WWE 2024: A Fresh Slate

[DamageCTRL]

Friday Night Smackdown​

April 19, 2024
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Friday Night Smackdown began with very exciting news. Earlier today on social media, General Manager Nick Aldis said that Cody Rhodes’ first challenger would be the winner of a 15-man over-the-top-rope battle royal. Additionally, a big-time women’s division match is on the ledger, pitting ‘The Empress’ Asuka against ‘The EST’ Bianca Belair.

Speaking of which, that’s where we go. Damage CTRL enters the arena first. The quartet trots down to the ring and gets inside. Dakota Kai picks up the microphone, with her allies watching on.

Dakota Kai:
Y’know we want you all to know something. And it’s important that we make this clear.

Kai looks around the arena for a moment.

Dakota Kai:
We don’t want anyone to say this for us. So here it goes, straight from the heart and soul… we want you all to know, that from the bottom of our hearts, Damage CTRL love each and every one of you!

Doesn’t sound like that love is reciprocated.

Dakota Kai:
What we don’t love, though, is how things have gone since WrestleMania. Still though, still, it’s important to remember that we are still the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.

The belts are shown off.

Dakota Kai:
And to be clear, these titles are Freebird-ed now. So we’re twice as dangerous as we used to be. You’re not gonna know what team we’ll send at you, and at this point? At this point, you’ll beg for mercy no matter who it is!

Tough to argue… look at the group.

Dakota Kai:
“The Big Three” might have picked us off at WrestleMania, but we’re still the champs! Until someone knocks us off, Damage CTRL runs the women’s division. We don’t give a damn that Bayley is the WWE Women’s Champion…

Figured that was comin’.

Dakota Kai:
Bayley…

Singsonging interrupts Kai, who looks on annoyed.

Dakota Kai:
Credit is given where credit is due, champ. You got us. I’ll be honest… not a single one of us thought you could do it.

Ouch.

Dakota Kai:
And we had a reason for that! Bayley, the last time that you were champion, we didn’t have fans. Your best friend was still around. It was a different time. Bianca Belair showed up and showed what Iyo and I were too naïve at first to realize…

Where is she going with this one.

Dakota Kai:
You are nothing more… than a has been, who tried to cling onto their career and were bringing us down in the process!

Ouch. I mean, ouch.

Dakota Kai:
What? You think I’m lying? The high mark of the original Damage CTRL was in our very first six-woman tag team match. Because all three of us took out Bianca Belair. Speaking of Bianca, can we mention that Bayley lost to The EST with the Women’s Championship on the line in a ladder match? Can we mention that both Iyo and I put our bodies on the line in that match and got involved, and she STILL couldn’t come away with the win in a 3-on-1 situation???

This is an unpleasant trip down memory lane for the champion.

Dakota Kai:
Yeah, but if that weren’t enough, she couldn’t captain us to victory in War Games. She couldn’t lead us to winning the Royal Rumble, and we couldn’t win at WrestleMania. And after that embarrassment was over, we were further humiliated when we lost the Women’s Tag Team Titles to Becky Lynch and Lita.

Cheers. An irritated Kai looked on.

Dakota Kai:
Talk about has beens…

Boos.

Dakota Kai:
From that moment on, Iyo and I decided that the best way that we could right the ship is if we took the ship from you. Of course, the minute that Iyo became the #1 Contender, you couldn’t handle that. You meddled in the match last year in Puerto Rico. We all saw you Bayley! You thought that we weren’t paying attention? You knew that Iyo was a threat. You knew that, that’s what you picked her. Bayley, you didn’t want family, you were smart and you wanted less enemies. And someone smarter than you could have gotten away with that for much longer. But you’re such a fool, Bayley, and we knew we could wrestle control away from you. Iyo won Money in the Bank right from under you and Becky. You didn’t think that we were coming for the top?

Kai is putting it all on the table.

Dakota Kai:
You plotted your own downfall. You had the Money in the Bank briefcase and hit Charlotte and Asuka with it. You gave Iyo the weapon she needed to take control of Damage CTRL last year at SummerSlam. From there? We had to deal with what’s what. Iyo did her thing, as she always does. You wanna talk about greatness? Then you need to realize that Iyo Sky is a common synonym. And then… Kairi Sane came back.

Kai grinned. Kairi smirked and held her fan up over her face.

Dakota Kai:
Ahhh… you had to know something was up then, Bayley.

We then saw Bayley in the back… looking visibly distraught.

Dakota Kai:
The woman that beat you in her final match in WWE in 2020… and you couldn’t get over that defeat Bayley. You took pair Kairi and you bashed her head into a garage door over and over and over again. That was going to be the last thing that WWE fans ever remembered Kairi Sane for. And you’d be the reason. But she couldn’t have that, and we couldn’t let her have that. Do you not know the bond we have? We ran NXT.

A bit of chest-thumping by Kai here, who didn’t appear done.

Dakota Kai:
But you just thought that wouldn’t come back to bite you. That’s the thing about you Bayley… you don’t think that enough people pay attention to the things that you do. For years, Bayley, you put on a smile, you hugged fans, and you inspired a generation of women’s wrestling fans. Nobody can take that from you… but knowing what became of you Bayley… was that really you?

Oh… well that’s not called for.

Dakota Kai:
You’ve taken out your best friend and you led your new friends astray. You thought you could get away with it. Because you think that the fans won’t pay attention. You think that these sheep, like you accurately call them, will just bow down to us no matter what. That no matter how many times we put our bodies on the line, no matter how many soul-crushing defeats we taken, how many fans we let down, and how many times we get knocked down, we’re just supposed to let it roll. “The fans want a journey.” Damage CTRL prefers an escalator to the very TOP of this business and we would have gotten there quicker with someone even HALF as competent as you were, Bayley!

That appeared to be enough for our champ, who broke her TV with a showing of aggression after whipping a full Pepsi bottle at the screen. She left the room and there was a pinging sound on her way out.

Dakota Kai:
You may think that you’re the hero of this story, Bayley. You’re just on borrowed time. You are riding high, sure. You are the WWE Women’s Champion… for now. I can promise you that. And it’s going to be Damage CTRL that’s going to take our championship back. Our quest is not ending anytime soon, because at Backlash France, you… are going to face a woman who you’ve had a REAL problem with over the years…

Ah… well then….

Dakota Kai:
‘The Empress’ Asuka will represent Damage CTRL to face you Bayley at Backlash Fran—​

“DELIVERANCE”​

(It’s the better song)

Well that was enough said finally! Damage CTRL prepared to fight in the ring and then the crowd roared as Bayley came out on stage! Wielding a pipe, the WWE Women’s Champion didn’t walk down alone! She knew what she was dealing with as she slid into the ring! Kairi went at her and Bayley got her with the pipe! She then ran right at Dakota Kai and swung WILDLY at her but Kai jumped through the ropes and onto the apron. She caught it on her arm but not nearly enough.

But Bayley caught the boot of Asuka as The Empress kicked her in the back!! Asuka and then Iyo started to pummel Bayley in the corner!! Dakota then reached into her jacket and tossed Asuka something while the former champion kept mugging The Role Model. Asuka then revealed that something to be… a belt! Dakota then held Bayley back up against the post as Sky pushed her up against it, shoving her face into the turnbuckle. She pulled Bayley’s shirt up and Asuka then came in and WHIPPED HER IN THE BACK!

AND ASUKA KEPT WHIPPING AND WHIPPING HER!!! The Empress laughed as she danced with the belt. Kairi got up with her umbrella as Iyo pushed Bayley’s head in again and Kairi WHACKED HER IN THE BACK WITH THE UMBRLELA!! Dakota could be heard reminding Kairi of what Bayley did to her and Sane did it again! And then broke the umbrella with another shot!

General Manager Nick Aldis then came out and tried to rally personnel and security to the ring. A dangerous situation was developing in the ring as Damage CTRL is beating the Women’s Champion down bad. Torturing her even. Asuka then got the belt again and started whipping Bayley in the back with it once again, even harder. Iyo went down and pulled at Bayley’s shirt. She tried to rip it off but the prideful champion still had the wherewithal to fight back some!! But it was quickly snuffed out with a stomp to the back! She then ripped Bayley’s shirt off, which had a tanktop that she pulled up as Asuka whipped her again! And again!! Her back got lit up and Iyo made things worse as she stomped all over it and put her in the corner and stomped all over her!

Finally security got into the ring and several producers separated the group from Bayley. Asuka taunted the Women’s Champion with another dance as Iyo laughed and mocked the woman that beat her at Mania. They got out of the ring with Kairi and Dakota evilly grinned as they watched on. Kai then decided to walk over to the scene. Officials and medical personnel were surveying Bayley, who was hung up on the ropes after Iyo made it so. Kai then grabbed the Women’s Championship under the apron, slid up and then lunged and BY GOD BLASTED IT IN BAYLEY’S FACE!

Insult to INJURY by Kai, who laughed maniacally as Aldis shooed her away from the scene. Damage CTRL has sent a loud and violent message to the Women’s Champion tonight.

Officials helped the WWE Women’s Champion to the back after a violent scene erupted in the ring. Damage CTRL had to stick around. You might wonder why no one helped Bayley...

Great question. One reason could be Bianca Belair. Belair, in getting prepared for her match, seemed to hold camp with Naomi and Cargill in her locker room. They keep on as Belair then heads on without them. She then passes by someone she was certainly not expecting to see. Nor anyone else: Rhea Ripley! What the… Belair and Ripley crossed paths. A rare sight to behold. Belair then kept on and then passed by the wounded Bayley. The two superstars had a sharp and intense moment… but no remorse was felt at all on Belair’s side as The EST kept on.

Asuka def. Bianca Belair. As expected for the new #1 contender. Asuka and Belair engaged in a lengthy contest. The Empress put The EST to sleep with the Asuka Lock.

A recap of Kevin Owens’ epic United States Championship win last week on Smackdown was shown.

After a bit of fighting, Bayley needed to be taken to the hospital. We saw her being placed into the ambulance, and a shocked Naomi looked on in fright. She raced over and asked what happened. General Manager NicK Aldis, on the scene, bewildered, asked Naomi how she couldn’t know what happened. Naomi explained that she was in Bianca’s locker room and was cheering her on for her match. Aldis asked if she had the TV on and she said she didn’t have the remote. Bayley could be heard muttering something under her breath on the stretcher, and Naomi asked her about it. Bayley said she had nothing to say, and told Aldis that to tell Asuka that she could have her match, but things have now gotten personal.

LA Knight then cut a pre-taped promo…

LA Knight:
Y’know it’s one thing to call yourself the Mega-Star of WWE… it’s another thing to put on these boots and live that life, brother. But so far we’ve been in nothing but cruise control—YEAAAAH!

The exuberant Knight was fired up.

LA Knight:
WrestleMania, the Showcase of the Immortals, LA Knight went one-on-one with ‘The Phenomenal One.’ AJ Styles, you proved without a shadow of a doubt that you are what they say that you are. BUT! It wasn’t enough to take me down was it? Your best didn’t beat my best, and ever since WrestleMania I haven’t heard a peep out of you. The mark of a man isn’t just how they respond when they win, it’s how they react to a loss. And Styles, if you’re gonna keep hibernating at the start of Spring, then I have no choice but to wonder if you’ve added a yellow stripe to your gear. On your back.

Whew. Choice words from Knight.

LA Knight:
But AJ Styles is in the rear-view. AJ Styles is yesterday’s news. Tonight, the Mega-Star is in the over-the-top-rope battle royal, with a shot at Cody Rhodes on the line. Cody, you finished your story. You beat Roman Reigns. Congratulations. You did everything you said you were going to do. Cody, your quest was admirable. It was a rollercoaster. You took the WWE Universe on an absolute thrill ride. Honestly, it was hard not to feel something on Sunday the 7th.

Some sincerity from Knight. Refreshing.

LA Knight:
But that sentimental value eroded, and now there’s a shot at the championship on the line. I’m not thinking about what happened in Philadelphia, I’m thinking about what’s gonna happen in France. The Mega-Star is gonna take his rightful spot at the TOP of WWE, with everybody saying! L! A! KNIGHT! YEAAAAAH!

Our final championship celebration occurred as General Manager Nick Aldis welcomed the new Smackdown Tag Team Champions A-Town Down Under to the ring. Austin Theory and Grayson Waller accepted their new titles, which looked inspired and terrific. Theory and Waller chatted for a bit until The Street Profits crashed the party. Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford stirred things up as they challenged them for the titles. Theory and Waller declined, telling the multi-time tag champs they had to ‘earn it.’ Tez and Dawks had no problem with that, but Dawks said they were talking disrespectfully. Theory and Waller pretended to go leave the ring but then cheapshotted Dawkins and Ford! The Tag Team Champions assaulted the Street Profits.

They gathered up Dawkins on the outside as Waller put his arm down on the steel base of the steps. Theory then picked it up and dropped it down on his arm! Oh my GOD!! Things had gotten out of control tonight and now another superstar is hurt bad!

GM Nick Aldis told Jackie Redmond that Angelo Dawkins suffered a “serious shoulder injury.” He said that he was originally set to participate in tonight’s battle royal for a championship match against Cody Rhodes. He said he’ll have to look for a replacement, and he potentially turned right into one… Bron Breakker!

Dragon Lee def. Garza. This match went longer than expected and woke up the crowd that was quiet at first.

Jade confronted Bianca about why she refused to let them go help Bayley. Bianca claimed she did no such thing, but Cargill said she kept them in her locker room and didn’t have the TV on. They might as well have not been in the arena, because as Jade argued, Bianca wanted to be “locked in.” Jade said Bayley got assaulted and hurt bad, which Belair shrugged at. Cargill didn’t understand, and Belair said she didn’t because she was still new. Bianca said Bayley and Damage CTRL tormented her for years and she doesn’t have any sympathy for the in-fighting against them.

Jade argued that she thinks she should because they’re clearly getting stronger. They also have the Tag Team Titles, something they want. Bianca said that’s right but she’s also done getting involved with Damage CTRL. She wants a match against them for the titles, that’s it. Jade said that that’s not how things are always gonna go, which Bianca reacted to with a scoff. She then left the room to go check in on Dawkins since that’s now “being questioned.” Sheesh. But after Belair left the room, Naomi entered it. Naomi told Jade she “couldn’t believe” who she just saw backstage. Jade asked who, and… then we went to break.

Tiffany Stratton def. MiChin. This was the shortest match of the night so far, less than eight minutes, and an impressive showing for Stratton.

Jade and Naomi then were seen walking backstage. Naomi was explaining where to go, and they seemingly arrived.

Jade Cargill:
Hey! What are you doing here?

The camera turned around and we saw… Rhea Ripley again! Hey… we saw her earlier! But, that was when Belair saw her. That’s… interesting.

Jade Cargill:
I said what are you doing here?

Jade kept on even though Naomi seemed to suggest she not. Ripley smirked.

Rhea Ripley:
Ah, cute. You think I answer to you?

Jade Cargill:
I don’t play that game. I know who you are. But this ain’t your show. So why are you here?

Ripley folded her arms and looked at Cargill.

Rhea Ripley:
That’s not something that you need to concern yourself with. That’s not a suggestion, either.

Jade Cargill:
So you ain’t leaving? Do we need to figure out an exit strategy for you then?

Ripley laughed and shook her head.

Rhea Ripley:
Last warning.

Jade Cargill:
You think I’m scared? Look at me, bitch. Scary is scared of me. If you ain’t leaving, then I’ll take your ass out myself—

Jade is suddenly AMBUSHED FROM BEHIND!!!

IT’S DAMAGE CTRL! OH SH…

Iyo and Kairi begin to mug Jade after they both knocked her off her feet. Rhea stood back and laughed but then Naomi raced in and went after Kairi!! She grabbed Sane and hit her and then grabbed Iyo, who threw punches right back! But Naomi then got the upper hand and sent her into a crate!! She went to go after her as she rolled back but that proved to be a trap!! Dakota Kai and Asuka pulled her down and started stomping her out!!! Asuka then climbed over the crate and ran over and wiped Jade out off her feet! She grabbed Jade and threw her over the crate as well! Iyo then walked over with Kairi and the four of them stomped Jade out!! Where was Bianca!?!?

Ripley then walked over after Damage CTRL finished decimating two-thirds of The Big Three.

Rhea Ripley:
Rookie mistake. Listen to your elders next time. And don’t go finding trouble or trouble will find you.

Ripley smiled and looked over at Damage CTRL and Dakota nodded.

Rhea Ripley:
Most of all. Stay out of family business.

Well what on earth could that mean… … … all FIVE of them left together though!

Michael Cole informed us that Bayley suffered some internal bleeding and lacerations on her back after the violent attack earlier tonight. But Cole said she wants to still compete at this weekend’s live events. An admirable champion.

Logan Paul cut a pre-taped promo.

Logan Paul:
Last week, the United States suffered its biggest defeat yet.

We see the finish of last week’s US Title Match, in which Kevin Owens won the title.

Logan Paul:
We now have… Kevin Owens representing this country as its United States Champion. He’s from Canada! What’s he gonna do? Call it the Canadian Championship?

More images of Paul getting beat up.

Logan Paul:
I hold myself accountable all the time. I won’t accept performances like I had last week. Logan Paul needs to be better. We will be better.

Paul ‘rising up’ and “making comebacks” – heavily edited – is shown.

Logan Paul:
I’m going to regain my United States Championship and put this country back on my back like I was destined to. I’m better than everybody ever expected to be at this, and I’m just getting started. KO, you’re gonna get KO-ed the next time I see you. I GUARANTEE IT, just like I GUARANTEE I will be the two-time United States Champion in no time.

THE ROCK was announced for Monday Night Raw!

Bron Breakker won the #1 Contender’s Over-The-Top-Rope Battle Royal! He last eliminated Montez Ford, and also eliminated Randy Orton and three other men.

AJ Styles pulled LA Knight down after Santos Escobar went to eliminate him. Styles then hit a Styles Clash on Knight on the outside.

Breakker will face Cody Rhodes, who will return to Smackdown next week, Cole announced to close the show.

END OF SHOW

Quick Results
Asuka def. Bianca Belair
Dragon Lee def. Garza
Tiffany Stratton def. MiChin
Bron Breakker won the Undisputed WWE Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal

Confirmed Card for WWE Backlash France
May 5, 2024
Lyon, France

Undisputed WWE Championship Match
‘The American Nightmare’ Cody Rhodes © defends against Bron Breakker

World Heavyweight Championship Match
‘El Campeon’ Damian Priest © defends against ‘The Celtic Warrior’ Sheamus

WWE Women’s Championship Match
‘The Role Model’ Bayley defends against ‘The Empress’ Asuka​

 

[DamageCTRL]

Everyone is thrilled with how the Bayley-Damage CTRL angle played out on Friday night. Damage CTRL was supposedly set to be moved to Monday Night Raw. However, there was recent rummaging that as long as they remain the Women's Tag Team Champions, then their status is nebulous. So in other words, you can expect Damage CTRL to have the tag team titles for some time.

There will be plenty of inroads made on tag teams going into this situation with Damage CTRL. The group has had their foot in the dirt since SummerSlam 2022. But it could be argued that they've been very singular in their targets. Becky Lynch and Bianca Belair were the first main protagonists against them, and since then Bayley. Now, you can expect a much more collective effort against the group while they continue strengthening.

Pitches have been made for additional members to join Damage CTRL. While they're at a strong four, don't be surprised if it swells to five or six.

In a way, with how The Bloodline had grown to encompass almost the entire male roster, and affected almost the entire male roster, there's been a recent really strong push to have the same happen with Damage CTRL. They have earned their keep and have been on back-to-back WrestleManias. They were in big matches in both years, featuring an immaculate title match this year. Bayley and Becky Lynch are reportedly helping creative try to branch this out along with the rest of their staff. They want this to be one of the "biggest things ever."

Nia Jax is taking time off. Conventional wisdom suggests she'll be back when the land needs a new big bad.

There might be as many as six NXT women getting called up in this year's WWE Draft. They're an impressive bunch in Florida and now the main roster wants to see what a lot of them have to offer.​

 

[Stojy]

Not a surprise at all that basically this entire news and notes post is surrounding the women. This is what you're known for I guess, but hoping you remember you still need to book the men in interesting angles as well.

Also really hoping because you're not booking NXT that you don't just tear that place apart and overload the Raw and SD rosters during the draft.

I will say a return to some full promos here was awesome to read. Even when maybe your booking could still use some work way back at previous places, your promo writing has always been great and that shone through here. If that weird advertising but not really advertising but still kind of advertising post on discord regarding your format change means full promos are the go moving forward, I'm excited.

Also I am here for Dakota Kai taking the lead in the Dmg Ctrl stuff. Have christened this THE Dakota Kai thread, don't let me down.

 

[DamageCTRL]

Not a surprise at all that basically this entire news and notes post is surrounding the women. This is what you're known for I guess, but hoping you remember you still need to book the men in interesting angles as well.

Also really hoping because you're not booking NXT that you don't just tear that place apart and overload the Raw and SD rosters during the draft.

I will say a return to some full promos here was awesome to read. Even when maybe your booking could still use some work way back at previous places, your promo writing has always been great and that shone through here. If that weird advertising but not really advertising but still kind of advertising post on discord regarding your format change means full promos are the go moving forward, I'm excited.

Also I am here for Dakota Kai taking the lead in the Dmg Ctrl stuff. Have christened this THE Dakota Kai thread, don't let me down.

Hehe, don't worry. I've got a lot in the chamber for the dudes too lol.

My Bloodline stuff will be fun and vary a bit from what's happened IRL. I am super excited to use CM Punk and Gunther and the likes.

And well, yanno, without giving too much away, expect the 14-15 NXT kids (Balor, Owens, Zayn) to big players too. We're gonna have fun because that's what this about. Fun

 

[DamageCTRL]

Vroom vroom. Happy new year!

Monday Night Raw​

April 22, 2024
Columbus, Ohio

Raw began with Drew McIntyre on his way to the ring. McIntyre said last week he wasn’t here to celebrate the big news. CM Punk is cleared! McIntyre said that now that he was, Punk had better understand that he is on a collision course with him. McIntyre told him that he heard last week that he planned to enter the King of the Ring Tournament. That was a coincidence to Drew, who said he too intended on being part of the tournament. McIntyre said that he felt it was his destiny to become the King of the Ring and, in doing so, defeat CM Punk and put him in his place. He spoke about wanting retribution for what happened at WrestleMania. Nothing will humiliate him more in his entire career, McIntyre argued, and said it’s put a serious strain on him.

McIntyre said that he watched Punk try to con his way into being around Liv Morgan and be against The Judgment Day. Drew promised him that it doesn’t take much to get noticed by those guys. That wound up grabbing the group’s attention. Namely the World Champion’s!

Damian Priest walked out with his title on his shoulder. Priest taunted McIntyre with the gold and asked if he thought it looked familiar. Priest told Drew that he heard him do a lot of chirping just now but what stuck out to him was what he had to say about The Judgment Day. Priest talked up his group, and how tight-knit they were, and how they looked out for each other. He pointed out that McIntyre would not know anything about that. He’s been on a crusade against CM Punk, a man that he didn’t even eliminate at the Royal Rumble. He became so obsessed that he lost out on being the World Heavyweight Champion.

Priest said it’s a hell of a thing to do and to experience, especially in front of paying customers at WrestleMania, which was an added but perhaps needed dig. Priest told him that, while he doesn’t usually agree with the WWE Universe, they have a point with thinking that he sucks. And also that someone needs to shut him up on these droning CM Punk rants. So Priest offered to give McIntyre a match tonight! Not for the World Heavyweight Championship, but Drew didn’t seem to care, citing “unfinished business” with Priest from Mania and even before.

The Rock was promised for the top of the second hour!

Becky Lynch gave words of encouragement to Tegan Nox, who’d gained momentum in the past two weeks with two straight wins, and Liv Morgan, who’d been through the ringer the past two weeks. Damage CTRL’s Dakota Kai, a dangerous one, walked by and mocked her former tag team partner as well as Morgan, and gave some choice words to Lynch after their intense exchange last week.

Becky Lynch defeated Kairi Sane. This one went a good amount. Lynch had to fend off Damage CTRL’s presence at ringside. But, as she tends to, she found a way to, picking up a win via the ol’ backslide.

Damage CTRL flooded the ring right away and jumped Lynch! They attempted to once again display another sign of strength tonight after their violent attack on Friday night! But then Lynch got help in the form of… Tegan Nox!!

Nox inserted herself into the situation after what happened earlier! She jumped at Dakota and started going after her! Then we saw Liv Morgan!! Morgan ran down to the ring to give a helping hand to the situation after appearing just before! But it was 4-on-3! The numbers game remained in Damage CTRL’s favor…

Until it didn’t!
​

“SPITEFUL”​

DO NOT ADJUST THOSE EARS!

ALEXA BLISS IS BACK!!

Columbus’ own gets a spirited reaction from the hometown crowd. Bliss runs down and goes after Damage CTRL, the group that put her on the shelf nearly 18 months ago!! (Note OOC: This is my write-off for her... the Bianca feud never happened... there will be a reason and it will make sense)

Bliss helped even the odds, as the babyfaces gained a stunning wave of momentum!! All hell broke loose and Bliss helped lead the cavalry against them!! There seemed to be strength and unity on Monday nights! Quite a stark contrast, but it did NOT work in Damage CTRL’s favor tonight. And sure not against the red-hot returning Bliss!!

“Big” Bronson Reed told Cathy Kelley that he planned on winning this year’s King of the Ring. He also said that it’s about time that he gets some championship gold, and told her that he had his eyes on Sami Zayn and the Intercontinental Championship.

“Big” Bronson Reed def. Shinsuke Nakamura. Reed sent a message to the Raw locker room after the match by hitting a Tsunami on Nakamura while he lied on the apron.

Jey Uso was chatting backstage with several others. Then, Chad Gable and Alpha Academy passed by. Gable addressed ‘Yeet Man,’ which made Jey nearly chuckle, and Chad said that he listened to what he said last week. He said he heard him say that he wanted to win the King of the Ring Tournament. Gable said that he respected Jey, he knows what he’s been through, and he knows that he wants to get to the top. But Gable said that tournaments are made for guys like him to win. Jey said that if he thinks that he’s better than him, there’s only one way to prove it. Gable didn’t flinch and agreed to meet Jey in the ring later tonight!

The Rock was seen on his way in!

After the break, The Great One made his way to the ring. Rock addressed the crowd and talked about what happened the last time we saw him. Rock said that he meant every word that he said. He also said that it sure seems to him like Seth Rollins and Cody Rhodes aren’t on the same page like they thought they were. Rock said that he wasn’t surprised by this at all. He said that their partnership was by convenience. They aren’t bound by blood at alol. They don’t have deep roots. They came up differently and they came from different cloths.

So… that was why The Rock wanted to invite Seth Freakin’ Rollins to come down to the ring!

And Seth didn’t take very long to do that!

The former World Heavyweight Champion walked down to the ring glaring at The Great One. Seth got inside and asked him to get to the point because he didn’t get what he was trying to pick up. Rock told him if he didn’t pick up what he was putting down he’d have no problem picking him up and putting him down. The Rock said that Seth didn’t need to fight this fight. Seth argued that he did, but The Rock told him that none of that was correct.

Rock said that Rollins was the one who started everything with Roman Reigns when he hit him with the chair when they were with The Shield. Rock said that months later, he had to help Roman get support, because he’d become so broken after Rollins destroyed him. Rock tiptoed around his feelings about that, but said that Seth caused great pain to their family a LONG time ago… but he’s gotten off. And right now, he doesn’t need to be part of this fight.

Rock said that Rollins doesn’t even like Cody Rhodes. He brought up what happened two years ago. Rock said that’s never been resolved. Rock brought up that Rollins put everything on the line, including his body, alluding to injuries The Visionary had been dealing with. Rock said that even after doing that, Rhodes didn’t do him a favor and give him a World Championship shot. Whoa. Rock said that if he picked up a monumental title victory, ESPECIALLY in part because SOMEBODY ELSE got involved in the match, then he’d do them a favor and worship the ground that they walk on. But what did Rollins get? No title match, and, as Rock points, was he going to get a title shot to the head?

Rock played the footage from Smackdown ten days ago. Rhodes had the title belt, Rollins had the superkick readied. Rollins could be seen saying he never saw that part… Rhodes of course went for The Rock but… did he? Rock moved, and he wasn’t stopping. Rollins NAILED him, but if he didn’t, Rhodes would have blown him up with the championship. Seth said that after looking at the footage, he’s come to a decision…

“It doesn’t MATTER if Cody Rhodes was going to hit me with the WWE Championship!”

Rollins told Rock that there’s a lot of smug guys he’s wanted to hit, but The Rock tops the list! Seth said that years ago, he did CM Punk’s dirty work and took great pleasure in kicking his ass with The Shield. Rollins said that he’d no doubt take great pleasure in kicking his ass again now! Rock told him he doesn’t want that, but Rollins argued that he did. Rollins said that he still feels the need to prove everyone wrong, so he’ll step into the ring with ‘The Final Boss’ one on one!

The Rock said that if that’s the way it’s gonna be, that’s the way it’s gonna be!

Rock! Rollins! Backlash France! It’s on!!

Jey Uso def. Chad Gable. This was an epic encounter won by a man whose popularity knows no bounds right now.

Rhea Ripley and Damage CTRL went back and forth backstage. Ripley said she was late to the show and heard what happened. Dakota said that things were fine and they needed to just reset. Ripley said she wanted to send a message and she knew where to go.

A DIY video package played, followed by one on Andrade and Rey Mysterio. Their tag team match set for later tonight got some earned hype.

Sami Zayn def. Giovanni Vinci. Zayn avoided trouble after and knocked Ludwig Kaiser out with a Helluva Kick too.

An inspired Tegan Nox met Candice LeRae in the hallway. LeRae warned her that getting involved with “the Damage CTRL thing” is going to get her in danger. Nox said that, at this point, she prefers danger. She said she appreciated LeRae’s invite last week, but again, she declined and doesn’t want to deal with LeRae. And that was that for now.

Andrade and Rey Mysterio def. DIY to become the #1 Contenders to the WWE World Tag Team Championships. The Awesome Truth were at ringside.

Cameras then rushed backstage. They found… Tegan Nox laid out with Rhea Ripley towering over her!

“Don’t go into the deep end when you can’t swim yet!” Ripley barked at Nox, who was hurt. “You wanna mess around with u—”

Someone intervened and attacked Rhea!! It was Becky Lynch!! Lynch punched Ripley and then tackled her into a caged wall nearby!! She peppered her and then officials tried to intervene. But so did Dakota Kai, who pulled Becky off her!! Lynch and Kai then exchanged rights and lefts and Ripley then felt the heat from Liv Morgan!! Chaos erupted in the back! Morgan and Ripley fought through the back and into the garage door!! Morgan kicked Ripley hard in the chest into the garage and kept on! A surprising flurry from the furious Liv!!! She was pulled back eventually but the damage was CLEARLY DONE!

Cathy Kelley interviewed the returning Alexa Bliss. Miss Bliss said that it’s been a long time since she’d been around the WWE Universe. She said that it had been since Damage CTRL took her out after War Games that she’s been here. Bliss said that it’s been a long, long near 18 months. She’s given birth and she’s dealt with so much more. But now she’s back and she’s on a mission. It’s personal to her, and said that she’s been paying attention. So, she said she wanted to go find someone. Who?

Sheamus def. JD McDonagh of The Judgment Day. Sheamus sent a message to Damian Priest with another Brogue Kick after the match.​

Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark defeated Katana Chance and Kayden Carter

GM Adam Pearce sent an irritated Liv Morgan home after her scuffle with Ripley moments ago. Morgan told Pearce on her way out that Ripley’s made her life a living a hell for nearly two years. Morgan vowed revenge on her again and told Pearce that she knew what she wanted from her: Everything. Before she got into her car, she received a phone call.

Chad Gable approached Jey Uso backstage. Gable offered an apology for how he acted earlier, saying he was feeling cocky. He lost and he gained a lot of respect for Jey in the ring earlier, and wished him luck in the KOTR Tournament. Jey said that this made him respect Gable even more for being willing to admit he was wrong and also for how he competed too. After this exchange, Drew McIntyre mocked both men, especially Jey, telling them their weakness wouldn’t help them win the KOTR.

A WWE Draft ad aired before the main event. Several of these did during the show. I’m just not drilling it into your heads. You know it’s coming. So does the roster.

Damian Priest def. Drew McIntyre. Jey Uso hit a Superkick on Drew, which led to Priest hitting McIntyre with a Razor’s Edge.

A massive brawl broke out to end the show! Bronson Reed went after Jey Uso, which led to Sami Zayn coming out to go after Reed. Reed and Zayn, of course, might be opponents soon after Bronson’s declaration that he wants the IC Title.

Their fight continued and spilled into Drew, who fought along with everyone too! He had enemies in Jey Uso and Sami Zayn, and Bronson Reed was in the wrong place at the wrong time!! Then Finn Balor hit the ring!! Finn jumped inside and went after Jey!! Priest helped his buddy out as the two went 2-on-1 on Jey on the outside!! Priest picked Jey up while Balor went after him! Then Zayn went after Finn!! And a 2-on-2 situation broke out!!

McIntyre then threw Reed out of the ring…​

“LOOK IN MY EYEEEEES!”​

“CULT OF PERSONALITY” ​

WHOA!!!

IT’S CM PUNK!!!

Punk is back!! And is here in Columbus!!! Punk locked eyes with McIntyre who called him on, and Punk marched down to the ring, got inside, and the fight was on!!! The fight was finally on between Punk and McIntyre!!!

The two brawled for several minutes in the ring, and then Jey Uso came in to save Punk after McIntyre got the upper hand!! Drew went after Jey, which allowed Punk to get up to go after Drew!! The fight then poured right BACK into the ring!! Everybody went after everybody!! The King of the Ring’s top contenders on Raw were trying to make a serious move to the top!​

“PREPARE TO FIGHT”​

OH!! OH MY GOD!!!

FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE WRESTLEMANIA

THE BIG MAN IS BACK!!!​

IT’S GUNTHER!!!​

The ring stops and looks on as the former record-setting Intercontinental Champion has returned to Raw!! Gunther came out looking as menacing as ever. He marched down to the ring with purpose and his eyes were right on one man – Sami Zayn!! Sami recognized this right away and went right after Gunther!! The fight was back on!!

The massive brawl kept going and got cross-pollenated!! Gunther was fighting with Punk!! Sami with Finn like it’s 2015!! Reed with McIntyre again!! All hell broke loose to end a wild ride!!

END OF SHOW​

 

[DamageCTRL]

NEW MATCH CONFIRMED FOR WWE BACKLASH FRANCE​

After recent flurries between the two parties, a major match has been signed for WWE Backlash France!!

'The Man' Becky Lynch may not have claimed the Women's World Championship at WrestleMania, but she is still the greatest of her generation. Lately though, she has gotten the attention of Damage CTRL again. Becky grabbed former leader Bayley to assist her in a tag match on the night after the Showcase of the Immortals, and then on the ensuing Smackdown, Bayley enlisted in The Man's help in fending Damage CTRL off to end the show.

Dakota Kai has emerged as a significant threat lately for Damage CTRL. She has become the talker of the group, and has instigated like no other. Her words drew the WWE Women's Champion Bayley out for what turned out to be a vicious attack on The Role Model. Kai is seeking much more than that though, as it seems she's out to make Damage CTRL the most powerful group in the universe!

And so -- it will be one on one in France! Becky Lynch will take on Dakota Kai in what's sure to be a thrilling encounter!

Note: The Rock versus Seth Rollins is still currently being negotiated and has yet to be confirmed by WWE officials.
---
Current Card for WWE Backlash France
May 5, 2024
Lyon, France

 

[DamageCTRL]

NXT
April 23, 2024
Winter Park, Florida

A hype package for Trick-Melo II aired to start the show!

Tatum Paxley def. Kelani Jordan

A Jaida Parker vignette aired, highlighting the badass former LSU soccer star.

Kelly Kincaid interviewed Je’Von Evans, who expressed exuberance and confidence in his match against Myles Borne.

Chase U (Duke Hudson and Riley Osborne) defeated OTM (Bronco Nima and Lucien Price)

After the match, cameras sprinted backstage and then out back. Jacy Jayne and her friends were seen attacking Jaida Parker in the parking lot!! But Ms. Parker wasn’t having it!! She kicked Jazmyn Nyx away and sent Izzi Dame into the dumpster!! She went to confront Jayne and the two exchanged fists!! But then they were finally broken up.

Avoiding that situation was Roxanne Perez, who arrived to the venue.

Josh Briggs approached Ava backstage about wanting a North American Championship opportunity. Ava said she had considered that, however… she said, as Dijak then appeared. Dijak finished her sentence for her, politely, saying that he asked for a match next week with Briggs instead. Dijak said he blamed Briggs for not being NXT North American Champion since he lost at Stand and Deliver. Dijak said he’s had a few weeks to think about it, and he’s still landed on that, so next week, he wants to kick his ass! Briggs said he loves a fight so he had no problem with it.

Meta-Four def. No-Quarter Catch Crew

Sol Ruca def. Wren Sinclair

Melo and Trick were seen arriving to the building earlier today. They then held very procedural interviews.

---

Roxanne Perez then arrived for promo time…

Roxanne Perez:
…Damn I’m good!!!

Perez let out a laugh as she stood in the ring with her championship.

Roxanne Perez:
At Stand and Deliver, I did deliver on my destiny to become the greatest NXT Women’s Champion of all time. Lyra Valkyria might have beaten Becky Lynch…

Perez pauses, as if she knew the crowd would cheer.

Roxanne Perez:
Yeah, I get it. Impressive. For about… 99 percent of the women’s locker room here. But I am that 1 percent. And I proved that in Philadelphia when I beat Lyra and became the two-time NXT Women’s Champion. The two-time NXT Women’s Champion… do you know what that means? I have more reigns now than… well, Becky for one. Rhea Ripley…

Cheers.

Roxanne Perez:
Bayley… Iyo Sky… and Asuka. The only other two-time NXT Women’s Champions are Shayna Baszler and Ms. WrestleMania herself, Charlotte Flair.

WOOOO!

Roxanne Perez:
But while I’m in that company, there’s simply never been someone like me. I have met every challenge. I have overcome every obstacle. You throw anyone my way and I’ll beat them. I’m ‘The Prodigy’ and soon enough, I’ll fulfill an even bigger destiny than just being NXT Women’s Champion. If you don’t believe me? I’ll just prove you wrong anyway.

A confident one, Perez is.

Roxanne Perez:
Last week, Lyra Valkyria found out the hard way. And while I have no idea who it was that came in and hit Valkyria with a bat, I ought to thank them. All night long, Lyra kept going after me. She ran out here and started it last week. I’ve been acting in self-defense. Then she goes backstage, talking to Kelly Kincaid, sounding like a crazy person. I can’t risk my livelihood over some plush Irish doll gone mad. So I had to do something about it.

That’s a heck of a spin.

Roxanne Perez:
I had to crush her with the car door. She wouldn’t stop. She was relentless like an angry pitbull and I wasn’t about to be mauled. I had no idea that her arm was in the way of the door. I did what I did to neutralize her, not break her arm.

Likely story kid…

Roxanne Perez:
But you get what you pay for. And Lyra? Next time don’t start a fight you can’t finish.

Whew.

Roxanne Perez:
Now on to Tatum Paxley. Tatum Paxley, my opponent next week at NXT Spring Breakin’.

A round of cheers for the No. 1 Contender.

Roxanne Perez:
I’d say I’d give you credit, but you won a tag team match to get this match. Frankly, I don’t think you’re in my league, Tatum. But the good news for you is that makes you just like everyone else!

Heat.

Roxanne Perez:
But the truth is Tatum is that you’re just in the wrong place at the wrong time. This is my NXT. I debuted here less than three years ago and I’m already one of the greatest to ever do it. When they talk about the best, you better talk about Roxanne Perez.

Rox is talking herself up heavy.

Roxanne Perez:
They were calling this place the best women’s division in the world when I was breaking in out in a warehouse outside Houston, Texas. All I’ve ever heard is the chatter. I always heard, “Roxanne, you should go to NXT so you can become one of the greats!” No. I’m here in NXT, and I will go to WWE because I want to be THE Greatest. Talk to me nice because who’s been better than me?

Roxy is talkin’.

Roxanne Perez:
I’ll be better than Lyra. I’ll be better than Becky. Than Bayley, Charlotte Flair, and all the rest… Spring Breakin’ is just the beginning. The Roxanne Perez Era will go down as the greatest era in NXT history.

Hit those lines, Rox.

Roxanne Perez:
Tatum, frankly, if you show up next week that’ll be an accomplishment. Everyone knows that you don’t stand a chance against me. We don’t go to the same school. You’re not in my classes. I’m ahead of you. You’re reinforcing the basics while I’m polishing my boots for the main roster. Maybe you’ve got a little spunk to you. Maybe you’re a little weird. But neither of those things will help you when you’re between the ropes against me.

Talk.

Roxanne Perez:
I will put you through hell not just because I can, but because it’s my champion’s duty. And I will make sure that I leave Spring Breakin’ just as I lef—

Roxanne stopped mid-sentence as TATUM PAXLEY came crashing down off the top rope!!

Paxley hit Perez with a cross-body block and started pounding away on the champion!! She could be heard yelling ‘this is for Lyra!’ and ‘next week is for Lyra!’ as she went after her. Perez got away from the scene without too much damage finally, but the message was clearly sent!

---

The Family revealed they’d return to NXT in two weeks!

Je’Von Evans def. Myles Borne

Another intense hype package for Melo-Trick II played. This one a bit different, a bit longer, but all the more exciting.

Paxley got good vibes from the locker room. She got encouragement from Gigi Dolin in particular, who wanted to see her beat Roxanne.

Meta-Four confronted the new NXT Tag Team Champions Fraxiom in Ava’s office. Ava said that, unfortunately, Axiom isn’t cleared to compete at Spring Breakin’ after suffering a sprained wrist last week. But Ava said it’s clear that they’ve picked up momentum lately, with three wins in three weeks. So Ava said that next week they’d compete against Spring Breakin’. After asking who they’d face, Ava told Meta-Four that it was going to be a surprise…

Speaking of surprises, Shelton Benjamin appeared! He told Ava that he wanted to take an interest in someone on the roster. Who? Je’Von Evans! How interesting. Noam Dar remarked that “grandpa” doesn’t need to play around with the kids. Benjamin told Dar to talk with respect when he talks to him. Dar backed off but Shelton certainly just made some interesting waves.

Karmen Petrovic def. Arianna Grace

A rundown of what’s to come at Spring Breakin’!

---

!! JUST ANNOUNCED !!
Surf’s Up Six-Woman Showcase
Fallon Henley vs. Jaida Parker vs. Jacy Jayne vs.
Karmen Petrovic vs. Lola Vice vs. Sol Ruca

Tag Team Match
Meta-Four vs. Ava’s “Surprise” Team

Grudge Match
Dijak vs. Josh Briggs

NXT Women’s Championship Match
‘The Prodigy’ Roxanne Perez © defends against Tatum Paxley

NXT Championship Match
Ilja Dragunov © defends against Carmelo Hayes OR Trick Williams

---

Trick Williams def. Carmelo Hayes to become the #1 Contender for the NXT Championship!

END OF SHOW​

 

[DamageCTRL]

In an effort to consolidate... here is Smackdown, but don't highlight anything because I PDF'd it because I got lazy trying to format it.

 

[DamageCTRL]

(There's an error and Cedric was listed twice. I'll post a full results later)

 

[EZ3]

Just wanted to pop in and say that I'm still catching up on this one. I've always followed your work across the years so I'm keen to get back on top of this here and follow along as new things pop up.

I appreciate the effort of still doing all the weekly shows including NXT - big props. I think there's enough detail being given across the lot to keep things interesting with the stories without the need of going overboard with the match detail, and I can respect the choice for the one-liners straight to results used as well.

Women are of course looking like a standout point as is the trademark at this point. As I said, still catching up but I did read the most recent promo by Perez just because it caught my eye as I was having a scroll. Thought it was great - champ comes off as such a self-interested and overconfident heel that you want to see beat. I can see her having a bit more of an extended reign here because she comes off as a lot of fun to write promos for, so I'm interested to see where she goes in the project.

Will be reading!