WWE Backlash 2020 - June 14, 2020
WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida
"Destiny Calls"
"Watch Me Now" by Kevin Rudolf
Backlash Kickoff Show - June 14, 2020
- The Money in the Bank Kickoff Show was presented by Scott Stanford and Peter Rosenberg at WWE studios and featured special analysis provided by guest correspondents Booker T, John Bradshaw Layfield and Renee Young, who all appeared via conference call.
- Earlier today, WWE Universal Champion Jeff Hardy was seen arriving at the WWE Performance Center. Banged up after a rough night on Friday Night SmackDown, "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" had his sights set on the Ladder match with Sheamus.
- Shayna Baszler was interviewed by Kayla Braxton, and criticized her journalistic integrity. "The Queen of Spades" proclaimed Asuka as a weakling who was masquerading as "the Empress of Tomorrow". As RAW Women's Champion, Shayna claimed Asuka was a paper champion in Becky Lynch's absence - but that would be no issue after tonight. Baszler vowed to add Asuka to 'the Hit-List' occupied by Kairi Sane and Kayden Carter.
- Video packages aired for tonight's major matches, including the WWE World Championship match; WWE Universal Championship Ladder match; the Falls Count Anywhere match; and the RAW Women's Championship match.
- The panel discussed the ongoing situation revolving around the Street Profits and the Viking Raiders, with a comical look-back at their 'Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better' challenges. Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins had met Erik and Ivar in golf, axe-throwing and basketball. Now tied 2-1 in favor of the Raiders, tomorrow night on Monday Night RAW would see the two tag teams engage in another competitive storm: bowling.
- The panel discussed the recent actions of the Church of Rollins, and their apparent decimation of Aleister Black weeks ago. Seth Rollins had badly injured the eye of "the Anti-Hero" and showed zero remorse. In return, "the Ominous Man from Amsterdam" had haunted "the Monday Night Messiah" and his Disciples with a series of cryptic messages. What would happen tomorrow night, when the Church hosted 'the Funeral of Aleister Black?'
- The panel discussed Bayley and Sasha Banks dominating the Women's Division. The SmackDown Women's Champion had had her hands full with Lacey Evans, but three weeks ago became "Bayley 2 Belts" when she and Sasha Banks defeated Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross to become WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. After defending both titles days apart, Bayley had taken a vacation week - but in her absence, Sasha had become privy to the idea of Bayley being selfish and manipulative. After witnessing an angry phonecall from Bayley to Tamina on SmackDown, Banks now had her suspicions. This Friday night on SmackDown, Sasha Banks would appear on 'A Moment of Bliss'.
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Apollo Crews came bounding out to the ring for singles competition, full of beans after succeeding in victory against Cesaro over one week ago. In green trunks, the ever-smiling and eager Superstar had the members of the WWE Performance Center in the palms of his hands, when a replay recapped the backstage confrontation with King Corbin this past Friday night on SmackDown.
As Apollo Crews waited in the ring, soon came King Corbin in his crown and cowl. "Wrestling Royalty" had arrived to the WWE Performance Center, adorned in his black singlet and tights. Proud in spite of the negative response, Corbin wished to add yet another accolade to his list, days after overcoming Drew Gulak. Once in the ring, he and Crews mouthed off to one another, when warded off by the referee.
0) King Corbin vs Apollo Crews
The arrogant King of the Ring put the boots to Apollo Crews in the corner, when the fan favorite battled back with right hands. Corbin responded with a facebuster cutting Crews off, when a biel throw from the corner got a two-count. "Wrestling Royalty" maintained his patience, kneeling over Apollo and calling him a joke! With a methodical style, Corbin basked in the boos as he set up for the chokeslam backbreaker, but Crews slipped free and landed an enzuigiri! Corbin went down, and a military press slam saw the standing moonsault go executed for a near fall. Crews kept the pressure on with a scoop powerslam into a running shooting star press - but again Corbin was able to kick out at two. Whipping the King into the ropes, he was able to slip under the ropes and re-enter the ring for a clothesline - just to receive the Chariot... only Corbin was able to get his foot on the bottom rope at the count of two! Crews argued the decision with the referee, when Corbin's attempt at the Deep Six went blocked into a spinebuster. Crews climbed to the top rope just for Corbin to crotch him up top. The two jockeyed for position when Crews punched Corbin back to the canvas. A diving crossbody was attempted - but the King sidestepped it, before the End of Days sealed Apollo's fate!
Winner: King Corbin (7:22)
All it took was one misstep for King Corbin to capitalize on the mistake made by Apollo Crews. The King had the referee raise his hand over the fallen body of his opponent, soon leaving the ring and continuing to celebrate by the announce table. There, he bragged to Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary that he was "Wrestling Royalty" personified - and tonight had just proven it!
A video package aired, revolving around the concept of destiny. It was something every man and woman believed they had, but destiny came in but small doses. In the framework of sports entertainment, such destiny revolved around accolades and victories. To prosper against ones' enemies has often been the goal of many WWE Superstars throughout history - and tonight would be no different. The WWE Universal Championship would be hanging in the balance, as Jeff Hardy stood up for himself against the deep comments about addiction made by Sheamus in a Ladder match. Drew McIntyre wished to continue on his dream reign as WWE World Champion against Randy Orton, a man determined to push the champion to the edge. The deep rivalry between Kevin Owens and Samoa Joe would reach a boiling point in a Falls Count Anywhere match; and the legitimacy of Asuka's reign as RAW Women's Champion would receive its biggest test to date - against Shayna Baszler. Tonight, destiny called at the doors of every WWE Superstar in action - but whose biggest dreams would be fulfilled, and whose biggest nightmares would go tarnished for good.
The opening graphic aired, bringing us to the WWE Performance Center. With limited attendance, members of the WWE Universe congregated behind plexiglass walls inside of "the Athletic Hub for the Future" in Orlando, Florida. WWE Backlash was on the air live, as Michael Cole and Corey Graves welcomed us to the show on a night where dreams and nightmares would go realized. With five championships on the line and personal issues to be settled, Backlash was the place to be.
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The SmackDown Tag Team Championships were kicking things off, as Heavy Machinery brought the WWE Universe to their feet. The crowd made noise as Otis and Tucker made their way out to the rampway in the sleeveless denim jackets - both men poised to become SmackDown Tag Team Champions. With a bandaged knee from the steel chair footstomp received from John Morrison on Friday, it was apparent Otis was not 100%, but adrenaline had brought "the Blue Collar Boys" here tonight, and brought the energy to the WWE Performance Center.
As Heavy Machinery braced for what was potentially the biggest match of their tag team career, John Morrison and The Miz made their arrival. "The Shaman of Sexy" arrived , raising the SmackDown Tag Team Championship gold high with the wind blowing through his hair. In shades and a fur coat, Morrison grinned all-knowingly, when joined by "the A-Lister". In his black leather coat with matching headband, Miz posed with his title high - united with his fellow co-host of 'the Dirt Sheet'. Miz and Morrison ran their mouths walking down to the ring, where Greg Hamilton provided in-ring introductions.
1) SmackDown Tag Team Championship
John Morrison and The Miz (c) vs Heavy Machinery
The Miz tried to fight out with right hands of his own, missing a double axe handle from the second rope and winding up hit with a back suplex and an elbow drop! Tucker made an early one-count, before tagging in Otis for a body slam followed by a double headbutt from both challengers. "The Blue Collar Boy" exchanged words with John Morrison as he tried to enter the ring, allowing Miz to gain a brief advantage following a kick to the back of the bad leg! It had started with a Pillmanizing on Friday Night SmackDown, and now Otis tried to fight Miz off as he attempted to pick the leg. Otis struck back with a forearm, when another distraction from Morrison saw Miz take the big man down with a chop block! The SmackDown Tag Team Champions goaded "Tucky", taking turns dissecting the bandaged leg of Otis with a series of stomps and stretches. The SmackDown Tag Team Champions found a groove, as Morrison connected with a running knee strike to the seated challenger for a near fall. Miz connected with an inverted backbreaker for a near fall, before once again mouthing off to Tucker.
Now posing and full of confidence, John Morrison executed a handstand legdrop when the Miz came in looking to apply the Figure-4 Leglock. Otis was easily able to kick "the A-Lister" away with his good foot, but a powerslam attempt saw Otis land awkwardly on his bad leg! As Tucker reached for the tag, Otis instead rived in pain with his leg, when John Morrison tagged in and leapt onto the back of Otis. Otis tried to climb back to his feet with "the Shaman of Sexy" on his back - when Miz kicked the leg out from under Otis! A snap DDT granted the SmackDown Tag Team Champions a near fall, as Miz dropped an elbow and wrenched away at Otis's leg. The WWE Universe gradually got behind "the Blue Collar Boys", as "Tucky" strived to make the tag. Otis was able to fight the leg lock, when Miz tried to transition - only for Otis to deadlift Miz into his arms, just for him to slip free. Miz went back for the knee, but Otis rebounded with a discus lariat! The tag was finally made to Tucker, who hit the ring with a series of clotheslines for John Morrison. Sending him out to the floor, Miz was hurled out with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex, when "Tucky" followed suit with the cannonball senton on both champions!
The Miz and John Morrison were in danger as Tucker returned John Morrison inside. After ducking a corkscrew roundhouse kick from "the Shaman of Sexy", "Tucky" responded with the super kick - but Morrison leapt to make the save! Otis tagged in and the Compactor was teased, but Miz was able to slip free. The Skull Crushing Finale went blocked, when Otis crushed "the A-Lister" with a World's Strongest Slam! The pinfall was made, but JoMo once again made the save for his tag team partner. Tucker battled Morrison to the corner, as Miz landed a low dropkick before Morrison made the blind tag. The Starship Pain connected - landed across the leg of Otis, but he was miraculously able to muscle out! Morrison got back up and prepared the Moonlight Drive, but Otis caught him in his hands and tossed him to Tucker for the Compactor! Miz leapt to make the save, but came just too short, as Otis pinned Morrison for the three count.
Winners, and new SmackDown Tag Team Champions: Heavy Machinery (12:05)
WWE Backlash was off with a bang, as new SmackDown Tag Team Champions had been crowned. Otis and Tucker were issued the titles, as the Miz glanced up to see his worst nightmare unfold: "the Blue Collar Boys" coming together as the newly reigning champs! "The A-Lister" was devastated, while John Morrison rolled out to the floor. Hobbling to his feet with assistance from "Tucky", the two big men hugged it out with a whopping belly bounce, having their hands raised in victory. It had been an uphill journey for Otis and "Tucky", but victory was theirs!
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As her men were victorious, an enthused Mandy Rose was seen at a monitor backstage. Overjoyed for her lover, "the Golden Goddess" had a big smile on her face when approached by Kayla Braxton. Mandy expressed how happy she was for Otis and Tucker, knowing exactly how long and how hard they had both worked for this moment tonight. After what John Morrison and The Miz put them through, Mandy could not wait to see her hunky adonis Otis wear the SmackDown Tag Team Championship proudly. But their night was not yet over, as she still had her own business to take care of. Pointing out the Kinesio tape on her right shoulder, Mandy spoke about how Otis wasn't the only one feeling the effects of a steel chair attack. Referring to Friday night where her former friend Sonya Deville lashed out at her with a shot in the arm, Mandy declared that there would be no more running and ducking her. Tonight, Fire & Desire reaches their final destination, and Mandy vowed to make Sonya acknowledge that you never knew what you had - until it was gone.
Returning to the WWE Performance Center, Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton assumed their position at the top of the rampway. Welcoming us to WWE Backlash, they discussed the opening contest before running down what was coming up tonight on the Monday Night RAW side of things! With news to deliver, the announcers made note of how things had been going hot and heavy since earlier today at the WWEPC.
The Premature Brawl
Footage aired from earlier today, showing Kevin Owens arrive at the WWE Performance Center. With a backpack over his shoulder and a suitcase under his arm, the casually-dressed KO was mentally focused on his Falls Count Anywhere match to come against Samoa Joe - when he was jumped by the man himself! A fist-fight quickly broke out on the tarmac in the parking lot, with "the Prize Fighter" fighting the Coquina Clutch attempt from Joe! Headbutts freed him, and the two tumbled into the brick wall - when security forces fled to the scene to keep the two separated. The announcers narrated the scene, noting that security had been given strict orders from WWE Management to keep the rivals at opposite ends of the building until it was time for their Falls Count Anywhere match.
A video package aired recapping the bad blood that engulfed Samoa Joe and Kevin Owens. There were few serious threats to take on Seth Rollins and his Church of Disciples, besides the combination of "the Samoan Submission Machine" and "the Prize Fighter". When Joe went down in injury, KO continued his vendetta against the Church of Rollins heading into WrestleMania. There, Owens had the upper hand against "the Monday Night Messiah" - had it not been for "the Coquina Destroyer". Joe went back to his roots, demolishing anybody who stepped foot in his path. For weeks, Joe continued to insult Owens and deride all of his fame and success. Finally, as Joe reached high for the Money in the Bank briefcase last month, Owens returned and sent him hurdling into the abyss below. KO was back and what followed was two bad men battling head-to-head. They brawled throughout the WWE Performance Center; were both counted out in the head of battle. But as personal as this had become, there was no stopping what was to come. After bringing his family into it, Owens had become a loose cannon. Who would be the better man in Falls Count Anywhere?
Kevin Owens made his arrival to the same WWE Performance Center he and his adversary had both grown incredibly familiar with. "The Prize Fighter" stepped out to the stage in his shirt and fight shorts, cranking his neck and preparing for the war that was about to commence. He had already had one pull-apart fiasco with "the Coquina Destroyer" earlier today in the WWE Performance Center parking lot, but as KO climbed into the ring he appeared unafraid. Fearless, KO stretched and waited patiently - to await the arrival of his arch rival.
Samoa Joe bounced out to the WWE Performance Center moments later, biding his time and glaring at each and every member of the WWE Universe booing him from behind the plexiglass barricades. In red and black, "the Coquina Destroyer" began to made his way down the rampway with a black towel hiding his face, when he spotted Kevin Owens leave the ring. Talking trash at him, Samoa Joe threw down his towel before challenging KO to bring it there and then! Owens charged at Joe, as a fist fight commenced!
2) Falls Count Anywhere match
Kevin Owens vs Samoa Joe
Kevin Owens got back up and found himself driven spine-first into the edge of the ring apron. Soon sending him face-first into the plexiglass wall and barricade, Samoa Joe made his first pin attempt of the match for a one-count. He expected as such and chuckled, hurling KO into the ring for the first time in this match. "The Coquina Destroyer" began to climb in when he was hit with a dropkick from KO, who began to bring more punches in the direction of the Samoan. Joe responded with a hard headbutt, when Owens delivered a superkick knocking him from the apron! Stepping back out to the apron, Owens looked to the WWE Universe for their ovation, teasing another Cannonball senton to the floor - but nonchalantly, Joe simply walked away. Owens crashed and burned, and in response Joe began to ground and pound away at "the Prize Fighter". Forearm smashes surely had Owens groggy, as Joe again hurled him into the ring. Taking too long to argue with fans behind the plexiglass, Owens again struck with a baseball slide, and a springboard Arabian press wiped Joe out! With arms wide open, KO looked to the fans for a loud ovation before returning Joe to the ring.
With a series of right hands, Kevin Owens throttled Samoa Joe with fists before charging with a clothesline in the corner. Looking for a second, "the Prize Fighter" turned to the corresponding corner to begin a run-up - only to be stalked by Joe! A back elbow squashed KO in the corner, to be followed with an enzuigiri! The Canadian dropped to a knee, when Joe decided to follow up with an inverted atomic drop before hitting the ropes for a big boot. Another near fall saw Joe shake his head with amusement. "The Samoan Submission Machine" connected with a running senton, but again Kevin was able to kick out at two. Rolling out to the apron for air, Joe hoisted Owens over the top rope back inside by the armpits - soon clubbing him with two big clubbing blows to the chest! It was all legal in Falls Count Anywhere, when Owens fought the Samoan off with a big headbutt collision. Owens hit the ropes with a lariat that barely budged his rival, when a second one saw Joe catch him with a scoop powerslam - for another near fall. Defensively, KO again retreated out to ringside, where Samoa Joe followed confidently.
Strutting around telling Kevin Owens he was nothing but a poor man's Samoa Joe, "the Coquina Destroyer" clutched him in a headlock and drove clenched fists into the crown of his head - when KO responded by biting the arm! As Joe broke the hold, Owens fought back with a blatant kick to the groin. The Apron Powerbomb was attempted, but Joe again was able to back body drop Owens on the floor for a near fall! Joe backed Owens up against the announce table and blasted him with a series of snap jabs and body blows, but Owens fired back with a lariat stunning Joe! Kevin fired with a second, when a stun-gun saw Joe bounce jaw-fist off the announce table at ringside. Owens pressured Joe into the timekeeper's area, pounding him with shots to the back of the head. The WWE Universe grew louder with each shot, when Owens took a break to showboat to the crowd. It would turn out to be a terrible decision however, as Joe responded with a shot from the ring bell to lay Owens out! "The Samoan Submission Machine" covered the motionless Kevin Owens, who was miraculously able to raise his shoulder at two!
"The Coquina Destroyer" was in disbelief, but continued to hammer Kevin Owens with clenched fists, kneeling beside him. Gently kicking "the Prize Fighter", Samoa Joe mocked and continue to deride his foe insultingly. Raising him by the hair, Kev was able to take him down with a double-leg, before catapulting him head-first into the plexiglass! Back on the attack, Owens continued to pursue a fleeing Joe around the ringside area. Blow after blow stunned Joe, and Owens once again looked for an Apron Powerbomb. Joe was able to break loose and escape to the aisle, where the Canadian thought he had the Samoan at his mercy. Only Joe struck back with a drop toe hold sending Owens to the rampway. Dragging him back to his feet, the two battled through the curtain at the stage - this fight going backstage! Through the halls, both men battled with the referee struggling to keep up. Joe tried to send Owens face-first into the brick wall, when a back elbow saw him break out. A jab to the abdomen from the steel chair saw Owens smash it across his spine - but he wasn't finished there! Four consecutive chair shots to the body grounded Joe on the concrete, when KO dragged Joe by the head.
Knowing he loved it last time they visited, Kevin Owens talked trash to Samoa Joe before sending him into a door! As "the Coquina Destroyer" went flying through it, KO followed behind with a busted lip. The door indeed read "Men's WC" - as this rivalry was returning to a place of special interest! In the john, Kevin Owens was faced with a series of cubicles, with no sign of Joe in sight. Warning him he couldn't be a coward this late in the game, KO brought up the bull that Joe brought up about his family! Kev ordered Joe to find him before he found Joe - to no response. Browsing the bathroom, Kevin finally booted a door down at random - but inside wasn't Joe. Instead, Owens found Riddick Moss! Cowering in fear with his pants around his ankles, "So Smooth" had seen some better days. KO asked Moss if he had seen Joe, when the man himself snuck up behind him! The Coquina Clutch was attempted, but Owens was able to headbutt him from behind. Looking to ram Joe's head into the urinal, Joe blocked it by putting his hand out before bouncing his head off the porcelain!
Leaving the bathroom once again, Samoa Joe followed Kevin Owens down the hall before declaring that it was time to end this charade. Kicking KO in the ribcage as he crawled, "the Coquina Destroyer" told him he was no man - and even pointed to the camera and posed for little Owen, who was watching his father's humiliation back home in Maryville! Owens furiously fired back, taking a lead pipe and slamming it across the back of Joe's head for a near fall. Kevin screamed that he warned Joe to leave his family out of it, now kicking Joe in the ribs as he crawled! Through the curtain, these two men brawled back to the rampway, where a running senton saw Owens achieve another near fall. Lumbering back to his feet, Owens saw Joe ahead and charged - only to receive an ST-Joe on the steel! Determined to put a stop to Owens' onslaught, Joe teased sending Kev sailing from the stage to the pit in front of the socially distanced WWE Universe members - but Owens turned it around! Joe went flying, when KO came leaping off with a diving axe handle. Surrounded by fans, Kevin felt right at home! Rolling Joe back onto the stage, Kev followed him as the fight returned back ringside, with a crawling Joe leading the way.
A kick to a pursuing Kevin Owens bought Samoa Joe time to return to his feet, and the Muscle Buster on the floor was teased - but KO was able to slip free! Landing on his feet, a super kick stunned Joe but a big boot responded. Joe had to use the ring apron to prop himself up, picking up the top set of the steel steps! Joe had evil intentions, but Owens intercepted with another superkick! The steps landed directly on top of "the Coquina Destroyer", and Owens covered - but he was able to narrowly avoid defeat. Joe groaned in pain, but a kick to the groin allowed Joe to fire back. Another Muscle Buster was teased, but this time Owens escaped to his feet - and the Apron Powerbomb connected! Joe was left flat on the apron, when KO rolled his carcuss into the ring. There, Kev stalked Joe. He told him this was more than a long time coming - and claimed this was how he got his life back. The Stunner blasted the Samoan, and Kevin Owens prospered in victory!
Winner: Kevin Owens (17:24)
The statement on the shirt of Kevin Owens had never rang as true as it had tonight at Backlash, as "Fight Owens Fight" was right! Falls Count Anywhere match been everything the WWE Universe could have expected from the two behemoths colliding. Kevin Owens struggled to pull himself up using the ropes, as he raised his fists in victory over Samoa Joe. "The Coquina Destroyer" appeared down and defeated, in what had been sweet victory after how Joe had taunted him for months. Proving he was no "poor man's Joe", Owens continued to talk trash to Joe, akin to how Stone Cold Steve Austin used to. As Owens raised his fists in salute to the WWE Universe behind the plexiglass, Joe remained down and out inside.
All in This Together
Sami Zayn was warming up in the Artist Collective's dressing room...vocally. Shinsuke Nakamura listened to "the Great Liberator" as he raced back and forth talking about what he was going to do to Daniel Bryan. The WWE Intercontinental Champion spoke passionately about the years of blood, sweat and tears he had put into this business - and yet Daniel was taking the high ground! Sami detested the comments spoken on Friday Night SmackDown, claiming he didn't need Shin or Cesaro to help him retain the title. He was an independent darling once too! Cesaro entered the room, bringing tension to the room. "The Swiss Cyborg" wanted no hard feelings after their conversation on Friday. They were all still Artists at the end of the day. Cesaro apologized, but Shin came to his feet and reassured the European - Sheamus was cool with them, so long as Cesaro was still a team player. Zayn reigned the gentlemen together, standing on the bench and declaring that tonight was the night the Artist Collective got back on track. He would defeat "the Yes Man" who had plagued them for far too long, and cement his legacy as the true greatest technical wrestler in the world! The Artist Collective were all hands in.
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The WWE Performance Center was brought to life, elated by the arrival of Daniel Bryan. In black and red, "the Yes Man" crouched and looked out to the ring from the rampway before bounding down to ringside in "Yes" chants. The WWE Universe chanted in unison, as Bryan stretched his quads at ringside before stepping up to the second rope and raising his index fingers high. A former WWE Intercontinental Champion who had never been beaten to lose the title, tonight Daniel looked to avenge his WrestleMania loss and reclaim the gold.
Forty-eight hours flashed forward from an interesting in-ring confrontation with his challenger, Sami Zayn came jiving out to the stage. Amidst loud boos, the WWE Performance Center watched with disapproval at the arrival of the WWE Intercontinental Champion and his Artist Collective teammates. Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura posed and saluted "the Great Liberator", who danced hyperactively down to the ring. As Daniel continued to warm up nonchalantly, Sami continued to talk trash, raising the gold in "the Yes Man's face! Greg Hamilton offered in-ring introductions, but as Sami and Daniel faced off - the champ decided to send "the Swiss Cyborg" and "the Artist" to the backstage area! Zayn was determined to do it alone!
3) WWE Intercontinental Championship
Sami Zayn (c) vs Daniel Bryan
Sami Zayn rushed back to his feet to miss a clothesline, allowing Daniel Bryan to rope the WWE Intercontinental Champion in for a northern lights suplex. Zayn got a shoulder up before "the Yes Man" rolled back and dragged Sami to his feet. Seamlessly right back into the Greco-Roman knucklelock, Bryan forced Zayn backwards into the bridge - before smartly kicking his foot out from under him! The champ plummeted to the mat and sat up enraged! Bryan then sidestepped another inbound attack from "the Great Liberator", catching him with a backslide; transitioning into La Magistral. A near fall saw Zayn kick out, when an armdrag saw the champ prance about the ring in victory! Amused, Daniel sat on the canvas and glanced up to his foe, even applauding him! Yet the head of Sami Zayn got the better of him all over again, rushing in to receive a drop toe hold from the challenger. There, "the Yes Man" locked his feet within Sami's and connected with two consecutive stomps to the calves of the champ! Sami groaned, as Daniel stuck his fingers in the orifices of the challenger's facial features! Wrenching at the nostrils, Bryan would soon take the arms and apply a Romero Special!
Sami Zayn shook his head and refused to give in, as Daniel Bryan had "the Great Liberator" elevated in the Mexican surfboard stretch position! Suddenly, Bryan mixed things up - hooking his arm around the head of Bryan with a dragon sleeper! The WWE Intercontinental Champion could not even gasp for air, as Bryan wrenched away at him. Sami finally found an escape and scrambled out to the ringside area on all-fours. Crawling away from the challenger, "the Yes Man" followed him out. With Daniel hot on his heels, Zayn rolled in wisely before hitting the ropes and catching Bryan off-guard with a back elbow strike. As obnoxious as ever, the champ showboated to the WWE Universe, when Bryan nipped up and surprised Zayn with a big boot to the jaw! Rocking him to the corner, the challenger struck with a sequence of Yes Kicks in the corner before setting off for the running dropkick. Zayn backdropped Daniel out to the apron on his feet, where an elbow smash allowed "the Submission Specialist" to head to the top rope and connect with a missile dropkick - only for a near fall! The fun and games were over, Bryan keeping the pressure on with three straight European uppercuts.
Daniel Bryan was rocked with a knee lift from Sami Zayn, who clubbed at the back of the head and delivered a snapmare before connecting with a kick to the back! "The Yes Man" got up feeling no ounce of pain, when Sami struck with a toe kick. Locking hands with Bryan, Sami sprung to the top rope, looking for an armdrag, but Bryan would drag him back to the canvas for a roundhouse kick to connect! Once again Sami went rolling to the floor for safety, but Bryan came soaring after with a dive through the ropes! Firing up with more Yes Kicks against the barricade, the WWE Intercontinental Champion was troubled and forced to take the brunt of them. A series of forearms and European uppercuts further rocked "the Great Liberator", who soon raked the eyes of Daniel to buy him some space. Sami stood back up from the barricade corner...just to flop on his face moments after, in shades of Ric Flair! Bryan rolled Sami back into the ring, sliding in after and hitting the ropes just to be hit with a kitchen sink knee strike to the gut. Catching his breath, Sami proceeded to duck a clothesline before catching Bryan off-guard with an exploder suplex for a near fall!
It was the most physical match Sami Zayn had had in time, as he began to hammer on the back of Daniel Bryan's head as he recovered in the corner. A backbreaker saw Zayn hammer away at the exposed chest of "the Yes Man" with aggressive strikes, risking a disqualification. Quickly going back at it with further clubbing blows beside Bryan, "the Great Liberator" would get only a two-count. The rage was getting the better of the WWE Intercontinental Champion, bringing Bryan back to his feet before coming out of the corner with a tornado DDT attempt - just to have Daniel toss him off! Ducking a clothesline, Bryan landed a clothesline and looked for a second one - just for Sami to dodge it and instead clock Daniel with a calf kick off the jaw. Once again the redheaded leader of the Artist Collective pranced in the middle of the WWE Performance Center, with a select crowd on hand booing him. The half-and-half suplex left Bryan laying, but once again the challenger kicked out at the count of two. Zayn pondered what he had to do, soon hoisting him on the second rope with his back turned to him.
With clubbing blows to the back of the head, Sami Zayn soon climbed to the top rope. With evil intentions in mind, Daniel Bryan surprised the champ with more forearm strikes. "The Yes Man" even threw in a headbutt for good measure - but an eye rake from the WWE Intercontinental Champion would allow him control of the situation. Zayn mounted the top rope and looked for a sunset flip from the top rope - but Bryan would miraculously backflip out to his feet! Taking off to the ropes, Bryan connected with two flying clotheslines, before returning to Yes Kicks in the corner! A running dropkick rocked "the Great Liberator's" world, when a Regal-Plex saw Zayn's shoulder raise at the count of two. Bryan brought a dazed Sami back to his feet for a butterfly suplex attempt, but Zayn would break out and catch him out of nowhere with the Blue Thunder Bomb - though he would only catch a near fall! Without thinking further, "the Great Liberator" looked for the Sharpshooter - but Daniel would block it and instead counter with the Achilles Hold applied! Repositioning for greater effect, Daniel maintained more pressure on the limb - but Sami was quick to kick him away!
Daniel Bryan used the ropes to return back to his feet, and with some distance from Sami Zayn obtained, "the Yes Man" charged for the Running Knee. But Sami was able to sidestep out of the way, sending the challenger bouncing face-first from the top turnbuckle! A roll-up brought "the Great Liberator" a close near fall, when Daniel charged in for an exploder suplex into the corner! Zayn saw the writing on the wall and connected with the Helluva Kick - the leg hooked, just for Daniel to miraculously power out at two once more! The WWE Intercontinental Champion was aghast, unable to comprehend the fight of the challenger. Zayn was left with nothing left to be done, and called for backup! Waving to the back, out ran Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura. With the referee distracted by their arrival, Shin got up on the apron as "the Swiss Cyborg" snuck into the ring - only to be hit with Yes Kicks from Bryan! A roundhouse kick was signalled, when Sami darted in just to collide head-to-head with his own teammate! The Running Knee took Sami down and out, but "the King of Strong Style" slipped into the ring.
Trying to get his teammate intentionally disqualified, Shinsuke Nakamura charged for the Kinshasa, though Bryan would duck it - sending "the Artist" over the top rope directly onto Cesaro! Sami Zayn struck from behind with a bridging German suplex for a close near fall, before musing to himself about the very concept of the top rope. With an Arabian moonsault, Sami would crash land on nothing but canvas! The opportunistic "Submission Specialist" was in perfect position however, slapping on the Yes Lock in the center of the ring. As Cesaro and Nakamura watched with terror from ringside, Sami reached out desperately for the bottom rope - but with nowhere left to run, he was forced to tap out to "the Yes Man!"
Winner, and new WWE Intercontinental Champion: Daniel Bryan (17:14)
The WWE Intercontinental Championship reign of Sami Zayn had ended, with Daniel Bryan crowned the new champion tonight at Backlash! The WWE Universe rejoiced, as Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura were left despondant at ringside. The Artist Collective had been outsmarted by "the Yes Man", who thought he was about to bring only the best out of "the Great Liberator". Yet while Sami tried his earnest to defeat the challenger one-on-one, it was desperation that would ultimately be his downfall. Daniel celebrated with the people watching on, raising the title high with rapid chants of "YES!" Meanwhile, Cesaro and Nakamura showed remorse for Zayn as they helped him away from the ringside area.
Following discussion from Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton, a video package aired promoting the RAW Women's Championship match to come. A wrecking machine of destruction since her arrival on Monday Night RAW following the Royal Rumble, Shayna Baszler had been responsible for injury after injury to the entire of WWE's Women's Division. Though unsuccessful at WrestleMania against Becky Lynch, the WWE Universe were left stunned when on May 11, 2020, "the Man" volunteered to vacate the title. Awarding it to the Women's Money in the Bank winner Asuka, it only fuelled "the Queen of Spades'" fire further. As Becky celebrated with her WWE family about the news of her motherhood, Shayna snatched the champ and threatened to snap her arm - just for "the Empress of Tomorrow" to run to her aid. In recent weeks, the fearless challenger had broken Kayden Carter's arm and seriously damaged Kairi Sane's. Yet Asuka was not one for backing down either. Following what had been a physical few weeks, two of RAW's baddest women were to meet for the gold.
Sporting a black towel over her head, Shayna Baszler swaggered through the curtain from backstage and made her entrance to the WWE Performance Center. Unfazed by the negative response provided by the WWE Universe, "the Queen of Spades" flexed on her route to the ring, wearing black, gold and red with heavy dark eye shadow. The former MMA Fighter had waited since WrestleMania for another opportunity to become RAW Women's Champion, and with a documented victory against Asuka under belt, one had to question if the challenger was under the skin of "the Empress of Tomorrow".
In contrast, the mask-adorning RAW Women's Champion soon swayed out to the rampway. In head to toe with colors of red, orange and purple, the fur-coat clad Asuka was animated walking with the gold in-hand. Asuka saw her opposition looking smug and was reminded of what she had done to her fellow Kabuki Warrior. Asuka was ready to get even for Kairi Sane, as she hit the ring just for Baszler to wisely roll out. Shayna bided her time reentering, as Mike Rome provided in-ring introductions. Throughout this, the challenger continued to grin and finally Asuka lost her cool, jumping the shark!
4) RAW Women's Championship
Asuka (c) vs Shayna Baszler
Asuka tried to elbow her way free, but would connect with an arm drag, applying a headscissors. Shayna Baszler responded with a handstand to escape the RAW Women's Champion's thighs, applying a side headlock. Asuka worked her way back to her feet. "The Empress of Tomorrow" tried to send Shayna into the ropes, but the side headlock went maintained. "The Queen of Spades" transitioned back to the wrist, wrenching the limb with joint manipulation. Asuka tried to body blow her way out, but Baszler would follow through with a double-wristlock applied! The tight grip kept Asuka grounded, as Shayna used the sole of her foot to add insult to injury. The champ rived in pain, when Shayna willingly broke the hold and teased a soccer kick - just for Asuka to narrowly dodge the blow! A sole butt to the mid-section rocked the challenger, when Shayna caught an open-hand slap and chomped down on the hand with her teeth! With another arm wrench applied, Shayna divided the fingers with a grotesque snap; Asuka rolling out to safety on the apron. Shayna tried to club her through the ropes before following her out - where Asuka rocked her with a Switchblade Kick!
"The Empress of Tomorrow" used her good hand to connect with two open-hand chops, while Shayna Baszler defensively responded with a toe kick. Asuka would block a forearm and big boot Shayna from the apron, when a running hip attack to the floor wiped "the Queen of Spades" out! The WWE Universe were behind the RAW Women's Champion, who returned back to the ring and looked for a baseball slide. Unfortunately, Baszler would see her coming - and the MMA Fighter would catch Asuka by the legs - taking her from a powerbomb position, swinging her head-first into the barricade! Through her black mouthguard, the challenger was in control once more. Refusing to allow Asuka the dignity of a count-out loss where she would retain the title, Shayna hurled the Japanese Superstar into the ring and mounted her with a series of palm strikes! Trying to snatch the arm with a potential cross-armbreaker, Baszler would receive all of Asuka, who responded with a forearm strike. Baszler fired with forearms of her own, when the two soon went blow for blow! The two combatants broke out into a slap fest, culminating with Asuka sticking her face in Shayna's and screaming at her!
Another forearm strike rocked Asuka, when Shayna Baszler missed a big boot; and Asuka struck back with a rapid succession of strikes! With the challenger finally dazed, "the Empress of Tomorrow" delivered a pop-up knee strike to the jaw of Baszler, when the challenger caught Asuka's double-knee facebreaker - dropping her overhead with a big back body drop! The RAW Women's Champion tried to move but Shayna stomped on her fingers, before snatching the hand and again biting sadistically at the fingertips! A stomp to the wrist hurt Asuka further, when Shayna expertly locked in the cross-armbreaker. Asuka screamed as Shayna repeatedly snapped the fingers apart from each other - the challenger destined to leave Backlash with the RAW Women's Championship. Asuka tried to fight it, nearly able to counter with a roll-up, just for Baszler to tense her legs flat to the canvas! Asuka was on the verge of tapping out following a second snap of her fingers - but Asuka would unexpectedly flip things around. Able to escape, Asuka knocked Baszler loopy with a roundhouse kick! Asuka launched with a striking combination, before following with a rapid succession of kicks.
Shayna Baszler received the spinkick, but Asuka was only scored a two-count! "The Empress of Tomorrow" instinctively transitioned into a cross-armbreaker, though her grip was hindered by the pain in her arm. Forced to break the hold for her own wellbeing, the RAW Women's Champion missed a jumping knee strike, allowing Baszler to catch her with the Yokosuka Cutter! Another near fall, Baszler stalked before soccer kicking the arm of Asuka - then taking advantage using another stomp to the wrist! Planting Asuka's head flat on the mat, "the Queen of Spades" looked to do to Asuka what she had done to Kairi Sane and Kayden Carter - looking to add her to her hit list. Baszler went for the stomp, but Asuka evaded it with a roll-up for a near fall! The Asuka Lock was once again applied, with Shayna trying everything in her power to escape. Rolling backwards, the Kirifuda Clutch was attempted - but Asuka chomped down on Shayna's fingers! Rolling onto her front, Asuka would slip free, before dropkicking the challenger's elbow when caught in a compromising position! A taste of her own medicine received, the champ reapplied the Asuka Lock - finally forcing Baszler to tap out!
Winner, and still RAW Women's Champion: Asuka (14:23)
For the first time in her WWE career, Shayna Baszler had been forced to tap out! Asuka smiled like the crazed enigma she was - her hand raised victorious. "The Queen of Spades" continued to clutch her elbow in pain at the dropkick received moments ago, while "the Empress of Tomorrow" received her well-earned RAW Women's Championship. No paper champion was Asuka, who successfully retained the title tonight after a physical and at times grotesque technical battle with "the Submission Magician". As Asuka continued to showboat and squeal that this fight was for Kairi Sane, Shayna was approached in the ring by a trainer. Favoring her arm and all, the furious, unsuccessful challenger would come to her feet and swing for the trainer! Leaving on her own accord, the MMA Fighter would undoubtedly live to fight another day.
An advertisement aired, showing Titus O'Neil sat in a chair. Professional as ever wearing a suit, he announced that WWE was teaming up with Nestlé in partnership with No Kid Hungry. Over 22 million children across America had lost the school meals they depended on, but with WWE and Nestlé together, they had raised a sponsorship of $1 million to help families in need.
The Viper's Territory
Charly Caruso was standing by at the interview area with Randy Orton, but the challenger for the WWE World Championship tonight interrupted the broadcast journalist knowing full well what she was going to say. He had proven what kind of man Drew McIntyre was, and ensured that every single member of the WWE Universe knew what kind of heartbreak they were in for tonight. Their so-called savior - the very man who slayed "the Beast Incarnate" Brock Lesnar; the very man who overcame Big Show twenty-four hours later; the very individual who defeated "the Rated R Superstar" Edge - tonight he would fall, and the WWE Universe would be forced to witness it. Orton claimed Drew was hotheaded and weak-minded, and he knew exactly what that was like. Randy claimed that was once him, when he was the youngest-ever World Heavyweight Champion - and he lost it in mere weeks. He was immature once too, but now "the Viper" was fully formed. He was mature and he was going to become World Champion again tonight. Charly accepted this, but brought up Bobby Lashley - the Money in the Bank briefcase holder he had left laying with an RKO six nights ago.
Randy Orton chuckled, claiming "the All Mighty" knew exactly he was playing with fire. But this was Randy Orton's territory, and if Lashley knew what was good for him - he'd stay clear tonight. Randy turned to leave, only to be faced with Lashley's wife - Lana! With a keen smile, the ravishing blonde wished Orton luck tonight - Lashley was rooting for him too! Orton smirked, then warned her to tell her husband to keep the hell away from the WWE World Championship match tonight. Lana left - but Orton showed a grimace of concern.
A video graphic aired, showing that Money in the Bank 2020 was emanating from the WWE Performance Center - the WWE's "Athletic Hub" for future WWE Superstars.
Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton took us to a replay from this past week on Monday Night RAW. Six nights ago, after weeks of questions about whether the father and his son were on the same page, Dominik Mysterio would rescue his old man Rey Mysterio from a gang beating courtesy of La Invasíon. As Andrade and Zelina Vega looked to humiliate "the Legendary Luchador" once again, Dom would hit the scene - and together, the Mysterio Family teamed up ahead of Backlash, with a double 619 for the turncoat, Humberto Carrillo.
Tweets aired from this past week, showing images of Dominik Mysterio not only sitting under the learning tree of WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels, but getting into the ring with "the Heartbreak Kid" as well! All week long had Dom been training with his father Rey Mysterio and HBK at the WWE Performance Center - ahead of his official WWE in-ring debut, tonight at Backlash.
Padre e Hijo
Dominik Mysterio was raring to go, stretching with some deep squats in the dressing room. In a bodysuit reminiscent to what his father wore earlier in his career, the youngster was approached by Rey Mysterio. "The Legendary Luchador" slapped his son on the back, telling him about how hesitant he was at first. For so long, he vowed to never want his son to get involved with this business. This industry had taken so much from him, and possessed the power to make or break young stars, especially with the shadow he cast. Rey brought up Eddie Guerrero as one man he missed so much, but after so much deliberation: he realized there was no stopping him. Mysterio noted the past week had him thinking long and hard about everything, and while Dom would be green for a while, he felt he was ready. Rey told his son he was proud of him, when Dom stood up and told his father that he was sorry for everything. His attitude and his temper got the best of him, but that was only because he admired this sport so much. Rey compared his temper to a certain "Latino Heat's", when Rey decided to give his flesh and blood a pep talk!
Tonight was his in-ring debut, and there was nobody Rey Mysterio wanted his son to share this moment with other than himself. Much like he and Shawn Michaels had showed Dominik Mysterio all week long, tonight was their turn to strike back at La Invasíon, after all they had done to tarnish the Mysterio Family name. Tonight, Los Mysterios would bite back and show Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo what they were all about, and they would succeed. Father-and-son together, the two slapped hands and set off for the ring.
☰☰☰
Inside the WWE Performance Center, out waltzed La Invasíon. Led by the WWE United States Champion Andrade, dressed in a silver suit with the gold on full display around his waist. "El Idolo" was a proud man, standing side-by-side with business partner Zelina Vega, dressed in a business suit comprised of the colors of the Mexican flag. Accompanying the cousins known as 'Los Lotharios', Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo made cocky walks out to the ring in matching green tights. "El Amanté" oozed charisma with his long black hair tied back, while "El Estrella" smirked and blew off the jeers of the WWE Universe. a
As the Mexican contingent La Invasíon stood united in the ring, Angel Garza and Humberto Carrillo of Los Lotharios awaited the arrival of their opponents. Moments later, Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio arrived! Los Mysterios wore matching blue and black, with the father-and-son tag team uniting for the very first time tonight, in Dominik's official WWE in-ring debut! Full of beans, the youngster showed great athleticism flipping into the ring as "the Legendary Luchador" posed, immediately pointing the finger at Andrade! The WWE United States Champion grinned at the kid's moxy, while Angel and Humberto got in the younger Mysterio's face. Rey and the referee were there to get involved, as "El Idolo" and Zelina each shied out to the ringside floor.
5) Los Lotharios (with WWE United States Champion Andrade and Zelina Vega) vs Los Mysterios
A jumping axe handle down from the second turnbuckle saw Dominik Mysterio conclude his attack on former friend Humberto Carrillo, leaving Rey Mysterio with Angel Garza. "El Amante" tried his earnest to slow down "the Legendary Luchador" with a basement dropkick, but when looking to follow up, showboating would cost him big - when a drop toe hold set Rey in position for a basement dropkick of his own to the jaw! With a nod, Rey applied a wristlock to maintain possession of Angel, when Dominik became legal for the first time in his newborn career. An armwrench saw Dom show the fundamentals, when Angel wisely struck with a hard elbow strike! A toe kick followed, when hitting the ropes and missing a flying clothesline. Dom foresaw it and hit the ropes with a springboard crossbody taking Angel down for an early near fall! Two arm drags followed, when the youngster nipped up to his feet! Daring Angel to bring it on, "El Amante" had had enough and scurried over to his younger cousin Humberto Carrillo for the tag. "La Estrella" smirked accepting of Dominik, but talked trash to the man he once referred to as a younger brother.
Humberto Carrillo told Dominik Mysterio that he taught him everything he knew before his old man dared, when going in for a lock-up. Receiving a flurry of leg kicks from the rookie, Carrillo caught one and swept his foot beneath him. "La Estrella" hit the ropes with a cartwheel, but Mysterio nipped back up and used the momentum off his opponent to climb the ropes - a springboard armdrag sending Carrillo across the ring! Pumped up, Rey tagged in and hit the ropes with a sunset flip connecting, transitioning right into a roundhouse kick upside the head. Los Mysterios were rolling, as Humberto found himself the recipient of a Russian legsweep from Dom leading to another roundhouse kick from Rey. The father-and-son tag team made eyes at a clearly impressed Andrade at ringside, as "the Legendary Luchado" hit the ropes just to have Angel Garza raise his knee into the kidneys. Rey fought him off with a forearm strike, when Carrillo rushed in to receive a back body drop sending both cousins hurdling to the floor over the top rope! Taking to the skies, a springboard crossbody plancha caught both members of Los Lotharios - as Rey locked eyes in a tense staredown with the WWE United States Champion!
Humberto Carrillo had the referee's attention, whilst Rey Mysterio exchanged words with Andrade at ringside - when Angel Garza came through the ropes with a baseball slide! "El Amante" showboated to the WWE Universe to Zelina Vega's applause, driving Rey into the apron from a fireman's carry position. Back inside, a cover got a near fall as the attacker connected with a double-underhook backbreaker. With a boot on his chest, the insulting pinfall attempt only got a one-count, when Humberto tagged in. Angel held Rey for a right hand from "La Estrella", taking off with a running cartwheel into a moonsault! It got a near fall as Rey showed resilience, when Carrillo locked eyes with Dominik once more. Tugging at the mask with disrespect, Carrillo dared Dom to come back for more. Rey broke loose and attempted to fire back with forearms, but a corkscrew roundhouse kick took him down! Carrillo was unfocused, looking to follow up sending Rey off the ropes - only to receive a satellite DDT! "The Legendary Luchador" got the tag to Dominik, who charged in and took on both men with clotheslines. With a hurricanrana for Angel, the youngster reversed a tilt-a-whirl attempt from Carrillo with an armdrag!
Angel Garza caught a toe kick and delivered a rising knee strike to the jaw, but "El Amante's" attempt at a powerbomb saw Dominik Mysterio escape with a code red - narrowly scraping a near fall! As Dominik hit the rope, Andrade teased grabbing his foot to trip him, but the plan would backfire once "El Idolo" found himself wiped out with a leaping crossbody plancha! Dominik exchanged words with an amazed Zelina Vega, but did not anticipate Humberto Carrillo to come soaring to the floor with a turning moonsault plancha! "La Estrella" was finding his stride as a member of La Invasíon, tossing the rookie back inside to his cousin. Garza drilled him with a slingshot inverted suplex, but curiously they turned their attention to the referee. Moments later, the WWE United States Champion would claim his revenge for Dom's disrespect - taking him down on the floor with a clothesline! As "El Idolo" adjusted his tie, Angel returned Dominik inside and connected with a springboard stunner off the bottom rope, but Dom sat up in resilience at the count of two! Rey Mysterio cheered for his son, as Angel furiously kicked him in the spine for good measure.
It was time the pants came off, as Angel Garza shed his green gear to reveal a pair of black trunks beneath! "El Amante" grinned to the ladies in attendance at WWE Performance Center, but his attempt at the Wingclipper saw the youngster fire out! Dominik sprung to action with a tornado DDT off the second turnbuckle, but as he reached out for a tag to his father, Humberto would come in illegally and drag the rookie back towards Los Lotharios' territory! Meanwhile Andrade came from behind, sweeping Rey from the apron. Once again "El Idolo" acted innocently, but Rey proceeded to respond with a wild swing for his bitter enemy! Humberto and Angel hit the ropes and delivered a breathtaking stereo handspring into a double Japanese armdrag to Dominik. Los Lotharios were feeling their oats, as Angel connected with a kneeling powerbomb, yet the newcomer had much left in the fight! The son of Rey Mysterio gritted his teeth when kicked once more by the savvy veteran. Garza hung him up to dry in the tree of woe, prompting both cousins to take turns delivering penalty kicks into the anatomy of Dominik. Finally the rookie spidered his way up to the top rope - evading an inbound spear from Humberto!
Dominik Mysterio landed a diving hurricanrana on Angel Garza, before slowly crawling his way to make the tag to Rey Mysterio! "The Legendary Luchador" came bounding in with a springboard seated senton for Humberto Carrillo. After ducking a clothesline, Mysterio connected with a springboard spinning headscissors on Angel. A slingshot Arabian press saw Rey cover "La Estrella", but Zelina Vega would pop Humberto's foot on the bottom rope. Andrade laughed in the face of a dismayed Mysterio at ringside, but the WWE United States Champion would not see Dominik Mysterio coming! A baseball slide propelled the newcomer into a sunset flip - sending "El Idolo" crashing into the announce table! Impacted by the back of his head, Dom was proving to be no pushover. Inside, Angel looked to cut Dominik's father's momentum short with the Wingclipper, but Rey caught him in a victory roll. "El Amante" bailed out to the floor alongside his cousin Humberto, when the father-and-son combination flew! A dive through the ropes from Rey and a diving crossbody from the top rope from Dom saw Los Mysterios criss-cross in beautiful fashion on Los Lotharios!
Sending Humberto Carrillo back into the ring, "La Estrella" rolled out to the apron before striking with a springboard headbutt for Dominik Mysterio. A corkscrew roundhouse kick went missed however, allowing Rey Mysterio to catch him with a low dropkick! Into the ropes went Carrillo, and Rey connected with the 619! Dominik caught Humberto in a rolling clutch cradle, only for Andrade to intentionally shove the rookie off the pin! It was in public view of the official, and he would demand that the WWE United States Champion and his business partner both he removed from ringside! With fury, Andrade and Zelina Vega tried to protest the decision. "El Idolo" threw down the WWE United States Championship gold, which sneakily went picked up by Angel Garza. "El Amante" had plans to use it on Rey, only to receive the Mexican destroyer for his troubles! Humberto then came bounding in with a springboard roundhouse kick for "the Legendary Luchador". Dominik then came from behind with an enzuigiri - and suddenly both Mysterios dialled it up for a double 619! Rey fought Angel off, as Dominik soared with a "Latino Heat" Frog Splash - claiming his first ever victory over Carrillo!
Winners: Los Mysterios (16:05)
In his first ever match as a WWE Superstar, the 24 year-old Dominik Mysterio had claimed his first victory tonight at WWE Backlash! Destiny had called for the youngster in his official in-ring WWE debut, and emotion hit him hard. Breaking down in tears with his father, Rey Mysterio hugged his son tight and kissed him on the forehead. Coming together on their feet, Los Mysterios had finally come together to get one over on La Invasíon. The reputation of the Mysterio Family's name had been restored tonight, in what was an emotional moment for "the Legendary Luchador". As Los Lotharios regrouped in disbelief on the rampway, Humberto Carrillo and Angel Garza both shook their heads in annoyance. Zelina Vega ran her mouth in Spanish at the victors, while the WWE United States Champion Andrade...could not help but smile! "El Idolo" held his title at his waist and even applauded Los Mysterios on their first win as a father-son tag team.
An advertisement aired, promoting the all-new free version of the WWE Network. Bringing the best in entertainment, with no credit card required, subscribers could gain access to over 15,000 available titles today. With every pay-per-view event including WrestleMania, Royal Rumble and SummerSlam; original documentaries including The Undertaker: The Last Ride and WWE 24; exclusive shows such as WWE Ruthless Aggression, WWE's The Bump, WWE Ride Along and Broken Skull Sessions - as well as everything from the NXT, NXT UK and 205 Live brands - it was all available now. Take a Look Inside... the Power, the Beauty, the Passion, the History, the Moments and the Emotions.
Down But Not Out
Backstage, The Miz sulked and sobbed as he complained to John Morrison about the loss suffered earlier tonight. Not only was the most winningest tag team on Friday Night SmackDown no longer the SmackDown Tag Team Champions - but to add insult to injury, the gold was now around the grotesque waists of Otis and Tucker! Growing increasingly frustrated, Miz practically threw a tantrum in disbelief that Heavy Machinery were now the champs. "The Shaman of Sexy" admitted that they messed up big time tonight, but while they were down, they were not out. JoMo talked about the contract he signed when he decided to come and rejoin the Miz on Friday Night SmackDown on FOX last December. When he put pen to paper, he knew they were destined for great things, including accolades and gold. With that said, Morrison informed Miz of a special rematch clause in his contract - any time he lost gold, he was guaranteed a rematch whenever he wanted. Miz's eyes widened, as he felt hope was restored. Morrison claimed he had already made the call to the executives down at FOX - and they had their rematch, this coming Friday on SmackDown. Miz hugged his best friend and told him he loved him!
- Friday Night SmackDown - SmackDown Tag Team Championship - Heavy Machinery (c) vs John Morrison and The Miz
☰☰☰
Michael Cole and Corey Graves relayed the announcement for this coming week on Friday Night SmackDown, before showing footage of the happenings that took place earlier tonight on the Backlash Kickoff Show. King Corbin was victorious against Apollo Crews to continue the roll "Wrestling Royalty" was on. All it took was one misstep for Crews to lose, cutting his momentum short.
The Law
Sonya Deville came walking out to the WWE Performance Center, plagued by a chorus of boos. Sticking her nose up at the select WWE Universe on hand, "the Jersey Devil" walked down with a disapproving grimace on her face. For the better part of five years, she and Mandy Rose had been Fire & Desire - until Mandy's blossoming romance with Otis drew Sonya to plot against her out of spite. In the ring, Deville took to the microphone to address "the Golden Goddess" about how tonight was the night. After so long, tonight would be the last night Mandy got to prolick around and set her entire gender back fifteen years! Deville spoke about how in hindsight, she couldn't understand why she ever thought she was her best friend. Mandy was so vain, it made her sick! After all of their history together, though WWE Tough Enough and defending Mandy from critics; through the WWEPC, and all of her self-doubts. From NXT to Monday Night RAW, to Friday Night SmackDown - but now, this was where it would end. All of Mandy's vanity would come crashing down, because "the Precious Peach" would be crushed here. She planned to remind Mandy why she was "the Law" when a woman like her destroys a Diva like Mandy!
Mandy Rose came walking out to the ring, and while the visual effect showed "the Golden Goddess" in all of her beauty, the Kinesio tape on her shoulder told the story. After the steel chair shot to the arm forty-eight hours ago, the blonde was in determined to finish this business with Sonya Deville and leave their friendship in the past. Storming down to the ring, Sonya hesitated and continued to run her mouth to "the Precious Peach" in the color of the fruit. The leather clad Deville then abruptly took off to the ringside area! Around ringside, Mandy powered after Sonya until the two members of Fire & Desire returned to the ring.
6) Mandy Rose vs Sonya Deville
A chest kick rocked "the Precious Peach", who shot back with a shoulder tackle with a series of thrusts in the corner. Mandy Rose favored her taped shoulder however, which only afforded Sonya Deville the opportunity to strike with another rising knee strike, targeting the shoulder! "The Law" took the arm and continue to pound away at it with hammerfists, when Mandy tried to rope her in. Unfortunately, Sonya telegraphed a clothesline and would apply a hanging cross-armbreaker - dangling upside down over the top turnbuckle! Mandy screamed in pain, when Deville broke the illegal hold at the count of four. Rolling backwards to her feet at ringside, Sonya would return with a sliding knee strike for the seated "Golden Goddess", only for a near fall. With two handstand knee drops across the shoulder, Deville contorted the blonde's shoulder in a way designed to inflict further damage to the shoulder! An armbar saw Mandy slowly fight back to her feet, when Sonya powered her up for a spinebuster. Rose kicked out at two, when a sleeper hold was applied. The submission expertise of Sonya Deville was coming in handy, but Mandy resiliently worked to her feet again.
With two back elbows, Mandy Rose hit the ropes and ducked a clothesline - catching Sonya Deville with a pop-up flapjack! With a snap suplex, "the Golden Goddess" flicked her hair back as "the Law" rolled out to the floor once again. In hot pursuit, Mandy would not let up against Sonya as she muscled her up with a charging shoulder tackle slamming her former best friend's head into the side of the steel steps! Back inside, Mandy looked for Kiss the Rose just for Sonya to sidestep - and a jumping roundhouse kick took her out! Deville looked for the Devil's Advocate, when Mandy reversed into an inside cradle for a near fall. Rose soon caught Deville on the jaw with Kiss the Rose - but the cover would see Deville power out at two! "The Precious Peach" was fuelled with animosity, as she decided to line up a second one. Deville caught her in mid-motion with an armringer, soon flipping over with a bridging armbar! Mandy screamed in agony, as Deville would not let up. But Mandy refused, and was somehow able to get her foot on the bottom rope. Rose tried to pull herself up, when Deville clocked her with Kiss the Rose herself! Sonya planted Mandy using the Elevator to shockingly take the win.
Winner: Sonya Deville (9:29)
"The Law" had been set by Sonya Deville, who did everything in her power to ensure that Mandy Rose did not get the upper hand again. Deville smiled over her best friend's body, her hand going raised by the official. "The Golden Goddess" clutched her shoulder on the canvas, when Sonya abruptly took an evil turn - delivering another chest kick for the Fire of her Desire! Deville once again put the boots to Mandy's shoulder, before re-applying the bridging armbar on defenceless Mandy. The referee tried to get involved, as Heavy Machinery re-emerged causing Sonya to run for the hills. The new SmackDown Tag Team Champions ran Deville off, as Otis attended to his "Precious Peach". Tucker consoled his best buddy, as Deville smiled at the top of the rampway. As far as she was concerned - "the Law" had arrived!
An advertisement aired, promoting the fourth episode of the Limited Series Event - 'The Undertaker: The Last Ride'. "Chapter 4: The Battle Within" would premiere tonight, immediately following Backlash - exclusively on the WWE Network.
Of Different Fibre
Charly Caruso was standing by backstage with the WWE World Champion Drew McIntyre. With his match with Randy Orton not too long to wait, Charly wished to understand "the Scottish Warrior's" standpoint at this juncture of the title reign of his dreams. Drew smirked, complimenting her journalistic integrity. As was expected at the door - his differences with Randy Orton had been a psychiatrist's fever dream. First, Drew was caught in "the Viper's" problems with Edge; then, he and Randy engaged in a tense game of human chess; somehow his 3MB pals got dragged into it, but all in all - this business with "the Apex Predator" was everything he had expected coming in. McIntyre maintained that this WWE World Championship reign was unlike anything he could have ever planned. If Charly had asked three months ago if he'd be headlining WWE Network specials back-to-back with the likes of Brock Lesnar, Edge and Randy Orton, he would think Charly was lying. Those three names were future WWE Hall of Famers - and any WWE Superstar would have retired happy to do what he did. There was something different about "the Scottish Terminator:" he was not going to end his career if he lost the title tonight.
Drew McIntyre planned to keep it going. In the WWE World Champion's mind, he was just getting started! One day, "the Scottish Terminator" vowed that he too would be up on that stage with all three of those names, among the other all-time greats in WWE history as a WWE Hall of Famer: because he was made of different fibre! Randy Orton could talk about how much he had done in this business and for this business, and how Randy had done everything in his power to instil a shed of self-doubt in the WWE World Champion's mind. The truth was he was ready, and tonight he was going to be the one to take "the Viper's" tongue and rip it straight from that snake's mouth. McIntyre vowed to make "the Apex Predator" his prey, because he considered himself "the Collector" - and he was planning to keep on collecting on the opposition. Up walked MVP with a cocky grin on his face. Greeting Drew cordially, he was dressed to the nines especially to wish "the Scottish Warrior" luck tonight. "The Franchise Player" informed him that Bobby Lashley sent his regards - but unlike Orton with Lana earlier, Drew welcomed the challenge, and told Lashley to find some balls and come cash in his Money in the Bank tonight!
☰☰☰
Following discussion from Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton, a video package aired centred around the psychological battle between Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton. As they prepared to compete for the WWE World Championship, "the Scottish Terminator's" reign of a lifetime aired - how it started with winning the 2020 Men's Royal Rumble match, and truly began with a stunning victory against Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania. While McIntyre had quickly earned his stripes as the top dog on Monday Night RAW, it was all thanks to Randy Orton who made McIntyre's win against Edge at Money in the Bank possible. "The Apex Predator" claimed to be one step ahead of the Scotsman, who disagreed sternly. Orton proceeded to play head games with McIntyre, claiming him to be too hotheaded. Bringing back memories of the past with 3MB, Orton took Heath Slater and Jinder Mahal out to serve a purpose to Drew - who he would leave laying with a brutal Punt Kick. "The Viper" believed he was the next WWE World Champion, and in 2020, his truest colors had shone through. Tonight, it was McIntyre's goal to prove to the world that he was here to stay on top of the RAW Brand.
Randy Orton made his walk out to the WWE Performance Center. In a sleeveless black hoody and black trunks with orange trim, the former nine-time WWE World Champion marched poised to leave Backlash tonight as the new, ten-time champ. Celebrating over twenty years since his WWE debut in 2020, "the Apex Predator" bided his time and soaked in the moment that would in his mind foreshadow the ushering in of his ninth reign on top of the mountain. Into the ring, Orton stood on the second rope and watched over the WWEPC, when interrupted by the bagpipes of the champ!
The WWE World Champion was a determined man who had waited weeks for this match. Drew McIntyre emerged to the stage, taking in the scene before him. There was nobody present in the WWE Performance Center for his life-changing win at WrestleMania against Brock Lesnar; or his title defense against Edge at Money in the Bank - but tonight thirty members of the WWE Universe were present for Backlash. "The Scottish Terminator" stomped to the ring, getting into a confrontation with Randy Orton. The referee kept them separated, as Mike Rome performed ring introductions.
7) WWE World Championship
Drew McIntyre (c) vs Randy Orton
In the corner once more, Drew McIntyre delivered a string of shoulder thrusts to Randy Orton, who struck back with an opportune knee lift. "The Viper" battled back with two right hands before a European uppercut blasted the WWE World Champion - or so the challenger thought! McIntyre squared up to Orton, absorbing the blow, prompting a second shot from Orton. McIntyre struck back with another loud chop that echoed throughout the WWE Performance Center! Orton again retorted to a toe kick, sending Drew into ropes. An early draping DDT was on "the Apex Predator's" agenda, but Drew fought him with a big boot over the top rope! Climbing to the top rope, a diving clothesline took Orton down for the first fall of the match, but Orton was able to slither out at two. Across the ring, McIntyre pursued, when Orton used the top rope for momentum to connect with a kick to the leg. Drew caught a second and grabbed the challenger by the foot - though Orton ducked another clothesline and lashed out with another European uppercut! "The Scottish Terminator" again absorbed the blow and roared in Orton's face. The challenger struck with a clothesline - which McIntyre took!
Drew McIntyre blasted Randy Orton with another clothesline of his own, taking "the Viper" down to the corner! With a series of punches, McIntyre then proceeded to drive his knee into the corner, sandwiching the challenger's head against the turnbuckle pad. Out to the apron, "the Apex Predator" shied from McIntyre who attempted to club away at him using the Beats of Bodhran. Orton however was one step ahead - foreseeing it and taking the WWE World Champion out to the floor with an inverted neckbreaker over the second rope! McIntyre collapsed to the floor with Orton falling all the same. The difference was when Orton sat up, he grinned from ear to ear; as the champ showed his first signs of weakness. Randy mounted the Scotsman with a series of clenched fists to the temple, drawing the official to intervene. Forced to intiate a count, the challenger rolled McIntyre in and covered - but the champ stayed alive. A seated sleeper hold saw Orton keep him at bay, but Drew worked back up to a vertical base. Able to overthrow Orton and send him rolling backwards, McIntyre hit the ropes but missed a big boot - and Orton dropped him with a scoop powerslam!
The whiplash effected the WWE World Champion, whose equilibrium still had to be in question following the Punt Kick received in the backstage trap several weeks ago. Randy Orton crept over Drew McIntyre with several more fists to the temple, when the champ shoved him off. Orton smirked again, hitting the ropes and dropping a knee drop perfectly brushing the forehead of McIntyre - for another near fall. Resting his forearm across the side of the Scotsman's cranium, the official forced the break when he shoved him off again. Rolling out to the apron, "the Viper" followed the defensive Scotsman with a draping neckbreaker on the floor! With arms raised to the WWE Universe, they booed the challenger's arrogance, with the condition of the champion in question. Struggling to drag him back into the ring, Orton struck with yet another hangman's neckbreaker for a two-count. Another sleeper hold went applied, when the Scotsman attempted to fight with rear headbutts to the face of "the Viper!" Orton broke it and attempted the Lou Thesz press - but the powerful "Scottish Terminator" saw the challenger sent overhead with a standing belly-to-belly suplex!
Still, Drew McIntyre was feeling the effects and tried to shake off the damage done by Randy Orton. A clothesline went followed by a second one. He ducked a clothesline as he threw Orton off the ropes, catching him with a spinebuster for a near fall! Energetically the WWE World Champion came to his feet and let out another battlecry to the WWE Universe, but was clearly hurting. With a charging clothesline hitting hard in the corner, "the Scottish Terminator" whipped Orton into the buckle just for brief hesitation allowing the challenger to catch him with a high boot and a dropkick! Another near fall saw Orton grow more determined, bringing Drew to his feet and powering him overhead. From a powerbomb position, Orton connected with the over-shoulder neckbreaker, hooking the leg only to see McIntyre get a shoulder up again! Into the corner, "the Viper" put the stomps to McIntyre. Out to show the people that he was no "Terminator", Orton's playing to the crowd only allowed McIntyre to fight up with two boots to the ribcage. Orton grabbed hold of one, when a variation of a front enzuigiri saw Drew slowly come back to his feet - just for Orton to catch him with an exploder suplex!
"The Apex Predator" methodically began to stomp at each limb of "the Scottish Terminator". Dead set on breaking Drew McIntyre down, Randy Orton circled the body beginning with the feet. To the arms, a final stomp to the temple rocked McIntyre, as Orton followed him to the corner. Powering Drew to the top rope, "the Viper" planned a superplex following two right hands. But as he ascended to the top rope, the WWE World Champion responded with the Glasgow Kiss rocking Orton! A suplex sent Orton landing face-first on the canvas below, when McIntyre flew with a diving elbow drop - only for a near fall! Finding momentum from deep within, Drew clutched his neck but fired with clotheslines, and a belly-to-belly suplex saw him spring back to his feet with a nip-up! McIntyre was feeling it now, and initiated the countdown to 'Claymore Country' for the challenger. Orton telegraphed it and ducked out to the apron, but Drew was there to prevent his great escape. With Beats of Bodhran levelling the abdomen of "the Viper", Drew planned to deadlift him to the top rope with a superplex! Desperate shots enabled Randy to hang on, able to rock Drew back with a European uppercut.
Randy Orton breathed a sigh of relief as he had Drew McIntyre hung in the tree of woe position...until the WWE World Champion used his unwordly core strength to power back up and deliver a two-handed choke suplex! Like a spider, Drew slinked back up and climbed to a better position on the top rope, but Orton was able to roll out to the floor. McIntyre jumped down and slid out of the ring in hot pursuit, but after ducking a clothesline, the challenger struck with the RKO out of nowhere! The WWE World Champion was left down and out, and Orton was quick to drag his carcass back to the apron. Rolling his lifeless body inside, Randy wasted no time making the cover - but his ninth title reign's commencing was not to be - Drew powering out at two! "The Apex Predator" shook his head unimpressed. On all fours, he stalked Drew McIntyre as the dazed champion tried to get back up. Pounding the canvas with his forearms behind the unsuspecting Scotsman, Orton attempted a second RKO - but Drew shoved him off and connected with a jumping neckbreaker! Once again the champ found himself on the offensive, hitting the ropes just to miss a clothesline.
Drew McIntyre blocked a toe kick from Randy Orton and slung "the Apex Predator" high in the air for a backdrop to the canvas, before taking off for the ropes and executing an elbow drop! A cover got only a two-count, when the WWE World Champion stalked the challenger now in the corner. Coming from beneath with an electric chair drop - McIntyre placed Orton on the second rope before dropping him with the inverted Alabama slam, for another near fall! It was a war of attirtion as was expected coming in, but McIntyre looked to finish this once and for all. Signalling for the Future Shock DDT, McIntyre received backlash from Orton, who struggled free. The RKO was blocked, but Drew struck with a second Glasgow Kiss! Hitting the ropes, Orton would catch him with another Lou Thesz press. Fists rained down on the champ, when Orton hit the ropes and draped the forearm across McIntyre's chest. With more forearm pounds of the canvas, Orton stalked McIntyre up for another RKO - just for McIntyre to turn him around and plant him with the Future Shock DDT! The pinfall was made, but Orton was barely able to muscle out before the three!
It had been exactly the fight the WWE World Champion had expected. The first Scottish-born champ waited impatiently from the corner, jockeying for the Claymore Kick once more. Randy Orton stumbled back up to his feet, but as Drew McIntyre raced across the ring, Orton cut him off with a dramatic RKO! Both men went down hurt, so much so Orton could not follow up with the cover. Finally, "the Apex Predator" used all of his might to force McIntyre onto his back once again. Draping himself across him, Orton covered - yet the Scotsman somehow found the ability to kick out in time! Dismayed, Orton began to rock himself back and forth. Ever the demented individual, "the Apex Predator" was dead set on ending his night becoming a nine-time WWE World Champion. Going back to the Punt Kick, Orton stalked and stalked - but McIntyre narrowly dodged it! The Celtic Cross dropped Orton on the back of his head, but as the cover was made, Orton got a shoulder up. This was a battle like Drew McIntyre had not been familiar with thus far in his much-fantasized title reign. Crawling back to his feet in a haze, "the Scottish Terminator" looked for the powerbomb, but Orton landed out on his feet - delivering a second inverted neckbreaker!
The WWE World Champion fell out to the apron, and his challenger was right there with the draping DDT planting him! Randy Orton mounted Drew McIntyre with a pile-on cover, but once again "the Scottish Terminator" kicked out at the count of two. "The Apex Predator" could not believe the fight in the Scotsman, but grew back up to a vertical base. Running his mouth, Orton resorted to slapping McIntyre repeatedly. He told Drew he was not a real World Champion, nor would he ever be! Randy told Drew he was living in a fantasy world, but this was where he would snap him back to reality. Back on his feet, "the Viper" held him by the jaw and told him to kiss his dreams goodbye - but McIntyre for a third time knocked him silly with the Glasgow Kiss! The headbutt to the jaw rocked Orton to the core, when an RKO was attempted. Drew was able to send his rival off into the ropes, witnessing Orton come back to receive the Claymore Kick! For good measure, "the Scottish Terminator" returned to the corner and executed one more Claymore Kick to claim the victory!
Winner, and still WWE World Champion: Drew McIntyre (20:52)
'Claymore Country' brought the WWE World Champion to retain his title. An all-out war with Randy Orton behind him, Drew McIntyre stumbled back to his feet. Aided by the referee, he would have his hand raise, being presented with the title he had worked tirelessly to hold onto. Randy Orton rolled out to the floor a beaten man, having tried everything within his power to ensure he left Backlash as the nine-time WWE World Champion. Instead, it was the 35 year-old from Ayr, Scotland, who was becoming more of a Legend with each and every title defense. Adding Orton to his list of victories, "the Collector" he was - but as Drew raised the title high, out came Bobby Lashley! "The All Mighty" was not dressed for competition, but held the Money in the Bank briefcase in hand. Flanked by his wife Lana and his close advisor MVP, the power trio were dressed to impress. Drew was surprised to find Bobby smile at him and offer a handshake! Unsure what to make of it all, the Scotsman refused to turn his back to the contingent. MVP and Lana applauded Drew, when even more puzzlingly - Lashley opted to be the first man to leave the ring! Lashley tapped his briefcase reminding the champ who had the power of cashing in.
An advertisement aired, centered around he countless weapons and stunts used by WWE Superstars, such as table smashes, ladder dives, cage falls, chair swings and step blows; it was 'The One Night A Year WWE Goes Extreme'. WWE Extreme Rules would air live on the WWE Network on Sunday, July 19.
Brothers Against The Good Brothers
With their flag raised ever-high, the O.C. brought their detestable rebellion to Backlash inside the WWE Performance Center. What had begun in the aftermath of WrestleMania, where their best friend AJ Styles found himself buried alive at the hands of "the Phenom", Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson had begun a campaign of sorts. It was a protest designed to call WWE higher management's attention, and demand repercussions for the Undertaker's deeds over the past thirty years! Climbing into the ring, "the Big LG" continued to wave his flag high, while K.A. presented a picket sign in hand. Reading #DownWithDeadman", Karl began by ranting about how this had all gone on long enough. For over two months, they had waited for change and action from the WWE. Gallows said they should have known better than WWE to put a WWE Superstar's health and wellbeing ahead of the coveted U.S. dollar. Anderson claimed that enough was enough, because it was time for a change! Ordering that "the Deadman" be held personally responsible for what he had done, Anderson claimed that they were officially as of this moment on strike!
Luke Gallows agreed, telling the WWE Universe that they were not leaving the ring until they had heard from the horse's mouth itself. Karl Anderson demanded to hear from the brass, stating that until they were met by someone from the Board of Directors, the O.C. were not planning on leaving the ring! The O.C. were holding up Backlash, as "the Big LG" tried to defend their actions: reiterating that they weren't moving an inch. Abruptly, hellfire and brimstone appeared - and moments later, out walked Kane! "The Big Red Monster" donned the mask once more, not planning on negotiating with the O.C. by any means. Kane immediately went at it with Gallows and Anderson, with throat thrusts and uppercuts rocking both men. K.A. struck with a chop block enabling Gallows to sound off with uppercuts of his own, but Kane responded with a sidewalk slam for Anderson! Gallows was grabbed by the throat, with a Chokeslam in mind - but K.A. low blowed him from behind. Gallows struck with a big boot, when the O.C. delivered the Magic Killer! Standing tall, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows continued to run their mouths over Kane's fallen body; Gallows breaking the picket sign over the WWE Legend's spine!
Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows took the microphone and questioned if that was all WWE had to offer. "The Big LG" called Kane a hasbeen from the past, claiming the Mayor of Knox County couldn't save WWE from them! The O.C. reiterated that they weren't leaving - when a gong came over the WWE Performance Center. An eerie blue light shone, and smoke filled the WWEPC providing flashbacks for "the Goodbrothers!" Anderson and Gallows prepared to fight, when the lights went out - returning with the Undertaker's abrupt arrival! Anderson and Gallows were mortified to see "the Deadman!" Deciding to run for the hills, they turned around to be faced by Kane. The Brothers of Destruction closed in, with Undertaker and Kane bringing the fight to the O.C. members. KA and "the Big LG" tried to run, just for Kane to take Gallows down with the Chokeslam. Anderson tried to run too, only to be dragged in by both WWE Legends. Kane clutched him by the throat, before tossing him to Undertaker: for the Tombstone Piledriver to leave KA laying. The O.C.'s strike was over, as far as the Brothers of Destruction were concerned. Undertaker and Kane stood in dominance, as they saluted one another alone in the ring.
☰☰☰
An advertisement aired, promoting all of the merchandise available on WWEShop.com. "Find What Fits You".
On a splitscreen, the WWE Universal Champion Jeff Hardy and his challenger Sheamus both headed for the ring. Walking hallways of the WWE Performance Center, momentuous music played in the background as personal matters had brought them here. For "the Celtic Warrior", it was about avenging the loss from the WWE Universal Championship Tournament Finals back at Money in the Bank. For "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior", it was about avenging all of the nasty comments made from the Irishman about his struggles with addiction. It would all be settled - in a Ladder match!
Following discussion from Michael Cole and Corey Graves, a video package aired, recapping what led Jeff Hardy and Sheamus to the Ladder match tonight. In the fallout of WrestleMania, destiny called to eight SmackDown Superstars as the WWE Universal Championship was declared vacant. At Money in the Bank, all it took was one misstep from Sheamus to allow "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" to prosper and embark on a path of redemption. As Jeff once again thrived on top of the SmackDown Brand however, "the Celtic Warrior" was the one to give the new champ a rude awakening. A brutal attack led to Sheamus using a ladder against the North Carolinian, and the Irishman would reveal the well-documented skeletons in Hardy's closet. Yet as Jeff battled inner-turmoil with his demons, he refused to stand down. To Sheamus, it was about gaining what he felt was owed to him for years of service. To Jeff, it was about not only hanging onto the prize he strived through battles to catch another glimpse of the top prize, but avenge all of the disrespect hurled his way by Sheamus. At Backlash, it was declared they would once again do battle - in a Ladder match.
As Greg Hamilton introduced the rules for the main event, a ladder stood ominously in the aisleway. Sheamus came bursting out to the stage with arms stretched wide open, the light reflecting from the challenger's pale skin. En route to ringside, "the Celtic Warrior" glanced upward and observed the ladder, taking several steps up. Posing alongside it, the Irishman felt at home at such a height - but one had to call into question whether he knew what he was in for. Climbing into the ring, Sheamus waited, all the while glancing up at the WWE Universal Championship hanging in the balance.
"The Celtic Warrior" warmed up in black and white trunks, Jeff Hardy soon made his arrival - with a familiar soundtrack blasting throughout the WWE Performance Center! "No More Words" by Endeverafter played the WWE Universal Champion to the stage, full of adrenaline in a fishnet black shirt. With Dark Maul-inspired facepaint, "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" raced to the ring, ducking the ladder in the aisleway. As Hardy took to the corners to greet the WWE Universe, Sheamus waited patiently at ringside. He and Hardy would eventually took their corners, as Greg Hamilton offered formal introductions.
8) WWE Universal Championship - Ladder match
Jeff Hardy (c) vs Sheamus
The WWE Universal Champion reached the ladder and took it down, planning to retrieve his title early. Sheamus crawled back to his feet, receiving a shot to the chest from the lengthways steel grasped in the hands of Jeff Hardy! Dumping it on top of "the Celtic Warrior", he put the boots to him before hoisting it back up. Resting it diagonally against the ring apron, Sheamus blocked an attempt at sending him face-first into the steel. Instead dropping "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" with a body slam on top of it, Hardy's body sadistically rolled down the ladder to the ringside floor! But that wasn't all, as the Irishman proceeded to send the champ face-first a second time - this time using a catapult! As Hardy collapsed to the floor a second time, the redhead slid the ladder inside with plans to claim what he believed was rightfully his. Set up, Sheamus climbed halfway up when Jeff crawled back inside. With shots to the back, Hardy dragged his foe back down by the foot. Another fistfight broke out, but Sheamus would knock Hardy down hard with a clothesline. Running his mouth, Sheamus knelt beside him and began punishing the champ with right hands!
"The Celtic Warrior" picked Jeff Hardy up with the fireman's carry, delivering him handily to the ring apron. As Sheamus turned his attention back to the ladder however, he did not see the WWE Universal Champion scale the top rope like a cat - and a missile dropkick would take down not only Sheamus, but the ladder! Stumbling back to their feet, Jeff rocked the challenger with a second dropkick. As the redhead blocked a toe kick, Hardy responded with a spinout enzuigiri that sent him through the ropes. Picking up the ladder, the champ proceeded to use it as a battering ram - knocking Sheamus from the apron to the floor! Scurrying to reset the ladder in the center, "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" proceeded to climb when once again came Sheamus. Looking to drag Jeff down by the feet, Hardy clung to the rung of the ladder like a pull-up bar - wrapping his legs around the Irishman's head and executing a hurricanrana! Knocking the ladder down, Hardy delivered a gourdbuster right on top of the steel to leave the Irishman clutching his ribs in pain. Hardy slowly set the ladder back up but as he climbed, Sheamus shoulder barged the ladder over - and Hardy landed throat-first on the top rope.
Jeff Hardy rolled out to the apron, but Sheamus walked over with further punishment in mind. "The Rainbow-Haired Warrior" initially tried to fight what he sensed was coming next, when the redhead began to pound without relent at the chest of the WWE Universal Champion! Beats of Bodhran impacted the chest of the champ hard, when Sheamus tore open his fishnet shirt. The facepaint was beginning to peel away from Hardy's face, as "the Celtic Warrior" dragged Hardy back inside the hard way with a hip toss over the top rope! Landing spine-first across the ladder, Sheamus teased Jeff's past habits and advised he consider medication for that landing. Rolling out to ringside, Sheamus curiously secured a second ladder and prepared toslide it inside - when suddenly Hardy came bounding back with a baseball slide! The ladder went straight into the face of the challenger, who fell to the ringside floor in a heap. Bleeding from the nose, Hardy paid tribute to his brother Matt Hardy with a diving axe handle off the apron. Sliding the ladder into the ring, Jeff led Sheamus back inside, before charging at the corner with a leaping one-man Poetry in Motion!
"The Celtic Warrior" went down to all fours again, when Jeff Hardy used the second ladder to dump it on top of Sheamus. Ascending the second ladder, the WWE Universal Champion prepared to retrieve his gold just for Sheamus to hurl the second ladder into the spine of the champ! "The Rainbow-Haired Warrior" dropped to the canvas, where the Irishman effortlessly delivered a running powerslam. Sheamus again laughed at the expense of his rival, advising he consider special help to fix his aches and pains. Climbing the ladder, Sheamus believed he was in for an easy night just for Hardy to come from behind once again! With the blunt edge of the ladder into the spine, the challenger was stopped in his tracks, when Hardy propped the ladder between two rungs of the first ladder, and balanced it across the middle rope! Jeff tried to batter Sheamus down with lefts and rights, when stopped dead in his tracks following a big boot. Another fireman's carry dropped Jeff jaw-first on the horizontal ladder, when the challenger knocked Hardy down to the ringside floor with a jumping knee strike! The redhead used the vertical ladder to climb once more, and Jeff appeared out of it.
Sheamus reached high for the WWE Universal Championship overhead, when foam shot up in his face - from a fire extinguisher! Jeff Hardy had smartly saved his title reign with whatever had been hiding beneath the ring, and climbed up the opposite side. Sheamus tried wiping the foam from his eyes as "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" resumed hammering him with whatever he had. An eye rake saw "the Celtic Warrior" even his visible odds, but Jeff would clunk his opponent wih a shot from the base of the extinguisher tank! Landing spine first and bouncing off the horizontally laid ladder below, Jeff saw his opportunity and tried reaching the top - only to have Sheamus tip the two ladders over in desperation! Hardy landed on his feet, but would leapfrog the fallen-sideways ladders with a flying forearm for the challenger. More shots in the corner saw the challenger headbutt to gain a breather, just for Hardy to attempt the Twist of Fate. Sheamus reversed, catching Hardy with the Irish Curse backbreaker! Two more in succession landed, with "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" left down and broken.
Back to the ladder, Sheamus set the ladder up and began to climb - but Jeff Hardy dragged himself up using the rungs on the opposite side. "The Celtic Warrior" could not help but shake his head in dismay. The resilience of the WWE Universal Champion would surely kill him, Sheamus mused, as he reached for a handful of hair before clubbing him with another right hand. Jeff was dazed, as Sheamus hoisted him over his shoulder - the White Noise supposedly next in line. But instead, Jeff would land on his feet on the canvas below, and a sunset flip would bring Sheamus crashing down on the canvas! The WWE Universe on-hand in the WWE Performance Center had to be loving every moment of this Ladder match confrontation, as the wounded champ used the ropes to bring himself back to a vertical base. "The Rainbow-Haired Warrior" reset the ladder and slowly began to climb, as Sheamus remained motionless on the edge of the apron. Hardy had one hand on the title gold, when down to the ring came Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura! After "the Artist's" unsuccessful opportunity three weeks ago, Shin climbed the ladder as Cesaro crept up on the same side of Hardy.
Forty-eight hours after The Bar's battle leading to reuniting against Jeff Hardy on Friday Night SmackDown, Sheamus had reinforcements in the Artist Collective's own! Shinsuke Nakamura landed forearm strikes to Jeff Hardy, when Cesaro bombsrded from behind with similar. Jeff skulked lifelessly to the canvas, when "the Artist" and "the Swiss Cyborg" went over to Sheamus. Helping "the Celtic Warrior" to his feet frantically, Sheamus shook off the cobwebs and began to climb the ladder with Cesaro's help. Jeff tried to battle Cesaro in the ring, only to be struck with the Kinshasa for his troubles! Cesaro dropped him with the Neutralizer for good measure... when down the rampway darted Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak! The new WWE Intercontinental Champion and his training partner evened the odds against Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura, with the four men battling to the ringside floor. Sheamus was on his way to the WWE Universal Championship, when Jeff miraculously came back to life with a dropkick sending the ladder tipping over. As the Irishman collapsed to the canvas, he rolled out to the floor. Jeff would ascend the steel throne - being offered one of two options.
Glancing up one more time at the WWE Universal Championship, Jeff Hardy's daredevil instincts led to another moment of inner-turmoil for the champion. Surveying the chaotic five-man melee at ringside meanwhile, "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" took a death-defying choice by climbing to the top of the ladder and soaring through the heavens onto Sheamus, Daniel Bryan, Cesaro, Drew Gulak and Shinsuke Nakamura! The WWE Performance Center was loud for the Ladder match combatants, as all six men laid beaten down at ringside. Jeff was somehow the first man to move, and he used every ounce of energy he had left to climb back into the ring. Reaching to the skies for the ladder once more, Hardy was slow to ascend. He saw the title between his fingertips, but found himself on the receiving end of the Brogue Kick! The ladder sent Jeff face-first bouncing off the top turnbuckle, as a bloodied Sheamus pounded his chest in anticipation. A second Brogue Kick went missed, and much like at Money in the Bank, Jeff would knock him down with a dropkick! Dumping the ladder on top of him, Jeff ascended to the top rope before flying with the Swanton Bomb - but nobody was home!
As Jeff Hardy laid in agony on the canvas, Sheamus counted his lucky stars for having barely evaded the Swanton Bomb with the ladder over him. Spitting up blood, "the Celtic Warrior" rolled out and caused the announce team to flee. Removing the table covering, Sheamus returned and dragged Hardy out by the foot. With a Powerbomb teased, Sheamus had cruel intentions for the WWE Universal Champion. Transitioning into an attempt at the High Cross through the announce table, Hardy was barely able to land out on his feet! In desperation, a shot from an announce table monitor knocked the Irishman loopy on top of the table's surface. Moments after, Hardy would reveal a third ladder - much taller than the other two! Setting it up at ringside, Jeff looked to finish the job he started over two weeks ago on Friday Night SmackDown. Ripping off the remaining stitches of his shirt, Jeff let out a battlecry before coming off the top of the ladder with a diving legdrop - both he and Sheamus going through the table! The WWE Performance Center was buzzing, as Jeff Hardy and Sheamus laid unconscious in the debris - all the while, the gold continued to hang in the balance.
Jeff Hardy and Sheamus came to and crawled back to their feet. "The Rainbow-Haired Warrior" used the ring apron for leverage, and Sheamus would take full advantage with the Brogue Kick connecting! With a cocky grin, "the Celtic Warrior" was a crimson mask, soon noticing the steel steps. Taking them apart, Sheamus laid Hardy's foot on the chopping block before acquiring the upper set! Much like he had done to Braun Strowman two months ago, Sheamus prepared to sideline Jeff once again - but the WWE Universal Champion narrowly avoided disaster! Rights and lefts saw Jeff hammer Sheamus into the ring post, with the champ sending his challenger's head bouncing off the steel. With no desire to quit, Jeff would execute the Twist of Fate - Sheamus landing right on top of the lower steps! The champ was battered, bruised and sore - but made extra sure that the Irishman would not be getting back up. Retrieving three more ladders from under the ring, Hardy dumped each of them on top of Sheamus! Burying him, Hardy returned inside and slowly scaled to the top of the ladder. As Sheamus tried to push the ladders' combined weight from him, Hardy retrieved the title!
Winner, and still WWE Universal Champion: Jeff Hardy (23:00)
The Visitor
There was no mountain Jeff Hardy could not climb, and he had just proven that the outcome of Money in the Bank was no fluke! Sheamus remained barely visible under the wreckage stack of ladders at ringside, knowing he was unsuccessful on this night despite all of his best efforts. A broken, battered and bruised man, "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" was reunited with the WWE Universal Championship he had been without all day long. "The Celtic Warrior" had proven to be a formidable foe, but in this redemption arc for Jeff Hardy on Friday Night SmackDown - anything was possible, and the sky was the limit! Jeff Hardy posed with the title raised high, tearfully basking in the response from the WWE Universe on-hand in the WWE Performance Center. What had been a war was over now, but the question remained: who was next for "the Charismatic Enigma" to face?
One by one, the lights would go out. As darkness came over the WWE Performance Center, the WWE Universal Champion remained atop the ladder. Suddenly, with a mere eerie red glowing light shining over the WWEPC, Jeff Hardy looked around - before being met by The Fiend creeping up the other side of the ladder. As the high-pitched squeals of "the New Face of Fear's" calling card echoed throughout the building, "the Rainbow-Haired Warrior" was terrified by the creature he was faced with!
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