Cena stepped back to be startled by Bray Wyatt behind him! "Let Me In" he called, as Cena prepared to fight - only the lights would go out. When they returned, there was nobody in the WWEPC - besides John Cena.

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The Artist Collective hung out on the edge of a training ring backstage at the WWE Performance Center when Kayla Braxton approached looking for a word from the WWE Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn. When it came to Drew Gulak, "the Great Liberator" laughed his head off at the very idea that "the Militant Mat-Rite" had any shot of beating him tonight. Somebody as well-travelled and versatile like him, Sami planned to squash him like a bug. No matter how technically gifted Gulak was, Sami admitted Drew was a good hand - but if Triple H once called Daniel Bryan a "B+ Player", that made Gulak a "D+ Player!" Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro backed Zayn as he said everybody was confused when Sami picked Drew over Braun Strowman, or even Bryan to be his challenger - but he was the champion, and as champion, everybody was living in the Artist Collective's world. They set out to the ring, with the title match up next!

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Michael Cole welcomed us back to Friday Night SmackDown, discussing John Cena accepting the challenge proposed by Bray Wyatt, to make their WrestleMania match this weekend a Firefly Fun House match. Cole questioned what the rulebook was for a match of that magnitude, before throwing to a replay from before the break.

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2) Sami Zayn (with the Artist Collective) (c) def. Drew Gulak (with Daniel Bryan) to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship (8:59) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- Following the six-man tag team match last week, Sami Zayn had named the opponent and the place for the WWE Intercontinental Championship opportunity promised last week - and it was not to be Braun Strowman at WrestleMania, but Drew Gulak tonight on WrestleMania Eve. With Daniel Bryan there for support, the challenger overwhelmed and surprised the champ early by outwrestling him to even Gulak's own surprise!
- Drew Gulak stretched at "the Great Liberator", adopting a smash-mouth style when the Artist Collective's presence saw the WWE Intercontinental Champion seize control. Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura provided distractions for a sneak attack, climaxing with "the Swiss Cyborg" delivering a European uppercut on the floor! Daniel Bryan pursued the group, diverting the referee's attention. The ref would eject Bryan from Gulak's corner - sending him to the back! Zayn continued to control Gulak.
- Drew Gulak fought back and looked for the Gu-Lock, when Cesaro's distraction set up for Shinsuke Nakamura to sneak in with the inverted powerslam. Braun Strowman came stomping down to ringside, chasing the Artist Collective up the rampway! They disappeared backstage, and Gulak scored a close fall with the Spine Splitter! Gulak went for the Gu-Lock, when Nakamura returned from over the barricade. With the re-emerged Cesaro to distract, the Kinshasa to Gulak saw Zayn retain the gold!

"The Great Liberator" had narrowly escaped losing the WWE Intercontinental Championship to the very challenger he'd underestimated all along, Drew Gulak, when Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura returned to the ring to continue putting the boots to "the Militant Mat-Mite!" Sami Zayn laughed as he surveyed the scene; the Artist Collective dominant until Daniel Bryan resurfaced! Hitting the ring, Bryan brought the fight to "the Artist" and "the Swiss Cyborg" when Sami surprised him using a Blue Thunder Bomb. Zayn had Cesaro and Nakamura hold a semi-conscious Bryan up by the arms to mock him, when Braun Strowman again returned! Drew Gulak and Daniel Bryan fought back against Cesaro and Nakamura, as "the Monster Among Men" was able to catch the fleeing Sami by the hair! Zayn had nowhere to go, and Braun cornered him.

Growling, demanding his rematch for the WWE Intercontinental Championship at long last, "the Great Liberator" pleaded for mercy and granted it to the giant for WrestleMania. Braun Strowman uncharacteristically released the champ. With great relief, Sami Zayn needed a moment to recatch his breath. "The Monster Among Men" patted Sami on the shoulder to thank him...before hoisting him up and dropping him effortlessly with the Running Powerslam! Strowman then raised the gold up high in the air - perhaps a sign of things to come at WrestleMania.

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A graphic aired, as coming up next would see Friday Night SmackDown getting more and more into the WrestleMania spirit. A look-back of WrestleMania XXIV was ahead, showing Shawn Michaels meet Ric Flair in a Career Threatening match, to be shown in its' entirety!

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In her first appearance in some time, Mandy Rose was backstage at the WWE Performance Center chatting to her friend from Fire and Desire, Sonya Deville. As Mandy discussed with Sonya the situation with Dolph Ziggler and Otis, Sonya assured Mandy that she'd come to the ring with her for moral support in her interview with Michael Cole. Dolph Ziggler soon walked up, thrilled to see the two beautiful women - but baffled as to why his baby had been ducking his calls! "The Show Off" wondered what was going on with her, if it was that big doofus Otis creeping her out. Trying to put his arm around her, Mandy explained to Dolph she had nothing to say to him right now - but she would do her talking in the ring tonight. Ziggler was taken aback, but as she looked for assurance from Sonya, Deville gave him the cold-shoulder.

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-) Shawn Michaels def. Ric Flair in a Career Threatening match (20:34) [WRESTLEMANIA XXIV - MAR 30, 2008] [THROUGH THREE COMMERCIAL BREAKS]
- On March 30, 2008, 74,635 people clamored into the Florida Citrus Bowl to witness the end of an era. In the same city of Orlando, Florida, the WWE Universe saw Ric Flair put his iconic thirty-six year career at stake against one of his most influential mentees, "the Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels. Refusing to go down lightly, "the Dirtiest Player in the Game" turned back the clock for one last night in battling HBK with rapid succession of chops, cheap tactics and unmatched showmanship.
- "The Heartbreak Kid" planned to put Ric Flair down like "Old Yeller", even resorting to disrespecting "the Nature Boy". Ric Flair responded by reversing Sweet Chin Music into the Figure-4 Leglock, though a thumb to the eye saw HBK lend again from Flair's legendary arsenal of maneuvers. Later in the match, HBK performed a gravity-defying moonsault to the floor but fell short of Flair and crashed sturnum-first through the announce table.
- The sixteen-time World Champion showed great resilience. Stopping at nothing to continue his career, "the Nature Boy" would finally meet his match. With Ric Flair losing the will to continue with the younger Shawn Michaels, "the Heartbreak Kid" would tune the band before meeting Flair eye to eye. With a whisper, he apologized and told 'Naitch' he loved him before striking with one last Sweet Chin Music to his career-long mentor. One final count was all she wrote on the career of Ric Flair.
- Following the match, Shawn Michaels hugged Ric Flair and celebrated with him. "The Nature Boy" would then emotionally show great respect to the WWE Universe in attendance, and go to celebrate the end of his in-ring legacy with family members at ringside - including sons David and Reid, alongside a young Charlotte Flair.

​

Love Triangles and Diamonds
Michael Cole stood in the ring discussing the situation between Otis and Dolph Ziggler, showing a replay of "the Show Off" continuing to antagonize the member of Heavy Machinery last week. He introduced the girlfriend of the girl Dolph apparently "stole" from Otis - Mandy Rose. Accompanied by Sonya Deville, Mandy questioned the phrasing of Cole's comment. As a human being, she did not appreciate being objectified by Dolph and Otis. Cole apologized, when Sonya took the microphone and discussed how pathetic it was for men like them to try and play Mandy like a fiddle. She was second fiddle to no woman - she deserved only the best! Cole understood, as Mandy reasoned that after having seen and heard everything from the mouths of both men this week, she was stumped at how she had to sit idly by and allow herself to become an object of desire for them both! Mandy believed she was not being treated with the proper respect by either man.

Before being afforded time to explain her thoughts, Dolph Ziggler interrupted once again. With a bouquet of roses in hand, "the Show Off" apologized to Mandy audibly as he climbed inside the ring. Offering them to her, Dolph let it be known that he knew how traumatizing it could be to be pursued by a creep as repulsive, unattractive and unappreciative as Otis. Believing it could distort one's opinion of a man, Ziggler urged Mandy accept Otis for what he truly was - a toxic, appalling excuse of a man! Dolph talked about Otis's incompetence to even turn up for a date on Valentine's Day, and reminded her of all the good times they'd had together - and all the great things they could do together in the fuutre. Heavy Machinery made their entrance to the stage, with Tucker trying with his might to restrain Otis from the ring! Failing, Otis and Tucker entered the ring with Dolph Ziggler threatening to use the bouquet of roses on him!

Mandy Rose could not believe her eyes as Sonya Deville guarded her, when Dolph reasoned this was exactly what he was talking about. "Toxic" summed Otis up in a nutshell! Ziggler hoped to antagonize Otis while devastated, Otis claimed Dolph was lying to her. Mandy stood in confliction, finally speaking up about to tell Otis to leave them alone. Instead, the video screen flashed with file glitches, much like had been present in recent weeks. In a computer room, a masked hand explained "The Truth Will Be Heard" - flashing with footage of Sonya Deville texting Otis using Mandy Rose's phone to cancel their Valentine's Day date plans; as well as a scene depicting Dolph Ziggler and Sonya as being in on it together, to get what they each wanted - keeping Mandy away from Otis! Devastated, Mandy stood in shock at her alleged boyfriend and best friend, prompting Otis to lay into Dolph and clothesline him from the ring! Tucker consoled him as Mandy backed out of the ring alone. Otis was emotional, ripping up the roses!

▆▆▆​

Rob Gronkowski psyched himself up. The Host of WrestleMania was poised to be a great one at that, soon walking the hall. With "the Grandaddy of Them All" to prepare for, the former New England Patriot planned to come between Goldberg and his opponent this weekend, Roman Reigns. Up next, 'Gronk' would share the ring with the WWE Universal Champion, and 'the Big Dog!'

​

Following a replay of the unfortunate scene moments ago involving the love triangle between Otis, Dolph Ziggler and Mandy Rose, the beautiful blonde sat backstage with her head in her hands. Saddened by the revelation moments ago by an anonymous entity, she was approached by Sonya Deville who hoped to comfort her. Mandy slapped her hand away, urging her to leave her the heck alone. Dolph Ziggler soon approached Mandy, wanting to assure his sweetheart that he was only trying to make her fall for him. Mandy similarly told "the Show Off" to back off - she didn't have a single word to say to either of them! Her trust destroyed, Mandy then said she didn't have a word to say to Otis either. For all she was concerned, she hoped they tore each other apart! Mandy told Dolph and Sonya they were good together, before emotionally storming away.

▆▆▆​

Michael Cole discussed the developing drama between the foursome, before talking about WrestleMania. Sponsored by Snickers and Papa John's Pizza, "the Grandest Stage of Them All" was "Too Big For One Night" and was set to take place both tomorrow and Sunday night. Live on the WWE Network, for the first time ever a WrestleMania would take place behind closed doors at the WWE Performance Center. He ran down the line-up for the biggest weekend of the year.

• WWE Championship - Brock Lesnar (c) vs Drew McIntyre
• WWE Universal Championship - Goldberg (c) vs Roman Reigns
• Buried Alive match - The Undertaker vs AJ Styles
• No Holds Barred match - Edge vs Randy Orton
• Firefly Fun House match - Bray Wyatt vs John Cena
• Seth Rollins vs Kevin Owens
• RAW Women's Championship - Becky Lynch (c) vs Shayna Baszler
• NXT Women's Championship - Rhea Ripley (c) vs Charlotte Flair
• WWE United States Championship - Andrade (c) vs Rey Mysterio
• WWE Intercontinental Championship - Sami Zayn (c) vs Braun Strowman
• Aleister Black vs Bobby Lashley
• SmackDown Tag Team Championship - Triple Threat Ladder match - John Morrison and The Miz (c) vs The New Day vs The Usos
• Otis vs Dolph Ziggler (NEW!)
• Elias vs King Corbin
• SmackDown Women's Championship - Six-Pack Challenge Elimination match - Bayley (c) vs Naomi vs Tamina vs Sasha Banks vs Lacey Evans vs Carmella
• The Street Profits and the Viking Raiders vs The Church of Rollins' Murphy, AOP and the Mystery Assailant
• Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura vs Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak (NEW!)
• WWE Women's Tag Team Championship - The Kabuki Warriors (c) vs Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross
• WWE 24/7 Championship - WrestleMania Dash - Can Riddick Moss (c) last two days and leave as WWE 24/7 Champion?

▆▆▆​

The Universal Confrontation
With less than twenty-four hours until WrestleMania went live around the world on the WWE Network, the Host of WrestleMania made his way out to the ring. Rob Gronkowski had a fire lit under him by all of the festivities, and personally named himself as involving himself in tonight's confrontation. 'Gronk' spoke about how this instance had been advertised all week long, and now it was to happen. But the SuperBowl Champion was not willing to let it happen without a guy in there with Goldberg and Roman Reigns - and who better than the Host of WrestleMania? The New England Patriot talked about WrestleMania being "Too Big For Just One Night" and demanded this confrontation get underway immediately! Showing no fear, he stood still when Goldberg made his grand entrance. In gym clothes, the WWE Universal Champion paced out to the ring without a wasted breath. Fired up, Goldberg snatched the microphone from 'Gronk'.

The WWE Hall of Famer said how on the eve of WrestleMania there was no more time for talking. Between them, there were two massive egos involved and something had to give. Why wait until then, when Roman Reigns had the chance to settle this right here and now! Gronkowski's jaw dropped in astonishment as Goldberg asked Roman if he was next or just another victim, when Roman Reigns answered the call! "The Big Dog" walked down the rampway with a smile on his face, climbing into the ring and squaring up to the WWE Universal Champion. Goldberg and Roman jaw-jacked with harsh words exchanged initially, when the champ began to shove and prod the challenger. Reigns continued to smirk, knowing all too well what Goldberg was doing. He told the champ he wouldn't buy into these advances, but Goldberg continued to shove him. Grinning, Reigns had the gall to turn his back to the champ - when Goldberg smiled and went to turn him back facing him!

Roman Reigns telegraphed it and struck Goldberg, following up with two more right hands! Goldberg fired back with haymakers, before sending "the Big Dog" into the ropes. The Superman Punch aimed, but now the WWE Universal Champion saw it coming! Goldberg hit the ropes and attempted the Spear, but Roman was able to side-step it. In Spear against Spear, Reigns stalked the champ from the corner and prepared to finish Goldberg off with the Spear. It had been nothing but physicality and psychological warfare on WrestleMania's eve, but as Goldberg stirred to his feet, he was faced by the continually stalking Roman Reigns! With a smile, "the Big Dog" told Goldberg to expect the same thing come WrestleMania. Chuckling to himself, Reigns opted to leave the ring. Inside, Goldberg laughed as well. Both men knew what to expect at "the Grandaddy of Them All", but with twenty-four hours remaining something had to give. Who would be the WWE Universal Champion; "the Master of the Spear?"

▆▆▆​

 

[DTP]

WrestleMania 36: Part 1 - April 4, 2020
WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida
"Too Big For Just One Night"
"Blinding Lights" - The Weeknd

TOMORROW NIGHT!

​

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BURIED ALIVE MATCH
The Undertaker vs AJ Styles

WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Goldberg (c) vs Roman Reigns

NO HOLDS BARRED MATCH
Edge vs Randy Orton

WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Sami Zayn (c) vs Braun Strowman

SMACKDOWN TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
TRIPLE THREAT LADDER MATCH
The New Day vs John Morrison and The Miz (c) vs The Usos

WWE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP
Andrade (c) vs Rey Mysterio

SMACKDOWN WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP
SIX-PACK CHALLENGE ELIMINATION MATCH
Carmella vs Naomi vs Bayley (c) vs Sasha Banks vs Tamina vs Lacey Evans

Bobby Lashley vs Aleister Black

WWE WOMEN'S TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
The Kabuki Warriors (c) vs Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross

WWE 24/7 CHAMPIONSHIP
'THE WRESTLEMANIA DASH'
Riddick Moss (c) vs WWE

HOSTED BY
Rob Gronkowski

Line-up for Sunday to be announced!​

 

[DTP]

WrestleMania 36: Part 1 - April 4, 2020
WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida
"Too Big For Just One Night"

"Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd

​

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WrestleMania 36 Kickoff Show: Part 1 - April 4, 2020
The WrestleMania Kickoff Show was presented by Peter Rosenberg and Corey Graves and featured special analysis provided by guest correspondants Booker T, Christian, Mark Henry and Renee Young, who all appeared via conference call.

- The special advertised the upcoming card ahead, with the addition of a bonus match to take place on the Kickoff Show. In a meeting of cousins, Humberto Carrillo and Angel Garza would duel on "the Grandest Stage of Them All".
- WWE 24/7 Champion Riddick Moss called into the studio to declare that WrestleMania would be a walk in the park, and that everything was smooth when you were "So Smooth" like the WWE 24/7 Champion. He promised to leave the weekend still the champ.
- Video packages aired for tonight's major matches, including the WWE Universal Championship match; the Buried Alive match; the No Holds Barred match; and the WWE Intercontinental Championship match.
- SmackDown Tag Team Champions John Morrison and The Miz's new music video "Hey Hey" premiered.

☰☰☰​

Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton were on the call, as Humberto Carrillo made his arrival to the WWE Performance Center first. The very first WWE Superstar to step foot in the sacred ground of WrestleMania in its' thirty-sixth annual instalment, he was pumped up wearing white tights. Humberto sprung to action in the ring, prepared to take on his cousin. Angel Garza afollowed moments later in orange pants, obnoxiously gloating on his way down the rampway, accompanied as always by his business manager Zelina Vega. She wore a smart business suit in the colors of the Mexican flag, as Garza slid into the ring and went chin-to-chin with his cousin.

0) Humberto Carrillo vs Angel Garza (with Zelina Vega)​

There was so much history shared between these two cousins, but their relationship had strayed with thanks to the alliance provided by Andrade and Zelina Vega. In recent weeks, Angel's alliance with the WWE United States Champion and the savvy business manager had seen him help out in their rivalry with Rey Mysterio. "The Legendary Luchador" was threatened by a beatdown last month on Monday Night RAW, when Humberto Carrillo came to his aid. The two were able to defeat Andrade and Angel three weeks ago on RAW, and Garza looked for revenge. In a set-up designed to change Rey's mind six nights ago on RAW, Humberto came to blows with his cousin, resulting in Andrade standing tall - to be ran off by Mysterio's son Dominik. On the Kickoff Show for WrestleMania Night 1, the WWE Universe would find out who the better cousin was.


Zelina Vega accompanied Angel Garza to ringside, and provided the distraction that would allow Angel to be the aggressor against Humberto Carrillo. Humberto Carillo was grounded and the pace of the match went dictated, as Angel maintained a unique Lucha-Libre submission on the canvas, with his cousin's legs hyperextended behind him. Garza opted to break the hold however, instead deciding to tear away his orange pants to reveal a pair of orange trunks beneath! Carrillo finally mounted a comeback and scored with the corner headstand into the split-legged moonsault off the top rope - but Angel got his knees up! Humberto was caught with a controversial low blow - whether accidental or intentional - and the Wingclipper would grant him the three count.

Winner: Angel Garza (4:55)​

Disappointment set in as Humberto Carrillo favored his groin after the defeat to his older cousin. Angel Garza meanwhile gloated the win in the face of his fellow familia, while Zelina Vega applauded him. Things looked promising for Zelina's camp headed into WrestleMania Weekend, with Andrade set to defend the WWE United States Championship against Rey Mysterio tonight!

☰☰☰​

​

The opening WWE Signature led to a rare appearance by the WWE Chief Brand Officer, Stephanie McMahon. Standing in-studio beside the WrestleMania logo, she discussed how tonight would be like nothing anybody had ever imagined WrestleMania to ever be. For "the Grandest Stage of Them All" would for the first time ever be held not just one night of the year - but two nights, back to back. In a spectacular "Just Too Big For One Night", Stephanie elaborated that due to the ongoing circumstances there would not be 80,000 screaming members of the WWE Universe in attendance. In spite of this, WrestleMania was going ahead on a closed set, as well as other locations. This commitment to the WWE Universe was something the WWE Family hoped would provide diversion from the hard times. In such uncertainty, she hoped that the WWE Superstars could provide a sense of hope, determination and perseverence. Additionally she hoped that over the following two nights, the WWE Universe sit back, relax and enjoy as the WWE Family do what they did best. From all of the WWE, particularly the Superstars - they all wanted to thank them for tuning in. Welcome to WrestleMania!

☰☰☰​

A video package aired, with various ring announcements introducing performers of the National Anthem in years of WrestleMania's past. From Little Richard, Willie Nelson and John Legend to Boyz II Men, Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles; and Gladys Knight, Nicole Scherzinger, the Boys Choir of Harlem and Lilian Garcia, all played crucial roles in performing a multi-collaborative rendition of "America the Beautiful" in clips of past spectacles. All harmonizing along with one another, the National Anthem remained a tradition engrained in WrestleMania's legacy.

The opening video package saw WWE Superstars prepared for war. In the midst of performing death-defying stunts in full pirate attires, they boarded a ship and set sail - until the gravelly-voiced voiceover was interrupted by an eloquent, British speaker imitating Jack Sparrow. Disappointed at the story being told at its end, this character spoke wittily about storytelling's journey being integral from the start. He understood with the theme that everybody anticipated pirate stuff and a bunch of "yo-ho-ho'ing", but in actuality - this was a story about an adventure. It was about who was brave and crazy enough to go on this adventure. For mythical titans had faced a thousand beasts in years gone by; for the courageous who had taken on the world time and time again. These figures were tireless, fearless, and larger than life beings. These people travelled and battled in their quests for gold, while pining for immortality. The narrator implored the viewer to forget everything they knew, for fate lead the way. Tonight, adventure awaits. History waited for no one. In fact, the WWE Superstars' history began right now - on "the Grandest Stage of Them All:" tonight was WrestleMania.

The opening graphic aired, with a voiceover noting that Snickers proudly presented "the Grandest Spectacle in Sports Entertainment" - WrestleMania. Cutting to the lasershow going on inside the WWE Performance Center, Michael Cole on commentary welcomed us to the most unique WrestleMania in its' 35-year history. From "the Athletic Hub" for the WWE's future, Cole sent us to the Perch where the Host of WrestleMania awaited.

WrestleMania Gets Hype!
Rob Gronkowski stood decked out in a Zubaz-inspired tracksuit. The SuperBowl Champion welcomed us to WrestleMania atop the Perch overlooking the WWE Performance Center, as we were about to get the first-ever Night 1 of WrestleMania underway. He was blessed to be here, with thanks to the WWE. For the first time in history, WWE officially said "nope" and decided that this year's party was "Too Big For Just One Night!" And now, he was here to be the Host of WrestleMania across two nights of this action-packed extravaganza. "Gronk" complimented WWE on coming to him, because nobody knew how to start a party on a Saturday night, and end it on a Sunday night - thirty hours later. The New England Patriot implored the WWE Universe to sit back, grab some snacks or a beer from the fridge and forget everything in the world right now - because WrestleMania was finally here! He then introduced a special guest - longtime friend and partner-in-crime Mojo Rawley! "The Hype Man" dove into the scene in a white suit, jumping for joy and fraternizing with his longtime buddy. With a few playful chops exchanged, WrestleMania was HYPE!

​

Michael Cole and John Bradshaw Layfield called the action, as The New Day kicked off "the Grandest Stage of Them All", making their way out to the ring thrusting and gyrating. In patented unicorn colors of pastel pink, blue and white, the tights-clad Kofi Kingston and singlet-glad Big E clapped their hands en route to the ring. Looking up to the SmackDown Tag Team Championships above the ring, they verbally dedicated this match to their injured teammate Xavier Woods. Big E took to the microphone and addressed the WrestleMania crowd, only to be quickly interrupted by the entrance of The Usos. In all white, Jimmy and Jey Uso walked to the ring prepared to send WrestleMania to the Uso Penitentiary. The Samoans and their career rivals the New Day exchanged words, when John Morrison and The Miz caused a break in the animosity. "The Shaman of Sexy" and "the A-Lister" dressed in gold and blue, looking up at their titles hanging over the ring with uncertainty. They found themselves quickly outnumbered by their challengers, forced to remain outside the ring.

1) SmackDown Tag Team Championship - Triple Threat Ladder Match
The New Day vs John Morrison and The Miz (c) vs The Usos​

Since returning to the WWE following an eight-year absence in December, John Morrison had enjoyed great success with his longtime partner The Miz. They captured the SmackDown Tag Team Championships at Super ShowDown in February from the New Day, and would go on to survive a gruelling Tag Team Elimination Chamber, last eliminating the Usos to sneak out with the gold. Two weeks ago on Friday Night SmackDown, the champs interrupted another instalment in Big E and Kofi Kingston's long-running rivalry with Jimmy and Jey Uso, thwarting a Number One Contender's match. In retaliation, the Host of WrestleMania, Rob Gronkowski authorized this match! But as last night's SmackDown showed, it was every team for themselves, as demonstrated by the Usos superkicking New Day out cold, after teaming up to take out the champs.

Quickly, John Morrison and The Miz ducked out of the ring after entering, as hostilities grew between the New Day and the Usos. After an initial melee between the teams, a run-in from the SmackDown Tag Team Champions opened the Usos up to receive superkicks from Big E and Kofi Kingston - a measure of retribution after SmackDown last night. The action got fast, hot and heavy with Jey Uso hitting a monkey flip on Kofi, who landed on his feet. Kofi then attempted to give Morrison a monkey flip, only he too landed on his feet. Each team would soon introduce the hardware, with The Miz picking the short straw - and short ladder. "The Awesome One" found himself scrambling to keep Jimmy Uso and Big E from climbing their respective ladders, only to take a tumble from half way up, crashing to the canvas. Kofi Kingston would soon present himself to Jimmy, delivering a sunset flip from the top of the ladder to send Jimmy crashing to the canvas! Appearing to hurt his leg, it removed "Uce" from the equation. John Morrison and Kofi Kingston brawled for supremacy, when Jey Uso kicked the ladder from beneath the two!

Kofi Kingston would astonish with his feat of agility - a springboard through the ladder performed to a tee, but The Miz and Jey Uso would catch him and handily remove him from the ring! Miz capitalized, "the A-Lister" removing all the ladders from the ring but one, and wedging that in the corner. John Morrison would help him in taking out Jimmy Uso, who struggled with his leg. Together they put Jimmy in the tree of woe in the corner. Wedging his harmed knee from the top rope and the ladder's rung, the SmackDown Tag Team Champions inflicted more pain on him! Jey Uso intervened, when Morrison placed him across a ladder, now propped atop the turnbuckles, and executed a twisting senton. Big E was combatted by The Miz, as "the Friday Night Delight" set his sights on the gold above the ring. Unfortunately for him, Kofi Kingston springboarded off the top rope atop the ladder - and delivered an awe-inspiring hurricanrana to Morrison, sending both crashing from the ladder! Big E delivered a running spear through the top and middle ropes, taking the Miz crashing off the ring apron and both men plummeting to the floor.

Moments later, Jey Uso followed with a diving splash from the top onto Big E and "the A-Lister". With the action heating up, Kofi Kingston recovered from his massive hurricanrana and plotted a Trust Fall from the top rope. Instead, John Morrison gained a second breath and tightrope-walked the top rope - delivering a Spanish Fly to the floor, onto Big E, Miz and Jey Uso! Jimmy Uso favored his leg as he saw his opportunity, climbing the ladder and preparing to reach for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships. The Miz was hot on his heels, tripping him down to his feet. Uso's knee buckled when "the A-Lister" delivered a DDT and climbed the ladder. Miz was inches from retrieving the gold, when Big E resurfaced - knocking the ladder over! Only, Miz clung to the crossbar holding the two titles. Dangling with his feet in mid-air, Miz could only defy gravity until it grew too much - and fell to the canvas with a horrifying splat! Big E saw his own opportunity handed to him on a silver platter. Climbing it, he was met by Jey Uso with a second ladder. From one to another, the two men battled with rights and lefts until Big E connected with a massive Big Ending - from halfway up the ladders!

Now was John Morrison's next big opportunity. "The Guru of Greatness" looked to climb the ladder only to be surprised by Jimmy Uso, who sandwiched JoMo with the second ladder. Leaning it against "the Shaman of Sexy's" ladder, Jimmy grabbed Morrison by the heel long enough for Kofi Kingston to make a dash up the leaning ladder - taking Morrison off with a clothesline! The innovation was spectacular, when Miz snuck back in with the Skull Crushing Finale attempt. Kofi responded with a block and Trouble in Paradise, when a double-team Samoan Drop saw the Usos wipe Kofi out. Big E would clothesline both men and seize his opportunity...until Miz and Morrison returned clutching steel chairs! With four shots to the body of Big E, he collapsed from the ladder. With all the other participants down, Morrison guarded "the A-Lister" as he climbed atop the ladder and retrieved the SmackDown Tag Team Championships!

Winners, and still SmackDown Tag Team Champions: John Morrison and The Miz (15:26)​

John Morrison dropped the steel chair he clutched in relief, as bodies laid strung out across the ringside area of the WWE Performance Center. In a hotly-contested way to get WrestleMania Night 1 underway, these three teams had put their bodies on the line to walk out as SmackDown Tag Team Champions. The Miz hugged both titles atop the ladder and slowly crawled down to the canvas, where "the Guru of Greatness" helped him with arms wide open. The Usos and the New Day tried their mightiest to ensure Miz and Morrison did not escape again with the gold, but on this historic night in Orlando, they remained here to stay!

​

Kayla Braxton was backstage standing by with the SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley and Sasha Banks. Together, they were so pleased that the Boss 'n' Hug Connection were here to enjoy another epic WrestleMania together. Kayla was glad for them, but reminded each of the rules in tonight's 6-Pack Challenge elimination match. "The Legit Boss" patronized Kayla, knowing the rules full well. Bayley was insulted, reminding her how she had been the epitomy of the SmackDown Women's Division since winning the title six months ago. Sasha maintained that Bayley had beaten everybody put in front of her - and that included who they were up against in the 6-Pack Challenge tonight. Lacey Evans, Naomi, Carmella nor Tamina stood a chance against the two of them! Kayla then asked how they felt about the idea of being the final two women - or perhaps one of them betraying the other. Scoffing at the very idea, Bayley and Sasha denied the idea that they would ever come to blows. They were the best of friends! However, as they denied any idea of it, Bayley and Sasha appeared hesitant in their trust of the other person. Would it break down tonight?

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

☰☰☰​

Randy Orton sat in his dressing room. Mentally in the zone, it had been a long journey to make it here to "the Grandest Stage of Them All". But tonight, after three months of ferociously aiming to get underneath the skin of "the Rated R Superstar", "the Apex Predator" prepared for war in the No Holds Barred match against Edge. Rated-RKO would finally implode tonight at WrestleMania - and the results looked to be potentially catastrophic.

​

Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton discussed the match on commentary, as Bobby Lashley made his entrance to the ring first, boasting an impressive win column headed into tonight's confrontation. In black and gold tights, the former WWE Intercontinental Champion looked mean as his wife Lana showed herself behind him. Texting on their way down to the ring, she wore a beautiful blue dress and remained uninterested in the match at hand as her husband jumped on the spot awaiting his opponent. The lights went out, and Incendiary's "Root of All Evil" levitated up from a horizontal position on the rampway. Emerging through the dark and the lasers casted throughout the WWE Performance Center, Aleister Black had his mind set firmly on Lashley. "The Anti-Hero" wore grey trunks with a burnt-looking ring jacket, sans sleeves, as he climbed inside and looked across the ring at Lashley. Dropping to a cross-legged pose, Black awaited the challenge of his opponent!

2) Bobby Lashley (with Lana) vs Aleister Black​

With his wife Lana absent of late, with her filming a Hollywood movie, Bobby Lashley had begun a tear through any and all opposition in his way on Monday Night RAW. After making short work of No Way Jose three weeks ago, and then Leon Ruff in a shorter amount of time two weeks ago, Lashley would be interrupted by the arrival of Aleister Black. Fresh off his No-Disqualification victory against AJ Styles back at Elimination Chamber, "the Anti-Hero" came knocking on the door of Lashley. Black showed six nights ago just how deadly he too could be, with a brisk win to his credit against Jason Cade. Only Lashley would flip the switch on Black, interrupting his win and taking out Cade with a Dominator after the match. Although there had been no physicality in the build-up to tonight's match, there would be a lot to behold tonight.

Lana returned to the corner of Bobby Lashley tonight, in a glamorous and tight, strappy silver sequined dress. Bobby Lashley was determined as Lana ran her mouth toward the opposition. Aleister Black knelt in his corner sizing up Lashley, when the two emerged to the center of the ring with the bell sounding. "The Anti-Hero" struck fast against Lashley, who used his background in mixed martial-arts to block and evade each blow. Lashley jumped a double legsweep, when the Spear was attempted - but Black dodged it and attempted Black Mass, forcing Lashley to powder out to the floor! It barely whiffed his face, and Lashley recomposed at ringside while Black assumed the cross-legged position inside. Bobby Lashley maintained his cool as he slowly climbed back in, being met with an abundance of strikes in the corner by the Dutch expert striker. Lashley would then turn the tables on Black, delivering a series of shoulder thrusts in the corner when a powerslam took the wind out of Black. Lashley grounded Aleister to Lana's verbal encouragements. Using an over-shoulder bear hug stretch, Black looked to be in trouble as Lana continued to yell loudly for Lashley to finish him.

Instead it willed Black on and he mounted a comeback with a discus knee strike rocking Lashley! Black Mass again whiffed Lashley, and the Dominator connected in response - only Black powered out at two. Lana verbalized her want for Bobby Lashley to put away Aleister Black, calling for her husband to defeat "the Anti-Hero" with a decisive Spear. Lashley complied as his wife blew a kiss, heading to the corner to stalk for the Spear. Lashley waited for Aleister Black to stir to his feet, where Lashley would miss the Spear! Instead, he connected face-first with the middle turnbuckle pad. In a daze, Lashley turned around to receive the Black Mass to the jaw. Lana was distraught, as Black covered Lashley for an ever-impressive three count.

Winner: Aleister Black (6:25)​

What had been a war of attrition had ended with Aleister Black shockingly putting Bobby Lashley down with the Black Mass. "The Anti-Hero" returned to a state of practical meditation in the center of the ring, his legs crossed and sights set on Lana. She scowled back at Black from the corner, as she continued to run her mouth at how lucky Black got here tonight at WrestleMania. Lashley still wasn't moving after the bout, having come close against Black only to come up short in the end. Whose door would the brooding and violent Aleister Black knock on next?

​

An advertisement aired, promoting the latest instalment of WWE Supercard. Season 6 was available now of "the Ultimate Card Showdown". Featuring appearances from Steve Austin, Roman Reigns, Becky Lynch, Ric Flair and Charlotte Flair, WWE Supercard Season 6 was available for download now!

A montage aired, showing an assembly of clips from the WWE Performance Center. We were in "the Athletic Hub" of the WWE's future in Orlando, Florida for tonight's history-making WrestleMania spectacular.

☰☰☰​

The WrestleMania Dash Begins
Riddick Moss crept the backstage hall of the WWE Performance Center. In a grey suit complete with waistcoat, he did not seem ready for the nights ahead. With the WrestleMania Dash so confidently declared by the WWE 24/7 Champion six nights ago on Monday Night RAW, Moss walked with swagger in stylish threads before hearing voices down the hallway. Moss hid behind a wall as Mike and Maria Kanellis were seen having a back and forth about whether it was a good idea to introduce a third party to the bedroom. Maria argued in favor of it, claiming things had not been the same for them since their second child was born. Mike continued to grovel at the idea, the unhappy couple disappearing down the hall. Moss then crept from behind the wall with a disturbed look on his face. Inadvertently, Moss bumped into Charly Caruso who startled him. She hoped to ask him a question regarding his WrestleMania Dash, all the while Moss urged her to keep her voice down! Unfortunately for him, it was too late - as Akira Tozawa blindsighted him with a palm strike to the jaw! Moss went down, but Lucha House Party turned up. Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado argued in Spanish while Tozawa yelled in Japanese, all the while Moss was able to crawl away.

​

Michael Cole and John Bradshaw Layfield handled commentary duties for this interpromotional match. In what was to be a battle of the best friends in the WWE, Alexa Bliss made her arrival first. "The Goddess" dressed in her usual colors of black and pink, as she waltzed down to ringside before clenching her fist on the apron. Nikki Cross would follow, immediately racing out to the ring in a neurotic and excited spat of joy. In black tights and a zebra-print blouse, she hugged Bliss as the Kabuki Warriors emerged. Kairi Sane spun her spiralling umbrella while Asuka confidently showed off the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship in hand. The Japanese women, ever vocal, sounded off on Alexa and Nikki at ringside, but the referee would prevent any altercations from breaking out before the bell. The first championship match of WrestleMania - "Too Big For Just One Night" - ring announcer Greg Hamilton handled in-ring introductions.

3) WWE Women's Tag Team Championship
The Kabuki Warriors (c) vs Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross​

It was back at Hell in a Cell where Asuka and Kairi Sane defeated Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross to become WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. More recently Bliss and Cross had become the best of friends, as far as to share responsibilities of co-hosting 'A Moment of Bliss' on Friday Night SmackDown. Eight days ago Bliss went up against SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley when the unexpected interference of Asuka allowed Bayley to get the three count. It didn't stop there, as Sane appeared on "the Blue Brand" to ambush Nikki who had come to Alexa's aid. It rooted from "the Goddess's" claim there were no two friends greater than her and Nikki in all of the WWE - which scorned "the Empress of Tomorrow" and "the Pirate Princess". Bliss and Cross got payback last Monday night on RAW, invading "the Red Brand" and attacking the champions! With the challenge made, this was for not only the gold, but to decide who the best friends in all of the WWE.

The loudmouth Japanese tag team entered running their mouths toward Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross. It incensed the challengers, who simply took Asuka and Kairi Sane's comments in stride. In the early moments, the Scotswoman surprised the Kabuki Warriors by managing to take both of their offense and fight back with a double clothesline. Alexa Bliss came in and further added pressure to the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, with the Insult to Injury on Kairi Sane. Alexa had eyes for Asuka, who continued to goad her from the apron when "the Pirate Princess" came from behind. The Kabuki Warriors hoped to corner Alexa Bliss, using their tag team chemistry effectively. With consistent tags, Asuka and Kairi Sane divided the ring and kept "the Goddess" from her best friend Nikki Cross. The WWE Women's Tag Team Champions talked trash toward the Scotswoman, who tried to get her friend back in the fight. As Kairi worked Alexa with the Anchor applied, Bliss somehow managed to make it to the bottom rope. Sane was frustrated when Asuka came in, connecting with some harsh kicks. Suddenly, Bliss ducked out and rolled "the Empress of Tomorrow" through to a front dropkick!

The chase was on as Sane came in legally to prevent Bliss from the tag - but it was too late! Nikki Cross ran a head of steam through Asuka and Kairi Sane, a freight train wishing to become two-time WWE Women's Tag Team Champions alongside her BFF. Cross body slammed Asuka on top of "the Pirate Princess", then followed with a standing senton for a near fall on "the Empress of Tomorrow". Cross connected with Whiplash on Kairi, unaware that Asuka had blind tagged herself in. Asuka applied the Asuka Lock, when Alexa came to the aid of Cross! The action roared on with Kairi attempting the Seven Seas - but got nothing but land, as Cross tagged out to Bliss. Bliss was a one-woman wrecking machine, taking Asuka off-guard with a DDT. Cross intercepted Sane, as Alexa climbed to the top rope and scored with Twisted Bliss! Together, Alexa and Nikki achieved their goal of becoming two-time champions!

Winners, and new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions: Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross (7:41)​

Nikki Cross hugged Alexa Bliss from behind in the ring, as the BFFs had cemented their success by once again capturing the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships from the Kabuki Warriors. Kairi Sane was furious to see her partner Asuka go down in defeat, screeching in a saddened Japanese cry. Meanwhile, Bliss and Cross raised their titles high in the air. Bringing the gold to Friday Night SmackDown on FOX, there was sure to be a celebration the next time 'A Moment of Bliss' took place.

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An advertisement aired, promoting a new limited documentary series. Featuring interview clips from Steve Austin, Mr. McMahon, Edge, Big Show and Michelle McCool all regarding the legacy of "the Phenom"; Undertaker: The Last Ride is coming soon to the WWE Network.

Michael Cole and John Bradshaw Layfield discussed the backstory behind the upcoming match. With the WWE Intercontinental Championship on the line, for Braun Strowman it had been a match he had looked for since losing the title back at Elimination Chamber, which he lost in a three-on-one Handicap match to the Artist Collective. Now was "the Monster Among Men's" prime opportunity to not just regain the title, but to get Sami Zayn alone in a ring one-on-one.

A video package aired, providing context and background to the rivalry between Braun Strowman and Sami Zayn. "The Monster Among Men" took tremendous pride in capturing his first singles title in the WWE when he beat Shinsuke Nakamura for the WWE Intercontinental Championship in January, when the Artist Collective went on a power trip to not only outsmart the giant but steal the title away from him. After changing the contract's terms and agreements to make the match at Elimination Chamber a Handicap match, "the Great Liberator" stole the gold with help from Nakamura and Cesaro. From there on out, they did whatever was possible to duck, dodge and avoid Braun. That is until last night on Friday Night SmackDown. Furiously, Braun cornered Sami and got him to give him the match he wanted - one-on-one with the title at stake, on "the Grandest Stage of Them All".

Braun Strowman's entrance music screamed through the WWE Performance Center; "the Monster Among Men" stomping out to the ring. With no thrills, in camoflage pants and a black shirt bearing the expression "Strowman Express", Braun was in a fighting mood. There was no room for nonsense as far as the challenger was concerned, when his enemy arrived. Sami Zayn strutted to the rampway in his forest green cargo pants, "the Great Liberator" proudly displaying the WWE Intercontinental Championship around his waist. But as he neared the ringside area, he appeared hesitant to enter. Having attempted to bring his cohorts from the Artist Collective with him for moral support, Braun was not pleased given Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro's track record for interfering on behalf of "the Great Liberator" in recent weeks. The referee was stuck between a rock and a hard place but ultimately declared the challenger to be at unfair odds - and demanded "the Swiss Cyborg" and "the King of Strong Style" to return to the backstage area! They furiously protested, but Sami Zayn was not given sufficient time - instead being cornered and clobbered by the former champion!

4) WWE Intercontinental Championship
Sami Zayn (c) vs Braun Strowman​

The Artist Collective were collectively responsible for Braun Strowman losing his first - and only - singles WWE Championship back at Elimination Chamber. After using intelligence to turn their proposed singles match into a three-on-one Handicap match involving friends Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro, Sami Zayn would win the title with their help - but Sami would then refuse to offer a rematch to the former WWE Intercontinental Champion. Instead, "the Great Liberator" set his sights on Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak, wanting to recruit Bryan just to remain loyal to "the Militant Mat-Mite". Underestimating Gulak, Braun would shockingly come back to pursue a rematch. After being victorious in a six-man tag team match two weeks ago on Friday Night SmackDown, Braun felt his wish was to be granted - but Sami would instead name Drew as his opponent, and SmackDown on WrestleMania Eve as the place! As "the Artist" and "the Swiss Cyborg" cost Gulak the match, Bryan and Gulak would clean house - leaving Zayn alone with Braun. Strowman interrogated Sami for the match last night, and finally got what he felt was owed - a shot at the gold, at "the Grandest Spectacle in Sports Entertainment".

Sami Zayn repeatedly bided his time outside on the floor, stalling for time and taking breathers while Braun Strowman impatiently waited inside the ring. Finally "the Monster Among Men" went out after Sami and walked him up by the rampway. Preventing the WWE Intercontinental Champion the opportunity to get himself counted out, the giant sent Sami flying down the rampway after bieling him through mid-air! At ringside the Strowman Express began with Braun shoulder blocking Sami not once but twice. Zayn was however smart enough to evade a third attempt, a low dropkick tripping the challenger and sending him plummeting into the steel steps!

The WWE Intercontinental Champion continued on the attack with Braun Strowman down, lodging his foot between the ring post and the steel steps before booting the steps into the side of the challenger's foot. Sami Zayn was opening up weaknesses in Braun's game, as "the Great Liberator" gestured in the ring hopeful of Strowman getting counted out. "The Monster Among Men" fired back up when Sami again targeted the leg with a chop block and a leglock applied. Almost mocking Daniel Bryan's technical expertise, Zayn taunted Strowman until he kicked his way out with his free foot. Strowman caught Sami with a tilt-a-whirl side slam for a near fall, and fired back up.

With a beefy clothesline in the corner, a big boot had "the Great Liberator's" reign as WWE Intercontinental Champion in jeopardy. Braun Strowman looked to put Sami Zayn away with the Running Powerslam, but Sami would duck out and scramble from the ring. Strowman followed in hot pursuit, but his attempt at using the title as a weapon would go thwarted by the challenger. Strowman hurled Sami Zayn back into the ring with a gorilla press, and delivered the Running Powerslam successfully - when Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura returned to ringside! "The Artist" distracted the referee when Cesaro came from behind and impressively planted the giant with the Neutralizer. The damage done, out came Daniel Bryan with Drew Gulak to even the odds! With a series of Yes Kicks, Bryan took the fight to Cesaro as Gulak battled Nakamura to ringside.
As the four disappeared once more, Sami Zayn covered Braun Strowman just for him to gorilla press him off of him! Terrified at the height "the Monster Among Men" had gotten, Zayn once again looked to escape and get himself counted out. Only the challenger once again came back to life! Grabbing Sami by the ankle, Sami clung with his fingers to the ring apron for dear life. Strowman finally pulled him back into the center, when Sami would deck Braun not once but twice with a left and a right! Strowman fell to his knees, when the WWE Intercontinental Champion followed with a Helluva Kick to the jaw. Zayn piled on top of Strowman and even put his feet on the ropes for added leverage - to retain the title!

Winner, and still WWE Intercontinental Champion: Sami Zayn (7:28)​

To the shock of the announcers, Sami Zayn could not even believe his own doing in defeating Braun Strowman tonight. Surely thanking God above for the tremendous victory, "the Great Liberator" prayed to the heavens of the WWE Performance Center before discreetly removing not one set of brass knuckles - but two! Concealing both sets in his pants, the WWE Intercontinental Champion claimed his prize from the referee before rolling out of the ring to escape an inbound Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak. Zayn laughed as Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura once again re-emerged to raise Zayn's hands in victory on the rampway. The Artist Collective prevailed, even if it meant taking every shortcut in the book!

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An advertisement aired, promoting all of the outreach and voluntary services that WWE Superstars do for the general public. From working extensively for the Be A STAR campaign, to making dreams come true with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, to meet-and-greets for the Troops and to helping the fight against breast cancer alongside Susan G. Komen for the Cure, putting smiles on peoples' faces was what the WWE was all about. WWE Community: Where Smiles Matter Most.

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The WrestleMania Dash is Hardly "Smooth"
Riddick Moss was living life on the edge now, stepping cautiously down the corridor of the WWE Performance Center. With the WWE 24/7 Championship around his waist, the rookie had no idea what he had gotten himself in for when he came across Heath Slater and Eric Young complaining about not having a match on WrestleMania: and that was with WrestleMania being "Too Big For Just One Night!" Slater was emotional, but Young brought him in for a big hug. Assuring Slater he was good enough fo Wrestlemania, Slater burst out weeping, asking Eric what his kids were going to do! Moss was disturbed, hiding behind a potted plant. As the two WWE Superstars departed, Moss turned around to see Akira Tozawa and the Lucha House Party alongside No Way Jose, Apollo Crews, Curtis Axel and Drake Maverick staring right at him! Moss froze on the spot and tried to explain; soon taking off down the hall! The seven men chased after him, with Slater and Young also deciding to get in on the chance. Slater exclaimed that he had kids to feed!

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Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton introduced the upcoming No Holds Barred match. What started with a one-off backstage meeting over twenty years ago had spawned into a career-long crusade for "the Apex Predator" in his aim to be greater than the WWE Hall of Famer, Edge. A hate-filled rivalry fuelled by grit, drive and obsession was to come to a heated showdown tonight at WrestleMania - with Anything Goes!

A video package aired, recapping the rivalry between Edge and Randy Orton. Nine years ago, "the Rated R Superstar" wrestled his last match at WrestleMania XXVII, walking out as World Heavyweight Champion. The following week, he received tragic news that resulted in him having to hang up his boots and retire due to neck issues. As Edge spent time in retirement looking to pursue other interests such as acting, "the Viper" seemingly took his place and went the extra mile in replacing the WWE Hall of Famer as the flagbearer of the company. At Royal Rumble 2020, the WWE Universe was stunned to see Edge return to the ring, where he seemingly partnered up with his former ally Randy Orton. The Rated-RKO duo worked together well, when Edge bested Orton and sent him from the ring! Orton resorted with an appalling display of violence - a One-Man Conchairto wiping Edge out and sending him back home for months. As Orton vanquished Matt Hardy and even his wife Beth Phoenix in his absence, finally Edge returned with a vengeance - dismantling MVP. Following several burning and intense wars of words, tonight was the night to fight: in a No Holds Barred match.

Randy Orton skulked down the rampway of the WWE Performance Center biding his time, and ready for the hunt to begin. In his sleeveless black hoody, "the Apex Predator" walked to the ring methodically in his black leather trunks with white decals. That's when, to show he was serious following weeks of verbal tirades, Edge ambushed Orton before he made it to the ring! In red and olive tights, "the Rated R Superstar" was not fooled by the mental trickery of "the Viper", as he backed off and demanded time to recuperate and start this match officially.

5) No Holds Barred Match
Edge vs Randy Orton​

A relationship sculpted over twenty years ago when "Cowboy" Bob Orton Jr. brought an adolescent Randy Orton backstage to a WWE Live event to meet Edge, was to come to a screeching halt tonight at the WWE Performance Center. "The Apex Predator" tried to force Edge into a second retirement with a One-Man Conchairto the night after his big comeback in the 2020 Royal Rumble, just for "the Rated R Superstar" to come back. But it came following months of psychological warfare on the part of Orton, who had slain Matt Hardy and taken him out of commission in the WWE; as well as had the guts to RKO Edge's own wife Beth Phoenix. It was last month when Edge returned for blood, smashing MVP's skull with the two steel chairs and sending the message to Orton. Yet, in recent weeks this had become about a lot more than physicality and wanting to rip each other apart. It went deeper than that, as Edge and Orton both laid out in monologues to one another. And now, with both men having trained to peak physical condition heading into tonight, Rated-RKO would come to an untimely demise in a No Holds Barred match here, at WrestleMania.

The referee was shoved down for his efforts, and Edge pursued Orton around the ringside more right hands. Raking his eyes and gouging with fish-hooks, Edge was throwing the proverbial rulebook out the window as he tossed Orton in to receive a punch to the abdomen. Yet as "the Apex Predator" hoped to buy time, Edge would cut him down again with a big clothesline; kicking him from the ring. Once again on the floor, Edge chopped Randy against the barricade. With fire in his eyes, "the Ultimate Opportunist" looked to end this match sooner than later - but Orton would sidestep an attempt at the Spear! Edge went through the security wall head-first, and laid prone atop the concrete floor of the WWE Performance Center, while Orton watched as though he had just dodged a bullet!

A veteran in his own right, Randy Orton was no slouch and capitalized on the vulnerability of his opponent. "The Apex Predator" smiled as he laid into Edge with a series of stomps, as he laid atop the fragmented security wall. Flipping the thick, padded block of metal to expose its' less-protective side, Orton looked to plant his rival with a DDT on top of it when Edge got in body blows to fight it. A kick to the ribcage found Randy take the lead again, and he would simply drive "the Rated R Superstar's" face into it instead. Back ringside, Orton used the ring post as a friend. With several swings, Edge found his shoulder swung against steel. But an attempt to drive Edge's head into the post would be met by the WWE Hall of Famer blocking - and Orton went head-first himself! Edge blasted Orton mounted punches on the ringside floor, before taking a steel chair and slamming it against the anatomy of "the Viper!" There was no rest for the wicked, as Edge lashed with four chair shots to the torso and spine of his enemy, before finally hurling him into the ring.

Randy Orton backed up in search of mercy. His skin reddened from the multiple shots, Edge lined up the steel chair and pursued "the Apex Predator" when Orton kicked Edge south of the border! A low blow to the groin saw Edge plummet to his knees, when Orton clotheslined through him! "The Viper" scanned the steel chair on the canvas but decided against using it. Instead laying into Edge with his knuckles, Randy soon turned his attention to methodically dissecting the body of the WWE Hall of Famer. With carefully stomps to the divided limbs of his rival, Orton succeeded with one last stomp to the face. Now Orton was content, picking up the steel chair and looking deeply into it. He stalked Edge who slowly came to his vertical base - just to be sent back down with a thunderous chair shot to the back! With Edge on all fours, Orton drove a second chair shot into the spine for good measure when the first cover of the match was made for a near fall.

"The Viper" dug the steel chair in deep with its edge pointed directly at the throat of "the Rated R Superstar". Soon arching it into the ribcage of Edge, Randy Orton was showing his old tag team partner no love. Gone were the days of Rated-RKO, as he drove the edge of the chair into the ribs a second time. Calling him stupid for ever returning to the ring, Orton picked Edge up and looked for the inverted neckbreaker, but Edge would slip free and drive him down with the Edge-o-Matic atop the steel chair! A desperation move which paid off, the WWE Hall of Famer applied a crossface on Orton with Edge telling Randy this was what karma felt like - for everything! Orton refused to give up, as Edge continued to wrench at the neck of Orton - who finally raked the eyes and made an escape to the ringside floor. "The Ultimate Opportunist" was not far behind him, driving Orton into the steel steps face-first. Orton was able to elbow out, and sadistically even smile as he went after Edge. But unfortunately for him, Edge would stun Orton with the use of the ring bell!

Bouncing off the face of Orton, "the Rated R Superstar" was not yet finished with Randy Orton. Edge propped the ring bell on top of the steel steps before resting Randy's head against it. With the bellhammer in hand, Edge rang the bell right next to Orton's ear! Screaming in agony at the potentially-burst eardrum, "the Apex Predator's" hearing was impaired, as Edge again told Orton he deserved every second of this beating. The sound echoed throughout the WWE Performance Center, as Edge followed Randy to the rampway. Looking at the DDT on the steel, Orton low blowed to freedom again using his fist before following with the inverted neckbreaker connected! With his history of major neck issues, "the Rated R Superstar's" career flashed before his eyes, as Orton sent Edge back inside the ring. A second neckbreaker connected, yet Edge refused to stay down for the count.

Randy Orton again left the ring, this time introducing a table to the war. Sliding it inside the ring, "the Apex Predator" smirked as he waited for Edge to come back up. Prodding Edge's face insultingly with the tip of his boot, the veteran planted a perfectly-executed knee drop into the chest of the WWE Hall of Famer. Orton actually laughed as Edge kicked out at two. Turning his back and preparing the table, Randy picked Edge up and clobbered him with a European uppercut. It was vintage "Viper" in the WWE Performance Center, as he hoisted Edge on the top rope and teased looking to deliver not just an RKO through the table...but a Super RKO! Randy prepared to put Edge away, but "the Ultimate Opportunist" shoved off, and Orton fell from the second rope and crashed onto the table! Yet the table did not break, and one set of legs fell out from under the table. Now leaning upright on top of the wood, Edge soared off with a diving legdrop to break not just the table - but Orton's fighting spirit, at that!

"The Rated R Superstar" covered Randy Orton in the debris of the table, but he was able to power out at the count of two. Edge was beside himself, and contested the situation with the referee. "The Apex Predator" was stalked by Edge now, who looked for the Spear. Orton bided his time, when Edge charged forward just to receive a shocking steel chair shot to the face! A major turning point in this match, Edge faltered to his knees in a daze - when Randy Orton planted Edge with the RKO. The cover was made, but Edge was now able to power out at the count of two! Pounding the mat with his fist, "the Viper" would not take this for an answer. Now decking Edge with further right hands, Orton went as far as to shove the referee down. Orton stood back into the corner and lined up his nemesis. Teasing the Punt, Edge would dodge out of the way and deliver an Edgecution! But Orton would escape defeat, rolling out to the floor. It was chaotic, it was brutal and it was wild between these two men, as Edge rolled out to the floor and stepped on the wrist of "the Viper!"

Edge stomped the hand of Randy Orton after "the Apex Predator" pleaded with him. The WWE Hall of Famer had adopted a 'take-no-prisoners' attitude against his arch rival, as Edge soon introduced a burlap sack from under the ring. Much like both men had alluded to in recent weeks when discussing the impression that mentorships from Mick Foley had permitted them. It was the same sack seen at Backlash 2004 when Orton defeated "the Hardcore Legend", and Edge took pleasure in dispensing hundreds upon thousands of thumbtacks across the canvas in the ring. Dragging him back inside however, Randy Orton would deliver a sudden RKO that saw both men go through the thumbtacks! Edge rived in agony, while Orton screamed in pain with his back pierced in dozens upon dozens of tiny places. Finally, Orton got an arm over on Edge - who was once again miraculously able to fight out at the count of two! In disbelief and devoid of energy, "the Viper" felt every blow in this bout as he slid as far away from the thumbtacks as possible. Back outside the ring, Orton headed to the timekeeper's table again, returning with a second steel chair.

It was a One-Man Conchairto that saw Randy Orton come close to retiring Edge a second time back on January 28, 2020. Now, Randy Orton stalked the motionless Edge in the ring with a second chair in hand. Slamming it into the carcass of "the Rated R Superstar", showing no mercy, Orton was perhaps sizing Edge up for the climactic blow. Setting the steel chair down, Orton pressed Edge's face against the steel. Wedging his skull between the seat and the sole of his boot, "the Viper" warned Edge that this was it - the end. Orton rised with the second steel chair in hand. Arching back, he prepared to come down with insurmountable damage on Edge's head - but Edge avoided it! Steel clashed with steel, when Edge took off to the corner and returned with a brutal Punt to the skull of Orton! Collapsing to the canvas, "the Rated R Superstar" saw his moment now: and picked up the steel chair. With Orton laying atop it, Edge got the ultimate revenge with a One-Man Conchairto! Soon rolling a motionless Orton over, Edge knelt atop Orton and told him again how this was what he had to do. The cover was made - and Edge finally got the win.

Winner: Edge (17:52)​

In his first singles match since WrestleMania XXVII where he last performed inside of a WWE ring, some 3,289 days later "the Rated R Superstar" had returned to "the Grandest Spectacle in Sports Entertainment" to defeat Randy Orton. It was for his wife Beth Phoenix, as well as his own pride; his own legacy; his own grit. Edge was wounded, sore and aching from a brutal No Holds Barred match. Sitting in the corner after the victory, he watched as Randy Orton remained unconscious on the canvas; face-down atop the steel chair. With a smirk, "the Ultimate Opportunist" had his hand raised in triumph. Dreams come true, as Edge had succeeded in scoring redemption on "the Viper" at WrestleMania!

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An advertisement aired, promoting the home for every Pay-Per-View event; original documentaries such as WWE Chronicle and WWE 24; exclusive shows such as WWE Ruthless Aggression, WWE's The Bump, WWE Untold, and Steve Austin: The Broken Skull Sessions. Plus, so much more - including the WWE NXT and NXT UK brands. The WWE Network: take a look inside at the power, the beauty, the passion, the moments, the history, and the emotion.

Michael Cole and John Bradshaw Layfield discussed the pros of the WWE Network - how it was the home to see every single WWE event in history, including every WrestleMania in history. From there, the SmackDown announce team discussed the unfolding of events in the No Holds Barred match moments ago. Showing a replay, Cole and JBL reported how Randy Orton had been transported to a nearby medical facility following the Punt to the head and the One-Man Conchairto courtesy of Edge. They hoped to have updates as the night progressed.

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Michael Cole and John Bradshaw Layfield took their picks, with the SmackDown Women's Championship still to come in just a mere few moments. Ring announcer Greg Hamilton stood in the ring to make note of the rules to the forthcoming Six-Pack Challenge elimination match. Six women would enter, with all six women being legal at one time. Only one person could walk out the champ and survivor - this coming after pinfalls or submissions.

Naomi was the life of the party as she raved her way to the ring beneath the disco lights. The flashing colors led the neon-clad challenger to slide into the ring for this unique Six-Pack Challenge elimination match. Up next walked Tamina, dressed in leather pants, a black shirt and black leather jacket. Meaning business, she joined her once-Team B.A.D. colleague when Carmella came jumping out to the WWE Performance Center, full of life! In her white singlet, Carmella was prepared to recapture the SmackDown Women's Championship for herself, when she and Naomi stood down the fearsome Samoan. Lacey Evans then came strutting out to the rampway in her white and blue costume. "The First Lady of SmackDown" had her goals set, when the SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley made her arrival - but not alone, with Sasha Banks! The Boss 'n' Hug Connection wore matching gold, as it quickly became clear "the Legit Boss" was in this match to ensure her best friend made it out the champ. With all six women present, Greg Hamilton would begin the championship in-ring introductions.

6) SmackDown Women's Championship - Six-Pack Challenge Elimination Match
Lacey Evans vs Carmella vs Bayley (c) vs Sasha Banks vs Tamina vs Naomi​

She had reigned as SmackDown Women's Champion since October 2019, but since last Spring she had proven to be untouchable as the leader of the SmackDown Women's Division. Bayley had run roughshod over all challengers in that time, with title retentions over the likes of Lacey Evans, Carmella and Naomi. With Sasha Banks on her side, the Boss 'n' Hug Connection's stronghold had been met with much animosity from those in contention to the gold, and particularly that of the former SmackDown Live General Manager Paige. Three weeks ago "the Anti-Diva" appeared via Skype to warn Bayley she had the opportunity to name her match for WrestleMania as being a Six-Pack Challenge elimination match. But then went as far as to add to that the very next week: naming Evans, Carmella, Tamina, Naomi and Sasha as her opponents. Bayley's insults about Paige's premature retirement had bit too close to the bone, and now she had to walk out of WrestleMania as champion - but not before all other five opponents had been put away.

Following their partnership in last night's six-woman tag team match on SmackDown, Bayley and Sasha Banks hoped to hide behind Tamina - only instead, the Samoan lashed out against both women! The SmackDown Women's Champion was cornered as the four other challengers took terms woman-handling her. Bayley soon found herself scurrying to the floor to safety, as Sasha Banks hoped to defend her best friend's honor. "The Legit Boss" found herself the recipient of nonstop chops for her troubles, and Naomi would deliver a Stinkface to Banks for good measure!

With Bayley and Sasha Banks removed from the equation, it left it up to the four challengers to go at it among themselves. Lacey Evans and Carmella would form a makeshift alliance against Tamina, when Naomi came in with a high dropkick to stun her. The Boss 'n' Hug Connection soon returned, with Bayley scoring a near fall on Naomi using a roll-up with the tights. Sasha found herself receiving the Samoan Drop from Tamina when Naomi delivered the Rear View! Carmella would bring Tamina from her vertical base with the Code of Silence applied in mid-air; when Lacey Evans capitalized with the Woman's Right opportunistically! "The Sassy Southern Belle", Naomi and Carmella all piled on top to eliminate Tamina in 3:15!

With one down, Bayley and Sasha Banks once again targeted the opposition just for Naomi and Carmella to deliver stereo-dropkicks. Both simultaneously covered the Boss 'n' Hug Connection, but both kicked out at two. As the SmackDown Women's Champion rolled out to safety, she overheard Michael Cole on commentary and claimed he was lying. "The Legit Boss" then found herself struggling to fight the Slay-o-Mission from Naomi when Bayley was able to slip in at the nick of time to break the hold. Carmella had her shot at the SmackDown Women's Champion now, and would deliver the Princess Kick to Bayley when Sasha Banks would come from behind with the Backstabber before locking in the Bank Statement - forcing her to tap out! Carmella was eliminated in 5:36.

Naomi rushed Sasha Banks without giving her time to breath afterwards, rocking her with an endless series of kick-ups to the legs. Bayley tried to come from behind, when Lacey Evans asserted herself - and with Naomi, the two delivered a double suplex to both members of the Boss 'n' Hug Connection simultaneously! "The Legit Boss" found herself the recipient of the split-legged moonsault, when Bayley snuck up from behind and drove her head-first into the canvas with the Headlock Driver! Bayley covered, and Naomi was eliminated in 6:55.

Now down to three participants remaining in this Six-Pack Challenge elimination match, Bayley slowly came to her feet and looked back to see Sasha Banks coming to. The two best friends had their eyes on one another, as "the Legit Boss" pointed out Lacey Evans being taken out moments ago. Perhaps a preview of things to come following "the Sassy Southern Belle's" elimination, the two women circled the ring and were about to lock up - but instead hugged it out! They cracked up in laughter and pointed to the cameras, having fooled everybody! They set their sights on Lacey Evans, who took on both members of the Boss 'n' Hug Connection and was able to take Bayley down in the Fujiwara armbar! Sasha was there to break it up, but Lacey reversed into a crucifix pin for a near fall. Banks took advantage with the Meteora, when "the Legit Boss" prepared to deliver the Bank Statement again. Instead, Lacey ducked out and landed a swinging neckbreaker. Bayley recovered as Evans came off the second rope with a Moonsault: and instead of save her best friend, the SmackDown Women's Champion watched as Sasha Banks was eliminated in 8:23!

The SmackDown Women's Champion had nobody to support her now, as Lacey Evans sat up and smiled across the ring at Bayley. She watched with determination, as "the Lady of SmackDown" soon came to strikes with the champ. The challenger was given a knee to the gut, and the Bayley-to-Belly was attempted just for Evans to score an inside cradle for a close kick-out at two. Evans followed with the Woman's Right - Bayley down and out! The challenger covered her like her life depended on it - but Bayley would get her foot on the bottom rope before the three count. Evans was disturbed by the resilience of the champion, and picked her opponent up. Bayley slipped free of a body slam and rolled Evans up with the tights for a near fall, when Evans looked for a Headlock Driver of her own! Bayley slipped free, digging her fingernails into the face of Lacey before planting her with the Headlock Driver. Lacey Evans was eliminated in 11:07, as Bayley retained the SmackDown Women's Championship.

Winner, and still SmackDown Women's Champion: Bayley (11:07)​

In dire desperation, Bayley had overcome the odds of five challengers in this Six-Pack Challenge elimination match, to leave WrestleMania as SmackDown Women's Champion. She would be joined by her partner-in-crime Sasha Banks, who applauded her best friend and handed her the title. The Boss 'n' Hug Connection united over Lacey Evans' fallen body in the middle of the empty WWE Performance Center. On top of the SmackDown Women's Division even still, Bayley had frustratingly prospered against all odds!

​

Drew Gulak stood with his arms folded. Hunched against the training ring, Daniel Bryan approached his training partner and questioned why he was so bummed out. "The Militant Mat-Mite" reminded Daniel how Sami Zayn got away from the WWE Intercontinental Championship match unscathed, and how he felt they'd let Braun Strowman down. Bryan reminded Gulak that "the Monster Among Men" was a big guy - the giant could handle himself. While "the Great Liberator" would meet his end some day, they had their own business to take care of. Bryan reminded him of how it was WrestleMania and they didn't even have a match...until now! Drew's ears perked up, as Bryan explained he'd just gotten off the phone to WWE Headquarters. He'd been on hold for a long, long time but got through to the first WWE Board of Director who would listen! Tomorrow night, at WrestleMania: Part 2, they were going to etch their own WrestleMania Moment when they kicked Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro's butts! Gulak was celebratory - his own WrestleMania Moment! Bryan then ordered his partner to drop and give him twenty - which Daniel joined him in doing on the ring mats!

☰☰☰​

Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton talked about tomorrow night seeing WrestleMania: Part 2 take place from the WWE Performance Center, as a CGI graphic showed tomorrow night's main event - the WWE Championship on the line, when Brock Lesnar defended against the 2020 Royal Rumble winner Drew McIntyre.

"The Terminator" is Ready
Charly Caruso was standing by backstage, as she introduced her guest at this time - the 2020 Royal Rumble victor, Drew McIntyre. With an earnest smile, the challenger spoke of time quickly approaching. Verbally, after weeks of going back and forth, tomorrow night would put a pin in his conflict with "the Beast Incarnate". Calling it a challenging learning experience, Drew reasoned that there was no guarantee whatsoever that he would leave on his own two feet tomorrow night let alone leave with the WWE Championship around his waist. For so many years, Brock Lesnar had been the one constant in the WWE. He'd beaten the best of the best, including The Undertaker, John Cena, Goldberg and Roman Reigns. When it came to being compared to either of those all-time greats, "the Scottish Warrior" humbly denied such regard. Instead, Drew said he will fight as mightily as he can. Over ten years ago, Vince McMahon welcomed him into the WWE prematurely and promised him the keys to the castle. He called him "the Chosen One"...and then he was fired. Drew harbored no ill-will against the WWE Chairman. Instead, he called it all one big chase.

Finally, tomorrow night the chase would end. Time was ticking, and while McIntyre was untested in such a predicament, he vowed to do it for everybody in the WWE Universe watching safely and soundly from their homes around the globe. After what Brock Lesnar did to him last Monday night on RAW, where he gave him an F-5 to remember on top of the steel steps, his head was still pounding. His ears still rung. He felt like he had endured a thousand nights out on Glasgow on a Saturday night, but he still walked. And tomorrow night, he was doing it for the entirety of the WWE Universe as well as himself. To slay "the Beast" and to become the first Scottish-born WWE World Champion.

​

Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton took us back to footage from six nights ago on Monday Night RAW, where a frustrated WWE United States Champion Andrade hoped to lure Rey Mysterio into a match at WrestleMania. Much to his surprise, the humble luchador begrudgingly accepted his challenge after initially declining. "El Idolo" was not expecting to hear the answer he wanted, and had already taken measures to turn Mysterio around - having Angel Garza reveal Rey's son Dominik Mysterio, at his mercy. A melee led to "the Legendary Luchador" and Dominik in danger, until Humberto Carrillo came to their aid. A second replay aired, taken from the WrestleMania Kickoff Show earlier tonight. It relived Angel Garza cheating to win against his cousin Humberto Carrillo. Would Zelina Vega's great night continue with a clean sweep, with Andrade retaining the WWE United States Championship from Rey Mysterio?

Zelina Vega wore an entirely different wardrobe compared to her WrestleMania Kickoff Show appearance with Angel Garza, acccompanying the WWE United States Champion, who was decked in full Latino colors. Andrade was poised for the challenge, understanding the mindset in which Rey Mysterio was in after incensing him last week on Monday Night RAW. Showboating to his heart's content, "El Idolo" knelt on the rampway and scanned up to the heavens en route to the ring, when finally interrupted by Rey Mysterio's arrival. The veteran uncharacteristically wore all black - surely peeved after the ambush on himself and Dominik Mysterio six nights ago. Wasting no time, Rey hit the ring to get him some of the champ!

7) WWE United States Championship
Andrade (with Zelina Vega) vs Rey Mysterio​

Since December 26, 2019, at a WWE Live event held in "the World's Most Famous Arena", Madison Square Garden, Andrade had been WWE United States Champion. He managed to capture the title by defeating "the Legendary Luchador" himself, and had shown himself to be a narcissistic and overly-aggressive champion since doing so. He took Humberto Carrillo out for weeks after a hammerlock DDT drove him to the concrete floor, and when Rey Mysterio knocked off a victory against him in tag team competition three weeks ago, "El Idolo" plotted for revenge. Andrade would similarly lose a singles match where the title was not at stake, but in spite of Rey having earned the right to challenge for the WWE United States Championship, Andrade had refused to take no for an answer. By introducing his son Dominik Mysterio to the equation, Andrade hoped to incense Rey to a point of accepting this match. While Rey was more interested in the stars of a younger generation receiving opportunities over him, he accepted the challenge nonetheless. And now, with "the Legendary Luchador" in the twilight of his career, Mysterio had a fire lit inside of him, heading into WrestleMania.

"The Legendary Luchador" spared no time striking vigilantly against the champ, whether with a spinning headscissors or a low dropkick. The 619 was teased, though "El Idolo" would wisely exit to the ringside floor. Zelina exchanged words in Spanish with the challenger, but after the referee refused to allow him flight, the official would divert his attention to Vega through the ropes - opening Mysterio up to vaulting to the floor with a spectacular somersault senton topé! Returning inside, Rey connected with a springboard seated senton for a near fall, when Andrade would reverse Rey into a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker! With such an impact, the champ targeted the spine of the challenger with clubbing forearms dug into him.

Andrade laid into Rey against the turnbuckle, looking for a lawn dart just for Rey to send him face-first into the corner, after slipping out into another headscissors! From the apron, a shoulder thrust led to a slingshot sunset flip. Andrade shoved out at two, when Rey rolled backwards and struck with a roundhouse kick upside the head! The challenger was feeling it, as he climbed to the top rope but found himself diving off into a forward roll - a pre-emptive defensive tactic, as "El Idolo" shot to his feet and brutally kicked Mysterio in the face! The WWE United States Champion chuckled as he choked Rey against the bottom rope. His boot in the back of Rey's head, the champ bad-mouthed Mysterio before picking Rey up and clobbering him with more elbows in the corner. Turning him upside down, "El Idolo" ascended to the top rope although Rey tried his hardest to sit up! Mysterio reached up and grabbed the ankles of the ascended Andrade - when the champ dove off with a diving double footstomp into the anatomy of Mysterio for a near fall! Now, the ball was in the court of the WWE United States Champion, who smiled handsomely and used the top rope as a hammock.

"El Idolo" continued to yell Spanish obscenities at Rey Mysterio, taking Mysterio by the elbow and hanging over the top rope with a hanging triangle armbar! The WWE United States Champion was systematically wearing down "the World's Biggest Underdog", as Zelina Vega echoed how Rey should give up. Breaking the illegal hold at a count of four, Andrade honed his attack on the arm and shoulder of the veteran. An armbar applied, Mysterio would will his way back to a vertical base before kicking at the legs of his larger opponent. Rey charged Andrade, who hoisted him up, for Rey to score with a flipping victory roll for a two-count. From there, Rey sat atop the champion's shoulders and scored with the Mysterio-Rana! Retreating to the floor, Andrade took a breather when Rey slipped head-first under the ropes with a baseball slide - just for Andrade to catch him in mid-flight, and body slam him harshly against the barricade! Andrade gestured how he was smarter than Rey, as he left the challenger on the floor to be counted out. Andrade returned to his hammock in the corner, but Mysterio returned inside at the count of eight!

Met by the WWE United States Champion, Andrade planted Rey Mysterio with a rib-breaker inside the ring as Zelina Vega watched on. Urging her client to inflict more damage on "the Legendary Luchador", the business manager watched as he delivered a front fireman's slam to Rey before zipping to the top rope. Coming off with a big split-legged corkscrew senton from the top rope, "El Idolo" held a cocky pin but Rey would power out at two! In surprise, Andrade knew he had to deal more damage. Powering his challenger atop his shoulders, Andrade looked to powerslam Rey - just for him to break loose. With a wheelbarrow bulldog, Mysterio slowly exited to the apron. Fending the champ off, he forearmed to freedom before climbing up. As Andrade charged, Rey landed with a seated senton before hitting the ropes. Ducking a clothesline, Rey hit Andrade with a spinning headscissors - into a DDT! Hooking the leg, it was narrowly not enough to put the champ away - but Rey did not let up! Climbing to the top rope, Rey looked for another aerial assault when Andrade crotched him. Teasing a superplex, the challenger countered and leapfrogged onto the champ's back.

A Code Red from the top went executed, but Rey Mysterio was not satisfied! Returning to the top rope at a slower pace, "the Legendary Luchador" looked to the heavens and exclaimed that this was a tribute intended for Eddie Guerrero! The Frog Splash was attempted - but Andrade got his knees up! "El Idolo" chuckled as he gasped for air, the WWE United States Champion calling Mysterio as dumb as his legacy. Soon powering Rey up, he delivered a suplex before floating over into a second. The audacity of "El Idolo" was being demonstrated with the Three Amigos on Rey Mysterio, but Rey would counter the third into an inside cradle for a two-count. Mysterio then rolled out and hit the ropes, for Andrade to catch him with a school boy suplex! Andrade again hooked the legs, but again Rey was able to muscle out! The champ was growing more and more frustrated, as he slowly sized Rey up in the corner. Cautioning him to stay in his place, and to stay down, "El Idolo" made a rush for the double knees in the corner - but Rey side-stepped! Andrade recovered when Rey came at Andrade - a Destroyer dropping "El Idolo" on his head for the count...only getting a near fall!

"The Legendary Luchador" could not believe it, as he readied Andrade, who used the ropes to climb to his knees. Zelina Vega voiced her concerns to her client; the WWE United States Champion in a prime position. The 619 connected, but as Rey ascended to the top rope, Zelina Vega climbed to the apron. Looking to put a stop to this, Rey argued with her. Suddenly, out ran Dominik to try and distract Andrade's business manager! Rey's son refused to let his Dad be screwed out of the title, but Andrade crotched him on the top rope. As the referee tried to have the untrained Dominik escorted from ringside, an exhausted Andrade hit the corner and returned with the running double knees into the shoulder blades of the hanging Rey Mysterio, from the top rope! As Dominik contested with the official and an argumentative Zelina on the rampway, Andrade drove Rey into the canvas with the hammerlock DDT! Zelina ushered the referee back to the ring, where the count was made - but Dominik returned, and dragged the referee out!

Andrade and Zelina Vega were shocked as the tenacious Dominik Mysterio stood face to face with a furious referee! The official ordered Rey Mysterio's son to exit the arena immediately, as Zelina laughed again in the face of "the Legendary Luchador's" first-born. Saddened, Dominik backed away up the rampway and turned to leave - where he was greeted by Angel Garza! Similarly laughing, Angel pointed to the backstage area, but the cocky "Latino Loverboy" was not expecting Dominik to nail him with a hard slap across the face! Dominik complied and disappeared, as a distracted Andrade found himself sent into the ropes with a drop toe hold. Another 619 was executed, when Rey climbed to the top rope and soared with a diving splash! Rey covered Andrade, when "El Idolo" revealed to be playing possum! Turning and rolling Rey up with a handful of tights, the WWE United States Champion retained his title!

Winner, and still WWE United States Champion: Andrade (16:45)​

"El Idolo" made a frantic exit to the ring, celebrating with his fists raised high in the air! Zelina Vega hugged her client and handed him the WWE United States Championship, as Andrade clutched the title and refused to let go. At perhaps the most unorthodox edition of WrestleMania in its thirty-six year history, Rey Mysterio had put in a performance of a lifetime, striving to become a three-time champ - just to come up short. Andrade would be joined with a handshake from fellow associate of Zelina, Angel Garza, who clutched his cheek after the right hand from Dominik Mysterio moments prior. In spite of the Mysterio Family's best efforts and hopes, Andrade continued his reign as the champion.

​

A splitscreen took us to backstage at the WWE Performance Center. The stakes were at an all-time high headed into the WWE Universal Championship match in mere moments, between Goldberg and Roman Reigns. They sat and stood in their respective dressing rooms, as Goldberg fired himself up. "The Big Dog" mentally prepared himself. Michael Cole and John Bradshaw Layfield discussed how things had gotten physical last night on Friday Night SmackDown - but up next, it would be a dream match for the ages! Spear vs Spear - with "the Big One" at stake!

A video package aired, recapping the career paths of both Goldberg and Roman Reigns. After fiery beginnings competing in college football, both Goldberg and Roman Reigns aspired their mark in football before turning to professional wrestling. For Goldberg, it began on WCW Monday Nitro, making an unforgettable impression. He established The Streak was unstoppable as WCW World Heavyweight Champion. For "the Big Dog", he too rose up through the ranks. From FCW, to NXT, to his days in The Shield, Roman Reigns was as homegrown as homegrown got when it came to being a WWE Superstars. He would become a multiple-time WWE Champion, and overcome adversity from leukemia. While Goldberg stood a former World Heavyweight Champion and WWE Universal Champion, the WWE Hall of Famer was enjoying a renaissance of a lifetime after defeating The Fiend at Super ShowDown. But as Goldberg begged the question, "Who's Next?", it was Roman Reigns who would answer. Their paths finally on a collision course, with respect and admiration shared - there could only be one unstoppable juggernaut in the WWE. Would it be Roman, or would it be Goldberg?

Spear vs Spear awaited, as Roman Reigns paced down the rampway to the ring first, having looked forward to tonight's opportunity for a long, long time. "The Big Dog" wore his chest protector in a shade of black with blue highlights, as the challenger stood in the ring with no frills. The time for talking was done, as Roman prepared for Spear vs Spear. Goldberg finally made his presence felt, taking the long walk from his dressing room to the WWE Performance Center's arena. In his black and white shorts, the WWE Universal Champion brandished the gold around his waist as he absorbed the condensation in the atmosphere. Walking down to the ring after a shadow-boxing exercise on the ramp, the champ stood before Roman in the ring. A big grin on his face, Goldberg reminded Roman that he was next! A big fight feel took the WWEPC by storm, as ring announcer Greg Hamilton handled the championship introductions in-ring.

8) WWE Universal Championship
Goldberg vs Roman Reigns​

Their careers had forever been parallel, whether as football athletes or unstoppable juggernauts in WWE and WCW rings. For the first time ever, their paths crossed back on Friday Night SmackDown on February 28, when the newly-crowned WWE Universal Champion Goldberg's call was answered by Roman Reigns. "The Big Dog" earmarked himself as being "next" in line for a title shot, and Goldberg was seemingly up for the challenge. Over the coming weeks, Reigns voiced his opinions on Goldberg being WWE Universal Champion, and the flagbearer of the SmackDown brand. Declaring that he had to beat Goldberg, the two would then meet in an unforgettable confrontation to sign the contract three weeks ago. Though after a curious lack of physicality exchanged between the two mammoths, last night saw the calm before the storm. One final confrontation saw Goldberg and Reigns come to blows, with neither man gaining an opening. Goldberg stalked Reigns with the Spear teased, resulting in both men laughing. Finally, the time for talking was over and the time for action was now. Who would leave WrestleMania as WWE Universal Champion?

The bell sounded, but there was no immediacy on the part of either the champion, nor challenger. The WWE Universal Champion smiled upon seeing Roman Reigns stood across the ring from him. "The Big Dog" looked Goldberg in the eyes and smiled at him too. Slowly and surely, they met in a face-off. With words exchanged, Roman suddenly struck first with a defiant uppercut. Getting in some hard shots on the champ, Goldberg responded with some hard-hitting strikes. Roman tried to counteract by hitting the ropes, but after ducking the champion twice, the challenger would be taken down off-guard by a roundhouse kick! Slumping into the corner, Goldberg stalked Roman who once again smirked knowingly. It was highly competitive to start, as "the Big Dog" came to his feet and circled the ring with the champ. Goldberg charged this time, with Roman cornering him and striking with a series of elbow strikes in the corner. Goldberg battled out with rights and lefts, when "the Big Dog" was able to sidestep the Spear! There was a clear agreement between the two gladiators, that they were at a stalemate as Goldberg nodded in amusement at Reigns.

The two came to blows a third time, with this time all hell breaking loose. Haymakers were cast between the two heavyweights, when Goldberg stunned Roman against the ropes with right hands. With an attempted whip into the ropes, "the Big Dog" turned it around when the WWE Universal Champion was able to scramble out of the way of the Spear! Goldberg attempted the Spear himself, but Roman was able to lure him out to the floor through the ropes. Out at ringside, Goldberg dragged Reigns to the ringside floor for a further fist-fight. The two exchanged blows on the floor, when Goldberg caught him off-guard and delivered a powerslam on the outside floor! Goldberg let out a battlecry, picking Roman Reigns to his feet and sending him back inside. The challenger was winded as Goldberg now had Reigns where he wanted him. The Spear was in sight yet again, but Roman was able to big boot the WWE Hall of Famer, square in the head! The Superman Punch was attempted, but the WWE Universal Champion powered him up above his shoulders. The military press slam was in sight - but Roman slipped free and stunned Goldberg with the Superman Punch!

Roman Reigns was dazed after a close call against the WWE Universal Champion, when he brought Goldberg to his feet and teased attempting the Spear. But the challenger would not attempt the Spear, instead hooking the champ's head and looking for the Jackhammer! "The Big Dog" was about to try and put the WWE Hall of Famer away with his own finishing move, when Goldberg slipped out of it and came off the ropes with the Spear. He didn't get all of it, and Goldberg stalked again before connecting with a second Spear! The cover was made, but Reigns was able to power out at two. Goldberg knew what he had to do to finish the job. Waiting for Roman to come to his feet, Goldberg hooked the head and powered Roman up for the Jackhammer. Rotating around the ring, the champ went to drive the challenger into the canvas but Reigns would land on his feet. Another Superman Punch would connect, and Goldberg dropped to a knee. Reigns took off into the ropes, dodging Goldberg and hitting the other set of ropes. Turning 45-degrees, Reigns continued to run the ropes driving Goldberg into the mat hard with the Spear! The pinfall was made, putting Goldberg down for the count!

Winner, and new WWE Universal Champion: Roman Reigns (4:22)​

The torch had been passed from one gladiator to the next, with Roman Reigns emerging over Goldberg as the new WWE Universal Champion! "The Big Dog" could barely catch his breath, as the referee presented his hand in victory. Taking the WWE Universal Championship, he continued to gasp for breath as he reached for the ropes. Stringing himself up to his feet, Roman raised the title high in the air as Goldberg clutched his ribs in pain. A hot back-and-forth, Roman waited in the ring for Goldberg to come to his feet before once again staring down the WWE Hall of Famer. Looking each other in the eyes, Reigns fist-bumped Goldberg, who shook his head in distaste. Goldberg declared there would be a rematch, and on that day the outcome would be different. Choosing to leave the ring, the mutual respect saw the WCW Legend leave the ring to Roman. The lasers flashed from the rafters across the WWE Performance Center, as Reigns stood tall.

An advertisement aired, reviewing the journey that "the Glasgow Warrior" had taken to make it to "the Grandest Stage of Them All". He won the 2020 Royal Rumble match and chose Brock Lesnar to be his opponent - but the journey he'd embarked on to make it to "the Showcase of the Immortals" was something nobody could have ever expected. Now, the WWE Universe had full, behind-the-scenes access to "the Scottish Terminator's" journey to the WWE Championship main event of WrestleMania - WWE Chronicle: Drew McIntyre was streaming now on the WWE Network.

☰☰☰
​

Pandemonium on the Perch
On the Perch overlooking the WWE Performance Center, Rob Gronkowski and Mojo Rawley remarked at the intensity of the WWE Universal Championship match that just took place. "Gronk" could not believe the ferocity of Goldberg and Roman Reigns, who both came from football backgrounds and transitioned to become WWE headliners. Mojo joked that the Host of WrestleMania could be next to follow in their footsteps, before discussing the night that had taken place. Night One of WrestleMania was not over just yet, but the two remarked at some of the outcomes of tonight's matches; with new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions crowned; Edge and Randy Orton having gone to war in a No Holds Barred match; and a new WWE Universal Champion crowned. Up walked Riddick Moss, who smugly wrapped his arm around the back of the SuperBowl Champion. With the WWE 24/7 Championship on his shoulder, "So Smooth" Riddick Moss talked about how amazing WrestleMania was going - but "Gronk" and Mojo had missed one major highlight: how the WrestleMania Dash had gone off without a hitch! And on top of that, Riddick had made it look easy.

The New England Patriot questioned the gall of Riddick Moss for trying to get his fifteen seconds of fame by hanging out with Rob Gronkowski. "So Smooth" stood in front of his former mentor Mojo Rawley, his arm around "Gronk" talking about how he had arrived! Renowned as "Mr. 24/7", Riddick said the Perch was not for "minor leaguers" but for true "legends of the gridiron" like himself, and "Gronk!" He smiled for the camera - when Mojo's demeanor changed. Reminding Riddick of who he screwed over to get the WWE 24/7 Championship to begin with, Moss tried ignoring him. Finally, he tapped Moss on the shoulder before dropping him with a clothesline! Rawley made the cover, but "Gronk" shoved his buddy off. Asking what he thought he was doing, Gronkowski actually defended "So Smooth" Riddick Moss. Rob picked Riddick up to his feet and shook his hand, telling Mojo they each had to remember their roots. Moss favored his neck as "Gronk" urged the two of them to hug it out and make up. Reluctantly, Rawley listened to his buddy. Riddick hugged in, when Rob low blowed the champ! Rolling him up, Rob Gronkowski captured the WWE 24/7 Championship!

Making a speedy getaway, Rob Gronkowski escaped from a perplexed Mojo Rawley. Demanding his buddy get back, "the Hype Man" also had ambitions of becoming WWE 24/7 Champion again! Riddick Moss clutched his groin in pain as he sobbed losing the title unfairly. Meanwhile, Mojo was on the hunt for the Host of WrestleMania!

☰☰☰​

An advertisement aired, promoting the glitz and glamor of Los Angeles, California. Featuring WWE Superstars such as Roman Reigns, Drew McIntyre and The Fiend, landmarked signs such as Hollywood Boulevard and Beverley Hills were seen before cutting to reveal: the logo for "the Grandest Stage of Them All". WrestleMania: Hollywood would be taking place in LA - live on Sunday, March 28, 2021.

Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton discussed the unfound happenings tonight at "the Grandest Stage of Them All". But we were far from over yet - with the main event match still to come. But firstly, they ran down the line-up for tomorrow night's edition. WrestleMania: Part 2 was still to come tomorrow evening live on the WWE Network - boasting another stacked card!

• WWE Championship - Brock Lesnar (c) vs Drew McIntyre
• Firefly Fun House match - Bray Wyatt vs John Cena
• RAW Women's Championship - Becky Lynch (c) vs Shayna Baszler
• Seth Rollins vs Kevin Owens
• NXT Women's Championship - Rhea Ripley (c) vs Charlotte Flair
• Dolph Ziggler vs Otis
• Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak vs Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura
• Elias vs King Corbin
• RAW Tag Team Champions The Street Profits and the Viking Raiders vs Murphy, AOP and the Mystery Assailant

A CGI graphic promoted the Buried Alive match between AJ Styles and The Undertaker, and the storied history that brought both men to tonight's climactic fight. It was coming up next!

A video package aired, recapping the rivalry between AJ Styles and The Undertaker. With WrestleMania Season approaching, "the Phenomenal One" bragged repeatedly about being the greatest WWE Superstars on any roster in any era. But with his repeated claims to being the best, AJ left himself open for a memorable appearance by "the Deadman" at Super ShowDown. Defeating him to become the winner of the Tuwaiq Cup, AJ felt his thunder stolen by the veteran. Styles claimed it to be ego, and proclaimed that it would cost him. Time and time again, the leader of The O.C. looked to provoke "the Phenom". Peeling back the curtain and attempting to sabotage the mystique of the man known as Mark Calaway, Styles finally pushed "the Deadman" to a boiling point by bringing up his wife Michelle McCool. Undertaker returned enraged, but when a contract signing was to take place, Styles had the contract changed: to a Buried Alive match. Daringly, Styles wished to make a Legend of himself by ending "the Phenom's" career in Buried Alive - but the wrath of the Undertaker was sure to lead to there being Hell to pay for AJ Styles.

9) Buried Alive Match
The Undertaker vs AJ Styles​

A cinematic movie shot at an undisclosed location somewhere near and dear to the heart of "the Phenom", The Undertaker and AJ Styles were about to go to war in a match that would not stop until one man was buried in the dirt. It all started back at Super ShowDown, where "the Deadman" defeated AJ Styles in handy-fashion to win the Tuwaiq Mountain Trophy. But it would only incense AJ Styles, who spent weeks looking to call out the veteran. Finally, Undertaker accepted the challenge, but it came with the price of his wife Michelle McCool's name being mentioned. "The Phenomenal One" was the man to select the stipulation of Buried Alive, perhaps unwisely, once he saw the damage that "the Deadman" was willing to do to his partners in the O.C., Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. Laying waste to each of them, Undertaker looked to be the same man who AJ Styles had said he wanted - "the Deadman" of yesteryear - but in the burning comments made six nights ago by the Undertaker, he vowed to make AJ famous by making him hurt, suffer and rest in peace.

The graveyard sat still, nightfall over the compound. With a decrepid shanty house seemingly left unoccupied overlooking the scene, through a set of gates leading up to the property strode a white hearse. Reversing and backing up toward the burial plot, a gong was heard as the theme of The Undertaker played out. As the hearse came to a standstill, two hooded druids in all black emerged from the driver's and passenger's seats. Opening the back of the hearse, they pulled a casket out of the back - opening the lid to reveal AJ Styles within! Cackling at his own trickery, "the Phenomenal One" was not dressed for a wrestling match - he was dressed for a fight! In one of his finest sleeveless shirts representing The O.C. and jeans, he had worn gloves for the occasion. AJ blurted out what a rush it all was, to make it here to this graveyard - and what a dump it was! He mocked the graveyard's spookiness, before calling out for "the Deadman" to show himself. Twice he did, but twice there was no answer from beyond the graveyard. It prompted AJ to laugh and jeer about the Undertaker, and how it allowed him more time to tell more secrets about "the Deadman".

But AJ Styles' chance to tell stories would not go ahead, so long as "the Phenom" allowed it. In the far distance, a motorcycle roared through the forest surrounding the compound - it was The Undertaker. Complete with bandana, in all leather and with his long, brown hair undercut and braided into a ponytail, "the Deadman" rode through the courtyard's gates and stepped off his bike. Having gone back to his roots, "the Deadman" had blurred the lines with one persona and the persona of "the American Badass". Metallica's "Now That We're Dead" played as he stared AJ Styles down from afar. Styles appeared ready as the Undertaker emerged from the beam of light and smoke behind him. As the two exchanged words, AJ pointed to a lone grave to their left. Claiming he took the liberty of making the grave for "the Deadman" himself, Undertaker found it pretty cute - but he'd just made his own grave. As Styles called him an old man, Undertaker would not stop coming at "the Phenomenal One", causing him to back off! Frantically grabbing a brick from the grass by his feet, AJ was too late - as "the Deadman" would deck him with a mighty right hand.

"The Phenomenal One" was facing karma for everything he had said over the past month about the Undertaker, who questioned him about every accusation he had made. AJ Styles tried to escape the wrath of "the Deadman", just for Undertaker to receive another right hand! By the white hearse, AJ tried to fire back just to be thrown face-first into the lid of the casket! Into it a second time and a third, the Undertaker asked his rival how he liked that. Spotting a large piece of debris by his feet, "the American Badass" picked it up and looked to use it on Styles - just for him to duck! Undertaker's arm went straight through the window of the hearse, shattering the glass and cutting up his forearm badly. Yet he remained unphased, instead exclaiming what AJ had caused him to do! Styles used it as an opportunity to run and hide, crawling on top of the hood of the hearse. "The Deadman" tried to grab his ankle just for AJ to kick him off - but Undertaker would knee AJ in the abdomen before slamming him spine-first across the hood - smashing the windshield! AJ was in danger as he rived in pain at the cuts in his back, weaseling his way on top of the hearse.

The Undertaker followed him to the top of the hearse, where AJ Styles caught him with a big forearm strike. AJ tried to get back into the fight, just for Undertaker to fire back with a huge uppercut. Styles was down on top of the car, as "the Deadman" grabbed Styles by the throat and teased delivering a Chokeslam through the hood. AJ panicked in the grip of the Undertaker, when AJ kicked Undertaker in the leg and made a quick run for it! Scrambling off the side of the hearse, AJ crawled through the grass with "the Phenom" following in his trail. In desperation, "the Phenomenal One" hurled a handful of dirt in the Undertaker's face, when a flurry of cheap shots saw AJ take the lead! Styles fought for his life when another uppercut effected his momentum. Undertaker went for another, when AJ blatantly kicked "the Deadman" in the groin! The veteran crumpled to the ground, when AJ began to roll Undertaker in close vicinity of the grave made for him. "The Phenomenal One" had the grave made especially for him, but as Undertaker knelt up to his feet, AJ continued to relent with rights and lefts - but "the Deadman" would catch a right hand and give him one of his own!

The Undertaker grabbed AJ Styles by the side of the face and hurled him down into his own grave, with "the Deadman" asking how he liked it! All of a sudden, The O.C. were heard - Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows having arrived and asking Undertaker how he planned to be finished, when they hadn't even started. Undertaker welcomed their challenge, approaching the Greatest Tag Team in the World, but Gallows and Anderson would step aside to reveal six druids emerging from the ground floor of the building. With a grin, "the Deadman" accepted their invitation, demanding the druids bring it. They all circled him, but one by one, the Undertaker would wipe them all out! Suddenly swept in Anderson and Gallows, ambushing the old man from behind. Pummelling him to the ground, the O.C. began to put the boots to "the Phenom" as Anderson secured a shovel. Rushing Undertaker, Anderson arched back with the weapon just to eat a big boot to the face! An elbow fought Gallows off, when Undertaker grabbed the shovel and slammed it off Anderson's skull! Gallows followed, receiving one for the ribs and one for the spine!

The Undertaker had Luke Gallows bowing on his knees, preparing to finish the job and end The O.C.'s involvement in this Buried Alive match - but as "the Deadman" arched his back to bring the shovel down, AJ Styles smashed a tombstone across the back of his skull! Down went the Undertaker, left unconscious on the dirt, as a dishevelled AJ laughed in relief. Grounding and pounding on "the Phenom", Styles mounted with disdain for his adversary, before riving in agony! Claiming a broken finger, "the Phenomenal One" urged Undertaker stay down. Convincing him he should have given up a lot time ago, AJ believed Undertaker should have retired! "The Deadman" finally began to stir to his feet, as AJ began to slap him across the back of the head. Wincing in pain with his apparent broken finger, AJ turn before clotheslining the Undertaker - and himself - directly through a wooden fence! Stumbling to sit up, AJ continue to talk trash to the old man, claiming he was a shell of what he used to be. He was no "Phenom" - he was nothing, and nobody! He asked the veteran if he was really "the American Badass", because that wasn't who he saw right now. All that was left was a broken down old b*tch.

"The Phenomenal One" grabbed a hold of the Undertaker's hair, dragging him closer and closer to the gravesite. AJ Styles gave him another right hand before securing the shovel from earlier. As "the Deadman" grew to his knees, and stumbled back to his feet, AJ came from behind with a final swing to the spine - and into the hole went the Undertaker! In the grave, he was down and out as AJ breathed in relief. Toying with the dirt between his fingers, he mused "ashes to ashes, dust to dust". Climbing onto the nearby digging machine, AJ booted it up just for it to stall. Suddenly, a light cast behind AJ - it was the Undertaker, reanimated! Terrifying his rival, AJ turned around and would find himself throttled against the steering wheel of the digging machine! Back to the side of the grave, AJ desperately tried to fight before running away from "the Deadman"; with Undertaker having gained a second wind! Catching him climbing a set of ladders, Undertaker talked about surviving for thirty years and learning a thing or two about taking a beating. As AJ progessed to the rooftop, "the Phenom" climbed after him.

Gingerly, the Undertaker reached the rooftop and questioned AJ Styles if this is what he wanted. Nowhere to run, Undertaker faced off with him. "The Phenomenal One" backed down again, but a wall of flames shot up behind him! Nowhere to hide, AJ was trapped as "the Deadman" struck with a big haymaker sending him to the tiles of the rooftop. That's when Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows re-emerged - The O.C. coming to aid their leader. They rushed Undertaker and clubbed his spine, but "the Phenom" fired back. Sending Gallows from the side of the rooftop to the ground of the compound, Luke had to have suffered a twenty-foot drop! Anderson rushed into the chokehold of the Undertaker, who drove him on top of his head with a Tombstone Piledriver. Now just the two of them alone, Undertaker pointed it out as he stared a hole through AJ Styles. Watching from afar, "the Phenomenal One" stood in disbelief - moments earlier he had Undertaker dead and buried! The two exchanged blows with Undertaker able to duck a right hand and deliver the Chokeslam to AJ - sending him off the top of the roof, through the roof of a wooden shack at ground-level!

"The Deadman" had potentially put the final nail in AJ Styles' coffin, taking his time descending down the ladder to the ground. "The Phenomenal One" was down, out, battered and bruised in the ruins of splintered and destroyed wood, when Undertaker would hoist him up by the hair. Looking down on AJ's lifeless body, he asked what his age was - and why AJ wanted to try hurt his legacy. Styles could not even respond, as Undertaker explained they weren't finished yet: they were just getting started. Grabbing a hold of the broken fingers, Styles coughed and groaned as "the Deadman" helped him to his feet. Hoisting him over his shoulder, Undertaker brought AJ back to his final resting place. All the while lecturing, telling Styles he would never last as long as he has, AJ would be dropped on the ground just for Styles to sit up and apologize. Unfortunately for him, it was too late. "The Deadman" would question what he was apologizing for, and demanding more of one. AJ sat in the dirt with Undertaker over him, soon grabbing him by the throat. Urging AJ to take his beating like a man, Undertaker was not about to let this bruised, cut and apologetic AJ Styles out the easy way.

He admitted that AJ Styles had given him one hell of a fight, but even though AJ had fought his ass off, he had to do the time for every word he said about him and his family. "The Deadman" questioned "the Phenomenal One" about his mystique being tarnished now, as Styles groggily came to his feet. Undertaker met him with a surprising hug, as AJ pleaded with him not to bury him alive. AJ didn't want to be buried, and Undertaker understood...but after a moment's thought, "the Phenom" knocked Styles into the grave with a final big boot! Unconscious in his final resting place, he lumbered over to the digger and took a seat. Spectating the gravesite, Undertaker would start it up without a hitch - and unload the dirt into the open grave, filling it whole!

Winner: The Undertaker (24:00)​

He sat alone in the digger, overlooking the filled grave of his enemy. AJ Styles had been buried alive, with only a single gloved hand of "the Phenomenal One" rooted from the pile of dirt. Slowly and gingerly, "the Deadman" stood up from the digger and walked over the gravesite. Removing long-grass from the headstone, it was revealed to be AJ's all along. "Allen Jones, Rest In Peace. 1977 - 2020" it read, as Undertaker slowly left the premises. It was business as usual, as far as the Undertaker was concerned. Badly banged up and hurting, Undertaker bent down and retrieved his bandana from the tall-grass, as he took a seat on his motorcycle. With one breath of relief, "the Deadman" prepared to drive off - but not before raising a single fist into the air. A wall of flames shot up from the rooftop of the compound behind him! The building sat silently, but the Undertaker's trademark symbol would suddenly appear in blue. As Metallica's "Now That We're Dead" rang out once again, "the Phenom" drove off from the graveyard - through the gates of the courtyard, and into the night.

☰☰☰​

 

[DTP]

WrestleMania 36: Part 2 - April 5, 2020
WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida
"Too Big For Just One Night"

"Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd

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WrestleMania 36 Kickoff Show: Part 2 - April 5, 2020
The WrestleMania Kickoff Show was presented by Peter Rosenberg and Corey Graves and featured special analysis provided by guest correspondants Booker T, Christian, Mark Henry and Renee Young, who all appeared via conference call.

- The special advertised the upcoming card ahead, with the addition of a bonus match to take place on the Kickoff Show. Following their interactions over the past several weeks on Monday Night RAW, the Riott Squad would reunite when Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan met for tag team action against their former partner Liv Morgan, and Natalya.
- An interview with Kayla Braxton presented the Church of Rollins. Minus Seth Rollins and the mystery assailant, Murphy and AOP reasoned that the truth would all be revealed tonight. In the eight-man tag team match with the Street Profits and the Viking Raiders, their partner would be the same man who had saved "the Monday Night Messiah" over the past several weeks.
- Recaps aired from the previous night's extravaganza. WrestleMania: Part 1 witnessed the unforgettable Buried Alive match, three championships changing hands; the unpredictable Spear vs Spear dream match; and the brutal No Holds Barred match.
- The hosts provided a medical update on Randy Orton, receiving clearance that "the Apex Predator" had received a major concussion and severe vertigo as a result of the beating at the hands of Edge last night on WrestleMania: Part 1. They officially confirmed that "the Viper" would miss significant time.
- Video packages aired for tonight's major matches, including the WWE Championship match; the RAW Women's Championship match; the Firefly Fun House match; Kevin Owens vs Seth Rollins; and Otis vs Dolph Ziggler.
- The hosts speculated that with the Host of WrestleMania, Rob Gronkowski capturing the WWE 24/7 Championship last night at WrestleMania: Part 1 - that "Gronk" would have the entire WWE locker room hot on his heels - as the WrestleMania Dash would continue tonight!

☰☰☰​

Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton called the action on commentary as the Riott Squad made their way out to the ring with confident swagger in their steps. Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan were dressed for the limelight, the green-haired Ruby in forest green tartan and "the Gritty Southern Belle" in cargo shorts and a tanktop. Ready for their opponents, Liv Morgan made her appearance first. In a Harley Quinn-like attire, Liv was the recipient of a verbal attack from her former friends, when Natalya. made her way out to the ring. The Canadian removed her leather jacket, in full pink-and-black prepared for WrestleMania. The two women exchanged glances, when Natalya and Morgan hit the ring for action!

0) Liv Morgan and Natalya vs The Riott Squad​

In the weeks leading up to WrestleMania, Liv Morgan was still vying to get the band back together. Just shy of a year since the Riott Squad last teamed as a cohesive unit, Ruby Riott made her return from injury two months ago immediately targeting her former partner. A match between the two last month would see Sarah Logan situated as the special guest referee, and Logan would favor Riott. After the Women's Elimination Chamber match saw the three former members go to war inside the fearsome structure, Logan and Riott would gang up on Morgan until Natalya finally came to her aid two weeks ago. Appearing to take Liv under her wing, the daughter of Jim "the Anvil" Neidhart had high hopes for Liv's future - but first, they had to finish their disputes with the newly-reformed two-thirds of the Riott Squad.

A four person free-for-all kicked off this match on the WrestleMania Kickoff Show, with Natalya and Liv Morgan quick to send Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan packing from the ring. As the Riott Squad regrouped at ringside, the Calgarian would encourage Liv to climb up to the top rope: coming off with a flying crossbody onto her ex-partners! Compromised, Liv and Natalya showboated instead as Riott and Logan regrouped. The action got back underway with Natalya mixing it up with Logan. A meeting of the powerhouses, Natalya showed what made her a ring veteran as she took Logan to the mat - but Sarah would fight a kneebar with a kick to the face! Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan made the tag, with Morgan showing tremendous fire against Riott! It all started with Riott's return from injury, and Liv made her remember it - when Logan caught Liv with a hotshot - bringing her down throat-first over the top rope! The Riott Squad began to cut the ring in half, grounding Liv and repeatedly choking her in their corner. Targeting the throat, a neckbreaker from Logan saw Liv remain resilient.

Natalya tried to root for Liv Morgan to break free, and she nearly managed to - when Ruby Riott cut her off, and a double suplex saw the Riott Squad regain control. Sarah Logan nearly took the win with a bridging northern lights suplex, but Liv once again showed her might. Just as she had proven this past week on Monday Night RAW against Asuka, Liv would surprise Riott as she attempted the Riott Kick. The Liv Kick connected, and Natalya made the tag! The veteran took on both members of the Riott Squad and succeeded, when in shades of her father Jim "the Anvil" Neidhart, Nattie hoisted Ruby up. Morgan took off for the ropes and connected with a clothesline - the Hart Attack connected! Logan broke the count, and the match returned to a free-for-all. It boiled down to Liv and Ruby, where a forearm from Logan on the apron caught Morgan off the ropes. The Riott Kick was attempted, but, as Nattie took out Logan at ringside, Liv would score with a crucifix pin to get the win on her former friend.

Winners: Liv Morgan and Natalya (6:55)​

Liv Morgan had achieved what she set out to do, and vanquish the efforts of her former friends from the Riott Squad by defeating them on the WrestleMania Kickoff Show! Morgan was emotional in her victory over Ruby Riott, as Natalya joined her in the ring. Nattie hugged Liv following their tremendous showing of tag team chemistry, while Sarah Logan watched on in discontent at ringside.

☰☰☰​

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The opening WWE Signature led to a rare appearance by the WWE Chief Brand Officer, Stephanie McMahon. Standing in-studio beside the WrestleMania logo, she discussed how tonight would be like nothing anybody had ever imagined WrestleMania to ever be. For "the Grandest Stage of Them All" would for the first time ever be held not just one night of the year - but two nights, back to back. In a spectacular "Just Too Big For One Night", Stephanie elaborated that due to the ongoing circumstances there would not be 80,000 screaming members of the WWE Universe in attendance. In spite of this, WrestleMania was going ahead on a closed set, as well as other locations. This commitment to the WWE Universe was something the WWE Family hoped would provide diversion from the hard times. In such uncertainty, she hoped that the WWE Superstars could provide a sense of hope, determination and perseverence. Additionally she hoped that over the following two nights, the WWE Universe sit back, relax and enjoy as the WWE Family do what they did best. From all of the WWE, particularly the Superstars - they all wanted to thank them for tuning in. Welcome to WrestleMania!

☰☰☰​

A video package aired, with various ring announcements introducing performers of the National Anthem in years of WrestleMania's past. From Little Richard, Willie Nelson and John Legend to Boyz II Men, Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles; and Gladys Knight, Nicole Scherzinger, the Boys Choir of Harlem and Lilian Garcia, all played crucial roles in performing a multi-collaborative rendition of "America the Beautiful" in clips of past spectacles. All harmonizing along with one another, the National Anthem remained a tradition engrained in WrestleMania's legacy.

The opening video package saw WWE Superstars prepared for war. In the midst of performing death-defying stunts in full pirate attires, they boarded a ship and set sail - until the gravelly-voiced voiceover was interrupted by an eloquent, British speaker imitating Jack Sparrow. Disappointed at the story being told at its end, this character spoke wittily about storytelling's journey being integral from the start. He understood with the theme that everybody anticipated pirate stuff and a bunch of "yo-ho-ho'ing", but in actuality - this was a story about an adventure. It was about who was brave and crazy enough to go on this adventure. For mythical titans had faced a thousand beasts in years gone by; for the courageous who had taken on the world time and time again. These figures were tireless, fearless, and larger than life beings. These people travelled and battled in their quests for gold, while pining for immortality. The narrator implored the viewer to forget everything they knew, for fate lead the way. Tonight, adventure awaits. History waited for no one. In fact, the WWE Superstars' history began right now - on "the Grandest Stage of Them All:" tonight was WrestleMania.

The opening graphic aired, with a voiceover noting that Snickers proudly presented "the Grandest Spectacle in Sports Entertainment" - WrestleMania. Cutting to the lasershow going on inside the WWE Performance Center, Michael Cole on commentary welcomed us to the second night of the most unique WrestleMania in its' 36-year history! From "the Athletic Hub" for the WWE's future, Cole sent us up to the Perch where the Host of WrestleMania - and new WWE 24/7 Champion - awaited.

Ready for Round 2
The newly-crowned WWE 24/7 Champion Rob Gronkowski was all fired up. Standing on the Perch overlooking the WrestleMania arena in the WWE Performance Center, "Gronk" spoke about how the electricity remained in the air after an outstanding first night of WrestleMania last night! But much like he had set out to do yesterday - the party was destined to continue tonight! The SuperBowl Champion bragged about the amazing night he had set out, with four more championships set to be decided tonight - including the gold he had freshly won last night from Riddick Moss. "Gronk" knew exactly what to expect, having watched every single WWE 24/7 Championship change on YouTube last night to prepare for this. The WrestleMania Dash was still in full effect, but the former New England Patriot warned the entire WWE Universe watching that he didn't get hype - he stayed hype! Tonight, "Gronk" was ready for "WrestleMania: Round 2!" Suddenly, an emergence of WWE Superstars had Gronkowski quick to escape the Perch. Rushing away from the likes of the Lucha House Party, No Way Jose, Eric Young, Heath Slater & Akira Tozawa! The WrestleMania Dash remained ongoing!

​

Michael Cole and John Bradshaw Layfield called the action, as Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak made the unusual walk out to the ring in the WWE Performance Center. In matching navy-blue trunks, "the Yes Man" and "the Militant Mat-Mite" threw their hands in the air regardless. Leading the empty building in a "YES!" chant, the two would prepare in the ring with a pre-match warmup. Shinsuke Nakamura would soon follow, dressed to the nines in a red and black outfit. "The Artist" had taken his inspiration from Freddie Mercury and multiplied it by ten, as he flailed his limbs down the rampway before stopping at ringside. Moments after walked the ever-serious "Swiss Cyborg". Dressed like Hitman, Cesaro enthusiastically roared as he tore off his three-piece suit. In black trunks, he and Shinsuke looked mean as they approached the ring.

1) Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak vs The Artist Collective​

Following the brawl that took place last night at WrestleMania: Part 1, this match was made official after a call from Daniel Bryan to WWE Headquarters. Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro were responsible for Sami Zayn leaving his WWE Intercontinental Championship defense against Braun Strowman still the champion, but the training partners were not about to take this injustice lying down. After a gritty mat-based battle at Elimination Chamber, Bryan and Drew Gulak had become close training partners much to the annoyance of "the Great Liberator". While Gulak helped Bryan with gaps in his technical-game, Daniel too had helped "the Militant Mat-Mite" discover his self-worth - evident when Gulak was underestimated by Sami, in their own match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship two nights ago on Friday Night SmackDown. "The Artist" and "the Swiss Cyborg" meanwhile were formidable opponents, prepared for tag team action.

WrestleMania: Part 2 got underway with Daniel Bryan prepared to start off with someone he was incredibly familiar with: Shinsuke Nakamura. It was four weeks ago on Friday Night SmackDown where the two met in singles competition, and "the King of Strong Style" would mimick Bryan before renouncing Bryan of possessing any semblence of skill on his level. Bryan responded with a smile, a poker-face that would follow with him immediately wrestling Nakamura down to the mat. "The Artist" wrestled back to his feet using a wristlock, when Bryan used his world-renowned knowledge of combat to will Shin into the corner. Bryan attempted to start with the Yes Kicks, when Shinsuke turned it around. Lighting Bryan up with kicks of his own, he began to choke him in the corner with his boot - before spasming in erratic fashion! The showmanship of Nakamura was a sight to behold, when Cesaro came in to continue things onward. "The Swiss Cyborg" targeted Bryan in the corner for a charging European uppercut, but Bryan rushed out and hit the turnbuckles opposite him. Backflipping over Cesaro and hitting the ropes, Bryan was stopped in his tracks by a powerful spinning backbreaker!

The Artist Collective had to be doing Sami Zayn proud, as Cesaro bent Daniel Bryan over his knee and mocked Drew Gulak on the apron. Cesaro continued to contort the body of Bryan with a knee to the spine, his grip on the arm and leg of his opponent. In came Shinsuke Nakamura to deliver a knee drop across the arched body of Bryan, as "the King of Strong Style" followed Bryan out to the apron. With a knee lift at ringside, Shin would climb up to the apron before coming off with a second knee drop across the back of Bryan's head! His history with concussions evident, Nakamura gloated in Japanese over Bryan back inside before lighting him up with a series of strikes. As "the Artist" teased Yes Kicks of his own in the corner, Bryan fought back with a hard elbow, but Nakamura would respond with more well-placed strikes. A wheel kick would see Bryan evade however, and a dropkick stunned the Japanese Superstar! Cesaro tagged in as Bryan crawled, but as Daniel tried striking his way to his corner, Cesaro caught him with the pop-up European uppercut!

Daniel Bryan was in a bad way as Cesaro attempted to apply the Sharpshooter, but Bryan was able to send "the Swiss Cyborg" into the corner! With a series of kicks, "the Yes Man" began feeling it. Bryan took off for the corner behind them, connecting with the running dropkick! Bryan followed up a second time, before charging right into Cesaro - who popped him up on his shoulders! With Bryan racked over Cesaro's shoulders facing the ceiling of the WWE Performance Center, the Swiss Superstar began to airplane spine Bryan - with no hands! Bryan fell from his shoulders and Cesaro cranked his neck ready for the Neutralizer. Instead, Bryan backdropped free! Crawling closer to Drew Gulak, Shinsuke Nakamura zipped in and grabbed a hold of his foot - but Daniel would enzuigiri out! With a series of Yes Kicks, a roundhouse kick sent "the Artist" down...allowing the tag to Drew Gulak. "The Militant Mat-Mite" let out a battlecry as he entered, quick to club away at both members of the Artist Collective. With forearm strikes for both men, Shinsuke grabbed him and attempted an inverted powerslam just for Gulak to land on his feet. Hitting the ropes, a flying clothesline took out both!

Drew Gulak's self-worth was realized despite being often underestimated, as he struck Cesaro with the Gulak Attack combination of clotheslines out of the corner. Shinsuke Nakamura caught him with a rolling cross-armbreaker, and looked to have "the Militant Mat-Mite" ready for a submission defeat. Instead, the versatile professor of the ring grabbed a hold of Nakamura's ankle...and the Trailblazer saw Shin on the verge of tapping out himself! Cesaro broke up the submission and attempted the Neutralizer, when Bryan came in and connected with the Running Knee Strike! Bryan tried to help Gulak to his feet, leaving himself open to receive the Kinshasa from "the Artist!" Nakamura set his sights on a dazed Gulak, who reversed into a roll-up for a near fall. Nakamura attempted the Kinshasa a third time, but Gulak would headbutt "the King of Strong Style" square in the face! In a daze, Shin found himself locked in the Gu-Lock - forcing him to tap out.

Winners: Drew Gulak and Daniel Bryan (11:32)​

Drew Gulak released the Gu-Lock, victorious against the man who once won the 2018 Men's Royal Rumble match! Shinsuke Nakamura had been beaten at the hands of this unlikely underdog, as "the Militant Mat-Mite" came to his feet. Daniel Bryan remained down and out, as Gulak celebrated before going over to help his training partner up. Suddenly, the WWE Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn returned to the WWE Performance Center. With the title in hand, "the Great Liberator" snuck in and stalked Gulak before connecting with a title shot to the face! Zayn felt slighted by Bryan's preference in teaming with Gulak over joining the Artist Collective, as he now stalked Bryan. In the corner, "the Yes Man" was prepared to eat the Helluva Kick - but instead, the theme music of Braun Strowman echoed through the building! The WWEPC was in the middle of the Strowman Express's route, as "the Monster Among Men" would stampede to ringside, barging Nakamura down with a shoulder block. Next charging down Cesaro on the floor, Braun towered over the top rope into the ring.

"The Great Liberator" was terrified, but prevented from leaving as both Bryan and Gulak prevented it. The WWE Intercontinental Champion was left alone with the three of them - Sami begging for Mercy. Braun seized the moment, powering him up effortlessly and driving him into the canvas with the Running Powerslam! Despite being cost the title match last night, Braun would join Bryan and Gulak in YES! chants - a WrestleMania Moment that the Artist Collective would never forget!

​

An advertisement aired, promoting the release of 'the Big Show Show'. A sitcom about WWE Superstar the Big Show tackling the tough challenge of raising three daughters with his wife, the entire first season is available for streaming on Netflix from tomorrow - April 6.

Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton sat at ringside discussing the events of last night's WrestleMania: Part 1 extravaganza. It was shaping up to be a WrestleMania to remember, held for the very first time in the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida. "The Athletic Hub" of the WWE's future had never seen anything like "the Grandest Spectacle in Sports Entertainment" - yet they were only just getting started, with a lot more to be seen tonight!

A video package aired, recapping last night's WrestleMania: Part 1. With Rob Gronkowski as the Host of WrestleMania, the party was just getting started. With the Triple Threat Ladder match for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships opening the show, John Morrison and The Miz, the Usos, and the New Day all tore the house down when the co-stars of 'the Dirt Sheet' walked out on top; Aleister Black amazingly put down Bobby Lashley in a battle of the titans; the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships changed hands, with BFFs Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross overthrowing the Kabuki Warriors; Sami Zayn managing to cower away with the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Braun Strowman; Bayley would overcome the odds of the Six-Pack Challenge elimination match to retain her SmackDown Women's Championship; and Andrade would retain the WWE United States Championship in a fierce confrontation with Rey Mysterio, despite the involvement from Dominik Mysterio.

From there, it was all business, as the rivalry between Edge and Randy Orton reached a fever pitch with "the Viper" being Punted in the head by "the Rated R Superstar". Edge finally got his revenge in the No Holds Barred match. The dream match finally took place as Roman Reigns challenged Goldberg for the WWE Universal Championship. It was Spear against Spear, and it was non-stop action climaxing with "the Big Dog" outmoving the WWE Hall of Famer to capture the title at long last. And finally, the Buried Alive: set in an undisclosed location, AJ Styles and the O.C. would find themselves out of their depths, at the mercy of "the Phenom". The Undertaker would close the lid on all of the "the Phenomenal One's" trash talking in recent months, burying him alive and riding off on his motorcycle into the night. WrestleMania: Part 1 was incredible; but the weekend was far from over!

​

Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton were on the call for the first championship match of the night. In a sparkling purple gown Charlotte Flair emerged on the stage at the WWE Performance Center. The 2020 Women's Royal Rumble winner made a strut much like her father down to the ring, turning and revealing the elaborate design of her robe. Disrobing and following with the ever-impressive forward handspring at ringside, Charlotte would climb into the ring showing her incredible physique. Moments later, "Brutality" came over the WWEPC with the arrival of the NXT Women's Champion. Rhea Ripley was all-go, stomping her way down the rampway in white and blue. Climbing into the ring, she smiled at her arch rival, and her arch rival stared back at her. The two women had been on a collision course for the weeks, and were about to compete for the NXT Women's Championship. From across the ring, RAW ring announcer Mike Rome provided championship introduction for the combatants.

2) NXT Women's Championship
Rhea Ripley (c) vs Charlotte Flair​

For all of the talking Charlotte Flair had done in the past couple of months, it was about to be seen whether "the Queen" could knock off the unstoppable NXT Women's Champion. Despite being afforded the championship opportunity of her choosing at WrestleMania, the 2020 Women's Royal Rumble winner did not decide to challenge either Becky Lynch for the RAW Women's Championship; nor Bayley for the SmackDown Women's Championship. Instead, she hoped to return to her roots and challenge Rhea Ripley for the first title she ever held. For the young girl from Adelaide, Australia who grew up dreaming of superstardom, she was headed to WrestleMania - and was not to be underestimated by "the Queen". Charlotte had tried to take her WrestleMania Moment away last month, when she applied the Figure-4 Leglock around the ring post sidelining Ripley for weeks. But she was not to be denied, and the alternative champion was not going to be overlooked by who she considered a big fish in a small pond. This was not to be an easy feat for the former multi-time champion - instead, Rhea Ripley was destined to make this a star-making performance.

The two women stared each other down, as Charlotte Flair jogged on the spot. Amped up to challenge for the NXT Women's Championship, this was her prime opportunity to cash in on the 2020 Women's Royal Rumble match she walked out of victorious, this past January. For Rhea Ripley, this was to be the biggest match of her young career. Immediately coming out of the corner, these two powerhouses met with a collar-and-elbow tie-up with both battling for supremacy. Into the corner, the challenger cornered Rhea. The NXT Women's Champion was able to turn it around and corner Charlotte, but she would reverse again. Finally breaking on the count of four, Flair let out an emphatic "Wooo!" in the face of the champion! The challenger was aiming to get under the skin of the champ, who smiled back at Flair. It was a game to the challenger, who had been faced with adversity such as this multiple times before. The two locked horns again, with this time Rhea using all of her might to force Charlotte into the ropes! Refusing to relinquish the grip, the unparallel power of the champ would finally break on the count of four - and this time, Ripley would "Wooo!" in the face of Flair!

Now Charlotte Flair had a laugh, as Rhea Ripley walked back and forth. Prepared for another altercation, "the Queen" locked a side headlock in, when the NXT Women's Champion sent her into the ropes. Dropping down, Ripley looked for a clothesline, but Flair would duck and send Rhea into the ropes. Flair now dropped down, performing a backward roll with her legs open for Ripley to vault over. Flair came up with a hip toss, before strutting to the corner of the ring. Another "Wooo!" was heard, as the challenger had to be doing her father Ric Flair proud. "The Nature Boy's" daughter was full of it, when Rhea had had enough! Cornering Charlotte with a tackle into the corner, the champ struck with two shoulder thusts to the abdomen - before a knee lift caught her on the jaw! Flair connected with two knife-edged chops to the chest, when an open-hand chop saw Ripley strike Charlotte. In pain, Rhea clotheslined Charlotte before teasing the Riptide! Instead, Flair rolled out to the floor in defense. What she didn't realize was Ripley was hot on her heels - and Ripley would turn her around for a second clothesline!

With a knee lift to the ribcage, Rhea Ripley had Charlotte Flair where she wanted her. Against the announce table, she chopped the 2020 Women's Royal Rumble victor much like Ric Flair had done throughout his illustrious career. With a smile, the NXT Women's Champion was having the time of her life on "the Grandest Stage of Them All" - until Charlotte poked the eyes of Ripley! Sending her over the announce table, Flair rolled beneath the ropes and back out again, to break the ring-out count at five. Flair now had the champ where she wanted her, dragging her by the hair. Rhea tried to fight it, but Flair would capitalize with a snapmare that would send the champ upside down - her spine connecting with the barricade! Strutting once more, the challenger was feeling froggy as time went on. Sending Ripley into the ring, Flair stalked her before dropping the knee across the back of the NXT Women's Champion. Only a one-count from the official, Flair decided to choke Ripley with a dastardly knee across the windpipe of the champ! It was all homage to her father, the sixteen-time World Champion - and tonight Charlotte looked to become a 12-time Women's Champion.

Charlotte Flair broke the illegal hold on Rhea Ripley, headed to the corner of the ring for a pinpoint knee drop to the chest of the NXT Women's Champion! With a cover, the youngster again powered out. In her WrestleMania debut, Ripley proved defensive to the veteran's strategy, as Charlotte applied a sleeper hold. Rhea began to grow stronger, fighting to return to her feet. Ripley would deliver two back elbows to the ribs of Charlotte, who connected with another snapmare - but this time, the knee drop would miss! Rhea delivered a back body drop to the challenger, following with a second! Ripley looked to deliver a suplex to Charlotte, but again she would straddle out to the apron having clutched the top rope for dear life! The veteran darted to the top rope, but Rhea would catch her before attempting anything - and Ripley would military press Flair down to the canvas. Flair rived in pain as the champ grabbed the leg of Charlotte and drove her knee into the hamstring twice. Much like Flair had tried doing to her, the champion drove her elbow into the inner-thigh of the challenger - hopeful of weakening the leg of "the Queen".

Rhea Ripley tugged and pulled at the leg of Charlotte Flair, before springing from the bottom rope with a seated splash across the hyperextended leg of "the Queen". The NXT Women's Champion had not forgotten Charlotte's attempts at costing her her WrestleMania Moment, by trying to put her on the shelf with a leg injury. That's when Rhea had the idea to bring her opponent to the corner. Wrapping her leg around it and slamming it against the cold, hard steel; the champion worked to apply the Figure-4 Leglock around the ring post but Charlotte would reel her in: Rhea's face bouncing off the steel! Flair favored her knee, biting her lip and rolling from the ring. At ringside, Flair would retrieve the NXT Women's Champion; hoisting her foot up and slamming it down against the ringside mat. A second time, Ripley was woman-handled by the 2020 Women's Royal Rumble winner, who was threatened to get back inside the ring. Complying with the referee's request, Flair sent Ripley inside before hanging her upside down in the tree of woe. The champ's leg had to be hurting, as Flair stepped up to the second rope using the groin of Rhea Ripley - breaking it for a count of four.

The dastardly challenger knew exactly what she was doing by risking disqualification, intolerably choking Rhea Ripley in the corner with the facewash; the latter trapped in the tree of woe. The arch of the NXT Women's Champion spine saw her finally crumple to the canvas, as Charlotte prepared the Figure-8. Instead, however, Rhea would kick Flair off. Flair went face-first into the corner, when Rhea blasted her with several right hands. Flair tried to fight back, but Ripley ducked it. Hobbling or not, Ripley blasted her using a big boot to the jaw! Screaming for air, the NXT Superstars gained a second wind, as she delivered a full nelson slam for a close fall. Ripley was in the driver's seat now, stalking Charlotte to her feet before executing a Hesitation Dropkick that saw "the Queen's" head ricochet off the middle turnbuckle pad! Grabbing her by the leg, Ripley saw her opportunity to apply the Prism Trap. Flair tried to fight it, squirming as much as she could - and finally, she was able to use the bottom rope! The referee began counting as Rhea refused to break - when Flair pulled forward and sent the champ throat-first into the top rope. A German suplex took Rhea out, followed by the Queen's Boot!

The NXT Women's Champion was in trouble as Charlotte Flair let out another "Wooo!" and looked for the Figure-8 on Rhea Ripley. The champ tried to fight it, as Flair applied the hold expertly - but struggled to bridge into the crab-position for full effectivity. Ripley still rived in pain, as Charlotte groaned in agony herself. Both women's legs were hurting, as Charlotte screamed at the champion to tap out. The NXT Superstar refused to give in, instead beginning to turn - and finally, teetering Charlotte to her front! The Figure-4's pressure backfired on the 2020 Women's Royal Rumble winner; Rhea pushing up to apply pressure. Flair was able to crawl desperately to the bottom rope forcing the break, but the damage was now done. Ripley seized the moment and made a charge at Flair in the corner, but her leg would give out! The challenger capitalized, striking with the Spear - but Ripley powered out at two! The veteran wondered what she had to do to put the youngster away, as the Australian showed nothing but fight against the eleven-time Women's Champion! With Rhea Ripley's leg feeling the effects, Charlotte Flair once again targeted it with a chop block to the back of the shin.

The NXT Women's Champion went down one more time, with Flair blaming her for trying so hard. "The Queen" urged she face the facts: she wasn't good enough for WrestleMania - and would never be as good as her! The second-generation WWE Superstar climbed to the top rope, looking to finish Ripley with an aerial attack...but a corkscrew moonsault would see Ripley roll out of the way! Rhea saw the opportunity and was prepared to take it - the Riptide executed! The 2020 Women's Royal Rumble winner was down, and Ripley scrambled to make the cover...but Flair would muscle out at the count of two! In sheer disbelief, the NXT Superstar could not fathom that somebody had kicked out of the Riptide. Ripley's confidence had been rocked, as she powered Flair to her feet. Gingerly, Ripley looked for a second-straight Riptide, but Flair would roll through with the victory roll. Ripley forced out at two, Flair would seamlessly transition - applying the Figure-8! After some struggle, Charlotte applied it with Rhea in agony! Ripley refused to give in, on the verge of submission. Turning, hoping to reach the bottom rope...she succumbed, tapping out!

Winner, and new NXT Women's Champion: Charlotte Flair (22:17)​

Despite the fierce efforts of the NXT Superstar, Rhea Ripley could not escape the wrath of the Figure-8! Charlotte Flair rolled off of the now-former champ, who clutched her knee in pain. Meanwhile, "the Queen" gingerly came to her feet to have her hand raised by the referee. Raising the NXT Women's Championship high, Charlotte had returned to what made her an overnight sensation as she came up through the system. Flair bowed for the watching WWE Universe, watching around the world on the WWE Network, while the official attended to an emotional Rhea Ripley.

​

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

Kayla Braxton spoke of the incredible efforts of Rhea Ripley in defeat at the hands of the new NXT Women's Champion Charlotte Flair, before introducing her special guest - King Corbin. With a smile, the King was dressed to perfection in his fur robe and skeletal crown. Happily, he said if she had any decorum, she would salute the King! Corbin claimed it was a sight to behold, witnessing King Corbin at "the Grandest Stage of Them All", ready to give Elias the beating of his life! Before doing anything, the King pointed to the flatscreen television monitor behind them and said they would revisit the very treatment that became of "the Drifter" two nights ago on Friday Night SmackDown. The recap showed Elias perform his song, when struck unexpectedly by King Corbin! A brutal attack would see Corbin blast Elias with his own acoustic guitar - certainly rendering the musician out of action, on the Eve of WrestleMania. Corbin smiled and told Kayla he was in a great mood, because nothing could get him down. Nobody could deny him of his destiny tonight, because with no ignorant member of the WWE Universe in attendance - there was surely no way Elias would even dare to show himself.

​

Following weeks of a mystery assailant saving the hide of Seth Rollins from Kevin Owens, Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton discussed the upcoming eight-man tag team match between the Street Profits and the Viking Raiders against members of the Church of Rollins. After weeks of hiding his identity, tonight "the Monday Night Messiah's" Disciples had promised to reveal his identity as the mystery fourth member of their faction.

The Mystery Assailant Revealed
The Viking Raiders would be the first to make their arrival to the WWE Performance Center. Making their WrestleMania debut, Erik and Ivar emerged in red and black, prepared for war! As footage aired recapping the chaotic brawl with the Church of Rollins six nights ago on Monday Night RAW, the two vikings paced the ring when out strutted the RAW Tag Team Champions. The Street Profits had brought the smoke to "the Grandest Spectacle in Sports Entertainment", Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins waltzing down the rampway with the red cups in hand! Also sporting red, the fraternity boys high-fived the Viking Raiders inside as they awaited the arrival of their opponents. The Church of Rollins made their way out slowly, first with AOP leading the way. Akam and Rezar appeared ever-imposing in full SWAT-team gear - with one notable addition being Seth Rollins' face being superimposed on the breast of their tanktops! Following them walked Murphy , in black and white attire. In his skin-tight longsleeve, the three members of Seth Rollins' group waited patiently on the rampway.

The Street Profits and the Viking Raiders hollered for the Church of Rollins to come and fight, when the hooded figure appeared on the rampway. Murphy and AOP turned to attention, knowing grimaces on their face. After weeks of hiding his identity, the truth was to be revealed - when the cloaked figure unveiled their black hood to reveal himself as being NXT's Austin Theory! Shockingly, the NXT Superstar prayed with the Church of Rollins, as the four made their way into battle! Murphy was buzzed to reveal the mystery assailant as the twenty-two year old youngster from McDonough, Georgia. The former EVOLVE Champion had joined cohoots with Seth Rollins' group!

3) RAW Tag Team Champions The Street Profits and The Viking Raiders
Montez Ford, Angelo Dawkins, Erik and Ivar
vs
The Church of Rollins
Murphy, Austin Theory and AOP​

"The Monday Night Messiah" was gearing up for WrestleMania action of his own later tonight against Kevin Owens, but firstly, his Disciples in the Church of Rollins were scheduled for eight-man tag team action. Since their beginning in late-2019, Murphy and AOP had relentlessly aided and defended their leader Seth Rollins from the adversity of the likes of KO, Samoa Joe, and of late, the Street Profits and the Viking Raiders. It was two weeks ago on Monday Night RAW where a gang war broke out across the WWE Performance Center, and Seth Rollins found himself chased by KO - until he was saved by a hooded figure. This mystery assailant served as the getaway driver for Rollins, and again would be his cloaked angel six nights ago. With the eight-man tag team match announced for WrestleMania this past week, earlier on during the WrestleMania Kickoff Show, Murphy and AOP revealed that the truth would all be revealed tonight - as the Church of Rollins' fourth man would be revealed as the mystery assailant of weeks' past!

Austin Theory stood at the center of the Church of Rollins, as he and Murphy first allowed Akam and Rezar to step inside the ring. Immediately, the Viking Raiders exchanged fists with the two brothers from AOP. Neither of the four refused to back down, when the Street Profits intervened! Murphy and Austin Theory watched on the floor, as Erik and Ivar would finally rush AOP from the ring. As the faction reconvened on the floor however, Angelo hit the ropes and came soaring over the top rope with a flying tope! Covering all four members of the Church, they all recovered to have Ivar power Montez Ford up high in the air from the top rope! On top of Ivar's shoulders, one-half of the RAW Tag Team Champions flew with a diving crossbody plancha onto everybody on the floor! The Street Profits and the Viking Raiders were not to be denied as Austin Theory was sent into the ring. One by one, Erik and Ivar bounced the newest addition to the Church back and forth - a right hand each! Theory was in nomansland, when Ivar took off for the ropes and connected with the 305-pound spinning wheel kick. The cover was made, but Murphy intervened.

The right-hand man of Seth Rollins soon found himself outnumbered, as Erik connected with a striking combination culminating in a knee strike to the nose! Murphy was wiped out from the ring, when Austin Theory mounted a recovery and connected with a neckbreaker on Erik. Theory grinned handsomely toward the Street Profits, who mocked him gladly. With a body slam and a standing moonsault, he covered just for Montez Ford to come in and break it up at the count of one. Sending Erik to the corner, the referee was distracted by Theory's showboating, as Akam and Rezar pummelled Erik behind his back! Theory made the tag to Akam who delivered a backbreaker rack to Erik for a near fall. Akam kept the pressure on the smaller viking, a seated crossface chickenwing applied as the facepainted warrior tried to fight back. Rezar made the blind tag, and dropped him with a big powerslam when Akam dropped a leg drop to follow. Another cover was made, but this time Ivar broke up the count. Murphy came in with confident kicks to the back and chest of Erik. Taking off into the ropes, Murphy missed the knee strike and received one of his own - as Ivar tagged in Dawkins!

Angelo Dawkins hit the ring and clotheslined Murphy twice, soon Stirrin' It Up before connecting with the NBA Slam in the corner. A spinebuster connected, when he tagged in Montez Ford! Ascending to the top rope, the Street Profits prepared to fly as Montez flew with a diving legdrop! The cover was made when AOP came in, just for Angelo to fight them off. With a double dropkick, Akam went locked in the ropes, allowing both members of the RAW Tag Team Champions to take turns laying into the brute! Rezar came from behind just to receive a front dropkick from Ford - with Dawkins hitting the ropes and landing a big splash. The Street Profits were bringing the Smoke to WrestleMania, when Murphy snuck to the top rope and planted Montez with the Meteora! Ivar tried to come in, but the referee refused him access - all the while, AOP invited themselves into the ring and would take the Street Profits for a ride with the Super Collider! Murphy covered, but Montez Ford powered out at two. In came Austin Theory, obnoxiously slapping Ford and calling himself the future. Then hitting the ropes, he looked for the Ataxia only to receive a superkick to the jaw!

Montez Ford flopped with the standing shooting star press on Austin Theory, as he slowly made the crawl to the corner. Ivar got the hot tag, letting out a roar and taking Austin Theory out. He began chopping Rezar down to size with relentless blows. Even a Lariat would not budge the enormous AOP member, but a sidewalk slam would! In stormed Akam to be cut off by Angelo Dawkins, as the Viking Raiders and the Street Profits teamed up to form a tandem. Dawkins cut Akam down to size with the Facecrusher before prepping him in the corner. Suddenly, Ivar hit the bottom corner with a super-heavyweight Bronco buster! "The Modern-Day Vikings" reunited in time for an ambush from Murphy and Austin Theory, to be fought by the Street Profits. Angelo tagged in from Ivar as all eight men battled it out, with the Viking Raiders connecting with Viking Experience on Murphy! Meanwhile Akam was struck by an impressive Cash-Out by Dawkins. Montez Ford climbed to the top and came off with From The Heavens onto both men, but Theory would hurl Ford into Ivar! Their heads collided, and the legal Church of Rollins member would drop Dawkins with the ATL for the win!

Winners: The Church of Rollins (9:21)​

Not only did the Church of Rollins reveal their newest addition to the family, but this newest addition was victorious in getting the win for the team! Austin Theory was joined by his brother-in-arms Murphy, who raised his hand in victory. Akam and Rezar joined the group inside, as Angelo Dawkins remained down and out on the edge of the ring. Montez Ford checked on his buddy, before being confronted by Erik and Ivar. The Viking Raiders appeared to point the blame at the Street Profits, who did not seem pleased to be taking credit for a loss they felt was not their fault! The RAW Tag Team Champions and "the Modern-Day Vikings" exchanged words, all the while the Church of Rollins showboated inside the ring. For the ever-watchful "Monday Night Messiah", with his Disciples' victory, all he had to do now was beat Kevin Owens later tonight.

​

An advertisement aired, outlining the rules to the Money in the Bank match. Michael Cole narrated the rules, stating to climb the ladder and grab the briefcase. Inside, a contract guaranteed opportunity to become WWE Champion. Past victors such as Seth Rollins, Alexa Bliss, Sheamus, Bayley, Brock Lesnar, Baron Corbin, Carmella, Charlotte Flair and Randy Orton were shown cashing in and becoming champions in their own right. This year, "Opportunity is Calling" - as WWE Money in the Bank 2020 takes place live on the WWE Network on Sunday, May 10.

Michael Cole and John Bradshaw Layfield sat on commentary at ringside, as they recapped the footage from last night. With the WrestleMania Dash ongoing between "So Smooth" Riddick Moss and any WWE Superstars willing and able to defeat him, Moss would find himself unexpectedly dethroned. It saw Mojo Rawley pursue the WWE 24/7 Championship, only for Rob Gronkowski - the Host of WrestleMania, and SuperBowl Champion - to shockingly swoop in and be crowned the new champion. But now, the chase was on him!

In Over His Head
In the backstage area of the WWE Performance Center, a rabble of WWE Superstars including Akira Tozawa, Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder, Eric Young and Heath Slater paced the halls in pursuit of the WWE 24/7 Champion. Searching for Rob Gronkowski, Slater proposed that "Gronk" might be on the roof of the WWEPC! Hawkins and Ryder greatly disagreed - he had to be hiding in the basement! It led to an argument between the four men, when Akira blurted out that the SuperBowl Champion was definitely hiding in the men's room! Hawkins and Ryder mocked Tozawa's stupidity, and vowed to prove it! As Ryder and Hawkins led the flock to a nearby men's room to prove Tozawa wrong, the coast was clear for Rob Gronkowski to appear. The Host of WrestleMania snuck out from beneath the apron of one of the training rings backstage, and wiped the sweat from his forehead. A close call, "Gronk" looked around curiously and decided to sneak into the ring. Once there, the tracksuit-clad new WWE 24/7 Champion had finally found time and space to celebrate his title victory inside of a ring! Ridicously, the New England Patriot showboated with his fists raised high.

Holding the title high and imitating Howard Finkel, Rob Gronkowski stood on the second rope of the training ring backstage, daydreaming about winning big at "the Grandaddy of Them All!" Meanwhile behind him saw the arrival of the Lucha House Party. Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado picked the WWE 24/7 Champion up and sent him to the canvas with a double powerbomb. With a rope-walk, Metalik dove from the second rope with a splash, but as the referee counted the fall - Lince Dorado broke it up! The two luchadors disagreed on who should get the fall, when out of nowhere flew Ricochet with a somersault senton onto Metalik! Met by Dorado, the two high flyers ducked clotheslines and came to a standoff. Both performed reverse handsprings into standing backflips, Meeting face-to-face on a knee each! Ricochet and Lince exchanged glances, when Cedric Alexander came from behind with the Lumbar Check for Lince! Ricochet and Cedric both scanned the area, calling out for "Gronk" to show himself...meanwhile, on the floor outside the training ring, Rob Gronkowski was seen sneaking back beneath the ring apron. The WWE 24/7 Champion was under crazy pressure!

​

Underestimating "The Drifter"
In the WWE Performance Center, King Corbin made a relaxed saunter down to the ring. Scheduled for a singles match with Elias, after "the Drifter" had written songs and embarrassed the 2019 King of the Ring winner in recent weeks, Corbin was thrilled to see no member of the WWE Universe in attendance at WrestleMania. Ever-verbally, the King graced the microphone inside the ring wearing his fur robe and skeletal crown. Declaring that the King had arrived at "the Showcase of the Immortals", he anticipated the entire world was watching him as he prepared to make his speech! One year following his historic victory over the great WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle - the same man who once won an Olympic Gold Medalist with a broken freaking neck, and the very WWE Legend he retired at WrestleMania 35 - his loyal subjects could expect to see him annihilate what was left of Elias. Once again reviewing the damage he had done to the musician two nights ago on Friday Night SmackDown, Corbin pointed out the referee standing in the corner of the ring. Demanding he do him the justice he deserved, the King ordered he begin to count the absent Elias out!

Reluctantly, the referee began to count "the Drifter" out. King Corbin had predicted his rival would have not been able to even arrive at the WWE Performance Center tonight, after the assault with his guitar on SmackDown this past week, the official would reach the count of nine - when a guitar strum was heard! In uproar, the King could not believe his eyes as Elias came limping out to the stage. In jeans, a cut-off shirt, and his ribs clearly bandaged from Friday's attack, "the Drifter" hobbled dragging his guitar behind him. There was no music tonight, as he glared Corbin down. The King decided to use the opportunity to go in for the kill.

4) Elias vs King Corbin

In spite of the damage done by King Corbin merely forty-eight hours ago on Friday Night SmackDown, there was no preventing Elias from appearing tonight at "the Grandest Stage of Them All". For weeks, Elias had been a thorn in the King's side, having ridiculed him for his appearance; humiliated him by singing derogatory songs about him and showing him up against the likes of Rob Gronkowski and Jeff Hardy; and insulted him with interruption after interruption. King Corbin finally had enough this past week, ambushing Elias as he sung another song about him. By breaking "the Drifter's" guitar by smashing it over Elias's own head, King Corbin was not anticipating the musician to make it here tonight. At WrestleMania, Elias came for revenge against the man who wanted him out of the picture.

King Corbin rolled out of the ring as Elias reached the bottom of the rampway. Both men trading fists, the 2019 King of the Ring winner hoped to bring their differences to an end at WrestleMania tonight, though Elias would respond with a fury of punches. "The Drifter" would block Corbin's onslaught with his own, and tackle him into the barricade! With more punches, this battle went on before the bell had even rang. As Corbin attempted to fight back with a knee lift, a suplex would go reversed and Elias would drop him with a suplex of his own on the steel rampway! Gingerly, Elias returned to his feet and sent Corbin inside. Following after him, the bell would finally get this match underway officially. King Corbin attempted to get the drop on him with right hands, but Elias would unrelent with more lefts and rights in the corner - the referee threatening disqualification. As "the Drifter" exchanged words with the official, "Wrestling Royalty" came out of nowhere with Deep Six! Covering the injured Elias, he muscled out at the count of two. Unable to comprehend Elias' tenacity, Corbin cornered him and fired away with body blows to the injured ribs of "the Drifter".

Elias slapped the taste out of the King's mouth, but King Corbin would respond with a clothesline into the corner, and follow with a spinebuster to the canvas! Elias would not stay down for a three count however, gasping for air as the 2019 King of the Ring winner planted his boot into the bandaged ribs further. Tearing his shirt, Baron exposed the ribs by tearing away at the bandage dressing. Picking Elias up for Black Hole Sun, Elias would fight free and fight back clotheslines and elbows. Ducking a clothesline, Elias delivered Drift Away on Corbin! "Wrestling Royalty" was down, and Elias covered - but the King powered out at two. Another near fall saw "the Drifter" retaliate by ascending to the top rope. With the end in sight, Elias tore his shirt off completely, and battered ribs and all, Elias soared with the diving elbow drop - only Corbin would roll out of the way! Elias rived in agony - a potential broken rib courtesy of Corbin - when the King capitalized with the End of Days scoring him the win.

Winner: King Corbin (3:44)​

Elias remained prone in the center of the ring, clutching his ribs at the hands of King Corbin. In victory, "Wrestling Royalty" grinned to the sound of silence throughout the WWE Performance Center. Though, the 2019 King of the Ring winner was pleased to see no member of the WWE Universe in sight, for he had nobody to interrupt him any further. With "the Drifter's" defeat, the King slowly left the ring a satisfied man.​

An advertisement aired, showing a high-brow mansion soiree with Hulk Hogan and Steve Austin exchanging pleasantries. It led to a face-off, with in-game footage simulating a match between the WWE Hall of Famers. Elsewhere, a photographer snapped photographs of Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch, leading to in-game footage of "the Queen" and "the Man" exchanging moves. Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels cordially shook hands, when in-game "the Heartbreak Kid" struck "the Hitman" with Sweet Chin Music. As the staredowns went down, classical music played, when elsewhere Paul Heyman's ranting about Brock Lesnar caused him to send a full plate into the clean tuxedo of Roman Reigns. Braun Strowman watched as "the Big Dog" pursued after the Advocate - in-game footage showing Reigns hit Lesnar with the Superman Punch. Experience Your WrestleMania Moment Now - WWE 2K20, available now.​

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Murphy and AOP met with the newest addition of the Church of Rollins, Austin Theory in their backstage quarters. in their backstage quarters. In entered the leader of the Church, Seth Rollins, who took the time to congratulate his Disciples on an amazing eight-man tag team victory against the Street Profits and the Viking Raiders. Blessing Murphy, Akam, Rezar, and his new follower from NXT, "the Monday Night Messiah" declared today a new morning for the WWE. Everything had been building to this night on this weekend, at this WrestleMania. He vowed not to let the Church down, for they were the future, and the WWE needed them: they were the WWE's salvation. His Disciples listened carefully, as Rollins told the group tonight, after months of disobedience, insubordination and rebellious antics, Kevin Owens would have his jaw wired shut by him - but questionably made it clear that he would do it alone, with no assistance necessary from the Church of Rollins. Without questioning, the four followers thanked Rollins for his time, as he declared it was nearly time for him to make WrestleMania history - not just for himself, or his followers: but for the betterment of the WWE Universe.

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At ringside in the WWE Performance Center, Michael Cole and John Bradshaw Layfield discussed the events of last night's WrestleMania further, particularly with the No Holds Barred match between Randy Orton and Edge. It was a physical battle that saw the WWE Hall of Famer get all kinds of revenge for what "the Apex Predator" had put his family through in the past couple of months. "The Rated R Superstar" was victorious, but it came with the price of "the Viper" being sidelined by injury. Providing a health update on Orton, they announced officially that Orton was recovering at a nearby medical facility, and was diagnosed with a severe concussion and a broken hand, thanks to Edge. Because of this, it was expected that Orton would be out of action for several weeks to come. JBL soon casually brought up how after the Buried Alive match last night, nobody had heard an ounce out of AJ Styles! "The Wrestling God" hoped that "the Phenomenal One" was alright.

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A video package aired, setting the stage for the grudge match between Otis and Dolph Ziggler. For months, there had been teased feelings shared between an unexpected pair - Otis of Heavy Machinery, and the beautiful blonde bombshell Mandy Rose. Despite the differences that the two had, the feelings were strong enough for the hot first date to be set - on Valentine's Day, the two were to meet for dinner. Unfortunately, this story was not to have a happy ending. A text message from Sonya Deville would see Mandy stood up - and instead of going out with Otis that night, she would go out and hit it off with Dolph Ziggler. "The Show Off" spent weeks antagonizing him, gloating about the fact that he had stolen Mandy away from her. Claiming Otis was a toxic creep that was no good for her, Otis became overwhelmed in fury. It was enough to cost Heavy Machinery the SmackDown Tag Team Championship twice, that the often-calm yet hotheaded Otis would lose his composure. But finally, Mandy would speak her peace. A video from a mysterious hacker would reveal Sonya and Dolph to be in it together all along. But now, with Mandy's world shaken - whose corner would she be in?

Michael Cole and John Bradshaw Layfield took commentary, as Otis made his WrestleMania debut with fire in his eyes, stepping out in the WWE Performance Center in black trunks. In cutoff denim jackets, he was joined by his ever-loyal best friend and tag team partner Tucker, who massaged the neck of the emotional Otis, who thanked "Tucky" for the luck before setting out to the ring alone. The passion had been burning within Otis for the past six weeks, and tonight was his prime opportunity to get payback on the man who stole the show - as well as his girlfriend - Dolph Ziggler. "The Show Off" gloated out to the rampway, as always full of himself. Dolph Ziggler had incensed Otis to no end, and now gloated off his affairs with Mandy Rose to his face. Yet there was no sign of Rose herself, as Ziggler hesitantly waited at ringside. About to step into the ring, Otis stepped forward prompting Ziggler to jump off to the ringside floor. Dolph laughed at the expense of Otis, getting inside his head...before waving out the arrival of Sonya Deville The woman Dolph was in cohoots with all along strutted to ringside - with a mutual interest shared in humiliating the lovable Otis tonight at WrestleMania.

5) Dolph Ziggler vs Otis​

For months it seemed like a love story unfolding before the eyes of the WWE Universe, as the ever-humble and shy Otis of Heavy Machinery looked to court Fire and Desire's Mandy Rose. When a mysterious hand used Mandy's phone and sent a text message rearranging plans with Otis, it was Dolph Ziggler who came and swept "the Golden Goddess" off her feet. As Dolph and Mandy embarked on a relationship, it was the heartbroken and bitter Otis who acted out against the handsome "Show Off" time and time again. Ziggler would gloat the affair in Otis's face, driving him to a boiling point on multiple occasions. At Elimination Chamber, it caused Otis to blindly go crashing through a Chamber pod to the floor; and two weeks later on SmackDown cost himself and Tucker the SmackDown Tag Team Championships against John Morrison and The Miz. But finally, all was revealed this past Friday night when Mandy Rose returned, unsatisfied with the love triangle she was involved in. SmackDown's mysterious hacker had exposed Dolph as a fraud, and Sonya Deville as a force working to keep Otis and Mandy apart. Tensions were about to reach an all-time high between Dolph Ziggler and Otis.

With one-half of Fire and Desire behind him, Dolph Ziggler and Sonya Deville laughed at Otis from ringside, like hyenas ready to pick the meat from the bones of the Heavy Machinery member. Otis had had enough and rolled out of the ring in a rush to get his mits on "the Show Off". Chasing him around the ringside area, Dolph scattered and outran Otis handily before sliding back inside. Otis lumbered back in the eyes in time for Dolph Ziggler to strike with a baseball slide, but a second dropkick would see the Floridian bounce off the rotund belly of his opponent! Otis hulked up and began to hammer Dolph with right hands, sending him off the ropes just for "the Show Off" to grip the ropes and bail to the floor again. Ziggler took a breather against the barricade, not spotting "the Dozer" follow behind him. Clobbering him with a big clothesline to the floor, Otis paced back and forth! Sending Dolph sliding back inside, he returned with a double-handed chop when Dolph surprised with a Satellite DDT! It was not enough to put Otis down for the count, but Ziggler would quickly go to work on keeping his enemy grounded with a headlock applied.

With Otis at his expense, Dolph Ziggler knelt with his feet high in the air before bringing them back down again. Applying additional pressure on his larger opponent, "the Dozer" struggled to fight off the former World Heavyweight Champion's sleeper hold, as he again performed a handstand to drive more pressure down on Otis. Otis did however fire back up, bringing Ziggler back to his feet - and soon carrying him on his back! From a piggyback position, Otis cornered Dolph and rammed him using his hips in the corner. Yet Dolph hung on for dear life, applying a sleeper hold from the second rope! Otis was able to power him off the second rope with an overhead throw, when Otis followed suit using an exploder suplex. The cover was made, but Dolph kicked out at two. Sonya Deville rooted for "the Show Off", as Otis questioned why she plotted against him. Dolph would use the distraction to his advantage, this time delivering a snap neckbreaker to bring the big man off his feet! Ziggler put the boots to Otis before bringing up how Mandy always liked him better than him, insulting the intelligence of Otis as he delivered Heart Stopping jumping elbow drops!

Dolph Ziggler executed ten consecutive jumping elbow drops into the anatomy of Otis, and swiftly covered him - but at the count off two, "the Dozer" gorilla pressed Ziggler off him with ease! Otis sat up and let out a roar as he came to his feet and hulked up again. Blocking a right from the charismatic blonde, Dolph was struck hard with right hands when a knee to the oversized gut saw Ziggler take the lead. He hit the ropes and attempted a Famouser, when Otis caught him in mid-air and powerbombed him to the canvas hard! The cover was made, but only for a two-count. Otis now stalked Ziggler as he recuperated in the corner. The Dozer Bomb was inbound, when Ziggler was able to sidestep it. The Zig Zag connected, and Dolph covered again - but the heart and body of Otis was too big to stay down! Aggravated, Dolph pondered what else he could do to keep the big man down. Sonya was baffled herself at ringside, when Dolph suddenly ran into the belly-to-belly suplex from "the Dozer". Otis's opportunity was now or never, and he capitalized by performing the Caterpillar! Otis went to drop the 320-pound elbow into the heart of Ziggler - when Sonya got on the apron.

The thought-to-be best friend of his "Precious Peach", Sonya Deville stood on the apron in defiance of Otis. The man who pined for Mandy Rose's love and affection locked eyes in sadness with Sonya, who argued that he was never good enough to be with her. As he asked why that was, she answered urging him to look himself in the mirror! With Otis and the referee's back turned, Dolph struck with a low blow! Ziggler followed with a swift Super Kick to the jaw of Otis. He stumbled to a knee, when a second Super Kick laid him down and out. Dolph crawled to climb on top of his opponent - when Mandy Rose's music hit! Despite claiming on Friday Night SmackDown to be keeping away from this mess, "the Golden Goddess" stomped down the rampway. As Sonya and Mandy met at ringside, Mandy abruptly tackled Sonya to the floor! Fire and Desire exploded, as Dolph tried reaching through the ropes to prevent the fight. Mandy turned, and as the official was with Otis, slapped her boyfriend across the face! Otis achieved redemption, as a Powerslam saw Otis take the win!

Winner: Otis (8:03)​

Heavy Machinery's Otis had accomplished not only his first victory at WrestleMania, but had gotten redemption on the man that had caused him much emotional distress over the past several months! Dolph Ziggler clutched his ribs in dismay after losing to "the Dozer", who had his hand raised in disbelief himself, at having taken the win. Sonya Deville was left recovering against the steel steps, as once again her and "the Show Off's" plans for Otis and Mandy Rose had backfired. Mandy surprised Otis in the ring. Met with astonishment, mesmerized by the beauty of "the Golden Goddess", things remained uneasy for several moments as Otis wondered where he stood with his "Precious Peach". But Mandy would take Otis by the face and plant a kiss on him! In shock, Otis felt himself taken aback, cuddling her tightly. His tag team partner Tucker would soon make his way out to the ring to celebrate with his best buddy - the guy who had been with Otis all along standing in the ring beside Otis. That's when he Otis swept Mandy into his arms, as the two would lay another kiss on one another. Tonight at WrestleMania, Otis and Mandy had found love in an unexpected place!

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An advertisement aired, promoting the home for every Pay-Per-View event; original documentaries such as WWE Chronicle and WWE 24; exclusive shows such as WWE Ruthless Aggression, WWE's The Bump, WWE Untold, and Steve Austin: The Broken Skull Sessions. Plus, so much more - including the WWE NXT and NXT UK brands. The WWE Network: take a look inside at the power, the beauty, the passion, the moments, the history, and the emotion.

Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton sat at the announce table ringside, as they spoke of how unforgettable this WrestleMania was going to be. Throughout history, there had never been a WrestleMania like this year's instalment - "Too Big For One Night", the WWE Universe had witnessed championships changing hands; love discovered; WrestleMania Moments etched in history; and hopes and dreams ruined forever - and this weekend was not finished yet!

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Be Careful Who You Trust
The WrestleMania Dash continued with the new WWE 24/7 Champion Rob Gronkowski peeking out from behind a corner. Cautious of WWE Superstars on his tail, the Host of WrestleMania stepped out when he was startled by the arrival of Kayla Braxton. "Gronk" warned her not to pull a stunt like that again, when she asked what it was like to not only be a SuperBowl Champion, but a champion in the WWE. Mojo Rawley turned up, speaking out about how his best buddy was feeling on top of the world! Mojo asked Kayla who she thought Rob was, if he was a WWE Superstar or a member of the "Grid-Iron Gang". Kayla was confused, and Rob was baffled, as Mojo talked up how fearless "Gronk" was - not just in a fight, but on the field! He was an all-star tight end for the New England Patriots for a reason! Mojo claimed any WWE Superstar foolish enough to take a shot at Gronkowski had better be prepared for the consequences... and with that, Rawley abruptly decked his friend with a discus punch! The champ fell down and Mojo covered, when Riddick Moss dove in to break the count!

The former WWE 24/7 Champion wanted his title back, as "So Smooth" Riddick Moss put the boots to "the Hype Man" before daring to cover Rob Gronkowski. This time, Mojo Rawley broke up the count. A Triple Threat melee had broken out backstage at the WWE Performance Center, as Mojo tackled Riddick off-screen! Their fight broke out, as the SuperBowl Champion hobbled back to his feet. He had some help from R-Truth, who helped the champ to his feet. He told "Tom Brady" he didn't deserve to be treated that way, but he was sorry for what he had to do. "Gronk" was not expecting to be rolled up - and this time, R-Truth captured the WWE 24/7 Championship! In disbelief, "Gronk" had learned a valuable lesson in trust in the WWE, as "the Truth" escaped a 35-time champion!

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Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton spoke about the absurdity of the WrestleMania Dash situation this weekend over the WWE 24/7 Championship, before shifting gears to discuss the RAW Women's Championship match. A CGI graphic appeared in the WWE Performance Center, as the announcers outlined the dangerousness of the challenger - Shayna Baszler coming to bring an end to "The Man's" reign as champ. Becky Lynch needed to be careful at all times against "the Cage Fighter" - up next.

A video package aired, recapping "The Man's" year since headlining WrestleMania 35. She would defeat Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair to become both RAW Women's Champion and SmackDown Women's Champion simultaneously, and embark on a historic reign ruling over the RAW brand. Becky Lynch became a household name, until the arrival of Shayna Baszler. The former NXT Women's Champion made a barbaric impression in her RAW debut, ambushing the champ and biting her face until she was bloody. "The Cage Fighter" showed zero remorse for her actions, as her rampage continued into WWE Elimination Chamber. Defeating the entire field, Shayna would show no signs of weakness to earn her opportunity to meet Becky at WrestleMania. But despite this, Becky showed zero fear. "The Man" was unperturbed by this new threat, despite Shayna surprising her with the Kirifuda Clutch on the rampway. In a match that nobody had seen Becky compete in before, "The Man" had to think fast to overcome "the Queen of Spades".

Shayna Baszler waltzed into "the Grandest Stage of Them All". The longest-reigning NXT Women's Champion wore heavy black make-up with a towel draped around her neck. In red and gold, "the Queen of Spades" shadow-boxed as she swaggered down to the ring. Back and forth, she trash talked to the RAW Women's Champion, demanding she reveal herself. Jumping on the spot, there was hesitation as Shayna anticipated "The Man's" arrival. Cutting outside of the WWE Performance Center, the very same truck trailer was seen speeding into the parking lot - this trailer revealing the likeness and expression of the RAW Women's Champion! Becky Lynch would step out in full gear, prepared for war. Walking into her 363rd day as the champ, "The Man" headed straight for the arena dressed in black and gold. With a cold glare, she stomped into the ring and butted heads with Shayna. As in-ring introductions were handled by RAW ring announcer Mike Rome , the referee worked hard to keep the competitors apart.

6) RAW Women's Championship
Becky Lynch (c) vs Shayna Baszler

Although she was the latest arrival to the RAW brand, "the Cage Fighter" was no stranger to competing for gold. The longest-reigning NXT Women's Champion in history, Shayna Baszler twice held the gold and held it for a combined 548 days. "The Man" had held the RAW Women's Championship since last year, where she defeated Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair in the first female-headlined WrestleMania in history. "The Queen of Spades" had turned the RAW Women's Division upside down since arriving and viciously biting Becky's face back two months ago in her first appearance. Dominantly, she showed what she was capable of, disposing of Asuka, Natalya, Liv Morgan, Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan in the Elimination Chamber. Despite the champ showing no sign of fearing what she was about, Becky was forced to realize Shayna was a different beast unlike anything she'd gone up against. Yet while Shayna possessed the agression to choke Becky with the Kirifuda Clutch, as demonstrated two weeks ago, Becky could give beatings herself, striking her foe with a steel chair this past Monday night. With the gold on the line, who was more willing to budge - Becky or Shayna?

This match got underway unpredictably, Becky Lynch and Shayna Baszler once again head-to-head in the center of the ring. With burning words exchanged between them, the RAW Women's Champion issued a receipt to "the Cage Fighter" for biting her bloody shy of two months ago! With a headbutt, Becky brought the fight to her challenger with right hands. Shayna used her ring experience to turn the tables on her, soon taking her down to the canvas with a double-leg. Becky worked defense on the canvas against the skilled MMA fighter, who worked hard to apply a kneebar - until Becky secured the bottom rope. Baszler smirked and backed off, jogging on the spot while the RAW Women's Champion returned to her feet. "The Man" was confronted by Shayna again, but Becky would strike with a sharp elbow to the face! To the floor, Shayna fell through the ropes, but this time the champion would deliver a dive through the ropes! Returning inside, Becky hit the ropes and followed with a baseball slide, when Becky beat on Shayna against the barricade! Shayna fought back and looked to suplex Becky, who reversed it and suplexed Shayna to the concrete floor - over the security wall!

Without a care, the RAW Women's Champion returned into the ring and had the confidence to perform jumping jacks while Shayna Baszler laid prone on the concrete floor! "The Cage Fighter" slowly returned to her feet at the count of four, smiling at Becky's feeble attempt to get her counted out. Hopping the barricade, the challenger slid back inside where Becky attempted a waistlock takedown. Shayna reversed into a go-behind drop toe hold and applied a side headlock, but the less-skilled champion worked to her feet. Shayna maintained control in the headlock, but Becky would roll over for a quick roll-up for a one-count. Shayna hammered "The Man" with two right hands, before confronting her in the corner. Driving some heavy knee strikes into the anatomy the redhead, Becky tried to punch her way out just to be struck with a hard elbow strike to the nose! Yet Becky would still recover, hammering back and zipping to the second rope. Lynch attempted a diving axe handle, but Shayna would catch her in mid-air! Driving her into the mat with an exploder suplex, Shayna had used the Bexploder against Lynch!

"The Cage Fighter" looked to mount Becky Lynch with palm strikes after some hesitation, choosing to play with her food. The RAW Women's Champion was still able to move and evade the attacks by getting her own hands and elbows up - when Shayna began to bite at the hand of "The Man!" Becky screamed in pain while Shayna was reprimanded for her conduct by the official. It bought the champion valuable time to come to and take Shayna by surprise with two consecutive back elbows! It rocked the challenger, and Becky charged Shayna in the corner who was able to get her feet up - a front dropkick catching Becky in the jaw. With a cut lip visible, Shayna Baszler hooked the arm between her legs and performed seatdrops across it. Seemingly targeting the arm of the RAW Women's Champion, Becky was caught in a wristlock that saw Shayna plant Becky's palm against the canvas. Stomping the back of the elbow saw "the Queen of Spades" do her damage, as she would apply a fujiwara armbar in the center. Relentlessly pulling back on the hyperextended arm of Becky Lynch, the Irish-born Superstar's screams echoed throughout the WWE Performance Center.

"The Submission Magician" was in full control of her manipulation of Becky Lynch's arm, as she wrenched away and made sure that "The Man" was nowhere near the bottom rope. The RAW Women's Champion hoped to battle it with sheer strength. Willing to bend her elbow, Shayna would sacrifice her leverage of the limb in favor of taking the hand and biting the fingers once again! She clamped down with her teeth, as Becky continued to scream in pain. Hurting, Shayna dared to follow by grabbing the champ's fingers and separating them with a sickening snap! Becky favored her hand, as Shayna limbered her up with a pinfall for a two-count. Now looked for a gutwrench suplex, Lynch was taken for a ride as Baszler floated over and delivered Two of a Kind for another near fall. Once again Shayna secured the arm of Becky, but this time "the Man" saw her coming! Spearing her through the ropes, the RAW Women's Champion tumbled out to the floor with her. It bought her time and space, as Becky Lynch teased the Bex-Plex on the floor - just for hesitation to set in, as Becky favored her hand. Shayna took advantage with a knee strike to the face!

Seeing the announce table to their left, Shayna Baszler picked Becky Lynch off the ground and powered her up in a powerbomb position. With ill-intentions, "the Cage Fighter" was more interested in the destruction of the RAW Women's Champion, who at the last second began to fight it! Hanging from the shoulders of Shayna Baszler, the challenger instead swung Becky from her shoulders - her head grossly colliding with the side of the table! Much like Shayna did to Liv Morgan against the plexiglass back at Elimination Chamber, "the Queen of Spades" rendered the champ down and out on the ringside floor. Carrying her carcass back inside, Baszler hooked the legs just for Becky to power out at two - not yet finished. With a smile, Shayna talked more trash to the redhead, swiftly kicking Becky in the ribs as she knelt on all-fours! Baszler returned to the hand of Becky, planting her hand and stamping on her hand brutally! The former NXT Women's Champion was closing in on winning more gold, as she applied a gutwrench squeeze on Becky. Soon deadlifting her to her feet, Becky was able to float through with an inside cradle for a close fall!

Shayna Baszler returned with another kick to the ribs, as "the Cage Fighter" attempted a cross-armbreaker in the center of the ring. Becky Lynch refused to allow it, despite Shayna beginning to hammer with more rights to the injured hand of the champion. Shayna slammed her leg down across the chest of the RAW Women's Champion to apply it successfully, but Becky would perform a backward roll! With Shayna on her arm, Becky unsteadily hoped to power "the Submission Magician" on her shoulder - and was able to, driving her into the corner! The back of the challenger's head connected with the turnbuckle pad, as Becky now powered her up to the top rope. With a Bexploder attempted, Becky went nuclear as she looked to perform it from the top rope. The leg hooked, Shayna slipped free and broke out beneath the legs of Becky. Now climbing to the second rope herself, Shayna throttled "The Man" with forearms in a precarious position. Delivering a superplex, Shayna would shift her body in mid-air - floating over into the cross-armbreaker, seamlessly! Becky's year-long reign as RAW Women's Champion was in grave danger, as Shayna wrenched at the hand!

"The Man" tried to pummel the knee of Shayna Baszler to escape the cross-armbreaker, but the challenger refused to break it. Now pulling Becky away from the bottom rope, the former NXT Women's Champion dominantly had the RAW Women's Championship now in her sights. Becky tried to power up into a roll-up, but Shayna would readminister her hold - just for Becky to wisely use her heel to rest atop the bottom rope! Beside herself, Shayna refused to break the hold and risked disqualification! Reluctantly, the referee dove in and forcibly restrained the challenger preventing her from being disqualified. Becky Lynch clutched her hand and arm in pain, when Shayna decided to look for Kirifuda Clutch - instead getting Becky powering out with an arm drag. "The Man" dodged a clothesline and surprised with the Flying Fire-arm in the corner! With all of her life, Lynch performed the Bex-Plex and covered for a near fall. The challenger scrambled to the ropes, where Becky Lynch looked for the Manhandle Slam - but Shayna would cling to the ropes defensively. Looking for another knee strike, Becky would collide with a knee of her own off the face of her foe!

Becky Lynch performed a rolling suplex - and from there, transitioned seamlessly into the Dis-arm-her! Shayna Baszler was being handed a taste of her medicine, as the skilled MMA fighter fought restlessly to break free from the hold. "The Man" had beaten many challengers in the past with this hold, but Shayna continued to make as much movement as possible to prevent it! Baszler fought to all-fours, hoping to relieve the pressure, but Becky sat back and further wrenched away... yet Shayna still refused to tap! "The Cage Fighter" would fold her own arm and re-position steadily, before wrapping her own arm around the neck of the RAW Women's Champion! The Kirifuda Clutch was applied, but not entirely - a counter from the Dis-arm-her! Becky tried to bite Shayna to break it now, but Shayna's vice-like grip would soon be realized. With the Kirifuda Clutch applied, Shayna hoped to make Becky pass out much like she did on the rampway two weeks ago on Monday Night RAW. Baszler screamed for Becky to go black-out or tap out, when the RAW Women's Champion rolled backward. With Shayna's shoulders pinned to the man, a bridged Becky counted three!​

Winner, and still RAW Women's Champion: Becky Lynch (16:26)
​

The RAW Women's Champion rolled out from the ring as quickly as possible, collapsing to the ringside floor in agony with her arm! She was so close to being forced to sleep by her enemy's deadly Kirifuda Clutch, but Shayna Baszler would be unexpectedly dealt her first defeat since arriving on Monday Night RAW! The referee raised "The Man's" good arm victorious, as the champ laid prone outside the ring. With the title placed on her waist, Shayna Baszler meanwhile screamed in rage at the upset. Having dominated her way through a dominant affair, "the Cage Fighter" kicked and pulled at the ring ropes in frustration! It was not the outcome that Shayna had anticipated, as Becky was helped to her feet. With a busted lip, the RAW Women's Champion clutched her arm as she headed up the rampway. With a smile on her face, Becky was still forced to admit she had never met a behemoth anything like "the Cage Fighter" tonight at WrestleMania.

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A video package aired, reminding the WWE Universe that this year, WrestleMania was "Too Big For Just One Night" - emanating from the Athletic Hub" for future WWE Superstars, the WWE Performance Center.

Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton discussed the upcoming grudge match between two men that had been rivals for quite some time, Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins - but suddenly...

The WrestleMania Dash Meets An End
The new, 35-time WWE 24/7 Champion R-Truth suddenly came darting down the rampway! "The Truth" had found himself 'the hunted' in this weekend-long game of tag - as WWE Superstars Ricochet, Cedric Alexander, the Lucha House Party, Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins, Heath Slater & Eric Young all chased after him! R-Truth tried hiding between Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton at the announce position - when Slater and Hawkins leapt the announce table, unsuccessfully getting the champion! Phillips and Saxton barely evaded the pursuit; R-Truth climbing the barricade with Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik hopping it with ease. Before they could get their hands on the new champ - Ricochet and Cedric soared with springboard dives off the barricade onto the luchadores! R-Truth continued to run from the likes of Zack Ryder and Eric Young when "So Smooth" Riddick Moss emerged from behind the cornered WWE 24/7 Champion - a steel chair shot taking R-Truth down! Moss threatened Ryder and Young to back away carefully. Reluctantly, they would - as Moss covered a suffering R-Truth. Just like that, Riddick Moss regained the WWE 24/7 Championship!

Cockily, the now 2-time WWE 24/7 Champion Riddick Moss let out an emphatic "Yes!", hugging the title he was separated for for approximately twenty-four hours! But while Moss celebrated his massive victory with a hug for the referee, the rookie would be met by the assembled WWE Superstars. Moss was terrified, faced by Ricochet, Cedric Alexander, the Lucha House Party, Zack Ryder, Curt Hawkins, Heath Slater and Eric Young - but before they could close in on the champ, R-Truth would shout out to the herd: to look up! From the Perch above inside the WWE Performance Center, Rob Gronkowski dove ten-feet - wiping out all ten men! "Gronk" was quick to cover Moss - and now, Rob Gronkowski regained the WWE 24/7 Championship! The Host of WrestleMania celebrated emotionally, calling it as big as the SuperBowl to him! As his theme song started playing, the New England Patriot performed a victory dance - before evacuating the WWEPC. The nine WWE Superstars were despondant to find "Gronk" win the WrestleMania Dash!

☰☰☰​

An advertisement aired, going back to 2011. As World Heavyweight Champion, tragedy befell "the Rated R Superstar" as he was forced to not only relinquish the title, but retire from the ring indefinitely. Comments from his lifelong friend Christian and his wife Beth Phoenix aired, as life after the squared-circle was chronicled. Whether at home with his daughters Lyric and Ruby; or out filming on the set of 'Vikings', the WWE Hall of Famer dedicated himself entirely. Working hard and training hard, we thought we knew how the story ended. But the second act had just begun. Practicing in the ring with Dash Wilder saw Edge make the comeback of a lifetime at the Royal Rumble 2020. And now, the full story was available for the world to see. WWE 24: Edge - The Second Mountain was available now on the WWE Network.

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A CGI graphic appeared over the set of the WWE Performance Center. Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton prepared to get WrestleMania back on track after the interruption moments ago, as they discussed the months of animosity surrounding Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins.

A video package aired, recapping the emergence of "the Monday Night Messiah". After losing the WWE Universal Championship, Seth Rollins appeared to claim leadership and take responsibility of the Monday Night RAW brand. It drew the ire of one Kevin Owens, who questioned his righteousness. What followed was Seth establishing not only a new attitude that saw him as the protagonistic leader of his own religion; but a faction of Disciples in the likes of Murphy and Akam and Rezar - AOP. As the Church of Rollins brutalized foes and naysayers such as Samoa Joe, Rey Mysterio, the Viking Raiders and the Street Profits, "the Prize Fighter" would work to shut down "the Messiah's" operations. Rollins called into question Owens' passion for the business and claimed to be the reason for the WWE Performance Center's existence. Owens meanwhile had grown obsessed with finishing the Church before it got underway. Would the leader of the Church do his followers proud and claim "Monday Night Rollins" as his own - or would Kevin Owens do the locker room a favor and burn the Church down?Seth Rollins made a solemn walk out to the stage in the WWE Performance Center, looking around and admiring the place. In a leather jacket with his hair tied in a bun to a side, "the Monday Night Messiah" prayed with his palms clasped. With a single black glove on one hand, the leader of the Church wandered down to the ring and emerged in the ring. The screen and the rampway both showed a heavenly image of "the Messiah's" likeness, and Seth grinned peacefully and disturbingly...when Kevin Owens ruined his equilibrium. Marching out to the rampway in a WrestleMania IV-inspired sleeveless shirt and fight shorts, "the Prize Fighter" exchanged words with Seth about how he was going to kick him out of the house that made him who he was - the WWEPC! Seth welcomed it, and the two faced off with the referee able to keep them divided.

7) Kevin Owens vs Seth Rollins​

It had been months in the making, but now, finally Kevin Owens was going to get his hands on Seth Rollins in a one-on-one forum at "the Showcase of the Immortals". While Seth's group of Disciples in the Church of Rollins had gained a member earlier tonight in their victory against the Street Profits and the Viking Raiders, "the Monday Night Messiah" had claimed in a backstage meeting with Murphy, Austin Theory and AOP earlier tonight that he would not require their services in this match. In previous weeks, Kevin Owens had been responsible for not only thwarting Rollins the 2020 Royal Rumble match; but costing he and Murphy the RAW Tag Team Championships. In response, the Church attempted to remove KO from the RAW brand with a vicious gangland attack. Yet Kev would come back, and with a series of passionate monologues exchanged, both wished to take credit for the success of the WWE Performance Center - as well as the future of the WWE as a whole. With so many parallels throughout their career, both were former WWE Universal Champions; both had been NXT Champions. And now, this was all about deciding who the better man truly was.

The bell sounded as Seth Rollins took his sweet time removing his jacket. Kevin Owens grew irritated, prepared to engage much to the referee's refusal. "The Monday Night Messiah" was playing head games with Kev, who finally surprised him with right hands in the corner! Rollins tried to block them with forearms, but the Canadian would continue to throttle him into the corner! On the mat, Owens stomped a mudhole Stone Cold-style in Rollins when the referee would finally step in. Owens took a step back and a deep breath, soon emerging with more right hands. Seth responded and threw fists at "the Prize Fighter" following a spinkick to the solar plexus. Sending Owens into the ropes, he came back with a clothesline and a big back body drop, before attempting the Cannonball in the corner - but Seth was able to roll out of the way! Rollins responded by delivering the springboard knee to the back of Kevin's head for the first near fall of the match. Seth laughed at the sight of the tables turning against Owens, claiming to have known all along he was weak. He spoke of his own upbringing in the FCW Arena performing for nobody - and that made him stronger than KO.

Kevin Owens clubbed Seth Rollins in the gut as he listened to him preach. With more right hands, "the Monday Night Messiah" answered with a kick to the gut of his rival. A snap suplex took Owens down, when Seth began to punish the Canadian with a chinlock. Attempting to rearrange the jaw of KO with his hands, Kevin would headbutt free just for Seth to deliver a superkick that sent Owens through the ropes to the floor! Seth followed Kevin ringside, continuing to run his mouth. With a knee lift, Seth whipped Owens into the barricade twice consecutively before teasing a DDT on the floor. KO was able to escape Seth's attempt to make a sacrifice out of him using the ringside mats - ducking a clothesline and dropping him with a German suplex on the floor! On his rear, Seth squirmed to the barricade for back support - only to be met with a Cannonball against it. Owens told Seth there was a lot more than the WWE Performance Center in his history - much like Seth lost blood, sweat and tears in boxy arenas such as FCW, Kev spent over a decade on the independent scene before finally making it to "the Big Time".

"The Prize Fighter" now sent Seth Rollins spine-first into the barricade, before setting up for an attempted Piledriver! The animosity was serious, but "the Messiah" would battle out of it with a backdrop before slipping back to tranquility in the confound of the ring. Kevin Owens favored his spine, when Seth hit the ropes and took off with a dive through the ropes! Rollins now picked Owens up and dragged him to the apron, claiming that "Monday Night Rollins" had gone well beyond the need for "Fight Owens Fight". Setting up a suplex from the apron, Kevin tried to fight for his safety just for Seth to rake the eyes! The referee admonished him, when Seth executed the falcon arrow right on the edge of the ring apron! Rolling back inside, Seth cackled demanding the official begin the count. Even without the Church of Rollins in his corner, Seth looked to end the match on a count-out and the ref reluctantly initiated his count. Owens remained motionless at ringside, when finally he came crawling back inside at seven! Seth argued with the referee and put the boots to Owens, who tried to fight back. Seth looked for the Sling Blade - but Owens side-stepped, delivering a DDT!

KO came to as Seth Rollins grew to his knees. Missing an enzuigiri, Kevin Owens hit the ropes and delivered a senton across the spine for a two-count. Picking Seth up, Rollins would deliver a jawbreaker and attempted a jumping knee strike - just to receive a superkick for his troubles! Attempting the Stunner, "the Prize Fighter" saw an end in sight but Seth would swing the leg away! With a roll-up, Rollins met Owens on his knees with a swift kick to the jaw when Rollins attempted to deliver the Pedigree. Owens sent Seth off the ropes and managed to catch his antagonist with the Pop-Up Powerbomb! He made the cover, but Seth would somehow find the will to power out at the count of two! In amusement himself, the Canadian confessed Seth was proving his point - but the charade had gone on long enough. Owens picked Seth up and attempted another Powerbomb, when Rollins caught him with a low kick! Taking the leg from under him, Seth hit the ropes attempting the Stomp - but Owens would pursue after him, clotheslining him over the top rope. Owens followed in hot pursuit after him, when Seth responded - using the ring bell to lay out KO, in front of the official!

Winner, by disqualification: Kevin Owens (7:28)
​

Cracking up at his own actions, "the Monday Night Messiah" appeared not dismayed by the disqualification loss, but pleased. Tossing down the ring bell, Seth Rollins shoved back the referee and continued to put the boots to Kevin Owens. This was what Seth had wanted to do for months, and use Kevin as a sacrifice for the rest of the RAW locker room to take note of. But KO still had fight, and despite the surefire head trauma from the ring bell, Owens unloaded with haymakers! Seth kicked Owens blatantly low to escape, and began to make a stammer up the rampway. But, Owens would not allow it. Stating how long he had to wait for this night, at this show: this wasn't "Monday Night Rollins", and this was "the Kevin Owens Show" - this was WrestleMania! Favoring his groin, KO demanded Seth get his ass back in the ring and accept his challenge to restart the match. Only this time, Seth could get what he wanted. If Seth wished to sacrifice him - he could have his chance, with No-Disqualifications and no count-outs! With a look of joy on his face, Rollins uncharacteristically took to the challenge!

7) No-Disqualification Match
Kevin Owens vs Seth Rollins
The match was restarted.​

Kevin Owens rolled into the ring, still holding his groin in pain. Meanwhile Seth Rollins looked like a winner prematurely, taking note of KO on his back in the corner. "The Monday Night Messiah" was pleased to see KO want to take more of a beating, when it was revealed that the Canadian had been playing possum! Using the ringbell hammer concealed in his shorts, Owens shocked Rollins and followed up with a sleeper suplex! The first cover of the restarted match was made, only Seth would once again power out at the count of two. Kevin Owens smiled as he stalked Seth back to his feet. With a kick to the gut, Owens delivered an Argentine backbreaker to his rival before delivering a double-jump moonsault from the top rope! The cover was made again, but Seth would kick out again at two. The leader of the Church rolled out to the floor much like previously, but this time Kevin Owens was hot on his heels. With a baseball slide, the Canadian was ready for anything as he looked to take back the past four months, and take it out on Rollins. Seth used a reverse STO to witness send Owens throat-first against the barricade, before going digging beneath the ring.

"The Messiah" took out not one steel chair, but two. With a devastating shot across the spine and legs of Kevin Owens, he would toss them each into the ring before adding four more steel chairs to the mix. Sliding inside, Seth Rollins had cruel intentions as he set the six steel chairs up in rows of three. With the seats forming a platform down the center, Rollins was dragged out under the ropes by "the Prize Fighter", who would be kicked in the leg again by Rollins. Seth charged, but Owens would catch Rollins again with the Pop-Up Powerbomb - this time sending him spine-first across the edge of the ring! Owens was quick to roll him into the ring, but not before heading to the top rope and delivering a Bullfrog Splash on top of Rollins! The weight winded him and the count was made, but Seth was able to kick out at two. Owens was surprised at the will of the leader of the Church, yet continued to drill him with clenched fists to the face. Kevin however, took note of the steel chair structure Seth had been setting up. Picking him up, Kevin decided it was time to deliver yet another Powerbomb to "the Monday Night Messiah" - only this time, Rollins would land out on his feet.

Hitting the ropes, Seth Rollins was sent over the top rope to the apron by Kevin Owens - just to rebound with the springboard clothesline! Picking Owens up with a matter of urgency, "the Messiah" powered KO up and delivered the Buckle Bomb for the cover - but Owens would kick out at two now. Seth was re-energized and appeared to attempt another finishing maneuver he had previously left in the past! The Revolution Knee was in motion, but Owens would reverse out into a backbreaker. Rollins contorted across the knee his foe and slipped out to the ringside floor. Kevin again decided to follow the snivelling Seth Rollins, who hid beside the ring. Owens grabbed a hold of his hair and reached, but Seth would startle Kevin with a big crack of a kendo stick to the shoulder! Slipping back inside the ring, Rollins drove the kendo stick three times into the spine of Owens, asking him how much it was going to take. Seth claimed he had all night, swinging the kendo stick around in 360 degrees. Rollins stalked Kev and struck to the sturnum of KO before looking at the six steel chairs set up beside them.

Laying Kevin Owens on top of the seats down the center, Seth Rollins ensured he would not be moving with a series of punches to the temple. With "the Prize Fighter" laid out on top of the chairs, Rollins slowly ascended the top rope but hesitated when looking down. He complimented the view of the WWE Performance Center, taking credit for it as the place he had created. That's when Seth dove with the Frog Splash - but Owens was able to escape in the nick of time! Rollins crashed through the chairs, bending half of the steel seats in half on collision. In agony, Rollins rived in pain allowing Owens the time to recover. Securing the kendo stick "the Monday Night Messiah" had used moments prior, he began brutally cracking it relentlessly across the torso of Rollins! Until it was nearly broken in half, Seth's body suffered from eleven straight shots - when Owens applied the crossface, with the kendo stick clenched tightly across the face and cheek of the leader of the Church! Rollins was on the verge of tapping out, when he desperately slipped out under the ropes. Owens lost grip of Rollins as he escaped the ring, but followed right behind him.

In what had become a barnburner between two heated rivals, Kevin Owens held Seth Rollins against the announce table and lit him up with knife-edged chops. "The Monday Night Messiah" again strived to fight back, just for Owens to power him up and deliver a flapjack right on top of the table! A clothesline took Rollins down as Owens hurled the announce table cover aside. Gone went the monitors, as Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton scrambled to escape the scene. Seth surprised the distracted KO with the jumping knee strike, and took advantage by rolling his rival on top of the table. Now ascending the barricade, "the Messiah" was wary of losing his balance. Atop the narrow security wall, Rollins stalked Owens as he laid face-down on the table. He looked to end it with the Stomp - but Owens would roll off! Seth proceeded to overshoot the table with a diving crossbody to KO on the other side of the table, but his confidence caught up to him as Owens sent him crashing into the steel steps! Owens sent Seth rolling back on top of the announce table, driving him through it with the Stunner executed! Both men fell through the debris with the table breaking!

KO and Seth Rollins were taking each other to hell in what had become an out-of-control No-Disqualification collision between two rivals. "The Monday Night Messiah" was being taken to the limit by Kevin Owens, who struggled to lumber back up to his feet. Rolling Seth back inside the ring, Owens climbed up to the top rope and executed a picture-perfect senton bomb! Hooking the leg, Rollins miraculously kicked out at two! Whatever hatred that these men possessed for the other, there had to be respect earned from tonight's war on "the Grandest Spectacle in Sports Entertainment". Both men epitomized what the WWE was all about, as Kevin Owens picked Seth's lifeless body up and prepared to put him down. With the end in sight, "the Prize Fighter" clutched Rollins by the hair and told him this was his world now - one final Stunner putting down Seth Rollins! With a sigh of relief, Owens was moments from covering "the Messiah" to bring an end to this battle - when Samoa Joe came out of nowhere, striking Owens with a steel chair shot to the spine! The echo was heard throughout the WWE Performance Center, as he watched Owens crumple to the canvas in a slump.

Following a month gone AWOL, "the Samoan Submission Machine" had returned at WrestleMania - but having previously helped Kevin Owens in the fight against Seth Rollins and his band of Disciples, he had just abandoned "the Prize Fighter's" friendship! Samoa Joe stood in street clothes, picking Owens up by the jaw and calling him stupid to his face. Picking up a steel chair, Joe held the blunt edge of the weapon against the jaw of KO. Soon slamming him down, the chair guillotined across the throat of the man thought to be a close ally of his! Seth Rollins slowly came to, which was Samoa Joe's cue to leave. Why the Samoan did this was beyond anybody, as "the Monday Night Messiah" cackled at the sight of Owens coughing and gasping for air; choking with what had to be a crushed larynx! Rollins capitalized and took great pleasure - the Stomp to Owens on all-fours spelling the end to this match.

Winner: Seth Rollins (14:38; 22:06 total)​

If it hadn't been for the corrupt interference of Samoa Joe, who made his grand exit up the rampway without once turning back, Kevin Owens would have finally gotten sweet revenge on "the Monday Night Messiah!" Instead, Seth Rollins slowly leaned back on the bottom rope for balance. With a huge grin on his face, he'd have his hand raised victorious, as his Disciples soon came wandering out to ringside. Murphy, AOP and the newest addition, Austin Theory would join their leader on the outside, where Rollins had his hands raised high. The Church of Rollins left KO's body unconscious inside the ring, as Seth blessed each of his followers on the rampway. Despite all "the Prize Fighter" tried to do, WrestleMania had proven to be a great weekend for the Church of Rollins.

​

Returning to the Perch overlooking the WWE Performance Center, Titus O'Neil made his presence felt with a WrestleMania-sized "Urrah Urrah Urrah!". In an olive suit, he declared that following the WWE 24/7 Championship victory of Rob Gronkowski earlier tonight, that he would be taking over duties as the Host of WrestleMania. The WWE Ambassador spoke about the underhanded tactics of Seth Rollins that led to the No-Disqualification match; and the fearlessness of Kevin Owens until the shocking turn of events that led to Samoa Joe devastating him with the sickening use of the steel chair. Titus hoped to have an update on KO's welfare before the end of the night, or tomorrow night on RAW.

☰☰☰​

An advertisement aired, promoting all of the outreach and voluntary services that WWE Superstars do for the general public. From working extensively for the Be A STAR campaign, to making dreams come true with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, to meet-and-greets for the Troops and to helping the fight against breast cancer alongside Susan G. Komen for the Cure, putting smiles on peoples' faces was what the WWE was all about. WWE Community: Where Smiles Matter Most.

An advertisement aired, promoting a new limited documentary series. Featuring interview clips from Steve Austin, Mr. McMahon, Edge, Big Show and Michelle McCool all regarding the legacy of "the Phenom"; Undertaker: The Last Ride is coming soon to the WWE Network.

​

Michael Cole and John Bradshaw Layfield shifted gears to talk about the bizarre relationship that had brought two men to WrestleMania. As a CGI graphic set the tone for the Firefly Fun House match to come in just a few short moments, the announcers stressed how nobody had any idea whatsoever what to expect from this match. It was to be the first of its' kind, as John Cena and Bray Wyatt prepared to continue their rivalry in a meeting seven years following their first.

A video package aired, harping back to John Cena's grand return to Friday Night SmackDown six weeks ago. The man tied with "the Nature Boy" for sixteen World Championship reigns spoke of having done it all in his sports entertainment career, and appeared to be moments from announcing his official retirement - when The Fiend arrived to challenge him. In explaining why, Bray Wyatt revealed that it all rooted from their rivalry of years' past - how "Big Match John" had broken him at WrestleMania XXX. As Bray delved into escapism, and surrounded himself with friends in the Firefly Fun House, Cena lived his dream, becoming a coveted Hollywood movie star. With the challenge accepted, Wyatt had stopped at nothing to perturb Cena. Psychological mind trickery was designed to instill fear in "the GOAT", but Cena refused to give up. Even willing to accept the challenge to a Firefly Fun House match, Cena would not back down - and wouldn't, whether Ramblin' Rabbit was involved; Abby the Witch was involved; Mercy the Buzzard was involved; or The Fiend was involved. Would Cena manage to rise above the hate one more time against the deranged universe Bray had created?

8) Firefly Fun House Match
John Cena vs The Fiend​

The past year had seen the radical transformation of Bray Wyatt. The former "Eater of Worlds" was a long way away from his days leading the backwoods Wyatt Family at the compound, but the scars of memories remained engrained within him. It was on April 6, 2014 at WrestleMania XXX where Bray met his match with John Cena. Despite every attempt made by Bray to make Cena embrace the hate, "the GOAT" would refuse to give in - and ultimately overcome Wyatt. Flash-forward six years, and the new Bray Wyatt declared psychological warfare on Cena yet again. Blaming him for all of his shortcomings, he was more mentally deranged than ever before. With a split-personality who surrounded himself with puppets on a television show called "the Firefly Fun House", he honed a monstrous persona named The Fiend. Cena was prepared to declare his career all but done back in February, The Fiend would challenge Cena - and Cena would not back down. And coming off the bizarre challenge made by Bray Wyatt two weeks ago on SmackDown to make this match a Firefly Fun House match - whatever that was - Big Match John had better hope to know what he was in for.

"My Time is Now" played over the WWE Performance Center, bringing out the leader of CeNation to the bizarre sight of an empty arena before him. John Cena was dressed for action in a neon green shirt with jean shorts, talking about how ecstatic he was to be here at WrestleMania! Hollering about being here at "the Grandaddy of Them All" one more time, the sixteen-time World Champion looked around and revealed his doo-rag to the camera - but the only response to be heard was crickets from the WWEPC. Cena appeared lost, when much like on Friday Night SmackDown, Ramblin' Rabbit showed up at ringside. Jumping up and down in joy, he applauded the arrival of "the GOAT". Taken aback, Cena watched as Mercy the Buzzard appeared at another part of the ringside area. Acting as a member of the WWE Universe, Mercy told Cena he had no idea what he was getting in for. Suddenly Cena's trademark entrance song slowed down, as Rabbit hollered "Let's Go Cena, Cena Sucks" at him! Befounded, Cena watched as Huskus the Pig and Abby the Witch were spotted ringside as well; Huskus in support of Cena until Abby pointed out "his" time was now.

Suddenly, the opening graphic to 'the Firefly Fun House' aired, and inside the Firefly Fun House saw John Cena open the door of the set in confusion. Somehow he had teleported to the inner realm of Bray Wyatt's imagination - something the rest of the WWE Universe also saw each week. Cena looked around in astonishment at the vivid scenery - from the window to the armchair, to the television stand. Again, John looked to his left and was startled by the appearance of Ramblin' Rabbit. This time he told John enthusiastically that he'd heard he was looking for Bray! Excited to witness him take him on, he encouraged Cena to follow him through the front door he came in through - that's where Wyatt went! Cena stepped back toward the door, cautious of his surroundings, when the Rabbit urged him to be careful. Into the black void, John Cena looked around and called out for Bray Wyatt to show himself - when instead, a fiery demon appeared, in the form of Vince McMahon! The Boss had horns atop his head and looked exactly like the WWE Chairman, questioning if John Cena had enough "Ruthless Aggression" to remain in the WWE.

Echoing the very statement made in Vince McMahon's address of the RAW roster back in July 2002, finally Bray Wyatt revealed himself. Word for word, intercut with segments of Kurt Angle issuing an open challenge on SmackDown, he challenged anybody willing to step up and face him. Returning to the present, John Cena emerged to his first theme song - complete in a pair of tight blue and white spandex shorts! The present-day Cena was dressed like The Prototype, walking past the old "SmackDown Fist" set-piece and confronting Bray inside the ring. Cena declared that he had enough "Ruthless Aggression" to fight the Olympic Gold Medalist - before swinging blindly at Wyatt! Only Bray repeatedly ducked, no matter how fast his foe swung. Bray mocked the rookie, claiming that Cena couldn't see him - and referencing his ex-fiancee Nikki Bella's theme music, singing "You Can Look, But You Can't Touch!" Like a fever dream come to life, Bray laughed as Cena was dropped with a big right hand! Prone on his back, Bray knelt over Cena - the camera from his point of view. Claiming it to be "Big Match John's" greatest failure, he knew exactly what he needed: vitamins and prayers!

"Obsession" by Animotion began to play, as disco lights brought us back in time to the year 1985. The Saturday Night's Main Event opening video package ran, with shots of Huskus the Pig, John Cena and Bray Wyatt interspersed where WWE Legends such as Hulk Hogan and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper would be. In full "Muscle Man" gear, Wyatt was psyched up in being interviewed by the Vince McMahon puppet - Bray drawing homage from "the Hulkster" and introducing his new tag team partner. Onto the set walked Cena tirelessly lifting dumbbells, and the two stood behind the old school blue-barred steel cage wall. Cena was jacked up himself, as Bray psyched Cena up more and more when talking about the hurting they were going to lay on their opponents! Cena's reps intensified with vigor and speed, Bray joking that if his partner wasn't careful he was going to blow himself up. Cena could no longer stop working out at such a speed, with Huskus's mouth wide open in shock. An explosion engulfed the scene despite Wyatt's warning cries, bringing the screen to white for several moments.

An old entrance song "Basic Thuganomics" came over a blackened space, revealing the SmackDown Fist once again. In a New York Yankees jersey and a padlock pendant hanging from his neck, John Cena freestyled down to the ring to crickets and boos from the puppets of the Firefly Fun House! No matter what Cena rapped about, the puppets responded negatively with even Ramblin' Rabbit asking John what happened to him - he used to be cool! Cena was overwhelmed by the response, when Bray Wyatt popped up in the ring. A microphone in hand, he questioned if Cena had something serious to say for once. Cena continued to rap and speak in slogans, when Bray granted him the opportunity to speak sincerely from the heart. Instead, Cena maintained his facade as "the Doctor of Thuganomics" - and for his liking received a right hand to lay him out! This nightmare would only continue, as the setting of a swamp illustrated the Wyatt Compound. Clips of Luke Harper, Erick Rowan and Braun Strowman were shown, as Bray rocked in his rocking chair. In white pants, a Hawaiian shirt and a bowler hat, "the Eater of Worlds" was reborn.

John Cena stood across the barn from Bray Wyatt, who continued to rock with his back to him. Approaching him in frustration, Cena was afforded the opportunity to jump "the Eater of Worlds" from behind. But in swinging for the fences, Wyatt and the chair would disappear. Baffled, Cena turned around and was met by Bray, who asked him if he really remembered how "it" transpired. Footage aired of WrestleMania XXX: where 75,167 people in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans chanted "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands" and waved their cell phone torchlights in the air, in support of Bray Wyatt. "Big Match John" time and time again refused to give in to the tactics of Bray, and footage of modern-day Cena and Wyatt was interspersed. Bray reminded John that this was his home now, and Cena had been away from WWE buying milk for far too long. For old time's sake, Bray offered John a steel chair, and he would reluctantly take it. Dropping to his knees, his rival wished John to find freedom in his actions - extending his arms wide open, welcoming the chair shot. Cena tried to refuse, but in throwing down the chair, it remained glued to his hands.

Finally, after much deliberation, John Cena swung the steel chair at the head of Bray Wyatt - just for Cena to miss, as "the Eater of Worlds" vanished yet again. The greed of John Cena was being illustrated by the corruptive imagination of his rival, when suddenly the opening video package for WCW Monday Nitro aired! From 1998, clips of Eric Bischoff aired and alternated with those of Bray. Both adorning the nWo logo in leather jackets, the nWo President and Bray provided a massive introduction to "the Greatest of All-Time" - Super John Cena! Strutting out in the Black and White, much like Hollywood Hogan, Cena strummed guitar on the World Heavyweight Championship belt. Graffitied with the nWo logo on top of it, he paraded to the ring to join Bray inside. The Vince McMahon puppet commented saying this moment was "such good sh*t", as Cena was swarmed in loud cheers for this supposed overdue "heel turn". Coming to his senses, Cena realized this was all but another illusion fabricated by Wyatt's sick and twisted mind. Wildly, Cena tackled Bray to the canvas and began to ground and pound away at him.

He had finally had enough, John Cena snapping as chants of "Cena sucks" echoed throughout the imaginary audience. Bray Wyatt's laughter was heard, as Cena refused to stop pounding away at him in blind rage and fury - when Wyatt again disappeared, and Cena realized that he was no longer pulvurizing Bray - but Huskus the Pig instead! The laughter and the voices would only grow louder, as Cena held his palms to his ears tightly in pain. From behind him, finally emerged The Fiend. While the sirens associated with this freak of nature joined in with the unsettling harmony of Bray Wyatt's laughter, and the slowed down version of "My Time Is Now", audio played of Cena from weeks ago accusing his rival of being overrated and overhyped. Cena was mortified and overstimulated - and it left him open for the Claw to be applied! The Fiend continued to reach his gloved hand down the gullet of "the GOAT", until Cena dropped to the canvas. Unconscious, The Fiend was not yet finished, crab-walking toward Cena and draping his lifeless body up. Sister Abigail dropped Cena down to the canvas hard, and The Fiend would cover Cena - with a referee Bray Wyatt counting the three.

Winner: The Fiend (13:38)​

The Firefly Fun House puppets applauded The Fiend, as he stood tall over John Cena's unconscious body. Unbelievably, "the Champ" had been beaten by Bray Wyatt and his headgames, in perhaps the most bizarre match in WrestleMania history. Fiend posed over Cena as Bray laughed and raised his hand - but The Fiend decided that he wasn't finished yet. Pointing his fingers toward "the GOAT", Cena's body vanished into thin air, and now, it was only The Fiend who remained. The WWE Universe had witnessed this sickening fantasy of Bray Wyatt's come to life, with the inaugural Firefly Fun House match - if one could even call it that.

☰☰☰​

Returning to the Perch overlooking the WWE Performance Center, the substitute Host of WrestleMania Titus O'Neil stood with his hands on his head. Terrorized with his jaw dropped, Titus claimed he had no idea what he had just seen.

​

An advertisement aired, promoting the glitz and glamor of Los Angeles, California. Featuring WWE Superstars such as Roman Reigns, Drew McIntyre and The Fiend, landmarked signs such as Hollywood Boulevard and Beverley Hills were seen before cutting to reveal: the logo for "the Grandest Stage of Them All". WrestleMania: Hollywood would be taking place in LA - live on Sunday, March 28, 2021.

At the announce table ringside in the WWE Performance Center, Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton continued to try and make sense over what had just transpired in the first-ever Firefly Fun House match. They questioned what had become of John Cena in defeat at the hands of Bray Wyatt and The Fiend - and pondered whether the WWE Universe had just seen the last of John Cena. Shifting gears, the RAW announce team discussed how WrestleMania would be taking place from Hollywood, California in 2021; but first, the main event. The CGI graphic showed the upcoming match for the WWE Championship. They'd met in the 2020 Men's Royal Rumble match - the same match where Drew McIntyre shockingly eliminated "the Beast Incarnate". His opponent Brock Lesnar left him bloodied six nights ago on Monday Night RAW - but now was the ultimate test. It was to be a true battle of the titans - with the WWE Championship on the line!

A video package aired, setting the stage for the main event of WrestleMania. Paul Heyman's voice narrated the argument for there never being a dominant WWE Champion anything like Brock Lesnar. He had defeated some of the all-time greats, from The Rock to Triple H, from the Undertaker to Goldberg, from Hulk Hogan to John Cena, to Roman Reigns- "the Beast Incarnate" was unstoppable. In the 2020 Men's Royal Rumble match, Brock willingly entered at #1 and would ensue on a rampant path of annihilation. One by one, men fell at the WWE Champion's hand as his Advocate watched on from ringside...until Drew McIntyre showed his face. "The Scottish Warrior" would do what nobody expected, eliminating Lesnar and stunning the 42,715 people in Minute Maid Park. After eliminating Roman Reigns, Drew punched himself a one-way ticket to "the Grandest Stage of Them All" - and defiantly challenged Brock Lesnar. He showed no fear, one month ago daring to not only lay Brock Lesnar out with the Claymore Kick; but to surprise the

WWE Champion with two more Claymore Kicks, merely moments apart. While Paul Heyman continued to contend that "the Scottish Terminator" was a fluke and a flash in the pan, McIntyre believed "the Beast Incarnate" feared him. Wanting to accomplish what he set out to do when he made his WWE debut fifteen years ago, McIntyre dedicated WrestleMania to the WWE Universe and his fans who believed in him. By becoming the first Scottish-born WWE Champion, McIntyre wanted to help his biggest supporters believe that dreams could come true - but Brock Lesnar was still the guy to beat to obtain that prize. A gigantic obstacle in his path, Lesnar sent a message of his own by decimating his challenger six nights ago on Monday Night RAW. With an F-5 rendering McIntyre out cold atop the steel steps, Lesnar raised his title high. But still, Drew remained unmoved and unchanged. The stage was set - there could only be one victor tonight at WrestleMania.

Bagpipes rang out signalling the arrival of the challenger. The 2020 Men's Royal Rumble winner emerged to the stage, Drew McIntyre adorned in a traditional Scottish kilt as he looked around and flexed to the watching WWE Universe at home around the world. As they watched via the WWE Network, "the Scottish Terminator" walked down to the ring and stood in the ring, signalling that it was time to usher in a new era - and welcome the first Scottish-born WWE Championship. Moments of waiting saw the black trunks-wearing McIntyre prepare for his opponent. Finally, the WWE Champion Brock Lesnar came stomping out to the stage. Pacing on the spot, "the Beast Incarnate" bounced with his Advocate Paul Heyman. beside him as always. Throwing his arms down, Lesnar stomped down to the ring with a confident expression on his face. The two went nose to nose, with the referee having his work cut out for him ahead of this clash of the titans. It would be a hoss fight to remember as ring announcer Mike Rome provided in-ring championship introductions. Yet, suddenly, Heyman snatched the microphone from him, providing a personal introduction for the reigning, defending, Undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World!

9) WWE Championship
Brock Lesnar (with Paul Heyman) vs Drew McIntyre​

For the young kid growing up in Ayr, Scotland, tonight would either become a dream come true or a nightmare come to life. Drew McIntyre had been prophesized as being a future World Champion by Vince McMahon in an endorsement in September 2009, only little did anybody know exactly how harrowing the trials and tribulations would be. After being released from his contract in 2014, "the Scottish Warrior" travelled the world and redeemed himself. Finding new passion for the art of the business, Drew would forge his own destiny by returning to the WWE and knocking down the door without a second thought. He was the dark horse winner of the 2020 Men's Royal Rumble match for a reason, and with everything he had shown between then and tonight at "the Greatest Spectacle in Sports Entertainment", McIntyre was poised to do what had forever eluded him. Becoming the first-ever Scottish-born WWE Champion was one thing, but to slay "the Beast Incarnate" was another. After defeating Kofi Kingston in a jaw-dropping eight seconds back on October 4 at the 20th Anniversary of SmackDown, the 5-time WWE Champion had done nothing to show his star was fading.

Ever dominant, as demonstrated by his run in the Royal Rumble match in January, Brock Lesnar was not one to back down. While Paul Heyman had tried to ensure that there was no physicality between the two between the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania, Drew McIntyre encouraged a fight, wanting to prove that he was not just a flash in the pan. "The Scottish Terminator" provoked and encouraged "the Beast Incarnate", surprising him with three Claymore Kicks he would never forget one month ago. But while Brock Lesnar would have the last laugh six nights ago, a fire was clearly raging within the challenger. But what if the Advocate was right all along - and McIntyre was merely a fluke no different than those that had squeaked by the WWE Champion in the past? Was Drew McIntyre about to do the entire WWE Universe justice and defeat the seemingly unconquerable Brock Lesnar, or was "the Beast Incarnate" about to add Drew's name to his list of victims - one that included some of the all-time greats in WWE history. Men like The Rock, Hulk Hogan, John Cena, Roman Reigns, Triple H, Ric Flair and countless others had fallen - and now the time had arrived to find out if McIntyre was any different!

Speaking on behalf of his client, Paul Heyman performed his own extensive and braggadocious introduction of "the Beast Incarnate". Calling him the reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World, the Advocate again boldly declared that tonight he would walk out still champion - not a prediction, but a spoiler - Heyman delivered his iconic delivery of Brock Lesnar's name. McIntyre smiled and joked at Paul's expense from across the ring, prompting him to claim nothing was funny about the beating that "the Scottish Warrior" was about to experience. The referee raised the title in the air, as Drew continued to crack jokes at the expense of the expressionless animal he was moments away from going up against.

The confidence of the challenger was notable, as the bell would sound and Drew McIntyre would swiftly go off to the races! Charging Brock Lesnar with a series of stiff punches to the face, Lesnar would manage to duck out of one and power "the Scottish Warrior" on top of his shoulders. Just like that, the F-5 would connect! Much like Kofi Kingston at the 20th Anniversary of SmackDown last October, Brock Lesnar covered Drew McIntyre not ten seconds into this WrestleMania main event - when Drew powered out at the count of two! "The Beast" was not disappointed however, but amused. Still, the F-5 had to have knocked the wind straight out of the 2020 Men's Royal Rumble winner's sails, and Brock would further effect the wellfare of the challenger with a succession of blunt knee strikes to his skull on all fours. Whenever Drew tried to fight out, Lesnar would rock him further - another cover only resulting in a one-count this time. Taking McIntyre to the corner, Brock struck with a series of shoulder thrusts before a belly-to-belly overhead suplex would send the 265-pound Scotsman across the ring!

Paul Heyman had to be loving every moment of this from the corner, encouraging Brock Lesnar to take Drew McIntyre to Suplex City before putting him away. Bringing him to his feet, Lesnar delivered a German suplex throw that sent the 2020 Men's Royal Rumble winner across the canvas before following up immediately after with a second one! The cover was attempted, but the heart of "the Scottish Warrior" compelled Drew McIntyre kick out again. Lesnar began to bide his time, stalking Drew to come back to his feet. With a clothesline, Brock rushed the challenger again from his feet before bouncing on the spot. It was the Royal Rumble match all over again, as Brock sized Drew up and clotheslined him over the top rope to the floor! McIntyre crashed hard on the ringside mat, and after some deliberation with Paul Heyman, "the Beast Incarnate" decided to take his time, following McIntyre to ringside. But that was his biggest mistake - as Drew would rebound with the Claymore Kick directly to the jaw! Out of nowhere, Lesnar ate the boot of the Scotsman, and Drew gingerly scrambled to return the WWE Champion to the ring.

"The Scottish Terminator" lined Brock Lesnar up to receive a second consecutive Claymore Kick, but this time the champion would charge the challenger with a shoulder tackle. Again into the corner, Lesnar sandwiched Drew McIntyre against the turnbuckles with a combination of knee lifts. "The Beast Incarnate" hoisted McIntyre up for a fallaway slam, but the 2020 Men's Royal Rumble winner somehow managed to land on his feet! The WWE Champion was none the wiser, and an abrupt Future Shock DDT saw Drew bring out a favorite of old! Covering Brock desperately, the champion was barely able to power out at the count of two. In devastation, the shoe was now on the foot of the challenger. Stalking "the Beast" from the corner, Drew McIntyre again looked for the Claymore Kick. Having failed in the opening moments of this main event confrontation, McIntyre rushed in - only for Brock to catch him in mid-air, and transition into the F-5! The second one of the match, the WWE Champion hooked the legs but for a second time in this match, Drew was able to power out at the count of two! "The Beast" could not fathom how McIntyre was able to keep fighting, but had an idea to end this.

Unstrapping the velcro on his fight gloves, Brock Lesnar shed them from his fists. Paul Heyman's eyes lit up in grave concern, as "the Beast Incarnate" had last done an act like this once before. With his hands exposed, the WWE Champion knelt over Drew McIntyre in a mounting position. In what looked to be a call-back to how Lesnar pummelled Randy Orton into a forcible stoppage back at SummerSlam 2016, Lesnar prepared to punch Drew out with his bare knuckles - when Drew turned the tables on him! Rolling Brock over to his back, the challenger laid into Brock with relentless fists flying! Though it would not last long, as the Kimura Lock went applied successfully. The double wrist-lock saw the WWE Champion have Drew's arm on the verge of snapping in half - but McIntyre was able to reach his good hand to the bottom rope! The dream was not yet dead, as McIntyre favored his arm for dear life. In agony, "the Scottish Warrior" groaned and rolled the canvas. Lesnar once again oppressed Drew, powering him from a go-behind waistlock and delivering a succession of German suplexes - each release sending the challenger halfway across the ring.

The WWE Champion once again stalked his prey. Wishing to add Drew McIntyre's name to his long, iconic list of victims, Brock Lesnar attempted his third F-5 of the match just to have "the Scottish Terminator" slip free to his feet. Stumbling into the corner, Drew McIntyre darted and capitalized with the Claymore Kick connecting! Paul Heyman nervously bit his fingernails, yet the challenger was not yet finished. Stalking Brock Lesnar for a second, another Claymore Kick connected! But as Brock recovered from two straight shots to the jaw, "the Scottish Warrior" bided his time - and this time initiated a countdown to his third. The Claymore Kick would wipe Brock Lesnar down and out, and Paul was left on the verge of climbing into the ring himself! McIntyre hooked the legs - to finally capture the WWE Championship!

Winner, and new WWE Champion: Drew McIntyre (5:57)
​

For the first time in his nineteen-year journey to the top of the sports entertainment kingdom, Drew McIntyre had finally accomplished the unthinkable: becoming the first Scottish-born WWE Champion in history! Packed with emotion, "the Scottish Warrior" held back tears as the referee issued him his prize. Raising it high in the air full of life, the new champion paid no attention to his fallen comrade Brock Lesnar, who laid in defeat on the canvas with Paul Heyman checking on him. "The Beast Incarnate" had proven vulnerable as 'Claymore Country' overcame 'Suplex City' tonight in the main event of "the Showcase of the Immortals". He did it for the entire WWE Universe to ensure they believed that dreams could come true, and now, as he emerged with one foot on the second rope, and his other mounting the top rope; Drew McIntyre was officially the man to beat in the WWE! The gigantic red WrestleMania set design stood in the background, as "the Scottish Terminator" was here to surely usher in a new era. This year, WrestleMania was "Just Too Big For Just One Night!"

☰☰☰​

 

[DTP]

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Roman Reigns walks out of WrestleMania

5 Apr 2020​

WrestleMania's first night saw a whopping decision declared, as Roman Reigns defeated Goldberg to capture the WWE Universal Championship title.

But Roman is no longer prepared to fight because of concerns over the coronavirus.

Roman has had leukemia - a type of cancer - on two occasions previously, and says he doesn't want to risk his health by taking part.

People with underlying health conditions are more vulnerable to the virus and the 34-year-old told WWE, as a result of his weakened immune system, he didn't want to risk his health.

There was much anticipation around the title match between Reigns and Goldberg as the pair have had lots in common. Both were top college football players in the same state, with Reigns playing at Georgia Tech and Goldberg at the University of Georgia, then professionally for the NFL for the Atlanta Falcons.

As sources remain scarce, early accounts have it that Roman arrived early to WrestleMania's second night Sunday for what has been described as an "intense" meeting behind closed doors with Chairman Vince McMahon. Reigns proceeded to leave the title belt with McMahon, and departed the WWE's Performance Centre training gym in Orlando, FL.

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Why Drew McIntyre stored WWE title away until WrestleMania victory aired​

6 Apr 2020​

Drew McIntyre made his WWE debut in 2007 at the age of 21. He was eventually dubbed the "chosen one" by Vince McMahon. But during his first run with the company, he was never fully able to tap into his deep well of potential. McIntyre won the Intercontinental championship and had a tag team title reign along the way, but after sliding into an entertaining lower-card act in 3MB, he was fired in 2014.

McIntyre headed back to the independent wrestling scene and thrived, rebuilding his career along the way. In 2017, he returned to the WWE fold. After a run in NXT and a two-year stretch on the Raw roster, McIntyre finally reached the apex after beating Brock Lesnar on Sunday night at WrestleMania 36.

McIntyre is now the WWE champion.

It didn't happen under typical WrestleMania circumstances as scheduled at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, but as McIntyre soaked in the moment in a WWE Performance Center devoid of fans, it was a different type of experience -- but no less sweet.

"Hopefully, the images spoke for themselves," McIntyre told ESPN on Monday. "The way I reacted is exactly the same as I would've reacted if there were 80,000 people in the building screaming. That's 19 years of ups and downs -- sacrifices for myself, my family, my wife -- all being made worth it when I beat Brock Lesnar and raised the WWE title.

"I had a very personal moment with myself -- the environment presented that opportunity where instead of the crowd going crazy, and playing off the crowd, I sat and I looked at the title and I was just in my own little moment. And then I remembered, 'Oh yeah, there's millions of people watching right now.'"

After wrapping up production, McIntyre took the WWE title and brought it home. He locked it up in a room until the match aired on the WWE Network and pay-per-view.

"Things are not official until they happen," McIntyre said. "So just like everybody else, I sat on the couch and watched both days of WrestleMania. I enjoyed the show. It took my mind off of things.

"Watching myself was very crazy, being on the couch -- watching it just like everyone else, wondering what was going to happen. I kind of pushed out of my head what had happened."

"I was reacting to it like I was in the match. My wife had to move away from me, because I was darting from side to side with every F-5, with every Claymore," said McIntyre. Then came his chance to celebrate.

"Finally, when I had won the title, I saw the emotion and remembered how real it was to me. In that moment, it was real again as I was watching it. I went upstairs, I opened the door and I took the title out, now that it was official. I had another moment with my wife in the house, and with my family on Zoom. I had my whole family on there."

McIntyre begins his reign as WWE champion in a time of great uncertainty, both for the company and the world at large. This week's Monday Night Raw is already in the can, but with the ever-shifting restrictions on large gatherings, it's unclear how many challenges lie ahead in terms of producing weekly television shows.

For his part, McIntyre takes the responsibility of being the champion very seriously.

"The champion has to lead by example. ... I'm not ready to be one of the top guys, I'm ready to be the top guy. I've been through so much, and there's nothing that you can hit me with that I'm not ready for. The world didn't expect what has happened right now, but I feel exactly the same [about myself]. I'm the guy to push forward, and carry the company forward.

"As long as we can bring content to everybody -- we've got our closed sets, we're following the CDC guidelines -- as long as we can keep pushing forward safely, bringing everyone original content to take their mind off things, I want to be the guy leading the charge. And when everything gets back to normal, and we get fans into the building, they're going to be rabid. They're going to be crazy. That's going to be a very big moment for me -- to walk out there with the title, in front of the fans, raise it up and say, 'I had my moment at WrestleMania, but this is our freaking wrestling moment.'"

"I already etched my name in history as the first-ever British [WWE] champion, but I want to be one of the greatest champions of all time," McIntyre said. "People to remember that when the chips were down in the world, Drew really stepped up for himself, WWE and the fans."

- ESPN's Tim Fiorvanti​

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APRIL 6, 2020 OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: FLORIDA LOCKDOWN, WRESTLEMANIA PREVIEW

- The most unique WrestleMania in history airs over two nights in front of no fans at the WWE Performance Center, a show that was actually taped on 3/25 and 3/26. They are giving up $15 million to $17 million when it comes to ticket sales and merchandise sales. Because of the time frame, the increase in network subscriptions, the biggest value of the show, won’t be there at anywhere near the level of past years. The atmosphere of crowning new champions won’t be there. While the talent will try their hardest, it will be very difficult to have a good show the first night, and even harder the second night. Given that, one would expect a feelgood show with lots of babyfaces going over and title changes. Even if you can’t deliver on atmosphere, you can on endings and stories.

- After winning the WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania Saturday the previous night, Roman Reigns walked into the Performance Center on Sunday afternoon for an emergency meeting with Vince McMahon, where he promptly left the belt and left the set before the show began. While that is customary under current conditions permitted by corona-virus guidelines, with talent being ordered to leave the facility after their match has been taped, it is said that tensions rose as the meeting continued between Roman and McMahon. Sources close to McMahon state the meeting was not planned, but came as a result of something that Reigns didn't necessarily agree with the night before.

With WrestleMania in the can, it is not known if Roman Reigns will appear on any shows in the coming weeks. It is not even known how many weeks of TV have been taped in advance, or what order any of it has been filmed in. What we do know is as WWE Universal Champion, SmackDown's brand is without a top guy on the roster.

- Pete Dunne is in the U.K., and with flights banned from coming in, that means no NXT TV for him.

TV Ratings:
RAW - 2.12 million viewers
NXT - 0.65 million viewers
SmackDown - 2.36 million viewers

- Wrestling Observer Newsletter's Dave Meltzer​

 

[DTP]

Monday Night RAW #1402: The Night After 'Mania - April 6, 2020
WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida
Presented by

ONE NIGHT REMOVED FROM WRESTLEMANIA

​

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WWE Main Event #393 - April 9, 2020
- Liv Morgan def. Deonna Purrazzo with ObLIVion. (4:22)
- Angel Garza def. No Way Jose with the Wingclipper. (5:39)

︾︾︾​

A video package aired, recapping WrestleMania weekend. For the only time in its history, "the Grandaddy of Them All" was "Too Big for Just One Night" and took place on both Saturday and Sunday. History was made in the WWE Performance Center, whether it was Rob Gronkowski becoming a two-time WWE 24/7 Champion; Edge putting Randy Orton in his place once and for all in a punishing No Holds Barred match; The Undertaker burying AJ Styles alive; Charlotte Flair dethroning Rhea Ripley as NXT Women's Champion; Becky Lynch coming away from her match with Shayna Baszler as still the RAW Women's Champion; or a new WWE Champion being named when Drew McIntyre defeated Brock Lesnar. And now, one night removed from "the Greatest Spectacle in Sports Entertainment", what would happen on RAW: the Night After 'Mania?

The opening video package aired, bringing us to the site of WrestleMania this past week: it was time for Monday Night RAW: The Night After 'Mania! The lasershow was in full effect over the WWE Performance Center, as Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton stood to attention behind the announce desk. One night removed from "the Greatest Spectacle in Sports Entertainment", anything was possible in the fallout from WrestleMania.

An Advocate For Hire
Less than twenty-four hours after finally defeating "the Beast Incarnate", out to the stage walked the newly-crowned WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre. After beating Brock Lesnar at Wrestlemania, he climbed into the ring and took to the microphone to make his first speech. While he would have loved to have enjoyed this time and moment with the people of the WWE Universe, he hoped everybody was keeping well, and longed for the moment he got to enjoy this victory with the best fans in the world - those of the WWE. Still emotional following last night, he talked about the rollercoaster of emotions he had experienced. From the serious reality check that followed winning the 2020 Men's Royal Rumble match and nearly having it taken away last week by an F-5 on the steel steps; to having the fight of his life, and finally succeeding in what he set out to do by conquering "the Conqueror" last night at "the Grandaddy of Them All!"

Making it clear that now, he was "the Conqueror" to beat, Drew McIntyre made it clear that he wanted to be nothing like the champion that Brock Lesnar was. Unlike "the Beast Incarnate", who disappeared for weeks on end and showed up for an easy pay-day, Drew planned on being the guy to shake things up. Unlike Brock Lesnar, who stood behind his grovelling little Advocate Paul Heyman, "the Scottish Warrior" planned on rattling some cages and knocking on some doors! With the WWE World Championship wrapped around his waist, Drew vowed to wear the gold with pride, honor and the WWE Universe in mind - and be the fighting champion for the people he wished could be here to see it! In his coronating words, McIntyre questioned which WWE Superstar wanted to be the first to walk into 'Claymore Country'. He was willing to put the gold on the line here tonight and said he wasn't going home tonight until he had his first challenger come face him!

As "the Scottish Terminator" stood and bided his time, the last voice anybody expected to hear was a "Congratulations" from Paul Heyman. Wandering down the rampway, the Advocate for "the Beast Incarnate" walked alone, climbing into the ring and wanting to be one of the first to applaud Drew McIntyre on what many had failed to do in the past: and beat Brock Lesnar. Reeling off the list of "the Conqueror's" victims in the past, he was impressed Drew had it in him - but the question remained whether he had what it took to be an as good, if not better WWE Champion than the likes of John Cena, The Rock, Triple H, The Undertaker, Randy Orton or Roman Reigns. Heyman rationalized that Drew clearly had the potential - and implied that if he ever needed an Advocate, Paul Heyman would be right there! Heyman held out a business card to "the Scottish Terminator", to which Drew mused it. Taking it from Paul, McIntyre said he might have to take him up on that!

The Advocate continued to sell himself, potentially seeking to gain a brand new client in the curious absence of Brock Lesnar. Drew examined the business card as he talked about how Paul Heyman had brought some of the all-time greats and made them realize their truest potential - whether it was Steve Austin, The Undertaker...or even "the Beast Incarnate" himself. Heyman smiled, assuring Drew to give him a call when he wanted to talk business. Paul was about to leave, when the WWE World Champion held Paul's attention from the corner of his eye. Ushering him back in, Drew wanted to talk over one thing about this agreement. Merrily, the Advocate prepared to come to terms - only to be interrupted by a sudden Claymore Kick to the jaw! Drew explained that was karma for the major beating he'd endured at the hands of his "Conqueror" last week, and told Paul to send a message to Brock Lesnar that he'd welcome him anytime for a rematch. Heyman would be left laying, much like Lesnar was last night!

︾︾︾​

Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton talked about WrestleMania this past weekend as a video graphic showed that tonight's edition of Monday Night RAW was emanating from the WWE Performance Center - the WWE's "Athletic Hub" for future Superstars. They talked about what was in store tonight, but coming up next, AOP were seen being led down a hallway by Murphy. Representing the Church of Rollins, Akam and Rezar prepared to go to battle one more time with the Viking Raiders - Erik and Ivar looking ready to throw down!

• Who will challenge Drew McIntyre in his first defense of the WWE World Championship?
• Rey Mysterio vs Shelton Benjamin
• Aleister Black will be in action.
• The returning Samoa Joe will explain his actions from last night's WrestleMania.
• We will hear from the new NXT Women's Champion Charlotte Flair.

​

Stills from WrestleMania: Part 1 aired, showing Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross capturing the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships from the Kabuki Warriors. The SmackDown duo had proven they were the true BFFs of the WWE against Asuka and Kairi Sane. On commentary, Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton revealed that following their loss on Saturday, "the Empress of Tomorrow" and "the Pirate Princess" had invoked their rematch clause and would be challenging Bliss and Cross this Friday night on SmackDown on FOX!

︾︾︾​

1) AOP (with Murphy) def. The Viking Raiders (5:08)
- Following the eight-man tag team match at WrestleMania, which saw Austin Theory revealed as the Church of Rollins' mystery assailant, Erik and Ivar of the Viking Raiders were out for revenge against Akam and Rezar. Akam and Rezar engaged in a brawl with "the Modern Day Vikings" which saw Ivar deliver a cannonball dive off the apron onto AOP in the opening moments. The Viking Raiders' luck would run out with Murphy's presence at ringside, allowing Akam to hit a death valley driver on Erik. A knee strike saw him make the tag to Ivar, who struck with a wheel kick on Rezar. The Viking Experience was attempted, when Murphy got on the apron. The Street Profits arrived to chase him away, but their involvement would lead to an argument with the Vikings! The RAW Tag Team Champions would become an unsuspecting distraction for AOP to hit a freakish double powerbomb on Ivar for the win.

Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins slipped into the ring to get some payback on AOP for the eight-man tag team loss at WrestleMania, but Murphy would instruct Akam and Rezar to exit the ring rather than stay and fight. The RAW Tag Team Champions were hyped and ready, but they would be confronted by the disgruntled "Modern Day Vikings" from behind. The Viking Raiders sternly exchanged words with the Street Profits, who tried to apologize to Erik and Ivar for the miscommunication. Annoyed at their meddling, the Vikings seemed to blame them and left Ford and Dawkins behind.

︾︾︾​

A video package recapped the heated RAW Women's Championship meeting between the champion Becky Lynch and her challenger Shayna Baszler. "The Cage Fighter" ruthlessly stayed on "The Man" without once letting up - except for in one instance. Becky would capitalize by miraculously reversing the Kirifuda Clutch into a roll-up to retain the title.

Charly Caruso stood by with Shayna Baszler. The broadcast journalist got things off on the wrong foot, making note of Becky Lynch's title retention meaning she would surpass one year as RAW Women's Champion. "The Cage Fighter" questioned if Charly found it funny how she lost last night. Asserting that it was a fluke, the MMA Fighter maintained how she dominated the match and should have walked out with the gold. After squirming past her, Shayna considered "The Man" a worm and demanded a rematch, but Charly unintentionally ticked her off, noting she made one mistake too many that cost her! Baszler prepared to engage, when Natalya and Liv Morgan arrived to standing up for her. Nattie questioned if Shayna had a problem, because she stood to have two more if she tried threatening Charly for another second. Baszler scoffed, when the Canadian proposed they settle their problem in the ring tonight. Chuckling, Baszler told Natalya it would be her funeral - but she was welcome to bring her pipsqueak pal along to watch.

​

Monday Night RAW tonight was sponsored by CarMax: the way it should be.

Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton discussed WrestleMania this past weekend, where among the many things that went down was a brutal No Holds Barred match contested between Edge and Randy Orton. Revenge was a dish served cold as far as "the Rated R Superstar" was concerned, finishing Orton off for the victory in dominant fashion. As a result of Saturday's physicality, WWE officials had received word from doctors that he would miss significant time due to suffering a concussion and a broken hand. Meanwhile, nobody had heard a peep from the WWE Hall of Famer since Saturday!

A video package aired, recapping the No Holds Barred match between Edge and Randy Orton. It was months in the making for "the Rated R Superstar". Despite the best efforts of the intellectually diabolical "Apex Predator", karma would ultimately render him defenseless. The Punt kick saw the WWE Hall of Famer take Orton down, when a One-Man Conchairto would seal the deal and cave in his skull! After three months of fantasizing about swift revenge, Edge had accomplished it in his first WrestleMania in nine years.

︾︾︾​

2) Bobby Lashley (with Lana) def. Curt Hawkins (with Zack Ryder) (1:26)
- Coming fresh off a disappointing loss against Aleister Black at WrestleMania, Bobby Lashley looked to regain some momentum against one-half of the former RAW Tag Team Champions, Curt Hawkins. Hawkins hoped to get the jump on Lashley upon arrival to the ring, but the heavyweight would send him flying halfway across the ring. A powerslam had Hawkins beat, but Lashley opted to keep the punishment going. As his unimpressed wife Lana stood ringside, appearing bored and playing on her cell phone, she barely looked up as Lashley struck with the Spear to rack up the three count.

Bobby Lashley confidently had his hand raised, but a stern look remained on his face. While Lana continued to text and browse her cell phone at ringside, Lashley came to his feet when Zack Ryder daringly dove onto his back! Lashley backed up into the corner before delivering an overhead throw to escape the grip. With Ryder recovering, Lashley would make it two-for-two with a second Spear - this time taking out Curt Hawkins' tag team partner! Lashley left, with Lana still not paying attention to her husband's actions.

︾︾︾​

Stills of the eight-man tag team match from last night's WrestleMania: Part 2 aired. It showed the reveal of Austin Theory as the Church of Rollins' most recent recruit. Teaming with Murphy and Akam and Rezar of AOP, Theory would pass the initiation with an impressive victory against the combined forces of the Street Profits and the Viking Raiders.

The Viking Raiders sulked in the backstage area, when up walked the RAW Tag Team Champions the Street Profits. Dissatisfied after how they lost to AOP moments ago, Erik and Ivar were up in arms while Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins tried to justify their actions - they were just trying to help! "The Modern Day Vikings" didn't appreciate it, claiming they made a terrible team at WrestleMania - and that was why they lost. The champs claimed it wasn't on them for losing, because at the end of the day that was on Erik and Ivar! The Vikings told Ford and Dawkins it wouldn't happen if they were facing them for the titles, which prompted pushing and shoving from the four fan favorites. This partnership was breaking down!

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A graphic aired, thanking The Weeknd for contributing "Blinding Lights" to be the official theme song of this year's WrestleMania - available now on Apple and Spotify.

The Big Show-Down
Tom Phillips stood in the ring with a microphone in hand, to be joined by a special guest. In his first appearance since January, he welcomed out the star of a new sitcom that had just premiered on Netflix - Big Show! Making a slow walk to the ring, the big man grinned as he reeled Tom in from a handshake to a hug. With his gigantic palm on Tom's shoulder, "the World's Largest Athlete" noted he was in the neighborhood to promote 'The Big Show Show's premiere on Netflix - but having been invited to Monday Night RAW to stand in this ring, something else had come to mind. While he figured it would be cool to show up by surprise to promote his new show for all its' worth, the more he couldn't help but consider that he was in the twilight of his career. There was no doubt his life within the squared-circle was wading - and Big Show claimed to not be finished yet! Talking up the state of the WWE locker rooms these days, the big man noted this company was different from how he remembered it.

In over twenty years, the WWE Universe had witnessed his growth and maturity as a performer between these ropes. His fans had seen his freakish size, his unmatchable power, his natural charm and his cunning wit - but he felt like they had been deprived of something: that being the WWE Championship. Congratulating Drew McIntyre on doing the unthinkable and conquering "the Conqueror" Brock Lesnar last night at WrestleMania, Big Show mused how "the Scottish Terminator" had already earned his paycheck by Claymore Kicking Paul Heyman to the curb earlier tonight - yet one thing had stood out to him: and that was Drew's challenge to any WWE Superstar man enough to challenge him for the WWE World Championship tonight! "The World's Largest Athlete" always brought his gear and claimed on a minute's notice he was ready to go - and out walked Drew McIntyre! Without skipping a beat, the WWE World Champion walked down to the ring with a smile on his face.

The new champion exchanged pleasantries with Big Show. Show was impressed by how jacked Drew McIntyre was now! "The Scottish Terminator" said likewise about "the World's Largest Athlete", and talked about how he was yet to catch 'the Big Show Show' - but it was on his watchlist. Drew told Show that he heard his challenge and understand the big man had something left to prove - and through the smiles, Drew honorably stood before the big man and accepted his challenge for a WWE World Championship shot tonight. Show told Drew he was reminiscing on the ride to the WWE Performance Center. He remembered "the Scottish Terminator" when he was starting out as a rookie. He was this wirey little Scottish kid who was too nervous to utter a greeting, back then. With a chuckle, Drew told Show times changed - he wasn't the kid he was. Drew assured Show he'd be the first person exiled from 'Claymore Country'. Drew offered a handshake that was accepted - the WWE World Championship set for tonight's main event!

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Meanwhile, Rey Mysterio was walking the backstage corridor. Meeting up with Humberto Carrillo, the two exchanged small talk inaudibly; the youngster high-fiving "the Legendary Luchador". Tonight, two nights after failing to take the WWE United States Championship away from Andrade, Rey was set to meet Shelton Benjamin. It was coming up next!

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Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton discussed what went down before the commercial break, showing replay footage of the challenge issued by Big Show toward Drew McIntyre. Pleasantries were shared by both men, but the star of 'the Big Show Show' on Netflix would issue a challenge for "the Scottish Terminator's" newly-won WWE World Championship. A graphic aired, showing the match was official for tonight: "the World's Largest Athlete" set to meet McIntyre for the gold!

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Highlights aired from WrestleMania: Part 1 this past Saturday, where Rey Mysterio took Andrade to the limit in a match for the WWE United States Championship. It was a bout that featured interference from Zelina Vega, as well as Rey's own son Dominik. Angel Garza would try to get involved just to receive a slap from the Legend's son, but ultimately "El Idolo" would squeak away with the title intact.

3) Rey Mysterio def. Shelton Benjamin (7:18) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- "The Legendary Luchador" was coming off a disappointing loss at the hands of WWE United States Champion Andrade, this past Saturday at WrestleMania: Part 1. Shelton Benjamin hoped to capitalize on some recent momentum by taking on an old contemporary in Rey Mysterio. Benjamin looked to slow the pace against the masked man, but Rey would bound in firing on all cylinders, until a back suplex allowed Shelton to take control. Cockily, Shelton manipulated the pace with holds on the mat, but Rey fired back with the Code Red! Shelton was compared to primer days throughout, when Rey would come back with a low dropkick leading to the 619! Dropping the Dime, Rey got the three count.

Rey Mysterio celebrated his win over a very-game Shelton Benjamin, but as he stood on the second rope in victory, out walked the WWE United States Champion Andrade. A look of dissatisfaction on his face, "El Idolo" was accompanied by Angel Garza and Zelina Vega! The contingent walked down to ringside slowly, with Rey hesitantly preparing to take on both men simultaneously. Angel circled the ringside area as Andrade watched. Angel hopped to the apron just to jump off once Rey swung for him - and it allowed Andrade to come from behind with a swift forearm shot! The two put the boots to "the World's Biggest Underdog", who tried to fight just for Angel to cut him off with the Wing Clipper for Rey. Andrade looked to put a stop to Rey for good with the hammerlock DDT, when out came Humberto Carrillo - as well as Dominik! Andrade, Angel and Zelina bailed from the ring as Humberto and Dominik came to Rey's aid - but "the Legendary Luchador" was not happy to see Dominik getting involved!

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In the backstage dressing room, Bobby Lashley rolled his eyes as his wife Lana continued to rant at him for failing to defeat Aleister Black last night. He tried to get a word in just for her to talk about his inability to win titles or accolades in the WWE, and it was purely down to his inability to focus on the task at hand! Bobby finally demanded Lana be quiet - it was because of her that "the Anti-Hero" got the win this past Saturday at WrestleMania. Lana now rolled her eyes and turned her back to him, whipping out her cell phone to text. Her husband was growing angry, when MVP appeared understanding both sides of the blame. In his first appearance since being taken out by Edge last month, MVP claimed he wanted to help and moderate the proceedings, because he hated to see a lovely married couple like them fall apart over "he said, she said" allegations. Lashley and Lana were hesitant, but the more MVP prodded, they finally conceded. MVP guaranteed satisfaction, as the trio departed together.

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Stills aired, recapping Saturday's confrontation between Aleister Black and Bobby Lashley. A fight between two unstoppable forces, both with impeccable winning streaks of late, it was "the Anti-Hero" who would take down and defeat the powerhouse heavyweight, as his wife Lana inattentively watched from ringside.

Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton discussed a noteworthy and juicy trivia note coming out of WrestleMania this past weekend. While a new WWE Universal Champion was crowned when Roman Reigns prospered in the battle of Spear vs Spear over Goldberg this past Saturday, sources on the inside had reported that "the Big Dog" had allegedly walked out of the WWE after leaving the title in the office of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon! They urged the WWE Universe to tune in to WWE Backstage tomorrow night on FS1, where they hoped to have more information.

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4) Nia Jax def. Taynara (2:23)
- She had been out of competition for a year, having had reconstructive surgery done on both of her ACLs. In spite of that, "the Irresistable Force" had done the time rehabilitating her injuries and was making her return to Monday Night RAW tonight, to do battle against NXT's Taynara. The young Brazillian tried to target the legs of Nia Jax, who took her down with a devastating Samoan drop! From there, Nia brutalized and kept Taynara grounded until the fiery youngster battled back with a series of leg kicks. With a background in jiu-jitsu, she delivered a superkick to the jaw of Nia until a body slam took her down. The legdrop would dominantly give Nia Jax the victory.

In dominant fashion, Nia Jax had returned to Monday Night RAW with a vengeance. Her hand raised, "the Irresistable Force" remained seated in the ring on top of Taynara's leg. With a message for the Becky Lynches, Shayna Baszlers and Charlotte Flairs of the RAW Women's division, Nia Jax had returned in imposing fashion!

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A video package aired, recapping the NXT Women's Championship match from WrestleMania: Part 2. Since she was a young girl in Australia, Rhea Ripley had dreamed of the allure of "the Grandaddy of Them All". Against "the Queen", she proved she was all grown up against the veteran, but Charlotte Flair would dash Ripley's dreams, capturing the NXT Women's Championship to become a twelve-time Women's Champion. Up next, a graphic aired stating that we would hear from Charlotte Flair!

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A graphic aired, as Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton spoke about how WrestleMania this past weekend was "Too Big For Just One Night", and as such had received close to 14 million social media interactions! Headlines from TMZ, CBS Sports, Forbes, FOX Sports, Yahoo Sports, ESPN, Newsweek and Sports Illustrated were broadcast, as they noted what a time it was to be a member of the WWE Universe!

"The Queen" and "The E.S.T."
For the first time since becoming a two-time NXT Women's Champion at WrestleMania last night, Charlotte Flair emerged wearing the NXT gold over her shoulder. In a stunning purple dress, "the Queen" was once again styling and profiling to Monday Night RAW the Night After 'Mania. In the ring, she took to the microphone and spoke about how this was no longer Monday Night RAW - but 'the Queen's Celebration'. Wanting to discuss in great detail some of the biggest feats in her illustrious career, it was no mistake that her career was on a trajectory to be as good, if not superior to even that of her father's! In case there was any doubt, Charlotte directed us to a video package that documented each and every Women's Championship victory in her historic five-year tenure in the WWE to date. A twelve-time Women's Champion, Charlotte smiled upon looking back. She voiced how the WWE Universe were all witness to history, and last night was merely just the latest instalment.

While Rhea Ripley proved herself to "the Queen" as being a worthy adversary, Charlotte Flair accepted that the NXT Superstar was "okay" - but simply put, there was no chance that Ripley was on her level. And much like Rhea's stubborn naivete, she had failed to accomplish what she had set out to do many years ago when she was in diapers and dreaming about WrestleMania: because she went to "the Grandest Stage of Them All" - and it was there that she lost everything! Suddenly, "the Queen" would be interrupted by none other than another rival from NXT: Bianca Belair! Making her RAW debut, "the EST of NXT" skipped down to the ring twirling her long braided ponytail with a big grin on her face. Charlotte questioned what Bianca was doing here, reminding her that NXT was on Wednesday - but it was fine to be confused. Bianca instead told Flair she was here to break her monotony! Recalling taking her nasty ass to the limit on NXT a few weeks ago, she also remembered Charlotte make an example out of her.

Bianca Belair pointed to her jacket, reading out how "EST" stood for more than Charlotte Flair thought. It meant she was the strong-EST, the tough-EST, the quick-EST, and the fast-EST rising star NXT had to offer. She wasn't going to let her take out her leg and get away with it. "The Queen" told her she got it: she could end words in "EST", but Belair didn't belong on Monday Night RAW - she was needed at the kiddies' table in NXT! Bianca reminded Flair there was a reason she challenged Rhea Ripley for the NXT Women's Championship. She could have challenged Becky Lynch or Bayley for the RAW or SmackDown Women's Championships - but she didn't because deep down, Charlotte felt inadequate and had to squash the hype coming from "The Black and Gold Brand". Belair came to RAW to prove herself, which Flair called "cute". Urging her not to waste her time, Charlotte turned to leave - when Bianca dropped her with the K.O.D! "The EST of NXT" was not to be underestimated, leaving the new champ out cold!

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An advertisement aired for Snickers - one of the sponsors behind WrestleMania. Ric Flair was hard at work hoping to teach Zack Ryder how to say "Wooo!", just for "the Long Island Iced Z" to repeatedly get the legendary catchphrase wrong. Dolph Ziggler entered the frame and nailed it before twirling and exiting. "The Nature Boy" handed Zack a Snickers bar reading "Confused?", telling him he wasn't himself when he was hungry. With a bite, Ryder became Charlotte Flair; delivering a pitch-perfect "Wooo!"

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Highlights from WrestleMania aired, recapping 'The WrestleMania Dash'. "So Smooth" Riddick Moss was obsessed with proving that he could walk into Saturday as WWE 24/7 Champion and walk out of Sunday. What followed was a wild goose chase from a wild array of WWE Superstars. While Mojo Rawley and R-Truth would namely pursue the title, it was Rob Gronkowski who shockingly left Sunday as a two-time champion - after "Gronk" dove from the Perch overlooking the WWE Performance Center to capture it.

A pre-recorded message aired from "So Smooth" Riddick Moss. The former WWE 24/7 Champion was devastated to no longer have the title in his custody, in an emotional message from his hotel room last night following WrestleMania. Moss voiced his displeasure and disbelief that he was made a victim of conspiracy from the other jealous WWE Superstars. He was downright angry and humiliated by 'the WrestleMania Dash' not going his way, and claimed how Rob Gronkowski stole the WWE 24/7 Championship from an up-and-coming blue chipper like himself! It was greed personified. But Riddick had an idea in mind to retrieve it - planning to go to Friday Night SmackDown this week to reclaim what belonged to him: and once he'd beaten "Gronk", he was bringing the gold back to Monday Night RAW.

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Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton began to talk about the unforgettable Buried Alive match between The Undertaker and AJ Styles from WrestleMania, which saw "the Phenomenal One" appear to meet his untimely end at the hands of "the Phenom". It was chaos at the undisclosed gravesite compound, swinging to footage recapping it.

A video package relived the Buried Alive spectacle from WrestleMania: Night 1. Following weeks of digging up dirt about "the Deadman's" personal life, AJ Styles was met by a version of The Undertaker who looked to make "the Phenomenal One" suffer. This Undertaker was similar to that of primer days, responding to everything AJ threw at him and surviving to wreak havoc on him. The O.C. and a group of anonymous druids failed to help, as "the Phenom" would lay waste to AJ Styles, burying him alive.

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Justice for "The Phenomenal One"
Returning to the WWE Performance Center, The O.C. arrived. Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows were not pleased, wearing shirts depicting their leader AJ Styles. Coming two nights after the Buried Alive match, Gallows spoke about how The Undertaker went too far at "the Grandest Stage of Them All". Anderson agreed, surmising while the O.C. had crossed the line in airing "the Deadman's" dirty laundry to the WWE Universe, that it was not enough to justify AJ being buried alive! Gallows claimed it was ridiculous, calling it was the worst WrestleMania Weekend in history. There was no party for "the Good Brothers"; they were left banged up and sore from an old man at a cemetary - and above all else, they hadn't heard from AJ Styles since he was sent six feet under! Anderson called it downright illegal. They demanded justice for AJ, when Ricochet and Cedric Alexander interrupted! Hitting the ring, Anderson and Gallows backed up - tag team action coming up next!

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A video package aired, promoting this week's edition of NXT. In the fallout of One Final Beat between Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano, this Wednesday would see the NXT Universe find out what was next for "the Blackheart". Matt Riddle and substitute partner for Pete Dunne, the Velveteen Dream would defend the NXT Tag Team Championships against NXT Champion Adam Cole and Roderick Strong of the Undisputed Era; and a six-person Women's Number One Contender's Ladder match would take place!

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An advertisement aired, promoting the glitz and glamor of Los Angeles, California. Featuring WWE Superstars such as Roman Reigns, Drew McIntyre and The Fiend, landmarked signs such as Hollywood Boulevard and Beverley Hills were seen before cutting to reveal: the logo for "the Grandest Stage of Them All". WrestleMania: Hollywood would be taking place in LA - live on Sunday, March 28, 2021.

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5) Ricochet and Cedric Alexander def. The O.C. (7:51) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- The O.C. were left devastated and deprived of their leader AJ Styles following the Buried Alive match against The Undertaker at WrestleMania. Now, the Best Tag Team in the World had to prove their monicker against the new combination of Ricochet and Cedric Alexander. Their use of fast-paced, high-octane offense would be met with Ricochet taken down a peg following a bicycle kick from Karl Anderson, and the former RAW Tag Team Champions would section off the ring from Cedric. Ricochet finally rolled to the tag, and Cedric Alexander ran hot taking down Karl and hoping to chop down Luke Gallows. Ricochet came for the assist, and the Lumbar Check would catch Anderson. The Shooting Star Press from Ricochet followed, giving the new tag team their first major victory!

Following the downward spiral that had beset The O.C. at WrestleMania on Saturday, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows had just endured a humiliating loss at the hands of a newly-formed tag team in Ricochet and Cedric Alexander! The high flyers celebrated a huge victory against the renowned Best Tag Team in the World, who could not believe their luck. As Gallows came to his feet, Ricochet and Cedric escaped the big man's wrath.

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Charly Caruso was standing by backstage with the former WWE Women's Tag Team Champions the Kabuki Warriors. Entering, hollering loudly in a confusing blend of Japanese and broken English, Asuka and Kairi Sane gave their honest opinion on Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross stealing away their titles at WrestleMania on Saturday. "The Empress of Tomorrow" called herself and "the Pirate Princess" best friends - much better friends than their opponents. This Friday on SmackDown, Asuka vowed to bring the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships back where they belong. Kairi then startled Charly, unfolding her umbrella and spinning it in her face! As the Kabuki Warriors departed, it was clear the broadcast journalist was having a tough night.

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Meanwhile, in a darkened room of the WWE Performance Center sat a brooding Aleister Black. In the fallout of his impressive win against Bobby Lashley this past Saturday at WrestleMania, "the Anti-Hero" was set for action - up next!

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A series of stills aired, taking a look at events from WrestleMania weekend on the SmackDown brand. While Roman Reigns overcame Goldberg in a clash between the masters of the Spear, to become the WWE Universal Champion; The Fiend and Bray Wyatt would seemingly vaporize John Cena into nothing in the Firefly Fun House match. "The Greatest Spectacle in Sports Entertainment" saw romance reveal itself as Otis and Mandy Rose united after defeating Dolph Ziggler; while Bayley survived the 6-Pack Challenge elimination match to retain the SmackDown Women's Championship. Sami Zayn escaped the wrath of Braun Strowman to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship; while Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak teamed up to defeat Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura. King Corbin took advantage of an injured Elias; while John Morrison and The Miz would somehow walk out of the Triple Threat Ladder match against the Usos and the New Day to retain the SmackDown Tag Team Championships.

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6) Aleister Black def. Eric Young (1:29)
- "The Anti-Hero" continued to dismantle opponents, with Bobby Lashley impressively becoming his latest victim at WrestleMania two nights ago. The Night After 'Mania would see Aleister Black prepare to take on Eric Young, who adopted a unique strategy in rushing Black as soon as the bell sounded. Young was relentless on the attack, showing some pent-up fire and rage. Black responded with a rolling legsweep before striking with some lethal combinations of kicks. Eric responded with an eye rake, when Young came charging out of the corner, directly into the Black Mass - the knockout blow making the three count.

An Invitation From The Church
Aleister Black sat up from the unconscious Eric Young's body, sitting cross-legged in the center of the ring. It was another night, another day at the office for "the Anti-Hero", who contemplated another victory. Suddenly, the theme music of the Church of Rollins played over the WWE Performance Center. Accompanied by Murphy, Austin Theory and AOP, Seth Rollins was in high spirits after defeating Kevin Owens in what became a No-Disqualification match last night at WrestleMania. "The Monday Night Messiah" laughed and applauded Aleister on another remarkable victory. Entering the ring, Seth told him every night he saw him compete, he was even more and more amazed! As Austin held his microphone, Seth noted that Aleister had an awesome WrestleMania weekend, but so did the Church of Rollins. Not only was Kevin Owens forced to see the light at long last, but the Church had stumbled across a new member.

Seth Rollins wrapped his arm around Austin Theory, calling the recent NXT Superstar a prospect he had had his eyes on for a long time! Now, "the Monday Night Messiah" had him in their camp. With the help of the Church, the kid's future was much more vivid, and he sensed success in it. Rollins told Aleister that he intended no disrespect by their interruption, instead they wanted to wish him congratulations. Everybody in the Church of Rollins claimed to be big fans of his! And since they were here, Seth wished to offer him a similar role. While he'd been a loner and an outcast in the past, everybody in the Church knew that Aleister had potential. And by following "the Messiah", he too could shine! Murphy, Akam and Rezar nodded, as Seth asked "the Anti-Hero" what he thought - would he join the Church of Rollins? With a slight smirk, Aleister responded by taking the microphone. Telling them while he was intrigued - it was going to be a "no" for right now. Black left, brushing shoulders with Seth on the way out.

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Humberto Carrillo was in the backstage locker room talking to Dominik, when Rey Mysterio walked in.While Dominik greeted his Dad happily, "the Legendary Luchador" made it known that while he was grateful they had his back tonight from Andrade, Angel Garza and Zelina Vega - he wasn't happy to see Dominik being dragged into it. Rey maintained he didn't need his son's help, but Dominik stated he wanted to do it - he couldn't let his old man get beaten down! Rey understood, and thanked Dominik but dismissed him wishing for a moment with Humberto. Irked, Rey's son left the scene as Humberto tried to explain. The Legend told Humberto he appreciated it, but he wished for him to leave his son out of it. Carrillo again tried to explain he had little say in the matter, but Rey urged him next time not to let Dominik do what he wanted.

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An advertisement aired, promoting the release of 'the Big Show Show'. A sitcom about WWE Superstar the Big Show tackling the tough challenge of raising three daughters with his wife, the entire first season is available for streaming now on Netflix.

7) Shayna Baszler def. Natalya (with Liv Morgan) (7:25) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- When Becky Lynch managed to walk out of WrestleMania as RAW Women's Champion, Shayna Baszler wanted to take out her frustrations on Charly Caruso when Natalya and Liv Morgan intervened. Nattie taught "the Cage Fighter" a lesson early as the two technicians put on a clinic. Shayna focused on the shoulder of Natalya after ramming her into the ring post, when the MMA Fighter attempted a knee lift, just for Nattie to a shinbreaker! Shayna tried to fight, just to wind up in the Sharpshooter! On the verge of tapping, Shayna miraculously made the ropes! Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan came down to ringside, getting in Morgan's face. Outnumbered, Liv had no choice but to try and fight her former friends! As the Riott Squad exploded, the distraction saw Shayna take Nattie out with the Yokosuka Cutter, before forcing her to pass out to the Kirifuda Clutch.

As two-thirds of the Riott backed up the rampway, Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan appeared pleased with the sight of Liv Morgan down and hurting at ringside. Shayna Baszler was hesitant to relinquish the Kirifuda Clutch on Natalya before standing in dominance. "The Cage Fighter" appeared content despite coming up short against Becky Lynch at WrestleMania. Yet, Baszler looked to be chomping at the bit for another opportunity to become RAW Women's Champion in the future.

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Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton talked about what a show Monday Night RAW was turning out to be tonight. It was the RAW After 'Mania, and up next we were scheduled to hear from the man who cost Kevin Owens his match with Seth Rollins last night, Samoa Joe.

A video package aired, recapping the controversy surrounding the WrestleMania encounter between Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens. Following months of meddling from the Church of Rollins, KO put Seth through hell in what became a No-Disqualification match. Owens was moments from victory when Samoa Joe returned and sabotaged KO - guillotining him throat-first over a steel chair. By allowing Seth victory, everybody wanted to know: why Joe, why?

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An advertisement aired, promoting WWE 24: Edge - The Second Mountain, streaming now on the WWE Network.

Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton discussed Friday Night SmackDown this coming week on FOX - the SmackDown 'After Mania!

• More fallout from WrestleMania.
• WWE Women's Tag Team Championship - Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross (c) vs The Kabuki Warriors
• More on the situation revolving around Roman Reigns and the WWE Universal Championship.
• The new two-time WWE 24/7 Champion Rob Gronkowskiwill be in the house.

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The Return of "the Kohita Destroyer"
"Why Joe, why?" were words that were echoed by the WWE Universe worldwide after last night's WrestleMania. Samoa Joe made his first appearance on Monday Night RAW in over six weeks, walking down to the ring in street gear. A snarl on his face, "the Samoan Submission Machine" climbed into the ring and spoke brashly about knowing all to well what the WWE Universe wanted to hear: that Samoa Joe turned his back on Kevin Owens in a desperate attempt to rediscover relevancy once again. Unfortunately, that wasn't what they were about to hear! Joe talked about the truth, and how he was the truthsayer that was about to tell everybody the harsh reality - that Joe did what he did because deep down, everybody knew Kevin Owens was a terrible, terrible person. It sickened him to have to stand alongside him all these months, opposite Seth Rollins and his punk-ass cult - and while he hated "the Monday Night Messiah" and the Church of Rollins, he had to confess they were onto something.

The Samoan reasoned if the WWE Universe didn't understand it, maybe a trip down memory lane would spell it out for them. Sending to a video package on the big screen, it was on May 20, 2015 when the WWE first saw "the Samoan Submission Machine". Kevin Owens was the NXT Champion, headlining NXT TakeOver: Unstoppable, when he would come face to face with Samoa Joe. Returning to the WWE Performance Center, Joe talked about how all anybody talked about was his debut. After all, he was an animal - long before anybody even cared about Kevin Owens' name! But KO was bitter, and arrogant, and while Joe was taken out and put on a shelf by Seth Rollins' puppets, he carried on. Kevin would not stop fighting the Chuch of Rollins, but he never even bothered to check in and ask how he was doing. While he had to put up with Owens making grand gestures, it raised questions as to how many times the two had been compared - but there was absolutely nothing between them that was comparable!

Samoa Joe said that Kevin Owens liked to consider himself "the Prize Fighter", that he was egotistical enough to call Monday Night RAW "his" show. Yet while Kevin knew how to talk trash and put up a fight, he had never been a submission machine like he was. Kevin was an animal - but Samoa Joe was the god-damn Kohita Destroyer! Last night at WrestleMania, Samoa Joe destroyed KO to make a statement, that he was his old friend was all bark and no bite. In his mind, the WWE Universe had forgotten what he was capable of - being a one-man wrecking machine. And now, maybe it was in the best interest of the entire WWE locker room to know better than to cross the Destroyer again. Joe slammed down the microphone before storming out, with no word or update on the condition of Kevin Owens!

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A video package aired, recapping the war that broke out last night at WrestleMania: Part 2 between Drew McIntyre and Brock Lesnar. Paul Heyman watched nervously as "the Beast Incarnate" and "the Scottish Terminator" waged war. No matter what the champ threw the 2020 Men's Royal Rumble winner's way, Drew fought back valiantly. In the end, it paid off - McIntyre taking "the Conqueror" to 'Claymore Country', being crowned the first Scottish-born WWE Champion!

With the main event set earlier tonight, Big Show towered the halls walking backstage at the WWE Performance Center. What started out as a surprise appearance intended to promote 'The Big Show Show's premiere on Netflix, "the World's Largest Athlete" challenged Drew McIntyre to be his first challenger for the WWE World Championship. And now, up next, the seven-foot giant would get his chance!

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

Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton discussed the Night After 'Mania that Monday Night RAW had been, before talking up next week's edition of Monday Night RAW. In the aftermath of WrestleMania, now the countdown was on for Money in the Bank, on May 10 live on the WWE Network!

• The Money in the Bank Qualifying matches begin.
• Natalya and Liv Morgan vs Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan

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A replay aired, where the new WWE World Champion gave a speech following his WrestleMania defeat of "the Beast Incarnate" last night, when he was interrupted by Brock Lesnar's Advocate. Paul Heyman worked to encourage "the Scottish Terminator" that he was a man he could trust, just for Drew McIntyre to give Heyman a Claymore Kick. Meanwhile, Big Show returned to Monday Night RAW to promote 'The Big Show Show', but challenged the new WWE World Champion for his title with the Scot accepting!

8) Drew McIntyre (c) def. Big Show to retain the WWE World Championship (6:53) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- The WWE World Champion for barely 24 hours, "the Scottish Terminator" was determined to prove himself as a fighting champion. Big Show answered Drew McIntyre's call, and the new champ accepted. Following the tense handshake earlier tonight, "the World's Largest Athlete" declined a second one here, as Drew aimed to take the big man down. The 470-pound giant took much effort to stumble from his feet, when a major clothesline saw Show take a tumble to the floor! Back from the break, McIntyre continued his offense when Show cut the Scotsman off with a body slam. Powering Drew around the ring, Show targeted the ribs of McIntyre and stood atop his chest. McIntyre finally fought a vice grip submission, when Show cut off a comeback with the Chokeslam - only McIntyre would power out at two! Show prepared the W.M.D, but Drew would dodge and strike with the Glasgow Kiss! Stunned, McIntyre took the challenger down with not one but two Claymore Kicks to retain the WWE World Championship!

"The Scottish Terminator" had made his first successful defense of the WWE World Championship, in a 24-hour span overcoming not only Brock Lesnar, but Big Show as well! Coming to his feet, Drew McIntyre raised the title high as "the World's Largest Athlete" recovered in the ring. He'd pat Big Show on the shoulder in a show of respect, before bumping fists with the star of 'The Big Show Show'. Show departed the ring leaving it to the Scotsman, when suddenly, "Metalingus" roared through the WWE Performance Center!

Edge emerged through a cloud of smoke on the rampway, pacing down to the ring. Two nights after putting Randy Orton down at WrestleMania, "the Rated R Superstar" climbed into the ring and ignored Drew McIntyre's very existence. Instead, Edge stood on the second turnbuckle himself - before turning back to McIntyre, and pointing at the WWE World Championship. It appeared McIntyre had his next challenge, as the WWE Hall of Famer set his sights on the WWE World Championship!

︾︾︾​

 

[DTP]

NXT #399 - April 8, 2020
Full Sail University - Orlando, Florida
THREE DAYS REMOVED FROM WRESTLEMANIA!

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A video package aired, reliving the hellacious and climactic confrontation that would mark an end to the five-year relationship shared between Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano. It was One Final Beat for the former #DIY tag team partners, two men who had been inseparable since arriving in NXT in 2015. They had held the NXT Tag Team Championships together, rivalled one another over jealousy and the NXT Championship together. But finally, last week would mark the end in an Anything Goes Fight to a Finish. At an undisclosed location, one man was forced to leave NXT - and despite "Johnny Wrestling's" best efforts, Ciampa would bring an end to Johnny Gargano's NXT career with a Fairy Tale Ending piledriver on top of the ring boards. Now, with Gargano exiled from NXT, what was next for "the Blackheart?"

In the Full Sail University, Mauro Ranallo referenced the Tiger King in his introduction to another exciting edition of NXT from Full Sail University! Welcoming his broadcast colleague for tonight Sam Roberts , the stage was set, seven days following One Final Beat between Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano. The stage was set for tonight's six-person Women's Number One Contender's Ladder match, as ladders littered the aisleway. Kicking things off however, was the highly-anticipated match for the NXT Tag Team Championship!

• Women's Number One Contender Ladder match - Candice LeRae vs Chelsea Green vs Aliyah vs Io Shirai vs Dakota Kai vs Tegan Nox
• What was next for Tommaso Ciampa following One Final Beat?
• The new NXT Women's Champion Charlotte Flair will appear tonight.
• Cameron Grimes vs Kushida
• NXT Tag Team Championship - Matt Riddle and Velveteen Dream (c) vs NXT Champion Adam Cole and Roderick Strong

1) Matt Riddle and Velveteen Dream (c) def. NXT Champion Adam Cole and Roderick Strong (with Bobby Fish) to retain the NXT Tag Team Championship (14:24) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- Velveteen Dream set his sights on the Undisputed Era - namely the NXT Champion Adam Cole. While Cole refused to put his title on the line, he propositioned Velveteen Dream substitute the absent Pete Dunne to help Matt Riddle defend the NXT Tag Team Championships. Riddle and Dream made for strange bedfellows with chemistry, taking care of Roderick Strong early. "The Original Bro" was distracted by Bobby Fish, allowing Cole to strike with the Florida Keys! The Unisputed Era cut the ring in half and ganged up on the champ, as Dream was antagonized by Cole and Strong further. Fish interfered frequently with an outside attack on Riddle, when Riddle struck with a knee strike catching Strong off the top rope. Dream tagged in and laid into the NXT Champion, getting a near fall with a spinebuster. He headed up top for the Purple RainMaker but Fish's distraction allowed Cole to knock him off for the Panama Sunrise! Yet Riddle had made a blind tag, and caught Cole by surprise with Bro Derek - just like that defeating the NXT Champion!

The NXT Champion had been defeated by one-half of the NXT Tag Team Champions Matt Riddle, who seemed more pleased with the fact that he had retained what he and Pete Dunne accomplished back at NXT TakeOver: Portland. "The Original Bro" celebrated with the title raised high, as Roderick Strong and Bobby Fish aided Adam Cole out to the floor. In disbelief, the Undisputed Era had absorbed another loss courtesy of Riddle and his strange bedfellow Velveteen Dream, who appeared confused by what had transpired. As Dream wanted Cole all to himself, Riddle instead offered him one of the Tag titles. Velveteen felt slighted by Riddle picking up the win for their team, but Matt had no clue what the issue was!

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A replay aired, taking us back to last week's Triple Threat match for the NXT North American Championship. Keith Lee put the gold on the line against two brutes in Damien Priest and Dominik Dijakovic, but just when "the Limitless One's" title reign was in jeopardy after Feast Your Eyes from Dijakovic, "the Archer of Infamy" snuck in and captured the title himself, with Reckoning!

Keith Lee was disappointed in losing the NXT North American Championship, as he sat in the dressing room of Full Sail University. Joined by McKenzie Mitchell, "the Limitless One" applauded Damien Priest for managing to strike while the iron was hot. While "the Archer of Infamy" was able to shoot his shot accordingly, Priest failed to realize that where there was chaos, there was opportunity. About to elaborate, in paced Dominik Dijakovic. Tensely, he shoved Keith, who shoved him back! The career rivals exchanged remarks; Dijakovic again bringing up Keith's habit of taking dinner from his family's table. The two bickered about who was more deserving of the NXT North American Championship opportunity, after Dominik predicted Keith's intentions of invoking his rematch clause. Keith decided to be gentlemanly about it, offering a match next week where the winner would get the first opportunity at Priest's title. Offering a handshake to Dijakovic - it would go declined as Dominik stormed off.

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A graphic aired, showing that tonight's edition of NXT was emanating from the Full Sail University. Mauro Ranallo narrated how we were days removed from WrestleMania, which this year was "Too Big For Just One Night". Across two nights, WrestleMania weekend was the site where history was made for "the Black and Gold Brand", as for the first time ever, the NXT Women's Championship was defended!

A video package aired, recapping the NXT Women's Championship match from WrestleMania: Part 2. Since she was a young girl in Australia, Rhea Ripley had dreamed of the allure of "the Grandaddy of Them All". Against "the Queen", she proved she was all grown up against the veteran, but Charlotte Flair would dash Ripley's dreams, capturing the NXT Women's Championship to become a twelve-time Women's Champion! Tonight, NXT would be graced by the presence of "the Queen".

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Cameron Grimes was dressed for competition, strutting out in his waistcoat. The hat adorned his head, as "the Carolina Caveman" hollered loudly in his thick Southern accent. Climbing into the ring, Cameron took the microphone from ring announcer Alicia Taylor. Creeping her out, calling her fine, he told the NXT Universe watching that tonight was a great night to be Cameron Grimes! Not only was he about to beat some respect into Kushida, but he was going to make "the Supernova" realize that 'Back To The Future' was a sucktacular movie franchise! Kushida wanted to hear nothing of the sort, making his way to the ring to defend his honor - as well as his favorite movies.

2) Kushida def. Cameron Grimes (6:43)
- Weeks of growing frustrated by the apparent disrespect shown by the Japanese Superstar had forced Cameron Grimes to throw out the challenge to put Kushida in his place. "The Time Splitter" struck fast early with some leg kicks, but Cameron would escape the ring quickly and stall on the floor. It didn't help his case as Kushida went airborne with a dive through the ropes, and would wrestle Cameron to the canvas back inside. Grimes reverted to aggressive tactics, grounding his foe and attempting to put him away with a single-legged Boston crab. It was not enough for "the Carolina Caveman" to claim the win, as Kushida found an escape, and after the Cave In missed, Kushida would sunset flip his way into the Hoverboard Lock - forcing Grimes to submit!

"The Japanese Supernova" was successful in defeating Cameron Grimes, adding another victory to his collection. The sky was the limit for Kushida, who grinned and had his hand raised by the official - when jumped by Cameron Grimes from behind! With a series of body blows, "the Carolina Caveman" favored his arm and shoved aside the referee - just for Kushida to strike with several more leg kicks! Grimes was taken by the arm for another Hoverboard Lock, but this time Grimes was wise enough to roll out and escape the submission being re-applied! Grimes kicked and rattled the guardrails in anger, as Kushida challenged Cameron to return for round 2.

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Dakota Kai stood backstage, preparing for combat in the six-person Women's Number One Contender's Ladder match still to come. Punching into the palms of her bodyguard Raquel González, the dangerous Kiwi seemed ready for the main event.

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A series of stills aired, taking a look at events from WrestleMania weekend on the SmackDown brand. Roman Reigns overcame Goldberg in a dream match pitting Spear vs Spear to become the WWE Universal Champion; The Fiend and Bray Wyatt seemingly vaporized John Cena into nothing in the Firefly Fun House match. "The Greatest Spectacle in Sports Entertainment" saw romance bloom as Otis and Mandy Rose united after defeating Dolph Ziggler; Bayley survived the 6-Pack Challenge elimination match to retain the SmackDown Women's Championship. John Morrison and The Miz managed to walk out of the Triple Threat Ladder match against the Usos and the New Day to retain the SmackDown Tag Team Championships. Sami Zayn escaped Braun Strowman to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship; Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak defeated Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura. King Corbin took advantage of an injured Elias; and Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross defeated the Kabuki Warriors to become WWE Women's Tag Team Champions.

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Ever-Rise Live: The Pilot
A video montage showed the recent "successes" of Ever-Rise , including their unsuccessful victory against Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch two weeks ago. As the words "Ever-Rise Live: The Pilot" flashed across the screen, Matt Martel and Chase Parker appeared behind a table in-studio. Discussing the coffee they drank from their Ever-Rise mugs - available to buy at WWEShop - the tag team welcomed everybody to Ever-Rise Live: 'The Show' for the common NXT viewer. Introducing their off-screen producer Anthony and intern Austin, the co-hosts discussed having seen everybody get in on the cash-grab world of podcasting - from Edge and Christian's Pod of Awesomeness, to The New Day's Feel The Power. Hell, even Corey Graves had a podcast! The two mocked the absurd decision for a commentator to have even more stuff to say, which is why they came to the decision to jump in themselves. Matt explained that if anything happened in NXT: this was the place they would choose to talk about it.

The co-hosts spoke about One Final Beat. In their opinion, it was more like "Another Long Shmoz". Matt Martel and Chase Parker made fun of Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano being married for so long, they might as well have left NXT together and abandoned Candice LeRae. Martel could not believe the two goofs for putting themselves through so much pain, agony and distress all for the goal of getting the other guy removed from NXT. Martel compared it to he and his wife calling in an exterminator to get the pigeon family out of their attic. In turn, Parker compared it to the number that Rinku Singh and Saurav Gurjar did to the two dults, Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch. The co-hosts gave a shout-out to Steve Corino's Squared Circle Café coffee for sponsoring today's episode - and if the people wanted to become "Friends of 'The Show'", they could do them a solid by parting with their money to EverRiseLive .com today! Erratic and conversational, Ever-Rise had dipped into a new money-making scheme.

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Robert Stone seemed to get his newly-founded contingent of Chelsea Green and Aliyah prepared, sitting in the dressing room of the Robert Stone Brand. With the Women's Number One Contender's Ladder match still to come tonight on NXT, only one could challenge for the NXT Women's Championship after tonight. But as Chelsea and Aliyah listened to Stone talk about a potential partnership inaudibly, Green and Aliyah's eyes met in a tense face-off.

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A replay aired from Monday Night RAW. The Night After WrestleMania, the new NXT Women's Champion Charlotte Flair appeared, showing off her newly-won title. Having beaten Rhea Ripley, "the Queen" gloated when interrupted by Bianca Belair. "The EST of NXT" voiced her displeasure in Charlotte being named the new champ - and following patronizing comments made by the champ, Belair would strike with the K.O.D. Flair was learning that being NXT Women's Champion was no walk in the park!

Backstage, the new NXT Women's Champion had arrived on "the Black and Gold Brand" at last. Charlotte Flair smiled, walking past several members of backstage personnel with the gold on her shoulder. In a dazzling dress, "the Queen" dressed like a champion when she was confronted by none other than Io Shirai. The two looked each other up and down, when Charlotte asked what "the Genius of the Sky" had to say to her. Io oddly congratulated the RAW Superstar on her victory against Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania on Sunday, but affirmed in basic English that tonight belonged to "the Genius of the Sky". Charlotte wished Shirai the best of luck - she and the rest of the NXT Women's Division were going to need it with her as the champ to beat. Flair left, but not before letting out a "Wooo!" in the face of Shirai.

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A graphic aired, Mauro Ranallo revealing that in breaking news, after the decision of the NXT Tag Team Championship match tonight, NXT General Manager William Regal had made the decision to grant Matt Riddle an opportunity to become NXT Champion - with a title match set to take place next week against Adam Cole!

The Undisputed Era looked to regain their composure backstage, Adam Cole clutching his NXT Championship tightly. He barked orders at Roderick Strong and Bobby Fish for allowing this to happen, claiming that he was not about to be beaten by anybody even remotely associated to that creep Velveteen Dream. Strong and Fish agreed with Cole, who complained that nobody was on his level. As the man who had been NXT Champion for over one calendar year, Adam Cole was better than Matt Riddle; much like he was better than Velveteen Dream. Strong assured Cole that there was less than 0% chance that he would lose to an airhead like "the Original Bro" next week, while Fish declared that there was nothing Undisputed about Matt Riddle. Cole continued to clutch his title tight, in disbelief after the setback suffered earlier.

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"The Blackheart;" The Warning
The heartbeats associated with "the Blackheart" echoed throughout the Full Sail University, prompting the arrival of Tommaso Ciampa. One week removed from One Final Beat, he took a slow walk down the aisleway to the ring, somewhat despondent over the loss of his arch rival. Speaking out about the week he'd had, Tommaso urged the NXT Universe to bear with him because there was a lot of stuff he needed to get off his chest. Last week saw the rivalry end once and for all between himself and Johnny Gargano. "Johnny Wrestling" was no longer going to be a thorn in his side, because last week in One Final Beat he made sure of it. When he defeated Johnny Gargano in that abandoned warehouse, a weight was lifted from his shoulders - and he wasn't sure if it was because of #DIY being a thing of the past, or because his relationship with Johnny had changed forever. After five long years, their dispute was finally over and done with.

From being brought to NXT as a tag team, to travelling the world and becoming NXT Tag Team Champions together, himself and Johnny Gargano had a bond greater than almost nothing comprehendible. Their dreams came true because they signed their WWE contracts together; won gold together; attended birthdays and weddings together... but alas, the past was in the past. The truth was uglier than the rose-tinted glasses, such as how many times they had tried to kill one another. Whether over jealousy, who the better man was, who deserved to be NXT Champion most, this was not even the first time he had ridden "Johnny Wrestling" from NXT - but after last week, under the ruling of Triple H, the stipulation was final. "The Blackheart" spoke about the amount of thinking he had had to do over the past seven days, and the amount of sleep he had lost since he ousted "the Heart and Soul of NXT" from "the Black and Gold Brand".

Tommaso Ciampa questioned who he was after leaving One Final Beat victorious; but better yet, how Ciampa could even exist without a Johnny Gargano in NXT. Musing retirement, or trading brands to Monday Night RAW or Friday Night SmackDown, "the Blackheart" declared that he wasn't going anywhere. His work was not done! Vowing to once again become the flagbearer of NXT, he planned to bring "Goldie" back to his waist by recapturing the NXT Championship; to place the foundations of this brand on his shoulders and ride it into the future; and to dominate this brand by becoming the new "Heart and Soul of NXT". The lights went out, as a vignette aired. Images flashed across the screen of a city in ruin; the bones of man; vultures watching over wastelands. A female's voice and footsteps foreshadowed that end times were near. The dictionary definition of an "apocalypse" was listed, when it warned that next week would mark "Doomsday's Arrival". Ciampa was baffled - but welcomed the warning.

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Mauro Ranallo and Sam Roberts narrated the interruption of Tommaso Ciampa's speech moments ago, and how the vignettes that had aired for weeks would finally come to ahead next week. Sam pondered who the vignettes were for, but believed that "the Blackheart" needed to be careful of whatever "Doomsday's Arrival" meant. The announcers then moved on to discuss breaking news from last night's WWE Backstage.

A replay aired from WWE Backstage last night on FS1, where Renee Young officially broke the news that had circulated the Internet all week long. After defeating Goldberg in the Spear vs Spear collision at WrestleMania: Part 1, Roman Reigns was crowned the new WWE Universal Champion. But, in a bizarre twist of fate, "the Big Dog" arrived to WrestleMania on Sunday afternoon and would hand WWE Chairman Vince McMahon the title back. Nobody knew what was said in the meeting, but Roman left before WrestleMania: Part 2 went on the air. What it meant for the WWE Universal Championship was anyone's guess - but what was known was that Roman would not be present on SmackDown. Mauro Ranallo speculated that the future of the title would be discussed on FOX this Friday night.

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3) Bivens Enterprise (with Malcolm Bivens) def. Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch (5:27)
- Two weeks ago on NXT, Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch were set to meet Ever-Rise when a monstrous new tag team arrived. Unexpectedly, Rinku Singh and Saurav Gurjar would decimate Lorcan and Burch and be revealed as being under the umbrella of Bivens Enterprises. In spite of what Malcolm Bivens explained last week, Lorcan and Burch arrived tonight to show no fear against the towering Indians. The giants' inexperience showed as Lorcan and Burch used their hard-hitting offense to clear the ring of Singh and Gurjar - when a tope saw Lorcan go caught! Bivens Enterprise were coached by Malcolm at ringside when Lorcan rocked Singh with a big boot - and Burch made the tag. "The Guvna" fired hard with chops, but was unable to suplex Rinku without Lorcan's assist. The two worked hard to dissect Gurjar from Singh, but a sidewalk slam removed Lorcan from the equation. Burch worked hard to fend off both men, but Burch would receive a side slam from Rinku - with the dragon clutch forcing the Englishman to tap out.

Bivens Enterprise were fearsome in their onslaught of Danny Burch after the bell, as Rinku Singh refused to break the dragon clutch! Saurav Gurjar climbed into the ring and put the boots to Burch, when Oney Lorcan made a comeback - picking up a steel chair from ringside! Climbing into the ring, Lorcan jabbed Saurav in the solar-plexus with the weapon, before swinging the chair at the spine of Rinku - who absorbed the blow! In shock, Oney was roped in by Saurav grabbing the chair and dropped with a big spinout slam! Malcolm Bivens climbed into the ring to present his Indian colossals, in an impressive debut.

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A graphic aired, as Mauro Ranallo discussed the surprise debut of Austin Theory as one of the Disciples of the Church of Rollins at this past Sunday's WrestleMania. Not just that - but Theory was able to pick up the win for himself, Murphy and AOP's Akam and Rezar against the forces of the Street Profits and the Viking Raiders. Up next, Austin Theory planned to give a farewell speech to "the Black and Gold Brand".

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Candice LeRae prepared for battle in tonight's six-person Women's Number One Contender's Ladder match, when McKenzie Mitchell entered the room. Wanting to speak to the wife of Johnny Gargano after the end of his NXT career during last week's One Final Beat, Candice refused to give McKenzie the time of day. It wasn't any of her business, nor the NXT Universe's business. What happened last week was the deprivation of one man's passion to "the Black and Gold Brand" - and it sickened her. But now, she wasn't here to be pitied. Tonight was her opportunity to claim the one thing she'd worked harder than anybody for in NXT for years - and that was the chance to become NXT Women's Champion. Candice apologized, but maintained what happened at Casa de Gargano stayed at Casa de Gargano.

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One For The Road
Coming days after his surprise debut at "the Greatest Spectacle in Sports Entertainment" Austin Theory made a slow walk out to the aisle in a Seth Rollins T-shirt. The latest addition to Monday Night's RAW's Church of Rollins faction, the NXT prospect walked down to the ring while looking around and taking in the Full Sail University one last time. Reminiscing in silence, Theory nodded and took to the microphone to speak out about what a rollercoaster ride it had been. After all this time, it was time for him to move on for the next phase of his illustrious career! Austin noted he started this epic WWE career at the tender young age of 22-years old. He was just a kid back in the Summer of 2019 when he embarked on his journey to be a WWE Superstar - and now, his time was up. Theory feigned tears as he was reminded of memories of coming up short against Roderick Strong for the NXT North American Championship in his debut; of his matches against wash-outs like Tyler Breeze.

Now, Austin Theory claimed to be a primed, developed WWE Superstar. At the mature age of 23 it was time for him to say farewell to "the Black and Gold Brand!" Austin thanked nobody but himself and his leader Seth Rollins for plucking him from NXT and bringing him into the limelight - considering himself a future WWE Hall of Famer. All of a sudden, Tyler Breeze came out to the ring. Quick to applaud Theory, clapping him on his way down to the ring, "Prince Pretty" told Austin how he had accomplished so much - but he would hardly be missed! Breeze talked about Theory enjoying a cup of coffee in NXT and only getting the call-up thanks to puckering up to the likes of "the Monday Night Messiah". Theory was hardly surprised, noting Breeze was just jealous that after six years in NXT, his career was going nowhere. Brashly, he wished Tyler the best in his future endeavors - but Tyler would surprise Theory with the Supermodel Kick! A clothesline sent Theory from the ring, the veteran not about to be insulted by the youngster.

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Matt Riddle was on the phone to Pete Dunne, talking about the NXT Championship opportunity afforded to him against Adam Cole. He spoke about missing Pete, and that he couldn't wait for his BroserWeight buddy to be back in the United States, helping him kick some ass. "The Original Bro" said he was doing it all for the BroserWeights, before apologizing - he had no idea it was so early in England! Riddle mused how crazy timezones were, when the camera panned out to reveal Velveteen Dream. He tossed the second NXT Tag Team Championship at Riddle, who hung up the phone. While celebratory of the victory tonight, Velveteen digressed that it wasn't what they agreed upon. The Dream maintained that Adam Cole belonged to him, and that in his mind, Riddle had stolen his thunder. He was the one who wanted the NXT Championship - but alas, he would have his back next week. Riddle nodded, when Dream claimed after that however: he was going to stop at nothing to become NXT Champion.

​

A series of stills aired, taking a look at events from WrestleMania weekend on the RAW brand. Drew McIntyre finally captured the WWE World Championship from Brock Lesnar; The Undertaker brought an untimely end to AJ Styles in a bizarre and dramatic Buried Alive match; Edge finally got revenge on Randy Orton in a No Holds Barred match; Becky Lynch survived Shayna Baszler to retain the RAW Women's Championship; Charlotte Flair become a 12-time Women's Champion against NXT Women's Champion Rhea Ripley; Seth Rollins defeated Kevin Owens in what became a No-Disqualification match after Samoa Joe's help; Andrade stole the WWE United States Championship against Rey Mysterio; NXT's Austin Theory debuted with Murphy and AOP of the Church of Rollins, defeating the Street Profits and the Viking Raiders; Bobby Lashley fell at the feet of Aleister Black; and Rob Gronkowski came out of 'the WrestleMania Dash' the new WWE 24/7 Champion!

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Mauro Ranallo and Sam Roberts narrated what a weekend WrestleMania was, as this year "the Greatest Spectacle in Sports Entertainment" was "Too Big For Just One Night". They talked about Monday Night RAW this coming week - where after interrupting Drew McIntyre's WWE World Championship celebration two nights ago, "the Rated R Superstar" Edge would be in the house!

4) Jake Atlas def. Ariya Daivari (4:41)
- The 205 Live mainstay Ariya Daivari travelled to NXT tonight to take on the newest acquisition to the Cruiserweight Division, Jake Atlas. From Los Angeles, California, the newcomer was out to impress in his NXT debut, and did not disappoint. A technician in his own right, Ariya wanted to make short work of Jake who responded with a springboard blockbuster for a near fall. "The Persian Prince" would dictate the pace off a powerslam, but Atlas would come back from a variation of the camel clutch. Atlas began rolling, cartwheeling away from the short-arm clothesline and striking with a headlock driver for a near fall. Atlas headed to the top rope, where Daivari was set up for a cartwheel DDT giving the newcomer the win.

In his first showing on NXT, Jake Atlas was victorious in a swift Cruiserweight showcase against 205 Live mainstay Ariya Daivari. His hand raised, Atlas celebrated in his debut after a strong impression made. Meanwhile, Isaiah Scott was spotted behind the guardrail. Where the NXT Universe would normally be seated, "Swerve" Scott had his feet up against the railing with his sunglasses on. As cool, calm and collected as ever, "Swerve" chilled reminding the rest of the Cruiserweight Division that he was still in town.

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Austin Theory clutched his jaw in disgust from the Supermodel Kick, after his NXT farewell address was thwarted by Tyler Breeze. Pacing back and forth, the newest recruit to the Church of Rollins was pursued by McKenzie Mitchell , who listened with a microphone in hand as Theory threw a tantrum! Austin was sick and tired of "Prince Pretty" sticking his nose where it didn't belong - but it ended next week. Theory guaranteed that that reject Tyler Breeze was going down next week in an extremely special NXT Farewell match. Theory claimed Breeze would bite his dust, because Theory was going to take his win back from several weeks ago - and begin his new career on Monday Night Rawllins!

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Mauro Ranallo and Sam Roberts discussed NXT next week on the USA Network - another edition that looked to have an NXT TakeOver-quality line-up with the NXT Championship on the line!

• NXT Championship - Adam Cole (c) vs Matt Riddle
• Number One Contender's match - Keith Lee vs Dominik Dijakovic
• NXT Farewell - Austin Theory vs Tyler Breeze
• Tommaso Ciampa awaits 'Doomsday's Arrival'

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The stage was set for the main event. Six women had qualified for this Number One Contender's Ladder match, and the tools were in place. Surrounding the ring were tall, black and gold striped ladders, and high above the ring hung a contract granting the victor the right to challenge Charlotte Flair for the NXT Women's Championship. The main event was coming up next!

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

5) Candice LeRae def. Io Shirai, Tegan Nox, Dakota Kai (with Raquel González), Chelsea Green & Aliyah (with Robert Stone) in a Women's Number One Contender's Ladder match (14:29) [THROUGH TWO BREAKS]
- As the ring in Full Sail University filled up with the six combatants ahead of the Number One Contender's Ladder match in mere moments, the theme music of Charlotte Flair hit - signalling the arrival of the NXT Women's Champion! "The Queen" would arrive in the stands of the arena, normally occupied by members of the NXT Audience. Taking a seat, Charlotte prepared to meet her next challenger.
- Six women entered, but only one could leave with the contract to challenge for the NXT Women's Championship in the near future. Dakota Kai and Tegan Nox immediately went at it as the bell sounded, with Raquel González hoping to step in on behalf of her employer. Io Shirai managed to fend of Chelsea Green and Aliyah of the Robert Stone Brand, when everybody wound up at ringside. "The Genius of the Sky" struck with a crossbody onto the other six women (including González), as the action rolled into the first commercial break.
- Chelsea Green and Aliyah appeared to get back on track as NXT rolled on, Robert Stone enthused to see them ganging up to combat Io Shirai and Tegan Nox. Introducing the ladders, they hoped to charge to the center and sandwich Candice LeRae between two ladders - just for LeRae to duck! Io Shirai and Candice fought back to combat them, Candice stacking Green and Aliyah on top of each other. Dumping a ladder on top of them, she waited as "the Genius of the Sky" climbed another ladder to fly - when Candice would send Shirai falling off the ladder, over the top rope, and through a bridged ladder that snapped in half upon impact!
- "The Genius of the Sky" was helped from the scene by officials after a huge fall from the ladder, and Dakota Kai decided to take a page from the Robert Stone Brand's playbook - enlisting the help of Raquel González to gain an unfair advantage! Gonzalez throttled Tegan Nox in the corner as Dakota tried to climb the ladder, but Nox struck with the Shiniest Wizard. Nox climbed up to meet her arch enemy atop the ladder in the center, where the two went at it with haymakers exchanged. Kai was stunned and Nox reached up for the contract - when González got beneath Nox and delivered an electric chair drop, guillotining Nox on the top rope!
- The match boiled down to Dakota Kai and Candice LeRae, both women vying for the shot at the new NXT Women's Champion Charlotte Flair, who watched from the stands. Raquel González tried to intervene, just for Tegan Nox to come back with rights and lefts! Kai had the contract within her fingertips, when LeRae raked her eyes! With a sunset flip over the top of the ladder, Kai tumbled down to the canvas hard while Candice would climb back up the ladder in a hurry to retrieve the contract!

A new number one contender to the NXT Women's Championship had been named, and to perhaps the surprise of everybody, it was Candice LeRae! The wife of the recently exiled Johnny Gargano had done the unthinkable, overcoming five of the very best that the NXT Women's Division had to offer to gain her chance to become the leader of the division. Dropping to the canvas, Candice appeared emotional as she raised the contract high in the air. In all black, it had been a difficult week for the veteran following "Johnny Wrestling's" defeat in One Final Beat. But the NXT Women's Champion Charlotte Flair was spotted giving her a standing ovation. From the stands, surrounded by nobody in the NXT Universe, "the Queen" watched in approval. Now Candice's challenge was to overthrow the 12-time Women's Champion!

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