WWE 2019: No Wildcards

[Roy Mustang]

Monday Night Raw:
January 20th:
Wichita, Kansas​

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We get the usual introduction to Monday Night Raw as the theme music plays in the arena and we can see the fireworks going off as we cut to the commentary team of Michael Cole and Big Show who are stood in front of their commentary table at the top of the entrance ramp.

Michael Cole: It's Monday Night and you know what that means. Welcome to Monday Night Raw live from Wichita, Kansas and we are six nights away from the Royal Rumble.

Big Show: That's right Michael and we have a big show in store tonight. In tonight's main event we will see The Club taking on Seth Rollins and The Street Profits in a six-man tornado tag street fight!

Michael Cole: We will see the WWE Women's tag team titles on the line as The Queens of WWE take on Fire and Desire!

Big Show: And we are starting the show off hot, as the United States title is on the line as Chad Gable takes on Samoa Joe!

Michael Cole: However we have an announcement before that title match getting this underway.

Big Show: We are having a third man joining our commentary booth and being part of the NWO I know something about third men. Please welcome former Smackdown superstar ELIAS!
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*DRIFT*​

A pretty decent pop as Elias walks out onto the stage and he is in a very nice suit. He still has the signature beard as he has a microphone in hand. He still has a cast on his leg as he noticeably limps slightly, still feeling the effects of the injury he picked up on Smackdown Live in his feud with Baron Corbin.

Elias: WWE Universe, what does WWE stand for?

The crowd chant back “WALK WITH ELIAS”. Elias nods and smiles.

Elias: You people have still got it!

A cheap pop from the live crowd as Elias smiles once again and points to the commentary desk.

Elias: When I picked up this injury, I knew you people would miss me. So I went to Adam Pearce and approached him with an offer. Give the WWE Universe a way to hear my voice, my wisdom, maybe even a few songs by placing me on commentary!

A loud pop from the crowd and we even get a few “thank you Elias” chants. Elias heads over and joins Michael Cole.

Elias: I may not be able to wrestle in that ring right now but my greatest gift, my mouth I'll give to you people!

Elias puts down the microphone on the commentary desk and takes a seat in between Big Show and Michael Cole as they welcome him to the commentary booth.
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*DESTROYER*​

A mixed reaction from the live crowd as the dominant Samoa Joe walks out. He has a slight smirk as he makes his way out but looks focused on getting his United States title back tonight.

Michael Cole: Elias, as someone who was in NXT at the same time as Samoa Joe what are your thoughts on him?

Elias: Samoa Joe is dominant. He will destroy you psychically and mentally. His attack on Kurt Angle...

Before Elias can finish his sentence, CHAD GABLE RUNS OUT AND CLOBBERS SAMOA JOE IN THE BACK WITH THE UNITED STATES TITLE! Cheers from the live crowd as Gable clearly has no intention of waiting to get this match underway and he starts pounding on Samoa Joe! Gable is wailing on Joe as he finally stops punching him as he grabs hold of him from behind and hits him with an ANGLE SLAM ON THE ENTRANCE RAMP!

Gable shows off some surprising power as he turns back around, far from done with Samoa Joe as he grabs hold of his right ankle and LOCKS IN THE ANKLE LOCK! He wrenches on the right leg of Samoa Joe as he tries to make the challenger suffer before the bell can even ring! Joe is in a ton of pain and fires back kicking Gable in the face with his left leg until he finally lets go of the right leg! Joe rolls backward for a moment slightly limping due to the damage done to his left leg.

Gable gets back to his feet ready for more meanwhile and charges in... SAMOA JOE COUNTERS WITH A STO ON THE ENTRANCE RAMP! Joe just like that shows off his power and cuts Gable off! Joe meanwhile snarls as he grabs Gable and tosses him up the entrance ramp with a GERMAN SUPLEX! Gable's back lands with a hard thud as he gets back to his feet as Joe charges in and slams him into the LED BOARD WITH A WICKED CLOTHESLINE!

Joe then wails on Chad Gable with several punches to the head and rocks the champion before tossing him across the top of the stage with a BELLY TO BACK SUPLEX! Gable lands near the commentary table as Joe slowly makes his way over and grabs Gable slamming his head onto the desk! He then shouts at the commentary team and tells them to move which they do, though Elias is reluctant to move. Joe starts to take apart the commentary desk and tosses the monitors to the side as he walks back to Gable.

He grabs Gable looking to send him through the announce table... BUT GABLE GRABS ONE OF THE MONITORS AND CLOCKS JOE IN THE HEAD WITH IT! Joe stumbles backward as Gable hits him with it again sending him into the announce table! Gable tosses the monitor to the side as he grabs Joe looking to lift him up for another ANGLE SLAM THIS TIME THROUGH THE ANNOUNCE TABLE BUT JOE ELBOWS HIM OFF! Gable stumbles back and gets a wicked LARIAT KNOCKING TO THE FLOOR!

Joe takes a moment to rub his jaw, pissed off Gable managed to land a few more blows on him before looking at the wreckage of the commentary desk and he picks up a few wires. He grabs the wires and WRAPS THEM AROUND THE NECK OF GABLE AS HE LOOKS TO CHOKE THE LIFE OUT OF THE UNITED STATS CHAMPION! Massive boos for the sickening assault by Joe here as Gable is struggling to breathe and tries to get Joe off him but he can't as they end up next to the announce table...
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AS GABLE PUSHES OFF THE ANNOUNCE TABLE AND SENDS BOTH MEN CRASHING INTO THE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT BELOW!​

There is a bang and we see some sparks go off as both men land in the wreckage. There is no commentary as they have left their desk to get away from the pair when they fought each other. The camera then pans down to show both men laid out in the wreckage of the tables down below as we see Adam Pearce and several officials swarm out from the back as they look to assess the situation as Raw cuts to a commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break, we can see Gable and Joe on stretchers as they are wheeled through the back. We then see a pair of ambulances in the back as both men are loaded into it as Adam Pearce is background does not look happy and shakes his head as we cut back to the commentary team at ringside, with the announce table being put back together during the commercial break.
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Michael Cole: Hello and welcome back to Monday Night Raw. As you saw before the commercial break, we saw Chad Gable and Samoa Joe crash into our production equipment by our desk.

Big Show: And both men have had to be taken away from the arena in stretchers as they go to a local medical facility.

Elias: One of the worst experiences I've had as a WWE superstar is getting injured, especially when it happened thanks to the person you hate the most. I wish both Joe and Gable a swift recovery.

Michael Cole: But the show must go on guys.
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*FOR THE BETTER*​

A decent pop from the live crowd as Drew Gulak makes his way out. He is in a sports tracksuit as he walks down the entrance ramp and looks focused on getting the job done in the center of the ring. He noticeably however has some tap around of his ribs due to the attack last week by Brian Kendrick.

Michael Cole: Last week we saw these two collide backstage and Kendrick ended up slamming one of the weights backstage into the ribs of Gulak.

Elias: Big Show you can vouch as someone I've seen backstage working out but those weights are heavy and it being smashed into your chest, Gulak might be wrestling with broken ribs.

Big Show: I've done it and I was stupid to do it. It says how much Drew Gulak hates Kendrick and how much he wants a piece of him that he is willing to go out there with the broken ribs and fight him tonight.
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*MAN WITH A PLAN*​

Boos from the live crowd as The Brian Kendrick makes his way out, with a wild look in his eyes and a very unkempt beard. He walks down the entrance ramp in plain trunks and smirks as he points at the ribs of Drew Gulak, happy with the damage done to Gulak last week.

Michael Cole: Well it looks like Brian Kendrick doesn't regret his actions last week.

Elias: He won't and maybe he shouldn't. He did what he did to Gulak to weaken him for this match and looking at Gulak's ribs, he succeeded.

The Brian Kendrick steps into the ring still smirking as Drew looks to go after him straight away but the referee backs him off. The referee calls for the bell and gets this match underway!
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Match 1: Drew Gulak vs The Brian Kendrick​

Match summary: Drew Gulak starts off the match firing off Kendrick with a variety of strikes and lays into him with a series of suplexes sending Kendrick flying around the ring. Kendrick however weathers the early storm and catches him with a few shots to the ribs causing Drew to double over! Kendrick from there targets the ribs of Gulak for the rest of the match including locking him in an ABDOMINAL STRETCH! Gulak does fight out of it but in the end, Kendrick locks him in CAPTAIN'S HOOK! Gulak tries to get out but knows he is trapped in the center of the ring and he taps him out reluctantly giving Kendrick the win.
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Winner via pinfall: The Brain Kendrick (5:03)​

The Brian Kendrick gets his feet and smirks as he gives Gulak a swift boot to the ribs post-match which gets loud boos from the crowd but Kendrick doesn't give a damn as he celebrates his victory.

Michael Cole: Kendrick picks up the win and Elias you were right. The damage he did to the ribs proved to be the difference tonight and he carries on his momentum as he looks to put himself in line for a Cruiserweight title shot.

Elias: Kendrick is driven by the fact he knows his career is coming to a close and will do whatever it takes to become Cruiserweight Champion.

Big Show: Well we will have to see who is champion after the Royal Rumble but both Lio Rush and Mustafa Ali will have a target on their back if they walk out of the Royal Rumble as Champion!

The Brian Kendrick walks up the ramp, smirking to himself as we see Drew Gulak struggling to his feet in the ring and he looks angry as we cut to the backstage area...
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And we see Adam Pearce walking through the back, looking a bit flustered already as he heads towards the interview set as we see Renee Young stood there ready for an interview. However before she can speak, we see THE USOS walk into the shot and they look angry. Jimmy is in pain noticeably still after being whacked with a cricket bat last week.

Jey Uso: Hey Adam, did you see what those One Twos did last week to me and my Uce?

Adam nods as Jimmy lifts his hoodie up showing the tape around his ribs.

Jimmy Uso: Those two don't want to know what we're going to do to them!

Jey Uso: They think what happened to Oney's eye was bad? Let them see what happens when we actually try to hurt them!

Adam Pearce puts his hands up as he looks to calm the pair down.

Adam Pearce: OK, I get why you two are mad, and quite frankly I'm annoyed too. The One Twos screwed the fans out of a conclusive finish to your match with The Authors of Pain.

Jimmy Uso: Damn right those fools did, so give us them in this ring!

Adam shakes his head.

Adam Pearce: I'm afraid I can't do that. Oney isn't medically cleared.

Jey Uso: Oh but he is well enough to stick his nose in our business.

Adam Pearce: Listen he has been fined for what he did to you guys...

Jimmy Uso: Screw fines I want to kick his ass!

Adam Pearce: Well until he is medically cleared, I can't allow that. What I can do though is give one of you a match with his partner Danny Burch next week.

Jey puts his arm on Jimmy's shoulder.

Jey Uso: I'll step into the ring with him next week and welcome him to the Uso Penitentiary.

The Usos walk off leaving Adam Pearce only as he breathes a sigh of relief having sorted that situation out. However, before he can recompose himself Renee Young approaches him looking for an interview.

Renee Young: Adam, can I get an update on the conditions of Chad Gable and Samoa Joe after what happened earlier tonight?

Adam Pearce: Both men have been taken to a local medical facility to be checked over for their injuries. But I'm getting word from the doctors who checked on them, neither man will be able to take part in the Royal Rumble.

Boos from the live crowd who wanted to see both men inside the match as Adam Pearce carries on.

Adam Pearce: The safety of the superstars on Monday Night Raw is always something I take as a priority so I will have to find two more superstars to take their spot as well as a superstar to take Rey Mysterio's spot in the rumble.

Pearce sighs clearly not happy losing three of his brand's best superstars ahead of the Royal Rumble.

Adam Pearce: So I have two announcements to make regarding those spots. The first will see the match between The Linebackers and The B-Team now be for two rumble spots. Whichever team wins, they will each get a spot in the Royal Rumble.

A fairly muted reaction from the live crowd unsurprisingly as Adam Pearce carries on.

Adam Pearce: But that leaves Rey Mysterio's spot still needing to be decided. And it will be decided on the Royal Rumble pre-show in a six-pack challenge!

A much better reaction from the crowd as Adam Pearce carries on the announcement.

Adam Pearce: And the six men taking part in the match will be: Ilja Dragunov

Fairly loud boos as the only member of the Ungoveables not in the match now has a chance to enter the Royal Rumble.

Adam Pearce: Heath Slater.

A decent pop for the One-Man Band as he has a chance to earn a Wrestlemania payday for his kids.

Adam Pearce: Fandango

A smaller pop but a few fans try to start up a chant based on his theme song.

Adam Pearce: EC3

Boos from the crowd.

Adam Pearce: Montez Ford

A fairly loud pop from one-half of the Street Profits.

Adam Pearce: And Noam Dar.

Boos from the crowd for the Scottish former Cruiserweight Champion.

Adam Pearce: Whoever wins that match will go onto the Royal Rumble and have the chance to fight for the WWE or Universal title at Wrestlemania.

Renee Young: Thanks for your time Adam.

Adam nods and heads elsewhere as we cut to a commercial break after those announcements.
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When we return from the commercial break, we can see The Authors of Pain sat down backstage in nice fancy suits. Both men have their World tag team titles around their waist as they snarl looking at the camera.

Akam: Last week, we wanted to break the faces of the division.

Rezar: But Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch involved themselves in matters that did not concern them.

Akam: We want to send a message and you ruined that.

Rezar: You have made a big mistake getting involved in our business.

Akam: Because our business is pain...

Rezar: And you will soon become familiar with pain.

Akam: Just like every team who steps into the ring with us.

Rezar: Pain is all you will know as we write the next chapter in our story.

The World tag team champions glare at the camera as the promo comes to an end and we cut back to the commentary team at ringside.
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Michael Cole: Well it looks like the tag team champions are angry after The One Twos got involved in their tag team match last week.

Elias: And The Authors of Pain are not a team you want to cross.

Big Show: When you are a monster, you don't want help to win. You just want to get the job done.

Elias: You saying you never had any help there Show?

Big Show: I'm saying the only help I got was wanted and any other help...

Show lifts his fist into the air.

Big Show: They got a W.M.D to the face.
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*GO HARD*​

A decent pop from the live crowd as Mustafa Ali makes his way out with the Cruiserweight title around his waist. He walks over to some of the fans in the front row and takes pictures with a few of the kids as well.

Michael Cole: Mustafa Ali goes into the Royal Rumble as champion but will he walk out of the pay-per-view still Cruiserweight Champion?

Elias: One of the main people I've been watching whilst over on Smackdown is this man right here. Maybe if I cut some weight after recovering from injury and step into the ring with him.

Big Show: I'm not sure you would be able to beat him, Elias. There is any Cruiserweight in WWE I would rate above him at the moment. Ali is in the form of his career.

Mustafa Ali is now in the ring as he climbs over the ropes and has a microphone in his hand. However, before he speaks, he pauses for a moment and places the Cruiserweight title down on the mat. He then takes a knee before pointing at the title belt.

Mustafa Ali: The amount of work I had to put in to win this belt, well it made it all worth it.

Ali grabs his title belt and places it on his shoulder as he gets back to his feet as he smiles proudly.

Mustafa Ali: Not a lot of people know this but I wasn't meant to be here. I wasn't even meant to enter the Cruiserweight Classic. I was on the alternatives list and got my chance when someone else had to pull out.

He smiles to himself with a hint of sadness.

Mustafa Ali: Sometimes great opportunities arise out of someone else's misfortune.

Cole reminds us that Mustafa Ali had to pull out of Elimination Chamber giving Kofi Kingston his spot and starting Kofimania.

Mustafa Ali: Luck balances out but I know after winning this, everything happens for a reason. I may have missed out on a Wrestlemania moment but it drove me to finally win this.

He takes it off his shoulder and lifts it into the air for the crowd to see.

Mustafa Ali: For years I fought on 205 live just hoping to breakthrough. And each time, I fell just short. And there came a point where I looked for a change so I went to Smackdown and I pinned the WWE Champion Daniel Bryan.

Mixed reaction from the crowd the Smackdown superstar.

Mustafa Ali: I had a stand-out Royal Rumble performance and then the injury happened. But I came back and got a WWE title match against Kevin Owens and Daniel Bryan.

Ali looks down before leaning on the ropes.

Mustafa Ali: I lost again and I came to Raw, looking to get hold of a title but each time I fell just short. I mean Noam Dar said it best, I couldn't get the job done.

Ali walks back to the centre of the ring before placing the Cruiserweight title back on the mat.

Mustafa Ali: Until I did. All my hard work paid off and I shut Noam Dar's mouth up.

Cheers from the crowd as Ali smiles and looks proudly at his Cruiserweight title before looking back up at the fans as he stops smiling.

Mustafa Ali: And speaking of Noam Dar, that brings me to Lio Rush.

Boos from the crowd as he brings up his challenger at Royal Rumble.

Mustafa Ali: See Noam Dar and Lio Rush are two very similar people. Young, talented and very arrogant. You are both full of yourself and think because of your age, that your natural talent is enough to get you by.

Ali shakes his head.

Mustafa Ali: But at least Noam Dar showed this title the respect it deserved.

Ali looks serious as he lifts the title into the air.

Mustafa Ali: This title is not just some stepping stone you can use to prove you’re worthy of being Bobby Lashley's sidekick!

Loud cheers from the crowd as Ali carries on.

Mustafa Ali: And that's why you ain't got a chance of taking this title from me because I refuse to lose this belt to someone who just wants it as another piece of bling they carry to the ring whilst they cheerlead for someone else!

Ali places the Cruiserweight title back on his shoulder and looks to carry on.

Mustafa Ali: So at...

???: Ali, Ali. Man, you have got to stop.

The camera pans over and we can see a smug Lio Rush sat on a beach with a drink in his hand and he is clearly sunbathing on some beach.

Lio Rush: I know you believe in seeing these fans every week but I prefer the finer things in life. Living how a champion should.

Ali shakes his head but stays quiet as Lio finishes off his drink.

Lio Rush: Now I know you probably said something about me not taking that title seriously or being too cocky but I'll be honest, I wasn't listening.

Loud boos from the disrespect.

Lio Rush: See Ali, I don't care about you people and I don't care about these fans. No, I care about being back at the main man's side! Bobby Lashley.

Once again loud boos as Lio carries on.

Lio Rush: And that's why I'll do anything to take that title from you.

We hear a confused murmur from the fans as Ali has his attention on the titantron... AS LIO RUSH SLIDES IN BEHIND HIM WITH A STEEL CHAIN AROUND HIS FIST! Ali hasn't noticed as we see what is clearly a pre-recorded video carry-on playing.

Lio Rush: Including this!

LIO RUSH CLOCKS HIM IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD! Mustafa Ali falls to the mat clutching the back of his head as we see an angry look on Lio's face. Lio bends down and grabs Ali as he clocks him with the chain around his fist right in the head! Ali drops to the mat as Lio places the chain around his neck and bends down picking up the microphone as Ali is laid out in the centre of the ring out cold as Lio looks to speak.

Lio Rush: You think I'm not taking this seriously? I will become Cruiserweight Champion and I will prove myself to the main man!

Lio tosses the microphone down to the mat and bends down as he picks up the Cruiserweight title, lifting it into the air as his theme music starts to play as Lio Rush stands over an unconscious Mustafa Ali as we cut to a commercial break with the commentary team hyping up this could be what we see this Sunday when these two men collide.
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When we return from the commercial break, we can see The One Twos are sat down in a pub each having a pint. Oney Lorcan is noticeably still wearing an eye patch over his right eye. Neither man looks happy but Danny Burch speaks first.

Danny Burch: Akam, Rezar you should be thanking us.

Oney Lorcan: Without us, those damn Usos would be tag team champions.

Danny Burch: Only two hardmen like us can beat the Usos.

Oney finishes his pint and tosses it at the wall behind the bar frightening the poor barmaid.

Oney Lorcan: Give me another!

The barmaid nods a little scared and does what he says.

Oney Lorcan: What they did to my eye, they are going to pay. We will make sure of that.

Danny looks at his pint.

Danny Burch: All I've heard from people is it was an accident... but then again you boys have never been good at self-control.

Oney Lorcan: Accident or not, we will get revenge and it starts next week when Danny kicks your ass Jey!

Danny Burch: And after we batter the Usos east end style, Authors of Pain? Well we love pain. We always want a scrap.

Oney Lorcan: And we also want those tag team titles.

The One Twos finish their pints before slamming them down on the bar bringing the promo to an end as we cut back to the arena.
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*GO, GO, GO*​

A fairly small pop as we see the B-Team make their way out. Both men make their way down the ramp and they look pumped up tonight as they are not only looking for revenge but also looking to earn a spot in the Royal Rumble.

Michael Cole: Well the tag team division is hotting up as One Twos are also looking to get their hands on tag team gold but right now we are about to see the newest team on Monday Night Raw in action as they take on the B-Team.

Big Show: With two royal rumble spots on the line!

Elias: And both men have fought in the rumble before. Hell Curtis Axel is still technically in the Royal Rumble from back in Twenty-fifteen!

Axelmania running wild brother!
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Not much reaction to the fairly generic theme song as The Linebackers make their way out. Both men are in American Football attire as they make their way out before clashing their helmets together. They toss them to the side as we see both men have two black lines on each side of their face as they run down the ramp and head to the ring.

Michael Cole: Could you imagine if Riddick Moss in his second-ever match as a Raw superstar won the Royal Rumble?

Big Show: I mean I won the WCW World title in my first-ever match.

Elias: No one likes a show-off...

In the ring, The Linebackers pumped up as Riddick Moss steps into the ring to start for them. Meanwhile, Bo Dallas steps into the ring for the B-Team as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!
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Match 2: Winning team enters the Royal Rumble: The Linebackers vs The B-Team​

Match summary: Riddick Moss in this debut match on Monday Night Raw shows off his power and overwhelms Bo Dallas. Axel does tag in after a while but once again he is taken down with a series of power moves before Moss tags in Mojo Rawley. The commentary team put over the Linebackers and bring up Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel's singles gold they have had in the career a long long long time ago. In the end, they send Axel to the outside and whilst Bo Dallas is the legal man MOJO HITS A POUNCE SENDING BO DALLAS CRASHING TO THE MAT! Riddick Moss then scoops Bo Dallas up and hits him with a POWERSLAM! Riddick makes the cover 1 2 3 The Linebackers are now in the Royal Rumble!
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Winners via pinfall: The Linebackers (5:16)​

Riddick Moss gets to his feet as Mojo jumps into the air and two men loudly celebrate the win being as obnoxious as possible, pissing off the crowd slightly. The pair though don't care as Riddick Moss and Mojo Rawley have the chance to win the Royal Rumble and earn a World title match at the Royal Rumble.

Michael Cole: Riddick Moss with an impressive performance on his debut.

Big Show: He and Mojo could be dark horses in the Rumble.

Elias: No one will have had a chance to scout Riddick Moss and he has a partner who will help save him from elimination as well.

The pair carry on celebrating their victory as the crowd carries on booing the result as we cut elsewhere backstage...
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And we see Aleister Black is on his way to the ring! A massive pop from the live crowd as he walks down the hallway with his usual calm stoic demeanour.

Michael Cole: Up next, we will hear from Aleister Black ahead of his Universal title match this Sunday. Don't go anywhere!
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*ROOT OF ALL EVIL*​

A loud pop as we return from the commercial break and Aleister Black slowly marches towards the ring. The Dutch Destroyer just like he was backstage is calm and stoic as he walks to the ring, not paying any attention to the fans at ringside going wild.

Michael Cole: Aleister Black is six nights away from the biggest match of his career. At the Royal Rumble, he has the chance to become Universal Champion but he just needs to get past his old rival in NXT the Ungovernable Andrade Cien Almas.

Elias: I was familiar with both men from my time in NXT and you could tell that both men were the future of this business. Both are world-class wrestlers but Andrade has the advantage of the Ungovernables behind him.

Big Show: And Black is well aware of that. However with his Black Mass finisher, he is a one-man army.

Black is now inside the ring having taken a microphone from someone at ringside and heads to the centre of the ring as he takes a seat cross-legged as he gets ready to speak.

Aleister Black: Last week, I stepped into the ring against one of the toughest men I've ever had to fight. Ciampa, you earned my respect last week.

Cheers from the crowd as one number one contender shows respect to another.

Aleister Black: But last week wasn't about respect. It was about mind games.

Black taps his temple and smirks slightly.

Aleister Black: A mental battle between myself and Andrade... I'm sorry I mean Zelina. We know who’s really in control.

A few oooooh's from the crowd and cheers from the crowd as Black carries on.

Aleister Black: I picked Johnny Gargano because he was the one who got rid of you and removed you from NXT. So you picked the one man I couldn't beat... and you made a mistake.

Black smirks as he slowly gets to his feet as he carries on talking.

Aleister Black: See you got the devil off my back! You removed one of the sins weighing me down and at the Rumble, I removed the gold from around your waist.

Loud cheers from the crowd as Black starts to pace around the ring. He looks to carry on speaking however before he can carry on...
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*GANGSTER'S PARADISE*​

A smug Andrade Cien Almas walks out with the Universal title on his shoulder. He is in a pristine suit as he poses at the top of the entrance ramp. He is not alone for long however as Zelina Vega walks out with a microphone and she smirks. She goes to speak but stops and waves her hand... AS THE REST OF THE UNGOVERNABLES WALK OUT! Cesaro, Ilja Dragunov, Shinsuke Nakamura and Dominik Dijakovic all walk out in nice fancy suits as they stand behind Zelina Vega and Andrade Cien Almas. Zelina now that everyone is out here now looks to speak.

Zelina Vega: Made a mistake? No the only mistake you made was thinking Johnny Gargano could beat Andrade!

Boos from the crowd as Black remains calm in the ring.

Zelina Vega: We didn't leave NXT because of the Garganos. We left NXT because it was time for Andrade to move onto new and greater heights.

Andrade lifts his Universal title into the air as Zelina points at the belt.

Zelina Vega: He has come to Monday Night Raw and now no one can stop him including you.

Aleister Black: If that's the case, why do you surround yourself with so many people? Or is that how you rose to new heights.

Andrade scowls and doesn't look happy as Black carries on.

Aleister Black: You know you can't get the job done against me without help. Every time I faced you in NXT, you lost!

Andrade takes his sunglasses off as he is getting more and more wound up.

Aleister Black: And at Backlash, you won thanks to Paul Heyman!

Loud cheers from the crowd as Black makes his way to the ropes and points at The Ungovernables behind Andrade.

Aleister Black: If you think you're better than your NXT days, why don't you keep these boys in the back and fight me like a man?

Zelina goes to answer...

Aleister Black: NO! I asked Andrade. Or maybe he can't answer me himself. He knows you hold all the power Zelina.

Andrade shakes his head and takes the microphone from her, stunning Zelina slightly.

Andrade Cien Almas: I am the Universal Champion not Zelina!

Andrade is fired up as he walks slightly down the ramp and points at Aleister Black.

Andrade Cien Almas: You don't want them at ringside?

Andrade points at the rest of the Ungovernables behind him.

Andrade Cien Almas: Fine. None of them will be at ringside this Sunday!

Cheers from the crowd as Zelina looks unsure. Black meanwhile remains stoic.

Andrade Cien Almas: I don't need them to beat you! I didn't anyone to beat Rey Mysterio, Seth Rollins and AJ Styles! I'm El Idolo!

A mixed reaction as Andrade takes his sunglasses off and places them in his suit pocket.

Andrade Cien Almas: And I'll still be your Universal Champion!

Andrade lifts his title into the air as he stares down Aleister Black as he slowly starts to smile and turns to Zelina and the rest of the Ungovernables.

Andrade Cien Almas: But they are here right now!

And right on cue, The Rest of the Ungovernables start to walk to the ring. Cesaro, Dijakovic, Nakamura, and Dragunov all surround the ring... AND BLACK ISN'T WAITING TO BE ATTACK AS HE HITS DIJAKOVIC WITH A BLACK MASS DROPPING HIM! Nakamura steps through the ropes next to him and ALSO GETS A BLACK MASS! Black turns around and looks to hit Dragunov... BUT THE MAD RUSSIAN DUCKS UNDERNEATH AS CESARO ROCKS BLACK WITH AN EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! Black is staggered as Dragunov runs off the ropes and hits TORPEDO MOSCOW! The Ungovernables are now in control as Cesaro and Ilja Dragunov lay into Black with several punches to the head!

They batter him as Andrade takes his suit jacket off and passes it to Zelina Vega as he walks down the ramp. He climbs into the ring as a groggy Dominik Dijakovic and Shinsuke Nakamura are only just coming to on the outside of the ring. Andrade looks at Black as he tells Cesaro and Ilja Dragunov to lift him up. They do what their leader wants as ANDRADE HITS HIM WITH LA SOMBRA! Loud boos from the live crowd for the mugging that has just taken place as Zelina passes him the Universal title and he lifts it into the air as the rest of the Ungovernables behind him cutting an imposing presence and to add insult to injury Andrade places his foot on Black's chest!

Michael Cole: Andrade sending a strong message ahead of this Sunday's title match but there will be no Ungovernables at ringside per Andrade himself.

Elias: Andrade ain't a saint but he is a man of his word. Can he beat Black without help from the Ungovernables?

Big Show: He's beaten former world champions in Rey Mysterio, AJ Styles and Seth Rollins. I wouldn't bet against him guys.

Michael Cole: Well after this commercial break, we will see the WWE Women's tag team titles on the line as the Queens of WWE take on Fire and Desire. Don't go anywhere!​

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*GOLDEN GODDESS*​

A decent pop as we return from the commercial break, Fire and Desire make their way out to the ring. Mandy poses for the fans and gets a decent reaction for this whilst Sonya Deville looks focused as she shadow boxes on her way to the ring.

Michael Cole: Fire and Desire have held the WWE Women's tag team titles before and want to become champions once again.

Big Show: Tis better to have loved and loss to have never loved at all.

Elias: Didn't have you down as someone who knew Shakespeare.

Big Show: There's a lot people don't know about me.
​

*RECOGNIZE A LADY*​

Loud boos from the live crowd in the arena as Charlotte Flair and Lacey Evans make their way out, showing off their Women's tag team titles. Charlotte has a cocky smirk whilst Lacey looks at the fans with complete disgust.

Elias: Charlotte is teaching the new generation and leading them to the top!

Big Show: Or she is using Lacey Evans to get what she wants. Thanks to Lacey Evans, Charlotte can appear on both brands and even potentially earn a shot at the Women's Universal title or the NXT Women's title.

Michael Cole: Both belts Charlotte has held before and wants to win once again.

Back in the ring, Charlotte Flair steps into the ring starting for the tag team champions whilst Sonya Deville steps into the ring looking to start for Fire and Desire. The referee calls for the bell and this match is underway!
​

Match 3: WWE Women's tag team titles match: The Queens of WWE (c) vs Fire and Desire​

Match summary: Sonya puts her fists up ready for a fight as she circles the ring. Charlotte takes one look at Sonya makes the tag, bringing Lacey Evans into the match. Lacey now has a smirk on her face as she heads to the center of the ring and soon gets taken down by Sonya Deville! The superior MMA experience of Sonya proves telling as she takes control of the match. She and Mandy take control of the match early on with the Queens only getting back to an underhanded kick to Mandy's back as she runs the ropes! From there Charlotte and Lacey start to work over Mandy Rose, cutting off half of the ring as they taunt and annoy Sonya. Eventually, though Mandy breaks free from the Queens and makes the hot tag to Sonya Deville!

Sonya is on fire as she takes down both members of The Queens of WWE with ease. However, as this is going on we see DUKE AND SHAFIR MAKE THEIR WAY OUT! They make their presence know at ringside as behind the referee's back and send Mandy into the steel steps. Sonya sees this and is distracted as she goes to the outside looking to get her hands on them but the duo runs away. Sonya shakes her head as she checks on her partner. Once she knows Mandy is OK she climbs onto the ring apron... WOMEN'S RIGHT FROM LACEY EVANS! Sonya crashes to the ring floor with a hard thud after that blow as The Queens of WWE smirk. The referee starts to count and gets to 8 as Mandy recovers and tries to get Sonya up in time but it's too late as Fire and Desire lose by count out!
​

Winners via count out and still WWE Women's tag team champions: The Queens of WWE (8:35)​

Loud boos ring out for the finish but The Queens of WWE smirk happy to have held onto their tag team titles. Outside Sonya is only just coming to after being knocked out by Lacey Evans. At the top of the entrance ramp meanwhile, the Real Horsewomen members Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir smirk at the top of the entrance ramp.

Michael Cole: The Queens of WWE hold onto their tag team titles but not without an assist from the Real Horsewomen!

Big Show: Fire and Desire have been a thorn in the Real Horsewomen's side these last few months. This was about sending a message.

Elias: But all they might have done is give Sonya extra motivation ahead of the Royal Rumble.

The Real Horsewomen have no left the area and now it is The Queens of WWE stood at the top of the entrance ramp posing as see Fire and Desire at ringside and Sonya Deville looks furious as we cut to a commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break, we see Charly Caruso stood backstage ready for an interview.

Charly Caruso: It's been an action-packed show so far tonight as we are six nights away from the Royal Rumble and right now I have one of the entrants in the Men's Royal Rumble: Dolph Ziggler.

Ziggler walks into the shot but there is none of the usual fire in Ziggler's eyes as he slowly walks into the shot.

Charly Caruso: You mentioned last week that the main thing driving you to win the Royal Rumble is to finally get a one-on-one match at the grandest stage of them all Wrestlemania.

Ziggler nods.

Charly Caruso: In the past we have seen you put on Ironman-like performances in the Rumble lasting over forty minutes. Could we see you convert one of those performances into a win?

Dolph Ziggler: I've always felt like the bridesmaid and never the bride. I need to have a one-on-one match at Wrestlemania before my career ends. So if I have to wrestle for thirty minutes, forty minutes, hell a whole hour that's what I'll do to win.

???: You better watch out for me then.

The camera pans over as we see Rusev and Lana stood there. Two former allies of Ziggler over 2020. Ziggler has a faint smile as Lana looks to speak.

Lana: Ziggler, me and my husband still have a lot of love for you after your help in fighting the Ungovernables. But only one man winning the Rumble this Sunday.

Rusev mouths me as Ziggler smirks slightly.

Dolph Ziggler: Well may the best man win then.

Ziggler sticks his hand out and Rusev shakes it as both men stare each other down as both men look to win the Royal Rumble and fight for the Universal title or the WWE title at Wrestlemania 36 on Rusev day.
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We then cut backstage as we can see Fandango sat down in front of a make-up mirror. Tyler Breeze can be seen checking on his make-up and pampering his friend. Fandango eventually stops him as Breeze tries to do some more touching up.

Fandango: Tyler, Tyler that's enough.

Breeze nods and puts down the make-up tools as Fandango turns back round to check himself in the mirror.

Tyler Breeze: How do you look?

Fandango: I look amazing. I look like I'm ready to win the Royal Rumble.

Tyler Breeze: We needed some beauty added to the match.

Fandango: I remember making my debut on the grandest stage of them all. Against a legend of the business.

Wonder what his opponent that night is doing now?

Fandango: But since then, I've never reached those heights. Never held gold.

Breeze puts his hand on Fandango's shoulder.

Tyler Breeze: And this will be your time to win gold. You're the most beautiful man in that six-pack challenge and you will win the Royal Rumble.

Fandango: And gold will certainly be my colour.

Breeze at this point gets out his selfie stick and the pair take a photo as Fandango makes his intentions clear ahead of the Royal Rumble pre-show.
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When we return from the commercial break, we can see a cocky Noam Dar is in a nightclub in a fancy shirt and has a couple of pretty ladies next to him in the VIP section. He downs a shot before giving one of the girls a kiss and turns to the camera.

Noam Dar: A young supernova like me shouldn't have to qualify for the Rumble.

Dar smirks.

Noam Dar: I should have been the first guy representing Raw. I mean the ladies love me.

Dar smirks and kisses the other lady by his side.

Noam Dar: And I'm a former Cruiserweight champion. But the disrespect being shown to me doesn't matter.

He grabs the champagne bottle on the table and takes a swig from it before placing it back down smirking.

Noam Dar: None of the other five men I'll face on the Royal Rumble pre-show are me and I'll go onto to become the first-ever Scottish World Champion.

Dar turns to the women he is with.

Noam Dar: Now ladies let’s go have some fun.

Noam Dar gets to his feet and the two ladies walk off following him as we cut back to the commentary team in the arena.
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Michael Cole: Strong words from Noam Dar and Fandango, I'm sure we will hear for the rest of the men in the last chance six-pack challenge later in the show.
​

*NUMBER ONE*​

Boos from the crowd as Mia Yim makes her way out and she has a cocky smirk on her face as she walks down the ramp, heading to the ring. The crowd reign down boos from but Mia Yim doesn't seem to care as she taunts the fans climbing into the ring.

Elias: Mia Yim has been making a name for herself ever since she debuted on Monday Night Raw. I could see her causing an upset in the Rumble!

Big Show: But right now, she has an angry veteran who will be looking to give her a beating!
​

*GLAMAZON*​

A decent pop as Beth Phoenix makes her way out and poses at the top of the entrance ramp. Natalya is with her as well as the Divas of Doom walk to the ring. Beth steps into the ring and Mia Yim backs off straight away from her, even shouting to the referee to get Beth back.

Michael Cole: Beth is not happy!

Big Show: We know what Beth's temper is like from her feud with Becky Lynch last year.
​

Match 4: Beth Phoenix w/Natalya vs Mia Yim​

Match summary: Beth shows off her power in the early stages as Mia Yim struggles to keep up with the Glamazon. Mia does fight back using her wrestling skills as well as a few cheap tricks but Beth keeps on overpowering her and tosses her around with ease! In the closing stages of the match, Mia Yim heads to the corner of the ring and looks to remove the TOP TURNBUCKLE PAD! However as she goes to do this, NATALYA CLIMBS ONTO THE APRON AND STOPS HER! Mia Yim gets angry and clocks Natalya sending her crashing to the floor. Mia Yim turns around and gets a FOREARM TO THE FACE FROM BETH! Mia falls to the mat as Beth Phoenix grabs her and lifts him into the air: GLAM SLAM! Beth makes the cover 1 2 3 Beth picks up the win!
​

Winner via pinfall: Beth Phoenix (6:46)​

Loud cheers from the crowd as Beth Phoenix gets to her feet and celebrates picking up a big win ahead of the Royal Rumble. Natalya joins her tag team partner in the ring as they share a hug before the Queen of Harts lifts her arm into the air.

Elias: A big win for Beth Phoenix tonight ahead of the Royal Rumble!

Michael Cole: Beth has more experience in Royal Rumble matches than most women and could pull off an upset.

Big Show: But you know what happened last time she was in the rumble? Natalya threw her out. Don't rule out the Queen of Harts.

The Divas of Doom carry on celebrating in the ring whilst Mia Yim stands up on the outside of the ring and looks annoyed as we cut to the backstage area...
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As we see Renee Young is stood ready for an interview!

Renee Young: Well as we just saw, there is a lot of competition within the Raw Women's division ahead of the Royal Rumble but my guest at this time has to be one of the favourites to win the entire match. Please welcome Sasha Banks!

The legit boss walks into the shot with a frown on her face as she is wearing her signature shutter shades. She places them on top of her head as she stares at Renee.

Renee Young: Sasha, last week we heard from you that you are entering the Royal Rumble but we also heard you had a few words for Ronda Rousey. What do you make of her comments regarding you and the rest of the Four Horsewomen?

Sasha smirks and shakes her head.

Sasha Banks: I want to make one thing clear. The Legit Boss only cares about one person. Me. I don't care about Charlotte and quite frankly she needs to stay on her own brand instead of taking my spotlight. Becky can stay at home with her broken arm and never come back.

Sasha smiles.

Sasha Banks: She couldn't beat me when I was Women's Universal champion and if she fought me again, I'd win one more time! And Bayley...

Just as Sasha looks to get to her former best friend, she appears dressed ready for action and she is with her new best friend Kairi Sane!

Bayley: Go on Sasha, I'm all ears.

The Legit Boss walks up to Bayley getting in her face. This causes Kairi to step forward but Bayley keeps her friend back. Sasha smirks to herself before speaking.

Sasha Banks: You got lucky inside that steel cage but luck soon runs out. It doesn't matter who walks out of the Rumble as champion: You or Ronda, I'll win the Royal Rumble and take back my Women's Universal title!

Kairi Sane: Not if I stop you!

Sasha chuckles and stares at Kairi.

Sasha Banks: You can try but put it this way. What I did to Bayley someone who used to be my friend will be nothing compared to what I do to you.

Kairi and Sasha have a stare down before the Legit Boss walks past the Hugging Pirates and heads elsewhere backstage. Meanwhile the duo carry on down the hallway and head towards the ring!

Michael Cole: After the commercial break we will see The Hugging Pirates, Taynara Conti and Xia Li take on the Real Horsewomen in an eight-woman tag! Don't go anywhere!
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*NO REST FOR THE WICKED*​

A decent pop from the live crowd as we start the third hour of Monday Night Raw with Taynara Conti and Xia Li making their way to the ring. Both women are in matching attire tonight and slap hands with the fans before jumping into the ring.

Michael Cole: Taynara Conti and Xia Li are two rookies on the Women's roster who have been growing over the last few months.

Elias: It can be tough being a rookie around here but they have a big opportunity to impress in this Sunday's Royal Rumble!
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*THE NEXT VOYAGE*​

A slight bigger pop as Kairi Sane makes her way out and she has her trusty telescope in hand as she sees her partners in the ring and waves at them. Conti and Xia Li wave back as Kairi then heads down to the ring joining her tag team partners tonight.

Big Show: Usually when you get betrayed it can become hard to make new friends but Kairi is so sweet, she made it easy for Bayley to be friends with her.

Michael Cole: Kairi Sane has been very tough to beat since coming to Monday Night Raw last year and I could easily see her winning the Royal Rumble this Sunday!
​

*TURN IT UP*​

And the loudest pop so far as Bayley makes her way out. She slaps hands with some of the kids in the front row before heading down the ramp and joining her tag team partners in the ring. She shares a hug with her partners ready for action.

Elias: Imagine if Kairi Sane and Bayley win this Sunday?

Big Show: Both women have talked about their respect for each other and how it would be an honor to fight in the main event of Wrestlemania.
​

*BAD REPUTATION*​

Loud boos as Ronda Rousey walks out first with the Women's Universal title around her waist whilst Baszler, Duke and Shafir walk out next backing Ronda up. They cut an imposing unit before marching down the entrance ramp heading into the ring. The group even taunts the fans as Ronda mocks them and does a cry baby taunt before showing off her Women's Universal title once again.

Michael Cole: Ronda Rousey since coming back to the WWE has made her way back to the top of the women's division.

Elias: Becky's getting her arm broken by Ronda was hard to watch but that's how lethal these four women are.

Big Show: But let's not forget about her friends and allies the Real Horsewomen. All three are accomplished MMA fighters and Shayna Baszler is a two-time NXT Champion.

Once inside the ring, Baszler looks to step inside for the Horsewomen and upon seeing this Conti signals she wants to start the match. Her teammates nod supporting her as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway.
​

Match 5: Kairi Sane, Bayley, Xia Li and Taynara Conti vs The Real Horsewomen​

Match summary: Conti and Shayna early on trade a series of submission holds as they try to gain the upper hand on each other. Conti starts to take control forcing a retreat from Shayna. The match becomes a lot more even from this point with everyone stepping into the ring to wrestle minus the Women's Universal Champion. As we get to the mid-point of the match the Real Horsewomen start to take control of the match and manage to isolate Conti in their corner of the ring.

The Real Horsewomen grind down Taynara Conti in the corner of the ring and work over her right arm, wearing down Conti as they try to get the Brazilian to tap out! Eventually, though Conti fights back and escapes from the corner making the hot tag bringing XIA LI INTO THE MATCH! Xia Li goes wild with a variety of kicks and lays down The Real Horsewomen. Shayna is the legal woman but she gets taking down with a CYCLONE KICK! Xia Li sizes her up... as RONDA ROUSEY RUNS INTO THE RING AND CLOBBERS HER FROM BEHIND!

Boos ring out from the crowd as Ronda stands over Xia Li and trash-talks her... UNTIL BAYLEY JUMPS INTO THE RING AND POUNDS ON RONDA! Both women end up falling over the ropes and brawl to the outside. Duke and Shafir charge in but soon get met by Conti and Kairi Sane as they end up fighting to the outside leaving Shayna Baszler and Xia Li all alone. Xia Li sets up Shayna for another CYCLONE KICK... BUT SHAYNA DUCKS UNDERNEATH AND LOCKS HER IN THE COQUINA CLUTCH! Shayna has the hold locked on tight as the rest of the people in the match brawl at ringside! Xia Li tries to escape but she soon taps out!
​

Winners via submission: The Real Horsewomen (10:51)​

Michael Cole: The Real Horsewomen remain unbeaten as a unit in WWE!

Big Show: And Shayna Baszler has got to be someone to watch ahead of the Royal Rumble!

Elias: It is hard to stop yourself from being eliminated if you are out cold!

Shayna holds onto the hold after the bell for a few more seconds before letting go as she tosses Xia Li to the mat. The referee goes to raise her arm in the air but she snatches it away and rolls out of the ring as she looks to attack Bayley as well! Bayley was just starting to gain the upper hand over Ronda until the numbers game takes her down. The beating looks like it is going to get worst until...
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*GOLDEN GODDESS*​

Fire and Desire make their way out to the ring getting a decent pop as they have steel chairs in their hand as they take down Duke and Shafir with ease! Shayna tries to take them down but Sonya counters her choke attempt and locks her in a CHOKE OF HER OWN! Shayna is in a ton of pain outside the ring as Ronda tries to escape but Conti, Xia Li, Mandy Rose, and Kairi Sane cut her off leaving her trapped in the ring with Bayley! Bayley lays into her before hitting her with the BAYLEY TO BELLY! Bayley then makes her way over to Ronda and grabs the Women's Universal title as she lifts it into the air standing tall over Ronda Rousey before being joined by Fire and Desire, Kairi Sane, Taynara Conti, and Xia Li inside the ring as we cut to a commercial break as the commentary hype up if we will see Bayley standing tall this Sunday!
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When we return from the commercial break, we can see AJ Styles sat backstage in a hallway next to The Good Brothers. All 3 men are in street fight clothes wearing jeans and t-shirts as AJ is taping his fists ready for a fight tonight.

AJ Styles: Y'know I thought when Paige had to take a break from being commissioner on Monday Night Raw, Vince might have put someone competent in charge.

The Good Brothers nod agreeing with AJ.

AJ Styles: But instead we get Adam Pearce giving Montez Ford a spot in the six-pack challenge this Sunday and not one of you two.

Karl Anderson: I was known as the machine gun in Japan. I used to mow down the competition yet some rookie gets that spot over me.

Luke Gallows: I've been to this company before and never got the opportunities Montez gets. It's stupid.

AJ Styles: But tonight Adam, we are going to use your stupidity against you. See anything can happen in a street fight.

Karl Anderson: Nothing is off-limits.

AJ Styles: And who knows what can happen in a street fight.

AJ smirks.

AJ Styles: Anything can happen on the streets and if we take out Seth Rollins as well as Montez Ford, two spots open up. One in the six-pack challenge and one in the Royal Rumble.

The Good Brothers look at each other smirking.

AJ Styles: This Sunday, whether Rollins and Montez Ford make to the rumble or not, I will win it and get my rightful one-on-one title match for the Universal title because I'm simply Phenomenal.

AJ stands there smirking as the Good Brothers cut an imposing presence standing behind their leader as we cut elsewhere backstage...
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As we see Seth Rollins getting ready backstage. He looks focused on getting the job done but the mood soon picks up as The Street Profits walk into the ring and slap Seth on the back bringing a smile to the former Universal Champion.

Montez Ford: Yo Seth did you hear the news man?

Seth smiles and nods.

Montez Ford: I have the chance to earn a spot in the Royal Rumble. The event was won by the most electrifying man in Sports Entertainment himself. The Rock.

Rollins looks annoyed.

Seth Rollins: I feel like you are forgetting someone else who has won the Royal Rumble.

Montez looks puzzled.

Montez Ford: Stone Cold? Brock Lesnar? Edge?

Rollins turns around and glares at Montez as he brings up Edge as Dawkins steps in.

Angelo Dawkins: And of course the most recent our good friend Seth Rollins.

Seth smiles and Montez Ford gives Seth a light tap on the arm.

Montez Ford: I was just joshing with you. But imagine if it is us two in the final two of the Rumble.

Rollins nods and looks Montez Ford dead in the eyes.

Seth Rollins: Fighting you at the end of the Rumble would be an honour. But we need to focus on making it through tonight.

Angelo Dawkins: That's right. We need to put the Club back in their place. And they will get the smoke tonight.

Montez Ford: And what will happen to AJ tonight is just a preview of what's in store inside the Rumble and I win to go onto Wrestlemania!

All 3 men smile though we see a flash of anger on Seth's face before it disappears as we cut to a commercial break.
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*SOVIET MARCH*​

Boos ring out as the Mad Russian makes his way out joined by his manager Zelina Vega. He has a wild smirk on his face whilst Zelina has a scowl as they walk down the entrance ramp and head to the ring.

Michael Cole: Welcome back to Monday Night Raw and right now we are about to see Ilja Dragunov in action against the Monster Among Men.

Big Show: Braun requested to face any member of the Ungovernables and Zelina picked Ilja to give him the chance to earn a spot in the rumble.

Elias: However that might have backfired on Zelina as Ilja now has to fight a monster six nights before he enters the six-pack challenge on the Royal Rumble pre-show.

Big Show: And we can both verify how tough Braun Strowman is. Ain't that right Elias?

Elias: I don't want to talk about it.

In the ring, Ilja Dragunov is now stood next to Zelina Vega who has been given a microphone by someone at ringside as she looks to address the live crowd.

Zelina Vega: Last week, I put Ilja Dragunov in this match so he could prove he deserved to be in the Royal Rumble. However our Raw Commissioner decided instead of letting Ilja prove himself and get the spot that should have been his, he puts Ilja in a match with five other men!

Cheers from the crowd which pisses Zelina off.

Zelina Vega: But that's what Adam Pearce has to do to stop my clients from dominating this brand!

Boos from the crowd as Ilja shouts something in Russian at the crowd.

Zelina Vega: So my client shouldn't have to take part in this match. It's unfair and...
​

*BRAUN/ I AM STRONGER*​

Loud cheers from the crowd as Braun Strowman marches out and he marches down the ramp wasting no time. Zelina argues with the referee but leaves the ring as the match will be going ahead. Ilja just looks at Braun and has a wicked smile on his face. The referee then calls for the bell to get this match underway!
​

Match 6: Braun Strowman vs Ilja Dragunov w/Zelina Vega​

Match summary: This match is a clash of styles as Ilja spends the early stages using his speed and agility to try to slowly wear down the larger foe. Braun though isn't easy to wear down and soon grabs a hold of Ilja as he tosses the Cruiserweight (or Heavyweight if you believe Malcolm Bivens) around the ring. Ilja takes a lot of punishment even get hit by the Braun Strowman's running around the ring shoulderblock! Braun sends Ilja back into the ring as Zelina Vega confronts him on the outside. Braun ignores her but soon gets hit by a suicide dive by Ilja Dragunov taking Braun off his feet for a moment.

Ilja looks to do more but Zelina tells him to get into the ring and win via count out. Braun though gets to his feet in time as Zelina tries to get in his way so Braun picks her up and moves her out of the way. Braun climbs back into the ring as Ilja runs off the ropes hitting a EUROPEAN UPPERCUT BUT IT HAS LITTLE EFFECT! Ilja runs off the ropes for another BUT GETS A T-REX DROPKICK! Braun then scoops Ilja up off the mat and plants him with the RUNNING POWERSLAM! Braun makes the cover as Zelina looks on furious at ringside and picks up the win!
​

Winner via pinfall: Braun Strowman (5:45)​

Braun gets to his feet and celebrates the win as Zelina looks angry on the outside of the ring. Ilja meanwhile is down and still in pain.

Michael Cole: A good showing by Ilja Dragunov tonight but in the end, Braun picks up the win.

Big Show: Ilja gave a good account of himself but sometimes in the end, size does matter.

Elias: And Braun is looking unstoppable ahead of the Royal Rumble this Sunday. Who can stop the Monster Among Men from eliminating everyone?

Braun carries on celebrating as he heads up the entrance ramp whilst Zelina Vega is checking on Ilja Dragunov in the ring. Zelina meanwhile points up the entrance ramp and promises that she is going to make Braun Strowman pay. Braun though doesn't care as we cut to a commercial break
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When we return from the commercial break, we see Zelina Vega walking through the back with Ilja Dragunov and sends him to the trainer's room. As she does this we see the Ungovernables members Cesaro, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Dominik Dijakovic stood waiting for her. She turns to the trio as she still looks furious.

Zelina Vega: We are going to send a message to Braun and everyone else this Sunday. Follow me.

The trio nods and walks off with Zelina Vega as we cut elsewhere backstage...
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And we see EC3 sunbathing on his yacht. We see Drake Maverick come into the shot with some champagne as EC3 takes a sip before looking at the camera. He pulls his sunglasses up and looks to speak.

EC3: The Royal Rumble. Where only the top one percent survive.

He takes another sip from the champagne glasses before placing it down on the deck of the yacht.

EC3: Only the best superstars in WWE win the Royal Rumble. True icons of the business. And soon that will include me.

EC3 smirks as Drake Maverick comes back with another glass of champagne.

EC3: But it seems money can't buy everything.

EC3 turns to Drake Maverick.

EC3: You did send him the money, right?

Drake Maverick: Of course I did master Ethan. Adam says he doesn't accept bribes.

EC3 shakes his head and tosses the champagne glass in a fit of rage!

EC3: Useless!

Drake looks a little scared and backs away from EC3.

EC3: Fine. I'll just have to win the six-pack challenge and then win the Royal Rumble. Because this is the start of victory after victory after victory after victory after...

Drake Maverick: Victory!

EC3 turns to Drake Maverick and glares at his manager.

EC3: Why are you still stood here? Get me more champagne!

Drake nods and runs away as EC3 goes back to sunbathing as we cut elsewhere...
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As we can see the One Man Band Heath Slater stood backstage with a big smile on his face!

Heath Slater: I've gotten word from Adam Pearce I've got the chance to earn a spot in the royal rumble! All I've got to do is go through five other men to do it!

Heath sounds pretty confident.

Heath Slater: And then twenty-nine others!

A mammoth task indeed.

Heath Slater: But I've got kids relying on me and we want a new double-wide so I'm going to win the Royal Rumble! You better believe it!

Heath Slater lets out a fired-up yell before heading off-screen as he looks to win the Royal Rumble for his kids! We then cut to another hallway...
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And we see The Club walking towards the ring ready for action! The camera then turns into a spilt screen as we see Seth Rollins and The Street Profits also heading to the ring!

Michael Cole: When we return from the commercial break we will see Seth Rollins and The Street Profits take on The Club in a Tornado Tag Street Fight. Don't go anywhere!
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*BURN IT DOWN /SECOND COMING*​

A mixed reaction as Seth Rollins walks out first. He doesn't look happy as he walks out in a leather jacket, shirt and jeans ready for this street fight! He is also wearing a pair of gloves as he waits for his tag team partners to come out.

Michael Cole: Whilst I'm sure Seth Rollins will want to get his hands on AJ Styles, he can't be happy about fighting in a dangerous match like a Street Fight six nights away from the Royal Rumble!

Elias: Seth knows how much of a toll wrestling inside a Royal Rumble is and you want to go into that match as close to one hundred percent as possible.

Big Show: But Seth knows he can get the job done, even from an early position and still has to be considered one of the favourites no matter what happens tonight.
​

*BRING THE SWAG*​

A much better reaction from the live crowd as The Street Profits make their way out next. They are in a pair of Street Profit hoodies and jeans ready for the Street Fight tonight. They don't have any of their red cups in their hands but still look in a good mood as they nudge their friend Seth Rollins and the trio head to the ring.

Michael Cole: The Street Profits are looking to work their way back up the tag team ranks to get another shot at the World tag team titles.

Big Show: But Montez has to be thinking about this Sunday. He will be entering the six-pack challenge for Rey Mysterio's spot in the Rumble and will be looking to avoid injury.

Elias: Slight problem Big Show, is there going to be an easy way to avoid injury in a match like this?
​

*PHENOMENAL*​

A mixed reaction once again as The Club make their way out to the top of the entrance ramp. All 3 men are wearing The Club shirts and jeans as they march down the entrance ramp. They look cocky as they walk down the entrance ramp but that soon fades as THE STREET PROFITS AND SETH ROLLINS DIVE OVER THE TOP ROPE WIPING ALL 3 MEN WIPE THEM OUT! Seth Rollins and The Street Profits get to their feet as the referee in the ring calls for the bell getting this Street Fight underway with a bang!
​

Main event: Tornado tag street fight: Seth Rollins and The Street Profits vs The Club​

Match summary: Within the first few minutes all 6 men end up brawling into the crowd as we get the good old walk and brawl! The Street Profits and The Good Brothers end up brawling out of the crowd and end up by the concession stand as the fight carries on between the tag teams. Commentary reminds us that whilst this is a Street Fight it will need to end in the ring! Meanwhile back in the ringside area AJ Styles and Seth Rollins are still brawling with each other in the crowd. AJ sees a trash can to the side and tips the rubbish out of it before clobbering Seth with it!

Back in the concession stand, The Good Brothers are laying into the Street Profits by the bar area as Luke Gallows picks up Dawkins and runs him along the bar spilling all the drinks everywhere! Karl Anderson meanwhile grabs Montez Ford and connects with a STUN GUN ONTO THE BAR! Ford is a bit dazed as Anderson charges in looking for his SINGLE LEG DROPKICK... BUT FORD MOVES JUST IN TIME! Anderson goes down clutching his leg and Ford takes advantage leaping onto the bar and dives off hitting a DIVING DOUBLE FOOT STOMP TO ANDERSON'S RIGHT LEG!

Gallows meanwhile charges at Ford but he uses his agility to dodge Gallows and connects with a DROPKICK TO PLANTING GALLOWS! We cut back to the ringside area as AJ Styles is attacking Seth Rollins by one of the entranceways to the arena. AJ then climbs partway into the stands before climbing over the barrier and going for the PHENOMENAL FOREARM... SETH MOVES JUST IN TIME! AJ gets back to his feet as SETH TAKES HIS HEAD OFF WITH A HIGH KNEE! Seth then quickly follows it up by hitting AJ WITH THE CURB STOMP!

Seth takes a moment to recover before looking at the fans who give him a very mixed reaction. Seth shakes his head and heads to the crowd anyway, climbing into the stands before placing himself above the doorway. We see him steady himself before flying off the top of the doorway and he hits a PHOENIX SPLASH ONTO AJ STYLES FROM THE TOP OF THE ARCHWAY! This gets a massive pop from the crowd and a HOLY SHIT from a few of the fans as Seth Rollins rolls off AJ having hurt himself with the high-risk move.

We then once again cut back to The Good Brothers and The Street Profits with the tag teams still fighting! They have isolated Dawkins and are laying into him as we then head Montez Ford shout to get the Good Brothers' attention! The pair turn around as Montez Ford shouts “Here the smoke” and SHOOTS THEM WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER! He covers both of the Good Brothers with foam as he blinds the pair. They stumble backward as Dawkins climbs onto the bar and WIPES THEM BOTH OUT WITH A DIVING DOUBLE SHOULDERBLOCK!

The Good Brothers both fall down as Dawkins then lines them up whilst Ford now climbs back onto the bar and DIVES OFF HITTING HIS SIGNATURE SPILT-LEGGED FROG SPLASH! A loud pop from the fans in the arena watching on the titantron as Dawkins nods and they each grab a Good Brother as they head back towards the ring to end this match! Back with Rollins and AJ Styles, they are heading back towards the ring with AJ out of it completely at this point.

He gets to the ringside area as he tosses AJ over the barricade and climbs back over. Meanwhile, on the entrance ramp, we see The Street Profits carrying The Good Brothers and heading back towards the ring too. On the outside we see AJ Styles tries to fight back against Seth but he gets taken down with ease as Seth lifts him up and hits the BUCKLE BOMB ONTO THE BARRICADE BY THE ENTRANCE RAMP! On the ramp we see The Street Profits fighting with The Good Brothers as they have recovered. The brawl carries as Seth grabs AJ looking to send him back into the ring...
​

A massive pop from the live crowd as PAUL HEYMAN AND BROCK LESNAR WALK OUT! Everyone is in shock as Brock stands at the top of the entrance ramp and has his eyes on AJ Styles at ringside! He starts to run down the entrance ramp as The Good Brothers flee into the crowd and BROCK PLOUGHS THROUGH THE STREET PROFITS WITH A DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE! Brock carries on charging down the ramp as Seth has gotten AJ Styles in the ring and looks to go for the cover but Brock grabs Seth from behind and YEETS HIM WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX!

Seth's back crashes off the mat as Brock then scoops him up and connects with an F5! Brock then sees AJ Styles who is crawling away on the mat and stalks him like a hunter stalking his prey! However before he can attack Styles, the Good Brothers slide into the ring attacking Brock two on one! The Good Brothers give Brock a few clubbing blows and boots as AJ SNEAKS OVER AND PINS SETH! 1 2 3 AJ STEALS THE WIN THANKS TO BROCK!
​

Winners via pinfall: The Club (14:16)​

Loud boos from the crowd and as soon as the referee's hand hits the mat for three, AJ Styles gets the hell out of there! The Good Brothers meanwhile soon get overpowered by Brock and both get taken down with some wicked clotheslines! Brock then lifts each one up and hits them with an F5 EACH! Brock then sees AJ heading through the crowd and looking to flee the arena as he gets ready to attack him. He climbs over the ropes looking to give chase... DROPKICK TO THE GUT OF BROCK BY MONTEZ FORD!

Brock doubles over and grabs its gut which is in a lot of pain after that dropkick but he looks angrier than hurt! Montez leaps to his feet and goes for a SUPERMAN PUNCH BUT BROCK COUNTERS WITH AN F5 ONTO THE BARRICADE! Brock looks furious as he lets out a shout... SETH DIVES THROUGH THE ROPES WITH A SUICIDE DIVE TO THE MID-SECTION OF BROCK! He sends the Beast into the barricade stopping him for a moment as he then heads straight to the ring apron and grabs a steel chair.

Seth turns around looking to use it onBrock BUT BROCK TAKES HIM DOWN AND WAILS ON SETH ON THE FLOOR! Seth tries to defend himself but it is no use at the Beast is on a rampage tonight! Brock grabs hold of Seth and starts taking him to SUPLEX CITY TO THE DELIGHT OF THE LIVE CROWD! Seth is in a ton of pain on the ring floor as Brock slowly approaches him. Brock then sees the steel chair that Rollins was about to use on him and UNLOADS ON SETH ROLLINS WITH IT! He batters Seth with the chair until it buckles. Brock tosses it away as he scoops Seth Rollins onto his shoulders ready for the F5... ANGELO DAWKINS SPEARS BROCK LESNAR!

Brock drops Seth who rolls away and ends up rolling behind the steel steps near the entrance ramp. Dawkins meanwhile unloads on Brock with a series of punches... BROCK CATCHES HIS RIGHT ARM AND LOCKS IN A KIMURA! Dawkins is trapped in the hold as Brock wrenches back on his arm as we see Seth Rollins slowly coming to... but he doesn't react straight away! Brock wrenches back on the arm of Dawkins... AND HE SNAPS IT IN HALF BREAKING IT! Dawkins screams in pain as Rollins just now reacts as he runs over to Brock looking for the CURB STOMP... BUT BROCKS LETS GO OF DAWKINS AND MOVES JUST IN TIME!

Brock gets back to his feet as he charges at Seth but Seth avoids it and jumps back off the barricade hitting a SLINGBLADE TO BROCK! Brock is finally now starting to get slightly want out after being on the rampage for what feels like 5 minutes but before Seth can do any more damage... THE GOOD BROTHERS ATTACK BOTH MEN FROM BEHIND! The Good Brothers lay into Seth Rollins and Brock putting the boots to the pair as the commentary team put over the fact both men will be looking to soften Brock and Rollins up ahead of the Rumble.

They carry on the beating on both men until they get Seth Rollins up for the MAGIC KILLER... BUT MONTEZ DROPKICKS GALLOWS TAKING HIM DOWN! Seth falls down as Karl Anderson goes for a big boot but Ford ducks underneath and hits a NECKBREAKER! Ford then looks at his partner Dawkins and checks on him. He sees what happened to his arm and turns around as he heads to the ring apron. He takes a moment before pulling out a STEEL CHAIN PUTTING IT AROUND HIS FIST AS BROCK GETS TO HIS FEET!

Montez leaps on Brock and POUNDS ON HIM! Brock is struggling to fight back as Ford finally stops punching him and heads to the ring apron as he climbs to the top rope! He lines Brock up for a SPILT-LEGGED FROG SPLASH... AS GALLOWS GRABS HIS LEG STOPPING HIM! Ford kicks him off but it gives Brock enough time to recover as he has been BUSTED OPEN! HE THEN GRABS MONTEZ FORD SLAMMING HIM TO THE FLOOR! Brock stands over Montez Ford ready to destroy him as...
​

*BRAUN/ I AM STRONGER*​

A massive pop from the live crowd as Braun Strowman charges down the entrance ramp and heads straight for Brock! Both men lay into each other causing havoc as they try to beat the hell out of each other. Meanwhile, we see Ford get up and looks to attack Brock... BUT SETH STOPS HIM! Seth tells Ford he needs to look after himself and Dawkins. Ford looks reluctant and clearly wants to attack Brock but he does what Rollins says, helping him getting his tag team partner out of the carnage.

Back at ringside Brock and Braun are fighting until once again The Good Brothers look to get involved! They attack both of the giants but the pair no sell their blows and turn around to face the Good Brothers! Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson look very scared as Braun grabs Gallows whilst Brock grabs hold of Karl Anderson. BRAUN HOISTS LUKE GALLOWS INTO THE AIR AND CHOKEBOMBS HIM ON THE RING APRON! Brock not wanting to be shown up SCOOPS KARL ANDERSON AND HITS HIM WITH AN F5 INTO THE RING POST!

Karl's right leg bounces off the ring post as the two giants lay waste to the Good Brothers! Braun and Brock then turn around to face each other one more time and the two giants start brawling with each other! Braun being the fresher man starts to take control and even hits him with a RUNNING SHOULDERBLOCK AROUND THE RING! Brock stumbles back to his feet as Braun runs around the ring again... so BROCK ROLLS INTO THE RING TO ESCAPE! Braun isn't done though and follows him into the ring to do more damage...
​

*COAT OF ARMS*​

Braun and Brock both look a little confused as they see Zelina Vega walk out onto the entrance ramp. They take their eyes off each other for a moment as CESARO, SHINSUKE NAKAMURA, AND DOMINIK DIJAKOVIC come through the crowd with KENDO STICKS IN THEIR HANDS and surround the ring! They climb inside and wails on the two giants with several shots as they try to fight back but it is too much. Both the giants fall to the mat as Cesaro shows off his power and HITS BROCK LESNAR WITH A RICOLA BOMB! Not to be outdone Shinsuke catches a rising Braun with a KINSAHA rocking the giant before Dominik Dijakovic looks to lift Braun up.

He struggles at first before placing Braun Strowman onto his shoulders and hits him with FEAST YOUR EYES! Loud boos ring out from the live crowd as the trio look at Zelina who signals she wants more so Dijakovic heads to the top rope! He lines Brock Lesnar up and hits a TOP ROPE CORKSCREW MOONSAULT! Loud boos from the crowd though some chant “HOLY SHIT” for the insane move from someone of Dijakovic's size! Zelina Vega then walks down the entrance ramp and stands in the ring with her clients as the commentary team put over the destructive effect of her clients and wonder who can stop these three if they work together as the show focuses in on the carnage as we fade to black.

​

Matchcard for next week:

Singles match:
Jey Uso vs Danny Burch​

​

Matchcard for Royal Rumble:
January 26th:
Houston, Texas​

​

​

Men's Royal Rumble match:
Participants:
AJ Styles, Baron Corbin, Big E, Braun Strowman, Brock Lesnar, Buddy Murphy, Cesaro, Daniel Bryan, Dolph Ziggler, Dominik Dijakovic, Drew McIntyre, Karrion Kross, Kevin Owens, Kofi Kingston, Mojo Rawley, Otis Dozovic, Pete Dunne, Randy Orton, Riddick Moss, Rusev, Sami Zayn, Seth Rollins, Shinsuke Nakamura, Xavier Woods and 6 more

Women's Royal Rumble match:
Participants:
Alexa Bliss, Alicia Fox, Beth Phoenix, Billie Kay, Carmella, Charlotte Flair, Ember Moon, Isla Dawn, Jessamyn Duke, Kairi Sane, Lacey Evans, Mandy Rose, Marina Shafir, Mia Yim, Natalya, Nikki Cross, Peyton Royce, Ruby Riott, Sarah Logan, Sasha Banks, Shayna Baszler, Sonya Deville, Taynara Conti, Xia Li and 6 more

Universal title match:

WWE title TLC match:

Women's Universal title match:

WWE Women's title match:

Cruiserweight title match:

WWE tag team titles match:

(Credit goes to Ranthellacious for the awesome graphics)

Pre-show:

Last chance six-pack challenge match:
Winner enters the Royal Rumble
Ilja Dragunov vs Heath Slater vs Fandango vs EC3 vs Montez Ford vs Noam Dar

EWR Rating:
76%​

 

[Chris]

Do you prefer booking 2 hours or 3 hours?

 

[Roy Mustang]

Do you prefer booking 2 hours or 3 hours?

2 hours for sure. If I wasn't trying to be realistic Raw would get cut to 3 hours ASAP as some weeks it can be exhausting coming up with a good 3 hour show.

 

[Roy Mustang]

News update:

Keith Lee wins the North American title!
​

In what was a massive episode of NXT we saw the Limitless One Keith Lee become North American Champion beating Roderick Strong and ending his title reign. Keith Lee is someone people backstage have big plans for and it will be interesting to see how he is booked on NXT in the coming months.

6-man tag made for Smackdown:​

In other news, Wade Barrett has confirmed a big six 6-man tag team match for Smackdown Live. After their issues the last 3 weeks, The New Day will take on Daniel Bryan, Baron Corbin, and Erick Rowan to open the show. In what promises to be a big go-home Smackdown ahead of the Rumble who will gain momentum ahead of the Royal Rumble? Will it be The New Day or will it be Daniel Bryan and Baron Corbin?

Matchcard for Smackdown:

Main event:
Drew McIntyre vs Buddy Murphy

Singles match:
Pete Dunne vs Karrion Kross

Tag team match:
The New Day vs Daniel Bryan, Erick Rowan and Baron Corbin

Tag team match:
Asuka and The Riott Squad vs Liv Morgan, Ember Moon and Carmella​

 

[Roy Mustang]

Friday night Smackdown:
January 24th 2020:
Dallas, Texas



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*FLIGHT OF THE VALKYRIES*​

And as promised in the news update, we are starting the night off in the ring as we hear the music for the planet champion himself Daniel Bryan. He gets loud boos from the live crowd as he shows off the hemp planet's champion belt as Erick Rowan now slowly makes his way out joining his fellow Eco-Warrior in the ring.

Byron Saxton: Hello and welcome to Smackdown Live here in Dallas, Texas.

Corey Graves: And we are starting the show off with a bang as The New Day collides with Daniel Bryan, Baron Corbin and Erick Rowan.

Byron Saxton: Not only that but we will see the unbeaten Karrion Kross in action against Pete Dunne.

Corey Graves: And in our main event, we will see Drew McIntyre take on Buddy Murphy! Everyone is looking to gain momentum ahead of the Royal Rumble!

*I BRING THE DARKNESS (END OF DAYS)*​

Loud boos for Baron Corbin as he makes his way out next, still in his signature waiter outfit in this timeline. He mocks the crowd as he walks down the entrance ramp and looks smug as he joins the Eco-warriors in the ring as they get ready for the 6-man tag team match.

Byron Saxton: It will be interesting to see how well Daniel Bryan and Baron Corbin work together in this match. Both men will have their eyes on the Intercontinental title.

Corey Graves: Both men are smart. They know a loss will hurt their chance so won't do anything reckless to cost them the match just so they can be the man to get the winning pinfall.

Big E: Awwwwwww Dallas, Texas! Don't you dare be sour. Clap for your world-famous five-time team champions and feel the power!

*NEW DAY, NEW WAY*​

A pretty decent reaction from the crowd as The New Day make their way out to the ring. All 3 men are in a good mood and Big E even makes sure to do a full gyrating session for the fans with the Intercontinental title around his waist. Daniel Bryan meanwhile stands in the ring and looks disgusted by Big E's antics.

Byron Saxton: The New Day have been one of the most consistent features of WWE for the last few years. No matter what these guys stick together.

Corey Graves: And it's going to cost Big E his title soon, I'm telling you Byron. He spends too much time focusing on his friends instead of himself and keeping hold of that title.

Byron Saxton: Or maybe it drives him forward like it did Kofi Kingston when he became WWE Champion.

Corey Graves: And who has that title right now? Roman Reigns. Someone who has no friends. No allies. He only cares about himself.

Once inside the ring, Big E steps into the ring looking to start for the New Day. Upon seeing this we see Bryan and Corbin having a heated discussion about who should start. In the end, Erick Rowan steps into the ring bringing an end to the argument as the referee calls for the bell to get this underway!

Match 1: New Day vs Daniel Bryan, Baron Corbin and Erick Rowan​

Match summary: Erick Rowan and Big E in the opening stages of the match have a hoss battle as the two big meaty men slap meat in Big E's own words. Eventually, the Intercontinental Champion wins out and sends Rowan back into the corner bringing Daniel Bryan into the match. Bryan obviously goes for a different approach to Erick Rowan and goes after the leg of Big E, trying to chop him down like he is chopping down a tree trunk. Big E though fights Bryan off and gets to the corner bringing Kofi back into the match!

Kofi and Daniel Bryan stare each other down with both men having a lot of history in the previous year. And after a stare-down, both men start laying into each other with a series of strikes and blows. Kofi takes control of the battle and sends Bryan back into the corner of the ring allowing Baron Corbin to make a blind tag. Kofi carries on laying into Bryan which allows Corbin to run around the ring and cheap shot Kofi! Boos ring out from the crowd as Corbin starts to work over the former WWE Champion in the center of the ring getting boos from the crowd.

Kofi soon though escapes and bring Xavier Woods back into the match. Woods gets a nice little run in the match taking down Corbin who has been a thorn in his side and we even get a nice UNICORN STAMPEDE IN THE CORNER FROM THE NEW DAY! The New Day stays in control until a cheap shot from ERICK ROWAN CUTS HIM OFF! From there the heat segment begins with Bryan, Rowan, and Corbin all working over Xavier Woods and keeping him isolated in the corner of the ring, angering Kofi and Big E.

Bryan makes sure to taunt and wind up Big E on the apron, signaling he is going to make an example out of Woods and this prompts him to charge into the ring attacking Bryan as he tries to bend and break Xaiver's leg! This prompts the match to break down as Erick Rowan charges at Big E and the two larger superstars collide going over the top rope! Corbin runs into the ring but KOFI TAKES CARE OF HIM WITH TROUBLE IN PARADISE!

He sends Corbin to the outside and turns around... RUNNING KNEE TO KOFI! Daniel Bryan sends the former WWE Champion out of the ring as on the outside Rowan and Big E end up by the barricade as BIG E CHARGES AT HIM AND SENDS THEM BOTH THROUGH THE BARRICADE! Back in the ring meanwhile Bryan grabs hold of Woods and pulls him by the hair as he calls him “Not even a B+ Player” WOODS COUNTERS WITH A ROLL UP!

1

2

Bryan kicks out!​

Bryan gets to his feet furious Woods nearly caught him off-guard as he charges at him and WOODS PLANTS HIM WITH A DDT! Woods makes the cover 1 2 Bryan kicks out! Woods has the crowd behind him as he heads to the corner and starts to walk the ropes... GOING FOR LIMIT BREAK! However, Woods noticeably walks slightly slower due to the damage done by Bryan. He gets to the center of the ropes and flies off... BRYAN MOVES IN TIME! Woods lands elbow first on the mat and BRYAN USES THAT LOCK HIM IN AN ARMBAR! He uses the damage Woods just did to his own arm as he bends the arm back and forces a tap from Woods!

Winners via submission: Daniel Bryan, Baron Corbin and Erick Rowan (10:22)​

Loud boos ring out as Daniel Bryan holds on for a few more seconds before letting go as he gets to his feet and celebrates the victory. Meanwhile, Kofi Kingston is trying to get into the ring and gets stopped by Baron Corbin who sends Kofi into the steel steps at ringside!

Byron Saxton: Daniel Bryan picks up the win for his team and sends a message to Big E.

Corey Graves: And once again, I'm proven right. His anger at Woods getting attacked led him to attack Rowan and ended with him in the rubble of the ringside barricade.

Baron Corbin now joins Daniel Bryan in the ring as the two heels taunt the crowd and celebrate their victory. We then cut to Big E outside the ring who is still in the rubble of the barricade he sent Rowan through and sees his opponents stood tall in the ring, looking angry as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we see Daniel Bryan walking through the back as he over celebrates his victory. Erick Rowan is noticeably still limping and wincing after going through the barricade but Bryan doesn't give a damn as Cathy Kelly approaches him looking for an interview.

Cathy Kelly: Daniel, a big win tonight over The New Day. Do you think that will help your case for an Intercontinental title shot?

Daniel Bryan: Help? That should cement my claim to an Intercontinental title shot!

Bryan is fired up and shouting as Rowan behind leans on the wall in a ton of pain.

Daniel Bryan: You hear Big E and the rest of them each week talking about how a win for one is a win for all three of them! Well, the same goes for a loss so I beat Big E tonight!

Bryan turns to Rowan and slaps his partner on the chest.

Daniel Bryan: Ain't that right Rowan?

Rowan still in a lot of pain looks at Bryan before nodding in agreement with the Planet's Champion.

Daniel Bryan: Exactly and since I beat Big E, I want an Intercontinental title shot on next week's Smackdown Live!

A potentially massive match for next week's show.

Daniel Bryan: Because I want to walk out of the main event of Wrestlemania holding two titles one more time.

Daniel Bryan then walks off as he signals for Erick Rowan to follow him as the giant shakes his head and we cut back to the commentary team at ringside.

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Byron Saxton: I hate to agree with Daniel Bryan but he does have a point. They did beat the New Day.

Corey Graves: Daniel Bryan is always right Byron. He is literally out here each week trying to save the planet.

Byron Saxton: Really? He never mentioned it.

Corey Graves: Well maybe you should listen better Byron.

Byron rolls his eyes at Corey missing his obvious sarcasm. They are about to bicker some more but they are interrupted by...

*SOUTHERN PROUD*​

As the WWE Tag Team Champions, The Revival make their way out. Both men get mostly boos from the crowd though a few smarks in the crowd cheer for the pair. They have a smug look at their face as they approach the ring.

Byron Saxton: Last week we saw Scott Dawson face John Morrison in his home state of North Carolina.

Corey Graves: Where he beat a former three-time Intercontinental and ECW Champion John Morrison!

Byron Saxton: By DQ.

Corey Graves: It doesn't matter how he did it. All the record books will show is Scott Dawson beat John Morrison. Top guys in the tag division and top guys in singles too it seems.

The Revival are now stood in the ring as they each have a microphone in hand and get ready to address the live crowd.

Scott Dawson: Last week, we proved that we ain't just the best tag team in the world but that I am one of the best wrestlers period!

Boos from the crowd as Dash Wilder shakes his head.

Dash Wilder: My tag team partner and best friend stepped into the ring in his hometown and beat John Morrison!

Scott Dawson: A former Intercontinental Champion, ECW Champion and I pinned him in the middle of the ring!

Dash Wilder: See we can do it all and choose not to!

Boos from the crowd as Scott Dawson grabs his tag team title and holds it in his hand as he looks at it.

Scott Dawson: Because nothing in this business means more to us than keeping hold of these babies! The only thing that comes above these titles is my family!

Dash Wilder: And I don't have a family at home to worry about. All I care about is my best friend, these belts and myself in that order!

Boos from the crowd as The Revival shake their heads not giving a damn.

Scott Dawson: The Miz and John Morrison are a pair of pampered Hollywood wannabes!

Dash Wilder: Those two are not really men! We grew up in North Carolina and fight day in day out to get to the top!

Scott Dawson: And this Sunday we will show...

*AIN'T NO MAKE BELIEVE*​

Cheers from the crowd as John Morrison marches out in jeans and a white shirt as he storms out with a microphone in hand. The Miz soon appears in suit trousers and a shirt as he follows John Morrison out but Morrison isn't waiting for anyone as he storms down the ramp and points at the Revival in the ring.

John Morrison: The only reason you won last week Scott was because of a rubbish referee who was overwhelmed by the North Carolina crowd!

Cheers from the crowd as Scott Dawson shakes his head.

Scott Dawson: Don't blame the referee because you couldn't get the job done.

John Morrison: If we were in this arena last week with fans who actually appreciate Hollywood stars I'd have won!

Mostly cheers this time but a few don't like the dig at last week's crowd. The Miz steps forward as he looks to calm his partner down and now speaks for a moment.

The Miz: What my friend is trying to say is you may have the advantage in North Carolina but everywhere else the WWE Universe knows how to treat A-Listers.

That gets those boos back on side as Morrison shakes his head slightly as Miz and Morrison stand outside the ring at the bottom of the entrance ramp.

The Miz: You may have had the hometown crowd backing you up last week but when we step into the ring this Sunday, right here in Texas...

A loud cheap pop as The Miz carries on.

The Miz: We'll have the crowd on our side and it will make the moment we become tag team champions again even sweeter because everything's bigger in Texas.

Another cheap pop from the crowd as The Revival shake their heads.

Scott Dawson: Having children really changed you didn't it?

Dash Wilder: When I look at my best friend and tag team partner Scott, I kind of want a family of my own. When I look at you and see how soft you've become, I no longer want a family.

Loud boos from the crowd as The Miz looks furious.

Scott Dawson: Becoming a family man made me want to work harder to become champion! You though? You started to rest on your laurels and became soft because you want to make “your daughter proud”!

The boos get louder and The Miz has enough sliding into the ring, followed shortly after by Morrison but The Revival have already snuck out of the ring getting even more heat!

The Miz: You think I've got soft? Do you know what happened the last time someone called me soft? I went on one of the greatest runs of my career!

Miz points at his face as he screams at the tag team champions.

The Miz: You two are just like Daniel Bryan. Two elitists who think they know better than anyone! Who look down on me because I come from reality TV.

The Revival shrug and agree with Miz saying off-mic they don't respect Miz. John Morrison then steps forward and leans over the ropes.

John Morrison: You think he is soft, why don't you step into the ring and give these fans a Royal Rumble preview right now?

Cheers from the crowd as The Revival look at each other and nod as they head towards the ring... BEFORE BACKING OFF AND SHAKING THEIR HEADS AS THEY TAUNT THE FANS! Loud boos as Morrison and Miz look unimpressed whilst the tag team champions back off and go up the entrance ramp.

Scott Dawson: We don't fight when these people want it. Top guys fight on their terms.

Dash Wilder: And we will remain the top guys after this Sunday!

The Revival drop their microphones as they stand at the top of the entrance ramp lifting their tag team titles into the air as Miz and Morrison talk trash to the champions, with Miz especially angry having been called soft by The Revival as we cut to a commercial break.

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*FABULOUS*​

When we return from the commercial break, we hear the theme music for the only two-time Mrs. Money in the Bank Carmella make her entrance. And she is even joined by her friend R-Truth who starts to hype up the crowd getting them to sign along to his “What's up?” song.

Byron Saxton: Carmella will this Sunday look to become the first woman to ever win the Money in the Bank ladder match and the Royal Rumble!

Corey Graves: Carmella has the skill to do it. She even won the Sensational Sherri battle royal at last year's Wrestlemania.

Spoiler alert: This will be the new name for the annual match.

*FREE THE FLAME*​

A pretty decent reaction next as Ember Moon makes her way out! She makes her usual entrance and smiles slightly but goes back to being focused as she looks to not only get her hands on The Riott Squad who have been causing issues for her the last few weeks but her rival from her days in NXT: WWE Women's Champion Asuka.

Byron Saxton: Ember Moon is one of the favorites for the Rumble in my book. She has found new life teaming with her best friend Alexa Bliss and she is desperate to get her hands on Asuka.

Corey Graves: But every time they met in the ring, Asuka came out on top. No one is ready for the Empress!

*NAH NAH*​

Another decent pop from the live crowd as Liv Morgan makes her way out. You can sense some nerves on her part as she is 2 nights away from the biggest match of her career this Sunday against Asuka. She steps through the ropes and joins her tag team partners inside the ring.

Byron Saxton: Liv Morgan heads into Sunday looking to achieve the impossible. Defeat Asuka. But all she needs is one three count and she is the new WWE Women's Champion.

Corey Graves: This isn't a fairytale Byron. This is real life and Asuka is an unstoppable monster who has run through everyone in her path. She even overcame Charlotte who she had never defeated before. This is a new and improved Asuka, which is a scary thought as the old Asuka was unbeatable already!

*WE RIOT*​

Boos from the crowd ring out as The Riott Squad march out. Ruby has an angry look on her face whilst Sarah Logan smirks and the duo head down the ramp, climbing into the ring. Liv Morgan remains focused in the ring as The Riott Squad taunt their former best friend.

Byron Saxton: Well we were talking about last year's Sensational Sherri battle royal and Sarah Logan was the person who came runner-up in that match. Do you think she or Ruby can go all the way this Sunday in the Royal Rumble?

Corey Graves: I think it's hard to rule them out. The Riott Squad will work together if they are in the match at the same time.

*THE FUTURE*​

And last but certainly not least the WWE Women's Champion makes her way out with a smug look on her face. She has the WWE Women's tag team title around her waist as she walks to the ring lifting the title into the air and shows it off to the crowd. She still gets a mixed reaction from the fans before slowly heading towards the ring.

Byron Saxton: And the woman everyone in this match has their eyes on!

Corey Graves: When you are on top, everyone wants to knock you down but are they ready for what Asuka brings? I doubt it.

Asuka is now ringside as she climbs into the ring and looks to start the match off. Liv and Ember both want to start the match as Asuka shouts she wants Liv. Ember look at Liv who asks her to start and Ember sighs nodding as she lets Liv start the match for her team as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway.

Match 2: Asuka and The Riott Squad vs Liv Morgan, Carmella and Ember Moon w/R-Truth​

Match summary: Asuka and Liv Morgan walk around the ring at the start of the match circling the ring. Asuka licks her lips before charging and grab Liv. The number one contender for the WWE Women's title this Sunday though fights back and lays into Asuka with several punches fending her off. Asuka though once again takes control and soon overpowers Liv sending her back into her corner... so she makes the tag to Ember Moon! Ember and Asuka have a stare-down with Asuka smirking... AND SHE TAGS OUT BRINGING RUBY RIOTT INTO THE MATCH!

Loud boos from the crowd as Asuka continues to avoid Ember Moon and we see some action between Ruby Riott and Ember Moon in the center of the ring. Both women show off what they can do but Ember Moon is in control as she brings Carmella into the ring. The babyface team spends the next few minutes working over Ruby until Ruby counters one of Carmella's attacks and brings her tag team partner Sarah Logan into the match for the first time!

The Riott Squad members work together well to isolate Carmella and wear down the Princess as Liv Morgan and Ember Moon will her on to make the tag to them. However, Carmella struggles against the teamwork of the Riott Squad. Asuka even steps into the ring and looks to torment Liv Morgan and Ember Moon by peppering poor Carmella with several kicks to the chest. She even grabs Carmella but the jaw and mocks her so CARMELLA SLAPS HER! Asuka falls back and follows it up with a SPIN KICK! Asuka makes the cover but it only gets a 2 count!

Asuka sends Carmella into the corner and peppers her with several kicks in the corner of the ring! She makes the tag bringing Ruby back in who hammers her and lifts her into the air for a POWERBOMB... BUT CARMELLA COUNTERS WITH A HURRICANRANA! She looks over to her corner and makes the HOT TAG BRINGING LIV MORGAN INTO THE MATCH! Ruby meanwhile tags in Sarah Logan but Liv runs wild as she takes down both members of the Riott Squad!

Liv stands tall in the ring as ASUKA CLOBBERS HER FROM BEHIND! Boos from the crowd as Asuka stands tall over Liv smirking after the cheap shot from the WWE Women's Champion. However, before Asuka can do much more damage she gets hit with an ECLIPSE BY EMBER MOON! Asuka flies out of the ring as Ember Moon helps Liv to her feet but she gets attacked by Ruby Riott! Ruby and Ember end up falling over the top rope as the rivals over the last month end up brawling up the entrance ramp and head to the back! Back in the ring both Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan are back on their feet. Liv lays into Sarah Logan with several punches but her former friend puts her down with a wicked clothesline dropping Morgan!

Sarah Logan then heads to the corner of the ring as she looks for MANI! However, before she can do anything Carmella grabs her leg! Sarah kicks her off but it gives Liv Morgan enough time to recover as she jumps up the ropes and hits an AVALANCHE FRANKENSTENIER! Sarah Logan drops to the mat as Liv gets back up but on the outside, Asuka is back to her feet. She and Liv have a stare-down but before Asuka can get in the ring Carmella grabs her! Liv then hits Sarah Logan with a STANDING MOONSAULT as she hooks the leg staring down Asuka as the referee counts to 3!

Winners via pinfall: Liv Morgan, Carmella and Ember Moon (9:23)​

Loud cheers from the crowd as on the outside Asuka looks furious having seen her team come up short tonight. Liv Morgan meanwhile gets to her feet and carries on her momentum over the last few months with another big win on Smackdown.

Byron Saxton: Liv Morgan picks up a big win ahead of this Sunday and maybe Asuka has something to worry about?

Corey Graves: Against anyone else, my money would be on Liv Morgan but it is Asuka.

Asuka has fought off Carmella now as she stares down her challenge this Sunday with Liv Morgan shouting at the champion she is ready and will be ready for Asuka this Sunday as we cut to a commercial break!

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When we return from the commercial break we can see EMBER MOON AND RUBY RIOTT still brawling with each other through the backstage area! Ember Moon sends Ruby Riott into a wall as she looks to the side and looks to grab a weapon but RUBY CATCHES HER WITH THE RIOTT KICK! Ember Moon falls over on the floor as Ruby Riott smirks... AS BLISS CLOCKS HER FROM BEHIND WITH A FOREARM USING HER CAST! Ruby falls to the floor as Bliss stands over Ruby Riott as she looks at her right arm and takes her cast off throwing it to the side!

Alexa Bliss: Looks like I'm all better.

Ember Moon gets back to her feet and stands by her best friend as the duo share a fist bump and head elsewhere backstage leaving Ruby Riott laying on the floor backstage as we cut back to the commentary team at ringside.

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Byron Saxton: Alexa Bliss with her right arm fully healed has to be one of the favourites to win the match.

Corey Graves: She is a former five-time Women's Champion and Ember Moon better watch out because she is willing to stab her in the back to win the Royal Rumble!

*NO MORE WORDS*​

A massive pop from the live crowd as Jeff Hardy's iconic theme hits and he makes his way out with a microphone in his hand. There is none of his usual dancing as the number one contender for the WWE title looks focused as he heads to the ring ready to call out the WWE Champion Roman Reigns.

Byron Saxton: Last week, it was made official and the WWE title match at the Royal Rumble this Sunday will be a Tables Ladders and Chairs match!

Corey Graves: Jeff Hardy is famous for his performances in TLC matches but Roman Reigns made his debut in a TLC match and won.

Jeff Hardy is now inside the ring, still getting a loud pop from the live crowd as he waits for the cheers from the crowd to die down. He looks like he is about to speak but oddly stops for a moment and slides out of the ring as he heads to the ring apron lifting it up to grab a STEEL CHAIR! He lifts it into the air to a decent pop from the crowd before sliding it into the ring. He places the chair on the mat and takes a seat on it as he grabs the microphone.

Jeff Hardy: Roman! You said you were going to be here so why don't you bring your ass to this ring right now!

Jeff tosses the microphone back down to the mat and remains seated as he gets a loud pop from the crowd keeping it short and sweet. Jeff waits for a few seconds but there is no sign of the WWE Champion just yet, angering Jeff who picks up the microphone once again.

Jeff Hardy: I've got all night Roman so why don't you be a man and come to this ring right now!

Jeff is fired up and he doesn't have to wait much longer as...

*THE EMPIRE*​

Roman Reigns makes his way out, with a snarl on his face and the WWE title on his shoulder. Roman gets loud boos from the crowd as the WWE Champion has a microphone in hand ready to address Jeff Hardy in the ring.

Roman Reigns: Who do you think you are to call me out? I'm the head of the table. I run this show.

Loud boos from the crowd as Roman turns to the fans.

Roman Reigns: And you think I'm going to walk into that ring to let you attack me with a steel chair?

Roman shakes his head and dismisses Jeff.

Roman Reigns: Unlike you, I don't take stupid risks with my body. You want to fight? Leave that chair and fight me with your fists like a man!

Boos from the crowd as Jeff picks the microphone back up.

Jeff Hardy: Fine.

Jeff tosses the microphone down to the mat and climbs over the top rope as he heads up the entrance ramp... AND ROMAN MEETS HIM IN THE MIDDLE AS THEY START BRAWLING AROUND RINGSIDE! Both men lay into each other but Roman takes control with a BOOT TO THE BALLS! A cheap shot by Roman Reigns as Jeff Hardy doubles over with the crowd booing the hell out of Roman. The WWE Champion doesn't give a damn as he yanks Jeff off the floor and SENDS HIM BACK FIRST INTO THE BARRICADE! Roman follows up with several fists to the head of Jeff Hardy!

He lays a beating on Jeff before lifting him up again and sending him into the ring post! Jeff falls down as Roman barks at him “You're a failure and you always will be”! Roman then heads to the ring apron and pulls out a steel chair! Massive boos as Roman turns around stalking Jeff Hardy... WHO SPRINGS TO LIFE AND HITS A DROPKICK INTO ROMAN'S FACE SENDING THE CHAIR INTO HIS FACE! Roman falls back and drops the chair as Jeff Hardy grabs his jaw. He then looks at the steel chair on the floor and grabs it!

He stands behinds Roman who is on his knees and WAILS ON HIM WITH THE STEEL CHAIR! He batters Roman Reigns with the chair hitting him over and over and over until the chair buckles as the crowd cheer in delight. Jeff is far from done though as he looks to the ring apron and pulls out a LADDER! However before he can do any more damage to the WWE Champion, we see WADE BARRETT WALK OUT WITH A SWARM OF SECURITY as they grab Jeff Hardy and Roman looking to get the situation under control.

Corey Graves: Wade Barrett finally restoring order here!

Byron Saxton: Well we saw how quickly the tide in this brawl turned once a steel chair became invovled.

Corey Graves: I think jeff knows he can't beat Roman in a singles match but in a TLC match? A match Jeff Hardy help to innovate? Who knows what could happen.

Byron Saxton: And I don't think I've seen Jeff Hardy this motivated in years!

The security team pulls both men away as they are still trying to get this brawl under control. Both Jeff Hardy and Roman Reigns are still trying to get a hold of each other but they are kept apart as Barrett looks to restore order whilst we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we can see Alicia Fox and Dana Brooke already stood in the ring. Both women are chatting to each other as they are looking to get their makeshift team off the ground.

Byron Saxton: Well as you saw before the commercial break, both Jeff Hardy and Roman Reigns don't want to wait till Sunday to collide.

Corey Graves: Both men have been sent home, which Roman wasn't happy about but I can't wait to see what happens in the TLC match this Sunday!

*RECOGNIZE A LADY*​

Loud boos ring out as The Queen Charlotte Flair and Lacey Evans walk out. The WWE tag team champions have the WWE Tag Team titles around their waist as the duo taunt the fans and walk to the ring.

Byron Saxton: Charlotte Flair and Lacey Evans have been on one hell of a run since becoming WWE Women's tag team champions.

Corey Graves: They have dominated Smackdown, Raw, and NXT. But Flair has said they do not have enough gold and want more.

Byron Saxton: Charlotte has said online if she wins the Rumble, she will fight for either the Universal Women's title or the NXT Women's title if Asuka is still champion after this Sunday.

Corey Graves: And with those tag team titles, whose to say if Lacey wins the Rumble that Charlotte doesn't challenge for both those titles anyway?

Once in the ring, Charlotte Flair starts for the Queens of WWE whilst Alicia Fox starts for her team as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!

Match 3: The Queens of WWE vs Alicia Fox and Dana Brooke​

Match summary: Charlotte Flair and Lacey Evans control the match from start to finish even surviving a mini fightback from Dana Brooke but in the end, Charlotte locks her in the FIGURE EIGHT! Alicia Fox tries to break it up but gets dropped with a WOMAN'S RIGHT! Dana can't make it to the ropes and taps out!

Winners via submission: The Queens of WWE (3:01)​

Charlotte holds on for a few seconds after the bell before finally letting go as Lacey Evans joins her in the ring and the tag team champions celebrate the victory tonight.

Byron Saxton: A dominant win tonight by our WWE Women's tag team champions.

Corey Graves: Steel sharpens steel. These two have been fighting on three brands since winning the tag team titles and it has made them even better than before.

Charlotte Flair meanwhile has grabbed a pair of microphones and passes one to her tag team partner Lacey as they address the live crowd.

Charlotte Flair: As you just saw, no one measures up to the Queens!

Boos from the crowd rings out.

Charlotte Flair: We run not only the Smackdown Women's Division but every Women's division in this company!

Lacey nods agreeing with her tag team partner.

Lacey Evans: None of you nasties can keep up with us and that includes the twenty-eight who will enter the Royal Rumble.

Charlotte Flair: I have done pretty much everything a woman can do in the WWE. Won every title there is to win.

Missing out the NXT UK title there Charlotte...

Charlotte Flair: All I have left to do is win the Money in the Bank briefcase...

She turns to Lacey.

Charlotte Flair: But we all know I can get a title shot whenever I want because I'm a Flair! WOO!

Loud boos from the crowd but some do join in with the WOO!

Charlotte Flair: But winning the Royal Rumble, just like my dear old dad. Well, it would bring a tear to my eye.

One of the best rumbles ever.

Charlotte Flair: See a Flair should be dripping in gold and after this Sunday, I'll be able to pick whichever title I want a shot at. It could...

Lacey Evans: Charlotte I think you made a mistake.

Charlotte turns to her tag team partner confused.

Lacey Evans: Because I'm the one who's going to win the Royal Rumble.

Charlotte smirks as she turns to Lacey.

Charlotte Flair: Lacey your time will come one day thanks to my help but I'm the one who is going to win the rumble.

Lacey looks annoyed now.

Lacey Evans: I thought you could get a title shot whenever you want, so why do you need to win the Rumble? Why not help me win so we can both get a title shot?

A mixed reaction from the crowd as some cheer on Lacey Evans. Charlotte looks to respond but before she can...

*X*​

A decent pop from the live crowd as the theme music for the Twisted Sisters hits. Both Charlotte and Lacey turn to the entrance ramp as they get ready to face the Scottish duo.

Byron Saxton: Last week we saw The Queens of WWE attack the Twisted Sisters from behind and lay them out. It looks like the Sisters want revenge!

The Queens of WWE are ready for a fight but there is no sign of the Twisted Sisters as the music carries on playing... as NIKKI CROSS AND ISLA DAWN SLIDE INTO THE RING COMING FROM THE CROWD! The duo slide into the ring and attack the pair from behind as they lay into the tag team champions avenging the attack from last week! The Twisted Sisters carry on the beat down as Nikki grabs hold of Charlotte Flair and hits her with THE PURGE! Isla meanwhile lifts Lacey Evans up and plants her with BLACK MAGIC! A decent pop from the live crowd as Nikki gets a microphone and stands over Charlotte Flair!

Nikki Cross: Nikki came to play!

She is very excited as Isla signals she wants the microphone. Nikki smiles and passes it to her tag team partner.

Isla Dawn: One of the positives about being on your back is you can look up at the lights.

She bends down by Lacey Evans and points to the roof.

Isla Dawn: The lights almost look like the stars don't they?

She smirks before walking back to the centre of the ring standing next to Nikki Cross.

Isla Dawn: We've been looking at the stars and we see gold in our future.

Nikki picks up one of the tag team titles looking transfixed by it.

Isla Dawn: Tag team gold...

Isla smirks slightly.

Isla Dawn: And singles gold.

Nikki puts the tag team title back on Charlotte Flair as she asks Isla off-mic will they get to play against each other.

Isla Dawn: Of course Nikki. We will get to play against each other and twenty-eight other women.

Nikki looks excited as Isla turns back to the live crowd.

Isla Dawn: Because our future victories are written in the stars.

Isla puts the microphone down on the mat and looks to leave with Nikki following after her as the crowd cheer on The Twisted Sisters. Charlotte and Lacey are meanwhile starting to come to as the pair look furious at being shown up by the pair tonight as we cut elsewhere backstage...

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And we see Kayla Braxton stood backstage ready for an interview!

Kayla Braxton: The road to the Rumble is really hotting up in the Women's division but right now I have three of the men stepping into the Men's Royal Rumble this Sunday: The New Day!

All 3 members of the New Day walk into the shot but none of them look happy having lost earlier tonight.

Kayla Braxton: Guys, it has been a rough night for you three after losing to Daniel Bryan, Baron Corbin and Erick Rowan. Not only that but Daniel Bryan issued a challenge to you for next week's Smackdown? What do you have to say Big E?

Big E steps forward, standing in front of his tag team partners.

Big E: Daniel Bryan wants to use our positivity against us? Fine, I'll put this title on the line next week!

Big E lifts the Intercontinental title into the air and slaps it as Kofi steps forward.

Kofi Kingston: You have been a problem for us now for nearly a year and we are sick of it!

Big E: And I plan on beating you so bad, you never trouble us again!

Big E looks pissed off as Kayla looks to carry on.

Kayla Braxton: In the meantime, you three will step into the Royal Rumble match, what are your guys’ plans for the match?

Woods walks forward and taps Big E on the shoulder as he takes a step back to calm down.

Xavier Woods: Our plan is to win Kayla. See the other people in the match don't have the advantage we do. Yes, there are other groups like Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn or the Ungovernables, but they are out for themselves.

Kofi Kingston: I've teamed with KO and Sami. They are boys, they are tight but they also both want only themselves to win.

Xavier Woods: Whilst Zelina's clients, well you know the kind of people who would associate themselves with her.

Kofi Kingston: Us three though? As long as one of us wins, we all win!

Xavier Woods: Whether Big E goes to Wrestlemania to become a double champion, Kofi makes it Kofimania two: Electric boogaloo...

Kofi Kingston: Or our boy Xavier Woods makes it to the top!

Woods looks a bit unsure and smiles slightly as Kofi hypes him up.

Kofi Kingston: All three of us thrive off each other's success. We make each other better.

Big E: And without these two, I wouldn't be the Intercontinental Champion I am today!

Xavier Woods: Cause NEW DAY ROCKS!

New Day: NEW DAY ROCKS! NEW DAY ROCKS!

Kofi Kingston: C'mon Kayla!

Kayla chuckles before joining in with the trio.

Kayla Braxton and The New Day: NEW DAY ROCKS! NEW DAY ROCKS! NEW DAY ROCKS! NEW DAY ROCKS!

All four carry on chanting and having fun as the screen fades to black as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we cut what looks like someone filming on a handheld device. The camera quickly spins around and it is clear it is PEYTON'S ROYCE'S PHONE! She is joined in the background by her tag team partner Billie Kay!

Peyton Royce: Billie and I have been watching the show whilst working out in the gym ready for the Royal Rumble!

Billie Kay: Staying Iconic isn't easy!

Peyton Royce: If it was you losers at home would be able to do it!

Billie lets out a chuckle as she nudges her tag team partner.

Billie Kay: Good one.

Peyton Royce: I know, it was Iconic!

Billie does the Iconic pose which Peyton can't do as she is holding the phone.

Peyton Royce: But do you know what's not Iconic?

Billie Kay: The Queens of WWE!

Peyton Royce: Not only them but The Twisted Sisters.

Billie Kay: Oh my god! Their accents are so annoying!

Insert a joke about a pot and kettle.

Peyton Royce: But do you know what's even more annoying?

Billie Kay: The fact they are also in the Royal Rumble?

Peyton Royce: No.

Peyton pauses for a moment.

Peyton Royce: Well yes but what's even more annoying is them cutting in line for the tag team titles!

Billie Kay: Oh my god. It is so annoying. We were robbbbbed!

Peyton Royce: Exactly. We should have got an automatic rematch for those titles!

Billie Kay: But nooooooo! Wade Barrett insists we face the Twisted Sisters next week in a number one contender's match!

Peyton Royce: It's unfair and we deserve better. However this Sunday we will do something truly Iconic.

Billie Kay: That's right we will be the first-ever female joint Royal Rumble winners! Because we are...

Both: ICONIC!

Both of them do the pose this time cause the camera to point towards the sky as we cut back to the commentary team at ringside.

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Byron Saxton: Well as you can see from the video sent in to us by The Iiconics they are feeling confident.

Corey Graves: Of course they are Byron. They are about to become the first-ever joint Women's Royal Rumble winners.

Byron Saxton: How is going to work?

Corey Graves: I don't know but it will be Iconic for sure!

*CAN YOU FEEL MY HEART*​

A pretty decent pop from the live crowd as the Bruiserweight makes his way out with his signature snarl on his face. He walks down the entrance ramp with a purpose before climbing into the ring as he shows off his teeth before placing his mouthguard in ready for the match.

Byron Saxton: Pete Dunne is a dark horse for the Rumble. He was NXT UK Champion for six-hundred and eighty-five days!

Corey Graves: Not only that but he also knows how to pick limbs apart like no one else.

Byron Saxton: It's hard to hold onto the ropes when your fingers are broken!

Corey Graves: And he ain't above using any means necessary to win a match.

*DEAD SILENT*​

Boos ring out as smoke fills the ringside area. Dunne remains unfazed by this entrance as Scarlett Bordeaux does her usual seductive siren entrance hyping up Karrion Kross. Kross meanwhile has an intense glare as he stares down Pete Dunne inside the ring.

Byron Saxton: Karrion Kross has been unstoppable and unbeatable since coming to Smackdown Live.

Corey Graves: And he surely has to be a favourite to win the Rumble!

Karrion Kross has now stepped inside the ring as he towers over Pete Dunne. He smiles for the first time, looking sinister but Dunne doesn't flinch as he glares at Karrion Kross. The referee meanwhile calls for the bell and this match is underway!

Match 4: Pete Dunne vs Karrion Kross​

Match summary: In the first few seconds of the match, both men look at each other with Dunne refusing to break eye contact. Kross though moves first and lunges at Dunne, who ducks underneath running at the ropes and catching Kross off-guard with a DROPKICK! Kross falls back and grabs the ropes, slightly frustrated at being shown up in the early stages of the match. Dunne though goes on the attack laying into Kross who turns him inside out with a WICKED CLOTHESLINE! Kross starts to toss Pete Dunne around the ring as he hits him with a variety of power moves, dominating him with ease.

Dunne stays in the match as he starts to work over the arms of Kross trying to slow him down but it has little effect with Kross even starting to pull out some submissions of his own, grinding down Dunne on the mat. The commentary team put over the variety of moves being shown off by the harbinger of doomsday. As we get towards the closing stages of the match, Dunne has started to grind down Kross and causing him some pain before transitioning into an ARMBAR! He looks to get the hold locked in tight as Kross scrambles and makes it to the ropes!

The referee starts to count but Dunne does let go straight away and instead grab the fingers on KARRION'S RIGHT HAND AND SNAPS THEM! A loud pop from the crowd as Dunne breaks the fingers of Kross like only he can and for the first time the monster feels pain on Smackdown. Kross grabs his fingers and is clearly in a ton of pain as Scarlett looks furious outside the ring. Dunne isn't done though as he clocks Kross with a wicked right hand before grabbing hold of him and looks to go for the BITTER END! He tries to lift Kross up but the big man elbows him off breaking the hold and looks to go for the KROSS JACKET!

He wraps his arms around Dunne's neck but can't get a good grip on him due to his broken fingers. He tries to force Dunne to tap out as he starts to fade! Dunne though spits out his mouthguard and BITES THE FINGERSON KROSS'S HAND! Cheap tactics but the crowd are delighted with Dunne's antics here. Kross is in a ton of pain and Dunne capitalizes on that as he grabs hold of Kross's right arm, putting pressure on the broken fingers GOING FOR A MODIFIED ARMBAR!

Kross is clearly in a ton of pain but uses all of his power to get to his feet AND POWERBOMBS DUNNE ONTO THE MAT... BUT DUNNE REFUSES TO LET GO! Kross grits his teeth before POWERBOMBING DUNNE TWO MORE TIME FINALLY GET HIM TO BREAK THE HOLD! Kross winces in pain before scooping Dunne up and hits THE DOOMSDAY SAITO! Kross makes the cover only able to use his left arm to press down getting the 3 count in a very tough match!

Winner via pinfall: Karrion Kross (11:48)​

Boos ring out as Karrion Kross gets to his feet as he grabs his right hand which is in a ton of pain. Scarlett Bordeaux comes into the ring and checks on her man making sure he is OK.

Byron Saxton: Pete Dunne gave Kross the toughest challenge he has ever faced but Karrion Kross picked up the win tonight.

Corey Graves: But has Pete Dunne done key damage ahead of the Rumble? You saw the condition Kross's hand was in as we got to the end of the match. Could that affect him this Sunday at the Rumble?

Pete Dunne meanwhile is starting to come too after the match and Kross looks like he wants to do more damage... but SCARLETT STOPS HIM! She calms her man down before glaring at Dunne as the duo head up the entrance ramp as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break we see Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander stood front and centre with their new ally Dio Maddin stood behind them, towering over his new allies. All 3 men are in suits as Shelton and Cedric both have a smirk on their faces as they look at the camera.

Shelton Benjamin: Last week we introduced this man to the world.

Shelton slaps his chest as Dio Maddin glares at the camera.

Cedric Alexander: This man was a former NFL football and was trained by Hall of Famer Booker T. And now he gets to learn from another legend in Shelton.

Shelton nods as Dio remains focused on staring daggers at the camera.

Shelton Benjamin: This man is a beast and will destroy anyone who gets in our way. Whether it's for singles gold or...

Shelton looks at Cedric and nods.

Shelton Benjamin: Tag team gold.

Cedric lets out a big smile as Shelton turns back to the camera.

Shelton Benjamin: But to get ourselves in contention for those belts, we need to beat some teams starting with Lucha House Party!

Cedric claps his hand and has a wild smile on his face.

Cedric Alexander: Dio already put your little friend Ricochet in the hospital! And when we're done with you, maybe they'll give you a bed next to him.

Dio punches his fists still looking menacing as Shelton nods.

Shelton Benjamin: We're issuing the challenge for the Royal Rumble pre-show. We'll see you there... unless you wise up to the hurt in store for you real soon.

The trio walk off bringing the promo to an end as we cut elsewhere backstage...

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And we see Lucha House Party stood watching the end of the promo on a TV. As they turn around we see Cathy Kelly with a microphone looking for an interview.

Cathy Kelly: Lince, Metalik, we heard Shelton issue the challenge. What is your response?

Lince Dorado looks at Gran Metalik who nods as Lince steps forward to speak to Cathy.

Lince Dorado: First of all, we want to wish our friend Ricochet all the best. We know he is watching us from the hospital and he will want us to kick their ass!

Gran Metalik: Shelton y Cedric ¿son ustedes dos pequeñas perras que tienen que esconderse detrás de un perro guardián?

Lince nods agreeing with his tag team partner.

Lince Dorado: We accept and I promise that we will make you respect Lucha!

Both men stare at the camera before walking off having made the pre-show tag team match official for the Royal Rumble pre-show as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break we see Kevin Owens are sat down backstage in the cafeteria and the duo are clearly mid-argument!

Kevin Owens: I've already told you! I'm winning the Royal Rumble.

Sami Zayn: No I'm winning the Rumble.

Kevin Owens: Well I'm doing it for my family who are you doing it for?

Sami Zayn: Well... um... the planet!

Kevin Owens: That's literally Daniel Bryan's whole thing!

Before Sami can respond we see Kayla Braxton walk up to the duo pausing the argument for a moment.

Kayla Braxton: Guys, I could hear your argument from halfway down the hallway. Why are you two arguing?

Kevin Owens: Because he thinks he's winning the Royal Rumble.

Sami Zayn: Because I am. I've beaten you before.

Kevin Owens: And how many times have I beaten you before?

Both men stare at each other before starting to laugh as they share a hug leaving Kayla a tad confused. Sami looks over to the confused Kayla and smiling.

Sami Zayn: Listen we may disagree on who is going to win the Rumble but we are like brothers.

Kevin Owens: And brothers occasionally fight. They sometimes disagree.

Sami Zayn: But they always have each other's back.

Kevin Owens: So it doesn't matter who else is in the Rumble, we'll fight them and throw them all out.

Sami Zayn: Before we fight forever.

KO and Sami Zayn smile having sent a message to the twenty-eight other men who are entering the Royal Rumble this Sunday as we cut back to the commentary team at ringside.

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Byron Saxton: Strong words from the former WWE Tag team champions there.

Corey Graves: I don't see it lasting though. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens are always destined to fight each other.

*BLUE COLLAR SOLID*​

A pretty decent pop from the live crowd as Otis Dozovic makes his way out to the ring. He is wearing double denim as he walks down the ramp and slaps hands with a few of the fans, clearly in a good mood ahead of potentially the biggest match of his career so far this Sunday in the Royal Rumble.

Byron Saxton: Otis Dozovic has spent all of his career so far teaming with Tucker Knight but this Sunday he goes alone into the Royal Rumble and Corey I have to say, he's got a shot.

Corey Graves: This moron doesn't have a shot at anything. He is too goofy to have a chance of winning a match as prestigious as the Royal Rumble!

Otis Dozovic is now in the ring as he smiles looking out at the crowd as he gets ready to speak to the WWE Universe.

Otis Dozovic: This Sunday, I get the chance to do something my mama always talked about. Enter the Royal Rumble.

Cheers from Otis who nods alone and smiles at the reaction he is getting.

Otis Dozovic: And I was always taught to believe in myself. That if I believed in myself I could do anything. Oh yeah!

Pop from the crowd for Otis's catchphrase as the big man carries on.

Otis Dozovic: And this Sunday I believe I can win the Royal Rumble!

Cheers from the crowd and even a few “YOU CAN DO IT” chants from some of the fans which brings a smile to Otis' face.

Otis Dozovic: And when I do win, I'm going to do it in honour of my best friend Tucky!

Cheers from the crowd and Otis smiles widely happy to be doing this in honour of his best friend and tag team partner.

Otis Dozovic: He's nearly better and will see me win the Royal Rumble! Ohhhh yeah!

Otis starts to dance to the delight of the crowd. He does it for a little while until...

*I BRING THE DARKNESS (END OF DAYS)*​

Loud boos ring out as Baron Corbin walks out in his waistcoat-like attire and he has a smug look on his face. He starts to walk down the ramp and starts laughing at Otis in the ring.

Baron Corbin: You think you're going to win the Royal Rumble? You are a joke!

Corbin lets out a big obnoxious laugh as Otis looks upset. Corbin meanwhile carries on walking down the ramp.

Baron Corbin: You ain't won a single title since coming to WWE.

Corbin climbs onto the ring apron and steps through the ropes joining Otis in the ring.

Baron Corbin: All you've done is be Tucker's sidekick...

Otis is no longer sad and now looks angry.

Baron Corbin: I'm winning the Royal Rumble this Sunday! I'm a proven winner whilst you're a proven loser just like Tucker!

And that was a comment too far as Otis decks Corbin! Corbin falls to the mat clutching his jaw as Otis runs off the mat and crushes him with a running body splash! Otis then grabs hold of Corbin and scoops him off the mat hitting him with the EXCAVATOR! Loud cheers from the crowd as Otis gets back to his feet and stands tall over Baron Corbin!

Byron Saxton: Otis has sent a message to the rest of the Royal Rumble.

Corey Graves: I still hate him but there is no denying his athletic skill and his power.

Byron Saxton: He ain't going to be easy to throw out of the Rumble either that is for sure!

Otis is now dancing in the ring getting a decent reaction from the live crowd as we cut elsewhere backstage... AND SEE DREW MCINTYRE ON THE WAY TO THE RING!

Corey Graves: Up next we will see Drew McIntyre take on Buddy Murphy in our main event. Don't go anywhere!

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Ad break
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*OPPOSITE ENDS OF THE WORLD*​

Boos ring out as Buddy Murphy makes his way out (though a few smarks cheer for Buddy) as he walks down the ramp with a stoic look on his face. He doesn't pay much attention to the fans as he climbs into the ring ready for this main event.

Byron Saxton: Buddy Murphy has a chip on his shoulder and feels he is still being disrespected and overlooked by not only Wade Barrett but the fans.

Corey Graves: His ability shouldn't be a secret. He is one of the best in the world and just needs one big win to prove it in the Royal Rumble match this Sunday.

*BROKEN DREAMS*​

A loud pop as The Sinister Scotsman slowly walks out with a focused look on his face. Just like Buddy Murphy, he doesn't pay attention to the fans and marches to the ring with a purpose.

Byron Saxton: Drew McIntyre is a lot of people's favorites to win the Royal Rumble and will be looking to pick up another win.

Corey Graves: He has managed to beat everyone in his path since leaving the Corporation except our current WWE Champion Roman Reigns.

Byron Saxton: But each time someone else got involved.

Corey Graves: It doesn't matter. The record books only show the victor.

Drew McIntyre is now stood in the ring as we see Buddy Murphy circling his hands as he gets ready for a fight. Drew remains calm and stoic however as the referee calls for the bell to get this main event underway!

Main event: Drew McIntyre vs Buddy Murphy​

Match summary: Once the bell rings, both men meet in the center of the ring and lock up. Drew McIntyre ends up taking control early on due to his superior power and tosses Murphy around the ring. This angers the former Cruiserweight Champion who rolls to the outside and slams his hands down on the apron in frustration. He slides back in and goes for a nothing lock-up as Drew once again takes control thanks to his superior power. Buddy is clearly annoyed by this and gets to the ropes forcing a break from Drew.

Drew lets go of Buddy on the count of 2 before backing away. Murphy this time charges in and they go for a third lock-up but this time Murphy catches Drew with a boot to the gut before taking him down with a KNEE TO THE HEAD! Boos from the crowd for the cheap strike but Murphy doesn't care as he starts to fly around the ring trying to overwhelm Drew with his superior speed. Drew though remains comfortably in the match and even kicks out at 1 when Buddy hits him with most of his moves.

Buddy starts to take a few more risks and that comes back to bite him as it allows Drew to catch him and start tossing him around the ring. Drew also lays into Murphy with a series of strikes and then around the 10-minute mark connects with the FUTURESHOCK DDT! He plants Buddy's head into the mat before making the cover 1 2 Murphy kicks out! Drew shakes his head and then signals to the crowd he is looking to end this as he heads to the corner as he lines Murphy up for THE CLAYMORE! He counts down 1 2... MURPHY COUNTERS WITH A V-TRIGGER!

Drew is rocked as stumbles backward and Buddy follows up with a SECOND V-TRIGGER! Drew is staggered by this but still standing so Murphy follows it up with a THIRD V-TRIGGER! AND THIS TIME DREW MCINTYRE FALLS TO THE MAT! Buddy drops down and makes the cover 1 2 Drew kicks out! Buddy shakes his head and grabs hold of Drew as he lifts him up looking for MURPHY'S LAW! It takes him a moment or two as he struggles due to the size of Drew but he gets him on his shoulders and connects with MURPHY'S LAW! Buddy makes the cover

1

2

Drew kicks out!​

Buddy Murphy punches the mat in anger as he can't believe Drew was able to kick out! He argues with the referee before shaking his head as thinks about what to do next. He takes a moment to lift Drew McIntyre off the mat and hoists him up looking for a POWERBOMB! He plants Drew down to the mat with a thud before looking to follow up with a KAMIGOYE! Drew falls to the mat once again as Buddy makes the cover 1 2 Drew kicks out again!

Buddy once again slams his hands on the mat furious Drew kicked out.He thinks for a moment and lifts Drew on his shoulders. It takes him a moment to power him up as he starts to run looking for a RUNNING BRAINBUSTER BUT DREW SLIPS OUT AND LANDS ON HIS FEET! Buddy Murphy turns around as DREW HITS A GLASGOW KISS! Buddy stumbles backward as Drew follows up with a couple of stiff European Uppercuts before jumping into the air and hitting a CLAYMORE! Murphy drops to the mat as Drew McIntyre makes the cover 1 2 3 Drew picks up the win!

Winner via pinfall: Drew McIntyre (12:45)​

A loud pop from the live crowd as Drew McIntyre gets back to his feet and celebrates another victory on Smackdown Live. The referee lifts his arm into the air as Drew noticeably is a bit tired after having a tough fight with Buddy Murphy tonight. Buddy Murphy meanwhile slowly comes to and looks at Drew McIntyre. Both men stare at each other for a while with Drew nodding at Murphy. Buddy remains stoic and nods back leaving the ring.

Byron Saxton: Drew picks up a big win tonight and even giving Buddy a nice show of respect there.

Corey Graves: Buddy brought it tonight and pushed Drew to the limit. He performs like that in the Rumble, he might win.

Byron Saxton: You might be right Corey but after tonight's performance Drew has to be one of the favorites to win.

Corey Graves: I think you're right Bryon.

Drew is still celebrating in the ring but we hear boos as someone in a hoodie has slid into the ring. Drew turns around and gets AN RKO OUT OF NOWHERE! A mixed reaction now as the live crowd realize who it is and we see RANDY ORTON STOOD THERE! Randy smirks as he looks at the laid-out Drew McIntyre as Smackdown Live comes to an end with Randy Orton stood above Drew McIntyre ahead of this Sunday's Royal Rumble as the show fades to black.

Matchcard for next week:​

Main event:
Intercontinental title match:
Big E (c) vs Daniel Bryan

Number one contender's match for the WWE Women's tag team titles:
The Twisted Sisters vs The Iiconics​

Matchcard for Royal Rumble:
January 26th:
Houston, Texas



Men's Royal Rumble match:
Participants:
AJ Styles, Baron Corbin, Big E, Braun Strowman, Brock Lesnar, Buddy Murphy, Cesaro, Daniel Bryan, Dominik Dijakovic, Dolph Ziggler, Drew McIntyre, Karrion Kross, Kevin Owens, Kofi Kingston, Mojo Rawley, Otis Dozovic, Pete Dunne, Randy Orton, Riddick Moss, Rusev, Sami Zayn, Seth Rollins, Shinsuke Nakamura, Xavier Woods and 6 more


Women's Royal Rumble match:
Participants:
Alexa Bliss, Alicia Fox, Beth Phoenix, Billie Kay, Carmella, Charlotte Flair, Ember Moon, Isla Dawn, Jessamyn Duke, Kairi Sane, Lacey Evans, Mandy Rose, Marina Shafir, Mia Yim, Natalya, Nikki Cross, Peyton Royce, Ruby Riott, Sarah Logan, Sasha Banks, Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler, Taynara Conti, Xia Li and 6 more


Universal title match:

WWE title TLC match:

Women's Universal title match:

WWE Women's title match:

Cruiserweight title match:

WWE tag team titles match:

(Credit goes to Ranthellacious for the awesome graphics)

Pre-show:

Last chance six-pack challenge match:
Winner enters the Royal Rumble
Ilja Dragunov vs Heath Slater vs Fandango vs EC3 vs Montez Ford vs Noam Dar

Tag team grudge match:
Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander vs Lucha House Party


EWR Rating:
73%

(DO NOT POST PREDICTIONS YET)​

 

[Roy Mustang]

January 25th:
Worlds collide:​

NXT UK Women’s title match: Kay Lee Rae beat Io Shirai
WWE Women's tag team titles match: The Queens of WWE beat Team Kick
NXT Cruiserweight title match: Angel Garza beat Jordan Devlin, Mansoor and Isaiah “Swerve” Scott
NXT UK tag team titles match: SouthWales Subculture beat The Forgotten Sons
#DIY beat Grizzled Young Veterans (As Tyler Bate doesn't return from injury till next month)
NXT Women's title match: Rhea Ripley beat Toni Storm
Imperium (Marcel Barthel, Alexander Wolfe and WALTER) and Keith Lee beat The Undisputed Era (Adam Cole, Bobby Fish, Roderick Strong and Kyle O'Riley) (due to Aichner constantly being in rehab)​

Predictions contest:

Matchcard for Royal Rumble:
January 26th:
Houston, Texas​

​

Men's Royal Rumble match:
Participants:
AJ Styles, Baron Corbin, Big E, Braun Strowman, Brock Lesnar, Buddy Murphy, Cesaro, Daniel Bryan, Dominik Dijakovic, Dolph Ziggler, Drew McIntyre, Karrion Kross, Kevin Owens, Kofi Kingston, Mojo Rawley, Otis Dozovic, Pete Dunne, Randy Orton, Riddick Moss, Rusev, Sami Zayn, Seth Rollins, Shinsuke Nakamura, Xavier Woods and 6 more

Women's Royal Rumble match:
Participants:
Alexa Bliss, Alicia Fox, Beth Phoenix, Billie Kay, Carmella, Charlotte Flair, Ember Moon, Isla Dawn, Jessamyn Duke, Kairi Sane, Lacey Evans, Mandy Rose, Marina Shafir, Mia Yim, Natalya, Nikki Cross, Peyton Royce, Ruby Riott, Sarah Logan, Sasha Banks, Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler, Taynara Conti, Xia Li and 6 more

Universal title match:

WWE title TLC match:

Women's Universal title match:

WWE Women's title match:

Cruiserweight title match:

WWE tag team titles match:

(Credit goes to Ranthellacious for the awesome graphics)

Pre-show:

Last chance six-pack challenge match:
Winner enters the Royal Rumble
Ilja Dragunov vs Heath Slater vs Fandango vs EC3 vs Montez Ford vs Noam Dar

Tag team grudge match:
Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander vs Lucha House Party

Predictions contest:
Predict the winners of each match:
Predict the order of the matches on the main card:
Who will take the fall in the 6-pack challenge?
Who will take the fall in the tag team titles match?
Any surpise appearances outside the Royal Rumble match and if so who?
Who will get the most eliminations in each Rumble?
Who will last the longest in each Rumble?
And last predict up to 5 surprise entrants for either the Men's or the Women's Rumble? (if you picked a surprise entrant you can't predict them btw)

Rumble will be posted once I finish writing it so probably not till October at least as it is taking a long time to write.​

 

[Roy Mustang]

Royal Rumble Pre-show
January 26th:
Houston, Texas ​

The Royal Rumble pre-show does the usual segments with the pre-show panel to hype up the show and we see video packages for all the matches on tonight's Royal Rumble card, even going through the two matches that will take place on the pre-show. We then cut to the first important segment from the pre-show as we can see Smackdown Commissioner Wade Barrett and Interim Raw Commissioner Adam Pearce stood by a pair of tumblers with one titled “Women” and the other titled “Men” as they chat to each other.

Adam Pearce: Wade, I just want to say hopefully both our brands put on a good show tonight.

Adam sticks out a hand as Wade Barrett smirks before gripping the hand tightly and shakes it.

Wade Barrett: It's my pleasure but I'm afraid I have some bad news if you think one of your superstars are winning either Royal Rumble.

Barrett realizes the handshake as Adam Pearce smiles before turning away from the camera as he winces in pain. He turns back around but before he can speak we see KEVIN OWENS AND SAMI ZAYN walk into the room. Both have smiles on their face as they shake hands with Wade Barrett. Adam Pearce meanwhile is still nursing his hand.

Wade Barrett: Welcome boys. Please feel free to draw your numbers.

Kevin Owens and Sami both nod as they look at each other. After a smirk, Sami gestures to Owens to draw his number. Owens smiles and reaches inside the tumbler drawing his number. He takes a look at it and doesn't really react. Sami steps forward and draws a number out. He also takes a look at his number and doesn't react to it. As he looks at it, Kevin Owens tries to take a peak causing Sami to back off hiding.

Sami Zayn: Hey no looking!

Kevin Owens puts his arms up playing innocent and starts to whistle.

Kevin Owens: I was just... um... trying to see so we can formulate a plan.

Sami Zayn: OK show me your number then.

Kevin Owens: Whoa whoa whoa. Why should I show you my number when you won't show me yours?

Sami Zayn: I mean only one of us has a history of betraying the other.

Sami shrugs his shoulders as Kevin Owens nods.

Kevin Owens: That's fair. OK how about we show each other our numbers on the count of three OK?

Sami Zayn: OK deal.

Kevin Owens: One two three!

Neither man shows their numbers to the other.

Kevin Owens: You didn't show me your number!

Sami Zayn: Because you didn't!

Kevin Owens: Only because you didn't!

Wade Barrett: OK that's enough.

Both men turn around as Barrett is rubbing his temple clearly annoyed by this.

Wade Barrett: How about both of you just don't show your numbers and act like any two other competitors in the Rumble?

Both go to answer but Barrett shakes his head.

Wade Barrett: Listen you two can argue this out between each other elsewhere. Adam and I have business to discuss.

Kevin Owens and Sami look at each other before nodding and walking off elsewhere as Wade and Adam talk about some business whilst we head to the ring for the first match of the Royal Rumble pre-show.

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Shelton Benjamin and Cedric Alexander w/Dio Maddin vs Lucha House Party
​

Match summary: Shelton and Cedric make their way out getting a decent amount of boos from the live crowd with Dio Maddin towering over them. Lucha House Party meanwhile get some cheers but not too much of a reaction. Once the bell rings, it starts off at a fast pace with Lucha House Party catching Shelton and Cedric unaware sending them to the outside of the ring taking them both out with DUAL TOPE CON HILOS! Lince Dorado grabs the legal man Shelton and sends him back into the ring.

However before he can slide back in and go on the attack, he is confronted by Dio Maddin. Dio intermediates Dorado but doesn't react heading back into the ring as Shelton cheap shots him! Boos ring out as the heels take control of the match from here and work over Lince Dorado cutting the ring in half. They work over Lince and take him apart in the corner of the ring as Lince tries to get to Gran Metalik to make the hot tag but each attempt gets cut off by Shelton or Cedric.

The crowd gets behind Lince as they will him on to make the tag and eventually Lince catches Cedric with the GOLDEN REWIND! He doesn't make the cover though too exhausted to make a cover and looks to the corner as he crawls over... MAKING THE TAG AND BRINGING GRAN METALIK BACK INTO THE MATCH! Gran Metalik enters the ring and takes down Shelton Benjamin with a dropkick. He sees Cedric coming and dropkicks him over the ropes to the outside. He then sees Shelton getting back to his feet so climbs the ropes and WALKS ACROSS THEM HITTING A MOONSAULT TO SHELTON! Loud cheers from the crowd as the king of the ropes makes the cover 1 2 Shelton kicks out!

Gran Metalik signals to the crowd he is looking to end this as he scoops Shelton Benjamin up and hits him with the METALIK DRIVER! He makes the cover but the referee doesn't count as he is distracted by DIO MADDIN ON THE RING APRON! The fans count to 3 and beyond but it is no use. Metalik breaks the cover and sees what has happened so he runs off the ropes and looks to confront Dio Maddin... BUT BEFORE HE CAN DIO MADDIN IS WHACKED IN THE BACK WITH A STEEL CHAIR BY A MAN IN A HOOD! Maddin falls down off the apron and onto the ring mat as the mystery man whacks him a few more times before dropping the chair and HITTING HIM WITH A RECOIL!

The mystery man pulls down his hood as we see it is RICOCHET! He drops the steel chair as Cedric Alexander looks to confront him but Lince Dorado wipes him out with a SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT OFF THE RING APRON TO CEDRIC! Back in the ring, Shelton tries to roll up Metalik off the distraction 1 2 Metalik kicks out! Shelton looks annoyed as he charges at Metalik who counters with a SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB! Gran Metalik holds on for the cover 1 2 3! Lucha House Party pick up the win!

Winners via pinfall: Lucha House Party (9:29)
​

Cheers ring out from the live crowd as Lince Dorado joins Gran Metalik in the ring as the pair celebrate their victory. Ricochet soon joins the duo in the ring and shares a hug with his friends. Meanwhile outside the ring, we can see Shelton Benjamin, Cedric Alexander, and Dio Maddin head up the entrance ramp as they look furious having come up short tonight in this match as the pre-show cuts back to the pre-show panel.

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​

After a few more pre-show panel segments we cut back to the room with the tumbler as we can see Wade Barrett and Adam Pearce stood by the tumbler as they clearly talking business. We don't quite hear what they are saying however and the first thing we hear is the door opening. We then see the WWE Women's Tag team champions: Charlotte Flair and Lacey Evans walk into the room. Both women have a smug look on their faces.

Charlotte Flair: Lacey be a dear and hold my tag team title whilst I get our numbers.

Lacey Evans: Of course. As a lady, I'll be glad to help.

Lacey grabs the tag team title and places it on her other shoulder. Adam Pearce meanwhile walks over as Charlotte grabs two balls out of the tumbler.

Adam Pearce: Lacey I must say both you and Charlotte have impressed me during your appearances on Raw.

Lacey smirks and looks off into the distance as Charlotte looks at the numbers inside both balls.

Lacey Evans: I mean. Of course we did. We are the only real ladies in WWE. All the rest are nasties who ain't on our level.

Barrett smirks and keeps quiet as Charlotte inspects both balls with Lacey unaware.

Adam Pearce: Listen if you two keep up the performances on Raw, there may be rewards instore for both of you.

Charlotte walks into the shot and passes one of the balls to Lacey.

Charlotte Flair: Well Wade, we will have to bear that in mind for the future.

Wade Barrett: Charlotte I would be careful because if you think Adam Pearce's plans on Raw are going to make me revoke the stipulation made by Triple H, well I'm afraid...

???: The only bad news is that it's Boss Time.

The camera pans over and we can see SASHA BANKS walk into the shot with a smug look on her face. She has a short staredown with Lacey Evans before focusing on her former rival Charlotte Flair.

Sasha Banks: I see you were inspired by me. Got yourself a lackey to go after the other brand's title.

Lacey Evans: I can assure you, this lady is no lackey.

Sasha Banks: Sure thing.

Sasha heads to the tumbler and goes to pull up her number for the Rumble. Meanwhile Lacey opens her and looks disappointed with the draw. Charlotte meanwhile opens hers and feigns shock with the clearly much better draw out of the two. Sasha meanwhile pulls hers out but doesn't open it.

Adam Pearce: Aren't you going to open it?

Sasha shakes her head.

Sasha Banks: Why would I open it here? It doesn't matter which number I draw because no one has lasted longer in a Women's Royal Rumble match than the Boss. So whenever I enter I'll be there at the end and this time, it will be my time.

Sasha walks off shoulder checking The Queens of WWE. Lacey looks to attack her but Charlotte calms her partner down.

Charlotte Flair: She isn't worth it. Save it for the Rumble.

Lacey looks annoyed but sighs as we cut to the ringside area for the final match on the pre-show.

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Last chance six-pack challenge match: Winner enters the Royal Rumble
Ilja Dragunov vs Heath Slater vs Fandango w/Tyler Breeze vs EC3 w/Drake Maverick vs Montez Ford vs Noam Dar ​

Match summary: This match ends up being a fast-paced affair with 6 men fighting it out for a spot in the Royal Rumble match. During the match, we start to see an alliance form between Noam Dar and EC3 with commentary wondering if EC3 paid Noam Dar to work with him during this match. The commentary team also note Montez Ford doesn't have his tag team partner Angelo Dawkins at ringside due to his tag team partner's arm being broken on the most recent edition of Raw by Brock Lesnar and Ford will be extra motivated to enter the match just to get his hands on Brock Lesnar.

As the match goes on we eventually see Heath Slater and Fandango start to work together to stop Noam Dar and EC3 from controlling the match. As we get to the closing stages we can see Ilja Dragunov is in the ring with Heath Slater as he hits him with TORPEDO MOSCOW! However, as he goes to make the cover DRAKE MAVERICK BREAKS THE COVER! Ilja looks angry as he grabs Drake by the shirt and has a wild look in his eyes as the crowd cheer for the Mad Russian for once. However, as he does this EC3 ROLLS HIM UP! 1 2 Fandango breaks it up!

Fandango then takes down Ilja with a kick to the head and goes after EC3 but Drake makes himself a nuisance once again! This prompts Tyler Breeze who has seen enough to slide into the ring as he attacks Drake Maverick sending them fighting on the outside. Back in the ring EC3 hits Fandango with the TOP ONE PERCENT. EC3 thinks about making the cover but gets hit with A NOVA ROLLER! Noam Dar smirks as he makes the cover 1 2 MONTEZ FORD BREAKS IT UP WITH A FROG SPLASH TO BOTH MEN! Dar rolls off the cover and Ford now covers EC3! 1 2 3 Montez Ford is going to the Royal Rumble!

Winner via pinfall: Montez Ford (12:22)
​

Montez Ford gets to his feet as we see Ilja Dragunov was this close to breaking it up but close isn't enough to stop Montez Ford from earning a spot in the Royal Rumble. He heads towards the fans and celebrates the big moment before being joining at the top of the entrance ramp by his tag team partner Angelo Dawkins whose right arm is still in a cast. Both men share a hug as we cut to the final segment of the pre-show.

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​

And we return to the backstage area as Wade Barrett and Adam Pearce are stood by the tumblers as they wait for the next person to make their way into the room to draw their numbers... and it is PAUL HEYMAN! Adam Pearce rolls his eyes as he sees the advocate of Brock Lesnar walk into the room whilst Barrett doesn't react.

Paul Heyman: Good evening gentleman.

Paul Heyman offers his hand out to the pair. Barrett shakes straight away whilst it takes a moment for Adam Pearce to do the same.

Paul Heyman: Let's get the inevitable underway.

Paul goes to reach in for a ball but Adam Pearce stops him for a moment.

Adam Pearce: Before you grab Brock's number we need to have a talk about what happened on Raw.

Paul smirks and indulges Adam.

Paul Heyman: What happened on Raw is down to your poor management.

Paul points his finger at an unimpressed Adam Pearce as Heyman carries on.

Paul Heyman: If you had given Brock his pound of flesh instead of booking the street fight, poor Angelo Dawkins wouldn't have gotten in Beast's way. The Good Brothers wouldn't be in a local medical facility and they might be here tonight.

Paul smiles.

Paul Heyman: Seth Rollins one of your top superstars is not in one hundred percent shape. And AJ Styles is running scared of my client, knowing he has a beating awaiting him.

Adam Pearce doesn't react as Barrett smirks slightly.

Paul Heyman: But it's OK Adam. You're learning on the job and what happened on Raw is just a taste of what Brock will do when he steps into the rumble at...

Paul opens the ball up to see his number and stops mid-sentence as he has an evil grin on his face. Wade is no longer smiling as he sees the number over the shoulder of Paul Heyman.

Paul Heyman: And as if it wasn't easy enough for Brock.

He turns the piece of paper around and shows the camera: NUMBER 30!

Paul Heyman: My client went on a rampage on Monday Night and now? He gets the best spot possible. After everyone else is tired from fighting each other, having been through a war the beast himself will appear.

Paul is reveling in this.

Paul Heyman: You can have all twenty-nine other men in the ring waiting for him because Brock will eviscerate them all one by one!

Paul looks intense before smiling once again as Adam Pearce interrupts him.

Adam Pearce: I mean you might be forgetting about the Ungovernables who laid your client out on Monday too.

Paul turns to Adam Pearce as Barrett can't help but smirk.

Paul Heyman: My client had been destroying some of the best superstars on the planet for five minutes. Let's see how the Ungovernables handle a fresh Brock if they even make it to the end. Plus Adam you should be trying to keep me happy.

Adam doesn't react as Paul smiles.

Paul Heyman: Because after tonight my client Brock could choose to challenge for the Universal title or he could challenge for the WWE title. Just think about that.

Paul Heyman smirks as he walks off and heads elsewhere. Adam Pearce shakes his head as Wade Barrett walks over to Adam Pearce and smirks himself.

Wade Barrett: I'm starting to like you, Adam.

Adam is unsure how to react as we fade to black and head to the pre-show panel one last time as they hype up the Men's Royal Rumble and speculate on the field's plan now Brock Lesnar is confirmed to be number 30. We then get hype for the opening match of the Royal Rumble, the Cruiserweight title match which the pre-show panel will be happening next as the pre-show comes to an end.

ROYAL RUMBLE WILL BE POSTED SATURDAY/SUNDAY ​

 

[Chris]

God I'm so hype

 

[Roy Mustang]

God I'm so hype

It is probably the longest show I've ever written. Two rumbles is so much to write

 

[Chris]

Lmao I could never

 

[Roy Mustang]

Lmao I could never

If I get to that point in year 2 of this thread, I'm writing a shorter version. I don't think either night of Mania will come close to this.

 

[Roy Mustang]

January 26th:
Houston, Texas

(Credit goes to Ranthellacious for the awesome graphics)



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After the usual show opening video package, we cut to the arena as the Texas crowd goes wild! The usual opening pyro goes off and we cut to the commentary team for the first match of the night who are at ringside!

Michael Cole: It's Sunday Night and you know what that means. Welcome to Houston, Texas for the Royal Rumble!

Elias: And we have what promises to be a show like no other tonight.

Michael Cole: Not only will we see the Women's and the Men's Royal Rumble but we will see Ronda Rousey defend her Women's Universal title against Bayley.

Elias: Andrade Cien Almas defends his Universal title against Aleister Black whilst on the Smackdown side we see Roman Reigns defend his WWE title in a TLC match against Jeff Hardy.

Michael Cole: Asuka will defend her WWE Women's title against Liv Morgan whilst The Revival put their WWE tag team titles on the line against The Miz and John Morrison.

Elias: But we are starting the show off hot on the Raw side as we will see Mustafa Ali defend his Cruiserweight title against Lio Rush!

​

Loud boos as Lio Rush makes his way out in an all-gold attire tonight. He has a golden jacket that he soon tosses to the floor as he walks down the entrance ramp and talks trash to the fans at ringside, winding them up even more or maybe Lio Rush believes in his own hype tonight?

Michael Cole: Lio Rush may have unique reasoning for coming for the Cruiserweight title tonight but there is no denying his talent.

Elias: If this kid was as focused on what he does in the ring as he is at talking smack, he would already be Cruiserweight Champion.

Michael Cole: This coming from you?

Elias: Hey I'm an expert in talking smack, Michael.

​

A much better reaction from the live crowd as Mustafa Ali makes his way out. The normally happy Cruiserweight Champion has a frown on his face as he walks out with his signature light-up mask and glove. He poses at the top of the entrance ramp and the camera focuses on his eye, as we can see he has a black eye! Lio Rush in the ring doesn't care about Ali's anger as he smirks and talks some more smack pointing to his eye mocking the champ.

Michael Cole: Very rarely do we see Mustafa Ali in a bad mood.

Elias: He feels Lio Rush has not only disrespected him but the Cruiserweight title. And then he cheap shotted him from behind with a steel chain. Ali wants revenge tonight.

Mustafa Ali climbs into the ring and is still glaring at Lio Rush once inside the ring. Rush carries on trash talking as the referee takes the Cruiserweight title and lifts it into the air. The referee passes the title to the timekeeper's area and then calls for the bell getting our opening match of the night underway!

​

Once the bell rings, Mustafa Ali charges at Lio Rush and lays into him with several punches overwhelming Lio. He backs him up into the corner and just batters the cocky little shit having to be warned by the referee for nearly breaking the 5 count! Lio Rush falls to the floor in the corner of the ring but Ali isn't done as he charges at Lio Rush hitting a HESITATION DROPKICK! Ali is in total control as grabs Lio Rush off the mat but LIO COUNTERS WITH A JAWBREAKER AND ROLLS OUT OF THE RING FOR A MOMENT!

Boos ring out from the live crowd as Lio Rush collects himself on the outside of the ring... but he doesn't get long as Ali FLIES OVER THE TOP ROPE WITH A SLINGSHOT TOPE CON HILO WIPING OUT LIO RUSH OUTSIDE THE RING! Loud cheers from the crowd as Ali grabs hold of Lio Rush and rolls him back into the ring! Mustafa Ali wastes no time and climbs to the top rope as he sets Lio Rush up for the 054 SPLASH... BUT LIO IS ALREADY ROLLING OUT OF THE RING ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE! More boos from the crowd as Lio once again look to escape the beating Ali has been giving him so far.

Mustafa Ali steps off the top rope and walks around the ring looking to attack Lio Rush. Rush is still crawling away as Ali JUMPS ONTO HIS BACK WITH A DOUBLE FOOT STOMP! Ali lays into Rush once again with a series of fists as he looks to beat down the challenger. He yanks him off the ring floor and looks to the ringside barricade as he SPRINGBOARDS OFF IT PLANTING LIO RUSH WITH A TORNADO DDT! Rush looks down and out on the ring floor as the referee in the ring gets to a 5 count. Ali drags the deadweight of Rush and makes the first cover of the match!

1

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Rush kicks out!​

Ali shakes his head slightly as once again grabs hold of Lio laying into him with a series of punches to the head, showing a rarely seen anger so far in his time in WWE. Ali yanks Lio off the mat and looks to carry on his attack... LIO RAKES THE EYES OF ALI! Loud boos from the crowd as Ali stumbles back and Lio follows it up with a BICYCLE KICK TO THE HEAD! Ali falls down to the mat as Lio takes a moment to lean on the ropes rubbing his jaw and still smarting after getting battered early on in this match.

Lio Rush soon goes back on the attack however as Ali starts to get back up and lays into him with a series of shoot kicks. He peppers Ali before running off the ropes and hitting a BASEMENT DROPKICK! Lio makes the cover 1 2 Ali kicks out! Lio quickly follows it up with several kicks before lifting up Ali and hitting him with a VERTICAL SUPLEX! Lio makes the cover again 1 2 Ali kicks out! Lio grabs Ali from behind and yanks on his neck as he wears down Ali for a moment and looks to stay in control of the match.

Ali starts trying to fight out of the hold but as he looks to escape Lio breaks the hold and cuts him off with a kick to the spine! Lio runs off the ropes and catches ALI WITH A LOW SUPERKICK! Ali stumbles to his feet as Lio then hits a ROUNDHOUSE KICK TO THE HEAD! Lio makes the cover 1 2 Ali kicks out! Lio shakes his head as he grabs hold of Ali and sends him into the corner of the ring as he hits him with a HANDSPRING BACK ELBOW TO THE HEAD!

Rush is starting to show off a little bit as he carries on taking control of the match smirking to himself. Ali meanwhile slumps in the corner of the ring so Rush heads to the opposite corner of the ring and goes for A HESITATION DROPKICK OF HIS OWN... BUT ALI MOVES IN TIME! Lio ends up dropkicking the ring post behind Ali and shouts in pain! Ali sees Lio Rush in pain and immediately takes advantage as he drags Lio away from the corner as he locks him in a SINGLE LEG BOSTON CRAB!

He puts extra pressure on the right leg of Lio who is in a lot of pain! Lio though fights through the pain and makes it to the bottom rope as he forces a rope break! Ali holds it on for a little longer than normal before dropping Lio down to the mat. Lio rests the ropes in pain as he sticks his right leg onto the ring apron. Ali seeing this though has an idea and heads to the top rope. He lines up Lio Rush and dives off the top rope HITTING A 450 SPLASH TO LIO'S RIGHT LEG ON THE RING APRON!

Pretty decent pop from the crowd for the innovative offense by Ali who clutches his chest whilst Lio in the ring, clutches his right leg which is still in agony. Mustafa Ali gets back to his feet outside the ring and climbs onto the ring apron! Ali slingshots off the ropes and hits a ROLLING THUNDER TO LIO RUSH! Ali quickly follows it up by grabbing Lio Rush and hits him with a NECKBREAKER SLAM! Ali makes the cover 1 2 Lio kicks out! Ali shakes his head as Lio Rush shows more fight than he was expecting. Ali grabs hold of Lio as he looks to carry on his attack... LIO ROLLS HIM UP!

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Ali kicks out!​

Ali was nearly caught out there and Lio knows it smiling as he charges at Ali and hits him with a clothesline! Lio is still a bit slow on his feet after the damage done to his right leg but the challenger runs off the ropes several times hitting Ali with a clothesline each time! He fires off about 5 of them before jumping into the air and hitting a SINGLE LEG DROPKICK USING HIS LEFT LEG! Lio winces as lands on the mat and makes the cover 1 2 Ali kicks out!

Rush smirks to himself as he gets back to his feet, still limping slightly due to the damage done to his right leg so far. Lio lifts Ali up before slamming him back down to the mat with a BELLY TO BACK SUPLEX! Ali's back bounces off the mat as he gets to his feet as Lio Rush peppers him with a series of strikes before grabbing his arms and hits a SWINGING KAMIKAZE! Ali drops to the mat as Lio Rush makes the cover 1 2 Ali kicks out! Rush smirks to himself and starts to feel confident as he lays into Ali with a few SHOOT KICKS TO THE CHEST WITH HIS LEFT LEG! Lio though winces after the flurry, having put a lot of pressure on his right leg.

Lio though heads to the ropes and runs off them but Ali catches him with a SUPERKICK! Lio Rush is on wobbly legs as Ali runs off the ropes BUT LIO CATCHES HIM WITH A SUPERKICK RIGHT BACK! Ali stumbles and staggers as Lio Rush off the ropes and HITS A POISON FRANKENSTEINER! Lio Rush smirks and grabs the leg of Mustafa Ali as he makes the cover 1 2 Ali kicks out! Lio Rush is in complete control now as he grabs hold of Ali and looks to go for RUSH HOUR (SPANISH FLY)! Ali though elbows him off before booting Lio Rush in his right leg!

Ali isn't done there as he quickly follows it up with a LOW DROPKICK TO THE RIGHT LEG! Lio clutches his right leg in pain as Ali runs to the corner and climbs to the top rope as he hits a DIVING LEG DROP! Ali makes the cover 1 2 Lio kicks out! Ali nods to himself and smiles slightly, respecting the fight Lio Rush is showing so far. Ali though grabs hold of the right leg of Lio Rush and locks him in a KNEEBAR! Ali starts yanking on the right leg of Lio Rush who is in a ton of pain and teases tapping straight away!

However, Lio grits his teeth as he tries to find a way to escape the hold! He tries to fight out of it but Ali has it on tight as Lio can't escape from the hold! Lio once again lifts his hand into the air... BUT HE KNOWS HE CAN'T PROVE HIMSELF BY TAPPING OUT! He grits his teeth as he crawls for a few seconds before finally getting his hands on the ropes forcing a rope break!

Ali this time let's go on the count of 2 and instead heads to the top rope as he sizes Lio up AND DIVES OFF HITTING A DOUBLE FOOT STOMP TO THE RIGHT LEG! Lio is in a ton of pain after that spot as Ali heads to the centre of the ring and signals to the crowd he is ready to end this! He grabs hold of Lio and lifts him up as he looks to go for an STO BUT RUSH ONCE AGAIN REVERSES IT INTO A PINNING PREDICAMENT!

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Ali rolls through!

1

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Lio rolls through and grabs the tights!

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ALI KICKS OUT!​

Lio Rush looks shocked that didn't work as Mustafa Ali gets to his feet and runs at Lio Rush who LEAPS OVER ALI BUT LANDS ON HIS RIGHT LEG AWKWARDLY! Ali runs back off the ropes and connects with a SUPERKICK SENDING LIO RUSH BACK INTO THE ROPES... BUT HE BOUNCES OFF THEM THE SECOND ROPE AND CATCHES MUSTAFA ALI WITH A STUNNER! Ali drops to the mat as Lio falls down and clutches his leg before rolling over and making the cover

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Ali kicks out at 2.9!​

Elias on commentary wonders if Lio would have won the match if he didn't have to grab his right leg. Lio gets in the referee's face and even argues with him claiming it was a 3 count but the referee shakes his head. Lio looks annoyed and then looks to the top rope as he STARTS TO MAKE THE CLIMB! He takes his time due to the damage but eventually makes it to the top rope steadying himself! However, before he can fly off and hit the FINAL HOUR... ALI JUMPS UP TO THE TOP ROPE CATCHING HIM WITH A KICK TO THE HEAD! Lio is stunned on the top rope as Ali grabs hold of him and FLIES OFF THE TOP ROPE HITTING AN AVALANCHE SPANISH FLY! A loud pop from the crowd as Ali makes the cover

1

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Mustafa Ali retains his Cruiserweight title!

Winner via pinfall and still Cruiserweight Champion: Mustafa Ali (10:21)​

A loud pop from the live crowd as Mustafa Ali rolls off of Lio Rush and leans by the ropes as he looks at Lio Rush still down on the mat, shaking his head.

Michael Cole: Mustafa Ali picks up the win and remains Cruiserweight Champion.

Elias: Lio Rush gave Mustafa a scare tonight. He came this close to becoming Cruiserweight Champion and if he didn't injure his leg early on in this encounter he might have beaten Ali.

Ali has now been passed his Cruiserweight title as he lifts it into the air celebrating his victory tonight. Lio Rush is just starting to come to and he realizes he has just lost. Lio punches the mat and turns to see Mustafa Ali staring at him. Ali looks at Lio Rush and gives him a slight nod before leaving the ring and heading up the entrance ramp. In the ring now Lio Rush struggles to stand up but does get to his feet, not putting much weight on his right leg. He looks down at the mat and sighs before shaking his head as we cut backstage.

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And we once again see WADE BARRETT and ADAM PEARCE stood backstage by the tumblers as they await the next superstars to draw their number.

Wade Barrett: I have to give you some credit Adam, your Cruiserweight division is top-notch.

Adam Pearce: Thanks Wade and I already know who is going to take part in tomorrow's number one contender's match to decide Ali's next challenger. It will be Kalisto, Humberto Carrillo, and The Brian Kendrick taking part in a triple threat match with the winner fighting for the Cruiserweight title at Fastlane!

A decent pop from the crowd in the arena with an exciting match signed off for Monday Night Raw. Wade is about to respond but before he can speak we see BLISSMOON walk into the room. Both women are smiling ahead of a potentially big night for either woman. Adam Pearce smiles and sticks his hand out shaking their hands.

Adam Pearce: Ember Moon, Alexa Bliss. Welcome and I must say you two are two women I would love to have on the Red Brand.

Wade shoots him a look before turning to the duo.

Wade Barrett: Enough trying to steal my talent and let these girls draw their numbers.

Adam Pearce backs away slightly as Bliss and Ember Moon each grab a ball from the tumbler. Both take a look at their number with Bliss looking a lot happier.

Ember Moon: That good huh?

Bliss smirks and turns to her friend.

Alexa Bliss: Couldn't possibly say Ember. A goddess never tells.

Ember smiles and shakes her head.

Ember Moon: Well in that case may the best woman win.

???: It won't be any of you two then.

The camera pans over and we see who said it: RONDA ROUSEY! She is also flanked by the rest of the REAL HORSEWOMEN: SHAYNA BASZLER, JESSAMYN DUKE AND MARINA SHAFIR! Ember Moon gets in her face as Shayna steps forward and the two former NXT rivals stare each other down.

Ember Moon: Don't think I've forgotten about you taking my title.

Shayna smirks.

Shayna Baszler: Well keep thinking about that as I throw your ass out of the rumble.

Alexa Bliss: The only one getting ass tossed out will be you, Shayna.

Duke and Shafir step forward as they tower over Bliss but she refuses to back down. Ronda meanwhile unimpressed looks to get her goons attention.

Ronda Rousey: Don't waste your time on the pipsqueak. She hasn't been the same since I broke her last year.

In kayfabe and out of kayfabe.

Ronda Rousey: Broken so badly she went into hiding and hasn't tried to come back for this since.

Bliss steps forward but Moon puts her arm in the way keeping her friend back.

Ember Moon: If you want a fight, I'll be more than happy to fight you.

Ronda smirks.

Ronda Rousey: I think you'll be too busy losing to Asuka again!

Wade Barrett at this point steps in and looks to restore order stopping a fight from breaking out.

Wade Barrett: That's enough from both of you. Now you three...

Barrett points at the Real Horsewomen who look unimpressed.

Wade Barrett: Stay here and pick your Royal Rumble spots.

Barrett turns to Blissmoon.

Wade Barrett: You two need to leave.

Alexa Bliss and Ember Moon look unhappy but they shake their heads before walking off elsewhere backstage. Ronda has a cocky smirk as Adam Pearce now steps forward.

Adam Pearce: And Ronda, your title match is next so I suggest you head to the ring.

Baszler, Duke and Shafir have grabbed their numbers as they look to follow Ronda Rousey out of the room but Adam Pearce steps in between the group.

Adam Pearce: Not so fast. I said Ronda is going to the ring. Meanwhile you three are staying back here as you are banned from ringside!

Ronda looks furious as she can't believe it but Adam Pearce doesn't care as he points to the door. Ronda thinks about attacking him but chooses not to and leaves the room heading towards the ring as we cut back to the commentary team at ringside!

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Michael Cole: Adam Pearce laying down the law and make sure there will be no interference from the Real Horsewomen in our Women's Universal title match!

Elias: Could that give Bayley the edge? We might be about to see her become a two-time Women's Champion tonight.

​

A pretty loud pop from the live crowd as Bayley makes her way out onto the top of the entrance ramp. We can see the inflatable tube men go into the air as Bayley hypes up the crowd ahead of her title match against Ronda Rousey.

Michael Cole: Bayley had what many would call a mixed twenty-nineteen. She won the WWE Women's tag team titles twice but also had her best friend Sasha Banks turn on her and took months off her career in a couple brutal attacks.

Elias: Her friend stabbed her in the back which is a feeling that has to suck. But she got revenge inside a solid steel cage beating Sasha Banks to earn her title shot tonight.

Michael Cole: But can she overcome Ronda Rousey?

Elias: Bayley has made her career out of overcoming the odds. If anyone can do it one more time, it's Bayley!

​

Loud boos from the crowd as the Women's Universal champion Ronda Rousey marches out. She has a scowl on her face as she walks out and lifts her title into the air as she glares at the crowd. Bayley in the ring is also no longer smiling as she watches the champion walk down the entrance ramp.

Michael Cole: Ronda came back at Survivor Series and broke Becky Lynch's arm before taking back her Women's Universal Championship.

Elias: This is a different Ronda to the one we saw last year. She doesn't give a damn about the fans and even has backup.

Michael Cole: However they are banned from ringside tonight.

Elias: Ronda will have to do this on her own.

Ronda Rousey is now inside the ring as she passes the title to the referee who lifts it into the air whilst the usual title introductions are done. Once the referee and the timekeeper are finished we see Bayley and Ronda staring each other down before the bell rings to get this match underway!

Once the bell rings both women head to the center of the ring as Ronda goes to lock up but Bayley avoids it and connects with an ELBOW TO THE HEAD! Bayley sends Ronda back and jumps onto her hitting her with a LOU THRESZ PRESS! She rocks Ronda with several punches before running off the ropes as she looks for a SLIDING CLOTHESLINE... BUT RONDA ROLLS OUT OF THE RING! Boos ring out as Ronda takes a breather outside of the ring but Bayley isn't letting her catch her breath.

Bayley charges around the ring post and catches Ronda in the back of the head with a CLOTHESLINE! Cheers from the crowd as Bayley grabs Ronda and sends her into the ring apron back first! Bayley grabs Ronda and follows her back into the ring as Bayley climbs onto the ring apron and SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE ROPES HITTING A DOUBLE AXE HANDLE! Bayley bends down and grabs Ronda's leg as she makes the cover 1 Ronda powers out! A great start for the challenger but she is going to need to do a lot more to keep Ronda down for the 3 count.

Bayley grabs Ronda and looks to Irish whip her into the corner of the ring... BUT RONDA COUNTERS WITH A TOMOE-MAGE! She slams Bayley back first onto the mat and now it's Ronda's turn to wail on Bayley with a series of strikes on the mat! She batters poor Bayley on the mat before getting on her feet. She looks at Bayley on the mat rubbing her jaw and shouts “That's how you punch someone bitch!” Bayley though hears this and charges at Ronda as she catches her by surprise and sends her back first into the ring corner!

She then starts punching Ronda in the corner of the ring getting to a 4 count before finally breaking it! Bayley is fired up and follows it up with another running turnbuckle thrust in the corner of the ring! Ronda doubles over in pain as Bayley follows it up with a RUNNING BACK ELBOW! Bayley then grabs Ronda and tosses her out of the corner before hitting a RUNNING KNEE DROP! Bayley makes the cover 1 Ronda powers out again! Bayley shakes her head as Ronda starts to get back to a kneeling position as BAYLEY RUNS THE ROPES AND HITS A RUNNING KNEE STRIKE TO THE HEAD!

Bayley makes the cover once again 1 Ronda kicks out! Bayley looks a bit shocked by Ronda kicking out so quickly and grabs hold of her looking to carry on the momentum... BUT RONDA GRABS THE RIGHT ARM OF BAYLEY LOOKING FOR AN ARMBAR! Bayley immediately looks to get to the ropes and grabs hold of them tight which forces a break from Ronda! Ronda makes full use of the count though trying to do as much damage to the right arm as possible before finally breaking the lethal hold!

Ronda is smirking as she sees an opening to take control of the match. Bayley meanwhile tries to get back to her feet using the ropes as Ronda follows up with a KICK TO THE RIGHT ARM AS SHE GRABS THE ROPES! Bayley falls to the mat clutching the right arm as Ronda snarls and PUTS THE BOOTS TO BAYLEY ON THE MAT! Boos from the crowd as Ronda grabs hold of Bayley lifting her off the mat and slamming her down with a GERMAN SUPLEX! Ronda makes the cover pressing down on the right arm 1 2 Bayley kicks out!

Ronda keeps the pressure on after the kick out as she grabs hold of the right arm of Bayley and twists it behind Bayley's back placing it in an uncomfortable position as she grinds down the hugger! Bayley tries to fight out of it but Ronda counters the attempt to escape and slams Bayley down with another judo throw! Ronda after slamming Bayley down to the mat and carries on wearing down the right arm of Bayley, really working over the right arm of the Hugger which gets a load of boos from the live crowd which makes Ronda happy.

She even starts to talk trash to the crowd and mocks the fans shouting stuff like “Bayley won't be able to hug you any longer” as she carries on wrenching on the arm of Bayley as he grinds her down and places her on the mat getting the right arm in the bent arm position BEFORE GOING FOR THE BENT ARM STOMP... BAYLEY ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY JUST IN TIME! Ronda goes for a kick to Bayley as she gets back up but Bayley catches her with a clothesline dropping her!

Bayley however doesn't make the cover straight away, grabbing her right arm which is in a lot of pain still after Ronda's assault over the last few minutes. Ronda gets back to her feet as Bayley responds with a DROPKICK SENDING RONDA OVER THE ROPES TO THE OUTSIDE! Bayley uses that to give herself a moment to recover as the referee starts to count Ronda out. 1 2 3 Ronda gets back up and climbs onto the ring apron so Bayley goes on the attack... RONDA COUNTERS AND WITH A PUNCH TO THE JAW! Bayley is slightly stunned and Ronda pounces as she grabs the right arm LOCKING IN A HANGING ARMBAR!

Ronda is yanking on the right arm of Bayley as the referee starts to count 1 2 3 4 Ronda finally lets go of the hold and rolls to the floor on the outside whilst Bayley rolls back into the middle of the ring clutching her right arm! Ronda gets back to her feet and smirks as she sees Bayley struggling on the mat so runs off the ropes and hits a PENALTY KICK TO THE BACK OF HER HEAD! Bayley falls to the mat and Ronda makes the cover, once again pressing the right arm of Bayley! 1 2 Bayley kicks out!

Bayley even after the kick out once again winces as each kick out causes even more pain so Ronda makes another cover pressing on the arm. 1 2 Bayley kicks out! Ronda once again carries on the assault and batters Bayley with several kicks aiming a few of them to the right arm. Ronda finishes it off with a ROUNDHOUSE KICK TO THE HEAD! Ronda makes another rapid cover pressing the right arm of Bayley as she makes the cover. 1 2 Bayley kicks out again!

Ronda yanks Bayley up off the mat and lifts her into the air as she slams her down with a GUTWRENCH SLAM ONTO THE RIGHT ARM! Ronda is mercilessly attacking the right arm of Bayley as she makes another cover once again 1 2 Bayley kicks out! Ronda looks annoyed as she grabs Bayley's right arm and looks to end this with THE CROSS ARMBREAKER! She grabs Bayley into position but Bayley desperately tries to fight her off with a few punches with her left hand! Ronda still hasn't let go so BAYLEY HEADBUTTS HER!

Desperate times call for desperate measures as Ronda stumbles back and finally lets go of Bayley's right arm! Bayley gets to her feet and scoops Ronda up, struggling slightly due to the damage done to her right arm as SHE SLAMS RONDA'S BACK INTO THE TURNBUCKLE WITH A BUCKLE BOMB! Ronda's back bounces off the turnbuckle as Bayley follows it up with several running back elbows using her left arm! She batters Ronda in the corner before finishing it off with a ONE-HANDED BULLDOG OUT OF THE CORNER! Bayley makes the cover 1 Ronda still kicks out at one!

Bayley though doesn't let that slow her down as she runs off the ropes and hits Ronda with a SLIDING CLOTHESLINE USING HER LEFT ARM! Bayley then runs off the ropes and hits a ROLLING THUNDER ELBOW DROP WITH HER LEFT ARM! Bayley makes the cover again 1 2 Ronda kicks out! Bayley though smiles as she knows she is starting to wear the champion down with this sustained offense. Bayley grabs hold of Ronda and looks to lift her up off the mat SETTING UP FOR THE BAYLEY TO BELLY... BUT RONDA COUNTERS WITH A HARAI-GOSHI INTO AN ARMBAR!

Ronda is wrenching on the right arm of Bayley who is in a ton of pain as Ronda looks to force the Hugger to tap out! Bayley though doesn't want to give up and tries to make it to the ropes but she is too far away! Bayley lifts her arm into the air, once again teasing she is about to tap out but she shakes her head! She uses all of her power to push off the mat and lifts Ronda into the air POWERBOMBING HER... BUT RONDA HOLDS ON! Bayley is in an insane amount of pain but she grits her teeth and sends Ronda into the TURNBUCKLE ONE MORE TIME WITH A BUCKLE BOMB FINALLY BREAKING IT!

Bayley upon breaking the hold immediately rolls out of the ring in a ton of pain with her right arm still in agony after the assault so far in this match. Ronda in the ring meanwhile takes a moment to get back to her feet as she clutches her back before seeing Bayley on the outside and she rolls out of the ring stalking her prey! Ronda walks around the ring post and stands over Bayley as she gives her several kicks outside the ring before grabbing hold of Bayley and SENDS HER INTO THE STEEL STEPS RIGHT ARM FIRST!

The referee in the ring gets to a 4 count as Ronda grabs hold of Bayley and lifts her up into the air as SHE LOOKS TO GO FOR A POWERBOMB ONTO THE STEEL STEPS! She lifts Bayley into the air but BAYLEY COUNTERS WITH A HURRICARANA SENDING RONDA HEAD-FIRST INTO THE STEEL STEPS INSTEAD! Ronda falls to the floor and looks out for the count as Bayley grabs her right arm as the referee counts to 6. Bayley hearing this as she sees Ronda down and out as she tries to grab Ronda to bring her back into the ring!

7

Bayley is still struggling to lift Ronda due to her being dead weight and the damaged right arm!

8

Bayley finally gets Ronda up and rolls her into the ring but collapses on the outside with her right arm in pain!

9

Bayley fights through the pain and rolls into the ring breaking the count! Bayley doesn't stop there though as she makes the cover on Ronda who's still out cold!

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Ronda kicks out!​

Bayley shakes her head and looks disappointed it wasn't enough to put her away but she looks to end this as she rolls Ronda over onto her stomach, flashing the “4” symbol to the crowd, and locks her in THE BANK STATEMENT! Bayley locks in her former best friend's signature move using her left arm as she yanks back on Ronda! Ronda meanwhile is in pain, still feeling the effects of being sent head-first into the steel steps as Bayley yanks back on the hold as she looks to make Ronda tap out...

BUT RONDA REFUSES TO TAP!

RONDA CRAWLS AND CRAWLS AS BAYLEY YANKS THE HOLD BACK...

RONDA GETS HER HAND ON THE ROPES!​

Bayley keeps the hold on tight for a few seconds before breaking the hold as she rolls off Ronda for a moment as she wonders what she will need to do to become the Women's Universal Champion. She shakes her head before signaling to the crowd as she grabs hold of Ronda and once again looks for the BAYLEY TO BELLY... RONDA COUNTERS LOCKING BAYLEY IN A PRAWN HOLD!

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Bayley kicks out and escapes!​

Both women get back to their feet as Bayley charges in looking to catch Ronda with a clothesline but Ronda docks and runs off the ropes catching her with a SUPERMAN PUNCH! Bayley falls to the mat as Ronda tilts her head getting loud boos from the live crowd as she jumps on Bayley and once again wails on her with a series of hard strikes! She peppers Bayley on the mat really laying into her before going for the right arm as she LOOKS FOR THE ARMBAR... BAYLEY FIGHTS BACK AND SENDS RONDA BACK!

She charges in... RONDA COUNTERS WITH A STEP-UP KNEE ROCKING BAYLEY! Ronda is far from done though as she spins Bayley around and hits her with a SNAP SUPLEX! Ronda doesn't let go of Bayley though as she rolls through and hits ANOTHER SNAP SUPLEX! Ronda isn't done though as she holds onto it for the THIRD TIME AND MAKES THE BRIDGE!

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Bayley kicks out!​

Ronda was very close to winning this match and holding onto her title as he looks at Bayley who is still down on the mat and gets ready to end this! She scoops Bayley off the mat and places her on her shoulders as she gets ready to go for PIPER'S PIT! She gets ready to drop Bayley BUT THE HUGGER COUNTERS LOCKING IN A GUILLOTINE CHOKE WITH HER LEFT ARM! She locks the body scissors tightly around the body of Ronda as she tries to choke the champion out here!

Ronda falls down to her knees as she is clearly struggling in the hold as Bayley squeezes her neck with all of her strength trying to get a tap out from Ronda! Ronda struggles on the mat and starts to fall down to the mat as the crowd goes wild, hoping Bayley can force a tap out from Ronda here! Ronda lifts her arm up but refuses to tap out as she tries to power herself up off the mat but she falls down as the referee goes over to check if she is out cold!

The referee lifts her hand up...

BUT RONDA PULLS BACK!​

Loud boos ring out from the crowd as Ronda refuses to stay down and instead slowly powers Bayley back to her feet and runs at the turnbuckle as SHE SLAMS BAYLEY'S BACK INTO THE TURNBUCKLE! It loosens the grip but Bayley still holds on so Ronda HEADBUTTS BAYLEY UNTIL HER GRIP WEAKENS AND HITS A THUNDERFIRE POWERBOMB! Bayley finally lets go of the hold as Ronda rolls away not even making the cover, still gasping for breath after being locked in the choke for over a minute by Bayley.

Bayley ends up being the first to get to her feet as she walks over to Ronda, still clutching her right arm as she runs off the ropes and catches the rising Ronda with a SPRINGBOARD ARM DRAG! Bayley then lifts Ronda up off the mat with her left arm as she looks to go for a ONE-ARM DDT BUT RONDA COUNTERS WITH A ROLLING-O-GOSHI! Ronda holds onto Bayley however and gets her up into the air as she slams her down with PIPER'S PIT! This time Ronda hits it and climbs onto Bayley as she presses down on the right arm as she makes the cover

1

2

Bayley kicks out again!​

Ronda at this point looks furious and punches the mat as she gets into an argument with the referee over it. Ronda shouts some abuse at him but the referee cowering a tiny bit insists it is still a 3 count. Ronda shakes her head and mouths off at the fans in the crowd before heading back over to the prone Bayley on the mat. Ronda though has one thing in mind as she grabs hold of Bayley's right arm as she looks for the ARMBAR... BAYLEY COUNTERS INTO A PINNING PREDICAMENT!

1

2

Ronda kicks out!​

The commentary team reminds us what happened at Wrestlemania 35 and that's how Ronda lost her title to Becky Lynch! Ronda meanwhile looks angry she was nearly caught out as charges at Bayley looking for a SUPERMAN PUNCH... BUT BAYLEY COUNTERS WITH A BAYLEY TO BELLY! Ronda is slammed down to the mat as Bayley makes the cover unable to grab the leg of Ronda due to the pain her right arm is in!

1

2

RONDA KICKS OUT!​

Bayley is stunned as Elias wonders on commentary if the inability to hook the leg gave Ronda the chance to kick out. Bayley though doesn't spend too much time thinking about what could have been and instead heads to the corner of the ring. She climbs the ropes struggling the first time to hold on due to the damage done to her right arm but eventually she gets to the top rope and positions herself for the BAYLEY ELBOW DROP! She lines Ronda up and flies off the top rope... BUT RONDA MOVES IN TIME CAUSE BAYLEY TO LAND ON HER LEFT ARM! Bayley jumps up in pain and RONDA POUNCES LOCKING IN A CROSS ARMBREAKER ON HER RIGHT ARM IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING!

She wrenches back on the arm of Bayley as the challenger tries to get to the ropes but the damage from falling on her left arm is too much!

She then tries to power out of the hold and go for a powerbomb but again the pain is too much!

BAYLEY IS TRAPPED AS SHE TRIES TO FIND ANYWAY OUT...

BUT SHE HAS NOWHERE TO GO...

SHE DOESN'T WANT TO DO IT...

SHE GRITS HER TEETH...




AND LIGHTLY TAPS OUT!

Winner via submission and still Women's Universal Champion: Ronda Rousey (16:46)​

Boos ring out from the crowd as Ronda holds it for a few extra seconds to be a bitch before letting go of the hold as Bayley rolls away clutching her right arm which is in a ton of pain right now. Ronda meanwhile gets back to her feet and demands the referee passes her the title as she hoists it into the air to loud boos from the crowd.

Michael Cole: Ronda Rousey retains her Women's Universal title tonight but Bayley put up on hell of a fight and on another night she would have won. I'm sure of it.

Elias: Both women went through a war with each other tonight and Ronda will certainly remember how close Bayley came to beating her.

Michael Cole: But as we have talked about, only one person holds a pinfall victory over Ronda Rousey.

Elias: And with no sign of the man, who could possibly stop Ronda Rousey?

Ronda Rousey carries on her celebration in the ring, still getting loud boos from the crowd whilst Bayley gets checked over by the medics at ringside as we cut elsewhere backstage.

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And once again we see the commissioners for Monday Night Raw and Smackdown Live ADAM PEARCE and WADE BARRETT stood in front of the tumblers watching on the TV to side what just happened in the ring.

Wade Barrett: One hell of a performance. I might have to sign Ronda when the draft comes up. Or maybe even Bayley as well.

Adam Pearce: Hey what was it you said about keeping my hands off your talent?

Wade chuckles as we then see two more Raw talents walk into the room as FIRE AND DESIRE walk into the room with smiles on their face.

Mandy Rose: Evening Adam and Wade.

Sonya shakes hands with Adam Pearce and Wade Barrett as Mandy grabs a pair of balls (insert joke here) just as OTIS DOZOVIC walks into the room with a big goofy smile on his face.

Otis Dozovic: Mandy?

Sonya chuckles shaking her head slightly as Mandy smiles upon seeing Otis and gives him a hug.

Mandy Rose: Hey Otis, how are you?

Wade Barrett looks a little confused as Sonya walks over and speaks to Wade Barrett.

Sonya Deville: These two are old friends from NXT. Ain't that right Mandy?

Mandy Rose: That's right. Otis is one of the sweetest guys I've ever met. And he's kind of cute too.

Otis starts to blush as Sonya smiles whilst Mandy remains oblivious. Wade though remains unimpressed as he snaps his fingers.

Wade Barrett: Otis, you're not in here for a catch-up. Grab your number and leave.

Mandy Rose: Sorry I got you in trouble Otis.

Otis Dozovic: It's OK Mandy. You could never do anything to hurt me.

Otis looks at Mandy for a few seconds before heading to the men's tumbler and drawing his number. Meanwhile Mandy holds her two hands out and asks Sonya to pick a hand. Sonya thinks about it for a few seconds.

Sonya Deville: Left.

Sonya takes the number and has a look at it, nods giving little away. Mandy has a look at hers and like Sonya keeps stone-faced though there is a hint of disappointment. Otis meanwhile looks at his letting out a slight sigh which Mandy notices.

Mandy Rose: Let me see Otis.

Mandy takes a look at the number and understands his reaction.

Mandy Rose: That's pretty bad.

She then places her hands on Otis's arm and looks at him longingly in the eyes.

Mandy Rose: But I know you can win the men's Royal Rumble Otis. I believe in you.

That's all the motivation Otis needs as he gets pumped up, jumping up and down in an excited fashion.

Otis Dozovic: Oh yeah!!!

He grabs Mandy and pulls her in for a big hug squeezing Mandy before walking off excited for the Rumble. Sonya turns to Mandy with a smile on her face.

Sonya Deville: You sure know how to motivate him Mandy.

Mandy smiles and nudges her tag team partner.

Mandy Rose: Shut up Sonya. Let's go get ready for our Rumble match.

Sonya nods as Fire and Desire head off elsewhere backstage and we cut back to the ring for the third match of the show.

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​

A massive pop as we return from the commercial break as Jeff Hardy makes his way out to his iconic theme song. However there is none of the usual playing to the fans tonight, Jeff Hardy is pissed and desperate to gain some revenge on Roman Reigns tonight. The camera then pans up as we can see the WWE title hanging above the ring, the prize on offer tonight.

Byron Saxton: Well it's time for the first Smackdown match of the night and on Smackdown we like to start off big.

Corey Graves: For once Byron, you're right. We are starting off with the Tables, Ladders and Chairs match for the WWE title as Jeff Hardy takes on Roman Reigns.

Byron Saxton: Jeff Hardy is famous for his performances in TLC matches and if he can defeat Roman Reigns, he will become a four-time World Champion.

Corey Graves: You make it sound way easier than it is. Since turning his back on the fans and becoming WWE Champion Roman Reigns has been unstoppable.

​

Loud boos ring out as the WWE Champion Roman Reigns marches out in an outfit like his current tribal chief attire. He glares at Jeff Hardy in the ring before turning to the fans to taunt them. Roman turns around as JEFF HARDY DIVES OVER THE ROPES AND WIPES HIM OUT WITH A SUICIDE DIVE! Loud cheers from the crowd as Jeff gets the match started off with a bang. We then hear the bell to get this match underway!

Jeff lays into Roman keeping up his attack from before the bell as the crowd goes wild. Jeff then heads to the ring apron as he pulls the skirt up pulling out a STEEL CHAIR! Jeff is wasting no time bringing some toys into the match. He walks back over to Roman who is on his knees by the entrance ramp and he starts SMASHING HIM IN THE BACK WITH THE STEEL CHAIR! Jeff wails on Roman with the steel chair wearing it out on his back before tossing it to the side. Jeff then grabs Roman and sends him into the barricade with an Irish whip!

Roman's back bounces off the barricade as Jeff picks up the steel chair and he has an idea. He places the chair on the ring floor opening it before taking a few steps back. He then runs up as he jumps off the chair hitting a ONE-MAN POETRY IN MOTION! Roman falls over the barricade into the crowd as Jeff looks at him and has an idea once again. He grabs the steel chair from the ring floor and jumps onto the barricade before FLYING OFF THE BARRICADE WITH IT IN HAND LANDING ON ROMAN!

A loud pop for the high-risk offense as Jeff is putting his body on the line to hurt Roman tonight. Jeff gets back to this feet, clearly still sore as he leaves Roman outside the ring and climbs back into the ringside area. He makes his way over to one of the ladders set up on the outside of the ring as he takes it down and slides it into the ring. Jeff slides back into the ring as he looks to set up the ladder and make the climb but before he can start he sees Roman climbing over the barricade outside the ring so he jumps off and heads back onto the ring apron.

Jeff stands on the ring apron as he runs at Roman looking to jump off BUT ROMAN CATCHES HIM BY TOSSING A STEEL CHAIR AT HIM MID-AIR! Jeff drops to the floor to loud boos from the crowd as Roman shows no remorse for his vicious attack. Jeff meanwhile is down on the mat as Roman grabs hold of Jeff and BIEL TOSSES HIM INTO THE UPRIGHT LADDER AT RINGSIDE! The ladder and Jeff go down as Roman looks angry. He slowly walks over to Jeff and grabs him by the hair, punching him a few times in the head as he tells Jeff “After tonight you'll have to cling to someone else to stay relevant”.

He then scoops Jeff Hardy up lifting him into the air and POWERBOMBS HIM ONTO THE LADDER! Jeff shouts in a ton of pain as Roman just looks at him with disgust. The crowd lay into Roman with a ton of heat but Roman doesn't give a damn. He heads over to the ring apron as he looks to do more damage to Jeff Hardy and after a few seconds pulls out a TABLE! However, as he does this we hear a few fans start up a “WE WANT TABLES CHANT”. Roman hears this so responds and puts the table back getting very loud boos from the crowd.

Roman instead chooses to grab a STEEL CHAIR as he walks over to Jeff Hardy. He grabs hold of Jeff pressing his head into the ladder as he lifts the steel chair in the air looking for a ONE-MAN CO-CHAIR-TO... BUT JEFF MOVES JUST IN TIME CAUSING ROMAN TO SLAM THE STEEL CHAIR ON THE LADDER! Jeff takes advantage hitting a MULE KICK staggering Roman for a moment before grabbing hold of Roman and hitting a RUSSIAN LEGSWEEP ONTO THE LADDER!

Jeff once again putting his body through the wringer to hurt Roman Reigns! Jeff rolls to the side a moment as he grabs his back and uses the ring apron to get back to his feet. Jeff then hears the fan in the arena chant “WE WANT TABLES”. Jeff nods listening to the fans and he heads to the ring apron pulling the skirt up as he pulls out a TABLE to the delight of the live crowd. Jeff Hardy sets up the table on the outside of the ring before making his way back over to Roman Reigns... BUT AS HE GRABS HIM ROMAN SLAMS HIM IN THE STOMACH WITH A STEEL CHAIR!

Boos ring out from the crowd as Roman quickly follows up with a steel chair shot to the back! He wails on Jeff with the steel chair wearing it out on Jeff's back before tossing it to the side. Roman gives Jeff a few punches to the head and sees the table across from him, having an idea. He scoops Jeff Hardy up and slams him back first onto the ring apron before grabbing Jeff by the face and screaming at him: “You want to give the fans what they want? Fine.”

Roman drags Jeff Hardy up into the air and looks to go for A POWERBOMB THROUGH THE TABLE... BUT JEFF FIGHTS BACK! He punches Roman in the head several times before countering with a FACEBUSTER SENDING ROMAN THROUGH THE TABLE! Both men lay in the wreckage for a moment as Jeff rolls over to the ring apron and uses it to get back to his feet. He then climbs back into the ring and makes his way back to the ladder set up in the ring. Jeff starts to make the climb but it doesn't take long for Roman to get back up and slide into the ring pulling Jeff off the ladder!

Roman lays into Jeff with several punches as he lays into the challenger! He then grabs Jeff and Irish whips him back into the ladder... BUT JEFF USES THIS TO JUMP ONTO THE LADDER! Jeff tries to make the climb but once again Roman stops him and drags him off the ladder and BUCKLE BOMBS HIM INTO THE CORNER OF THE RING! Jeff slides down in the corner, clearly in pain as Roman grabs hold of the ladder in the centre of the ring taking it down and SMASHING JEFF IN THE FACE WITH IT!

Roman isn't done there though as he sets up the ladder in the corner placing it horizontally. The chief then grabs hold of Jeff Hardy's legs and lifts him up SLAMMING HIS HEAD INTO THE LADDER! Roman though doesn't stop there as he pulls Jeff out of the corner and lifts him up onto his shoulder... as HE HITS A SAMOAN DROP ONTO THE LADDER! Jeff is taking a pounding in the corner of the ring so far as he falls to the mat in pain whilst Roman smirks, enjoying the beating he is giving to the fans hero so far tonight.

Roman rolls to the outside of the ring, heading towards the hard camera, and looks at the two ladders on that side of the ring. He grabs the smaller of the two ladders and slides it into the ring before setting it up in the centre of the ring. Roman once he has set up the ladder starts to make the climb but it isn't long until Jeff Hardy starts to recover and head towards the ladder, so Roman jumps off the ladder and makes his way over to meet Jeff Hardy laying into him a series of punches.

Roman beats down Jeff and shouts at him telling “old yeller” to stay down. He hoists him up into the air but JEFF SLIPS OUT FROM ROMAN'S SHOULDER AND HITS HIM WITH A DROPKICK SENDING HIM INTO THE CORNER OF THE RING! Roman's gut bounces off the ladder as Jeff uses the ropes to hit HARDAYC ARREST! Roman falls backward landing on the ladder in the corner of the ring as Jeff has an idea. He climbs over Roman and climbs onto the top rope as he faces away from the ring before HITTING A DIVING LEG DROP ONTO ROMAN ON THE LADDER!

Jeff falls to the mat and lands on his tailbone whilst Roman falls off the ladder as well! Jeff gets to his feet first but does wince in pain having hurt himself with that manoeuvre. Jeff looks to the ladder and thinks about climbing but he realizes he is going to have to do more damage to keep Roman down for long enough. Jeff instead rolls out of the ring and grabs not just one but TWO TABLES! Jeff slides them both into the ring and sets one up in the corner of the ring facing towards the ring.

Jeff looks into setting up the other one but ROMAN STARTS TO STIR... SO JEFF CHARGES AT ROMAN AND HITS HIM WITH A TABLE! Jeff drops the table back down and runs off the ropes hitting a BASEMENT DROPKICK to the back of Roman's head keeping him down for a moment. Jeff then sets the table up, placing it down in the ring as he then grabs Roman bringing him toward the table AS HE LOOKS FOR A TWIST OF FATE THROUGH IT! Roman though realizes he is in trouble and LOW BLOWS JEFF!

Jeff drops Roman goes down clutching his groin as the champion smirks to himself. Corey Graves on commentary reminds us it is all legal as Roman takes a few moments to get his breath back as he thinks about what to do next. He grabs hold of Jeff and looks at the table in the corner of the ring as he IRISH WHIPS JEFF INTO IT! Jeff's back bounces off it but he remains laid out on the upright table as Roman lines him up and CATCHES JEFF WITH A SPEAR THROUGH THE TABLE IN THE CORNER!

A loud pop from the crowd initially for the move before they return to booing Roman Reigns as both men lay in the wreckage of the table for a moment. Roman Reigns gets to his feet first slowly getting up as he looks towards the ladder in the centre of the ring and repositions it as he starts to make the climb up the ladder slowly! He gets back up and starts the climbing, taking his time as he still feels the effects of the match so far but as he gets three rungs up... JEFF GRABS HIS ANKLE!

Jeff is still down after being speared through a table but he refuses to let Roman win this match and holds onto Roman's leg tightly! Roman tries to shake him off but Jeff won't let go so Roman jumps off the apron looking annoyed. He sees the ladder into the corner of the ring and has an idea. He scoops Jeff up and goes to POWERBOMB HIM ONTO THE LADDER IN THE CORNER... BUT JEFF COUNTERS WITH A HURRICARANA SENDING BOTH CRASHING OUT OF THE RING!

Both men lay down and out on the ring floor but it is Roman who gets to his feet first as he sees Jeff leaning against the ladder on that side of the ring still upright! Roman charges at Jeff looking for a SUPERMAN PUNCH BUT JEFF MOVES JUST IN TIME CAUSING ROMAN TO PUNCH THE LADDER BY MISTAKE! Roman grabs his fist in pain as Jeff uses this to grab hold of him and connects with a TWIST OF FATE ONTO THE LADDER! Loud cheers from the crowd as Jeff lays out Roman. Jeff though is still struggling on the ring floor as he gets back to his feet and heads back into the ring! Jeff positions the ladder in the centre of the ring and starts to make the climb!

Jeff slowly climbs each rung getting closer to the title

Eight rungs away!

Seven rungs away!

Six rungs away!

Five rungs away!

Four rungs away!

Three rungs away!

ROMAN IS BACK UP AND PUSHES THE LADDER OVER SENDING JEFF CRASHING TO THE MAT!​

Roman falls back to the mat after pushing the ladder over clearly still feeling the effect of this war so far. Roman does eventually get back up though and grabs hold of the ladder he pushed over as he goes to place it in the centre of the ring but he can get the ladder properly in place Jeff Hardy attacks him from behind! This sends the ladder off-centre as Roman and Jeff start to brawl again with Roman taking complete control of the brawl and clothesline Jeff to the outside of the ring!

Roman though knows that won't keep Jeff down and instead heads to the outside of the ring! He makes his way over to one of the ladders outside the ring and grabs hold of it bringing it back over to Jeff. He then grabs hold of Jeff's legs as he places them in between the ladder and just starts SLAMMING DOWN THE LADDER ON JEFF'S LEGS! He does a number on them as he slams them down onto them several times before finally stopping after 9 or 10 smashes.

Jeff is in a ton of pain as Byron wonders if he will even be able to get back up from this but Roman who looks angry isn't done. He grabs the ladder that he just used to beat down Jeff and places it between the ring apron and the barricade. Roman has evil intentions as he scoops lifts Jeff up and goes to pick Jeff up but THE VETERAN RAKES HIS EYES! Jeff getting some revenge for the dick kick earlier in the match! Roman's grip on Jeff weakens and it allows him to hit a TORNADO DDT ON THE RING FLOOR!

Roman's head hits with a hard thud as Jeff is struggling to get back to his feet after this as he considers going back into the ring however first of all he grabs a couple more toys. Jeff looks under the ring before pulling out a PAIR OF STEEL CHAIRS! He slides them into the ring before grabs hold of Roman and rolling him back inside the ring. The commentary team are a bit confused why Jeff would bring Roman back into the ring but it soon becomes clear as Jeff sets up the two chairs in an upright position in the ring!

Jeff once again goes after Roman and lifts him up as he gives him a few punches to the head and sets him for a TWIST OF FATE ONTO THE STEEL CHAIRS! Jeff goes for it... BUT ROMAN COUNTERS AND POWERBOMBS ONTO THE STEEL CHAIRS BREAKING THEM! Both the chairs buckle upon impact as Roman takes a moment to take a breather but then looks at the table in the middle of the ring so he scoops Jeff up off the mat and HITS A SIT-OUT CRUCIFIX POWERBOMB TO JEFF THROUGH THAT TABLE AS WELL!

Jeff's back must be destroyed at this point having now been powerbombed through two chairs and a table as Roman winces in pain having gone through a war himself during this encounter. Roman eventually gets back up as he repositions the ladder in the centre of the ring, next to the prone Jeff Hardy who is showing no sign of life and starts to make the climb.

Eight rungs away!

Seven rungs away!

Six rungs away!

Five rungs away!

Four rungs away!

Three rungs away!

Two rungs away!


JEFF WAKES UP DOWN BELOW

ONE RUNG AWAY!

JEFF USING ALL HIS REMAINING STRENGTH TIPS THE LADDER OVER AND SENDS ROMAN CRASHING TO THE MAT!​

Loud cheers from the crowd as Jeff calls back down using what might have been the last of his energy to save the match! Both men lay down and out for the next few seconds as the fans will Jeff Hardy on hoping he can rise back to his feet but it's the champion Roman who rises to his feet first! Roman walks over to Jeff who is still struggling on the mat and lays into him with a series of punches to the head, battering Jeff Hardy here! Jeff tries to fight back but Roman just slams him down to the mat!

Roman then looks to the ladder outside the ring and has evil intentions! He makes his way back over to Jeff and looks to POWERBOMB HIM FROM THE RING THROUGH THAT LADDER! He goes to lift Jeff up but Jeff fights back with a few weak punches. It stops Roman for a moment but Roman clocks him in the head stopping him. Roman then charges in BUT JEFF BACK BODY DROPS HIM OUT OF THE RING ONTO THE LADDER OUTSIDE THE RING!

Roman's back is in pain as Jeff looks at Roman on the outside and releases this might be his last chance to win! Jeff rolls out of the ring, limping slightly due to the damage, and pulls out another steel chair! Roman tries to get back to his feet but JEFF JUST WAILS ON HIM WITH THE STEEL CHAIR! He does it several times before tossing to the side for a moment. He then walks around the ring and grabs one of the other ladders from the other side of the ring setting it up!

The crowd starts to go wild as they know what might be about to happen. Jeff lifts Roman up taking a while due to the deadweight but he finally gets him on the ladder before grabbing the steel chair one more time and he beats the shit out of Roman with it! He finally finishes as he tosses the chair to the side and heads to the ladder opposite the ladder bridge with a prone Roman! Jeff takes his time as he slowly makes the climb before pointing to the crowd. He lines up Roman AND HITS A SWANTON BOMB TO ROMAN OFF THE LADDER SENDING BOTH MEN THROUGH THE LADDER BRIDGE!

The ladder is completely broken as they both lay in the wreckage outside the ring whilst the crowd starts up a “HOLY SHIT” chant. Neither man moves for a while but finally Jeff Hardy is the first man to emerge from the wreckage. He is still in a ton of pain and winces a lot as he rises to his feet having to use the ring apron for support. Jeff is just getting his breath back as he looks at the ring and then the title as he fights through the pain rolling back into the ring. He grabs the ladder in the centre of the ring and starts to make the climb!

Eight rungs away!

Seven rungs away!

Six rungs away!

Five rungs away!

Four rungs away!

Three rungs away!

Two rungs away!


ONE RUNG AWAY...


JEFF IS FINGERTIPS AWAY FROM BECOMING A 4-TIME WORLD CHAMPION!

ROMAN REIGNS IS BACK INTO THE RING AND PUSHES THE LADDER OVER SENDING JEFF CRASHING TO THE FLOOR!​

Jeff's body hits the mat with a thud as the commentary team puts over how close Roman was to losing his title. Roman is still in a ton of pain as he gets to his feet and knows how close he came to losing his title! Jeff meanwhile is struggling to get to his feet after nearly winning this match and GETS A SUPERMAN PUNCH TO THE FACE! Roman after the punches though winces in pain having used his damaged arm from earlier in the match. Roman looks at the prone Jeff and shouts “You don't know when to quit! Fine, I'll make sure you won't get up”!

Roman shakes his head and heads out of the ring as he looks under the ring apron as he grabs ANOTHER TWO STEEL CHAIRS! The commentary team wonders what Roman has planned as Jeff tries to get back up so ROMAN YEETS ONE RIGHT AT JEFF DROPPING HIM! Roman picks up the other chair and slams it into Jeff's back as he snarls at the challenger ready to put him down for good! He slides one chair under his head and grabs the other steel chair he brought into the ring...

CON-CHAIR-TO TO JEFF HARDY!​

Jeff isn't moving as Roman makes his way over to the ladder that is leaning against the ropes after being pushed over. Roman grabs the ladder and brings it back to the centre of the ring placing it upright as Roman slowly makes the climb... and there is no sign of Jeff stopping him! Roman gets to the top of the ladder as he looks down on Jeff Hardy still unconscious on the mat. He then turns to the fans in the crowd and shouts “I AM INEVITABLE!” Roman Reigns soak in the loud boos from the crowd before pulling down the WWE title bringing the match to an end!

Winner and still WWE Champion: Roman Reigns (16:38)​

The loud boos carry on after the match as Roman stands atop the ladder towering over his opponent tonight and the fans with a massive grin on his face even though he has gone through a world of hurt tonight. Jeff Hardy meanwhile still hasn't moved since the con-chair-to.

Byron Saxton: I may not like it but Roman has held onto his WWE title in Jeff's home turf.

Corey Graves: But you need to accept it like these fans have to. Roman is the tribal chief and remains atop Smackdown Live as our WWE Champion.

Roman carries on his celebration as he taunts the fans promising no one is going to be able to stop him. The champion soon disappears through the curtain as back in the ring we can see Jeff Hardy is only just coming to after the match with the fans boos turning to cheers as they show a lot of respect for the popular veteran's performance tonight. He gets back to his feet and smiles as he soaks in the reaction from the fans.

Byron Saxton: Jeff is getting to the age where we don't know if this will be his last ever TLC match but if it was, he gave it one hell of a fight.

Corey Graves: Jeff is a legend of the business and always gives one hundred per...

As Corey Graves is talking we suddenly see and hear one of the lights go out! The fans and the commentary team are all very confused as slowly one by one all of the other lights start to go out! Jeff in the ring looks very confused, still struggling to stand is unsure what to make off it as the whole arena is suddenly cloaked in darkness until... THE LIGHTS RETURN THIS TIME BRIGHT RED AND THIS MAN STOOD BEHIND JEFF HARDY!

The crowd are unsure how to react as Jeff turns around and the mystery assailant grabs hold of him sticking his fingers down his throat locking in a MANDIBLE CLAW! He chokes the life out of Jeff Hardy as the crowd lets out loud boos. Jeff is too tired to fight back and ends up falling into the other arm of the monster. The assailant looks at the camera as he lifts Jeff Hardy up and hits him with SISTER ABIGAIL! Boos ring out as the monster sticks his arms out and stands tall over Jeff Hardy before the lights go out once again! They stay out for a few moments until we come back and see the laid-out Jeff Hardy in the ring as the commentary team remains in shock over what just happened post-match as we cut backstage...

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And we are back with ADAM PEARCE and WADE BARRETT who are watching what just happened in the ring just now.

Adam Pearce: You have any ideas on what or who that is?

Wade Barrett: I have my suspicions.

R-Truth appears over the shoulder of both men wearing a Sherlock Holmes hat causing both men to be confused.

R-Truth: I think it was that damn Buddy Murphy!

Barrett and Adam Pearce are stunned into silence as Carmella is stood there and she is noticeably facepalming.

Carmella: Truth, how could that be Buddy Murphy when he is right here?

Carmella points off-screen as Buddy Murphy is rubbing his temple clearly pissed off already.

Buddy Murphy: Can I just grab my number and get out of here?

Wade Barrett gestures that Murphy can do this as R-Truth looks annoyed.

R-Truth: Why can he draw a number and I can't?

Wade Barrett: For the last time Truth, you're not in the Rumble!

Truth puts his hands up.

R-Truth: OK OK my bad!

Buddy Murphy tries to look at the number as he turns to Truth.

Buddy Murphy: Do you mind?

Buddy Murphy lets out a slight smirk as R-Truth looks again.

R-Truth: Man it looks good. Is that the secret you keep?

Murphy having enough turns around and clocks Truth in the jaw! Carmella who was drawing her ball quickly rushes over and checks on Truth making sure he is OK as Murphy walks off shaking his head as we cut back to the commentary team of Michael Cole and Corey Graves at the ringside.

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Michael Cole: Well it looks like one of your favourites for the Rumble has gotten a very nice draw.

Corey Graves: Tonight keeps getting better and better. I get a break from Bryon Saxton and I might get to see the world finally see the light when it comes to WWE's best-kept secret in Buddy Murphy.

​

A fairly muted reaction but some cheer as the former Women's and Diva's Champion MICHELLE MCCOOL makes her way down the ramp slapping hands with a few fans at ringside before climbing into the ring.

Michael Cole: And it looks like we are being joined on commentary ahead of the Women's Royal Rumble by a four-time Women's champion and one of the joint holders for the most eliminations in a Women's Rumble: Michelle McCool!

Michelle takes a seat in between Corey and Michael as she smiles happy to be here.

Michelle McCool: Thanks for having me guys and I have a front-row seat to my favourite night of the year! I can't wait!

Corey Graves: But before we can begin, let's take a look at the Royal Rumble by numbers.

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By the numbers Royal Rumble hype video
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After the video finishes, we cut back to Mike Rome in the ring as he does the usual pre-match introduction for the Royal Rumble as we await the first entrant into the match:

1: PEYTON ROYCE​

Boos ring out as Peyton Royce makes her way out to start the match off and weirdly she looks happy. She taunts the fans as she walks to the ring ahead of the match and says the Rumble is about to finally become Iiconic!

Michael Cole: Well it looks like we are starting the Royal Rumble off with one-half of the Iiconics, a team who a lot of people have compared to Laycool Michelle.

Michelle McCool: And I take that as a massive compliment. The Iiconics are great and did something we never had the chance to do. Win the Women's tag team titles at Wrestlemania. But she sure does look happy about entering the Rumble at number one tonight.

Corey Graves: Maybe she knows that an event like the Rumble is the perfect stage for an Iconic victory?

2: BILLIE KAY​

Michelle McCool: I think we have worked out why she is so happy!

Boos from the crowd though some cheers as we are seeing the Iiconics starting the Royal Rumble off together. Billie Kay slides into the ring and smiles as she joins her tag team partner Peyton Royce inside the ring.

Michael Cole: Have we ever seen these two fight before?

Corey Graves: No and if they are smart we won't. They could take out the whole field one by one working together before both leaving at the same time to get a title shot each. The Iiconics are geniuses!

Both women lean on the ropes as the bell rings to get the Women's Royal Rumble match underway!

Women's Royal Rumble match:​

Peyton and Billie smirk as both women turn to the referees at ringside and demand microphones each. The referees look very confused so the Iiconics scream at them until they get the duo microphones. The Iiconics snatch them away from the referees and then meet in the middle of the ring as the fans carry on booing the duo.

Peyton Royce: Could you believe this? The two most Iconic wrestlers in the company start the Rumble together!

Billie and Peyton jump up and down excited in the ring.

Billie Kay: A story for the ages. Name a more Iconic duo.

Insert meme here.

Peyton Royce: You can't.

Boos from the crowd as the Iiconics shake their heads.

Billie Kay: And that's why this Rumble may as well be awarded to us.

Peyton Royce: No one can stop us two combined!

Billie Kay: Because we are...

Both: ICONIC!

Loud boos from the crowd as the goofy duo stand in the middle of the ring and pose before dropping the microphones to the mat as the clock starts to count down 5 4 3 2 1...

3: MANDY ROSE​

A pop from the live crowd as Mandy Rose makes her way out with a purpose as she looks at the duo in the ring and knows she is going to have to put up one hell of a fight to stay in the Rumble for long.

Michael Cole: A rough draw for Mandy Rose tonight!

Corey Graves: If anyone can defeat The Iiconics by herself it is god's greatest creation Mandy Rose!

Mandy Rose steps into the ring and immediately goes on the attack punching Billie Kay and Peyton Royce fighting them off for a few seconds! Rose is scrapping with the Aussie duo and runs off the ropes as she connects with a DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE! A decent pop from the crowd as Mandy grabs Peyton and looks to toss her out of the rumble!

Peyton though rakes the eyes of Mandy! A cheap tactic but that ain't all as Mandy stumbles back into SHADES OF KAY (Big boot)! Mandy drops to the mat as Peyton Royce smirks and picks Mandy up before tossing her out of the ring scoring the first elimination of the Royal Rumble!

Eliminated by Peyton Royce: Mandy Rose (Time in the Rumble: 0:22)​

Boos ring out as Billie Kay sticks her arms out and taunts the live crowd whilst the commentary team puts over the danger the rest of the field is in because The Iiconics could take out the entire field one by one. And it gets worse for the live crowd as Peyton and Billie pick up their microphones as they get ready to speak.

Peyton Royce: Did you see that? No one can stop us.

Billie Kay: This Rumble will be called the Iconic Rumble!

Boos from the crowd as Peyton nudges her best friend.

Peyton Royce: Oh my god, that is is so good.

Billie Kay: I know right.

Both laugh and chuckle at their own jokes as they turn around and face the entrance ramp as the clock gets ready to tick down.

Peyton Royce: There is no woman more Iconic than us too ever!

Billie Kay: Ever!!!

Billie screams that last line which gets more boos from the crowd as the clock ticks down ahead of the next entrance 5 4 3 2 1...

4: TRISH STRATUS​

Michelle McCool: Talk about Iconic!

Michael Cole: It's Trish Stratus!

Corey Graves: A seven-time Women's Champion, only beaten by The Queen Charlotte Flair.

Trish gets a massive pop from the live crowd as she sticks her hands out and soaks in the reaction from the live crowd as she walks down the entrance ramp. The Iiconics in the ring meanwhile look on in complete shock as Trish enters the ring and shouts how this for Iconic before clocking Peyton in the face! Billie Kay charges in looking for SHADES OF KAY but Trish ducks underneath the boot before running off the ropes and hits Billie Kay with AIR CANADA!

She wails on Billie Kay with several punches until she is stopped by Peyton Royce who drags her off of Billie Kay! Peyton lays into Trish with several punches trying to lay the legend out but Trish fights her off and grabs hold of her in a side headlock. Billie Kay charges at Trish who jumps up and grabs her in a head-scissors as she plants both members of the Iiconics to the mat! A loud pop and even a “You still got it” chant starts up from the live crowd as Trish is on fire early on in the Rumble.

She grabs hold of Peyton Royce and looks to throw her out of the Rumble but Peyton fights back! Peyton though gets rocked as Trish grabs Peyton and hits her with a NECKBREAKER! She grabs hold of Trish lifting her up for STRATUSFACTION... Billie attacks Trish from behind stopping her! Peyton gets back to her feet as the duo beat down on Trish and she looks in danger of being eliminated. Trish needs some help as the clock ticks down 5 4 3 2 1...

5: LITA​

Corey Graves: Just when we thought things couldn't get any more iconic, Lita is here!

Michael Cole: No one has as much history with Trish Stratus as Lita does.

Michelle McCool: But will these old rivals work together? It's every woman for herself in the Royal Rumble!

Lita also gets an insane pop from the live crowd as he sprints down the entrance ramp and climbs to the top rope immediately diving off the top rope hitting Billie Kay with a DIVING CLOTHESLINE! Lita gets back to her feet as Peyton Royce charges at her but Lita ducks underneath a clothesline attempt and counters with the LITA DDT! A pretty decent pop from the live crowd but as she gets back to her feet we get a stare-down between Trish Stratus and Lita!

The two legends smirk as the commentary team talk about this moment rolling back the years but before they can do anything THE IICONICS ATTACK THE DUO FROM BEHIND! Peyton lays into Trish whilst Billie attacks Lita as they work over the legends and try to keep their run going in this match! However, Lita and Trish start to fight back as Trish grabs Peyton and hits her with STRATUSFACTION! Lita meanwhile drops Billie with a LITA DDT! The legends look at each other once again as they have an idea!

Trish drags Peyton and Billie into place in the centre of the ring as Lita heads to the top rope. She signals to the crowd and does the traditional Team Extreme taunt as she HITS A LITASAULT TO BOTH MEMBERS OF THE IICONICS! A pop from the crowd as Lita gets back to her feet... AS TRISH GOES TO THROW HER OUT BUT LITA HAS IT SCOUTED AND DROPS TRISH! Lita smirks as she asks Trish if it is going to be like that which brings a smirk to Trish's face as the two women lock up with the clock ticking down once again 5 4 3 2 1...

6: ALICIA FOX​

Michael Cole: Alicia Fox is someone you're familiar with Michelle.

Michelle McCool: She always gave me a tough fight when I stepped into the ring with her and she might shock some people tonight.

Corey Graves: Alicia Fox is a former Divas champion and not to be underestimated.

Alicia Fox sprints down the entrance ramp and immediately slides into the ring as she starts to mouth off at Lita and Trish Stratus saying she is a true legend. Lita and Trish turn around as Alicia Fox realizes she may have gotten herself in trouble and back off slightly apologizing to them but Trish and Lita beat down Alicia Fox! Lita then grabs hold of Fox as Trish licks her hand before hitting a CHICK KICK! Fox stumbles back leaning on the ropes as Lita and Trish charge forward hitting a DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE TO ALICIA FOX ELIMINATING HER!

Eliminated by Lita and Trish Stratus: Alicia Fox (Time in the Rumble: 0:22)​

A decent pop from the live crowd as Trish and Lita smile happy with their handiwork... AS LITA TRIES TO ELIMINATE TRISH THIS TIME! Trish though is ready and fights Lita off sending her back! Trish smirks ready to fight her rival... BUT THE IICONICS APPEAR AS PEYTON HITS TRISH WITH A BICYCLE KICK AND BILLIE KAY HITS LITA WITH SHADES OF KAY SENDING BOTH WOMEN OVER THE TOP ROPE AND OUT OF THE RUMBLE!

Eliminated by Peyton Royce: Trish Stratus (Time in the Rumble: 3:30)

Eliminated by Billie Kay: Lita (Time in the Rumble: 2:01)​

Loud boos ring out from the live crowd as the smug Iiconics mock the two legends they have just eliminated leaving them alone in the ring once again! Corey and Michelle put over the strategy of the Iiconics working to perfection as Lita and Trish head backstage. The Iiconics meanwhile grab the microphones on the mat and look to the fans who are still booing the duo loudly.

Peyton Royce: We told you people no one is as Iconic as us!

Billie Kay: No Raw Superstar!

Peyton Royce: No Smackdown superstar!

Billie Kay: And certainly no legends!

Peyton Royce: Whoever walks out we will beat up and toss out together!

The Iiconics toss their microphones down to the mat as they look at the entrance ramp and talk trash as they wait for the 7th entrant into the Rumble 5 4 3 2 1...

7: RHEA RIPLEY​

A massive pop from the live crowd as Rhea Ripley, the NXT Women's Champion walks out onto the entrance ramp and she has her NXT Women's title around her waist as well as a cocky smirk. She stands at the top of the ramp and slams her foot down as we see The Iiconics in the ring look terrified!

Corey Graves: The NXT Women's Champion Rhea Ripley is here!

Michelle McCool: If you're not watching NXT, you are missing out!

Michael Cole: The nightmare from Down Under Rhea Ripley is a monster but can she overcome both of the Iiconics at the same time?

Rhea Ripley is taking her time as she walks down the entrance ramp and she is full of confidence as she steps over the ropes and The Iiconics have their microphones in hand once again as they put their arms out telling Rhea to stay where she is.

Peyton Royce: Now listen, Rhea. Can we all you Rhea?

Rhea looks unimpressed as the Iiconics carry on rambling.

Billie Kay: Now listen Rhea dear, we don't have to fight.

Rhea Ripley (off-mic): Oh really?

Peyton Royce: Yeah you can be an honorary member of the Iiconics.

Billie Kay: Just an honorary one.

Peyton Royce: Of course Billie, until she works on this look.

Peyton points at Rhea's heavy metal attire as the NXT Women's Champion doesn't really give a damn.

Billie Kay: So what do you say?

Rhea thinks for a moment... AND SHAKES THEIR HANDS??? The crowd boos Rhea for this as she stands behind the Iiconics towering over them as they face the entrance ramp ready for whoever is next... AS RHEA GRABS BOTH THE IICONICS BY THE HAIR AND BANGS THEIR HEADS TOGETHER TO A MASSIVE OVATION! The Iiconics comically falls to the mat as Rhea scoops Billie Kay up and SLAMS HER BACK DOWN WITH A FALL NELSON SLAM! Peyton gets back up and charges at Rhea Ripley, WHO DROPS HER WITH A HEADBUTT!

Peyton is stunned as Rhea batters her with several knee lifts to the head before slamming her down with a SNAPMARE! Rhea runs off the ropes and then hits Peyton with a BASEMENT DROPKICK! Billie gets back up but has no chance to attack Rhea as he lifts her into the air and holds them upside down in a DELAYED VERTICAL SUPLEX POSITION AS THE CLOCK TICKS DOWN 5 4 3 2 1...

8: MARINA SHAFIR​

And the crowd goes mild as Marina Shafir makes her way out. She talks some trash as she walks whilst Rhea still has Billie held upside down in the ring as she slams BILLIE DOWN ONTO PEYTON ROYCE!

Michael Cole: Marina Shafir is part of the Real Horsewomen with Shayna, Duke and Ronda Rousey, the first two we will see later on in this match but how will she cope by herself in this Rumble?

Corey Graves: When you have the background Marina has, you know how to fight by yourself!

Marina has now sprinted down the ramp as she climbs over the top rope... AND RHEA IMMEDIATELY BIG BOOTS HER BACK OVER AND OUT OF THE RUMBLE!

Eliminated by Rhea Ripley: Marina Shafir (Time in the Rumble: 0:02)​

The commentary mention that has been a new record for the fastest elimination in Women's Rumble history. Rhea Ripley turns back around as THE IICONICS TRIES TO CATCH HER BY SURPRISE AND CLOTHESLINE HER OVER THE ROPES! The Iiconics turn around as they gloat to the crowd... but RHEA HAS HELD ON SKINNING THE CAT! The Iiconics carry on gloating as Rhea Ripley pulls herself back up and climbs back over the top rope standing behind the Iiconics! As the crowd cheers, The Iiconics stop gloating as they slowly work out what happened as they turn around and...

RHEA RUNS THROUGH BOTH WITH A DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE! Rhea then yanks both the Iiconics up and LIFTS THEM BOTH ONTO HER SHOULDERS BEFORE SENDING THEM INTO THE TURNBUCKLE WITH A FIREMAN'S CARRY SLAM! The Iiconics crumple in the corner of the ring as Rhea drags Billie Kay out of the corner first and SLAMS HER DOWN WITH THE RIPTIDE! Rhea then picks up the lifeless body of Billie and tosses her over the top rope to the ring floor!

Eliminated by Rhea Ripley: Billie Kay (Time in the Rumble: 9:47)​

A loud pop from the crowd as Rhea's rampage carries on. Peyton Royce meanwhile shes her friend outside of the ring and charges in at Rhea... WHO STOPS HER WITH A BIG BOOT! Rhea then scoops Peyton Royce up and POWERBOMBS HER OVER THE TOP ROPE TO THE OUTSIDE AND SHE LANDS ON BILLIE KAY ELIMINATED FROM THE RUMBLE AS WELL!

Eliminated by Rhea Ripley: Peyton Royce (Time in the Rumble: 10:05)​

Rhea Ripley has cleared the ring completely as she stands tall gets loud cheers from the live crowd. The Iiconics retreat up the ramp and talk trash to Rhea who looks down at the microphones in the ring and picks one of them up!

Rhea Ripley: Sitting in the back, all I heard was talk and no action. Well no more.

Rhea boots the other microphone on the mat out of the ring to the outside getting a decent pop from the live crowd.

Rhea Ripley: Send out my next victim!

Rhea lobs the microphone over the ropes and it lands with a thud as she paces around the ring waiting for the next entrant. The crowd meanwhile count down 5 4 3 2 1...

9: BETH PHOENIX​

Michael Cole: That's no victim!

Michelle McCool: One of the most powerful women to ever wrestle in WWE! Facing her I always had to use my brains to deal with her as I couldn't overpower Beth.

Corey Graves: Rhea might have met her match!

Beth Phoenix walks down the entrance ramp as Rhea has a big smile on her face. Once Beth climbs into the ring both women face off and have a stare-down in the centre of the ring. Both women talk trash to each other before they start trading blows in the centre of the ring! Both women are evenly matched as they battle in the centre of the ring, each trying to overpower the other but the two women are evenly matched so far!

Eventually, though Beth starts sending Rhea backward with punches and gets her near the ropes, so the NXT Women's champion counters with a headbutt rocking Beth! Beth falls backward as Rhea grabs hold of her and tries to lift her up for the RIPTIDE... BUT BETH FIGHTS OUT OF IT! Beth then clocks Rhea with a lariat sending her down to the mat. Beth then runs off the ropes as Rhea gets back to her feet and CONNECTS WITH A SPEAR!

A loud pop from the live crowd as Beth uses her partner's signature move to keep Rhea down for the time being. Beth knows though she is going to have to do even more damage to take Rhea out of the Rumble and lifts her up looking for the GLAM SLAM... BUT RHEA FIGHTS OUT OF IT KNEEING BETH IN THE HEAD! Beth falls backward as Rhea lands on her feet as the two powerhouses go back to trading blows in the centre of the ring as the clock ticks down 5 4 3 2 1...

10: CARMELLA​

A decent pop from the live crowd as Carmella and R-Truth make their way out! R-Truth starts to hype the crowd up and tells them it's time for the seven-second dance break!

Corey Graves: What is this idiot doing out here with Carmella? He knows he isn't in the Rumble!

Michael Cole: I mean Nia Jax did take his spot in the Men's Rumble last year, maybe he wants to take someone's spot in this match?

Michelle McCool: Looking at the women in the ring already, R-Truth might want to change his mind if that's his plan!

R-Truth and Carmella carry on dancing for the moment whilst in the ring, the two powerhouses carry on laying into each other with clubbing blows in the centre of the ring. Carmella eventually finishes up her dance and slides into the ring as Beth knocks down Rhea with a hard punch sending her into the corner! Beth turns around as Carmella leaps into the air and starts to send Beth into a spin with the MELLA-GO-ROUND! Carmella spins Beth around the ring getting about 4 rotations before sending the legend into the turnbuckle in the corner of the ring!

Rhea gets back to her feet and looks to go after Carmella but the Staten Island Princess catches her with the PRINCESS KICK! Rhea is staggered and Carmella follows it up as she goes for the MELLA-GO-ROUND ON RHEA NOW AS WELL! She gets off about two rotations on Rhea but the NXT Women's Champion counters with a POWERBOMB! Rhea though rolls away from Carmella after powerbombing her, still in a ton of pain.

Rhea looks to go back and attack Carmella but Beth stops her from behind! Beth grabs hold of Rhea and once again looks for the GLAM SLAM BUT STRUGGLES TO GET HER UP! Carmella though is back on her feet and runs off the ropes hitting Rhea with a SINGLE LEG DROPKICK WHILST BETH HOLDS HER! BETH THEN POWERS HER UP AND HITS THE GLAM SLAM! Beth finally plants Rhea but doesn't have long to react as Carmella goes for her but she plants Carmella WITH A GLAM SLAM TOO as the clock ticks down 5 4 3 2 1...

11: MIA YIM​

Beth Phoenix puts down Carmella and immediately tells her rival over the last few weeks Mia Yim to make her way down to the ring and Mia Yim doesn't wait as she sprints down the entrance ramp!

Michael Cole: These two women have had issues over the last few weeks on Raw with Beth picking up the win against Mia Yim.

Michelle McCool: Takes a brave woman to go head to head with Beth Phoenix.

Corey Graves: Mia Yim believes she is number one in the Women's division and she is going to use that belief to take herself to the top!

Mia Yim slides into the ring and immediately gets into with Beth as she lays into her with several punches on the mat. Carmella gets back up meanwhile so Mia catches her with a SEOUL KICK (Spinning back kick)! Carmella falls back down to the mat as Beth gets up and clobbers Mia Yim as the pair start brawling with each other again! Beth gets Mia Yim near the ropes and looks like she might be about to eliminate her but Mia RAKES THE EYES!

A cheap tactic but all legal in the Rumble as she lifts Beth up and hits an STO! Mia stands over Beth and talks a bunch of trash to her as Carmella comes in and hits Mia from behind! Carmella grabs Mia from behind and looks to toss her over the ropes as Mia hangs on! Carmella goes to knock her off but Mia pulls her neck onto the top rope and she falls back. Carmella falls to the mat clutching her neck as Mia talks trash... RHEA RIPLEY BLINDSIDES HER WITH A BIG BOOT ELIMINATING HER FROM THE RUMBLE!

Eliminated by Rhea Ripley: Mia Yim (Time in the Rumble: 0:44)​

Commentary once again put over the rampage Rhea Ripley is on and wonder if she will beat Charlotte Flair and Michelle McCool's elimination record? Carmella is still struggling on the mat as Rhea grabs hold of her and sends her across the ring with a release German suplex! Carmella lands in the corner but before Rhea can do anything else Beth grabs Rhea and tries to lift her up for another GLAM SLAM... BUT RHEA HEADBUTTS HER WITH THE BACK OF HER HEAD! Beth staggers as Rhea scoops her up and hits the RIPTIDE! Rhea then picks up Beth and tosses her over the ropes matching Michelle McCool and Charlotte Flair!

Eliminated by Rhea Ripley: Beth Phoenix (Time in the Rumble: 3:58)​

Commentary put Rhea over as Carmella runs off the ropes BUT RHEA TURNS AROUND AND SENDS HER OVER THE ROPES ONTO BETH AND R-TRUTH!

Eliminated by Rhea Ripley: Carmella (Time in the Rumble: 3:58)​

Michael Cole: Rhea Ripley has broken the eliminations record for a Women's Rumble match and she doesn't look like she is close to stopping here!

Michelle McCool: It was hard enough tossing out five women let alone any more. Rhea is something else.

Corey Graves: NXT is truly the future of the business but who can stop Rhea Ripley?

Less of a pop for the last two eliminations with both women being fan favourites as Rhea paces around the ring and the clock counts down 5 4 3 2 1...

12: EMBER MOON​

A loud pop as Ember Moon slowly makes her way out to the top of the entrance ramp. She has an orange jacket on with an Assassin Creed style Jacket and her hood down. She pulls the hoodie up and stares at Rhea Ripley in the ring as the NXT Women's Champion smirks and tells her to bring it as she walks down the entrance ramp.

Corey Graves: Ember Moon knows that winning the Rumble gives her the chance to fight Asuka one more time and she has to be the favourite to win the match.

Michael Cole: She is also a former NXT Women's champion in her own right.

Michelle McCool: But can she stop Rhea's rampage?

Ember Moon climbs onto the ring apron as Rhea charges forward but Ember punches her in the jaw sending Rhea backward! Ember then springboards off the ropes and connects with a CROSSBODY! Ember gets back to her feet and runs off the ropes connecting with a dropkick as she looks to keep Rhea grounded for the time being. Ember then leaps into the air and hits a STANDING MOONSAULT TO RHEA! A decent pop for the flashy offense as Ember picks up Rhea and brings her towards the ropes as she tries to eliminate the NXT Women's Champion!

Rhea though still won't go down without a fight and lays into Ember sending her backward. Rhea takes a moment to cover before catching a charging Ember with a lariat! Ember falls down to the mat as Rhea hoists her up and goes for the RIPTIDE... BUT EMBER COUNTERS AND LOCKS HER RIGHT ARM IN A CROSS ARMBREAKER! Commentary reminds us that this won't her the match but it may save her as the clock starts to tick down 5 4 3 2 1...

13: SHAYNA BASZLER​

Loud boos ring out as the second of the Real Horsewomen in this Rumble makes her way out and arguably the biggest threat of the group too! She has her mouthguard in and sprints down the entrance ramp looking to join Ember and Rhea inside!

Michael Cole: Shayna has been unbeaten since debuting on Monday Night Raw and even holds a victory over Becky Lynch.

Corey Graves: She is my pick to win this whole match. As soon as she gets her arms around your neck, it's game over.

Michelle McCool: She is like nothing I faced in my day that's for sure. A true submission magician and another NXT Women's Champion in the ring.

Shayna climbs into the ring and immediately stomps on Ember Moon breaking the submission hold on Rhea Ripley. Shayna doesn't stop there and starts stomping on her as well as she looks to keep the larger opponent down! Shayna then looks to carry on the work done by Ember and grabs the arm as she bends it on the mat READY TO STOMP ON IT... BUT EMBER ATTACKS SHAYNA STOPPING HER! She gives the submission magician a few strikes to the head as she back her up into the corner of the ring. Rhea meanwhile takes a moment to under the bottom rope and recover, holding her arm which is in pain.

Back in the ring Ember is in the opposite corner and does a HANDSPRING INTO AN ELBOW IN THE CORNER OF THE RING! Ember follows it up by peppering Shayna in the corner with several kicks before trying to get her over the ropes but Shayna fights back and transitions out of the corner with an ARM DRAG INTO AN ARMBAR! Shayna locks in the submission hold tight as the commentary team mention damaging your opponent's arms could make it harder for them to hold onto the ropes/throw people over the top rope!

Shayna is yanking but Ember having faced Shayna before on NXT is prepared and rolls over as she wails on Shayna with several punches to the head until she lets go of the hold! Ember gets back to her feet but SHAYNA GOES FOR THE KIRIFUDA CLUTCH... EMBER BACKS HER INTO THE CORNER BREAKING IT! Ember charges in looking to do more damage but Shayna counters with a HIGH KNEE DROPPING HER! The clock meanwhile starts to tick down as we await the next entrant into match 5 4 3 2 1...

14: LACEY EVANS​

Lacey Evans walks out next getting loud boos from the crowd and she has the Women's WWE Tag Team title on her shoulder showing it off to the fans whilst she mocks them and slowly walks down the entrance ramp.

Michael Cole: Well as we saw tonight thanks to Charlotte, Lacey got the earlier draw out of the two women. Guessing teamwork is dead.

Corey Graves: Charlotte is a Flair and will do whatever it takes to get another title around her waist. Michelle would have done the same to Layla.

Michelle McCool: Hate to admit it Michael but Corey is correct.

Lacey Evans gets to the bottom of the entrance ramp and stops before doing another loop around pissing off the fans at ringside. Back in the ring Shayna is working over Ember Moon and wearing down her former rival with a series of kicks. On the outside, Lacey Evans is carrying on her taunting of the fans as she mocks them and calls them nasties, and walks back up the entrance ramp again! However, as she walks down for the third time RHEA CATCHES HER WITH A BIG BOOT WIPING LACEY OUT!

Massive pop from the crowd as the NXT Women's champion grabs Lacey and rolls her into the ring joining Shayna and Ember inside the ring! Rhea grabs Lacey and looks to lift her up but Shayna attacks Rhea with a CHOP BLOCK! Boos from the crowd as Rhea drops Lacey Evans and crumbles to her knees. Lacey meanwhile rolls to the corner as Shayna looks to go after the legs of Rhea Ripley and stop one of the main weapons in Rhea's arsenal!

Shayna works over the knees of Rhea grinding her down on the mat and causing her a ton of pain whilst in the corner we see Ember Moon and Lacey Evans have paired off with each other as they try to eliminate each other from this match! Shayna looks to transition into a KNEEBAR BUT RHEA KICKS HER OFF ON THE MAT AND SENDS HER BACK! Rhea is wincing in pain but turns around into a WOMAN'S RIGHT from Lacey! Rhea crumples down as she looks to lift the deadweight of Rhea up but is stopped by Ember Moon as the clock ticks down once again 5 4 3 2 1...

15: VICTORIA​

Michael Cole: Could it be? It is! It's Victoria!

Michelle McCool: Now that is one tough cookie!

Corey Graves: A multiple times Women's Champion and one of the toughest Women's wrestlers the WWE has ever seen!

Victoria walks out onto the top of the entrance ramp as she sticks her arms out and soaks in the ovation she is receiving from the live crowd before heading to the ring to take care of business! Once she slides into the ring she comes face to face with Shayna who tries to take the legend down but she gets a punch to the jaw before Victoria lifts her onto her shoulders and plants her with A-RACK-NOPHOBIA (Argentine backbreaker rack drop)!

A loud pop from the live crowd as Ember Moon charges in but she gets a SUPERKICK for her troubles before being scooped up by Victoria and gets hit with SPIDER'S WEB (Fireman's carry into a swinging sidewalk slam)! The crowd goes wild and we even get a “you still got it" chant from the live crowd. Lacey Evans though attacks Victoria from behind getting loud boos from the crowd. One-half of the women's tag team champions lays into Victoria before going for a STANDING MOONSAULT BUT VICTORIA GETS HER KNEES UP BLOCKING IT!

Victoria then grabs hold of Lacey Evans and gets her in position before hitting her with WIDOW'S PEAK! A loud pop from the live crowd but before she can do anything else she is soon confronted by RHEA RIPLEY! The commentary team put over the fact Rhea grew up watching Victoria compete as the two women grapple in the centre of the ring! Rhea overpowers Victoria and gets her near the ropes teasing a possible elimination but the veteran boots Rhea in the right leg taking advantage of the damage done by Shayna so far in this match!

Victoria then tries to eliminate Rhea Ripley and she soon gets help from Shayna Baszler as she looks to get rid of one of the biggest threats in the match but the nightmare from Down Under fights back women off sending them back. In the other corner of the ring meanwhile, we can see Lacey and Ember reassuming hostilities from last year trying to eliminate each other as Rhea fights off Shayna and Victoria looking to save herself from elimination as the clock ticks down once again 5 4 3 2 1...

16: XIA LI​

Michael Cole: Xia Li last year became the first person from China to enter a Royal Rumble match. Could she become the first person from China to win one?

Corey Graves: She has been growing on Monday Night Raw teaming Taynara Conti. Will that growth pay off tonight and will Xia Li pull off a massive upset?

Michelle McCool: Her martial arts background may give her the edge in reversing the attacks of her opponents tonight.

Xia Li shows off her fan work to the crowd who give a small pop before she drops the fan at the top of the entrance ramp and sprints down the ramp sliding into the ring. Once in the ring Xia Li immediately goes on the attack as she peppers Victoria and Shayna with a series of kicks before turning around and drops Rhea Ripley with a ROUNDHOUSE KICK TO THE HEAD DROPPING HER! Victoria charges in but gets a ROUNDHOUSE KICK sending her through the middle rope and to the outside!

Back across the ring, we can see Ember Moon and Lacey Evans are still fighting with each other as Lacey has Ember down in the corner and hits her with a HANDSTAND INTO A BRONCO BUSTER! Elsewhere Xia Li and Shayna are battling now as Xia goes for one too many kicks and Shayna catches her before going to lock in the KIRIFUDA CLUTCH BUT LACEY CLOCKS SHAYNA WITH THE WOMAN'S RIGHT DROPPING HER AND BREAKING THE HOLD!

Shayna falls to the mat as Xia Li rolls away. Lacey meanwhile looks to pick the bones and toss Shayna out but Rhea Ripley appears attacking Lacey as those two women start to battle with each other. Xia Li meanwhile rests by the ropes but doesn't get to rest too long as VICTORIA REAPPEARS AND LOCKS HER IN A TARANTULA! A massive pop for signature submission hold as Xia Li is trapped in the ropes and Victoria can keep it in for as long as she wants due to there being no disqualifications in the Rumble! Lacey and Rhea Ripley meanwhile try to eliminate each other whilst Ember and Shayna remain down for the time being as the clock ticks down once again 5 4 3 2 1...

17: SARAH LOGAN​

Boos ring out as one half of the Riott Squad, Sarah Logan walks out with a slight smirk on her face as she sprints down the entrance ramp heading straight for the ring!

Corey Graves: Can I change my pick? Sarah Logan has been known to cause chaos on Smackdown and could be a dark horse to win this match.

Michael Cole: She even was a runner-up in last year's Sensational Sherri battle royal!

Michelle McCool: But how will she cope without her tag team partner?

Sarah sprints down the entrance ramp and jumps onto the ring apron clocking Victoria with a KNEE STRIKE TO THE HEAD BREAKING THE TARANTULA! Xia Li falls to the mat still in pain as Sarah Logan steps through the ropes and climbs into the ring as she spots Xia Li hitting her with the KENTUCKY KNEE (Reverse handstand transitioned into a knee drop to a kneeling opponent)! Sarah Logan smirks as she makes her way over to Lacey and looks to help her try to eliminate Rhea Ripley! However, the NXT Women's champion fights them off staying alive!

Elsewhere we see Shayna and Ember Moon are both back to their feet as they battle in the centre of the ring but Ember is starting to feel the effects of being in the match longer than Shayna and loses the battle as SHAYNA HITS HER WITH A GUTWRENCH POWERBOMB! However, before she can do much more damage Xia Li looks to attack her and goes for the ROUNDHOUSE KICK ONE MORE TIME... SHAYNA DUCKS AND LOCKS IN THE KIRIFUDA CLUTCH! And this time Shayna gets the full effect choking the life out of Xia Li and tossing her over the top rope to the outside!

Eliminated by Shayna Baszler: Xia Li (Time in the Rumble: 2:22)​

Shayna lets out a wild smirk as she stands tall in the centre of the ring but whilst that is going on in the background we see Rhea overpower LACEY AND LOGAN SENDING THEM DOWN TO THE MAT! Shayna Baszler turns around and gets clobbers by a clothesline from Rhea Ripley! Rhea stands tall and brings Shayna towards the rope but in the background we see Lacey slipping on a pair of BRASS KNUCKLES! She looks to catch Rhea by surprise but Rhea sees it coming catching her hand! Lacey looks terrified as Rhea grabs her by the throat with her other hand and HITS ONE A ONE-HANDED CHOKESLAM OUT OF THE RING TO PICK UP ANOTHER ELIMINATION!

Eliminated by Rhea Ripley: Lacey Evans (Time in the Rumble: 5:14)​

A loud pop as Rhea Ripley picks up her seventh elimination in this match as she grabs Shayna Baszler and looks to go for number 8 whilst Ember battles Logan in the corner as the clock ticks down again with Shayna in grave danger 5 4 3 2 1...

18: JESSAMYN DUKE​

A mild reaction once again but a few people do boo as the final entrant from the Real Horsewomen sprints down the entrance ramp and slides into the ring going after Rhea straight away as she looks to save her friend Shayna!

Michael Cole: Duke making the save for Shayna and it's clear what her role is going to be.

Corey Graves: Duke knows where her bread is buttered and if they work together, they could do a lot of damage.

Michelle McCool: Look how many people The Iiconics took out earlier on in the match.

It's now two on one on the NXT Women's champion and they work together to plant Rhea in the centre of the ring with a DOUBLE POWERBOMB! Duke and Shayna smirk as they share a fist bump as Victoria slides back into the ring and takes down Duke with a SUPERKICK! However, Victoria can't do much as Shayna hits a JUMPING KNEE STRIKE BEFORE TRANSITIONING INTO THE KIRIFUDA CLUTCH! Shayna chokes the life out of the legend and tosses her out of the ring picking up her second elimination!

Eliminated by Shayna Baszler: Victoria (Time in the Rumble: 5:06)​

Loud boos ring out as Shayna shows off her skills and takes out one a legend of the Women's division. However, she doesn't have too long to smirk as Ember Moon catches with a POUNCE! She sends Shayna flying into the ropes as Duke gets up looking to punch Ember but Duke counters with a SPINEBUSTER PLANTING HER! Cheers from the crowd but before Ember can get rid of the goon we see SARAH LOGAN CHARGE IN AND HITS EMBER WITH A FOREARM SMASH STOPPING HER!

Boos ring out as Sarah Logan carries on her hostilities from Smackdown Live as she looks to toss Ember out of the Rumble as she gets Ember over the ropes but she holds on! Sarah goes for a CLOTHESLINE TO FINISH HER OFF BUT EMBER DODGES AND SENDS LOGAN BACK BEFORE HITTING A SPRINGBOARD TORNADO DDT! Ember gets cheers from the crowd as she then comes face to face with Rhea Ripley once again! The two women both look a lot more tired now as Rhea charges in but Ember avoids her with her agility as the clock ticks down once again 5 4 3 2 1...

19: NATALYA​

A small pop from the live crowd as Natalya walks down the entrance ramp and heads to the ring.

Michael Cole: Natalya holds the record for the longest time spent in a Women's Royal Rumble after lasting over fifty-six minutes last year!

Corey Graves: And she is entering in a much better spot this time! I think I might have to change my pick.

Michelle McCool: Again?

Natalya steps into the ring as we see Rhea Ripley gets Ember Moon into the air for a POWERBOMB but Ember slips out landing behind Rhea and connects with a DROPKICK TO THE LEG! Natalya upon entering the ring gets into a battle with Logan and lays into her with a series of strikes beating up Logan in the corner of the ring. Rhea meanwhile has grabbed hold of Ember and slams her down to the mat with the RIPTIDE! Rhea doesn't get a chance to eliminate Ember who rolls away however as Shayna and Duke double team Rhea!

They beat down on Rhea but the NXT Women's Champion starts to fight back and slams down Duke with a ONE-HANDED CHOKESLAM! Shayna though jumps behind Rhea and looks to lock in the KIRIFUDA CLUTCH BUT RHEA ELBOWS HER OFF STOPPING HER FROM LOCKING IT IN! Rhea then runs off the ropes and goes for a BIG BOOT BUT SHAYNA HITS A CHOP BLOCK BRINGING HER DOWN TO THE FLOOR! Shayna smirks as she gets ready to do more damage until NATALYA ATTACKS HER!

The Queen of Harts lays into the submission magician getting her into the corner of the ring and laying into her with several strikes in the corner before looking to go for the DISCUSS CLOTHESLINE BUT DUKE HITTING A RUNNING CLOTHESLINE TO THE BACK OF NATALYA'S HEAD! This stops her in her tracks as Shayna grabs Natalya and slams her down with a GUTWRENCH POWERBOMB! Shayna then picks Natalya up and tosses her out of the ring!

Eliminated by Shayna Baszler: Natalya (Time in the Rumble: 1:13)​

Boos ring out as Shayna and Duke stand tall in the ring as they start to put the boots to Ember and Rhea, whilst Logan for the moment slides out of the ring as the clock ticks down with two of the Real Horsewomen stood tall in the centre of the ring 5 4 3 2 1...

20: BECKY LYNCH


A MASSIVE POP AS THE CROWD GOES WILD CAUSING SHAYNA AND DUKE TO STOP WHAT THEY ARE DOING AS WE SEE THE MAN BECKY LYNCH WALK OUT ONTO THE ENTRANCE RAMP!​

Michelle McCool: The Man is back!

Michael Cole: We haven't seen Becky since Ronda Rousey broke her arm at Survivor Series!

Corey Graves: But she is heading right into the lion's den with Shayna and Duke in the ring right now!

Becky soaks in the reaction from the live crowd for a few seconds before she sprints down the entrance ramp and heads straight for Shayna... WHO PUSHES DUKE IN HER WAY! Becky grabs Duke and slams her down with MAN DOWN (Pumphandle Uranage)! Becky then charges at Shayna and batters her with several punches to the head as she lays a beating on Shayna before getting back to her feet as Sarah Logan tries to blindside Becky... MAN DOWN AS WELL FOR HER!

Becky gets back to her feet as Shayna is back up and tries to lock her in the KIRIFUDA CLUTCH... BUT BECKY BACKS HER UP INTO THE CORNER BREAKING IT! Becky lays into Shayna sending her into the corner and batters her! She turns around to set up for the FLYING FIRE-ARM... BUT DUKE CHARGES IN... SO BECKY MOVES CAUSING DUKE TO COLLIDE WITH SHAYNA! Duke is in shock and Becky grabs hold of her tossing her out of the Rumble!

Eliminated by Becky Lynch: Jessamyn Duke (Time in the Rumble: 3:45)​

Becky looks to go back on the attack but Shayna grabs runs through her with a clothesline! Shayna looks pissed as she tells back she should have never come back before slamming her down with a GUTWRENCH FACEBUSTER! She makes her way over to Becky's arm and looks to grab hold of it for an ARMBAR BUT BECKY FIGHTS HER OFF! Shayna is staggered as Becky scoops her up and PLANTS HER WITH MAN DOWN! Becky is on fire as she grabs Shayna and tosses her over the top rope!

Eliminated by Becky Lynch: Shayna Baszler (Time in the Rumble:11:41)​

A loud pop has Becky Lynch as just eliminated the remaining Real Horsewomen members from the Rumble and gained a measure of revenge as the clock ticks down ahead of the next entry 5 4 3 2 1...

21: CHARLOTTE​

Loud boos ring out as The Queen Charlotte Flair walks out in a fancy robe and her WWE Women's tag team title around her waist. As she slowly takes her robe off as she and Becky talk some trash to each other with Becky promising to get more belts than Becky.

Corey Graves: The Queen is here!

Michael Cole: Flair has pretty much done everything there is to do in WWE. One of the few things she hasn't done is win a Royal Rumble match!

Michelle McCool: These two women are destined to fight forever.

Michelle may have a point but whilst Becky is jaw-jacking with Charlotte, RHEA RIPLEY GOES TO ELIMINATE BECKY... BUT THE MAN HANGS ON! Charlotte smirks to herself and begins to slowly walk to the ring, making sure to take her time as Becky fights for survival. Ember and Logan meanwhile are fighting in the corner still trying to eliminate each other but neither woman can gain the upper hand. Charlotte meanwhile has finally stepped into the ring and immediately looks to help Rhea eliminate Becky!

However, Rhea pushes Charlotte away, wanting to be the one to take out Becky herself... SO CHARLOTTE RESPONDS WITH A CHOP TO HER CHEST BEFORE CHOPPING BECKY! Charlotte fires off a series of chops to both women but soon the pair no-sell it and clock Charlotte dropping her to the mat! Becky though jumps into the air and goes for a FLYING FIRE-ARM TO RHEA STAGGERING HER BUT THE NXT WOMEN'S CHAMPION STAYS ON HER FEET! Becky then looks to go for a MAN DOWN BUT RHEA FIGHTS OUT OF IT AND LOOKS TO GO FOR THE RIPTIDE... BUT BECKY COUNTERS INTO THE DIS-ARM-HER!

Becky yanks back on the arm of Rhea as commentary reminds us this won't cause an elimination directly but might wear down the monstrous NXT Champion who has been in the match for over 20 minutes and now holds the record for the most eliminations in Rumble history! Charlotte though runs off the ropes and looks to pounce on this as she HITS BECKY WITH NATURAL SELECTION! Boos ring out as Charlotte smirks and tries to eliminate Becky but The Man holds on whilst in the other corner Sarah Logan is in danger of going out as the clock ticks down 5 4 3 2 1...

22: Ruby Riott​

Michael Cole: The leader of the Riott Squad is here!

Michelle McCool: And it's good timing for Sarah who looks to be in danger of elimination here!

Corey Graves: We saw how the Iiconics ran riot earlier in the match, will The Riott Squad be able to do the same?

Ruby slides straight into the ring and goes right after Ember Moon, saving Sarah from elimination and resuming her rivalry with Ember Moon over the last few weeks. They lay into Ember Irish whipping her into the ropes before hitting her with THE RIOTT KICK! Ruby instructs Sarah to then head up top as she hits MANI! Boos from the crowd as Logan and Ruby smirk UNTIL RHEA RUNS THROUGH THEM WITH A DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE!

Rhea showing off her power once again and potentially saves Ember Moon from elimination before turning her attention to Logan as she lifts her up going for the RIPTIDE BUT LOGAN BITS THE FINGERS OF RHEA! Boos for the cheap tactic but once again it is all legal! Rhea drops Logan as she clocks her in the jaw but Ruby runs off the ropes behind and hits a HURRICARANA DRIVER PLANTING RHEA DOWN TO THE MAT! The Riott Squad look to the corner and see Becky and Charlotte fighting so attacking the pair!

The commentary team put over how big it would be to eliminate Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair from the Rumble as they lay into the pair. The Riott Squad lay into the pair and try to get them over the rope but before they can eliminate them Rhea and Ember attack them from behind looking for payback! Rhea and Ember though are both very tired and the Riott Squad takes both of them down with a pair of DDT'S! The Riott Squad then choose to focus on Ember as they try to eliminate one of the favourites from the Rumble as the clock ticks down 5 4 3 2 1...

23: ALEXA BLISS​

Corey Graves: The goddess is here!

Michelle McCool: A four-time women's champion and she's gotten a good draw!

Michael Cole: But it looks like her best friend is in a bit of trouble!

Michael Coleis right and Bliss sprints down to the ring and climbs onto the ring apron next to Ember as she clocks Ruby in the face giving Ember the chance to clock Logan and save herself! Blissmoon climb into the ring and they take the fight to the Riott Squad! The two teams start to trade blows in the centre of the ring whilst Charlotte and Becky pair off as they resume fighting each other and Rhea rolls out of the ring to recover for the moment.

The Riott Squad are on the back foot as Ember hits Ruby with a dropkick whilst Bliss spikes, Sarah Logan, down to the mat with a DDT! Ember and Bliss then point to the top rope as both women climb to the top rope as Bliss hits Logan with TWISTED BLISS WHILST EMBER CATCHES RUBY AS SHE GETS TO HER FEET AND HITS HER WITH THE ECLIPSE! Bliss and Moon each grab a member of the Riott Squad as tosses them out of the Rumble!

Eliminated by Ember Moon: Ruby Riott (Time in the Rumble: 2:20)

Eliminated by Alexa Bliss: Sarah Logan (Time in the Rumble: 9:45)​

Bliss and Ember taunt the Riott Squad on the outside of the ring and turn back around... AS BLISS GOES TO ELIMINATE EMBER... BUT SHE'S READY FOR IT AND REVERSES IT THROWING BLISS OUT INSTEAD!

Eliminated by Ember Moon: Alexa Bliss (Time in the Rumble: 0:56)​

Alexa Bliss lands on the outside and says “Damn it” before looking at Ember in the ring and smiling as she says “You've learned”. Ember nods and goes back to the ring as we see Rhea Ripley is back in the ring as she once again battles with the NXT Women's Champion! Charlotte and Becky meanwhile carry on battling as the clock ticks down with 4 women still in the ring 5 4 3 2 1...

24: ISLA DAWN​

A fairly small pop as one-half of the Twisted Sisters makes her way out and she even does a small prayer at the top of the entrance ramp.

Corey Graves: Isla Dawn is still fairly young and entering a royal rumble for the first time at her age is a huge opportunity for her.

Michael Cole: Plus if she eliminates Charlotte Flair, she will give herself and Nikki Cross an even bigger argument for a tag team title shot.

Michelle McCool: Speaking of arguments, guys look what is happening at ringside!

Michelle is right as the camera pans over to be the ringside area as The Riott Squad are attacking Bliss two on one! Ember has Rhea in position to eliminate her but sees this and drops Rhea sliding out of the ring under the bottom rope as she attacks the Riott Squad! In the ring meanwhile, Isla Dawn makes her way inside and gets into it with Becky Lynch firing off a few kicks whilst Rhea and Charlotte start to battle each other!

Back on the outside The Riott Squad having beaten down Bliss go after Ember and whilst she does her best she struggles to fight two on one as the Riott Squad take control and beats her down as well! They lift Ember up and slam her down onto the STEEL STEPS WITH A POWERBOMB! Loud boos from the assault as the swarm of referees on the outside come over to break up the fight! Rhea meanwhile has Charlotte in danger of elimination... AND GETS HER OVER THE ROPES BUT CHARLOTTE HANGS ON!

On the outside, the referees finally get the situation under control but Ember is still checked by the medical team as Bliss comes too. The Riott Squad meanwhile gloat whilst in the ring Rhea is still trying to get Charlotte out but Charlotte hits a chop block sending Rhea falling back as Charlotte sits down in the corner as she looks to rest. Isla meanwhile is struggling to survive against Becky and clings onto the ropes for dear life as she fends The Man off.

Ember is still in a ton of pain outside of the ring meanwhile as Bliss tells her to head to the back but Ember shakes her head saying no and slides back into the ring getting a huge pop. She struggles back to her feet using the ropes but Charlotte who was resting in the corner senses blood and goes on the attack, targeting the back of Ember straight away. Bliss on the outside looks like she is going to go in to stop Charlotte but the referees pull her away as the clock starts to tick down once again! 5 4 3 2 1...

25: KAIRI SANE​

A pretty decent pop as the always loveable Kairi Sane makes her way out to the top of the entrance ramp. She pulls out her telescope and looks into the sky as she points at the Wrestlemania sign!

Michael Cole: Kairi has proven herself over the last year since joining Monday Night Raw and winning the Royal Rumble, giving her the chance to avenge her best friend Bayley after the loss earlier tonight would mean so much to the pirate princess!

Corey Graves: Kairi should focus on doing what's best for Kairi and should stop focusing on her friend.

Michelle McCool: Hey friends can help you get to the top and her friendship with Bayley might lead them to gold in the future.

Kairi runs down the entrance ramp and slides into the ring with the telescope in hand, immediately whacking Charlotte in the stomach with the telescope! Kairi smacks Charlotte in the back with the telescope too sends her down to the mat. Rhea then charges in but Kairi Sane ducks and runs off the ropes hitting Rhea with a DROPKICK! She sends Rhea down to the mat and lays into her with several chops! She wears down the larger foes with chops before hitting her with a BASEMENT DROPKICK!

Kairi Sane is on fire as Isla Dawn goes for a ROUNDHOUSE KICK BUT KAIRI DUCKS UNDERNEATH HER AND CATCHES ISLA AND A RISING RHEA RIPLEY WITH A SPRINGBOARD DOUBLE ARM DRAG! Kairi is on fire as she turns around and COMES FACE TO FACE WITH THE MAN! Becky smirks as Kairi smiles and goes to chop Becky but she avoids it, firing off on Kairi sending her into the corner! Becky flies in and connects with FLYING FIRE-ARM! Becky then grabs Kairi and looks to eliminate her but Kairi fights back with a series of chops and escapes from the corner!

Kairi goes then grabs hold of Becky and plants her with a SPIKE DDT! Kairi gets back to her feet smiling but is soon taken down by Charlotte Flair from behind with a clothesline getting loud boos from the crowd! Charlotte stands over the princess and taunts the crowd as she lays into her with some chops of her own. Meanwhile, we can see Ember and Rhea in separate corners resting having been in the match for over 20 minutes each at this point. Becky meanwhile is in danger thanks to Isla Dawn as the clock ticks down once again 5 4 3 2 1...

26: TAYNARA CONTI​

A decent pop from the live crowd as the first-ever Brazilian superstar to enter a Royal Rumble makes her way out. Conti psyches herself up and sprints down the entrance ramp heading to the ring!

Michael Cole: Conti has been impressing a lot of people and she gave Ronda a tough fight on Raw recently, using her judo training to catch Ronda by surprise a few times.

Corey Graves: But she is stepping into the ring with some of the best in the business.

Michelle McCool: Steel sharpens steel. And we are getting to the business end of this match for sure! Conti could pull off a massive shock tonight.

Conti steps into the ring as Rhea Ripley charges at her BUT CONTI STUNS RHEA BY HITTING HER WITH A TOMOE-MAGE SLAMMING RHEA DOWN! Conti follows it up with a series of HIGH KNEES BEFORE DOING A HANDSTAND INTO A BODY SPLASH! Conti gets back to her feet as Charlotte comes over and CONTI JUDO THROWS CHARLOTTE ONTO RHEA! Conti smiles but as she does she gets hit with AN ECLIPSE BY EMBER MOON STUNNING HER! Ember though is in too much pain at the moment to capitalize as she rolls back to the corner of the ring!

Meanwhile, as that is going on we see Kairi Sane climb to the top rope as she dives off and hits an IN-SANE ELBOW TO CHARLOTTE! Cheers from the crowd as Kairi tries to grab Charlotte and looks to eliminate her. But The Queen refuses to go out like that! Elsewhere in the corner Becky and Isla are still battling near the ropes as Isla Dawn goes for a kick to the head but Becky ducks and lifts Isla up sending her over the ropes! Isla holds on but BECKY HITS A DROPKICK SENDING HER TO THE FLOOR OUTSIDE!

Eliminated by Becky Lynch: Isla Dawn (Time in the Rumble:3:50)​

Becky takes a moment to rest having taken out 3 women since entering the Royal Rumble but soon gets into it with Kairi Sane as the two battle by the ropes. Ember and Rhea meanwhile end up fighting with each other in another corner, both feeling the effect of this match. On the ropes meanwhile, Conti is in damage of elimination but reverses it and gets CHARLOTTE OVER THE ROPES! She tries to eliminate her but Charlotte fights Conti off, hanging on as the clock ticks down once again 5 4 3 2 1...

27: SONYA DEVILLE​

Sonya comes out next getting cheers from the crowd and she looks focused as she sprints down the ramp and slides into the ring almost immediately ready for a fight!

Corey Graves: Another person who wants a piece of Ronda Rousey!

Michael Cole: And Sonya's background would make her the perfect challenger.

Michelle McCool: Plus she is entering in the spot the majority of Royal Rumble winners have entered from. Could Sonya be on her way to the main event of Wrestlemania?

Deville once inside the ring immediately comes face to face with Conti, someone who was a rival of Deville last year as she lays into Conti with a few punches but Conti grabs her arm looking for a judo throw but Sonya takes her down with a BODY-SCISSORS AND LAYS INTO CONTI WITH A FEW PUNCHES! Deville gets back to her feet as Rhea charges in but GETS A STEP-UP ENZUGIRI FOR HER TROUBLES! Rhea falls back as Sonya tries to get the NXT Women's champion over the top rope, who has been in the match for over 30 minutes now but Rhea fights back and kicks Sonya away!

Elsewhere we see Charlotte is battling with Ember Moon as she tries to get her over the top rope but Ember refuses to go out just yet. Elsewhere in the ring Sane and Becky have paired off but Kairi is in control of the exchange and hits a series of chops UNTIL BECKY GRABS HOLD OF HER ARM AND LOCKS HER IN THE DIS-ARM-HER! Kairi is in a ton of pain and struggling but commentary reminds us that this won't eliminate her but might cause her issues holding onto the ropes as the match goes on.

However, she doesn't keep it in for long as SONYA DEVILLE STAMPS ON BECKY WITH A DOUBLE STOMP! She grabs Becky and sends her into the ropes as she tries to throw Becky out but the Man stays alive and fires back on Sonya. Meanwhile, Rhea is back to her feet as she grabs Kairi looking to send her over the top rope but KAIRI SLIPS OUT AND LANDS BEHIND RHEA! Rhea turns around into a DROPKICK SENDING HER OVER THE ROPES... BUT RHEA HOLDS ON AND PULLS HERSELF UP... UNTIL CHARLOTTE KICKS HER OFF THE APRON TO THE OUTSIDE FINALLY BRINGING HER RUN TO AN END!

Eliminated by Charlotte: Rhea Ripley (Time in the Rumble: 31:18)​

Loud boos ring out from the live crowd as the smug Charlotte Flair gloats and taunts the NXT Women's Champion who looks furious. Rhea goes to the ringside area and grabs her NXT Women's title as Charlotte noticeably eyes it up before turning back INTO A KICK TO THE HEAD FROM CONTI! Loud cheers from the crowd as Conti tries to eliminate Charlotte as the clock ticks down 5 4 3 2 1...

28: NIKKI CROSS​

A pretty decent pop as the wild as always Nikki Cross makes her way out and she wastes no time heading to the ring!

Michael Cole: Well Nikki's partner Isla may have been eliminated but throwing Nikki out might be a much harder feat!

Michelle McCool: She seems a little bit um...

Corey Graves: Crazy? Feral? Yeah, Nikki is like no one else in the Women's division for sure.

Nikki slides into the ring and Sonya comes face to face with her straight away as she takes her down with a LOU THRESZ PRESS AND WAILS ON HER WITH A SERIES OF PUNCHES! Nikki gets back to her feet and catches the charging Becky with THE PURGE! Nikki doesn't try to get revenge for Isla and instead sees Charlotte fighting back against Conti so goes for Charlotte. Charlotte sends Conti back as Cross charges in... BUT CHARLOTTE PULLS THE ROPES AND CROSS FALLS OVER THE TOP ROPE CRASHING TO THE OUTSIDE! NIKKI IS OUT OF THE RUMBLE ALREADY!

Eliminated by Charlotte: Nikki Cross (Time in the Rumble: 0:21)​

Boos ring out as Charlotte smirks having outsmarted her rival over the last few weeks and Nikki is forced to leave the ringside area. Charlotte meanwhile climbs into the ring and goes after Conti but GETS TAKEN DOWN WITH A JUDO THROW BY THE BRAZILIAN! Cheers from the crowd as Conti lays into Charlotte with several kicks! Ember and Sane meanwhile are fighting in the corner as Kairi seems a bit reluctant about targeting the back of Ember but still tries to get her out of the Rumble!

Becky and Sonya are back on their feet as Sonya tries to go after the arm of Becky, going for a KIMURA... BUT BECKY HAS IT SCOUTED AND FIGHTS HER OFF! In the centre of the ring meanwhile, Conti has Charlotte up and plants her with the TAYOGOSHI! A pop from the crowd as Conti looks to take her to the ropes but before she can Kairi Sane comes into the centre of the ring and plants Conti with a SPIKE DDT as the clock ticks down for the penultimate entrant into the match 5 4 3 2 1...

29: SASHA BANKS​

A loud reaction from the live crowd with the majority of the fans boos the Boss Sasha Banks whilst a few cheer for the Boss. She walks down the entrance ramp with a smirk on her face and has her shutter shades on.

Michael Cole: It's BOSS TIME!

Corey Graves: Urgh. I may hate Sasha Banks and think she is a snake but at least she has finally shown her true colours.

Michelle McCool: And what a draw for her! She might be my pick to win this match!

And it's not just Michelle who thinks Sasha got a good draw as the Boss takes her time getting into the ring, happy to let the others fight whilst she makes her entrance. However as she takes her time and climbs into the ring, we can see Kairi glaring at the Boss as she steps through the ropes and KAIRI GOES RIGHT AFTER HER! She batters her with several chops and catches Sasha off guard! Kairi then runs off the ropes but as she does SASHA CATCHES HER WITH A BACKSTABBER!

Sasha Banks has a cocky smirk on her face as she turns around... AND COMES FACE TO FACE WITH THE MAN! Both women glare at each other as Banks smirks but Becky looks angry as the commentary team reminds us that Banks ended Becky's Women's Universal title reign. And she soon fires off on Sasha as the two women start to go to war in the centre of the ring, laying into each other with several blows. Becky takes control and gets Sasha up for MAN DOWN BUT SASHA COUNTERS SLIPPING BEHIND BECKY AND HITS A BACKSTABBER!

Loud boos ring out from the live crowd as Sasha Banks smirks and taunts Becky on the mat! However, she turns around and gets a SPEAR FROM KAIRI SANE! Cheers from the crowd as Kairi grabs Sasha on the mat and tells her she has no honour as she heads towards the ropes and prepares to toss Sasha Banks out of the Rumble... BUT SASHA REVERSES IT AND TOSSES KAIRI SANE OUT INSTEAD TO LOUD BOOS FROM THE CROWD!

Eliminated by Sasha Banks: Kairi Sane (Time in the Rumble: 6:57)​

Loud boos ring out as Sasha smirks happy with her handiwork but she is soon taken down by Sonya Deville who lays into Sasha Banks by the ropes and tries to eliminate her but The Boss holds on! Elsewhere in the ring, we can see Lynch is battling Conti by the ropes and Charlotte is laying into Ember trying to eliminate her as the clock ticks down for the final entrant into this match 5 4 3 2 1...

30: MELINA​

We see a red carpet rolled out and a bunch of photographers walk out onto the entrance ramp as MELINA makes her return to the WWE! She poses at the top of the entrance ramp getting a decent reaction from the crowd and you can tell she still loves the limelight!

Michael Cole: Melina is back!

Michelle McCool: Myself and Melina had some wars back in the day over the Divas title. If I was those other six women in the ring I would be worried!

Corey Graves: Melina is my new pick to win this. She's got the number thirty spot so who can stop her?

She takes her time as she walks down the entrance ramp enjoying the attention of everyone. She jumps onto the ring apron and does her signature splits before sliding into the ring coming face to face with The Queen Charlotte Flair first of all! The Queen talks trash to Melina before slapping her in the face with brings a smirk to Melina's face and she responds with one of her own! Charlotte is stunned and goes to punch her but MELINA DUCKS BY DOING THE SPLITS BEFORE SWEEPING OUT HER LEGS AND BRINGING CHARLOTTE TO THE MAT!

Melina then follows it up by getting to her feet and hitting a JUMPING ROUNDHOUSE KICK AS CHARLOTTE GETS TO HER KNEES! Charlotte falls to the mat as Sasha Banks now charges in but Melina jumps into the air and takes down Sasha with a BODY-SCISSORS! She grinds down Sasha before letting go as she pulls Sasha up and connects with a FACEBUSTER ONTO THE MAT! Melina plants the Boss but as she gets back to her feet she comes face to face with Deville who peppers her with several hard punches and backs her up into the ropes!

In the corner meanwhile, we can see Ember is still struggling in pain but takes a rest. Elsewhere Conti and Becky are battling with each other as they try to eliminate one another from the rumble! Back with Melina and Sonya, Sonya goes for a STEP-UP ENZGUIRI TRYING TO SEND MELINA OVER THE TOP ROPE AND OUT... BUT MELINA DUCKS SENDING SONYA OVER THE ROPES AND ONTO THE RING APRON! Melina then follows it up with a ROUNDHOUSE KICK SENDING SONYA CRASHING TO THE RING FLOOR!

Eliminated by Melina: Sonya Deville (Time in the Rumble: 6:57)​

Melina smirks to herself as she backs away from the ropes but as she does SASHA BANKS CATCHES HER WITH A BACKSTABBER! She then grabs Melina and tosses her over the ropes to loud boos from the crowd cutting Melina's return short!

Eliminated by Sasha Banks: Melina (Time in the Rumble: 1:50)​

Melina looks disappointed on the outside of the ring as Sasha taunts the fans doing the crybaby taunt but she turns around and gets hits with THE ECLIPSE! Ember Moon hits her finisher to the delight of the crowd but once again she is too exhausted to follow up straight away. She does eventually grab Sasha trying to eliminate her but the Boss fight back fending off Ember for now. Elsewhere Conti and Becky are battling by the ropes but just when it looks like Conti might be in trouble she hits an OVER-SHOULDER ARM DRAG bring herself away from the ropes!

The commentary team put over Conti as being a massive underdog out of everyone left in this match as she gets back to her feet and lays into Becky with a series of hard kicks! She finishes off the sequence ready to go for a ROUNDHOUSE KICK... BUT CHARLOTTE HITS NATURAL SELECTION! Charlotte doesn't go after Conti however almost dismissing the Brazilian and instead tells her only she will get to eliminate Becky! She grabs her eternal rival and brings her to the ropes as she tries to toss Becky out... but THE MAN FIGHTS BACK SENDING CHARLOTTE BACK TO THE CENTRE OF THE RING!

Becky rests on the ropes for a moment but she flies in attacking Charlotte with a FOREARM SMASH! She lays into Charlotte giving her a bit of a beating before grabbing her arm as she teases going for the DIS-ARM-HER... BACKSTABBER BY BANKS! Sasha smirks and once again taunts the fans... but THIS TIME SHE IS CUT OFF BY A BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE BY CONTI! Sasha falls backward leaning on the ropes as Conti charges in... KNEE STRIKE TO THE HEAD SENDING SASHA OVER THE ROPES AND OUT OF THE RUMBLE!

Eliminated by Taynara Conti: Sasha Banks (Time in the Rumble: 5:07)​

The crowd goes wild as Taynara Conti pulls off a massive upset and has just eliminated Sasha Banks from the Royal Rumble! The commentary team put over how shocking it is as the four women remain and each head to a corner: Ember Moon, Taynara Conti, Charlotte Flair, and The Man Becky Lynch. The final four of the 2020 Women's Royal Rumble! The crowd are now fully behind Conti whilst Ember struggles to stay on her feet due to the damage she has taken during the match so far. Charlotte has a smug look on her face whilst Becky remains quietly confident in the corner of the ring.

Charlotte looks over at Ember and goes after her straight away going for the most weakened target whilst Conti and Lynch pair off once again as the two women battle in the centre of the ring. Meanwhile in the corner Ember struggles to stay in the match as she passes Rhea Ripley's time in the match and becomes the official Ironwoman of the match! Charlotte gets her over the ropes but lays into her with a HEADBUTT! Meanwhile, Taynara counters with an EXPLODER SUPLEX INTO A TAMOE-NAGE FOLLOWED BY A KNEE TO THE HEAD! With Becky and Charlotte down in the centre of the ring we get a face-off between Conti and Moon as the two women exchange strikes in the centre of the ring, each trying to take control.

Conti ends up winning the exchange when she targets the back of Ember and slams her down as she grabs her wrists and hits the BRAZILIAN KICK! Ember Moon is staggered as Conti grabs hold of her and looks to send her over the top rope but Ember fights back staying alive. She sends Conti back... BUT CONTI ROCKS HER WITH A KNEE TO THE HEAD! Conti looks to follow up... BUT EMBER USING THE LAST OF HER ENERGY HITS A HURRICARANA SENDING CONTI OVER THE ROPES TO THE FLOOR!

Eliminated by Ember Moon: Taynara Conti (Time in the Rumble: 11:39)​

Ember Moon is running on vapours here as she gets back to her feet and leans on the ropes... CHARLOTTE CHARGES IN AND HITS A BIG BOOT SENDING HER OVER THE TOP ROPE AND OUT OF THE MATCH!

Eliminated by Charlotte: Ember Moon (Time in the Rumble: 32:30)​

Nuclear heat rings out from the live crowd as Charlotte Flair stands smugly in the ring and Ember Moon lies on the outside having gone through hell in this match, now out of the rumble just two short from victory. Charlotte meanwhile turns around as we see The Man Becky Lynch stood there. The two eternal rivals stare each other down as the commentary team reminds us that these were also the final two last year. Charlotte talks some trash and says this year will be different but Becky once again keeps quiet as the two rivals lock up in the centre of the ring!

Charlotte takes control and sends Becky down to the mat with a SNAPMARE! Charlotte looks to run off the ropes and go for NATURAL SELECTION... BUT BECKY HAS IT SCOUTED AND GETS UP HITTING AN ARM DRAG! Charlotte lands with a hard thud on the mat as Becky fires off a series of punches and sends her towards the ropes! Becky looks to go for a CLOTHESLINE TO SEND CHARLOTTE OUT BUT THE QUEEN GETS HER BOOT UP STOPPING BECKY!

Charlotte fires off a series of chops getting some loud WOOS from the crowd before grabbing hold of Becky and looks to send her over the ropes... BUT BECKY HOLDS ON! Charlotte looks to knock her off but BECKY RAMS HER INTO THE GUT! Becky springboards off the top rope and hits CHARLOTTE WITH A PUSH KICK DROPPING HER IN THE CENTRE OF THE RING! Both women lay on the mat for the moment as the crowd starts to will Becky on, determined for her to be the one to win this match and not Charlotte Flair!

Becky gets back to her feet and looks to lift Charlotte up but the QUEEN SLAPS HER! Becky falls back as Charlotte charges forward but BECKY SENDS HER ACROSS THE RING WITH THE BEX-PLODER! Becky charges in hitting a CLOTHESLINE SENDING BOTH WOMEN OVER THE TOP ROPE... BUT THEY EACH CLING ON! Both women are hanging on and start to kick at each other but neither can gain the upper hand so they climb onto the ring apron as they face off with each other! Becky and Charlotte are both stood on the ring apron as they throw punches at each other! Charlotte wobbles but holds on before punching Becky WHO CLINGS ONTO THE ROPE!

Charlotte then goes to kick Becky's hand off... but BECKY SWEEPS THE LEG SLAMMING CHARLOTTE BACK FIRST ONTO THE APRON... BUT SHE HASN'T FALLEN FULLY! Becky goes to kick her rival off and onto the ring floor but CHARLOTTE PUNCHES HER! Charlotte gets her footing back and looks to grab Becky to slam her down on the ring apron BUT BECKY FIGHTS BACK WITH A SERIES OF UPPERCUTS! Charlotte is staggered as Becky grabs her and hits the BEX-PLODER ONTO THE RING APRON BEHIND HER SENDING CHARLOTTE CRASHING TO THE RING FLOOR!

Eliminated by Becky Lynch: Charlotte (Time in the Rumble: 21:27)

Winner of the Women's Royal Rumble 2020: Becky Lynch Time in the Rumble (23:07) Match time: (50:22)​

A massive pop from the live crowd as Becky lies on the ring apron having won the Women's Royal Rumble Match for the second year in a row! Charlotte on the outside looks furious and storms off furious having come up short to Becky two years in a row.

Michael Cole: Becky Lynch has won the Royal Rumble!

Michelle McCool: The Man becomes the first woman to win the Rumble two years in a row!

Corey Graves: The man always comes around and I think we know who she is going for next!

Becky Lynch gets back to her feet and points at the Wrestlemania sign as she shouts to the camera “I'm coming for you Ronnie!” as the crowd carries on cheering for Becky Lynch delighted to see The Man back and with Ronda Rousey in her sights as we cut backstage...

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And we see ADAM PEARCE and WADE BARRETT stood in the drawing-room having just watched the Royal Rumble as Adam looks to be in a good mood.

Adam Pearce: One-nil to Monday Night Raw.

Barrett shakes his head.

Wade Barrett: That's fine but who says she'll be using her title shot on Raw?

Adam Pearce: You're kidding right? Ronda Rousey broke her arm and we will finally get the one-on-one match the people want!

Wade Barrett: Or she can face her rival Asuka and finally get a victory of the Empress. The one woman she has never beaten.

Adam smirks.

Adam Pearce: If she retains tonight against Liv Morgan.

Before Wade Barrett can argue the point, we see two Raw superstars walk into the room: MONTEZ FORD and SETH ROLLINS. Montez has a big smile on his face whilst Seth has a small smile but noticeably has tape around his ribs after being destroyed by Brock Lesnar.

Wade Barrett: Seth, Montez welcome.

Seth Rollins: Thanks Wade. It's a shame I won't be one hundred percent because of Brock Lesnar...

Adam steps forward looking to calm Seth down.

Adam Pearce: And Brock has been fined for his actions so...

Seth Rollins: Like Brock can't afford to pay the fine. If you really wanted to punish him you would pull him from the Rumble.

Wade Barrett steps forward.

Wade Barrett: Listen if Adam isn't treating you right on Monday Night Raw, there is always a spot open on the Smackdown Live roster especially if you win the Rumble tonight. You versus Roman Reigns at Wrestlemania.

Seth thinks about it as Montez puts his arm around his friend.

Montez Ford: Seth, if they pulled him from the Rumble we wouldn't have the chance to kick his ass for what he did to Dawkins.

Seth looks a bit confused by Montez who remains oblivious to this.

Montez Ford: We can eliminate Brock from the Rumble and show him who's boss.

Seth Rollins: Do you know who Brock Lesnar is?

Seth snaps at Montez who looks a little taken aback!

Seth Rollins: You clearly have never stepped into the ring with him like I have. Do you know the levels I had to go to beat him? Beating Brock isn't that easy and if you were smart, you wouldn’t go headfirst into a war with him!

???: Sounds like you’re scared of him to me!

The camera pans over as we see a smug AJ STYLES walking into the room but noticeably he is without his two best friends The Good Brothers.

AJ Styles: I've stepped into the ring with him and I ain't running scared. Maybe Montez and I can team up whilst you hide in the corner screaming!

Seth steps forward but Montez stops him.

Montez Ford: He ain't worth it Seth!

AJ Styles: Hey maybe you could learn something from the kid?

Montez Ford: Hey just because I don't want him fighting you, doesn't mean I won't knock you on your ass!

AJ smirks.

AJ Styles: Only chance you would have is if your partner was here. Where is he?

Seth Rollins: Same place the rest of The Club is.

That shuts AJ up as he quickly grabs his ball before pointing at Seth.

AJ Styles: I'm sure you'd be laughing it up if it wasn't for those ribs. Keep making jokes because I'm getting my rightful one-on-one match for the Universal title at Wrestlemania.

AJ storms off as Seth and Montez meanwhile draw their numbers out of the tumblers as we cut back the commentary at ringside.

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Corey Graves: Well I think Seth Rollins has a point. Montez Ford doesn't know what he is getting himself in for by wanting a fight with Brock Lesnar.

Byron Saxton: But would you not want to avenge your friend after someone broke his arm?

Corey Graves: I would rather live. I'm sure my friend will understand.

​

A decent pop from the live crowd but it is smaller than usual with the crowd a tad exhausted from the Women's Royal Rumble match. Both Miz and Morrison are in full Hollywood-style attire as they point to the crowd and head to the ring, looking to become tag team champions once again!

Byron Saxton: Well tonight The Miz and John Morrison look to become tag team champions for only the third time as a team but both men have held the tag belts on several occasions in other tag teams.

Corey Graves: And that's why the Revival are going to retain the titles tonight! They have never broken up, never had a fight. Miz and Morrison have had issues in the past and we could see them appear tonight!

Byron Saxton: You said this about Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn last month!

Corey Graves: Let's wait till they enter the Rumble!

​

Boos ring out but once again we get a few smarks in the crowd cheer for the Revival as they lift their WWE Tag Team titles into the air as they look to defeat another top team in WWE. They both look extra confident tonight as they step into the ring and jaw jack with the challengers.

Byron Saxton: The top guys currently but will they stay top guys after tonight?

Corey Graves: They will always be the top guys with the tag team titles or not.

Once the usual title announcements are done and the belts are lifted into the air, The Miz steps into the ring for the challengers whilst Scott Dawson starts for the champions as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!

Miz and Scott start the match off slowly as they look to warm the crowd back up after a 50 minute Royal Rumble match. The two men trade grapples in the centre of the ring. Dawson takes control as he sends Miz into the corner and tags in Dash Wilder! Wilder goes to wear down Miz in the corner as he lays into him with a few clubbing blows. Wilder tosses Miz out of the corner with a SNAPMARE! Wilder looks to go for a kick but Miz catches it taking down Wilder and getting him into a pinning predicament! 1 2 Wilder kicks out!

Miz nearly catching The Revival off-guard in the early stages of the match. Dash charges at Miz but Miz trips him up sending Dash throat first into the ropes and hits hit with a GULLITIONE LEG DROP! Cheers from the crowd as The Miz slides back into the ring and makes the cover 1 2 Wilder kicks out! The Miz grabs hold of Wilder and sends him into the challenger's corner as he makes the tag bringing Morrison back into the match! Miz and Morrison grab hold of Wilder as they hit him with a DOUBLE GUTBUSTER! Morrison makes the cover 1 2 Wilder kicks out!

Morrison and Miz are in total control as Morrison starts to work over Wilder's chest with a series of kicks. Morrison once again sends him into the corner and tags in Morrison as commentary mention Miz and Morrison are using the kind of double-team tactics we normally see from The Revival! Miz and Morrison lift Wilder up and connect with a DOUBLE BELLY TO BACK WHEELBARROW FACEBUSTER! Miz makes the cover this time 1 2 Wilder kicks out!

Miz and Morrison are in control during the early stages of the match as Miz gets back to his feet as he signals to the crowd and goes for the WORLD-FAMOUS IT KICKS! He starts peppering the chest of Dash Wilder and lays into one-half of the tag team champions. He clatters Dash Wilder before signaling to the crowd he is going to ROUNDHOUSE KICK... BUT WILDER GRABS HOLD OF THE LEG AND CONNECTS WITH A DRAGON SCREW LEG WHIP!

Wilder makes the quick tag to Scott Dawson as they cut The Miz off from tagging out and drags him back into their corner with an Irish Whip into the turnbuckle in the champions corner as the champions go CLUBBIN! The Revival lays into The Miz with several boots and punches as the pair batter The Miz in the corner. Morrison starts to argue with the referee about this as Wilder USES THE TAG ROPE TO CHOKE THE MIZ... SO MIZ KNOWING THE REFEREE CAN'T SEE LOW BLOWS DAWSON AND ELBOW WILDER OFF!

Corey complains about the cheating but Byron points out Miz only cheated in response to The Revival bending the rules! John Morrison backs off and heads back to the corner of the ring as The Miz tags his partner back into the match getting cheers from the live crowd. Morrison sprints into the ring and catches Wilder on the ring apron with a SUPERKICK! Dawson gets back up still clutching his groin area as he swings for Morrison WHO DOES A MATRIX EVASION BEFORE PLANTING DAWSON WITH A NECKBREAKER! Morrison makes the cover 1 2 Dawson kicks out!

Morrison does let up though as he gets to his feet and connects with a STANDING SHOOT STAR PRESS! Morrison makes the cover once again 1 2 Dawson kicks out! Morrison shakes his head as he grabs Dawson and tosses him into the corner as Miz makes the tag. Miz lifts Dawson up into the air as Morrison grabs hold of his neck as they hit a POWERBOMB/NECKBREAKER COMBO! Miz makes the cover 1 2 Dawson kicks out! Miz keeps Dawson down at the moment and connects with a LEG DROP before pulling Dawson up and planting him with a DDT! Miz makes the cover 1 2 Dawson kicks out!

The Miz grabs hold of Dawson's legs and signals to the crowd he is going for the FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK... BUT DAWSON KICKS HIM OFF! The Miz ends up by the corner of the ring and Morrison tags back in whilst Dawson tags Wilder back into the match! Wilder goes for a LARIAT BUT MORRISON LEAPS OVER HIM AND HITS A FLYING KNEE TO DAWSON ON THE APRON! Morrison then SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE ROPES AND HITS A ROUNDHOUSE KICK! He makes the cover on Wilder acting a tiny bit cocky 1 2 Wilder kicks out! Morrison though smirks as Miz and Morrison remain in control lifting Wilder up... BUT WILDER SLIPS OUT BEHIND HIM AND CHOP BLOCK HIM IN THE RIGHT LEG! Wilder doesn't stop there and HITS A SECOND ONE BRINGING MORRISON DOWN TO HIS KNEES! Boos from the crowd as Wilder goes for the leg some more hitting a JUMPING ELBOW DROP!

Miz does not like this tactic and tries to get into the ring as the referee pulls him back whilst WILDER STOMPS ON THE LEG! Miz eventually gets backed up into his corner as Wilder grabs hold of Morrison and sends him in the champion's corner as the champions finally take control of the match with Wilder making a tag to Dawson! Once again the duo starts to go CLUBBIN but this time they focus on the right leg of Morrison as they look to stop the high-flier in his tracks.

Morrison though does try to fight out of the corner and gets a few punches/forearms off as he fights the pair off but as he tries to make it to the corner DAWSON CATCHES HIM WITH ANOTHER CHOP BLOCK! Dawson drags him back to the corner of the ring and tags in Wilder as they look to go to work on the right leg some more. Both men really go after Morrison and grind him down on the mat working on his leg as they isolate him from his tag team partner The Miz in the other corner.

Morrison does try to fight back and escape from Wilder but he gets cut off with a SPINEBUSTER! Shades of Arn Anderson as Wilder makes the cover 1 2 Morrison kicks out! Wilder lifts him off the mat and locks him in a BEARHUG as he heads to the corner making the tag bringing Dawson back into the ring. Dawson heads to the top rope and dives off hitting a LEG DROP TO MORRISON! Dawson makes the cover 1 2 Morrison kicks out again!

The Revival are in total control and in their element as they are wearing down Morrison in the corner whilst Miz watches on in frustration. Dawson smirks as he works on Morrison and grinds down his right leg some more on the mat. He then lifts Dawson up into the air hooking the right leg and SLAMS HIM DOWN WITH A LEG-HOOK SAITO SUPLEX! Dawson follows it up with a cover 1 2 Morrison kicks out! Morrison upon kicking out starts trying to crawl to The Miz in the corner but DAWSON CUTS HIM OFF WITH AN ELBOW DROP!

Dawson grabs hold of Morrison and sends him back into the turnbuckle before making another quick tag bringing Wilder back into the match. Dawson grabs hold of Morrison from behind as HE HITS HIM WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX WHILST WILDER CONNECTS WITH AN EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! Wilder makes the cover 1 2 Morrison kicks out! Wilder shakes his head as he makes his way over to the right leg of John Morrison and locks him in a SINGLE LEG CRAB WRENCHING BACK ON THE RIGHT LEG!

Morrison is in a ton of pain as Wilder wrenches back on the hold as Morrison tries to reach the ropes but WILDER ISN'T LETTING HIM ESCAPE! He is yanking and yanking on the right leg as Morrison is really starting to struggle in the hold! Morrison eventually realizes he can't make it to the ropes so instead pushes off the mat and sends WILDER INTO THE REVIVAL CORNER... SO DAWSON TAGS HIMSELF IN! Morrison meanwhile limps towards the corner looking to make the tag to Miz... DAWSON RUNS ACROSS THE RING AND KNOCKS MIZ OFF THE APRON!

Boos ring out as Dawson cuts off Morrison's escape. John gets back to his feet and is still in a ton of pain as he charges in at Dawson, going for a SUPERKICK BUT DAWSON DUCKS AND GOES FOR A PUNCH... MORRISON AVOIDS IT BUT IT WAS A FEINT AS DAWSON HITS A SNAP DDT! Dawson makes the cover 1 2 Morrison kicks out! Dawson at this point is ready to end this as he drags Morrison towards the CHAMPION'S CORNER AND LOCKS IN A FIGURE FOUR LEGLOCK!

Morrison is in a ton of pain as Dawson yanks back on the hold as he tries to get Morrison to tap out but the shaman of sexy refuses to give up on the tag team titles! Dawson as he yanks the hold back shouts it is time to end this! Wilder nods and starts to climb the top rope as Byron on commentary reminds us this is what they did to Tucker Knight a few months ago! Wilder steadies himself on the top rope... THE MIZ APPEARS AND PUSHES DASH TO THE FLOOR SAVING MORRISON!

Miz saves his tag team partner from a potentially career-ending injury! Miz then climbs onto the top rope and DIVES OFF THE ROPE HITTING A FROG SPLASH TO DAWSON BREAKING THE HOLD! A massive pop from the live crowd for the rare high-flying offense from The Miz as the crowd cheers him on! The Miz meanwhile looks to Morrison who is struggling to stand AND GRABS HIM BRINGING HIM OVER TO THE CORNER OF THE RING AND CLIMBS OVER THE RING APRON SO HE CAN MAKE THE TAG! The Miz enters the ring officially this time as Dawson gets back to his feet and charges at Miz but Miz counters with a DROP TOP HOLD INTO THE CORNER!

Miz then runs off the ropes and connects with the AWESOME CLOTHESLINE! Miz poses in the corner of the ring before grabbing hold of Dawson and tossing him out of the corner as he BATTERS HIM WITH THE IT KICKS! Miz finishes it off with the ROUNDHOUSE KICK TO THE HEAD BUT DOESN'T MAKE THE COVER! Miz instead grabs Dawson and lifts him up... SKULL CRUSHING FINALE! The Miz makes the cover

1

2

WILDER BREAKS THE COVER SAVING THE MATCH FOR THE REVIVAL!​

Boos ring out as Miz and Morrison were so close to becoming tag team champions! Wilder lays into the Miz and looks to lay him out with a CLOTHESLINE... MIZ DUCKS AND GOES FOR THE SKULL-CRUSHING FINALE... NO WILDER ESCAPES AND CONNECTS WITH A DOUBLE KNEE FACEBREAKER! Miz is down on the mat as Wilder wakes Dawson up who is still selling the effects of theskull-crushing finale. Wilder hops over the ropes and makes the tag bringing Wilder into the ring.

Both men lift Miz up as they get ready for the BIG RIG... BUT MORRISON SLIDES BACK INTO THE RING STILL LIMPING AND GOES FOR A SUPERKICK ON WILDER BUT MIZ DROPS WILDER AND GETS HIT WITH THE SUPERKICK INSTEAD! A massive miscommunication as Morrison holds his head in his hands as DAWSON TAKES OUT HIS LEG WITH A CHOP BLOCK! Wilder meanwhile gets back up to his feet as they grab hold of Miz and hits him with BIG RIG! Wilder makes the cover

1

2

3

The Revival retain their WWE Tag Team Titles!

Winners via pinfall and still WWE Tag Team Champions: The Revival (11:08)​

Boos ring out from the live crowd as once again The Revival hold onto their tag team titles even if it was thanks to a mistake from their opponents. In the ring, The Miz is still out whilst Morrison is back on his feet and shakes his head leaning on the ropes.

Corey Graves: Top guys stay on top Byron!

Byron Saxton: With an accidental assist from John Morrison.

Corey Graves: And that's why the Top Guys are still tag team champions. They are in sync as a team. They don't make those mistakes and know exactly where their partner is at all times!

Byron Saxton: Well we know how disappointing it is for Morrison and Miz to lose this match as Morrison said himself he came back to WWE to win gold.

Back in the ring, The Miz is coming too as he looks disappointed with the loss tonight. John Morrison looks to help Miz get back to his feet. Miz looks annoyed but accepts Morrison's offer of help. Miz when on his feet asks how come Morrison missed and his partner blames his leg. Miz shakes his head before sighing and saying it is fine. As he hugs Morrison, the camera zooms in on Morrison who looks annoyed before breaking the hug and smiling at Miz as we cut to the tumbler room backstage.

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As we can see ADAM PEARCE and WADE BARRETT stood backstage watching the match that just took place. However before anything can be said we see The Ungovernables members CESARO, SHINSUKE NAKAMURA AND DOMINIK DIJAKOVIC walk into the room with Zelina Vega leading the way. She has a smirk on her face as Wade Barrett shakes hands with her whilst Pearce shakes her head.

Wade Barrett: Zelina, I must say the group you have assembled with these three men plus the Universal champion Andrade Cien Almas and Ilja Dragunov is amazing. You have an eye for talent.

Zelina smiles.

Zelina Vega: Well I'm always looking to add more talent to my group and who knows, some of these men may want to move to Smackdown Live.

She looks at Adam Pearce who remains unfazed.

Adam Pearce: Weren't your clients here to draw their numbers or did you come to flirt with Wade?

Zelina glares at him before gesturing for her 3 clients to pick their numbers out of the tumbler and see when they are entering the Royal Rumble.

Zelina Vega: Adam, you should be happy. Because tonight you are going to see another Raw superstar win the Rumble and one of my clients will walk into Wrestlemania to take the WWE title from Roman Reigns.

Adam Pearce: Well we will see about that but I want to make one thing clear. You better stick to your word and make sure none of the Ungovernables get involved in Andrade's title match later tonight or else.

Zelina smirks.

Zelina Vega: I promise you no one in this room or Ilja will get involved. Andrade will prove he is the better man and stay Universal Champion.

???: Well maybe one of us should go to Raw then.

The camera pans over and we can see THE NEW DAY walk into the room. We get a face-off between the two groups as they stare each other down as tensions are teased between the two groups but no fists are thrown as Xavier goes to grab the 3 balls for The New Day. Big E meanwhile has the Intercontinental title on his shoulder and steps forward.

Big E: I wouldn't mind becoming a double champion and beat any of you.

He looks at Cesaro.

Big E: We've certainly fought enough times.

Cesaro remains unfazed as Dijakovic steps forward and towers over Big E.

Dominik Dijakovic: But you haven't fought me and if you did, you wouldn't be Intercontinental Champion for much longer.

Kofi steps forward confronting Big E.

Kofi Kingston: Any threats you guys make; you can say them to me too.

Woods stands next to his two friends as Zelina steps between the two groups and shakes her head.

Zelina Vega: We don't fight for free especially with nothing to gain. My clients will save it for the Rumble, if you even last long enough to see them.

Zelina Vega walks off and her clients follow after her as the New Day look at their numbers and we cut back to the ring ahead of our next match.

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​

A decent pop as we return to the ringside area and Liv Morgan makes her way out ahead of the biggest match of her career so far. She looks a bit nervous before psyching herself up and heading down the ramp, sliding into the ring.

Byron Saxton: Liv Morgan has the opportunity of a lifetime tonight. Can she shock the world and defeat Asuka?

Corey Graves: Listen Liv is very brave. Stepping into the ring with Asuka is a scary feat let alone antagonizing her like she has the last few weeks but I can only see one winner tonight.

​

A massive mixed reaction but it is still mostly cheers for the Empress even after her recent attitude switch the last couple of months. And she is certainly feeling herself tonight as she does her usual dance at the top of the entrance ramp. Liv Morgan in the ring tries to show no emotion but you can clearly see she is a little nervous.

Byron Saxton: Do you think Asuka is taking Liv a bit lightly?

Corey Graves: Asuka knows she is unstoppable. Only two women have managed to pin or submit her during her time in WWE. Charlotte and Carmella. She has beaten them both during this title reign!

Byron Saxton: But like you said, she can be beaten. Even if it is a one percent chance, Liv Morgan has a chance to win tonight.

Asuka carries on walking slowly before climbing into the ring, staring down Liv Morgan and smirking to herself not hiding her confidence or is she trying to get in Liv Morgan's head. Liv remains calm as the timekeepers do the usual title announcements before passing the WWE Women's title to the timekeeper at ringside. The referee then calls for the bell and the title match is underway!

Once the bell rings, Asuka taunts Liv and even offers to let her get the first shot! Liv Morgan looks annoyed by this and RESPONDS SLAPPING ASUKA! Asuka holds her face as Liv goes for another one but ASUKA GRABS HER HAND! The champion then grabs hold of Liv and tosses her across the ring! Asuka doesn't stop there as she presses Liv into the corner and lays into her with several hard kicks! Asuka batters Liv in the corner as the referee starts to count 1 2 3 4 Asuka eventually breaks as she smirks and Liv slumps in the corner!

Asuka runs the ropes and connects with a HIP ATTACK SQUASHING LIV IN THE CORNER! Asuka tosses Liv Morgan out of the ring corner by the hair, slamming the challenger onto her back before hitting her with a series of kicks, battering poor Liv Morgan! Asuka finishes it off with a HIP ATTACK SENDING LIV DOWN TO THE MAT! Asuka then mockingly puts her foot on the chest of Liv Morgan making a very cocky cover 1 2 Liv kicks out!

Asuka smirks to herself as a lot of the fans who were behind her before the bell are booing Asuka for her antics so far in this match. Asuka though doesn't seem to care and grabs Liv by her hair as she looks for the ASUKA LOCK... LIV FIGHTS OUT OF IT ELBOWING ASUKA OFF HER! A pop from the crowd as Liv gets to her feet and runs off the ropes going for a HEAD-SCISSORS TAKEDOWN... ASUKA COUNTERS WITH A POWERBOMB! Asuka cuts off Liv Morgan almost immediately! Asuka makes another cocky cover on Liv 1 2 Liv kicks out again!

Asuka looks annoyed Liv dared to kick out and grabs hold of her by the hair before tossing her out of the ring through the ropes! Liv falls to the floor and lands on her knees as Asuka climbs onto the ring apron, stalking her prey. Liv gets to a seated position so ASUKA DIVES OFF THE RING APRON HITTING LIV WITH A HIP ATTACK! Liv falls to the floor down in a heap as Asuka smirks, toying with her prey. Asuka stands over Liv who is still struggling on the ring floor and once again grabs her by the hair smirking to herself.

She grabs Liv Morgan and looks to send her into the steel steps but LIV COUNTERS AND SENDS HER INTO THE STEPS INSTEAD! Asuka's back slams off the steps as Liv takes a moment to rest on the ring apron and recover from the beating she got early on. Liv sees Asuka next to the steep steps a bit dazed and knows this could be her opportunity to fight back! Liv lines Asuka up and HITS HER WITH A SINGLE LEG DROPKICK SANDWHICHING ASUKA'S HEAD BETWEEN THE STEPS AND HER BOOT!

The crowd cheers for Liv fighting back as the referee in the ring gets to a 5 count. Liv knows she can't win the title on a count out. Liv lifts Asuka up and whilst she struggles to lift her up, she eventually gets her in the ring. Liv makes the cover 1 2 Asuka kicks out! Liv Morgan doesn't look too surprised Asuka was able to kick out and instead gets to her feet as she runs off the ropes hitting a BASEMENT SINGLE LEG DROPKICK! Liv doesn't stop there as she runs off the ropes and hits several of them each time Asuka tries to get up! Liv then makes the cover 1 2 Asuka kicks out!

Liv though doesn't let up and WAILS ON ASUKA WITH SEVERAL PUNCHES TO THE HEAD! She fires off on Asuka looking to keep her down however she can. She then grabs hold of Asuka and brings her to her feet as Liv connects with a RUNNING ONE-HANDED BULLDOG BEFORE KIPPING-UP AND HITTING A STANDING MOONSAULT! Liv makes the cover 1 2 Asuka kicks out again! Liv is throwing everything she can at Asuka but the Empress refuses to stay down. Liv once again looks to grab Asuka but Asuka clocks Liv in the jaw sending her back and the champion is pissed off!

Asuka follows it up by planting Liv to the mat with a SPINNING BACK FIST! Asuka gets to her feet and just starts laying into Liv Morgan with SEVERAL KNEE STRIKES TO THE HEAD! Asuka just goes after Liv and is clearly pissed she was able to fight back before the referee pulls Asuka off and warns her about her aggression. Asuka though shouts back in Japanese before hitting LIV MORGAN WITH A BUZZSAW KICK! Asuka makes a proper cover this time 1 2 Liv kicks out again!

Asuka is starting to get a little annoyed by Liv Morgan staying alive and decides she is going to make her suffer as she grabs hold of her by the neck and locks her in an STF ON THE MAT! Asuka yanks back on the hold as she tries to make Liv suffer and tap out! However, Liv refuses to give in and crawls to the ropes grabbing hold of them forcing a rope break!

Asuka keeps the hold on till the count of 4 wanting to make Morgan suffer as much as possible. Liv leans on the ropes as Asuka just starts battering her with SEVERAL KICKS TO THE HEAD BATTERING POOR LIV ON THE ROPES! Asuka then runs off the ropes and looks for another A SOCCER KICK TO THE HEAD... BUT LIV DODGES IT! Asuka gets caught in the ropes so LIV POUNCES ON HER AND CONNECTS WITH obLIVion! Liv rolls over onto Asuka making the cover...

1

2

Asuka gets her foot on the ropes!​

Liv Morgan looks stunned at first and wonders why she didn't win the match as the referee points out Asuka's foot on the ropes. Liv shakes her head and pounds the mat clearly frustrated, knowing this was her best chance to win the WWE Women's title. Liv though realizes she has to do more and brings Asuka back to the centre of the ring before heading to the top rope. She steadies herself on the top rope before FLYING OFF GOING FOR A DIVING MOONSAULT... ASUKA GETS HER KNEES UP AND COUNTERS INTO THE ASUKA LOCK!

Asuka has the lethal hold locked in tight as she wraps her arms around the neck of Liv who tries to fight out of the hold! Liv is scratching and clawing looking for any way to escape but the Champion has it locked in tight! Liv tries to push off the mat but Asuka just wrenches the hold back even tighter as Liv's eyes start to close! The referee goes over to check on her and LIV IS CLEARLY OUT COLD! THE REFEREE CALLS FOR THE BELL THIS MATCH IS OVER!

Winner via referee stoppage and still WWE Women's champion: Asuka (6:09)​

Boos ring out as the bell rings as Asuka holds on for an extra few seconds before letting go of the limp Liv Morgan as she drops her to the mat! Asuka gets passed the WWE Women's title and lifts it into the air as she poses over the fallen Liv Morgan.

Corey Graves: The Empress retains her WWE Women's title!

Byron Saxton: But Liv Morgan was this close to stunning the world! If she had moved Asuka away from the ropes, we could be looking at a new WWE Women's Champion!

Corey Graves: Shoulda woulda coulda. She didn't and the Empress remains on top of the Smackdown Women's division and looks unbeatable.

Byron Saxton: But Liv will surely be looking to earn herself a rematch and another opportunity to fight for the WWE Women's title at a later date. She has gold in her future for sure Corey.

Asuka leaves the ring and heads up the entrance ramp as she lifts her title into the air and smirks, still champion. We then cut back to the ring as Liv Morgan is just coming too and realizes what just happened. The crowd however gives Liv Morgan a good pop and she is soon joined in the ring by her friends Carmella and R-Truth. Carmella and Liv share a hug as the crowd carries on cheering Liv as we head elsewhere backstage...

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And we can see ALEISTER BLACK getting ready for his title match-up next! As he is shadow boxing he is approached by Renee Young who is looking for an interview.

Renee Young: Aleister, you are about to take part in the biggest match of your career so far. How are you feeling?

Black remains stoic before turning to Renee keeping a blank expression on his face.

Aleister Black: Andrade tonight has to walk alone. I've spent my career walking alone.

Let's ignore the few months he teamed up with Ricochet please.

Aleister Black: Tonight I will walk out as Universal Champion and Andrade will fade... fade to black!

Aleister Black remains composed and walks off heading towards the ring as we cut back to the commentary team at ringside: Michael Cole and Elias. They then introduce a video package to hype up the upcoming Universal title match.

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Video package for Universal title match
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​

A massive pop as the video package comes to an end and Aleister Black makes his way down the ramp with an intense glare. He remains focused as he walks to the ring, with one goal in mind tonight: Become Universal Champion.

Michael Cole: Aleister Black has been on a tear ever since coming to Raw losing only twice in nearly a year.

Elias: When the devil comes, you run. I'm very glad I've been wrestling on Smackdown and I haven't had to step into the ring with Black.

Aleister Black is now in the centre of the ring as he takes a moment before taking a seat in the centre of the ring sitting cross-legged as he faces the entrance ramp and waits for the Universal Champion to make his way out.

​

Loud boos ring out but a few fans cheer as Andrade Cien Almas makes his way out joined by Zelina Vega. Andrade has a black mask on which he pulls off and shows off his signature cocky smirk as Black remains unfazed in the ring, keeping his eye on Zelina and Andrade as they make their way into the ring. Zelina meanwhile has a handbag around her waist.

Michael Cole: Whilst Black has been nearly unstoppable since coming to Raw, Andrade is one of the two men who beat him.

Elias: With an assist from Brock Lesnar!

Michael Cole: And he will have to do it without the help of any of the Ungovernables tonight.

Elias: I wouldn't trust Zelina to not have something up her sleeve however.

Andrade Cien Almas and Aleister Black are now stood face to face as Andrade talks trash mocking Black. Black though remains calm as the referee lifts the Universal title into the air and goes through the usual announcements before the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!

As soon as the bell rings Andrade talks trash as Black remains completely calm. Andrade backs off before going for a FOREARM SMASH... BLACK DUCKS AND GOES FOR BLACK MASS... ANDRADE DUCKS AND SCRAMBLES UNDER THE ROPES TO THE OUTSIDE! Boos ring out from the live crowd as Aleister Black remains calm and stoic in the ring. Andrade looks shaken on the outside of the ring as Black runs to the ropes before BOUNCING BACK AND LANDING IN THE CENTRE OF THE RING CROSS-LEGGED!

This seems to just wind Andrade up even more, who kicks the steel steps in anger as Zelina calms her client down. Andrade eventually composes himself and heads back to the ring sliding inside as Black is back to his feet ready for a fight. Andrade charges in but once again Black jumps over him! Andrade comes back and Black clocks him with a DISCUSS KNEE STRIKE TO THE HEAD! Andrade drops to the mat as Black makes the cover 1 2 Andrade kicks out!

Aleister Black gets back to his feet and keeps the pressure up as she lays into Andrade with several kicks to the chest as he looks to keep the champion down! Black looks to run off the ropes... BUT ZELINA TRIPS HIM UP! Loud boos from the crowd and the referee goes over to Zelina giving her a warning as she puts her arms up acting innocent. Andrade though smirks as Zelina might have allowed him to turn the tides in this match.

Andrade runs off the ropes and connects with a SINGLE LEG BASEMENT DROPKICK! Andrade makes the cover 1 Black kicks out! Andrade freezes for a second but follows it up with a flurry of knee strikes to the head as he looks to keep Black grounded. He then poses and taunts the crowd as he goes for a STANDING MOONSAULT... BLACK MOVES SO ANDRADE LANDS ON HIS FEET AND HITS A DROPKICK DROPPING BLACK! The show of skill gets a loud pop from the crowd as Andrade makes the cover 1 2 Black kicks out!

Andrade nods to himself starting to feel a bit more confident as he looks to find a way to keep the challenger down for a 3 count. He lifts him up and looks to Irish whip Black into the corner but Black counters sending Andrade into the corner of the ring instead! Black follows it up by peppering Andrade with several kicks in the corner, battering the champion! Black then looks to go for a KNEE IN THE CORNER BUT ANDRADE MOVES JUST IN TIME LEAPING OVER THE ROPES!

Black smashes his knee into the corner as Andrade lands on the ring apron smirking as he grabs Black from behind and LOCKS IN A HANGING DRAGON SLEEPER! Andrade wrenches back on the hold as the referee starts to count 1 2 3 4 Andrade finally releases it as Black falls to the mat coughing and spluttering! Andrade meanwhile hops off the ring apron and lands on the ring floor as he sticks his arms out taunting the crowd calling himself “EL IDOLO”. Andrade turns around to head back into the ring BUT BLACK CATCHES HIM WITH A SUICIDE DIVE!

No matter what Andrade does Black seems to have an answer for him! Cheers from the crowd as we pan to Zelina Vega and for the first time tonight, there is none of the confidence as she looks worried her star client could be about to lose his Universal title to the same man who defeated him in NXT. Black though isn't done with Andrade as he climbs back onto the ring apron as he waits for Andrade to stumble back to his feet... DIVING METEORA OFF THE RING APRON! Cheers from the live crowd as Black grabs Andrade and rolls him back into the ring!

Black makes the cover 1 2 Andrade kicks out! Black nods almost expecting Andrade to kick out as he stands up behind Andrade and gives him a few kicks to the back before dragging him up by the neck as he locks Andrade in the DRAGON SLAYER (Modified dragon sleeper!) He cranks back on the neck of Andrade as he looks to choke the life out of him! Andrade is in trouble as Black wrenches back on the hold as Andrade tries to get Black off him but he can't... BUT HE CAN GET HIS FEET TO THE ROPES AS HE FLIPS OVER INTO A PINNING PREDICAMENT!

1

2

Black breaks the hold and kicks out!​

Andrade using his ring IQ there to survive the Dragonslayer but it is Black who gets back to his feet first after that and he leaps into the air as he connects with BLOOD MOON (STANDING DOUBLE FOOT STOMP)! Black makes the cover 1 2 Andrade kicks out! Black is in complete control of the match now and you can see the fear in Zelina's eyes on the outside as she grabs her handbag. Back in the ring grabs hold of Andrade and hits him with a SAITO SUPLEX! Black follows up with another quick cover 1 2 Andrade kicks out!

Black meanwhile heads to the ropes as he lines Andrade up AND HE IS TEASING THE BLACK MASS! However, as he lines Andrade up ZELINA CLIMBS ONTO THE RING APRON AND HAS PULLED OUT A LEAD PIPE! She goes to clock Black BUT BLACK SEES HER COMING AND GRABS IT! He snatches it out of her hand before tossing it out of the ring! The referee comes over at this point and shouts for Zelina to get out of here! ZELINA IS EJECTED FROM RINGSIDE!

Zelina argues with the referee but his decision is final as Black watches her leave and turns his attention back to Andrade in the centre of the ring... TRIANGLE DROPKICK IN THE CORNER BY ANDRADE! The distraction gives Andrade the chance to get back into this match as Zelina Vega smirks and heads backstage whilst Black slumps in the corner of the ring and Andrade heads to the other corner... SEEING SHADOWS (CORNER DOUBLE KNEES TO THE HEAD)! Andrade tosses Black out of the corner as he makes the cover

1

2

Black kicks out!​

Andrade slams the mat in frustration and we cut to Zelina who doesn't look happy either as she now knows she can't help Andrade anymore and goes backstage. In the ring meanwhile, Andrade grabs hold of Black and drags him up as he looks for the HAMMERLOCK DDT... BLACK FIGHTS OUT OF IT AND HITS BLACK MASS ON ANDRADE...

BUT ANDRADE FALLS BACKWARD AND GOES THROUGH THE ROPES TO THE OUTSIDE! Boos from the crowd and it's Black's turn to be frustrated as he slams the mat before rolling out of the ring. He grabs hold of Andrade Cien Almas and rolls his deadweight into the ring. Aleister Black makes the cover

1

2

Andrade kicks out!​

Black shakes his head as the commentary team wonder if Andrade falling out of the ring made the difference here! Black shakes his head as he gets ready to end this as he looks at Andrade down on the mat and slowly lifts him up off the mat with his left boot as he gets ready for another BLACK MASS! He lifts Andrade up and SWINGS FOR HIS HEAD... ANDRADE DUCKS UNDERNEATH AND LEAPS INTO THE AIR HITTING A POISON-RANA SPIKING BLACK'S HEAD TO THE MAT!

Andrade doesn't make a cover though as he lays on the mat still feeling the effects of the Black Mass as he rubs his jaw. Andrade gets back to his feet as he runs off the ropes looking for a SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT... BLACK ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY AS ANDRADE LANDS ON HIS FEET BUT THIS TIME BLACK CONNECTS WITH A JUMPING KNEE STRIKE TO THE HEAD! Andrade is rocked as Black scoops him up and HITS A BRAINBUSTER! Black makes the cover

1

2

Andrade kicks out!​

Andrade is showing a lot of heart as he fights to cling onto his Universal title here! Black though is clearly ready to end this match once and for all. He lifts Andrade off the mat and grabs hold of him as he looks to lock him in the ANTI-CROSS (Modified octopus hold)! He wrenches back on the hold as he tries to make Andrade tap out as he has him trapped in the centre of the ring! Andrade tries to escape from the hold but Black has it locked in tight as Andrade teases tapping out...

AS ZELINA VEGA MAKES HER WAY BACK OUT!​

Loud boos ring out as Zelina walks down the entrance ramp and this immediately gets the attention of the referee who has already ejected her from ringside! She walks away down the entrance ramp and climbs onto the apron getting in an argument with the referee whilst Andrade remains trapped in the Anti-cross! However, as this is going on we see someone in what looks like a very nice suit with a rose in it slide into the ring holding a title belt...

IT'S ANGEL GARZA THE NXT CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPION!​

He slides into the ring whilst the referee is distracted and CLOCK BLACK IN THE HEAD WITH THE CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE! Loud boos ring out as Angel smirks before placing his title on the mat as he grabs Aleister Black and hits him with THE WING CLIPPER (Sit-out butterfly cradle drop)! Vega finishes arguing with the referee and Garza leaves the ring taking his NXT Cruiserweight title belt with him. Meanwhile in the ring, Andrade gets back to his feet and grabs the prone Black as he has a massive grin on his face as he hits the HAMMERLOCK DDT! Andrade makes the cover as the crowd shower Andrade with boos and Zelina stands at the top of the entrance ramp smiling.

1

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3

Winner via pinfall and still Universal Champion: Andrade Cien Almas (14:03)​

The boos carry on ringing out as Andrade Cien Almas makes his way to his feet. The referee meanwhile passes him his Universal title as he lifts it into the air and soaks in the boos from the live crowd.

Michael Cole: Andrade retains his Universal title but not without a massive assist from the NXT Cruiserweight Champion Angel Garza!

Elias: What was he doing here? And was Zelina Vega involved? Surely she must have been involved with this.

Andrade heads up the entrance ramp and lifts the Universal title into the air getting loud boos as Zelina Vega joins her star client and lifts his arm into the air as he poses at the top of the entrance ramp. In the ring meanwhile Aleister Black is now awake and he looks furious as he glares up the entrance ramp and clenches his fits. If looks could kill...

Michael Cole: Aleister does not look happy.

Elias: Of course he's not happy Michael. He just got screwed out of the Universal title and god help those who cross the devil as he has a long memory.

Michael Cole: Well we have one more match left on tonight's show but first Renee Young is stood backstage with the winner of the Women's Royal Rumble Becky Lynch!

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We cut backstage as Renee Young is stood with a microphone in her hand as Becky Lynch is stood next to her with a cocky smirk on her face.

Renee Young: Becky, you had to take months off after having your arm broken by Ronda Rousey but you've returned tonight and won the Royal Rumble. What's next for you?

Becky smirks.

Becky Lynch: Whilst I was sat home, waiting to come back. Waiting for this arm to heal, I thought about all the women I have unfinished business with. Sasha Banks.

Mostly boos but a few cheers for Becky's fellow horsewoman.

Becky Lynch: The person who took my Women's Universal title from me after I'd been through two title defences and a beat down. Asuka.

Becky this time looks a lot more serious as she name drops the WWE Women's Champion who gets a mixed reaction from the crowd though some still cheer for the Empress.

Becky Lynch: The woman who I've never beaten. Who took my WWE Women's title and ended Becky2belts. Shayna Baszler.

This time there is no debate as the crowd unanimously boo the Queen of Spades.

Becky Lynch: She attacked me after I retained my title and beat me thanks to help from the little weirdo Ronnie!

Once again loud boos from the mention of the Women's Universal Champion.

Becky Lynch: And Ronda, I beat you at Wrestlemania sending you into hiding. Took you until Survivor Series to come out and confront me. Except now you know I can beat you, you used your goons to stop me.

Becky is fired up as she gets closer to the camera.

Becky Lynch: Asuka, The Man will come around for you one day and finally beat you. For now though? Ronda Rousey, I'll see you one on one at Wrestlemania because I'm coming back for my Women's Universal title!

A massive pop as the fans are excited to see the match that should have happened the year before.

Becky Lynch: And Ronda? You better not run and hide. There will be no Charlotte sticking her nose in this time. Just you and me.

Becky smirks.

Becky Lynch: And I won't just take back my title. I'll take your arm as well.

Becky walks off bringing the interview to an end as we cut back to the commentary team at ringside.

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And we see a three-man booth sat down as we can see Smackdown commentators BRYON SAXTON AND COREY GRAVES sat down next to Raw commentator ELIAS!

Elias: Strong words from the Man but of course she picked Monday Night Raw.

Corey Graves: Of course she picked Raw? What does that mean?

Elias: She picked the A-show. She picked the best br...

Corey Graves: Weren't you on Smackdown less than a month ago Elias?

Byron Saxton: Are you two going to be like this during the whole Rumble?

Corey Graves: Oh god you're here as well? This is like my own personal hell.

Byron shakes his head and looks to carry on anyway.

Byron Saxton: Anyway we are a moment away from our main event the Men's thirty-man Royal Rumble. Let's take a look at some of the competitors in the match!

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Video package for the Men's Royal Rumble
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After the video finishes, we cut back to Mike Rome in the ring as he does the usual pre-match introduction for the Royal Rumble as we await the first entrant into the match:

1: PETE DUNNE​

A pretty sizeable pop as the former Intercontinental Champion Pete Dunne makes his way out with his signature scowl on his face. He doesn't respond to the fans as he walks to the ring, focused on the job he has to do to go all the way in this Royal Rumble match.

Byron Saxton: A rough draw for Pete Dunne who will have to start this Royal Rumble match from the very beginning.

Corey Graves: Might be doing him a favour as keeps him away from number thirty Brock Lesnar.

Elias: Pete Dunne is a very bad man. I have felt the effect of his finger breaker myself and in a match where grip strength is crucial, I think that gives Dunne a massive advantage.

Dunne stands in the ring and does some stretches before placing his mouth guard in as the crowd waits to find out who entrant number 2 is going to be...

2: DANIEL BRYAN​

Boos ring out as the Planet's champion and the man who will fight Big E for the Intercontinental title on the next edition of Smackdown Live Daniel Bryan. He walks out onto the top of the entrance ramp as Erick Rowan lifts the Planet's title into the air before heading backstage as Bryan will be doing this alone tonight.

Byron Saxton: Daniel Bryan has spent the last few weeks talking about wanting to be a double champion by winning the Rumble and the Intercontinental title. He faces a tough challenge tonight if he wants to achieve that.

Elias: But you have to remember that Shawn Michaels who trained him won the Royal Rumble from the start as well.

Corey Graves: Plus, Daniel Bryan holds the record for the most time spent in a Royal Rumble match lasting seventy-six minutes in the Greatest Royal Rumble. If he can do that tonight, he might just win the entire rumble.

Daniel Bryan is now stood in the ring as he stares down Pete Dunne. Neither man says a word which is rare for planet champion Daniel Bryan. Meanwhile, the referee calls for the bell to get our main event underway!

Men's royal rumble match:​

Once the bell rings, both men take their time circling the ring once the bell rings as these two technical experts eye each other up. After a while, the two men meet in the centre of the ring locking up as they grapple with each other as they each try to gain the upper hand over their opponent tonight. After grappling for about 20 seconds Daniel Bryan takes Pete Dunne and starts to twists his arm as he gets Dunne down to the mat and teases going for STOMPS TO THE HEAD... BUT DUNNE KEEPS BRYAN OFF OF HIM!

Dunne had a near escape as Bryan charges back in but gets a EUROPEAN UPPERCUT SENDING HIM BACK! Bryan is staggered a little as Dunne runs through him with a LARIAT! Dunne follows it up by grabbing Bryan to attempt to toss him out of the Rumble but Bryan fights back staying alive! Bryan and Dunne once again end up in the centre of the ring as they trade grapples and submissions. Both men are clearly evenly matched as the clock starts to tick down 5 4 3 2 1

3: ANGEL GARZA​

Loud boos ring out as the NXT Cruiserweight Champion who we saw not long ago makes his way out as the number 3 entrant in this year's Royal Rumble. He takes his NXT Cruiserweight title off and lifts it into the air showing it off to the live crowd as he poses at the top of the entrance ramp.

Byron Saxton: Well we now know why Angel Garza was in the building tonight as he enters the Royal Rumble and tries to become a double champion.

Elias: And you can tell what he prioritizes. Gold and ladies.

Elias is correct as we can see Angel Garza flirting with a few fans in the front row and clearly happy to take his time getting to the ring. In the ring meanwhile, Dunne has managed to twist Bryan's arm around and starts working it over, manipulating the joints.

Corey Graves: Angel Garza has his priorities right. He can enter the Rumble in his own time after Dunne and Bryan wear each other out. Plus he has a long night ahead of him.

Corey is right as Angel Garza finally finishes flirting with the fans on the right side of the entrance ramp and heads to the left side... AS ALEISTER BLACK LEAPS THROUGH THE CROWD AND HITS A JUMPING KNEE STRIKE! A massive pop from the live crowd as Black stands over Angel Garza and lays a beating on him with a series of hard kicks to the chest and head! Garza struggles to fight back as Black picks him up and sends him into the steel steps causing his back to bounce off them!

Dunne and Bryan ignore what is going on outside the ring leaving Black to it as he grabs Angel Garza lifting him up and hits a BRAINBUSTER ON THE STEEL STEPS! Loud cheers for the high-impact move as Corey criticizes Black's actions but both Elias and Byron say this is Black getting payback for earlier tonight. A bunch of referees come over and try to stop Black from doing any more damage but Black isn't done just yet. He pushes the referees away as the commentary team reminds us that will be a fine for Black.

He lifts Garza back up to a standing position with his left boot before swinging around and hits BLACK MASS! Black stands over Garza who is out cold as the referees tell him off and Black is now finally done as he leaves an unconscious Garza on the ring floor as he heads to the back. The referees check on Garza outside the ring and look to make sure he is OK as back in the ring Bryan and Dunne are trading submission holds as the clock ticks down 5 4 3 2 1

4: OTIS DOZOVIC​

A pretty loud pop from the live crowd as Otis walks out and hypes up the crowd with his dancing antics at the top of the entrance ramp.

Corey Graves: Oh god it's this idiot!

Byron Saxton: I mean your favourite Mandy certainly didn't think so.

Corey Graves: That because she is god's greatest creation. She only knows kindness and love.

Elias: Are you for real?

As the commentary team bickers amongst themselves, Otis carries on walking down the ramp and past the laid-out Angel Garza who is still being checked by the medical team. He steps into the ring as Pete Dunne and Daniel Bryan are still focused on each other so OTIS TAKES THEM BY SURPRISE WITH A DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE! Otis immediately shows off his power early on as he grabs hold of Daniel Bryan and slams him down to the mat with a BODYSLAM!

Pete Dunne gets back up and goes for a EUROPEAN UPPERCUT but Otis no-sells it and runs through him with a SHOULDERBLOCK! He then picks up Dunne and Biel tosses him across the ring into the corner! He then grabs Bryan and Irish whip him into the corner onto Dunne. Both men are prone as Otis charges in and hits a DOUBLE BODY AVALANCHE IN THE CORNER! Both Bryan and Dunne fall out of the corner as Bryan rolls away for the moment leaving Dunne by the corner still.

Otis looks to the crowd and climbs to the top rope before diving off hitting Pete Dunne with the DOZER BOMB (Vader bomb)! Cheers from the crowd as poor Pete Dunne has been crushed underneath Otis as he turns to Daniel Bryan across the ring. He signals to the crowd before going for the CATERPILLAR! He finishes it off by leaping into the air and hits an ELBOW DROP TO FINISH IT! Loud cheers from the crowd as Otis starts to dance for the crowd as the clock ticks down 5 4 3 2 1

5: RIDDICK MOSS​

Elias: Guys, this man made an impressive debut on this week's Monday Night Raw to earn this spot in the Rumble. I'd watch out for him as he could be a dark horse.

Byron Saxton: Well we haven't seen him in action on his own yet so we'll see how he copes without his partner Mojo Rawley.

Corey Graves: If he can survive long enough he may get to team with his partner Byron.

It is a very muted reaction from a tired crowd as Riddick Moss walks out. He smirks to himself as he runs down the ramp and into the ring attacking Otis from behind as he tries to eliminate Daniel Bryan. Moss fires off on Otis sending him towards the centre of the ring as Bryan falls into the corner hugging the ropes. Otis fires back hitting several strikes as they trade blows but Moss wins out lifting Otis up hitting a SPINEBUSTER! An impressive show of strength by Moss who has to take a moment to rest after it.

Moss though doesn't try to eliminate Otis and instead makes his way over to the man who entered at number one Pete Dunne. Moss grabs hold of Dunne and looks to throw him out but Dunne fights back with a series of headbutts sending Moss backward! Moss is staggered slightly as Dunne follows up with a DDT slamming down Moss's head to the mat! Cheers from the crowd as Dunne then grabs the hand of Riddick Moss, holding his fingers AS HE SNAPS THEM!

Loud cheers from the live crowd as Moss screams in pain! Dunne follows it up by grabbing hold of Moss and lifts him into the air planting him with the BITTER END! The cheers get louder for that as Dunne gets back to his feet but doesn't stay up long as Bryan hits Dunne with THE RUNNING KNEE! Bryan smirks but before long Otis charges at him, Bryan is ready though as he trips Otis up and then locks him in a HEEL HOOK as the clock ticks down 5 4 3 2 1

6: CESARO​

A mixed reaction from the live crowd with some boos but a lot of the smarky fans in the crowd go wild as the Swiss Superman Cesaro makes his way out. He does his signature shotgun arms taunt before walking down the entrance ramp.

Byron Saxton: One of 3 Ungovernables members in this match tonight, Cesaro has a long way to go if he wants to win the Rumble and face Roman Reigns for the WWE title.

Elias: Or he could challenge Andrade at Wrestlemania?

Corey Graves: Did you not hear Zelina? The Ungovernables don't need to fight each other. They want to hold all of the gold!

Cesaro climbs into the ring as Bryan is still wrenching back on Otis's leg. Cesaro thinks about helping Daniel Bryan but instead runs off the ropes and hits a LOW-ANGLE EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! Cesaro follows it up by DEADLIFTING BRYAN AND HITS A GERMAN SUPLEX! Cesaro then looks at Otis on the mat and signals to the crowd as he takes Otis for a SPIN IN THE CESARO SWING! The crowd chant along as Cesaro shows his insane strength before tossing Otis into one of the corners!

Cesaro sees Moss getting up in one corner and charges in connecting with a EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! Cesaro isn't done as he sees Dunne in the other corner and hits him with one as well! Otis gets up to his feet and Cesaro connects with a EUROPEAN UPPERCUT TOO! UPPERCUTS FOR EVERYONE! Cesaro is on fire as he tries to overpower Otis and eliminate him from the rumble but Otis holds on staying alive and sending Cesaro back!

Otis sends him back and connects with a CLOTHESLINE STOPPING CESARO! Otis then lifts Cesaro into the air ready to hit him with a BODY SLAM... AS ANGEL GRAZA SLIDES INTO THE RING AND HITS A BASEMENT DROPKICK TO OTIS'S RIGHT LEG! Boos ring out as Garza sticks his arms out and smirks having recovered from the beating given to him by Aleister Black. Cesaro looks at Angel Garza and smiles as they share a handshake indicating an alliance between the two perhaps as the clock ticks down 5 4 3 2 1

7: DOLPH ZIGGLER​

A decent pop but nothing special as Dolph Ziggler makes his way out and sprints down the entrance ramp heading towards the ring!

Byron Saxton: Ziggler has hit a rough patch over the last few months on Raw but he knows winning the Rumble will give him something he has never had before: A one-on-one match at Wrestlemania!

Corey Graves: But he isn't going to get that charging headfirst at Cesaro and Garza.

Elias: Who has likely joined the Ungovernables breaking Zelina and Andrade's word!

Corey Graves: We don't know that Elias. Stop assuming!

Ziggler slides into the ring and immediately goes for a SUPERKICK DROPPING GARZA saving Otis from elimination! Ziggler then goes after Cesaro and looks for the ZIG ZAG BUT CESARO COUNTERS AND HITS HIM WITH SWISS DEATH (Pop-up European uppercut)! Ziggler falls to the mat as Cesaro grabs Ziggler by his head and tosses him over the top rope eliminating him from the Royal Rumble to the shock of the crowd!

Eliminated by Cesaro: Dolph Ziggler (Time in the Rumble: 0:16)​

The crowd are shocked and so is Dolph Ziggler who sits out of the ring, stunned he was eliminated from the Rumble that quickly. Cesaro though doesn't waste any time gloating and instead looks to go back to work but OTIS RUNS THROUGH HIS WITH A SHOULDERBLOCK! Garza jumps up hitting a CLOTHESLINE BEFORE LOOKING FOR A DROPKICK SENDING OTIS INTO THE CORNER! Garza then runs the ropes but Dunne CLOCKS HIM WITH A FOREARM SMASH!

Cheers from the crowd as Dunne lays out Angel Garza. Dunne though doesn't have long to react as Bryan looks for a DRAGON SUPLEX BUT DUNNE ELBOWS HIM OFF! Dunne shows a lot of fight before lifting him up and connects with a PEDIGREE! Shades of Bryan's former arch-nemesis HHH there! Dunne then gets hit from behind by Riddick Moss! Moss though noticeably is still selling his hand after the finger snap as he lays into Dunne with punches with his left hand!

Moss lifts Dunne into the air and hits Dunne with a BODY TOSS! He grabs Dunne up and looks to send him over the top rope as Dunne knowing he is in trouble and spits out his mouthguard to the outside! Moss gets him in position to eliminate him... DUNNE BITES MOSS! Moss immediately lets go of Dunne and falls back allowing Dunne to grab him and hits the X-PLEX (Rolling release suplex)! Moss lands by the ropes and Dunne sends him over the top rope with a FOREARM SMASH!

Eliminated by Pete Dunne: Riddick Moss (Time in the Rumble: 4:11)​

Dunne smirks to himself as the clock ticks down ahead of the next entrant into the royal rumble 5 4 3 2 1

8: DREW MCINTYRE​

A massive pop from the live crowd as Drew McIntyre slowly makes his way out. He has a focused glare as he slowly walks out and doesn't take his eyes off the ring as he heads down the entrance ramp.

Byron Saxton: Drew McIntyre has been on a tear on Smackdown Live. Can he get his rematch with Roman Reigns tonight?

Elias: You do not want to cross Drew McIntyre. I learned that first hand when he tossed me off Hell in a Cell.

Corey Graves: But entering this early with all eyes on him can he make it to the end and win the Rumble?

Drew McIntyre slowly climbs into the ring as Pete Dunne stands in front of him refusing to back down. Dunne goes for fire off on Drew but Drew clobbers him with a GLASGOW KISS! Dunne falls to the mat as Bryan charges in but he gets tossed across the ring with an OVERHEAD BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX! Otis Dozovic charges in next looking to take down Drew but Otis gets a GLASGOW KISS AS WELL DROPPING OTIS! Drew remains stood in the centre of the ring as we see Cesaro and Garza stood up circling Drew!

Drew doesn't flinch as both men charge in but Drew avoids them causing them to accidentally collide with each other! Cesaro falls back slightly as Drew McIntyre grabs hold of him and plants him with a SPINNING FUTURESHOCK DDT! Angel Garza though catches Drew with a DROPKICK! He sends Drew backward and Garza follows up with a HAMMERLOCK DDT! Boos from the crowd as Garza smirks and runs to the ropes looking for a SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT... DREW GETS HIS KNEES UP! Garza stumbles back into the ropes... CLAYMORE SENDING HIM OVER THE ROPES AND OUT OF THE RING!

Eliminated by Drew McIntyre: Angel Garza (Time in the Rumble: 3:14)​

Angel Garza has had a rough night and another shot to the head ends his hopes of being a double champion. Drew stands tall in the centre of the ring as the clock ticks down and we went for the next entrant 5 4 3 2 1

9: BARON CORBIN​

Boos ring out as Baron Corbin marches out with a cocky smirk as he taunts the fans. Drew meanwhile glares at him ready for a fight.

Byron Saxton: Baron Corbin and Drew McIntyre are two men who are very familiar with each other.

Corey Graves: Baron Corbin would love crushing these fans’ dreams and he can do that by eliminating Drew McIntyre.

Elias: I hope Drew kicks Corbin's head off!

Corbin carries on mouthing off at Drew but doesn't head into the ring straight away and instead takes a walk around the ring heading towards the commentary desk! He stands in front of the commentary desk and starts to taunt his rival from a month ago Elias. Elias keeps his cool knowing he can't fight at the moment so tries to not react but Corbin tells Elias he is the reason Elias can't wrestle! Elias gets up as Corbin dares him to hit him but before Elias can react DREW MCINTYRE ATTACKS CORBIN!

A loud pop from the live crowd as Drew McIntyre grabs Corbin and sends him into the ring post before following him back into the ring! Once inside Drew McIntyre lays a beating on Corbin and smashes him with several punches as Corbin tries to escape from Drew. Corbin looks in danger of elimination UNTIL BRYAN SAVE HIM ATTACKING MCINTYRE! Bryan lays into Drew and looks to work over him as Corbin helps his former Corporation ally!

Drew looks like he might be in trouble until Pete Dunne appears and starts to help Drew McIntyre. The commentary team points out Bryan and Dunne have been battling pretty much since the start of the match for over 10 minutes. The two groups end up pairing off as Drew fights Corbin and Dunne fights Bryan. In the other corner, Cesaro tried to get Otis Dozovic out of the Rumble but Otis survives as the clock ticks down ahead of the 10th entrant in this match 5 4 3 2 1

10: MVP​

Corey Graves: It's MVP!

Byron Saxton: MVP has returned to the WWE after ten years away!

Elias: And he doesn't look like he has aged a day since then! One of the greatest United States champions in WWE history.

MVP gets a decent reaction from the live crowd as a whole bunch of pyro goes off as well upon his entrance. He sprints down the ramp and slides into the ring as he comes face to face with Cesaro upon entering the ring! Cesaro swings at MVP but he ducks before grabbing hold of him and connects with the PLAYMAKER (Overdrive)! Cesaro falls to the mat as MVP signals to the crowd and runs off the ropes hitting the BALLIN ELBOW! MVP gets to his feet getting a decent pop as Corbin attacks him from behind!

Boos ring out as Corbin looks to spoil everyone's party as per usual. Corbin lifts MVP off the mat as he slams MVP down with a DEEP SIX! Boos ring out as Corbin stands in the centre of the ring until OTIS ATTACKS HIM FROM BEHIND! Loud cheers from the live crowd as Otis lays into everyone's least favourite superstar. Corbin looks to be in danger of elimination UNTIL HE LOW BLOWS OTIS! Loud boos from the crowd as Corbin gloats and points at Elias taunting him!

Elias on commentary shakes his head and is clearly getting wound up by Corbin's antics in the ring. However, as he is taunting Elias and pointing at him... PETE DUNNE ARRIVES AND CLOCKS CORBIN WITH A FOREARM SMASH! Corbin is staggered and falls to the mat as Dunne grabs his right hand! Dunne nods to the crowd and SNAPS THE FINGERS OF BARON CORBIN TO THE DELIGHT OF THE LIVE CROWD! Corbin rolls away to the corner in pain as Dunne shrugs. MVP though is back up and gets into it with Dunne whilst McIntyre is fighting to survive Bryan and Cesaro as the clock ticks down 5 4 3 2 1

11: RUSEV​

A decent pop from the live crowd as Rusev marches out and he is joined by his wife Lana. He looks focused as she points to the ring and in typical Lana fashion she tells him to CRUSH! Rusev nods and heads down the entrance ramp.

Byron Saxton: Could you imagine if Rusev won the Royal Rumble on Rusev Day?

Elias: As long as anyone but Corbin wins, it will be a happy Rusev Day.

Corey Graves: What is your problem with Corbin?

Elias: How long do we have?

Corey and Elias carry on bickering as Rusev slides into the ring. He joins Drew McIntyre and helps him fight off Cesaro and Daniel Bryan! Rusev connects with a MACHKA KICK to the head of Daniel Bryan whilst Drew rocks Cesaro with a CLAYMORE! Cheers from the crowd as Rusev and Drew turn to each other as both men smirk ready for a fight! Both men nod before trading clubbing blows in the centre of the ring. They are evenly matched at first but soon Drew looks like he might take control... UNTIL CORBIN ATTACKS HIM DREW BEHIND!

Boos ring out as Corbin smirks and looks to Rusev proposing an alliance. Rusev looks at the crowd before clocking Corbin in the jaw knocking him down. Elsewhere in the ring MVP is trying to eliminate Dunne but Dunne refuses to be eliminated! MVP eventually walks away and comes face to face with Otis! MVP puts his hands up and plays peacemaker with Otis. He even goes into his trunks and pulls out a business card giving it to Otis.

Otis takes a look at it as MVP smirks... BEFORE TRYING TO CHEAP SHOT OTIS BUT THE BIG MAN NO-SELLS IT! MVP tries to say sorry but Otis slams him into the corner and crushes MVP in the corner! Otis isn't done there as he heads to the opposite corner and charges in crushing MVP! Otis heads out of the corner shouting OH YEAH! Pete Dunne charges in but gets slams down with the EXCAVATOR! Dunne rolls away as DANIEL BRYAN CHOPS BLOCKS OTIS! Bryan follows up with several YES KICKS TO THE CHEST as the clock ticks down once again 5 4 3 2 1

12: DAVID ARQUETTE​

At first, the majority of the crowd are confused and unsure who is coming out until they see DAVID ARQUETTE walk out getting a pretty decent pop from the live crowd!

Corey Graves: That's former WCW World Champion David Arquette!

Byron Saxton: It's true what they say anything can happen in the WWE!

Elias: C'mon David! Kick Corbin's ass!

David Arquette soaks in the reaction from the crowd and is clearly in a happy mood as Bryan who has finished kicking Otis and has moved on to Rusev, is clearly not impressed with the attention this celebrity is getting! David Arquette is certainly taking his time but finally slides into the ring as BRYAN HITS RUSEV WITH A ROUNDHOUSE KICK! David Arquette walks forward with a big smile on his face as Daniel Bryan walks over and screams in his face that he doesn't belong here... SO ARQUETTE PUNCHES HIM AND DROPS DANIEL BRYAN!

A massive pop as the planet's champion gets shown up. He stumbles back to his feet AND HITS THE DIAMOND CUTTER! Commentary mentions his real-life friendship with DDP as he poses to the crowd as Cesaro attacks him from behind! Loud boos from the crowd as Cesaro picks him up hits a massive uppercut! Arquette is rocked as Cesaro smirks and grabs him by the ankles locking for the CESARO SWING... OTIS MAKES THE SAVE AND KNOCKS OVER CESARO WITH A CLOTHESLINE! Cheers from the crowd as Otis helps Arquette back to his feet... AND OTIS HUGS DAVID ARQUETTE!

Otis can be heard shouting quite loudly that he is a massive fan as both men pose in the centre of the ring AND DANCE FOR THE CROWD! The crowd goes wild for the goofy antics of the duo as Cesaro gets up and is joined by MVP! Both men charge at them but OTIS AND ARQUETTE LAY THEM OUT WITH A DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE! Otis and Arquette signal to the crowd as OTIS HITS THE CATERPILLAR TO CESARO! Arquette then does a funky dance across the ring before hitting MVP with an ELBOW DROP!

A loud pop from the crowd as Otis and Arquette share another hug with each other. In the corner of the ring meanwhile, Dunne and Drew McIntyre are battling with each other they try to stay alive in this match. Otis breaks the hug AS CORBIN SUCKER PUNCHES HIM IN THE HEAD! Boos ring out as David Arquette tries to punch Corbin but he catches it and takes him down easily! Corbin grabs David Arquette by the head and brings him towards the ropes as he taunts Elias at ringside once again as the clock ticks down once again 5 4 3 2 1

13: XAVIER WOODS​

Corey Graves: One of third of the New Day enters the match and arguably the weakest link in the group.

Byron Saxton: If Xavier Woods is the weak link in your group, you have a very strong group. Any thoughts Elias?

Elias doesn't respond straight away and instead focusing on the taunting Baron Corbin.

Elias: Listen I'm going to get a closer view of the action.

Elias puts down his headset and struggles to his feet, still limping. Corbin though doesn't notice this as he toys with David Arquette! He lifts David Arquette up and HITS THE END OF DAYS! Corbin looks like he is about to toss David Arquette out but gets a SPRINGBOARD CLOTHESLINE FROM WOODS STOPPING HIM! Arquette rolls away to the corner as Woods lays into Corbin who has been a rival of the New Day's the last few weeks getting decent cheers from the crowd. At ringside meanwhile Elias slowly limps to the ring using clutches as Corbin doesn't realize what is happening!

Woods heads to the ropes and teases he is about to do his LIMIT BREAK BUT DUNNE AND DREW'S BATTLE KNOCKS HIM OFF-BALANCE SENDING HIM INTO THE RING FLOOR! Corbin smirks to himself as he picks up Woods and heads towards the ropes looking to take advantage of Xavier's misfortune... WOODS ESCAPES GRABBING THE DAMAGED FINGERS OF CORBIN! Woods then hits a dropkick to the back sending Corbin into the ropes... GUITAR SHOT FROM ELIAS! Loud cheers as Elias smirks to himself as DAVID ARQUETTE GETS UP AND THROWS CORBIN OUT OF THE RUMBLE!

Eliminated by David Arquette: Baron Corbin (Time in the Rumble: 6:17)​

Corbin falls to the ring floor as he lands in front of Elias who smirks and limps back to the commentary desk happy to have gotten some payback on Baron Corbin! David Arquette meanwhile jumps into the celebrating getting a shock elimination on Baron Corbin... RUNNING KNEE BY DANIEL BRYAN SENDING ARQUETTE OVER THE TOP ROPE AND OUT OF THE RUMBLE!

Eliminated by Daniel Bryan: David Arquette (Time in the Rumble: 1:55)​

Loud boos from the crowd and Bryan reveals in it, loving the fact he crushed these fans' dreams of David Arquette main eventing Wrestlemania! Bryan turns around and gets a punch to the head from Drew McIntyre as they do battle by the ropes! In another corner of the ring, Dunne and Cesaro are battling by the ropes whilst Otis and Rusev have a hoss fight in another corner. Woods ends up near the ropes as MVP charges in BUT HE PULLS THE ROPES DOWN ELIMINATING MVP FROM THE RUMBLE!

Eliminated by Xavier Woods: MVP (Time in the Rumble: 5:38)​

Cheers from the crowd as MVP slams the mat before heading to the back as the clock starts to tick down 5 4 3 2 1

14: SHINSUKE NAKAMURA​

A mixed reaction and whilst most boo, a good portion of the live crowd cheers for the King of Strong Style Shinsuke Nakamura! He has a cocky smirk on his face as he does his signature poses before walking down the ramp and heads to the ring!

Corey Graves: Are you done getting involved in the action Elias?

Elias: Yes Corey I think I'm content to watch the rest of the Rumble here!

Byron Saxton: Well anyway business is picking up as we see a former Royal Rumble Shinsuke Nakamura making his way out!

Shinsuke Nakamura slides into the ring and goes after Woods straight away after the confrontation backstage earlier in the night! Woods tries to avoid the hard knee strikes of Shinsuke but it is no use as Shinsuke catches him with a KICK TO THE HEAD! Shinsuke turns around as Rusev his former tag team partner charges at him BUT SHINSUKE DUCKS AND HITS HIM WITH A KINSHASA! Shinsuke smirks as he turns around and comes face to face with DANIEL BRYAN!

It might be heel versus heel but the crowd cheers as the two men come face to face in the centre of the ring. Both men look at each other BEFORE THEY SEE OTIS AND DUNNE COMING SO HIT THEM WITH DUAL ROUNDHOUSE KICKS! Shinsuke and Bryan work together for a bit as they wear down Otis and Dunne with a series of kicks. Bryan looks to finish off Dunne with a ROUNDHOUSE KICK BUT CESARO GRABS HIM AND SLAMS HIM DOWN WITH A SICK GERMAN SUPLEX!

That actually gets boos from the crowd which is rare for the planet's champion nowadays as Cesaro and Shinsuke share a hug in the centre of the ring before they grab hold of Otis as they look to work together to eliminate him! Otis though fights back and fends Shinsuke off WHO GETS A CLAYMORE FROM DREW MCINTYRE! Cesaro meanwhile though lifts Otis up and SLAMS HIM DOWN WITH A MASSIVE RICOLA BOMB! Cesaro turns around as he comes face to face with Drew as the two men battle... as DREW GETS CESARO NEAR THE ROPES AS THE CLOCK TICKS DOWN 5 4 3 2 1

15: DOMINIK DIJAKOVIC​

Corey Graves: Oh my what a great draw this is proving to be for the Ungovernables!

Elias: We saw on Monday Night Raw how dominant they were as a unit and this could be a disaster for everyone else in the rumble!

Byron Saxton: But Drew might be about to get Cesaro out of the Rumble!

And you see why Dijakovic is sprinting down the entrance ramp as he climbs onto the apron straight away clocking Drew with a massive punch! Drew stumbles back as DIJAKOVIC HITS A SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT TO DREW IN THE RING! The crowd can't help but pop for the insane agility Dijakovic has.

He makes his way over to Cesaro as he helps him back to his feet and talks about their next move as Otis charges at them taking down Cesaro BUT DIJAKOVIC TAKES HIS HEAD OFF WITH A CLOTHESLINE! Dijakovic then grabs hold of Otis, struggling to lift him at first before hitting FEAST YOUR EYES! Otis falls down as Dijakovic grabs hold of him and eliminates him from the Rumble bringing Otis's run to an end!

Eliminated by Dominik Dijakovic: Otis Dozovic (Time in the Rumble: 16:37)​

The commentary team minus Corey Graves gives Otis Dozovic a lot of credit for lasting over 15 minutes in this match as the Ungovernables are starting to take control of the match... AS RUSEV ATTACKS DIJAKOVIC FROM BEHIND TAKING HIM DOWN! However the beating doesn't last long as SHINSUKE HITS HIM WITH A KINSHASA! Rusev falls down to the mat onto his knees as Cesaro grabs hold of him and RICOLA BOMBS RUSEV OVER THE TOP ROPE AND OUT OF THE RUMBLE!

Eliminated by Cesaro: Rusev (Time in the Rumble: 6:39)​

Boos ring out as the numbers game is soon becoming telling and Bryan turns to Woods and Dunne proposing an alliance. Woods especially seems wary but realizes that he kind of has no choice. The trio stands across the ring from the Ungovernables... AS BRYAN SLIDES OUT OF THE RING TO LOUD BOOS! Woods and Dunne don't have much time to react however as they get into a 3 on 2 brawl with the Ungovernables... AS DREW IS BACK UP AND HELP THE DUO!

It ends up effectively being a tornado 6-man tag in the centre of the ring as Bryan smirks on the outside happy to let them fight! The edge that the Ungovernables have together as a unit however becomes crucial and they start to beat down their rivals as Cesaro hits Dunne with a NEUTRALISER and Dijakovic hitting McIntyre with FEAST YOUR EYES! Woods is trying to fight off Nakamura meanwhile as the clock ticks down with him in big danger! 5 4 3 2 1

16: BIG E​

And help is on the way! The Intercontinental Champion Big E sprints down the ramp heading straight for the ring!

Byron Saxton: The cavalry is here!

Corey Graves: And once again Big E is more focused on helping his friends than helping himself!

Elias: Good friends are hard to find Corey!

Big E slides into the ring and takes down Shinsuke with a JUMPING SHOULDERBLOCK AS SOON AS HE ENTERS THE RING! Cesaro charges in next but Big E sends him across the ring hitting him with an OVERHEAD BELLY TO BACK SUPLEX! Big E gets back to his feet as he comes face to face with Dominik Dijakovic in the middle of the ring. Dijakovic lays into him with several blows but BIG E FIGHTS BACK! He overwhelms Big E BUT BIG E FIGHTS BACK AND ROCKS DIJAKOVIC WITH SEVERAL STRIKES!

Dijakovic is staggered as Big E grabs hold of him and looks to lift him up, struggling at first before getting him into the air and SLAMS HIM DOWN WITH THE BIG ENDING! The Intercontinental Champion is on fire as we see Daniel Bryan climbing onto the ring apron... SO BIG E SPEARS BRYAN THROUGH THE ROPES AND TO THE OUTSIDE! A massive pop from the crowd for the signature spot as Bryan and Big E are down outside the ring!

In the ring meanwhile, McIntyre is battling with Dunne who tries to go for the FINGER BREAK BUT DREW HEADBUTTS HIM SENDING HIM BACKWARD! Drew lays into Pete Dunne and picks him before slamming him down to the mat! Xavier Woods meanwhile is back to his feet as he climbs to the top rope and hits a DIVING CROSSBO... NO DREW CATCHES HIM AND TOSSES HIM ACROSS THE WITH AN OVERHEAD BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX! Cheers from the crowd as Drew remains dominant and the clock starts to tick down one more time 5 4 3 2 1

17: KOFI KINGSTON​

A loud pop from the live crowd as Kofi Kingston walks out and slaps hands with the kids in the front row as he looks at Drew McIntyre in the ring. Kofi hopes over the ropes and comes face to face with the sinister Scotsman!

Byron Saxton: These two men collided at Summerslam but were both screwed by Roman Reigns. I know both men will want a piece of Roman Reigns.

Elias: Kofi throughout the years has made the Rumble his own.

Corey Graves: But he has never managed to win it! Could this year be the first time he wins the Rumble?

Kofi and Drew look at each other as both men point at the Wrestlemania sign making it clear what this is all about before exchanging strikes in the middle of the ring! Drew would normally overpower Kofi but Kofi is much fresher and lays into him getting him down to the mat! Kofi runs off the ropes... AS DUNNE RUNS AT KOFI BUT GETS TROUBLE IN PARADISE! Dunne falls back to the mat but the attack by Dunne has allowed Drew to recover as he grabs hold of Kofi and spins him around for the FUTURESHOCK DDT!

Drew gets back to his feet as he grabs Kofi looks to eliminate him but gets stopped by Xavier Woods! Woods fights with Drew as he stops him from eliminating Kofi but Drew takes him down with a CLOTHESLINE! Drew grabs Woods as he goes to toss him over the ropes... BUT BIG E IS THERE ON THE OUTSIDE TO SAVE WOODS! The New Day are keeping each other alive in this match! Drew looks annoyed but doesn't get to spend too long reacting as Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro attack him!

The two members of the Ungovernables lay a beating on Drew as on the outside Big E runs around the ring carrying Xavier Woods to the other side. Big E and Woods slide into the ring as Nakamura and Cesaro leave Drew alone for now... AND THEY ARE JOINED BY DOMINIK DIJAKOVIC! The trio stares down Big E and Woods who are soon joined by KOFI KINGSTON! The crowd goes wild as the two groups stare each other down... AND THEY START BRAWLING IN THE CENTRE OF THE RING! The crowd goes wild for the two groups colliding as the clock starts to tick down once again 5 4 3 2 1

18: SETH ROLLINS​

Last year's Royal Rumble winner makes his way out and noticeably he has tape around his ribs. However, there is no sympathy from the crowd who boos the hell out of Seth Rollins. Seth shakes his head and looks at them with disgust as he looks to go back-to-back in Royal Rumble victories.

Corey Graves: Last year's Royal Rumble winner and he comes into this match, not at one hundred percent!

Elias: But he also took one hell of a beating on his way to winning last year. Can he do it?

Byron Saxton: As big as Seth Rollins entering the Rumble is, it seems the crowd are more focused on what's happening in the ring!

Byron is right as the brawl between the Ungovernables and The New Day carries on! Rollins takes his time walking to the ring and noticeably takes his time entering the ring, happy to let the groups fight. The two trios end up paring off as Shinsuke battles Big E, Cesaro battles Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods battles Dominik Dijakovic! They end up in separate parts of the ring as Rollins stays on the outside, scouting the ring out as some fans tell him to get into the ring.

Commentary put over Rollins being an architect whilst Pete Dunne who has been in the match for nearly 25 minutes now goes after Drew and they battle by the ropes. Back by the ropes, Shinsuke goes for a knee strike as he gets Big E by the ropes! Big E is on wobbly legs as SHINSUKE CHARGES IN... BUT BIG E COUNTERS HITTING THE BOOTY DROP! Big E then grabs Shinsuke Nakamura and tosses him over the top rope eliminating him!

Eliminated by Big E: Shinsuke Nakamura (Time in the Rumble: 6:39)​

Cheers from the live crowd whilst across the ring we can see Cesaro has Kofi in danger of elimination and gets him into the air tossing him over the ropes... BUT KOFI LANDS ON THE RINGSIDE BARRICADE! A loud pop from the live crowd as Kofi balances on the barricade... BUT DANIEL BRYAN STANDS IN FRONT OF KOFI KINGSTON SMIRKING! Bryan charges in trying to attack Kofi but Kofi jumps over him staying on the barricade as the clock ticks down! 5 4 3 2 1

19: BUDDY MURPHY​

Corey Graves: And there's my pick to win the Rumble! The best-kept secret in WWE!

Elias: How can you be a secret when everyone knows about you?

Byron Saxton: Well whilst you two worry about that Kofi keeps finding a way to survive!

Byron is right as Daniel Bryan is getting annoyed with Kofi avoiding him and tries to climb onto the barricade to knock him off! However, as he climbs onto the barricade KOFI WALKS ALONG THE BARRICADE AND JUMPS ONTO THE COMMENTARY DESK SO BRYAN FOLLOWS AFTER HIM! Meanwhile in the ring, Dijakovic gets Woods over the ropes but he hangs on! He clings on trying to survive as BIG E ATTACKS DIJAKOVIC

The two big men battle and head to the centre of the ring.Cesaro heads over to Woods and looks to try to eliminate him but Woods fights him off! Cesaro falls back and GETS A HIGH KNEE FROM BUDDY MURPHY! Cesaro and Murphy pair off as they fight by the ropes as Woods rests on the ring apron for a moment before looking to climb back into the ring... SETH ROLLINS TRIPS HIM UP AND ELIMINATES HIM FROM THE RUMBLE FROM THE OUTSIDE!

Eliminated by Seth Rollins: Xavier Woods (Time in the Rumble: 9:16)​

Nuclear heat as Seth turns to the crowd and looks at them as if he did nothing wrong. Seth slides into the ring shouting something at Rollins before heading towards the commentary desk. We then see Drew take down Pete Dunne Seth comes face to face with Drew McIntyre as the two men battle in the centre of the ring as Seth is in control due to how much damage Drew has taken until Drew clocks him in the ribs and slams him down with a BELLY TO BELLY!

Back on the outside of the ring both Kofi and Daniel Bryan are battling on the commentary desk as they remind us only Kofi is in danger of elimination if his feet touch the floor! Bryan goes to kick the legs out from Kofi who falls ONTO HIS BACK BUT HIS FEET REMAIN IN THE AIR! Bryan is annoyed as he tries to push the feet over BUT WOODS GRABS SOMETHING FROM UNDER THE RING... BOOTY O'S!

Woods thinking quickly pulls out a pair of pancakes and puts them under his feet saving him from elimination as Bryan looks furious! Bryan though responds to this by stomping on the head of Kofi until WOODS JUMPS UP AND SWEEPS HIS LEGS SENDING BRYAN CRASHING BACK FIRST ONTO THE COMMENTARY DESK! Bryan grabs his head and rolls away as the referees tell Woods to leave as Kofi slowly regains his footing and stands on the pancakes as he thinks about his next move as the clock counts down 5 4 3 2 1

20: AJ STYLES​

A massive mixed reaction from the crowd as AJ Styles walks out. He gets mostly boos but once again a few fans can't help but cheer for the Phenomenal One! He sprints down the ramp and upon entering the ring goes right after Seth Rollins to loud cheers from the crowd! Meanwhile, the commentary team are focused on what's happening in front of them! Kofi lifts one foot off a pancake before moving the plate and doing the same again so he can turn around, as he takes the cover off the commentary table!

He places the cover on the ring floor and LEAPS OFF THE PANCAKES ONTO IT! He stands on the cover as Bryan gets back up on the commentary desk so KOFI LEAPS ONTO IT AND HITS BRYAN WITH TROUBLE IN PARADISE KNOCKING HIM BACK DOWN! Kofi keeps his feet off the floor as Corey tells him to get away from his desk! Kofi is more than happy to as he starts to walk on the panel before leaping onto the apron and climbing back into the ring!

Once inside the ring Buddy Murphy charges at him but GETS TROUBLE IN PARADISE! Big E is fighting for survival once again as Dijakovic and Cesaro try to work together to eliminate him but Kofi saves Big E keeping him alive! Dunne and Drew meanwhile grapple near the ropes as Dunne looks to work over Drew and grabs hold of his HAND AS HE GOES FOR THE FINGER SNAP BUT DREW FIGHTS HIM OFF AGAIN SAVING HIMSELF FROM DANGER as the clock ticks down 5 4 3 2 1

21: SAMI ZAYN​

A decent pop from the live crowd as Sami Zayn makes his way out as we enter into the final third of the match.

Byron Saxton: Sami Zayn is a former NXT Champion and became a champion on Smackdown for the first time last year. Can he win the Royal Rumble for the first time as well?

Corey Graves: He's got a good draw but wait till Kevin Owens appears to stab him in the back!

Elias: You might want to see a therapist Corey. Sounds like you have some trust issues.

Sami Zayn climbs onto the ring apron as Dominik Dijakovic has Big E in danger... AS SAMI SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE ROPES AND HITS DIJAKOVIC WITH A TORNADO DDT! Cesaro a man with a ton of history with Sami charges in and Sami ducks running off the ropes hitting a LEG LARIAT! Cheers from the crowd as Buddy Murphy comes in as Sami ducks the superkick attempt and counters planting MURPHY WITH A BRAINBUSTER! Sami gets to his feet and soaks in the cheers from the crowd... UNTIL SETH HITS HIM WITH A RUNNING KNEE!

Boos ring out from the live crowd for Seth getting any offense in but he soon gets taken down with a BODY BLOCK TO THE RIBS BY BIG E! Big E sends Rollins into the corner and works over the ribs. Meanwhile, Kofi Kingston and Dunne start to battle by the ropes as the commentary team mention Dunne and Bryan are starting to approach the 30-minute mark in this rumble (even if Bryan is still down outside the ring). Buddy Murphy is meanwhile still feeling the effects of the brainbuster as he gets to his feet using the ropes... CLAYMORE! Murphy goes flying over the ropes as Drew picks up his second elimination in this match!

Eliminated by Drew McIntyre: Buddy Murphy (Time in the Rumble: 3:26)​

Cheers from the crowd as the commentary team put over Drew being in this match for 20 minutes and he is still picking up eliminations. As he turns around however he gets a PELE KICK FROM AJ STYLES! AJ follows it up by climbing onto the ring apron and HITS THE PHENOMENAL FOREARM! Drew is laid out in the centre of the ring as Styles taunts the crowd as Sami Zayn charges in but Styles counters and plants him with the STYLES CLASH! AJ gets back to his feet again and says there is no one as Phenomenal as him and no one could stop him past or present as the clock ticks 5 4 3 2 1

22: EDGE​

Elias: Is that...

Byron Saxton: EDGE IS BACK!!! EDGE IS BACK!!!

Corey Graves: Guys I can't believe it!

As the majority of you called, Edge just like in real life is back! The whole crowd goes wild, the loudest pop of the night, and AJ Styles in the ring is stood frozen in shock as well. Edge soaks in the reaction from the live crowd before hyping them up! He takes his time walking down the ramp and soaks in as much of the reaction as he can from the crowd. Edge takes off his trench coat and slides into the ring... SPEAR TO AJ STYLES!

AJ sells it like he has been shot with a cannon and there is no Kevin Dunn camera cut here either! Edge gets back to his feet and has a wild look in his eyes as he sees Cesaro charging in and hits another SPEAR! Dijakovic is next to try to take down Edge and he gets a SPEAR AS WELL! Edge is making up for lost time tonight! Edge gets back to his feet as Kofi goes for a TROUBLE IN PARADISE... BUT EDGE DUCKS AND COUNTERS WITH A KILLSWITCH!

Shades of his best friend (someone would say a brother) Christian as Edge stands tall in the centre of the ring... AS HE COMES FACE TO FACE WITH SETH ROLLINS! The commentary team mentions their interactions these last few months and also how Rollins used Edge to bring back the Authority in the past by threatening to break his neck. Rollins offers Edge a handshake as Edge looks at it and punches Seth in the jaw! Edge follows it up with a BIG BOOT! He then grabs Rollins and plants him with an EDGECUTION as the clock starts to tick down once again!

23: MOJO RAWLEY​

Corey Graves: Here is one man who will want to kill the hype of Edge's return to action tonight!

Elias: He has been talking about killing hype and getting to the top. If he cuts Edge's return short, he might just do that.

Byron Saxton: Saying it and doing it are two different things.

Mojo Rawley is getting boos from the crowd as he charges down the ramp. Edge looks like he might be about to eliminate Rollins but MOJO CLOBBERS HIM FROM BEHIND! The boos get even louder as Mojo lays into Edge with several clubbing blows! Mojo grabs Edge tosses him into the ropes... BUT EDGE RUNS BACK HITS A SPEAR! Loud cheers from the live crowd as Edge grabs hold of Mojo Rawley and tosses him out of the ring!

Eliminated by Edge: Mojo Rawley (Time in the Rumble: 0:19)​

Loud cheers from the crowd as Edge scores his first elimination upon his return. He turns back around... AS BRYAN BLINDSIDES HIM WITH A RUNNING KNEE! Loud boos from the crowd as Bryan stands over Edge and taunts him lifting his arms into the air... AS DUNNE GRABS ONE OF HIS HANDS BITES IT! Bryan screams in pain but punches Dunne off sending him backward but Dunne fires back hitting him with a BITTER END! Cheers from the crowd as Dunne rest on the ropes having been in-ring for over 30 minutes.

Elsewhere in the corner of the ring AJ Styles is battling with Sami Zayn as Sami gets AJ over the top rope but the Phenomenal One clings on! Big E and Kofi are once again battling with the Ungovernable members Cesaro and Dominik Dijakovic! Rollins is battling with Drew McIntyre as he clobbers himself in the gut with a boot causing Rollins to double over! As the clock ticks down Rollins gets dropped with a FUTURESHOCK DDT as Drew stands tall! 5 4 3 2 1

24: KARRION KROSS​

Smoke starts to fill the ringside area as Karrion Kross slowly makes his way out and he is joined by the siren Scarlett Bordeaux. She walks out and there is no singing tonight from Scarlett as Kross wastes little time walking to the ring though he noticeably has tape around his right hand after Friday!

Corey Graves: Guys is it too late to change my pick?

Elias: I can't blame you if you did. Kross has been on a tear since coming to Smackdown Live.

Byron Saxton: But look at his right hand. How much will the damage done to his right hand by Pete Dunne affect him?

Kross climbs into the ring and comes face to face with Drew McIntyre upon entering the ring. Both men stand in the centre of the ring as the two giants start to trade blows with each other in the middle of the ring! Kross has to use his left hand only but Drew has been through over 20 minutes of action loses the battle and gets hit with a DOOMSDAY SAITO! Kross turns around as Dunne looks to carry on his work from Friday and he gets a DOOMSDAY SAITO AS WELL! Kross is dominant in the ring as he then comes face to face with DOMINIK DIJAKOVIC!

The two big men stare each other down with neither man giving an inch here! Both men club each other with forearms as Kross has to use the left arm but the time spent in the Rumble by Dijakovic gives Kross the edge. He gets Dijakovic in danger of elimination until Cesaro appears attacking Kross and saving him from danger! Those two start to brawl as we see all the other superstars still in the ring (Dunne, Bryan, McIntyre, Big E, Kofi, Rollins, Styles, Zayn, and Edge) resting or trying to eliminate each other as the clock ticks down 5 4 3 2 1

25: MONTEZ FORD​

A loud pop from the live crowd as Montez Ford makes his way out next and he is joined by partner Angelo Dawkins who has his arm in a cast. He nods at Montez wishing him good luck and heads backstage as Montez psyches himself up whilst in the ring Cesaro and Kross's battle ends up back in the centre of the ring!

Corey Graves: This might be the biggest night of Montez's short career.

Elias: He has also got one hell of a draw tonight.

Byron Saxton: I think this man is a future World Champion. Is that future at Wrestlemania Thirty-Six?

Ford sprints down the entrance ramp as in the ring we see Rollins and AJ Styles battling as Ford climbs to the top rope and FLIES OFF WIPING OUT STYLES WITH A MASSIVE CROSSBODY! Ford goes after AJ Styles carrying on their issues from the last few months. Rollins though noticeably doesn't help Ford and instead chooses to rest in the corner of the ring. Meanwhile in the centre of the ring Kross carries on showing his dominance and POWERBOMBS CESARO TO THE MAT! Kross lets out a roar as he stands tall over Cesaro until he comes face to face with EDGE!

The two men stand tall in the ring and Edge fires off a series of punches but Kross FOREARM SMASHES EDGE IN THE HEAD BEFORE LOCKING HIM IN A DRAGON SLEEPER! Loud boos as the commentary team bring up Edge's issues with his neck forced him to retire! He has it locked in tight as Edge slams Kross back first into the turnbuckle until he breaks the hold! Edge though is coughing and spluttering as he leaves the ring to recover... as SAMI ZAYN GOES FOR A HULLEVA KICK... BUT KROSS COUNTERS AND SENDS ZAYN OVER THE TOP ROPE!

Eliminated by Karrion Kross: Sami Zayn (Time in the Rumble: 6:29)​

Kross has a sinister grin on his face as he turns around and we see Kofi Kingston charging at Kross but Kross tosses him over his head AND OVER THE ROPES... BUT KOFI HANGS ON! Kross doesn't see this and goes to battle Big E in the centre of the ring! Big E lays into Kross and forces him back so Kross has to use his right hand to fight off Big E! However, it causes him a ton of pain due to his broken fingers! Kross though grabs Big E and looks to lock him in the KROSS JACKET... BUT BIG E ELBOWS HIM OFF SENDING HIM BACKWARD! Kross stumbles backward as BIG E HITS A CLOTHESLINE AS KOFI PULLS DOWN THE ROPES SENDING KARRION KROSS OUT OF THE RING!

Eliminated by Kofi Kingston and Big E: Karrion Kross (Time in the Rumble: 2:33)​

Kross lands on his feet outside the ring and looks furious! He glares at the ring looking at the New Day as Kofi slides back into the ring. He mutters something to Scarlett as he leaves the ringside area not taking his eyes off the New Day. Kofi and Big E once again collide with the Ungovernables as they fight in the centre of the ring as the clock ticks down 5 4 3 2 1

26: BRAUN STROWMAN​

Loud cheers as Braun walks out and lifts his arm into the air as he walks down the entrance ramp, though he comes face to face with Kross as he walks out with the two big men having a staredown!

Corey Graves: Braun Strowman holds the record for eliminations in a Rumble match with thirteen eliminations. Can he break his own record?

Elias: A fresh Braun when you've been fighting as long as some of these men have been is a scary prospect.

Byron Saxton: But who will have the power to eliminate Braun?

Braun after having the big meaty men staredown with Kross walks to the ring and climbs into the ring as he immediately barrels through The New Day and Ungovernables wiping them out! Braun turns around as we see Rollins charge in but BRAUN CATCHES HIM WITH A PUNCH TO THE RIBS! Rollins double over as Edge and Styles charge in next as they hit him with a T-REX DROPKICK! He sends them down to the mat as Braun roars... AS BRYAN GOES FOR THE LEG... BUT BRAUN NO SELLS IT!

Braun turns around as he grabs Bryan and TOSSES HIM ACROSS THE RING! Braun turns around as Drew charges in looking for THE CLAYMORE... BUT BRAUN AVOIDS HIM! Drew lands on the mat and Braun takes advantage as he lifts Drew up planting him with a RUNNING POWERSLAM! Braun doesn't get a chance to pounce as he comes face to face with DOMINIK DIJAKOVIC!

The two giants collide in the centre of the ring as they trade punches and shockingly it looks like Dijakovic might be gaining the upper hand! Dijakovic sends Braun backward and hits him with the CYCLONE KICK! Braun is staggered as Dijakovic grabs him and places him onto his shoulders as he looks to go for FEAST YOUR EYES... BUT BRAUN SLIPS OUT AND HITS A CHOKESLAM OVER THE TOP ROPE TO THE RING FLOOR ELIMINATING DIJAKOVIC!

Eliminated by Braun Strowman: Dominik Dijakovic (Time in the Rumble: 17:58)​

Braun roars as he looks back across the ring and gets a EUROPEAN UPPERCUT FROM CESARO! Cesaro goes to lift him up and throw him over the top rope but BRAUN FIGHTS HIM OFF! Braun then takes him down with a BIG BOOT... BUT DUNNE JUMPS ONTO HIS BACK AS HE TRIES TO LOCK IN A SLEEPER HOLD AS THE CLOCK TICKS DOWN! 5 4 3 2 1

27: RANDY ORTON​

A massive mixed reaction with a lot of it leaning towards boos for the Viper Randy Orton but a lot of the fans cheers for Orton as he walks down the entrance ramp! He takes his time whilst in the ring Dunne is trying to choke the life out of Braun giving it everything he has got!

Corey Graves: Number twenty-seven has led to the most Rumble winners in men's rumble history. And Orton is already a two-time Rumble winner in the past.

Elias: Someone as sneaky and cunning as Orton entering this late could mean disaster for the field!

Byron Saxton: But with so many bodies is there anywhere for the snake in the grass to hide?

Orton slides into the ring as Braun counters slamming Dunne down to the mat with a POWERFUL SPINEBUSTER! Braun gets back to his feet as he lets out a roar... RKO OUT OF NOWHERE! Orton drops the monster among men to the mat as he turns around to see Kofi charging in RKO! Orton gets up as Big E grabs hold of him and gets him in position for the BIG ENDING... ORTON COUNTERS INTO A RKO! Orton stands tall soaking in the mixed reaction from the crowd as he turns around and comes face to face with his old tag team partner EDGE!

Loud cheers from the crowd and even a few fans start to chant for “Rated RKO”. Neither man moves as Orton goes for an RKO... EDGE PUSHES HIM OFF! Edge goes for the SPEAR BUT ORTON AVOIDS IT! Both men look at each other but don't do much else as STYLES ATTACKS EDGE AND ROLLINS ATTACKS ORTON! Styles and Rollins are inadvertently working as a team here but Edge hits AJ Styles with the EDGECUTION whilst Orton hits Rollins with an RKO! Edge grabs Styles and Orton grabs Rollins as they toss the pair over the top rope and out of the Rumble!

Eliminated by Edge: AJ Styles (Time in the Rumble: 11:18)

Eliminated by Randy Orton: Seth Rollins (Time in the Rumble: 13:18)​

Cheers from the live crowd for the mini Rated-RKO reunion as the crowd cheers for the pair... AS ORTON GOES FOR A RKO... EDGE PUSHES HIM OFF INTO A CLAYMORE FROM DREW SENDING ORTON OUT OF THE RING!

Eliminated by Drew McIntyre: Randy Orton (Time in the Rumble: 1:01)​

Orton lands on the outside and out as Drew gains a measure of revenge over his rival these last few weeks catching him by surprise. In the ring Edge and Drew now come face to face as they start to battle with commentary praising Drew's stamina after lasting nearly 30 minutes already in this match as the clock once again ticks down 5 4 3 2 1

28: KEVIN OWENS​

Loud cheers ring out as Kevin Owens walks out and sprints to the ring, knowing he won't have to fight his best friend Sami if he wants to win but he also doesn't have his tag team partner to work with either.

Byron Saxton: Kevin Owens is someone who loves to fight and there are still loads of men in that ring to fight.

Corey Graves: At least he won't have to stab his friend in the back like normal.

Elias: I'm telling you, Corey. The therapy will be worth the money.

Owens upon entering the ring catches both members of the New Day with a DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE! He waits for them to get back up and hits a DOUBLE STUNNER! Drew meanwhile knocks down Edge and hits him with a GLASGOW KISS as he looks to get ready to toss him out of the ring... ORTON PULLS DREW OUT OF THE RING UNDERNEATH THE ROPES AND HITS HIM WITH A RKO! Loud boos ring out as Orton stands over Drew McIntyre and looks furious!

Orton beats down Drew on the outside of the ring as the referee tries to stop him... SO ORTON GRABS A STEEL CHAIR FROM THE RINGSIDE AREA AND THREATENS TO CLOCK THE REFEREES WITH IT! He gets them to back off as he turns back to Drew McIntyre and batters him with it several times in the back! Orton wears out the chair on the back of Drew before tossing it to the side. Orton then looks over and he sees the announce table that Bryan and Kofi were fighting on earlier in the match, giving him an idea!

He rolls Drew onto the table as he taunts the crowd as he slowly lifts Drew McIntyre up to a standing position ready for the R K DREW FIGHTS HIM OFF! Drew even rocks Orton with a GLASGOW KISS AND GRABS HIM READY TO HIT A FUTURESHOCK DDT... ORTON KICKS DREW DOWN BELOW! Loud boos as Orton smirks and connects with an RKO SENDING DREW THROUGH THE TABLE! Orton gets back to his feet as Drew lays down but Orton still isn't done as he gets the referees to back off as he teases the PUNT KICK as the clock ticks down 5 4 3 2 1

29: SHEAMUS​

A massive pop as we haven't seen Sheamus for 9 months! He doesn't however pose at the top of the entrance ramp and sprints down the ramp running around the ring as he hits ORTON WITH A BROGUE KICK LAYING HIM OUT!

Corey Graves: The Celtic Warrior is back!

Byron Saxton: And not a moment too soon. He and Drew have been friends for years

Elias: I bet Drew when he wakes up in front of us and realizes what happened will be grateful for the return of his friend.

The referees help take Orton away as Sheamus checks on his friend before telling him they'll battle soon. Referees and medics check on Drew who is still selling being put through the announcer table as Sheamus climbs onto the ring apron and GRABS DANIEL BRYAN FROM THE RING APRON! He gets him in position and hits him with THE BEATS OF THE BODHRAN! He pounds on the chest of Bryan as he gets up to 20 shots off before finally letting go dropping Bryan and climbing into the ring.

Sheamus once in the ring charges at Big E and immediately goes after the Intercontinental Champion laying him out with a BROGUE KICK! Kofi charges in looking to attack Sheamus but he gets put down straight away with an IRISH CRUSE BACKBREAKER! Sheamus sends him to the side as Dunne charges in but gets scooped onto his shoulder and Sheamus hits WHITE NOISE! Sheamus turns around and is fired up... AS HE COMES FACE TO FACE WITH HIS FORMER TAG TEAM PARTNER CESARO!

Both men circle each other in the centre of the ring, neither man wanting to make the first move... AS OWENS AND FORD CHARGE IN BUT BOTH GET TAKEN DOWN BY THE FORMER MEMBERS OF THE BAR! Sheamus and Cesaro are all smiles as they share a hug... AS CESARO LOOKS TO SEND SHEAMUS OUT BUT SHEAMUS SEES IT COMING AND DROPS CESARO! Cesaro gets back to his feet but gets a BROGUE KICK! Cesaro falls to the mat as Sheamus turns around getting into a fight with Braun as he battles the monster among men in the ring with the clock ticking down. 5 4 3 2 1... and the commentary team make sure to remind us who number 30 is...

30: BROCK LESNAR​

Corey Graves: Game over!

Elias: The final boss is here and Corey I might join you in changing my pick!

Byron Saxton: Brock wants his Universal title back and as I don't think even an army could stop him tonight!

Brock jumps up and down as he walks out with Paul Heyman who stands next to his client who walks down the ramp and heads straight for the ring! Braun meanwhile has dropped Sheamus to the mat and charges at Brock as soon as he enters the ring as the monsters start to battle to the delight of the live crowd! They brawl in the centre of the ring but Brock TAKES DOWN BRAUN AND POUNDS HIM ON THE MAT! He grabs Braun and lifts him into the air LOOKING FOR A F5... SUPERMAN PUNCH BY MONTEZ FORD!

Brock drops Braun Strowman and stumbles slightly! Montez leaps into the air and hits another SUPERMAN PUNCH ROCKING BROCK GETTING HIM NEAR THE ROPES! He charges in for the THIRD... BROCK SLAMS HIM DOWN WITH A SPINEBUSTER! Brock rubs his jaw as he looks furious as he turns around as OWENS LOOKS TO GO FOR A STUNNER... BROCK COUNTERS AND SCOOPS OWENS UP... F-5 OUT OF THE RING!

Eliminated by Brock Lesnar: Kevin Owens (Time in the Rumble: 3:46)​

Brock turns around as he comes face to face with the Intercontinental Champion Big E! Big E charges in and tries to go after Brock as he lays in some clubbing blows before LIFTING BROCK ONTO HIS SHOULDERS... BROCK THOUGH SLIPS OUT AND ESCAPES! He lands behind Big E grabbing hold of him and takes him to SUPLEX CITY! Kofi charges in looking to help his friend but he ALSO GETS TOSSED ACROSS THE RING! Bryan charges in next and he gets one as well! GERMANS FOR EVERYONE!

Brock turns around as Cesaro charges in and goes for a series of EUROPEAN UPPERCUTS SENDING BROCK BACK... UNTIL BROCK CATCHES HIS ARM AND LOCKS IN A KIMURA! Brock is wrenching back on the hold as PETE DUNNE DIVES OFF THE TOP ROPE AND BREAKS THE HOLD! Pete Dunne isn't done there as he grabs the right hand of Brock and tries to break his fingers... BROCK FIGHTS HIM OFF AND F5'S DUNNE!

Brock looks angry as he is clearly having a tough time but GETS SPEARED BY EDGE! Commentary puts over the ribs of Brock being a weak point for him as MONTEZ REAPPEARS AND HITS A STANDING SHOOT STAR PRESS! Ford then looks to the corner and looks to head to the top rope! He steadies himself and leaps into the air looking for FROM THE HEAVENS... BROCK CATCHES HIM IN MID-AIR AND IN ONE SWIFT MOTION CATCHES FORD TOSSING HIM OUT OF THE RING!

Eliminated by Brock Lesnar: Montez Ford (Time in the Rumble: 10:05)​

The fans can't help but pop for that incredible feat by Brock as we see behind the Beast Bryan talking to Dunne and tells him they should work together to bring down Brock. Dunne looks nonplussed and nods as he steps forward... BUT BRYAN GOES TO ATTACK HIM HOWEVER DUNNE SEES IT COMING AND SMASH BRYAN IN THE FACE WITH A FOREARM SMASH! Bryan stumbles back and Dunne sends him over the top rope eliminating Bryan from the Rumble after over 45 minutes!

Eliminated by Pete Dunne: Daniel Bryan (Time in the Rumble: 45:34)​

Bryan looks furious as Dunne gives a very nonchalant shrug but doesn't get to hold it for long as BROCK GRABS HIM FROM BEHIND AND HITS A GERMAN SUPLEX! Dunne flies across the ring as Braun is back up but Brock avoids him before hitting a DRAGON SUPLEX! Brock shouts some trash as EDGE GOES FOR THE SPEAR BUT BROCK AVOIDS IT THIS TIME SENDING EDGE INTO THE CORNER! Edge sells his shoulder as Brock turns around BUT GETS A CLAYMORE FROM DREW! Brock falls backward and goes through the middle rope falling to the floor for the moment.

Drew stands tall in the ring as he winces in pain after Orton's attack on him outside the ring and after being in this match for over 35 minutes! Speaking of men in the match for over 35 minutes he comes face to face with Cesaro! Both men have been in the match for ages but the pair start trading blows in the centre of the ring but DREW TAKES CONTROL AND HITS HIM WITH A GLASGOW KISS! He grabs Cesaro by the head and hits the FUTURESHOCK DDT! Drew gets back to his feet and then comes face to face with his friend Sheamus as the two men smile before sharing a hug in the centre of the ring!

The men soon break and START FIGHTING IMMEDIATELY! The crowd cheer for the pair as the commentary team tells us these two men fought up and down the UK for years. However, as they are fighting we see Big E and Kofi Kingston are back on their feet. Drew and Sheamus look at each other as they nod as they start fighting The New Day! Big E takes down Drew McIntyre with clubbing blows whilst Sheamus takes control with his battle with Kofi. Sheamus connects with a WHITE NOISE PLANTING KOFI WHILST BIG E HITS A BIG ENDING!

Big E and Sheamus come face to face with each other as these two men battle in the centre of the ring until BRAUN RUNS THROUGH BOTH MEN WITH A SHOULDERBLOCK! Big E and Sheamus fall over as Braun stands tall. Edge charges in BUT BRAUN SCOOPS HIM UP AND SLAMS HIM DOWN! Braun grabs Edge and looks to toss Edge out of the ring but he holds on! Braun goes over as he looks to finish the job... BUT CESARO CATCHES HIM FROM BEHIND AND SENDS HIM OVER THE ROPES TO THE RING FLOOR!

Eliminated by Cesaro: Braun Strowman (Time in the Rumble: 11:36)​

The commentary team put over the strength and stamina of Cesaro to be able to do that after being in the match for over 40 minutes. He tries to follow it up by getting rid of Edge but the Rated-R Superstar fights back showing a lot of grit as he stays alive. Edge comes back into the ring but CESARO THROWS EDGE INTO THE AIR AND HITS SWISS DEATH! Edge falls to the mat as Cesaro cranks his neck ready for THE NEUTRALIZER! He grabs Edge but the veteran counters with a RAKE TO EYES!

Cheers for the cheap tactic as Edge takes down Cesaro with the EDGE-O-MATIC! Edge turns around as he comes face to face with Drew McIntyre. The commentary team mention these two men have fought before all the way back in 2010. However, as they stare each other down BROCK SLIDES BACK INTO THE RING AND TAKES BOTH MEN DOWN WITH A DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE! Brock then grabs Drew McIntyre with an F5! Edge then gets one as well as he gets planted to the mat!

Brock is going on a rampage but as this is going on DUNNE GOES ON THE ATTACK JUMPING ON BROCK'S BACK! Dunne goes for a choke but Brock fights him off and gets him in position for an F5! Dunne though fights back and escapes by BITING BROCK LESNAR! Loud cheers as Dunne grabs hold of the left hand of Brock and SNAPS IT BREAKING THE FINGERS OF BROCK LESNAR! Brock sells it and shouts in pain as DUNNE FOLLOWS IT UP BY BITING THOSE FINGERS!

A few fans quite rightly respond to the move by Dunne with a “You are sick” chant but Dunne will do whatever it takes to keep Brock down. He then runs off the ropes hitting a BASEMENT DROPKICK! Brock is on the mat and Dunne stands above him as he grabs his arms... AS HE STARTS TO STOMP ON HIS HEAD! He stomps and stomps on the head of Brock furiously as he tries to keep The Beast down!

Dunne finishes the sequence off by jumping into the air as he connects with a DOUBLE FOOT STOMP TO THE CHEST! Dunne rolls off Brock and grabs Brock's wrist! He looks like he is about to SNAP HIS FINGERS BUT CESARO HITS HIM WITH A RUNNING EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! Dunne is on wobbly legs as he sends Dunne over the top rope with another UPPERCUT... BUT DUNNE HOLDS ON! Cesaro though ignores him and turns around looking to go after Brock Lesnar but comes face to face with his former tag team partner Sheamus one more time!

The two former allies look at each other and once again the former friends trade a few words until they are confronted by their former rivals THE NEW DAY! The two teams stare each other down in the centre of the ring as they talk trash to each other and they START TO FIGHT EACH OTHER! As they are fighting each other we can see in the corner Dunne is trying to get back into the ring but EDGE IS TRYING TO TAKE HIM OUT OF THE MATCH! Dunne though fights back and fends him off as he climbs back into the ring but GETS A SHOULDERBLOCK FROM DREW!

Dunne falls to the mat as Drew and Edge come face to face as they fight in the corner whilst Dunne rests by the ropes having now been in the ring for over 50 minutes! Back in the centre of the ring, the former teammates don't match up to The New Day as Kofi takes down CESARO WITH TROUBLE IN PARADISE! Big E meanwhile slams Sheamus down and connects with the BIG ENDING! Loud cheers from the crowd as Kofi and Big E stand tall in the centre of the ring UNTIL BROCK RUNS THROUGH BOTH MEN!

Brock looks angry as he grabs hold of Kofi and LOOKS TO TAKE HIM TO SUPLEX CITY SENDING HIM ACROSS THE RING! Kofi lands on his feet though as Big E gets up and hits a SPEAR AS KOFI HITS A TROUBLE IN PARADISE TO THE BACK OF BROCK'S HEAD! Brock is staggered as Big E LIFTS BROCK INTO THE AIR AS KOFI RUNS TO THE ROPES AS THEY LOOK FOR UPUPDOWNDOWN...

BUT BROCK FIGHTS OUT AND AVOIDS KOFI! Kofi lands on his feet but Brock grabs hold of him and tosses over the top ropes... AS HE HANGS ONTO THE TOP ROPE! Big E and Brock meanwhile collide in the centre of the ring they trade blows as Big E HITS A BODY BLOCK TO THE STOMACH TARGETING BROCK'S WEAK SPOT! Big E gets Brock by the ropes as he runs off the ropes and looks to CLOTHESLINE BROCK OVER THE ROPES BUT THE BEAST COUNTERS AND F5'S BIG E OUT OF THE RING!

Eliminated by Brock Lesnar: Big E (Time in the Rumble: 32:34)​

Brock looks furious as he lets out a roar as we see Brock look angry as Edge charges in looking to take down Brock as he goes for a SPEAR... BROCK IS READY WITH A KNEE LIFT TO THE HEAD! Edge is staggered as Brock grabs hold of him and hits an F5! Brock grabs him ready to toss him over the rope... KOFI SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE ROPES HITTING BROCK WITH A DROPKICK TO THE MID-SECTION! Brock is staggered as Kofi goes for TROUBLE IN PARADISE... BROCK COUNTERS TOSSING KOFI OVER THE ROPES...INTO THE ARMS OF BIG E! Cheers from the crowd as Kofi survives yet again somehow!

Brock meanwhile talks some trash goads Big E as the Intercontinental Champion tries to find some way to get Kofi back into the ring but Brock moves to block whichever side Kofi goes to... AS PETE DUNNE SNEAKS UP BEHIND BROCK AND LOW BLOWS HIM! Loud cheers from the crowd for the cheap shot as Brock falls to his knees. Meanwhile, Big E uses that to place Kofi on the ring apron... AS CESARO GRABS HIM AND HITS HIM WITH A SUPERPLEX BRINGING HIM INTO THE RING OVER THE ROPES! Cesaro grabs hold of Kofi and sees Big E on the outside so tosses him over the ropes on the other side of the ring to loud boos!

Eliminated by Cesaro: Kofi Kingston (Time in the Rumble: 31:01)​

The New Day has been eliminated from the match as Cesaro carries on taunting them having been in the match for over 45 minutes with 4 eliminations so far. However, he doesn't get to mouth off for too long as he gets into it with Drew McIntyre! Both men start to brawl and end up in the corner! Dunne meanwhile has Brock locked in an ARMBAR! Brock is in pain as he struggles due to the hold as DUNNE LOOKS TO GO FOR THE FINGER SNAP ON THE RIGHT HAND TOO... BUT BROCK POWERS DUNNE UP AND SLAMS HIM DOWN WITH A ONE-ARMED POWERBOMB!

Dunne falls to the mat as Brock grabs his arm as Sheamus charges in BUT BROCK SLAMS SHEAMUS DOWN WITH A SUPLEX SENDING HIM FLYING INTO DREW AND CESARO! Brock then charges in and SQUASHES ALL 3 MEN IN THE CORNER WITH A BODY AVALANCHE! Brock turns as EDGE TRIES TO JUMP ON HIM LOOKING FOR EDGE-O-MATIC... BUT BROCK OVERPOWERS EDGE AND THROWS HIM OVER THE TOP ROPE!

Eliminated by Brock Lesnar: Edge (Time in the Rumble: 23:29)​

Brock stands by the ropes as the commentary team mention he has tied Cesaro on 4 eliminations each as Brock makes his way back over Dunne ready to toss him out of the rumble as Dunne is nearing 55 minutes in the match. Brock has Dunne on his shoulders and gets him ready for an F5... DUNE COUNTERS BITING THE LEFT HAND OF BROCK! Brock lets go of Dunne who goes for a SUPERKICK! Brock staggers as Dunne hits a SECOND ONE! Dunne then runs off the ropes looking for a FOREARM SMASH... BROCK DODGES AND GRABS DUNNE HITTING HIM WITH A SUPLEX OVER THE TOP ROPE!

Eliminated by Brock Lesnar: Pete Dunne (Time in the Rumble: 55:11)​

And then there were down to 4! Brock Lesnar has a cocky smirk on his face as he turns around as we CESARO, SHEAMUS AND DREW MCINTYRE stood next to each other in the opposite corner. All 3 nod and look back to Brock as they seemingly have made a pact! Brock doesn't care however as he charges in but THE TRIO TAKE HIM DOWN WITH A SERIES OF PUNCHES AND STRIKES! They beat down on Brock with several clubbing blows as they get Brock down but THE BEAST POWERS OUT!

All 3 men fall back as Drew charges him again first and GETS A F5 FOR HIS TROUBLES! Drew falls to the mat as CESARO AND SHEAMUS CONNECTS WITH AN EUROPEAN UPPERCUT/BROGUE KICK COMBO! Brock falls down to the mat as Sheamus nods and says let's get him out of here... CESARO SNEAKS ATTACKS HIM AND SENDS SHEAMUS OVER THE TOP ROPE... BUT HE CLINGS ON! Cesaro shouts to the crowd he will toss out Brock alone. However, Sheamus climbs back over the ropes and BROGUE KICK CESARO! The Swiss Superman falls down as Sheamus grabs hold of him and tosses him out of the Rumble!

Eliminated by Sheamus: Cesaro (Time in the Rumble: 49:33)​

Commentary gives Cesaro a lot of credit lasting for nearly 50 minutes and getting 4 eliminations in that time as well as outlasting all his allies in the Ungovernables. In the ring meanwhile, Sheamus signals to the crowd as he lines up Brock Lesnar who is still down by the ropes having every man who's been in the ring with him trying to take him out so far! Sheamus sizes Brock up and goes for the BROGUE KICK... BUT BROCK COUNTERS WITH A F5 AND TOSSES HIM FROM THE RING!

Eliminated by Brock Lesnar: Sheamus (Time in the Rumble: 55:11)​

AND THEN THERE WERE 2! Brock turns around as Drew McIntyre is slowly getting back to his feet and he is clearly exhausted having been through over 45 minutes of action. Drew though has a determined look on his face as Brock smirks. Heyman on the outside noticeably tells Brock it's time to finish him and Brock nods he charges in as he TAKES DOWN DREW AND WAILS ON HIM ON THE MAT! He batters Drew with several punches to the head as Drew struggles to defend himself!

Brock is far from done as he scoops Drew off the mat and TOSSES HIM ACROSS THE RING WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX! Drew goes flying but Brock is far from done as he grabs Drew from behind and hits ANOTHER ONE! Brock this time holds on and hits a SECOND ONE... HE HOLDS ON AND HITS A THIRD SENDING DREW FLYING ACROSS THE RING! Drew is really struggling to stand as Brock gets back to his feet and stalks his prey!

He grabs hold of Drew and looks to lifts him up to toss him from the Rumble... BUT DREW ELBOWS THE LEFT HAND OF BROCK! Brock shouts in pain due to the damage done to the left hand by Pete Dunne! Brock is sent back as Drew goes to grab him from behind and hits a FUTURESHOCK DDT... BROCK PUNCHES DREW IN THE HEAD AND SCOOPS HIM UP F5! Drew is slammed to the mat as Brock winces as he feels the effect of using his broken fingers to punch Drew. Brock grabs hold of Drew McIntyre, grabbing him by the head, and gets ready to toss him out of the ring BUT DREW FIGHTS BACK PUNCHING BROCK!

Drew gets off a series of strikes as he fends Brock off... BUT BROCK ROCKS HIM WITH A WICKED CLOTHESLINE! Drew falls down to the mat as Brock stands tall once again. Brock picks Drew up and slams him down with a SPINEBUSTER! Brock once again looks to eliminate Drew McIntyre by GORILLA PRESS SLAM HIM OUT OF THE RING BUT DREW ESCAPES AND ROLLS BACK TOWARDS THE CENTRE OF THE RING AND BROCK IS PISSED OFF!

Brock charges in as he looks to grab Drew who counters with a massive GLASGOW KISS! Brock is rocked but Drew isn't done there as he connects with a FUTURESHOCK DDT PLANTING BROCK'S SKULL INTO THE MAT! Brock staggers back to his feet as Drew McIntyre runs off the ropes and hits a CLAYMORE! Brock staggers as the crowd gets behind Drew who runs off the ropes and connects with a SECOND CLAYMORE! Brock is now on the ropes struggling to stand up as Paul Heyman looks worried as Drew counters down

1

2

3

CLAYMORE AND BROCK GOES OVER THE TOP ROPE FALLING TO THE FLOOR!

Eliminated by Drew McIntyre: Brock Lesnar (Time in the Rumble: 16:50)

Winner of the Men's Royal Rumble 2020: Drew McIntyre Time in the Rumble (49:45) Match time: (59:50)​

A massive pop from the live crowd as Drew McIntyre gets to his feet and celebrates a massive Royal Rumble win tonight. Paul Heyman meanwhile checks on Brock who is out cold on the mat selling the effect of 3 Claymores in a row by Drew McIntyre!

Byron Saxton: Drew McIntyre has done it! After nearly fifty minutes in the Royal Rumble he has eliminated the Beast Incarnate Brock Lesnar and now he will go onto Wrestlemania to fight for either the WWE title or the Universal title!

Elias: I think we all know who he is going after Byron.

Corey Graves: For once you are right Byron. But can Drew succeed when he has fallen short on several occasions before? We will have to find out.

In the ring we focus on Drew McIntyre who is still celebrating as pyro goes off around him and he points at the Wrestlemania sign as he shouts to the camera “I'm coming for you Roman” as the Royal Rumble comes to a close with Drew McIntyre celebrating as we fade to black.

Matchcard for Wrestlemania 36: (Night 1)
April 4th
Tampa, Florida



Women's Universal title match:
Ronda Rousey (c) vs Becky Lynch


Matchcard for Wrestlemania 36: (Night 2)
April 5th
Tampa, Florida



WWE title match:
Roman Reigns (c) vs Drew McIntyre

EWR RATING:
74%​

 

[Chris]

Holy SHIT what a show

 

[Roy Mustang]

Predictions contest results:

Terry Gyimah: 15/32
RDT 12/32
Wolf Beast 10/32​

Counting Becky as a surprise like I'm counting Michelle McCool for Terry because Becky wasn't announced for the match and this was her return. Also, Victoria doesn't count as a prediction for Terry because that was the surprise entrant he picked. The one for the men picked by Inevitable Dan was David Arquette

Royal Rumble stats:
Elimination Order (Men):

1: Dolph Ziggler by Cesaro
2: Riddick Moss by Pete Dunne
3: Angel Garza by Drew McIntyre
4: Baron Corbin by David Arquette
5: David Arquette by Daniel Bryan
6: MVP by Xavier Woods
7: Otis Dozovic by Dominik Dijakoivc
8: Rusev by Cesaro
9: Shinsuke Nakamura by Big E
10: Xavier Woods by Seth Rollins
11: Buddy Murphy by Drew McIntyre
12: Mojo Rawley by Edge
13: Sami Zayn by Karrion Kross
14: Karrion Kross by Big E and Kofi Kingston
15: Dominik Dijakovic by Braun Strowman
16: AJ Styles by Edge
17: Seth Rollins by Randy Orton
18: Randy Orton by Drew McIntyre
19: Kevin Owens by Brock Lesnar
20: Montez Ford by Brock Lesnar
21: Daniel Bryan by Pete Dunne
22: Braun Strowman by Cesaro
23: Big E by Brock Lesnar
24: Kofi Kingston by Cesaro
25: Edge by Brock Lesnar
26: Pete Dunne by Brock Lesnar
27: Cesaro by Sheamus
28: Sheamus by Brock Lesnar
29: Brock Lesnar by Drew McIntyre

Time in the Rumble: Shortest to longest (Men):​

Dolph Ziggler: 0:16
Mojo Rawley: 0:19
Randy Orton: 1:01
David Arquette: 1:55
Karrion Kross: 2:33
Angel Garza: 3:14
Buddy Murphy: 3:26
Kevin Owens: 3:46
Riddick Moss: 4:11
MVP: 5:38
Baron Corbin: 6:17
Sami Zayn: 6:29
Rusev: 6:39
Shinsuke Nakamura: 6:55
Xavier Woods: 9:16
Montez Ford: 10:15
AJ Styles: 11:18
Braun Strowman: 11:36
Seth Rollins: 13:18
Sheamus: 15:02
Otis Dozovic: 16:37
Brock Lesnar: 16:50
Dominik Dijakovic: 17:58
Edge: 23:29
Kofi Kingston: 31:01
Big E: 32:34
Daniel Bryan: 45:34
Cesaro: 49:33
Drew McIntyre: 49:45
Pete Dunne: 55:11​

Number of eliminations (Men):

6: Brock Lesnar
4: Cesaro, Drew McIntyre
2: Pete Dunne, Big E, Edge
1: Daniel Bryan, David Arquette, Xavier Woods, Dominilk Dijakovic, Kofi Kingston, Seth Rollins, Karrion Kross, Braun Strowman, Randy Orton, Sheamus

Elimination Order (Women):

1: Mandy Rose by Peyton Royce
2: Alicia Fox by Lita and Trish Stratus
3: Trish Stratus by Peyton Royce
4: Lita by Billie Kay
5: Marina Shafir by Rhea Ripley
6: Billie Kay by Rhea Ripley
7: Peyton Royce by Rhea Ripley
8: Mia Yim by Rhea Ripley
9: Beth Phoenix by Rhea Ripley
10: Carmella by Rhea Ripley
11: Xia Li by Shayna Baszler
12: Lacey Evans by Rhea Ripley
13: Victoria by Shayna Baszler
14: Natalya by Shayna Baszler
15: Jessamyn Duke by Becky Lynch
16: Shayna Baszler by Becky Lynch
17: Ruby Riott by Ember Moon
18: Sarah Logan by Alexa Bliss
19: Alexa Bliss by Ember Moon
20: Isla Dawn by Becky Lynch
21: Rhea Ripley by Charlotte
22: Nikki Cross by Charlotte
23: Kairi Sane by Charlotte
24: Sonya Deville by Melina
25: Melina by Sasha Banks
26: Sasha Banks by Taynara Conti
27: Taynara Conti by Ember Moon
28: Ember Moon by Charlotte
29: Charlotte by Becky Lynch

Time in the Rumble: Shortest to longest (Women):

Marina Shafir: 0:02
Nikki Cross: 0:21
Mandy Rose: 0:22
Alicia Fox: 0:23
Mia Yim: 0:49
Alexa Bliss: 0:56
Natalya: 1:13
Melina: 1:50
Lita: 2:01
Ruby Riott: 2:20
Xia Li: 2:22
Carmella: 2:25
Trish Stratus: 3:30
Isla Dawn: 3:40
Jessamyn Duke: 3:45
Beth Phoenix: 3:58
Victoria: 5:06
Sasha Banks: 5:07
Lacey Evans: 5:14
Sonya Deville: 6:31
Kairi Sane: 6:57
Sarah Logan: 9:45
Billie Kay: 9:47
Peyton Royce: 10:05
Shayna Baszler: 11:14
Tayanra Conti: 11:39
Charlotte: 21:27
Becky Lynch: 23:07
Rhea Ripley: 31:18
Ember Moon: 32:30​

Number of eliminations (Women):​

7: Rhea Ripley
4: Becky Lynch
3: Ember Moon, Shayna Baszler, Charlotte
2: Peyton Royce, Sasha Banks
1: Billie Kay, Trish Stratus, Lita, Alexa Bliss, Taynara Conti, Melina​

News update:

Royal rumble winners:​

The winners of the Royal Rumble compared to previous years has been something in place since the start of the year. Says there was a couple of people pushing backstage for a Brock win, the plan was always Drew McIntyre to collide with Roman Reigns with Kevin Owens the back-up if Drew went down with an injury during the year. Meanwhile, the Women's came down to three potential winners with Ember Moon and Charlotte Flair the other two considered. There are plans to have Charlotte fight Rhea for the NXT women's title at NXT Takeover this year to get more eyes on NXT as a brand.

Also, Ember Moon was slated to win at various points during the year but people backstage felt anyone winning but Becky would get loud boos. Ember was also not in the final 2 for this reason against Becky and they went with Charlotte instead. However, originally it was going to Sasha in the final two but a pitch was made backstage to start a feud between Conti and Banks. With no other plans for Sasha currently, Sasha agreed with the idea and we should expect that feud to carry on the coming months as a way to build Taynara Conti up as a babyface on Raw with people very happy with her improvements the last few months.

Elias and Randy Orton medical update:​

Elias took part in a spot in the Rumble last night and some people have been questioning his injury status. For the time being, he is out of action and this should be the case for over a year. The spot was seen as a way to wrap up his story with Corbin and to allow him to focus on being on commentary as part of Monday Night Raw. The 3 man booth on the show is a temporary measure and we will see a change to the Raw commentary team soon. Orton meanwhile is going through some nagging injuries hence his very short rumble appearance. It is expected however he won't be taking time off just yet and instead will finish off his feud with Drew before WM. If he is healthy he is expected to enter a WM singles feud but it is unknown who this will be against at this moment in time.

Montez Ford future plans:​

Noticeably two young prospects got a decent amount of shine during the Rumble: Montez Ford and Taynara Conti. Montez Ford is seen as a future WWE Champion hence his recent spotlight and whilst Dawkins takes some time off for personal reasons (hence Brock breaking his arm) Ford is expected to get some more shine in the coming weeks.

Big Show's absence from the commentary at the Royal Rumble:​

Big Show was given the night off per his request as he looks to get in ring shape for a return to the ring. It remains to be seen when he will return to the ring and what the plans are for this. With several more options available to wrestlers nowadays it remains to be seen if WWE might bend over to keep Big Show happy and keep him with the company.

Drew McIntyre confirms which title he is going for:​

Whilst there was little doubt who Drew McIntyre is going for at Wrestlemania, he has officially confirmed on Twitter he will challenge for the WWE title. What this means for the Universal title at Wrestlemania is unknown but we will hear from the Women's Royal Rumble winner Becky Lynch to open Raw as she looks to call out current Women's Universal Champion Ronda Rousey ahead of their showdown at Mania!

WWE Tag team titles match made for Smackdown Live in two weeks:​

After Lucha House Party's win on the Royal Rumble pre-show, Wade Barrett has made a tag team titles match between them and The Revival. The Revival have seen off some tough challenges these last 3 months but Lucha House Party poses a very different challenge to the teams they have beaten so far. Who will walk out as WWE Tag Team Champions in two weeks?

Matchcard for Fastlane:
February 23rd
Minneapolis, Minnesota​

Cruiserweight title match:
Mustafa Ali (c) vs Kalisto or Humberto Carrillo or The Brian Kendrick​

Matchcard for Wrestlemania 36: (Night 1)
April 4th
Tampa, Florida​

Women's Universal title match:
Ronda Rousey (c) vs Becky Lynch​

Matchcard for Wrestlemania 36: (Night 2)
April 5th
Tampa, Florida​

​

WWE title match:
Roman Reigns (c) vs Drew McIntyre​

 

[Roy Mustang]

Monday Night Raw:
January 27th:
San Antonio, Texas​

​

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After the opening video for Monday Night Raw finishes playing and the recap of what happened at the Royal Rumble for the red brand we cut to the commentary team who are stood at by their commentary desk next to the top of the entrance ramp. Elias noticeably has a sheet of paper in front of him.

Michael Cole: It's Monday Night, you know what that means. Welcome to Monday Night Raw and we are one night removed from the Royal Rumble.

Elias: And what a show it was. Ronda Rousey, Mustafa Ali and Andrade Cien Almas all held onto their titles...

Michael Cole: Not without controversy on the part of Andrade Cien Almas which I'm, sure our stand-in commissioner will address later on tonight.

Elias: However I have one of my own to address if you don't mind Michael.

Elias clears his throat and lifts up the paper as he gets ready to speak.

Elias: Last night, I broke one of the golden rules as a commentator and I got involved in the action within the ring. Now I know Corbin is a horrible human being who deserves many more guitar shots to the head...

Cole noticeably s******s off-mic.

Elias: However I should have let nature takes its course and allow Corbin to fail on his own like he normally does when a superior tag team partner is not carrying him on his back.

Elias smirks to himself as he looks to the camera ready to finish his speech.

Elias: I would like to apologize for my actions and I promise they will not happen again.

Elias then tosses the paper to the side as he smiles.

Elias: But tonight promises to be a great show, mostly because Corbin is still on Friday Night Smackdown!

*CELTIC INVASION*​

A massive pop as the theme music for the Man Becky Lynch hits to the delight of the live crowd. She takes her time walking out with a leather jacket on and a smug smirk. She also has a pair of obnoxious shades on as she makes her way over to Elias and fists bumps the commentator before heading down the entrance ramp in a very good mood.

Michael Cole: Last night, The Man Becky Lynch made her return to the WWE and won the Royal Rumble for the second year in a row.

Elias: And it looks like we will get the one-on-one match we all wanted last year. Becky Lynch versus Ronda Rousey.

Michael Cole: And it could be argued there is even more bad blood this time between the two women.

Elias: Ronda Rousey took months off Becky's career when she broke her arm and I'm sure Becky wants payback.

Becky Lynch is now in the ring and she has been passed a microphone as the crowd still cheer for The Man giving her a standing ovation upon her return. Becky takes off the tacky shades and places them in her pocket as she looks to speak, however the crowd reaction brings a smile to her face.

Becky Lynch: It does feel good to be back.

A cheap pop but it's still a loud one.

Becky Lynch: Sitting at home two things drove me in working to get back here. Listening to you people go wild for the top star in this business today!

A loud pop from the crowd as Becky smiles before getting serious for a moment.

Becky Lynch: And to break that Ronda's arm!

An even louder pop as Becky gets serious.

Becky Lynch: I've waited ever since you broke my arm at Survivor Series for the chance to get my hands on you. I'm not waiting till Wrestlemania to beat your ass, so why don't you make your way out here right now!

A massive pop as Becky takes her jacket off and once again gestures she wants a fight.

Becky Lynch: C'mon Ronda. I've got all night and so do these fans. I'm sure they'll be happy for me to stay in this ring for the whole show if I have to!

Once again a loud pop as Becky is fired up but still no sign of Ronda.

Becky Lynch: Or do you need to find where you left your goons? C'mon Ronda where are you...

*LOYALTY IS EVERYTHING*​

Boos ring out as Shayna Baszler's music hits instead and as usual, she is joined by Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir. All 3 women look unhappy but it's only Shayna who has a microphone.

Shayna Baszler: Cut my music! I've got something to say.

The people in the back do what Shayna says as she walks down the entrance ramp and points at The Man Becky. However, before she says another word Becky looks to speak instead.

Becky Lynch: Did I send Ronnie back into hiding already?

Loud cheers from the crowd but Shayna doesn't look impressed.

Shayna Baszler: Big talk Becky for someone who spent months out due to us!

Becky is now face to face with Shayna as she remains unfazed.

Becky Lynch: Nah I spent months out thanks to Ronda, not her little bitches!

She said the B-word. Duke and Shafir get mad as they look to attack Becky but Shayna holds them back for now.

Shayna Baszler: There's the real Becky Lynch. All talk but she can't back it up!

Boos from the crowd as Becky off-mic mouths off I'll back it up right now.

Shayna Baszler: No, see Ronda is a mainstream star. She is too busy to come out whenever you demand it. You are not in a position to make demands!

Becky smirks.

Becky Lynch: Fine if she wants to hide behind her goons, I've got a score to settle with you too! How about you fight me right here right now? I'll even beat the hell out of your two goons at the same time!

Loud cheers from the crowd as Shayna smirks but before she can answer...

*THE SEARCH*​

Adam Pearce walks out onto the stage to the Raw entrance (if he becomes permanent Raw commissioner I'll find him a generic theme to come out to) with a microphone in hand.

Adam Pearce: OK girls that's enough.

Neither woman backs down as they stare each other down as Adam continues speaking.

Adam Pearce: Now I know Shayna holds a singles victory over Becky Lynch...

Loud boos from the crowd interrupt Adam as Shayna in the ring has a smug look on her face.

Adam Pearce: And I know Becky will be dying to avenge that loss!

Becky off-mic shouts you're damn right not breaking eye contact with Shayna Baszler in the ring.

Adam Pearce: So I've just signed off on a big match for Fastlane. It will be Becky Lynch versus Shayna Baszler!

Loud cheers from the crowd though some fans are disappointed they won't see the two women collide tonight. Shayna though turns to Adam Pearce with a smirk.

Shayna Baszler: That's fine Adam because I'll make sure she doesn't make it to Wrestlemania!

Loud boos as Shayna grins like Chesire cat.

Shayna Baszler: And who says she'll even make to Fastlane!

DUKE AND SHAFIR jump on Becky as they attack The Man beating her down! Becky though fights both of them off UNTIL SHAYNA CLOCKS HER WITH THE MICROPHONE!

Adam Pearce: Stop this, stop this right now or...

*GOLDEN GODDESS*​

Loud cheers from the live crowd as FIRE AND DESIRE sprint out heading straight for the ring as they jump on Duke and Shafir! This allows Becky to fight back as she and Shayna fight over the top rope as they brawl into the crowd! In the ring meanwhile Fire and Desire force The Real Horsewomen into a retreat as Adam Pearce stands next to them.

Adam Pearce: You two want to fight so bad? Well later on tonight it will be Duke and Shafir versus Fire and Desire in tag team action!

Nowhere near the reaction for the previous match being made as Sonya trash-talks the duo outside the ring. Meanwhile the camera cuts as we see Becky and Shayna have ended up in a hallway backstage as BECKY THROWS SHAYNA INTO A CRATE! She grabs a fire extinguisher off a wall and smashes it onto the back of Shayna!

Michael Cole: Guys Adam Pearce is going to find security as he tries to get this chaos under control. We will be right back!

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Ad break
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When we return from the commercial break Shayna and Becky are still fighting as they have now ended up in a bar as Becky grabs Shayna and SLIDES HER ALONG THE BAR INTO ALL THE DRINKS ON THE SIDE BEFORE TOSSING HER DOWN BEHIND THE BAR! Becky takes a moment to rest checking her jaw AS SHAYNA APPEARS BEHIND HER AND USES ONE OF THE DRINK NOOZLES TO CHOKE BECKY!

Becky is struggling for breath as Shayna is choking the life out of her so BECKY REACHES AROUND AND GRABS A BAR STOOL CLOCKING SHAYNA WITH IT! Becky slumps down and Shayna falls back. Neither woman is done as they get back up and start to the delight of the live crowd watching in the arena but it doesn't go on for much longer as security appear and pull the two women apart! Boos ring out as Adam Pearce appears on the scene.

Adam Pearce: OK that's enough from both of you. I'm sending both of you home right now.

Neither woman looks happy with this, still ready to fight.

Adam Pearce: You both will see me in the ring next week and until then, there is no fighting between you two or I will be forced to take action.

Becky smirks as he says this.

Becky Lynch: It's fine. I've waited months to break yours and Ronda's arm. What's another week.

Shayna remains angry as she glares at Becky.

Shayna Baszler: You ain't even going to get the chance to make it to Fastlane let alone Wrestlemania!

The two women glare at each other before being led elsewhere as Adam Pearce breathes a sigh of relief and we cut back to the ring.

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*LONDON BOYS*​

Boos ring out as we return to the ring and London's own Danny Burch makes his way out to the ring. He is flanked by his tag team partner Oney Lorcan who hypes him up. Oney though is noticeably still wearing an eye patch after the injury he suffered in a recent tag match against The Usos.

Michael Cole: Well it looks like the situation is under control for now but will we see those two explode when they meet in the ring next week face to face?

Elias: I think some bones are about to get broken Michael!

Michael Cole: However right now we have a grudge match. The One Twos had cost The Usos their tag team titles against The Authors of Pain two weeks ago and tonight Jimmy Uso looks for revenge.

*DONE WITH THAT (DAY ONE REMIX)*​

Cheers from the crowd as The Usos make their way out! Only Jimmy is dressed in ring gear as the crowd hypes him up. He slides into the ring and immediately mouths off to Danny Burch who gives some abuse back. Outside the ring, Jey makes sure to threaten Oney who points to his eye and says he isn't cleared so back off! The referee meanwhile in the ring calls for the bell to get this match underway!

Match 1: Jimmy Uso w/Jey Uso vs Danny Burch w/Oney Lorcan​

Match summary: Jimmy and Danny start the match by battering the hell out of each other with punches and strikes. The brawling nature of the match helps Danny Burch take control as he lays into Jimmy with several hard strikes as he tries to keep Jimmy down for the 3 count but Jimmy stays alive. Jimmy starts to make a fightback however as he does we suddenly hear:

*PAIN*​

The World Tag Team Champions The Authors of Pain walk out with scowls on their faces and the tag team titles around their waists. Jey Uso and Oney Lorcan are on guard as they meet the duo at the entrance ramp but AKAM AND REZAR TAKE THEM DOWN WITH EASE SLAMMING THEM ON THE RING FLOOR! Boos from the crowd as Jimmy Uso and Danny Burch realize what is going on so they run the ropes diving off onto Akam and Rezar as the referee calls for the bell ruling this a no contest!

Winner: No contest (4:05)​

Jimmy Uso and Danny Burch wail on the duo outside the ring with several punches to the head. However, Akam and Rezar soon power up as they no sell the damage done and grab the duo as they toss them into the ringside barricade! Jimmy Uso and Danny Burch both fall back as Jey and Oney try to get up now but get wiped out by a pair of wicked lariat! Both men do a slip as the Authors of Pain grab hold of them and lifts them into the air... SUPERCOLLIDER ONTO THE RINGSIDE BARRICADE!

Oney and Jey's back bounces off the ringside barricade as they lay on the floor in a crumpled-up mess and the tag team champions are far from done. They make their way over to Jimmy and Danny as they punch each man a few times in the head before liting them into the air as THEY HIT THE SUPERCOLLIDER ONTO THE STEEL STEPS! Both men's back bounces off as they writhe in pain as security finally come down (having been busy with Becky and Shayna) trying to get the tag team champions to leave!

Michael Cole: The Authors of Pain have laid waste to The One Twos and The Usos!

Elias: The Authors of Pain are sending a message tonight and have left a trail of destruction in their wake.

Michael Cole: And you have to wonder who can stop them?

Elias: I wouldn't want to get in their way if I was fully healthy and ready to go in the ring.

The Authors of Pain are now at the top of the entrance ramp as they lift their tag team titles into the air posing at the top of the entrance ramp as we cut to a commercial break with The Usos and One Twos being helped by our medical team.

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When we return from the commercial break, we can see WALKING ARMAGEDDON BOBBY LASHLEY walking into the area. We haven't seen him for over a month ever since his falls count anywhere war with Braun Strowman. He looks all business when he suddenly comes to a stop... and we see MVP STOOD THERE! Bobby doesn't look impressed as MVP sticks his hand out.

Bobby Lashley: Can I help you?

MVP chuckles slightly.

MVP: I mean you can help me for sure but most importantly I can help you.

Lashley doesn't look impressed as MVP carries on.

MVP: See I know you recently parted ways with your manager Lio Rush and I can see you are alone so I was thinking...

Bobby Lashley: No.

Lashley gets right in MVP's face selling his anger.

Bobby Lashley: I am done with managers getting in my business. And you can tell Lio that if you see him as well.

Lashley barges past MVP walking off elsewhere backstage as MVP is left stood there and shakes his head smiling.

MVP: Hard to get it is.

MVP smiles and walks off as we cut elsewhere backstage...

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As we see Renee Young stood ready for an interview!

Renee Young: Last night was an action-packed night with locks of shock eliminations. But none were more shocking than the moment Taynara Conti eliminated five-time Women's Champion Sasha Banks.

The camera pans over to show Taynara Conti with a massive smile on her face, very proud of herself for picking up such a big elimination.

Renee Young: Conti, how are you feeling?

Taynara Conti: Renee I feel so proud of myself. These last few months I have been on Monday Night Raw trying to find my footing and I think I've finally done it!

Renee Young: I mean we have seen you give Ronda a run for his money a few weeks ago and I have to ask what's next for you?

Taynara Conti: I don't know Renee. It's hard to know what the future holds. Maybe I can prove it wasn't a fluke and keep proving myself to the fans.

Renee Young: Do you see gold in your future?

Tay smiles and nods.

Taynara Conti: I do. I mean if I can beat Sasha I can beat any...

SASHA BANKS ATTACKS CONTI FROM BEHIND! Sasha lays into Conti with several slaps and slams her head on the floor before sending her into the wall! Sasha follows it up by hitting her with a JUMPING METEORA into the head of Conti. She grabs her by the hair and looks furious.

Sasha Banks: It was a fluke and I'll make sure it never happens again!

However before Banks can do much more damage we see XIA LI appear on the scene as she gives Sasha an ALMIGHTY KICK to the head! Sasha falls back clutching her jaw and retreats as Xia Li shouts something in Mandarin daring her to come back and fight her as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we see The Linebackers sat backstage in a locker room with a white wall behind them and they are sat on a wooden bench. Neither man looks happy as Mojo Rawley speaks first.

Mojo Rawley: Last night, Edge got lucky.

Sure he did Mojo Jojo.

Mojo Rawley: I would have killed the hype if I wasn't concerned for my partner.

Riddick Moss lifts his right hand up and shows off his right hand which has broken fingers on it.

Mojo Rawley: Look what that vile little Bruiserweight you people hype up did to him.

Riddick Moss: Who bites and breaks people's fingers?

Mojo Rawley: It's sick. But we will get our hand on Pete one day and his hype will be killed.

Riddick nods though he winces with his right hand still in a ton of pain.

Mojo Rawley: But for now, the Raw tag team division is being put on notice! We are coming not only to kill the hype of your favourites but to become tag team champions!

Riddick Moss nods as Mojo smiles.

Mojo Rawley: And you'll once again see what we can do when Riddick is able to return to the ring in the next few weeks! So Authors of Pain, Usos, and One Twos carry on fighting because you're fighting for the right to lose those tag team titles to us!

The promo comes to an end with Mojo and Moss mean-mugging the camera as we cut back to the commentary team at ringside.

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Michael Cole: The Linebackers could be a scary prospect for the rest of the tag team division.

Elias: But when will Moss be cleared? We know how lethal Pete Dunne's finger breaker can be and even affected the performance of superstars in the Rumble like Brock Lesnar and Karrion Kross.

*FOR THE BETTER*​

A decent pop from the live crowd as Drew Gulak makes his way out to the ring, coming off a big loss last week to The Brian Kendrick. Drew though looks focused on getting the job done tonight as he climbs into the ring.

Michael Cole: Drew Gulak lost to The Brian Kendrick last week and he spoke to Raw commissioner Adam Pearce backstage asking for a fight tonight.

Elias: Drew Gulak knows how competitive Monday Night Raw is becoming with superstars like MVP and Becky Lynch returning to the show as well as new NXT stars like Angel Garza all vying for spots at the top of Monday Night Raw.

*WRITTEN IN MY FACE*​

A loud pop once again coming off last night's big Royal Rumble return as the CELTIC WARRIOR makes his way out and beats his chest hyping himself up as Drew Gulak smirks ready for what is for sure going to be a fight as he requested.

Michael Cole: And the Celtic Warrior as well Elias!

Elias: No one in WWE who loves a fight more than Sheamus. This is going to be a good one.

Sheamus climbs into the ring coming face to face with Drew Gulak. Both men smirk as Drew Gulak offers a hand to Sheamus who nods and accepts before breaking as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!

Match 2: Sheamus vs Drew Gulak​

Match summary: Sheamus's first singles match since his return to the WWE at the Royal Rumble and he gets a chance to show what modern-day Sheamus can do in the ring. Early on in this encounter, Sheamus tries to use his power to take down and beat the shit out of Drew Gulak but the Cruiserweight ducks and goes for quick strikes as he knows Sheamus getting a hold of him could mean the end of the match at any point. However, Sheamus catches him off-guard with a BRUTAL JUMPING KNEE STRIKE! Sheamus sends Drew Gulak onto the ring apron as he grabs hold of him and starts up the BEATS OF BODHRAN!

He batters the hell out of Drew Gulak's chest before sending Gulak crashing to the ring floor. Sheamus heads to the outside and looks to bring Gulak back into the ring... but Gulak uses his ring IQ to trip Sheamus sending him into the STEEL STEPS! Mixed reaction as Gulak doesn't look too proud of himself but he did what he had to turn this match back around.He sends Sheamus back into the ring and starts to go to work as he tries to grind Sheamus down now going for a variety of submissions! He wears down Sheamus who fights out but each time Gulak goes back to tying Sheamus up as he tries to grind him down. Gulak grabs hold of Sheamus locking him in a GU-LOCK! Sheamus is struggling in the hold as Drew tries to get him to tap out!

Sheamus powers up and slams Drew into TURNBUCKLE WEAKENING THE HOLD ALLOWING HIM TO TRANSITION INTO WHITE NOISE! Sheamus takes a moment but makes the cover only getting a 2 count! Sheamus rolls to the other corner of the ring and lines up Gulak looking for THE BROGUE KICK... BUT GULAK AVOIDS IT AND GRABS THE ANKLE LOCKING IN THE TRAILBLAZER (Figure 7 ankle lock and Indian Deathlock combination)! Sheamus is in a ton of pain due to the damage done to him during this match but Celtic warrior fights through the pain and grabs hold of the ropes! Gulak wrenches back on the hold making full use of the 5 count before breaking.

Once again Gulak gets some boos for his actions but Drew knows what he has to do to win. He turns Sheamus around and connects with a GERMAN SUPLEX BRINGING HIM BACK TO THE CENTRE OF THE RING! Gulak grabs the ankle looking to go for another attempt at the TRAILBLAZER... BUT SHEAMUS KICKS OFF WITH HIS OTHER LEG! He sends Gulak into the ropes and SHEAMUS CATCHES HIM WITH THE BROGUE KICK AS HE BOUNCES BACK! Sheamus bends down to make the cover and picks up a win over a very game Drew Gulak tonight!

Winner via pinfall: Sheamus (10:19)​

Sheamus takes a moment to get back to his feet and winces slightly as he stands up, selling the damage done to his leg by the trailblazer! Gulak remains down as Sheamus poses in the ring looking at Gulak.

Michael Cole: Sheamus picks up the win upon his return and he hasn't lost a step.

Elias: I hope once I return to action, I perform half as good as Sheamus did tonight!

Michael Cole: And you have to wonder what is next for the Celtic Warrior now he is back on Monday Night Raw.

Gulak is now back to his feet as he looks at Sheamus with both men sharing a nod. Gulak once again offers a handshake and Sheamus accepts as the two men show each other respect for the battle they just had in the middle of the ring tonight! The camera then cuts elsewhere backstage...

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And we see Adam Pearce heading to the ring!

Michael Cole: Well I'm getting word from backstage that Adam Pearce is heading to the ring and when we come back, he will have two major announcements regarding Fastlane. Don't go anywhere!

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Once we return from the commercial break, we get straight down to business as Adam Pearce is stood in the ring and he has a microphone in his hand ready to address the live crowd.

Adam Pearce: Now I know you people have seen me out here once already but it has been a busy night.

Cheers from the crowd who agree as Adam Pearce carries on.

Adam Pearce: Becky Lynch and Shayna Baszler will meet in the centre of this ring next week after what happened earlier tonight.

A loud pop from the live crowd who are excited to see Shayna Baszler and Becky Lynch come face to face next week.

Adam Pearce: Plus I will make sure the Authors of Pain explain their actions earlier tonight on next week's show!

Boos for the Authors of Pain ruining the opening match of the night as Adam Pearce nods.

Adam Pearce: But that's not the only match that got ruined over the last few weeks. Last week the United States title match between our champion Chad Gable and his rival Samoa Joe ended before it could even begin.

Adam shakes his head clearly annoyed as he struggles to keep superstars from doing whatever they want during and before matches.

Adam Pearce: Now both men are not here tonight...

Boos from the live crowd as Adam Pearce puts his hand out and acknowledges this.

Adam Pearce: But they will appear next week in a sit-down interview with Renee Young.

A decent pop from the crowd looking forward to seeing the United States Champion Chad Gable and Samoa Joe return to Monday Night Raw.

Adam Pearce: However their war with each other has to come to an end and it will at Fastlane. Chad Gable and Samoa Joe will fight for one final time over the United States title in a LAST MAN STANDING MATCH!

A massive pop with a big stipulation added to the title match in 4 weeks at Fastlane as Adam Pearce carries on.

Adam Pearce: But that's not the only announcement I have tonight. You see...

*ROOT OF ALL EVIL*​

A massive pop rings out as Aleister Black makes his way out and walks to the ring with a purpose. Adam Pearce puts his arms out and backs off clearly not wanting to cross Aleister Black right now!

Adam Pearce: Now Aleister, you have every right to be angry right now after what happened Sunday but do not take it out on me.

Aleister Black climbs into the ring and towers over Adam Pearce who is begging him off.

Adam Pearce: I was just getting to what I was going to do about you and the Universal title but you need to give me...

Black grabs him by the shirt and lifts him up as Adam Pearce looks frightened of the Dutch Destroyer! However, before Adam or Black can say another word...

*GANGSTER'S PARADISE*​

Loud boos ring out as ZELINA VEGA walks out and she is joined by not only the Universal Champion ANDRADE CIEN ALMAS but she is joined by the NXT Cruiserweight Champion ANGEL GARZA! Black lets go of Adam Pearce and heads out of the ring but we see a swarm of security step in! This brings a wry smile to Zelina Vega's face who taunts Aleister Black as Adam Pearce tries to regain his composure.

Adam Pearce: I'm sorry Black but I need to get this show back under control somehow and...

Zelina Vega: Oh Adam, Aleister you are not the ones in control I assure you. We are.

Loud boos ring out as Aleister Black listens to this and sizes up the security guards thinking about how to take them all out to get to Andrade and Garza.

Zelina Vega: I told you that no current members of The Ungovernables would get involved and Angel here...

She puts her arm around Angel Garza who gives looks her up and down before handing her a rose which brings a smile to Zelina's face.

Zelina Vega: Well he's only become one of my clients as of today.

Black fumes in the ring as one of the security cards tell him to back off as Adam Pearce off-mic tries to keep Black calm.

Zelina Vega: Angel Garza is the future of the business. He is a future star and brings even more gold to the Ungovernables cause my clients are winners.

Garza smiles at Zelina and asks for the microphone which Zelina gives him.

Angel Garza: Aleister, what I did last night wasn't personal. I mean when a beautiful lady like Zelina asks for a favour, how could I say no?

Andrade noticeably pulls down his sunglasses looking slightly annoyed as Angel Garza carries on.

Angel Garza: I've already made my mark on NXT by becoming NXT Cruiserweight Champion and I made my mark making sure you couldn't become Universal Champion.

Andrade asks for the microphone which is passed to him by Garza.

Andrade Cien Almas: I beat you Black once again. I outsmarted you. We outsmarted you.

Zelina Vega: And now The Ungovernables have gotten even stronger so tell us what the next challenge you have for Andrade is because Black is at the back of the line.

Zelina laughs to herself delighted as Black tries to push past and security guard pushes Black back... BLACK MASS FOR THAT SECURITY GUARD! The others don't know how to react as Adam Pearce has to chime in.

Adam Pearce: Black stop. You will get your chance to get your hands on both Garza and Andrade.

Black turns to Pearce and remains calm for the moment.

Adam Pearce: Next week it will be you going on one on one with Angel Garza in singles action.

Black nods happy with that announcement as Garza smirks and asks for the microphone.

Angel Garza: That's fine. You cost me the chance to become a dual champion and win the Royal Rumble. I'll show you why the ladies love me and the men hate me.

Zelina takes the microphone now.

Zelina Vega: And that's all you'll get Aleister Black. You lost to Andrade and you won't get another one-on-one rematch this time.

Adam Pearce: You're right. Black won't be getting a one-on-one rematch.

Loud boos from the crowd as Black glares at Adam Pearce who puts a hand up looking to keep Black from attacking him.

Adam Pearce: See Andrade. If you just cheated to win the match...

Aleister takes the microphone from Pearce!

Aleister Black: Or had Zelina cheat for you since you can't do anything by yourself.

Andrade takes his sunglasses off and looks to storm to the ring but Zelina and Angel calm him down saying this is what Black wants as they get Andrade to back off. Pearce meanwhile takes back the microphone.

Adam Pearce: As I was saying, if you had just cheated to win I would just be giving Black a one-on-one rematch. However, you disrespected him, you disrespected me and you disrespected the fans with your antics last night.

Angel, Zelina, and Andrade don't care dismissing Adam Pearce but he carries on.

Adam Pearce: So you won't be defending your Universal title again Aleister Black one on one at Fastlane. You will be defending it again him and FOUR OTHER MEN INSIDE THE ELIMINATION CHAMBER!

Zelina, Angel and Andrade's faces all drop upon hearing that! Black meanwhile remains unfazed.

Adam Pearce: You want to make me look like a fool? Fine Andrade will have to survive the Elimination Chamber if he wants to remain champion. Oh and by the way, qualifying matches will start tonight as Bobby Lashley takes on Dolph Ziggler.

Adam Pearce ends the promo and leaves the ring as Andrade, Angel and Zelina all look furious whilst Aleister Black remains stoic in the ring though there is a very faint smile.

Michael Cole: A massive announcement by our commissioner just now!

Elias: Andrade Cien Almas and Aleister Black will step inside the chamber but who else will join them?

Michael Cole: Well we will find out one more entrant tonight when Bobby Lashley takes on Dolph Ziggler. But after the commercial break, we will see Breezedango and Heath Slater taking on EC3, Drake Maverick, and Noam Dar in a six-man tag. Don't go anywhere!

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When we return from commercial break EC3 and Drake Maverick are making their entrance. Once inside the ring, they wait for their tag team partner to make his way out.

*WEEKEND ROCKSTAR*​

Boos from the live crowd as Noam Dar walks out with a cocky smirk on his face. He stands at the top of the entrance ramp and smirks as he chews some gum before walking to the ring joining his tag team partners tonight in the ring.

Michael Cole: Welcome back to Monday Night Raw and right now we are about to see six-man tag team action!

Elias: This match ended up being made by our commissioner Adam Pearce due to the issues that happened in the six-pack challenge on the Royal Rumble pre-show.

*MORE THAN ONE MAN*​

A decent pop from the live crowd as Heath Slater makes his way out and is pumped up for a rare match on Raw. He waits at the top of the entrance ramp for his tag team partners tonight.

*BREEZANGO*​

Similarly getting a decent reaction Breezango make their way out to the ring and they have their selfie sticks with them. As they pose Heath Slater starts to photobomb the photos which gets a look from Breezango before they chuckle and let him join in their selfies.

Michael Cole: Breezango have mentioned over the last few months that they want to finally become champions in WWE and are looking to become tag team champions, wanting revenge on The Authors of Pain.

Elias: Not many teams want to fight The Authors of Pain for good reason. It shows how much becoming tag team champions means to Breezango!

Once Breezango gets to the ring they talk to each other as Heath Slater starts the match for his team whilst Noam Dar starts for his team as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!

Match 3: EC3, Drake Maverick and Noam Dar vs Heath Slater and Breezango​

Match summary: The match ends up going at a fast pace with all 6 men showing off their skills including Drake Maverick who gets a rare opportunity to look competent on Raw! However the longer the match goes on the better the babyfaces do and in the end, the experience of Slater as a tag team wrestler plus Breezango's experience teaming together proves to be the difference. They isolate Drake Maverick with Slater whilst Breezango takes out EC3 and Noam Dar. In the ring meanwhile, Heath Slater hits SMASH HIT (Spinning lifting DDT)! Heath makes the cover and picks up a rare win on Raw!

Winners via pinfall Heath Slater and Breezango (8:35)​

Loud cheers from the crowd as Heath Slater gets to his feet and he is soon joined by Breezango in the ring as they celebrate a victory on Monday Night Raw.

Michael Cole: A big win tonight for these three men and Breezango move closer to getting in line for a tag team titles shot.

Elias: Heath Slater impressed me as well. I'm normally a solo guy but I wouldn't mind working with the One Man Band.

Maybe in a different timeline, if you didn't get injured for 15 months Elias (btw I did have a team of Elias and Heath Slater planned for year 2). Back on the outside EC3 shakes his head and looks frustrated as he gets another defeat with his vow of victory after victory after victory fallen further and further as time goes on. In the ring we see Breezango pose with Heath Slater for some victory selfies as we cut to a commercial break.

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We return from the commercial break, we can see Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson backstage. Neither man looks 100% as Luke Gallows has tape around his ribs and back as he winces in pain. Meanwhile, Karl Anderson is noticeably limping in the background. As the two work out as best they can in the background their leader AJ Styles walks into the centre of the room and he does not look happy.

AJ Styles: All I've heard about ever since last night's Royal Rumble is about Edge's return to WWE.

AJ shakes his head.

AJ Styles: And do you know why? Cause it's a miracle... a miracle he ever eliminated me from the match!

Anderson hypes him up in the background shouting he is damn right.

AJ Styles: Edge I suggest you leave last night as a happy memory because if you stick around past tonight, I'll make you wish you stayed retired.

Strong words from AJ Styles as he shakes his head.

AJ Styles: But it seems the whole roster wants to get in Club business.

Luke Gallows: And they need to stay out of business if they know what's good for them.

AJ Styles: Exactly. Seth, you think we are done? I see through your goodie-two shoes act. Hell, you tried to use me to help take out Rated-RKO and you botched it so bad you caused both of us to get eliminated!

AJ is frustrated as he points at the camera.

AJ Styles: And you have led The Street Profits astray! Because you dragged those two into your business Brock broke Dawkins arm!

Karl Anderson: Snapped it like a twig!

Gallows does the snap motion showing off to the camera as Anderson chuckles at his mates antics.

AJ Styles: And Ford, you keep fighting Seth's battles eventually you'll get yourself hurt boy. And I'd hate to see a young career snuffed out just like that.

AJ smirks to himself as he puts a finger into the air.

AJ Styles: But next week I've got one goal, one focus. Getting my rightful rematch for the Universal title!

AJ smirks.

AJ Styles: See I should be getting a one-on-one rematch but if I have to step into the Elimination Chamber to get my hands on the Universal title, so be it.

Gallows and Anderson hype Styles up behind him cheering him on.

AJ Styles: Sheamus, you look like you haven't lost a step. A former four-time world champion, a five-time tag team champion, two-time United States Champion, Money in the Bank winner, and a Royal Rumble winner but you ain't Phenomenal!

AJ gets fired up as he points at the camera and smiles.

AJ Styles: You're looking for a fight? Nah this is going to be a wrestling match and I'll outwrestle you before taking the Universal title from Andrade! And it will be too...

The Good Brothers walk forward putting their fingers into the air in traditional style

AJ Styles: SWEEEEEEET!

All 3 men pose as they too sweet each other before we cut elsewhere backstage...

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And we see Bobby Lashley walking to the ring, ready for his Elimination Chamber qualifier match. He looks focused and intense as he walks to the ring... AS LIO RUSH LIMPS INTO SHOT. Lashley looks at him before looking to carry on but Lio stands in his way.

Lio Rush: Lashley, my main man!

Bobby already looks pissed off here.

Lio Rush: I know you said I had to prove myself and I think did. I came this close to becoming Cruiserweight Champion and now I know what it takes to be a winner so I can help you...

Lashley looks furious as Lio realizes what he just said.

Lio Rush: No no I didn't mean it like that...

Lashley just barges past Lio and carries on heading to the ring leaving Lio Rush on the floor clutching his shoulder as we cut to a commercial break.

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*HERE TO SHOW THE WORLD*​

A decent pop from the live crowd as Dolph Ziggler makes his way out. He noticeably does a very half-ass shake at the top of the entrance ramp before he walks to the ring clearly not feeling great tonight.

Michael Cole: Well before the commercial break we heard from AJ who sent a message to Edge but also his opponent in his Elimination Chamber qualifying match week Sheamus.

Elias: And we will hear from the returning Edge at the end of tonight's show but right now we have an Elimination Chamber qualifying match as Dolph Ziggler takes on Bobby Lashley for a spot in the Chamber!

Michael Cole: Ziggler had a very rough night in the rumble being the first eliminated and the quickest eliminated too!

Elias: And in my personal opinion he's only getting this shot due to being a former two-time World Champion!

*DOMINANCE*​

Boos ring out as Bobby Lashley makes his way out for his first match since losing to Braun Strowman at Starrcade in a Falls count anywhere match as he cuts an imposing presence on the way to the ring.

Michael Cole: Well winning the Elimination Chamber might be Ziggler's last chance to get a one-on-one match at Wrestlemania!

Elias: But will he beat Lashley? Someone who has been very dominant since coming back to WWE last year and pushed superstars like Seth Rollins and Braun Strowman to the limit.

Michael Cole: With a renewed focus as well as he looks to go it alone with a manager.

Elias: He feels Lio Rush screwed him out of beating Brock and now he wants to tear through the roster all by himself.

Lashley steps through the ropes as he joins Dolph in the ring as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!

Match 4: Elimination Chamber qualifier: Bobby Lashley vs Dolph Ziggler​

Match summary: Bobby as soon as the bell rings charges at Ziggler and squashes him in the corner. This is a complete squash as Dolph barely gets any offense in and Bobby hits him with a SPEAR! Bobby could make the cover there but wants to make a statement as he lifts Ziggler onto his shoulders and hits the DOMINATOR! Lashley hooks the leg and he advances to the Chamber!

Winner via submission: Bobby Lashley (2:51)​

Bobby Lashley gets to his feet as the referee tries to lift his arm into the air but Lashley snatches it away and walks off, not wanting to waste any time posing after getting the job done tonight.

Michael Cole: What a dominant display by Bobby Lashley tonight!

Elias: Bobby Lashley is going to be a force to reckon with inside that Elimination Chamber and you have to wonder who can stop him?

Michael Cole: And you have to feel for Ziggler. He couldn't even get out of the gate in the opening stages of this match.

Elias: The performances by Ziggler the last two nights will be embarrassing to someone of his standing in WWE and I think he knows it.

The camera cuts to Ziggler who is laid out in the ring and he looks broken, almost on the verge of tears after another embarrassing performance tonight. We don't linger on Ziggler too long however as we cut to the backstage area...

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And we see Adam Pearce backstage in his office sighing as we can see PAUL HEYMAN has walked into the room.

Adam Pearce: Hello Paul, what do I owe the pleasure?

Adam's voice is tinged with sarcasm as he says that but Heyman doesn't care.

Paul Heyman: Adam you're new to this but you are a smart man so of course, you know why I'm here. My client wants a spot in the Elimination Chamber match.

A massive mixed reaction from the live crowd who want to see Brock in an Elimination Chamber match for the first time since his return to WWE.

Adam Pearce: Well I haven't finalized the last qualifying match for next week. I've already arranged Braun Strowman versus Seth Rollins so I would need to...

Paul Heyman: I'm sorry?

Heyman looks very confused.

Paul Heyman: You expect Brock Lesnar to qualify? Adam I know you are new but Brock Lesnar does not qualify. He does not need to qualify. He is the beast, he is the man who ended Undertaker's streak, he...

???: Is lazy!

The camera pans over as we see Montez Ford standing there as he stares down Paul Heyman.

Montez Ford: How about Brock actually earns something and fights me for the spot in the Chamber?

Paul Heyman smirks as Montez gets in Heyman's face!

Montez Ford: Laugh again and I'll show you some smoke!

Paul puts his hands up backing off.

Paul Heyman: Listen Montez I have a lot of respect for you. I really do.

Montez stands there not buying it as Heyman carries on.

Paul Heyman: I look at you and I see a future World Champion. But that's the keyword: future.

Ford steps forward making Heyman a tad nervous as he backs away slightly.

Paul Heyman: You will one day be a World champion but you need to make it to the future. Look what happened to your friend Angelo D...

Montez Ford grabs Heyman by his suit and pins him against the wall!

Montez Ford: Say that again! I dare you.

Paul Heyman: I'm just trying to... to... help you!

Montez Ford: I don't want your help. I want Brock next week!

Adam grabs Montez and tries to get him off Paul Heyman.

Adam Pearce: Montez, that's fine the match is made for next week's main event!

Ford lets go of Paul Heyman and backs off as Paul Heyman looks perplexed.

Paul Heyman: Adam I think you will find it in Brock's contract...

Adam Pearce: I've read it several times Paul. And if he wants to be in the Elimination Chamber he will have to beat Montez in Raw's main event next week.

Paul Heyman looks furious and storms off as Ford nods at Adam Pearce offering him a fist bump. Adam initially goes for a handshake but changes it awkwardly and fist bumps Ford. Montez for the first time this segment smiles.

Montez Ford: You're starting to get there. You're getting that swag!

Montez Ford walks off as Adam Pearce mouths to the camera “what's swag” as we cut elsewhere backstage...

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And we see Dolph Ziggler walking through the backstage area, clearly not happy as he runs his hands through his hair. As he is walking he is stopped by Charly Caruso who is looking for an interview.

Charly Caruso: Dolph another tough loss for you...

Dolph Ziggler: Go away!

Charly looks a bit taken aback as Ziggler stops and turns around.

Dolph Ziggler: I'm sorry... I've just had enough of being a failure.

Ziggler sighs and runs his hand through his hair again clearly at the end of his tether.

Dolph Ziggler: I need a change.

Ziggler carries on walking down the hallway and through the door seemingly leaving the arena and maybe Raw for the time being as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break we can see Michael Cole and Elias sitting down at the commentary desk as they welcome us back to the show.

Michael Cole: Well I've got word from backstage that Ziggler has spoken to Adam Pearce during the commercial break and he will be taking an indefinite leave of absence whilst he thinks about where he wants to go next.

Elias: Sometimes you need a break from the grind. But let's focus on the massive main event signed for next week's Raw!

Michael Cole: That right Brock Lesnar will take on Montez Ford in the main event in an elimination chamber qualifying match.

Elias: The balls it takes for Montez Ford to fight a monster like Brock, I admire him. He's stupid but I admire him.

Michael Cole: And not only that but next week we will see AJ Styles versus Sheamus and Seth Rollins versus Braun Strowman in qualifying matches as well!

Elias: The road to Wrestlemania is heating up for sure!

*GO HARD*​

A pretty decent pop from the live crowd as Mustafa Ali makes his way out and holds his Cruiserweight title into the air. He also has a microphone in his hand as he gets ready to speak.

Mustafa Ali: Last night, I have to give Lio some credit.

Boos from the crowd with Ali acknowledges.

Mustafa Ali: I know, he's still an asshole but he can fight. He gave me a few close scares and he has talent. If he gets his priorities straight, he might one day hold this belt.

Ali looks at his title smiling before putting his title onto his shoulder.

Mustafa Ali: But until he learns how to be a champion, I need to find out who my next challenger is going to be. To all three men competing in tonight's triple threat I wish you...

*MAN WITH A PLAN*​

Boos ring out as one-third of the number one contender's triple threat marches out and The Brian Kendrick shoulder-checks Mustafa Ali as he walks to the ring. Mustafa Ali looks annoyed but he shakes his head as he heads to the commentary desk.

Michael Cole: Well it looks The Brian Kendrick didn't want to wait any longer.

Mustafa Ali: You would think by his age he would have learned some manners.

Elias: Desperate men don't think about others. They only have their eyes on their prized possessions.

*DALE GAS*​

A decent pop if a tiny bit small as Humberto Carrillo makes his way out. The young kid slaps the hands of the fans in the front row before jumping into the ring coming face to face with the veteran Brian Kendrick in the ring.

Michael Cole: Thoughts on Humberto Carrillo?

Mustafa Ali: He may be a young rookie but he has a lot of potential and a lot of heart.

Elias: Could we get another heart versus soul match at Fastlane?

*FEARLESS WARRIOR*​

A slightly better pop as the luchador Kalisto makes his way out and sprints down the entrance ramp as he jumps into the ring standing next to his ally in recent times Humberto Carrillo leaving Brian Kendrick in a potential 2 on 1 situation.

Michael Cole: A former Cruiserweight and United States Champion, Kalisto is looking to get hold of some gold after a few tough months losing his tag team partner Sin Cara.

Mustafa Ali: Also we share a hero in Rey Mysterio and I just want to take this time to wish him the best of luck in his recovery and I hope to see him soon to defend this title against him.

Elias: We might have to wait as long as my return to the ring for him to come back.

In the ring all 3 men circle the ring as the referee calls for the bell and the number one contender's match is underway!

Match 5: Number one contender's triple threat match for the Cruiserweight title at Fastlane: The Brian Kendrick vs Kalisto vs Humberto Carrillo​

Match summary: Once the bell rings The Brian Kendrick immediately slides out of the ring and signals for Carillo to fight Kalisto. Both men look at each other and roll to the outside as they corner Kendrick. Both the baby faces beat down Kendrick before rolling him back into the ring. From there Kalisto and Carrillo spend a lot of the match showing off their agility and Lucha skills as Kendrick only ever gets involved when he senses an opportunity to steal the win! Ali on commentary criticizes this behavior but does give Kendrick credit for being a smart fighter.

Kalisto and Carrillo whilst annoyed with the antics of Kendrick end up focusing more on each other, trying to out wrestle each other in the ring and commentary mention both men want to prove who the better man is! However in the closing stages, Kalisto gets taken down with a DDT before Carrillo heads to the top rope and hits a ROUNDING MOONSAULT... AS THE BRIAN KENDRICK SLIDES INTO THE RING AND TOSSES CARRILLO OUT! Kendrick makes the cover and steals the win becoming the number one contender for the Cruiserweight title!

Winner via pinfall: The Brian Kendrick (9:26)​

The Brian Kendrick gets to his feet and smirks as he stands tall in the ring, soaking in the boos from the live crowd. He doesn't give a damn as he starts mouthing off to the fans booing him.

Michael Cole: The Brian Kendrick picks up the win in typical crafty veteran fashion.

Mustafa Ali: I don't agree with the method he used but he got the win and that's what matters.

Elias: Kendrick knows he doesn't have long left in his career and that makes him desperate to hold the Cruiserweight title one more time before he retires.

Mustafa Ali: Well if I have anything to say about it, he is going to be very disappointed at Fastlane.

The Brian Kendrick has now left the ring and heads up the entrance ramp as he mouths off at Mustafa Ali. The Cruiserweight Champion remains silent and doesn't rise to it as he lifts his Cruiserweight title into the air as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we can see Bobby Lashley heading home for the night. He is in a nice shirt and has a pair of sunglasses on his head. However he is soon stopped by Lio Rush once again.

Lio Rush: Hey my main man, a great win tonight!

Lashley doesn't care and just barges past Lio Rush as he leaves the arena. Lio Rush looks disappointed as he shakes his head. However as he goes to leave, he is stopped by MVP!

Lio Rush: What do you want?

MVP: Hey now, that's no way to speak to your elders.

Lio Rush: I'll speak how I want to thanks.

Lio goes to leave but noticeably is still limping as MVP puts his arm in the way stopping him.

MVP: Listen, I'm going to be honest Lio. You remind me of myself when I first came to the WWE.

Lio stops and looks at MVP who smiles.

MVP: Young, brash, a little cocky and has all the talent in the world.

Lio Rush: Yeah, I know how great I am. What's your point?

MVP: My point is someone with your talent and so young, you should be in the ring winning titles not managing someone.

Lio shakes his head but MVP carries on.

MVP: With my help, you can become Cruiserweight Champion.

MVP hands a business card to Lio Rush as he places his hand on the shoulder of Lio Rush.

MVP: Leave managing Lashley to me.

MVP walks off as Lio Rush looks at the card and tosses it to the floor as he limps off-screen as we cut elsewhere backstage...

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And we see Sheamus coming out of a locker room with a smile on his face. He is soon stopped by Renee Young looking for an interview.

Renee Young: Sheamus, can I get a few words with you?

Sheamus smiles.

Sheamus: Of course you can love.

Renee smiles before carrying on with the interview.

Renee Young: A big win tonight against Drew Gulak.

Sheamus: Ya damn right. That fella he can fight. But it's why I'm here. I don't want easy fights. I ain't got long left and I fully intend to finish my career off with a bang!

Renee Young: Well last night you weren't the only person to make his return to the ring as Edge made his return to the ring as well. And you knew about it before everyone else isn't that right?

Shamus smirks and nods.

Sheamus: See after I started up Celtic warrior workouts Edge approached me in secret to help him work out. Not planning for a single second to return to the ring but one day we were out riding some mountain bikes. And he fell.

Sheamus chuckles slightly before carrying on his story.

Sheamus: I was terrified but Edge felt OK even after landing on his head. So we went to a spine specialist who advised us that Edge had recovered from his career-ending injury.

A loud pop from the live crowd.

Sheamus: And I look forward to seeing him kick some arse!

Renee Young: But he wasn't the only friend you've helped. Last night you saved Drew McIntyre from a punt kick by Drew McIntyre.

Sheamus: Drew and I go way back. We fought through the whole United Kingdon before coming here to kick arse and take names. It might have taken him a bit longer than me but he is finally about to become a WWE Champion, I know it and maybe by the time Wrestlemania finishes we'll both be World champions!

Renee Young: Feeling confident ahead of your match with the Phenomenal One AJ Styles?

Sheamus nods.

Sheamus: It'll be a tough fight like Drew Gulak was but I've not got much time left in my career. There is very little I haven't done in WWE but I'm yet to be Universal Champion.

Sheamus rubs his chin.

Sheamus: And it'll be a nice belt to add to my collection.

Renee Young: Thanks for your time Sheamus.

Sheamus nods and heads elsewhere as we cut to a commercial break.

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*LEGENDARY*​

Boos from the crowd as Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir make their way out, this time without Shayna Baszler. They talk trash to the fans as they walk to the ring ready for tag team action.

*GOLDEN GODDESS*​

Cheers from the crowd as Fire and Desire make their way to the ring. Sonya marches with a purpose as she cranks her neck before climbing into the ring as she mouths off at Duke and Shafir.

Michael Cole: Well the Rumble was a disappointing night for all four women but especially for Marina Shafir who was eliminated from the match in two seconds breaking the Women's record for quickest elimination!

Elias: That kind of quick elimination can sting. But letting their anger get out of control could give Fire and Desire the edge in this match.

In the ring, Mandy nods to Sonya and signals she can start the match. Meanwhile Marina Shafir starts for the Real Horsewomen as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!

Match 6: The Real Horsewomen vs Fire and Desire​

Match summary: A fairly short match due to the limited capability of The Real Horsewomen and Sonya controls most of the action. In the end, Mandy Rose takes out Duke with KISS THE ROSE (Jumping knee) whilst Sonya grabs hold of Marina Shafir and locks her in a KIMURA PROMPTING A QUICK TAP OUT FROM MARINA!

Winners via submission: Fire and Desire (4:06)​

Sonya lets go of the hold as soon as the bell rings and gets to her feet celebrating the victory. Mandy lifts her hand into the air as Fire and Desire pick up another win on Monday Night Raw.

Michael Cole: Fire and Desire pick up another win tonight, furthering their claims to a future Women's tag team titles match.

Elias: And it looks like Sonya has something to say!

Sonya has grabbed a microphone from someone at ringside as she points at the retreating Real Horsewomen on the entrance ramp.

Sonya Deville: Whilst you are on the way to the back, why don't you get the “baddest bitch on the planet” out of hiding!

Loud cheers for the heavy sarcasm by Sonya as Duke and Shafir mouth off from outside the ring.

Sonya Deville: It's OK Becky's gone home already!

Sonya looks to carry on until...

*BAD REPUTATION*​

Ronda Rousey walks out getting loud boos from the crowd. She has the Women's Universal title around her waist and a microphone in her hand as she gets ready to speak.

Ronda Rousey: Sonya, I don't know who you think you are but you are not worth my time.

Sonya off-mic says is that so.

Ronda Rousey: You're damn right it is. Just because you had a few matches in MMA doesn't mean you are even close to my level!

Sonya shakes her head.

Sonya Deville: Then why don't you fight me and put that title on the line! Hell, I'll even do it right now!

A loud pop from the live crowd but Ronda looks at Sonya and the fans with disgust.

Ronda Rousey: You think I'm going to put this title on the line in Texas? Texas is full of morons!

Cheap heat but loud boos as Ronda takes a look at the crowd.

Ronda Rousey: Wow looking at you people, everything really is bigger in Texas.

Loud boos as Shafir and Duke laugh at Ronda's joke backing her up.

Ronda Rousey: Now if you'll excuse me, as a Hollywood star I have actual business to attend to in a real state like California!

Ronda turns around getting loud boos from the crowd as Sonya steps forward!

Sonya Deville: Ronda!

Rousey stops for a moment.

Sonya Deville: You can keep avoiding it but I will get my chance to fight you and I promise I'll make you tap out!

Sonya tosses the microphone down as Ronda stares down Sonya Deville with Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke back Ronda up talking a lot of shit as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we see Braun Strowman walking out of the gym having just been doing some powerlifting as he is approached by Charly Caruso!

Charly Caruso: Braun, I want to get your thoughts on facing Seth Rollins in an Elimination Chamber qualifying match next week?

Braun shrugs.

Braun Strowman: It doesn't matter who I face. Seth Rollins has people talking about whether he is a good person or not. I don't give a damn frankly.

Braun getting to the point.

Braun Strowman: Monsters don't need to care about good or evil. All I care about is becoming Universal Champion. And anyone who gets in my way can GET THESE HANDS!

Short and sweet from Braun as he walks away bringing the interview to a close as we cut back to the commentary team at the top of the entrance ramp.

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Michael Cole: Strong words from Braun ahead of next week.

Elias: Well we know half the field for the Elimination Chamber and we will find out the other half next week on Monday Night Raw!

In the ring meanwhile we can see Tamina and Mia Yim are already stood ready for action getting some boos from the crowd but overall not getting much reaction from the live crowd.

*GLAMAZONE*​

The two veterans make their way out getting decent cheers from the live crowd as they walk to the ring. Beth climbs over the ropes as Natalya stands on the apron. Mia meanwhile gets Tamina to start the match for the team as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!

Match 7: Divas of Doom vs Mia Yim and Tamina​

Match summary: Commentary mention that Mia Yim asked Tamina to team with her tonight so she could have a partner as she took on the Divas of Doom. Tamina's power does give her a chance against Beth Phoenix as the two women battle it out and Tamina shockingly even forces a tag by Beth to Natalya! Natalya wisely goes for a different approach and looks to bring Tamina down to the mat by targeting her legs! She gets Tamina down to the mat and even tries to go for the SHARPSHOOTER! Tamina though uses her power and crawls to the ropes tagging in Mia Yim!

Mia Yim lays into Natalya and the heels start to isolate the Queen of Harts in the corner of the ring, working over her as Beth gets frustrated on the ring apron wanting to make the tag. Natalya eventually shows why she is a Queen of Harts breaking free of Mia and Tamina as she makes the tag bringing Beth back into the match. Beth is a house on fire and she takes care of her opponents before looking to end this as she grabs Tamina, POWERING HER UP FOR THE GLAM SLAM! She connects and makes the cover 1 2 3 The Divas of Doom win!

Winners via pinfall: Divas of Doom (6:41)​

A decent pop from the live crowd as the Glamazon gets back to her feet and poses in the ring, soon joined by her tag team partner Natalya. Mia Yim on the outside meanwhile glares at the Divas of Doom and shakes her head clearly frustrated with her loss tonight.

Michael Cole: The Divas of Doom pick up a big win tonight!

Elias: And you have to think The Divas of Doom have their eyes on tag team gold in the future.

We focus on Beth Phoenix celebrating in the ring having picked up a big win on tonight's Monday Night Raw as we then cut backstage...

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And we see Edge watching his wife on a monitor backstage! He has a big smile on his face before he finishes watching and heads to the ring!

Michael Cole: Well up next we are going to hear from the returning Edge after nearly nine years out of action. You do not want to miss it!

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*METALINGUS*​

A massive pop from the live crowd as Edge walks out onto the stage and just like the Royal Rumble he takes his time to soak in the reaction from the fans. He walks out to the top of the entrance ramp as he does his signature pose and the pyro goes off. He has a smile on his face as he walks down the ramp towards the ring.

Elias: Last night, I was watching the Men's Rumble here on commentary and I'll say this honestly it was one of the greatest moments of my career. Seeing a legend like Edge make his return after being out of action for nine years was something special.

Michael Cole: Edge stood on this very show and announced his in-ring retirement from wrestling. I cried as did many people at home. Last night backstage there was crying of a whole different kind. Tears of joy.

Edge is still playing to the fans for a good portion of time before he grabs a microphone from someone at ringside. He slides into the ring and looks at the live crowd as he smiles.

Edge: I...

Edge stops himself and wipes his eyes smiling.

Edge: It feels good to be back.

A loud pop from the crowd as Edge gives us a wry smile.

Edge: I really never thought I would step back into this ring but man when I stepped into this ring, it felt special. I felt like I was home.

Edge looks to carry on but gets stopped by a “You still got it” chant from the fans. Edge smiles.

Edge: Well I definitely woke up sore after being tossed around by Brock Lesnar last night.

Boos from the crowd for the mention of Brock hurting Edge.

Edge: But stepping in that ring, competing with some of the best today and some old foes, it felt good.

Edge stops for a moment.

Edge: Sheamus was right. That story is when I knew a return is possible. I made sure I worked day and night to get back in this ring!

Edge is getting fired up as the crowd cheers him on.

Edge: And now I'm back, well I'm coming for the Universal title!

Loud cheers from the crowd as Edge carries on

Edge: See I never lost the World Heavyweight title. I only had to give it up due to my neck breaking. But now? I want to hold a world title for one last time!

A few fans start up a “you deserve it” chant as they cheer Edge on.

Edge: But I know I'll have to earn a title shot. I'm not Brock Lesnar who expects one to be handed to me. Or like the Edge of old.

A bit of a mixed reaction for the old line as Edge puts his hand up.

Edge: Now I know you love the Edge of old and my trophy cabinet does as well. However, I've tried to become a better man in my time off. It's like I said to Becky...

*PHENOMENAL*​

Loud boos as the Phenomenal One AJ Styles walks out with a microphone and he is joined by the Good Brothers. Edge looks on well edge as they make their way out and AJ puts his hand out smirking.

AJ Styles: Edge, I just want to be the first to say. Welcome back.

Not many fans are buying it and it is clear Edge isn't either.

AJ Styles: Your return it's great, amazing. An inspiration to people... and it's why you should stop there.

Nuclear heat as Edge says off-mic “Should I?”.

AJ Styles: Look you had a good run in the match and you even picked up a few eliminations.

Edge: Didn't I eliminate you?

Loud cheers as AJ Styles looks annoyed at that being brought up.

AJ Styles: You got lucky!

AJ quickly recomposes himself and looks to try to keep calm.

AJ Styles: But throwing me over the top rope isn't the same as pinning me in the middle of the ring. To beat me, you need to be simply Phenomenal!

AJ sticks his arms out as Gallows as for the microphone.

Luke Gallows: Edge I remember being in the locker room with you during my first run in this company. And your body was broken down then so imagine what state it will be in now!

Massive heat for one-half of the Good Brothers as he manages to go a few minutes without talking about wanking. He then passes the microphone to Karl Anderson.

Karl Anderson: This used to be your company but now? It's our clubhouse.

AJ takes the microphone from Luke Gallows.

AJ Styles: Since you've been gone I've turned WWE into the house AJ Styles built!

A few fans chant along with the catchphrase as Edge is alert as he sees Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson walk around the ring starting to surround Edge.

AJ Styles: So I'm giving you one chance to leave this ring under your own power and go back to your kids at home...

Gallows and Anderson climb onto the ring apron as AJ also climbs onto the ring apron in front of Edge.

AJ Styles: Or else.

EDGE CLOCKS AJ STYLES WITH A MICROPHONE! AJ got his answer as The Good Brothers climb into the ring and start attacking Edge getting loud boos from the crowd... BUT EDGE FIGHTS BACK! The returning veteran shows his grit as he fights them off and hits Luke Gallows with EDGECUTION! Karl Anderson goes for the ROCKET KICK but Edge avoids it and runs off the ropes as he hits a SPEAR! Edge gets back to his feet as he stands over the Good Brothers... PHENOMENAL FOREARM! AJ Styles stands over Edge as he talks trash to him before picking him up and gets him in position for the STYLES CLASH!

Michael Cole: Oh my god, I've heard stories of this move breaking superstars' necks before!

AJ talks trash to the fans as he gets him in position for the potentially lethal move...

*BRING THE SWAG*​

A massive pop as MONTEZ FORD sprints out, with tape still around his ribs as he leaps off the ropes and hits a SUPERMAN PUNCH TO AJ STYLES WIPING HIM OUT! Montez lands on his feet as he checks on Edge before turning around and hits LUKE GALLOWS WITH A SUPERMAN PUNCH AS WELL! Gallows rolls out of the ring as Montez Ford is fired up... LOW BLOW BY KARL ANDERSON! A cheap shot from Anderson who is still selling his mid-section as he gets to his feet and starts putting the boots to Ford on the mat. AJ gets to his feet and joins in until...

*BURN IT DOWN/ SECOND COMING*​

Seth Rollins runs out with a steel chair in hand getting a mixed reaction with a lot of boos still but a lot of the fans are just happy someone is out here to help Edge and Montez Ford. He sprints down the entrance ramp and WHACKES LUKE GALLOWS in the back with the STEEL CHAIR! Seth then slides into the ring but AJ Styles and Karl Anderson leave the ring as the pair look to get out of dodge. Seth talks some trash to them as he turns around and looks at Edge on the mat...

AS HE TOSSES THE CHAIR TO THE SIDE! Seth Rollins makes his way over to Edge and grabs hold of his hand as he lifts him off the mat... BUT EDGE PUSHES HIM OFF! Seth asks what was that for and Edge makes it clear he doesn't trust Seth or want his help. Seth puts his hands up defensively before pointing at Edge as Montez Ford gets in between the pair as he calms his friend down. Outside the ring, we can see The Club all retreating up the entrance ramp.

Michael Cole: Well thank god for Montez Ford and Seth Rollins tonight. If not for them we might have seen the end of Edge's return to the ring already.

Elias: We might have been happy about Seth Rollins coming out but Edge certainly wasn't.

Michael Cole: Edge has made it clear he doesn't buy Seth Rollins acting like a hero and thinks he is only pretending to be a good guy.

Elias: A trick Edge himself has done in the past.

Monday Night Raw comes to an end with Seth Rollins and Edge still arguing with each other as Ford looks to keep the peace whilst The Club smirks in the ring as the show fades to black.

Matchcard for next week:

Main event: Elimination Chamber qualifying match:
Brock Lesnar vs Montez Ford

Elimination Chamber qualifying match:
AJ Styles vs Sheamus

Elimination Chamber qualifying match:
Seth Rollins vs Braun Strowman​

Grudge match:
Aleister Black vs Angel Garza​

Matchcard for Fastlane:
February 23rd
Minneapolis, Minnesota​

Universal title Elimination Chamber match:
Andrade Cien Almas (c) vs Aleister Black vs Bobby Lashley vs AJ Styles or Sheamus vs Seth Rollins or Braun Strowman vs Brock Lesnar or Montez Ford

United States title last man standing match:
Chad Gable (c) vs Samoa Joe​

Cruiserweight title match:
Mustafa Ali (c) vs The Brian Kendrick

Singles match:
Becky Lynch vs Shayna Baszler​

Matchcard for Wrestlemania 36: (Night 1)
April 4th
Tampa, Florida​

Women's Universal title match:
Ronda Rousey (c) vs Becky Lynch​

Matchcard for Wrestlemania 36: (Night 2)
April 5th
Tampa, Florida​

WWE title match:
Roman Reigns (c) vs Drew McIntyre

EWR Rating:
67%​