Monday Night Raw:
June 1st 2020
Iowa City, Iowa
Carver-Hawkeye Arena
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A loud pop from the live crowd as the opening video introducing us to Monday Night Raw ends and we pan around the Carver-Hawkeye Arena before we cut to the commentary adjacent to the entrance ramp as they welcome us to the show.
Michael Cole: It’s Monday night and you know what that means. Welcome to Monday Night Raw and we are five nights away from Queen of the Ring!
Elias: Not only that but we are six nights away from the draft so tonight is the final chance for some superstars to impress!
Michael Cole: And in our main event, we will find out who will walk into the draft as Universal Champion as Aleister Black defends his title against Andrade Cien Almas in a sixty-minute Ironman match!
Elias: Plus thanks to the USA Network, during the Ironman match there will be no commercial breaks!
Michael Cole: But that’s not all we have tonight. Later on, we will see Chad Gable defend his United States title against Noam Dar and Angel Garza defend his Cruiserweight title against Drew Gulak.
Elias: Isaiah Swerve Strickland will be in singles action as he takes on Kalisto.
Michael Cole: And we will have two more last sixteen Queen of the Ring matches as Naomi takes on Piper Niven.
Elias: But right now we are going to see Taynara Conti collide with Chelsea Green in our opening match!
*IT’S ALL ABOUT ME*
Boos from the crowd who are becoming fairly familiar with CHELSEA GREEN and she makes sure to show off as she makes her out. She is noticeably once again without the rest of the Robert Stone Brand as she heads to the ring per the rules of the tournament.
Michael Cole: Chelsea Green picked up an impressive win over Xia Li two weeks ago to make this stage but now she faces arguably the hottest rising star in WWE: Taynara Conti.
Elias: Let’s hear what Chelsea has to say ahead of this match.
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We cut to CHELSEA GREEN sitting on what looks like a beach once again as we can see a few photographers snapping some photos as she poses. ROBERT STONE eventually walks into the shot and sends them away before Chelsea looks at the camera.
Chelsea Green: Sorry I was just practicing some poses for when I become Queen of the Ring.
She chuckles to herself as in the background we can see Robert Stone taking care of business.
Chelsea Green: See look at this outfit and tell me the Women’s Universal title wouldn’t look good with it?
A smirk as we can see Chelsea Green in a fairly revealing bikini.
Chelsea Green: I mean whatever I wear looks good let’s be honest.
Humble as always Chelsea.
Chelsea Green: I AM the hottest rising star. Not Conti.
She points at herself and for the first time, this promo gets serious.
Chelsea Green: And tonight I will prove it. I will be the Queen of the Ring and Sasha Banks…
Oh hello.
Chelsea Green: You may think you are the Boss but I’ll put you in your place and then whoever else stands in my way, they will learn why I’m the face of the Robert Stone Brand.
Robert Stone walks back into the shot to wrap up the promo.
Robert Stone: That’s all from the Robert Stone Brand today. Tune in for more this Saturday.
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We cut back to the ring and see Chelsea Green pacing around the ring with a smirk on her face as she waits for her opponent…
*SHAKE SHAKE*
TAYNARA CONTI makes her way out getting loud cheers from the crowd! She slaps hands with a few of the crowd and looks to be in good spirits on the way to the ring for a huge match.
Michael Cole: Taynara Conti has been on one hell of a roll since the turn of the year. Royal Rumble last four, pinning Sasha Banks and coming close to beating Ronda Rousey. Now she is only four matches away from the Women’s Universal title.
Elias: A lot of pressure on the Brazilian brilliance, let’s hear from her ahead of this match!
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We cut to the backstage area as TAYNARA CONTI is sitting down on a chair with her hands together smiling at the camera.
Taynara Conti: The closer to the top I get, the harder it gets.
Conti licks her lips.
Taynara Conti: And I relish it.
She gets to her feet.
Taynara Conti: I live for a fight to get to the top. I don’t want to take the easy road like Chelsea Green.
She looks fired up as she brings up her opponent tonight.
Taynara Conti: I saw what you did to beat my friend and tag team partner Xia Li. I won’t take that lying down!
We see XIA LI walking next to Taynara Conti nodding as she fist-bumps her friend.
Xia Li: Kick her ass!
Conti nods before turning back to the camera.
Taynara Conti: And if that means I have to fight Sasha Banks again…
You can see Taynara slightly wincing due to the damage done to herself in that match.
Taynara Conti: And I will beat her again!
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We cut back to the ring as Taynara Conti stands across from the cocky Chelsea Green. Both women trade a few jibes before the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!
Match 1: Queen of the ring 2nd round match: Taynara Conti vs Chelsea Green
Match summary: Conti goes on the attack right from the start but Chelsea rolls out of the ring shaking her head, wanting to start the match on her terms. Chelsea runs around the ring before catching Conti as she catches up to her with a series of boots as she slides into the ring. Chelsea takes control for a bit but the judo expertise of Conti soon allows her to turn the tides as she slams Chelsea Green down to the mat! Conti stays in control working over the arm of Chelsea who screams over the top in pain.
Chelsea uses her long legs to get to the ropes as Conti breaks upon 2! Chelsea struggles some more until she uses her boot to choke Conti in the corner! Chelsea as the match goes on gets more desperate and resorts to different ways of cheating to try to win the match. In the closing stages as Chelsea Green tries to go for the UNPRETTIER BUT CONTI SPINS HER AROUND AND LOCKS HER IN TAY-LOCK! She gets the Octopus lock locked in tight and wrenches on the arm of Chelsea until she taps out!
Winner via submission: Taynara Conti (10:47)
Conti lets go of the hold and drops Chelsea Green to the mat as she celebrates a big win on tonight’s Raw! Chelsea Green meanwhile cries in pain and clutches her arm, annoyed she had lost out on advancing to the next round.
Michael Cole: Taynara Conti picks up another big win and now is in the quarter-final stage of the Queen of the Ring tournament.
Elias: An impressive performance and a tough challenge to overcome in the form of Chelsea Green tonight but now a familiar foe awaits in the quarters this Saturday!
Michael Cole: That’s right Elias. The first confirmed quarter-final match is a rematch from Backlash as Taynara Conti takes on Sasha Banks once again!
Elias: And this time there will be no weapons involved. Can Conti defeat Sasha Banks in a regular one-on-one match?
The celebrations carry on in the ring as Taynara Conti signals she is looking for a crowd as we cut to a commercial break.
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When we return from the commercial break, we can see SASHA BANKS walking through the back with headphones in and wearing her shutter shades as she is stopped by RENEE YOUNG looking for an interview.
Renee Young: Sasha, Sasha!
Sasha stops pulling out her headphones and pushes up her shutter shades.
Sasha Banks: What do you want Renee?
Renee Young: I was just looking to get some words from you as it has been confirmed who you will face on Saturday in the quarter-final of Queen of the Ring!
Sasha smirks dismissively shaking her head.
Sasha Banks: Does it matter? I’ll beat Chelsea Green on Saturday and then defeat whoever gets in my way.
Renee goes to correct Sasha but the Boss puts her hand in front of Renee’s mouth.
Sasha Banks: I told you it doesn’t matter because…
Sasha stops mid-sentence as TAYNARA CONTI walks into the shot with a smile on her face. Sasha though has a scowl on her face as she looks at Conti. The young superstar though is full of confidence and just has one thing to say to Sasha.
Taynara Conti: See you, Saturday Sasha.
Conti walks past Sasha and even shoulder-checks her rival over the last few months leaving the Legit Boss furious as we cut elsewhere backstage…
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As we can see CESARO sitting at a bar by himself with a drink in his hand. He has a smile on his face but that soon fades as once again he is approached by SHEAMUS who takes a seat looking at the bartender.
Sheamus: A Guinness, please.
Cesaro: Have you come over to gloat about last week?
Sheamus shakes his head.
Sheamus: Not at all fella. Ilja, he gave me one hell of a fight. I’m impressed. You picked a tag team partner nearly as good as me.
Cesaro shakes his head.
Sheamus: No what I want to talk about is what you said on commentary.
Cesaro: Listen nothing I said about you on commentary, I wouldn’t have said to your face now or when we were the Bar.
Sheamus smirks.
Sheamus: I’m not on about that.
Cesaro looks confused.
Sheamus: You said if you beat Aleister Black later on that night, if Andrade won the Universal title you wouldn’t even try to go for it.
Sheamus gets passed his pint and takes a sip before carrying on.
Sheamus: When did you become someone’s lackey?
Cesaro gets to his feet clearly taking exception to those comments.
Cesaro: I’m not a lackey for anyone! The Ungovernables work together to make sure we all have gold. That’s why I wouldn’t go after him. I…
???: C’mon Cesaro. That’s enough.
Cesaro and Sheamus turn around and we can see SHINSUKE NAKAMURA wheeling ZELINA VEGA into the shot.
Zelina Vega: We have business to take care of. Don’t waste it explaining yourself to your past.
Cesaro finishes off his pint and nods walking off elsewhere as Sheamus goes back to drinking his pint but Zelina doesn’t leave.
Zelina Vega: Y’know Sheamus. You would be a truly great asset to the Ungovernables.
Sheamus: I’m good.
Sheamus carries on drinking not paying Zelina much attention as Shinsuke teases attacking him but Zelina stops him.
Zelina Vega: I mean you say that but which one of you and Cesaro has gold right now?
Zelina signals for Shinsuke to wheel her off elsewhere as Sheamus is left with something to think about as the show goes to a commercial break.
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After the clips from the above video finishes, we cut back to the commentary team adjacent to the entrance ramp.
Michael Cole: As you can see, an Ironman match can be a grueling tough experience for both competitors where neither man can gain an edge.
Elias: And I’ve been told by Adam Pearce if we need to go into overtime like Wrestlemania eleven we will have it live on WWE.com!
*FEARLESS WARRIOR*
A decent reaction from the live crowd as KALISTO runs out! He slaps hands and even touches his mask with a few of the young kids in the front few rows.
Michael Cole: Well the draft is coming up this Sunday and Kalisto knows a win over Isaiah Swerve Scott could put him in line for a higher draft spot!
Elias: Kalisto is a former United States, Cruiserweight and NXT tag team champion which a lot of people forget. He could pull out the win tonight quite easily.
*BIG PRESSURE*
Boos from the live crowd as the confident as always ISAIAH “SWERVE” STRICKLAND makes his way out and he is joined by fellow members of the Hurt Business: MVP and LIO RUSH with both men wearing smart suits as they come out.
Michael Cole: Swerve has been impressive on Monday Night Raw ever since he debuted at Backlash and along with the Hurt Business is clearly primed for a good spot in the draft on either brand.
Elias: MVP wants to lead the future of the business and he might have that right here with Lio Rush and Isaiah “Swerve” Strickland!
Once in the ring, we can see Swerve is a bit more pissed off than normal and has less of his usual swagger about him. Kalisto remains focused as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!
Match 2: Isaiah “Swerve” Strickland w/MVP and Lio Rush vs Kalisto
Match summary: Swerve once the bell rings goes right after Kalisto hitting him with a VICIOUS KICK to the head which nearly gets the 3 count early! The early blow deffo shakes Kalisto who has to fight his way back into the match but Swerve throughout is extra vicious slamming Kalisto around the ringside area and in the ring. Kalisto tries to use his Lucha skills to get back into the match and win but Swerve matches him for pace fairly easily! In the end, Swerve climbs to the top rope and HITS THE SWERVE STOMP to the head of Kalisto for the 3-count!
Winner via pinfall: Isaiah “Swerve” Scott (5:23)
Boos from the crowd as Swerve gets to his feet and still looks ticked off as he snatches his hand away from the referee waiting for MVP and Lio Rush to raise his arms into the air.
Michael Cole: Another win for the newcomer on Monday Night Raw!
Elias: And a dominant performance tonight against a former United States Champion as well.
Michael Cole: A few more performances like that and maybe he will in line for a future United States title shot?
Elias: Well it looks like we are about to hear from the Hurt Business.
MVP has grabbed a microphone as Lio Rush and Swerve stand behind him though Swerve noticeably is pacing around in the background.
MVP: Last week, Lio Rush showed that whilst he is part of the future. But he still needs a bit of seasoning.
Lio looks annoyed but stays quiet looking ahead as MVP turns to him.
MVP: One day, you will get to that level with my guidance but right now…
SWERVE TAKES THE MICROPHONE FROM MVP! MVP looks annoyed as Swerve holds out a hand to stop him.
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott: Sorry Montel, I’ve got something I need to say about Joe.
MVP looks annoyed but let’s Swerve say his bit.
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott: Joe. You need to stop showing us disrespect!
Boos from the crowd as Swerve looks at the fans but ignores them and carries on.
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott: MVP and myself have tried to welcome you to the Hurt Business with open arms but you keep disrespecting us by turning down the offer.
Swerve shakes his head.
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott: So I’m giving you the chance to consider it for one more week but if you end up on the same brand as us next week and still haven’t said yes to our offer… I’ll fight you myself!
Swerve drops the microphone and leaves the ring getting boos from the crowd as MVP watches on in the ring angry at first but smiles as he says something to Lio Rush and the pair follow after Swerve. Meanwhile, we cut elsewhere backstage as…
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We see BETH PHOENIX backstage working out in the gym and preparing for Saturday night. However, as she is training her tag team partner and the woman she defeated last week NATALYA! She stops what she is doing and looks at her best friend as they share another hug before Nattie sits down next to Beth.
Natalya: Just three more to go now.
Beth smiles before getting serious.
Beth Phoenix: Making it sound easy there Nattie.
Natalya: Is it not? You already beat your best friend. Everyone else at this point is a foe.
Beth takes a sip of water nodding and agreeing with Nattie.
Beth Phoenix: Like I said making it sound easy. Do you know how much pain I was in when you locked those submissions in?
She winces in pain before carrying on.
Beth Phoenix: I can still feel the effects even today Nattie. My body can’t take this anymore and unlike my husband, it’s warning me well in advance.
Natalya: But you saw what happened with Edge. He got more time and…
Beth stops Nattie shaking her head.
Beth Phoenix: No. I know this is the final year. Hell, this might even be the final few months Nattie.
A sense of sadness in Beth’s voice as she speaks and sighs before carrying on.
Beth Phoenix: Every time I wrestle, my body aches for the next week after. I know I won’t get many chances to win a title left and this one? It might finish me off.
Beth sadly laughs as she carries on.
Beth Phoenix: You know much my body aches now? How is it going to feel after three matches in one night?
Nattie doesn’t have an answer as Beth looks at her.
Beth Phoenix: This is my final chance to be Women’s champion but I don’t know if my body can take it.
Beth stops swallowing before finishing off the promo.
Beth Phoenix: I will fight with everything I have and if I make it through Queen of the Ring, we’ll go after the tag team titles again too…
A smile on Natalya’s face.
Beth Phoenix: Emulating Becky as champ champ. Wouldn’t that be a funny thing due to our history?
A laugh between the two (Becky and Beth feuded last year in this thread btw).
Beth Phoenix: But I need to survive and become Queen first.
Beth and Natalya share another hug with each other as we cut to a commercial break.
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After the clips from the above video finishes, we cut to ADAM PEARCE who is standing in the ring with a microphone in front of a table with a contract on it and four chairs.
Adam Pearce: Welcome back to Monday Night Raw and it is an honor to be here on my last Raw in charge of the brand.
Cheers from the crowd as Adam puts a hand up.
Adam Pearce: But I’m sure my replacement will keep this brand in good hands and add their own stamp to Raw.
A smile on Adam’s face before getting back to business.
Adam Pearce: But right now we are going to hear from the four women fighting for the WWE Women’s tag team titles this Saturday night as they sign the contract behind me to make their title match official.
Loud cheers from the crowd as a few fans chant for Bayley before Adam gets to the introductions.
Adam Pearce: First of all let’s bring out the challengers: Ronda Rousey and Mrs. Money in the Bank Shayna Baszler!
*KILL ‘EM ALL*
Loud boos from the crowd as RONDA ROUSEY and SHAYNA BASZLER walk out, taunting the crowd on the way to the ring. Shayna makes sure to show off her Money in the Bank briefcase too, reminding the fans that she could easily cash in that night too. Once in the ring, the pair take a seat with Shayna showing no respect for Pearce as she puts her feet up on the table prompting an eye roll.
Adam Pearce: Once again, glad I don’t have to deal with you after this week.
Cheers from the crowd for the sass from Adam Pearce whilst Shayna does a crybaby taunt.
Adam Pearce: Anyway, now welcome the champions The Hugging Pirates!
*NEW ADVENTURE*
A loud pop from the live crowd as THE HUGGING PIRATES walk out lifting their tag team titles into the air. Both have big smiles on their face before walking down the ramp, keeping their eyes on the challengers. Once in the ring, they shake hands with Adam Pearce before taking a seat opposite the challengers.
Adam Pearce: Now you four are welcome to look through the contract once more before signing it and if you have anything you want to say…
Ronda Rousey: I mean have something to say.
Adam Pearce: Of course you do.
Adam is as sick of Ronda talking as 2022 Adam is.
Ronda Rousey: Cute Adam. Keep sassing me and I might break your arm or jaw. I’ll let Shayna pick.
Shayna Baszler: I’m feeling arm. Since he ain’t going to be out here talking anymore take away his livelihood.
A little fear on the face of Adam Pearce which the Real Horsewomen relish in.
Ronda Rousey: OK good you do know your place. Teach whoever takes over who really runs things around here.
Bayley picks up the microphone in front of her already sick of Ronda’s shit.
Bayley: You two may think you can bull the whole roster but you can’t bully us!
Loud cheers from the crowd as Bayley shows some fire and Kairi next to her nods agreeing.
Kairi Sane: All you two do is try to bully whoever stands in your way and complain when you lose!
Both Shayna and Ronda scoff at that line.
Bayley: I mean we all saw how you reacted to your losses to Becky.
A massive pop and that even starts a “Becky” chant from the live crowd as Ronda and Shayna glare at Bayley.
Bayley: Ronda went into hiding the first time…
Ronda Rousey: No no! I’m a star and I had other film work to do…
Kairi Sane: Were they straight to DVD?
A massive pop for that zinger as Ronda looks furious but Bayley carries on.
Bayley: And when she beat you both this year? You tried to attack her whilst she was pregnant.
Shayna shrugs saying to Bayley off-mic “and what”?
Bayley: Bullies are cowards and when faced with someone who is the same strength as them, they resort to cowardly attacks!
The crowd are now chanting Bayley’s name as she gets to her feet pointing at the challengers.
Bayley: You know that we can beat you so you’ve been attacking us from behind or sending your goons after us! Where are they now!
A loud pop as the commentary team informs us they are not cleared to be here after being sent through tables by both members of the Hugging Pirates. Ronda and Shayna remain silent and angry as Bayley finishes speaking.
Bayley: After Saturday, you might be joining them.
Bayley grabs the pen signing the contract before passing it to Kairi who signs it as well and the champions leave the ring. Ronda and Shayna each take the pen signing it before grabbing the microphone as they want one last word.
Ronda Rousey: Bayley. Kairi.
Both women turn around to face their challengers.
Ronda Rousey: I want to remind you, no one else but Becky has beaten me. So whilst you invoke her name to wind me up, none of you are her!
Ronda points at the fans before pointing back at the champions.
Ronda Rousey: And soon you might be joining her at the hospital for very different reasons because I feel like breaking some bones.
Ronda drops the microphone as she and Shayna get to their feet, having a staredown with the champions as we cut backstage…
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As we can see ZELINA VEGA, ANGEL GARZA and EVA MARIE are backstage. Eva Marie and Angel Garza are all over each other making out whilst Zelina Vega sits in front of them in her wheelchair with a smile on her face.
Zelina Vega: As the manager for the Ungovernables, my job is to think of new ways to take them to new heights and make them even more dominant than they already are.
She smirks as she says that.
Zelina Vega: So with the draft coming up, I want to give my clients as many opportunities as possible to hold gold and therefore each member of the Ungovernables minus our tag team champions will be available to be drafted separately.
Zelina confirmed what was said last week! The Ungovernables could be on both brands!
Zelina Vega: Now if one commissioner is smarter than the other one, he’ll sign all my clients to Raw or Smackdown.
Eva takes a break from locking lips with Angel to chime in.
Eva Marie: Can’t be dumber than Adam Pearce.
Zelina looks unimpressed with the line but fakes a smile whilst Eva goes back to snogging her boyfriend.
Zelina Vega: But if they are both smart, my clients will be split between both brands and be able to bring even more gold to the Ungovernables.
Angel now finishes the make-out session and walks over to Zelina Vega.
Angel Garza: Wait does this mean Eva might end up on another brand?
Zelina looks confused for a moment before smiling.
Zelina Vega: No Angel, she is not a member of the roster yet and is just here as your girlfriend.
Angel smiles and nods before Zelina carries on.
Zelina Vega: Now both of you need to head to ringside and keep that belt around your waist going into the draft do you understand?
Angel nods and leaves with Eva Marie as Zelina smirks watching them leave.
Michael Cole (from commentary): Well up next Angel Garza will defend his Cruiserweight title against Drew Gulak. Don’t go anywhere!
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*FOR THE BETTER*
A decent pop from the live crowd as we return from the commercial break and DREW GULAK makes his way out. He is in a tracksuit and bottoms as he slaps hands with a few of the fans in the front few rows before heading to the ring.
Michael Cole: Welcome back to Monday Night Raw and right now the Cruiserweight title will be on the line.
Elias: Drew has been picking up wins on Monday Night Raw as of late and that prompted Adam Pearce to give him this title shot on his final show in charge.
*RAPIDO*
Boos from the live crowd and they get even louder as ANGEL GARZA makes his way out with his new girlfriend EVA MARIE! They have another make-out session at the top of the entrance ramp before heading to the ring!
Michael Cole: Two weeks ago, Eva Marie made her return to WWE and helped Angel Garza become Cruiserweight champion!
Elias: The Ungovernables gold grows even larger and in tonight’s main event it could be three sets of titles in their grasp.
Angel once inside the ring taunts Gulak by saying he will never get a woman like Eva Marie. Drew just shakes his head as the referee calls for the bell and this match is underway!
Match 3: Cruiserweight title match: Angel Garza © w/Eva Marie vs Drew Gulak
Match summary: Angel Garza acts very cocky early on in the match and it nearly bites him as Gulak gets him trapped into a KNEE BAR… BUT GARZA GETS TO THE ROPES! Garza scrambles to the outside and is forced to regroup with Eva Marie. Once back inside Gulak starts to pick him apart again and Garza is on the ropes very early on in the match. Garza eventually makes a comeback thanks to a timely trip up from Eva Marie which gets ungodly boos from the live crowd.
Garza though struggles a little bit due to the damage done to his leg and can’t quite pull off everything he usually would during a match. Gulak in the closing stages looks to once again go after the limbs of Angel Garza and trap him in a variety of different submission holds. Garza gets trapped in the GU-LOCK AS HE WRAPS HIS BODY AROUND GARZA…BUT EVA OUT OF THE VIEW OF THE REFEREE GETS GARZA’S FEET ON THE ROPE! The referee spots it and lets go of the hold as Gulak is suspicious. He has a few words Eva Marie before turning around into a HAMMERLOCK DDT! He plants Drew and makes the cover 1 2 EVA HOLDS ANGEL’S FEET DOWN OUT OF THE REF’S VIEW 3! Angel escapes with the title!
Winner via pinfall and still Cruiserweight Champion: Angel Garza (8:45)
As soon as the referee hits the mat for 3, Eva gets off of Angel and acts innocent as Gulak is left confused about what happened but Angel celebrates his first Cruiserweight title defense tonight!
Michael Cole: Angel picks up another win with help from Eva Marie.
Elias: Maybe he is right, behind every great man is a great woman to give him the victory.
Michael Cole: He was on the ropes several times during the match and could have easily lost to Drew Gulak tonight.
Elias: Drew might have put himself higher up on some draft lists with his performance in this match.
Angel Garza and Eva Marie carry on making out in the middle of the ring to boos from the crowd as a frustrated Drew Gulak heads up the entrance ramp shaking his head whilst we cut to a commercial break.
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After the video showing highlights of the John Cena vs Randy Orton Ironman match ends we cut to the backstage area as we can see a frustrated DAKOTA KAI gaming with TEGAN NOX as CHARLY CARUSO walks in looking for an interview.
Charly Caruso: Dakota, last week on Smackdown you had a disappointing loss to Ruby Riott!
Dakota puts the controller down as Tegan pauses the game for them.
Dakota Kai: It was but what I found more disappointing is the method Ruby had to resort to when beating me.
Dakota shakes her head.
Dakota Kai: The old Ruby I knew wouldn’t do that but I guess people change and next time we meet, I’ll remember that.
Tegan puts her hand on her tag team partner’s shoulder.
Tegan Nox: I’ll remember what she did to you. And when I face her on Saturday after beating Franky, I’ll get payback for you.
Charly Caruso: Speaking of future matches, this Friday on Smackdown Tegan you will be taking on Franky Monet.
Tegan scowls at the mention of her name.
Charly Caruso: We saw you attack her last week, what was the reason?
Tegan Nox: I heard what she had to say about my Mae Young Classic eliminations. Mocking my injuries? I can tell she has never been through something like that.
Nox is getting fired up and it seems the Welsh dragon is coming out.
Tegan Nox: So yeah I punched her in the mouth and I’ll do it again on Friday. This is my chance at redemption and I will fly. This Welsh wizard is going to pull off some magic and become Queen of the Ring.
Dakota Kai: Promise to give me the first title shot?
Nox turns to Kai with a smirk on her face.
Tegan Nox: Deal. I’ll beat you like I always do in Overwatch.
Kai's mouth is wide open and she gasps.
Dakota Kai: You… Right game on!
Dakota picks up the controller as Tegan laughs before picking up her own controller and they go back to gaming whilst we cut to the commentary team.
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Michael Cole: Tegan Nox is fired up ahead of her last sixteen match with Franky Monet this Friday and Franky might have made a big mistake mocking her injury in the Mae Young Classic.
Elias: But Franky is one hell of a competitor and is unbeaten so far on Smackdown. It will be a close encounter this Friday night for sure!
*THE RISING*
Boos from the crowd as THE CHURCH OF SETH ROLLINS slowly walk out onto the entrance ramp. THE AUTHORS OF PAIN and AIDEN ENGLISH stand patiently as they wait for their leader before…
*VISIONARY*
And the boos get even louder as SETH ROLLINS walks out as he gets his Church to bow before him, cackling like a supervillain before walking down the entrance ramp with a wicked grin on his face even waving to the commentary team at ringside.
Michael Cole: Don’t rise to it, Elias. He isn’t worth it.
Elias: I don’t think I’ve hated a man more and I’ve had to deal with Baron Corbin for months before.
Michael Cole: Last week Seth Rollins took out another superstar in Big Show with a curb stomp through a cinder block and we don’t know when he will be back after that brutal attack!
Elias: He keeps on taking people out close to Edge. Anyone helping Edge, he has tried to end their career. The man says he is about saving careers but all he cares about is himself!
True venom in the voice of Elias as he speaks about Seth Rollins before we cut to the ring as the Church of Seth Rollins stands behind Seth who has a microphone ready to speak to the live crowd.
Seth Rollins: Are you people ready for a sermon?
Loud boos from the crowd as Seth responds with a smirk.
Seth Rollins: I wasn’t talking to you heathens. I was talking to my disciples.
He turns to his disciples who nod and kneel in front of their leader.
Seth Rollins: I know you fans can’t be saved but these men, they have been. They have been cleansed by the light I bring as part of Monday night Rollins!
The formerly popular catchphrase brings the crowd to even louder boos which the savior takes pleasure in.
Seth Rollins: Aiden.
Aiden looks at Seth with wide eyes and a smile.
Seth Rollins: Ever since you joined me, you’ve been able to pick up wins. Something you have not done for years. Would you not say I saved you?
Aiden nods emphatically.
Aiden English: You have. You have saved me from the depths and brought my career back to life.
Seth has a wicked smile before turning to the muscle of the group Akam and Rezar as they look at him stoically.
Seth Rollins: My destroyers. Have I not given you even more opportunities to cause pain and carnage on the Monday Night Raw roster?
Akam and Rezar don’t speak just silently nodding in agreement with Seth who smiles and turns back to the fans.
Seth Rollins: See what my guidance does to superstars. I give them what they want and what they need.
A few fans have gotten sick of Seth and start to chant “shut the fuck up” which brings an even bigger smile to his face as he does his signature annoying laugh.
Seth Rollins: So it’s time for me to send a message to superstars far and wide. I’m not just talking to superstars on Raw and Smackdown. My message goes out to NXT, NXT UK and beyond!
Vince is still in charge remember guys. Other places don’t exist name-wise.
Seth Rollins: Join us and rise to new heights!
The smile on Seth’s face soon turns to a scowl.
Seth Rollins: Or stand in our way and fall!
Seth scowls at the camera before he starts to laugh like a madman.
Seth Rollins: Because whatever brand I end up on, I will be coming for my place at the top once again!
Seth drops the microphone and sticks his arms out into the air in a Jesus-like pose as the disciples stand behind their leader showing their worship.
Michael Cole: Strong words from Seth and a warning sent to Drew McIntyre, Kevin Owens, Aleister Black and Andrade Cien Almas ahead of the draft!
Elias: Two of those four men will be world champions and will have a big target on their backs after the draft, depending on which brand Seth and his church end up on.
Michael Cole: A scary cult-like force that seems to want to grow in numbers.
Elias: Hopefully they get stopped soon but up next we will see who advances to the quarter-finals of the Queen of the Ring. Will it be Naomi or Piper Niven? Don’t go anywhere!
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*THE CULLING*
A decent pop from the live crowd as PIPER NIVEN marches out ready for action tonight. She looks determined ahead of the biggest match in her career so far.
Michael Cole: Piper Niven is one of the hottest prospects on NXT UK and the last remaining superstar from that brand in this tournament.
Elias: Let’s hear from her before…
NAOMI ATTACKS HER FROM BEHIND WITH A STEEL CHAIR! Loud boos from the crowd and no pre-match interviews this time as Naomi tries to take down her larger opponent before the bell! She lays into her with several shots as the referee tells her off but it is before the bell so she can’t be disqualified. Naomi tosses the chair to the side before IRISH WHIPPING PIPER INTO THE STEEL STEPS WITH A THUD! Piper shouts in pain as Naomi is doing a number on her before the match has even begun!
Michael Cole: Naomi taking no chance during this match. She wants to be Queen and will do whatever it takes to get it!
Elias: We saw how quickly Piper demolished Billie Kay and Tamina in recent weeks so this might be the only way to defeat her!
Naomi rolls Piper into the ring and follows after her. The referee gets in Naomi’s face telling her off but she tells the referee to call for the bell which he does reluctantly and this match is underway!
Match 4: Queen of the ring 2nd round match: Naomi vs Piper Niven
Match summary: Naomi lines up Piper as soon as the bell rings and goes for THE REAR VIEW! Naomi drops Piper to the mat and makes a cocky cover 1 2… PIPER KICKS OUT! The commentary team wonders if the lax pin gave Piper the chance to recover as Naomi argues with the referee about the count. She shakes her head before turning around… LARIAT FROM PIPER NIVEN! The giantess wipes her out and she looks pissed off! Piper picks up Naomi slamming her down and tossing her around the ring! Piper though is still noticeably struggling due to the damage done before the bell which allows Naomi back into the match.
Naomi goes for big moves as she tries to put Piper down before heading to the top rope ready to go for the SPLIT-LEGGED MOONSAULT! However, Piper recovers and CLOBBERS HER IN THE BACK! Naomi is staggered and Piper uses that to slam her down with an ELECTRIC CHAIR DROP! Piper isn’t done though as she heads to the corner and DIVES OFF HITTING THE SCOT DROP (Vader bomb)! Piper hooks the leg 1 2 3 PIPER NIVEN ADVANCES TO THE QUARTER FINALS!
Winner via pinfall: Piper Nevin (4:32)
A loud pop from the crowd, who have gotten behind Piper after being attacked before the bell and overcoming that to still win! She winces in pain but there is a smile on her face as knows she is three matches away from winning Queen of the Ring to be the first-ever Queen of the Ring and also Women’s Universal Champion!
Michael Cole: Piper Nevin does it and advances to the next round in what some would call an upset over a former two-time Women’s Champion in Naomi!
Elias: Naomi came into this match with a game plan but it still wasn’t enough to stop Piper Nevin from NXT UK.
Michael Cole: And that means not only are there two NXT superstars in the quarter-finals but we will see two giants collide as Piper Nevin faces Beth Phoenix in the next round!
Elias: Beth talked about her aches and pains, how is she going to overcome a dominant force like Piper let alone be in a state to fight whoever she faces next?
Piper carries on her celebration in the ring as Naomi outside the ring throws a tantrum and we cut elsewhere backstage…
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As RENEE YOUNG walks into a locker room mid-conversation as we can see EDGE talking to ZACK RYDER and CURT HAWKINS!
Edge: No you guys need to leave this fight to me before you get hurt…
Edge turns around to see Renee has entered the room.
Edge: Now is not a good time Renee.
Renee Young: I was going to ask your thoughts on what Seth had to say earlier and your wife’s run in the Queen of Ring tournament.
Edge takes a moment.
Edge: My wife Beth is going to win Queen of the Ring. She has more grit and resilience than anyone I know. Without her, I wouldn’t have been back here and I know she can overcome whatever stands in her way just like I overcame this.
Edge points at his neck as Zack chimes in.
Zack Ryder: Bro you are both tough but you will need help to stop Seth.
Curt Hawkins: Our help.
Edge shakes his head.
Edge: I can’t risk it. Not anymore.
Zack goes to argue but Edge cuts him off.
Edge: Look what’s happened to the Street Profits and Big Show. Hell, look what they tried to do to Rey. I can’t have anyone else getting hurt on my behalf.
Zack Ryder: Then we will do it off our own back!
Curt puts his hand on Edge.
Curt Hawkins: We are your friends and we stand by our own friends.
Zack Ryder: Bros for life.
He holds a fist bump out but Edge shakes his head and walks off leaving the Major Bros alone as Curt turns to Zack.
Curt Hawkins: Whether he likes it or not if we end up on the same brand as Seth’s church…
Zack Ryder: We’ll fist-bump their faces off!
And on that note, the Major Bros head off elsewhere bringing the interview to an end as Raw cuts to a commercial break.
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After the previous video package highlighting the Iron woman’s match between Bayley and Sasha Banks (Instead of a highlight video have the full match because it fucking rules. Seriously watch if you have never seen it) we cut to the backstage area mid-brawl as MUSTAFA ALI and DOLPH ZIGGLER ARE FIGHTING EACH OTHER! Both men are battering each other and it is clear this is no longer a friendly rivalry between the two men as once again security appears to pull them apart getting the situation back under control. Both men try to break free but neither man can as we cut back to the commentary team at ringside.
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Michael Cole: Ali and Ziggler are at each’s throats!
Elias: If they end up on the same brand, I don’t see this war between them ending any time soon!
*WEEKEND ROCKSTAR*
Loud boos from the crowd as NOAM DAR makes his way out for the semi-main event and he looks to become United States Champion for the first time in his career. He has the usual cocky swagger on his way to the ring and obnoxiously chewing his gum.
Michael Cole: Noam Dar might be a cocky arrogant wrestler but he has arguably been on the best run of his career ever since last year’s Wrestlemania.
Elias: No argument from me Michael. Noam Dar managed to become Cruiserweight Champion but also established himself on Raw.
Michael Cole: This is tough to do at his age. He is still only twenty-six years old and could become United States Champion tonight.
Elias: Chad Gable might have something to say about that.
*ELITE*
A loud pop from the live crowd as CHAD GABLE walks out with the United States title around his waist. He is soon joined by KURT ANGLE making the cheers even louder for the champion.
Michael Cole: Chad Gable has been champion for one hundred and sixty-nine days defending that title against all challengers.
Elias: Approaching half a year as champion but tonight he faces a different challenge compared to the monster he has fought before.
Michael Cole: Noam Dar isn’t going to go for the power that Dijakovic or Joe. He will be a lot snider and try to pick apart the leg of Chad or cheat his way to victory.
Elias: Kurt at ringside though should be able to help stop any of the cheating tricks from Noam Dar.
Chad Gable steps into the ring as the referee lifts his title in the air during the usual title announcements. Noam Dar the whole time talks trash to Chad Gable who ignores it and focuses on warming up. The referee then calls for the bell to get this match underway!
Match 5: United States title match: Chad Gable © w/Kurt Angle vs Noam Dar
Match summary: Noam carries on talking after the bell but Chad remains focused as they lock up soon taking down Dar and wiping the smirk off his face. Gable keeps the pressure up and this causes Dar to resort to during the next lock up to go for a cheap shot! Dar looks to pounce on that and works over Chad going after his leg but Gable soon fights back weirdly going after Dar's right arm! However, it soon becomes clear why he is doing this after an early attempt at the CHAMPAGNE SUPER KNEERBAR Dar struggles to lock it in!
Dar has to refocus and come up with a new plan. He stays on the attack still going after the right leg somewhat but now is also targeting Gable’s head to set him up for the NOVA ROLLER! Gable though carries on his attacks but Dar desperately fights even considering trying to expose the turnbuckle but Angle’s presence soon makes him change his mind. In the end, Dar tries to go for the NOVA ROLLER BUT GABLE IS READY AVOIDING IT AND TRANSITIONS INTO THE ANKLE LOCK! Smooth as you like and due to the damage to his arms, Dar can’t crawl or power out so is FORCED TO TAP OUT!
Winner via submission and still United States Champion: Chad Gable (10:19)
Chad Gable lets go of the right leg of Noam Dar and gets to his feet having picked up another win as United States Champion, now heading into the draft with the title. Kurt joins his trainee in the ring and raises his arm into the air celebrating the victory.
Michael Cole: Chad Gable picks up the win and uses his brain to pick apart his challenger tonight.
Elias: Dar realized pretty quickly what the game plan of Gable was but couldn’t find a counter without cheating.
Michael Cole: And any cheating he had planned, Angle was on hand to put a stop to!
Elias: Well up next we are going to hear from Aleister Black and Andrade Cien Almas ahead of their main event sixty-minute Ironman match! Don’t go anywhere!
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When we return from the commercial break, we can see ALEISTER BLACK in a hallway backstage stretching and doing his final preparations before the main event as CHARLY CARUSO approaches him for an interview.
Charly Caruso: Aleister, we are moments away from the main event where you defend your title in a sixty-minute Ironman match. How are you feeling after Andrade attacked you last week?
Black who has been looking into the distance the rest of the time Charly was talking turns to her with a bit of a scowl.
Aleister Black: I’m not one hundred percent but it proves the kind of man Andrade is.
Aleister clenches his fist.
Aleister Black: He knows he can’t take this from me one-on-one without some kind of handicap on my part.
Aleister smirks.
Aleister Black: But when you back a man into a corner, a dangerous beast can come out.
Aleister is smiling which is a scary sign for Andrade.
Aleister Black: And whilst I might have removed the demons on my back at Wrestlemania, your demons stand right in front of you Andrade.
Black glares at the camera.
Aleister Black: Prepare to fade… fade to black!
Aleister walks off bringing the interview to an end before we cut back to the commentary team.
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Michael Cole: Strong words from Aleister and we are just about to hear from the challenger Andrade…
Elias: Hold on Michael, I’ve just gotten word from the back about something that went down during the commercial break. Let’s take a look first!
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We cut to the backstage area as NOAM DAR walks through the back after his United States title loss with a graphic at the bottom saying “During commercial break”. As he is walking and chewing his gum he looks over at TYLER BREEZE who smirks and sarcastically applauds Noam Dar.
Tyler Breeze: Good performance out there.
Dar glares at Breeze.
Tyler Breeze: Why don’t I take a selfie with the new champ?
Tyler feigns shock when Dar glares at him.
Tyler Breeze: Oh that’s right. You weren’t able to cheat so you…
DAR RESPONDS BY SPITTING GUM IN HIS FACE! Gross action as Tyler wipes his face but the distraction allows Dar to sucker punch him as the Scot lays into the Prince of Pretty! However, he is soon pulled off by FANDANGO! The former dancer grabs hold of him and looks to lay into Dar with a few punches of his own but Dar fends him off and flees the scene allowing Dango to check on his tag team partner as we cut back to the commentary team.
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Michael Cole: Noam Dar clearly not taking his loss well and good thing Fandango was around!
Elias: If you mess with Breeze, you mess with deputy Dango as well!
Michael Cole: Well now it is time to hear from Renee Young who is interviewing Andrade Cien Almas ahead of tonight’s main event.
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We cut to the backstage area and RENEE YOUNG is standing next to ANDRADE CIEN ALMAS who has a smug look on his face.
Renee Young: Thanks, Michael. Andrade, we are moments away from a match type you picked but you will have no Ungovernables at ringside, even Zelina Vega to help. How are you feeling?
Andrade chuckles.
Andrade Cien Almas: I don’t need anyone to win. I’m El Idolo!
Andrade points at himself full of smugness.
Andrade Cien Almas: I am an icon and the only reason I lost at Wrestlemania was that I had someone else standing in my way instead of Black.
???: My client feels the same!
Cheers from the crowd as PAUL HEYMAN walks into the shot with a smug smile which angers Andrade. Paul taps Andrade on the chest as he speaks.
Paul Heyman: Brock will be watching closely. Good luck.
Andrade swipes Heyman’s hand away but the advocate for the Beast smiles as he walks away.
Elias: Up next we will have our main event. Aleister Black versus Andrade Cien Almas in a sixty-minute Ironman match. Don’t go anywhere!
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*GANGSTER’S PARADISE*
We return from the commercial break as ANDRADE CIEN ALMAS makes his way out in a crisp white suit and suit trousers on the way to the ring. He also has a Black Mask style mask on which he takes off and poses at the top of the entrance ramp, taking the suit jacket off on the way to the ring ready for this massive main event.
Michael Cole: Welcome back to Monday Night Raw and right now we will have our main event.
Elias: Andrade requested this stipulation if Zelina and The Ungovernables were banned from ringside to make sure there is no doubt when he wins his Universal title back.
Michael Cole: But every other time he has beaten Aleister Black on Raw, there has been some kind of interference.
Elias: Tonight Andrade has to do it alone. Something noticeably he couldn’t do in the three-way dance at Wrestlemania.
*ROOT OF ALL EVIL*
A massive pop from the live crowd as ALEISTER BLACK makes his entrance. In signature fashion, he slowly rises from the depths of the arena before standing at the top of the entrance ramp as she looks at the man in the ring and begins the long walk down the entrance ramp.
Michael Cole: And I would just like to remind everyone. If we do not get a winner within the hour time limit, we will have overtime which will be live on our youtube channel.
Elias: As seen from the clips throughout the night, the first-ever Ironman match in WWE went to a time-limit draw and into overtime. Could the same happen tonight?
Michael Cole: These two men are both top of the business and two of the rising stars who hold wins over one another. I see no reason why it can’t happen.
Elias: Both men hate each other as well so I expect this to go a mile a minute!
Once Black makes it to the ring, he passes the referee the title and raises it into the air before the usual title announcements are done. Once those are out of the way both men head to their corner and the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!
Main event: Universal title Ironman match: Aleister Black © vs Andrade Cien Almas
(1st fall): The bell rings and Andrade charges at Aleister Black… BLACK MASS! In a moment Black takes down Andrade and makes the cover 1 2 3 Black picks up the first fall in a matter of seconds!
Winner of the first fall via pinfall: Aleister Black (0:12)
Aleister Black 1 Andrade Cien Almas 0
(2nd fall): The commentary team at this point informs us that between each fall there is a 30-second break to allow the superstars to recover and Black uses his 30 seconds to sit down in the corner of the ring looking at Andrade. The challenger meanwhile rolls to the ropes and is clearly dazed as all his plans have gone out of the window in the opening minute of this match. He gets to his feet as the 30 seconds finish and he sees Black in the corner cross-legged so go for him BUT BLACK AVOIDS IT AND LIGHTS HIM UP IN THE CORNER!
Black stays in control as Andrade is clearly rocked in the early going and is struggling to stay alive in this match so far to the point he has to retreat to the outside! He noticeably looks to the corner but there is no Zelina for advice and guidance tonight as Black teases a suicide dive BUT INSTEAD SITS IN THE RING CROSS-LEGGED! This anger Andrade as he charges back in but Black nearly gets a second fall within the first 3 minutes with a roll-up but Andrade kicks out!
Black stays in control and works over Andrade for the next few minutes with a series of kicks, grinding down the challenger. Andrade though starts to make a fight back and looks like he might be able to level the score but Black stays in front. Andrade is frustrated that he can not level the score in this encounter and starts to get a little sloppy allowing Black to lock in the ANTI-CROSS! Andrade is trapped in the middle of the ring and knows he would have to fight to the ropes… SO TAPS OUT!
Winner of the second fall via submission: Aleister Black (7:15)
Aleister Black 2 Andrade Cien Almas 0
(3rd fall) Loud cheers from the crowd as Aleister Black lets go of the hold and once again sits cross-legged in the ring, two ahead of Andrade. The challenger meanwhile rolls out of the ring and kicks the barricade in anger, knowing how badly this start to the match has gone. Once the 30 seconds are up Andrade rolls back into the ring full of anger and jumps right on Aleister Black laying into him with a series of punches but once again Black takes control of the match!
Black stays in control of the match and lays into him with a series of strikes to the head as well as suplexes. The early Black Mass still having an effect and Black lines up Andrade teasing he is going to for a SECOND BLACK MASS… ANDRADE ROLLS OUT OF THE RING HEADING TO THE TIMEKEEPER’S AREA! Aleister Black follows up after him as Andrade leans over the timekeeper’s area AND GRABS A STEEL CHAIR CLOCKING BLACK IN THE HEAD WITH IT! Instant DQ from the referee!
Winner of the third fall via disqualification: Aleister Black (9:47)
Aleister Black 3 Andrade Cien Almas 0
(4th fall) Loud boos from the crowd as Black falls down and clutches his head as ANDRADE SMASHES HIM A FEW MORE TIMES WITH THE CHAIR! The referee has to come out and warn Andrade that he will disqualify him if he does it again so Andrade drops the chair and heads back to the ring with a big smirk on his face. Black outside the ring struggles to his knees as the referee checks on him and we can see BLOOD COME FROM HIS HEAD! The referee then gets pushed away by Black who heads to the ring full of anger and ANDRADE POUNCES HITTING THE HAMMERLOCK DDT! Andrade makes the cover 1 2 3 Andrade pulls one back!
Winner of the fourth fall via pinfall: Andrade Cien Almas (10:48)
Aleister Black 3 Andrade Cien Almas 1
(5th fall) Andrade smirks to himself as he heads back to the corner and now it is his turn to gloat. Black meanwhile is struggling in the mat, feeling the effect of the steel chair to the head but also a Hammerlock DDT directly onto his skull as well. Once the 30-second break passes Andrade stays right on the attack sending Black around the ring with a series of dropkicks and other suplexes. He sends Black into the corner and HITS SEEING SHADOWS! Andrade makes another 1 2 3 ANDRADE GETS ANOTHER FALL BACK AND BLACK IS IN GRAVE DANGER HERE!
Winner of the fifth fall via pinfall: Andrade Cien Almas (12:40)
Aleister Black 3 Andrade Cien Almas 2
(6th fall) The commentary team put over deliberately losing that third fall being the turning point for Andrade and now he is back to within one fall of Black, who has already been busted open and has to wrestle for over 45 minutes at least to keep his title! Black is checked by the referee but he grits through the pain. Once the bells ring Andrade once again goes right back on the attack and peppers Black, even punching him in the head repeatedly in the corner! He then looks for another SEEING SHADOWS BUT BLACK COUNTERS WITH A POWERBOMB OUT OF THE CORNER!
Black counters Andrade and rolls away from him having to take a few moments to recover due to the damage done to him in the last few minutes. Black looks to stay on the attack hitting a DOUBLE FOOT STOMP THE CHEST OF ANDRADE before making the cover for a close two count. Black follows up by going for the DRAGON SLAYER whilst Andrade is on the mat but the challenger fights with a PELE KICK SENDING HIM BACKWARDS BEFORE HITTING A DROPKICK SENDING BLACK OUT OF THE RING! Andrade isn’t done though and hits a BASEBALL SLIDE TORNADO DDT TO THE KNEELING BLACK OUTSIDE THE RING!
Another brutal attack on the head by Andrade who gloats to the crowd as Black remains on the floor selling his head! Andrade smirks to himself heading inside the ring and is more than happy to take the count out fall to go level. Black however fights to his feet and climbs into the ring to break the count just in time. Andrade though pounces on Black and clobbers him with a series of kicks to the head as soon as he gets into the ring! Once again Andrade making a point to target the head he damaged earlier in the match as we start to approach the 20-minute mark!
Andrade ramps up the pressure though, knowing he is still one fall behind as he grabs hold of Black and SENDS HIM RIGHT INTO THE RING POST IN THE CORNER! Once again Andrade seems to want to focus all of his attacks on the head of Black and even looks to go for his own version of the SWERVE STOMP TO THE HEAD… BUT BLACK AVOIDS IT! Black gets to his feet and slams Andrade down with a RELEASE GERMAN SUPLEX! Black takes control of the match, laying in a series of blows to Andrade but he remains unable to extend his lead.
Black looks to go for a different approach after a while and locks Andrade’s arm in a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Andrade is in a ton of pain and thinks about tapping once again to break it… BUT THIS TIME COUNTERS IT INTO A PINNING PREDICITMENT! 1 2 Black breaks the hold and kicks out! Andrade smirks but does clutch his arm which is in slight pain after the hold. Black though looks to pounce and go for BLACK MASS BUT ANDRADE DUCKS! Andrade tries to spin around with a BACK ELBOW BUT BLACK AVOIDS IT AND LOOKS FOR A POWERBOMB… ANDRADE COUNTERS IN A MEXICAN DESTROYER! Andrade makes the cover 1 2 3 THE SCORES ARE LEVEL
Winner of the sixth fall via pinfall: Andrade Cien Almas (25:56)
Aleister Black 3 Andrade Cien Almas 3
(7th fall) A mixed reaction for that fall with some of them impressed with the move pulled out by Andrade but others unhappy to see the challenger tie the score as we close in on the halfway mark. Andrade heads to the top rope and taunts the fans whilst Black, who started the match on fire is on the ropes here and struggling to survive after the brutal chair shot to the skull. At this point, we cut backstage to see PAUL HEYMAN watching on with a smile on his face and the commentary team reminds us of Brock’s promise to come after Andrade whether he wins the title or not tonight.
Once the 30-second rest period expires Andrade stays on the attack, desperate to take the lead in this match and get back his Universal title. Andrade tries to get for the HAMMERLOCK DDT but Black fights out of it! Black uncharstically has to take a powder outside the ring for a little, still clearly feeling the effect of the damage done to his head early in this match and ANDRADE POUNCES WITH A OVER THE CORNER TOPE CON HILO WIPING OUT BLACK!
An insane move from Andrade and the crowd can’t help but pop for it as he smugly taunts Aleister Black! He grabs hold of the Dutch Destroyer and looks over at the steel steps across the ring before YEETING BLACK INTO THEM ACROSS THE RING! Black’s back slams off them with a thud but Andrade isn’t done as he pulls Black onto the base of the dislodged steel steps before hitting him with the HAMMERLOCK DDT ONTO THE STEEL STEPS! Loud boos from the crowd as Andrade dumps Black’s prone body to the ring floor and gets back into the ring. The referee carries on his count and Black doesn’t move as he gets to 10 giving Andrade the lead for the first time this match!
Winner of the seventh fall via count out: Andrade Cien Almas (32:10)
Aleister Black 3 Andrade Cien Almas 4
(8th fall) Andrade now stands in the ring looking very smug as Aleister Black is still down and out on the outside of the ring. Andrade even mocks the fans and Black by doing the signature TRANQUILLO pose in between the middle and top rope! After the 30-second rest period elapses Black is still not in the ring as the referee starts another count. Black is clearly still out of it but just about makes it into the ring just in time to break the count. Andrade though smirks breaking his pose and going on the attack, laying into Aleister!
Aleister struggles to survive and gets slammed down by the THREE AMIGOS! Black though keeps alive and keeps kicking out at 2, refusing to lose another fall in this match. Andrade stays calm and stays on top of the match, really laying into Black during this match. Once again he goes for the HAMMERLOCK DDT… BUT BLACK COUNTERS LOCKING IN THE DRAGON SLAYER! He wraps it around the neck of Andrade tightly in the middle of the ring and Andrade can’t escape or power him up! Andrade to escape one more time before he is forced to tap out evening the score!
Winner of the eighth fall via submission: Aleister Black (35:45)
Aleister Black 4 Andrade Cien Almas 4
(9th fall) Black releases the head of Andrade and pushes him away, as commentary wonders if that was a desperation move due to how much he was struggling. Andrade meanwhile loses his temper and kicks the ropes in anger having just lost the lead he worked so hard to gain. Andrade gets to his feet as Black struggles up with this match taking its toll as we are now over halfway through this match! Once it restarts Andrade charges in AND GETS ANOTHER BLACK MASS! Once again Andrade’s too eager and Black strikes… BUT ANDRADE THIS TIME FALLS OVER THE TOP ROPE OUT OF THE RING SO HE CAN’T MAKE THE COVER!
Black shows some rare frustration and anger but instead looks at the top rope and heads to the top. He lines up Andrade and DIVES OFF HITTING A DOUBLE FOOT STOMP TO THE CHEST OF ANDRADE OUTSIDE THE RING! Cheers from the crowd as Black stands outside the ring and holds his arm out before grabbing Andrade to roll him back inside. He doesn’t want to take a fall via count out. He makes the cover in the ring but Andrade kicks out keeping the score tied!
Black looks to keep the pace up as he slams Andrade down a few times on the mat but can’t take control. Andrade starts to fight back and for the next 3-4 minutes both men are fairly evenly matched as we go past the 40-minute mark. Black is back in control and heads to the top rope but struggles to climb, clearly tired which gives Andrade time to hit a SPRINGBOARD KICK TO THE HEAD STAGGERING BLACK! Andrade isn’t done though as he leaps into the air HITTING ALEISTER BLACK WITH AVALANCHE TWISTING FRANKENSTENIER! Andrade pulls out all the stops and makes the cover 1 2 3 ANDRADE RE-TAKES THE LEAD!
Winner of the ninth fall via pinfall: Andrade Cien Almas (42:54)
Aleister Black 4 Andrade Cien Almas 5
(10th fall) Andrade soaks in the reaction from the crowd and now he looks very relaxed as we approach the final quarter with Andrade in the lead! Black struggles and holds onto the ropes, still damaged by the beating Andrade has given him. The commentary team wonders how much Black will have left after that chair shot early in the match and wrestling 30 minutes after that. Once the 30 seconds elapses Andrade carries on the pressure and lays into Black who tries to fight back but is struggling due to that! Black gets a few shots back on Andrade but is CUT OFF WITH A HEADBUTT!
Black is knocked loppy by that and Andrade pounces with an SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Andrade stays on top hitting a TOP ROPE DOUBLE FOOT STOMP ONTO THE CHEST OF BLACK before making the cover 1 2 Black kicks out! Andrade then looks to respond with a DRAGON SLEEPER OF HIS OWN! Targeting the head of Black and the Dutch Destroyer is struggling to stay alive! He tries to fight out of it but can’t escape but he refuses to tap out so Andrade keeps the hold on until he passes out! The referee checks on him and Andrade goes two falls up with just under 12 minutes to go!
Winner of the tenth fall via submission: Andrade Cien Almas (48:04)
Aleister Black 4 Andrade Cien Almas 6
(11th fall) Andrade holds on for an extra few seconds before dropping Black to the mat with a smirk. Black is out cold and bleeding from the top of his head, now with two falls to catch up on and the clock ticking. Andrade meanwhile is on top of the world and once again does his TRANQUILLO pose, acting like he has already won back the Universal title. Black struggles to his feet as the 30 seconds elapse and Andrade is now happy to slow down the pace and hold onto this lead putting Black in a series of headlocks and rest holds!
Black struggles on the mat in pain but fights out of the hold, looking to go on the attack but ANDRADE LEAVES THE RING! As we approach the final 10 minutes Andrade is happy to stall and play out the clock! Black teases going for a dive which Andrade avoids… but Black rebounds into the middle of the ring and LEAPS OUT THE OTHER SIDE CATCHING HIM BY SURPRISE! Black grabs hold of Andrade and SENDS HIM INTO THE RING POST! He grabs Andrade by the head and SLAMS HIM INTO THE RING POST SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE HITTING A BRAINBUSTER ON THE RING FLOOR!
The referee gets near the 10 count but Black rolls Andrade back into the ring just in time as he hooks the leg but Andrade kicks out at 2 keeping his sizeable advantage! Black peppers him with a series of kicks before slamming him down with a series of suplexes but he can’t keep Andrade down for a 3 count! Black grabs hold of Andrade and looks to lock him in the ANTI-CROSS ONCE AGAIN… BUT ANDRADE RAKES HIS EYES DESPERATE TO AVOID THE HOLD! Boos from the crowd as the referee tells him off but Andrade pounces on his cheating to hit the HAMMERLOCK DDT! Boos from the crowd as he makes a lax cover 1 2 BLACK KICKS OUT!
53 minutes into this match and the champion is still fighting to keep his title around his waist! Andrade meanwhile is furious and can’t believe Black kicked out! He gets in the referee’s face and even grabs him by the shirt but the referee says he will disqualify Andrade. As he is still arguing however… BLACK ROLLS HIM UP AND GETS THE 3 COUNT PULLING HIMSELF WITHIN 1 FALL!
Winner of the eleventh fall via pinfall: Aleister Black (53:37)
Aleister Black 5 Andrade Cien Almas 6
(12th fall) Andrade kicks out just after the 3 count but it is too late as Black is now 1 fall away from drawing level with just over 6 minutes left of this match! Andrade kicks the ropes in anger whilst Black remains stoic as he knows he has a lot more work to do to keep his title. The 30-second rest period fades as Black looks to go after Andrade but once again Andrade leaves the ring! The challenger is stalling out the clock and gets massive heat from the crowd!
Black follows after him but Andrade keeps away stalling out another minute as the clock carries on ticking further and further down! Black though gets Andrade trapped in the ring and starts laying into him before putting him down with a BRIDGING GERMAN SUPLEX! 1 2 Andrade kicks out! Black is getting more and more desperate before sending Andrade into the corner BEFORE HITTING HIS OWN VERSION OF SEEING SHADOWS! Black doesn’t stop there when it comes to taking Andrade’s moves as he pulls him out of the corner and HITS A HAMMERLOCK DDT! Black makes the cover
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Andrade kicks out!
Around 3 minutes and a half left but Andrade refuses to die and let Black tie the score! Black quickly follows up with a series of kicks to the chest and head of Andrade eyeing the clock before looking to go for a ROUNDHOUSE KICK… BUT ANDRADE AVOIDS IT CONNECTING WITH A DRAGON SUPLEX! Right down on the head and neck of Black as he makes the cover but Black kicks out at 2! Andrade remains calm but instead of rolling out of the ring, he climbs to the top rope and lines up Black… BUT BLACK COMES ALIVE WITH A POP-UP KNEE STRIKE TO ANDRADE ON THE TOP ROPE! Andrade is staggered as Black connects with an AVALANCHE BRAINBUSTER FROM THE TOP! Black makes the cover
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IT’S ALL LEVEL GOING INTO THE FINAL COUPLE OF MINUTES!
Winner of the twelfth fall via pinfall: Aleister Black (57:36)
Aleister Black 6 Andrade Cien Almas 6
(13th fall) Black rolls away and for once, you can see the smallest amount of relief on his face which is now covered in blood. Andrade, once he stumbles back to his feet however is dazed and angry knowing he might have let a 2-fall lead slip. Both men get to their feet as the 30-second rest period ends with just 2 minutes in the regular time remaining and BOTH MEN GO AT EACH HAMMER AND TONGS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING, DESPERATE TO END THIS IN NORMAL TIME!
Black knows he might not make it through extra time and Andrade wants to go get a hold of the title he lost at Wrestlemania. Both men are evenly matched after this war but Andrade grabs hold of Black ready to go for the HAMMERLOCK DDT… BUT BLACK ESCAPES FROM IT SENDING ANDRADE BACK AND GOES FOR BLACK MASS… ANDRADE DUCKS AND HITS THE SPINNING BACK ELBOW (Think Judas effect but better)! Andrade makes the cover with about a minute remaining!
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Black kicks out!
Andrade pounds the mat in anger before grabbing Black by the face and asking him why he won’t stay down! He even SLAPS HIM IN THE FACE A FEW TIMES! He grabs hold of Black and looks to go for a SUPLEX… BUT BLACK LANDS ON HIS FEET BEHIND HIM! Andrade turns around looking for the SPINNING BACK ELBOW… BUT BLACK COUNTER LOOKING FOR THE ANTI-CROSS BUT ANDRADE IS READY AND COUNTERS JUMPING BACK AND SLAMMING BLACK ONTO THE MAT! We are into the last 30 seconds now, as Andrade SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE MAT AND HITS A MOONSAULT! Andrade hooks the leg
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Black kicks out!
Andrade follows up quickly by grabbing hold of Black and sends him into the corner of the ring as he lines him up for SEEING SHADOWS! Andrade charges in… BUT BLACK WAKES UP AND SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE TURNBUCKLES HITTING A BODY PRESS AS HE MAKES THE COVER! 1 2 Andrade kicks out with 15 seconds left! Aleister Black lines up Andrade as he knows how little time he has left and SWINGS LOOKING FOR BLACK MASS…ANDRADE AVOIDS IT HITTING A DROPKICK! 10 seconds left as Andrade sizes up the rising Black looking for a SPINNING BACK ELBOW TO THE DAMAGED HEAD… BUT BLACK AVOIDS IT AND COMES BACK AROUND WITH BLACK MASS! Black quickly jumps into the cover as the clock ticks down…
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DID HE MAKE THE COVER IN TIME?
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HE DID
Winner of the thirteenth fall via pinfall: Aleister Black (59:59)
Aleister Black 7 Andrade Cien Almas 6
The last second ticks away as Black rolls off of Andrade and has retained his Universal title 7-6 in this Ironman match!
Winner and still Universal Champion: Aleister Black (1:00:00)
The crowd goes wild cheering for Aleister Black who went through an absolute war and neither the champion nor the challenger is moving on the mat. Aleister noticeably is still bleeding, having been busted open for the majority of the match.
Michael Cole: Aleister Black is still Universal Champion but he had to fight for it!
Elias: That chair shot to the head from Andrade might have cost him a fall but without that, who knows how far in front Black would have got.
Michael Cole: Black came in like a house on fire but credit has to go to Andrade for pushing him to the limit.
Elias: On another night, we could have had a new Universal Champion!
Andrade has now left the room and is devastated having come up short in his quest to become Universal Champion again tonight as the final image of the show before we fade to black is of Aleister Black sitting cross-legged in the ring with the Universal title around his waist and blood coming from his head. He has gone to hell and back to keep that title tonight.
Matchcard for Queen of the Ring
Knoxville, Tennessee
June 6th
Queen of the ring tournament Quarter-Final:
Beth Phoenix vs Piper Niven
Queen of the ring tournament Quarter-Final:
Ruby Riott vs Franky Monet or Tegan Nox
Queen of the ring tournament Quarter-Final:
Sasha Banks vs Taynara Conti
Queen of the ring tournament Quarter-Final:
Rhea Ripley vs Lacey Evans or Charlotte Flair
Queen of the ring tournament Semi-Final:
Beth Phoenix or Piper Niven vs Ruby Riott or Franky Monet or Tegan Nox
Queen of the ring tournament Semi-Final:
Sasha Banks or Taynara Conti vs Rhea Ripley or Lacey Evans or Charlotte Flair
Queen of the ring tournament Final:
Beth Phoenix or Piper Niven or Ruby Riott or Franky Monet or Tegan Nox vs Sasha Banks or Taynara Conti or Rhea Ripley or Lacey Evans or Charlotte Flair
WWE Women’s title No Holds Barred match:
Ember Moon © vs Asuka
WWE Women’s tag team titles match:
The Hugging Pirates © vs Shayna Baszler and Ronda Rousey
Grudge tag team match:
The Iiconics vs Lita and Trish Stratus
EWR Rating:
69%
