Monday Night Raw
June 22nd 2020
Tulsa, Oklahoma
BOK Center
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday Night Raw’s usual opening video comes to an end and the commentary team welcomes everyone to tonight’s show! The commentary team then run down tonight’s confirmed matches:
Franky Monet and Dana Brooke team for the first time against The Twisted Sisters
Number one contender for the WWE title Sheamus takes on his former tag team partner Cesaro
Charlotte Flair and Natalya team up to take on Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir
Two qualifying matches for the Cruiserweight number one contender’s ladder match: Lince Dorado vs Oney Lorcan and Noam Dar vs Ricochet
But after the commentary team finishes running down the confirmed matches for tonight’s show…
A massive pop as the WWE Champion DREW MCINTYRE walks out onto the stage with the WWE title around his waist taking his time as his iconic theme plays. He takes his time soaking in the reaction from the live crowd. The commentary team put over Drew wanting to be a fighting champion and in two weeks faces a challenge from a man who not only loves a fight but Drew has known for many years: SHEAMUS! Drew eventually climbs over the ropes and stands in the ring with a microphone ready to speak to the live crowd.
Drew McIntyre: Hello Oklahoma!
A cheap but loud pop from the live crowd as Drew carries on.
Drew McIntyre: One of the best things about being a champion is coming to cities like this and being able to stand in front of you knowing I am your champion!
More cheers for the bigging up of the live crowd.
Drew McIntyre: And as a champion, I’m always looking for a good fight. I want to defend this title and beat all challengers. I don’t want to be a coward like Andrade was hiding behind his cronies…
Shots fired at the former Universal Champion.
Drew McIntyre: Or Brock Lesnar never being around to defend this title!
And shots fired at the other half of the number one contender’s match at Armageddon!
Drew McIntyre: No I want to fight anyone and everyone who steps up... including friends of mine.
A smile appears on Drew’s face as he starts to talk about his friend Sheamus.
Drew McIntyre: Let me take you on a trip down memory lane.
He takes a moment to grab a steel chair and take a seat in the ring ready to speak to the fans.
Drew McIntyre: As many of you know, myself and Sheamus come from the British Isles. Trust me you don’t want to tell Sheamus he is British.
A slight chuckle from the Scot here.
Drew McIntyre: We both came onto the UK independent scene at the same time and naturally we were opponents a lot of the time.
He smiles remising over those days.
Drew McIntyre: We fought a lot and those fights… we beat the hell out of each other!
A smile on Drew’s face clearly enjoying the challenge Sheamus posed for him.
Drew McIntyre: And through those fights, we realized we were kindred spirits. Cut from the same cloth and we became friends for life.
Cheers from the crowd as Drew looks at the fans.
Drew McIntyre: Do you know who was the first to call me when I was fired from the WWE? It was Sheamus.
He gets slightly down as he thinks back to when he was let go from WWE.
Drew McIntyre: He helped kick me out of my slump and realize I needed to work ten times harder to get back to where I belong which is right here!
A massive pop from the crowd as the fired-up Drew is now back on his feet.
Drew McIntyre: His words help fuel my passion to get back here and now like him, I’ve held this title!
He lifts the WWE title into the air.
Drew McIntyre: And now I get the chance to fight my best friend for this title in the main event. That’s what dreams are made of.
The crowd is going wild fired up by Drew’s speech.
Drew McIntyre: And I promise you it will be the fight of a lifetime! So…
Boos from the confused audience not expecting ILJA DRAGUNOV to come out and interrupt Drew mid-speech. The Mad Russian (with his World tag team title around his waist) oddly is alone and without the rest of The Ungoverables including their manager Zelina Vega as he points at Drew in the ring.
Ilja Dragunov: Drew, perestan' khvalit' etogo cheloveka. On vsego lish' boltun, kotoromu ne khvatayet uvazheniya.
Boos from the crowd due to that not being in English was Drew remains unfazed.
Drew McIntyre: Ilja, I don’t mean to be rude but I don’t speak Russian so could you…
Ilja Dragunov: Well learn like I had to learn your vile tongues!
Cheap heat from the crowd as Ilja points at Drew.
Ilja Dragunov: Your friend sticks into business that’s not his! Enough!
Ilja carries on marching toward the ring as Drew shrugs.
Drew McIntyre: Then go speak to him Ilja. I’m his friend not his keeper!
Cheers from the crowd but Ilja is clearly not happy with that answer and gets into the ring.
Ilja Dragunov: He wants to insult my friends, I’ll deal with his.
Drew raises an eyebrow.
Drew McIntyre: If you want a fight, all you had to do was ask.
Both men get in each other’s faces as the tension is clear before Drew speaks again.
Drew McIntyre: Get a referee out here and we’ll do this right now!
Drew drops the microphone and Ilja does the same as both men stare each other down whilst a referee runs to the ring as requested! The commentary team meanwhile confirms that Wade Barrett has made the match official and it will happen after the commercial break!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ad break
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Match 1: Drew McIntyre vs Ilja Dragunov
Match summary: We return from the commercial break with the match already underway as they batter each other with a series of hard strikes. The two men are evenly matched with the Cruiserweight holding his own against Drew. The commentary team also mentions if Ilja can pull off an upset win tonight, he might earn a future WWE title match. They also however note that a win for Drew and him finding a partner could lead to him getting a future World tag team title shot!
Ilja is laying into Drew with hard strikes as he lets out a lot of anger at recent events with Sheamus’s interactions with his tag team partner Cesaro. Drew though starts to take control and overpowers Ilja slamming him around. The WWE Champion starts to remind us why he is the current WWE Champion as he tosses the smaller foe around. Drew even makes sure to give Ilja the BEATS OF THE BODRAN for good measure which hurts Ilja but also fires up the Mad Russian!
The Mad Russian starts to mount a fightback as we enter the closing stages and really lays into Drew with a ton of European Uppercuts and kicks to Drew overwhelming the champion who struggles to stay on top here! Ilja manages to get Drew in position as he lines him up for TORPEDO MOSCOW! He waits for Drew to rise before charging in… DREW TAKES HIS HEAD OFF WITH A CLAYMORE! Ilja charged right into it and is out cold as Drew makes the cover picking up a tough win over one-half of the tag team champions!
Winner via pinfall: Drew McIntyre (13:25)
Drew McIntyre gets to his feet and clutches his mid-section which is beaten red by the hard chops of Ilja Dragunov! The commentary gives Ilja Dragunov credit for giving Drew McIntyre such a hard fight but also mentions if Drew finds a partner, he has a claim to a future tag team title shot. The WWE Champion carries on posing in the ring and we cut elsewhere backstage as…
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KALISTO is walking through the back and bumps into his tag team partner LINCE DORADO! Both men high-five each other before sharing a hug and we can see both men smiling.
Kalisto: Hey Lince, picking up the win on Main Event!
Lince smiles and slightly chuckles.
Lince Dorado: And you? Beating Baron Corbin! Lucha House Party is back!
Another high-five between the two luchadors as Kalisto smiles.
Kalisto: And next week I get to beat Danny Burch to enter the Cruiserweight ladder match!
Lince smiles.
Lince Dorado: I’ll see you there, bro after I beat Oney Lorcan!
Both men are in good spirits as we get confirmation of two of the Cruiserweight ladder match qualifiers as they head off elsewhere backstage and we cut to a commercial break.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ad break
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When we return from the commercial break, we can see ILJA DRAGUNOV entering THE UNGOVERNABLES locker room backstage looking a bit beaten up after his match with Drew earlier tonight. ANGEL GARZA and EVA MARIE are making out with each other in the corner whilst ZELINA VEGA is talking with ANDRADE as they come up with a plan for Brock Lesnar at Armageddon but we see CESARO walk over to Ilja to confront his tag team partner.
Cesaro: What was that?
Ilja gives him a look as Zelina and Andrade’s attention turns to the tag team champions.
Cesaro: Why are you getting involved in my personal business?
Ilja Dragunov: Him insulting you, him insulting me. That’s my business.
Zelina steps in between them as he tries to calm things down.
Zelina Vega: OK that is enough. Ilja thought he was doing what was best for you and The Ungovernables.
Cesaro turns to his boss.
Cesaro: He could have asked…
Andrade Cien Almas: He asked me.
Cesaro and Andrade get eye to eye as the tension between them is clear.
Andrade Cien Almas: And I told him to not let disrespect slide like you do.
Cesaro: I have let nothing slide! The only one letting things slide is the man without a title!
Andrade takes off his sunglasses looking furious at that dig. Zelina though is not putting up with this any longer.
Zelina Vega: ENOUGH!
Both turn to their leader but stay quiet. Angel meanwhile stops kissing Eva for a moment to pay attention before going back to having fun with Eva.
Zelina Vega: This bickering needs to stop. Ilja did what he thought was best for the group. Andrade is going to get his gold back and Cesaro?
The Swiss Superman glares at Zelina.
Zelina Vega: Go show Sheamus what happens when he disrespects us.
Cesaro takes a moment before nodding and leaving the room as the tension is clear between some of the Ungovernables at the moment as we cut to the ring for the next match!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cheers from the live crowd as THE TWISTED SISTERS walk out onto the entrance ramp and head to the ring. The commentary team informs us the sisters had a few things to say before this match about their opponents tonight!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We cut to a pre-recorded promo as NIKKI CROSS and ISLA DAWN stand in front of the camera ready to speak.
Isla Dawn: Franky? Did you think we forget what you did to us?
Nikki Cross: Nikki ain’t forgotten. Nikki still wants to play.
Isla looks at her tag team partner with a smile.
Isla Dawn: You cheated to beat us and we want payback so tonight we will show why you don’t cross witches.
Nikki Cross: It’s time to play.
Nikki tilts her head and gives a crazy smile as we cut back to the ring waiting for their opponents to make their entrance.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boos from the crowd as FRANKY MONET and DANA BROOKE walk out onto the entrance ramp. Franky makes a point to taunt the fans on the way to the ring with Dana Brooke following her new ally and tag team partner. The commentary team reminds us how these two became a team and wonder if this will breathe new life into Dana Brooke’s career. Once in the ring, Dana Brooke starts for her team whilst Nikki Cross starts for the Twisted Sisters as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!
Match 2: Franky Monet and Dana Brooke vs The Twisted Sisters
Match summary: Dana Brooke shows off newfound aggression as she lays into the Twisted Sisters during this match. Dana Brooke and Franky gel well as a team and whilst the Twisted Sisters do have more experience teaming together, in the end, Franky puts away Isla Dawn with THE ROAD TO VALHALLA!
Winners via pinfall: Franky Monet and Dana Brooke (5:53)
Boos from the crowd as Franky Monet gets to her feet and is joined by her new underling Dana Brooke as they celebrate their victory tonight over The Twisted Sisters. The commentary team wonders if Team Kick are ready for them and says Franky will want to get some gold around her waist like her husband. The celebrations carry on as the show cuts to a commercial break.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ad break
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A decent pop from the live crowd though a few boos due to his recent rivalry with Mustafa Ali as DOLPH ZIGGLER makes his way to the ring! He has a microphone in hand and the commentary reminds us that Dolph Ziggler and Mustafa Ali have been awarded spots in the number one contender’s Cruiserweight ladder match on the condition there is no psychical contact between the two men before the match. Dolph Ziggler gets into the ring and looks at the live crowd before he starts to speak to the fans.
Dolph Ziggler: These last few months have reminded me of the last few years of my career. Disappointing.
Ziggler sighs before carrying on.
Dolph Ziggler: Time and again I think I’m going to achieve my potential, the potential I lost and then I fail once again.
Ziggler shakes his head.
Dolph Ziggler: It hurts. I’ve considered retiring to escape from the weight of my own failures.
The crowd is unsure how to react as Ziggler walks around the ring.
Dolph Ziggler: But I keep coming back because I love this too much!
Ziggler starts to fire up and raises his voice.
Dolph Ziggler: I became the North American champion down in NXT and I thought that would be the kickstart I needed but I feel back into old habitats.
He leans on the ropes.
Dolph Ziggler: But then I saw something new. I knew I needed to try something new and I cut weight to enter the Cruiserweight division.
He walks back towards the middle of the ring and shows off his abs showing the work he did to cut to the correct weight.
Dolph Ziggler: I earned the shot at Wrestlemania finally getting the one-on-one match I’ve craved at the show of shows for years… and I lost!
You can hear the pain in his voice as Ziggler crouches down on the mat.
Dolph Ziggler: I failed again! But I know I am still good enough to be a champion but Ali couldn’t accept that!
This gets a few boos from the crowd but Ziggler ignores them.
Dolph Ziggler: I tried to help him in his battles with Angel Garza and without me, he would have lost his Cruiserweight title even sooner!
More boos from the crowd here which prompts a look from Ziggler before carrying on.
Dolph Ziggler: And since then he has been fighting with me because he knows he is to blame for him losing his title!
Even more boos from the crowd who are starting to turn against Dolph in this promo but before he can carry on…
A loud pop from the live crowd as MUSTAFA ALI walks out in a shirt and jeans with a microphone in hand as he points at Ziggler in the ring!
Mustafa Ali: Dolph when you first came after the Cruiserweight title I actually had some sympathy for you. I actually cared about this self-pity routine.
Ziggler scrunches his face as Ali carries on walking down the entrance ramp.
Mustafa Ali: I felt bad for you because you were someone I was trying to break into wrestling I kind of looked up to.
Mustafa climbs into the ring and comes face-to-face with Ziggler.
Mustafa Ali: Now when I look at you? I feel disgusted at the shell you’ve become!
Strong words from Ali as Ziggler looks close to hitting him but he holds his fist back knowing he loses a spot on the PPV if he attacks Ali.
Mustafa Ali: You were someone fighting for injustice, fighting for the underdog but now? All you do is cry and complain because you wasted your potential!
Ali points at Ziggler who looks furious but says nothing. Ali then points back at himself.
Mustafa Ali: Me? I’m not going to complain about how I lost my title because I’m now ready for Angel’s game and I will be winning that ladder match to get my rightful…
Dolph Ziggler: NO!
Ali and Ziggler are eye to eye.
Dolph Ziggler: I’m not letting another opportunity to hold gold slip through my fingers. I will not let the future take the present from me any longer!
A mixed reaction from the fans but a lot are starting to dislike Ziggler’s attitude here!
Dolph Ziggler: I will climb that ladder and I will be Cruiserweight champion! And if you try to stop me… I’ll end your career before it’s even started.
Ali now looks close to punching him as Ziggler drops the microphone and goes to leave but Ali isn’t done!
Mustafa Ali: Dolph I will do whatever I need to if it means getting my title back and if that means taking you down for good, so be it!
Ali drops the microphone looking fired up as he stares down the champion with both rivals ready to go to war with each other in the ladder match at Armageddon. The commentary team also hypes up the fact we will find out who enters the match as well tonight and next week but for now, we are going to hear from THE MIZ after his loss last week to Xavier Woods in the number one contender’s match for the IC title!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We cut to what looks like THE MIZ’s house which looks very fancy. He clearly looks unhappy as his wife MARYSE is by his side at the property.
The Miz: Last week Morrison and his bodyguard attacked me because they know I can beat him. They know I am superior to him.
Miz winces as he is clearly in pain after what he went through last week.
The Miz: And the only thing keeping me from being in that arena is the fact the doctors are refusing to clear me.
Maryse turns to her husband.
Maryse: I know you are mad honey but you need to be smart about this.
Miz sighs but he nods agreeing with his wife.
The Miz: I will be cleared to return next week and John, whether you still hold that Intercontinental title by Armageddon is over I will be coming back for revenge.
Miz shakes his head.
The Miz: This won’t end until one of us is gone from Raw I can assure you.
The promo comes to an end as we cut back to the commentary team who points out we rarely see that kind of anger and aggression from The Miz. They then confirm after the commercial break we will see Sheamus take on Cesaro in singles action next!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ad break
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A mixed reaction from the live crowd but it is mostly boos as CESARO walks out to the ring alone and still in a pissed-off mood. He does his shotgun arms taunt but otherwise stays mostly stoic. The commentary team makes sure to remind us of the history between Sheamus and Cesaro as part of The Bar maybe being a key reason for the tension between the two men.
Loud cheers from the live crowd as SHEAMUS walks out with a smile on his face, two weeks away from fighting for the WWE title at Armageddon against one of his closest friends Drew McIntyre. The commentary mentions his history of fighting his friends with the Bar being formed due to them fighting with each other for weeks on end. Sheamus climbs into the ring as Cesaro glares at him whilst Sheamus is all smiles telling Cesaro he wanted a fight. The referee then calls for the bell to get this match underway!
Match 3: Sheamus vs Cesaro
Match summary: The two men circle the ring staring each other down before they start trading strikes in the middle of the ring hammering away at each other! The two men like in the past fairly evenly matched before Sheamus ends up backing Cesaro into the corner as the referee demands a break. Sheamus backs off but Cesaro charges out of the corner and clocks him with a WICKED EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! Sheamus is rocked by the cheap shot and Cesaro uses that to take control of the match!
Cesaro lays into him with a series of punches and slams him around the ring for the first few minutes controlling the match. Sheamus and Cesaro end up outside the ring as they start battering each other! They nearly get counted out whilst they brawl outside the ring but they make it into the ring in time to beat the count! The match carries on with them laying into each other with aggression but Sheamus is now starting to get towards the mid-way point.
The two men are firing off on each other with a series of blows to each other as we approach the closing stages as Cesaro looks to get him up for the RICOLA BOMB… BUT SHEAMUS COUNTERS WITH A FACEBUSTER! Sheamus heads to the corner and starts to beat his chest setting up for the BROGUE KICK! He charges in and looks to take Cesaro’s head off… BUT CESARO DUCKS AVOIDS IT AND HITS A POP-UP EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! Cesaro makes the cover 1 2 Sheamus kicks out!
Cesaro pounds the mat in anger but looks to go back on the attack laying into Sheamus with a series of punches to the head before Irish whipping him into the corner of the ring! Cesaro then follows it up with a series of EUROPEAN UPPERCUTS PRESSING SHEAMUS IN THE CORNER! Sheamus slumps down as Cesaro talks a bunch of trash and screams at him about not being the Bar anymore. Cesaro backs away and charges in… SHEAMUS CATCHES HIM WITH A BROUGE KICK OUT OF NOWHERE! Sheamus makes the cover and picks up the win!
Winner via pinfall: Sheamus (13:46)
Cheers from the crowd as Sheamus carries on his momentum over the last few weeks. He gets to his feet as the referee raises his arm into the air and commentary reminds us if Sheamus can find a partner, he has a claim to a tag team title shot at a later date. Cesaro gets to his feet and rubs his jaw in pain as Sheamus turns to his former tag team partner. The two men stare each other down and Sheamus offers him a HANDSHAKE!
He keeps the arm extended as Cesaro looks at it but the Swiss Superman shakes his head and leaves the ring getting boos from the live crowd. Sheamus calls after his former tag team partner but Cesaro doesn’t care leaving the ringside area angry at having come up short against the Celtic Warrior tonight. The commentary team then confirms we will be hearing from Samoa Joe and then The New Day after the commercial break!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ad break
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When we return from the commercial break, we can see an angry SAMOA JOE pacing up and down backstage!
Samoa Joe: Swerve! You cheated me last week!
Joe stops for a moment and shakes his head getting, even more wound up.
Samoa Joe: No that’s not why I am mad. I’m angry because I was outsmarted by you.
Joe takes a deep breath before carrying on.
Samoa Joe: Well done Swerve. You won against me. Not many men can say that.
Joe pauses in the middle of the room as he seems to be thinking about what he is going to say next.
Samoa Joe: I don’t know if I want to kill you for it or praise you for it.
Joe stops pacing for a moment before glaring at the camera.
Samoa Joe: Soon MVP, you will have your answer.
Joe lets out a sinister smirk.
Samoa Joe: But you may not like the answer…
Joe walks bringing the promo to an end as we cut back to the commentary team at ringside.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The commentary team talks about the Hurt Business trying to recruit not only Samoa Joe but also Big E in the last couple of weeks. They wonder what the answer will be from Joe and says we will hear from MVP later on tonight.
A loud pop from the live crowd as THE NEW DAY members BIG E and XAVIER WOODS walk out onto the top of the entrance ramp! The commentary team reminds us they are down a man as Kofi Kingston is still out with injury but Big E and Woods are going to new heights these last few months. Big E shows off his Money in the Bank briefcase in New Day-inspired colors whilst Xavier grabs a pair of microphones as the number one contender for the Intercontinental title looks to address the live crowd.
Xavier Woods: Oklahoma, how are you people doing?
A loud cheap pop as Xavier has a smile on his face.
Xavier Woods: Last week was one of the biggest nights in my career.
A smile appears on Xavier’s face.
Xavier Woods: In my time in WWE, I’ve never ever been given a one-on-one singles title match before.
Thank you, a tweet from Xavier in real life confirms this statement for me.
Xavier Woods: I have been in this coming for nearly ten years but unlike my brothers, I never got a shot.
Big E looks apologetic but Xavier shakes his head.
Xavier Woods: E, it’s not your guy’s fault and there is no jealousy on my part.
Cheers from the crowd as the duo smile.
Xavier Woods: Being with you on both your journeys to the top and part of your success? Those were the highlights of my career.
Cheers from the crowd as Woods turns to the crowd.
Xavier Woods: But I want success too. I want us all to thrive and whilst you have a ticket to the WWE or Universal title…
Big E shows off his briefcase once again.
Xavier Woods: I want to hold gold of my own.
He smiles as Big E speaks.
Big E: On the road with you, there were two things you have talked about wanting more than anything. To be King of the Ring…
King Woods does have a nice ring to it.
Big E: And to become Intercontinental Champion!
Woods smiles as Big E hypes up his friend.
Big E: You deserve this chance and you deserve to be a champion. Everyone knows how good you are, Kofi knows how great you are and these people know how great you are!
Woods nods as Big E carries on hyping him up.
Big E: And I know if John Morrison didn’t pull his cheap trick at Wrestlemania, you would have won the Andre the Giant Battle Royal.
Woods nods as he looks to speak.
Xavier Woods: I gave you the benefit of the doubt John that you might have actually been injured but somehow you were even more of a coward than Miz ever was!
Loud cheers as the crowd gets behind Woods. He looks to carry on but he is soon interrupted by…
Loud boos from the crowd as the Intercontinental Champion JOHN MORRISON walks out with his wife FRANKY MONET on his arm and ERICK ROWAN standing behind him. John has a smirk on his face as he points at the New Day in the ring.
John Morrison: Xavier congratulations on finally attempting to step out of the shadow of Big E and Kofi took you long enough.
Loud boos from the crowd as The New Day in the ring remain unimpressed by this.
John Morrison: Hey I don’t mean it to offend him. I was just commenting on advice I should have taken long ago.
Big E steps forward piping up.
Big E: I mean if you ask me you are still in Miz’s shadow since you keep talking about him!
A loud pop from the crowd who even start a “Miz’s shadow” chant which pisses off Morrison as Franky grabs the microphone and points at the crowd!
Franky Monet: Show my husband some respect!
This just gets loud boos and an increase in the chants as Morrison takes the microphone back.
John Morrison: Enough!
The crowd slows down the booing a bit as Woods giggles in the ring making Morrison even madder as he steps forward pointing at The New Day.
John Morrison: Xavier you can laugh all you want but when people think of the New Day you will always be the third man.
Woods is no longer laughing as John carries on twisting the knife.
John Morrison: You don’t have a chance of stopping me and you will go back to carrying E’s bags!
Big E leans on the ropes and points at Morrison.
Big E: Why don’t you come to this ring and say this to our face?
Rowan steps forward ready to accept the challenge but Morrison and Monet stop him.
John Morrison: A champion doesn’t just fight any random person. I already fought last week.
Boos from the crowd for the cowardice of Morrison as Woods now speaks.
Xavier Woods: Then how about next week we face you and your bodyguard where I show you first-hand that I am not in anyone’s shadow and that I am capable of being a champion!
The New Day drops the microphone as John Morrison nods and shouts off-mic that they are on bringing the promo to an end. The commentary team confirmed Wade Barrett backstage has made the match official as the two teams stare each other down before we cut to the commercial break.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ad break
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When we return from the commercial break, THE NEW DAY are walking through the back when they are stopped by MVP! MVP has a smile on his face as he approaches the two with BIG E looking wary after their last conversation two weeks ago.
MVP: E, Woods I just want to once again offer you the chance to join the Hurt Business.
Big E looks confused as Woods speaks.
Xavier Woods: Didn’t you make a pitch for Big E to join you two weeks ago without me or Kofi?
MVP holds his arms up defensively.
MVP: That’s on me for not explaining clearly Woods. See I know you three are a package deal but I don’t think you should be alone.
Woods and Big E look at MVP curious as he carries on.
MVP: Look at what you have achieved together. Look at what Kofi achieved. Look at what you are on the cusp of achieving.
MVP looks at the briefcase before looking back at Woods.
MVP: You too Woods.
Woods looks annoyed at that dismissive comment from MVP but stays quiet.
MVP: But you need to be able to not have to focus on each other.
That makes Big E tilt his head.
MVP: If you were part of the Hurt Business, I could help make sure both of you had your focus on what’s important.
He looks at Big E’s briefcase.
MVP: Like finding the right time to cash in.
Big E shakes his head having heard enough.
Big E: I already know when I’m cashing this in. At Wrestlemania!
He slams the briefcase making his point clear as MVP shakes his head but Big E carries on.
Big E: I appreciate the offer and advice but I made it to the top with my boys, always having each other’s back and I’m not changing that ever.
Big E and Xavier walk off leaving MVP standing there looking annoyed before cutting back to the ring for the next match on the show.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boos from the crowd as we return to the ring and see THE MMA HORSEWOMEN’S main goons MARINA SHAFIR and JESSAMYN DUKE walking to the ring. The commentary team mentions they will be on a mission from Shayna and Ronda to not only win this match but to also hurt Charlotte and Natalya who have been a pain in their leader’s side the last few weeks.
A decent pop from the live crowd as NATALYA walks out onto the stage and stares down the two goons. The commentary team reminds us she is the number one contender for the Women’s Universal title and will be fighting Shayna Baszler at Armageddon! She waits at the top of the entrance ramp for her tag team partner…
CHARLOTTE FLAIR still gets a mixed reaction from the crowd but there is a decent amount of cheers as she joins her tag team partner at the top of the entrance ramp. The commentary team points out that whilst Charlotte does want the Women’s Universal title, she first of all wants to settle the score with Ronda. They remind us Charlotte sees herself as the Queen of the Women’s division and Ronda trying to take it over pisses her off. Once in the ring, Duke starts for her team whilst Natalya starts for the faces.
Match 4: Charlotte Flair and Natalya vs Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir
Match summary: Natalya and Charlotte Flair dominate the match from start to finish not finding the MMA Horsewomen to be too much trouble to handle. In the end, Natalya locks in Duke as the legal woman in the SHARPSHOOTER whilst Charlotte locks Marina in the FIGURE EIGHT and both the MMA Horsewomen tap out!
Winners via submission: Charlotte Flair and Natalya (4:31)
Cheers from the live crowd as Charlotte and Natalya release the holds on the goons before getting to their feet as the referee raises the second-generation duo's hands into the air. The commentary team put over how dominant the performance was and it puts them in good stead for fighting the Women’s tag team champions. Natalya and Charlotte soon each ask for microphones which are passed to them by stagehands from ringside.
Natalya: Shayna Baszler! Did you see what we did to yours and Ronnie's goons?
Cheers from the crowd as the MMA Horsewomen roll out of the ring and retreat to the back licking their wounds.
Natalya: Some people may have forgotten but I taught Ronda when she first came to WWE!
A true fact.
Natalya: And whilst I taught her a lot, I didn’t teach her everything I know. So Shayna if you think Ronda is going to give you the cheat code to beat me, you are mistaken!
Natalya is more fired up than normal here.
Natalya: I’m coming for revenge. You injured my best friend and put her on the shelf. Now I get payback for her!
Cheers from the crowd as Charlotte looks to speak now.
Charlotte Flair: Ronda, I still ain’t heard an answer to my challenge yet!
Charlotte shouts as she is clearly annoyed at being ignored.
Charlotte Flair: I know maybe you are scared of being made to tap out again…
A few fans start up a “Becky” chant which Charlotte doesn’t react to.
Charlotte Flair: But c’mon on Ronda. When are you going to answer me?
Cheers from the crowd as Charlotte walks around the ring. She looks to say more but we soon get an answer as RONDA ROUSEY and SHAYNA BASZLER appear on the titantron! Ronda has her tag team title on her right shoulder whilst Shayna has hers on her right shoulder and the Women’s Universal title on her left as she speaks first.
Shayna Baszler: Natalya, you did “train” Ronda.
Shayna does air quotation marks.
Shayna Baszler: But honestly, she used very little of your training. She was already better than everyone in WWE.
Loud boos from the crowd but Shayna carries on.
Shayna Baszler: I will crush you Natalya and I hope Beth has a spare bed next to her in the hospital because you will be joining her!
Natalya furious lifts the microphone up and points at the titantron!
Natalya: Why don’t you two come to the ring right now and I’ll give you two a beating like we gave the other two Horsewomen!
Ronda chuckles.
Ronda Rousey: I’m a star. I don’t need to be there every week even with these tag team titles.
Boos from the crowd as Shayna takes back over.
Shayna Baszler: Natalya we will destroy you both on our terms, not yours. And the same goes for legends.
Ronda Rousey: Trish and Lita. We will respond to your challenge on Smackdown!
Boos from the crowd who want an answer tonight but Charlotte wants an answer of her own.
Charlotte Flair: Do I have to wait till Smackdown to hear if you are going to step up Ronnie?
Ronda smirks clearly annoyed.
Ronda Rousey: Charlotte, I know being in Becky’s shadow hurts…
The crowd once again starts a Becky chant prompting a pause from Ronda who glares at them before carrying on.
Ronda Rousey: But I’m not afraid of you or her!
The crowd clearly disagrees with that.
Ronda Rousey: I’ve wanted my revenge for months so Charlotte, I accept your challenge for Armageddon!
Loud cheers from the live crowd as Ronda makes the big women’s match official for the PPV! Charlotte smiles having gotten what she wanted as the commentary team hypes up the Women’s Universal title match for the PPV but also the Ronda versus Charlotte II clash as well! The show then cuts to a commercial break as commentary confirms that we will be hearing from the Hurt Business shortly and then see Lince Dorado take on Oney Lorcan in a Cruiserweight number one contender’s ladder match qualifier!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ad break
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We return from the commercial break and we can see MVP talking to the rest of THE HURT BUSINESS! Both ISAIAH “SWERVE” STRICKLAND and LIO RUSH are nodding listening to their leader as RENEE YOUNG approaches them looking for an interview.
Renee Young: Montel, you asked for this time to speak.
MVP turns to Renee with a smile.
MVP: Thank you, Renee. The reason I have asked for this time is to confirm that my client Lio Rush next week will take on Akira Tozawa with the winner entering the number one contender’s Cruiserweight ladder match at Armageddon!
Another qualifying match signed off for next week’s show. Renee though looks to as some questions whilst she has MVP there.
Renee Young: Whilst I have you hear can I ask some thoughts on your potential recruits turning you down?
MVP looks angry at that question but fakes a smile.
MVP: Renee, not everyone can see the vision like these two men can.
Swerve smiles in the background showing a toothy grin and showing off his grills. Lio Rush though smiles seeing the fruits of being in the Hurt Business.
MVP: But whilst Big E and Woods want to stay in what worked in the past… Joe still hasn’t turned me down, Renee.
Renee Young: You think he is going to join you after how Swerve beat him?
Swerve steps forward at this point.
Isaiah “Swerve” Strickland: I showed Joe where he is going wrong Renee.
She seems confused as Swerve grabs hold of her by the shoulder in a hugging position.
Isaiah “Swerve” Strickland: See he isn’t thinking as smart as he used to. Me?
Swerve points at himself.
Isaiah “Swerve” Strickland: I listened to what Montel had to tell me and he promised he would take me to the top. Now I was skeptical at first…
Swerve puts his hand on his chest before carrying on.
Isaiah “Swerve” Strickland: But I listened to the vision and now? I am on Monday Night Raw with a ticket to the top! Beating former champions like Samoa Joe.
A big smile on MVP and Swerve’s face now but Swerve soon gets more serious.
Isaiah “Swerve” Strickland: But the clock is ticking Joe. You’ve got to make a choice soon or the door will close.
MVP nods standing next to Swerve.
MVP: Joe I’m going to give you a couple of weeks but the Hurt Business needs an answer.
Lio steps forward.
Lio Rush: Because with or without you we making it to the top.
MVP: And I can assure you Joe, business is booming.
The Hurt Business all walk off bringing the interview to an end as we cut back to the ring for the next match.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A decent pop from the live crowd as LINCE DORADO walks to the ring with his tag team partner and close friend KALISTO! The luchadors play to the kids in the live crowd before stepping into the ring. The commentary team points out Lince picking up some wins on Main Event earning this qualifying match against…
ONEY LORCAN walks out onto the entrance ramp with purpose and he is joined by his tag team partner DANNY BURCH! Both men mean-mug the fans and the camera on the way to the ring. The commentary team put over how close these two men have come to gold but always just miss out. Oney steps into the ring glaring at Lince Dorado as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!
Match 5: Qualifying match: Lince Dorado w/Kalisto vs Oney Lorcan w/Danny Burch
Match summary: Lince starts off the match at a fast pace and Oney struggles to keep up with the fast pace of the luchador. Both men’s tag team partners give them encouragement from ringside in this match with Danny being a lot more aggressive in his cheering for Oney. In the closing stages of the match, Oney cuts off Lince hitting him with a series of hard strikes to the heat before lifting him up and hitting the HALF AND HALF SUPLEX FOR THE WIN!
Winner via pinfall: Oney Lorcan (5:18)
Oney gets to his feet and remains calm as he stoically stares into the camera having picked up the win in this short but explosive match. The commentary put over Lince for putting on a decent showing but in the end, Oney was too much for him. After the bell, Kalisto and Danny Burch both trash-talk each other as the commentary team reminds us they will face each other in a qualifying match next week. We then cut backstage as Brock Lesnar is shown walking to the ring with Paul Heyman and the commentary team confirms we will hear from them next!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ad break
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*NEXT BIG THING*
A massive pop from the live crowd as BROCK LESNAR appears at the top of the entrance ramp jumping up and down. PAUL HEYMAN soon walks out with his signature evil grin and the duo head straight to the ring! The commentary team reminds us Brock Lesnar will take on Andrade Cien Almas with the winner fighting for the WWE title at Summerslam! They also say Andrade must know he is in trouble and it seems none of the Ungovernables are willing to help with their own titles to defend currently taking precedent! Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar arrive in the ring as Paul looks to address the live crowd.
Paul Heyman: My name is Paul Heyman…
Some of the crowd join in with the catchphrase as Paul smiles.
Paul Heyman: And this man is my client…
Paul holds the microphone up for the crowd letting them finish off the signature catchphrase.
Paul Heyman: Exactly. You people know who you are looking at in this ring but Zelina and her client Andrade Cien Almas seem to have forgotten. Now why is that?
Paul looks to the crowd as Brock off-mic calls Andrade “STUPID” before carrying on.
Paul Heyman: The reason they have forgotten is because they ran Raw for months because Brock was at home doing whatever Brock wanted to do!
Brock nods in the background and jogs on the spot.
Paul Heyman: Andrade you ran this brand with your group of merry men and for months remained unchallenged. You didn’t know fear until you were locked in the chamber with Brock and Black!
A few cheers from the crowd and Brock snarls at the mention of his name as Paul puts a hand out calming down the Beast.
Paul Heyman: Now my client doesn’t respect the Universal champion Aleister Black!
Brock Lesnar (off-mic): Damn right!
Paul Heyman: However I do. Not many men can pull off a miracle and defeat my client. But he was wise enough to go to Smackdown to escape the wrath of Brock Lesnar!
A mixed reaction from the crowd with not many seeing Black being drafted to Smackdown in that sort of way.
Paul Heyman: But you Andrade, you saw Brock was still on Raw and still wanted to hurt you for what you took from him! You took weeks off his career! Do you know how much money he could have made in that time?
Brock glares at the camera because if he loves one thing, it is money.
Paul Heyman: But the problem is Andrade you no longer have six men to fight Brock. It is just you all by yourself and you know that means the end for you…
Boos from the live crowd as ANDRADE CIEN ALMAS walks out in a suit clearly heated with ZELINA VEGA quickly following him! He stops about halfway down the entrance ramp with a microphone in hand!
Andrade Cien Almas: I’m not scared of you perro!
Boos from the crowd who clearly disagrees and Brock laughs in the ring.
Andrade Cien Almas: What are you laughing at?
Brock takes the microphone from Paul Heyman and looks to speak!
Brock Lesnar: Then why don’t you step into this ring with me right now?
Loud cheers from the crowd Andrade’s eyes bug out. Zelina steps forward looking to speak and stands in front of Andrade.
Zelina Vega: My client doesn’t need to do anything. And if he steps into the ring with him, what’s to stop you cheap shotting him?
Paul goes to take the microphone back from Brock but Brock shakes his head carrying on.
Brock Lesnar: Andrade, I promise you I won’t hurt you if you step into the ring. I just want to see if I’m fighting a man or a coward at Armageddon!
Andrade remains outside the ring as Brock smirks.
Brock Lesnar: Is that a streak of yellow pis…
Paul takes the microphone back as the censor just about catches it but Andrade explodes past Zelina and slides into the ring coming face-to-face with Brock. Lesnar smirks and laughs as Andrade speaks staring Brock in the eyes.
Andrade Cien Almas: Brock this is my brand, not yours! Your time is over.
Brock smiles cockily not saying a word.
Andrade Cien Almas: I want to be a World champion and if you are in my way, I don’t need anyone else. I’ll defeat the beast by myself.
Paul laughs in the background prompting Andrade to turn around.
Andrade Cien Almas: What’s funny?
Paul turns to Andrade.
Paul Heyman: The fact you trusted Brock Lesnar!
Paul does a fake belly laugh as BROCK GRABS ANDRADE AND TAKES HIM TO SUPLEX CITY! Andrade gets slammed down with authority as Brock chuckles and calls Andrade stupid before shouting of course I lied! He even does a little viva la raza taunt before pounding Andrade on the mat! Zelina watches on in horror as Brock scoops him up and hits the F5 PLANTING ANDRADE DOWN TO THE MAT!
Brock smirks before considering another but Heyman talks him out of it, pointing out that if he injures Andrade now he won’t get the match at Armageddon! Brock smirks and tells Andrade he will be seeing him really soon as he winces in pain on the mat. Zelina slides into the ring and checks on her client as the commentary team put over how much danger Andrade is at Armageddon as we cut to a commercial break.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ad break
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When we return from the commercial break, we are mid-brawl as TEAM KICK IS FIGHTING WITH FRANKY MONET AND DANA BROOKE! Team Kick has taken control of the brawl and lay into the two women with a series of kicks but before too much more damage can be done both teams are pulled apart by security! The teams are dragged away as they both talk trash to each other and we cut back to the commentary team at ringside!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The commentary team mentions the tension escalating between both teams whilst also hyping up the main event and mentioned that Team Kick has made it clear once they are done with Franky Monet and Dana Brooke, they intend to come for the MMA Horsewomen!
Cheers from the live crowd as ANGELO DAWKINS walks to the ring ready for singles action. The commentary team reminds us Montez Ford is still out of action after an attack by Seth Rollins’s church so Angelo is trying to establish himself in the singles division for the time being. They say a win tonight would be massive for Angelo’s career if he can beat a legend like…
RANDY ORTON! The Viper slowly makes his way out onto the entrance ramp and poses as he taunts the live crowd. He starts to slowly head to the ring not taking his eyes off Angelo Dawkins. The commentary team reminds us Randy Orton lost to Sheamus last week and will be in a very bad mood so will be looking to take that out on Dawkins tonight. Orton slowly steps into the ring as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!
Match 6: Randy Orton vs Angelo Dawkins
Match summary: Randy takes his time picking up Dawkins during this match and slows works over the young superstar. Angelo puts on a decent showing however and catches Randy by surprise on a couple of occasions, forcing Randy to reassess his plan as the match goes on. However in the end Randy is too much for Angelo and puts him away with an RKO for the win!
Winner via pinfall: Randy Orton (6:07)
Randy gets to his feet with a smug reaction as the commentary team gives Angelo Dawkins credit for giving the Viper a decent fight but in the end, the experience advantage was too much. Orton though isn’t done after the bell rings and lays into Dawkins with a series of punches getting boos from the live crowd. Orton heads to the corner as the boos get louder with the crowd knowing what this means… HE IS GOING FOR THE PUNT! He waits for Dawkins to get on all fours but…
SAMI ZAYN runs down the ramp and heads straight to the ring as he attacks Randy Orton with a Lou Thresz press hitting him with a series of punches to the head! Sami is firing off on Randy Orton before grabbing hold of him and sends him into the corner of the ring to line him up for a HULLEVA KICK… BUT RANDY ORTON SLIDES OUT OF THE RING AND FLEES UP THE RAMP! The crowd boos Randy Orton for slipping away as Sami dares the Viper to come back to the ring but he shakes his head as the show cuts to a commercial break!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ad break
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When we return from the commercial break, we can see WADE BARRETT in his office backstage on the phone. The door soon slams open as a pissed-off RANDY ORTON storms into the room!
Wade Barrett: I’ll call you back.
Wade hangs up the phone before giving Orton his most insincere smile.
Wade Barrett: How can I help you, Randy?
Orton slams his hands down on the table in front of Wade but the commissioner remains unfazed.
Randy Orton: I am sick of superstars under your watch getting involved in my business.
Wade shrugs.
Wade Barrett: I’m not going to stop my roster from stopping you from punting my superstars in the skull. Injuries are bad for business Randy.
Orton responds with a sinister smile.
Randy Orton: Well you are going to need a replacement when I deal with Sami Zayn!
Wade Barrett smirks.
Wade Barrett: So you want a match with Sami Zayn?
Randy nods.
Wade Barrett: Then at Armageddon, it will be Randy Orton versus Sami Zayn!
A big match is added to the Armageddon card as Randy gets in close to Wade Barrett.
Randy Orton: And when I send Sami back to the hospital one more time, Sami will only have himself to blame!
Randy and Wade glare at each other before we cut back to the commentary at ringside who hype up that match and the rest of the Armageddon card before…
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A massive pop from the live crowd as BRITISH STRONG STYLE slowly walk out onto the entrance ramp all wearing tweed jackets. TRENT SEVEN stands front and center with PETE DUNNE and TYLER BATE on either side. The commentary team reminds us we will see Pete Dunne fight Angel Garza for the Cruiserweight title whilst Mustache Mountain will fight The Ungovernables for the World tag team titles. The group gets into the ring as Trent takes a microphone and gets ready to address the live crowd.
Trent Seven: Last week myself and these fine gentlemen showed the world what British Strong Style is all about.
Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate nod with Tyler smiling whilst Pete stays stoic.
Trent Seven: We have won titles around the world already.
Trent looks at Dunne.
Trent Seven: Peter here is the longest-ever NXT UK Champion!
Still ahead of WALTER at this moment in time.
Trent Seven: He then came to Smackdown and in his first pay-per-view match won the Intercontinental title!
Cheers from the crowd remembering Dunne beating Luke Harper in London. Trent walks over to Tyler Bate.
Trent Seven: And this young boy Tyler or as we like to call him, our big strong boy…
The crowd starts up the “BIG STRONG BOI” chant which brings a smile to Tyler’s face.
Trent Seven: The first-ever NXT UK Champion beating Peter…
Dunne shakes his head as Trent smiles at his friend.
Trent Seven: But Peter did even the score.
Tyle jokingly quips he wants a rematch at some point but Dunne remains quiet as Trent carries on.
Trent Seven: Tyler then on his own became NXT Cruiserweight champion but that’s not all he has done.
Tyler starts to twirl his mustache as Trent smiles and does it himself before carrying on.
Trent Seven: We became NXT tag team champions together beating the most dominant team NXT has ever seen in the Undisputed Era!
Cheers from the crowd but not much reaction from the fans who don’t watch NXT.
Trent Seven: We as a group have won titles on every brand we have been on and the only brand left is Monday Night Raw.
Dunne and Bate both nod, determined to add to their impressive resume early in their careers.
Trent Seven: The Ungovernables since they first appeared last year have been dominant and be the top group on Monday Night Raw. There is no denying it.
The crowd boos the statement which brings a smile to Trent’s face.
Trent Seven: But luckily for you people, the times are changing.
And Trent turns the crowd back to cheering as he smugly smirks.
Trent Seven: We have new groups forming like The Hurt Business…
Boos from the crowd.
Trent Seven: And old groups like The New Day…
A massive pop for the popular group.
Trent Seven: But we will dominate this brand like we dominated the UK scene and soon all of the gold held by the Ungovernables will be ours!
Loud cheers from the crowd as Trent looks to wrap up his promo but they are interrupted by…
Loud boos from the crowd as THE UNGOVERNABLES walk out onto the stage led by ZELINA VEGA! The World tag team champions CESARO and ILJA DRAGUNOV both look a little worse for wear after their battles with Sheamus and Drew McIntyre respectively. ANGEL GARZA meanwhile is in a nice black shirt and white jeans with a rose in his pocket with a less cocky look than normal on his face whilst being without his valet Eva Marie.
Zelina Vega: Trent, I know you are new around here but if you think we are letting our iron grip on this brand go, you are mistaken!
Boos from the crowd as Ilja and Cesaro make a point to lift their titles up though Angel looks a bit concerned.
Zelina Vega: Monday Night Raw is Ungovernables territory and soon Smackdown Live will be as well!
Trent Seven: Well maybe it’s time we invade.
Zelina shakes her head.
Zelina Vega: I manage the best talent in the world Trent and whilst I considered your friends, you were never on my radar.
Trent chuckles and smiles.
Trent Seven: I am well aware Zelina that my best days came too late…
He turns to his friends.
Trent Seven: And that these two are wrestling prodigies. But the old dog still has a few new tricks and those tag team titles will be around our waist.
Cheers from the crowd as Angel asks for the microphone looking to chime in.
Angel Garza: Tyler I remember fighting you in NXT for the NXT Cruiserweight title…
Tyler who has been passed the mic by Trent chimes in.
Tyler Bate: Yeah I remember beating you for it.
That angers Angel as Tyler gets cheers from the crowd but the Latino Lothario carries on.
Angel Garza: I was a different man back then. I was dealing with a Beast and only just learning the guidance beautiful women like Zelina can give me…
Zelina winks as Angel winks back with Pete Dunne in the ring looking especially annoyed.
Angel Garza: And I scouted everything you can do which I passed on to my colleagues.
Ilja and Cesaro both remain serious but nod agreeing with Angel.
Angel Garza: So at Armageddon…
Pete Dunne: Hey Angel, why don’t you focus on the one of us you are actually fighting?
Cheers from the crowd as Pete’s no-nonsense attitude comes out.
Pete Dunne: You might have not realized because you have been too busy sucking face with Eva Marie…
Angel now looks angry as the crowd pops loudly.
Pete Dunne: But I’m a very different man from Tyler.
Tyler nods agreeing with that statement.
Pete Dunne: See Tyler would pick you up and toss you around like the tosser you are but me… I’ll break your fingers so you can’t hold Eva’s hand anymore!
Angel at that point looks frightened as Ilja grabs the microphone from him.
Ilja Dragunov: Peter…
Pete Dunne: Only he is allowed to call me that.
Pete points at Trent who nods whilst Tyler mouths off-mic “wait I’m not allowed?”.
Ilja Dragunov: I remember our wars. And you are not ready for the Ungovernables.
Pete responds by shrugging unfazed as Cesaro takes the microphone.
Cesaro: Tyler, I’ve heard a lot about you and I must say, I’m actually impressed which takes a lot to do.
Tyler is curious as Cesaro carries on.
Cesaro: There are very few men who can match my strength let alone someone of your size but as we say back home: Ich respektiere dich vielleicht, aber ich werde dich zerstören.
Boos from the crowd who don’t speak German as Trent looks to respond.
Trent Seven: I don’t speak German Cesaro but as a fellow man of refined taste how about next week we give you a taste of what you are in for. Us three versus you three.
Zelina looks uncertain but before can say anything Cesaro responds.
Cesaro: You are on!
Cesaro drops the microphone as Ilja smiles whilst Angel and Zelina both look unhappy but accept the challenge thrown. British Strong Style in the ring stares down their challengers at the PPV. The commentary team meanwhile confirms that Wade Barrett has just made the match official for next week’s show before saying up next we get another Cruiserweight number one contender’s ladder match qualifier as Noam Dar takes on Ricochet!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ad break
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boos from the live crowd as we return from the commercial break and NOAM DAR is making his way to the ring! The cocky Scottish Supernova is chewing gum in the most obnoxious manner possible which further winds up the fans. The commentary team reminds us he is a former Cruiserweight Champion and will be looking to get the title back he lost to Mustafa Ali last year.
A loud pop from the live crowd as RICOCHET walks out onto the entrance ramp and poses for the crowd before pointing at Noam Dar in the ring. The commentary team mentions Ricochet is used to fighting opponents above his weight class so fighting someone within his weight class present a new opportunity but a different kind of challenge. Ricochet though looks confident as he steps into the ring. Noam Dar talks a bunch of trash but Ricochet remains calm as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!
Match 7: Qualifying match: Noam Dar vs Ricochet
Match summary: Ricochet starts off the match by showing up Noam Dar very early on. Dar has to take a powder not once but twice in the early stage pissing the cocky Scot off. Ricochet meanwhile looks at ease until Noam starts to go after Ricochet's right leg as is his signature fashion. Ricochet though is used to other wrestlers targeting his leg and fends off a lot of the offense once again sending Noam Dar on the defensive which means the Scottish Supernova starts playing dirty.
Noam Dar tries to use every trick in the book to win this match including eye rakes and feet on the ropes but Ricochet is too good at kicking out and fighting back against everything he throws at him. Dar even tries taking apart the turnbuckle pad but Ricochet uses his athleticism to avoid it when thrown towards hitting a SPRINGBOARD CORKSCREW SENTON ONTO HIM! Ricochet then heads to the top rope perching on the spot without the pad and hits a picture-perfect 630 SPLASH! Ricochet hooks the leg 1 2 3 Dar wins!
Winner via pinfall: Ricochet (9:27)
Ricochet gets to his feet having picked up a big win on his first match within the Cruiserweight division and knows it to playing to the fans. Noam Dar meanwhile rolls out of the ring frustrated with the result as a few fans in the front row taunt him. The commentary team puts over the unique offense that Ricochet offers and in a ladder match that might be the difference. In the ring, Ricochet does the belt motion making it clear he is coming for the Cruiserweight title as we cut elsewhere backstage as…
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NIA JAX is walking to the ring ahead of tonight’s main event! However, as she is walking she comes face to face with PIPER NIVEN! Both women have a staredown but Nia smirks and carries on walking. Piper stands behind her shaking her head as the commentary team confirms Nia Jax will take on Shayna Baszler for the Women’s Universal title and that match will happen next!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ad break
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boos from the live crowd as we return from the commercial break and NIA JAX is making her way to the ring for the main event! The commentary team reminds us that Nia Jax is a former Women’s Universal Champion and also has yet to be pinned or submitted since returning to Raw at Wrestlemania. She steps into the ring and looks confident waiting for her opponent.
Even louder boos from the fans in attendance as the Women’s Universal Champion and tag team champion SHAYNA BASZLER walks onto the entrance ramp. She is joined by the rest of the MMA Horsewomen: RONDA ROUSEY, MARINA SHAFIR and JESSAYMN DUKE! The group looks at Shayna who nods and they HEAD BACKSTAGE! Shayna is going to do this alone! Nia Jax in the ring mocks Shayna and tells her this is a big mistake but the champion doesn’t care shaking her head. She gets to the ring and passes both her titles to the timekeeper as the usual title announcements are done. The referee then calls for the bell to get this match underway!
Main event: Women’s Universal title match: Shayna Baszler © vs Nia Jax
Match summary: Shayna Baszler once the bell rings takes her time and circle the ring as she is happy to take her time to get an opening over the larger opponent. Nia though doesn’t want to wait and looks to go straight after the champion, using her power early on to control the match. Shayna is in danger early on but uses her cunning to start picking Nia apart. The monster actually plays the pseudo-face in this match as Shayna looks to go after her arms and back during the match!
Nia Jax screams in pain as Shayna viciously attacks her limbs and makes sure to torment Shayna as she does it, even doing the bent arm stomp! Nia soon finds the damage done by Shayna takes away her ability to lift her up and as the match heads to the closing stages, Nia is barely able to survive as Shayna locks her in the KIRIFUDA CLUTCH! Shayna wraps her entire body around Nia Jax! Who tries to use her power to escape but in the end, Nia Jax is forced to tap out giving Shayna the win in her first title defense!
Winner via submission and still Women’s Universal Champion: Shayna Baszler (9:21)
Shayna gets to her feet (after holding onto the choke for an extra few seconds with a wicked grin having retained his Women’s Universal title tonight! The crowd boos Shayna Baszler but she doesn’t care as she raises the title into the air. The commentary team puts over her dominant performance and mentions that whilst Natalya might be a submission specialist, Shayna could have her truly outmatched in that category. The rest of the MMA Horsewomen join Shayna at the top of the entrance ramp as Monday Night Raw ends with the champion standing tall and we fade to black.
Matches confirmed for next week:
Tag team match:
The Ungovernables vs British Strong Style
Tag team match:
New Day vs John Morrison and Erick Rowan
Qualifying match:
Kalisto vs Danny Burch
Qualifying match:
Lio Rush vs Akira Tozawa
Matchcard for Armageddon:
Kansas City, Missouri
July 5th
WWE title match:
Drew McIntyre © vs Sheamus
Women’s Universal title match:
Shayna Baszler © vs Natalya
Intercontinental title match:
John Morrison © vs Xavier Woods
Cruiserweight title match:
Angel Garza © vs Pete Dunne
World tag team titles match:
The Ungovernables © vs Mustache Mountain
Number contender’s match for the WWE title at Summerslam:
Brock Lesnar vs Andrade Cien Almas
Number contender’s ladder match for the Cruiserweight title:
Mustafa Ali vs Dolph Ziggler vs Ricochet vs Oney Lorcan vs Kalisto or Danny Burch vs Lio Rush or Akira Tozawa
Grudge match:
Charlotte Flair vs Ronda Rousey
Grudge match:
Randy Orton vs Sami Zayn
Matchcard for Summerslam:
Toronto, Canada
August 23rd
WWE title match:
Drew McIntyre or Sheamus © vs Brock Lesnar or Andrade Cien Almas
Universal title match:
Aleister Black © or Buddy Murphy vs Winner of the Elimination Chamber
EWR Rating:
64%