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

[DTP]

NXT UK #88 - April 9, 2020
Coventry Skydome in Coventry, England
FOUR DAYS REMOVED FROM WRESTLEMANIA

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A video package aired, taking us back to last week on NXT UK. The 20-man Battle Royal to name a new number one contender to the NXT United Kingdom Championship took place, with many of the finest NXT UK Superstars vying for the chance to go on to meet WALTER at NXT UK TakeOver: Dublin. Who came out on top? Tonight we would take a look back on one of the biggest Battle Royals in NXT history!

The opening video package aired, bringing us to Coventry Skydome. Members of the NXT Universe stood in attendance as Andy Shepherd talked about WrestleMania: "Too Big For Just One Night" having emanated merely days ago. One week removed from the 20-Man Battle Royal to name a new number one contender to the NXT United Kingdom Championship, Shepherd discussed the "unique times" the country was living in and announced a series of special matches that were taped previously, being scheduled to take place tonight.

• NXT United Kingdom Champion WALTER vs Ridge Holland
• Ilja Dragunov vs A-Kid
• Finn Bálor vs Kenny Williams
• The Hunt vs Dan Moloney and Dereiss Gordon
• A recap of last week's 20-Man Number One Contender's Battle Royal.

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1) NXT United Kingdom Champion WALTER def. Ridge Holland (6:51)
- Starting off a very special presentation of NXT UK in the biggest possible way, "the Ring General" was set for singles competition against a similarly imposing foe in "the Yorkshire Powerhouse". Ridge Holland would not back down to the NXT United Kingdom Champion, barraging with rights and lefts. A physical match saw WALTER respond with some stiff chops, which would render Holland weakened. WALTER would continue to hammer at Ridge with a butterfly suplex, when a shotgun dropkick garnered a near fall. Holland fired back with every bit of might he had, surprising WALTER with the Ridge Plex! Holland was looking to score a massive upset, when WALTER cut off the Northern Grit attempt with an echoing chop. WALTER dropped Holland with a Burning Lariat and the Folding Powerbomb to pick up the win.

In another impressive outing for the NXT United Kingdom Champion, WALTER put away one of NXT UK's larger men in Ridge Holland. "The Ring General" stood conservatively in the ring after the match, laying out the title before him. WALTER appeared ready for his next challenge, which would be against the winner of last week's 20-Man Battle Royal Ilja Dragunov, at some point down the line.

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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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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!

2) The Hunt def. Dan Moloney and Dereiss Gordon (4:25)
- Two of NXT UK's more unusual competitors had recently formed a tag team and were now on the prowl to annihilate anybody in their path. Wild Boar and Primate immediately pounced on their opponents as the bell sounded, with Dan Moloney and Dereiss Gordon striving to keep in the fight. Moloney gained some control with a flying clothesline to Boar, when Primate came in illegally with a matslam. Together, "the Predators of the Ring" cornered Moloney and toyed with their food until Moloney surprised with the Worldstar right-hand off Primate's jaw! Dereiss made the tag and got a near fall with the blockbuster. Unfortunately for Dereiss, Primate would strike with the Spear. The Hitch was delivered, granting The Hunt their first win.

In their first outing as a tag team, Wild Boar and Primate appeared to make an imposing pair. Fearsome in action against Dan Moloney and Dereiss Gordon, The Hunt looked to enter the fold in the NXT UK Tag Team Division.

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Stills aired from last week's edition of NXT UK, previewing the look back at last week's 20-Man Battle Royal to determine the next number one contender to WALTER's NXT United Kingdom Championship. Andy Shepherd announced that it was coming up next.

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

About Last Week
A video package aired, recapping last week's instant classic 20-Man Battle Royal. With the winner guaranteed an opportunity at WALTER and the NXT United Kingdom Championship, some of NXT UK's hardest hitters entered the fray for the chance to have a crack at "the Ring General". Finn Bálor's drive and determination saw him on a mission to meet WALTER one-on-one, eliminating fellow NXT Superstar Kassius Ohno and protege, the NXT Cruiserweight Champion Jordan Devlin. Bálor was out to get WALTER one-on-one - when Tyler Bate shocked the world, eliminating the former WWE Universal Champion from the match! Bálor had no choice but to accept elimination, when the match boiled down to two. "The Big Strong Boi" battled the "Unbesiegbar" Ilja Dragunov, with the match having potential of going either way. Bate came close - but Torpedo Moscow stamped the Russian's ticket, destined to challenge WALTER down the line!

While Andy Shepherd was unable to provide a time or a place for the impending NXT United Kingdom Championship challenge in such "unique times", he hoped that it would be soon - as Ilja Dragunov challenging WALTER was sure to be a battle the NXT Universe would never forget. The burning question on everybody's minds was - did the Russian have what it took to dethrone "the Ring General?"

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3) Ilja Dragunov def. A-Kid (9:29) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- Coming one week after outlasting nineteen fellow NXT UK Superstars to gain the opportunity to challenge WALTER to a future NXT United Kingdom Championship match, Ilja Dragunov was tasked with taking on the prosperous young Spaniard, A-Kid. After his issues with Noam Dar saw "the Supernova" eliminate him from last week's Battle Royal, A-Kid had much to prove against the number one contender. Fighting from underneath, A-Kid battled physicality with speed and quickness. The buckle death valley driver stunned A-Kid for a near fall, but no matter what Dragunov threw at his opponent, A-Kid would keep fighting back. The Spanish underdog got physical himself, and surprised with a Spanish fly for a narrow two-count! Making a massive name for himself, A-Kid would block a Lariat into a crossface. Transitioning into a cross-armbreaker, Ilja was on the verge of tapping when he managed to slip out. Using this as a prime opportunity to capitalize, Dragunov struck with Torpedo Moscow to claim the three count.

In a gripping match that potentially made A-Kid in a single performance, it was Ilja Dragunov who came out on top. The number one contender to the NXT United Kingdom Championship was on the roll of a lifetime, as "Unbesiegbar" appeared to be preparing for his date down the line against WALTER.

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A graphic aired, advertising the main event still to come. Seven days since coming up short in the 20-man Battle Royal thanks to Tyler Bate, Finn Bálor returned to NXT UK tonight for singles competition against the youngster from Thunder Road, Hill Valley, Kenny Williams. It was coming up next!

An advertisement aired for a new, limited documentary series. For the first time ever, the curtain was going to be pulled all the way back on the legacy of "the Phenom". Undertaker: The Last Ride is coming soon to the WWE Network.

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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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4) Finn Bálor def. Kenny Williams (10:11) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- "The Prince" tried his earnest to contend for a match with the NXT United Kingdom Champion WALTER during last week's 20-Man Battle Royal match, just to be eliminated by Tyler Bate. As "the Big Strong Boi" was potentially watching, Finn Bálor took on "the Lucky Yin" Kenny Williams. Kenny brought the fight to the former WWE Universal Champion after daring to refuse to shake the veteran's hand. Yet the confidence of Kenny would soon rear its' head, opening up to Bálor taking down Kenny with a Sling Blade. Finn strived to do the work he did best, grounding the youngster and breaking him down segment by segment. Kenny showed resilience before catching "the Prince" off-guard with the Scottish Sickle, just for his opponent to narrowly kick out! The Scot looked for the satellite DDT, but Finn reversed into the Pelé kick! Bálor and Williams fought up top, when Finn blocked a superplex sending Kenny to the canvas. The Coup de Grâce would spell the end for "the Lucky Yin!"

In another impressive outing, Finn Bálor was able to rack up another win to his list in NXT UK. While Kenny Williams put up quite a fight against "the Prince", the experience and perseverence of the former NXT Champion saw Finn come out on top. "The Lucky Yin" recovered, and would be approached by Finn with a handshake. After refusing to shake the veteran's hand before the match, Kenny would now accept it as the two hugged it out. Ever the mentor, Bálor was left with the ring to himself. Although he failed to win the 20-Man Battle Royal match last week, he remained poised to one day get that NXT United Kingdom Championship match!

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[DTP]

Friday Night SmackDown #1077 - April 10, 2020
WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida
Sponsored by

FIVE DAYS REMOVED FROM WRESTLEMANIA!

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WWE 205 Live #174 - April 10, 2020
- Tony Nese def. Danny Burch with the Running Nese. (7:31)
- Gentleman Jack Gallagher def. Oney Lorcan by disqualification after Tony Nese interfered. Danny Burch made the save. (5:21)

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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; John Morrison and The Miz escaping the Triple Threat Ladder match as still SmackDown Tag Team Champions; Bray Wyatt and The Fiend seemingly bringing an end to John Cena in the Firefly Fun House match; Bayley making it away from the 6-Pack Challenge elimination match with the SmackDown Women's Championship; Otis defeating Dolph Ziggler and uniting with Mandy Rose; or a new WWE Universal Champion being crowned in the Spear vs Spear dream match, with Roman Reigns overcoming Goldberg. Tonight, days following "the Greatest Spectacle in Sports Entertainment", what would happen on the SmackDown After 'Mania?

The opening video package aired, bringing us to inside of the WWE Performance Center. It was time for the first edition of Friday Night SmackDown on FOX, coming on the heels of a red-hot WrestleMania that was "Too Big For Just One Night!" Michael Cole was sat at ringside, reunited with broadcast colleague Corey Graves , who humorously complained about having to return from "vacation" to sit beside Cole. Michael Cole and Corey Graves brought up the news that broke earlier this week involving the new WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns seemingly leaving his title and going home.

A replay aired from WWE Backstage this past Tuesday 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. Michael Cole and Corey Graves confirmed that tonight on SmackDown, the title's future would be addressed.

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The Artist Collective Makes The Rules
Kicking off Friday Night SmackDown walked out the Artist Collective, led by the man who made it past Braun Strowman last weekend at WrestleMania - the WWE Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn. Dancing hyperactively to his own theme music, he led Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura to the ring where the trio looked around at the WWE Performance Center. "The Great Liberator" was on cloud nine over the karma that "the Monster Among Men" was dealt last week at "the Grandaddy of Them All" - not only was Sami a fair enough champion to accept Braun's rematch clause on less-than twenty-four hour's notice, but he made it out a winner - which was a lot more than what could be said for the big ape! Zayn told jokes about the lack of intellect in which Braun possessed, with even Shinsuke getting in with an awful joke about the giant's stupidity. "The Swiss Cyborg" took the microphone and began to state how courageous and inspiring Sami's title retention was, when Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak interrupted!

Impressed by the gall of the Artist Collective, Daniel Bryan sarcastically congratulated Sami Zayn on the fact it took three men for him to retain the WWE Intercontinental Championship against "the Monster Among Men". Daniel joked at how courageous it was for "the Great Liberator", but questioned where Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro's credit was. Zayn deflected "the Yes Man", reminding Daniel that he didn't get to play this game - he was offered a spot in the Artist Collective, a chance to be surrounded by real talent. Instead, Daniel associated himself with Drew Goofball! "The Militant Mat-Mite" told Sami he was one funny guy - almost as funny as it was last week on SmackDown, when he took the WWE Intercontinental Champion to the limit! Gulak spoke about how when he and Daniel Bryan teamed up, there was no nonsense involved. He reminded Cesaro and Nakamura of the fact he and Bryan beat them on WrestleMania: Part 2. It infuriated "the Artist" to be reminded of Gulak holding a victory over him!

Sami Zayn took the microphone from the irate Shinsuke Nakamura. Comforting him, the WWE Intercontinental Champion took the bait. Tired of the argument with Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak, "the Great Liberator" declared he and his Artist Collective were above the likes of them. Tonight, he proposed a six-man tag team match pitting Bryan and Gulak against himself, "the Artist" and Cesaro! Bryan and Gulak seemed up to the task, with "the Yes Man" wondering when they were going to get their chance to grapple. But Zayn was not yet finished - the twist was that Daniel and "the Militant Mat-Mite" could not choose Braun Strowman to be their tag team partner! Zayn made fun of "the Monster Among Men" losing his spot in line for his title - and as far as the Artist Collective was concerned, Bryan and Gulak would have to find somebody else dumb enough to team up with them! Gulak was concerned, but Daniel clearly had a trick up his sleeve. Backing up the ramp, Bryan told Sami he'd see them later tonight!

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Days following the Six-Pack Challenge elimination match, the SmackDown Women's Championship would remain firmly around the waist of Bayley, who walked with a smile on her face beside Sasha Banks. The Boss 'n' Hug Connection laughed and joked, as they planned to spectate tag team action - pitting Lacey Evans and Naomi against Tamina and Carmella! It was coming up next.

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Stills aired from the Six-Pack Challenge elimination match, which took place at WrestleMania: Part 2 last weekend. Tasked with taking on five of the SmackDown Women's Division's top contenders, Bayley was somehow able to shy away, retaining the SmackDown Women's Championship by any means necessary defeating Lacey Evans, Naomi, Carmella, Tamina - and even her best friend, Sasha Banks.

1) Lacey Evans and Naomi def. Carmella and Tamina (4:35)
- SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley and her best friend Sasha Banks joined Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary, where the champ gloated about winning the Six-Pack Challenge elimination match. "The Legit Boss" supported Bayley, regarding this tag team match to be between "the four losers" of WrestleMania's title defense.
- Carmella and Tamina had their issues deciding who would start the match, whereas Lacey Evans and Naomi would gel as a tag team. With great tandem offense including a double suplex to Tamina, Naomi would soon leave herself open to a swift super kick from the Fijian. From there, Tamina and Carmella worked well until "the Staten Island Princess" was struck by a desperation Rear View! Lacey Evans made the tag and worked hard to take down Tamina. Carmella re-entered, when Naomi took her down with the Flashing Lights combination of kicks. Tamina found herself stunned but still standing after the Rear View from Naomi, when a Woman's Right from "the First Lady" granted Evans the three count.

Digging Up Secrets
Defeating Carmella and Tamina, Lacey Evans and Naomi celebrated their win with a hug when Bayley and Sasha Banks stepped up on the announce table. The SmackDown Women's Champion said nobody cared about the match because it was pitted between the four losers that fell to her feet in the Six-Pack Challenge match at WrestleMania. She believed the SmackDown Women's Division revolved around her and only her, and Sasha Banks agreed. Evans and Naomi dared the Boss 'n' Hug Connection to step in the ring, but Bayley was only interested in insulting them! The champ explained Naomi was only here because of who she chose to marry, while Lacey Evans was nothing but a pity hire! "The Legit Boss" questioned if the rumors were true about "the First Lady" being a problem-child. Not just confirming it, Bayley claimed Lacey was the reason her father drank! A hush fell over the WWE Performance Center, as Lacey Evans grew emotional. Naomi consoled her with a hug, believing they had taken things too far.

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A graphic aired, as Michael Cole and Corey Graves discussed the bizarre unfolding of events that took place in the Firefly Fun House match at WrestleMania. Up next they planned to look back at the bizarre confrontation between Bray Wyatt and John Cena - with an all-new edition of the Firefly Fun House also planned to take place tonight.

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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.

Mojo Rawley was backstage with the new WWE 24/7 Champion Rob Gronkowski. The two were hyped for WrestleMania in Hollywood, "Gronk" joking about being Host again next year, so he could end the night as WWE Universal Champion! Mojo wished to discuss 'the WrestleMania Dash', claiming he was happy his buddy got his first taste of WWE gold - but he felt cheated! "Gronk" apologized, but claimed Mojo knew the risks! He grew Hype in his face, "Gronk" inviting he do something about it. It became comedy, when Titus O'Neilarrived to introduce himself to "Gronk". The Host of WrestleMania after "Gronk" left the show on Sunday night, Titus warmed up to him saying he also played football! Mojo was sceptical: he and "Gronk" were real NFL players. "Gronk" told Mojo to gatekeep elsewhere, happily shaking O'Neil's hand - when Titus clotheslined the champ! Mojo pushed Titus away before he could attempt a pinfall, and he'd exit quickly. Mojo tried to help "Gronk" up - but he no longer trusted him.

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A video package aired, recapping the bizarre sights of the Firefly Fun House match. John Cena and Bray Wyatt were to engage in psychological warfare - but not even "the Greatest of All-Time" had any idea what was about to happen. It became a psychoanalysis of John's entire career, with Wyatt taking Cena back to his 2002 debut; his days as "the Doctor of Thuganomics"; and even to metaphorical visions of Saturday Night's Main Event in the year 1989 and the nWo days of WCW Monday Nitro in the late-90s. The last stop would be back to WrestleMania XXX, where Cena finally grew tired of Wyatt's insanity - but the mind games would continue when The Fiend came to reap what was left of "the GOAT". Sister Abigail put Cena down, when Fiend would make Cena physical vanish!

Michael Cole and Corey Graves talked about the Firefly Fun House match being sure to go down in history as the strangest match in WrestleMania's 36-year history. Corey noted how nobody had heard from John Cena since Bray Wyatt and The Fiend demolished him in whatever insanity took place within what appeared to be the crazed mind of "the Eater of Worlds". Cole brought up what Wyatt said last month, that WrestleMania was going to be a slaughter - and sure enough, not John nor anybody else in the WWE Universe knew exactly what to expect.

A Post-'Mania Edition of 'The Firefly Fun House'
The title sequence would cut the announcers off, as it was now time for an all-new edition of 'the Firefly Funhouse!' Bray Wyatt entered through his door to the sounds of children cheering. With the neon green baseball cap of John Cena on top of his head and a big brown paper bag in hand, he greeted his little Fireflies merrily, talking about the beautiful day it had been! Mercy the Buzzard popped up to question what on Earth Bray had on his head. He remarked that the sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the market had plenty to offer him. He got so many souvenirs that he just knew would look perfect for the Fun House! Abby the Witch told Bray he was delusional, but Wyatt would ignore her - asking his Fireflies if they wanted to see what he'd got. To cheers, Bray would pull out items one at a time. First: John Cena's T-shirt! Ramblin' Rabbit screamed for joy at the present, when next came the Spinner WWE United States Championship. Disgusted, Bray claimed that one could remain in the trash.

Bray Wyatt slung the Spinner WWE United States Championship off-screen to the sound of broken glass, pulling out a WWE Brawling Buddies John Cena doll! It spoke, exclaiming "the Champ is here!". Ramblin' Rabbit was excited that Cena was alive. Bray questioned the doll, asking what it was like to step into "this world" at WrestleMania. It told Bray if he wanted some, to come get some! Wyatt laughed, as not only had Bray wanted some: he broke some, when The Fiend put "Big Match John" in his place. The doll spoke about Hustle, Loyalty and Respect - when Bray declared he'd heard enough. Picking up a matchstick, Wyatt told the doll he was boring and cliché - it was time to lighten up! Scratching it against his temple, a flame ignited from the matchstick as Bray lit the Brawling Buddy on fire. Maniacally, Wyatt slung the burning doll aside to Rabbit's horror, bidding us farewell!

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Stills aired from WrestleMania: Part 2, where the love triangle revolving around Mandy Rose led to a heartwarming scene, where Otis finally defeated Dolph Ziggler before uniting with Mandy. The hottest new couple in WWE came about when "the Show Off" and Mandy's thought-to-be friend from Fire and Desire schemed to prevent the relationship from occuring. After weeks of trying to get his hands on him, Otis finally overcame Dolph, with Mandy choosing one-half of Heavy Machinery over "the Show Off!"

Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed us back to Friday Night SmackDown, discussing the breaking development in Otis and Mandy Rose's newfound relationship. Love was in the air as far as Cole was concerned, when Dolph Ziggler 's theme music hit. Immediately stomping down to ringside, "the Show Off" held a microphone and demanded they shut up about WrestleMania. It was in the past, and if anybody thought it bothered him that he came up short to a fugly imbecile like Otis. "The Show Off" maintained he was way out of Mandy's league - and he was way over it! Dolph brought up his credentials of being a former two-time World Heavyweight Champion; a former six-time WWE Intercontinental Champion. And with Roman Reigns out of the picture, Ziggler teased making a run to be the next WWE Universal Champion! Finally, his opponent Shorty G made his way out to the ring. Incensed by the intrusion, Dolph prepared for combat.

2) Dolph Ziggler def. Shorty G (5:22)
- Perhaps it was denial that prompted Dolph Ziggler to interrupt discussion about Otis and Mandy Rose. Nonetheless, Shorty G was looking to make waves in his return to Friday Night SmackDown after a month-plus on the sidelines. "The Show Off" hoped to put his amateur wrestling skills to good use against the Olympian, who surprised the veteran on multiple occasions. Outwrestling him handily, Dolph grew only more angry, dipping to the floor to recompose. Shorty G scored a near fall from the rolling German suplex out of the corner, but a missed moonsault from the top rope led to Ziggler taking him down with the Super Kick! Dolph covered but would raise his opponent's head up before the three count, almost as if to show a more imposing side. "The Show Off" would show his seriousness with a Zig Zag being the move to put Shorty G down for the count.

Over...Her?
All did not seem as well with Dolph Ziggler as he'd claimed, picking a beaten Shorty G back to his feet to bring him down with a second Zig Zag! Dolph tugged at his hair and prepared a third Zig Zag - when out came Otis's tag team partner Tucker! A microphone in hand, the other half of Heavy Machinery smiled to Dolph, apologizing for what happened on Sunday. He felt for him - after everything he'd tried, he was not good enough for Mandy Rose! Tucker said Mandy nor Otis were here tonight - but they wanted to give "the Show Off" a peek at what they'd been up to! On the video screen, a slideshow of images aired showing Otis holding Mandy in his arms at WrestleMania; the two baking a cake together, with Otis getting flour all over himself; the two hanging out at the beach, hand-in-hand! Payback for what Dolph did to Otis weeks ago, Tucker smiled delivering the message, telling "the Show Off" there were other fish in the sea - he'd find a Mandy of his own some day. Fuming, Dolph threw a temper tantrum in the ring!

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An advertisement aired, outlining all of rules stipulated in the Money in the Bank Ladder match. Once a year, opportunity called as WWE Money in the Bank would take place live on Sunday, May 10, only on the WWE Network.

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Stills aired, recapping the tag team match from WrestleMania: Part 2, pitting Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak against Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura. It came after interference from the Artist Collective led Sami Zayn to victory in his WWE Intercontinental Championship defense against Braun Strowman. In their first major outing as a tag team, the training partners were effective. "The Militant Mat-Mite proved his worth with a shock submission victory, defeating "the King of Strong Style" with the Gu-Lock.

Daniel Bryan returned from the water cooler with a bottle of water, entering the dressing room to see Drew Gulak putting himself through the paces. Frantically doing sit-ups, "the Militant Mat-Mite" was punishing himself for burning so many bridges in the past. Daniel forced his "Coach" to stop working out for a moment, but Drew complained that they were outnumbered by the Artist Collective and had nobody they could count on. Bryan tried to calm Drew unsuccessfully on two occasions, before succeeding with a slap across the face! Daniel told Drew how perfect he was last Sunday at WrestleMania when he made a former Royal Rumble winner in Shinsuke Nakamura tap out. Tonight, Bryan urged Gulak leave finding a third man to him, and to focus on making the Artist Collective hurt again tonight. Stiffening up, "Coach" Gulak resurfaced, telling Daniel that was enough talking. Gulak demanded Bryan drop and give him twenty - and happily, Daniel complied with rapidfire sit-ups!

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A video package aired, recapping the dream match from WrestleMania: Part 1. Spear vs Spear, Goldberg defended the WWE Universal Championship against Roman Reigns. It was nonstop action, as both combatants traded explosive moves hoping to put the other down first. For all the WWE Hall of Famer did to try and put "the Big Dog" down for the count, Roman would come back time and time again, and ultimately deliver the Superman Punch and the Spear to become WWE Universal Champion.

The Future of the WWE Universal Championship Revealed
Michael Cole and Corey Graves recapped the news from earlier, which had been going around all week long via WWE Backstage on FS1, as well as the Internet. Flashing headlines taken from WWE.com, Fox Sports News, Sports Illustrated and TMZ, Roman Reigns ended WrestleMania last Saturday night on a high by defeating Goldberg to be crowned WWE Universal Champion; only to walk into WrestleMania on Sunday, meet with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, and promptly leave before the show started, relinquishing the title! Whatever the reason for "the Big Dog's" departure, Cole and Graves said that the WWE family stood behind Roman Reigns through these trying times, before revealing that the WWE Universal Championship had been declared vacant. An eight-man tournament would take place to crown a new champion, with the finals to crown a new champion taking place at WWE Money in the Bank - live on Sunday, May 10 exclusively on the WWE Network.

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The Kabuki Warriors had arrived to the WWE Performance Center from the Monday Night RAW brand. Since losing the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships to Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross six nights ago at WrestleMania, all Asuka and Kairi Sane had talked about was how they were better BFFs than "the Goddess" and "Naughty Nikki". In a rematch from "the Greatest Spectacle in Sports Entertainment", "the Empress of Tomorrow" and "the Pirate Princess" were about to invoke their rematch clause - up next!

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

3) Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross (c) def. The Kabuki Warriors to retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship (8:53) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- At WrestleMania: Part 1 six nights ago, Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross recaptured the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships from Asuka and Kairi Sane; unofficially proving that they were the superior BFFs in the WWE today. The Kabuki Warriors invoked their rematch clause to receive this shot tonight. The RAW Superstars went after Bliss, sending Nikki to the floor and leaving "the Goddess" to fight both off. It wound up with her arm being worked over, as Asuka and Kairi stayed on Alexa. Keeping her from Cross. Bliss hit Code Red on Sane but Asuka would prevent a tag by attempting the Asuka Lock. Bliss struggled but used the ropes to transition into a roll-up. "The Pirate Princess" would then cut her off with the Sliding D! Kairi went up for the Insane Elbow just to miss it - and Nikki made the tag! "Naughty Nikki" ran wild in the ring against allcomers, when all four women wound up in. As Asuka had the Asuka Lock on Alexa at ringside, Cross reversed Sane's Flying Kabuki Elbow into the Whiplash to retain the titles!

The new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions had made their first defense of the titles they'd won six nights prior at WrestleMania, and Alexa Bliss quickly rushed in to hug Nikki Cross. Having barely escaped the clutches of Asuka's Asuka Lock at ringside, "the Goddess" favored her arm as the BFFs were about to be handed their titles. But "the Empress of Tomorrow" would intercept - snatching the titles from the referee. Joined by a beaten Kairi Sane, "the Pirate Princess" took the title that once belonged to her as well. A staredown between the RAW and SmackDown women saw another fight look to break out, with Asuka screaming in Japanese...only to result in the Kabuki Warriors handing them their titles respectfully! Bowing to them on a good fight, Asuka and Kairi left the ring to Bliss and Cross to celebrate - a new leaf looking to have been turned by the former champs.

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Tucker scanned his phone backstage, texting Otis and congratulating him on apparently winning a watermelon-eating contest on vacation with Mandy Rose. Speaking aloud to text his tag team partner from Heavy Machinery, Tucker wished the hot new couple an awesome break away in the Bahamas. Sonya Deville suddenly appeared, disgruntled by the events that unfolded at WrestleMania. One-half of Fire and Desire informed Tucker he knew why she was there - when abruptly from behind came Dolph Ziggler! Furiously, "the Show Off" clubbed the back of the big man's head, before picking up a piece of metal staging equipment and clocking Tucker across the back of the head with it! Ziggler furiously put the boots to him before being backed away by Sonya. His point apparently proven, Deville declared that was enough. Dolph claimed nobody stole the show from him - nobody!

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Following a replay of the set-up by Dolph Ziggler and Sonya Deville on Tucker before the commercial break, Michael Cole and Corey Graves discussed what was coming up this Monday night on RAW. With WrestleMania out of the way for another year, it was time to get prepared for WWE Money in the Bank!

• Men's Money in the Bank Qualifying match - WWE United States Champion Andrade vs Ricochet
• Men's Money in the Bank Qualifying match - Rey Mysterio vs Samoa Joe
• Men's Money in the Bank Qualifying match - Bobby Lashley vs Cedric Alexander
• Edge returns to Monday Night RAW.

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The Power of Positivity Crashes 'The Dirt Sheet'
The SmackDown Tag Team Champions sat in directors chairs in the ring as cameras returned to the WWE Performance Center. John Morrison and The Miz appeared banged up and sore, as "the A-Lister" gave a major shout-out to Janet, the make-up lady who had done impeccable work cleaning up their blemished, bruised and battered physiques. "The Friday Night Delight" recounted the war the two of them had undergone last week at WrestleMania. The Miz talked about how it was an unforgettable night - not because of the match itself, but because of the two guys that won it. Demanding the footage be rolled, a video package recapped the Triple Threat Ladder match pitting the Miz and Morrison against The New Day and The Usos. Somehow the champs came away with the titles intact, and back live JoMo declared the both of them the true highlights of WrestleMania! Miz bragged they were the reason WrestleMania was "Too Big For Just One Night", because the Ladder match stealing the show was a fact!

John Morrison then told The Miz it was time to grow a little more sensitive, however. In the Triple Threat Ladder match at WrestleMania, things got a little out of hand. In the heat of conflict with The New Day and The Usos, Jimmy Uso went down with an injury of his quadriceps. After a moment to consider the rehabilitation Jimmy would have to undergo...the two could not help but crack up in laughter! Miz declared the both of them not only as being great, charismatic studs that Hollywood would love to get their hands on - but dangerous champions that would never ever "Roman Reigns" the SmackDown Tag Team Championships by relinquishing them! Finally the New Day came clapping out to the rampway, interrupting the champs with a tray of pancakes in the hand of Kofi Kingston. Big E addressed The Miz and Morrison, daring not to be sour - and to instead "Feel The Power". When the dust settled on WrestleMania night, it may have been the champs who snuck out with the gold - but it was not to last.

Kofi Kingston gave respect to Jimmy Uso, with The Miz finding it precious how The New Day and The Usos switched from enemies to buddies! Kofi called it having respect for a fellow tag team. "The Shaman of Sexy" told The New Day to get to their point, when Big E made a case with the Usos on the bench - The New Day wanted another shot at the SmackDown Tag Team Champions! A baffled Miz reminded them of who beat them at Super ShowDown to win those titles, contending they'd survived through Elimination Chamber; they'd battled through a Ladder match. Now was their time; when his hand went up, everybody's mouths went shut! Next week if Kofi Kingston could defeat John Morrison one-on-one - Miz promised their shot. But if Kofi failed, it was to the back of the line for them! Big E and Kofi mulled it over, accepting the challenge and hitting the ring! The champs bailed when Kofi soared with a Trust Fall off the top rope to ringside! The New Day gyrated in leaving, wanting the titles where they belonged.

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Following a replay of the comments made by the SmackDown Women's Champion and "the Legit Boss" to a Lacey Evans tonight, Bayley and Sasha Banks walked the hall laughing about the tears on "the First Lady's" face! The two mocked Lacey's life before the WWE, when Sarah Schreiber arrived. Asking the Boss 'n' Hug Connection if they felt they'd taken things too far tonight, Bayley and Sasha looked at each other - cracking up again! Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross showed up to interrupt, greeting them politely. Bayley congratulated the new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, as Sasha reminded her of who beat them recently - the "real" BFFs of the WWE! "The Goddess" brought up WrestleMania and how Bayley threw Sasha under the bus to retain the title. "The Legit Boss" denied it, though Nikki urged her to check the footage. Sasha refused, claiming Bayley never would. Bliss and Cross took a leave, stirring the pot, prompting Banks to question what Alexa was talking about. Bayley would play dumb.

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A graphic aired, advertising a very special edition of Friday Night SmackDown. Since 1995, "the King of Kings" had ruled the WWE - and in two weeks time, his legacy would be celebrated. Triple H would appear in the 'Triple H 25th Anniversary Celebration' - live on FOX.

A Less Than Smooth Hit
The WWE 24/7 Champion Rob Gronkowski was caught up to by Mojo Rawley following the confrontation earlier tonight. The SuperBowl Champion was mad at "the Hype Man" for getting in his face, talking about being the new kid on the block in the WWE. He had to start big; making a name for himself by winning gold. Rawley recounted he never got to win gold early in his career. "Gronk" raised a valid point, going back to his WWE debut last month. Mojo vowed to always have his back! Admitting he did say that, Rawley said he never wanted a title to come between them... but if "Gronk" lost the gold, that title was coming back home with him! The two made up, when Rob told Mojo they'd catch up later. As he left, a large crate inexplicablyfell from the rafters! Smashing to the concrete floor, it barely missed the champ! "Gronk" was stunned when Mojo noticed "So Smooth" Riddick Moss hiding behind a wall! Rawley hightailed it after the former champ - the RAW Superstar's attempt to regain the title thwarted!

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4) Sheamus def. Heath Slater (1:17)
- "The Celtic Warrior" had been gone a while, but had found a new lease on life by returning to what made him a WWE Champion in his rookie year. Mean, dominant and with a take-no-prisoners attitude, the Irishman immediately struck down Heath Slater with a clothesline from the bell. Clubbing him fiercely in the ropes, Sheamus tore open the "I've Got Kids" shirt of "the One Man Band" before taking Slater down and out with a decisive Brogue Kick!

Catching his breath after not even a 90-second bout with Heath Slater, Sheamus took to the microphone and brought up his old rival Roman Reigns. With the history the two had shared, "the Celtic Warrior" reminded everybody of who beat Roman in just 5:15 to become WWE World Heavyweight Champion. It was him, and he knew back then Roman was too chicken to be a leader. That was why he really vacated the WWE Universal Championship, because he was yellow-bellied! Whereas he, he was back, better than ever and badder than ever. Sheamus had proven time and time again that he was tenacious enough, powerful enough and strong enough to carry this whole show on his shoulders. For too long, Sheamus said he'd been out of the picture - but that ended here and now. Sheamus declared his intentions of entering the tournament and walking out of Money in the Bank as the new WWE Universal Champion. He then dashed Slater again with a second Brogue Kick for good measure!

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Stills of WrestleMania: Part 2 aired, showing what transpired in what was intended to be King Corbin against Elias. Two days removed from the savage beating the King gave "the Drifter" with the use of his acoustic guitar, Elias fought valiantly against his rival only to come up short in agonizing defeat. A graphic aired, showing that coming up next, King Corbin would address the WWE Universe in 'the King's Speech'.

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Stills aired of the WWE Intercontinental Championship match from WrestleMania: Part 1. For weeks, Sami Zayn and the Artist Collective had incensed and provoked the former champ Braun Strowman. "The Monster Among Men" finally got his chance at recapturing the title, only to be once again cheated out of it by not only "the Great Liberator", but Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura as well. Despite the help from Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak, Strowman would go beaten and Sami would escape with the title.

The Artist Collective were full of confidence backstage, Sami Zayn leading Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura down the hall when approached by Alyse Ashton. She asked if they were afraid of the possibilities of who Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak had to team up with, but the WWE Intercontinental Champion laughed in the face of the broadcast journalist. Zayn stated he and his men laid out the challenge to begin with, and they had nothing to be afraid of. "The Swiss Cyborg" and "the King of Strong Style" seemed confident, as Sami talked about there being a less than 0% chance of them being intimidated by a vegan and a "Militant Mat-Mite" - whatever the hell that was! Sami bragged that Daniel and Drew didn't have any friends not named Braun Strowman who would even dare to help them against the Artist Collective.

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The King's Speech; Impaired
Overlooking the Perch in the WWE Performance Center, King Corbin arrived in his skeletal crown and his fur cape. "Wrestling Royalty" chuckled as he began to address the masses of WWE Universe - whom he was glad could not be here, with their foul odours and awful hygiene. While most WWE Superstars he was certain missed the fans' presence at Friday Night SmackDown, the King was not one of them! Corbin listed the reasons why, saying how without the peasants here each week to insult him, he was free to say and do whatever he felt like. No longer would the King be faced with the torturous disrespect presented by the ugly, hate-filled masses who all tried to deny the perfection of their ruler. He was the 2019 King of the Ring, and the man more entertaining than most. If anybody were to be crowned WWE Universal Champion, it had to be him - because King Corbin was Friday Night SmackDown, and this show was his!

All of a sudden, 'The King's Speech' would come to an untimely end with Elias returning to fight off King Corbin! "The Drifter" had his ribs taped after the unfair fight that went down last Sunday night at WrestleMania. Corbin tried to escape the musician, but Elias would tear the fur from Corbin's back and drag him back, kicking and screaming! Corbin scored with a low blow, but Elias struck back accordingly with a bonking shot from his guitar. It was revenge for last week on Friday Night SmackDown, when Corbin ruined Elias's concert. He attempted to powerbomb the King from the Perch - but Corbin would score a second low blow and make a getaway. Elias clutched his groin and called out for Corbin to come back and fight him!

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Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak were set for the main event, doing warmups in anticipation backstage. It was scheduled to be a six-man tag team match against the Artist Collective - but with a twist. Sami Zayn had stipulated Bryan and Gulak to team with a partner not named Braun Strowman. As the training buddies headed for the ring, who would their partner be against the WWE Intercontinental Champion, Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura?

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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!

Michael Cole and Corey Graves talked about the WWE Universal Championship situation once again, with Roman Reigns having walked out of WrestleMania last Sunday after an emergency meeting with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon. Following the announcement earlier tonight of an 8-man tournament being declared, next week would see the first two quarter-final matches take place!

• A Happy Birthday edition of 'the Firefly Funhouse'.
• WWE Universal Championship - Quarter-Final Round - Sheamus vs Braun Strowman
• WWE Universal Championship - Quarter-Final Round - Daniel Bryan vs Apollo Crews
• Falls Count Anywhere - Elias vs King Corbin
• Championship Contender's match - SmackDown Tag Team Champion John Morrison vs Kofi Kingston

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5) Daniel Bryan, Drew Gulak and Jeff Hardy def. The Artist Collective (12:19) [THROUGH TWO BREAKS]
- Sami Zayn cheating Braun Strowman out of the WWE Intercontinental Championship again at WresstleMania had led to Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak teaming up the next night, to beat Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura. "The Great Liberator" had told Bryan and Gulak they could not pick Braun Strowman to team up with them tonight - but the Artist Collective was not expecting Jeff Hardy! "The Charismatic Enigma" led the technicians to battle against the WWE Intercontinental Champion, "the Swiss Cyborg" and "the King of Strong Style", with Hardy and Bryan both soaring! Tag team synergy was in the court of "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior", "the Yes Man" and "The Militant Mat-Mite", who feigned frustration at them for venturing into the No Fly Zone. Suddenly from the bottom rope, Gulak would fly too with a tame diving axe handle - as Friday Night SmackDown rolled on!
- Drew Gulak found himself dissected by "the Artist", back from the commercial break. Shinsuke Nakamura repeatedly drove his knees into the anatomy of "the Militant Mat-Mite", when Drew mounted a comeback. With a striking combination, Shin would cut him off with a knee lift and a crane kick, when Cesaro came in to hurl Gulak with a deadlift gutwrench suplex! "The Swiss Cyborg" struck with rapidfire European uppercuts, though Gulak tried to fire back. Sami Zayn insulted and demeaned Gulak, slapping him around, when Gulak surprised with a headbutt! The WWE Intercontinental Champion was taken down repeatedly by Jeff Hardy, when Daniel Bryan provided the assist with Poetry in Motion executed. Bryan hit a dive through the ropes while Jeff set up the Twist of Fate on Shin. "The Artist" was aided by Sami, who would go taken down into the Yes Lock by Bryan! The champ tapped out, as Jeff hit Nakamura with the Twist of Fate - and followed with the Swanton Bomb for the three count!

The fan favorites had come out on top, defeating the Artist Collection after a hard-fought six-man tag team battle. Jeff Hardy had his hand raised by Daniel Bryan, who was joined by an incredulous Drew Gulak. "The Militant Mat-Mite" hugged it out with Bryan, before feigning upset at "the Charismatic Enigma" for once again resorting to desecreting his No Fly Zone policy. That's when "Coach" Gulak raised Jeff's hand regardless, as the three continued their celebration. The Artist Collective regrouped at ringside, Sami Zayn hugging the WWE Intercontinental Championship tightly. Not pleased at being made to tap to Bryan's Yes Lock, "the Great Liberator" was furious as was Shinsuke Nakamura, who cursed Jeff's name. They and Cesaro departed, as Bryan led Gulak and Nakamura in "YES!" chants.

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[DTP]

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Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder of The Revival released

4/10/2020​

Effective today, Friday April 10, 2020, WWE and The Revival have agreed on their immediate release from WWE. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

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Rob Gronkowski adds 'WWE 24/7 Champion' to expansive resumé

4/6/2020​

Since retiring from the NFL last year, former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has kept himself busy -- as a CBD entrepreneur, NFL analyst for Fox, television special co-host, music video star, contestant on "The Masked Singer" and game show celebrity.

Now he can add one more line to his résumé: WWE champion. Gronkowski, who was serving as host of the taped, two-night WrestleMania studio event that concluded Sunday night, ended up as part of the action and was crowned 24/7 champion.

The WWE 24/7 championship was created in 2019, and it frequently changes hands across a variety of WWE platforms. The title has been held by several non-wrestlers, including NASCAR driver Kyle Busch and the NBA's Enes Kanter.

Gronkowski jumped off a balcony in between matches at WrestleMania 36 and landed on a group of wrestlers, including the 24/7 champion Riddick Moss. Gronk got up off the pack, pinned Rawley and became the latest WWE titleholder.

The 24/7 championship is defended at all times in all places. Gronk relinquished his hosting duties and left the event immediately after winning the title.

Gronkowski, arguably the best tight end in the history of the NFL, announced his retirement in March 2019 after a nine-year career in which he earned three Super Bowl rings and was one of the league's most colorful personalities.

Gronkowski had 10 or more touchdown receptions in five seasons, which is the most by a tight end in NFL history. He played in 16 playoff games, with 81 receptions for 1,163 yards and 12 touchdowns -- all records for a tight end.

The former Patriot has continued to rule out a return to the NFL someday. And with friend and quarterback Tom Brady moving on to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the WWE -- at least for now -- making Gronk a titleholder, a return to football could be even less of a possibility.

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APRIL 13, 2020 OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: UFC POSTPONES ALL FUTURE SHOWS, WRESTLEMANIA 36 REVIEW, MORE

4/10/20​

- With WrestleMania in the books, WWE will be taping multiple weeks of television in Orlando this week. At press time the plan for WWE is to tape several weeks of SmackDown and Raw at the Performance Center with SmackDown being taped 4/10 and 4/11 and Raw on 4/12 and 4/13. There is also scheduled to be NXT tapings this coming week, which may be at Full Sail University.

Given that U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein just came down on UFC for running a show at this period, and ESPN after that, forced UFC to close down, the fact that something happens could also be duplicated for WWE. Like Dana White, Vince McMahon will run until he is forced to stop, which would mean pressure from either FOX or NBC Universal, as it was ESPN that caused UFC to cancel plans for shows that would start weekly on 4/18.

Jerry Lawler is scheduled to be returning as an announcer this week. He had been kept off because of being 70 years old and having had a near fatal heart attack and with a family of history of heart issues. It’s unclear who will or won’t be there past that talent based outside the U.S. is not expected to appear, but there are always exceptions, such as Brock Lesnar, who even with the U.S. and Canada border sealed, appeared this past week.

The tapings will be building the planned Money in the Bank show on 5/10, which is likely to be at the Performance Center, but with things changing as rapidly as it does, nothing is for sure this far in advance.

The scheduled May U.K. tour, which could not possibly take place due to travel restrictions, has been moved to October. NXT U.K. was going to be taping at the Download Music Festival on 6/12 to 6/14, but the festival has been canceled as have the tapings.

Pro wrestling and UFC look to be the only sports-like activities still taking place.

- There were an endless number of stories coming out of the first-ever taped two-day WrestleMania presentation on 4/4 and 4/5 at the Performance Center in Orlando.

Perhaps the biggest and most-discussed was the Universal Championship win by Roman Reigns on Saturday, where he beat Goldberg in a short action movie-esque brawl, before choosing to leave before the show began Sunday, following a tense discussion with Vince McMahon. Not a great deal is known about what was discussed, but for Reigns, 34, in remission from leukemia perhaps it could be said that the risk was too high. Essentially it is said to be up to Reigns when he returns and that nobody knows. If he was worried about his health, and with three kids, he should be, it’s not as if the situation changes and after WrestleMania the dangers are no longer there. Some have noted it isn’t wise for him, and others who have any immune system issues, to be working until this is over, whatever that means because it’s not a snap your fingers and on this day it’s over. It obviously does not leave WWE in a good spot, particularly during a worldwide pandemic, but there are moves being made to make the best of a bad situation.

It is widely speculated it came after finding out that The Miz arrived at the Performance Center on Saturday with a case of the flu, although he did reportedly test negative for the coronavirus. But Roman's cousins the Usos, who worked Miz in the Ladder match earlier that night were said to be irate about it after finding out by a producer after the match. The vacating of the title leaves SmackDown in a tricky predicament, with Roman off and on uncertain terms with the company, Goldberg off, John Cena off, and The Fiend recovering from nagging injuries. It will cause creative to have to reconsider long-term booking plans, and an 8-man tournament is accordingly being booked with the finals to be held at the next Network special, Money in the Bank on 5/10.

Whether the show should have taken place is the other big story. There are two ways of looking at it. The first is the health and risk aspect, and basically the show was no more or less dangerous in theory than the television tapings that WWE and AEW have been doing regularly. The second is business. It looks bad now, but if WWE isn’t able to have shows in arena by around September, then it might as well be done now.

Another question was two days vs. one day. While there were mixed reactions to both nights, with night one largely considered the best night due to the Undertaker vs. A.J. Styles Boneyard match, from a fan enjoyment standpoint, a three-and-a-half hour show one night and a nearly four hour show the next night was far superior to a seven hour show like last year. Even if you think last year was better, and obviously with the crowd and pageantry missing, this did not feel like WrestleMania in the least. For the most part, they were good with match lengths, as empty arena matches by nature have to be shorter.

Another story were the three unique matches. Undertaker vs. A.J. Styles was basically a long outdoor movie fight scene in a graveyard setting. It was tremendous for what it was, although all three of the matches were very polarizing with people loving and hating them. Michael Hayes was the guy in charge of this feature and it was so good people were calling for Undertaker to do these mini-movies every year since he may not be able to deliver great in-ring matches, but this could become the new Undertaker feature at WrestleMania. For Undertaker, every year there is talk of his retiring, dating back more than 20 years. And many years he says he’s done, and then the money is so good right now for a guy like him that it’s hard to turn down. Paul Levesque was also said to be very key in this being put together, and many of the same group were in charge of the Johnny Gargano vs. Tommaso Ciampa shoot that was down that same week and aired on 4/8.

Because of the finish where Styles was buried alive, and WWE’s perverse set of rules in that you can be electrocuted to death and be fine the next week, or things like that, but buried alive is actually adhered to, Styles will be out of action. It likely won’t be for long since he’s considered so valuable and they don’t have much depth on the heel side of Raw right now and have a babyface champion.

John Cena vs. Bray Wyatt in the Firefly Fun House wasn’t even a match, but a series of skits involving callbacks to both Cena and Wyatt’s career before The Fiend put down Cena. Wyatt and Bruce Prichard were in charge of this one, with Cena making changes as he was somewhat hands-on.

There were a few other title changes. Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross beat Asuka & Kairi Sane to win the women’s tag title on night one. Rob Gronkowski won the 24/7 title twice in a two-day program designed to get on SportsCenter, with a dive from the perch at Performance Center. Charlotte Flair beat Rhea Ripley to win the NXT Women's title. And Gronkowski beat Rawley in a skit involving a number a ton of WWE contracted guys who have never seen TV before, basically there to catch Gronkowski as he dove off the perch at the Performance Center.

If there was any question, they heavily plugged next year’s show in Los Angeles, so essentially Tampa lost its shot, rather than give it to Tampa next year as a make good and Los Angeles the year after.

There was not much media criticism of the event for going on, and with nothing else to cover, ESPN pushed it hard. They covered several different things on the show along with the Gronkowski made-for-SportsCenter highlight. At press time Gronkowski was still the 24/7 champion with a program with Riddick Moss in the works. Gronk is on a part-time deal, but it is undetermined as to whether this will be a permanent arrangement.

The BBC was critical, saying that for all the talk of responsibility, they violated the ten person guideline left and right (WWE & AEW both did that in recent tapings). They noted they could have done a show with singles matches, static cameras rather than multiple manual cameras. It said WWE has had a long history of going on with shows when they shouldn’t citing the Raw episode where Jerry Lawler had a heart attack; the Chris Benoit Memorial Show where they knew as the show was airing that Benoit killed his wife and son; and the Over the Edge PPV in 1999 when Owen Hart died and they continued.

- President Donald Trump spoke with leaders of the major U.S. sports, including Dana White and Vince McMahon on 4/5 about opening up arenas and stadiums to live events. The reality is, there is far too much unknown about the containment or eradication of the Coronavirus for anything at this point to be more than rolling the dice. Those looking for a positive would be based on when China, which got the virus first, South Korea, which is generally considered to have done the best job in containing it and Japan, which for whatever reason has had ridiculously few deaths compared to other countries of similar sizes, get large sports and entertainment events back going.

- WWE did want Hogan to appear for this year’s WrestleMania but the two sides couldn’t come to financial terms.

- Edge, after filming the match with Orton, went home and went into self-isolation as a precautionary measure for two weeks, which ended this past week.

WrestleMania 36 WON Ratings:
- Rating empty arena taped and heavily edited matches as pro wrestling matches is ridiculous. Pro wrestling matches don't have the benefit of reshooting moves, having cuts in filming and redoing things that don't look good, special effects after the fact, and taking out slow spots. It's unfair to wrestlers in certain matches because some of these bouts with a crowd would have been great. It's also unfair to the guys rated based on one-take pro wrestling and their ability to do their moves and tell their stories and feed off reactions, to compare what they do to produced skits with cuts and multiple takes, or matches with two weeks of being able to edit anything negative out of.

TV Ratings:
RAW - 2.15 million viewers
NXT - 0.69 million viewers
SmackDown - 2.3 million viewers

 

[DTP]

Monday Night RAW #1403 - April 13, 2020
WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida
Presented by

LESS THAN FOUR WEEKS FROM MONEY IN THE BANK

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WWE Main Event #394 - April 16, 2020
- Nia Jax def. Rachael Evers with the Annihilator. (3:22)
- Shelton Benjamin def. Zack Ryder with the Paydirt. (5:45)

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A video package aired, recapping last week's fallout of "the Greatest Spectacle in Sports Entertainment". Monday Night RAW on the Night After WrestleMania this year was as unpredictable as ever, as the new WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre began to address the WWE Universe, when interrupted by Paul Heyman. The Advocate for "the Beast Incarnate" congratulated "the Scottish Terminator" before hoping to sell his services to the new champ - but McIntyre did not forget, nor did he forgive, instead laying waste to "the Twisted Genius". Having issued a challenge to anybody that wanted a shot, later that night Big Show made his WWE return to promote the premiere of 'the Big Show Show' on Netflix. But "the World's Largest Athlete" called his shot, and McIntyre accepted the challenge. The Scotsman would be victorious in his first title defense, when Edge made his entrance. Evidently, "the Rated R Superstar" had his own sights set on the WWE Championship!

The opening video package aired, bringing us to the WWE Performance Center. Eight days removed from WrestleMania, Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton were joined by Jerry Lawler! "The King" commented that he'd like to say he missed his broadcast colleagues this past couple of weeks - but they all knew deep down that Tom and Byron had missed him! The three talked about what was coming up tonight, including three Men's Qualifying matches for the Money in the Bank Ladder match!

• Edge returns to Monday Night RAW
• Post-WrestleMania comments from RAW Women's Champion Becky Lynch
• Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Qualifying match - WWE United States Champion Andrade vs Ricochet
• Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Qualifying match - Bobby Lashley vs Cedric Alexander

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1) Samoa Joe def. Rey Mysterio to qualify for the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match (7:40) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- Over a week removed from WrestleMania, the journey to Money in the Bank began just under a month away. "The Samoan Destroyer" had a different attitude in his first match in months, but Rey Mysterio was not about to lay down for his on-and-off rival. "The World's Biggest Underdog" worked fast, when Joe caught Rey from a springboard to send him hanging throat-first on the top rope! Joe brutalized Rey with a powerbomb transitioning into the Boston crab. Dominantly, the Samoan manhandled Rey until the luchador took him down into a DDT! Rey closed in on qualifying with a dropkick making way for the 619, when Andrade snuck out to ringside. Rey prepared to Drop the Dime, but the WWE United States Champion bounced him jaw-first on the apron! Hurling him in, Joe effortlessly dropped him with the Muscle Buster.

The first representive of the RAW brand had qualified for the Money in the Bank Ladder match on Sunday, May 10. Andrade grinned from ear to ear at ringside, as he witnessed Rey Mysterio struggle to regain consciousness following the defeat. Samoa Joe appeared vicious and was proud with his win, but who would join "the Samoan Destroyer" in the Men's Ladder match in under four weeks? Two more Qualifying matches were still to come tonight.

• Money in the Bank - Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match - Samoa Joe vs TBA vs TBA vs TBA vs TBA vs TBA

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The Pirate and The Fighter
Charly Caruso was standing by with Shayna Baszler in the backstage area, but "the Cage Fighter" was not in the best of moods following WrestleMania. She counted the days since WrestleMania eight days ago, where Becky Lynch robbed her of the RAW Women's Championship. Shayna called it a sick joke that she wasn't wearing that title over her shoulder right now, questioning how Becky had the gall to call herself "The Man" after the manner in which she won at WrestleMania. Charly asked the MMA Fighter if she had interest in the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder match, to which Shayna said she did - but while she evidently had to lay waste to the entire Women's Division again to prove her worthiness, Becky was allowed to take time off! The Kabuki Warriors popped up, Asuka and Kairi Sane mocking the intimidating aura around Baszler. Shayna brought up their own loss of the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania.

At first Shayna Baszler thought Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross got lucky when they became the new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. As it turned out - Friday Night SmackDown this past weekproved to her the Warriors were simply weak. "The Empress of Tomorrow" hollered up at Shayna in her native tongue, screaming at the MMA Fighter. Kairi Sane suddenly calmed Asuka, telling her she could handle this. In basic English, "the Pirate Princess" brought up the two's history as enemies in NXT. Shayna ran from her time and time again, but it would not happen this time. Sane challenged "the Cage Fighter" to a match - and not just anywhere, but here, tonight! Flexing her knuckles, Baszler scoffed, telling Kairi now she was talking. She couldn't wait to add her name to 'the Hit List' one more time.

• Tonight - Kairi Sane vs Shayna Baszler

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Following last week's surprise return to Monday Night RAW, and subsequent challenge against Drew McIntyre for the WWE World Championship, the WWE issued a congratulation via graphic to 'The Big Show Show' for reaching #3 in the United States on Netflix.

Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Jerry Lawler discussed the wild week Drew McIntyre had in his first week as the WWE World Champion. A video package aired, reviewing "the Scottish Terminator's" victory WrestleMania eight nights ago. After a torturous week of media appearances, Drew did the unthinkable when he dethroned Brock Lesnar on "the Grandest Stage of Them All" to become the first-ever Scottish-born WWE Champion. McIntyre kept the ball rolling, immediately throwing out the challenge to allcomers. He did not anticipate Big Show to re-introduce himself; "the World's Largest Athlete" believing himself to have one run left in him. With the challenge accepted, the star of 'the Big Show Show' brought the fight to the new champ, who fought valiantly before being able to decisively put away the colossal WWE Legend. But just when Drew's week was thought to be over, out walked "the Rated R Superstar" Edge - who did not even acknowledge McIntyre as such! The WWE Hall of Famer will address the WWE Universe tonight.

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The EST Arrives on Monday Nights
Coming after her surprise debut last week on the RAW After 'Mania, Bianca Belair made her arrival to the WWE Performance Center. Dressed in red to represent her move to the RAW Brand, the once "EST of NXT" strutted and swaggered to the ring, spinning her braided hair in mid-air. In the ring, Bianca graced the microphone with a firm, confident stance. Explaining who she was and why she was called "the EST", Belair said for the past year she had made NXT her home...but after meeting with executives from the USA Network after last week, she was proud to call Monday Night RAW her new crib! Belair claimed how fine it felt to be here on "the Flagship Show", but noted that she was not finished with NXT by a long shot. She planned to defend "the Black and Gold Brand" from the likes of the new NXT Women's Champion Charlotte Flair. She said while "the Queen" may have come up through the WWEPC, she had bastardized it - and that she was the problem!

Bianca Belair had not forgotten about the past and what "the Queen" had to put her through, but now was her time to take her moment. Much like Charlotte Flair had taken her's just before WrestleMania, now "the EST" was coming for NXT Women's Championship because she was the baddest, she was the toughest and she was the strongest. Unexpectedly the Iiconics made their return to Monday Night RAW, walking out with poise and arrogance! Billie Kay and Peyton Royce arrived for the first time since November, both nagging and complaining about how winghy Bianca was. Billie joked that they had escaped her when they graduated from NXT, but after completing injury rehabilitation together, now the Iiconics had to endure her all over again! RAW's newest acquisition responded claiming they hadn't been seen in months, but if they wanted to show off the work rehab had done for them, the two "bezzies" could come to the ring and get their butts checked by "the E-S-T of R-A-W!"

The Iiconics hit the ring and dove on Bianca Belar with strikes. In no time "the EST of RAW" was able to overpower them, beginning to whip Peyton Royce with her braid in the corner! Billie Kay struck with a high kick to the back, but a roundhouse kick would see the newcomer duck it - and the Glam Slam connected. The Iiconics were sent packing when Charlotte Flair made her arrival! From the rampway, the NXT Women's Champion addressed Belair, telling her she would need to do a lot more to prove she was on her level. Bianca was a wannabe living in a grown up's world - Charlotte's world. Realistically, Bianca would be sent back crying to NXT after five seconds in the Figure-8 - or better yet, any second from now. Suddenly the Iiconics returned to ambush Bianca from behind, but Belair was able to strike with the Spear on Peyton. As Billie found herself the recipient of a military press slam, Bianca connected with the K.O.D! With a snarl, Charlotte gave Bianca a thumbs down.

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The Street Profits were backstage at the WWE Performance Center, where Montez Ford gasped with hearts in his eyes at what his wife Bianca Belair was capable of. Angelo Dawkins complimented his best friend's girl for shutting the Iiconics up, but reminded him they had their own money to count. The RAW Tag Team Champions were confronted by the Viking Raiders, who did not show patience nor love for what went down last week. Erik and Ivar blamed Ford and Dawkins for their loss to AOP last week, which they resented immediately. Words were had between the two popular tag teams, when Angelo finally offered to apologize for trying to help out against the Church of Rollins! Erik said it was too late for apologies, declaring they didn't need their help - all they wanted was their titles. "The Modern Day Vikings" left coldly, abandoning Montez and Angelo to lament the death of their collective friendship.

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Aleister Black was spotted kickboxing against a weighted bag in the WWE Performance Center gym, having remained undefeated and on a tear in the past couple of weeks. Up next, "the Anti-Hero" prepared for action with some skilful high kicks.

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

Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Jerry Lawler discussed discussed the return of Edge still to come tonight - but also discussed the return of Edge and Christian! Tomorrow on FS1's WWE Backstage, hosts Renee Young and Booker T would be joined by the former seven-time World Tag Team Champions.

Like Taking Candy From a Baby
Samoa Joe took a seat on the locker room bench backstage, the towel around his neck. Recomposing following his win against Rey Mysterio, "the Samoan Destroyer" again explained that was what he did - he cleaned house, and he made people fear "the Destroyer!" That was the price people paid when they stepped into his ring, and he proved that tonight much like he did back at WrestleMania. Joe brought up how gutless Kevin Owens could be, remarking in his own surprise that the so-called "Prize Fighter" hadn't made it to Monday Night RAW since "the Showcase of the Immortals". Perhaps that's the kind of guy KO was all along. Joe moved on to discuss the prestige of WWE Money in the Bank, and how this year it the Men's Money in the Bank briefcase would be his for the taking. Calling himself a future World Champion, Joe called the Money in the Bank Ladder match "like taking candy from a baby".

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2) Aleister Black def. Tehuti Miles (1:31)
- What started with a major victory against AJ Styles in the No-Disqualification match at Elimination Chamber, had led to a clean and impeccable undefeated streak for Aleister Black. Nine days following his win against Bobby Lashley at WrestleMania, "the Anti-Hero" prepared for combat against the WWE Perofrmance Center's Tehuti Miles. Miles looked to impress in his Monday Night RAW debut, but after a minute of chain-wrestling with the experience martial artist, the frustrated rookie stormed blindly into the Black Mass!

In yet another one-sided show of dominance, Aleister Black extended his record against Tehuti Miles. Resuming a cross-legged position under the darkened lights inside the squared-circle, "the Anti-Hero" brooded once more...until the Church of Rollins interrupted, much like they did last week! Black rolled his eyes and chuckled as Seth Rollins gladly led the forces of Murphy, Akam, Rezar and Austin Theory down to the ring.

The Church Doesn't Take "No" for An Answer
Seth Rollins applauded Aleister Black on accomplishing another impressive feat, by defeating Tehuti Miles tonight in another sub-two minutes squashfest. "The Monday Night Messiah" was dressed to the nines in his suit with a single glove, as he stood before Murphy, AOP and Austin Theory. "The Anti-Hero" cocked his head in curiosity as Seth told Aleister he was a different kind of cat. He wasn't here to join the machine or follow the leader - he was here to innovate and to cause absolute chaos! It was that kind of devotion that had captured the attention and imagination of the Church - because believe it or not, they were all so alike! Aleister remained mute as Seth brought up the dark, brooding and impactful ways of his European friend - and for so long, he had been something of a loner. But a loner, Black could be no longer, if he gave Seth the courtesy of becoming a dedicated member of the Church of Rollins! Black smiled while Seth noted the declined invitation from last week.

"The Monday Night Messiah" vowed that Aleister Black would truly find himself with the Church of Rollins, and that together they would make for an unstoppable force that could bring Monday Night RAW to its' knees, begging for survival! Seth urged Aleister to consider it strongly, but Black took the microphone. Noting the virtues of potential their friendship could have, Aleister could not help himself - but to reiterate his lack of interest in joining Seth's cult! Rollins responded with a laugh, prompting a grin from Murphy, and obnoxious laughter from Austin Theory. As AOP watched sinisterly behind them, Seth told Aleister that was all fine and dandy! After all, he was trying to save Black the time of day. Rollins was being nice and patient, but if "the Anti-Hero" wanted to be a loner, then so be it...Seth would just have to make him join them! All of a sudden, Akam and Rezar were summoned by Seth to engage - but Aleister Black was ready!

"The Anti-Hero" tried to fend the towering forces of AOP off, striking with leg kicks for both Akam and Rezar until the two cornered him. Aleister Black ducked out from their grasp and struck with a roundhouse kick to stun Rezar - albeit only sending him down to a knee! All of a sudden, Murphy struck from behind. Murphy's Law was blocked, and Black attempted a legsweep just for Murphy to dive over him - until Aleister struck with an enzuigiri upside the head! The Viking Raiders arrived to come to Black's aid, seeing Seth Rollins and Austin Theory bail out to ringside. Erik and Ivar had unfinished business with the Church of Rollins themselves coming out of WrestleMania - as "the Modern Day Vikings" aided Black in getting back to his feet.

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3) Aleister Black and The Viking Raiders def. Murphy and AOP (with Seth Rollins and Austin Theory) (8:27) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- An impromptu match had been signed during the commercial break by USA Network executives, pitting Aleister Black, Erik and Ivar against the Church of Rollins. As Seth Rollins and his newest recruit Austin Theory watched at ringside, "the Anti-Hero" started strong in his second match of the night. A hot start had Aleister wiff Murphy on the Black Mass, besting him with a combination of kicks. Black sat cross-legged glaring out "the Monday Night Messiah" from in the ring, when AOP entered. Erik maintained control with a kneelift for Murphy. Ivar struck with the wheel kick, and a cannonball from the apron saw Ivar crush the Church! Theory played distraction allowing Akam and Rezar get the better of the big man, hammering in the corner. Ivar made the tag to Aleister Black, who cleared Murphy from the ring with another swift succession of kicks! Seth's distraction allowed Rezar to get in some offense, but back inside Ivar struck with an enzuigiri, followed by Erik's pump kick, and Black's Black Mass!

For the second time in one night, Aleister Black had found victory - this time with the vital assist made by the Viking Raiders. "The Anti-Hero" was not as lonesome as Seth Rollins thought, who watched on distress at ringside. Black maintained his position, cross-legged in the center of the ring, glaring a hole through "the Monday Night Messiah". With no interest in joining any cults, Aleister had made some powerful enemies in the Church of Rollins - yet he remained unafraid!

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Como te Gusta, Scottish Terminator
Charly Caruso was joined by the joyous new WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre, who was quick to greet Charly with a burly hug. "The Scottish Terminator" told Charly after last week, he felt ready for anything. For a first week as WWE World Champion, it had not gone down as he had planned - but he welcomed and expected it nonetheless. Defeating Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania despite impaling sensations in his ribcage, he had a heck of a night on RAW that could go compared to a night-out in Glasgow: a Claymore Kick for "The Grass" Paul Heyman, and another scrap seeing him overcome a bald-headed giant in Big Show! Better yet, he had not seen Edge coming even though he should have. Now, he, along with the rest of the WWE Universe was in wait for what "the Rated R Superstar" had to say. Before continuing, up from behind the two crept Angel Garza accompanied by Zelina Vega. With a twinkle in his eye, Angel joked to Charly she knew better than to warm up to a dirty, sweaty Scotsman.

While Angel Garza caressed the chin of an awe-struck Charly Caruso, Zelina Vega coldly greeted Drew McIntyre. The new WWE World Champion pondered what deed he'd done to be faced by the two of them, but Angel ignored him. Big-leaguing "the Scottish Terminator", Angel looked over his shoulder and suggested Drew give them some privacy, but the champ believed Charly was a grown lady who could make her own choices and suggested Angel be the one to leave. "The Loverboy" finally made eye contact with the champ, laughing at the sight of him. Zelina suggested Angel they leave, but Garza claimed he wasn't scared of Drew. Even if he beat Brock Lesnar, he wanted to see what was so special about the Scot, and suggested they find out tonight! Angel spoke in fluent Spanish to Caruso, flirting with her more. McIntyre accepted the challenge, but wanted to see what was so rugged and handsome about Angel. He asked Angel to keep his big brother and sister out of it - and Angel actually accepted!

• Tonight - WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre vs Angel Garza

On a split-screen, Shayna Baszler cranked her neck as she prepared for a meeting with a former rival from NXT, coming up shortly. Meanwhile, Kairi Sane practiced ducking the hard-hitting kicks of "the Cage Fighter" with Asuka - "the Pirate Princess" apparently ready for whatever the MMA Fighter could throw at her. They would meet one-on-one - up next!

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An advertisement aired, promoting WWE Money in the Bank. "The Risk is Worth the Reward", and it shall be for two lucky WWE Superstars on Sunday, May 10 - live on the award-winning WWE Network.

4) Shayna Baszler def. Kairi Sane (5:24)
- Despite accompanying her Kabuki Warriors tag team partner Kairi Sane to the ring, Asuka was asked to return to the backstage area by "the Pirate Princess", so she could focus on taking Shayna Baszler down herself.
- Irate after losing by the luck of the Irish RAW Women's Champion Becky Lynch eight nights ago at WrestleMania, Shayna Baszler's interview went interrupted by the Kabuki Warriors earlier tonight. It brought up a lot of memories of their rivalry from NXT in the past, and so "the Pirate Princess" decided to challenge her old nemesis. Kairi took the opportunity to go hold-for-hold against the skilled and versatile MMA Fighter, who tried with all her might to ground the Japanese Superstar. Sane would hang in there with Baszler, surprising with a series of submission holds of her own! Sane worked hard to combat Baszler as the two battled to the top rope, where Sane knocked Baszler off from a superplex attempt. The Insane Elbow came incredibly close - but Shayna would astonishingly block it, transitioning into the Kirifuda Clutch! Kairi fought hard to hang on for dear life, but was forced to sleep.

"The Cage Fighter" claimed another victim in Kairi Sane, who remained motionless in the gruesome Kirifuda Clutch submission hold. Shayna Baszler smugly grimaced as she maintained pressure on the hold, until finally Asuka came darting down to the ring! "The Empress of Tomorrow" stared Shayna down from across the ring, as the MMA Fighter finally broke it. Calmly, playing a psychological game with Asuka, Shayna confidently swaggered out of the ring.

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Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Jerry Lawler talked about WWE Money in the Bank coming up on the WWE Network on Sunday, May 10. After showing a replay of Samoa Joe advancing into the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match earlier tonight against Rey Mysterio, the announcers discussed the two Qualifying matches yet to take place tonight including Bobby Lashley taking on Cedric Alexander. They discussed the rocky marriage that Lashley and Lana had been having of late, before sending us to footage filmed earlier today as MVP looked to bring the spatting newlyweds together.

Councilling with MVP
Earlier today at the WWE Performance Center, Bobby Lashley and Lana sat in silence next to each other on a white couch. MVP sat in the armchair beside them, looking over his notes. Lana demanded he hurry up, when MVP advised that he had to get his facts straight before letting the two of them get it all out. After few more moments of Montel Vontavious Porter humming and browsing his pages of notes, he told the two that he wanted to start with the problems the two were having; wanting to know exactly what bothered them about their partner. Bobby told the two that he wasn't about to talk about it, claiming to be uncomfortable with the whole arrangement. Lana was immediately irritated; that was so typically Lashley! Launching into a tirade with many jumpcuts, Lana listed every single thing that bothered her about Lashley - from his inability to open up to her, to his insistence of eating with his mouth open! Lana stopped, and MVP suggested calling a quick recess to grab a bite to eat.

She was relieved and got up to take a break, but before doing so threatened Bobby Lashley to sit tight and think about everything she had just said in the past ten minutes! With a door slam she was gone, and Bobby was left bewildered. MVP leaned over to check in, and this time Lashley was prepared to speak up. Bobby said he couldn't help but feel like she was trying to drag him down, or ride his coattails. Porter listened as Lashley surmised he was sick and tired of his wife, and said marriage was one of the worst things he had ever done. Lashley now launched into his own diatribe about Lana's constant nagging - taking the trash out, or cleaning up after dinner. MVP piped up, spotting Lana re-enter the room with iced coffee in hand. Montel took her side, acknowledging she was paying for these sessions. He lectured Bobby on his behavior, before suggesting joining them to the ring tonight on RAW to gain better insight to their chemistry as a team.

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An advertisement aired, promoting this week's edition of NXT. Adam Cole was set to defend the NXT Championship against Matt Riddle; Keith Lee was destined to fight forever with Dominik Dijakovic in a match with NXT North American Championship implications, as champ Damien Priest was sure to be watching; and after winning the Women's Ladder match last week, Tegan Nox had earned herself the opportunity to challenge Charlotte Flair for the NXT Women's Championship. What did "the Girl with the Shiniest Wizard" have to say about "the Queen?"

Rey Mysterio held his head in his hands, still feeling the effects of the damage done by Samoa Joe, as well as Andrade earlier tonight. "The Legendary Luchador" was approached by his son Dominik, who could not believe his old man had allowed himself to get punked out earlier tonight by the WWE United States Champion! Believing it never would have happened if Rey had let him join him at ringside, Rey stated he told him not to get involved, and it was going to stay that way! Mysterio maintained he had an idea as how to get back at "El Idolo", which caught the interest of Dominik.

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5) Bobby Lashley (with Lana and MVP) def. Cedric Alexander to qualify for the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match (4:10)
- Once destined for great things in the WWE, Bobby Lashley's trajectory since marrying Lana had taken a nosedive of late. MVP hoped to get their marriage back on track by supervising the couple in both couples' councilling sessions as well as at ringside, once being forced to get involved as Lana and Lashley went nose to nose.
- Cedric Alexander was here to make a name for himself, starting out going a hundred miles-per-hour against the powerhouse. He chopped Lashley down with leg kicks and low dropkicks, when Lashley powered him into the corner for a series of shoulder thrusts. The powerslam was averted by Alexander stunning with an enzuigiri! A meteora from the second rope gave him an incredibly close near fall, when Lashley caught him with a catching powerbomb! Lana had begun texting at ringside, prompting MVP to point out that her husband was competing right now! Lana told him to buzz off, as meanwhile Alexander continued to put up a fight against Lashley - until the Spear cut him near-in half! In disdain, Lashley hoisted Alexander's remains off the canvas and applied a Full Nelson: Cedric forced to submit.

As MVP applauded Bobby Lashley's dominant showing against Cedric Alexander, Lana near-instantly whipped her iPhone away into her purse and began to cheer her husband on! Lashley relinquished his defeated opponent, when Lana climbed into the ring and attached herself to Bobby. He appeared confused at first, when Lashley found himself being tongue-tied by his wife! A passionate kiss that Lana would not let go of, MVP thought little of it and raised his hand in victory - Lashley going to Money in the Bank!

• Money in the Bank - Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match - Samoa Joe vs Bobby Lashley vs TBA vs TBA vs TBA vs TBA

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Angel Garza was in the locker room, apparently checking himself out in the reflection of a mirror. Zelina Vega snapped her fingers trying to get "the Loverboy's" attention, drawing his ire. As his business manager, she stressed the importance of having herself or Andrade at ringside tonight - especially if he is to go one-on-one with the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre. Angel nodded, understanding, but he wished to honor the champ's wish. Angel understood the importance of tonight's opportunity for them as a group - but he wished for no intrusions! Defiantly, Zelina doubted he could do it alone, believing he was doing all this for himself - and his pathetic attempt to impress Charly Caruso. Garza got in Vega's face and told her to leave Charly out of this, when Andrade entered the scene. Discussing the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match with Ricochet, still to come tonight, "El Idolo" broke up the tension as he brought Garza in for a big hug!

Proud of his match with Drew McIntyre signed for tonight - it was huge news for their growing familia! Andrade ordered Angel Garza to go out there and make a legend of himself, by defeating the WWE World Champion. In spite of Zelina's eyerolling, Angel smiled, thanking the WWE United States Champion for the vote of confidence. Andrade told Zelina they had to go and prepare, leaving Garza to sit and bask in the opportunity ahead - as well as his own mirror reflection.

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Austin Theory swaggered down the hall snapping selfies of himself. Theory mimicked Tyler Breeze and claimed he would be renowned as the real "Prince Pretty" of WWE after beating him this Wednesday on NXT, in the hottest farewell match in NXT history - his very own. The Street Profits showed up, laughing at Theory's vanity and how nobody wanted to tune in and see his ugly-stank butt! Like school in summertime, Dawkins claimed Theory had no class - and that's why he went and sucked up to a creep like Seth Rollins. Theory was joined by AOP, who barked back at Montez and Dawkins. Ford was excitable and spoiling for a fist-party to break out, bringing Angelo to hold his partner back! Theory brought up how thanks to him, the Church of Rollins beat the RAW Tag Team Champions and the Viking Raiders at WrestleMania, and he saw Montez as being desperate to gain an ounce of retribution. Fearlessly, Theory told Montez to bring it on and fight him - tonight, in the ring!

• Tonight - Austin Theory vs RAW Tag Team Champion Montez Ford

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A replay aired, taking us back to the WrestleMania Kickoff Show nine days ago. The Riott Squad reunited to go up against Riott Squad original Liv Morgan and her new mentor Natalya. It was a bittersweet moment for the youthful Morgan, who scored the win with the second-generation Superstar - Nattie and Liv coming out on top against Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan.

6) The Riott Squad def. Natalya and Liv Morgan (7:22) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- In a rematch nine days following Natalya and Liv Morgan's win on the WrestleMania Kickoff Show, Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan hoped to even the score with their foes. After last week's match with Shayna Baszler, Nattie was banged up but fought remorsefully against Sarah Logan just for the Riott Squad to ground her. Focusing on the bandaged arm and elbow, the daughter of Jim "the Anvil" Neidhart courageously fought with a spinebuster, when a tag to Liv Morgan went unnoticed by the referee. Riott and Logan worked her over until Natalya blocked the Riott Kick into the Sharpshooter! Logan broke it up, when a double-team went awry and Liv got the tag! Morgan was quick to take down Logan, and at one point took both Riott Squad rivals down with a DDT and a neckbreaker - simultaneously! ObLIVion connected on Logan but the referee was out of position with a harmed Natalya. Ruby Riott seized the moment with a microphone shot through the ropes! Out cold, Logan was able to steal the win.

The Riott Squad had evened the score with Natalya and Liv Morgan after the WrestleMania Kickoff Show's outcome a week from Saturday ago. Ruby Riott snuck the microphone into the waistline of her skinny grey tights, raising Sarah Logan's hand after the result. Liv was down and hurting on account of the mic blow from Ruby, whilst Natalya favored her arm still. What had been injured against Shayna Baszler last week, may have been exasperated tonight thanks to the Riott Squad.

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Having witnessed Samoa Joe and Bobby Lashley each qualify into the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match in less than four weeks over the period of tonight, Ricochet met up with his recent tag team partner and friend Cedric Alexander. Cedric fist bumped Ricochet despite the pain he felt after losing to Lashley, wishing him better luck than he had. Thanking him, Ricochet told him he'd win this for the both of them before taking off down the hall. Meanwhile on a splitscreen, the WWE United States Champion Andrade was seen walking the hall with Zelina Vega behind him. The final Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Qualifying match of the night was up next!

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Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Jerry Lawler recapped the events of Friday Night SmackDown, and how in the aftermath of Roman Reigns vacating the WWE Universal Championship, an eight-man tournament had been announced to crown a new champion. They ran down the line-up for SmackDown on FOX, which looked to be a packed show!

• The WWE Universal Championship Tournament begins
• Falls Count Anywhere - Elias vs King Corbin
• A special look at Jeff Hardy

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Not So Smooth
The announcers were prematurely interrupted by the arrival of Riddick Moss, who repeatedly appeared to try and hide his waistline with his hands, as he stood at the announce table on the stage. "The King" was baffled as to what he was doing with himself - this was live television! Moss reasoned he was doing it to hide his shame. Nobody needed to know or relive what happened to "So Smooth" Riddick Moss last Friday night on SmackDown - all anybody needed to know was that he would reclaim his WWE 24/7 Championship. Jerry exposed Riddick's secret, hearing from an inside source from FOX that Moss hightailed it as far from the WWE Performance Center as he could last week, so as to escape the wrath of Mojo Rawley! Moss refused to hear it, but claimed he was going back to SmackDown this Friday night on FOX - and this time, he was going to call Rob Gronkowski out like a man, unlike Mojo Rawley!

• Friday Night SmackDown - Riddick Moss calls out WWE 24/7 Champion Rob Gronkowski

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7) Ricochet def. WWE United States Champion Andrade to qualify for the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match (with Zelina Vega) (14:51) [THROUGH TWO BREAKS]
- While his tag team partner Cedric Alexander was unsuccessful in qualifying against Bobby Lashley, Ricochet aspired to get one over on the WWE United States Champion, to enter the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match himself. Andrade was incredibly confident as the match began, but his confidence would go abruptly rocked by the incredibly innovative offense of "the One and Only" Ricochet. With an incredible twisting moonsault topé, Ricochet took control of "El Idolo" headed into the commercial break. Unfortunately, that would not last as help from Zelina Vega saw Andrade chop block the leg of the fan favorite. The champion dictated the pace and targeted the leg with a single-legged tree of woe. Slamming Ricochet's ankle against the canvas, he worked over Ricochet with various submissions. The resilience of his opponent saw "El Idolo's" hot temper rear its' ugly head, before the hammerlock DDT saw Ricochet fight out!
- With a rolling headscissors, Ricochet scored a twisting springboard 450 splash to the floor, before sending Andrade back in and eyeing up the 630 Senton! Andrade would shove the referee into the ropes to crotch him, when Zelina passed Andrade his title. "El Idolo" prepared to use it, but Rey Mysterio popped up from underneath the ring - engaging into a tug of war over the WWE United States Championship! Rey abruptly let go of his grip, and the momentum sent Andrade sailing backwards into a crucifix pin - Ricochet scoring a massive upset!

Escaping as quickly as he could, Ricochet darted to the sanctuary of the ringside floor. With his hand raised, "the One and Only" Ricochet had not only gained entry into the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match in less than four weeks - but thanks to Rey Mysterio, he had also scored a pinfall victory over the WWE United States Champion! Andrade was turning beet-red by the second, as "El Idolo" stomped and threatened the referee in the ring. Zelina Vega feverishly hoped to calm her client's mood, but Andrade instead screamed with rage at the smiling "Legendary Luchador" at ringside. Despite his own loss, Rey was pleased to have granted Ricochet entry to Money in the Bank!

︾︾︾​

Natalya was found facedown on the floor of the WWE Performance Center corridor, screaming in pain on account of her injured arm backstage. WWE officials flocked to the scene, as Nattie was checked on by not only trainers and backstage staff, but Liv Morgan. Unable to comprehend what could have transpired following their match with the Riott Squad, Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan innocuously returned to the scene of the crime. Professing innocence, they claimed they hadn't done a thing to Nattie! Liv didn't believe them, telling Ruby that this had gone on for far too long. She declared this had gone on long enough - but it would end next week, with her kicking Riott's ass one-on-one! Riott asserted she nor Sarah had anything to do with her little trainer, but next week would see Liv do what she did only best - and make an ass out of herself.

• Next week - Liv Morgan vs Ruby Riott

​

An advertisement aired, promoting the release of WWE Chronicle - Drew McIntyre. Available for streaming now, on the WWE Network.

A video package aired, recapping the previous dominance shown by Nia Jax. A former RAW Women's Champion, she had been known as "the Irresistable Force" for a reason. Following a year away from in-ring competition due to double-ACL surgery, she made her return last week with a new attitude. Sure to be a terror over the RAW Women's Division, Nia Jax was back and would return to action next week.

︾︾︾​

8) Austin Theory (with Murphy and AOP) def. RAW Tag Team Champion Montez Ford (with Angelo Dawkins) (6:13)
- While the Viking Raiders had success with Aleister Black earlier tonight against Murphy and AOP, the Street Profits' issues with the Church of Rollins faction also looked to continue as Austin Theory showed off heading into singles competition. Montez Ford responded by slapping the taste out of his mouth, and a step-up enzuigiri would send Theory to ringside. Murphy, Akam and Rezar had his back prompting a standoff with AOP, when Theory struck with a neckbreaker on the floor. Back inside, Austin taunted over Ford and repeatedly sent him to the floor for Murphy to lay in a series of boots. Dawkins chased him off, as Theory attempted to gain a count-out win, but Ford was able to make it back in! On the comeback, Ford struck with a superkick for a near fall. Heading to the top rope, the Church watched on as Ford attempted to Cash-Out with the frog splash, but Theory got his knees up! The ATL followed, with Theory scoring a shockingly decisive victory!

Austin Theory was full of himself after the bell, headed into Wednesday's edition of NXT with a head full of steam, where he would meet Tyler Breeze in his farewell to "the Black and Gold Brand". The Church of Rollins soon entered the ring, which prompted Angelo Dawkins to step inside with a steel chair in hand. Theory hid behind Akam and Rezar as the RAW Tag Team Champion looked to protect his fallen buddy Montez Ford - when Murphy struck from behind, dropping him with Murphy's Law! It was a statement made by the Disciples of the Church of Rollins, and unlucky for the Street Profits: there were no Viking Raiders to save the day!

The Words of the Messiah
Watchful of his Disciples from a backstage monitor, Seth Rollins appeared eerily content and satisfied with the work of the Church of Rollins. "The Monday Night Messiah" was approached by Charly Caruso for comment, coming so soon after his enraged interaction with Aleister Black earlier tonight. Seth tisked Charly's way: all she had to do to understand his predicament was to understand that to get what one wanted, all one had to do was to compromise. Seth claimed he was building a Church, and he had known all along that there would be doubters and naysayers - but for each of those naysayers and doubters, they would all be taken care of. He told her to ask Kevin Owens, or to ask the Street Profits after what happened to them moments ago. And soon, similar would happen to Aleister Black and the Viking Raiders. Seth claimed next week would see "the Anti-Hero" be dealt with at long last, for he would truly see the damage of his own decisionmakings unfold when he bit the hand that fed him.

︾︾︾​

With the wishes of the WWE World Champion accepted by "the Loverboy", Drew McIntyre set off from the locker room en route to the ring. With the gold around his waist, "the Scottish Terminator" appeared focused as he set out to go head-to-head with Angel Garza. Having accepted the wishes of the champ, Angel was without Andrade and without Zelina Vega. Up next, Garza was to have the biggest match of his career thus far against the WWE Champion!

​

Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Jerry Lawler talked about the events of tonight's edition of Monday Night RAW - as the Road to WrestleMania was now out of the way. Officially en route to WWE Money in the Bank, tonight saw Superstars from Monday Night RAW qualify for the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match; but next week would see the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder match determined - plus, the RAW Tag Team Championships would be at stake when the Street Profits defend the gold against AOP of the Church of Rollins!

• RAW Women's Champion Becky Lynch returns to Monday Night RAW
• The Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Qualifying matches take place
• RAW Tag Team Championship - The Street Profits (c) vs AOP

︾︾︾​

9) WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre def. Angel Garza (9:29) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- Since becoming WWE World Champion by defeating Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania, Drew McIntyre had set out to be the champ that "the Beast Incarnate" had not been. After defeating Big Show last week, he found himself confronted by the disrespectful Angel Garza and his business associate Zelina Vega. "The Scottish Terminator" motivated Angel to come to this match alone, and Garza did - impressing early! Despite the rugged, smashmouth style of the Scotsman, Angel held his own with a series of dropkicks catching the champ by surprise! McIntyre scored a near fall from the inverted Alabama Slam, when Zelina Vega defiantly showed her face. The distracted saw the champ exchange words with her, when Garza stunned with the super kick connecting! Back from the break, Angel continued to punish the WWE Champion before angrily exchanging words with Zelina.
- Zelina Vega refused to leave despite his insistence, when McIntyre mounted a comeback. Garza cut him off with an enzuigiri and looked for the Wingclipper, but McIntyre responded with the Glasgow Kiss for a near fall! A belly-to-belly suplex paved the way for the Claymore Kick, when Angel bailed to the floor. McIntyre chased him around ringside and back in to receive a low dropkick. On his knees, Angel looked for the Wingclipper again, but the Claymore struck from nowhere, giving him the win!

Despite the insistence of Angel Garza, his business associate Zelina Vega decided to poke her nose where it didn't belong against Drew McIntyre. The WWE World Champion professed his disappointment in Zelina's watchful eyes at ringside, "the Scottish Terminator" however impressed by the moxy of the youngster. Suddenly...

One More Shot at The Big One
"Metalingus" roared through the WWE Performance Center, bringing out Edge for a second week in a row! Coming after the brutal No Holds Barred confrontation at WrestleMania with Randy Orton, "the Rated R Superstar" once again showed his face, in response to a victory for Drew McIntyre. The WWE World Champion smiled, having waited all night for the sighting of the WWE Hall of Famer. Sliding into the ring, Edge stared "the Scottish Terminator" down before coming to his feet. A hush beckoned over the WWEPC, as the two stared one another down - but before Edge had a chance to speak, McIntyre took it from him! Speaking for himself, the Scot talked about how he and Edge had so much in history. He'd idolized him, looked up to him as a teenager and even trained beneath him. He remembered how devastated he was, to be "the Chosen One" all those years ago yet have to still sit beneath the learning tree of the grandiose "Rated R Superstar". McIntyre even shed a tear from the Gorilla Position when Edge gave his retirement speech nine years ago...but much like he'd told Big Show last week, a whole lot had changed!

The WWE World Champion claimed that with all due respect, a lot was different now - and among it all, the one thing that he was accepting of was the fact that he no longer viewed Edge as a hero, an idol or an inspiration - but a contemporary. The two of them were not the same WWE Superstars they were ten years ago, and if Edge was coming for one more shot at "the Big One", then Drew McIntyre would have to do what he had to do and give Edge every ounce of fight he had. McIntyre extended the hand to Edge, but as a silent WWE Hall of Famer watched him - suddenly Angel Garza ambushed McIntyre! Andrade hit the ring too, as Zelina Vega's men ambushed "the Scottish Terminator!" Edge simply watched, but after several moments, "the Rated R Superstar" fought them off! The WWE United States Champion and "the Loverboy" fled the scene, as Edge helped Drew back up to his feet...but as he did, Edge would slap the WWE Champion right across the face! Edge left alone, bounding up the rampway...before turning back and motioning that "the Big One" would soon be coming back around his waist!

︾︾︾​

 

[DTP]

NXT #400 - April 15, 2020
Full Sail University - Orlando, Florida

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This week's edition of NXT wasted no time in getting underway, from the closed set studio on campus in Full Sail University, Mauro Ranallo and Byron Saxton were on the call tonight, welcoming us to a show set to be headlined by Adam Cole defending the NXT Championship against one-half of the NXT Tag Team Champions, Matt Riddle!

The Doomsday Clock Strikes Midnight
Following the eerie warning sent by the man and woman behind the sinister vignettes that had aired over the course of the past month, Tommaso Ciampa showed no fear as he walked out to the ring. "The Blackheart" was certain to be still recovering following the brutal One Final Beat that served as Johnny Gargano's swansong two weeks ago, as he climbed into the ring and leaned against the ropes. Once again addressing his former soulmate turned adversary, Tommaso reminisced about the events of last week and how what started as an address toward the "Rebel Heart" quickly transpired into an interruption by someone running their mouth where nobody wanted to hear it. He was talking about the man and the woman that he saw watch him leave that abandoned building two weeks ago. With Gargano in his rear view mirror, he saw not only he and his jilted wife Candice LeRae, but that watchful couple as well. Ciampa believed that if they thought the end was nigh, then what was stopping them from making the end tonight?

For too long, Tommaso Ciampa had been the man to top in NXT. Many people had tried it. He was a former NXT Champion, and a former NXT Tag Team Champion. He'd watched men and women arrive, and men and women leave! "The Blackheart" hoped the newcomers would make a fierce first impression...when the lights went off again! Much like last week, a vignette aired on the video screen, foretelling of an apocalypse that would see disrepair plague the landscape of 'The Black and Gold Brand'. Suddenly the lights returned, but in black and white - as a woman identified as "Scarlett" arrived on the aisleway. In black leather, sporting a sinister smirk on her face, Ciampa was surprised to see her but questioned what kind of a man her partner in crime was. Continuing to show no regard nor fear, Ciampa left the ring to confront her...but little did he know that her husband, identified as "Karrion Kross" was stood behind him! Ciampa put up a fight briefly, but Karrion would duck a lariat and drop Ciampa with a brutal Kross Jacket on the floor!

With his neck issues widely known, "the Blackheart" was unable to come back to his feet, and a follow-up big boot from Karrion Kross struck Tommaso Ciampa down to the ringside floor hard! Kross raised his accomplice Scarlett's hand over Ciampa's body on the ringside floor - an outstanding debut by this mysterious couple, but the question still remained: what were Kross and Scarlett's purposes in NXT, and why did they start by targeting Ciampa?

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Mauro Ranallo and Byron Saxton elaborated in running down the key matches set to take place tonight on NXT, using a series of graphics.

• NXT Championship - Adam Cole (c) vs NXT Tag Team Champion Matt Riddle
• Championship Contender's match - Keith Lee vs Dominik Dijakovic
• Austin Theory's NXT Farewell - Austin Theory vs Tyler Breeze
• Chelsea Green vs Shotzi Blackheart
• The debut of Ever-Rise Live, with special guest Cameron Grimes

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In a few moments, NXT was set to kick things off in in-ring competition with action from the women's division. After thwarting her in last week's Women's Number One Contender's Ladder match, Raquel González received some coaching from Dakota Kai. She was set for action against Tegan Nox - next!

​

A video package aired, recapping last week's main event. A six-woman melee took place, with each participant vying for a future opportunity to become the NXT Women's Champion. As Charlotte Flair was sure to be watching, the war boiled down to Dakota Kai and Candice LeRae. Both gave it their all, but after an astounding sunset flip from the top of the ladder, the wife of the recently exiled Johnny Gargano secured the contract - guaranteeing her a shot to challenge "the Queen".

"New Meat"
In footage taken from last week after NXT went off the air, Candice LeRae limped backstage in exhaustion. In all-black, she was mournful over Johnny Gargano's removal from 'the Black and Gold Brand'. Charlotte Flair surprised her from behind, welcoming her with a handshake. Congratulating Candice on her heart and grace, the NXT Women's Champion noted she'd managed to earn a shot at sharing the ring with "the Queen". The champ hoped Candice could bring her husband along, but clearly after One Final Beat she could not. Joking aside, Charlotte said she was excited to defend her gold against "new meat", but Candice stopped Flair, stating otherwise. Flair scoffed, telling Candice to tell Johnny to enjoy the unemployment line. In return, Candice shoved Flair up against the steel door! The new number one contender warned Flair to never bring Johnny's name up again, giving "the Queen" two weeks! After all her years in this business, she vowed the NXT Women's Championship would be coming with her.

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1) Raquel González def. Tegan Nox (6:42) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- With Dakota Kai being equalized in the Women's Number One Contender's Ladder match last week by her former friend Tegan Nox, it was up to Dakota's muscle Raquel González to ensure "the Girl with the Shiniest Wizard" was deprived a shot at the NXT Women's Champion Charlotte Flair. Tegan ordered this match and fought to cut the legs from under the muscled Latina, when González cut her short with a scoop powerslam!
- Raquel González continued to work over Tegan Nox after the commercial break, with Tegan trying to fight the inverted Boston crab. Nox fought back with an enzuigiri, when a kicking combination saw her unload with an STO! Nox set up for the Shiniest Wizard when Dakota Kai appeared from nowhere, climbing to the apron just to duck down as Tegan swung for her. It bought González time to big boot Nox down hard, when a one-armed powerbomb put Nox down for the count.

Raquel González looked mean in victory, as her employer Dakota Kai proceeded to waste no time after the bell! Kai put the boots to her once best friend and tag team partner, with Tegan Nox trying to fight back only to receive the rolling fireman's carry by González! The two imposing women planned to punish Tegan, when Mercedes Martinez hit the ring! After being hired to take out Nox weeks ago by Kai, Martinez cleaned house on both Kai and González single-handedly! Kai bailed, leaving González to be clotheslined over the top rope by Mercedes, who hollered for more. Turning to Tegan Nox, despite their differences in recent weeks, Martinez offered her hand to help Tegan up - and after some thought, she accepted.

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The Undisputed Era on the Call
Footage aired from earlier today, as the Undisputed Era occupied Zoom for a conference call. Adam Cole, Bobby Fish and Roderick Strong logged on to exchange pleasantries, when a special guest joined them - for the first time in over a month, Kyle O'Reilly hopping on the call! The four bantered about Kyle enjoying the high life, shooting an independent movie in Vancouver, before turning to the topic of Velveteen Dream. Cole mocked the idea that Dream was on the same wavelength as he was, while Strong listed the men Adam had beaten in the past year to remain NXT Champion. Kyle questioned what Matt Riddle wanted, prompting Fish to joke about Pete Dunne not wanting to spend another minute with his so-called "Bro". Cole claimed he'd gotten lucky last week in the NXT Tag Team Championship match, and as far as tonight went, he was going to smoke "the King of Bros" at his own game, because nobody was greater than Adam Cole baybay. The four closed, declaring that that was Undisputed.

​

Dominik Dijakovic was stretching in the backstage corridor, when approached by McKenzie Mitchell. McKenzie noted the recent side of Dijakovic being one that many had not previously seen. Dominik declared that he had simply woken up. For too long, he had been an adversary of "the Limitless One" and simply taken the handed defeats in vain. But now was the time for him to Feast His Eyes on one thing - and that's getting the things coming to him. Suddenly, Keith Lee arrived at the scene, asking Dominik for the reasons of his disrespect. Dijakovic instead ordered Keith take a step back, and promptly, the two colossals got into a shouting match! Officials arrived at the scene to diffuse the situation, in the event a brawl took place ahead of the number one contender's match still to come!

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2) Dexter Lumis def. Denzel Dejournette (1:54)
- After coming up short in last year's NXT Breakout Tournament, Dexter Lumis made his presence felt two weeks ago with a swift win against "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher. Tonight, Dexter laid his intimidating, piercing eyes on WWE Performance Center up-and-comer Denzel Dejournette. The former amateur wrestler looked to take the calm and collected Lumis down, just for Dexter to show hesitance - before a swift judo takedown saw Dexter claim control. With sheer aggression and force, Lumis sent Dejournette hurling with a biel throw, before the sleeper slam saw Denzel go to sleep at the hands of the enigma.

Dexter Lumis claimed another victim in Denzel Dejournette, biding his time in letting his prey free from the sleeper hold. Lumis finally showed calmness, and even stroked the head of the unconscious Dejournette. Creepy and sadistic, Dexter climbed to his feet, when someone similar to Lumis' size came out to the ring. Bronson Reed had seen enough, and sprinted to the ring! At over three-hundred pounds, the Adelaide powerhouse fiercely looked Lumis in the eyes to challenge him to a fair fight. Silently and calmly, Dexter instead opted to back away. As Bronson appeared ready to fight, one had to question if even this big man was unafraid of Dexter Lumis.

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In breaking news, Mauro Ranallo and Byron Saxton discussed the uncertain times in today's world, and how it has left NXT without its NXT Cruiserweight Champion Jordan Devlin. With "the Irish Ace" across the pond in the United Kingdom, NXT officials had declared the need for an NXT Interim Cruiserweight Champion to be determined. Four years on from the historic Cruiserweight Classic that started it all, an eight-man, two-block round-robin tournament would be starting next week on NXT! They revealed the competitors, with the B-Block featuring Isaiah Scott, Brian Kendrick, Oney Lorcan and the newcomer El Hijo Del Fantasma! B-Block would feature Tony Nese, Jake Atlas, Kushida and Cameron Grimes!

• NEXT WEEK: Brian Kendrick vs Isaiah Scott in A-Block of the NXT Interim Cruiserweight Championship Tournament.
• NEXT WEEK: Kushida vs Tony Nese in B-Block of the NXT Interim Cruiserweight Championship Tournament.

A vignette aired, introducing the newly-named newcomer to NXT's Cruiserweight Division, El Hijo Del Fantasma. With his in-ring ability and agility demonstrated in an empty, darkened WWE Performance Center ring, interviews with the Mexico City-born luchador saw him declare his intent to become world-renowned and legendary. El Hijo Del Fantasma was poised to not just make impressions, but to become NXT Interim Cruiserweight Champion!

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​

With the forever rivals separated ahead of their number one contender's match in just a few moments, NXT North American Champion Damian Priest sat on a black leather couch between two alternative-looking babes at either side of him. "The Archer of Infamy" smugly chilled with the title on his shoulder, his sunglasses on inside, ready for whomever came out victorious. Keith Lee would meet Dominik Dijakovic one more time, up next!

​

An advertisement aired, promoting Friday Night SmackDown this coming week on FOX. With the WWE Universal Championship held by Roman Reigns vacated, it opened the field up to one of eight men. An eight-man single elimination tournament would see Braun Strowman collide with Sheamus; and Daniel Bryan do battle with the underrated and overlooked Apollo Crews. Plus, King Corbin and Elias's rivalry had escalated to a point where the need for rules was well out of the window. In a WrestleMania rematch, they would meet this Friday in a Falls Count Anywhere match!

3) Dominik Dijakovic def. Keith Lee to be named Number One Contender to the NXT North American Championship (10:54) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- After their war at NXT TakeOver: Portland back in February, two weeks ago saw Damian Priest sneak through the backdoor to be crowned NXT North American Champion in spite of Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic. Their competitive rivalry was infamous, but the two men had once shown great respect for one another. Now, with the number one contender's spot up for grabs, Dijakovic was determined to prove he had what it took to beat "the Limitless One". It was all go from the bell, with Dominik looking to gain an early advantage. Lee avoided Feast Your Eyes and hit a dropdown, leapfrog into an incredible dropkick, when a Pounce took him from the ring. Dijakovic would trip Lee from the apron on the way out, before zipping back in and executing a picture-perfect Tope Con Hilo on Lee on the floor!
- Back from the break, Dominik Dijakovic grounded Keith Lee with an armbar as NXT North American Champion Damian Priest. watched with his babes and his title from a backstage couch. Lee began to fight back, powering Dijakovic up with a powerslam, but Dijakovic landed on his feet and struck with a big boot, and a standing corkscrew senton! Dijakovic wanted to put dinner on his family's plates, but Lee escaped a chokeslam backbreaker attempt and struck with the Doomsault! Keith Lee prepared the Spirit Bomb, when Priest revealed himself stepping out to ringside, and sliding his nightstick into the ring. Dijakovic capitalized with the chokeslam backbreaker, when he got up and pointed the finger at "the Archer of Infamy", not wanting his help. Keith Lee came from behind with the Big Bang Catastrophe, covering Dominik for Priest to distract the referee! "The Limitless One" got up and pursued Priest, when Dijakovic clocked Lee with the nightstick before hitting Feast Your Eyes - taking the win!

In a battle of size, strength and agility, Dominik Dijakovic not only overcame his white whale in Keith Lee, but he had gained the opportunity to challenge Damian Priest for the NXT North American Championship! Dijakovic gritted his teeth in pride and fury, his hand raised - but did not hesitate to point the finger at "the Archer of Infamy". Priest coolly backed up the aisle and returned to the backstage area, while Dijakovic was left to survey his friend - and rival - Keith Lee unconscious in the ring behind him. Dominik observed the weapon used to beat him - Damian's nightstick. He'd stooped to Priest's level to be named number one contender, yet regardless of the moral implications, Dijakovic was on his way to challenge Damian Priest!

✕✕✕​

A video package aired, taking us back to February 26 on NXT. Following his victory against Johnny Gargano at NXT TakeOver: Portland, Finn Bálor was prepared to turn his attention to greener pastures when confronted by cohorts of the NXT United Kingdom Champion WALTER and his Imperium cohorts. I response, "the Prince" returned home to native lands. Taking out Alexander Wolfe and setting his sights on dismantling Imperium one-by-one in NXT UK, Finn Bálor talked about how he was still gunning for "the Ring General", but now planned to expand his hunt overseas. Next week, the former NXT Champion planned to return home to NXT - but this time, his hunt would go uninterrupted.

​

A video package aired, recapping the sight of WrestleMania. Rhea Ripley represented NXT, looking to make history by retaining the NXT Women's Championship in the title's first defense on 'the Grandest Stage of Them All. Unfortunately for her, her dreams were dashed. Charlotte Flair was the bitter pill Ripley had to swallow; "The Queen" defeating her for her twelfth Women's Championship win. Ripley was left heartbroken after the match.

In previously-unseen footage taken from WrestleMania: Part 2, cameras caught up with the newly-former NXT Women's Champion Rhea Ripley. Kayla Braxton hoped to get some comments with the NXT Superstar, but Rhea emotionally told her to back off. Rhea said she was down, she was out, but she would get back up. Ripley hobbled from the scene, when a graphic aired promoting her return to NXT next week.

✕✕✕​

McKenzie Mitchell was in the dressing room with Austin Theory who walked up with a smug grin on his face. McKenzie talked about Theory's recent recruitment by Seth Rollins of the Church of Rollins, but Theory wished to see it more as a promotion than anything. At age twenty-two, it was apparent that "the Monday Night Messiah" saw immense things in "A-Town Austin". While he wished he could say it's been real for himself and NXT, Theory claimed he would not miss 'the Black and Gold Brand' for a second! He knew he had main roster potential, which was why he planned on leaving this schoolyard behind once and for all by defeating the biggest washout of all - Tyler Breeze - tonight! McKenzie reminded Austin that "Prince Pretty" himself beat Theory two weeks ago on NXT, bringing Theory to declare this interview over. He would not miss McKenzie especially!

4) Austin Theory def. Tyler Breeze (7:27) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- The twenty-two year old prospect Austin Theory made the biggest impression possible when he debuted at WrestleMania as a member of the Church of Rollins. It came days after a big loss suffered against NXT mainstay Tyler Breeze two weeks ago. And now, with Theory having "graduated" to the RAW Brand, the youngster planned to have his NXT Farewell match by avenging the loss and defeating "Prince Pretty". The veteran fought valiantly to ensure that wouldn't happen, catching Austin off-guard with a Supermodel Kick that sent him from the top rope to the ringside floor.
- Back from the commercial break, Austin Theory was the one in control, pretzelling Tyler Breeze up in a tree of woe from the top rope. With his boot to the groin, "Prince Pretty" was able to sit up and fight off Theory, who cut him off with a fisherman suplex across the knee for a near fall! "A-Town Austin" was full of it, showboating all the while, when the supermodel rebounded with an enzuigiri. The Figure-Four Sharpshooter was applied as Breeze planned to give Theory some of his own medicine, but Theory made it to the ropes. The youngster suddenly hit Breeze with a low blow out of sight from the referee, when the Ataxia connected! Breeze held his groin in agony, as Theory hooked the legs to steal it in his NXT Farewell.

In his supposed final appearance on 'the Black and Gold Brand', Austin Theory had defeated Tyler Breeze albeit through nefarious means! With his hand raised by the referee, Austin appeared smug as he watched "Prince Pretty" roll out to the floor, still favoring his groin. Despondent by the loss, Theory posed on the second turnbuckle in the corner to flex - when black and gold confetti poured down throughout the Full Sail University! As he pouted with his lips, one had to wonder what the Church of Rollins and Monday Night RAW could offer "A-Town Austin".

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

​

A replay aired, taking us back to earlier tonight. Following the eerie interruption made last week, Tommaso Ciampa hoped to conclude his address of Johnny Gargano in the aftermath of One Final Beat. Instead, he went interrupted again by the same vignette that served as a warning last week. With that, a woman identified only as Scarlett stepped out to the aisle. "The Blackheart" remained unafraid, when a man known as Karrion Kross made his NXT debut: leaving Ciampa's body beaten on the ringside floor! Mauro Ranallo and Byron Saxton claimed that we would learn more about this new power couple next week.

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Ever-Rise Live with Cameron Grimes
From the comfort of their studio, Ever-Rise greeted everybody in the NXT Universe to 'The Show' that brought ratings through the roof last week! Matt Martel and Chase Parker sat behind their desk sipping coffee from their mugs and waving pencils around, discussing how successful The Pilot had been. Apparently, NXT management couldn't get enough, and so here they were with a green-lit second episode. Ever-Rise were here for the common NXT viewer in their hour of need, having to persevere through semantics such as Matt Riddle, Tyler Breeze and Keith Lee to get to "the good stuff". This week, Matt nor Chase planned to disappoint - welcoming their special guest, Cameron Grimes!

With a smash-cut, Matt Martel and Chase Parker shared the desk with the Hawaiian shirt-clad "Carolina Caveman", who spoke in his Southern tongue to compliment Ever-Rise on all their fame and fortune! Martel wanted to discuss the breaking news from earlier tonight: the eight-man round-robin tournament to determine a new NXT Interim Cruiserweight Champion, set to start next week. Grimes was feeling mighty fine about it, talking about all the dieting he had been doing to drop down to that nitty, gritty 205 mark! Comparing himself to fellow members of the B-Block, Jake Atlas, Tony Nese and that swine Kushida, "the Caveman" wasn't sweating nothing! He planned to rack up all the points, and go on to not just beat "the Supernova" himself - but beat the A-Block leader too, to become the champ! Martel and Parker slapped hands with their guest, considering Grimes welcome anytime as a brand-new 'Friend of The Show!'

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5) Chelsea Green (with Robert Stone and Aliyah) def. Shotzi Blackheart (4:14)
- Last month Chelsea Green was the first woman to qualify for the Women's Number One Contender's Ladder match when she defeated Shotzi Blackheart with outside assistance from Robert Stone. Shotzi was left wishing for one more shot, and wanted to get hands on Stone. Meanwhile, Aliyah did not look pleased to be a part of the Robert Stone Brand, after the in-fighting herself and Chelsea had shared one week ago. Blackheart connected with a cannonball that left Green dazed, when "the Batallion" followed with a reverse Sling Blade! Shotzi was prepared to put Green away when Stone tugged at her foot from ringside. Shotzi slipped from the ring and got in a shot on Stone, when Green connected with a baseball slide. Aliyah folded her hands in disinterest as Green connected with I'm Prettier on Shotzi - stealing her second consecutive win against Blackheart.

Aliyah continued to show no interest in being associated with Chelsea Green, as Robert Stone held his throbbing jaw from the right had suffered by Shotzi Blackheart. The Robert Stone Brand was a work in progress, clearly, as Aliyah began to leave by herself - but found herself stopped by the returning Xia Li! Aliyah herself had qualified for last week's Women's Number One Contender's Ladder match by capitalizing on a leg injury suffered by "the Wushu Specialist", who now darted down the aisle and tackled Aliyah with elbows on the floor! Aliyah begged to duck away, as Robert Stone flocked to her aid - just to receive another right hand for his troubles! Chelsea did not offer to help her supposed colleague, as Xia was restrained by officials. Aliyah took out her frustration on Green, prompting Robert to try and get between his two ladies!

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With the NXT Championship match still to come tonight, Matt Riddle was seen shadow-boxing and getting into the zone mentally for Adam Cole. The NXT Tag Team Championship sat on a locker room shelving unit in the background, but now "the King of Bros" had a newfound sense of seriousness. Tonight, he hoped to beat Adam Cole and leave a double-champion - but could he get the job done? The main event was up next!

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An advertisement aired, promoting this coming week's edition of Monday Night RAW. With WWE Money in the Bank weeks away, representatives for the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder match would be decided with three qualifying matches! Plus, the Street Profits would defend their RAW Tag Team Championships against AOP of the Church of Rollins.

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Mauro Ranallo and Byron Saxton welcomed us back to NXT, running down what was coming up on next week's show. It was sure to be a crammed night of competition!

• Finn Bálor returns to NXT.
• 'A Flair for the Gold' with NXT Women's Champion Charlotte Flair on Candice LeRae
• Rhea Ripley returns to action.
• Tegan Nox and Mercedes Martinez vs Dakota Kai and Raquel González
• Brian Kendrick vs Isaiah Scott in the A-Block of the NXT Interim Cruiserweight Championship Tournament
• Kushida vs Tony Nese in the B-Block of the NXT Interim Cruiserweight Championship Tournament

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6) Adam Cole (c) def. NXT Tag Team Champion Matt Riddle to retain the NXT Championship (17:42) [THROUGH 2 BREAKS]
- While it was Velveteen Dream who had hoped to have this shot at Adam Cole, last week saw "the King of Bros" knock off a major victory against the NXT Champion in a match for Matt Riddle's own NXT Tag Team Championship. It caused some hostility between the Dream and Riddle, but in spite of that "the Purple Rainmaker" voiced his approval, vowing to get what he felt he deserved. The Undisputed Era were nowhere to be seen as the NXT Champion was overwhelmed early on by his challenger. Matt Riddle dazed Cole with a fierce flurry of strikes, when a bicycle knee strike nocked Cole out cold! Riddle hooked the leg, but Adam was barely able to get a shoulder up at the count of two. As the NXT Tag Team Champion contested with the referee, Cole bailed to the floor.
- Matt Riddle continued to light up Adam Cole in the corner with a series of lethal kicks back from the commercial break, when the MMA fighter missed one. With his foot caught atop the second rope, the NXT Champion capitalized with a superkick to the foot of Riddle, opening him up for Cole to ground "the King of Bros!' Cole repeatedly slammed the bare-footed ankle of the challenger, and dropped his elbow across it. The Undisputed Era member ran his mouth and applied the figure-four leglock, with Riddle riving in pain. Matt swung out but was unable to reach the champ with strikes, though the challenger instead turned it around on Cole! Riddle applied a heelhook in return, and Cole now had nowhere to run! Cole was able to use his other foot to stomp to safety. As Cole bailed out to the apron, Riddle pursued after him with a running knee strike. With both men now in a precarious position, Riddle missed a right hand, and Cole struck with a German suplex on the hardest part of the ring!
- Adam Cole tormented Matt Riddle with cheap shots when the NXT Tag Team Champion responded with leg kicks! Fighting back, Cole tried keeping him down with another superkick, but Riddle surprised with a sleeper suplex. The powerbomb led to another bicycle knee strike - but Cole barely kicked out! Riddle had the big one in his grasp when Adam rolled out of the ring! Riddle followed in hot pursuit, but the champ surprised with an Ushigoroshi. Cole attempted the Panama Sunrise when Riddle caught him with the Bro Derek! The cover was made, but Cole got his foot on the bottom rope! Riddle could not believe it and attempted the Bro-Mission - when Roderick Strong and Bobby Fish darted out! The referee left the ring to escort them away, when Velveteen Dream arrived wielding a purple baseball bat! The Undisputed Era backed off in fear; meanwhile Riddle retained the referee's attention. Cole struck with a desperation chop block! Cole lowered his knee pad and struck with the Last Shot - to retain the gold!

As the bell sounded, and the Undisputed Era's music played, Velveteen Dream turned his head in disgust at the sight of Adam Cole retaining the NXT Championship. As Roderick Strong and Bobby Fish had been backed up the aisleway, Dream made the vital mistake of turning his back on the UE - when Strong and Fish ambushed the baseball bat-wielding Dream from behind! Exhausted, Adam Cole grinned as he sat with the NXT Championship across his waist, using the ropes to prop himself up.

Matt Riddle remained down and dismayed, and the UE swiftly sent Velveteen Dream rolling inside to add to the wreckage. Dream continued to try and fight Fish and Strong off - right hands for both men delivered! "The Purple Rainmaker" looked for the Dream Valley Driver on Fish, when Cole used the purple baseball bat of Dream's against him! A shot to the spine caused him to drop to all-fours, when a sledgehammer-like shot to the side of Dream's temple left him down and out! On the 400th edition of NXT, with a coy grin, Cole was reunited with Strong and Fish - the Undisputed Era all standing tall, towering over the bodies of their major foes, Dream and Riddle!

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[DTP]

NXT UK: THE RISE #89 - April 16, 2020

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A graphic aired, in memorium of the late, great WWE ring announcer Howard Finkel, 1950 - 2020, who passed away today at the age of 69.

This special edition of NXT UK kicked off with a flashback from December 16, 2016. At a press conference organised at The O2 in London, England, Triple H sent shockwaves through the British Isles with the announcement of a sixteen-man, single-elimination tournament known only as the United Kingdom Tournament. To be contested over two days, it would determine the first-ever WWE United Kingdom Champion.

The opening video package aired, bringing us to the office of the voice of NXT UK, Andy Shepherd. In trying and unique times such as these, Andy made it known how fruitful it was to deliver one of the most spectacular hours of television in sports entertainment, this side of the pond. Shepherd outlined what was coming up tonight - a special look at the rise of the NXT UK Brand! He would begin by talking about the inaugural NXT United Kingdom Championship Tournament, which took place on January 14-15, 2017.

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1) Tyler Bate def. Pete Dunne to be crowned the first WWE United Kingdom Champion in the WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament Finals (15:10) [WWE UNITED KINGDOM CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT 2017: DAY 2 - JAN 17, 2017] [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- It had been an arduous two days for two-thirds of the British Strong Style faction. Pete Dunne had quickly asserted himself as needing nor wanting no friends in the uproot NXT sub-brand. The nineteen year-old Tyler Bate had made it to the WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament Finals after overcoming Tucker the night before, and then Jordan Devlin and Wolfgang earlier that night. Meanwhile, "the Bruiserweight" overcame Roy Johnson the night before, and beat Sam Gradwell and Mark Andrews earlier in the night.
- After jumping poor Sam Gradwell the night before, and catching an earful from NXT General Manager William Regal as a result, Pete Dunne had no endeared himself to the WWE Universe. "The Bruiserweight" began to dissect the youngster by targeting his shoulder, though Bate would repeatedly try to mount a comeback. Bate finally would and executed a Fosbury Flop by Bate, as the match went down the line. Dunne executed the Bitter End that had every person in Liverpool thinking it was over, but Bate powered out! Dunne attempted a triangle choke just for Bate to use a one-armed powerbomb with use of his bad shoulder. While "the Bruiserweight" tortured the prospect with a Kimura, Bate powered out with a brainbuster, and a koppo kick paved the way for the Tyler Driver 97' to win the title! After the match, the first-ever WWE United Kingdom Champion was coronated with gold by Finn Bálor, William Regal and Fit Finlay.

A replay aired, taking us back to NXT TakeOver: Chicago. On May 20, 2017, the WWE United Kingdom Championship made its' very first appearance across the pond in Chicago, Illinois. It was to be a rematch from the inaugural WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament Finals, pitting the first-ever champ Tyler Bate against Pete Dunne. Together, the twenty year-old and "the Bruiserweight" put on a show-stealing performance that went critically acclaimed globally, but saw Pete Dunne be crowned the second WWE United Kingdom Champion following the Bitter End.

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Following the success of the WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament fourteen months prior, preluding WrestleMania 34 in New Orleans saw Triple H officially announce a sequel in the form of a second WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament. To be held in the legendary Royal Albert Hall in Kensington of London, England, aspiring Superstars from the continent all had their sights set on making history. It was an event unlike any other, with Moustache Mountain's Tyler Bate and Trent Seven making history by capturing the NXT Tag Team Championships from the Undisputed Era's Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly. Meanwhile, the tournament itself would boil down to two combatants in the dwindling minutes of Day 1. Who would go on to challenge Pete Dunne the following night for the WWE United Kingdom Championship?

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2) Zack Gibson def. Travis Banks to win the WWE United Kingdom Championship Number One Contender's Tournament Finals (17:05) [NXT UNITED KINGDOM CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT 2018: DAY 1 - JUN 25, 2018] [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- In the second annual instalment of the NXT United Kingdom Championship Tournament, this year was to determine a new number one contender to Pete Dunne's WWE United Kingdom Championship. While Travis Banks had defeated Ligero, and Zack Gibson had beaten Amir Jordan in qualifying matches at Download Festival in Donington Park weeks before, both men walked into this tournament in Kensington with a lot of work left to be done. "The Kiwi Buzzsaw" had already beaten Ashton Smith and Joe Coffey to make it to the finals, whereas Zack Gibson had survived "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher and Flash Morgan Webster - all happening that same night in Kensington.
- The Royal Albert Hall was electric for the finals, and Zack Gibson set the stage refusing to shake the hand of his opponent. Travis Banks fought valiantly in spite of a shoulder injury caused against Joe Coffey in the semi-finals, which served as a huge bullseye for the Scouser. Whenever "the Kiwi Buzzsaw" mounted offense, Gibson went back for the shoulder. Zack applied the Shankly Gates, but Banks was able to survive the lethal submission hold! Travis finally kicked it into overdrive, striking with the Slice of Heaven - Gibson able to escape! With a roll-up, the Scouser tried sneaking a roll-up with his feet on the ropes, to go spotted by the official. Gibson got the better of it with a fisherman buster - but Banks still had fight! Gibson reapplied Shankly Gates, and this time Banks would pass out in pain. Gibson was the new number one contender, and was joined by Triple H, Shawn Michaels and the NXT UK General Manager Johnny Saint - until WWE United Kingdom Champion Pete Dunne showed his face.

A video package recapped the outcome of the NXT United Kingdom Championship Tournament in 2018. With Zack Gibson's victory on Day 1, another shocking announcement was made that day with the announcement that the newly-named NXT UK brand would be launching in cities across the United Kingdom - as well as the establishment of the NXT UK Tag Team Championships, and the NXT UK Women's Championship. On Day 2, as Pete Dunne ultimately overcame his newly-named number one contender Zack Gibson to retain the WWE United Kingdom Championship, Britain awaited history to be made with the premiere of NXT UK's weekly series on the WWE Network.

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A video package aired, taking us back to February 26 on NXT. Following his victory against Johnny Gargano at NXT TakeOver: Portland, Finn Bálor was prepared to turn his attention to greener pastures when confronted by cohorts of the NXT United Kingdom Champion WALTER and his Imperium cohorts. I response, "the Prince" returned home to native lands. Taking out Alexander Wolfe and setting his sights on dismantling Imperium one-by-one in NXT UK, Finn Bálor talked about how he was still gunning for "the Ring General", but now planned to expand his hunt overseas. Next week, the former NXT Champion planned to return home to NXT in the United States - but this time, his hunt would go uninterrupted.

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An advertisement aired, promoting WWE Money in the Bank. "The Risk is Worth the Reward", and it shall be for two lucky WWE Superstars on Sunday, May 10 - live on the award-winning WWE Network.

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A video package aired, showing highlights of the run the NXT UK Brand had been on since the premiere of its' weekly episodic television show available on the WWE Network. Countless memories had been made, as the NXT Universe watched the likes of Rhea Ripley, Toni Storm, Moustache Mountain, Grizzled Young Veterans, Jordan Devlin among many others make their start and rise to become established household names of the NXT UK Brand. Rivalries had been etched, from Devlin's highly competitive rivalry with Travis Banks; to Rhea Ripley and Toni Storm going to war over the NXT UK Women's Championship. But it all started on October 17, 2018 - the very first edition of NXT UK.

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3) Joe Coffey (with Mark Coffey) def. Mark Andrews (7:38) [NXT UK - OCT 17, 2018]
- As NXT UK enjoyed its 89th weekly episode this week with a special look at the rise of the British brand, it all started on the very first episode from Cambridge. Looking to get revenge for an attack from the Coffey Brothers at the NXT United Kingdom Championship Tournament show months prior, Mark Andrews fired on all cylinders with quickness and agility, when stopped short by the towering presence of Joe. Distractions from brother Mark allowed Joe to maintain dominance, when Andrews made a sudden comeback with the Stundog Millionaire! Mark Coffey interfered once more, but Andrews struck with a moonsault onto both of them. Grasping at the win in the first match in NXT UK history, Andrews' efforts of pulling off the Shooting Star Press went thwarted by Mark's interference, allowing Joe to take the win with a second rope belly-to-belly suplex, followed by the lariat! After the match, the Coffeys looked to dominate further when Flash Morgan Webster rushed to make the save for Andrews.

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A video package aired, recapping the tremendous reign of the second WWE United Kingdom Champion in the title's history, Pete Dunne. After capturing it from Tyler Bate at NXT TakeOver: Chicago on May 20, 2017, "the Bruiserweight" would travel the world legitimizing the crown jewel of the British Isles. From Mark Andrews at Download Festival 2017, to Johnny Gargano and Ricochet in NXT in Orlando; from PROGRESS where he defeated "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher, to NXT UK's first episode against Noam Dar - Pete Dunne's reign was unrivalled by anybody. Nobody knew who could possibly dethrone the man who had reigned as champ for 602 days - as he headed to war against the dominant Joe Coffey, at NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool.

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

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A video package aired, reviewing the background of NXT UK's rise to prominence. As popularity for the brand grew and grew, it gained greater influence from NXT. While NXT TakeOver had long been established as honing some of the greatest matches and talents found anywhere across the globe, on the British Isles, things were about to change the way the NXT Universe perceived its' United Kingdom contemporary. Johnny Saint formally announced NXT UK's own rendition of TakeOver, to take place in Blackpool on January 12, 2019. The day prior saw the official opening of NXT UK's own Performance Center to coincide - two extra steps that saw NXT UK's importance escalate in sports entertainment. It was a grand night in the Empress Ballroom; one that saw Finn Bálor make his return to England with a shocking win against former apprentice Jordan Devlin. But the stage was set to the main event - where Pete Dunne looked to test his 602-day reign as WWE United Kingdom Champion against Joe Coffey.

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4) Pete Dunne (c) def. Joe Coffey to retain the WWE United Kingdom Championship (34:15; 14:22 shown) [NXT UK TAKEOVER: BLACKPOOL - JAN 12, 2019] [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- For 602 days, "the Bruiserweight" had reigned over the NXT UK brand as the WWE United Kingdom Champion. Heading into the very first NXT UK TakeOver special from Blackpool, Gallus looked to take the title for themselves though opted not to follow leader Joe Coffey down to ringside. The action was a slow-paced and methodical wrestling clinic, with Dunne looking to stand his ground against the towering challenger, when Coffey sent the champ hurdling over the top rope to the floor. Dunne kicked it up a notch with the X-Plex and a moonsault, but damage done to the spine led to Coffey taking advantage. A Boston crab had "the Bruiserweight" with nowhere to turn, until he was somehow able to make the bottom rope.
- Both men traded submissions with Joe Coffey enduring the Koji Clutch courtesy of the WWE United Kingdom Champion. Pete Dunne picked up the pace and delivered the Bitter End out of nowhere, but Coffey was able to kick out on the cusp of three! Coffey would rebound with a sit-out powerbomb on the ring apron, before laying in heavy strikes and stomps to the champion. The arrogance of the challenger saw him attempt the Bitter End himself, but Dunne escaped with one of his own! Joe was able to slip away, but would soon meet on the top rope. Both men found themselves spilling out to the floor, yet both were miraculously able to beat the ten-count! A discus lariat and another Bitter End saw "the Bruiserweight" desperate, until Pete Dunne locked on an armbar/triangle choke hybrid - and applied pressure while manipulating the joints of Joe Coffey's fingers, forcing him to tap out!

Footage aired, interspersed with that of NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool, when an interview with WWE United Kingdom Champion Pete Dunne aired. He spoke about Joe Coffey being one of the toughest men he had ever come across inside the squared-circle, but on that night in the Empress Ballroom, "the Bruiserweight" was too tough to be beaten. After the match however, saw the debut of the man known only as WALTER Intimidating, in all black with a trenchcoat, "the Ring General" from Vienna, Austria had made his arrival to NXT UK. Sizing up the WWE United Kingdom Champion, he stood stoically with his arms folded behind his back. Staring a hole through Dunne, who clamped his teeth down on the gold he had held for 602 days and counting, it was a match made in heaven. In the interview, "the Bruiserweight" declared that he knew the match with WALTER was one that needed to happen.

• NEXT WEEK: Part 2 of The Rise of NXT UK.

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[DTP]

Friday Night SmackDown #1078 - April 17, 2020
WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida
Sponsored by

LESS THAN FOUR WEEKS FROM MONEY IN THE BANK

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WWE 205 Live #175 - April 17, 2020
The Brian Kendrick shared the matches that molded him into the Cruiserweight pioneer he is today.
- The Ultimate Warrior def. Hulk Hogan (c) to win the WWE Championship, with the Ultimate Splash. (24:51) [WRESTLEMANIA VI - April 1, 1990]
- Kota Ibushi def. Brian Kendrick to advance to the Cruiserweight Classic Semi-Finals, with the Golden Star Bomb. (13:58)[CRUISERWEIGHT CLASSIC #8 - August 31, 2016]

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A graphic aired, in memorium of the late, great WWE ring announcer Howard Finkel, 1950 - 2020, who passed away today at the age of 69.

'A Moment of Bliss' with Braun Strowman, and an Unwanted Guest
Friday Night SmackDown was on the air, broadcast on FOX, and already in the ring stood the new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross! Nikki gleefully welcomed everybody to SmackDown, and welcomed everybody to 'A Moment of Bliss'. Talking back to WrestleMania over a week ago, she said it was a dream come true to be spending every waking second with her BFF Alexa Bliss - together as WWE Women's Tag Team Champions! "The Goddess" sipped tea from her mug and was overwhelmed by an abrupt hug from her friend. Bliss then told Nikki how she loved her too; but that wasn't why they were here! Alexa wanted to give a platform to a very special friend of hers; they'd teamed together in the WWE Mixed Match Challenge and had unparallel chemistry as Team Little Big - and tonight, her friend looked to make a huge splash in the WWE Universal Championship Tournament - Braun Strowman!

"The Monster Among Men" had a smile on his face as he stomped down to the ring, immediately wrapping his colossal arms around Alexa Bliss with a crushing hug! "The Goddess" joked with Braun Strowman, asking him politely not to crush her. Expanding on the opportunity that awaited him over the next few weeks, tonight marked the beginning of the WWE Universal Championship Tournament that would see one of eight victors be crowned the new WWE Universal Champion at Money in the Bank. Braun answered Alexa and Nikki's requests for thoughts, stating that with Roman Reigns down that left a huge black hole in the heart of Friday nights! As a former WWE Intercontinental Champion, Braun knew too well what it felt like to be champion and what it felt like to let it go. While he and "the Big Dog" had had all the ups and downs in the world, Braun Strowman declared that now he was hungry for more - and he had a taste for the WWE Universal Championship!

Nikki Cross and Alexa Bliss applauded Braun Strowman, when Sheamus made his way out! With a cocky grin, "the Celtic Warrior" talked about "the Monster Among Men's" excitement for the WWE Universal Championship Tournament, but he questioned if Braun knew what he was up against. Sheamus made note of how long it took a lug of his size and mental capacity to win singles gold in the WWE: five years. While Braun might be over seven feet tall and three-hundred pounds, he was not cut out to be champ. Urging Braun to heed his words, Sheamus was a former three-time WWE Champion; the guy who beat John Cena three weeks into his WWE career; and the man who only needed 5:15 to beat Roman Reigns! Sheamus declared he would be Braun's opponent in the Quarter-Finals tonight, and explained he was going to breeze straight past him. Braun heard enough, telling Sheamus tonight he would not only get those hands - but he would find himself ran down by the Strowman Express!

• WWE Universal Championship Tournament Quarter-Final - Braun Strowman vs Sheamus

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Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed everybody to Friday Night SmackDown, fresh off one of two revealed Quarter-Final matches to be expected tonight between Sheamus and Braun Strowman - but that was only one match announced, on what was shaping up to be a jam-packed night in the WWE Performance Center!

• WWE Universal Championship Tournament Quarter-Final - Daniel Bryan vs Apollo Crews
• Falls Count Anywhere match - King Corbin vs Elias
• Championship Contender's - SmackDown Tag Team Champion John Morrison vs Kofi Kingston

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Shinsuke Nakamura was backstage stretching his leg atop a countertop, when approached by the WWE Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn and Cesaro. The Artist Collective gathered in one place, as "the Great Liberator" began to talk about the impression that "the Artist" could stand to make. He hoped that Shin could be the one to finally put that sideshow Drew Gulak in his place to qualify for the Men's Money in the Bank match tonight. Full of poise, "the King of Strong Style" responded confidently, claiming "the Militant Mat-Mite" would find himself steamed at his hands and the Kinshasa - and when it was all said and done, Shinsuke would be named Mr. Money in the Bank! "The Swiss Cyborg" patted him on the shoulder as Shin headed to the ring!

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1) Drew Gulak def. Shinsuke Nakamura to qualify into the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match (7:25)
- With WWE Money in the Bank fastly approaching in just over three weeks, the three RAW representative for the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match had been named this past week as being Samoa Joe, Bobby Lashley and Ricochet. Cesaro joined commentary for this one, as Shinsuke Nakamura hoped to put a stop to "the Militant Mat-Mite's" recently-discovered momentum. "The Swiss Cyborg" expressed complete faith in his Artist Collective colleague's abilities, and Shinsuke would obnoxiously underplay the abilities of the world-class technician. It allowed Drew Gulak to slap his way back into it, after "the Artist" had played with his food. Not to be underestimated, he launched a fiery comeback when Shin cut him off. A roundhouse kick missed and the Gu-Lock was attempted, when Cesaro left commentary! Gulak soared with a dive through the ropes, returning to receive ropes to the groin. The Kinshasa went sidestepped however, and a roll-up allowed Gulak a path to Money in the Bank!

A huge upset over the 2018 Men's Royal Rumble winner saw Drew Gulak as the ultimate underdog headed into the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match in less than four weeks! "The Militant Mat-Mite" was emotional after the match, having overcome not just Shinsuke Nakamura, but Cesaro as well! Without Daniel Bryan by his side, Gulak performed the "YES!" chants up the rampway, leaving Cesaro and Nakamura livid!

• Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match - Samoa Joe vs Bobby Lashley vs Ricochet vs Drew Gulak vs TBA vs TBA

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Big E was on FaceTime with Xavier Woods, checking up on his injured buddy. Xavier claimed he was envious of seeing his boys knock it back nightly, fighting for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships! Big E was overjoyed to see him, asking how UpUpDownDown was going, when Kofi Kingston entered the scene wondering what Big E was up to. Excitedly he and Xavier greeted each other, expressing how long it had been! Woods said he wished he was there when Kayla Braxton approached the New Day for a word. Before Kofi's match with John Morrison, she acknowledged that if Kofi didn't beat "the Friday Night Delight" tonight, they would be unable to challenge for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships again so long as Miz and Morrison reigned with the gold. Xavier cut Kayla off via FaceTime, and as Big E held his iPhone up, Woods declared Kofi would bring home the W tonight like New Day would become champs again! The New Day chanted and danced in cadence to "New Day rocks".

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King Corbin was in the locker room wrapping white tape around his fists before slamming one into the other. It had been weeks in the making for himself and Elias, who was seen tuning his guitar on a splitscreen, elsewhere at the WWE Performance Center. Tonight, in a rematch from WrestleMania, the King and "the Drifter" looked to settle the score in a Falls Count Anywhere match.

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"So Smooth" is not pleased
Michael Cole and Corey Graves discussed comments made by Bayley and Sasha Banks toward Lacey Evans last week, when Riddick Moss stormed down to ringside. Snatching a microphone from Cole, he reminded the WWE Universe that he was coming after Rob Gronkowski. "Gronk" had stolen the WWE 24/7 Championship at WrestleMania, and not only was he not a WWE Superstar, but he was a hack who got lucky on the gridiron! Moss claimed "Gronk" got lucky in each of his SuperBowl appearances, bringing Cole to bring up how Moss never made the cut for the NFL. Moss pointed the finger and warned Cole, soon bringing up how he came here tonight to discover Rob wasn't scheduled to appear! What kind of WWE 24/7 Champion was he? Moss claimed celebrities who had no business being in a WWE ring had come and gone, but "Gronk" was gutless, and Moss refused to let him keep getting away with it! He warned Gronkowski had better be careful the next time he showed his face in his WWE.

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2) Sasha Banks (with SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley) def. Tamina to qualify into the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder match (3:31)
- Last week saw Tamina come up short in women's tag team competition, after being put away by Lacey Evans. This week however, "the First Lady" was nowhere to be seen after the dastardly accusations insinuated by Bayley and Sasha Banks that Lacey was the reason her late father drank. "The Legit Boss" appeared to try and befriend the towering Tamina early, bringing up memories of their Team B.A.D. days - but the Fijian would hear none of it! Sasha even offered Tamina a small Boss 'n' Hug Connection shirt, but the second-generation Superstar would tear it up because it didn't fit! With a Samoan drop, Tamina almost claimed the pin, and Sasha would continue by running to escape the wrath of her opponent. Tamina finally caught her with a fireman's carry, before going up for the Superfly Splash! Instead, Sasha sent the referee barging into the ropes, knocking Tamina off the top rope! Bayley slid the SmackDown Women's Championship in for Sasha to use - to advance to WWE Money in the Bank.

The first female representative into the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder match had been identified as being Sasha Banks, who had her hand raised by Bayley. The SmackDown Women's Champion climbed inside and hugged her best friend, who was happy to have received the help after facing the fierce and stern Tamina. With WWE Money in the Bank over three weeks away, already "the Legit Boss" had to have cemented herself as the favorite - but what might become of her friendship with Bayley if she opted to cash in the briefcase against her?

• Women's Money in the Bank Ladder match - Sasha Banks vs TBA vs TBA vs TBA vs TBA vs TBA

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Legs or Hotdogs?
An Instagram video aired from earlier today, depicting Mandy Rose sunbathing on the beach of Honolulu in an incredible bikini with a Bahama Mama in hand. The waves crashed against the shore as her beauty was untold - when she abruptly sat up. Lowering her sunglasses, Mandy spotted something in the distance. Looking closer, Otis came bounding out of the water in little more than a pair of blue speedos! The Heavy Machinery member jogged up the shore in slow-motion to Mandy's sheer delight, when reality was restored. Otis spoke in his drowl about asking Mandy if she wanted another hot dog because he could really go for another. Rose implored her boyfriend to go get as many hotdogs as he liked. Otis nodded and set off to get some - but not before turning back and planting a big kiss on "the Blonde Bombshell".

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With the New Day having been seen prepared for battle, John Morrison and The Miz walked the backstage corridor with the SmackDown Tag Team Championships on full display. "The A-Lister" soon stopped his buddy, asking him if he was sure this would work. "The Friday Night Delight" responded affirmatively, reminding him of when they used to do their Fifteen Minutes of Fame challenges. This was no different, but this time there was no time limit on how much of a beating Kofi Kingston was sure to achieve. Miz nodded confidently as they set off to the ring. Kofi had to beat JoMo if the New Day wanted to challenge for the titles again - and it was coming up next!

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

Dolph Ziggler grimaced in disgust in the backstage area. Scrolling the Instagram feed of Mandy Rose, he could not tolerate the concept of "the Blonde Bombshell" going out with an overhyped, overweight dingus like Otis of Heavy Machinery! Sonya Deville was similarly appalled, telling "the Show Off" that he had every right to feel insulted - and as far as Tucker went, he had everything he received last week coming to him. Dolph said if Tucker wanted to be a hero, he could come and try him if he wanted - in a match next week. Sonya smiled, calling it a great way to send a message to his tag team partner. Meanwhile, Sonya declared that she would set the record straight with Mandy Rose - when she met her friend in the ring next Friday on SmackDown.

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3) SmackDown Tag Team Champion John Morrison def. Kofi Kingston in a Last Chance match (10:03) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- The New Day wanted the SmackDown Tag Team Championships they'd lost back at Super ShowDown back, and after coming up short at both Elimination Chamber as well as WrestleMania, this was their last chance to get another opportunity at John Morrison and The Miz. Kofi Kingston had to beat "the Friday Night Delight", or himself and Big E were to be banned from challenging for the titles so long as Miz and Morrison were the champions. The stakes were high, and Big E knew the kind of meddling The Miz was capable of before the bell. An argument between the two saw the referee eject both from ringside - this match to be determined in singles competition! The protesting of JoMo allowed Kofi to take the lead early on. With a hot start, Morrison tried to make a comeback after dodging a clothesline into the corner - just to receive a crossbody from the second rope!

- Back from the commercial break, a replay showed how John Morrison was able to send Kofi Kingston into the ring post to obtain control, and focused his efforts on the neck of the former WWE Champion. "The Friday Night Delight" had dictated the pace with a grounding sleeper, but "the Dreadlocked Dynamo" soon rose to his feet. Agility went matched as Kofi shot on all cylinders to regain momentum, and an S.O.S. would narrowly grant him a near fall! Kingston got another close two-count from the Boom Drop, when JoMo poked the eyes. The Moonlight Drive was attempted, but Kofi shoved off and the referee went down. Trouble in Paradise connected, but with the official incapacitated, out stormed the Forgotten Sons! NXT's trio hit the ring, with Jaxson Ryker directing traffic - for Wesley Blake and Steve Cutler to drop Kofi inexplicably with the Lost and the Damned! The Sons departed the scene, leaving Morrison to get the slow three count.

The hopes that the New Day had of becoming six-time SmackDown Tag Team Champions had been dashed in this Last Chance match - all thanks to not John Morrison and The Miz's underhanded tactics, but instead the unexpected presence of the Forgotten Sons from NXT! Jaxson Ryker, Wesley Blake and Steve Cutler sported denim with mean scowls on their faces at ringside, as they surveyed "the Friday Night Delight" being handed his title. Awkwardly rolling out, Morrison refused to turn his back to the trio, before embracing in a hug with his reunited tag team partner The Miz on the rampway. Big E returned to ringside, exchanging words with Ryker, Blake and Cutler afterwards before aiding to his fallen partner. The New Day could no longer challenge for the SmackDown Tag Team Championships so long as Miz and Morrison held the gold - but why had the Forgotten Sons targeted The New Day?

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Jeff Hardy - Chapter I: The Rise
Following an introduction by Michael Cole and Corey Graves, the beginning of a new mini-documentary series on the life of Jeff Hardy aired, titled Chapter I: The Rise. For "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior", it all started as a child growing up in Cameron, North Carolina. Quickly, himself and his brother took to competing on trampolines in their parents' backyards, and not only showing emulating and showing admiration for their idols - but honing their passion and craft together. By their early teenage years, the death-defying Hardy brothers were competing on local independent shows, before they were brought up to compete as enhancement talent in "the Big Leagues" of the WWE. Jeff was aged sixteen years old when he made his WWE debut, but quickly became a favorite of future WWE Hall of Famers such as Razor Ramon. But little did Jeff know then, his star was only about to shine.

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Daniel Bryan bumped into Drew Gulak en route to the ring, the two training partners meeting in a big hug after "the Militant Mat-Mite's" upset victory earlier tonight. Gulak declared himself in the running for the Men's Money in the Bank briefcase, when Bryan told him that was great - but to drop and give him twenty! Gulak dropped and proceeded with rapidfire press-ups, with Bryan coaching him all the way! "The Yes Man" then instructed Drew to keep it up - because he had to go to the ring and win this WWE Universal Championship Tournament!

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A video package aired, in memorium of the late, great WWE ring announcer Howard Finkel who passed away yesterday at the age of 69. "The Fink" was a legendary face to longtime members of the WWE Universe; often imitated, never duplicated. He introduced hundreds upon thousands of WWE Superstars, in dozens upon hundreds of arenas worldwide throughout his thirty-plus year tenure in the WWE. A WWE Hall of Famer, Howard Finkel's impact on sports entertainment would never be forgotten.

Michael Cole and Corey Graves further discussed Howard Finkel's influence on today's generation of WWE Universe members, before turning to recap the WWE Universal Championship's vacating from last week on Friday Night SmackDown, coming as a result of Roman Reigns having some sort of major disagreement with WWE management. As a result, the two recapped the brackets for the eight-man tournament set to conclude at WWE Money in the Bank.Braun Strowman laced his boots when in walked Sarah Schreiber. Asking for feedback after the cold words from Sheamus during 'A Moment of Bliss', the FOX correspondent wished to know if "the Monster Among Men" harbored any senses of doubt. Strowman put it simply - he had no sense of doubt, because he didn't feel anything. The closest semblence that he did feel however, was the need to hurt "the Celtic Warrior" something fierce. This was his year, and it started when he became WWE Intercontinental Champion. Sure, he wasn't the smartest, and he had had his fair share of ups and downs - but that wasn't to say he was incapable of being crowned WWE Universal Champion. Strowman declared what would start with Sheamus tonight would see the Strowman Express ride on into Money in the Bank...and he would walk out the new champion.

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Apollo Crews was already in the ring as Friday Night SmackDown returned, set for the WWE Universal Championship Tournament Quarter-Final match. Daniel Bryan made his way out to the ring next, but after throwing his hands into the air and chanting "YES" down to ringside, Bryan climbed into the ring and took a microphone. Addressing Apollo man-to-man, Daniel knew what kind of talent Apollo possessed and what he was capable of. He ordered Crews to not let him walk all over him - because he wanted to see that fire inside come out. Crews looked confused, as Bryan gave his opponent a pet talk about being better than anybody in the WWE could ever believe - but then decided to give him a stiff slap across the face! Apollo was infuriated, and Bryan was amused!

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4) Daniel Bryan def. Apollo Crews in a WWE Universal Championship Quarter-Final match (13:22) [THROUGH TWO BREAKS]
- After the rousing slap to wake up Apollo Crews, the latter was incredibly fired up and out to prove he was no slouch against the former four-time WWE Champion. Daniel Bryan was out to make it a fifth by winning this tournament, but would get the competition he wanted against a motivated Apollo. Able to hang with the submission specialist early, Drew Gulak was seen eagerly observing from the backstage area. Bryan battled back and took Crews down with a low dropkick, soon working the leg.
- Daniel Bryan had Apollo Crews right where he wanted him as Friday Night SmackDown returned, but Apollo Crews continued to make moves, and was able to fire back with rights and lefts. Bryan would respond with another running kick to the weakened leg, which "the Yes Man" gave special treatment. Daniel looked to apply a single-legged Boston crab when Apollo kicked him off. Bryan back elbowed and backflipped out of the corner into a running clothesline - just for Crews to catch him with the Chariot! Bryan was barely able to power out at two, as SmackDown rolled on!
- "The Yes Man" wanted a challenge when going up against Apollo Crews, but little did even Daniel Bryan know the level of fight Crews had buried deep within. Back from the break, Apollo Crews delivered a standing Shooting Star Press for a near fall, when Bryan caught him with a triangle choke. Crews was able to use his power to send him into the corner with a buckle bomb, when a gorilla press slam went followed into the standing moonsault for another near fall! Crews decided to go up to the top rope for a Frog Splash, but upon doing so, Bryan got his knees up. The Running Knee connected, but Apollo shockingly kicked out! Ever the wily veteran, Byan transitioned into the Yes Lock immediately - but Apollo was able to turn it into a roll-up. Bryan slapped on the Heel Hook out of nowhere - and with great hesitance, Crews was forced to tap out!

Daniel Bryan wanted a fight, and he received it from the highly impressive Apollo Crews in this Quarter-Final match. For "the Yes Man", he was one down and two to go in the WWE Universal Championship Tournament, as Bryan would help Apollo to his feet and show great respect with a handshake. Crews raised Bryan's hand before leaving the ring for him. While Bryan was a major favorite to be crowned WWE Universal Champion at WWE Money in the Bank, he remained blissfully unaware that backstage, Sami Zayn was conducting Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro in putting the boots to Drew Gulak backstage! "The Militant Mat-Mite" was buried beneath a luggage cart, and the WWE Intercontinental Champion took great pride in seeing Gulak down and hurting. Knowing Daniel would be returning to the back soon enough, the Artist Collective hit the bricks!

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A video package aired, promoting the upcoming edition of Monday Night RAW. After their encounters in the past two consecutive weeks, the new WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre prepared to call out Edge; while the Street Profits prepared to put the RAW Tag Team Championships on the line against the Church of Rollins' AOP. Plus, three Women's Money in the Bank Ladder match Qualifying matches would take place, pitting Ruby Riott against Liv Morgan; Asuka against Sarah Logan; and Shayna Baszler against Kairi Sane!

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An advertisement aired, promoting WWE Money in the Bank. "The Risk is Worth the Reward", and it shall be for two lucky WWE Superstars on Sunday, May 10 - live on the award-winning WWE Network.

This week's Progressive Match Flo was a replay from last week, where Bayley and Sasha Banks proceeded to not just verbally harrass Lacey Evans after her big tag team victory against Tamina; but the SmackDown Women's Champion would open old wounds in discussing "the First Lady's" existence being the reason her late father drank.

Michael Cole speaks with Lacey Evans
Seven days from last week, Michael Cole sat with Lacey Evans Out of her usual clothes, "the First Lady" appeared transparent as Michael wished to talk about the event last week where Bayley and Sasha Banks took the time to single her out. Lacey confessed to not exactly coming across as the most likeable member of the SmackDown roster. She may have come from a different background from every single woman in the locker room, and she may have had a patent for ticking off the wrong people - but in spite of all of that, what Bayley and Sasha Banks did last week was atrocious. Cole asked for Lacey to shed light on her past, which she did candidly, discussing being a child raised in a home torn down by depression, drug and alcohol abuse. She'd lived in tents due to her parents' legal problems, and what broke her heart the most was that Bayley and Sasha didn't even know a thing about her.

As much as her father struggled with substance abuse and alcoholism, Lacey Evans explained that she idolized the ground he walked on. He'd often entertained that idea of one day becoming a WWE Superstar - but that day never came. Expanding on her upbringing, she spoke of enlisting in the Marines and serving for five years, where she was introduced to this passion. She began to tear up as she explained being introduced to the sport while in the military, and that was how she got her start. Heartbreakingly, her father overdosed before she received her WWE tryout. In tears, Lacey spoke about the trials and tribulations she experienced, and how she felt blessed to be here in the WWE - but still struggles with memories. Last week when Bayley and Sasha Banks made fun of her past, it brought up a lot of memories. Lacey wished nothing but shame on them, and hoped they felt terribly. As Evans broke down once again, Cole handed Lacey a tissue and comforted her, thanking "the First Lady" for her time.

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The WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross gossiped by the water cooler when approached by the SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley and Sasha Banks. A lot of fake smiles went exchanged; Bayley and Sasha mocking the champs' success. They beat Asuka and Kairi Sane of the Kabuki Warriors twice in one week and got their little WrestleMania moment; and now had hosted 'A Moment of Bliss' with Braun Strowman. "The Legit Boss" laughed up how the Monster Among Men" would blow it against Sheamus. Bayley brought up how interesting it was that the SmackDown Women's Champion hadn't been invited. Sasha mentioned Bayley beating four other losers to retain the title at WrestleMania, and Nikki almost opened her mouth. "The Goddess" stopped her and told Bayley and Sasha they were right - next week, she'd allow them to come on their show. Bayley sarcastically thanked Alexa and left with Sasha, leaving Nikki shocked that 'A Moment of Bliss' was now their show!

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5) King Corbin def. Elias in a Falls Count Anywhere match (6:35) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- In a rivalry that had been brewing for weeks, Elias and King Corbin hoped to end things in Falls Count Anywhere - with no disqualifications and no count-outs. The King was jumped by "the Drifter" en route to the ring, payback for what preluded the bell sounding in their WrestleMania encounter. Bringing the fight to "Wrestling Royalty", Corbin was able to strike with a knee lift before cowering over the barricade into the crowd area. Elias continued to pursue Corbin into the section occupied by the WWE Universe, beginning to toss the steel chairs in his rival's direction! A clothesline saw the musician take himself and Corbin back over into the ringside area, when Corbin got in a low blow and followed with a suplex on the ringside floor!
- Back from the break, King Corbin used the steel chair to choke Elias on the floor. "The Drifter" refused to give in to the King's methods, soon kicking free - but "Wrestling Royalty" struck with the Deep Six on the floor for a near fall! Going straight back to the steel chair, Corbin choked the musician with its' edge - until Elias used foam from a fire extinguisher from under the ring to escape! The brawl continued inside, and Elias would connect with Drift Away - but Corbin powered out at two. In disbelief, Elias had one trick up his sleeve. From the ring and over the barricade, Elias led Corbin to the Perch. The King struck low and escaped to the top, when Elias joined him up there. The rivals went blow for blow at a precarious height, a large margin for error when Elias found himself backdropped over the railing! Elias hung on for dear life, but Corbin would stomp at his fingertips - causing Elias to fall from the Perch and crash through the table! Corbin bided his time in relief, descending via the steps, covering for the three count.

Acting as though he had been through a war, King Corbin slowly ascended from the fallen carcass of Elias. "The Drifter" remained motionless in the ruins of a table at the foot of the Perch, as the King had his hand raised in victory. Defiantly, Corbin fought back emotions of his own, celebrating another noble victory against Elias, to end their dispute!

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Michael Cole and Corey Graves discussed the Falls Count Anywhere match moments ago, with Graves hoping to receive a medical update on Elias, who needed help leaving the WWE Performance Center after his fall from the Perch. The announcers turned to discuss the WWE Universal Championship Tournament, and how Daniel Bryan had already qualified for the Semi-Final round. Next week on Friday Night SmackDown would see the Semi-Finals set - and the Men's and Women's Money in the Bank Ladder matches being one step closer to being finalized!

• WWE Universal Championship - Quarter-Final - WWE Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn vs Jeff Hardy
• WWE Universal Championship - Quarter-Final - King Corbin vs Mojo Rawley
• 'A Moment of Bliss' with SmackDown Women's Champion Bayley and Sasha Banks
• Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Qualifying match - Carmella vs Dana Brooke
• Dolph Ziggler vs Tucker
• Sonya Deville sets the record straight with Mandy Rose

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6) Sheamus def. Braun Strowman by count-out in a WWE Universal Championship Tournament Quarter-Final match (4:19)
- "The Celtic Warrior's" insults during 'A Moment of Bliss' were not ones "the Monster Among Men" was about to forget, and as the Celt goaded Braun, the giant followed in hot pursuit. Sheamus stalled ringside when Braun unleashed the hands; the Strowman Express finding him in control. The Running Powerslam was trialled, but Sheamus slipped away and sent Braun into the steel steps! The Irishman showed no remorse for Braun, when on a comeback Braun inadvertently clobbered the referee! In retaliation, the fight returned ringside where Sheamus caught Strowman with a Brogue Kick! A second one put the giant down, but Sheamus ensured Braun would not leave on his feet! Picking up the top-half of the steel steps, Sheamus hoisted and slammed them against the lower set of steps - as Braun's foot was guillotined between them! "The Celtic Warrior" returned to the ring and revived the referee - and all that could be heard was the official counting to 10, and Strowman's screams of agony.

Braun Strowman's cries could still be heard, as the giant was reduced to tears of pain, clutching his ankle on the outside. Sheamus stood in dominance and forced the referee to raise his hand, in a huge statement made! "The Celtic Warrior" had advanced into the WWE Universal Championship Tournament's Semi-Final round, but he remained unfinished with "the Monster Among Men" after the bell. Climbing outside, the Celt laughed at Braun, who tried his earnest to get back up to his feet. Officials flocked to the scene, but the victor would shove them aside. Unable to stand, Braun growled as Sheamus joked Braun didn't look like a monster anymore. With that, another Brogue Kick would see Strowman left down and out. With a possibly shattered ankle, Braun was decimated at the hands of Sheamus!

• WWE Universal Championship Tournament Semi-Final match - Sheamus vs Daniel Bryan

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[DTP]

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Rusev, Heath Slater, Erick Rowan and other Superstars released

4/16/20​

WWE has come to terms on the release of Rusev, Maria Kanellis, Mike Kanellis, Heath Slater, Erick Rowan, Lars Sullivan, Aiden English, Kassius Ohno, No Way Jose, EC3, Curt Hawkins, Eric Young, Drake Maverick, Curtis Axel, Jack Gallagher, Eddie Dennis, Flash Morgan Webster, Sam Gradwell, Santana Garrett, Tyson T-Bone, Saxon Huxley, Jack Starz, Lio Rush, Mike Chioda, Mike Rotunda, Gerald Brisco, Serena Deeb, Shawn Daivari, Primate, Wild Boar, Epico & Primo. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

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WWE releases more talent amid Spring Cleaning cuts

4/17/2020​

Yesterday WWE released a statement on their website announcing the releases of 32 Superstars, Referees and Producers. It comes as the company looks to save money caused by COVID-19 seeing the elimination of live events, with the company making moves to save approximately $2.1 million per month.

Today Fightful was able to verify that releases made within the company not announced via WWE.com include longtime director of WWE programming Kerwin Stifies, Alyse Ashton, Boa, Tino Sabatelli, Rocky, Dennis Arnell, Jon Quasto, Josiah Williams and Radzi Chinyanganya. WWE Performance Center recruits Aleksandar Jaksic, Dorian Mak, Edgar Lopez, Faisal Kurdi, Hussain Aldegal, Mars Wang, MJ Jenkins and Mohamed Fahim.

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APRIL 20, 2020 OBSERVER NEWSLETTER: WWE CUTS STAFF, XFL FOLDS, DEATH OF HOWARD FINKLE, LAYOFFS, AND QUARTERLY FINANCIALS

4/17/20​

- An absolutely crazy week saw Vince McMahon fold the XFL, have the Governor of Florida overrule local officials to be able to run multiple shows a week in the state, get, along with Dana White, to be mentioned by President Trump as one of the people he’d talk with about reopening the economy, and then made massive talent and office cuts with the expectation of a long economic downturn.

With its $500 million of reserve cash available, broken down as $90.45 million in straight cash on hand, $160.03 million in short term investments that can be used, and another $250 million available instantly in debt capacity, McMahon was the first promoter in combat sports to make cuts, while other companies have avoided doing so even though all others are losing money, although UFC will be back to making money as soon as they start running shows again.

The decision to fold the XFL seemed to come on 4/9 and was announced the next day.

WWE had planned to tape five weeks of Raw, Smackdown and NXT between 4/10 and 4/13, taping at both the Performance Center and Full Sail University. Either during or right after the taping of the first show, a scheduled Smackdown event on 4/10, McMahon had a sudden about face. He decreed at that point that all shows from this point forward would go live.

That meant people who thought they would get the tapings done and those who wanted to quarantine after to be safe for their families, suddenly found out there is no quarantine time at all, because there are no 14 day gaps between tapings, at least if you are a regular top name.

Production people would either be flying multiple times a week to Florida, or be stationed there.

The decision was made due to the fear that NBC Universal and/or FOX would try and opt out of the price of the respective television deals since the contract for Raw and Smackdown only allowed for limited taped shows per year. After running taped shows for two weeks, they were close to their limit. Both NBC Universal and FOX were quiet, although it’s hard to believe in a pandemic, and with WWE’s value particularly to NBC Universal, that they would do anything to jeopardize the deal. But everyone’s finances are troublesome. It could be McMahon just making sure there is no excuse, but those who were told the reason for his quick change of plans were told it was due to trying to avert the networks changing his deal.

The cuts on 4/15 culminated a week where there was seemingly a gigantic story every day, that got forgotten as the next day took place.

The first was McMahon’s decision in the middle of tapings to go weekly.

It immediately brought up questions as to how, in a shutdown throughout the state of Florida, WWE would be allowed, particularly since twice in March country officials had gone to the tapings and questioned them happening and told them they were going to have to shut down, which is why they taped several weeks of shows, as well as WrestleMania, in advance.

When Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings ordered a county-wide shutdown, before the state mandated it, that included wrestling, which is why they taped television and WrestleMania so far in advance.

When they were about to come back, there were those in local government who questioned it, but the word came from Gov. Ron DeSantis to allow them and told him that WWE was considered an essential business. The idea was so preposterous that DeSantis, and the entire Florida state government, became something of a laughing stock to the national media, portrayed more as corrupt than anything, tying in Linda McMahon’s promise to spend millions for Trump’s re-election in the state and DeSantis allowing Vince McMahon to run as often as he wanted during a shutdown came on the same day.

By the time this came out, it was two days after Fightful.com and Sean Sapp had broken the story that WWE sent out an internal memo to its talent regarding what was believed to be the first COVID-19 positive in the U.S. pro wrestling industry.

WWE released a statement saying, “We believe it is now more important than ever to provide people with a diversion from these hard times. We are producing content on a closed set with only essential personnel in attendance following appropriate guidelines while taking additional precautions to ensure the health and wellness of our performers and staff. As a brand that has been woven into the fabric of society, WWE and its Superstars bring families together and deliver a sense of hope, determination and perseverance."

- WWE made massive cuts across every division, not just limited to on-air performers. In particular, the live event division was gutted since there will likely be no live events for some time to come. But writers and office workers were cutback heavily, and in many cases age was a factor, notably the surprise cutting of referee Mike Chioda, who had been in that role for 31 years, the longest lasting referee in the company since its national expansion, who is 53 in a company that wants younger faces on the screen.

With the release of the producers, it was both the older producers, Billy Kidman, who has been with the company since WCW folded in 2001, Mike Rotunda, who is 62, Scott Armstrong, 58 and David Finlay, 62.

The list also included Sarah Stock, and more recent hires like Lance Evers (Lance Storm), Shane Helms, Pat Buck and Shawn Daivari. The producers were all put on furlough officially. It means that they were told they could be hired back, and some likely will be when house shows return, but that could be a long time. For the present time they will still get company benefits but no longer be paid. Three recently-hired NXT coaches were also let go, Serena Deeb, Ace Steele and Kendo Ka Shin.

At the same time WWE made all those cuts, they announced the usual quarterly dividend of 12 cents per share, which would be approximately $9,279,000 for the quarter.

All of the talent and producer cuts saved the company just over $2.1 million when it comes to future quarters, as since the talent is being paid for 90 days, the savings won’t fully be realized until quarter four. But the key is that if the company cut the dividend by one half, they would save more money by more than double while still not cutting one talent or producer.

All of the cuts, including those of employees and expenses involved in reducing the work force would save the company $4 million per month, which is $48 million per year while the dividend would be $37.2 million per year. It was noted by many that Rusev, who had been featured until recently, had a contract dispute which led to him pretty much not being used. Some were rarely used on television but did work regularly on house shows, but there are no house shows.

This cut was really about the short-term stock price, as for a few days, the stock increased based on the cost savings. It’s really hard to predict, but long-term the stock price is going to be based on the reaction to the 4/23 numbers and far more so, the state of the overall world economy and the feeling of how quickly business will go back to normal.

What made the company look so bad is a few things. Besides the cuts coming when the company, even without the cuts, would be so profitable and that profitability was a lock until 2024, was the cuts coming during a pandemic when the talent wouldn’t have the usual opportunities to get another job. It was really a bad week, since Vince McMahon stiffed so many people with the XFL bankruptcy after telling people he was investing $500 million in the league, then he cut so many employees during a pandemic not because of any economic need, but for a short-term stock price rise, and then announced a dividend, where he is by far the largest beneficiary, when he could have cut that in half and it would be more than double the savings of all the talent and producers cut.

- A lot of NXT guys have been losing on Raw and SmackDown but there are still rules in place. Guys like Tehuti Miles or Deonna Purrazzo are not on NXT television so it's okay to use them as enhancement. Guys like Akira Tozawa or Oney Lorcan are considered 205 Live guys who also appear on NXT, so they are okay as well.

- It is believed that Johnny Gargano will be remaining off-screen, awaiting decision to bring him up to the main roster. There is movement protecting Gargano from debuting on Raw or SmackDown with no fans.

- Rinku Singh and Saurav Gurjar have fallen victim to the WWE protocol of losing their surnames.

- The WWE pushed that the Big Show Show was the No. 3 series on Netflix in week one.

TV Ratings:
RAW - 1.87 million viewers
NXT - 0.66 million viewers
SmackDown - 2.03 million viewers

 

[DTP]

(Pretty much caught up from where we left off on WC. From here on out, shows will be posted less frequently. Hope y'all can catch up now! Thanks for reading if you have thus far.)

 

[DTP]

Monday Night RAW #1404 - April 20, 2020
WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida
Presented by

LESS THAN THREE WEEKS FROM MONEY IN THE BANK

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WWE Main Event #395 - April 23, 2020
- Cedric Alexander def. Shelton Benjamin with the Lumbar Check. (4:22)
- Zack Ryder def. Akira Tozawa with the Rough Ryder. (5:28)

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A graphic aired, in memorium of the late, great WWE ring announcer Howard Finkel, 1950 - 2020, who passed away this past Thursday at the age of 69.

A video package aired, recapping last week's highly anticipated confrontation between the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre and Edge. After "the Rated R Superstar" interrupted "the Scottish Terminator's" landmark victory one week prior against the Big Show, Edge made a late arrival appearing after McIntyre had defeated Angel Garza. Despite Garza's honest attempt at defeating Drew without Zelina Vega's assistance, the true self of "the Loverboy" saw himself and Andrade attack. Despite clear hesitance, the WWE Hall of Famer rushed to McIntyre's aid, only to then slap him across the face and abandon the WWE Champion alone in the ring!

The opening video package aired, cutting to the WWE Performance Center for another rousing edition of Monday Night RAW! Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Jerry Lawler would welcome us to the longest episodic television show in history, before recapping the breaking news from social media earlier today - that Drew McIntyre would defend the WWE World Championship at Money in the Bank, against none other than the WWE Hall of Famer, Edge!

Egos Aside
After biding his time to great extents last week, Edge graced the WWE Universe with his presence to kick off Monday Night RAW tonight. In his first speech since before WrestleMania, the WWE Hall of Famer looked every bit of a rockstar as he did years ago in his prime. In black jeans and a leather jacket, "the Rated R Superstar" knew many had to wonder what was on his agenda. He took us back to "the Grandest Stage of Them All", where a replay showed the vicious extent in which he took out his arch rival Randy Orton with his own vicious Punt kick to the temple. In the ring, Edge discussed how those moments were sure to remain with him for quite some time, because that moment was the instance he realized that he was back. After what "the Apex Predator" had done back in January, hoping to take him out for good a second time, mere days after returning to active competition in the Royal Rumble match, what Edge did in No Holds Barred was something that Adam Copeland of the year 2012-2019 could not.

Edge talked the moral fibre involved with being prepared to see an eye for an eye, and to put a diabolical man like Randy Orton on the shelf. And so, the WWE Hall of Famer was back, and that was the moment he realized it...so what was stopping him from testing if he still had what it took, more than confronting the new posterboy for the WWE? Drew McIntyre came walking out to the ring, a smirk on his face. The new WWE World Champion knew what this was all about, telling Edge he fully expected this, knowing on good authority how "the Rated R Superstar" had travelled the world looking for a doctor to clear him to return to a WWE ring - and as luck would have it, Edge was able to return not once, but twice. "The Scottish Terminator" believed props were in order for what he did putting Randy Orton out with major injuries after No Holds Barred, and if Edge was feeling froggy, he was on for a dream match of old-school versus the present - but warned him not to get his hopes up too highly.

As the Money in the Bank opponents went face-to-face with smiles exchanged, the Hispanic coalition arrived as Zelina Vega accompanied the WWE United States Champion Andrade and Angel Garza out to the rampway! "El Idolo" wore sunglasses with the gold over his shoulder, as he commented in broken English on the sorry state of the WWE World Championship. Believing it had seen better days than putas like Drew and Edge gushing for it, McIntyre claimed Andrade had seen better days himself! He asked Andrade if he'd had one too many Coronas the night before, prompting Angel to calm him down. Angel pointed out how he brought the fight to Drew last week without any help - just like Drew had dared him to do. "The Loverboy" granted himself props calling it a valiant effort, but where he went wrong was when he took the advice of "the Scottish Terminator" to begin with. Garza insulted Edge and called him "washed-up", garnering a laugh out of the WWE Hall of Famer.

Zelina Vega talked about the true fighting spirit that Angel Garza possessed, how he much like Andrade were destined to become living legends that the WWE Universe would not be able to resist. She noted the struggle she saw in Drew McIntyre's eyes last week as he was being pounded by her men until his hero Edge saved his behind - and how she remembered that same look of desperation when Andrade beat Drew McIntyre to be crowned NXT Champion several years ago. She asked if he remembered NXT TakeOver: WarGames three years ago, when Andrade not only beat him but sidelined him for months with a torn bicep. McIntyre claimed he couldn't ever forget, noting the scars he had from the incident - but that was then, but now he was a different beast. Andrade spoke up, claiming Drew couldn't take him on his best day, whether then or now, arrogantly claiming McIntyre just wasn't the man he was!

The WWE World Champion responded, bringing up Andrade's loss to Ricochet last week. Drew McIntyre surmised if "El Idolo" had something to prove, what was stopping him from going Champion vs Champion tonight! Zelina Vega got things back on track reminding Andrade that wasn't why they were there. She said Drew's issue all along was he always wanted what he couldn't have. There would be no match with the WWE United States Champion tonight, but instead, after meeting with executives from the USA Network today, she wished to inform Drew and Edge that Money in the Bank could wait until May 10 - tonight, they'd have to put their egos aside and team up against her boys! Vega, Andrade and Angel left all smiles, while Drew turned to speak with Edge. He told "the Rated R Superstar" no matter what they thought of the other, they could not let them win. McIntyre turned his back on him, when Edge span him around! A tense confrontation resulted, before Edge left the champ alone in the ring!

• Tonight - WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre and Edge vs Andrade and Angel Garza

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Following a replay of the bombshell dropped by Zelina Vega before the commercial break, graphics aired as Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Jerry Lawler discussed how Drew McIntyre and Edge would coexist as a unit against Andrade and Angel Garza tonight! They also discussed what else was expected to go down tonight on Monday Night RAW, including the return of the RAW Women's Champion Becky Lynch!

• RAW Tag Team Championship - The Street Profits (c) vs AOP
• Women's Money in the Bank Qualifying match - Shayna Baszler vs Kairi Sane
• Women's Money in the Bank Qualifying match - Ruby Riott vs Liv Morgan
• Bobby Lashley vs Ricochet

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1) Asuka def. Sarah Logan to qualify for the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder match (5:18)
- With her tag team partner from the Kabuki Warriors, Kairi Sane set for competition against Shayna Baszler later tonight, "the Empress of Tomorrow" engaged against one-half of the Riott Squad for the chance to join SmackDown's Sasha Banks in the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder match in less than three weeks. "The Gritty Southern Belle" strived to keep up with the former WWE Women's Tag Team Champion, but Asuka would continue to pysch her out using her ever-unpredictable style. Mocking Logan with dances, Logan would eventually use her muscle as a tool to combat the Japanese native - but Asuka would catch Logan off-guard with the Asuka Lock forcing Logan to tap out!

"The Empress of Tomorrow" named herself the first representative of the RAW brand to qualify for the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder match on Sunday, May 10! Asuka celebrated like only she knew how - dancing with the referee! Despite the loss to Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross at WrestleMania, it now appeared Asuka had her sights once again set on becoming Ms. Money in the Bank instead!

• Women's Money in the Bank Ladder match - Sasha Banks vs Asuka vs TBA vs TBA vs TBA vs TBA

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"The Rated R Superstar" Doesn't Forget
Edge made his way backstage where he was approached by Charly Caruso. Noting how "the Rated R Superstar" walked into Monday Night RAW tonight with a WWE World Championship opportunity at Drew McIntyre at Money in the Bank, now that had quickly changed with the revelation that for the first time in a decade, Edge would compete tonight on RAW with "the Scottish Terminator", against Andrade and Angel Garza. Edge made note of March 28, 2011 being the last time he competed on Monday nights, alongside his best friend in the business Christian. He advised Charly not to get it twisted - he did not have such friendship with Drew McIntyre. While he admired and respected the Scotsman, he took issue with the fact that he was the poster-child now. He remembered the kind of snot-nosed punk he used to be back when he was World Heavyweight Champion. Edge said he never forgot that disrespect, and one way or another, Money in the Bank would see Edge prove his best days were still ahead.

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Aleister Black stood in a dark and misty room in a room backstage at the WWE Performance Center, where he began to address the Church of Rollins. "The Anti-Hero" talked about the blasphemy and hypocrisy that followed Seth Rollins around. He called Monday Night RAW "Monday Night Rawlins", and boasted about commanding the respect of an entire locker room with him. Black noted just because he had his own cult of followers did not mean he commanded any such respect. And when it came to recruiting an individual such as himself, Aleister made it known that he was best suited alone. But now Mr. Rollins had come knocking on his door, Black believed it was time for Seth to receive a wake-up call - and hoped he would be watching tonight, when his Disciple, Murphy, would enter Black Mass!

• Tonight - Aleister Black vs Murphy

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2) The Street Profits (c) def. AOP to retain the RAW Tag Team Championship (8:08) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- The Street Profits had found enemies in members of the Church of Rollins, and after Montez Ford's unsightly loss to Austin Theory last week, the RAW Tag Team Champions quickly found themselves the victims of an attack from "the Monday Night Messiah's" followers. Ford and Angelo Dawkins worked quickly to outmaneuver the lumbering Akam and Rezar in the early moments, with a twisting splash from Dawkins in the corner seeing the champs in control. A spinout sidewalk slam from Rezar would find Ford on the receiving end, putting the challengers in a promising position headed into the commercial break!
- Back from the break, AOP continued to corner Montez Ford in their half of the ring while Angelo Dawkins continued to root for his brethren. Akam and Rezar traded swift tags, when Montez narrowly leapt from the Super Collider to make the tag! Dawkins worked earnestly to handle both brutes, when Ford would duck beneath Akam for a dropkick to take the big man down! Ford went airborne with a dive onto Akam, while inside Dawkins mustered up an incredible pop-up spinebuster. With legs hooked, 'Tez dove onto Ang's back with a dog-pile allowing them to retain the titles!

A fraction of a second too late, Akam powered the Street Profits from on top of him, but the match was ruled in the RAW Tag Team Champions' favor! Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford celebrated the skin-of-their-teeth title defense as Akam and Rezar appeared to threaten the referee - when out of nowhere, Austin Theory rushed the ring and clocked Ford with his own title! Dawkins grabbed Theory by the collar and cornered him, but AOP would come from behind with a two-on-one attack. Angelo Dawkins was up against three members of the Church of Rollins all alone, and a distraction from Theory set the scene for the Super Collider - until the Viking Raiders hit the ring!

Erik and Ivar would not tolerate the Church's antics, causing Theory to flee and Akam and Rezar to be sent hurdling from the ring! The Viking Raiders were in no mood as Dawkins came to his feet - but he would also face Erik and Ivar's wrath, winding up on the receiving end of the Viking Experience! Ford slipped in to aid to his tag partner, while the Vikings aggressively posed with the RAW Tag Team Championships in their own possession. So much for cohesion against Seth Rollins' Disciples!

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The Kabuki Warriors had met up for a conversation in their native language of Japanese, when Charly Caruso arrived to ask about what would happen if both Asuka and Kairi Sane qualified into the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder match. It prompted silence from the former WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, who then suddenly and abrasively burst out in loud and aggressive yelling! "The Empress of Tomorrow" and "the Pirate Princess" caused the broadcast journalist to flee, leaving the two to laugh hysterically. Asuka and Kairi spoke about teamwork winning them the Money in the Bank briefcase together.

Elsewhere, Shayna Baszler made a determined walk down the hallway. With a black towel around her neck, "the Cage Fighter" looked to make her first in-ring appearance since WrestleMania several weeks ago. Surely out to avenge her WrestleMania loss to Becky Lynch, the MMA Fighter was scheduled to meet "the Pirate Princess" in Women's Money in the Bank Qualifying action - up next!

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An advertisement aired, promoting this upcoming week's edition of Friday Night SmackDown on FOX. After twenty-five years, it was time for the celebration of one of the most legendary WWE Superstars in sports entertainment history: Triple H! "The King of Kings" would be joined by special guests this Friday night.

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3) Shayna Baszler def. Kairi Sane to qualify for the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder match (6:25)
- These two women had been rivals from their NXT days, but tonight it was about qualifying for the chance to compete in the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder match in under three weeks. While Kairi Sane hoped to join her Kabuki Warriors partner Asuka in the field, "the Cage Fighter" hoped to stomp it dead by taking "the Pirate Princess" to the mat quickly. The aerial artist brought the fight to Baszler with a crossbody over the top rope and the Sliding D, but Baszler intercepted with a brutal Yokosuka Cutter! Baszler's cross-armbreaker saw Kairi escape into a roll-up for a near fall, when Sane mounted a comeback. A charging elbow caught Shayna on the jaw, and the Pirate went up for the Insane Elbow - but on the way down, Shayna would catch her miraculously in the Kirifuda Clutch! Sane had no choice but to give up!

"The Cage Fighter" claimed another victim in successfully managing to choke out "the Pirate Princess!" Kairi Sane would not be joining Asuka in the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder match, but Shayna Baszler tried to make a point as to not allow Sane to walk out of the WWE Performance Center after such a hotly-contested match! Baszler had to be restrained by the official, showing no compassion for her opponent one bit. Finally pried from the hold, Shayna grinned through her black mouthpiece...

...Until Becky Lynch's music hit! The RAW Women's Champion came marching out to the arena showing zero fear, as "The Man" was making her first appearance on Monday Night RAW since WrestleMania! Becky's facial expressions remained unchanged, as she crossed paths with Shayna Baszler on the aisleway. "The MMA Fighter" chuckled at the sight of her arch enemy, who did not even make eye contact with her. As Shayna qualified for the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder match, she departed for the back - while Becky prepared to address the WWE Universe - up next!

• Women's Money in the Bank Ladder match - Sasha Banks vs Asuka vs Shayna Baszler vs TBA vs TBA vs TBA

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A video package aired, in memorium of the late, great WWE ring announcer Howard Finkel who passed away yesterday at the age of 69. "The Fink" was a legendary face to longtime members of the WWE Universe; often imitated, never duplicated. He introduced hundreds upon thousands of WWE Superstars, in dozens upon hundreds of arenas worldwide throughout his thirty-plus year tenure in the WWE. A WWE Hall of Famer, Howard Finkel's impact on sports entertainment would never be forgotten.

"The Man" Backs Down From No Woman
Returning to the arena on Monday Night RAW, Becky Lynch remained stood in the ring with a microphone in hand. The RAW Women's Championship sat on her shoulder, as she began to talk about her notable absence in recent weeks. Having undergone a war at "the Showcase of the Immortals", Becky noted the kind of gritty, sociopathic warrior that Shayna Baszler was. Here was a woman that marched into her first WWE Network Special at Elimination Chamber - the first she'd ever competed in - and fiercely, she dominated the entire field of five opponents. And while true, the MMA Fighter was undoubtedly a favorite to win the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder match, after the manner in which she'd just beaten Kairi Sane, Lynch felt like reminding the WWE Universe of how at WrestleMania it was not "the Submission Magician" who walked out victorious. It was "The Man" who retained the RAW Women's Championship!

Becky Lynch talked about Shayna Baszler being a phenomenon to be beaten in the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder match, but one thing "the Cage Fighter" had to come was the fact she was not to be the only person in that match in three weeks with a chance of walking out with the briefcase in hand. Already, Shayna was joining the ranks consisting of one of the toughest women to beat in the WWE today, "the Empress of Tomorrow" Asuka; as well as another former multiple-time Women's Champion Sasha Banks! Yet, there was still three slots remaining, and three weeks remaining until Money in the Bank. To admit she was anxious was out of question, Becky Lynch was not sweating it. She looked forward to six women walking in and battering each other with ladders, until only one could limp out Ms. Money in the Bank. She wasn't afraid - she welcomed the competition, and welcomed the briefcase winner to come take the gold from her, because "The Man" was afraid of no woman alive in WWE!

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The Scotsman's Address
Charly Caruso was backstage standing by with the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre. Looking for a response after Edge's comments earlier tonight, "the Scottish Terminator" wished to discuss the entire situation, including Zelina Vega's comments as well as Andrade's. While true, "El Idolo" had himself a three-count victory against him from NXT TakeOver: WarGames 2017, and while true, Angel Garza and Andrade both managed to get the better of him last week two-on-one, they each failed to consider the fact that one-on-one, in this day and age, that Drew McIntyre was capable of kicking their arses. Bringing it back to Edge and the choice confrontation they shared earlier tonight, McIntyre wasn't afraid of introducing the WWE Hall of Famer to Claymore Country either - and if he got in his way before Money in the Bank, he might be introduced to Claymore Country sooner rather than later.

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An advertisement aired, promoting this upcoming Wednesday night's edition of WWE NXT. Coming hot on the heels of his NXT Championship defense against Matt Riddle, Adam Cole and the Undisputed Era had the upper hand against the Velveteen Dream, but what could be expected when Finn Bálor made his triumphant return to 'the Black and Gold Brand?' Plus, after his shocking dismantling of Tommaso Ciampa in his NXT debut last week, Karrion Kross and his accomplice Scarlett shall address "the Blackheart" and the NXT Universe!

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Hell Hath No Fury Like An iPhone Confiscated
In footage from earlier today, Bobby Lashley prepared for his upcoming match against Ricochet. MVP approached Lashley as he flexed doing rope-training to psych himself up. With May 10 rapidly approaching, "the Franchise Player" found it hard to imagine anyone but Bobby Lashley had a shot of walking out with the Money in the Bank briefcase. MVP continued to applaud Lashley's size, strength and aggression, to which he thanked him. Meanwhile, MVP acknowledged Lana. Standing off to the side, texting on her phone, Lana was barely paying attention. Rudely telling MVP to give her a minute, he believed that Lana could stand to show a little more support to her husband. She'd roll her eyes at him, but MVP would swipe her iPhone from her mits! Pocketing it, he suggested accompanying them to the ring again tonight - to see Lana support her man without her phone. Lana demanded her iPhone back as Lashley continued warming up, but MVP declared its' return after Lashley beat Ricochet!

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4) Ricochet def. Bobby Lashley (with Lana and MVP) by count-out (3:44)
- Last week, all three representatives of the RAW Brand were named for the Men's Money in the Bank match with Bobby Lashley defeating Cedric Alexander, Samoa Joe beating Rey Mysterio, and Ricochet upsetting the WWE United States Champion Andrade. Ricochet was at a massive disadvantage against the enormous Bobby Lashley, who had to contend with his discontent wife Lana and MVP in his corner. Lana was vocal at ringside, allowing "the Future of Flight" to get a jump-start on the veteran! Lashley narrowly kicked out of an early near fall and gained control with a ribbreaker, but Lana and MVP's constant bickering saw Ricochet send Lashley to the floor with an enzuigiri. From the top rope, Ricochet landed on Lashley with a shooting star press - and despite the hollering and clamoring of his wife, a stunned Lashley narrowly failed to beat the count!

The upsets continued for a second week, as "the One and Only" Ricochet now had a count-out victory against a fellow Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match competitor, Bobby Lashley! Lana cupped her mouth with her hands in disbelief, as her husband collapsed to his knees against the apron in disappointment. MVP appeared to blame Lana for costing Lashley the match, while Ricochet celebrated inside. In a huff, Lashley slipped into the ring and swung for Ricochet, who somersaulted away before rolling backwards into a headscissors! Lashley was sent from the ring a second time, and now was beet-red with rage! Lashley and Lana began arguing to MVP's chagrin, leaving Ricochet to continue his hot streak.

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A video package aired, showing the path of destruction that Nia Jax had ran through the WWE during her career up until this point. After being sidelined and requiring double-ACL surgery one year ago, "the Irresistible Force" made an ever-dominant return the night after WrestleMania, destroying NXT Superstar Taynara. Last week, the former RAW Women's Champion added Rachel Evers to her collection of wins on WWE Main Event. Up next, Nia Jax would be in action once again on Monday Night RAW.

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After a replay aired, showing the lack of success on Riddick Moss's end in recapturing the WWE 24/7 Championship from Rob Gronkowski this past week on Friday Night SmackDown, "So Smooth" was approached in the locker room area by Akira Tozawa. Moss was in a foul mood as Tozawa spoke in broken English about it being okay to fail. Moss could not comprehend what he was hearing. He hadn't failed - it wasn't his fault that Gronk kept ducking him! Akira backed up as Riddick flew off the handle, declaring how the SuperBowl Champion was the most gutless coward he'd ever known, and considered his title reign a complete joke! Moss said he'd show everybody, prompting Tozawa to remark on his own, quietly, that Moss was a sore loser.

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5) Nia Jax def. Catalina (1:51)
- Since returning from her double-ACL surgery, Nia Jax had strung together an impressive and dominant undefeated streak against the likes of NXT's Taynara and Rachel Evers. Tonight, "the Irresistible Force" tried her luck against Catalina, who aimed low and struck with quickness. The Chilean luchador strived to take Nia Jax off her feet with a series of low dropkicks, when a shoulder block ran through her! Jax brutalized Catalina with a corner splash, when the Annihilator gave the Samoan another win.

"The Irresistible Force" added another win to her record, though Nia Jax remained unfinished with Catalina. Picking her up by the cusp of her mask, Nia would power the Chilean Superstar up on her shoulders before delivering a second Annihilator! Jax saw major things in her future, with another statement delivered to Catalina tonight.

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Murphy was preparing for battle against Aleister Black, powering up with some lethal kicks against a kickbag in the quarters of the Church of Rollins. In walked a suit-adorned Seth Rollins, who clasped his singularly-gloved hands together and calmly asked if his Disciple was prepared for the next step of their plan. Murphy took a break from training to be addressed by "the Monday Night Messiah", who told Murphy how fruitful it was that Aleister pay for his sins tonight. After refusing the call of "the Messiah" to join the Church, "the Anti-Hero" had to pay - and pay his way. That would be done through punishment, and that punishment would come courtesy of Murphy. Seth claimed it was all up to him, to which Murphy claimed he could count on him. There was a reason he was Seth's primary loyalist, and the Kiwi claimed he would teach "the Anti-Hero" a lesson tonight. Murphy departed for the ring - his match with Black coming up next.

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6) Aleister Black def. Murphy (15:22) [THROUGH TWO BREAKS]
- With "the Anti-Hero's" continued resistance toward joining the Church of Rollins, Seth Rollins decided to put a hurting on Aleister Black last week only to have the Viking Raiders come to his aid. Tonight "the Monday Night Messiah" tasked Murphy to reignite his competitive rivalry with "the Ominous Man From Amsterdam", wishing for him to put a hurt on him for refusing to accept the Church. Both men struck fast and hard from the bell, with the Black Mass averted by Murphy. Murphy responded with a series of kicks and knee strikes, but a rolling legsweep saw Black take control in a hurry. Murphy battled back with a big boot, but Murphy's Law would go reversed. Both men careened out on the apron, where the Disciple of the Church delivered a back suplex on the hardest part of the ring!
- Back from the commercial break, Murphy had found a part of Aleister Black to work over and focused his attention solely on the spine. With repeated shoulder thrusts to the spine, "the Anti-Hero" looked to make a comeback just for Murphy to cut Black off with a pop-up powerbomb for a near fall! A backbreaker witnessed Black bent over Murphy's knee, but Black battled back with a double footstomp! Black went back on offense, sidestepping Murphy and sweeping him from the apron with an enzuigiri. A diving topé saw Black regain control, as RAW rolled on!
- The battle remained fierce back from the commercial break, with Murphy and Aleister Black jostling for position. An exchange of blows with both on their knees saw "the Anti-Hero" pummelled with a succession of elbow strikes. Black would respond with a high kick upside the jaw - but a rushing knee strike saw Murphy prove what made him "the Best Kept Secret" for so long! The Disciple of the Church delivered a follow-up powerbomb into a bicycle knee strike, but Black powered out at the count of two even still! Murphy looked for Murphy's Law one more time, but Black slipped out and attempted Black Mass - but Murphy ducked! Murphy and Black continued grappling, when Aleister sidestepped Murphy out of the corner - and the Black Mass connected for the win!

To Inspire Future Generations
Another epic battle between two career rivals saw Aleister Black claim victory against Murphy, though Seth Rollins would not waste any time interrupting the party for "the Anti-Hero!" "The Monday Night Messiah" waltzed out merrily, applauding the victory by Black. With AOP and Austin Theory behind him, the leader of the Church of Rollins complimented Aleister on amazing him even still - he'd beaten "the Best Kept Secret!" Rollins professed jealousy once upon a time, for the martial arts skills he possessed. Seth talked about how awe-inspiring Black was for a tonne of potential WWE Superstars, and how an entire generation is surely watching, looking up to a new leader like Aleister - but he would never be Seth "Freaking" Rollins.

"The Monday Night Messiah" told Aleister Black that enough was enough as far as he was concerned, and that it was time to remind all of those wannabes who ran Monday Night Rawlins - because it wasn't "the Anti-Hero", it was he and the Church! Aleister sat cross-legged on the canvas, a microphone of his own in hand. He told Seth that he spoke a plethora of veiled threats for somebody with a militia guarding his back. Black suggested he and Seth finally do what Gods truly do - and settle things with a match. Black talked about last week competing twice in one night, and how he would do it again if Rollins would do him in the honor - and after some deliberation from Seth, he accepted! Rollins began to make headway down the rampway to the ring, but paused at the steel steps - instead smiling and laughing at Black's preparation. Rollins declared it would be on his own terms - and that would not be tonight, but at Money in the Bank? He craved the sight of Black to bow down at his feet!

• Money in the Bank - Seth Rollins vs Aleister Black

"The Queen" Sets The Gauntlet
Charly Caruso was backstage with Bianca Belair, wishing to speak with the newest addition to Monday Night RAW when rudely interrupted by the NXT Women's Champion Charlotte Flair. "The Queen" ordered Charly pipe down in her presence, before speaking of how too much attention was being given to last month's "Flavour of the Month". Charlotte talked about wiping the floor with "the EST" in NXT, and how if there came a time and a place, she would wipe the floor with her again. Twirling her braided ponytail in her hand, Bianca confessed how she once looked up to Charlotte. Unmistakably, she was who she wanted to be when she became a WWE Superstar - but now she's here, she doesn't see an idol - she sees someone waiting for "the EST" to knock her from her mantle! Flair listened as Belair demanded a title shot, but Charlotte declared Bianca unworthy! But if Bianca wished to be considered - she could pay her dues the right way next week against an opponent of "the Queen's" choosing.

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Riddick Moss Gets Gronk'd
Coming days after an unsuccessful visit to Friday Night SmackDown, Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Jerry Lawler would find themselves interrupted once again by the former WWE 24/7 Champion Riddick Moss! "So Smooth" did not look smooth in making an obnoxious and grandiose arrival to the WWE Performance Center, climbing into the ring and taking the microphone. Riddick claimed he had had just about enough of the chicanery. For weeks since WrestleMania, Rob Gronkowski had been ducking him! He thought by setting traps, it would lure Gronk out of hiding to come and face him mano-e-mano. Instead, the SuperBowl Champion was nowhere to be seen! Riddick maintained how Gronk was an overrated chump, whether inside a squared-circle or out on the gridiron! Moss proclaimed himself the better WWE Superstar, the better football player, and the better man deserving of the WWE 24/7 Championship.

Unexpectedly, the WWE 24/7 Champion was here on Monday Night RAW! Rob Gronkowski arrived in a WWE Performance Center tracksuit, but as the champ stared toward the ring, he was not the jovial man he had been in the past! Fixated on Riddick Moss, Gronk confronted "So Smooth" in the ring. A long pause led to Gronkowski fiercely and bitingly questioning who Moss was, and why he should care! All he knew about Riddick was not a mediocre college football career, or the fact he squashed him to win the title in his hands not once, but twice on WrestleMania Weekend - but the fact for weeks, his people had been telling him Riddick had it out for him. Gronkowski proceeded to challenge Moss to say everything again - but this time, to his face! Moss froze on the spot and took a step back as though to exit. Moss swung and missed a clothesline, when Gronk struck with a football tackle sending Moss ass-first to the floor from the ring! The champ challenged Moss to come back for more, not about to be pushed around!

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A video package aired, reviewing the history of the Riott Squad. As a trio they immediately took the WWE's Women's division by force, as Ruby Riott took Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan under her wing. But tragedy would strike, as Riott would go down with a bilateral injury that would keep her on the shelf for close to a year. When she returned in February, nobody expected her to single out Liv Morgan when Logan would involve herself - but Sarah would ultimately side with Ruby. In spite of this, Liv was out to prove she didn't need the Riott Squad to get ahead - but Ruby begged to differ. The package culminated in a graphic previewing up next - where Ruby and Liv would collide for a spot in the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder match!

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Everyone Wants The Smoke
Following their altercation, the Viking Raiders were seen mid-argument with the Street Profits! The RAW Tag Team Champions called Erik and Ivar out for their attack earlier tonight, with Angelo Dawkins restraining Montez Ford from attacking the Vikings in revenge! Erik and Ivar explained it was nothing personal - but after all their disagreements, what they wanted was what was sat on the Profits' shoulders. Ivar demanded their own shot, when AOP suddenly entered the frame! Akam and Rezar hollered up, but the Viking Raiders exclaimed they beat AOP last week - they were the rightful number one contenders! WWE Producers and officials arrived at the scene to diffuse the situation, when 'Tez declared open season for the titles he and Ang' held. He declared they'll take them both on, and they'll do it at Money in the Bank! Dawkins declared if they wanted the smoke, to come get it.

• Money in the Bank - RAW Tag Team Championship - The Street Profits (c) vs AOP vs The Viking Raiders

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7) Liv Morgan def. Ruby Riott to qualify into the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder match (6:55) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- With Asuka and Shayna Baszler already having qualified for the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder match, it left either Ruby Riott or Liv Morgan to round off the list of RAW Brand representatives into the bout on May 10. In a battle of former friends of the Riott Squad, Riott ambushed Morgan at ringside using a baseball slide, but after some belittling Liv would lash out with fire! Morgan's anger would get the better of her however, as Ruby would drag her from the apron to the floor before sending her into the steel steps!
- Ruby Riott went on the attack though Liv Morgan continued to show resilience. Riott continued to talk trash and disrespect Liv, until she responded with a slap to the face! Morgan mounted a comeback when Riott sidestepped the ObLIVion and caught her out of nowhere with the Riott Kick! Yet Ruby decided to bide her time and lounged on Liv in an act of overconfidence...until Liv caught her with the crucifix pin for the win!

The arrogance of Ruby Riott had cost her a spot in the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder match! Liv Morgan quickly exited the ring in a hurry, in disbelief herself at the win. Ruby came to her feet in anger, kicking the ropes in fury. The Riott Squad had been bested again by the underdog Liv Morgan, who now had an opportunity at superstardom in less than three weeks.

︾︾︾​

With tensions still rising between himself and the WWE United States Champion, Rey Mysterio was shown arriving at the WWE Performance Center. In a pair of jeans and a flannel shirt, "the Legendary Luchador" was not here looking for a fight, but accompanied by his son Dominik the former World Champion appeared to have a lot on his mind. Suddenly, the camera cut to reveal Andrade, Angel Garza and Zelina Vega watching the Mysterio Family arrive from their dressing room! Whatever could happen, Rey looked to address the WWE Universe - up next.

​

Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton and Jerry Lawler welcomed us back to Monday Night RAW, discussing the events that led to new matches being announced for WWE Money in the Bank - live on the WWE Network in under three weeks, on Sunday, May 10!

• WWE World Championship - Drew McIntyre (c) vs Edge
• WWE Universal Championship Tournament Finals - TBA vs TBA
• Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match - Samoa Joe vs Bobby Lashley vs Ricochet vs Drew Gulak vs TBA vs TBA
• Women's Money in the Bank Ladder match - Sasha Banks vs Asuka vs Shayna Baszler vs Liv Morgan vs TBA vs TBA
• RAW Tag Team Championship - The Street Profits (c) vs AOP vs The Viking Raiders

︾︾︾​

To Buy The Trust of "The Samoan Destroyer"
He was screwed out of participating in the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder match last week by his rival Andrade, but tonight Rey Mysterio was back, and looking to address the WWE Universe! In casual wear, "the Legendary Luchador" would be accompanied to the ring by his son Dominik, who he hugged before gracing the microphone. Rey talked about how this had gone on and on and on. They could fight back and forth, and back and forth until the end of time. It could be about money, championship titles, who the better luchador was, or for masks and hair. Frankly, Rey could no longer care less. Mysterio cited Andrade as being a rival unlike anybody he'd ever faced, and made comparisons to the cunning WWE United States Champion, and an old friend in the late, great Eddie Guerrero. With his son watching, Rey knew that "El Idolo" was booked up tonight, but the least he could do was accept his challenge. One more time, Rey wished to meet Andrade one-on-one - allowing him to name the time and the place!

As "the Legendary Luchador" awaited an answer, he spoke in his native Latin tongue toward the absentee Andrade. Dominik rooted for his father in the background, when finally the WWE United States Champion arrived. Andrade continued to brandish his sunglasses, though this time he stood on the rampway alone. Prepared for the tag team main event still to come, "El Idolo" smirked and told Rey that was his big issue all along - he was too goody two-shoes for his own good! Andrade said they could fight forever if they wished too, but he had grown bored of that. He wanted something more exciting, more invigorating...more new. "El Idolo" cryptically told Rey he was waiting to see what "he" would do - when a snap of the champ's fingers saw Samoa Joe enter the ring behind Rey! An unsuspecting Mysterio was ambushed by "the Samoan Submission Machine", who hammered him against the ropes. Dominik dared to step in, even pushing Joe - but "the Destroyer" licked his lips at the sight of the untrained Mysterio.

Andrade watched in curiosity as Samoa Joe intimidated Dominik with a staredown, but it bought Rey Mysterio the necessary time to come back with a dropkick! In the corner, Rey hit Joe with a 619 around the ring post, impacting the spine of the Samoan. With a series of leg kicks, another dropkick saw Rey sent Joe into the ropes - but a second 619 would see Joe fluidly transition "the Legendary Luchador" into the lethal Muscle Buster! Joe left Dominik alone with his unconscious father in the ring, while the WWE United States Champion watched in approval from the top of the rampway. As Joe reached him, "El Idolo" would reveal what it was all about all along - a wad of cash, which Andrade issued his assassin with.

︾︾︾​

The Worst Bedfellows
While Rey Mysterio received the medical attention of two referees as well as his son Dominik, in the backstage dressing room the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre watched when up stormed Edge! With the main event moments away, "the Rated R Superstar" explained exactly how things were going to go. "The Scottish Terminator" scoffed, reminding Edge just how long it had been since he'd last worked a tag team match. Now the spotlight was on him, and he was the WWE World Champion. Drew told Edge this wasn't 2011, but Edge talked down to McIntyre, claiming this was exactly why he always thought of him as a snot-nosed punk! The two continued to butt heads, as Edge ordered Drew to follow his lead and they'd get out of tonight victorious. Edge left, when McIntyre warned the WWE Hall of Famer not to make an absolute arse out of himself. How could these Money in the Bank opponents coexist against Andrade and Angel Garza? It was up next.

​

An Irresistible Force Fit For Work
The NXT Women's Champion Charlotte Flair browsed social media backstage after her interaction with Bianca Belair moments ago, when up walked the Iiconics. Clamoring for "the Queen's" attention, Billie Kay and Peyton Royce tried to make pals with the champ, bringing up the idea that either of them were more than capable enough to put down "the EST" in the match next week. Charlotte simply began to laugh, questioning how the Iiconics could possibly be serious, after the way Belair cleaned house of them both last week! Royce notioned that they were former WWE Women's Tag Team Champions and would not let the same thing happen if given the chance. Flair nonchalantly looked up and told them "okay", prompting confusion from the Iiconics. They questioned if they had it...but Flair pointed out the watching Nia Jax stood behind them! "The Irresistible Force" scared the daylight out of the Iiconics, as Charlotte approached the Samoan and ordered her to make Bianca Belair beg for mercy next week.

• Next week - Nia Jax vs Bianca Belair

︾︾︾​

8) WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre and Edge def. WWE United States Champion Andrade and Angel Garza (with Zelina Vega) (10:28) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- With the WWE World Championship match set for Money in the Bank in less than three weeks, two egos were forced to team up against Zelina Vega's consortium of Andrade and Angel Garza in "the Scottish Terminator" and "the Rated R Superstar". Stern words were shared between Drew McIntyre and Edge before the bell, when the champ was able to best "the Loverboy" early with a belly-to-belly suplex! It appeared the champ was sowing off to the WWE Hall of Famer, when Andrade slipped in and targeted the bicep of McIntyre off a distraction from Zelina!
- Back from the final commercial break of the night, the WWE United States Champion and "the Loverboy" were ganging up on the WWE World Champion despite the best efforts of Drew McIntyre. Edge watched on eagerly as Drew hoped to fight off both Andrade and Angel Garza, just for Angel to strike with a harsh super kick! "El Idolo" continued to focus on the bicep he once injured back in NXT three years ago, when Drew surprised with the Glasgow Kiss! Back on a roll, McIntyre was determined to not rely on a tag to Edge. McIntyre caused Andrade and Angel to butt heads, when Drew lined Angel up in the corner. Counting down for Claymore Country, suddenly Edge blind-tagged himself in - and the Spear put down Garza! He made eye contact with a smile with Drew as the three count was made: Edge winning his first match back on RAW in eleven years!

The WWE World Champion could only laugh as Edge knelt up from Angel Garza's prone body. Drew McIntyre smirked knowingly as the WWE Hall of Famer motioned that his title would soon be coming to his waist. As Andrade and Zelina Vega collected "the Loverboy's" carcass and backed up the rampway in disapproval, "the Scottish Terminator" and "the Rated R Superstar" returned to exchanging words! The two butted heads, when the veteran decided to back off and celebrate his victory. With his back turned, McIntyre teased the Claymore Kick inbound from the corner...yet when Edge turned around, McIntyre instead smirked, applauded and left. With a smile, McIntyre insisted that he wasn't "that guy" anymore, leaving Edge to celebrate alone. How much could either man give with less than three weeks until Money in the Bank?

︾︾︾​

 

[DTP]

WWE MONEY IN THE BANK 2020 - May 10, 2020
WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida
"The Risk is Worth the Reward"
"Gotta Get That"

LESS THAN THREE WEEKS AWAY!​

---

WWE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Drew McIntyre (c) vs Edge

WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT FINALS
TBA vs TBA

MEN'S MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH
Samoa Joe vs Ricochet vs Bobby Lashley vs Drew Gulak vs TBA vs TBA

Aleister Black vs Seth Rollins

WOMEN'S MONEY IN THE BANK LADDER MATCH
Asuka vs Sasha Banks vs TBA vs Shayna Baszler vs Liv Morgan vs TBA

RAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP - TRIPLE THREAT TAG TEAM MATCH
The Viking Raiders vs The Street Profits (c) vs AOP

More matches to be announced!​

 

[Finishline]

Scanning through where I left off on WC in terms of reading lol

In terms of the off-screen stuff, interesting note you're releasing a lot of the same talent WWE did. Perhaps to keep with realism, but part of me still wonders what the Pandemic would've looked like had some (ie. The Revival, Rusev, etc.) not be released. Hopefully Andrade, Strowman, Wyatt stay.

MITB is shaking up to be a solid PPV so far. Wish we got McIntyre/Edge irl. As for the Universal Title, Bryan is my favorite to win the championship.

One thing I like how the men's MITB Ladder Match has shaken up so far is it feels like the original intent. There's not a ton of main event guys, but people who could see their careers elevated by winning. I feel like that's been a lost art in recent years, so this will be fun... Plus, Ricochet in a MITB Ladder Match?! Yes please!!

One of my favorite feuds you have so far is Aleister Black and Seth Rollins. Two people who can bring so much sacrilegious undertone to their feud and it's solid stuff!

and fyi, didn't notice if you saw the Smackdown card repeated at the end of last week's show. Something minor I just wanted to point out hahaha... solid pandemic project bro! Keep up the good work

 

[DTP]

NXT #401 - April 22, 2020
Full Sail University - Orlando, Florida

​

---

A graphic aired, in memorium of the late, great WWE ring announcer Howard Finkel, 1950 - 2020, who passed away this past Thursday at the age of 69.

A video package aired, recapping the main event of last week's edition of NXT. The biggest prize that "the Black and Gold Brand" has to offer was on the line, with Adam Cole defending the NXT Championship against one-half of the NXT Tag Team Champions, Matt Riddle. It was a fierce battle, one that saw "the King of Bros" come narrowly close to ending the ten-month reign of the Undisputed Era leader. Just when everyone thought Riddle had the match won however, out came Roderick Strong and Bobby Fish...only to find themselves equalized by the Velveteen Dream brandishing a bat! But in the heat of the moment, Cole capitalized with a chop block setting up the Last Shot to retain the title. After the match, the assault of UE continued, with Dream and Riddle both left laying - at the mercy of Adam Cole!

"The Prince" Returns
As Mauro Ranallo's voice boomed throughout Full Sail University, welcoming us to NXT, the theme music erupted of Finn Bálor! In dress clothes with a black leather jacket, "the Prince" returned home to "the Black and Gold Brand" taking in the empty environment. For the first time since February, Finn Bálor climbed in through the yellow ropes and graced the microphone. He could not believe what a difference two months could make. Updating NXT Universe members unaware, Finn noted how he had been away dealing with a problem across the pond. He made some friends with the folks from Imperium, and his focus shifted away from what was happening in the United States to that of the NXT United Kingdom Champion WALTER...but now, he was back and for good! Finn spoke of the changing times, and how his focus was once again changing. While he'd taken care of Imperium, and while he was still gunning for that date with destiny with "the Ring General", he had found himself at a crossroads.

With everything happening in the world, "the Prince" discussed how he could stay at home in his little Northern Ireland town of Brae County, and watch the days go by and dream of one day seeing WALTER step out of hiding...that or, he could look for greener pasture. Finn Bálor made no mistake that WALTER remained on his hit list, but now he wanted to stake a new claim - becoming NXT Champion for a second time in his career! Velveteen Dreamhad clearly seen it coming, immediately waltzing out flamboyantly. Dragging his purple bat on the ground behind him, he held the microphone like a chalice and asked Finn who he believed he was. Climbing into the ring and taking his time, Dream said while he had to admire the gall of the so-called "Prince" for staking his claim, that position had already been filled - and thus, nobody was to get a meeting with Adam Cole before the Velveteen Dream. Bálor chuckled as Dream gloated in his face, the sunglasses covering his eyes.

But before Finn Bálor or Velveteen Dream could continue their discussion further, Matt Riddle made his own interruption! Despite losing out on the NXT Championship last week, the NXT Tag Team Champion walked with a limp down the aisle - still feeling the effects of his match with Adam Cole. "The King of Bros" evaluated the situation, acknowledging how Finn wanted an opportunity; and so did the Dream. But without wanting to step on any toes, Riddle believed he was robbed last week. He thought it was only fair he give his own two cents, after what the Undisputed Era did last week...and get another shot at Adam Cole and the NXT Championship! "The Prince" reminded Riddle he lost his place in line the second the three count went down, and brought up how Riddle wasn't the only one laid out last week by UE! The three men exchanged glares, when the Undisputed Era finally entered the fray! With Roderick Strong and Bobby Fish behind him, Adam Cole lauded it up on the aisleway.

Amused at the sight of three grown men practically begging for a shot to face him, Adam Cole reflected on cracking open that first beer after retaining the NXT Championship last week against Matt Riddle. It was a hell of a fight, one that he wasn't sure Velveteen Dream could possibly hand him. But with that said, the champ claimed the whole fiasco last week had gotten him into a giving mood! To the confusion of even Roderick Strong and Bobby Fish, the NXT Champion declared they could get their chance to show the champ what they've got - by teaming up tonight to face the hottest faction in "Black and Gold" history tonight! As the Undisputed Era sauntered away, Riddle, Dream and Bálor continued to exchange looks. "The King of Bros" actually fist-bumped Dream, whereas "the Prince" was left to scan the ring.

• Tonight - The Undisputed Era vs NXT Tag Team Champion Matt Riddle, Finn Bálor and Velveteen Dream

✕✕✕​

Backstage, the NXT Women's Champion had arrived. One week ahead of her first defense of the gold she once revolutionized on "the Black and Gold Brand" five years ago, Charlotte Flair prepared for Candice LeRae by taking a page out of her father's book: tonight, "the Queen" would host 'A Flair for the Gold' with her opponent next week! The daughter of Ric Flair was all smiles, as it was mentioned her continued run-ins on Monday Night RAW with Bianca Belair..

​

The Life of the Party
A video package aired, recapping NXT from three weeks ago. It was a shocking result to the biggest Triple Threat match in recent memory, as the NXT North American Championship changed hands. Damian Priest was shown galavanting with some alternative chicks in bikinis, as "the Archer of Infamy" drank from a champagne bottle at what appeared to be some sort of party. With the title over his shoulder, the two tattooed chicks left his side and hopped into the pool, as Priest spoke about having everything he could have ever possibly wanted! Life could not be much better than it was right now for Damian Priest, because it was all going his way. Everybody wanted a piece of him, and it was no wonder why when he was so cool, so handsome, and had the gold everybody wanted! As footage aired of the disappointment shared by former champ Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic, Priest applauded Dijakovic from stepping out of the lumbering shadow of "the Limitless One".

With that said, Damian Priest still doubted he had what it took to step to him. He told Dominik he couldn't wait to see what he had, but the result would remain the same when he went down with the Reckoning - in two weeks' time. Priest continued to chug champagne, when his two female companions begged Priest to join them. The NXT North American Champion nodded in agreement, before telling the ladies to watch this: cannonballing into the pool alongside them! With Priest partying so rowdily, what were his chances like against a hungry Dijakovic in two weeks?

✕✕✕​

1) Bronson Reed def. Brendan Vink (with Shane Thorne) (4:24)
- Last week, Dexter Lumis continued his sinister domination of NXT with a one-sided victory against Denzel Dejournette. He wasn't finished after defeating him, when of all people, Bronson Reed came to Dejournette's aid. "The Australian Animal" was in competition against Brendan Vink, who along with Shane Thorne had history with Bronson from days down under. Vink worked hard to destabilize Reed, who responded with a King Kong Lariat from the ropes! A distraction from Thorne allowed Vink to come from behind, and he opportunistically tried his hand at grounding "the Aus-Zilla". With a chinlock applied, Bronson powered out into the corner, and snapmared him away. On a hot streak, Bronson caught Vink off the second rope with the death drop driver before following up with the Tsunami for the win.

"The Aus-Zilla" made a major impression on the NXT Universe, putting away Brendan Vink in little time. Bronson Reed had his hand raised in the empty Full Sail University, while Shane Thorne teased entering the ring to engage his former colleague from Australia - only for Thorne to disappear. Bronson's victory continued, when he spotted Dexter Lumis watching on from a distance away. Half of his face poking from behind the curtain, Lumis remained wide-eyed piercing a hole through perhaps his next victim.

✕✕✕​

A video package aired, recapping the news that broke last week on NXT. With Jordan Devlin grounded in the United Kingdom, we were without an NXT Cruiserweight Champion. As such, NXT General Manager William Regal relayed information surrounding a two-block round-robin tournament to determine a new NXT Interim Cruiserweight Champion! Footage of Isaiah Scott and The Brian Kendrick played on a splitscreen, providing exposition to their participation tonight. Up next, A Block action kicks off with "Swerve" Scott going up against the wily veteran!

​

Sat on a throne in Mexico City, Mexico, El Hijo Del Fantasma was in full gear seated beside two similarly masked luchadors. With his NXT debut set to take place next week in A-Block competition against Oney Lorcan, he spoke in his native language about the legacy of the Fantasma name, and how that would continue next week. By becoming NXT Interim Cruiserweight Champion, El Hijo Del Fantasma vowed to make Oney Lorcan remember the Fantasma name.

✕✕✕​

2) The Brian Kendrick (2pts - 1-0) def. Isaiah Scott (0pts - 0-1) in an A-Block match of the NXT Interim Cruiserweight Championship Tournament (8:06) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- In the absence of an NXT Cruiserweight Champion, tonight marked the opening of a round-robin tournament to determine the NXT Interim Cruiserweight Champion. The Brian Kendrick talked trash to Isaiah Scott before the bell, prompting "Swerve" to surprise the veteran with a hard string of offense! Hitting hard, Kendrick used his generalship to not only outmatch Scott, but outwit him! Using technical prowess, Kendrick was not afraid to get his hands dirty - going as far as to pull the ring apron out as Scott hit a baseball slide, allowing Kendrick to get the advantage with clubbing rights and lefts!
- Back from the commercial break, the skilled Brian Kendrick used his wisdom to keep Isaiah "Swerve" Scott at bay, a straitjacket hold restraining him on the canvas. The younger and less-experienced NXT Superstar would work up to fight back, just for Kendrick to drop him with a neckbreaker! Scott soon began to pick up steam with a surprising dropkick into an enzuigiri, dropping Kendrick with a jumping DDT for a near fall! "The King of Swerve Style" had this match in the bag, when the House Call saw Kendrick sidestep into a sleeper suplex - directly into Captain Hook! With nowhere to turn, "Swerve" tapped!

The most experienced participant in the entire field would be victorious in what had to be considered an upset! The Brian Kendrick was the first out of the block in the A-Block, picking up two points with a submission victory against Isaiah "Swerve" Scott. Kendrick rubbed in the win after the match, much to the chagrin of "the King of Swerve Style", who gasped for air. Kendrick had gotten lucky in his first match, with one opponent down and two to go!

✕✕✕​

Ever-Rise Live with Malcolm Bivens and Bivens Enterprise
Coming after the success of recent episodes of their new "podcast" series, Ever-Rise were in mid-discussion about how Matt Martel liked Chase Parker's new haircut. Martel called him a handsome man, before deciding to casually introduce themselves to the NXT Universe - who they knew were no doubt clamoring for more titulating conversation with Ever-Rise! Chase brought up YouTube viewership figures being through the roof, as Matt took a swig of coffee from his branded mug and introduced the interview from the latest Friends of 'The Show'. Smash-cutting to footage from earlier tonight, Ever-Rise were joined at the roundtable by Malcolm Bivens, who Martel and Parker were delighted to see....when either side of him, he was joined by Bivens Enterprise members - Rinku and Saurav. In pastel-colored suits, the Indians clearly intimidated Ever-Rise, who complimented Malcolm's men. Bivens was thrilled to be invited to 'The Show', hoping his boys didn't intimidate him.

Ever-Rise admitted the impressions that Rinku and Saurav had already made on the NXT Universe, having witnessed their destruction of the punks Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch. Matt Martel hoped to try and make conversation with Rinku, with hopes of the mysterious newcomers showing some personality. Chase Parker asked Malcolm Bivens if his gorillas spoke, to which Bivens explained he was being enlightened on the economical climb ongoing in the Middle East just earlier today by his two clients! Chase asked Saurav if he liked hotdogs or burgers more, to be met by a stone-faced response. Finally, Martel broke the fourth wall and addressed the production team, wondering what more could be done with the segment! Smash-cutting back to Ever-Rise alone in the studio, the Canadians saved faced laughing up what hoots Rinku and Saurav were, when Malcolm Bivens returned! The manager of Bivens Enterprise held a clipboard and professed his apologies for such a dry interview.

Malcolm Bivens explained his men Rinku and Saurav were focused on becoming the new faces of NXT's Tag Team Division. He discussed the petition in his hand, wishing for Matt Martel and Chase Parker to sign it. As the manager handed the tag team the clipboard, they inspected it before musing what Matt Riddle had to do with any of this! Bivens revealed that with Pete Dunne AWOL and nowhere to be seen, it meant that the NXT Tag Team Championship was not getting defended. It was making a job out of an otherwise fierce tag team division, and he knew it had to be grinding Martel and Parker's gears, too! Bivens said the more names for the petition, and the more pressure would be applied to NXT General Manager William Regal, ordering him to force Riddle into vacating the titles! Martel breathed sweet relief, signing the contract and declaring how news was breaking live on the air on Ever-Rise Live! As Parker signed too, the two shook hands with Bivens and thanked him for being a Friend of 'The Show'.

​

An advertisement aired, promoting this upcoming week's edition of Friday Night SmackDown on FOX. After twenty-five years, it was time for the celebration of one of the most legendary WWE Superstars in sports entertainment history: Triple H! "The King of Kings" would be joined by special guests this Friday night.

✕✕✕​

3) Tegan Nox and Mercedes Martinez def. Dakota Kai and Raquel González (6:15)
- With Mercedes Martinez saving Tegan Nox against Dakota Kai and Raquel González last week, the bad blood was sure to continue between the former members of Team Kick. Nox met Kai on the aisleway, when Raquel's interception prompted Martinez's arrival. Nox was able to fight off both women after some struggle inside, allowing the tag to Mercedes! "The Latina Sensation" was able to body slam Kai and González at once when Nox came off the top rope with a diving senton, getting a near fall! Nox was relentless and took Kai out with a cannonball off the apron, leading to a staredown between the two giantesses. It went thwarted by Dakota, who aimed for the leg of Martinez - but Nox came in with a blind tag. Landing a succession of kicks on Kai, González found herself equalized by Mercedes! The Kai-ropractor was blocked, and Nox connected with the Shiniest Wizard - defeating her arch rival.

Tegan Nox came to her feet and had her hand raised, excited to have gotten one over on her career rival Dakota Kai, who remained down clutching her leg. Dakota rived in pain causing Nox to show momentary concern when Raquel González blasted her from behind! The bodyguard of Dakota was doing her best to guard Kai from Nox, when Mercedes Martinez returned to the ring! Nox held her own with a series of leg kicks to stun her, "the Latina Sensation" surprised González with the Bull Run. Raquel rolled out and pounded the apron in fury, as Tegan and Mercedes welcolmed her back inside. Kai screamed for help from the referee, a woman scorned.

✕✕✕​

As one situation remained unsettled between rivals in Dakota Kai and Tegan Nox, another presented itself. Weeks after her husband Johnny Gargano's forced banishment from "the Black and Gold Brand", Candice LeRae walked with a new attitude. With an opportunity to become NXT Women's Champion next week against Charlotte Flair, up next Candice was to join "the Queen" on the first edition of 'A Flair For The Gold' in twenty-seven years!

✕✕✕
​

A video package aired, in memorium of the late, great WWE ring announcer Howard Finkel who passed away yesterday at the age of 69. "The Fink" was a legendary face to longtime members of the WWE Universe; often imitated, never duplicated. He introduced hundreds upon thousands of WWE Superstars, in dozens upon hundreds of arenas worldwide throughout his thirty-plus year tenure in the WWE. A WWE Hall of Famer, Howard Finkel's impact on sports entertainment would never be forgotten.

​

Putting Minds At Ease
The Undisputed Era hung out in their backstage quarters at Full Sail University. The NXT Champion and Roderick Strong discussed how good it felt to be at large and in charge of NXT - noting the absence of NXT General Manager William Regal in recent weeks! Adam Cole joked that they could get used to this - who even needed a GM when you had the UE? Bobby Fish meanwhile confessed a reserved sensation - he'd told Kyle O'Reilly about it, but he had a bad feeling about tonight. After what they'd done to the Velveteen Dream and Matt Riddle last week, who knew what was going to happen tonight? Adam and Roddy were there to put Bobby's mind at ease, reminding him how they were up against three men that were all too selfish to possibly form a cohesive team. Not Dream, nor Riddle, and not even Finn Bálor could stop the roll they were on! Fish seemed content, as Strong proposed they double-down on what started last week!

✕✕✕​

The Return Of 'A Flair For The Gold'
Footage from the WWE Network aired, taking us back to a collage of clips from WCW in the year 1993. Her father Ric Flair hosted 'A Flair For The Gold' with some of the all-time greats: WWE Hall of Famers such as Dusty Rhodes, Rick Rude, the Hollywood Blondes...and even the Shockmaster. But twenty-seven years into the future, "the Nature Boy's" daughter Charlotte Flair emerged to the ring in Full Sail University for her very own edition of 'A Flair For The Gold!' Dressed impeccably, "the Queen" arrived in the ring, having a production assistant personally hold the ropes open for her. A pristine red, throne-like armchair and coffee table were situated inside facing a steel chair as the self-absorbed NXT Women's Champion smiled and took a seat on the throne. With an arrogant smile, Charlotte welcomed everybody to a whole new era for the talk show her father made famous years ago - only now, this show was all her's. It was time for an upgrade - to be done in style by other than herself!

The NXT Women's Champion sent a message to Bianca Belair, who had to be bawling her eyes out after being ran away from "the Black and Gold Brand" by Charlotte Flair. The champ hoped she was watching and praying for something awful to happen to Nia Jax ahead of next week's match on Monday Night RAW. Charlotte provided an update to the NXT Universe members too dumb or ignorant to keep up - after humiliating Rhea Ripley to be crowned a two-time NXT Women's Champion at WrestleMania, "the Queen" was back on the brand she made famous! The only issue is, just like always, now the target was supposedly on her back. Patronizing next week's challenger, Charlotte began to introduce her guest, noting her mind-blowing upset win in the Women's Number One Contender's Ladder match a few weeks ago! Candice LeRae finally came walking out to the ring, in a lavish dress of her own. 'A Flair For The Gold' was all class and style, as Charlotte wished Candice to take a seat on the less-comfy steel seat.

Charlotte Flair remained rude and belittling, as she knocked the cheap stitching on Candice LeRae's outfit. "The Queen" asked her challenger how much she thought her outfit cost, answering that it amounted to what Candice made in a calendar year on the ijndependent circuit! LeRae was bemused but sat in silence, as the NXT Women's Champion talked about how hard a blue-collar worker she was. For years, like any underdog, she strived, scratched and clawed starving away on the indies, hoping to make it to the big leagues. Charlotte applauded Candice for the sleepless nights and mileage on the road, all to earn 25-dollars, a hotdog and a handshake...to finally make it to the WWE and be known as "Johnny Wrestling's sidepiece!" Flair told LeRae to admit it - she'd gotten lucky. As LeRae held back laughter and absorbed the insults, Charlotte compared her opponent next week to a common wench. But now what was her plan? Was she going to be the breadwinner now her husband was no longer welcome in NXT?

Bringing up 'One Final Beat', the NXT Women's Champion called herself touched after witnessing Tommaso Ciampa school her husband Johnny Gargano's ass - but now, with "Johnny Wrestling" on the unemployment line, what was next for Candice LeRae? After "the Queen" beat her next week, Charlotte joked she'd be better off becoming a Mom, with little Garganos running around! Flair noted LeRae's muted silence, when Candice snatched the microphone! To her feet, Candice said she came to NXT to do two things: kick ass and be a champion. It may have seen some roadblocks, but there was never any turning back. Charlotte might have been born and bred in this business; but she lived and breathed it! Next week, when the two lock up, Candice couldn't wait to give Charlotte a wake-up call - that it was her this business wasn't cut out for! Storming out empowered, Candice left Flair speechless - with one week until their meeting for the NXT Women's Championship!

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Footage of Kushida and Tony Nese played on a splitscreen, providing exposition to their participation tonight. Up next, B Block action kicks off with "the Japanese Supernova" against "the Premiere Athlete!"

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A video package aired, recapping Damian Priest defeating Dominik Dijakovic to narrowly become the NXT North American Champion several weeks ago. Keith Lee felt slighted, and after several altercations with a career rival in Dijakovic, "the Limitless One" and he met in a Number One Contender's match last week. Dominik possessed a new attitude, going as far as to use "the Archer of Infamy's" nightstick against Lee to sinch the opportunity. But it did not stop there, as footage aired from a 'WWE on YouTube Exclusive', showing Keith Lee confront Dominik Dijakovic about his low, down and dirty ways of winning - but Dominik instead called Keith jealous, bitter and selfish. The two would come to blows, with members of the NXT locker room being forced to dive in and break it up! In spite of it all, next week Dijakovic would get his shot at Priest for the NXT North American Championship.

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4) Kushida (2pts - 1-0) def. Tony Nese (0pts - 0-1) in a B-Block match of the NXT Interim Cruiserweight Championship Tournament (10:05) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- As The Brian Kendrick got out of the gate with 2-points in the A-Block earlier tonight against Isaiah Scott, up now was a former six-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion against a former NXT Cruiserweight Champion. "The Premiere Athlete" matched "the Japanese Supernova" with strikes exchanged to kick things off, when Nese picked up speed just for the groundgame of Kushida to shine through. Kushida was rolling following a front-cartwheel kick sending Nese from the apron, when Nese fought back with a suplex on the ringside floor!
- Tony Nese showed what made him a former NXT Cruiserweight Champion with a succession of running boots to the jaw, as Kushida lounged prone in the corner. He remained resilient, rolling out of the way and connecting with a tornado DDT - but Nese would come back with a pumphandle powerbomb! Nese set up the Running Nese, but Kushida agin narrowly dodged out and connecting with a right hand punch stunning "the Premiere Athlete!" Kushida regained a measure of control, a top-rope moonsault getting a near fall. He looked for the Hoverboard Lock on two occasions, but both times the muscle of Nese prevented it. Suddenly Kushida caught him with a tornado DDT off the second rope - seguing perfectly, and forcing Nese to tap out to the Hoverboard Lock!

On the first night of round-robin tournament action to determine an NXT Interim Cruiserweight Champion, both the A-Block and B-Block bouts had come to a close as a result of submissions! Kushida had his hand raised following a hard-fought battle against a highly-game Tony Nese. Racking up two points, "the Japanese Supernova" had all the experience as a Super Junior in the past - but with two more matches to go in the B-Block, could Kushida contend in repeat glory in NXT?

A Roast From "The Caveman"
As banjo music played, Cameron Grimes was shown working out avidly on the exercise bike. Resembling a member of the A-Team in a headband, "the Carolina Caveman" talked about cutting so much weight to drop down to 205 alive, daddio! Cameron talked about looking up to some of the greatest Cruiserweights to ever lace up a pair of boots - Jushin Thunder Liger, Rey Mysterio, Eddie Guerrero...Jacqueline and Hornswoggle too! But the truth remained, Cameron Grimes remained unfazed by the competition he was up against. Delivering a roast of the field, he talked about Tony Nese's entire personality revolving around his abs; Jake Atlas too starry-eyed and twinkle-toed; and Kushida being more ignorant and dumber than a garbage canned raccoon! "The Caveman" declared everything was coming up Grimes, and he'd be damned if anybody but him was walking away from this tournament as NXT Interim Cruiserweight Champion! Grimes declared it was gonna be a clean sweep for ol' C.G.

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A video package aired, recapping the heartbreak of WrestleMania. On the second night of "the Greatest Spectacle in Sports Entertainment", Rhea Ripley walked in looking to make history. For the first time in history, an NXT Championship was on the line at WrestleMania, and the NXT Women's Champion looked to go the limit with Charlotte Flair. Unfortunately, narrowly, it would be "the Queen's" night. After weeks away from the spotlight, tonight Rhea Ripley would return to NXT - in action, up next!

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Putting His Name On The Map
A video package aired, showing close-ups of Jake Atlas getting prepared to train in a WWE ring at the WWE Performance Center. In slow-motion, Atlas wore TapOut gear and tore it up in endurance tests at the gym, as he sat down with a camera crew and discussed how much of a dream come true it was to be sat here in the WWEPC. It was everything he had wanted since he was a little boy, and now he was here! At the ripe-young age of twenty-five, he could not envision ever making it here, but he was here to give it his all. Atlas opened up about himself, speaking out about coming out as homosexual to his family and loved ones, and the pride he took in saying he had done that. Emotionally, Jake almost broke down in tears as he talked about the fights he had had with depression and with hiding in plainsight for so long - but now the time for hiding was over. He was blessed to be in NXT, but would not be walked over or cast aside. He came to win, and in the NXT Interim Cruiserweight Championship Tournament - that was what Jake Atlas was going to do, for both himself and the LGBTQ community.

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5) Rhea Ripley def. Vanessa Borne (1:24)
- The last time anybody had seen the former NXT Women's Champion was at WrestleMania, where she'd come up short against Charlotte Flair. In her return to "the Black and Gold Brand", Rhea Ripley remained tight-lipped and sporting a vicious demeanor. As Vanessa Borne foolishly dared to verbally degrade Rhea for losing the title, Ripley proceeded to come close to getting herself disqualified! Ripley refused to break holds against the ropes, and nearly refused to quit striking in the corner! An eye rake saw Borne regain control, but Rhea cut her off promptly with a big boot! A scream led to the Riptide, giving the former champion a dominant victory.

Saving Rhea Ripley
Rhea Ripley fended off the referee, who tried raising her hand in victory. The former NXT Women's Champion appeared to harbor her loss to Charlotte Flair in weeks after WrestleMania. But before she could leave, Robert Stone made his way out with Chelsea Green and Aliyah behind him. The fashionable brand consultant told Rhea how impeccable she was to rebound from such a heartwrenching, career-changing shortcoming. Ripley listened as Stone spoke about Ripley's defeat to "the Queen". It was clear that after that, what she needed was a new image. Green and Aliyah bickered behind him, as Stone brought up all he had done for the both of them - and he could help Rhea too! Stone offered to save Rhea's star from falling, as he extended his hand to Rhea. Ripley bluntly grabbed him by the tie! Green suddenly shoved Aliyah into Rhea, who dropped her with the Riptide. Meanwhile, Green saved Stone and exited the ring in a hurry. Aliyah had been a sacrifice, thanks to Chelsea!

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Oney's World
With the NXT Interim Cruiserweight Championship Tournament scheduled to continue next week, Oney Lorcan was seen sparring with Danny Burch inside of a cage. Grappling one another, in an interview with a production team, Danny stood with a towel over his shoulder. Acting as Oney's corner-man, he talked about all of the preparation that was sure to lead Oney into this tournament. He bigged Lorcan up as being a guy who had toured the world and had wrestled every style conceivable. After everything that came before, this was going to be Oney's biggest chance to shine - and he would do exactly that when he battered the A-Block and was named NXT Interim Cruiserweight Champion! Removing his mouthguard, Lorcan declared NXT "Oney's World" - a killer's look in his eyes.

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Finn Bálor crouched strategically in the backstage corridor of the Full Sail University. Heading for the ring, "The Prince" was prepared to compete in tonight's six-man tag team main event. Alongside him was the Velveteen Dream, who walked casually, armed with his purple bat over-shoulder. Meanwhile, the NXT Tag Team Champion Matt Riddle made a walk and high-fived several facemask-adorned members of backstage personnel. Together, this dream team were about to go up against the Undisputed Era in the main event - next!

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An advertisement aired, promoting Monday Night RAW this coming week. After the assault from Samoa Joe this past week, Rey Mysterio would have his chance at revenge against "the Kohita Destroyer" in a No-Disqualification match; plus, Charlotte Flair had named her woman and now Bianca Belair had to go up against the recently-undefeated Nia Jax.

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Mauro Ranallo ran down the line-up for next week's massive edition of NXT, as graphics aired.

• NXT Women's Championship - Charlotte Flair (c) vs Candice LeRae
• NXT North American Championship - Damian Priest (c) vs Dominik Dijakovic
• The in-ring debut of Karrion Kross.
• NXT Interim Cruiserweight Championship Tournament - A-Block - Oney Lorcan vs El Hijo Del Fantasma
• NXT Interim Cruiserweight Championship Tournament - B-Block - Cameron Grimes vs Jake Atlas

Tick Tock
Another eerie vignette aired, showing crows in empty country fields. The ruins of urban street life remained desolate, when Scarlett appeared before her man Karrion Kross. As Kross stood in silence in a black suit, she handled the talking, speaking about the cardinal sins of Tommaso Ciampa. For all he had done, he was the sinner among sinners - and there was no path of redemption to be had for "the Blackheart". Scarlett said they made an example of him after watching in the shadows, but it had gone on far too long. After Ciampa was warned, his time had come and he was given the caution that the end was coming. If he showed himself in NXT again, he would face the judgment that had been coming to him for long enough - and it would be beautiful. Karrion declared that next week, "the Black and Gold Brand" would never be the same, because the premonition would continue.

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6) Finn Bálor, NXT Tag Team Champion Matt Riddle and Velveteen Dream def. The Undisputed Era (13:32) [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- With another defense under his belt, NXT Champion Adam Cole now had all eyes on him after he and the Undisputed Era had laid waste to Matt Riddle and Velveteen Dream last week. But now with the return of "the Prince", it appeared Finn Bálor also had his eyes on the prize. The unlikely trio exchanged words before the bell, but their chemistry would prove to be a nonfactor once they got rolling. With no signs of falling apart, Cole was forced to watch as Roderick Strong received a legsweep into a double footstomp from Finn; followed by a charging knee strike from "the King of Bros"; and a sidewalk slam from the Dream! Bálor got height with a somersault topé onto everybody on the floor, heading into the break!
- Returning, Finn Bálor continued to give the fight to Roderick Strong when Velveteen Dream got the tag. Lighting up his previous rival with right hands, Strong would finally duck a strike forcing Dream to clock "the Prince" inadvertently. A high knee saw Strong take advantage, with Dream cut off from his corner. Adam Cole mocked him and teased high-octane offense, only to slap on a chinlock. The NXT Champion was having fun, when Dream caught him with a dropkick! A comeback led to Matt Riddle tagging in, running hot on Bobby Fish. Finn Bálor was left on the apron, but the Undisputed Era's numbers advantage saw all six pile in! The Dream Valley Driver connected on Cole, when Strong tackled Bálor into the count - intercepting it! Dream blamed Bálor for it and confronted him, when Riddle tried to come between them. The UE once again broke it up, but the action would come breaking down. The Fish Hook was attempted by Bobby, when Riddle reversed and powered up - Bro Derek connecting for the victory!

In spite of the egos of the dream team, Matt Riddle alongside Velveteen Dream and Finn Bálor had come out on top against the Undisputed Era! "The King of Bros" was joined by "the Prince" in victory, but the Dream did not appear pleased with the result. Feeling slighted by what had just occurred, Velveteen refused to raise the NXT Tag Team Champion's hand. Instead, he pushed Riddle - forcing Riddle to shove him back. Finn tried to get between the two men, when Dream shoved Bálor down! Things were breaking down after the match, as the Undisputed Era watched from the aisleway - a huge grin on the face of the NXT Champion! It was all about greed, and who got the next big opportunity in NXT.

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[DTP]

NXT UK: THE RISE #90 – April 23, 2020

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A video package aired, recapping last week's look back at the rise of NXT UK. Superstars were made from tournaments, and matches were immortalized forever with the advent of NXT UK's television show, as well as the NXT UK TakeOver series. At 602 days as reigning WWE United Kingdom Champion, Pete Dunne had represented the newly-established brand through thick and thin - but after "the Bruiserweight" had beaten Joe Coffey at NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool, on January 12, 2019, a new challenger emerged. His name? WALTER.

Andy Shepherd returned from his home office, welcoming members of the NXT Universe to another edition of NXT UK. While living in timultuous times, Shepherd wished everybody well first and foremost, before talking up the rise of NXT UK from the WWE United Kingdom Tournament, all the way to NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool. Tonight we were scheduled to continue looking back at the rise of the NXT UK brand, with special looks at each of the divisions as we arrived in the new decade!

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A video package aired, providing greater context to Pete Dunne's landmark reign as WWE United Kingdom Champion. As the flagbearer, "the Bruiserweight" had endured everything from the very day he captured the title at NXT TakeOver: Chicago in May 2017, all the way through the premiere of NXT UK on the WWE Network, and beyond. But after defeating Joe Coffey at the very first NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool, Dunne was met by WALTER. In comments with Dunne, he claimed he had to prove himself as champ by facing WALTER - citing it as a match that had to happen. "The Ring General" had been an imposing force of nature on the independents, dominating promotions such as PROGRESS and WXW en route to his arrival. And now as a member of the NXT UK roster, the Austrian mauler looked to claim more gold.

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1) WALTER def. Pete Dunne (c) to capture the WWE United Kingdom Championship (25:40) [NXT TAKEOVER: NEW YORK - APR 5, 2019] [THROUGH TWO BREAKS]
- It was a rivalry that had been months in the making. Since his arrival on January 12, 2019 at NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool, "the Ring General" had been the white whale of the WWE United Kingdom Champion. Reigning at a remarkable 685 days as the flagbearer of the NXT UK brand, Pete Dunne was defending his home country against the Austrian mauler before a sold-out Barclay's Center in Brooklyn, New York. The fans across the pond were loyal in singing "the Bruiserweight's" monicker. The two would start by trading submissions, with Dunne hoping to get the hot start on the challenger just to be chopped down by his larger opponent! Dunne would continue to try and chop the big man down, though "the Ring General" would continue to batter the champ with chops, and assert dominance using a back suplex on the ring apron!
- Pete Dunne continued to use quick submissions where he could as a defense strategy, before resorting to his speed as an advantage - a moonsault from the apron catching WALTER off-guard. "The Bruiserweight" began to dissect the limbs of WALTER, targeting "the Ring General's" fingers until a brutal stomp to the head of the WWE United Kingdom Champion! The Powerbomb was attempted, but the champ countered the challenger and continued to set out on using the Austrian's strengths against him. Dunne would soon miraculously land the Bitter End, but WALTER would incredibly power out at the count of two!
- The action continued with the WWE United Kingdom Champion striking hard and locking in holds where he could. Applying a triangle choke as WALTER ascended to the top rope, "the Ring General" found himself in danger until he was able to find an escape. Powering up "the Bruiserweight" in his almighty palms, the challenger hoisted Pete Dunne up on his shoulders and delivered a damning Powerbomb from the top rope! The champ was down, out and done - as WALTER soared with a diving splash from the top to bring an end to the 685-day reign as champion!
- With a new champion coronated in New York, WALTER celebrated stoically with the WWE United Kingdom Championship. After close to two full calendar years as the flagbearer of the NXT UK brand, Pete Dunne remained motionless as "the Ring General" posed with his hands behind his back, and the UK title draped over his shoulder.

A video package aired, showing the significance of WALTER's contribution as the new WWE United Kingdom Champion. With his empire established with the defeat of Pete Dune at NXT TakeOver: New York, "the Bruiserweight" would attain his rematch on May 22, 2019 on NXT UK. WALTER's reign was in jeopardy when the arrival of Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel allowed him to retain the gold. Together, Imperium was formed, and they would run roughshod over the NXT UK brand in months to come. WALTER would retain the title against foes such as Travis Banks, Trent Seven and Tyler Bate all the while Imperium would be joined by a new loyalist in Alexander Wolfe. Many speculated who could topple the most dominant faction to arrive on the scene in NXT UK - Imperium.

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An advertisement aired, promoting WWE Money in the Bank. "The Risk is Worth the Reward", and it shall be for two lucky WWE Superstars on Sunday, May 10 - live on the award-winning WWE Network.

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A video package aired, covering the NXT UK's Women's Division. With NXT UK quickly gaining steam after premiering on the WWE Network as a weekly show in Autumn 2018, NXT UK management set out on revealing the NXT UK Women's Championship. Announcing a tournament that would commence shortly thereafter, the eight-woman tournament featured women from around the globe and would boil down to two: Rhea Ripley and Toni Storm. The two Aussies competed in the finals on November 28, 2018 and in spectacular fashion, Ripley would walk out victorious. But the rivalry would not end there, as the Queensland native would capture the title on January 12 at NXT TakeOver: Blackpool. As champ, it was Toni Time in NXT UK when she was challenged by Scotland's Kay Lee Ray. The two began a collision course to the second NXT UK TakeOver - Cardiff lending host to the scene.

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2) Kay Lee Ray def. Toni Storm (c) to capture the NXT UK Women's Championship (9:52) [NXT UK TAKEOVER: CARDIFF - AUG 31, 2019] [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- From winning a women's Battle Royal in June 2019, Kay Lee Ray firmly established her place as number one contender to Toni Storm's NXT UK Women's Championship. The Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales marked a make-or-break moment for the challenger, as the Scottish challenger challenged the reigning champ. Toni was ready for the challenge and struck fiercely, but Ray would flee in a hurry to ringside. With mind games played, Storm would continue with a dive to the floor when KLR struck with a fierce slap putting her in her place. A savate kick saw "the Hardcore Daredevil" remain one step ahead of Storm, who remained resilient in spite of numerous pin attempts from the challenger.
- Toni Storm aspired to remain in the fight with several slaps of her own against Kay Lee Ray, and a German suplex connected for a near fall. The NXT UK Women's Champion attempted Storm Zero but KLR would reverse into an attempt of the Gory Bomb - though Storm would reverse into a variation of the Canadian destroyer! The champ scored with Storm Zero, but KLR shockingly kicked out at two! On the top rope, Toni tried a second time but KLR would block it - though the champ delivered a second-rope German suplex instead! Unable to put her away, KLR turned things around with a knee strike, when a Gory Bomb saw Storm land throat-first in the ropes! A second Gory Bomb would grant a new champion to be crowned in "The KLR in Killer!"

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An advertisement aired, promoting this upcoming week's edition of Friday Night SmackDown on FOX. After twenty-five years, it was time for the celebration of one of the most legendary WWE Superstars in sports entertainment history: Triple H! "The King of Kings" would be joined by special guests this Friday night

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A video package aired, covering the NXT UK's Tag Team Division. The glory of NXT UK was not only on its' Superstars and the variety of competitors the brand had to offer - but the matches and the rivalries. Much like WALTER and Pete Dunne, and Kay Lee Ray and Toni Storm, the same could be said about its' tag team ranks. After winning a four-team tournament on January 12, 2019 at NXT UK TakeOver: Blackpool, inaugural NXT UK Tag Team Champions the Grizzled Young Veterans were men to be beaten. For eight months James Drake and Zack Gibson reigned as inaugural champs until dethroned by the combination of Flash Morgan Webster and Mark Andrews, who would in turn lose the gold to Mark Coffey and Wolfgang of Gallus. The competition remained hot and heavy in months to follow, culminating in a first of its' kind at the turn of the decade.

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3) Gallus [Mark Coffey and Wolfgang] (c) def. Imperium [Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel], Grizzled Young Veterans [Zack Gibson and James Drake] & Flash Morgan Webster and Mark Andrews in a Ladder match to retain the NXT UK Tag Team Championship (25:00; 12:29 shown) [NXT UK TAKEOVER: BLACKPOOL II - JAN 12, 2020] [THROUGH THE BREAK]
- For the past year, four teams had dominated the ranks of NXT UK's Tag Team Division. Three of the four teams walking into this historic night had previously held the NXT UK Tag Team Championships, but the stage was set in the Empress Ballroom for this to be settled once and for all: who the greatest tag team was in NXT UK. A four-team brawl saw Grizzled Young Veterans remain standing at ringside, when Gallus struck seeing the NXT UK Tag Team Champions stand tall early. Imperium gained possession of the ring shortly after, when Flash Morgan Webster and Mark Andrews would fly, an assisted moonsault and standing moonsault executed on Fabian Aichner. Gibson and Drake would introduce steel chairs to beat down on the Welshmen when Wolfgang and Mark Coffey emerged. Imperium introduced the ladder to the match, when the reigning champs emerged wielding an even bigger ladder!
- The battle remained hot and heavy as Flash Morgan Webster and Mark Andrews strived to use their energy and speed to recapture the NXT UK Tag Team Championships. Using the ladders at any given opportunity, Gallus would have their way with the Grizzled Young Veterans with a double slingshot Samoan drop on Gibson into a ladder. Webster suddenly had the titles set in his sights, ascending the top of the ladder and looking for the glory - only to instead succumb with a shooting star press on Wolfgang down below! The chaos continued later, as Andrews and Webster climbed a ladder and hot a double Swanton Bomb from the top, laying waste to Wolfgang through a table on the outside! Blackpool was going crazy for the four teams, as the battle for supremacy continued. Finally Imperium looked to be in a prime spot - but Coffey would tip a ladder over with Marcel Barthel on it. After Fabian Aichner had been speared through another ladder by Wolfgang, Gallus would make it out alive with their titles!

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

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An advertisement aired, promoting this upcoming week's edition of NXT. It would be another spectacular edition, with two titles up for grabs as Charlotte Flair planned to make her first defense of the NXT Women's Championship against Candice LeRae. Plus, Dominik Dijakovic hoped to put it all on the line and win big by putting food on his family's table, challenging Damian Priest for the NXT North American Championship. Plus, what would happen when the eerie Karrion Kross made his in-ring debut, after decimating Tommaso Ciampa two weeks ago?

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With WALTER at the top of NXT UK's mountain, Imperium led the brand into the 2020s. "The Ring General" remained unbeaten as the WWE United Kingdom Championship was rebranded into the NXT United Kingdom Championship - though as this was going on, a new tradition was being established. In 2019, NXT UK joined NXT and 205 Live in Phoenix, Arizona for a special first-in-a-lifetime event at NXT Worlds Collide. The fourteen-man tournament featured representatives across all three brands, but would go won by NXT's Velveteen Dream, who beat NXT UK's Tyler Bate in the finals. In the lead-up to the 2020 Royal Rumble in Houston, Texas, a sequel spectacular would be announced - to be headlined by two of NXT's most dominant factions. WALTER, Alexander Wolfe, Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel of Imperium were challenged by the Undisputed Era's Adam Cole, Kyle O'Reilly, Bobby Fish and Roderick Strong to see who the more supreme faction was!

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4) Imperium [NXT United Kingdom Champion WALTER, Alexander Wolfe, Fabian Aichner and Marcel Barthel] def. Undisputed Era [NXT Champion Adam Cole, Kyle O'Reilly, Bobby Fish and Roderick Strong] (29:50; 20:13 shown) [NXT WORLDS COLLIDE 2020 - JAN 25, 2020] [THROUGH TWO BREAKS]
- The Toyota Center in Houston, Texas set the stage for the very first meeting between the NXT Champion and the NXT United Kingdom Champion. Adam Cole and WALTER went head-to-head alongside their respective men from the Undisputed Era and Imperium, when hell broke loose in the opening moments. Bobby Fish and Roderick Strong joined forces to give Alexander Wolfe a chop and low-kick combination, forcing Wolfe not only out of the picture - but out of the match with injury! As Imperium continued at a man's disadvantage, the battle continued with warring chants for "the Ring General" against the UE. NXT UK's chief champion dominated O'Reilly and Strong using suplexes, when Kyle was finally able to fight from his corner just to be given a massive chop from the Austrian!
- Roderick Strong finally tagged into the match, bringing everything he had in the fight against the NXT United Kingdom Champion. WALTER was stammered by Roddy, as the action developed to seeing the entire Undisputed Era camp against "the Ring General". Fans chanted Mauro Ranallo's catchphrase as WALTER continued to power out in the nick of time, when Marcel Barthel and Fabian Aichner came to their leader's aid. Kyle O'Reilly delivered a diving knee drop to Barthel's knee, when an ankle lock saw O'Reilly come close, had it not been for Aichner with a double springboard moonsault! After being put out by an Olympic slam from Roderick Strong through a table, WALTER rose from the ashes and returned to the fight, even powering out of the Last Shot from the NXT Champion Adam Cole! The melee continued to transpire, culminating with a breakdown of the action. Finally, in the closing moments, WALTER proved his superiority with an almighty Powerbomb on Bobby Fish to capture the win for Imperium, and NXT UK!

From his home office, Andy Shepherd narrated that on that given night, it was Imperium who proved to be the most dominant faction in NXT and NXT UK - but on any other given night, one had to question how close the Undisputed Era came - and if they could win a potential rematch. Shepherd discussed the rise of NXT being a historic one, having quickly taken the continent and WWE by storm. In the future, who knew what was possible as NXT UK continued to grow and become bigger and better. The host wished the NXT Universe great health, signing off until next week.

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[Stojy]

Obviously not a lot with the latest episode of NXT UK, as it's all recaps but that's fine. I believe this is potentially the last show I read on WC, or at least I think so anyway so looking forward to jumping back in from here.