Monday Night Raw:
April 20th 2020
Columbia, South Carolina
Colonial Life Arena
We open Monday Night Raw up as we can see THE CLUB walking through the back. THE GOOD BROTHERS can be seen following AJ STYLES who looks dejected and angry.
Karl Anderson: Listen AJ, last week was a tough loss but…
AJ Styles: But what Karl? I’m AJ Styles. I’m meant to be truly Phenomenal.
Luke Gallows: Losses happen to everyone AJ. You will get back on track and prove…
AJ Styles: You two don’t get it.
AJ storms off elsewhere leaving The Good Brothers standing there. Karl thinks about following AJ but Luke shakes his head.
Luke Gallows: Let’s give him some space.
The camera catches up with AJ as he heads around a corner AND BUMPS INTO THE UNIVERSAL CHAMPION ALEISTER BLACK! The two men stare each other down with Black remaining unfazed.
Aleister Black: Can I help you?
AJ thinks for a moment and smiles.
AJ Styles: Actually, you can. I want to fight you tonight!
Black doesn’t flinch.
Aleister Black: Not sure you are worthy of a title shot after your recent losses.
Ouch. AJ flinches at that line but carries on.
AJ Styles: It doesn’t even need to be for the title. I just want you in the main event where I’ll beat you and prove that my recent losses were flukes.
Black remains stoic.
Aleister Black: Desperation leads to weakness. I’ll speak to Adam Pearce and get the match made.
Black walks past AJ.
Aleister Black: But don’t blame me when everything fades… fades to black.
Black leaves the scene as AJ is standing there looking a bit desperate but smiling having gotten what he wanted as we cut to the opening video for Monday Night Raw.
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Michael Cole: It’s Monday night and you know what that means. Welcome to Monday Night Raw!
Elias: And we have a big show in store tonight. I’ve gotten word from Adam Pearce that in tonight’s main event we will see AJ Styles go one on one with Aleister Black!
Michael Cole: AJ is desperate to prove to himself that he is still the same Phenomenal superstar he always has been.
Elias: But that’s not all. We will also…
*THE RISING*
Massive boos from the crowd as SETH ROLLINS marches out with a neck brace still around his neck but he has his leather jacket with the fur around it and black gloves on his hands. He stands there for a moment as THE AUTHORS OF PAIN soon walk out behind him in suits cutting an imposing presence as the trio head down the ramp together.
Michael Cole: We will have to finish that thought later as Seth Rollins looks like he wants attention again.
Elias: We are supposed to be neutral here on commentary but it is hard for us to hide our disdain for this man after what he has done.
Michael Cole: And his influence seems to be getting even stronger as he is now flanked by the two-time tag team champions The Authors of Pain.
Elias: Two of the toughest superstars on the Raw roster, who are willing to leave a trail on bodies in their wake.
Seth Rollins and The Authors of Pain are now standing in the middle of the ring as Seth looks to step forward and speak.
Seth Rollins: Some prophets are not appreciated in their time. And I am one of those men.
Loud boos from the crowd as Seth smirks to himself and soaks in the heat from the fans.
Seth Rollins: You people turned on me. Hell, most of the locker room turned on me when I saved this brand from Brock Lesnar’s iron grip on the Universal title!
Seth is getting angry as he starts to shout pointing at himself.
Seth Rollins: Everything I did for you people got thrown in my face when Edge came back.
Seth stops for a moment and starts to smile.
Seth Rollins: But it made me see the light. I needed to save people from you.
The cheap heat is working as Seth is almost going crazy the more he speaks.
Seth Rollins: I needed to be the messiah for superstars who needed someone to guide them to the top!
He turns to the Authors of Pain standing behind him.
Seth Rollins: I needed to be better than Edge. To save careers not ruin them. To bring people to greatness with me not leave them in the dirt.
Loud boos from the crowd and even a few chants telling Seth he sucks but he just smirks in response.
Seth Rollins: And that brings me to these two monsters.
Akam and Rezar as always stand there looking like a force to be reckoned with.
Seth Rollins: These two men over the last couple of months have lost their way.
Neither man react to what Seth is saying as he carries on.
Seth Rollins: They lost their tag team titles to The Usos and even were pinned by The Street Profits at Wrestlemania!
Cheers for the Street Profits, bringing a dirty look from Seth Rollins.
Seth Rollins: These two should be killers who no one can stop. And under me, they will once again become the killers they are.
Akam and Rezar both pound their fist into their other hand, mean-mugging the camera.
Seth Rollins: But this is an open invitation to any superstar in the back. We can save you. Pledge yourself to us and we can help save your career I promise you.
Seth drops the microphone for the moment and sticks his arms out, flanked by the Authors of Pain until…
*BEL CANTO*
Not much reaction from the live crowd as AIDEN ENGLISH walks out. He looks a little dejected as he walks down the entrance ramp. Seth Rollins in the ring keeps his arms out and smiles wickedly as he watches Aiden English grab a microphone from someone at ringside. He climbs into the ring and he looks at Seth Rollins.
Aiden English: Seth, I came to Monday night Raw for a new start. And I failed straight away.
Aiden looks down at the mat whilst Seth smirks wildly.
Aiden English: I need guidance. I need… I need saving.
Aiden gets on his knees as the crowd boos him but Seth Rollins is all smiles.
Aiden English: Save my career Seth. Save me.
Seth has a wicked smile.
Seth Rollins: Aiden, I promise you. Under my guidance, you shall thrive!
He places his head on the head of the bent-over Aiden English.
Seth Rollins: Welcome to the church of Seth Rollins!
Seth drops the microphone at that point as Aiden English turns to the camera but remains kneeling in front of Rollins as his power on Monday Night Raw grows even more.
Michael Cole: We may not like it but Seth Rollins seems to be recruiting an army.
Elias: Seth is preying on those in a low place. Akam and Rezar had just lost their tag team titles. Aiden English is having a crisis of confidence.
Michael Cole: Who else could join this cult?
Elias: We shall find out in the coming weeks but up next, we will see Lio Rush look to get some revenge on MVP after the veteran walked out on him. You don’t want to miss it!
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*I CAME TO COLLECT*
We come back from the commercial break as we see LIO RUSH make his way out! He gets decent cheers from the live crowd and looks fired up as he walks to the ring, ready to give MVP a beating today.
Michael Cole: Welcome back to Monday Night Raw where we are about to see a grudge match.
Elias: MVP left Lio Rush hanging a couple of weeks ago in the middle of a tag team match against the Linebackers and Lio is looking to make him pay for that.
*I’M COMING*
Boos from the crowd as MVP makes his way out in his attire and does his usual pose. He mouths off to a few fans before posing some more as we can see Lio Rush looking annoyed in the ring.
Michael Cole: MVP said last week that Lio needs to learn to listen to his elders and will look to prove it in the ring tonight.
Elias: MVP is in the twilight of his career but the crafty veteran still knows a few tricks that might shock Lio Rush.
MVP carries on his way to the ring but as he gets to the bottom of the ramp, LIO RUSH LEAPS OVER THE ROPES AND WIPES OUT MVP! A loud pop from the crowd as Lio Rush stuns MVP before the bell! He grabs the veteran and rolls him into the ring as the referee calls for the bell to get this underway!
Match 1: Lio Rush vs MVP
Match summary: Lio totally overwhelms MVP and shows off his great high-flying skills, being one of the best on the planet. MVP does get back into the match before the end, having to rake the eyes of Lio to do it. However, as MVP Irish whips Lio Rush into the ropes… LIO BOUNCES BACK OFF THE MIDDLE ROPE AND HITS THE COME-UP (Rebound off the middle rope into a stunner)! Rush makes the cover and picks up the win!
Winner via pinfall: Lio Rush (5:11)
A decent pop from the live crowd as Lio Rush stunned MVP before the bell and kept the speed at 100mph keeping control of the entire match. He celebrates with the fans after celebrating in the ring as MVP pounds the mat shaking his head.
Michael Cole: What a performance by Lio Rush tonight. Proved himself here against MVP.
Elias: MVP is a former tag team and United States Champion. Defeating him like that is no easy feat.
Michael Cole: Maybe Lio doesn’t need any lessons?
Elias: Well it looks MVP has something to say.
Elias is right as MVP whilst still in the ring has grabbed a microphone and points at Lio Rush at the top of the entrance ramp.
MVP: Lio, Lio. Well done, you’ve passed the first test kid.
Lio shakes his head looking dismissive but MVP carries on.
MVP: But you haven’t learned the lesson I was teaching you today.
Lio off-mic shouts “What’s that? How to get your ass beat”. MVP doesn’t rise to this.
MVP: No, it’s always watch your back because the bell ringing doesn’t always end a fight!
Lio Rush looks confused but dares MVP to meet him… but suddenly we see APOLLO CREWS standing behind him?!?! MVP has a massive smirk on his face as the Smackdown superstar ATTACKS LIO RUSH FROM BEHIND! Boos from the live crowd as Apollo Crews beats down Lio Rush and tosses him around with ease bringing him back towards the ring! The crowd are starting to boo even louder this beating is going on as Crews sends Lio Rush back into the ring!
MVP in the ring starts talking a bunch of trash to Lio as he is down on the mat and Apollo Crews stands there cutting an imposing presence. MVP tells him this is the lesson before telling Apollo to lift him off the mat and connects with THE CHARIOT (Sit-out powerbomb)! Lio Rush is down for the count but Apollo doesn’t stop there as he connects with a STANDING MOONSAULT for good measure! Crews gets to his feet as MVP smirks next to Apollo Crews as they stand tall over Lio Rush.
Michael Cole: This was the plan all along by MVP!
Elias: But what is Apollo Crews doing here? He is a Smackdown superstar!
Michael Cole: We will try to get Renee Young or Charly Caruso to get some answers but right now we have a recap on what happened on NXT last week involving our WWE Women’s tag team champions.
Elias: The Robert Stone Brand certainly made an impact.
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We cut to a video recap as we can see Bayley and Kairi Sane standing in the ring holding microphones with the WWE Women’s tag team titles around their waist having called out The Robert Stone Brand. Robert Stone then appears and distracts the champion before they are attacked by his clients doing a 4-on-2 beatdown! In the end, the segment finishes with Raquel, Chelsea, Vanessa, and Aliyah all standing tall, holding the belts as we cut back to the commentary team at ringside.
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Michael Cole: A cheap attack by the Robert Stone Brand and understandably the champions want payback.
Elias: The Hugging Pirates have agreed to put the tag team titles on the line against The Robert Stone Brand at Backlash! That’s not all though. Later on tonight, Bayley will take on Chelsea Green one on one.
Michael Cole: That promises to be a big match. We are just going to a commercial break but when we return Renee Young has found MVP and Apollo Crews to get an explanation for the attack on Lio Rush after the bell as well as why Crews appearing on Raw. Don’t go anywhere.
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When we return from the commercial break, we see RENEE YOUNG catching up to a smug MVP as he talks to APOLLO CREWS with the duo being all smiles.
Renee Young: Apollo, what are you doing on Monday Night Raw? You are a Smackdown Live superstar.
Apollo waves a finger as MVP speaks on his behalf.
MVP: Not anymore. Look at the newest superstar on the Monday Night Raw roster!
A big addition to the roster as MVP carries on.
MVP: I used my business skills to make sure Adam Pearce pulled off the trade to bring Crews to Raw when he brought over Aiden English for Bobby Roode. And now this man is ready to break free.
Apollo Crews: I’ve been here for years and never won a title. I’ve just been smiling and happy to be here. No more. I want gold around my waist.
Crews puts his hand on the shoulder of MVP.
Apollo Crews: This man will guide me to gold.
MVP: I’ve been talking to this man for months. See I don’t want one talent. No I want to get a business going. A hurt business!
Roll credits.
MVP: Now one of those men Bobby Lashley is on the shelf for a while but I can assure you Bobby, when you come back just give me a call.
MVP smirks before looking back at Renee.
MVP: But I’m not done recruiting. Apollo is the first but he won’t be the last. Lio I want you to learn your lesson.
MVP gets serious as he looks at the camera.
MVP: You need to listen to me and I’m going to show you what happens when you don’t. At Backlash you will go one on one with Apollo Crews.
Another match added to the Backlash card.
MVP: And when he beats you at Backlash, you will either fall in line under my guidance or fall.
Apollo Crews: Welcome to the Hurt Business.
MVP: And business is booming.
MVP and Apollo Crews walk off elsewhere backstage as we cut to a different hallway backstage…
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As we see CHARLY CARUSO standing ready for an interview of her own.
Charly Caruso: It is a packed Monday night Raw tonight with the semi-finals of the Gold Rush tournament taking place tonight. And right now I have one of the participants with me. Welcome my guest at this time, Montez Ford!
MONTEZ FORD walks into the shot flanked by his tag team partner ANGELO DAWKINS who is hyping up his best friend.
Charly Caruso: Montez, last week you picked up the biggest win of your singles career when you pinned AJ Styles. How are you feeling after such a big upset win?
Montez Ford is all smiles as he responds.
Montez Ford: I’m on fire Charly. I’ve not felt this confident before. I pinned the Phenomenal One!
Angelo Dawkins: A multi-time WWE Champion!
Montez Ford: I proved I can compete with the best in this business and now I’m two matches away from a Universal title shot!
Charly Caruso: Well tonight you fight another former champion in Andrade Cien Almas. What is your game plan?
Montez nods and claps his hands together.
Montez Ford: My game plan? I don’t have a game plan like I didn’t against AJ. I’m going to that ring and bring the smoke.
Angelo starts to clap his hands.
Angelo Dawkins: He wants the smoke. He wants the smoke.
Ford joins in with the clapping and sings along.
The Street Profits: He wants the smoke. He wants the smoke.
Montez Ford: C’mon Charly join in.
Charly shrugs and joins in with the chanting as we cut elsewhere backstage once more…
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As we see ADAM PEARCE in his office sorting out some paperwork when the door slams open and NIA JAX walks in (noticeably struggling though and even clutches her back at one point.
Adam Pearce: Nia, I’m very busy what do you want?
Nia Jax: What do I want? I want the title match I earned at Wrestlemania!
Adam Pearce holds his arms up.
Adam Pearce: And you will get it. As soon as you are cleared to compete.
Nia looks furious and winces in pain.
Adam Pearce: Also you are not the only one unfit to compete. Becky is also not cleared to compete.
Nia smirks.
Nia Jax: Thanks to me.
Adam doesn’t respond to that comment.
Adam Pearce: As I said, neither of you are cleared to compete and until you are cleared, you won’t get your Women’s title shot.
Nia looks angry but shakes her head.
Nia Jax: Fine. But the second I’m cleared, I want my title match with Becky Lynch.
She gets close to Adam Pearce.
Nia Jax: And if she isn’t cleared to compete, I expect to be handed the title.
Nia storms off bringing the segment to an end as we cut to a commercial break.
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*UNBROKEN*
Boos from the live crowd as we return from the commercial break and THE LINEBACKERS are making their way to the ring. MOJO RAWLEY shouts at the fans that this is their time whilst RIDDICK MOSS stays quiet.
Michael Cole: Welcome back to Monday night Raw and right now we are going to see The Linebackers taking on The Usos.
Elias: The Linebackers asked for this match to prove they should get the title shot at Backlash, not The Usos.
*DONE WITH THAT (DAY ONE REMIX)*
A decent pop from the fans as THE USOS make their way out in their hoodies and are hyped up ahead of this tag team match. JIMMY USO and JEY USO slap hands with the fans before climbing onto the ring apron.
Michael Cole: The Usos will want to pick up the win tonight to keep the momentum going ahead of their tag team titles match at Backlash.
Elias: But in the back of their minds, they have to be wondering what stipulation Zelina Vega will pick for the tag team titles match at Backlash.
Jey Uso steps into the ring for The Usos whilst Mojo Rawley starts for The Linebackers as the referee calls for the bell to get the match underway.
Match 2: The Usos vs The Linebackers
Match summary: The Usos may be smaller in size compared to their opponents but they make up for it in speed and their experience as a tag team. Mojo and Moss get some opportunities to lay into the veteran tag team but in the end, the skill of The Usos stands out as they hit Mojo Rawley with DUAL SUPERKICKS before taking out Moss with DUAL SUPERKICKS AS WELL! Jey hooks the leg and picks up the win for The Usos!
Winners via pinfall: The Uso (5:23)
The Usos get back to their feet as they celebrate the victory over The Linebackers tonight. The crowd cheer for the veterans who carry on building momentum for Backlash.
Michael Cole: The Usos proving how good they are as a team tonight. And sending a direct message to the World tag team champions The Ungovernables with the win in tonight’s match. They are ready for Backlash.
*COAT OF ARMS*
Boos from the crowd as the tag team champions CESARO and ILJA DRAGUNOV walk out with the tag team titles around their waist. ZELINA VEGA soon walks out with her clients. She smirks to herself as The Usos are stood in the ring and trash talk the champions.
Zelina Vega: Well done Usos. A nice win for you boys.
A patronizing response from Zelina which gets heat from the crowd.
Zelina Vega: But beating my clients is a very different challenge to beating those two.
Noticeably Mojo Rawley and Riddick Moss walk past The Ungovernables as she says that glaring at them but heading backstage without starting a fight.
Zelina Vega: And in a normal tag match it proved too hard didn’t it?
Ilja smirks and shouts something in Russian whilst Cesaro mockingly takes a sip of water, pissing off Jey as Jimmy keeps him calm.
Zelina Vega: But if you want these tag team titles back, you will need to beat them in an environment that favors them.
Boos from the crowd as Zelina shakes her head.
Zelina Vega: It will be a tornado tag team match at Backlash!
That gets a loud pop from the crowd as Zelina drops the microphone smirking whilst in the ring The Usos remain defiant and shout they are the best in any environment no matter what! Zelina is still confident and so are her clients who pose next to her.
Michael Cole: The challenge has been set for Backlash! A tornado tag team match for the tag team titles!
Elias: And the chaos of a tornado tag match favors the champions.
Michael Cole: A tornado tag team match can end up resembling a singles match due to the chaos involved.
Elias: We shall see but speaking of tag team warfare let’s hear from Taynara Conti and Xia Li!
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We cut to a locker room as TAYNARA CONTI and XIA LI are sat backstage looking a bit pissed off.
Taynara Conti: Last week, I thought you finally stopped being a coward Sasha.
Conti shakes her head.
Tayanra Conti: I was wrong.
Xia Li: Naomi, you have no honor sticking your nose in. If you two want to team up on Conti, I’m stepping in.
Taynara points at the camera.
Taynara Conti: Naomi, Sasha, Team BAD! Whatever you call yourself we are issuing a challenge next week!
Conti is fired up.
Taynara Conti: Us versus you in the ring and I get to give you a taste of what awaits when you piss off a crazy Latina!
Conti and Xia Li stare at the camera having issued a challenge to Sasha Banks and Naomi as we cut to a commercial break.
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*BRAUN/ I AM STRONGER*
A loud roar and a decent pop from the live crowd once we return from the commercial break to start the second hour as BRAUN STROWMAN marches to the ring. As usual he towers above the fans and steps into the ring ready for his semi-final match.
Michael Cole: Welcome back to Monday Night Raw and right now we are about to see the first semi-final in the Gold Rush tournament.
Elias: This one promises to be one hell of a brawl between two of the biggest powerhouses on the Raw roster.
*WRITTEN IN THE FACE*
A decent pop from the crowd as the Celtic Warrior SHEAMUS marches down the entrance ramp towards the ring. He pumps up the crowd and climbs into the ring across from the Monster among men.
Michael Cole: Sheamus loves nothing more than fighting and brawling. He’ll get that chance tonight.
Elias: Whoever wins this match will have earned it. This could easily become a war very quickly.
Sheamus and Braun are both ready for a fight as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway.
Match 3: Braun Strowman vs Sheamus
Match summary: Both men hit each other hard in this match with Braun having the power advantage and Sheamus having to for once play the underdog! The two men brawl around the ring and nearly get each other counted out but they both get into the ring on the count of 9! In the end, Sheamus picks up the win by hitting Braun with not one but TWO BROGUE KICKS keeping him down for 3!
Winner via pinfall: Sheamus (7:28)
Strowman kicks out after the 3 count at 3.01 but it is too late as Sheamus picks up a massive win and is now one match away from earning a Universal title shot. Braun meanwhile looks furious to have lost tonight.
Michael Cole: A slight upset tonight as Sheamus overcomes the power of Braun Strowman.
Elias: It takes a lot to make Sheamus an underdog but he overcame the monster among men tonight.
Michael Cole: And he will fight either Andrade Cien Almas or Montez Ford at Backlash for a future shot at the Universal title.
Elias: One of the few belts Sheamus has never won in WWE.
Braun gets back to his feet and looks at Sheamus who is celebrating and nods at him showing respect to the Celtic Warrior. Sheamus nods back as Braun leaves the ring and we cut to a commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break we get loud boos as SAMOA JOE is shown arriving at the arena. He is 2 weeks away from a Universal title shot against Aleister Black but still doesn’t look like a good move as he is stopped by… MVP and APOLLO CREWS!
MVP: Joe.
MVP holds his hand out looking to greet an old friend but Joe remains stoic.
Samoa Joe: What do you want Montel? And why is he here?
Crews steps forward but MVP stops him.
MVP: Apollo, hey man. It’s all good. I’ll catch up with you in a bit.
Apollo stares at Joe before heading off elsewhere backstage leaving MVP and Joe alone.
MVP: Joe we have known each other for years…
Samoa Joe: So I know you want something.
MVP smirks.
MVP: Always a smart man Joe. A straight shooter and that’s why I want to do business with you.
He gives Joe his business card as Joe holds it for a moment.
MVP: No one around here emphasizes hurt like you do. You choke people out and leave a trail of bodies in your wake.
Joe is looking at the card as MVP carries on.
MVP: With my guidance, I can help you become Universal Champion at Backlash.
That changes the mood of Joe quickly who tosses the card at MVP.
Samoa Joe: I don’t need any help to become champion!
Joe gets right in MVP’s face who backs away slightly sticking his hands up.
Samoa Joe: And I’ll prove it!
He storms off heading elsewhere leaving MVP at first looking a bit shaken before smirking to himself as we cut back to the ring…
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As cut back to the ring with ADAM PEARCE standing in the middle in the ring in front of a pair of scales whilst on a podium.
Adam Pearce: Now as you people know I hate to be out here any longer than I have to as Monday Night Raw is about the superstars.
Cheap pop from the crowd who agrees.
Adam Pearce: So let’s get this weigh-in underway starting with the challenger: Dominik Dijakovic!
*VENGEANCE*
Boos from the crowd as DOMINIK DIJAKOVIC marches out cutting an imposing presence. He is joined by ZELINA VEGA who smirks and leads her client to the ring. They step into the ring with Dominik standing just behind the scales as Vega smiles at Adam Pearce who ignores her as best he can.
Adam Pearce: And now our United States Champion: Chad Gable!
*ELITE*
A pretty loud pop from the live crowd as CHAD GABLE walks out with an American Olympic-style tracksuit and his US title around his waist. KURT ANGLE is next to his mentee and they walk down the entrance ramp together. We can see Zelina whispering a few words to her client who sternly nods whilst Gable and Angle climb into the ring.
Adam Pearce: Thank you for joining us. Now before we…
Zelina Vega: No no I want to know what stipulation my client is going to have to fight in.
Boos from the crowd as Kurt Angle smirks.
Kurt Angle: You don’t like it when someone else holds the power, do you Zelina?
Zelina pouts in response to this as Kurt gets cheers from the crowd.
Kurt Angle: You’ll get the stipulation when I am ready!
Zelina shakes her head as Kurt signals for Adam Pearce to carry on.
Adam Pearce: Thank you Kurt.
Zelina Vega (coughs): Favouritism.
Pearce ignores her again.
Adam Pearce: So let’s start by weighing the challenger.
Pearce points to Dijakovic and asks him to climb into the scales! Dijakovic takes a moment before standing on the scales flexing his muscles for the fans to see his imposing size. Pearce checks the scales before turning to the fans.
Adam Pearce: Two hundred and seventy-five pounds!
Dijakovic stays still as Zelina smirks and nods. He climbs off the scales standing next to her as Adam turns to the champion.
Adam Pearce: Chad could you step onto the scales.
The champion nods as he passes the United States title to Kurt Angle, not before looking at Dominik Dijakovic. Once he steps onto the scale Adam has a look, nodding at the scales before turning to the crowd.
Adam Pearce: Two hundred and two pounds!
Cheers from the crowd as the cruiserweight is passed his United States title by Kurt Angle.
Adam Pearce: Thank you. Now before Kurt and Chad announce the stipulation for Backlash, do you two have anything to say?
Dijakovic nods taking the microphone as he walks closer to Gable and Angle. Both though remain still and calm.
Dominik Dijakovic: Gable, no matter what stipulation you pick I will crush you in the ring. No countouts to save you. You’ll have to actually beat me!
Dijakovic points at his chest before passing the microphone to Zelina.
Zelina Vega: And you won’t.
Boos from the crowd as Zelina smirks evilly.
Zelina Vega: Look what he did to Brock Lesnar!
A few fans chant for Brock as Vega turns to the crowd.
Zelina Vega: He helped destroy Brock Lesnar. Annihilate Brock in this ring and get revenge. You think Chad stands a chance?
Zelina smirks as Chad asks for the microphone from Kurt who obliges.
Chad Gable: Dominik, you needed five of your friends to help you take out Brock.
Cheers from the crowd as Dijakovic looks angry.
Chad Gable: I’d be even more worried if all six of you couldn’t take out one person. Even if they are BRRRRRRROCK LESSSNAR!
Cheers for the goofy Heyman impression earning a chuckle from Kurt.
Chad Gable: But I will say this Dijakovic.
He steps closer to the giant, with the big man towering over him.
Chad Gable: You are a great wrestler. I’ve seen what you can do in NXT before Zelina recruited you. Hell, I’ve seen what you did outside of WWE. You are one of the most agile big men I’ve seen.
Dijakovic remains unflinching.
Chad Gable: But I can still take you down like all the rest. By slowing chopping down your legs and bringing you down to the mat with the ankle lock!
Dijakovic looks angry but Gable doesn’t move.
Chad Gable: I mean that’s why you got counted out. I didn’t cheat, no I took away your ability to walk and you couldn’t climb back inside due to it.
Dijakovic looks furious as the crowd cheers Gable getting behind the champion as they agree with him. Chad then passes the microphone to Kurt.
Kurt Angle: So Zelina you want to make sure there are no countouts? Like a street fight? Where your clients can make their way into the match and cost Chad his United States title?
Zelina looks annoyed and looks like she has been caught with her hands in the cookie jar.
Kurt Angle: No. We are going to introduce something new to the WWE Universe.
A few murmurs from the crowd as Zelina looks angry and confused.
Kurt Angle: At Backlash, you will fight Chad Gable for the United States title in the FIGHT PIT!
Cheers from the crowd though they aren’t sure what the match will be as Kurt Angle drops the microphone. Kurt Angle and Chad Gable stand across the ring from Zelina Vega and Dominik Dijakovic as they stare each other down.
Michael Cole: The United States title will be on the line in the first-ever fight pit match!
Elias: I wonder what a fight pit match is going to be but I’m excited Michael.
Michael Cole: Hopefully we find out a few more details next week but I’m excited to see what awaits us.
Elias: But up next when we return from the commercial break, Beth Phoenix will take on Mia Yim. Don’t go anywhere!
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*NUMBER ONE*
Boos from the crowd once the show returns from a commercial break as MIA YIM makes her way out to the ring. She has a cocky swagger as she walks down the ramp and taunts the fans in the crowd.
Michael Cole: Welcome back to Monday Night Raw and right now we are going to see action in the Women’s division as Beth Phoenix takes on Mia Yim!
Elias: Mia Yim wanted this match so she could potentially pick up a win and get herself back in line for a Women’s title shot.
*GLAMAZON*
A decent pop from the live crowd as BETH PHOENIX walks out and she is joined by her tag team partner NATALYA! The Divas of Doom walk down the ramp and Nattie can be seen hyping up her friend as she walks down the ramp.
Michael Cole: Beth Phoenix has talked about this being the final year of her career and wants to become a Women’s Champion one more time before her career ends.
Elias: She will need to start picking up wins against talent like Mia Yim if she wants to get herself back in line for a rematch from last year against Becky Lynch!
Mia talks a bunch of trash once Beth steps into the ring but the Glamazon ignores her as the referee calls for the bell to get the match underway.
Match 4: Mia Yim vs Beth Phoenix w/Natalya
Match summary: Mia Yim talking trash early on soon backfires as Beth knocks her block off! Beth’s power controls the match and lays into Mia Yim who has to use her ring IQ to get back into the match. Mia puts up a good fight but Beth is too powerful for her fellow ring veteran and in the end, Beth puts away Mia Yim with the GLAM SLAM for the win!
Winner via pinfall: Beth Phoenix (6:10)
Beth Phoenix gets to her feet having picked up a hard-fought victory over Mia Yim tonight. Natalya joins Beth in the ring and lifts her arm into the air as Beth soaks in the cheers from the live crowd.
Michael Cole: A strong win for Beth Phoenix tonight.
Elias: A few more of those and she might be in title contention.
Michael Cole: For sure Elias but right now we are about to hear from Sasha Banks and Naomi as they respond to the challenge issued by Taynara Conti and Xia Li earlier tonight.
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We cut to SASHA BANKS and NAOMI standing backstage with Banks wearing her shutter shades whilst Naomi looks pissed off.
Sasha Banks: Conti, you want to talk all this trash about me being a coward. No, you are just beneath me!
She seems very angry as she puts the shades onto the top of her head.
Sasha Banks: I shouldn’t have to be wasting my time dealing with you. No, I should be taking back my Women’s Universal title from Becky Lynch.
Naomi side-eyes Banks as she says that but carries on.
Sasha Banks: Or maybe even going after an old friend to become tag team champions for the third time!
Naomi reacts a lot better to that idea but stays quiet.
Sasha Banks: Naomi helped me because it benefits her to be this close to a top star. This close to the title picture.
Naomi: Working with Sasha again gets me closer to the top and closer to becoming Women’s Universal champion.
Sasha this time side-eyes Naomi but focuses on her enemies.
Sasha Banks: But first we need to take out the trash. You want to challenge us to a match next week?
Naomi: That’s a bad idea cause we accept.
Sasha Banks: Conti, I’m going to give you a taste of the beating you are in for at Backlash when I take care of your tag team partner Xia Li.
Sasha steps forward.
Sasha Banks: And at Backlash, all that potential. All that promise. It will be gone because it’s boss time.
Sasha puts her shades back on the end of the promo standing next to her new ally and maybe tag team partner Naomi as we cut to a commercial break.
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*LONDON BOYS*
Boos from the crowd as DANNY BURCH walks out ready for action joined by ONEY LORCAN who is in jeans and a hoodie as he psyches up his tag team partner ahead of this singles match within the Cruiserweight division.
Michael Cole: Welcome back and right now we are going to see a match that came about after a backstage confrontation last week.
Elias: Danny Burch wasn’t happy about what he saw as disrespect from Ziggler and challenged him to a fight.
*HERE TO SHOW THE WORLD*
A decent pop from the fans as the veteran DOLPH ZIGGLER walks out in his Demin outfit and looks fired up as he heads to the ring. He pumps up the fans before climbing into the ring, coming face to face with Danny Burch.
Michael Cole: Dolph is looking to get back into the Cruiserweight title picture and will need to pick up a bunch of wins to do it.
Elias: Tonight is a good way to get the ball rolling and put himself back into contention. Danny Burch is a tough competitor in the ring and will prove to be a different challenge to other Cruiserweights.
Danny is still talking a whole lot of trash whilst Dolph remains calm but keeps an eye on Oney Lorcan outside the ring as the referee calls for the bell to get the match underway.
Match 5: Dolph Ziggler vs Danny Burch w/Oney Lorcan
Match summary: Early on both men are evenly matched as Ziggler tries to use grappling and his speed to bring down Danny whilst the former hooligan focuses on strikes and punches with a few headbutts thrown in. Danny sends Ziggler to the outside but gets sent into the barricade by Ziggler. Oney though comes face to face with Ziggler and distracts him for a moment allowing Danny to club him from behind before sending Ziggler back into the ring, getting boos from the crowd.
Danny lays into Ziggler in the next few minutes of the match, trying to use his strikes to rough up Ziggler on the mat. He grabs hold of Ziggler and looks like he might be about to end it with a SPIKE DDT…BUT ZIGGLER ESCAPES AND HITS THE ZIG ZAG! Ziggler makes the cover and gets a close two-count. Oney Lorcan looks to climb onto the apron at this point and EATS A SUPERKICK FROM ZIGGLER! Ziggler turns as DANNY TRIES TO ATTACK HIM AND GETS HIT WITH FAMOUSER! Ziggler makes the cover 1 2 3! Ziggler wins!
Winner via pinfall: Dolph Ziggler (7:40)
Cheers from the crowd as Dolph Ziggler gets to his feet having earned a hard-fought victory in this match. He celebrates in the ring as Oney Lorcan outside the ring rubs his jaw furious.
Michael Cole: Ziggler gets the win overcoming both members of the One Twos during this match.
Elias: A few more performances like that and Ziggler will earn himself a rematch for the Cruiserweight title.
Ziggler is carrying on his celebration in the ring as Oney Lorcan attacks him from behind! Boos from the crowd Oney lays into him with a series of boos from the crowd as Danny Burch gets back to his feet and lays into Dolph Ziggler until…
*FOR THE BETTER*
Cheers from the crowd as DREW GULAK runs down to the ring with a steel chair in hand and smacks Oney Lorcan in the back with it! He swings for Danny Burch but the Brit slides out of the ring avoiding it as he retreats up the entrance ramp. Drew Gulak smacks the chair daring him to come back before tossing the chair away as he helps Ziggler up to his feet.
Michael Cole: Drew Gulak making the save for Ziggler tonight!
Elias: Drew was screwed out of a match with Oney Lorcan a couple of weeks ago by Danny Burch so this must have been his payback.
Michael Cole: The One Twos won’t take this well that is for sure.
Elias: Well I am getting word from backstage that Renee Young has an exclusive interview for us.
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We see RENEE YOUNG standing with a microphone in her hand.
Renee Young: Thanks Elias. Please welcome my guest at this time MANSOOR!
The Saudi Arabian superstar walks into the shot with a smile on his face and shakes the hand of Renee before doing a polite bow.
Renee Young: How does it feel being on Monday Night Raw?
Mansoor smiles.
Mansoor: Being on one of the biggest brands in the world is a great honor and I want to thank WWE for the opportunity to represent my homeland.
He carries on smiling as he speaks.
Mansoor: To compete in the Cruiserweight division with some great competitors like Mustafa Ali, Dolph Ziggler, Drew Gulak, Kalisto would truly be an honor.
The smile goes for a moment.
Mansoor: But people like Danny Burch, Oney Lorcan and Angel Garza bring shame to the division. I want to avenge what Garza did to me and I will after beating Kal…
???: Oi dafties!
That could only be one man as the camera pans over to show NOAM DAR! He is chewing his gum and acting like a twat as per usual before speaking.
Noam Dar: You should be interviewing me! I got screwed by Edge last week!
Mansoor: Didn’t you try to cheat him first? To quote an American phrase, if you live by the sword you die by the sword. Dishonor will be met with dishonor in kind.
Dar looks furious at this and gets closer to Mansoor.
Noam Dar: Kid, you may be new around here so I’ll give you a warning. Don’t come close to a supernova or y’all get burned into a crisp ya dafty.
Dar walks off out of shot leaving Mansoor standing there shaking his head whilst we cut to a different hallway backstage…
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As we can see ANDRADE CIEN ALMAS and ZELINA VEGA walking down the hallway to the ring.
Michael Cole: When we come back from the commercial break, we will see Andrade Cien Almas take on Montez Ford with the winner fighting Sheamus at Backlash in the Gold Rush tournament final. You don’t want to miss it!
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*BRING THE SWAG*
A pretty loud reaction as we return from the commercial break and we see MONTEZ FORD making his way out joined once again by his tag team partner ANGELO DAWKINS who is hyping him and the crowd up. He sprints down the ramp and jumps into the ring ready for action.
Michael Cole: Welcome back to Monday night Raw and right now we are about to see the second semi-final of the Gold Rush tournament as Montez Ford takes on former Universal champion Andrade Cien Almas.
Elias: Montez Ford pulled off a massive upset the other week and defeated a former World champion in AJ Styles!
Michael Cole: One more upset and he is in the final against Sheamus, one match away from a shot at The Universal title.
Elias: Montez had a bright future and is a future world champion. Could that future be a lot sooner than we realized?
*GANGSTER’S PARADISE*
Boos from the crowd and fairly sizeable after ANDRADE CIEN ALMAS and ZELINA VEGA used the Ungovernables to take Brock Lesnar out on the post-WM Raw. He has a smug look as he takes off his shades and passes them to Zelina, focusing on Montez Ford in the ring but doesn’t look worried.
Michael Cole: Andrade wants to get his Universal title back but Adam Pearce made it clear that since he was pinned first at Wrestlemania, there was no automatic rematch for the former champion.
Elias: Andrade held the title for six months beating a lot of former champions but in the end fell to Aleister Black.
Michael Cole: But he has The Ungovernables on call in the back ready to help at any time.
Elias: Angelo will need to keep an eye on the entrance ramp and the crowd for Montez.
Andrade gets to the bottom of the ramp and poses once again before smirking at Zelina Vega outside the ring… AS MONTEZ LEAPS OVER THE ROPES WIPING OUT ANDRADE! Loud cheers as Montez starts the match off with a bang. He grabs hold of Andrade by the neck and rolls him into the ring before leaping over the ropes as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!
Match 6: Andrade Cien Almas w/Zelina Vega vs Montez Ford w/Angelo Dawkins
Match summary: Andrade is stunned in the opening minute as Montez keeps the attack going, looking to take him by surprise. Montez even teases going for FROM THE HEAVENS but ZELINA GRABS MONTEZ’S FOOT STOPPING HIM! He shakes her off but the distraction is enough for Andrade to leap up onto the top rope and SUPERPLEX MONTEZ DOWN TO THE MAT! The referee though saw what happened and points to Zelina Vega EJECTING HER FROM RINGSIDE!
Andrade and Zelina argue with the referee but he remains firm demanding she heads backstage. The self-inflicted distraction nearly costs Andrade as Montez rolls him up but Andrade kicks out at 2.9! The crowd is starting to get behind Montez as they sense another potential upset here! He keeps up the pace in the next few moments of the match and you can tell Andrade is starting to struggle early on with Montez desperate to take advantage of this opportunity.
Andrade though weathers the storm and starts to slow overpower Montez whilst showing off his insane agility of his own! He stands to also target the ribs of Montez, looking to take away his ability to his From the Heavens, hitting a series of brutal double foot stomps to the chest of Montez! As we get to the closing stages Andrade is in control wrenching on him with a brutal abdominal stretch but Montez fights him off before running off the ropes with a SUPERMAN PUNCH!
He floors Andrade and knocks him to the mat before hoisting him up off the mat and hits ROCK BOTTOM! Loud cheers from the crowd as Montez makes the cover 1 2 Andrade kicks out! Montez rolls away clutching his ribs before looking at the top rope knowing he needs to go big. He steadies himself and flies off… ANDRADE GETS HIS KNEES UP! Montez smashes his ribs as Andrade sends him into the corner with a DROPKICK AND FOLLOWS UP WITH SEEING SHADOWS! Andrade could make the cover but he wants to be safe so hits the HAMMERLOCK DDT! Andrade hooks the leg and makes the final of the Gold Rush tournament!
Winner via pinfall: Andrade Cien Almas (17:10)
Andrade rolls away from Montez Ford, grabbing hold of the ropes as he helps himself back to his feet having gone through one hell of a fight to earn his spot in the final. Montez meanwhile is still down on the mat as Angelo Dawkins slides in to check on him and make sure he is OK.
Michael Cole: Andrade survives a potential banana skin and puts away Montez Ford but not without a lot of trouble.
Elias: Montez can be proud of his performance tonight. He gave it his all and came this close to making the final but Andrade was too much in the end.
Michael Cole: And now he will face Sheamus in the final to see who will be next in line for a shot at the Universal title.
Elias: That promises to be one hell of a banger.
Andrade is back on his feet as Montez Ford is sat up on the mat and puts his fists up ready for a fight. Angelo also looks like he is ready to fight Andrade but the leader of the Ungovernables in a rare show of respect nods at the duo before walking off shocking them and the crowd. Montez Ford in the ring meanwhile is helped back to his feet by his tag team partner as they share a hug and we cut to a commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break we can see the Cruiserweight Champion MUSTAFA ALI walking through the backstage area until he is stopped by a smirking ANGEL GARZA! He has a nice black shirt and rose in his pocket whilst Mustafa Ali is in regular street clothes not looking amused.
Mustafa Ali: What do you want Angel?
Garza smirks.
Angel Garza: I just wanted to get a closer look at the title soon-to-be mine.
He has a grin as Ali grabs the title off his shoulder and lifts it up getting closer to Angel Garza.
Mustafa Ali: This title means the world to me. Being a champion people can be proud of means more than you can imagine. After what you pulled last week, there is no chance I let you take this from me.
Garza shakes his head.
Angel Garza: I do what it takes to get what I want and what I want are the finer things in life.
He pulls the rose out of his pocket and sniffs it.
Angel Garza: Whether that be fine wine, flowers, women…
He goes to touch the title but Ali pulls it away.
Angel Garza: Or gold.
Garza backs away from Ali smirking to himself.
Angel Garza: Don’t worry Ali, I won’t take that title from you just yet. I’m happy to wait till Backlash.
Angel backs away as SHINSUKE NAKAMURA ATTACKS ALI FROM BEHIND! Angel smirks as Shinsuke after knocking down Ali hits him with a KINSHASA! Angel stands over Ali smirking before nodding as he walks off with his fellow Ungovernable Shinsuke and we cut to the commentary team at ringside.
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Michael Cole: A cheap attack by Shinsuke Nakamura there!
Elias: Angel is willing to do whatever it takes to get the Cruiserweight title and like Andrade he’ll use his fellow Ungovernables if needed.
*FEARLESS WARRIOR*
A decent reaction from the live crowd as KALISTO sprints down the ramp and heads straight for the ring, ready for action tonight. He looks determined behind the mask and there is less of the usual playing to the kids in the crowd from the former United States and Cruiserweight champion.
Michael Cole: Speaking of Angel we are about to see two men collide for the right to fight Angel Garza next week and get revenge.
Elias: Garza disrespected their culture when he messed with Kalisto’s mask to earn his spot in the number one contender’s match and Kalisto wants payback.
*THE FALCON SOARS*
Also getting a decent reaction from the crowd MANSOOR walks out slapping hands with the fans as he walks out and has a big smile on his face before seeing Kalisto in the ring and the smile fades from the young Cruiserweight.
Michael Cole: But Mansoor feels disrespected by Garza tossing his pants into his face blinding him and allowing Garza to steal the win last week.
Elias: Both men have an axe to grind but only one man gets a rematch with Garza next week ahead of Backlash.
Once in the ring, Mansoor offers a handshake to Kalisto. The luchador takes a moment but does accept it before telling Mansoor there will be no respect once the bell rings which the young superstar acknowledges. They both back away and the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!
Match 7: Kalisto vs Mansoor
Match summary: Kalisto starts off the match aggressively, going right after Mansoor and catches the rookie off-guard! Mansoor though shows his heart, staying alive in this match and as we get to the 4-minute mark it looks like Mansoor might win. However, NOAM DAR climbs over the barricade and trips Mansoor distracting him out of view of the referee. Kalisto doesn’t see it and pounces on him hitting SALIDA DEL SOL! Kalisto makes the cover and picks up the win.
Winner via pinfall: Kalisto (4:46)
A bit of a mixed reaction from the crowd as Kalisto looks a bit confused but soon realizes something happened as Noam Dar sneaks off smirking to himself having cost Mansoor the match.
Michael Cole: Kalisto picks up the win and earns the right to fight Angel Garza next week on Raw!
Elias: But not without a massive assist from Noam Dar!
Michael Cole: And it was clearly unwanted by Kalisto.
Elias: Doubt that will make Mansoor any happier though.
Kalisto heads over to Mansoor and can be seen saying sorry to the young Cruiserweight who nods accepting the apology before telling Kalisto off-mic to kick Angel Garza’s ass. Mansoor leaves the ring, still pissed off as Kalisto celebrates in a muted fashion before shouting in Spanish he will kick Angel’s ass whilst the show cuts to a commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break, we see EDGE sitting on a chair in a leather jacket looking at the camera. He still has a wild and slightly unkempt beard with a bit of a crazed look in his eyes before speaking.
Edge: I thought this was over.
Edge chuckles slightly.
Edge: I thought you were smarter than this Seth.
He looks directly at the camera with a slight smile that turns to pure anger.
Edge: I was ready to move on. Ready to go back and reclaim what I never lost. To become a world champion one more time.
He looks longingly at his hands before looking back at the camera.
Edge: But you want to carry this war on? I think you forget just how well I know you. Because I know myself.
He gets to his feet and the anger is building in his face.
Edge: You claim to be a savior? No you are leeching off these people.
He throws his arms into the air in fury at the idea people think Seth might be saving them.
Edge: You are using them like I’ve used others in the past to get what I want and I know what you want.
He looks back at his hands.
Edge: To be a world champion again.
Edge sighs and grits his teeth.
Edge: I’m not cleared to compete again.
Edge pauses for a moment though.
Edge: But it’s only for a couple of weeks. I’m not letting you put me back on the shelf.
He glares at the camera with pure anger.
Edge: And I promise that your church will be raised to the ground.
Edge stares at the camera for a few seconds before walking off elsewhere as we cut back to the commentary team.
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Michael Cole: Edge making his intentions clear.
Elias: These two men I feel might be fighting for a while. Seth and Edge are both men who have been proven willing to end their enemy's career and they will want to destroy each others for sure.
*SQUARE UP*
A decent pop from the live crowd as FIRE AND DESIRE walk to the ring with a purpose. Neither SONYA DEVILLE nor MANDY ROSE look happy. They pay little attention to the fans and head to the timekeeper’s area looking for microphones.
Michael Cole: On last week’s Raw we saw The Real Horsewomen send a message to the entire roster including our Women’s Universal Champion Becky Lynch and the WWE Women’s Champion Ember Moon.
Elias: Fire and Desire are not going to take that lying down though especially Sonya who has had her own issues with Ronda Rousey.
Fire and Desire are now in the ring as Mandy looks to speak first.
Mandy Rose: Shayna Baszler, Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir! We want you to get your asses out here now!
Cheers but quiet ones for Mandy Rose as Sonya speaks now.
Sonya Deville: And we know you might be at Ronda’s feet worshipping her because she is the only reason you three have a job!
Ouch!
Sonya Deville: But maybe she is doing what she does best? Sulking after another loss!
Sonya is not holding back as Mandy smirks and nods agreeing with her friend’s barbs.
Sonya Deville: So why don’t you hurry up before we come back…
*LOYALTY IS EVERYTHING*
Loud boos from the crowd as the Women’s Money in the Bank holder SHAYNA BASZLER walks out with her microphone being flanked by JESSAMYN DUKE and MARINA SHAFIR! Shayna doesn’t look impressed as Sonya dares her to come to the ring but Shayna shakes her head.
Shayna Baszler: We’ll come to that ring on our terms.
Sonya looks at Mandy who nods as Shayna carries on.
Shayna Baszler: But if you want to fight us…
Sonya Deville: No we don’t want to fight the goons. We want the real bosses.
Mandy Rose: You and Ronda!
Boos from the crowd for the mention of their names. Shayna smirks shaking her head.
Shayna Baszler: She’s not here tonight!
Loud boos from the crowd as Shayna shrugs.
Sonya Deville: Of course, she never took losing well did she.
Shayna doesn’t rise to it and carries on.
Shayna Baszler: But if you two want a fight, she’ll be back at Backlash!
A mixed reaction from the crowd as Shayna smiles.
Shayna Baszler: And since Becky has gone running into hiding ever since I sent my message to her…
Nuclear heat for that line but Shayna soaks in the boos.
Shayna Baszler: I’m pretty free so me and Ronda can show this division what a real dominant tag team looks like!
Shayna smirks as the crowd boos but turns to face her goons nodding.
Shayna Baszler: But you want to kick our asses didn’t you? Let’s see if you are still saying that as we choke the life out of you!
Shayna drops the microphone and leads the rest of the Real Horsewomen to the ring as they surround the ring SHIELD style before storming into attack Fire and Desire! It is a 3-on-2 beatdown with Sonya and Mandy doing their best to fight back but it looks like they are about to be destroyed until…
*CAFFEINE*
Cheers from the live crowd as TEAM KICK: DAKOTA KAI and TEGAN NOX sprint down the ramp and slide into the ring going right after The Real Horsewomen goons sending them over the top rope to the floor leaving Shayna alone in the ring with Fire and Desire plus Team Kick. Shayna wisely slides out of the ring and starts to retreat to the back promising this isn’t over as she backs away.
Michael Cole: Good thing Team Kick were around or we could have seen another beatdown of Fire and Desire.
Elias: Notice how Shayna backs away as soon as they no longer have the numbers advantage.
Michael Cole: But I’ve gotten word from Adam Pearce and it is official. In her first appearance since Wrestlemania Ronda Rousey will team with Shayna Baszler to take on Fire and Desire.
Elias: It promises to be a fight for sure but up next when we return from the commercial break we will see Bayley go one on one with Chelsea Green. Don’t go anywhere.
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When we return from the ad break, TEAM KICK is shown walking through the back when they are stopped by CHARLY CARUSO who is looking for an interview.
Charly Caruso: Dakota, Tegan sorry to disturb you but can I ask why you made the save for Fire and Desire?
Tegan and Kai look at each other shrugging.
Tegan Nox: Honestly? We don’t really care about Fire and Desire. We just hate Shayna Baszler.
Dakota Kai: She used to bully me in NXT.
Kai looks at her arm wincing as she remembers what Shayna did to her limbs.
Dakota Kai: She took months of my career.
Kai looks at Nox before giving her friend a hug.
Dakota Kai: But thanks to a good friend, I fought my way back and even took the NXT title from her, driving Shayna out of NXT!
Mod note: In this timeline Kai beat Shayna just before Summerslam 2019 ending her 2nd reign not Rhea later in the year.
Dakota Kai: And if she is here on Raw doing the same thing she did to NXT, well maybe we need to kick her out of here too.
Kai and Nox share a fist bump with each other before walking off bringing the interview to a close as we cut back to the ring.
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Light boos from the crowd as CHELSEA GREEN walks out first showing off to the crowd before dismissing them. The NXT superstar of course isn’t alone as she walks out and is joined by ROBERT STONE, RAQUEL GONZALEZ, ALIYAH and VANESSA BOURNE!
Michael Cole: Well up next we are going to see a preview for Backlash as Chelsea Green goes one on one with Bayley!
Elias: Chelsea Green in her short time on NXT has been showing why she is seen as a future champion in WWE and she is as good as she is conceited.
*TURN IT UP*
A much louder pop from the live crowd as BAYLEY walks out joined by her tag team partner KAIRI SANE! They lift their tag team titles into the air showing them off to the crowd as Robert Stone shouts for anyone to hear that those titles will be around his client's waist soon enough.
Michael Cole: Being the WWE Women’s tag team champions leads to a lot of competition and we are seeing the Hugging Pirates getting from all brands.
Elias: I think Bayley welcomes it and is used to it now she is in her third reign as tag team champion.
Michael Cole: Kairi may be one of the sweetest people in the company but she is also super tough.
Elias: However the number game The Robert Stone Brand may prove to be an important factor in their match at Backlash.
Bayley steps into the ring standing across from Chelsea Green who is still talking a bunch of trash before the bell is called to get the match underway!
Match 8: Bayley w/Kairi Sane vs Chelsea Green w/Robert Stone, Raquel Gonzalez, Aliyah and Vanessa Bourne
Match summary: Chelsea starts off the match being very cocky and is nearly put down straight away within moments due to this. Bayley lays into her with a series of punches and even looks like she might go for the BAYLEY TO BELLY but Chelsea slips away escaping from Bayley. She rolls to the outside and regroups with Robert Stone and Aliyah AS BAYLEY WIPES THEM OUT WITH A DIVE! As this is happening Vanessa Bourne climbs onto the apron distracting the referee until Kairi pulls her off and they argue… ALLOWING RAQUEL TO BIG BOOT BAYLEY BEHIND THE REF’S BACK!
Boos from the crowd the commentary put over the numbers game the Robert Stone Brand has could prove to be what gives them the win at Backlash. Back in the ring, Chelsea Green has now been allowed to gain an advantage and uses it fully to wear down Bayley. She is in total control of the match and taunts Kairi as well as the fan drawing even more boos as the match goes on.
In the closing stages of the match, Chelsea Green is giving Bayley a bit of a beating but cannot put her away. She runs off the ropes looking for a CURB STOMP… BUT BAYLEY MOVES JUST IN TIME! Chelsea turns around as Bayley goes for a clothesline but CHELSEA REVERSES IT AND LOOKS TO GO FOR I’M PRETTIER… BUT BAYLEY COUNTERS INTO A ROLL-UP! 1 2 3 BAYLEY PICKS UP THE WIN!
Winner via pinfall: Bayley (9:43)
Cheers from the crowd as Bayley gets to her feet BUT SHE GETS ATTACKED FROM BEHIND BY ALIYAH AND VANESSA BOURNE! Boos from the crowd as Kairi Sane tries to stop them but RAQUEL GONZALEZ SMASHES HER WITH A BIG BOOT! Chelsea Green soon joins in with the beatdown as they lay into the Hugging Pirates before Raquel grabs both of them and powerbombs them to the mat with authority. Robert Stone takes the title belts from the timekeeper’s area and passes them to his clients as they pose over The Hugging Pirates!
Michael Cole: Bayley picks up the win but it’s the Robert Stone Brand who stand tall tonight.
Elias: And this could be the scene at Backlash if the numbers game proves to be too much.
Michael Cole: Can the Hugging Pirates overcome the numbers?
Elias: We shall find out next week but up next…
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We cut to the backstage area as we see AJ STYLES next to the GOOD BROTHERS and sends them elsewhere backstage before walking down a hallway.
Elias: We will see AJ Styles take on Aleister Black one on one in non-title action. Don’t go anywhere!
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When we return from the commercial break, we cut to the commentary team adjacent to the entrance ramp who welcome us back to the show for the final time before the main event gets underway.
Michael Cole: Welcome back to Raw and we are about to begin our main event but before it begins a few tag team matches have been made official for next week’s show.
Elias: The Real Horsewomen members Duke and Shafir will take on Fire and Desire as they look to warm up ahead of their Backlash match with Shayna Baszler and Ronda Rousey.
Michael Cole: Dolph Ziggler will team up with Drew Gulak to fight the One Twos as Ziggler looks to keep his momentum going and get back into the Cruiserweight title picture.
Elias: And last but not least we will see our Cruiserweight champion Mustafa Ali team with the United States Champion Chad Gable to take on The Ungovernable members Dominik Dijakovic and Shinsuke Nakamura on the go-home show for Backlash!
*PHENOMENAL*
A mixed reaction from the live crowd as AJ STYLES walks out to the ring but there is a lot less cockiness from AJ as he walks out, clearly still being affected by his losses the last few weeks and at Wrestlemania. Noticeably the Good Brothers are not following the Phenomenal One to the ring.
Michael Cole: Right now we are about to see AJ Styles in action as he gets a chance to get back on track as he fights the Universal Champion Aleister Black.
Elias: AJ knows if he wins tonight, he might get added to the Backlash main event or earn a title shot after the pay-per-view.
Michael Cole: Once again AJ wants to do this alone.
Elias: It’s a matter of pride for him at this point. He needs to prove he still has it.
*ROOT OF ALL EVIL*
A loud pop as the Universal Champion ALEISTER BLACK rises from the depths of the arena. He slowly walks down the ramp focusing on AJ Styles in the ring before slowly making his way onto the ring apron.
Michael Cole: Aleister Black has a tough challenge ahead of him at Backlash but right now he will fight a man who knows Samoa Joe arguably better than anyone in WWE.
Elias: AJ and Joe knew each other even before WWE and we know how personal their feud over the WWE title got.
Michael Cole: Maybe AJ has to find the fire from those days?
Elias: Hell a win tonight and he might be facing Samoa Joe again down the line for the Universal title?
Aleister climbs into the ring and stands across from AJ Styles who once again has a lot less cockiness and trash talk compared to the normal. The referee calls for the bell and gets this match underway!
Main event: AJ Styles vs Aleister Black
Match summary: AJ starts the match going right after Aleister Black and tries to target the legs of Black but the Dutch destroyer is ready for the plan as he counters everything AJ Styles tries. AJ noticeably during the match gets more frustrated as Black controls the majority of the match and just looks to be on another level to the Phenomenal one. AJ gets more and more desperate as the match goes on. He even starts resorting to eye rakes and back rakes any time the referee isn’t looking.
Black is noticeably getting pissed off with the cheating whilst the referee has to tell off AJ on several occasions for this. In the closing stages of the match, for the first time during it, AJ has gained an edge having hit Black with the STYLIN DDT! AJ wastes no time and heads to the ring apron as he lines up Black! He wills the Dutch destroyer up and flies off looking for the PHENOMENAL FOREARM… BLACK MASS IN MID-AIR! AJ drops like a sack of spuds and Black makes the cover 1 2 3 Black picks up a win.
Winner via pinfall: Aleister Black (8:56)
Aleister Black gets to his feet and remains stoic, no wild celebrations tonight from the Universal champion. He has gotten the job done and come out on top over a former WWE Champion.
Michael Cole: Aleister Black with another win tonight and AJ Styles with another loss.
Elias: AJ might need to go back to the drawing board if he wants to overcome this rut.
Michael Cole: We know how good AJ Styles is but has he lost his edge in the last month?
Elias: I still think he is Phenomenal but for AJ this isn’t good enough.
Aleister Black starts to walk up the entrance ramp slowing with the Universal title over his shoulder whilst in the ring we see AJ Styles come to and start punching the mat in anger. He pulls at his hair and can’t believe he has lost tonight. Black meanwhile stands tall at the top of the entrance ramp after another win as the show fades to… SAMOA JOE GRABS HIM FROM BEHIND AND LOCKS IN THE COQUINA CLUTCH! Black struggles to fight back and Joe ends up choking Black until he passes out!
Michael Cole: Samoa Joe catching Black by surprise!
Elias: And that’s why he is so dangerous! If he gets that hold locked in at any point it could be game over for Aleister Black and he loses his Universal title just like that.
Samoa Joe bends down and grabs the Universal title lifting it off the prone body of Black and holds it for all to see as the show this time fades to black.
Matches confirmed for next week:
Tag team match:
Chad Gable and Mustafa Ali vs The Ungovernables (Shinsuke Nakamura and Dominik Dijakovic)
Tag team match:
Taynara Conti and Xia Li vs Team B.A.D (Sasha Banks and Naomi)
Tag team match:
The One Twos vs Dolph Ziggler and Drew Gulak
Singles match:
Angel Garza vs Kalisto
Backlash
Baltimore, Maryland
May 3rd
Universal title match:
Aleister Black © vs Samoa Joe
Cruiserweight title match:
Mustafa Ali © vs Angel Garza
United States title Fight Pit match:
Chad Gable © vs Dominik Dijakovic
World tag team titles tornado tag match:
The Ungovernables © vs The Usos
WWE Women’s tag team titles match:
The Hugging Pirates © vs The Robert Stone Brand
Number one contender’s match for the Universal title:
Andrade Cien Almas vs Sheamus
Tag team match:
The Real Horsewomen (Shayna Baszler and Ronda Rousey) vs Fire and Desire
Street Fight:
Sasha Banks vs Taynara Conti
Grudge match:
Lio Rush vs Apollo Crews
EWR Rating:
68%
