WWE 2019: No Wildcards

[Sky]

A very cool Mania

 

[Roy Mustang]

Monday Night Raw:
April 6th 2020
Tampa, Florida
Amalie Arena​

Monday Night Raw starts off with a recap of the events of the two-night Wrestlemania. We see clips of all the title changes: Aleister Black beating Brock Lesnar and Andrade Cien Almas in the same night, Becky Lynch making Ronda Rousey tap out, The Ungovernables becoming tag team champions. We also see Ali and Gable retain their titles, Edge gets revenge on Seth Rollins and Shayna Baszler become Mrs. Money in the Bank before we cut to the arena for the proper introduction to the show!

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We pan around the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida as we see the animated Raw after Wrestlemania crowd before cutting back to the commentary team adjacent to the entrance ramp.

Michael Cole: It’s Monday Night. You know what that means. Welcome to Monday Night Raw!

Elias: And we are hot off the heels of the first ever two-night Wrestlemania!

Michael Cole: Tonight we will see all the fallout from an action-packed show of all shows.

Elias: And stay tuned because in tonight’s main event Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar will address their future!

*CELTIC INVASION*​

And we are starting the show off big as THE MAN BECKY LYNCH marches out with her Women’s Universal title in arms having become a five-time champion at Wrestlemania! The crowd goes absolutely insane with loud cheers as she has a smug smirk on her face. She is dressed in a fancy bright suit and big sunglasses though you can still see the damage done to her nose, Becky is 100% feeling herself as she walks down the entrance ramp.

Michael Cole: Becky Lynch two nights ago did something no one has ever managed to do. Not in WWE or UFC, she made Ronda Rousey tap out in the middle of the ring!

Elias: No one else in the world can say they have managed to make Ronda Rousey do that. They may have beaten her but they have never made her fully submit in the middle of the ring like Becky did night one!

Michael Cole: But The Man always looks to move forward and at Backlash she will be defending her Women’s Universal title against Nia Jax!

Elias: Nia Jax has broken Becky’s face before and is no easy prospect as a former Women’s Champion in her own right.

Michael Cole: Plus she will be extra determined coming off a year-long layoff with injury.

Elias: I think The Man Becky is ready to speak now.

We cut back to the ring as Becky Lynch stands in the middle of the ring as she takes a good few seconds to look out at the crowd. She has a smile on her face and nods along to the cheers with a few fans chanting “You deserve it” as Becky smirks.

Becky Lynch: Now c’mon on Tampa. You people know I damn well earned this!

A massive ovation from the crowd and it changes from a “You deserve it” to a “You earned it” chant! Becky has a cocky smirk as she nods and encourages the crowd before speaking again.

Becky Lynch: I had not just this but my WWE Women’s title stolen from me at Summerslam.

You can sense some anger in the voice of Becky as commentary reminds us how she lost both her titles at Summerslam to Asuka and Sasha Banks thanks to Shayna Baszler.

Becky Lynch: And one day, I’ll head over to Smackdown to get that title back!

A tease for the future?

Becky Lynch: But I’m going to savor this for a little bit.

She looks smug once again and looks at the Women’s Universal title on her shoulder.

Becky Lynch: Because making that little weirdo tap like the little bitch she is was incredible!

A cheap pop but the crowd are in the palm of the Man’s hand right now.

Becky Lynch: It took me over a year to get what I wanted, my one-on-one match with her but hey good things come to those who wait.

Source: Guinness cause those pints take fucking forever to pour.

Becky Lynch: Plus we know how Ronnie reacts to a loss. She might stay in hiding for good this time!

Cheers from the crowd as commentary mentions her hiatus after losing to Becky at WM 35.

Becky Lynch: I mean I could rip into her all day long if I wanted to but The Man has got things to do.

She has a smirk before getting slightly serious as she looks at the camera.

Becky Lynch: See when you hold this, you become the hunted.

Becky shakes her head.

Becky Lynch: I’m not here to be the hunted. No, I did that last time. This time I’m going to be the hunter and I’ve got some old scores to settle!

The crowd understands who she is talking about as Becky rubs her jaw, the same one smashed in by Nia Jax famously before Survivor Series 2018.

Becky Lynch: Starting with Nia Jax.

Loud boos for the mention of the newly returned superstar and Becky clearly isn’t fond of her either.

Becky Lynch: I’ve heard Nia for over a year sitting on the shelf yapping her gums saying she was responsible for the rise of The Man.

Becky shakes her head as the crowd boos agreeing with Becky.

Becky Lynch: Nia I can assure you, I would have risen to the top with or without you breaking my face!

Becky points at her nose which is still a little busted after Ronda busted her open the hard way two nights ago.

Becky Lynch: All you did was delay the inevitable. You just saving Ronda from tapping out sooner!

The crowd starts up a “she tapped out” chant which brings a cocky smile to Becky’s face.

Becky Lynch: Nia, you’ve spent a year sitting on the couch at home and waiting for the moment you could come back to fight me. I’m going to make you regret coming back!

Strong words as Becky stares dead ahead at the camera.

Becky Lynch: You know what it’s like to have two broken legs, what about two broken arms?

A big threat is made as Becky looks to finish this promo.

Becky Lynch: Cause I promise you Nia, The Man always comes around!

Becky drops the microphone down to the mat and lifts her Women’s Universal title into the air getting loud cheers from the live crowd.

Michael Cole: The Man is back on top but did you hear that? She isn’t planning on being a target.

Elias: Becky has always done things her own way and she loves a fight. So why wait for people to come to her?

Michael Cole: And you have to wonder how Nia will react to Becky’s words.

Elias: Nia will not take what Becky said lightly but Becky will thrive on the challenge.

We see Becky still posing for the fans as we cut to the first commercial break of the night.

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*BEL CANTO*​

We return from the commercial break as we can hear the above theme song hitting and it is a bit of a shock for the live crowd as Smackdown superstar AIDEN ENGLISH is standing in the ring with a microphone in his hand ready to speak.

Aiden English: A moment of silence please.

The few crowd members who were reacting quieten down for a moment as Aiden holds the microphone like he is holding a whiskey glass.

Aiden English: Thank you. An artist needs silence to truly perform their art.

A few boos from the crowd which pisses off Aiden.

Aiden English: I said silence!

And the boos get louder once again as Aiden shakes his head angrily.

Aiden English: You stupid peasants are just as bad as the fans on Smackdown.

Cheap heat works.

Aiden English: But I guess I have that to look forward to now I am no longer part of Smackdown Live and I am a Raw superstar!

A “big” announcement as Aiden English moves to the Red brand. The crowd doesn’t react too strongly as Aiden carries on.

Aiden English: As an artist, I felt I had grown stale on Smackdown and it was time to spread my wings somewhere new so Adam Pearce signed me to the brand as part of the Cruiserweight division!

Another edition to the growing division on Monday Night Raw as Aiden English smirks as he waves his arm up and down showing he is in his ring gear.

Aiden English: Plus Adam even promised me a match against the other new edition to the Cruiserweight division on Raw.

A few of the crowd get excited as Aiden smirks.

Aiden English: And I promise to show the rookie that everyone in the Cruiserweight division is an understudy to me!

Aiden drops the microphone to the mat as the crowd waits to see who the newest Monday Night Raw superstar is…

​

A decent reaction and better than it would have been had MANSOOR not appeared the night before during the Andre the Giant Battle Royal. He has a smile on his face as the NXT UK superstar starts to high-five a few of the fans in the crowd en route to the ring as Aiden looks on in disgust.

Michael Cole: Mansoor has been making a name for himself on NXT UK and picking up a fair few wins. Guessing Adam Pearce must have been impressed enough to make the decision to sign him to the red brand.

Elias: Mansoor is someone who has a lot of potential and showed a fraction of it when in the Andre the Giant battle royal.

Michael Cole: But fighting on Monday Night Raw one on one against an experienced competitor like Aiden English is a wholly different prospect.

Elias: A big chance for Aiden to get his career on Monday Night Raw off to a good start.

Mansoor once in the ring has a smile on his face still and even offers Aiden English a handshake. Aiden looks disgusted and shakes his head backing away. Mansoor shrugs his shoulders and heads to the corner as the referee calls for the bell getting this match underway!

Match 1: Aiden English vs Mansoor​

Match summary: Aiden English in the early stages does a lot of stalling and grinds Mansoor down on the mat to boos from the crowd. Aiden does a good job of getting the crowd behind the rookie and Mansoor soon takes control of the match overwhelming Aiden English with a high-paced offense. In the end, Mansoor was able to hit a MOONSAULT hooking the leg and picks up the win!

Winner via pinfall: Mansoor (5:14)​

A decent pop from the live crowd as Mansoor has a big smile on his face having picked up a win in his first match on Monday Night Raw.

Michael Cole: Mansoor wins in his debut! An impressive start to his career on Raw.

Elias: The first-ever WWE superstar from Saudi Arabia and he is doing his people proud with his performance tonight.

Michael Cole: But Aiden English will not be happy with his performance Elias. Another loss and it looks like his career on Raw is going the same as his career on Smackdown.

Elias: Maybe he has reached a point in his career where he can’t save it?

Mansoor carries on his celebrations and even interacts with some of the kids in the front few rows whilst we cut to Aiden English in the ring who looks broken down and dejected having immediately suffered a loss upon his return to Monday Night Raw as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we cut to THE USOS in street clothes as they are standing in their own locker room and are pacing around the room looking furious. Noticeably Jimmy’s wife NAOMI is sitting in the background nursing a few knocks from her Money in the Bank ladder match last night.

Jey Uso: We got robbed last night!

Jimmy Uso: Exactly Uce.

Naomi in the background is noticeably listening to them rant but rolls her eyes and clearly is getting annoyed as they carry on.

Jey Uso: Zelina had to get involved to make sure her clients walked with some gold.

Naomi: Exactly.

Both turn to Naomi who looks annoyed as Jimmy questions his wife first of all.

Jimmy Uso: What do you mean by that honey?

Naomi laughes dismissively before responding to her husband.

Naomi: The Ungovernables got the job done. You two didn’t.

Jey steps forward as Jimmy calms him down.

Jimmy Uso: Hey Uce easy easy.

Jey Uso: Nah your wife is out of order.

Naomi: Or maybe since your cousin isn’t here, you need someone to tell you two some home truths.

Jey looks furious as Jimmy listens to his wife.

Naomi: The old Usos wouldn’t let a bit of water stop them. If they got cheated, they wouldn’t stand here complaining, they would do something about it.

She turns to Jimmy and looks her husband in the eyes.

Naomi: Did you forget yourself whilst we were sitting on the shelf?

Jimmy goes to speak but Jey butts in.

Jey Uso: Alright, you want to make sure we get the job done. Join us at ringside and stop Zelina from getting involved then.

Naomi looks at Jey and shakes her head.

Naomi: Don’t tell me what to do. You may be my brother-in-law but I’m not going to come run just cause you call.

Jimmy Uso: Naomi, he didn’t mean it like…

Naomi: I know what he meant but you two need to solve this on your own. I’ve got my own shit to solve.

Naomi storms off leaving The Usos standing in the locker room alone as they think about what she said and how they lost their tag team titles as we cut elsewhere backstage…

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As we see RENEE YOUNG standing with a microphone ready to conduct an interview.

Renee Young: Wrestlemania was a two-night extravaganza and right now I have one of the men who came this close to becoming a champion. Please welcome my guest at this time: Dolph Ziggler!

DOLPH ZIGGLER walks into the shot as he does a slight smile but you can tell he isn’t happy after losing to Mustafa Ali last night.

Renee Young: Dolph, you finally got the chance to have a one-on-one match at Wrestlemania but were unable to pick up the win. How are you feeling?

Ziggler takes a moment to think before responding to the question.

Dolph Ziggler: Bittersweet.

Ziggler sighs before speaking again.

Dolph Ziggler: I finally got something I was searching for my whole career. The chance to steal the show one on one with someone.

Ziggler shakes his head.

Dolph Ziggler: But most of all, I wanted to win one of the few titles I’ve never held!

Ziggler looks serious as Renee lets him carry on.

Dolph Ziggler: It gives me the chance to get my career back on track like winning the North American title in NXT was supposed to.

I was booking Ziggler in NXT before it was cool!

Dolph Ziggler: But I lost my cool.

Renee nods agreeing.

Renee Young: In the lead-up to Wrestlemania you did superkick Ali.

Ziggler nods.

Dolph Ziggler: And that wasn’t me trying to get an edge, that was me losing my cool and I went into Wrestlemania off my game.

Ziggler sighs again.

Dolph Ziggler: Even on the greatest show of the year, I got in my own head and I lost my focus.

Ziggler looks furious and clenches his fist.

Dolph Ziggler: But Mustafa Ali was the better man on the night and deserved to remain Cruiserweight Champion.

Renee Young: So what’s next for you?

Ziggler thinks for a few seconds.

Dolph Ziggler: I still want to be Cruiserweight Champion but I know I am at the back of the line after losing on Saturday night.

Ziggler looks disappointed but accepts the truth. He lost fair and square.

Dolph Ziggler: So I need to work my way back into the title picture and I’ll start doing that over the next few weeks. I’ll start picking up wins until I force my way back into the title picture.

Renee nods agreeing with that mindset.

Renee Young: Good luck Dolph, I look forward to seeing you earn another Cruiserweight title shot. Thanks for your time.

Ziggler fist bumps Renee Young and walks off elsewhere bringing the interview to an end as we cut to a commercial break.

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*NEW ADVENTURE*​

A pretty loud pop from the live crowd as we return from the commercial break and we see the new WWE Women’s tag team champions THE HUGGING PIRATES: BAYLEY AND KAIRI SANE! The crowd goes wild upon seeing these two and they proudly lift their titles into the air. As the duo walk to the ring, Kairi in signature fashion gives one of the children in the front row her telescope which brings a smile to the kids’ faces.

Michael Cole: Listen to the reaction these two are getting from the fans in Tampa!

Elias: Both women are former NXT Women’s Champions but also everyone loves these two. How can you not?

Michael Cole: Bayley and Kairi Sane are known as two of the nicest people on the roster so seeing them become tag champions, Bayley for the third time was great to see.

Elias: What’s next for the tag team champions now they have the belts?

Bayley and Kairi Sane are now standing in the ring soaking in the cheers from the live crowd and we even get the fans singing “Hey we want some Bayley” bringing a smile to hugger’s face. After a while, Bayley looks to speak first.

Bayley: At last year's Wrestlemania, I managed to lose these titles and maybe I lost my best friend then.

Kairi puts her hand on Bayley’s shoulder looking to make sure she is OK.

Bayley: But this year I got these titles back with someone who is an actual friend.

Bayley turns around and shares a hug with Kairi Sane getting a loud pop from the crowd. Kairi smiles once it is broken and Bayley turns back to the fans.

Bayley: But we didn’t come out here to talk all the time like the previous champions did.

Kairi Sane: No we came to fight!

Bayley: So we are issuing an open challenge to any tag team in the back!

Bayley and Kairi lift the tag belts into the air!

Bayley: We want to defend these titles on all brands and prove we are fighting champions! So let’s start our reign off with a bang!

A loud pop from the crowd as the champions pass their tag team titles to the timekeepers and stand in the ring as they wait to see who will answer their open challenge tonight!

​

A loud pop once again from the crowd as the NXT tag team TEAM KICK walks out! DAKOTA KAI and TEGAN NOX pose for the crowd as they are full-on smiles. In the ring Bayley and Kairi Sane nod relishing the competition as the duo sprint down the ramp ready to fight for the WWE Women’s tag team titles.

Michael Cole: Now that is a challenge! The former WWE Women’s Champion Team Kick are here on Monday Night Raw.

Elias: I’ve got even bigger news from Adam Pearce coming through my headset Michael. Adam Pearce is telling me that Team Kick are new members of the Monday Night Raw roster!

A massive addition to the Women’s division on Monday Night Raw!

Michael Cole: A huge get for Adam Pearce as I know Wade Barrett was making moves to sign them as well!

Elias: You can see why Dakota Kai is a former NXT Women’s Champion ending the reign of Shayna Baszler!

Michael Cole: Not only that but Team Kick were the longest ever WWE Women’s tag team champions during their reign last year.

Elias: Could they become two-time champions tonight?

Both teams are standing in the ring getting a loud pop from the live crowd. Bayley chooses to start for the champions whilst Dakota Kai starts for the challengers. The referee calls for the bell and the match is underway!

Match 2: Women's tag team titles match: Hugging Pirates (c) vs Team Kick​

Match summary: The match gets off with a fast pace and stays like that during the full 18-minute match. It also stays being a face vs face match with neither team slotting into the heel role with the crowd firmly behind both teams during this encounter! Team Kick gets to show off their kicking skills and the variety of them overwhelming Bayley and Kairi Sane during the match. The champions though show their own skills and why they are champions with Kairi's hard chops plus strikes whilst Bayley hits a variety of suplexes having a size advantage over her opponents.

During the encounter, we get a series of near falls from both teams and the fans on a couple of occasions bite on them thinking we might get a shock title change due to being the Raw after Wrestlemania! In the end, Tegan Nox and Kairi Sane are the legal women after Bayley takes out Dakota Kai with a big BELLY TO BAYLEY SUPLEX FROM THE TOP ROPE! Tegan goes for the SHINIEST WIZARD BUT KAIRI COUNTERS INTO THE ANCHOR! She yanks on the leg pulling the modified crab on tight as Tegan tries to fight out of it but in the end has to tap out!

Winners via pinfall and still Women’s tag team champions: Hugging Pirates (18:41)​

A loud pop from the live crowd after seeing a great match and performance by both teams. Kairi Sane joins Bayley in the ring and once again the champions share a hug with each inside the ring whilst Dakota Kai slides into the ring and checks on her tag team partner.

Michael Cole: What a match! Both teams pushed each other to the limit tonight and on another night we might have seen new tag team champions!

Elias: Team Kick proving already that they are big editions to the Monday Night Raw roster. Great work by our commissioner Adam Pearce.

In the ring, both teams are looking at each other but it turns to smiles as they all share a hug having put on a great performance in this match. Bayley and Kairi each grab on the arms of Team Kick raising them into the air showing them both a lot of respect as the crowd carries on cheering whilst the show cuts to a commercial break.

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*ROOT OF ALL EVIL*​

Another loud pop from the live crowd as the new Universal Champion ALEISTER BLACK slowly rises from the depths onto the entrance ramp. He cuts a stoic figure as he stands at the top of the ramp with the Universal title around his waist before slowly walking to the ring.

Michael Cole: Two nights ago, Aleister Black got the demons off his back when he pinned not only Andrade Cien Almas but Brock Lesnar as well to become Universal Champion!

Elias: Black has been chasing that belt since the summer and has come this close to beating both men so many times but on Saturday he finally did it!

Michael Cole: Black has posed a threat to everyone whilst on this warpath to getting the title. Now he has got it does that make him more or less dangerous?

Elias: Black is one of the most dangerous superstars on the Raw roster already. If he is even more dangerous I can’t see anyone taking that title off him any time soon!

Aleister Black has finished his slow walk to the ring as he looks at the crowd and hears the loud cheers from the crowd. He nods slightly but doesn’t react any further as he takes a seat in the middle of the ring cross-legged ready to address the live crowd.

Aleister Black: The demons on my back are vanquished.

Cheers from the crowd as Black sits there and looks dead ahead.

Aleister Black: The long road…

He pulls the Universal title off his waist and places it on the mat in front of him.

Aleister Black: To this has been tough and painful. But it is worth it for the holy grail!

No smiles as Black remains 100% serious as he looks at the camera.

Aleister Black: This title is what I came to Raw to win. Brock is the kind of monster I came to slay. Andrade was the kind of foe I’ve proven I could vanquish.

There is a bit of venom as Black talks about his rivals from the previous year.

Aleister Black: Becky Lynch …

Loud cheers for the mention of the Women’s Universal Champion which makes Black pause for a moment.

Aleister Black: Said that when you become a champion you become hunted.

Black looks at the title on the mat before placing it back on his shoulder.

Aleister Black: If anyone in the back wants to try hunting me, it will be the last mistake they make.

Black gets back to his feet and has an intense glare on his face.

Aleister Black: I promise you I will be a demon you cannot overcome and your dreams will fade… fade to Black!

A loud pop as Black sends a threat to the male roster on Monday Night Raw before he starts to walk up the entrance ramp.

Michael Cole: A message sent to the Raw roster tonight! Hunt down Aleister Black at your peril.

Elias: This is a man who has defeated Brock Lesnar and Andrade Cien Almas on the same night. If he can overcome both of them, who will be able to stop him?

Michael Cole: Samoa Joe will certainly have something to say in response I’m sure.

Elias: Joe has made a habitat of hunting down the weaknesses of his rivals and targeting what those people care about. Does Black have any such weaknesses?

We cut back to Black who stands tall on the entrance ramp before cutting to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we cut to a dark room almost reminiscent of Black’s old promos. We see a single chair as SAMOA JOE walks into the shot and takes a seat on the steel chair. He looks at the camera with a snarl before showing a slight smirk.

Samoa Joe: Congratulations Aleister.

Joe’s smirk grows bigger.

Samoa Joe: Normally I would go out there and ruin your moment. Turn the celebration into a commiseration but I wanted to hear what the new champion had to say.

Joe rubs his chin.

Samoa Joe: And now I’ve heard him, I can promise you Black I don’t dream of holding the Universal title.

Joe wags a finger.

Samoa Joe: Why would I dream about something I know is inevitable?

Joe looks serious and dead ahead at the camera.

Samoa Joe: Look how long I held the United States title. How unstoppable I was until I got screwed out of my title!

Joe is starting to shout and get angry as he points at himself.

Samoa Joe: I want gold around my waist Black! You may have stopped the power of Brock and the brains of Andrade but what happened when you fight someone one on one who has both!

Joe gets to his feet staring at the camera in an intimidating fashion.

Samoa Joe: Because everyone has an answer till they are put to sleep!

Joe finishes on that line and walks off bringing the promo to an end as we cut back to the commentary team.

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Michael Cole: Samoa Joe is on the warpath and coming for the Universal title.

Elias: He does raise an intriguing point. He has a combination of power and brains that Black would not have got from his opponents at Wrestlemania.

Michael Cole: Agreed Elias but speaking of Black’s Wrestlemania opponents we will hear from Brock Lesnar later on tonight as Paul Heyman has promised a statement on his future.

Elias: I wonder what is next for Brock after another Universal title loss. We have rarely seen Brock without gold since his return but it is now a year since he held the top title.

*COMBATIVE*​

Boos from the crowd though a few cheers as ONEY LORCAN marches out onto the entrance ramp with a scowl on his face. He is also joined by his tag team partner DANNY BURCH who walks with him to the ring.

Michael Cole: I’ve gotten word from Adam Pearce that this match is being seen as a showcase for Adam Pearce as he looks to choose the next number one contender for Mustafa Ali’s Cruiserweight title.

Elias: We already saw Mansoor potentially put himself in contention for the Cruiserweight title with an impressive debut. Can Oney do the same against Drew Gulak tonight?

*FOR THE BETTER*​

A decent pop from the live crowd as DREW GULAK walks down the ramp in a tracksuit. He acknowledges a few of the fans but is focused on the job at hand with Gulak noticing Danny Burch’s presence at ringside.

Michael Cole: Drew Gulak had a decent showing in last night’s Andre the Giant Battle royal and shocked a few people with his performance.

Elias: Drew Gulak has the potential to break through and become a Cruiserweight champion. A win tonight might get Adam Pearce’s attention.

Drew Gulak steps through the ropes and stands in the ring across from Oney Lorcan. Both many intensely glare at each other with neither man backing down. The referee gets them to back up before calling for the bell to get this underway!

Match 3: Oney Lorcan w/Danny Burch vs Drew Gulak​

Match summary: Both men start trading strikes with each other in the middle of the ring and lay into each other with a series of hard strikes. Neither man gains an edge in the first couple of minutes until Drew Gulak locks in a series of submissions grinding down Oney Lorcan on the mat. In the closing stages, Drew Gulak is in control of the match and runs off the ropes as DANNY TRIPS GULAK UP! This distracts Gulak and allows Oney to roll him up… AS HE HOOKS THE TIGHTS AND STEALS THE WIN!

Winner via pinfall: Oney Lorcan (5:47)​

Boos from the crowd as Oney Lorcan steals a win thanks to his tag team partner and he immediately slides out of the ring, fleeing up the entrance ramp as Drew Gulak kicks the ropes in anger.

Michael Cole: Oney Lorcan with the win but he does it in a controversial fashion!

Elias: A win is a win and that might be enough to put him in line for a Cruiserweight title shot against Mustafa Ali at Backlash.

Michael Cole: Drew Gulak though will not be happy to have the win stolen from him.

Elias: But he could be in trouble if he tries to fight the One Twos by himself as they are a lethal unit together.

Drew Gulak remains angry in the ring as the One Twos head backstage and we cut elsewhere…

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And we see SASHA BANKS standing backstage without her usual shutter shades with tape around her right arm. The Boss stares at the camera and she looks absolutely furious.

Sasha Banks: Last night, I lost because some bitch couldn’t keep her obsession with me in check!

Sasha points at the camera with her left arm.

Sasha Banks: Instead of focusing on winning, Conti was focused on stopping me. How am I meant to perform when I have an obsessive fan who can’t keep herself away from me?

Sasha is furious and losing her cool.

Sasha Banks: She just can’t handle the fact that I am better than her and already beat her.

Sasha gets closer to the camera.

Sasha Banks: But you couldn’t let it go, could you?

Sasha shakes her head.

Sasha Banks: I lost that match because of you. You robbed me of a rightful shot at my Women’s Universal title!

Sasha is fuming now as she paces up and down.

Sasha Banks: You wanted my attention? You’ve got it now Tay.

She is fully glaring at the camera with a laser focus and if looks could kill.

Sasha Banks: And you will live to regret it. That’s not a threat, that is a promise.

Sasha Banks storms off, clearly still furious after losing last night and we cut to a commercial break.

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When we come back from the commercial break, we can see LIO RUSH walking through the back with his headphones on and listening to music. As he is walking through the back he is stopped by CHARLY CARUSO looking for an interview.

Charly Caruso: Lio, can I get a few words?

Lio pauses his music and takes his headphones off his head placing them around his neck as he nods agreeing to answer Charly’s questions.

Charly Caruso: Last night you and MVP both tried to eliminate each other from the battle royal with you succeeding. Do you think there are any hard feelings on MVP’s part?

Lio shakes his head and smiles.

Lio Rush: Listen, MVP should know it is every man for himself. We aren’t brothers. Our tag team is a business arrangement and in a match like that, you got to look out for number one. He’s smart enough and experienced enough to know that it was just the nature of the match.

Charly Caruso: Well during the match you put on a very impressive performance making it down to the final five men.

Lio smiles and offers Charly a fist bump which she accepts.

Lio Rush: Thanks Charly. Maybe MVP had a point. Maybe I was too focused on Lashley and not focused enough on me.

Charly Caruso: What’s next for you? Are you going to keep chasing singles glory or will you go back to teaming with MVP to try to become tag team champions?

Lio smiles.

Lio Rush: We’ve got a tag team match later on tonight against the Linebackers who we’ve already beaten. Once we beat them again, we’ll make sure The Ungovernables know we are next in line.

Charly Caruso: Thanks for your time Lio.

Lio offers Charly another fist bump which she accepts and brings the interview to an end as we cut back to the commentary team.

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Michael Cole: Well it seems Lio Rush has gotten over MVP trying to throw him out and feels his partner will feel the same way.

Elias: Well that remains to be seen but if they are still on the same page, they might be the next team in line for a tag team title shot.

*ELITE*​

A loud pop from the live crowd as CHAD GABLE the United States Champion walks out and he is not alone, joined by KURT ANGLE prompting a loud “YOU SUCK” chant to the delight of the mentor. Chad Gable looks very proud of himself having retained his title on the grandest stage of them all against a multiple-time World Champion in the form of AJ Styles.

Michael Cole: Well it looks like we are going to hear from our United States Champion, hot off his title defense last night.

Elias: AJ Styles is one of the best technical wrestlers in the world but Chad Gable beat him in the middle of the ring.

Michael Cole: Not only did he beat AJ Styles but he did without his mentor Kurt Angle in his corner for guidance.

Elias: Gable has been learning from Kurt Angle over the last few months and clearly it is rubbing off on him.

Chad Gable is now standing in the ring with the United States around his waist, still showing off his United States Olympic-style tracksuit as Kurt Angle has grabbed a microphone ready to speak.

Kurt Angle: Last night, my boy did me proud.

He looks at Gable smiling proudly and Gable smiles back proudly as well. Kurt Angle carries on speaking.

Kurt Angle: I know first-hand how good AJ Styles is and how tough he is to beat.

TNA reference.

Kurt Angle: Chad you showed experience beyond your years and proved without a doubt you are a worthy United States Champion.

Loud cheers from the crowd who agrees with Kurt Angle. Chad smiles as he takes the microphone from Kurt.

Chad Gable: Thank you Kurt and I just want to say, without you I wouldn’t have gotten to this point.

Angle looks like a proud dad whilst Jason Jordan backstage is probably jealous of this.

Chad Gable: But beating AJ Styles isn’t enough for me. No, I want the next challenge!

Loud cheers from the crowd as we see the fighting spirit of Chad coming to the fore.

Chad Gable: So I spoke to Adam Pearce and told him to find me a challenger for this title!

A loud pop from the live crowd as Chad Gable takes off his tracksuit to show he is wearing his ring gear. He passes the tracksuit to Kurt Angle who smiles and leaves the ring.

Chad Gable: And this isn’t just to anyone on the Raw brand. No, I told Adam it could be anyone from any roster. To issue the challenge and pick an opponent. First come first serve.

The crowd are excited as Chad Gable passes the microphone to Kurt Angle and leans on the ropes as he waits to see who Adam Pearce has got to challenge him for the United States title…

​

A massive pop from the live crowd with a lot of them being from the UK as TYLER BATE makes his way out with the NXT Cruiserweight title around his waist! He soaks in the cheers from the crowd and even gives them a wave as a BIG STRONG BOI chant starts up. In the ring Chad Gable nods, relishing the challenge.

Michael Cole: What a choice by Adam Pearce! The NXT Cruiserweight Champion Tyler Bate!

Elias: One of the hottest young prospects in the WWE. Already the first-ever NXT UK Champion and a former NXT Tag Champion as well as the current NXT Cruiserweight Champion.

Michael Cole: And all of that by the age of twenty-three. Tyler Bate is something truly special.

Elias: If Chad Gable is not careful, Tyler might be about to add the United States title to his long list of titles already!

Tyler Bate has passed his Cruiserweight title to the timekeepers before standing across the ring from Chad Gable as the usual introductions are done. Once they are finished the bell rings and the United States title match is underway!

Match 4: United States title match: Chad Gable © w/Kurt Angle vs Tyler Bate​

Match summary: Both men start the match by shaking hands with each other showing the respect each competitor has for one another. The opening couple of minutes has both men doing tests of strength with Tyler Bate having the clear power advantage even though he weighs less than Gable. Commentary put over how strong Bate is for his size and only Cesaro can really match him when it comes to strength compared to mass. Chad though shows why he is United States Champion and switches tactics as he starts to go after the arms of Tyler Bate working over him on the mat.

We see Gable grinding down Tyler Bate with a variety of submissions as the show cuts to a short picture-in-picture commercial break so we know this match is going to be a long one! During picture-in-picture, Bate does start to fight back and as we come back from the commercial break HITS A ONE-ARMED POWERBOMB PLANTING GABLE TO BREAK THE HOLD! Bate rolls away for a moment, feeling the damage done to his right arm whilst Gable is noticeably a bit winded after the powerbomb. The commentary team also mentions both men might be a little tired after their long nights last night with Gable going 20+ mins with AJ Styles and Tyler Bate making the final 4 in the Andre the Giant battle royal.

Tyler Bate now takes control of the match as he hits Gable with a series of strikes and suplexes sending him across the ring. Gable on the instruction of Angle rolls out of the ring to regroup BUT BATE HITS A DIVING PLANCHA SHOWING OFF HIS AGILITY! The commentary team mentions that this is why Tyler Bate is so good as he can mix speed and power like very few superstars are able to do themselves. Bate grabs hold of Gable and rolls him into the ring as Kurt Angle watches on, sensing maybe Gable is in danger as we reach the 10-minute mark.

Tyler Bate gets him back into the ring and looks like he is about to go for TYLER DRIVER 97… BUT GABLE COUNTERS INTO A CROSS ARMBREAKER! The technical ability of Gable is paying dividends here as he yanks on the arm of Bate one more time and this time Bate has to scramble to the ropes to break the hold! Gable lets go of the arm but the damage is done as he takes control of the match now himself as he starts hitting a variety of suplexes sending Bate flying around the ring! Bate is in trouble as Gable pulls down the straps as he signals he is going for the ANKLE LOCK! He goes to grab Tyler's leg BUT BATE KICKS HIM AWAY!

Gable stumbles back as Tyler Bate sends him into the corner with a BIG EXPLODER SUPLEX! Bate charges in and using his left arm hits a EUROPEAN UPPERCUT SMASHING GABLE IN THE HEAD! Gable is staggered as Bate lifts him out of the corner onto his shoulders and TAKES HIM FOR AN AIRPLANE SPIN! A massive pop from the live crowd as Tyler Bate shows off his power so more before finishing it up with a BRAINBUSTER! Bate hooks the leg but Gable kicks out just in time! Gable is proving to be tough to take down as Bate grabs hold of Gable once again looking for the TYLER DRIVER 97 BUT GABLE SLIPS OUT AND HITS THE ANGLE SLAM!

Gable has to take the moment to recover before hooking the leg of Tyler Bate getting another 2 count as Bate stays alive too! The match is now gone past the 20-minute mark with them putting it all on the line. Gable looks over to Angle for some advice and his mentor gives him a few words as he heads to the top rope! He lines Bate up AND GOES FOR THE MOONSAULT BUT BATE GETS HIS KNEES UP! Gable winces in pain as Tyler grabs hold of him and AFTER A STRUGGLE HITS TYLER DRIVER 97! Bate makes the cover not able to hook the legs due to the damage to his right arm

1

2

GABLE GETS HIS FOOT ON THE ROPES!​

Gable stays alive by the skin of his teeth and the inability to hook the legs of the champion might have proved to be the difference here! Bate takes a moment as he thinks about what he needs to do next before he looks to the corner of the ring and heads to the top rope! Bate takes his time due to the tiredness of the last few nights. Gable though RECOVERS AND STOPS BATE BEFORE HITTING AN AVALANCHE BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX! Bate flies across the ring with a hard thud as Gable makes his way over grabbing hold of him and HITS CHAOS THEORY!

1

2

3

CHAD GABLE HOLDS ONTO THE UNITED STATES TITLE AFTER ANOTHER TOUGH TEST!

Winner via pinfall and still United States Champion: Chad Gable (22:35)​

A loud pop from the crowd as Gable lets go of Tyler Bate and both men fall to the mat, selling the impact of their long match. The crowd is cheering for both men as Kurt Angle gets into the ring lifting Gable up off the mat and passing him the United States title.

Michael Cole: What a match and what a performance from both men tonight!

Elias: Tyler Bate pushed Chad Gable to the limit and on another night might have won the United States title!

Michael Cole: The damage to his arm meant he couldn’t properly hook the leg and Gable was able to get his foot on the ropes.

Elias: Bate has nothing to be ashamed of tonight and proved that NXT is full of top stars waiting to break through.

Michael Cole: But once again Chad Gable survives a tough test to remain United States Champion.

Elias: Kurt Angle’s teachings have been a great help but Gable is truly proving to be a skilled competitor in the ring as the months go along.

In the ring, Tyler Bate is back on his feet and has been passed his NXT Cruiserweight title by the timekeeper. He looks a little disappointed but Chad Gable walks over to him. They look at each other for a moment before Gable offers him his hand. Bate takes a moment before shaking his hand. Cheers from the crowd as Kurt Angle raises both their hands into the air as they soak in the positive reaction and we cut to the backstage area…

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As we see the medical team checking on TAYNARA CONTI! She has a bandage on her head after being busted open by Sasha Banks and an errant ladder shot to the head. We can also see XIA LI standing next to her looking worried. Taynara though doesn’t seem fazed and upon seeing the camera beckons it over.

Taynara Conti: Sasha, you’re damn right I have your attention! Sua cadela completa. Você está me esquivando há semanas e agora você vai pagar porra.

One way around the censors: swear in another language.

Taynara Conti: Look what you did to me!

She points to the bandage on her forehead as Xia Li looks on worried about her friend.

Taynara Conti: You want to talk about someone costing you the match? You did it to yourself by running from me!

Conti is fired up and angry as he leans forward.

Taynara Conti: Sending you through the ladder was the highlight of my year. Knowing I took Money in the Bank from you brought me joy!

Conti has a wild and angry look in her eyes.

Taynara Conti: But you can’t accept that your actions have consequences Sasha. You never take responsibility for anything!

Xia Li nods agreeing with Conti.

Taynara Conti: So I’m going to beat some responsibility into you at Backlash!

A challenge is being thrown out here!

Taynara Conti: Me versus you in a street fight!

And a big one at that! Taynara gets to her feet as she points at the bandage on her head once again with an angry wild-eyed look in her eyes.

Taynara Conti: This will be nothing compared to what I do to you.

She gets right up close to the camera and says this to finish the promo.

Taynara Conti: Sangue por sangue

And as that promo finishes, we cut to a hallway backstage…

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As we can see EDGE walking to the ring!

Michael Cole: Up next we will hear from the Rated-R Superstar after his victory in a no holds barred match against Seth Rollins. Don’t go anywhere!

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*METALINGUS*​

An absolutely massive ovation from the live crowd as EDGE walks out onto the stage. He takes his time walking out (maybe still feeling the effects of his war last night) before posing as his pyro goes off, soaking in the cheers from the crowd. Edge has a smile on his face before he walks to the ring.

Michael Cole: Welcome back to the final hour of Monday Night Raw and right now we are going to hear from Edge!

Elias: Edge overcame Seth Rollins and even got a measure of payback by hitting Seth with a Con-chair-co!

Michael Cole: Seth isn’t in the building tonight due to the damage done from the con-chair-co.

Elias: Well I have to wonder what’s next for Edge after seeing off Seth Rollins at Wrestlemania. Let’s find out.

Edge has grabbed a microphone off someone at ringside and climbs into the ring with a steel chair in hand. He opens the chair and places it in the middle of the ring. Edge takes a seat on the chair as he looks out into the crowd ready to speak.

Edge: Last night was very cathartic.

Edge does a wry smile.

Edge: Getting to slam Seth’s head with a steel chair after what he did to me. The fear he put my family through.

Edge grits his fist and teeth but calms down.

Edge: But last night wasn’t just about giving him the beating he deserved. No, it was proving something to myself.

He looks out into the crowd with a serious look on his face.

Edge: I needed to prove I still had the grit needed to be around in this business.

Edge runs his hand through his hair before carrying on.

Edge: I had spent the last few years with my family trying to be a better man. A man worthy of my wife Beth.

A few fans chant for the Glamazon which brings a smile to Edge’s face.

Edge: Because of the kind of person I was back when I was still wrestling… I was Seth Rollins.

Boos from the crowd but Edge holds a hand up.

Edge: It’s true. I stabbed friends in the back, inside and outside the ring.

Somewhere backstage Paul Heyman is shouting Matt Freaking Hardy.

Edge: I used whatever I could to get to the top and become an eleven-time World Champion, thirteen-time tag team Champion, five-time Intercontinental Champion, a United States Champion, two-time money in the bank holder, king of the ring and a Royal Rumble winner!

Loud cheers as Edge lifts off his insane amount of titles within his time in WWE (I’m not counting Edge’s Unified tag team titles reign with Jericho as two separate ones like the wiki seems to).

Edge: So Seth has a way to go to get on my level.

Edge smirks.

Edge: But it’s time for me to move on from the past.

Edge gets to his feet and points to the back.

Edge: Now I’ve dealt with Seth Rollins, I want to put earn my way back into the World title picture.

Edge takes a moment to reminisce about the last time he held his precious.

Edge: I didn’t lose the World Heavyweight title. I was forced to give it up… but that title doesn’t exist anymore.

Edge looks at the camera.

Edge: I heard what you had to say earlier tonight, Aleister!

Loud pop as the crowd gets excited at the prospect of Aleister Black vs Edge.

Edge: And I can assure you…

*WEEKEND ROCKSTAR*​

Loud boos from the crowd as the cocky Scottish Supernova NOAM DAR walks out with tape around his ribs and a microphone in his hand ready to speak to the live crowd. Edge doesn’t look impressed as the Scot walks down the entrance ramp towards the ring.

Noam Dar: Edge. Darling, you need to stop being a dafty.

Edge mouths dafty in confusion.

Noam Dar: A lot has changed since you were last around here.

Dar looks at the booing fans and dismisses them with a wave as Edge looks on unimpressed.

Noam Dar: Now there are new superstars who are next in line for the Universal title. Like me.

Dar points at himself as he climbs onto the ring apron. The fans though boo him even louder which distracts Dar who turns to face them taking his eyes off Edge.

Noam Dar: No one asked your dafties!

Loud boos as Dar carries on.

Noam Dar: Edge has to go through a whole bunch of people before he gets a title shot.

Edge raises his eyebrow listening on.

Noam Dar: Including me!

Dar turns around and steps into the ring… AND GETS SPEARED AS SOON AS HE STEPS THROUGH THE ROPES! Right into the injured ribs as well but it gets loud cheers from the crowd. Edge looks at the downed Noam Dar and grabs the microphone off the mat.

Edge: OK. Consider yourself my first target.

Edge drops the microphone on the laid-out Noam Dar and leaves the ring getting loud cheers from the crowd as he walks up the entrance ramp.

Michael Cole: Noam Dar tried to send a message to Edge but Edge ended up sending a message to the Raw roster instead.

Elias: Edge wants to be a world champion for the twelfth time!

Michael Cole: As he said, he never lost his World title when he had to retire.

Elias: But will he be able to compete with the superstars of today?

Edge poses at the top of the entrance ramp still getting loud cheers as Noam Dar lays on the mat coughing and spluttering, looking angry as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we see SHAYNA BASZLER in what looks like a bar. She is wearing a leather jacket and jeans with sunglasses on the top of her head. Noticeably she is alone but she also has the MONEY IN THE BANK BRIEFCASE NEXT TO HER! She has a beer in hand as she looks at the camera with a slight smirk.

Shayna Baszler: I told everyone what would happen at Wrestlemania.

She taps the briefcase before taking another sip of her beer.

Shayna Baszler: No matter who entered that match, I was walking out with my guaranteed shot at the Women’s title!

She shakes her head.

Shayna Baszler: And now I have this, I become the most dangerous woman on either roster.

She drinks some more of her beer with a smirk on her face.

Shayna Baszler: At any time, I can walk down to that ring break your arm, your leg, choke you out and take the title.

Shayna has an evil smirk on her face as she revels in the damage she could do.

Shayna Baszler: I might not even need to do any work myself. I could let someone like… Nia Jax does all the work.

Shayna stops smiling and it becomes clear who she is sending this message to.

Shayna Baszler: Becky, well done. You pulled off a miracle at Wrestlemania when you made my best friend tap out. I really must applaud you for that.

She points the beer toward the camera.

Shayna Baszler: No one has managed to do that before…

Shayna finishes the beer slamming it down.

Shayna Baszler: And you are going to find out why that was the biggest mistake you’ve ever made.

She glares at the camera.

Shayna Baszler: Now you’ve wounded Ronda. You’ve given her something to heal. And when she comes back, she’ll be even more dangerous than ever before.

Shayna shakes her head.

Shayna Baszler: But that’s not why you have messed up. No, you hurt my best friend. There are very few people I give a shit about but she is one of them. I promise Becky, I’m going to savour taking the title from you when you least expect it.

Shayna lifts the briefcase up one more time.

Shayna Baszler: Because the Real Horsewomen always come around.

Shayna lifts the briefcase up once more before walking off as she brings the promo to an end.

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Michael Cole: An ominous message to our Women’s Universal Champion. Seems Shayna only has eyes for her.

Elias: That sounded more like a promise than a threat. But Becky can’t even solely focus on Shayna cause she has to fend off Nia Jax at Backlash!

In the ring we see Jacy Jayne stand there awaiting her opponent and since this is pre-Toxic Attraction, we all know what is about to happen…

*FORCE OF GREATNESS*​

Loud boos from the post-Wrestlemania crowd as NIA JAX walks to the ring with a purpose though noticeably she is taking her time making her way down the ramp. She has a mean look on her face though and eyes up the jobber in the ring.

Michael Cole: Well we are going to see Nia in action on Raw for the first time in over a year.

Elias: Missing a year of action hurts more than anything. I can relate to the pain Nia must have felt watching the roster move on without her.

Once in the ring she charges at Jacy Jayne and KNOCKS HER HEAD OFF WITH A LARIAT! She gets told off by the referee who calls for the bell!

Match 5: Nia Jax vs Jacy Jayne​

Match summary: Nia lays into Jacy with a series of punches on the mat as the poor jobber is unable to defend herself! Nia then picks Jacy up looking to powerbomb her BUT DROPS HER AND CLUTCHES HER BACK IN PAIN?!? Both Jacy and the referee look a tad confused as the referee talks to Nia who shakes her head saying she is fine. Nia follows up by hitting Jacy with a weak big boot AND A RUNNING LEG DROP! Nia stays on for the cover not even hooking the leg as she picks up the win!

Winner via pinfall: Nia Jax (0:51)​

The crowd are unsure how to react to that total mess of a match as Nia struggles to even get back to her feet, clutching her back the entire time whilst Jacy remains in the ring.

Michael Cole: Um a bit of ring rust maybe on the part of Nia Jax tonight?

Elias: Even off her game, she was able to put her opponent away in a dominant and quick fashion which is a scary prospect for Becky Lynch.

Michael Cole: Maybe Nia will be able to work off the ring rust in the coming weeks.

The camera quickly cuts to show Nia being helped out of the ring by the referee before cutting back to the commentary team.

Elias: Michael I’m just getting word there is a bit of a commotion in Adam Pearce’s office. Let’s go there now.

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We cut to the office of Adam Pearce as we can see EC3 and DRAKE MAVERICK mid-argument!

EC3: You need to learn your place! Without me you are nothing!

Drake Maverick: Nothing? I’m a former general manager…

EC3: Yeah and when I picked you up, you were exactly that. But now you’ve let Killian Dian get in your head and…

Adam Pearce: OK that is enough from both of you.

EC3 and Drake Maverick both stay silent as Adam Pearce carries on.

Adam Pearce: If you two want to fight, you can do it in the ring next week.

EC3 smirks which pisses Drake Maverick off.

Drake Maverick: You got it and I’ll prove to Ethan I don’t need him.

Drake storms off heading elsewhere whilst EC3 shouts.

EC3: It’s EC3 not Ethan.

EC3 now storms off himself bringing the segment to an end as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we see AJ STYLES sitting backstage in front of a TV monitor. We can see on the TV a replay of his loss at Wrestlemania to Chad Gable with the Phenomenal one replaying the match over and over as THE GOOD BROTHERS are standing behind him chatting as RENEE YOUNG walks in looking for an interview.

Renee Young: Hey Karl and Luke, would it be possible to get a few words with AJ after his…

Karl and Luke both stop her from saying that word.

Karl Anderson: I don’t know if now is the best time Renee.

Luke Gallows: The boss is still coming around to the massive upset, the shock of all shocks, the…

AJ Styles: I’ll handle it.

AJ pauses the TV and walks over to Renee walking past the Good Brothers.

Renee Young: AJ had a tough loss at Wrestlemania. What is your plan next?

AJ Styles: Listen Chad um got lucky OK? He got lucky. I’ve watched the match back now and if I get a rematch, I’ll learn from my mistakes.

Noticeably Luke and Karl give each other a look behind AJ’s back.

AJ Styles: I’m Phenomenal and I may be going through a rough patch of form but class is permanent!

Renee Young: I mean some could say Gable had you scouted and didn’t get lucky. Maybe you are off your game and your age is catching up to you. What do you say to that?

AJ is silent and unsure how to respond to that question as the Good Brothers step forward and stand in front of their leader.

Karl Anderson: OK this interview is over. You can leave Renee.

Renee shrugs and puts her arms up as we cut to the commentary team at ringside.

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Michael Cole: I mean Renee brings up a fair question. Is AJ’s age starting to catch up with him? Can he keep up with the young superstars of today?

Elias: I think that is a question AJ has to answer himself.

*GO HARD*​

A loud pop from the live crowd as the Cruiserweight Champion MUSTAFA ALI walks out. He has a nice suit on and the Cruiserweight title around his waist. He doesn’t walk to the ring and instead stops on the entrance ramp with a microphone in hand.

Mustafa Ali: Last night, was a tough challenge. Dolph Ziggler is still one hell of a competitor in this ring.

A decent pop from the crowd as Ali carries on.

Mustafa Ali: But that’s why I’m still Cruiserweight Champion. Not only do I have the support of you people.

YOU PEOPLE! Cheap pop but a loud one.

Mustafa Ali: But steel sharpens steel.

Ali has a slight smile on his face.

Mustafa Ali: I want to face the best the division has to offer because that makes me a better champion.

Ali looks at his belt before speaking again.

Mustafa Ali: And I just found out from Adam Pearce that next week I find out who my next challenger will be at Backlash!

Cheers from the crowd as Ali nods.

Mustafa Ali: It will be Oney Lorcan…

Boos from the crowd.

Mustafa Ali: Versus Mansoor…

A decent pop from the crowd considering he debuted on Raw tonight.

Mustafa Ali: Versus the winner of the next match which is between Kalisto and…

*RAPIDO*​

Loud boos from the crowd as ANGEL GARZA of the Ungovernables walks out with a rose in his mouth and a smirk on his face. He comes face to face with the Cruiserweight champion and offers him a rose as he quips “You were talking about me?” Ali remains still and unbothered by the antics of Angel Garza who pulls the rose away and heads to the ring instead (not before giving a fan in the front row the rose).

Michael Cole: You have to give credit to Angel Garza for competing in this match after the war he went through in the Money in the Bank ladder match.

Elias: It shows his commitment to putting himself in line for gold.

Michael Cole: He knows winning titles will impress the ladies and get him the attention he feels he deserves.

Elias: Well he might have got the attention of the champion.

Ali is still staring at him before heading back through the ramp and backstage whilst Angel waits for his opponent.

*FEARLESS WARRIOR*​

A decent pop from the live crowd as the relatively fresh by comparison KALISTO makes his way out. He sprints down the ramp and hi-fives a few kids before springboarding into the ring across from Angel Garza.

Michael Cole: Kalisto is a former United States and Cruiserweight champion. He could be a tough test for Mustafa Ali.

Elias: He has had a bit of a rough time as of late and will be looking to get back on track as a singles competitor with a win tonight.

Michael Cole: Angel Garza may be young, he may be cocky but he is a fantastic wrestler even not at one hundred percent.

Elias: Will the wounds from the Money in the Bank ladder match have an impact going into this encounter?

Both men stand in the ring with Angel still talking a lot of trash as Kalisto shakes his head. The referee calls for the bell to get this match underway.

Match 6: Angel Garza vs Kalisto​

Match summary: Angel may be chatting a whole lot of shit when standing across the ring from Kalisto but Angel gets a bit of a beating early on with him struggling due to his back and midsection. Kalisto is also fired up within the match showing off a lot of his “Lucha” skills in the ring and in the end, looks like he might win. However, in the closing stages ANGEL COUNTERS A SALIDA DEL SOL BY TURNING KALISTO’S MASK AROUND OBSUCRING HIS VISION! Loud boos and Angel uses it to hit Kalisto with the WING CLIPPER! Angel smirks as he makes the cover qualifying for the number one contender’s match next week.

Winner via pinfall: Angel Garza (6:49)​

Angel Garza gets to his feet and smirks as the crowd loudly boos the cocky superstar who has earned himself a spot in a big match on next week’s Raw. Kalisto meanwhile is still adjusting his mask and fixing it after Angel’s cheap tricks.

Michael Cole: Angel Garza may have come into this match not at one hundred percent but he found a way to steal the victory.

Elias: It also shows that Angel has no respect for the traditions of his homeland.

Michael Cole: In Mexico that would be a disqualification but here in WWE, it is just frowned upon.

Elias: This means Angel will use it to his advantage to give himself the win when he is off his game. He is a crafty competitor for sure.

Angel carries on gloating up the ramp as Kalisto in the ring angrily points at him and promises payback on Garza as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we cut to the inside of the DIVAS OF DOOM locker room. A graphic appears on the screen saying “Two nights ago” as we can see a dejected BETH PHOENIX sitting down next to NATALYA. Nattie looks to break the silence as Beth looks off into the distance.

Natalya: Beth, you were this close to winning. You made the final two.

Beth grabs the water bottle to the side of her and takes a swig.

Beth Phoenix: I didn’t win though did I Nattie?

Beth takes another swig and slams it down.

Natalya: You came so close though Beth and that has to mean something.

Beth shakes her head.

Beth Phoenix: Not when this is my final year Nattie. Time is running out.

Beth throws the bottle down.

Beth Phoenix: Close isn’t enough Nattie. I need to start winning.

Beth gets up to leave and storms off leaving Nattie sitting there sighing and shakes her head not knowing what to do as we cut back to the commentary team.

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Michael Cole: Beth is clearly determined to make her final year in the ring count and get back into the Women’s title picture.

Elias: Winning the Miss Elizabeth Battle Royal would have done that Michael but Nia Jax sadly came out on top.

Michael Cole: Well I’ve got some news from our commissioner who has signed a big main event for next week’s Raw. We will see Edge in his first match on Monday Night Raw in over eight years taking on Noam Dar!

Elias: Noam Dar will be out to make a name for himself and prove he is as big a star as he says he is. Edge meanwhile will be looking to rack up some wins and start to put himself in line for a Universal title shot.

In the ring, we can see THE LINEBACKERS standing there ready for action as they wait for their opponents to make their way out…

*I’M COMING*​

MVP makes his way out first getting boos from the crowd. He doesn’t look to be in a good mood as he stands at the top of the ramp waiting for his partner to make his way out to the ring.

*I CAME TO COLLECT*​

A much better reaction from the fans as LIO RUSH to make his way out. He has a smile on his face as he slaps MVP on the back as he looks oblivious to how annoyed MVP is before heading into the ring.

Michael Cole: MVP and Lio Rush seem to be in very different moods going into this match.

Elias: Lio Rush feels everything is fine after last night’s battle royal but MVP does not look happy to be teaming with Lio tonight compared to previous matches they have wrestled.

Once they get to the ring MVP tells Lio Rush to start the match whilst Mojo Rawley starts for The Linebackers as the referee calls for the bell to get this underway.

Match 7: MVP and Lio Rush vs The Linebackers​

Match summary: Lio Rush starts off the match at a fast pace with him overwhelming Mojo Rawley in the early stages of the match. Lio suggests tagging out but MVP tells him to stay in the ring. Lio shrugs and looks to carry on the attacks but Mojo uses the distraction to lay out Lio on the mat. Mojo makes the tag bringing Moss into the match and The Linebackers start working over Lio Rush in the corner. MVP shows 0 concern for Lio as his tag team partner struggles in the corner of the ring.

Lio eventually escapes from the corner sending Moss down to the mat and crawls to the corner looking to make the tag… BUT MVP JUMPS OFF THE RING APRON AND SHAKES HIS HEAD! Lio sticks his arms out asking MVP what he is doing as Montel says he is teaching him respect. MVP leaves backstage as Mojo Rawley catches a rising Lio Rush with a POUNCE! The Linebackers grab hold of Lio Rush and hits a DOUBLE POWERBOMB TO THE MAT! Mojo makes the cover and The Linebackers pick up the win thanks to MVP turning on his partner.

Winners via pinfall: The Linebackers (5:28)​

Loud boos from the crowd as MVP is shown at the top of the ramp and slightly smiles before walking backstage whilst in the ring, we see The Linebackers gloating to the crowd.

Michael Cole: It looks like MVP had a problem after all.

Elias: He stabbed Lio Rush in the back tonight and left Lio Rush to a nasty beating from the powerful Linebackers.

Michael Cole: A big win though for Linebackers and maybe staking their own claim for a tag team titles shot in the future?

Elias: Maybe Michael, they have been impressive ever since forming on Monday Night Raw a couple of months ago.

The Linebackers head up the ramp and look to celebrate their victory tonight whilst in the ring we can see Lio Rush who looks furious. We don’t focus on him too much as we cut backstage…

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As PAUL HEYMAN and BROCK LESNAR are shown walking to the ring with a purpose.

Michael Cole: When we return from the commercial break, we will hear from Paul Heyman what the future of Brock Lesnar in the WWE will be! Do not go anywhere!

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*NEXT BIG THING*​

A massive pop from the live crowd but the odd boo in there as well with the Beast Incarnate BROCK LESNAR making his way out! He doesn’t do his usual entrance though and he seems very pissed off tonight. Paul Heyman next to him looks nervous because an angry Brock Lesnar is a scary thing for Heyman to deal with.

Michael Cole: Last night, Brock Lesnar once again lost. Something since his return to WWE has been a rare thing for the Beast.

Elias: It may have been for most of his WWE run but this year so far has been rough for Brock Lesnar in big matches.

Michael Cole: Runner up in the Royal Rumble, runner up in the Elimination Chamber and runner up last night. For most people, that is something to be proud of for coming so close on several occasions.

Elias: For Brock, it is a failure.

Brock Lesnar is now standing in the ring behind Heyman as the advocate for the Beast looks to address the live crowd.

Paul Heyman: My name is…

The crowd finishes it off for him causing Heyman to pause for a moment and smile. Brock though rolls his eyes.

Paul Heyman: You know the rest. Last night my client suffered something that is rare to him. A loss.

Brock looks at Paul with disdain as he says that but Heyman looks back with a “what did you want me to say?”.

Paul Heyman: My client has been without the Universal title for one whole year! One whole year without the title that proves you are the best in the business today.

Paul points at Brock Lesnar.

Paul Heyman: But everyone knows that Brock Lesnar is the greatest athlete to ever step into the ring period!

Brock jogs up and down with a serious look on his face as Heyman carries on the speech.

Paul Heyman: No one can match the power and speed of Brock in a one-on-one match. So everyone works together to stop him.

Brock jogs up and down on the spot nodding along.

Paul Heyman: Last night we saw Andrade and Black work together to take down Brock for a period. That’s to take nothing away from Aleister Black. He would be an unstoppable champion with no challenger in sight… if Brock Lesnar didn’t exist.

Brock rolls his eyes but Paul carries on.

Paul Heyman: Some of the most lethal kicks I have ever seen in the business.

Brock leans over grabbing the microphone a moment.

Brock Lesnar: I don’t need to kick to kick people’s ass. I’ll just smash their skull open!

Cheers from the crowd as Paul looks a little taken aback.

Brock Lesnar: Now get to the point. I want to get back to my farm.

Brock slams the microphone into Heyman’s chest which sends him stumbling backward. Paul is a little nervous but nods as he turns back to the crowd.

Paul Heyman: After the last few months, my client Brock Lesnar will be taking a break for the foreseeable future.

Boos from the crowd who for some reason are shocked that Brock might not be around for a bit post-Wrestlemania.

Paul Heyman: There is nothing left for my client to prove and since Adam Pearce refused to give Brock his rightful one-on-one Universal title match at Backlash as requested, my client will be taking a break until…

*GANGSTER’S PARADISE*​

A massive mixed reaction from the live crowd as ANDRADE CIEN ALMAS walks out onto the ramp in a fancy suit. He is joined by ZELINA VEGA and neither looks happy, whilst Andrade looks a little naked as he is without the Universal title he held for many months. Andrade noticeably has the microphone, not Zelina.

Andrade Cien Almas: Brock Lesnar, no one should be getting a title shot before me.

A mixed reaction from the smark crowd who would like to see Black vs Andrade one more time.

Andrade Cien Almas: I walked in as champion…

Paul Heyman: And we’re the very first man pinned!

Loud cheers as Heyman points out a very true fact that stops Andrade in his track. Zelina grabs hold of the microphone and speaks instead.

Zelina Vega: My client should never have been forced to defend his title in that situation. He beat both Black and Brock fair and square!

That lie gets loud boos from the crowd but Zelina ignores them.

Zelina Vega: But Adam Pearce has an agenda against not only Andrade…

We suddenly see the rest of the Ungovernables slowly walk out: CESARO, ILJA DRAGUNOV, ANGEL GARZA and SHINSUKE NAKAMURA! All 4 men are dressed in nice white shirts and trousers though Garza looks a little scruffy after his match earlier tonight.

Zelina Vega: But all my clients. However we are going to overcome it.

She points to the tag team titles in the hands of Cesaro and Ilja Dragunov who smirk whilst Angel does a belt motion making it clear where his intentions lie in regards to the Cruiserweight title.

Zelina Vega: Starting with making an impact.

Brock’s eyes light up as he almost dares them to try something and says “go on then”! Paul Heyman however is the voice of reason as he calms Brock Lesnar down for a moment.

Paul Heyman: Now Zelina, I have a lot of respect for you.

Zelina doesn’t seem to care but takes the compliment.

Paul Heyman: You are a great businesswoman with some of the best talents on the roster.

Paul noticeably points at an unimpressed Cesaro.

Paul Heyman: I’ve managed Cesaro myself and I know how good he is.

Zelina goes to speak but Cesaro noticeably asks for the microphone getting cheers from the crowd.

Cesaro: Paul the whole time I was under your “guidance” you spent more time focusing on him!

Brock in the ring laughs and mocks Cesaro for this but the Swiss Superman ignores him.

Cesaro: So nothing would bring me more pleasure than being the reason he no longer has a career!

Strong words from Cesaro getting a mixed reaction from the crowd. Paul Heyman knowing his client could be about to fight 4 on 1 tries to keep things calm BUT BROCK SNATCHES THE MICROPHONE FROM HIM!

Brock Lesnar: Cesaro, let’s be honest. The only reason Paul Heyman took you as a client was so he could have someone carry my bags!

A savage line from Brock and that causes CESARO TO SNAP! He starts to head straight for the ring as Zelina looks to calm him down. In the ring Brock is taunting him and goads him, daring Cesaro to come to the ring when a masked figure appears in the ring wearing a hoodie. The man is very tall and he SMASHES BROCK IN THE BACK WITH A NORTHERN LARIAT! Brock is taken by surprise and sent into the corner of the ring by the larger man!

The big man is doing a good job of pounding on Brock BUT THE BEAST SENDS HIM OUT OF THE CORNER! He takes the man down before smashing him in the face a couple of times. He rips the mask off of him and IT’S DOMINIK DIJAKOVIC! We haven’t seen him since Brock Lesnar’s attack on Raw just over a month ago! Brock doesn’t care though as he goes to do more damage to Dijakovic BUT CESARO SLIDES INTO THE RING AND SMASHES BROCK IN THE HEAD WITH THE TAG TEAM TITLE!

Brock staggers back as ILJA CLOCKS HIM WITH THE OTHER! Brock is on shaky legs as SHINSUKE FINISHES IT OFF WITH A KINSHASA! Brock falls to the mat as Paul Heyman runs over to him BUT ANDRADE GRABS HIM AND HITS A HAMMERLOCK DDT! Loud boos for that move as Andrade smirks to himself. Zelina steps into the ring and checks on Dijakovic as The Ungovernables all smirk at each other as Andrade and Zelina start to issue instructions!

Angel and Dijakovic head to the outside as they grab a bunch of steel chairs before BATTERING THE FUCK OUT OF BROCK IN THE RING WITH THEM! They lay a beating on the Beast as we have never seen anyone ever do before! Brock can’t fight back and the blows get reigned down until the chair buckle from the impact. Angel and Dijakvoic toss them away before Cesaro tosses him from the ring. Dijakvoic and Cesaro each grab hold of Brock Lesnar as they start to carry him up the ramp. As they get to the top of the ramp… BROCK SLIDES OUT AND F5’S DIJAKOVIC! Dijakovic falls on the hard ring floor as Cesaro charges in hitting one massive European uppercut BUT BROCK COUNTERS THE SECOND ONE WITH A MASSIVE SUPLEX!

Ilja and Shinsuke come running in but get a DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE FOR THEIR TROUBLE! However as Brock stands over the bodies… ANGEL GARZA HITS HIM IN THE DICK WITH A LOW BLOW! Brock is staggered and Andrade pounces smelling blood HITTING THE HAMMERLOCK DDT! Brock’s head is planted to the mat with a thud as Andrade sits there smirking. Zelina checks on the rest of her clients as Andrade fist bumps Angel in a rare show of respect between the two men. Dijakovic and Cesaro meanwhile grab hold of Brock Lesnar…

AS THEY TOSS BROCK LESNAR OFF THE STAGE!​

A holy shit chant starts up from the crowd as sparks fly and we see Brock Lesnar laid out in the wreckage down below. Andrade and Zelina are both smirking like Cheshire cats having just taken out one of the most dominant superstars of the modern era… if not the most dominant. The Ungovernables all lineup and stand tall over the wreckage with an impact well as the show fades to black!

Matches confirmed for next week:

Singles match:
Edge vs Noam Dar

Number one contender’s triple threat match for the Cruiserweight title at Backlash:
Mansoor vs Oney Lorcan vs Angel Garza

Singles match:
EC3 vs Drake Maverick​

Backlash
Balitmore, Maryland
May 3rd

​

Women’s Universal title match:
Becky Lynch © vs Nia Jax

Universal title match:
Aleister Black © vs Samoa Joe

Cruiserweight title match:
Mustafa Ali © vs Angel Garza or Oney Lorcan or Mansoor​

 

[Roy Mustang]

News Update:

Nia Jax picks up a back injury!
​

Nia Jax picked up a back injury on Raw during the squash match which explains the mess it was. She is only expected to be out of action for a month but there will be further tests in the next couple of weeks to see if she will be cleared for action at Backlash. A worrying sign for the future however having picked up an injury so soon after returning to the ring.

Mod note: EWR has a sense of humor

 

[Chris]

Injured herself during a squash wild

 

[Roy Mustang]

Injured herself during a squash wild

Nia Jax ran out of people to injury so injured herself...

Also spoiler for future shows as got a few in the bank:

Spoiler

Raw is about to go through it injury wise plus a real life thing so if it is a bit disjointed I'm using that excuse

 

[Roy Mustang]

Friday Night Smackdown:
April 10th 2020
Columbus, Ohio
Schottenstein Center
​

We start Smackdown off with a video package giving us the major highlights from Wrestlemania. We see Bray Wyatt squash Finn Balor, Miz becoming IC Champion, Heavy Machinery ending the careers of The Revival at Wrestlemania, Queens of WWE losing their tag team titles, Ember Moon becoming WWE Women’s Champion, Big E becoming Money in the Bank, and Drew McIntyre becoming WWE Champion! When cut to the opening video for the show!

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The opening video comes to a close and we pan around the arena, not focusing on the ring just yet as we can see a packed-out crowd in the arena before cutting to the commentary team at ringside!

Byron Saxton: It’s Friday night, you know what that means. Welcome to Smackdown Live and we are coming off a massive Wrestlemania!

Corey Graves: Every title on Smackdown Live changed hands, we saw the end of the top team in WWE for the last few years and we even got a new Money in the Bank winner!

We cut to the ring as we can see a bunch of balloons and “BIG E IS MONEY IN THE BANK” on a banner above the ring.

Byron Saxton: Corey you know how much I love the New Day.

Corey Graves: Because you are an idiot Byron. But I also love Big E and think he is a future World Champion.

Byron Saxton: It was one of the loudest reactions we have heard from a Wrestlemania crowd, everyone loves Big E.

Corey Graves: And we are going to hear from not only Big E but the rest of the New Day right now!

Big E: Columbus, Ohio! Don’t you dare be sour! Clap your hands for your world-famous five-time tag team champs and feel the power!

*NEW DAY, NEW WAY*
​

A massive ovation from the live crowd as KOFI KINGSTON and XAVIER WOODS walk out onto the stage first of all. They both have big smiles on their faces as they stand at the top of the entrance ramp waiting as MR MONEY IN THE BANK BIG E WALKS OUT! The cheers get even louder as he has a massive smile on his face and we can see he has redesigned the Money in the Bank briefcase styling it in NEW DAY COLOURS! He shares a hug with his best friends before they head to the ring.

Byron Saxton: These three men have been told for years they need to break away from each other if they want singles success but they have been proving people wrong.

Corey Graves: I stand by what I said. Big E focuses too much on his friends. If he didn’t focus so much on Kofi and Woods, maybe he would already be WWE Champion. I’d argue he’d still have the Intercontinental title as Kross wouldn’t have cost him it.

Byron Saxton: We saw that the issues between Kross and The New Day might not be over after Kross tried to attack Kofi after their match on Sunday night. Big E luckily ran out for the save.

Corey Graves: This is what I mean. He could have waited till after the main event and cashed in on Drew McIntyre catching him by surprise.

We cut back to the ring as The New Day stand in the middle getting loud cheers from the crowd. Big E stands front and centre showing off his briefcase as Woods looks to speak first.

Xavier Woods: Wrestlemania, our boy got his own Kofimania moment.

He pats Big E on the shoulder as Kofi nods looking at his friend like a proud dad. The crowd starts up the usual “you deserve it” chant which brings a smile to Kofi’s face.

Kofi Kingston: You’re damn right he deserves it!

A loud pop as Big E hugs Kofi and has a big smile on his face.

Xavier Woods: We could talk about my near miss in the Andre the Giant Battle royal where I was this close to winning until John Morrison snuck up on me.

Loud boos for John Morrison after the cheap elimination which Woods acknowledges.

Xavier Woods: And on another night, I’ll deal with him.

Woods looks serious as Kofi takes over.

Kofi Kingston: Karrion Kross, you may have won last night but you didn’t break me. I still believe in positivity and I still believe in my friends.

Loud cheers from the crowd as Big E says off-mic “he’ll beat Kross’s ass if he tries to do anything else to Kofi”. Kofi nods but carries on.

Kofi Kingston: But we need to focus on the most important thing last night as our best friend became Mr…Money…In…The…Bank!

Big E gyrates along with Kofi’s words getting cheers from the crowd before taking a microphone from Xavier Woods. Big E has a big smile on his face as the crowd loudly chants his name.

Big E: Saturday night, was the greatest moment in my career.

He lifts the briefcase into the air once again as the crowd pop loudly.

Big E: I put my body through a war. Dunne trying to break my fingers, Dar trying to break my legs, Lashley trying to break my back. But no one could stop me!

Big E is getting fired up and clearly is feeling himself.

Big E: The New Day was formed so we could achieve the greatness, he knew we were capable of.

Big E points at Woods who smiles and nods. E then points at Kofi Kingston.

Big E: We were aiming to get Kofi to the World title. Getting him the shot at the World title he had earned!

Kofi nods as we hear a “Kofimania” chant start up from the live crowd.

Big E: And we did it! However he told me last week, that it was time to focus on myself.

Kofi smiles as Big E turns to Kofi and mouths “Thank you”.

Big E: Winning this, is my ticket to the top! I have a shot any time, anywhere at the WWE or Universal title! But Woods there is one question.

Xavier smiles stepping forward.

Xavier Woods: Who is Big E going to cash in on?

Kofi Kingston: Who? Who? Who?

The crowd chants along with Kofi and Woods as Big E smiles.

Big E: Drew McIntyre. The WWE Champion who finally got the WWE title after kicking Roman’s ass!

Loud cheers from the crowd as the commentary team mentions we will hear from Drew in our main event.

Big E: I mean if Roman had somehow snuck out with the win, I might have changed my plan and cashed in that night!

Kofi nods as Big E smiles as commentary reminds us that Roman stole the title off Kofi back at last year’s Summerslam.

Big E: But Drew is someone we have a lot of respect for. He helped Kofi end the Corporation!

Kofi nods his head smiling as Big E carries on.

Big E: But he isn’t the only champion I could cash in on. Aleister Black!

Loud cheers for the Universal Champion on Monday Night Raw.

Big E: I saw what you did at Wrestlemania first hand as I watched backstage. Beating Andrade and Brock Lesnar in one night.

Big E smirks.

Big E: I doubt he would have been able to beat me as well.

Cheers from the crowd behind Big E as he looks at his briefcase once again smiling and lifting it into the air.

Big E: So what are my plans for this? I mean I could keep it a secret.

Boos from the crowd as Big E smiles.

Big E: But I did already tell my brothers and Renee what I plan to do with this.

Big E smiles before getting serious for a moment.

Big E: I could do what nearly everyone else with this briefcase has done. Wait till the champion is weakened and surprise him!

Cheers from that even though it would be a dick move. Big E shakes his head.

Big E: I don’t want to do that. I want to win my first World title the right way!

Loud cheers from the crowd as Woods and Kofi applaud Big E, standing behind their friend.

Big E: I’ll tell the world where I am cashing in this briefcase!

He raises the briefcase high into the air soaking in the cheers from the crowd.

Big E: I will cash this in at Wrestlemania thirty-seven!

A massive announcement that gets a massive pop from the crowd!

Big E: I want my own Kofimania moment! I don’t just want Saturday’s moment. No, I want to win either the WWE or the Universal title at Wrestlemania!

Both members of The New Day pat him on the back as the crowd carries on going wild… however they are soon interrupted by laughing coming from the speakers. The camera pans over and we see KARRION KROSS ON THE TITANTRON SAT ON A CHAIR WITH SCARLETT BORDEAUX NEXT TO HIM! All 3 members of the New Day look furious as Kross starts to speak.

Karrion Kross: Congratulations Big E. I must applaud you on a successful night unlike your brethren.

Both Woods and Kofi look angry at that line but Kross smirks as he carries on.

Karrion Kross: But joy can be fleeting. How long do you think it will take before someone puts a target on your back Big E? How long before people hunt you down for the prize you are hoarding?

Big E holds onto his briefcase tighter as Kross smirks.

Karrion Kross: I may have beaten Kofi on Sunday night but I didn’t finish the job. I need to break his friends to break him.

Big E steps forward and heads towards the ropes pointing at Kross.

Big E: Why don’t you come down to this ring and try that right now?

Kross smirks and lets out an evil chuckle in the ring.

Karrion Kross: I don’t think I will. But if you want to fight me, why don’t you put something on the line?

Scarlett steps forward.

Scarlett Bordeaux: It will truly be your Judgement Day.

Kross and Scarlett leave the scene as the titantron turns to black and we cut back to the New Day in the ring with them all looking furious. Big E especially seems angry and heads towards the back with Kofi and Xavier follows after him.

Byron Saxton: Well before we got interrupted by Karrion Kross, a truly huge announcement from Big E. He will be cashing in his Money in the Bank briefcase at next year’s Wrestlemania.

Corey Graves: If he still has it then and I think Kross intends to take the briefcase from Big E before then.

Byron Saxton: Kross’s hatred of the New Day is almost starting to become an obsession.

Corey Graves: A truly dangerous one for Big E but when we return we will get our first match of the evening as Cedric Alexander and Dio Maddin take on Titus O’Neil and No Way Jose. Don’t go anywhere!

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When we return from the commercial break, we see BIG E still walking through the back.

Big E: Where is he? Where is Kross?

He asks a random stagehand who says he doesn’t know. Big E carries on slamming doors and opening them as he tries to find Kross before being stopped by KOFI KINGSTON and XAVIER WOODS!

Kofi Kingston: E, E, he’s not here tonight.

Xavier Woods: We checked with Wade and he confirmed that Kross is not here.

Big E shakes his head but listens to his friends.

Big E: Fine I’ll lure him out instead.

Kofi looks noticeably worried by that line.

Kofi Kingston: I know what he has done to us but don’t do anything stupid. Don’t fall into his games and risk that for me.

Big E looks at his briefcase and Kofi, clearly deep in thought before looking back at his friend.

Big E: You told me to focus on myself but you two are still my best friend and if I have to risk this to get my hands on him, so be it.

Big E walks off elsewhere as Kofi and Woods look worried before we cut back to the commentary team at ringside.

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Byron Saxton: For once Corey, I agree with you.

Corey Graves: You should do it more often as I am always right! Big E is putting his Money in the Bank briefcase in danger because he wants to protect his friend’s honour. Karrion Kross will take advantage of that.

In the ring meanwhile, we can see TITUS O’NEIL and NO WAY JOSE stood in the ring ready for action.

*WON’T LET GO*
​

Boos from the crowd as CEDRIC ALEXANDER walks out flanked by his bodyguard and tag team partner DIO MADDIN! Neither man looks happy as they walk out with Cedric talking a whole bunch of trash as he walks out.

Byron Saxton: On Sunday during the tag team warfare match we saw a massive shock when Titus rolled up Cedric Alexander to eliminate him.

Corey Graves: Cedric had plenty to say regarding that earlier tonight. Let’s take a look.

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We see Cedric and Dio standing in front of a blank wall with angry looks on their face before addressing the camera.

Cedric Alexander: Sunday, we feel victim to a miracle. A total fluke.

Cedric is clearly angry as Dio punches the palm of his hand.

Cedric Alexander: I forgot you were even still around here Titus.

A quip from Cedric as he turns to Dio looking for a laugh but Dio remains angry and snarls at the camera so Cedric carries on.

Cedric Alexander: Tonight we put that right and beat your asses!

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The promo quickly comes to an end and we cut back to the ring. Cedric Alexander and Titus O’Neil are both in the ring ready to get this match underway as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway.

Match 1: Cedric Alexander and Dio Maddin vs Titus O’Neil and No Way Jose
​

Match summary: Cedric starts the match off in an aggressive fashion and doesn’t let up! Titus O’Neil struggles even though Cedric is a smaller man and gets sent back to the corner forcing No Way Jose back into the match. No Way Jose tries to fight back but Cedric gets free and brings him back into the match. Dio Maddin takes total control in the match and tosses both his opponents around the ring. No Way eventually makes the hot tag but the comeback gets stopped in its tracks as Cedric finishes off Titus with a MODIFIED LUMBAR CHECK (Gorilla press into a leaping Cedric who hits the Lumbar check)! Cedric makes the cover and picks up the win!

Winners via pinfall: Cedric Alexander and Dio Maddin (5:33)​

Boos from the crowd as Cedric Alexander and Dio Maddin get to their feet soaking in the heat from the crowd. No Way Jose meanwhile is only just getting back up and checks on Titus O’Neil on the mat.

Byron Saxton: Cedric and Dio avenge their loss from Sunday night.

Corey Graves: You can tell it was a sore spot for those two and I don’t think they are done yet!

Corey is right as Dio Maddin starts putting the boots to No Way on instruction from Cedric. He even scoops No Way up off the mat and CHOKESLAMS HIM ONTO THE PRONE BODY OF TITUS O’NEIL! Cedric then grabs hold of Titus and tells him to watch what they do to his partner. Dio grabs hold of No Way Jose and tosses him over the ropes. Cedric keeps hold of Titus as DIO MADDIN HITS A CHOKESLAM ONTO THE STEEL STEPS! Loud boos from the crowd as No Way Jose slides to the floor after the utterly brutal impact whilst Cedric leaves Titus O’Neil on the mat and the pair head up the ramp gloating as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we can see WADE BARRETT in his office sorting out some papers when we hear the door open as ALEXA BLISS and MELINA walk into the room! Both are noticeably limping slightly after going through a war in the Women’s Money in the Bank but are also noticeably in their ring gear.

Wade Barrett: How can I help you two?

Melina: Wade, you saw what happened during the Money in the Bank ladder match.

Alexa Bliss: Shayna stupid goons got involved and cost us the match!

Wade nods not happy himself.

Wade Barrett: I wasn’t happy about it either ladies. I wanted both the Money in the Bank briefcase holders on my brand.

That line doesn’t do much to please Bliss or Melina as their boss carries on.

Wade Barrett: Adam Pearce made sure to give them both a fine for their actions.

Alexa Bliss: I mean that’s nice and all but we want to give them some payback ourselves.

Melina: We want a match with them whether on Smackdown or Raw, we don’t mind.

Wade strokes his chin thinking for a minute.

Wade Barrett: I would have to speak to Adam Pearce and get it arranged for next week but I’ll make the call now.

Wade goes back to his desk but the two girls are not done yet.

Melina: We also want a warm-up match tonight.

Alexa Bliss: We’ve never teamed together and we want to work out some kinks before beating up Shayna’s goons!

Barrett seems wary.

Wade Barrett: I mean neither of you are one hundred percent to go after Wrestlemania.

Melina: That’s fine. A star is always there for her fans.

Bliss stays silent for a few seconds before shrugging.

Wade Barrett: OK, I will see what I can do and try to find a spot for a match.

Both women nod happy with that as they leave the room as we cut to the commentary team at ringside.

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Byron Saxton: Bliss and Melina are clearly still heated about being screwed out of the Money in the Bank briefcase at Wrestlemania.

Corey Graves: Can you blame them? Alexa knows first-hand what winning that briefcase leads to. A women’s title shot. She was robbed of that and so was Melina who knows the clock is cheering.

*FREE THE FLAME*
​

A loud pop from the live crowd as the new WWE Women’s Champion EMBER MOON walks out to the delight of the fans in the arena. She walks out with a smile on his face and clearly is delighted having finally overcome her White Whale, defeating Asuka at Wrestlemania 36. She starts to walk down the ramp and slap the hands of the fans in the crowd en route to the ring.

Byron Saxton: Ember Moon has been chasing Asuka even since they first met in NXT and Wrestlemania she finally defeated her.

Corey Graves: I knew she had the ability but I wasn’t sure she could overcome the mental roadblock but Ember finally did it on the greatest stage of them all.

Byron Saxton: But what is next for Ember? Now she has conquered her greatest challenge, what does she do next?

Corey Graves: It remains to be seen but our champion looks like she might be about to address that.

Ember Moon stands in the ring with the Women’s title over her shoulder as she looks at the crowd before finally speaking.

Ember Moon: Y’know, I think it is about damn time I got my hands on this!

She lifts it into the air getting a cheap pop before placing it back on her shoulder.

Ember Moon: It’s taken a while but I don’t think it would have meant as much if I didn’t beat Asuka at Wrestlemania!

A few fans chant for Asuka which brings a shake to the head of Ember.

Ember Moon: She isn’t here tonight but when she comes back and finishes licking her wounds, knowing I was ready for her…

She smirks.

Ember Moon: I’ll put this on the line and beat her one more time!

A lot of confidence from Ember as she stands in the ring, feeling herself tonight.

Ember Moon: However I don’t want to wait till Asuka comes back to put this title on the line. I want to defend it right now!

A massive pop from the crowd who are about to get an impromptu Women’s title defense.

Ember Moon: And this challenge was sent out to the entire WWE roster. Raw, Smackdown, NXT and NXT UK!

Oh wow! The field just widened.

Ember Moon: So who is it going to be?

Ember tosses the microphone to the side as the anticipation builds with the live crowd and we wait to see who walks out. Eventually we hear this play…

​

A slightly less loud pop from the crowd as it would have been if it was the Raw after Wrestlemania but a still fairly loud one as BIANCA BEL-AIR walks out! She has a determined smile on his face and marches down the ramp with a purpose. Ember Moon in the ring relishes the challenge.

Byron Saxton: Wow! What a first challenger for Ember Moon!

Corey Graves: Bel-Air in my mind is a future Wrestlemania main eventer. She has already held the NXT Women’s title. What about becoming WWE Women’s champion tonight too?

Mod note: In this timeline, Bel-Air had an NXT title reign due to Shayna being called up early. She beat Dakota Kai who had beaten Shayna.

Byron Saxton: Bel-Air has an undefeated mindset and called herself the strong-est, fast-est, the smart-est. This could be a mistake by Ember Moon.

Corey Graves: Bel-Air offers a wholly different challenge to Asuka but a tough one nonetheless.

Bianca Bel-Air steps into the ring as Ember stares her challenger down with a smirk. The referee lifts the WWE Women’s title into the air for the usual announcements before calling for the bell to get this match underway!

Match 2: WWE Women’s title match: Ember Moon © vs Bianca Bel-Air
​

Match summary: Early on, both women are feeling the other out as they know how good their opponent is. The commentary team notes that Bel-Air won’t be able to take too long as this match will have a 15-minute time limit like all matches on Smackdown and due to this Bel Air makes the first move. The two women lock up in the middle of the ring as they grapple for control BUT BEL AIR ENDS UP OVERPOWERING EMBER AND SLAMS HER DOWN! Ember has to roll to the corner for a moment as she winces but smiles. At this point, the show goes to a quick picture-in-picture ad break.

Bel-air rushes in trying to take out Ember in the corner but the champion moves out of the way just in time! Ember from there takes back control with her fast-paced offense including a HANDSPRING BACK ELBOW! Bel-Air stays in the match and starts to mount a fight back catch Ember as she leaps across the ring and SLAMS HER DOWN TO THE MAT! Bel Air is now the one in control and we see just a preview of why she is the future of the business as she shows off her power and insane athleticism including a SUPLEX BRINGING EMBER OVER THE ROPES AND INTO THE RING!

The crowd is very impressed by Bel-Air during the match and are behind both women are the clock ticks down to the final 4 minutes! Ember is fighting back after the challenger has taken control of the match and gets her in the LUNAR LOCK! Ember is wrenching back on the leg of Bel-Air who is in a great amount of pain. She thinks about tapping out but the E.S.T doesn’t want to give in and USES HER POWER TO GET OFF THE MAT AND RAMS EMBER INTO THE CORNER! She isn’t done there as she lifts Ember up and HITS A FALLAWAY POWERBOMB!

Bel-Air rests in the corner in pain as the clock carries on ticking down as we enter the final couple of minutes! Bel Air knows she has to go big and looks to the top rope! She slowly makes the climb, struggling due to her leg being damaged by the Lunar Lock but she gets to the top rope as she steadies herself on it. She takes a moment to line Ember Moon up… AND HITS A 450 SPLASH! A holy shit chant from the live crowd as Bel-Air makes the cover

1

2

Ember kicks out!​

Bel-Air looks shocked that Ember has kicked out as the commentary team points out how close Ember was to losing her title 5 days after winning it in a massive upset. Bel-Air shakes her head almost in disbelief as the clock counts down to a minute left and Bel-Air knows what she has to do. She struggles due to her leg but she picks up Ember off the mat BUT GETS HER UP FOR THE K.O.D… BUT EMBER COUNTERS INTO THE FULL MOON! The same move she won the title with last night! The clock is ticking down whilst she locks it in and Bel-Air soon realizes she isn’t going to escape in time to have a chance to win… SO SHE TAPS OUT WITH SECONDS TO SPARE!

Winner via submission and still WWE Women’s Champion: Ember Moon (14:51)​

Cheers from the crowd as Ember Moon rolls away from Bel-Air and lifts her arms into the having earned the victory tonight after a very tough battle with Bianca Bel-Air! Bel Air lays on the mat shaking her head knowing she came this close to making an instant impact on Smackdown Live.

Byron Saxton: What a match!

Corey Graves: Both women gave it their all and maybe on another night, we might have gotten a new WWE Women’s Champion!

Byron Saxton: The damage to her leg meant she struggled to hit the K.O.D and that gave Ember the chance to pounce.

Corey Graves: But do we think Bel-Air taps if she doesn’t know the clock was about to expire anyway and she couldn’t win?

In the ring both women are on their feet as Ember looks at Bel-Air she sticks out her fist. Bel-Air nods and fist bumps Ember before leaving the ring and heads to the back. Ember stays in the ring celebrating her first title defense on Smackdown as we cut backstage…

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And we can see KAYLA BRAXTON standing backstage ready for an interview.

Kayla Braxton: What a performance by our WWE Women’s champion and a successful title defense. Right now I have two guests who didn’t hold onto their titles at Wrestlemania. The Queens of WWE!

CHARLOTTE FLAIR and LACEY EVANS walk into the shot, both pissed off though Charlotte is noticeably glaring at Lacey. Neither woman speaks letting Kayla speak first instead.

Kayla Braxton: Saturday night was a rough night for the two of you as you lost the WWE Women’s tag team titles to the Hugging Pirates.

Charlotte Flair: Thanks to Lacey again!

Lacey throws her hands up.

Lacey Evans: It was an accident Charlotte! I was trying to hit them!

Charlotte Flair: But you didn’t hit them did you Lacey? You hit me!

Lacey rolls her eyes but Charlotte is right.

Charlotte Flair: Do you know what? Maybe it’s my fault.

Lacey pauses for a moment calming down as Charlotte carries on.

Charlotte Flair: Clearly I need to start teaching you better.

Lacey shakes her head furious but before she says anything else Kayla butts in.

Kayla Braxton: Ladies…

Charlotte Flair: Queens!

Kayla rolls her eyes but carries on.

Kayla Braxton: Queens, are you two going to look to try to get yourself a rematch for the tag team titles?

Lacey smiles and nods but before she can speak Charlotte interrupts.

Charlotte Flair: We will in due course but first we need to work on a few issues…

Charlotte makes sure to look at Lacey before carrying on.

Charlotte Flair: As a team.

She smiles at Lacey who rolls her eyes. Charlotte though is oblivious and carries on.

Charlotte Flair: Saturday night may have been a bad night for me but Sunday night was a great night for me because Asuka lost her title.

Kayla looks a little confused until Charlotte elaborates on that.

Charlotte Flair: So that means I can challenge for the WWE Women’s title again.

The crowd in the arena loudly boo Charlotte but she smirks as Lacey looks disgusted behind Charlotte.

Charlotte Flair: And Ember, the Queen wants her throne back.

Charlotte smirks as she turns to Lacey Evans.

Charlotte Flair: Let’s go Lacey, we have some training to do.

Charlotte walks off-screen as Lacey shakes her head and follows her tag team partner off-screen as we cut elsewhere backstage…

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As we see THE MIZ and his wife MARYSE are walking down a hallway on the way to the ring!

Byron Saxton: Up next we are going to see The Miz introduce his new Intercontinental title. You do not want to miss it! We will be right back.

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*I CAME TO PLAY*
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A decent reaction from the live crowd as the NEW INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION THE MIZ makes his way out joined by his beautiful wife MARYSE. The duo shares a kiss before walking to the ring. Inside the ring we can see a title belt under the black cover on a podium. Noticeably The Miz is still wearing the hemp IC title for the time being as he heads down the ramp.

Byron Saxton: Welcome back to Smackdown Live and right now, we are about to see the new Intercontinental title design personally paid for by The Miz.

Corey Graves: I think this spits in the face of Daniel Bryan. He just made the title and got rid of the old leather title. Now Miz has killed another cow to make another title!

Byron Saxton: The Miz clearly doesn’t want to walk around with a title that is based on Bryan’s beliefs.

Corey Graves: So he killed another innocent animal? Was Daisy not enough for your bloodlust Byron?

The Miz and Maryse are now standing in the ring as The Miz unhooks the IC title from his waist and holds it in one hand whilst holding a microphone in the other hand.

The Miz: Winning the Intercontinental title from Daniel Bryan at Wrestlemania might be one of the greatest nights of my career.

Miz has a proud smile on his face as he looks at his wife.

The Miz: Winning the Intercontinental title for the ninth time and matching Chris Jericho’s record, someone I admired as I grew up says how far I’ve come even after winning in the main event of Wrestlemania.

Even when being humble Miz does need to brag.

The Miz: But I know who to truly thank for my progress.

Miz turns to his wife and kisses her.

The Miz: You and my beautiful daughters.

Maryse smiles as Miz gets a few cheers for the sweet message to his wife.

The Miz: Even since you gave birth to Monroe and Madison, I have wanted to become a man they could be proud of.

Maryse now grabs a microphone and is smiling as she looks at her husband.

Maryse: We are proud of you Mike. You are the best husband a wife could ask for.

Miz smiles and they hug before Miz turns back to the fans.

The Miz: And now, it’s time to do something for you fans.

Cheap pop from the crowd as Miz points at the crowd.

The Miz: This title, is actually quite nice.

Miz puts it down on the mat and knocks on it.

The Miz: We might even be able to reuse it for some toys for the children.

Maryse acknowledges that might be a good idea as she grabs hold of it whilst Miz walks over to the black cloth.

The Miz: But right now, let’s take a look at the new Intercontinental title!

He pulls off the black cloth and reveals this:

​

A decent reaction from the live crowd for the new design as The Miz lifts it off the podium and places it on his shoulder.

The Miz: Now, I have my first title defense at Judgment Day against my best…

*THIS AIN’T NO MAKE BELIEVE*
​

Loud boos from the live crowd as The Miz is interrupted by his best friend JOHN MORRISON! He has a smile on his face as The Miz shakes his head whilst Maryse looks properly pissed off in the ring.

John Morrison: Miz I know you were about to talk about our match at Judgement Day but I wanted to come out first to say a few things.

Maryse is whispering to Miz to be careful as he remains on guard whilst Morrison carries on walking down the ramp.

John Morrison: I just wanted to say congratulations.

The Miz: I mean you could have called or texted me to say this, which you haven’t done all week.

A keynote by Miz and Morrison put his hands up to acknowledge that.

John Morrison: That’s on me but I have been a busy man. Celebrating my win in the Andre the Giant Battle Royal.

Maryse: It’s really hard to win when you hide on the outside the whole time.

Cheers from the crowd for the SASS from Maryse. John looks annoyed as he climbs through the ropes but shakes it off.

John Morrison: Listen my leg wasn’t feeling great so I used my brain.

He gets in the ring and is face to face with Maryse before pointing at Miz.

John Morrison: I mean let’s be honest, any trick I pull your husband has already done.

Maryse looks angry at that line but Miz steps forward looking to keep the peace.

The Miz: John, this is meant to be a celebration. And you are right, I would have done that in years past I can’t deny that.

John smugly smirks as Maryse can’t help but agree with her husband though she still stares daggers at Morrison.

The Miz: However I am trying to be a champion that my wife and kids will be proud of.

Miz sticks his hand out as John looks confused.

The Miz: So at Judgement Day, no tricks. May the best man win.

Cheers from the crowd as John Morrison looks at the hand in a wary fashion before shaking hands with Miz. They even share a hug before breaking it as John Morrison smiles.

John Morrison: May the best man win.

Miz smiles but John puts a finger up confusing Miz.

John Morrison: But whilst we are celebrating, I have one more thing to celebrate.

Miz and Maryse look confused but Morrison smiles

John Morrison: Now I know you two are very familiar with this person but the WWE Universe are not.

Miz nods a bit wary whilst Maryse rolls her eyes as John Morrison points towards the entrance ramp.

John Morrison: Please welcome my wife: FRANKY MONET!

​

Not much reaction from the crowd as much less smarky than the post-Mania Raw crowd but still some reaction as FRANKY MONET (aka Taya Valkyrie) walks out in a fancy white fluffy coat. She has a pair of sunglasses on and her dog in her hand. She pretends like the crowd is going wild and blows them fake kisses. She steps into the ring and gives her husband John a massive snog before grabbing the microphone as Miz and Maryse both look unimpressed.

Franky Monet: WWE Universe! Finally, you have a true star in your women’s division.

And now the crowd starts to boo as Maryse seems sick of Franky’s shit already.

Franky Monet: I have wrestled around the world proving just how good I am. Something most women in this company couldn’t do.

Maryse is starting to seethe as she glares at Franky.

Franky Monet: But my darling husband put in the word for me, finally getting me where I belong.

Franky looks down at her dog.

Franky Monet: Ain’t that right Presley?

She starts rubbing noses with her dog as John Morrison looks on. Miz shakes his head as Maryse grabs a microphone.

Maryse: Are you quite finished?

Franky seems taken aback and acts shocked that Maryse is annoyed.

Franky Monet: Maryse there is no need to be jealous.

Maryse: Jealous?

Franky Monet: Yes. I mean I’ve only been in this ring for a minute and already upstaging you.

Maryse shakes her head as Miz and Morrison watch on a bit worried. Maryse stands there.

Maryse: You better pass Presley to John. Because the only bitch I want to beat up is you!

Loud cheers from the crowd and a few ooooooooohs cause Maryse said the B word. Franky looks more than ready for a fight but there is another interruption!

*FLIGHT OF THE VALKYRIES*
​

A mixed reaction from the live crowd as DANIEL BRYAN walks out with a microphone and he is flanked by his tag team partner ERICK ROWAN who is coming off a dominant Andre the Giant battle royal performance.

Daniel Bryan: I lost the Intercontinental title for five days and you turn your celebration for winning it into a wannabe Jerry Springer show?

No one in the ring looks happy as Bryan carries on.

Daniel Bryan: Not only that but you discrete the title I had custom made just to kill another cow! I know you only care about yourself but do you have no regard for the planet?

Miz shrugs as Maryse rolls her eyes. Franky meanwhile is too busy playing with her dog.

Daniel Bryan: But the worst thing is Morrison cutting in line!

John Morrison: Cutting in line? I won the Andre the Giant Battle Royal fair and square!

Loud boos from the crowd for that line as Franky looks at the fans with disdain.

Daniel Bryan: John I’m pretty impressed.

John looks confused as Bryan carries on.

Daniel Bryan: I used to think Miz was the biggest coward in WWE but you somehow topped him Sunday night!

Loud cheers from the crowd who normally boo Bryan and this further angers Morrison as the planet’s champion carries on.

Daniel Bryan: Also I pinned you in the middle of the ring on last week’s Smackdown!

A good point but it’s not John who responds it is Franky!

Franky Monet: You got lucky!

Daniel Bryan: No the only person who got lucky is Miz when he…

The Miz: I pinned you fair and square!

Miz has clearly had enough and gets cheers from the crowd. He lifts his Intercontinental title into the air.

The Miz: And whilst I hold this, title shots are going to be earned.

Cheers from the crowd as Morrison smiles.

The Miz: So until you earn a title shot, you are going to the back of the line!

Miz slams the microphone down for emphasis as Morrison and Franky mouth off at Bryan who shakes his head.

Daniel Bryan: This isn’t over!

Bryan now drops the microphone and storms off backstage as Erick Rowan lingers there looking at the ring before following his leader backstage. Miz, Maryse, Morrison and Monet are all left in the ring as there is tension between the couples as well.

Byron Saxton: Well tensions are high between the two best friends but also Daniel Bryan who wants a rematch for what he feels is still his Intercontinental title.

Corey Graves: But Byron did you not see the star in the ring? Smackdown Live has signed Franky Monet.

Byron Saxton: A name I’ve heard great things about.

Corey Graves: Well after the commercial break, we will see Melina and Alexa Bliss team up for the first time ever to take on Alicia Fox and Dana Brooke! Don’t go anywhere!

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When we return from the commercial break, we see FRANKY MONET and JOHN MORRISON backstage. Franky is still holding Presley and playing with her dog. John Morrison though is clearly a little pissed off still.

John Morrison: Can you believe Daniel Bryan sticking his nose in and trying to cut ahead of me?

Franky stops playing Presley as she turns to John.

Franky Monet: Ignore him, honey. He is just jealous of the next Intercontinental Champion.

Maryse: Oh really?

MARYSE walks into the shot with her husband THE MIZ by her side clearly unimpressed. Franky puts her hand up indicating that she didn’t mean anything by it.

Franky Monet: Listen I just have faith in my husband. Do you not have faith in yours?

Maryse stays silent as The Miz steps forward.

The Miz: OK ladies, like I said in the ring may the best man win at Judgement Day.

Morrison nods agreeing with his friend and looks to his wife who nods. Miz looks to Maryse who takes a bit longer and nods as well whilst we cut back to the commentary team at ringside.

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Byron Saxton: It seems tensions are running high between the best friends.

Corey Graves: This is why I stay out of my girlfriend’s matches. Causes too many issues when your partner starts to get involved.

In the ring we see Dana Brooke and Alicia Fox standing ready for action though neither looks particularly fond of their partner as we wait for their opponents to make their entrance.

*PAPARAZZI*
​

The red carpet gets rolled out and MELINA makes her way out onto the top of the entrance ramp as the paparazzi take photos of the ultimate diva. She waits there for the time being for her tag team partner to make her entrance.

*SPITEFUL*​

A decent pop from the live crowd as ALEXA BLISS makes her way out and poses next to Melina. The two women share a fist bump before walking down the ramp together, ready to team up for the first time.

Byron Saxton: Bliss and Melina have asked for this match as a tune-up to get them ready to fight the Real Horsewomen.

Corey Graves: The Real Horsewomen are well known for teaming with each other and working as a unit so a smart move by the ultimate diva and the goddess.

Byron Saxton: But will the damage from the Money in the Bank ladder match cause them some issues?

Corey Graves: Alicia Fox is a veteran and will be looking to pick the bones.

In the ring, Alexa Bliss and Alicia Fox look to start for their team as the referee calls for the bell to get this underway.

Match 3: Alexa Bliss and Melina vs Alicia Fox and Dana Brooke
​

Match summary: Bliss and Melina are not at their best and this gives Fox and Brooke an opening but in the end, Bliss and Melina are too good for their opponents as Melina picks up the win hitting Alicia Fox with the PRIMAL SCREAM as Bliss takes care of Dana Brooke.

Winners via pinfall: Alexa Bliss and Melina (3:25)
​

A decent reaction from the live crowd as Alexa Bliss and Melina pose in the ring soaking in the cheers from the live crowd. Both are still wincing slightly due to the damage from Sunday night but the win helps with the wounds.

Byron Saxton: Bliss and Melina picking up the win, looking very much like a good pairing.

Corey Graves: Both are top athletes and former Women’s champions. Maybe they could become WWE Women’s tag team champions?

Byron Saxton: Well I’m getting an update from Wade Barrett backstage. The match has been made official for next week. Alexa Bliss and Melina will get their hands on the Real Horsewomen!

Corey Graves: Hopefully the match tonight will come in handy and prepare them for tag team action next week!

Alexa Bliss and Melina carry on their celebration in the middle of the ring as the show cuts to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we can see the NEW WWE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS HEAVY MACHINERY sitting backstage! The pair look to be in good spirits as a waiter brings them over both massive steaks which brings a massive smile to the face of Otis. Tucker looks at his power with a smaller smile as he lightly taps the shoulder of his best friend.

Tucker Knight: Otis I’m so proud of you. We finally did it!

Otis has the biggest smile on his face.

Otis Dozovic: Tucky. We made mama proud!

The duo share a hug having picked up a big win at Wrestlemania. They look to go back to eating their food but we see a pair of towering figures walk into the room. It’s THE WAR RAIDERS! The number one contenders to the tag team titles and the team who will face Heavy Machinery at Judgement Day. The duo are glaring at Heavy Machinery who remain on edge but Hanson raises his hand.

Hanson: We are not here to fight.

Rowe: Yet.

Hanson: No this is just our declaration of war.

Otis is noticeably on edge at that line but Tucker keeps him calm for the time being as the Raiders carry on.

Rowe: Enjoy the celebration. Have a feast.

Hanson: Because soon all you will have is famine when we take those titles!

Hanson and Rowe walk off leaving the champions with some food for thought. Otis though turns to Tucker a bit confused.

Otis Dozovic: What’s a famine Tucky?

Tucker shakes his head smiling and teaches Otis a new word as we cut back to the ringside area…

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*I BRING THE DARKNESS (END OF DAYS)*
​

Loud boos from the crowd as the ever-unpopular BARON CORBIN walks out and he has a microphone in his hand as well!

Baron Corbin: Will you people please shut up?

That just makes the boos louder as Corbin shakes his head.

Baron Corbin: Wrestlemania should have been the night where I became the first-ever two-time Andre the Giant battle royal winner!

Corbin looks angry as he climbs onto the ring apron and looks to climb into the ring.

Baron Corbin: But Xavier Woods caught me with a lucky shot!

Loud cheers from the crowd and a “Xavier Woods” chant starts up further pissing off Corbin.

Baron Corbin: That’s enough!

That doesn’t work. Corbin shakes his head and throws a hissy fit before carrying on with his speech.

Baron Corbin: Right now I’m meant to be facing the newest member of the Smackdown Live roster!

The crowd gets slightly excited as Corbin looks at them with disgust.

Baron Corbin: So bring out whoever I’m going to beat. But make sure it is someone these people love so I can crush their dreams again!

Loud boos from the crowd as they wait to see the newest superstar joining the Smackdown Live roster and after a while, it is revealed to be:

​

A decent pop from the live crowd with a few seeing his time down on NXT as AKIRA TOZAWA makes his way out! The former WWE and NXT Cruiserweight Champion hypes up the crowd as Corbin remains unimpressed in the ring.

Byron Saxton: Akira Tozawa has gone through a bit of a career resurgence down on NXT and even became the first-ever NXT Cruiserweight Champion on the yellow brand.

Corey Graves: He proved himself after a difficult time on Monday night Raw and now looks to prove himself on Smackdown Live.

Akira remains calm as Corbin talks a bunch of trash but Akira ignores him whilst the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!

Match 4: Baron Corbin vs Akira Tozawa
​

Match summary: Corbin mocks Akira after the bell rings and laughs in his face, so AKIRA LAYS INTO HIM WITH A SERIES OF KICKS! Corbin soon stops laughing and Akira lays into him with a flurry of strikes. Corbin soon though uses his size and power to overwhelm the Cruiserweight and looks like he is about to pick up the win with THE END OF DAYS BUT AKIRA COUNTERS INTO A ROLL UP GETTING THE SHOCK 3 COUNT!

Winner via pinfall: Akira Tozawa (5:16)​

A decent pop from the crowd as Akira runs from the ring and lifts his arms into the air celebrating the victory tonight. He even hugs a few fans in the crowd and gets a better reaction due to it.

Byron Saxton: Akira Tozawa picks up a big win on his Smackdown Live debut!

Corey Graves: Beating not only a former United States Champion and Mr. Money in the Bank is no small feat.

Byron Saxton: More performances like that might get Akira in line for a future Intercontinental title shot!

Corey Graves: I don’t think Baron Corbin is happy about the loss tonight.

Corey is right as Baron Corbin in the ring is throwing a total hissy fit once again to the delight of the fans as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we can see BARON CORBIN storming through the back in an angry mood. He is shouting at stagehands and is throwing shit around backstage when KEVIN PATRICK walks up to him… because he is a fucking idiot.

Kevin Patrick: Corbin a tough loss for you ton…

CORBIN GRABS HIM BY THE NECK SCARING KEVIN PATRICK!

Baron Corbin: Give me the microphone!

He snatches it with the other hand and drops the scared Kevin Patrick as he points down the hallway.

Baron Corbin: Get out of here!

Kevin Patrick doesn’t think twice and runs off elsewhere as Corbin turns to the camera.

Baron Corbin: I am sick of the disrespect and these Cruiserweights getting lucky against me!

Corbin knocks a bunch of water bottles and stuff over.

Baron Corbin: Woods! Do you think you are better than me after throwing me out of the ring on Sunday? Fight me next week and I’ll beat some sense into you!

Corbin throws the microphone and storms off elsewhere backstage as we cut to the car park…

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AS WE CAN SEE KEVIN OWENS AND RANDY ORTON BRAWLING WITH EACH OTHER! Both men are battering each other with a series of punches as Orton sends KO into a CAR BACK FIRST! Owens’s back bounces off the car as Orton charges in looking for a clothesline! Orton however misses and collides with the car hurting his arm as OWENS CONNECTS WITH A STUNNER SENDING ORTON BACKWARD ONTO THE CAR PARK FLOOR! Owens though isn’t done as he lays into Orton with a series of punches to the head as he looks to maim Randy Orton and end his career!

Owens grabs hold of Orton and lifts him up into the air as he gets ready to hit a POP-UP POWERBOMB ONTO THE CAR… BUT ORTON COUNTERS WITH A RKO ONTO THE CAR! Owens’s head bounces off with a hard thud as he falls to the floor. Orton is furious and gets ready to PUNT OWENS IN THE HEAD… AS A BUNCH OF OFFICIALS APPEAR TO BREAK IT UP! They also grab hold of Owens restraining him as the two men are trying to break free but neither can manage it as we cut back to the commentary team at ringside.

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Byron Saxton: Kevin Owens and Randy Orton are out of control!

Corey Graves: We knew this wasn’t over between the two men after their brawls at Wrestlemania on both nights and I think Wade Barrett will have to take action to get them under control.

We cut to the ring as we can see EPICO AND PRIMO standing in the ring waiting to see who their opponents are tonight when this music hits…

​

A massive pop from the live crowd as for the first time in nearly 9 months BOBBY ROODE makes his way out! Noticeably though he is in an attire closer to a cowboy outfit but he still has glorious on the back of his leather jacket.

Byron Saxton: It’s Bobby Roode!

Corey Graves: One of the greatest NXT Champions and a former United States Champion!

Byron Saxton: He had to spend months on the shelf with injury sat watching at home and last we saw him he was on Raw!

Corey Graves: Wade Barrett must have traded him for Aiden English! What a deal for Smackdown Live!

Bobby Roode has grabbed a microphone off a stagehand and smugly stands at the top of the entrance ramp.

Bobby Roode: Rejoice Columbus, Ohio! The glorious one has returned!

A cheap pop from the live crowd as Roode has a smile on his face.

Bobby Roode: I was sat on the shelf for nine months and in that time, I spoke to an old friend.

Roode has a smile as a couple of people in the crowd guess who it is.

Bobby Roode: So when Wade brought me to Smackdown Live, I asked if I could bring another outlaw with me!

A few smarks in the crowd start to chant “TNA TNA TNA TNA” as Roode nods along acknowledging the chants.

Bobby Roode: And we are the last outlaws left on Smackdown!

A decent pop from the crowd as Bobby points behind himself with a cocky smile on his face.

Bobby Roode: So welcome JAMES STORM!

SORRY ABOUT YOUR DAMN LUCK!


​

A pretty decent pop from the live crowd as the last outlaw JAMES STORM walks out. He shares a fist bump with Bobby Roode before the duo head down the ramp and towards the ring!

Byron Saxton: It’s the cowboy James Storm!

Corey Graves: These two men are known as The Last Outlaws and have spent years going through America winning tag team titles and drinking beer, smashing bottles in the faces of anyone trying to stop them!

Byron Saxton: Epico and Primo could be in for a tough time.

Corey Graves: I’m sorry about their damn luck!

Corey repeats James Storm’s catchphrase and it is the cowboy who starts the match for the Last Outlaws. Epico meanwhile steps into the ring for his team as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!

Match 5: Epico and Primo vs The Last Outlaws
​

Match summary: Epico and Primo try to gain a foothold in this match but it turns into a one-sided beatdown in the end. Both James Storm and Bobby Roode show why they are known as a feared tag team from their time in TNA and pick up the win as JAMES STORM HITS THE LAST CALL SUPERKICK SENDING PRIMO INTO ROODE WHO HITS THE GLORIOUS DDT!

Winners via pinfall: The Last Outlaws (2:41)​

A decent pop from the live crowd as The Last Outlaws get their arms lifted into the air by the referee having looked dominant in their Smackdown Live debut.

Byron Saxton: A dominant performance tonight and Bobby Roode makes an instant impact upon his return to action.

Corey Graves: Not only that but he has brought company. James Storm is a well-traveled veteran and will be not only dangerous in the tag team division but maybe in the singles division as well!

The Last Outlaws carry on their celebrations in the ring as we then cut to a hallway backstage…

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As DREW MCINTYRE is shown walking to the ring!

Byron Saxton: In our main event, we are going to hear from our WWE Champion Drew McIntyre after he dethroned Roman Reigns in the main event of Wrestlemania Night Two! Don’t go anywhere!

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*BROKEN DREAMS*
​

A loud pop as we return from the commercial break as DREW MCINTYRE slowly makes his way out with the WWE TITLE proudly around his waist and a sword in his right hand lifting it high into the air. Drew noticeably has tape around his waist still from Wrestlemania. He has a smile on his face as he sends places the sword into a stone at the top of the entrance ramp before walking to the ring with a purpose.

Byron Saxton: Drew McIntyre defeated Roman Reigns on night two of Wrestlemania and finally became WWE Champion!

Corey Graves: He had been chasing the WWE title ever since coming back to the WWE and Roman for months with people constantly getting in his way.

Byron Saxton: But Roman ran out of people to put in Drew’s way and it all ended with a Claymore.

Corey Graves: What is next for the Sinister Scotsman as WWE Champion?

Drew McIntyre has finished walking down the entrance ramp and stands in the ring with a microphone ready to speak.

Drew McIntyre: It’s about damn time!

Loud cheers from the crowd agreeing with Drew who points to the fans.

Drew McIntyre: Some of you people know how hard I fought to get back to this place! To be back in the WWE!

More cheers from the crowd but with a deeper voice to it.

Drew McIntyre: I toured the world and I beat everyone who got in my way!

Drew is fired up as he gets closer to the ropes and points into the distance!

Drew McIntyre: I even returned home to Scotland and became ICW Champion again! Why? Cause I need to remember why I did this…

He points at the title around his waist.

Drew McIntyre: So I could win this!

The camera focuses on the title he has been chasing all year as Drew looks at the camera with a ton of focus.

Drew McIntyre: And it may have taken me a long time to remember why I came back… I spent too long following others’ lead and not following my own path.

He looks angry as he remembers his time under Ziggler and Shane McMahon but carries on.

Drew McIntyre: And I kept coming back after Roman no matter who got in the way.

He points to the commentary desk and smiles.

Drew McIntyre: I even tossed a man off hell in a cell through one of those commentary desks when they got in my way!

Drew grabs his title and lifts it into the air, feeling himself right now.

Drew McIntyre: If I did that on my way to winning this title, what will I do to keep this title?

A true threat sent to the entire roster as Drew holds the WWE title high in the air.

Drew McIntyre: I fully intend to walk into Judgment Day in my home country, in Glasgow Scotland and walk out as champion!

Drew puts the WWE title back on his shoulder and walks around the ring slowly pacing himself.

Drew McIntyre: But I ain’t waiting till Scotland to defend this. I want to defend this next week and prove myself as a fighting champion!

Loud cheers from the crowd as Drew looks to the back and points at the entrance ramp!

Drew McIntyre: So who wants to be the first to fall to the champion?

The crowd cheers but they don’t have long to wait to find out who will fight Drew next week…

*OPPOSITE ENDS OF THE WORLD*
​

BUDDY MURPHY walks out getting a decent reaction from the live crowd as he stands at the top of the entrance ramp making his intentions clear. Drew nods and lifts the WWE title into the air not breaking eye contact with the man who has accepted his challenge for a WWE title match next week.

Byron Saxton: Corey, I’ve just gotten word from Wade Barrett that it’s official. Drew McIntyre will defend his WWE title for the first time again Buddy Murphy next week on Smackdown Live!

Corey Graves: And I’ve gotten word that Wade Barrett has waived the time limit for the match!

Byron Saxton: This promises to be a classic. Buddy will look to prove himself to be secret no more!

Corey Graves: We could be in for a classic next week, you don’t want to miss it!

We see Buddy Murphy and Drew McIntyre still staring each other down as the show comes to a close but not before cutting backstage one final time as we cut to see ROMAN REIGNS SAT ON A CHAIR WATCHING BACKSTAGE! And the head of the table looks furious as the show fades to black.

Confirmed matches for next week:

WWE title match:
Drew McIntyre © vs Buddy Murphy

Singles match:
Baron Corbin vs Xavier Woods

Tag team match:
Alexa Bliss and Melina vs The Real Horsewomen (Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir)

Judgement Day
Glasgow, Scotland
May 10th



Intercontinental title match:
The Miz © vs John Morrison

WWE tag team titles match:
Heavy Machinery © vs The War Raiders

EWR Rating:
69%​

 

[Roy Mustang]

Monday Night Raw:
April 13th 2020
Providence, Rhode Island
Dunkin Donuts Centre​

Monday Night Raw starts with ADAM PEARCE standing in his office stood behind his desk as he looks to address the camera.

Adam Pearce: On tonight’s Monday Night Raw we are going to see the start of the Gold Rush tournament.

Pearce harking back to 2005 Raw.

Adam Pearce: Eight men will battle to see who becomes the number one contender to the Universal title with the final taking place at Backlash!

Cheers from the crowd in the arena.

Adam Pearce: And the first-round matches will start tonight!

We see a graphic appear on screen as Pearce reads out the matches tonight.

Adam Pearce: Braun Strowman will take on Bobby Lashley one more time!

Cheers from the crowd who remember their feud last year on Raw.

Adam Pearce: Two former World Champions will collide as Big Show takes on Sheamus.

Underrated feud from the 10’s, not even joking btw. They had some great matches.

Adam Pearce: The Phenomenal One AJ Styles will take on Montez Ford.

Two men who have spent months going to war with each other resuming hostilities.

Adam Pearce: And former Universal Champion Andrade Cien Almas taking on former United States Champion Rusev!

And another big match made for this week’s Monday Night Raw!

Adam Pearce: Now enough from me for now, enjoy the show.

Adam finishes the promo off and it fades to black as we cut to the opening video for Monday night Raw!

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The video finishes as we pan around the Dunkin Donuts Centre as the fans go wild and are excited to get the show underway. We then cut to the commentary team in their usual spot adjacent to the entrance ramp.

Michael Cole: It’s Monday night. You know what that means. Welcome to Monday Night Raw!

Elias: And as we heard before the show began, we have the start of the Gold Rush tournament tonight!

Michael Cole: But that’s not all! We will see EC3 take on his former assistant Drake Maverick.

Elias: We find out who the number one contender for the Cruiserweight title at Backlash as Oney Lorcan, Mansoor and Angel Garza collide in a triple threat.

Michael Cole: And in our main event we will see Edge take on Noam Dar!

Elias: For the first time in eight years we will see the Rated R Superstar in action!

*GANGSTA’S PARADISE*​

Loud boos from the crowd and I mean loud boos as ANDRADE CIEN ALMAS walks out with a smug look him his face, in his suit with a smug look on his face. He is soon not only joined by ZELINA VEGA but the rest of THE UNGOVERNABLES! CESARO, ILJA DRAGUNOV, ANGEL GARZA, SHINSUKE NAKAMURA AND DOMINIK DIJAKOVIC all walk out on the stage looking formidable as a united front heading to the ring.

Michael Cole: But it seems we are going to hear from The Ungovernables to start the show!

Elias: And they made a hell of an impact last week as they worked together to take Brock Lesnar out of action sending him off the stage to end last week’s Monday night Raw!

Michael Cole: Andrade Cien Almas wanted to make an impact after losing his Universal title to Aleister Black and boy did he manage it.

Elias: But you have to wonder what will happen when Brock Lesnar returns Michael.

Michael Cole: If he returns Elias! We have never seen Brock Lesnar in that state since he returned to WWE!

The Ungovernables stand in the ring as Zelina Vega has grabbed a microphone and has a smug smirk as she points at the fans in the crowd.

Zelina Vega: Did you people forget who runs this brand?

Loud boos from the crowd as Andrade gestures for the microphone for a moment.

Andrade Cien Almas: This is my show champion or not!

Andrade sticks his arms out and smirks smugly as the rest of the Ungovernables smile. Zelina takes back the microphone.

Zelina Vega: When Andrade lost his title all anyone talked about online was Black beating Brock. You people forgot who ran this brand for six months!

Zelina is fired up as Andrade points at himself the whole time.

Zelina Vega: He beat former World Champions each week and yet you people didn’t give him the respect he deserved.

Zelina points at her other clients.

Zelina Vega: You didn’t give us the respect we deserve!

She shakes her head in anger.

Zelina Vega: So we knew what we needed to do. We needed to send a message and take out the biggest dog in the yard.

Boos from the crowd as Zelina smirks.

Zelina Vega: Now we considered taking out Aleister and ruining his celebration. But we knew taking him out would mean Andrade couldn’t get his revenge by taking the title back from the man who took it from him!

Andrade nods and does the belt motion, making it clear he wants to be a two-time world champion.

Zelina Vega: So we took out the final boss, the man who has been unstoppable in not only WWE but in the UFC. Brrrrrrrrrrrroccccccccccccck Lesnar!

Zelina does her best Paul Heyman impression as she mocks the advocate.

Zelina Vega: No one has done what we did and if Brock even thinks about coming back off his farm again…

Dominik Dijakovic asks for the microphone stopping Zelina. She nods and passes the microphone to the giant who looks very serious.

Dominik Dijakovic: Brock, you caused me to miss Wrestlemania!

Dijakovic has a ton of anger in his voice as he speaks and points at the camera.

Dominik Dijakovic: My first-ever Wrestlemania! Something I dream of my whole career and you took it away from me!

He is snarling with pure anger and glares at the camera.

Dominik Dijakovic: If I was in the Andre the Giant Battle Royal, I would have won! So making sure I put you down was the greatest moment in my career!

Loud boos as Dijakovic looks at the fans.

Dominik Dijakovic: Brock cares about even less than I do!

Dijakovic isn’t wrong but the fans get louder in their boos as he shakes his head and passes the microphone back to Zelina.

Zelina Vega: You saw what he did to Brock Lesnar! He should get the next shot at the United States title since he didn’t get the chance to earn a United States title shot thanks to Brock.

A challenge is sent to Gable and Kurt as Zelina walks up and down in the middle of the ring.

Zelina Vega: But Angle and Gable won’t accept his challenge as they are running scared.

Dijakovic has a microphone of his own now as he speaks.

Dominik Dijakovic: You had to take a countout victory against me because you couldn’t pin or submit me in the middle of the ring!

He looks at the ground.

Dominik Dijakovic: And when I get the chance I will crush you like the bug you are in comparison to me!

Zelina Vega: But Dijakovic isn’t the only one who will have gold around his waist, ain’t right Angel?

Garza winks at his manager bringing an eye roll from Andrade. Garza takes the mic from Dijakovic.

Angel Garza: Wise words from such a beautiful lady!

Andrade looks at Cesaro who shrugs as Angel carries on his flirting.

Angel Garza: The only thing more beautiful than you, is the Cruiserweight title that will soon be around my waist.

Boos from the crowd as Angel looks to carry on however they are interrupted by…

*DONE WITH THAT (DAY ONE REMIX)*​

THE USOS! A loud pop from the live crowd who are happy to see JIMMY and JEY USO make their way out to interrupt the group. Both are in their standard day one hoodies and they each have a microphone in hand.

Jey Uso: Zelina, we are going to wait for you to be done before issuing this challenge but you have been going on and on and on! My uce we got tired of waiting!

Cheers from the crowd as Zelina rolls her eyes.

Jimmy Uso: We want a rematch for the tag team titles!

Cesaro and Ilja look unfazed by this as Cesaro grabs the microphone from Garza and speaks.

Cesaro: You want to fight us for these titles? Fine we’ll fight you at Backlash!

Loud cheers from the crowd but…

Zelina Vega: On one condition.

Cesaro looks a little confused but doesn’t argue with his manager.

Zelina Vega: We pick the stipulation.

Cesaro looks a bit confused but allows Zelina to carry on.

Zelina Vega: Automatic rematches aren’t a thing anymore!

You people are the authority.

Zelina Vega: So if you want a shot at my clients, you do it on our terms!

Jey Uso: Ah Zelina we don’t care if it is on your terms, his terms or anyone else’s terms, we want our titles back!

Jimmy Uso: So just tell us the match!

Zelina shakes her head.

Zelina Vega: No. We’ll tell you next week.

Loud boos but Zelina isn’t done.

Zelina Vega: Plus who says you will make it that far?

She looks at her clients as Cesaro, Ilja Shinsuke and Dijakovic all leave the ring heading up the entrance ramp. However before either man can get ready to fight however we hear this…

*THE SEARCH*​

ADAM PEARCE the Raw commissioner walks out with a microphone stopping The Ungovernables in their tracks for the moment.

Adam Pearce: That’s quite enough. I’m not having a repeat of last week’s main event!

Cheers from the crowd as Zelina and Andrade shake their heads.

Adam Pearce: Now since The Usos have accepted your proposal I will make the match official for Backlash!

Usos vs Ungovernables in a Wrestlemania rematch confirmed for the show getting cheers from the crowd.

Adam Pearce: But you will get to pick the stipulation for the match at the pay-per-view!

Zelina has a smirk on her face having got what she wanted out of this and given her clients a big advantage at Backlash.

Adam Pearce: However everyone but Andrade and Zelina need to make their way to the back right now!

Loud cheers from the crowd as Zelina looks furious but Adam Pearce doesn’t care.

Adam Pearce: Because Andrade your first-round Gold Rush tournament is happening right now!

The crowd goes wild as The Usos first of all and the rest of the Ungovernables head to the back. Andrade mouths off in the ring but soon goes silent as…

*ROAR OF THE LION*​

RUSEV makes his way out and he is joined by the Ravishing Russian LANA! Rusev looks focused as he walks to the ring as Lana talks trash to Zelina Vega in the ring.

Michael Cole: When we return from the commercial break, we will see the start of the Gold Rush tournament as Andrade Cien Almas takes on Rusev. Don’t go anywhere!

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Match 1: Andrade Cien Almas w/Zelina Vega vs Rusev w/Lana​

Match summary: When we return from the commercial break we see the match has begun with Rusev controlling the match and grinding down Andrade on the mat! Lana and Zelina Vega outside the ring are watching closely but neither woman chooses to get involved in the match. Andrade starts to work his way back into the match and uses his great speed to take down Rusev, slowly chipping away at his more powerful foe even showing off some strength of his own!

Rusev the further into the match we go is getting less and less offense off as the difference in skill level starts to catch up with him. Andrade shows off his vicious streak as well at the end of the match as he sends Rusev into the corner with a GERMAN SUPLEX ONTO THE TURNBUCKLE! Andrade looks at Rusev in the corner and hits SEEING SHADOWS NOT ONCE BUT TWICE SLAMMING HIS KNEES INTO RUSEV’S HEAD! Rusev seems out of it as Andrade drags the prone Rusev out of the corner and points at Lana as he HITS THE HAMMERLOCK DDT AND PICKS UP THE WIN!

Winner via pinfall: Andrade Cien Almas (10:23)​

Boos from the crowd as Andrade gets to his feet and beats his chest proudly as he is now two matches away from getting a rematch for his Universal title! Zelina joins her lead client in the ring whilst Lana checks on her husband and makes sure he is OK in the ring.

Michael Cole: Andrade decisively defeated a three-time United States champion and advances to the semi-finals of the Gold Rush tournament.

Elias: After losing the Universal title, Andrade has found his vicious streak! First taking out Brock Lesnar with the help of The Ungovernables and tonight putting away Rusev in dominant fashion!

Michael Cole: Well later on tonight we will find out who Andrade Cien Almas will face next week.

Elias: Will it be AJ Styles or Montez Ford?

In the ring we see Andrade Cien Almas carrying on his celebrations in the ring with Zelina Vega as we cut to the backstage area…

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And we see AIDEN ENGLISH sitting down backstage reading a book. He noticeably seems very upset and looks a bit disheveled as he looks up from the book at the camera.

Aiden English: Is better to have loved and lost to have never loved at all?

Aiden shakes his head.

Aiden English: Ever since coming to Raw and Smackdown from NXT, I’ve not even sniffed gold. Not even come close to winning titles.

Aiden runs one hand over his head and rubs his temple before tossing the book down to the floor.

Aiden English: I’ve become a failure. I had a fleeting moment of what looked like success with Rusev.

A few faint RUSEV day chants start from the crowd but they fade pretty quickly.

Aiden English: But I turned my back on him and have known nothing but failure since then.

Aiden sits on the floor defeated and broken.

Aiden English: This was meant to be a fresh start.

We cut to a clip of last week as we see Mansoor debuting to defeat Aiden English in the middle of the ring leaving Aiden broken.

Aiden English: But it seems my story has been written unless someone can save it.

Aiden English sits there and stares off into the distance as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we cut to the commentary team at their desk as they welcome us back to Monday Night Raw.

Michael Cole: Welcome back to Monday Night Raw and as we just saw Aiden English is having a crisis of confidence.

Elias: It can happen to the best of us when you lose as many matches as he has lost over the last couple of years.

Michael Cole: Well let’s move onto a team on NXT who has been winning several matches under the guidance of Robert Stone.

Elias: The Robert Stone Brand has something to say on last week’s NXT. Let’s take a look.

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We see ROBERT STONE standing in a nice suit in front of his clients: CHELSEA GREEN, ALIYAH, VANESSA BOURNE and RAQUEL GONZALEZ! He has a smug look on his face as he points at the camera.

Robert Stone: When it comes to women in NXT, my brand is the premier brand.

Chelsea smugly smirks and looks at her nails whilst Aliyah and Bourne nod. Raquel remains stoic.

Robert Stone: And my clients should already be WWE Women’s tag team Champions!

Chelsea Green: Damn right we should be.

Robert Stone: But you haven’t been traveling the brands like you should have been as champion.

Aliyah: Where were you on Smackdown?

Vanessa Bourne: Didn’t see you on NXT or NXT UK!

Robert Stone: So we are calling you out and we expect to see you this Wednesday night on NXT or we’ll come to you!

Robert Stone stands there smugly as the promo comes to an end as we cut to the backstage area…

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And we see THE HUGGING PIRATES: BAYLEY and KAIRI SANE standing in front of the camera with their WWE Women’s tag team titles on their shoulders front and center.

Bayley: Robert Stone, we were a bit busy last week defending these titles against what we the actual premier team on NXT.

Kairi Sane: Team Kick!

Bayley nods as Kairi sweetly smiles.

Bayley: And they certainly kick harder than any team I’ve faced before.

Bayley rubs her jaw steal feeling the pain after the match from the previous week.

Bayley: Maybe one day, we’ll give them a rematch.

Kairi nods liking that idea as Bayley turns back to the camera.

Bayley: But for now let’s move on to your client Robert.

She shakes her head.

Bayley: You want to issue a challenge and want us to come down to NXT?

Bayley turns to Kairi.

Bayley: You still got your yacht?

Kairi nods as Bayley has a smile on her face.

Bayley: I think it is time we sail on down to NXT then!

Kairi likes that idea as the duo walk off elsewhere and we cut to the commentary team adjacent to the entrance ramp.

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Michael Cole: Well the Women’s tag team division is heating up as Kairi and Bayley head back home to NXT!

Elias: All the teams want a shot at the new champions and we are about to see another team who want to put themselves in line for a shot.

In the ring we see two local competitors standing their ready for action as they wait for their opponents to come out…

*SQUARE UP*​

A decent pop from the live crowd as FIRE AND DESIRE make their way out. SONYA DEVILLE and MANDY ROSE are all smiles as they share a hug before walking down the entrance ramp.

Michael Cole: Fire and Desire are former WWE Women’s tag team champions. A win tonight will be key in getting them back into position for a title shot.

Elias: Plus Fire and Desire ended Bayley’s last reign as a tag team champion so there is some… wait who is that?

The camera focuses on Fire and Desire walking to the ring when they are blindsided by THE REAL HORSEWOMEN MEMBERS: JESSAMYN DUKE AND MARINA SHAFIR! They lay into Fire and Desire with a series of punches to catch them by surprise whilst the local jobbers leave the ring wanting no part of this. The mood soon changes though as SHAYNA BASZLER walks out with the Money in the Bank briefcase in hand and CLOBBERS BOTH OF THE JOBBERS WITH IT! She beats them down before turning her attention to Fire and Desire!

She tells them to lift Mandy Rose up and SMASHES HER WITH THE BRIEFCASE! She doesn’t stop as she tells them to get Sonya up off the floor… BUT SHE FIGHTS BACK AND SENDS THE REAL HORSEWOMEN BACK! Sonya puts up a fight with a flurry of punches but SHAYNA GRABS HOLD OF HER AND LOCKS IN THE KIRIFUDA CLUTCH! She wrenches back on the hold choking the life out of Sonya before tossing her to the floor. Sonya then looks at a stagehand at ringside and snatches a microphone from them!

Shayna Baszler: Is everyone paying attention?

Boos from the crowd as Shayna smirks enjoying the boos from the live crowd.

Shayna Baszler: This is a message. Becky are you watching?

A “Becky” chant starts up from the live crowd as Shayna looks at the fans with total disgust.

Shayna Baszler: But this wasn’t just a message for you. Ember Moon!

That catches a few people by surprise!

Shayna Baszler: You think you are safe over on Smackdown? If I choose to take the title from you, there is nowhere on Earth you will be safe.

Duke pipes up now.

Jessamyn Duke: I mean who ended her reign down in NXT?

Shayna smirks as Marina nods as the trio stands tall over the fallen bodies around them on the entrance ramp.

Shayna Baszler: What happened tonight, is what awaits whoever I choose to be my victim.

Shayna drops the microphone onto the ring floor and stands tall over the laid-out bodies as Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir stand behind her cutting an imposing presence.

Michael Cole: Shayna Baszler and The Real Horsewomen have once again laid waste to everyone in their way.

Elias: Shayna did that tonight not because she has any issues with Fire and Desire. No she did it to send a warning to Becky Lynch and Ember Moon. She wants them to know they are marked women.

Michael Cole: The Man and the war goddess will need to have their heads on a swivel.

Elias: Well up next, when we return from the commercial break we will see Big Show taking on Sheamus in the Gold Rush tournament! Don’t go anywhere!

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When we return from the commercial break, we don’t cut to the ring straight away. No instead we see MVP walking through the back in a pristine suit. He has a smug smirk on his face and can be heard making a phone call.

MVP: Listen, I’ve still got some irons in the fire. Bobby Lashley will come around I promise you.

He pauses for a moment and pulls a WTF face at what the person on the other end of the phone said.

MVP: Lio? Don’t worry about Lio. That young kid…

GRABS HIM BY THE THROAT AND SLAMS HIM INTO THE WALL CAUSING MVP TO DROP HIS PHONE! Lio is clearly fired up as MVP puts his hands into the air trying to calm Lio Rush down.

MVP: Lio, Lio. I was meaning to talk to you.

Lio Rush: Oh you want to talk? What was that last week Montel? What the hell?

MVP: Put me down and I might be able to explain.

Lio does what MVP says as MVP readjusts himself and gets closer to Lio.

MVP: You need to learn to listen to your elder's kid.

Lio shakes his head.

MVP: You need to learn your place and not try to eliminate me from the battle royal.

Lio scoffs at this.

Lio Rush: You tried to eliminate me first.

MVP: And I was teaching you to watch your back at all times!

Lio Rush: Looks like you didn’t learn that lesson!

That shuts MVP up for a moment as he shakes his head.

MVP: You still don’t get it but fine. I’ll go have a word with MVP and next week, I’ll teach you a lesson. You might finally learn your place!

MVP goes to walk off but Lio stops him!

Lio Rush: And you might finally learn to respect the next generation!

Lio walks off as MVP readjusts himself and picks his phone off the floor.

MVP: Sorry about all that.

MVP stops for a moment before speaking.

MVP: No, it’s all going to plan and next week, he’ll learn he needs to follow and respect me.

MVP walks off and carries on his phone call as we cut to the ring ready for the second match of the night.

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*CRANK IT UP*​

A decent pop from the live crowd as BIG SHOW walks out ready for action. The giant has a big smile on his face as he slaps hands with a few fans and even poses with a few children before walking to the ring ahead of a big match tonight.

Michael Cole: Just over a month ago Big Show was sat on commentary. Now he is three matches away from a Universal title shot.

Elias: Big Show is a six-time World champion during his time in WCW and WWE. Could he wrap up his career with a seventh World title?

*WRITTEN IN MY FACE*​

A decent pop as well from the live crowd as SHEAMUS makes his way out and marches down to the ramp. He marches to the ring and also slaps hands with the fans before climbing onto the ring apron as he stares down one of his former rivals.

Michael Cole: These men have gone to war in the past over the World Heavyweight title. However both men are much older and Sheamus is only a few months off a nine-month-long injury lay-off.

Elias: Big Show though might still be suffering from ring rust after a long time with us on the commentary desk.

Once in the ring, Sheamus and Big Show stare each other down with a knowing nod exchanged between the two. The referee then calls for the bell to get this match underway.

Match 2: Big Show vs Sheamus​

Match summary: Both men come into this match go for the kill right from the word go! Sheamus lays in a series of punches and tries to overwhelm Big Show whilst the giant tries to use his size to take advantage of the match. Both men can’t match the performance they had a few years ago and it ends up being a shorter affair as in the end Sheamus picks up the win with a BROUGE KICK advancing to the semi-finals!

Winner via pinfall: Sheamus (6:01)​

A decent pop from the live crowd as Sheamus gets back to his feet celebrating a big win over Big Show tonight and is now two matches away from getting a Universal title shot. One of two titles he has never won.

Michael Cole: A big win for Sheamus tonight over a former rival.

Elias: Big Show brought his experience and power to the match but Sheamus fought through that to pick up a big win tonight.

Michael Cole: Well now Sheamus will fight Braun Strowman or Bobby Lashley next week in what promises to be a hard-hitting match.

Elias: Sheamus having to overcome giants before getting a Universal title match!

Sheamus and Big Show are both on their feet as they shake hands with each other in the middle of the ring to the delight of the live crowd as we cut to a hallway backstage…

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As ALEISTER BLACK is shown walking to the ring with the Universal title over his shoulder!

Michael Cole: Up next we are going to hear from the two men who will collide for the Universal title at Backlash. Aleister Black and Samoa Joe! Don’t go anywhere!

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When we return from the commercial break, we see two chairs in the ring and RENEE YOUNG standing in between both of them.

Renee Young: Thanks for the warm welcome Rhode Island!

A cheap pop but the cheer politely for Renee Young as she carries on.

Renee Young: Right now I am about to interview the two men who will be competing in the main event of Backlash!

It’s official. Black vs Joe will be the main event of Backlash.

Renee Young: So let’s get this started by first welcoming the challenger Samoa Joe!

*DESTROYER*​

SAMOA JOE storms out in a fancy suit and an angry look on his face. The Samoan Submission Machine marches down the entrance ramp with a purpose and climbs over the ropes into the ring as he sits behind Renee Young ready for the interview.

Renee Young: And now let’s welcome the Universal Champion Aleister Black!

*ROOT OF ALL EVIL*​

A loud pop from the live crowd as ALEISTER BLACK slowly rises from the depths of the arena and stands atop the entrance ramp with the Universal title around his waist. He is in black jeans and is wearing his traditional leather sleeveless jacket. He takes his time walking down the entrance ramp which noticeably annoys Joe. However once inside the ring, Aleister Black takes a seat across the ring behind Renee who nods acknowledging him.

Renee Young: Thank you both for agreeing to this sit-down and agreeing there will be no psychical contact throughout.

Black remains silent as joe pipes up.

Samoa Joe: It’s for your protection Aleister.

Aleister raises an eyebrow as Joe carries on.

Samoa Joe: I want to make sure you make it to Backlash so I can take the title from you.

Black remains calm and unthreatened as Renee takes back control of the interview.

Renee Young: Joe we will start with you.

Joe looks smug and focuses on Renee.

Renee Young: Since coming to Raw, you have spent the majority of the time being champion. Holding the United States title till you lost it…

Samoa Joe: I didn’t lose it, it was stolen from me!

Black lets out a slight smile which Joe doesn’t see but Renee carries on.

Renee Young: Against Chad Gable. Does that make you even more determined to get your hands on the Universal title?

Samoa Joe nods.

Samoa Joe: My waist is feeling empty without gold around and since I can’t take back the title I put on the map fighting on this brand, I’m taking yours Aleister!

Black remains stoic as Reene turns to him.

Renee Young: Aleister any thoughts on Joe’s plans?

Black smiles slightly before leaning forward as he looks at Joe.

Aleister Black: People missing something often try to fill the hole with anything they can find. They get desperate and try to grab anything they can.

He puts his hands on the Universal title.

Aleister Black: However desperate people make mistakes and if you think taking this title from me is going to be easy, you are in for a shock.

Cheers from the crowd as Joe chuckles.

Samoa Joe: Oh I don’t think me winning the title will be easy. No it’s just what is inventible.

Boos from the fans but Joe doesn’t care.

Renee Young: Can I ask what makes you feel so confident after Black defeated not only Andrade to take the title but also defeated Brock Lesnar?

Joe looks a little annoyed by that question.

Samoa Joe: Because I’m not those two men. Brock may have power similar to mine but he won’t take Black down limb by limb until I choke the life out of Black.

Joe gets out of his seat and looks at Black.

Samoa Joe: The last thing you see as your eyes close is the Universal title in the distance fading away from you as I snatch what should be mine!

Black gets to his feet as Renee is wary but Black remains calm.

Aleister Black: That’s a lot of talk Joe but since coming to this brand the only people who have stopped me are myself and people with allies by side.

Black looks around.

Aleister Black: And I don’t see anyone by your side.

Black gets close to Joe who is seething.

Samoa Joe: I don’t need friends. I don’t need allies. I don’t need anyone by my side.

He looks at his hands and is close to Black.

Samoa Joe: I just need these. Nothing else.

Black stands there remaining calm.

Aleister Black: And if that’s all you have, then you will fade… fade to black!

Both men are staring each other down right in each other’s faces as they have made their intentions clear.

Michael Cole: Strong words from both men ahead of Backlash!

Elias: Black is right about Joe being desperate to get his hands on gold once again but desperate men can be very dangerous.

Michael Cole: Aleister Black though has shown he can handle very dangerous men. He defeated Brock Lesnar and Andrade Cien Almas in one night at Wrestlemania!

Elias: We will have to see what happens in three weeks. But after the commercial break we find out the number one contender for the Cruiserweight title. Don’t go anywhere!

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*GO HARD*​

A decent pop from the live crowd as we return from the commercial break and MUSTAFA ALI makes his way out with the Cruiserweight title around his waist. He is in a nice shirt and jeans as he walks over to the commentary desk taking a seat next to Michael Cole and Elias.

Michael Cole: Well it looks like the Cruiserweight champion Mustafa Ali will be joining us. Welcome Mustafa.

Mustafa Ali: Thanks for having me Michael.

Elias: Out here to do your usual scouting?

Mustafa Ali: You’ve always got to keep an eye on your competition especially in a division as competitive as mine is.

*THE FALCON SOARS*​

A decent pop though it is a small pop from the fans as the newest superstar on Raw MANSOOR makes his way out. He acts polite to the fans and shows respect as he heads down to the ring, ahead of the biggest match in his short career so far.

Michael Cole: Mansoor impressed a lot of people with his Monday night Raw debut against Aiden English and now he has the chance to earn a Cruiserweight title shot!

Mustafa Ali: I’ve watched a few of his matches down in NXT UK during the week to scout him and Mansoor has talent.

Elias: A golden opportunity so early in his career and he will be looking to make the people of Saudi Arabia proud.

*COMBATIVE*​

Boos from the crowd as one-half of the One Twos ONEY LORCAN makes his way out with a snarl on his face. He ignores the fans and heads straight to the ring as he steps inside, coming face to face with Mansoor as he talks a bit of trash to the rookie.

Michael Cole: Oney came very close at last year’s Summerslam to defeating Rey Mysterio for the Cruiserweight title and that has been eating away at him since then.

Mustafa Ali: Oney is too talented to have never held a title in the WWE and he would be a tough challenge if I faced him at Backlash. His strikes hurt like nothing else.

Elias: Also Danny Burch is not with his partner as Adam Pearce banned him and The Ungovernables from being at ringside.

*RAPIDO*​

Louder boos from the crowd as ANGEL GARZA walks out with a smug smile and sticks his arms out soaking in the reaction from the fans. He pulls a rose out from a pocket in his tights and walks over to the commentary desk. He places the rose in front of Ali and says it’s a gift before heading down the ramp towards the ring.

Michael Cole: A gift from Angel?

Mustafa Ali: Beware Greeks bearing gifts Michael.

Elias: What are your thoughts on Angel Garza?

Mustafa Ali: He is a former Cruiserweight Champion down in NXT but you are only as good as the company you keep. And I do not trust people who hang out with The Ungovernables.

Angel Garza stands in the ring with a smug smirk as Oney still focuses on the rookie. The referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!

Match 3: Number one contender’s triple threat match: Angel Garza vs Mansoor vs Oney Lorcan​

Match summary: Angel early on tries to leave the ring and let the other two fight however Oney and Mansoor are too smart for that as they bring Angel back into the ring. Mansoor lays into him with a series of kicks and Oney lays into him with a series of chops/strikes. Eventually, the 2-on-1 beatdown breaks down into an actual triple threat match with Mansoor and Oney trading a series of strikes. Angel acts very sneakily during the match popping in and out trying to sneak the win whilst showing off his skills as a high-flier. As the match goes on Mustafa Ali puts over the skill of all 3 men in the ring and shows respect for Oney and Mansoor.

However, it becomes clear Mustafa Ali is not a fan of Angel Garza or how he carries himself. Back in the ring as we reach the closing stages Oney and Mansoor are battling it out with Mansoor taking down Oney with a DIVING CROSSBODY BUT GETS A TWO COUNT! However, as he gets back to his feet Garza appears in the ring AND TEARS OFF HIS TRUNKS THROWING THEM IN GARZA’S FACE! Mansoor falls backward and Angel DROPKICKS HIM OUT OF THE RING! He turns to Oney struggling on the mat and HITS THE WING CLIPPER! Angel makes the cover smirking 1 2 3! Garza is going to Backlash!

Winner via pinfall: Angel Garza (9:48)​

Boos from the crowd but Angel doesn’t give a damn as he winks at the ladies in the front few rows having pulled off a big win tonight. He carries on the celebrations as Mansoor on the outside of the ring tosses the trunks to the floor and looks furious.

Michael Cole: Angel Garza picks up the win tonight but once again it wasn’t without controversy.

Mustafa Ali: The Ungovernables always have to pull cheap tricks to gain an edge. Did you see it with the water bottle at Wrestlemania?

Elias: But it is effective.

Ali shakes his head.

Mustafa Ali: It might be effective but they are not the actions of a champion.

Mustafa Ali takes off his headset and leaves the commentary desk heading towards the top of the entrance ramp as he stares down a smirking Angel Garza as he heads up the entrance ramp. Angel winks at Ali who remains stoic and calm as we cut to the backstage area…

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As we see DOLPH ZIGGLER watching on the monitor backstage sipping a cup of coffee next to DANNY BURCH! Burch looks annoyed as Ziggler looks at Danny and smirks. Danny doesn’t react to that well.

Danny Burch: You find something funny pretty boy?

Ziggler shakes his head and smiles looking directly at Danny.

Dolph Ziggler: What’s it to you?

Danny Burch: Are you laughing at my partner?

Dolph Ziggler: No.

Danny Burch: That’s what I thought.

Dolph Ziggler: I’m laughing at the fact I was behind him in line for a title shot.

Danny gets closer as Ziggler stands his ground.

Dolph Ziggler: But if you have a problem with that, I’m happy to work my way back to where I should be so how about I meet you in the ring next week.

Danny glares at him and is dangerously close.

Danny Burch: I’ll kick your ass next week and teach you a lesson!

Both men stare each other down before Danny Burch storms off elsewhere backstage as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we see ADAM PEARCE in his office behind his desk mid-conversation with KALISTO. Kalisto was in his street clothes minus his mask but you can tell he is pissed off.

Kalisto: That little punk cheated me out of the match last week and I want revenge on him for it.

Adam Pearce: I totally understand Kalisto and that’s why…

The door slams open as MANSOOR walks into the room still in his ring gear and he looks pissed off as well.

Mansoor: Did you see that? Do people on your brand not have any honour?

Adam Pearce puts his hands up as Kalisto turns to face the young Cruiserweight.

Mansoor: He threw his tights in my face to steal a win. I want him in that ring next week to teach him some honour!

Kalisto: Consigue algo de perspectiva niño.

Mansoor looks confused obviously not knowing what Kalisto is saying but the Luchador switches back to English.

Kalisto: He messed with my mask. This is a part of my heritage and his culture! I’m first in line.

Mansoor gets closer to Kalisto as the two men come face to face.

Mansoor: I may be new around here but I won’t let alone step in line in front of me. I’m getting my hands on Angel.

It looks like the two Cruiserweights are about to come to blows but Adam Pearce steps in between.

Adam Pearce: OK tell you what. Do you both want a match with Angel Garza? Next week you two will fight each other and whoever wins get Angel Garza the week after.

Neither man says another word not satisfied with that answer but they both nod accepting it as we cut back to the commentary team adjacent to the entrance ramp.

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Michael Cole: Angel Garza is making a ton of enemies in the Cruiserweight division.

Elias: He may have allies in The Ungovernables but will Zelina want her clients getting into Angel’s fights constantly?

*SHAKE SHAKE*​

Cheers from the live crowd as TAYNARA CONTI marches out with a microphone in hand and with a purpose! She doesn’t acknowledge the fans like normal making a beeline for the ring.

Michael Cole: But right now it looks like we are going to hear from Taynara Conti!

Elias: We know she wants to get her hands on Sasha Banks and issued a challenge for Backlash but it looks like she wants to call out Sasha Banks right now!

Taynara Conti steps through the ropes and stands in the middle of the ring looking furious!

Taynara Conti: Sasha! Get your ass out here right now!

Loud cheers as Conti gets straight to the point and calls out Sasha straight away! No answer straight away which further pisses her off.

Taynara Conti: I challenged you last week to a fight at Backlash and I’m sick of waiting for an answer!

She is pacing up and down the ring getting more heated.

Taynara Conti: Apresse-se, sua vadia estúpida. Or I’ll come back there and…

*SKY’S THE LIMIT (REMIX)*​

A massive mixed reaction as The Legit Boss SASHA BANKS walks out in shutter shades with a microphone in her hand. Conti dares her to come to the ring but Sasha shakes her head.

Sasha Banks: Tay I’m a busy woman and I don’t have the time to be at anyone’s beck and call.

Boos from the crowd as Conti lifts the microphone up.

Taynara Conti: I don’t give a damn how busy you are! Accept my challenge now or I’ll come up there and kick your ass!

The crowd are behind Conti as Banks shakes her head and smirks.

Sasha Banks: Listen Tay, I do things on the Boss’s time not yours so…

Taynara Conti: Enough talking!

Conti slams down her microphone and leaves the ring as she marches up the entrance ramp making a beeline for Sasha! Sasha backs off looking a little worried AS NAOMI FROM THE CROWD LEAPS ONTO CONTI! Loud boos from the crowd as the former Team BAD ally helps attack Conti. Sasha makes her way over and joins in the attack making it a 2-on-1 beatdown! Conti tries to fight back but she is overwhelmed as Banks tells Naomi to grab her. Naomi holds her face as she looks at Sasha Banks who has picked back up her microphone.

Sasha Banks: You want a street fight at Backlash? Deal.

Loud cheers from the crowd as the match gets made official.

Sasha Banks: But you ain’t even going to make it that far!

Sasha drops the microphone looking to do more damage BUT CONTI FIGHTS NAOMI OFF AND SENDS HER BACK WITH A SPINNING BACK FIST! Sasha charges at Conti BUT GETS TAKEN DOWN WITH A LOU THERSZ PRESS! Conti lays into her with a series of punches to the head! She picks up Sasha looking to do more damage but Naomi attacks her from behind! The two start to lay into Taynara Conti until…

*FORTUNE RISING*​

XIA LI runs out with a KENDO STICK IN HAND AND WHACKS BOTH NAOMI AND BANKS WITH IT FENDING THEM OFF! Banks and Naomi run away fleeing through the crowd as Xia Li shouts something at them in Mandarin and checks on her tag team partner Taynara on the entrance ramp.

Michael Cole: Good thing Xia Li was in the back ready to even the odds.

Elias: And we see what Naomi’s plan to get back to the top is, align herself with Sasha Banks once again.

Michael Cole: But we have a big match made official for Backlash. We will see Sasha Banks take on Taynara Conti in a street fight!

Elias: The bad blood between the two women will finally come to a head at Backlash but can Conti prove she can beat the Boss one-on-one?

We see the former Team B.A.D talking trash from the stands as Xia Li and Taynara Conti watch as the show cuts to a commercial break.

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*TOP ONE PERCENT*​

Boos from the crowd but it isn’t much of a reaction as an angry EC3 makes his way down the entrance ramp and heads to the ring ready for action. The richest in the game today makes sure to throw a few jibes at the fans before stepping into the ring.

Michael Cole: Welcome back to Monday Night Raw and right now we are about to see EC3 taking on his former assistant Drake Maverick!

Elias: Drake had enough of EC3’s shit in the Andre the Giant battle royal and on the advice of Killian Dian he tossed his boss out of the ring.

Michael Cole: Has Drake made a mistake following the Beast from Belfast’s advice?

Elias: We will soon find out.

​

A new theme song for DRAKE MAVERICK as he makes his way out in a leather jacket and looks very different from his time with EC3. He also noticeably has a microphone in hand and gets ready to speak as he points at his former boss in the ring.

Drake Maverick: Ethan…

EC3 in the ring shouts to not call him that but Drake doesn’t care.

Drake Maverick: As I said Ethan…

He smiles getting cheers from the crowd who know it is pissing EC3 off.

Drake Maverick: You treated me like shit whilst I was working for you and it’s a miracle I didn’t do something about it sooner!

He shakes his head as he walks around the top of the stage before pointing at EC3.

Drake Maverick: You were using me!

EC3 quips in the ring “of course I was”.

Drake Maverick: But my new friend from NXT has helped me see the light!

A bit of confusion from the live crowd as Drake smiles and then we hear this music:

​

A decent pop from the fans as some remember him from his performance at Wrestlemania as KILLIAN DIAN walks out joining his new friend at the top of the ramp and causing EC3 to gulp in fear.

Michael Cole: Well it seems Drake has brought a friend with him tonight.

Elias: And from what I’m getting from Adam Pearce, Killian is still part of the NXT roster and this was done as a favor to Drake due to his time charge of 205 Live.

Michael Cole: EC3 will have to keep his eye on the Beast from Belfast who has proven himself to be a dangerous competitor down in NXT.

Elias: But why has he taken a liking to Drake?

Drake is in the ring and is now a lot more confident with his new ally at ringside to help him. EC3 tells Dian to stay out of this match as he looks on unfazed. The referee meanwhile calls for the bell to start the match!

Match 4: EC3 vs Drake Maverick w/Killian Dian​

Match summary: EC3 early on goes right after Drake but his former assistant is smart enough to use his speed to avoid EC3’s attacks with his speed. Killian Dian doesn’t get involved just cutting an imposing presence and leaves Drake to it. EC3 soon takes control of the match and uses his power to grind Drake Maverick on the mat! No matter what EC3 does he cannot put down Drake Maverick and as we reach the closing stages EC3 tries to cheat by messing with the turnbuckle BUT KILLIAN DIAN STANDS ON THE APRON! This makes EC3 back away AND DRAKE HITS A SPRINGBOARD CUTTER! Drake plants EC3 to the mat but doesn’t stop there as he climbs to the top rope and connects with a CORKSCREW 450 SPLASH! Loud cheers for the amazing move as Drake hooks the leg and picks up the big win!

Winner via pinfall: Drake Maverick (5:12)​

Drake Maverick gets to his feet and celebrates a massive win for himself on Monday night Raw. Outside the ring, his new friend Killian Dian gives a polite nod of respect to his new pal before joining him in the ring and lifting him onto his shoulders to the delight of the crowd as Drake sits on them high above EC3 who is still down on the mat.

Michael Cole: Drake Maverick overcomes the odds!

Elias: Credit goes to Drake for picking up the win but we have to thank Killian Dian for making sure it stayed a fair fight.

Michael Cole: And EC3 doesn’t look happy!

In the ring, we can see EC3 throwing a temper tantrum and arguing with the referee whilst Killian Dian and Drake Maverick walk up the ramp all smiles having picked up a big win tonight.

Elias: Michael, I’m getting something backstage that there is a commotion backstage. We need to get some cameras back there now!

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We cut backstage as we see BECKY LYNCH IS LAID OUT IN A BUNCH OF BROKEN TABLES AND A BUNCH OF STUFF SURROUNDING HER! The camera pans over as we see NIA JAX smirking and wincing (holding her back throughout the entire segment)! We see a swarm of security appear pulling Nia Jax away from the scene whilst a bunch of medics start to check on Becky Lynch.

Michael Cole: It looks like Nia Jax attacked Becky backstage and powerbombed her through some tables backstage.

Elias: We are just going to a commercial break but when we get back we will try to get an update. Don’t go anywhere!

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Michael Cole: Welcome back to Monday Night Raw and as you saw just before the commercial break, Becky Lynch was the victim of a sneak attack from her challenger at Backlash Nia Jax!

Elias: Our world-class medical team will be checking her over and making sure she is cleared to compete at Backlash.

Will Becky be cleared for Backlash? I think we all know the answer to that (hi 4th wall).

*PHENOMENAL*​

A loud mixed reaction as AJ STYLES walks to the ring flanked by THE GOOD BROTHERS noticeably looking determined after losing at Wrestlemania to Chad Gable. There is less of the usual cockiness that we see out of AJ Styles as he walks down to the ring and climbs inside as The Good Brothers head to the corner to cheer him on.

Michael Cole: A big opportunity to get back on track for AJ tonight after losing at Wrestlemania.

Elias: He won’t admit it but that loss has clearly knocked his confidence slightly.

Michael Cole: We know AJ challenged Chad Gable as he felt he was being overlooked for a Universal title shot but now he has the chance to earn one.

Elias: But he will have to beat a man The Club has become very familiar with over the last few months.

*BRING THE SWAG*​

A pretty decent pop from the crowd as MONTEZ FORD runs out with a red cup in his hand and he looks hyped up. ANGELO DAWKINS joins his tag team partner, wearing a tracksuit and looks to cheer on his best friend. Montez sprints to the ring and Dawkins follows after him.

Michael Cole: Montez Ford has been someone who has been impressing people this year ever since Angelo Dawkins got injured at the hands of Brock Lesnar.

Elias: It’s what earned him this opportunity tonight and if he can pull off the upset he has a match with Andrade Cien Almas next week.

Michael Cole: Beating AJ Styles is no easy feat, but Montez has fought AJ in tag team action several times.

Elias: Will he have picked up any weaknesses during those matches?

Montez leaps over the ropes as AJ Styles shakes his head. Angelo meanwhile hovers around the ring keeping an eye on The Good Brothers as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway.

Match 5: AJ Styles w/Good Brothers vs Montez Ford w/Angelo Dawkins​

Match summary: AJ and Montez Ford both start the match off fairly cagey as they look to size each other and with them both being fairly familiar with one another at this point, there are a lot of counters between the two men. AJ Styles as the match goes on seems to find his confidence and cockiness once again as he starts taunting Montez, working over his mid-section to counter Ford’s Frog splash. Montez though starts to fight back and gives AJ as much as he gives shocking AJ Styles. AJ noticeably is a tiny bit shaken by this and Ford looks to take advantage.

AJ even gets sent to the outside and has to regroup with The Good Brothers. Noticeably though he tells the duo not to get involved and they respect their leader’s wishes. Angelo likewise doesn’t get involved in the match other than encouraging Montez Ford and supporting his tag team partner in this match. Ford hypes himself up even doing his shaking the ropes wildly spot before turning back to AJ Styles who goes for a FOREARM SMASH… BUT MONTEZ COUNTERS WITH A ROCK BOTTOM! Montez hooks the leg but AJ kicks out at 2!

Montez slaps the mat and thinks about what to do next as he looks to the corner and heads to the top rope as he seems to be going for his signature frog splash! However, as he climbs to the top rope we see Karl moves towards the post but Gallows stops him telling him AJ wants them to stay out of it! As they argue Angelo Dawkins moves over to stop them from possibly getting involved. This however distracts Montez long enough for AJ to join him on the top rope and connect with a SUPERPLEX! AJ hooks the leg but only gets a 2 count!

AJ is shocked but heads to the ring apron ready to bring this to an end and sizes up Montez Ford for the PHENOMENAL FOREARM! He waits for Montez to rise before leaping off the top rope…MONTEZ COUNTERS WITH A SUPERMAN PUNCH IN MID-AIR STOPPING STYLES! AJ falls to the mat out cold and Montez follows up by sprinting to the ropes ready to end this! The crowd is going wild as they sense the upset… AND THE GOOD BROTHERS STAY OUT IF AS INSTRUCTED PRE-MATCH BY AJ… FROM THE HEAVENS! Montez hooks the leg 1 2 3! MONTEZ FORD HAS PULLED OFF A MASSIVE UPSET!

Winner via pinfall: Montez Ford (12:27)​

Wild cheers from the crowd as Montez Ford gets off AJ and looks almost in shock himself! He has just pinned a former World Champion in the middle of the ring and advances to next week’s semi-final! The Good Brothers shake their heads whilst Angelo Dawkins runs into the ring and hugs his tag team partner!

Michael Cole: Montez Ford with one of the biggest shocks in Raw history tonight!

Elias: Not many people thought he could defeat AJ Styles but he did it clean in the middle of the ring tonight!

Michael Cole: But you saw the Good Brothers arguing and saying they were told not to interfere. Do you think AJ is having self-doubt after his loss at Wrestlemania?

Elias: I don’t know but what I do know is Montez Ford will take on Andrade Cien Almas on next week’s raw for a place in the Gold Rush tournament final!

AJ Styles is sat down in the ring in shock as he runs his hands through his hair in total disbelief. The Good Brothers join him in the ring but AJ stays sat down as we cut to Montez Ford celebrating the win as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we can see a video package introducing us to TEAM KICK! We get to see clips of their time in NXT including DAKOTA KAI becoming NXT Women’s Champion, TEGAN NOX showing off her skills and the duo becoming the longest reigning WWE Women’s tag team champions winning the title at NXT UK Takeover Cardiff! We then cut to the two of them hanging out backstage with Kai having got bright pink hair and a smile whilst Tegan has bright red hair with a smile on her face too.

Dakota Kai: We’ve been down in NXT proving ourselves for the last year.

Tegan Nox: We held the WWE Women’s tag team titles longer than any team beating teams from NXT, NXT UK, Raw and Smackdown!

Dakota Kai: I even managed to beat Shayna for the NXT Women’s title!

Tegan Nox: But now we are here on Monday night Raw we intend to…

Both: Kick ass!

Both women smile in a fun and goofy fashion as we cut elsewhere backstage…

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And we see KURT ANGLE and the United States Champion CHAD GABLE standing in a gym after a work out both wearing American-style tracksuits as they look at the camera.

Kurt Angle: Zelina, we heard what you had to say earlier tonight.

Chad shakes his head whilst Kurt looks annoyed.

Kurt Angle: When Chad fought Dominik a few months back he beat him fair and square! He didn’t cheat like your clients did.

Gable nods agreeing with Kurt.

Kurt Angle: He used the submission skills I taught him and Dominik’s leg gave away!

Chad steps forward.

Chad Gable: Cause let’s be honest Zelina, the damage done by Brock wasn’t the only reason your client missed Wrestlemania!

Some confidence from Gable there!

Kurt Angle: I taught him how to twist ankles until they snap and he did just that to your client on Raw a couple of months ago.

Chad Gable: But I’m a fighting champion!

Chad unzips his tracksuit and pats the United States title proudly.

Chad Gable: And you weren’t in the Andre the Giant Battle Royal so I’ll give you a shot at this title.

Kurt smirks.

Kurt Angle: But Zelina, it will have the same catch that the shot you gave to The Usos had.

Remember one of the 3 I’s is intelligence.

Kurt Angle: See we want to make sure you can’t pull any of your usual tricks and we don’t want any excuses this time.

Gable nods agreeing with his mentor.

Kurt Angle: Next week, we’ll hold a weigh-in to sign the contract and make the match official where we will tell you the stipulation for the match.

Chad stands in front of Kurt now with a goofy smile on his face.

Chad Gable: But I should warn you that I’m ready willing and Gable for whatever you try to throw at me Dijakovic!

The promo comes to an end with Chad Gable standing there confident and another match made official for Backlash as the show cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we cut to CHARLY CARUSO standing backstage with a microphone ready for an interview.

Charly Caruso: Welcome back to Monday Night Raw. My guest at this time has been out of action for three months with injury but is hoping to make a return to the ring as soon as possible. Please welcome Rey Mysterio!

A loud cheer from the live crowd happy to see REY MYSTERIO who is still on crutches. Noticeably he is also being helped by his son DOMINIK MYSTERIO.

Charly Caruso: How is the road to recovery going Rey?

Rey tilts his head shaking it.

Rey Mysterio: I was hoping to be back in time for Wrestlemania but sadly progress is a little slower than expected. However I’ve just had surgery on my leg and I’m hoping to be back in the ring by the end of the year.

Cheers from the crowd looking forward to seeing Rey in action once again.

Charly Caruso: What are your plans once you can return?

Rey Mysterio: As soon as I am cleared to go, I’m coming after Seth Rollins!

Loud boos from the crowd for the mention of Seth Rollins.

Rey Mysterio: Not only did he try to attack me whilst I couldn’t defend myself but he tried to assault my son.

Dominik Mysterio: And Seth as soon as I finish training in this ring, I’ll be there to kick your ass too!

A scary threat from Rey’s son. Rey puts his hand on Dom’s shoulder.

Rey Mysterio: I’ll be there by your side son.

The Mysterios smile as they share a hug bringing the interview to a close as we cut back to the ringside area.

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*DOMINANCE*​

Boos from the crowd as BOBBY LASHLEY marches out and heads straight to the ring with a purpose. He knows he is 3 matches away from a Universal title shot but tonight he has to go through the Monster Among Men once more time.

Michael Cole: Bobby Lashley was this close to climbing the ladder and pulling down the Money in the Bank briefcase.

Elias: Maybe if he had MVP’s guidance he might have been able to pull it off.

Michael Cole: We know Lashley wants to do things by himself but ever since leaving Lio Rush he hasn’t been racking up wins.

Elias: Some people thrive with someone there to guide them and others work better alone. Lashley needs guidance in my honest opinion but if he gets it, he could be Universal Champion just like that.

*BRAUN/I AM STRONGER*​

A decent pop from the live crowd as BRAUN STROWMAN marches down the entrance ramp posing his usual imposing presence. He will be looking to control his narrative tonight and put himself in line for his first-ever Universal title win.

Michael Cole: These two men collided on several occasions through twenty-nineteen and I’ve been told the ring for tonight has been reinforced due to the size of the two men.

Elias: This will be hard-hitting but if you look at Lashley’s right hand, it still has tape around it after Pete Dunne snapped his fingers in the match.

Michael Cole: And we know the aftereffects of that move can affect superstars for many weeks after.

Elias: Lashley will have to find a way to work around the injury if he wants to win tonight.

Braun Strowman steps into the ring and LASHLEY DOESN’T WAIT FOR THE BELL AS HE CHARGES AT BRAUN! Braun fires back on Lashley and wisely the referee knowing he can’t get them under control calls for the bell to start the match.

Match 6: Braun Strowman vs Bobby Lashley​

Match summary: This is a brawl between two monsters in the ring during the match but Lashley struggles to stay in control due to him being unable to punch with his right without hurting himself. Braun and Lashley trade power moves in the ring until they end up brawling over the ropes and to the outside! Braun does his run around the ring knocking Lashley over before hitting him with a RUNNING POWERSLAM ON THE RING FLOOR! Braun slides back into the ring as Lashley looks to get back inside but on the count of 9 as he grabs the ring apron with his right arm, HE LOSES GRIP DUE TO THE DAMAGE AND FALLS TO THE FLOOR!

Winner via count out: Braun Strowman (7:09)​

A pop from the live crowd but it is a slightly muted reaction due to the match ending via countout rather than a pinfall or submission. Lashley outside the ring is furious and clutches his right hand whilst Braun stands tall in the ring posing, not fussed about how he won.

Michael Cole: Braun Strowman picks up the win but you will have to give an assist to Pete Dunne!

Elias: The damage to the fingers proved to be the difference tonight and Braun advanced to the semi-final due to it.

Michael Cole: But what a brawl we will have next week. The Celtic Warrior will go one on one with Braun Strowman!

Elias: That will be a hard-hitting encounter I assure you!

As Braun carries on celebrating as he heads up the entrance ramp whilst outside the ring Bobby Lashley loses his cool and kicks the steel steps in anger as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we see an angry BOBBY LASHLEY walking through the back when he is stopped by RENEE YOUNG!

Renee Young: Bobby, a tough loss tonight. What’s next for you on Raw?

Lashley rubs his head with his left hand and looks lost for words.

Bobby Lashley: Something has to change.

He sighs shaking his head.

Bobby Lashley: Something is missing.

He turns to Renee.

Bobby Lashley: I need to make a call.

Lashley walks off heading elsewhere as we cut to one of the locker rooms…

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As we see THE LINEBACKERS standing in front of the camera with happy looks on their face.

Mojo Rawley: Last week we killed not only the hype surrounding Lio Rush and MVP but we killed their entire team!

Riddick Moss: And that’s just the start. But Mojo, instead of getting the tag team titles shot we deserve it goes to The Usos.

Mojo Rawley: But that’s fine because Adam Pearce has given us a match with them next week.

Riddick Moss: And I’ll promise this, we will kill the hype so badly Adam will have no choice but to give us the title shot at Backlash!

The promo comes to an end as we cut back to the commentary team adjacent to the entrance ramp.

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Michael Cole: A big tag team match signed for next week’s Raw.

Elias: The Usos will want to win to gain momentum ahead of their title match at Backlash but The Linebackers are right. If they beat The Usos, surely they have to be in line for a tag team title shot.

Michael Cole: But that’s not all set for next week’s Monday Night Raw.

Elias: We will see our Gold Rush tournament semi-final matches as Andrade Cien Almas takes on Montez Ford and Braun Strowman takes on Sheamus.

Michael Cole: Lio Rush looks for revenge after MVP’s betrayal as they collide in singles action.

Elias: Bayley takes on Robert Stone Brand member Chelsea Green in singles action.

Michael Cole: In the Cruiserweight division Mansoor takes on Kalisto with the winner getting to fight Angel Garza in two weeks!

Elias: Not only that but also in the Cruiserweight division Dolph Ziggler looks to start racking up wins to get himself in line for another shot at the title as he takes on Danny Burch.

Michael Cole: And another match has just been added by our commissioner Adam Pearce. Beth Phoenix will go one on one with Mia Yim!

Elias: It’s looking like a packed show that you do not want to miss.

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And after they have finished running down the card for next week’s show we can see EDGE walking to the ring getting a loud pop from the live crowd!

Michael Cole: But up next, the Rated R Superstar wrestles on Monday Night Raw for the first time in eight years! Do not go anywhere!

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*WEEKEND ROCKSTAR*​

Loud boos from the live crowd as we return from the commercial break, with NOAM DAR cockily walking down the entrance ramp in his ring gear chewing gum in the most obnoxious fashion possible. The young superstar talks a bunch of trash to the crowd before stepping into the ring ahead of this big match tonight.

Michael Cole: Welcome back to Monday night Raw and our main event is about to begin with Noam Dar taking on Edge!

Elias: This could be the biggest match of Noam Dar’s career. Defeating a legend like Edge would do so much for his short career so far.

Michael Cole: But the gloating from him would be unbearable!

Elias: We would never hear the end of it!

*METALINGUS*​

A massive pop and the loudest one of the night as EDGE makes his way out. He does the full entrance for the live crowd and takes the time to soak in the reaction from the crowd. In the ring, Noam Dar mocks Edge and tells him to hurry up, which the Rated R Superstar ignores.

Michael Cole: Listen to the fans going wild! They are delighted to see Edge back in action.

Elias: The fans truly missed him for the years he was gone but the legend is looking to make up for lost time tonight.

Michael Cole: Noam Dar though is a dangerous competitor behind the arrogance.

Elias: He is a former Cruiserweight champion for good reason. He knows how to pick apart his opponents and take out their legs.

Once in the ring, Edge remains focused whilst Dar tries to talk a bunch of trash to him. Edge shakes his head whilst the referee calls for the bell to get the main event underway!

Main event: Edge vs Noam Dar​

Match summary: Early on in the match, Dar gets battered by Edge who shows off his grit during this performance. Dar looks like he is about to get squashed as Edge teases the SPEAR early but Dar rolls out of the ring waving the match off! Edge, wise to those kind of games chases him out of the ring BUT IT WAS A TRAP! Dar sends Edge into the barricades before heading back to the ring trying to get a cheap countout win. Edge though makes it back inside the ring before the 10 count! Dar from here starts to control the match as he grinds down the right leg of Edge and works it over to set up for the CHAMPAGNE SUPER KNEEBAR!

Edge once again shows his grit and fights through the pain being caused by Dar’s limb work. On commentary, they mention Edge might have ring rust still with his battle with Rollins being more of a fight than a wrestling match. Dar though smells blood and even manages to get the KNEEBAR LOCKED IN ON EDGE! Edge is in pain but makes it to the ropes forcing a break! Dar refuses to let go till the count of 4 before getting annoyed. He goes to the corner of the ring and pulls off the TURNBUCKLE PAD!

This distracts the referee who goes to fix it so Dar GOES TO LOW BLOW EDGE BUT HE IS READY AND CATCHES IT! Dar looks in shock as Edge tells him “All the tricks you know, I mastered them” AND LOW BLOWS DAR! Dar is a crumpled mess on the mat but the referee missed it. Edge then heads to the corner of the ring and lines up Dar HITTING A SPEAR! Edge makes the cover 1 2 3 Edge picks up a win on his return to action on Raw

Winner via pinfall: Edge (10:32)​

Edge gets to his feet and soaks in the cheers from the live crowd having picked up a big win on tonight’s Raw! Noam Dar meanwhile rolls out of the ring clutching his balls and mid-section having been comfortably beaten by Edge.

Michael Cole: Edge picks up the win over Noam Dar!

Elias: Even used a few old tricks and stopped Noam Dar from pulling his!

Michael Cole: Edge is the master of underhanded tactics so if you are going to try using those to defeat him, beat make sure you come up with some new ones.

Edge carries on his celebration as he gets to the top of the entrance ramp and the show gets ready to come to a close… AS THE AUTHORS OF PAIN ATTACK EDGE?!?!? Loud boos from the crowd as the two-time tag team champions lay a beating on Edge at the top of the entrance ramp! And after a 10-minute match, Edge is unable to fight back so he gets laid out by the monsters!

Elias: What is the meaning of this? Why are they…

???: AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

We hear a loud booming cackle play over the speakers until the camera pans up and we see SETH ROLLINS facing the camera. Seth noticeably has a neck brace on but the Monday Night Messiah looks as smug as ever.

Seth Rollins: Did you really think Wrestlemania was the end Edge? That I was just going to go away.

Seth shakes his head as the beatdown carries on!

Seth Rollins: You destroyed people Edge and I will destroy you. But the rest of the Raw roster? You people are open to salvation!

He sticks his arms out in a Jesus-like pose.

Seth Rollins: I will save any superstar willing to take my guidance, starting with The Authors of Pain!

Both men have now cleared the announcers’ desk sending Michael Cole and Elias backward as they get Edge up into the air AND HIT A DUAL POWERBOMB THROUGH THE TABLE! Loud boos from the crowd as Seth chuckles to himself but his laughter gets cut off by…

*BRING THE SWAG*​

A massive pop as THE STREET PROFITS run out looking to make the save but they run into a brick wall as The Authors of Pain beat them down! Montez Ford have gone to war with AJ Styles and struggles to overcome the onslaught and Dawkins whilst putting up a better fight, after Montez goes down he gets laid out as well. The Authors of Pain stand over the wreckage until…

*CRANK IT UP*​

THE BIG SHOW runs out and immediately clocks Akam with the WMD! Akam falls over out cold as Big Show starts to fight with Rezar. The battle is evenly matched with Big Show having gone through a match as well tonight but the tide soon turns to loud boos SETH ROLLINS APPEARS WITH THE NECK BRACE STILL ON AND SMASHES BIG SHOW IN THE BACK WITH THE CHAIR! Big Show falls over as Seth lays into him several times! We see a swarm of security finally come out to put this to a stop but the damage is done as Seth Rollins and The Authors of Pain stand tall over Edge, Big Show and The Street Profits as Monday night Raw fades to black.

Matches confirmed for next week:

Number one contender’s semi-final match:
Andrade Cien Almas vs Montez Ford

Number one contender’s semi-final match:
Braun Strowman vs Sheamus

Singles match:
Lio Rush vs MVP

Singles match:
Bayley vs Chelsea Green

Singles match:
Mansoor vs Kalisto

Singles match:
Dolph Ziggler vs Danny Burch

Singles match:
Beth Phoenix vs Mia Yim

Tag team match:
The Usos vs The Linebackers

Matches confirmed for 2 weeks:

Singles match:
Angel Garza vs Kalisto or Mansoor

Backlash
Balitmore, Maryland
May 3rd



Women’s Universal title match:
Becky Lynch © vs Nia Jax

Universal title match:
Aleister Black © vs Samoa Joe

Cruiserweight title match:
Mustafa Ali © vs Angel Garza

United States title match: (Stipulation TBA)
Chad Gable © vs Dominik Dijakovic

World tag team titles match: (Stipulation TBA)
The Ungovernables © vs The Usos

Street Fight:
Sasha Banks vs Taynara Conti

Number one contender’s match for the Universal title:
Andrade Cien Almas or Montez Ford vs Sheamus or Braun Strowman

EWR Rating:
68%​

 

[Roy Mustang]

News Update:

Several superstars released from their contract:
​

In the biggest clear-out of WWE superstars in years we have seen several names from the main roster and NXT released from the company. This list also includes a former United States Champion and a former Women’s Champion:

• Rusev
• Alicia Fox
• Eric Young
• Mike Kanellis
• Maria Kanellis
• EC3
• No Way Jose
• Dan Matha
• Cezar Bononi
• Jaxson Ryker
• Mars Wang
• Killer Kelly
• Nick Ogarelli
• Jordan Myles
• Jake Atlas
• Serena Deeb
• Yifeng
• Mohamed Fahim
• Marcos Gomes
• Hussain Aldagal
• Faisal Kurdi
• Edgar Lopez
• MJ Jenkins
• Alexander Jaksic

Mod note: Being realistic and doing the “budget cuts” if I have 0 use for them. Kept a fair few of the lower card names as I still have plans for them as jobbers/pushes like Aiden English. However, if they become useless I will let them go at a later date. Rusev though I feel wanted to leave anyway so I was realistic and let him go. Also, Jaxson Ryker and Jake Atlas are being cut due to the real-life stuff.

Drake Maverick sent down to NXT!​

Another move is Drake Maverick has been announced as an official part of the NXT roster. After his win on Monday Night Raw over EC3 thanks to Killian Dian, some speculated it was a call-up for the Beast from Belfast. However, it is Drake going the other way as WWE plan to use him more as a wrestler down there and feels the team could work on the brand as an odd couple duo.

Becky Lynch vs Nia Jax cancelled​

In the last news update, the Women’s Universal title match at Backlash has been cancelled! It is unknown at this time the reason for the match being pulled from the card but it is speculated that Nia Jax’s back injury she picked in her return match on Raw could be the reason. We will try to find out more in the coming weeks.

Mod Note: 100% due to Nia Jax’s injury. Totally not another reason that happened in real life guys. Totally not wink wink.

Backlash
Balitmore, Maryland
May 3rd



Universal title match:
Aleister Black © vs Samoa Joe

Cruiserweight title match:
Mustafa Ali © vs Angel Garza

United States title match: (Stipulation TBA)
Chad Gable © vs Dominik Dijakovic

World tag team titles match: (Stipulation TBA)
The Ungovernables © vs The Usos

Street Fight:
Sasha Banks vs Taynara Conti

Number one contender’s match for the Universal title:
Andrade Cien Almas or Montez Ford vs Sheamus or Braun Strowman​

 

[Tg11]

I'm glad everything is all moved here and glad to be following along again

 

[Tg11]

But that being said seeing all the releases here, I mean it had to be done but then again probably the most shocking release would have to be Rusev and I totally get it

But that being said, it begs the question of who will face Becky Lynch for the RAW Women's Championship at Backlash especially now that Nia Jax is injured? Becky is going to need a replacement opponent but who?

WWE Universal Championship tournament between Andrade and Montez Ford, I have to go with Andrade and Sheamus vs Braun Strowman, I have to go Strowman. I see it being Andrade/Braun in the Final.

 

[Stojy]

That's a lot of releases. I still can't help but get sad when I see Rusev released in a WWE BTB. One day I'll book a WWE BTB where he's World Champ.

Anyway, this universe just looks completely different even just by looking at your Backlash card alone. Figured new forum, new start. I've always just felt like you were to far in for me to catch up on this BTB, but I'm basically just going to try and jump in from where you're currently at and slowly pick things up. I will say a Nia Jax match being cancelled in the first post I read from you is definitely a positive. Backlash card is looking slick too, looking forward to reading your next show.

 

[Roy Mustang]

That's a lot of releases. I still can't help but get sad when I see Rusev released in a WWE BTB. One day I'll book a WWE BTB where he's World Champ.

Anyway, this universe just looks completely different even just by looking at your Backlash card alone. Figured new forum, new start. I've always just felt like you were to far in for me to catch up on this BTB, but I'm basically just going to try and jump in from where you're currently at and slowly pick things up. I will say a Nia Jax match being cancelled in the first post I read from you is definitely a positive. Backlash card is looking slick too, looking forward to reading your next show.

I do love Rusev but I also thought there is no point my keeping someone that good on the roster without pushing him to where he deserved. Let him go do greatness elsewhere. Also this is the reason why I'm going to start doing PPV recaps from now on to give people the chance to catch up . Thanks for the feedback as always Stojy

 

[Roy Mustang]

Friday Night Smackdown:
April 17th 2020
Cleveland, Ohio
Rocket Mortgate Fieldhouse​

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​

The usual opening video package for Smackdown Live comes to an end and we pan around the arena showing the live crowd cheering as Smackdown Live is about to get underway!

Byron Saxton: It’s Friday night. You know what that means. Welcome to Smackdown Live!

Corey Graves: And we have a big show in store tonight! In our main event the WWE title is on the line as Drew McIntyre takes on Buddy Murphy!

Byron Saxton: Baron Corbin takes on Xavier Woods as he looks for revenge after being eliminated from the Andre the Giant Battle Royal at Wrestlemania!

Corey Graves: Our WWE Tag Team champions Heavy Machinery will be taking on Lucha House Party in tag team action!

Byron Saxton: Alexa Bliss and Melina will team up as they look for revenge on The Real Horsewomen after they got involved in the Money in the Bank ladder match at Wrestlemania!

Corey Graves: But right now, we are going to hear from our WWE Women’s Champion Ember Moon!

*FREE THE FLAME*​

A loud pop from the live crowd as the WWE Women’s Champion EMBER MOON walks out with the title on her shoulder and a smile on her face. She shows the title off to the fans in the crowd before marching to the ring with a microphone in hand.

Byron Saxton: Last week Ember threw out an open challenge to defend her WWE Women’s title and it was answered by Bianca Bel-Air!

Corey Graves: She pushed Ember Moon to the limit and maybe put herself in line for a call-up to Raw or Smackdown in the draft!

Byron Saxton: But right now we are about to hear from Ember Moon who mentioned during the week she might be about to issue another open challenge.

Corey Graves: Who will answer this time?

Ember is standing in the ring with a smile on her face and is noticeably in her ring gear ready for action.

Ember Moon: Cleveland, Ohio how are you doing tonight?

A cheap pop but it gets a loud reaction. Ember smiles to herself and the crowd before carrying on.

Ember Moon: I’ll level with you people, I’m not big on talking. I’m much bigger on the action and putting this title on the line!

She proudly lifts the WWE Women’s title into the air getting louder cheers from the crowd.

Ember Moon: So I’m going to issue an open challenge to anyone on the Smackdown roster!

The cheers get louder as we are getting a WWE Women’s title match to start the show!

Ember Moon: So who is going to step up!

Ember tosses the microphone down and passes the WWE Women’s title to a stagehand at ringside as she stands in the ring waiting to see who will answer. As the camera focuses in on Ember Moon we cut backstage…

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As THE QUEENS OF WWE are arguing who should get the title shot!

Charlotte Flair: Lacey in time you will be worthy of a title shot but I want my throne back.

Lacey Evans: And how many chances did you have for that belt Charlotte? I’ve had a fraction of the chances you have.

As they argue in gorilla over who should get the title shot, DANA BROOKE tries to sneak past to go to the ring! Charlotte though sees this and attacks Dana Brooke laying into her! She gets off a series of strikes as Lacey uses this to sneak past them and head through the curtain!

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*LIKE A LADY*​

Boos from the crowd as Lacey Evans walks out with a smug smirk and points at Ember in the ring. Ember smirks welcoming the challenge as she waits in the ring.

Byron Saxton: Well you saw just a fraction of the chaos caused by these challenges as superstars rush to the ring to be the first to answer them.

Corey Graves: Lacey and Charlotte both want to be the top woman on Smackdown. Lacey now has the chance to do it herself.

Once in the ring, Lacey talks a whole bunch of trash to Ember who remains calm as the referee calls for the bell to get the WWE Women’s title match underway!

Match 1: WWE Women’s champion: Ember Moon vs Lacey Evans​

Match summary: Lacey starts the match off very aggressively and even goes for the WOMEN’S RIGHT EARLY but Ember is ready for it! Lacey does get a good showing during the match and gives the champion a hard time but as the match goes on, it is clear Ember Moon is on another level to Lacey Evans. Lacey does get a near fall off the SASSY SAULT but Ember stays alive. In the end, Lacey tries to slip the bras knuckles on and go for the WOMEN’S RIGHT… BUT EMBER COUNTERS INTO THE SUBMISSION FROM WRESTLEMANIA! This time the commentary team calls it the FULL MOON AND LACEY IS FORCED TO TAP OUT!

Winner via submission and still WWE Women’s Champion: Ember Moon (7:27)
​

Ember Moon lets go of the hold and drops Lacey Evans to the mat as she celebrates the victory on tonight’s Smackdown Live! Lacey grabs her neck and rolls out of the ring selling the damage from the match whilst the crowd cheers for Ember Moon, happy she retained her title.

Byron Saxton: Ember Moon picks up another title defense tonight!

Corey Graves: Lacey gave it a good go but Charlotte is right. She needs more work before she can make it to the top of WWE!

Byron Saxton: Ember though keeps going from strength to strength after beating Asuka at Wrestlemania and finally beating her white whale.

Corey Graves: How long will these open challenges go on before it comes back to bite Ember Moon?

Ember Moon heads to the top of the entrance ramp and celebrates her victory tonight until CHARLOTTE FLAIR CLOBBERS HER FROM BEHIND! She lays into Ember Moon with a few strikes before hitting Ember with NATURAL SELECTION! The boos are insanely loud as the crowd hates Charlotte Flair but The Queen doesn’t care as she grabs the WWE Women’s title lifting it into the air as she stands tall over Ember Moon and the show on that note goes to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we can see KAYLA BRAXTON standing backstage ready for an interview.

Kayla Braxton: It’s already been an exciting start to Smackdown Live but right now please welcome one of the top teams on Smackdown Live: THE NEW DAY!

All three members of the New Day walk into the shot. Big E has the Money in the Bank briefcase in his hand holding it front and center. Xavier meanwhile is playing trombone and is in a jovial mood. Kofi weirdly though doesn’t look like he is smiling and has a look of concern on his face.

Kayla Braxton: Xavier I’ll start with you.

Xavier politely stops playing Francesca XII (who knows I lost count a while ago) and gets ready to answer Kayla’s question.

Kayla Braxton: Later on tonight you take on Baron Corbin. What are your thoughts about facing not only a former United States Champion but also a former Money in the Bank winner?

Big E (coughs): Who failed.

Woods and Kofi chuckle to themselves.

Xavier Woods: Baron Corbin is a sore loser let’s be honest.

Kofi and Big E nod agreeing as does Kayla.

Xavier Woods: He couldn’t handle me showing him up and when I threw him out of the match he threw a temper tantrum.

Kofi Kingston: My children handle losses better than him.

Xavier Woods: But I’m more than happy to beat Baron Corbin one more time, fighting my way to the Intercontinental title!

Kayla Braxton: Speaking of the Intercontinental title, how do you feel about the way John Morrison won the Andre the Giant Battle Royal?

Woods looks annoyed as do his friends but she shakes his head.

Xavier Woods: He won. Not in a way I agree with…

Big E: It’s as cheap as camping in Modern Warfare.

Kofi nods agreeing and Woods nods as well.

Xavier Woods: But he won the match. However it doesn’t matter if it is him or his best friend who walks out of Judgment Day as champion. I’m coming for that title!

Cheers from the fans who want to see Woods hold some singles gold in the WWE.

Kayla Braxton: Big E my other question was for you regarding Karrion Kross.

That kills the mood and noticeably brings a serious look to the faces of all 3 members of the New Day.

Kayla Braxton: Last week Kross issued a challenge to you Big E and it seems he wants your Money in the Bank briefcase.

Big E nods as he lifts it into the air.

Big E: There isn’t a wrestler in the locker room who wouldn’t want to get their hands on this.

Kofi and Woods nod but Kofi noticeably looks anxious about where this is going.

Big E: So why don’t you try and take it from my Kross?

Big E slams his New Day designed briefcase as Kofi shakes his head watching on.

Big E: I’m challenging you to a rematch at Judgment Day and I’ll put this on the line because if I can protect my friends from people like you, I don’t deserve to be a World Champion!

Kofi Kingston: E…

Big E: Kofi, I love you man but I’ve made up my mind. I promise you, he will not take this briefcase from me!

Kofi looks wary but shakes his head.

Kofi Kingston: I don’t agree with your decision but you are my best friend and you have my full support.

Woods also puts a hand on Big E’s shoulder.

Xavier Woods: And I know you will kick his ass!

All 3 men share a hug as we cut back to the commentary team at ringside.

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Byron Saxton: Well it looks like Big E has issued a challenge to Karrion Kross for Judgment Day.

Corey Graves: And for no reason put his Money in the Bank briefcase on the line!

Byron Saxton: It was the only way Kross would agree to a match Corey.

Corey Graves: Then let the issue go. He has endangered his best chance of becoming a World Champion by doing this.

The two men look to carry on bickering when this music plays…

*GOOD FRIENDSHIP SONG* ​

The Firefly Funhouse is here! The usual music plays as the crowd gives a mixed reaction with some getting on board with this very weird and unique character though a lot boo due to what happened to Finn Balor at Wrestlemania. The opening video finishes for the Firefly Funhouse and we see BRAY WYATT standing there with a big smile on his face in his now signature Mr. Rodgers outfit.

Bray Wyatt: Welcome to the Firefly Funhouse!

We hear the piped-in cheers from little kids as Bray has a smug smirk on his face.

Bray Wyatt: At Wrestlemania, we learned an important lesson. You need to confront your demons kids.

A few kids shout “yay” in response as Bray starts to laugh to himself.

Bray Wyatt: I confronted my demons at Wrestlemania and I laid them to rest.

Bray lets out a creepy laugh as the camera focuses on the pictures on the wall: Finn Balor, Seth Rollins and The Demon King. All with red crosses over their eyes.

Bray Wyatt: Now I can move on to making new friends.

Bray puts his fingers together and has an evil smile on his face as he looks at the camera.

Bray Wyatt: But that’s goodbye for now kids!

Bray stops his sinister pose and resumes being his usual Mr. Rodgers self as he waves us off from the Firefly Funhouse set as the theme music plays and the show itself heads to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we see DANIEL BRYAN and ERICK ROWAN both wearing flannel jackets in what looks like a forest. We can see the two men are stood in front of a cabin as Rowan does all the hard work when it comes to chopping wood as Bryan looks at the camera.

Daniel Bryan: The disrespect shown towards not only me but the planet has gone too far!

Bryan is shouting already as Erick Rowan carries on chopping wood in the background.

Daniel Bryan: Throwing my Intercontinental title in the trash and replacing it with more leather? You Hollywood types are all the same!

Rowan puts more wood on the pile and shakes his head as he carries on chopping wood.

Daniel Bryan: All I hear from Hollywood superstars is them talking about saving the planet but then in the background, they are flying a few miles on their private jets!

Guess he no longer likes Taylor Swift.

Daniel Bryan: If you cared about the environment Miz, you would have kept wearing my title proudly but your ego couldn’t allow it!

Bryan’s face is starting to go red he is so angry.

Daniel Bryan: You couldn’t handle holding a title I created because it would remind you how lucky you got against me at Wrestlemania! It would remind you of the fluke victory you got over me.

Bryan who has been holding an axe the whole time sends it into the table lodging it inside. Rowan looks over and shakes his head before going back to chopping wood.

Daniel Bryan: And the prove it we are issuing a challenge.

Rowan looks over confused and mouths “we” but Bryan doesn’t see or care.

Daniel Bryan: We are challenging you and John Morrison to a tag team match next week!

Rowan shrugs and goes back to chopping wood.

Daniel Bryan: Because when we beat you, Wade Barrett will not be able to deny me my rightful Intercontinental title shot!

Bryan looks over at Rowan who finishes chopping his log.

Daniel Bryan: C’mon Erick. Let’s bring them inside.

Rowan does as instructed and starts to bring the logs inside the cabin as we cut back to the commentary team at ringside.

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Byron Saxton: An interesting challenge made by Daniel Bryan.

Corey Graves: And it is the smartest move he can make. Prove he should be next in line by beating not only the champion but the challenger.

Byron Saxton: As he reminded us last week, just before Wrestlemania he picked up the win against John Morrison.

Corey Graves: I wonder if Miz and Morrison will accept the challenge.

*LEGENDARY*​

Boos from the crowd as THE REAL HORSEWOMEN members JESSAMYN DUKE and MARINA SHAFIR make their way out. The Raw superstars are mean-mugging the camera and talking a bunch of trash to the fans as they make their way inside the ring ready for tag team actions.

Byron Saxton: Well right now we are about to see a brand vs brand collision as Alexa Bliss and Melina look for revenge.

Corey Graves: The Real Horsewomen cost them the Money in the Bank ladder match and there is no way the final diva or the goddess was taking that lying down!

*SPITEFUL*​

A decent pop from the live crowd as ALEXA BLISS makes her way out to the top of the entrance ramp and poses for the live crowd getting a decent pop. She stands at the top of the entrance ramp as she waits for her tag team partner to make her way out.

*PAPARAZZI*​

Another decent pop from the live crowd as the red carpet is rolled out for MELINA! She makes her way out and smiles as she shares a hug with Alexa Bliss before they head down the entrance ramp ready for tag team action.

Byron Saxton: These two have only teamed up once before, on last week’s Smackdown. Do you think that could cost them here?

Corey Graves: It might Byron. The Real Horsewomen know one another inside out and that is something that comes from practice as a team.

Byron Saxton: But they are both also five-time Women’s champions!

Corey Graves: Will their singles success shine through in this match?

Once at the ring Alexa Bliss steps inside the ring for her team whilst Marina Shafir steps inside for the Real Horsewomen as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!

Match 2: Alexa Bliss and Melina vs The Real Horsewomen​

Match summary: Bliss and Melina may not be experienced as a team but they are two very capable singles wrestlers. Duke and Shafir only really find a foothold when they use their experience working as a team to isolate Melina but in the end, the veteran makes the hot tag bringing Bliss into the match! She is a house on fire and in the end, picks up the win by planting Duke with a DDT!

Winners via pinfall: Alexa Bliss and Melina (5:00) ​

Alexa Bliss and Melina get to their feet celebrating the win tonight having got a measure of revenge on The Real Horsewomen! The crowd meanwhile cheers reasonably loudly for the duo as they carry on their celebrations.

Byron Saxton: Bliss and Melina pick up the win over The Real Horsewomen.

Corey Graves: Revenge is a dish best served cold and they got some revenge for Wrestlemania tonight!

Byron Saxton: But I have to wonder, do you think this could maybe be the start of a new team?

Corey Graves: I mean if they keep picking up wins in the tag team division they might get themselves in line for a tag team titles shot against the Hugging Pirates.

Melina and Alexa Bliss finish off their celebration at the top of the entrance ramp as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we can see MELINA and ALEXA BLISS walking through the back both smiling as they talk to each other.

Melina: Nice work Alexa.

Alexa Bliss: Nice work yourself.

Melina: I think we make a good team. Are you up for teaming some more and maybe going for the tag team titles?

Bliss is thinking about and considering the idea when THE RIOTT SQUAD ATTACKS THEM FROM BEHIND! Boos from the live crowd who are watching in the arena as Ruby Riott and Sarah Logan lay a beating on these two here sending them into one of the production crates in the backstage area. Ruby is clearly extra heated and hits Bliss with a series of clubbing punches before turning to Logan.

Ruby Riott: We need to keep doing shit like this to even get noticed around here!

Logan nods agreeing with Ruby.

Ruby Riott: I mean those pirates have ignored this brand and us. If anyone is getting a shot at the tag team titles next from Smackdown, it is us!

Ruby gives a final boot to Alexa Bliss with no love lost between those two and walks off with Sarah Logan having left Bliss and Melina laid out backstage as we cut back to the commentary team.

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Byron Saxton: The Riott Squad cheap-shotting Bliss and Melina after their match!

Corey Graves: They sent a message to the Women’s tag division and the champions. Melina and Bliss were just in the wrong place at the wrong time!

*GOD SAVE OUR QUEEN/END OF DAYS*​

A decent pop from the live crowd as WADE BARRETT the Smackdown Live commissioner makes his way out in a nice suit and with a microphone in his hand. He walks down the entrance ramp with a purpose, heading straight for the ring.

Byron Saxton: It looks like we are going to hear from our commissioner Wade Barrett!

Corey Graves: And he means business, we usually don’t hear from Wade unless he has something important to stay.

Wade is standing in the middle of the ring as he waits for a few moments for the crowd to die down before speaking.

Wade Barrett: For the last couple of months Randy Orton and Kevin Owens have been trying to injure each other non-stop!

Wade seems angry as he shakes his head.

Wade Barrett: Whilst I do understand from my days in the ring wanting to hurt Randy Orton and injure him…

Wade smirks slightly.

Wade Barrett: I can’t have two of my superstars brawling around the arena each and every week!

Wade shakes his head.

Wade Barrett: This needs to end!

Wade is clearly a bit pissed off.

Wade Barrett: And it will be at Judgment Day!

Wade turns towards the titantron as both KEVIN OWENS and RANDY ORTON appear in what is clearly separate locations via satellite! Neither man looks happy as Wade Barrett carries on speaking.

Wade Barrett: Now you two are both in separate hotels to make sure there is not a repeat of the previous weeks.

Owens remains silent whilst Orton scoffs shaking his head.

Randy Orton: And what’s to stop me from finding him after this interview? What’s to stop me from finding him when he is at home with his family.

Kevin Owens: You keep them out of your mouth or I will ki…

Wade Barrett: STOP THIS RIGHT NOW!

Wade is angry in the ring as Randy smirks.

Wade Barrett: Especially you Randy. Don’t think you aren’t getting another fine for the antics you pulled in trying to ruin my main event!

Cheers from the crowd as Wade lays down the law.

Wade Barrett: And until Judgment Day, there will be no psychical contract between you two. Whether on Smackdown or anywhere else!

A big proclamation from Wade Barrett which noticeably neither man seems happy about so far.

Wade Barrett: But I’m well aware a normal one-on-one singles match at this point would just end in a DQ or a countout. Hell it would just end in you two brawling wherever you want until one of you ends up in hospital.

Both men nod agreeing with Wade and ready to put the other man in hospital.

Wade Barrett: So we may as well bring an ambulance to you two and save time!

The crowd are a bit confused but a few twig what he means here.

Wade Barrett: At Judgment Day this will end in an AMBULANCE MATCH!

Cheers from the crowd as the big stipulation is made for the pay-per-view!

Wade Barrett: Now before I go do you have anything you want to say to each other.

Randy smirks and speaks first.

Randy Orton: Kevin, I know you want to avenge your best friend Sami but you’ll get to see him real soon as I’ll send you to the bed next to him!

Loud boos from the crowd as Owens clenches his fist and looks ready to explode with rage.

Kevin Owens: You keep saying the old Kevin Owens is gone and I’ve gone soft.

Owens who was looking at the floor looks directly at the camera.

Kevin Owens: Well, if he was he is back. But this time, I’m not pretending to do this for my loved ones. I’m not using them as an excuse to get to the top.

Owens looks dead ahead with an almost eerie calm.

Kevin Owens: I’m going to break you and send you to the hospital for Sami.

Kevin gets to his feet and walks behind the chair he is sitting on as Orton smirks.

Kevin Owens: This is just a taste of what you are in for.

Kevin picks up the chair and THROWS IT INTO THE CAMERA ENDING THE FEED! Orton tries not to react to this but shows the smallest amount of concern as we cut back to the commentary team at ringside.

Byron Saxton: That will be a fine for Kevin Owens but I don’t think he cares right now. He just wants to end Randy Orton’s career.

Corey Graves: Randy has for weeks talked about the old Kevin Owens being gone. Well maybe he is but has been replaced by a scarier version who will do whatever it takes to avenge his best friend.

Byron Saxton: The match at Judgment Day promises to be a violent encounter for sure!

Corey Graves: Well when we come back, we have a different kind of match. One built on respect as our WWE Tag Team Champions Heavy Machinery take on Lucha House Party. Don’t go anywhere!

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*LUCHA LUCHA* ​

A decent pop from the live crowd as LUCHA HOUSE PARTY make their way out to the ring. GRAN METALIK and LINCE DORADO slap hands with a few kids in the front row getting them fired up before heading to the ring ready for a big match tonight.

Byron Saxton: Welcome back to Smackdown Live and right now we are about to see our WWE Tag Team Champions Heavy Machinery in action for the first time since Wrestlemania against Lucha House Party.

Corey Graves: A big opportunity for the Luchadors tonight as they could earn themselves a future tag team titles shot with a win over the champions.

*HEAVY*​

A decent pop from the live crowd as HEAVY MACHINERY make their way out. The duo lift their WWE tag team titles into the air before heading down the entrance ramp, ready for action.

Byron Saxton: At Wrestlemania, they ended the career of arguably the best team in WWE: The Revival.

Corey Graves: I wouldn’t even have argued that myself but credit to that idiot Otis and his idiot friend Tucker, they did it.

Byron Saxton: Now the challenge for them is what comes next.

Corey Graves: They go from being the plucky challengers to the champions. Can they step up as tag team champions?

Heavy Machinery are now in the ring as Tucker Knight steps in to start for the champions whilst Gran Metalik starts for Lucha House Party. The referee gets ready to call for the bell when…

*WAR* ​

Boos from the live crowd as THE WAR RAIDERS march out and stand at the top of the entrance ramp. The challengers at Judgment Day don’t go any further than the top of the entrance ramp, happy to just watch from there.

Corey Graves: It looks like their title challengers at Judgment Day have come out to do a little scouting.

Byron Saxton: I would be very wary if I was both teams in the ring as we know what these two are capable of.

Tucker and Metalik turn back to each other in the ring as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway.

Match 3: Heavy Machinery vs Lucha House Party ​

Match summary: Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado start the match off at a fast pace using their Lucha skills to wear down and keep away from the power of Heavy Machinery. Otis and Tucker though prove to be more than lumber big men as they even keep up with the pace of Lucha House Party and start to control the match by overpowering the Cruiserweights! At the top of the entrance ramp, The War Raiders noticeably are watching intently but they haven’t moved an inch since before the bell rang. In the closing stages of the match, Gran Metalik has gotten the hot tag.
He is on fire leaping off the ropes to take out not only Otis but also Tucker as well! He gets a close near fall when he hits a ROPEWALK ELBOW DROP ONTO TUCKER! Tucker kicks out as Metalik heads to the ropes and looks to rebound off them with a ROPE BOUNCE STUNNER… TUCKER HITS A GERMAN SUPLEX SENDING METALIK FLYING! Tucker makes the tag to Otis who takes out a leaping Lince with THE EXCAVATOR! He then grabs hold of Metalik and Heavy Machinery hit the TRASH COMPACTOR! Otis makes the cover and Heavy Machinery pick up the win!

Winners via pinfall: Heavy Machinery (8:41)​

Cheers from the crowd as Heavy Machinery pick up a win after overcoming a tough challenge tonight. Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado meanwhile slowly get to their feet as they look at the champions. Heavy Machinery meanwhile shake hands with Lucha House Party getting cheers from the crowd.

Byron Saxton: A tough challenge for our champions tonight but they overcame it and showed why they are now at the top of the tag team division.

Corey Graves: The speed of the Lucha House Party can be hard to deal with and maybe down the line, Lucha House Party might be able to earn a rematch this time for the tag team titles.

As the commentary team put over the teams in the ring, The War Raiders have grabbed a microphone each off some of the stagehands.

Hanson: And this is why your short reign will come to an end at Judgement Day.

Boos from the crowd as Rowe carries on.

Rowe: You have too much heart.

Hanson: Too much mercy.

Rowe: Mercy will not help you in war.

As this is going on we see Lince Dorado grab a microphone from someone at ringside.

Lince Dorado: Hey, heart is the reason these two are champions!

Cheers from the crowd as Lince carries on.

Lince Dorado: And next week, why don’t we show you what heart can do firsthand?

Lince tosses the microphone down as The War Raiders nod accepting the challenge for next week!

Byron Saxton: Well I’ve gotten word from Wade Barrett and he has made it official. Next week Lucha House Party will take on The War Raiders!

Corey Graves: They gave the champions a hard time tonight and if they do the same to The War Raiders they might pull off a shock putting them in line for a future tag team titles shot.

Byron Saxton: The tag team division like the rest of Smackdown Live is hotting up but when we return we are going to hear from Finn Balor after a devastating loss at Wrestlemania. You don’t want to miss it.

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When we return from the commercial break, we can see TITUS O’NEIL standing backstage and the usual happy Titus O’Neil looks pissed off.

Titus O’Neil: You just couldn’t handle losing could you Cedric?

Titus shakes his head.

Titus O’Neil: You couldn’t handle being shown up by a veteran and his partner so you had to send a “message”.

Titus does the finger quotations.

Titus O’Neil: Well now No Way Jose is gone from WWE!

Titus looks upset having formed a tag team with him over the previous year.

Titus O’Neil: And you are going to pay for that!

Titus points at the camera.

Titus O’Neil: If you’ve got any guts, meet me in the ring next week and I’ll get revenge for my fallen friend.

Titus storms off bringing the promo to an end as we cut to the ring.

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*CATCH YOUR BREATH* ​

FINN BALOR makes his way out to the ring. He is in his traditional leather jacket and jeans but there is none of his usual flamboyance. No pageantry. He just walks straight down the ramp with a microphone in his hand heading straight for the ring.

Byron Saxton: Finn Balor at Wrestlemania brought out the Demon King but it wasn’t enough to even come close to beating The Fiend Bray Wyatt.

Corey Graves: Bray managed to destroy him in a matter of minutes stunning everyone.

Byron Saxton: And it looks like it has affected the former Universal Champion.

Corey Graves: A loss like that would break the best of men.

Finn is now standing in the middle of the ring as he takes a moment to look at the crowd before sitting down and looking at the fans in the crowd.

Finn Balor: I let myself down at Wrestlemania.

The crowd are unsure how to react as Finn lets those words hang in the air for a moment.

Finn Balor: At Wrestlemania, I faced a monster and I lost… in a matter of minutes.

Finn sounds broken and dejected as he speaks.

Finn Balor: I was beaten and destroyed just like that!

Finn snaps his fingers indicating how quickly he lost.

Finn Balor: But that’s because I lost something in the last year.

The crowd boos that statement but Finn Balor shakes his head.

Finn Balor: I managed to become a two-time Intercontinental Champion but after losing it to Luke Harper, it was loss after loss after loss.

Finn is starting to get angry with himself but pauses as he pulls out what looks like one of the sleeves he wears as the Demon King.

Finn Balor: So I started to rely on the power of the Demon King to carry me through battle because I got weak.

He clenches his fists and squeezes the red sleeve in his hand.

Finn Balor: See the Demon King amplifies the power inside me and I became too reliant on it, meaning I got weaker!

Finn tosses the demon sleeve down.

Finn Balor: I should have seen the signs when I lost to Kross but I wasn’t being the prince. I was being the fool.

Finn gets back to his feet.

Finn Balor: I need to find the prince once again. The old Finn Balor.

He pauses as he looks at the mat.

Finn Balor: The rock and rolla.

That gets a few cheers from the crowd as Finn Balor lifts the microphone one more time.

Finn Balor: And when I return, the Prince is coming back for his throne.

Finn Balor drops the microphone and heads up the entrance ramp, ignoring the fans as he walks up the entrance ramp. There is still no flamboyance or pageantry as Finn goes backstage and seems to be leaving Smackdown Live for the time being.

Byron Saxton: Finn Balor clearly felt he wasn’t living up to his own standards.

Corey Graves: When you’ve won gold in not just WWE but around the world, you have high standards for yourself!

Byron Saxton: But this is the effect a loss like the one he suffered at Wrestlemania can have on you.

Corey Graves: I’ll say this. If Finn finds the old Finn Balor, the Smackdown roster could be in trouble.

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When we return from the commercial break, we see a room littered with lit candles and little lighting so it means we are about to hear from KARRION KROSS! The camera slowly pans over to him as he sits on his chair high above the ground and his siren SCARLETT BORDEAUX! She is wearing a long flowing dress that hides the massive cast on her leg as she strokes the arm of Kross as he looks at the camera with a sinister grin.

Karrion Kross: Big E, you want to protect your friends. Your loved ones. For most people that would be a trait they would admire.

Kross’s smile fades into a sinister cold dark stare.

Karrion Kross: I see those kind of things as a weakness for me to exploit.

Scarlett pulls out a tarot card that says “FOOL” and passes it to Karrion who smiles.

Karrion Kross: No card sums you and the rest of your friends up.

His smile turns to a sinister snarl.

Karrion Kross: Happy to play the clown and act a fool. But also being so stupid.

He lets out a hearty evil chuckle acting every bit a campy villain.

Karrion Kross: You want to use a golden ticket to have a title match whenever you want in advance? Giving people a year’s warning of their doomsday.

Kross reels back in total disgust.

Karrion Kross: But you managed to do something even more stupid. You put it on the line against me.

Scarlett laughs to herself like an evil witch whilst Kross smiles.

Karrion Kross: And I will beat just like did at Roadblock.

Kross leans forward smirking evilly.

Karrion Kross: Enjoy the briefcase whilst you can cause the party will soon end.

Scarlett brings out an hourglass as the camera focuses on the sand falling to the bottom.

Karrion Kross: Tick tock tick tock tick tock!

Kross keeps repeating his signature catchphrase as we focus on the hourglass before cutting to the commentary team at ringside.

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Byron Saxton: Well that was Kross’s own unique way of accepting the challenge laid out by Big E earlier tonight.

Corey Graves: Kross isn’t wrong though. Big E is a fool to put his briefcase on the line against Kross.

Byron Saxton: We will see if you two are proven to be correct but we’ve got some breaking news from the Smackdown Live commissioner to talk about!

Corey Graves: That’s right Byron. On next week’s Smackdown Live we will see the return of Jeff Hardy after the vicious assault by The Fiend Bray Wyatt!

*PLAY MY ASS OFF*​

A decent pop from the live crowd as XAVIER WOODS makes his way with Francesca XII playing it as he heads down the entrance ramp ready to go one-on-one with Baron Corbin tonight.

Byron Saxton: This match came about due to Baron Corbin being angry at not only Xavier eliminating him from the Andre the Giant Battle Royal but also Akira Tozawa beating him!

Corey Graves: Baron Corbin doesn’t handle loss well because he is a winner and believes he should be at the top!

*I BRING THE DARKNESS (END OF DAYS)*​

Loud boos from the crowd as BARON CORBIN slowly walks out. He looks at the fans with disgust as he walks to the ring. Woods points at Corbin and the two men talk some trash with the issues between them escalating since before Wrestlemania.

Byron Saxton: Xavier Woods will be especially looking for a win tonight to get himself in line for an Intercontinental title shot.

Corey Graves: He came so close to winning the battle royal at Wrestlemania but John Morrison outsmarted the entire field to pull off the victory.

Baron Corbin is now in the ring as he towers over the smaller Xavier Woods. Woods though shows no fear and the referee soon calls for the bell to get this underway!

Match 4: Baron Corbin vs Xavier Woods ​

Match summary: Corbin early on controls the match and uses his power to not only toss Woods around the ring but also bullies him. Corbin gets any cheap shots he can and taunts the fans as the match is going on. Woods starts to mount a fight back and this noticeably worries Corbin. In the end, Baron goes to the corner to take off the turnbuckle but the referee spots him. However whilst the referee is fixing it, Corbin hits Woods with a LOW BLOW! Woods is staggered and Corbin scoops him up as he hits THE END OF DAYS stealing the victory!

Winner via pinfall: Baron Corbin (6:53) ​

Loud boos from the crowd as Baron Corbin gets back to his feet with a smug look on his face! And he seems to take pleasure in the fans booing him as he cups a hand over his ears goading them along.

Byron Saxton: Baron Corbin steals the win!

Corey Graves: Corbin will always do whatever it takes to win and he did it once again!

Byron Saxton: You have to feel for Xavier Woods as that is two matches in a row he has been robbed of a shock victory by cheap tactics.

Corey Graves: Maybe Woods needs to start using some of these himself.

Corbin gets to the top of the entrance ramp and poses once again as the camera cut to Xavier Woods in the ring. Xavier noticeably punches the mat in anger clearly annoyed he lost to Corbin in the fashion he did tonight as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we see THE LAST OUTLAWS are sat in a bar sipping beer from the bottle. BOBBY ROODE and JAMES STORM are both in what can be described as cowboy-inspired outfits as the camera pans around to show both men’s faces.

Bobby Roode: It feels good to have you back at my side.

They clink beers together as James lets out a chuckle.

James Storm: Hey we’ve been through a lot together. As friends…

Bobby Roode: And enemies.

James gives a knowing nod.

James Storm: But here on Smackdown? We’re taking over.

Bobby takes another sip of his beer.

Bobby Roode: When I was sat at home on the shelf, I knew I needed to make an impact on my return and who better to have by my side than you.

James nods.

James Storm: We both know that this might be our last chance. But we know we are the last outlaws of our kind left.

Bobby Roode: Yep and next week you will make your glorious singles debut on Smackdown Live against a man you know from the old days.

James Storm: R-Truth.

No this is not a TNA in the early 2000’s thread!

Bobby Roode: We know how crafty he is.

James Storm: But it don’t matter. The result will be the same.

Both men pick up their beers and toss them behind them.

James Storm: The truth is I’m sorry. Sorry about your damn luck!

The promo comes to an end as we cut to the backstage area…

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As we see CEDRIC ALEXANDER and DIO MADDIN walking through the backstage area as they are stopped by KEVIN PATRICK looking for an interview.

Kevin Patrick: Cedric, Dio. Can I ask a quick question?

Dio towers over Kevin but Cedric stops him rom doing anything.

Cedric Alexander: One quick question. But it better be quick.

Kevin Patrick: Titus O’Neil issued a challenge for next week after youf took out his friend and partner No Way Jose. What are your thoughts?

Cedric smirks as once again Dio becomes a looming presence.

Cedric Alexander: I thought we were being kind by keeping the old Hall of Famer around but I guess we were too kind. I accept.

Cedric goes to walk off but comes back.

Cedric Alexander: But don’t blame me when I put Titus on the shelf for good!

He smirks as Dio chimes in.

Dio Maddin: We ain’t in the business of charity work. We are in the business of hurt.

Dio and Cedric on that note walk off as we cut to a different hallway backstage…

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And now we see JOHN MORRISON, FRANKY MONET, THE MIZ and MARYSE all standing backstage arguing with each other as KAYLA BRAXTON walks up trying to see what the commotion is all about.

Kayla Braxton: Guys, guys! What’s the commotion? Why are you four arguing?

Miz turns to Kayla.

The Miz: We want to accept Bryan’s challenge for next week but John and Franky don’t.

John Morrison: Why should we accept the challenge? You beat him at Wrestlemania already.

Maryse: Didn’t he beat you before Wrestlemania?

That brings a scowl to the face of John as Franky steps forward.

Franky Monet: Oi, who do you think you are speaking to my husband like that?

Monet steps forward ready for a fight and Maryse ain’t backing down.

Maryse: Does the truth hurt?

John and Miz step in between their respective partners stopping a fight from breaking out. As this is going on we see a crew member walk up to Kayla and whisper something in her ear. She nods and he leaves as she turns back the quartet.

Kayla Braxton: Guys, I’ve just gotten word that Wade Barrett has made the tag team match official for next week’s show.

Miz and Maryse look happy whilst Morrison and Monet look furious as they storm off elsewhere leaving Miz and Maryse to look at each other. Maryse smirks whilst Miz shakes his head and we one more time cut to another hallway…

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As DREW MCINTYRE is shown walking to the ring with the WWE title over his shoulder!

Byron Saxton: When we come back, we will see the WWE title on the line as Drew McIntyre takes on Buddy Murphy! You do not want to miss it!

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*OPPOSITE ENDS OF THE WORLD*​

When we return from the commercial break, BUDDY MURPHY makes his way out getting boos from the crowd though a few fans cheer for the Aussie after some of his standout performances on the Blue Brand over the last year. He looks focused and determined as he walks to the ring.

Byron Saxton: Welcome back to Smackdown Live and right now we are about see to Buddy Murphy take on Drew McIntyre for the WWE title, Drew’s first defense.

Corey Graves: And it could be in danger. Buddy might have been the only person hungrier than Drew to win the WWE title for the first time.

Byron Saxton: They fought earlier this year and I was told by Buddy earlier today, that he felt the time limit caused him to rush into a mistake.

Corey Graves: Well Wade Barrett and Drew McIntyre have agreed to waive the time limit. Will that give Buddy Murphy the edge he needs?

*BROKEN DREAMS* ​

A massive ovation from the live crowd as the WWE Champion DREW MCINTYRE marches out with the WWE title over his shoulder! He raises the WWE title into the air before marching down to the ring, with neither man taking their eyes off each other. Drew steps over the ropes and comes face to face with Buddy Murphy as the usual announcements are done.

Byron Saxton: Drew McIntyre comes into this match with his mid-section not at 100% after his Wrestlemania main event with Roman Reigns.

Corey Graves: And if we know Buddy Murphy, he will target those relentlessly. Drew might have made a mistake putting his WWE title on the line so soon after winning it.

Byron Saxton: Drew though wants to be a fighting champion.

Corey Graves: Live by the sword, die by the sword Byron.

Once the announcements are done both Drew and Buddy square up to each other. Neither man backs down as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!

Main event: WWE title match: Drew McIntyre © vs Buddy Murphy ​

Match summary: As soon as the bell rings, Drew and Buddy start trading blows in the middle of the ring, trying to knock each other down. The former Cruiserweight Champion holds his own for a while but eventually Drew wins out sending Buddy falling to the mat! Drew follows up with a series of punches and slams Buddy around the mat as the Aussie is starting to struggle in the first few minutes of the match. Buddy gets a foothold though by connecting with a KNEE TO THE MID-SECTION!

Drew is staggered by this but it gives Buddy the edge he needs as he throws everything he has at Drew during this match. Buddy even makes it a plan to target the ribs of Drew and even applies a few submissions we don’t normally see, laser-focused on trying to use the ribs injury to take the title from Drew McIntyre tonight. Drew each time fights out of it and takes control of the match but Buddy when it looks like he is in danger of being put away keeps managing to land another blow on the ribs!

As we reach the closing stretch of the mat Murphy is trying to power up Drew for the MURPHY’S LAW… BUT DREW SLIPS OUT AND HITS THE FUTURESHOCK DDT! Drew makes the cover but Murphy kicks out at 2! Drew from there knows what he needs to do and heads to the corner as he lines Murphy up for the CLAYMORE! He charges in but Murphy moves just in time! Drew comes back around but gets a V-TRIGGER! Murphy though doesn't stop there as he connects with a TWO MORE TO THE RIBS! He then scoops Drew off the mat and finally powers him up for MURPHY’S LAW! Buddy makes the cover

1

2

Drew kicks out! ​

Buddy looks in total shock as he shakes his head and thinks about what he needs to do to end this match. He nods to himself as he grabs hold of the arms of Drew and looks for the KAMIGOYE… DREW COUNTERS WITH A MASSIVE BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX! Insane show of strength to go from a kneeling position into that move but Drew isn’t done. He heads to the corner of the ring and lines up Buddy Murphy… CLAYMORE! Drew connects this time and makes the cover

1

2

3

Drew McIntyre retains!

Winner via pinfall and still WWE Champion: Drew McIntyre (17:42)​

Drew McIntyre lays on the mat next to Buddy as the fans cheer loudly for him. He has to take a moment to get to his feet having had one hell of a fight with the Aussie tonight. He gets given the WWE title and lifts it into the air soaking in the cheers from the fans.

Byron Saxton: Drew retains his WWE title but not without withstanding a tough challenge from Buddy Murphy tonight.

Corey Graves: The man who was formerly known as the best-kept secret in WWE proves why he is secret no more.

Byron Saxton: Another night, he might have defeated Drew!

Corey Graves: Buddy is certainly one to watch for in the future. When he finally finds the missing spark, he’ll be a champion for sure.

Drew is still nursing his ribs but he uses the ropes to help himself back to his feet. He lifts the WWE title in the air before turning to a rising Buddy Murphy. He sticks out his hand for the Aussie who takes a look and thinks about shaking his hand… BUT SHAKES HIS HEAD AND STORMS OFF BACKSTAGE! Drew in the ring looks disappointed but shrugs his shoulders carrying on his celebration.

Byron Saxton: Buddy not big on the sportsmanship there.

Corey Graves: He won’t shake hands until he is the one holding the gold. Anything else is a failure on his part.

As the commentary team carries on with their praise for not only the WWE Champion but also Buddy Murphy, Drew heads up the ramp celebrating the win. He turns around to head backstage… SPEAR FROM ROMAN REIGNS! Nuclear heat as Roman Reigns looks down at Drew McIntyre with a sinister scowl. Noticeably he has unkempt facing hair with a bit of subtle and looks like he hasn’t slept in weeks. He looks at the WWE title grabbing it off the floor and shouts at Drew this is mine!

He drags Drew off the floor who is struggling after a nearly 20-minute match and HURLS HIM INTO THE STEEL STEPS DISLODING THEM! Roman isn’t done though as he picks up one-half of the dislodged steel steps and lines Drew up RUNNING THROUGH HIM WITH STEEL STEPS! Drew falls to the mat and clutches his head… as we see BLOOD ON HIS FOREHEAD! Roman though isn’t done there as he stands over Drew and BRINGS THE STEEL STEPS DOWN ON HIS MID-SECTION! Roman slams the steel steps into the ribs of Drew McIntyre 5 times before tossing them to the side.

The crowd is reigning down an insane amount of heat as Roman shouts at the fans, reminding them this is his yard. Roman could leave it there but he isn’t done. He grabs the prone and exhausted body of Drew dragging him around the ring before tossing him BACK-FIRST INTO THE ANNOUNCE TABLES! Roman then takes apart the announce table ripping the cover and the monitors off the table before CLOCKING DREW WITH ONE OF THEM! He then lifts Drew McIntyre up and CRUCIFIX POWERBOMBS HIM THROUGH THE ANNOUNCE TABLE!

Several fans pop for the cool spot because they are fickle but a bunch chant “You still suck” at Roman who doesn’t care. Finally, at this point, a swarm of security and medics make their way down the entrance ramp to check on Drew but Roman allows it having sent a message. He walks towards the entrance ramp and grabs the WWE title as WADE BARRETT the commissioner appears shouting at Roman who shouts “he wants his rematch” before slamming the title into Wade and walking off as Smackdown fades to black.

Confirmed matches for next week:

Tag team match:
Miz and Morrison vs Daniel Bryan and Erick Rowan

Tag team match:
The War Raiders vs Lucha House Party

Singles match:
James Storm vs R-Truth

Singles match:
Titus O’Neil vs Cedric Alexander

Judgement Day
Glasgow, Scotland
May 10th



Intercontinental title match:
The Miz © vs John Morrison

WWE tag team titles match:
Heavy Machinery © vs The War Raiders

Money in the Bank briefcase on the line:
Big E vs Karrion Kross

Ambulance match:
Randy Orton vs Kevin Owens

EWR Rating:
71%​

 

[Tg11]

- The Tribal Chief the Head of the Table Roman Reigns...him attacking the WWE Champion Drew McIntyre post match was almost expected. He didn't just attack McIntyre. He manhandled him in a way that Drew hasn't been manhandled before. Drew McIntyre got smashed and stacked by Reigns. But Roman wanting his rematch for the WWE Championship was inevitable and it looks like it will happen at Judgment Day. But Reigns is going to be in enemy territory because not only is Judgment Day in the UK, it is in Drew McIntyre backyard, in his home country of Scotland. Drew last I checked is from Scotland so he is going to have the advantage. His friends and family all will be in attendance.


- A pay per view in Scotland I think is a great idea, like think Clash at the Castle in a sense. A UK PPV when is the last time this had happened? 1992 SummerSlam with Bret vs Bulldog as the main event for the WWF Intercontinental Championship and fast forward almost 28 years later, here in 2020 at Judgment Day we get Reigns/McIntyre for the WWE Championship, I definitely can't wait


- Drew McIntyre in his first title defense in the main event beats Buddy Murphy to retain his title...I mean there was no way McIntyre was going to lose that Match


- Kevin Owens/Randy Orton rematch at Judgment Day in an Ambulance Match in Scotland...I can't wait...but with an Ambulance Match there are no rules. No DQ. No countout. No submissions. Only way to win is beating your opponent so violently and so badly that you have to stuff them into an Ambulance. I wonder who that match will favor? Owens or Orton?


- I knew it was only a matter of time before Charlotte Flair set her sights back on the Smackdown Women's Championship and her attacking Ember Moon after Ember Moon retains her title again in an Open Challenge beating Lacey Evans...I was almost expecting Charlotte to beat up on Ember and also on Lacey too for losing. I almost expected her to turn on Lacey here.


- It seems the WWE Women's Tag Team division is starting to heat up first with Melina & Alexa Bliss becoming a team and beating Shafir & Duke but then seeing the Riott Squad attack Melina & Bliss, it makes me wonder which team will face Bayley and Kairi Sane for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship?


- I can definitely see a Triple Threat for the WWE Intercontinental Championship with Miz having to defend his title against both Daniel Bryan and John Morrison


- Finn Balor leaving...I wonder if this means he ends up taking a break? And if he does, will he return as a babyface or as a heel?


- With The Fiend it makes me wonder who he targets next here on Smackdown


- Big E going up against Karrion Kross...isn't Kross still undefeated in singles competition? And if he is, then with Big E facing Kross and Big E putting his MITB briefcase on the line is that smart? Especially against a monster who hasn't been beaten or who hasn't been made to be vulnerable?


- Plus if Kross manages to win the briefcase, he could very well cash in on Roman Reigns or even on Drew McIntyre. Or Kross could go to RAW and cash in on Aleister Black and become WWE Universal Champion should he win the briefcase from Big E.

 

[Tg11]

I wonder if Roman will start using his Guillotine submission more instead of the Spear to win matches? It wouldn't surprise me if Roman uses the move