WWE ~ Way It Should've Gone (SUMMERSLAM 2018: Christian v. Edge)

[Finishline]

Velocity's debut in 2018 on the WWE Network
​

Much like last night, a video package shows Velocity in years past with the stars from it before transitioning to its current-day intro video with the SmackDown stars of today. The common SmackDown play-by-play announcer Tom Phillips welcomes his Velocity counterpart, former WWE superstar Titus O'Neil. They welcome everyone to the first Velocity in the WWE Network era and are excited for the first matchup.

Dana Brooke vs. Chelsea Green
Dana Brooke is up against SmackDown prospect Chelsea Green. Chelsea from NXT shows some talent but when she gets caught in the corner with a handspring back elbow, Chelsea falls to the mat and gets hit with a Swanton Bomb and Dana Brooke scores the first Velocity win, defeating Chelsea Green.

Tom Phillips and Titus O'Neil break the news that the newest acquisitions to Raw via trade, the WWE Tag Team Champions Jimmy and Jey Uso, are going to be on SmackDown tonight at 8 pm ET on the USA Network! Phillips is slightly concerned of finding out who they had to give up in exchange for The Usos, but he's excited to have the 6-time and current champions on the blue brand now.

Some highlights air from WWE Heat last night as Raw had their program debut as well with wins by Asuka and Shelton Benjamin.

Tye Dillinger (w/Tyler Breeze) vs. Nick Aldis
Dillinger's technical prowess was matched by SmackDown prospect Nick Aldis from NXT, but it's when Aldis hits the MDD while Breeze can only watch on and see Dillinger get his shoulders pinned to the mat. This makes Nick Aldis the first prospect to win on Heat or Velocity, doing so against a formidable opponent in Tye Dillinger.

Nick Aldis celebrates a huge win and even gets a handshake from both Tom Phillips and Titus O'Neil as he makes his way to the back. O'Neil predicts it won't be long until Nick Aldis is a full member of the SmackDown roster. They bring up what is happening tonight on SmackDown in moments. The new WWE Universal Champion Edge will be on the show and Fenix will debut on the blue brand.

Tuesday Night SmackDown! #992
August 21, 2018
Brooklyn, NY​

SmackDown cold-opens with Kurt Angle. The GM congratulates Edge on his victory at SummerSlam over Christian after seven years away from the ring, confirming there will be a celebration and championship presentation later this evening. On a more serious note, Kurt's tone changes as he addresses the condemnation and zero tolerance for Ronda Rousey, a fan, jumping the barricade and attacking one of his WWE superstars. The result leaves Charlotte with a broken arm and she will be out for some time. Angle says he has no choice but to vacate the Universal Women's Championship. Angle promises Charlotte will have an opportunity to gain back her title when she's 100%, but for now, an 8-woman tournament will begin with the new champion being determined at the conclusion. Angle welcomes everyone to Tuesday Night SmackDown, live on the USA Network.

Tom Phillips and Corey Graves are stunned by the news that Charlotte has been stripped of the title due to injury, but get excited as the tournament kicks off NOW.

Bayley vs. Carmella in the Universal Women's Championship Tournament
With news of bad luck comes new opportunity for eight women. Bayley and Carmella kick off tonight's show and the tournament. Carmella shows she is nothing to mess with and tries extending for the Code of Silence, but Bayley pushes her head out and stays in the fight. Carmella and Bayley go off against each other, before Mella gets the upper hand. Mella goes for a thrust kick to Bayley while she's on her knees, but as Carmella comes in, Bayley pops up and hits the Bayley-to-Belly for a quick three!

Bayley celebrates after catching her opponent by surprise and advancing in the tournament. Graves mentions Bayley hasn't held gold on the main roster, and not since her 399 day reign as NXT Women's Champion, but now is her chance. We get the official brackets displayed on the screen for us:

UNIVERSAL WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT
Bayley vs. Carmella -> BAYLEY
Nikki Cross vs. Tessa Blanchard
Naomi vs. Peyton Royce
Dana Brooke vs. Sasha Banks​

Tom Phillips and Corey Graves advertise what's to come on tonight's show, with confirmation Naomi will battle Peyton Royce in another tournament match later this evening, MizTV returns with a mystery guest, Edge will be here for his championship celebration promised by Kurt Angle, PLUS the much-anticipated debut of SmackDown's prospect Fenix. But up after the commercial, we hear from NXT General Manager William Regal and the new Intercontinental Champion Neville.

After a commercial, we see a replay (all except the 3 count) of what transpired in SummerSlam's opening match where William Regal assists Neville in regaining the Intercontinental Championship against Jason Jordan. We then see Regal escort Neville, and with much anticipation, Regal slowly raises the mic to his mouth after a chorus of boos. Regal begins by saying he doesn't OWE anyone an apology or an explanation, especially the WWE Universe. Regal also states it's quite obvious, but he'll enlighten everyone. Regal shared a story about realizing his in-ring career was over and spending more time in Florida at the Performance Center and NXT. Regal would go on to realize the future of this business: The Four Horsewomen, Baron Corbin, Murphy, Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, and yes, Jason Jordan. Regal says he shook every one of their hands, but was disappointed there was no one from the UK who could carry the legacy he'd leave behind... insert Neville. Regal says Neville's legacy is not only a reflection of the UK, of the NXT system, but of William Regal. He vows to play a key part in sharing the knowledge with Neville, making him one of the greatest Intercontinental Champions of all-time, and a future world champion. The fans boo until Jason Jordan's music hits and he wastes no time with darting to the ring and tackling Neville. The two brawl until Neville escapes from under the rope and Jason Jordan turns into William Regal bracing with his brass knuckles. Jordan catches Regal just in time before he strikes and Regal steps out of the ring, but this is far from over.

Renee Young is backstage with Dana Brooke when she asks about her involvement in the Universal Women's Championship Tournament, if there's any concern for Charlotte after the news. Dana says she'll always be thankful for Charlotte to helping her get to WWE, but she realizes Charlotte is manipulative. Dana says she doesn't wish injury on anyone but hopes Charlotte has a speedy recovery and that she is the one Charlotte challenges when she returns. Nikki Cross comes up and claims her history with Charlotte qualifies her to face the Queen when she returns. Dana completely ignores her and says she's focused on winning next week where she'll have to beat Sasha Banks next week, but Banks doesn't deserve a spot in the tournament since she lost Sunday... enters Sasha Banks who doesn't take kindly to her words. They verbally get into it while Nikki Cross is begging to be acknowledged when everyone acknowledges Tessa Blanchard. Tessa tells them not to waste their breath before walking off.

Another video package is shown before FENIX comes out! Fenix is ready to make his in-ring debut, but his music is interrupted by none other than the self-proclaimed "Silver Medalist" Michael Bennett with his wife Maria. Bennett plugs his wife being a former wrestler and offended she isn't invited in the tournament. Bennett then says he's even more offended Fenix has all this hype before his first match, when he was the runner-up in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal this year. Bennett says he'll make quick work of Fenix and make everyone forget about him.

Fenix vs. Michael Bennett w/Maria
Bennett, and the WWE Universe, are in awe of how quickly Fenix counters and eludes much of Bennett's offense in the opening minute before a standing ovation at the first calm break. Bennett just gets frustrated, and this is where Fenix begins to turn those counters into his own offense. Fans pop big for a rope bouncing swinging arm drag, but even more so when Fenix purches himself on the top rope, Bennett rolls out of the way and walks to the other side of the ring, where Fenix runs across the ropes and hits a crossbody! Fenix then finishes Bennett off with a statement Fenix Driver to show some power!

A camera shot shows Corey's mouth wide open and speechless as Tom Phillips gives Fenix props, and gives Kurt Angle props for getting Fenix on Tuesday nights! They predict he'll be a big-time player for years to come as Fenix completes an impressive debut.

The newest acquisitions to Tuesday Night SmackDown, the WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos are arriving to the arena when The Vaudevillians decide to introduce themselves as the best tag team on SmackDown. Aiden jumps straight to business and challenges The Usos to a title match here tonight. Jimmy reminds Aiden and Simon that while the Vaudevillians have had a few days off, The Usos in the last 48 hours won a grueling TLC Match against two of the top tag teams AND defended their titles last night before getting jumped by The Fallen, so they're just here tonight to set-up their lockers and finish some paperwork. Aiden and Simon begin mocking the new team as "non-fighting champions" and even pick on them for being late and not being in their gear. Jey tells them they brought their gear, and convinces Jimmy to accept, calling The Vaudevillians light work. Upset at the insult, Aiden and Simon start the brawl in the parking lot before outside security breaks it up.

The ring is set up for MizTV as the host comes to the ring. The Miz acknowledges the trade that was announced last night on Raw about The Usos being sent to SmackDown... in exchange for what? The Miz welcomes the newest acquisition to Raw... THE MIZ! He confirms he is one of the superstars being shipped to Monday Nights. The Miz takes this opportunity to trash the SmackDown fans, Kurt Angle, and Daniel Bryan for their loss on the SummerSlam Kickoff show. The Miz starts plugging Raw, sharing he'll be vying to become WWE Champion for a second time when Daniel Bryan interrupts this tirade. Bryan admits he isn't sad to see The Miz go, but he'll miss beating The Miz up. The Miz says he could never lace his boots, and Bryan's just jealous he can never become WWE Champion again.. or wrestle The Miz ever again. Bryan laughs and shares he went to Kurt Angle earlier today and he confirmed a singles match against him tonight, so he'll send him packing. Bryan invites a referee and The Miz is upset that he isn't dressed, but Bryan has no regard and throws some rights into a commercial break.

Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz
In perhaps the final match of this feud with The Miz being traded to Raw, Daniel Bryan has no regard The Miz is wrestling in a full suit. Bryan gets his offense in and The Miz tried slipping in a quick Skull Crushing Finale, but Bryan counters into a Yes Lock and The Miz wastes no time in the hold, tapping out after a quicker match.

The Miz takes the L to quickly get out of the ring and leave SmackDown as quick as possible while Daniel Bryan is all smiles and disrupts the Yes chants from the crowd to begin "Na na na na..."

Cesaro is backstage when Sheamus walks up to him, asking if he's heard about the trade. They ponder if one of them are getting traded to Raw along with The Miz, and both wish they don't have to deal with the "annoying prick." In comes Tyler Breeze and Tye Dillinger, the duo known as Maple Leaf Mafia. They claim Sheamus and Cesaro's win on the SummerSlam kickoff was a fluke, and with the arrival of The Usos, they want to send the tag team champions a message against a former world champion and... wait, Cesaro was never a world champion, was he? Breeze and Dillinger mock Cesaro for falling short at WrestleMania a couple years back against Seth Rollins, when this is enough for Cesaro to accept the challenge. Maple Leaf Mafia run off after getting what they want before Cesaro looks at Sheamus, shrugs, and says he'll see the Celtic Warrior next week.

In Kurt Angle's office, Angle is trying to calm Jason Jordan down who is still upset over how he lost the Intercontinental Championship. Angle tries cooling him down, but Jordan is just focused on getting his Intercontinental Championship back, demanding the rematch next week. Angle tries advising against it being so soon, but the young blue-chipper is adamant, so Angle makes the match official for next week.

Naomi vs. Peyton Royce in the Universal Women's Championship Tournament
After Bayley advanced in the tournament earlier tonight and the other women squabbled in the back, Naomi and Peyton were showing why they are two of the top athletes in the division. Peyton shows she's used her flexibility to become a better technician while Naomi is electric and after getting out of a Venus Fly-Trap hold by stepping to the ropes, Naomi would land the Rear View and pin Royce, advancing in this tournament!

The glow begins in Brooklyn as Naomi celebrates and the updated tournament brackets are displayed. Bayley and Naomi advance this week. The winner of Nikki Cross and Tessa Blanchard will face Bayley in the semifinals, while Naomi gets the winner of Dana Brooke and Sasha Banks. Both those matches are set for next week.

A video package shows Bray Wyatt in deep thought in his rocking chair, blaming himself for leading everyone he loves astray. Bray said he only had good intentions, but it's evident the men he cared and loved for are lost now, and it's all his fault. Bray, not even daring to look at the camera, admits he needs to go away for a while and find himself before he can lead others. After the package, Tom Phillips and Corey Graves are confused as to what that means... but The Usos music hits! The newest Raw acquisitions come down for their title defense.

The Usos(c) vs. The Vaudevillians for the WWE Tag Team Championships
Jimmy and Jey arrived to SmackDown today for the first time not expecting to defend their newly won WWE Tag Team Championships in back-to-back nights, but this makes 3 consecutive nights in the Barclay Center with the gold on the line after winning them in the Triple Threat Tag TLC Match at SummerSlam. The fatigue is heavy as Aiden and particularly Simon are determined to isolate the ribs of both Jimmy and Jey. Jimmy is getting the worse of it tonight before a hot tag and Jimmy goes off on the Vaudevillians, but Aiden nails a dropkick to the ribs of Jimmy. The Vaudevillians try Whirling Dervish but Jey interrupts by superkicking Aiden, and then superkicking Simon! Jey gets his partner up and they go up top for a Double Uce Splash and Jey helps Jimmy make the cover on Simon to retain.

What a title defense by The Usos! They make their mark on the blue brand with running a gauntlet the last few days. The Usos get caught by Renee Young in the ring and she immediately asks how they feel about being on SmackDown. Jey said they wanted to be here and asked for this weeks ago, kept pushing, and now they're home and proud to be WWE Tag Team Champions! Renee asks what they'll do now and Jimmy hops in to jokingly, but not really, say REST! They leave Renee in the ring and celebrate their way back to the locker room.

Some highlights are shown, with a blacked-out pinfall, of the grudge match between Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins from SummerSlam this past Sunday, noting how personal things have gotten between the two former Shield members. Tom Phillips and Corey Graves announce Kurt Angle gave both the night off, hopefully for cooler heads to prevail, but Seth Rollins vows to be at SmackDown next week in Toronto to speak.

But what else is on SmackDown next week? Everything is STACKED!

- The Universal Women's Championship Tournament continues
> Nikki Cross vs. Tessa Blanchard
> Dana Brooke vs. Sasha Banks
- Cesaro & Sheamus vs. Maple Leaf Mafia in a SummerSlam Rematch
- Seth Rollins speaks
- Jason Jordan gets his Intercontinental Championship rematch against Neville​

But right after the commercial break, we get Edge's championship celebration as promised by Kurt Angle!

The commercial break happens and it's Kurt Angle in the ring before he introduces the NEW WWE Universal Champion, the Rated-R Superstar, EDGE! Edge comes out with the championship proudly displayed around his waist and he's hype, as well as the fans. Edge takes his time acknowledging the fans and celebrating before he embraces Angle in the ring with a hug.

Kurt Angle: "Edge, let me begin by saying, you'll have your moment to address the fans, but I want to share some words with you. We've had our differences, and you're the reason why the fans still chant 'You Suck.'

This draws the fans to endearingly chant You Suck at Kurt.

Angle: "But when you approached me about what the doctors said, I couldn't help but smile. I'm very familiar with neck injuries, I won a gold medal with a broken friggin neck! But to come back after seven-plus years into retirement, to come back to your true love, I couldn't be happier or more proud of what you've accomplished.

Fans begin chanting "You deserve it" and Edge holds back tears.

Angle: "Not only was this life, not only was your career taken away from you, but you were at the top of the game. You were the World Heavyweight Champion. That's why I had no issue putting you in the WWE Universal Championship match at one of the biggest SummerSlams in history. And Edge, you succeeded and became the WWE Universal Champion."

The fans cheer, but Angle's tone begins to change.

Angle: "Now here's the bad news. You did win the WWE Universal Championship at SummerSlam by beating Christian, and I congratulate you for accomplishing that. But this SmackDown is in a new era. But I have no choice but to take that Universal Championship away from you."

The fans begin to boo as Edge looks confused and hurt. Edge mouths, "are you kidding me?"

Angle: "We retired the Matrons Championship the other night, and I'm sorry, but we are retiring the WWE Universal Championship as well. You are no longer the WWE Universal Champion."

With every word, the boos get louder... And then the fog machine goes off in front of their faces as something drops. The fog begins to clear. And in similar fashion to Edge debuting the Rated-R Spinner belt in 2006, the crowd's reaction turns from boos to erupting in cheers as the WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP is on the hook.

Angle: "Edge, this is the championship you never lost. This is your redemption story. Nobody can take SummerSlam and the WWE Universal Championship away from you, but as of this moment, you are officially the World Heavyweight Champion!"

Edge's smile beams from ear-to-ear. Edge unhooks the World Heavyweight Championship as the hook rises to the sky. Kurt Angle gives the champion another hug and leaves the ring to the new World Heavyweight Champion.

Edge: "Damn, give me just a minute."

The fans pour love into Edge with applause as he takes a breath after that whirlwind. He then looks at the World Heavyweight Championship in his hands and fights back tears, throwing the title up in the air.

Edge: "Guys, excuse me, I'm feeling a lot of emotions right now and I'm just being real. This is not the end of the fairytale where everyone lives happily ever after. No, this will be a night and SummerSlam will be a night I cherish for the rest of my life, but this is by no means the end.

"I'm also not here to show up four, five times a year. I'm here on SmackDown and you can see me here fighting to be YOUR World Heavyweight Champion, the champion you can be proud of."

The fans cheer on once more the World Heavyweight Champion.

Edge: "I lost seven years of this, and I feel like I picked up right where I left off... so now what? I'm not quite sure of what that answer is long-term. How long does my neck hold up? How long do I have to do this? I have seven years to make up for, but I'm going to enjoy this ride. And I'm glad I get to ride this part holding The Big Gold, baby!

"But short-term, we're in Brooklyn. I returned to the ring and I won the WWE Universal Championship for the first time in my career. I come out tonight and the World Heavyweight Championship is BACK in the WWE. And short-term, I'm thinking about next week. Next week we're in my hometown of Toronto.

"This World Heavyweight Championship doesn't deserve to be taken away for three months at a time. This World Heavyweight Championship doesn't deserve to be cowered and hidden from its competition. This World Heavyweight Championship deserves to be defended in my hometown of Toronto next Tuesday on SmackDown!

"So to any of you in the back, it's a wide-open challenge. Come out and accept it now."

Edge waits it out before Jeff Hardy's music hits and the fans go nuts! Jeff Hardy leaps out and does his dance before getting in the ring with the World Heavyweight Champion Edge, as they just stare down and the two familiar foes shake hands before Edge lifts his World Heavyweight Championship in the air at the end of SmackDown tonight.

---

Upcoming Schedule:
8/28: Tuesday Night SmackDown! in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
9/4: Tuesday Night SmackDown! in Detroit, MI
9/11: Tuesday Night SmackDown! in Lafayette, LA
9/18: Tuesday Night SmackDown! in Tulsa, OK
9/23: Payback (SmackDown exclusive PPV) in San Antonio, TX





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[Finishline]

Wednesday Night NXT #314
August 22, 2018
Full Sail University
​

After a few still images of NXT Takeover Brooklyn, Vic Joseph and Byron Saxton welcome everyone with the hype of tonight's episode, including The Industry with all the gold, the in-ring debut of Wardlow, and The Clink's Britt Baker and Sonya Deville wrestle Mia Yim and Tegan Nox. But right now, the new and first ever NXT North American Champion is in action.

Dan Matha vs. Tommaso Ciampa in a non-title match
Ciampa shows everyone he'll be known as a worthy competitor to hold the North American Championship first, hitting Project Ciampa on Matha and winning.

After the match, Ciampa gets a microphone and says he met an interesting fella in Brooklyn, and he apparently goes by the name of Wardlow. Ciampa cuts to the chase, knowing Wardlow wanted to make a statement and did so by putting his name in the hat to challenge the first-ever North American Champion. Ciampa's only problem, is he'll be a fighting champion, but you have to earn a title shot. Ciampa says you can't cut in front of the line, more so than anyone in the back. In comes Carmelo Hayes, claiming if Ciampa was in his Round Robin pool, he would've never made it to Takeover. Ciampa says he'd be fine giving Carmelo a chance to prove it, but he needs to wrestle someone. Out comes Jorge Castro ready to make a name for himself.

Carmelo Hayes vs. Jorge Castro
Tommaso Ciampa opts to join Joseph and Saxton for the match when he sees Hayes finish Castro with a Nothing But Net!

After the win, Hayes makes a point to staredown the NXT North American Champion with the next challenger's path cleared to the title.

There's footage earlier today where General Manager William Regal was entering the office today and "The Freebird" Michael Hayes was there to inform him after his actions this past weekend in Brooklyn, the Board of Directors has chosen to go in a different direction. Confused, Regal sees the security guards to escort him out. Regal says he poured so much in this brand and he pleads they've found a suitable replacement, because if not, this brand will go to bloody hell.

Vic Joseph and Byron Saxton react to the whispers being confirmed with the footage. William Regal has been terminated as the NXT General Manager. Vic confirms there's no word on who the new General Manager will be, but they'll keep everyone updated. For tonight, Michael Hayes has charge, per the Board of Directors.

"Crazzy" Steve Marx vs. Wardlow
The NXT debut for Wardlow after showing up at Takeover this past weekend, and "Crazzy" Steve Marx is just overpowered by Wardlow this contest. Wardlow nearly puts Marx through the canvas with a Powerbomb before stepping on the chest for the pinfall.

The trio of Britt Baker, Bianca Belair, and Sonya Deville, a collective known as The Clink, is backstage discussing strategy for tonight's tag team match. Belair is staying quiet so Baker asks her opinion, so Belair snaps. Baker then pokes a shot saying she doesn't have to be snappy because she didn't become NXT Women's Champion in Brooklyn. Sonya Deville has to keep the two separated and plead for cooler heads to prevail. Sonya reminds Britt and Bianca they came to NXT to take-over the entire WWE, and can't do that if they're having issues at this level. Sonya asks Bianca to have their back tonight against Mia Yim and Tegan Nox. Bianca ponders for a moment before walking away. Britt begins to complain and Sonya quiets her.

The Industry come to the ring with all the gold - Tama Tonga and Tevita Loa with the NXT Tag Team Championships and Adam Cole as the 2-time NXT Champion. Adam Cole flaunts their titles around Full Sail, saying "I told you so." Cole said they came in with the mission to change the industry, and this is just the beginning. Adam Cole's interrupted by a new theme song, and out comes GUNTHER! Gunther stands at the stage and there's a replay of Gunther attacking Pete Dunne, assisting Cole in retaining the NXT Championship on Saturday. Gunther begins making his way to the ring and as he gets to the ring he's pushed into the steel steps by Pete Dunne! Dunne is firing shots down on Gunther as Adam Cole holds Guerrillas of Destiny back, watching this play out. Once Dunne takes out Gunther, he locks eyes with Adam Cole. Dunne gets inside the ring and G.o.D. step in front and it's a 2-on-1 assault. Nick Aldis charges the ring and this is when Adam Cole bails, with Aldis evening the odds on the Guerrillas of Destiny and Aldis and Dunne clear the ring. Gunther gets back to his feet and nearly pounces on Dunne, but stays out noticing the odds are no longer in his favor. Adam Cole gets his Industry buddies and gets them to the back as quick as possible.

The Clink vs. Mia Yim & Tegan Nox
During this match, Vic Joseph announces news from his headset: tonight's main event will be the Guerrillas of Destiny versus Nick Aldis and Pete Dunne. Bianca Belair doesn't escort Britt Baker and Sonya Deville for this match, while Mia Yim is coaching Tegan Nox through this match and we're starting to see the evolution of Tegan Nox. But Baker and Deville are a good team, getting a 2-on-1 advantage by cutting off the ring. The two teams make a hot tag, getting Deville and Mia Yim in the match. They go for some fire offense, but Mia Yim takes over and Deville makes a tag to Britt Baker. Yim still looks like she has this, but Deville runs over and pulls Tegan Nox off the ramp and tosses her over the barricade. The official sees this and yells at Deville while Bianca Belair runs in and yanks Mia Yim to hit the KOD before quickly rolling out and Britt Baker makes the cover for the win.

The Clink celebrate with Belair and Baker hugging it out at the stage while Tegan Nox pulls herself back over the barricade and checks on Mia Yim.

A pre-taped interview between Sophia and Keith Lee from Saturday's NXT Takeover airs on tonight's show. Sophia asks about Keith Lee's plans after becoming a SmackDown prospect and having his rights owned by the blue brand now. Keith admits he's always wanted to be on the main roster and he's excited he'll be apart of Tuesday Nights, but he's still on the NXT roster and he has some unfinished business. Keith Lee shrugs and says he needs some gold.

To the present day, Andrade "Cien" Almas and Zelina Vega are backstage arguing about what transpired on Takeover. Andrade blames Zelina for not getting his rights protected by disqualification in the contract. Zelina promises she'll fix it, and Andrade sends her to Michael Hayes to get this resolved.

A video package shows Jaxon Thielen and Logan Brigman enjoying time in their home country of Canada. It shows them watching SummerSlam with the moment of Cesaro and Sheamus beating Maple Leaf Mafia. Brigman has the idea of changing America's perception of Canada. Thielen's interested in hearing more, and Brigman can see it in lights now... "The new NXT Tag Team Champions - The North."

The Street Profits w/Marshe Rockett vs. Josh "The Goods" Woods and "Filthy" Tom Lawlor
The Street Profits are making things look easy with the 3-on-2 advantage, almost being New Day like in their taunts. After not taking Woods or Lawlor seriously, Marshe Rockett gets pushed into the corner post. This catches the Street Profits attention, enough for Lawlor to lock in the Koji Clutch on Angelo Dawkins. Montez Ford hops down and chases the guy out of the arena, before Ford realizes the match is still going on and runs to the ring but Angelo's already tapping out to the Koji Clutch.

Montez Ford kneels by Angelo Dawkins as he watches Josh Woods and Tom Lawlor slither out of the ring before Montez is grabbed in a Rear Naked Choke by this guy! The man holds onto it before Montez passes out while Woods and Lawlor keep Rockett and Dawkins at bay. The man lets go of the hold before raising the arms of Woods and Lawlor, when Byron Saxton recognizes the guy: it's former MMA fighter, Matt Riddle! Riddle is in NXT!

William Regal has cleared his office and he's leaving the arena, escorted by security when he comes across Pete Dunne and Nick Aldis. Two fellow countrymen, they all share a glance before the security tells Regal he must keep going.

Vic Joseph and Byron Saxton recap an eventful NXT tonight with no General Manager and the arrivals of Wardlow, Gunther, and now Matt Riddle! They share they don't have much for next week's NXT due to the managerial changes, but encourages people to be posted to the socials if the spot is filled or other matches to be scheduled for next week as the main event is next!

Guerrillas of Destiny vs. Nick Aldis & Pete Dunne
NXT Champion Adam Cole joins Vic Joseph and Byron Saxton for commentary. He addresses two theories on commentary. The first of Gunther being a member of The Industry if he helped Cole win on Saturday, in which Cole denies being in cahoots with Gunther. Joseph then brings up the possibility of Gunther eyeing the NXT Championship, before Saxton says to stop bothering Cole, and the NXT Champion simply says The Industry is starting the most dominant run in NXT history and NOBODY is stopping them. Cole redirects his attention to the ring where Tama Tonga is making an example of Pete Dunne.

A hot tag towards the end gives Nick Aldis a chance against Tama Tonga to show what he's capable of. Aldis loses sight of what's important, by motioning towards Cole a title around his waist. This allows Aldis to slip and the G.o.D. set up for Guerrilla Warfare but Pete Dunne breaks it up. Aldis then locks in the King's Lynn Cloverleaf before Adam Cole runs off commentary and nearly takes Nick's head off with the NXT title, but Aldis let go of the hold to duck the shot. Aldis then hits a big lariat on the champion, getting a big pop as the NXT Champion's momentum takes him to the floor and he's looking up at Aldis before he gets caught from behind in a schoolboy. Out of the official's view, Cole holds Tama Tonga's legs on the rope for leverage and the tag champions get the win before Pete Dunne can save it.

Pete Dunne argues with the official as Adam Cole gets the Guerrillas of Destiny and all their gold up the ramp as quickly as possible before NXT goes off the air.

 

[Finishline]

205 LIVE #5
August 23, 2018
Full Sail University​

205 Live begins with Ace Austin gloating about his Cruiserweight Championship retention at NXT Takeover against Dinastia before making fun of William Regal's termination last night on NXT. Ace is interrupted by a video on the titantron that ends with the words "The Dragon is Coming." Ace is confused before Flip Gordon heads out. Flip says he's not the dragon, but the champion should be focused on him instead. Flip says records are supposed to mean something, but he's the only 3-0 guy on the roster and is challenging Ace Austin for the Cruiserweight Championship tonight! Ace denies before walking out on Flip Gordon, leaving the fans booing.

Kip Sabian (0-2) w/Marty Scurll vs. Mansoor (2-0) w/Mustafa Ali
Marty Scurll made his presence known several times and each time Ali would complain to the official, it left the window open for Kip Sabian to take advantage of it. The last time, Ali leaped over the steel steps and attacked Scurll. The official decided to try and break it up before Sabian decks Mansoor and tucks something in his trunks. Ali throws Scurll into the barricade when Sabian yells at the official. The ref slides in as Ali begs for Mansoor to kick out, and he never gets to.

Kip Sabian leaves and gets Marty Scurll up after stealing his first win on 205 Live, thanks to Scurll, and Mansoor suffering his first loss.

Ace Austin is walking towards the exit when Chavo Guerrero stops him, asking where he's going. The champion says he's made his obligatory appearance on today's show, collecting his paycheck, and heading back to the hotel. Chavo says he has a match tonight against the man who challenged him earlier, Flip Gordon. Ace freaks out before Chavo calms him down and says the match is not for the title, but if Flip does win, he'll be the one contending very, very soon.

Gran Metalik (0-1) vs. TJ Perkins (2-0)
People understood why Gran Metalik is the "King of the Ropes" but once Perkins got Metalik on the ground, he had the match in his grasps, and eventually taps Metalik to the TJP Clutch.

Simultaneously as TJ Perkins gets his hand raised, Sammy Guevera blindsides him. Guevara clearly not over his loss last week to TJ Perkins. Guevera beats him down before finishing Perkins off with a springboard cutter.

For the fifth week on the fifth episode of 205 Live, a vignette airs for El Hijo del Fantasma. Fantasma continues the idea he's the author of his story and can be whoever he wants in this new scenery. With his back turned to the camera, Fantasma takes off his mask and the video cuts.

Vic Joseph and The Brian Kendrick are shook, with the idea of El Hijo del Fantasma dropping the mask? TBK brings up how important the mask is in his culture, but what does this mean for his future in 205 Live?

Jack Gallagher (2-0) vs. Zema Ion (0-1)
Zema Ion looks off as Gallagher makes quick work in three minutes by tapping Zema Ion tap to the Achilles Lock.

Kushida's backstage when Swerve Strickland approaches Kushida, once again thanking him for a good match last week. Swerve brings up the idea of the two teaming up. Overhearing the conversation, Samir and Sunil Singh offer their services next week in a tag team match. Swerve looks to Kushida and Kushida nods in agreement and all four shake hands.

Trey Miguel (1-0) vs. Tyler Bate (1-1) w/Dean Malenko
This match is next level with how high-quality it is, but the win is tainted as Malenko distracts the official after a Meteora. Miguel asks what Malenko's doing, but as Malenko backs up, Bate shoots a forearm to Miguel that has him catch his throat on the middle rope. As the official tries checking on Miguel, Bate quickly picks him up to hit the Tyler Driver and the official reluctantly counts 3.

Tyler Bate pops up and demands his hand raised, but the official is checking on the health of Trey Miguel. Dean Malenko gets in the ring and raises Tyler Bate's hand for him as everyone's concerned for Trey Miguel.

After a commercial break, Vic Joseph and The Brian Kendrick update everyone that Trey Miguel is getting transported to a local hospital in Orlando to be checked on after he was coughing up blood during the break. But for next week, we confirm the following after tonight:
- Samir and Sunil Singh vs. Kushida and Swerve Strickland
- Marty Scurll vs. Mustafa Ali

AND! If Flip Gordon beats Ace Austin in the main event next, he'll receive a Cruiserweight Championship match next week!

Ace Austin (5-0) vs. Flip Gordon (3-0)
Ace Austin begins to elude Flip this match, until Gordon hit a corkscrew plancha to the floor and looked like he was getting the edge. Flip threw Ace into the ring and tried hitting a springboard move, but Ace caught him with a superkick. Ace stomped at the face of Flip, which is where the attitude "flipped" for the champion. Towards the end, Ace wanted to put Flip away with The Fold, but Flip moved out of the way and trapped Ace in the small package, but the champion got out. Flip then charged the champion before Ace hopped and Gordon stopped himself from going shoulder-first into the post. Ace quickly throws his bicep between Flip's legs and goes for the schoolboy but the official calls for the bell.

The champion wants his hand raised but the official waives it off and raises Flip Gordon's hand. Ace chases the official out of the ring and the official explains to Samantha Irvin that Flip Gordon has won by disqualification. A replay shows that the bicep wasn't for the schoolboy, but Ace hit a low-blow before rolling him over. Ace Austin is absolutely irate as Flip Gordon not only wins by disqualification, ends Ace Austin's undefeated record, but by this measure, will get a Cruiserweight Championship match NEXT WEEK! The graphic confirms this as 205 Live goes off the air for the evening.

 

[Finishline]

WRESTLING NEWS & HEADLINES


>> At NXT Takeover, we saw the debuts of Gunther and Wardlow. Both were announced to sign with WWE and get their "rights" drafted to Monday Night Raw to debut within the next year. There were initial conversations about whether to move those two up or to bring them to NXT in favor of signing other free agents or moving other people up.

Reports suggest there's some improvement for both of these prospects to make before they enter the main roster. In addition, officials suggested it be best for them to gain a little exposure on NXT before debuting on Raw.

No word on Hangman Page and when he will debut on television, as he's the only prospect now to not appear on WWE television.
​

---

>> Speaking of draft rights, Andrade "Cien" Almas lost his draft rights in a match at NXT Takeover to Keith Lee. "Limitless" now is a SmackDown prospect. We reported last week Andrade is scheduled for a call-up by the end of 2018, and reports suggest those plans haven't changed, but they have become delayed with the decision not to debut him the week after SummerSlam.
​

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>> William Regal has internally moved to the SmackDown roster. Regal was in the corner of Dinastia at NXT Takeover before he helped Neville regain the Intercontinental Championship at SummerSlam, then ultimately ending the week getting terminated as NXT General Manager. Rumors suggest several factors came into play, with believing Neville needed a mouthpiece and William Regal wanting a change of pace for some time now.

Several names have been rumored for the new NXT General Manager position, but we can't confirm any of those names being true. Names from Shawn Michaels to Triple H to Shane McMahon himself keep swirling.
​

---

>> The Usos won the WWE Tag Team Championships at SummerSlam and were officially traded to the blue brand. This move was set in motion several weeks ago when Roman Reigns was unfortunately diagnosed with leukemia and the potential trios team was put on hold. Once it was decided to do a Triple Threat TLC Match in hopes of building the main event feud of Christian and Edge even sooner, The Usos were inserted as the third team. The original team was not The Usos, however, but it was originally going to include the team of Cesaro and Sheamus who ended up wrestling on the kickoff show.

The Usos are now on SmackDown, and it was announced The Miz will be moving to Raw this week. There is confirmation that a second name will be moved to Raw from SmackDown in this trade, but no word if WWE has made up their mind on who that will be.
​

---

>> Reports suggest The New Day were originally slated to end their WWE Trios Championships reign at SummerSlam, but it was the day-of the changes were made to have The New Day retain, thanks to never getting started. Hesitations began swirling with complications about putting the titles on The Fallen so soon and felt time would run short on a stacked SummerSlam show.
​

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>> Heat and Velocity returned this week to WWE programming and the reception to the matches were mostly indifferent. WWE officials like the idea of fans getting to the arena 30 minutes early for a couple matches, but feel the rosters are so thin with injuries right now they can't justify two extra matches each night without double dipping from those on the main show that evening.
​

---

>> WrestleMania 35 will be two nights for the first time in history. The move was decided for several reasons. One is that they have two shows and two rosters to build enough for two nights, insisting not many people will be left out of the weekend festivities. The other is WrestleMania 35 is a significant number and would benefit from doing a two night Mania now than to wait 5 years.

There's no confirmation if WrestleMania 36 will be a two-night event, but it's almost a given if this year's WrestleMania is a success financially.
​

---

>> WWE is beginning to shift some focus on building the women's divisions on both Raw and SmackDown. This is why they had 3 matches on the main SummerSlam show, which included an I Quit match and two title opportunities. It's also significant to note they renamed the Matrons Championship to the Universal Women's Championship, giving the titles a more respectable feel than Divas and Matrons as the name.

Then on SmackDown, it was announced Charlotte Flair had broken her arm due to Ronda Rousey's attack. Two major things to note here. One, this is believed to be a kayfabe injury to build the SmackDown division with a tournament. Two, this is believed to build a future match between Charlotte and WWE superfan Ronda Rousey, who built her name as one of the greatest UFC fighters ever - male or female. It's not sure when, or if, we get the pay-off for the match: but the foundation has been laid.
​

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>> Raw began this week with Chris Jericho returning to WWE after three years away... but this potentially won't be the last major signing for WWE. Jericho was a huge part of TNA Wrestling before the company went on hiatus back in April with a management overhaul and contract restructuring. Jericho is one name (along with the likes of former WWE superstars Drew McIntyre, Evan Bourne, Jack Swagger, Rey Mysterio, and Rey Mysterio) who has decided to not return to TNA once the company is scheduled to return from hiatus in October.

The decision for Jericho to debut on Raw is to give the Raw after SummerSlam the same feel as Raw after Mania in the years to come. Officials were very high on the success of the week from Takeover, to SummerSlam, to Raw, to SmackDown, and all the programs this week.

Jericho is also expected to help in regards to the main event hole left with the absences of Randy Orton and Emperor Roman Reigns right now.
​

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>> WWE officials enjoyed Fenix and his debut for SmackDown, feeling it wasn't a waste to make the announcement at SummerSlam. Fenix is expected to be a big player for the blue brand for a long time to come.
​

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>> Bray Wyatt held a promo on SmackDown that he has to go away for a while. This is WWE's way of writing Wyatt off television for a while, but the reason isn't sure. Luke Harper was written off Raw for a rumored repackaging, but we aren't sure if Wyatt is due for a repackaging or is taking time to heal from injuries.
​

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>> Edge did it! Edge not only won his first match back against Christian to become WWE Universal Champion, but on Tuesday, the WWE officially brought back the World Heavyweight Championship. The reception to it was really good, even though the Universal Championship only had a 2-year run. It's said the title will continue its lineage from when it ended in 2013, giving Edge his 8th reign as World Heavyweight Champion.

In addition to that, Edge is confirmed to be a full-time member of the SmackDown roster. His neck is fine and Edge wants to make up for lost time. Edge will have his first SmackDown match back, and a World Heavyweight Championship defense, in his hometown of Toronto against Jeff Hardy this upcoming week.​

 

[Finishline]

Authors Note: Going ahead and posting this so (A) I don't lose it, (B) I'm excited, (C) I'm making up for lost time, and (D) I'll be away most of Thursday-Sunday so I won't be able to write or post anything.

​

The show starts with highlights from last week's WWE Network debut of Heat with big wins for Asuka and Shelton Benjamin prior to the opening contest, Jordan Devlin and NXT superstar Dave Finley.

​

Dave Finley vs. Jordan Devlin
The son of Fit doesn't have his rights owned by Monday Night Raw, but invited for his Heat debut tonight against Finn Balor's protege Jordan Devlin. Jordan's doing this on his own and finishes Finley off with Ireland's Call.

A "Raw Rebound" airs of Chris Jericho's return to Monday Night Raw last week to team with Baron Corbin against Bobby Lashley and Rusev. After Jericho and Corbin won, it showed Corbin hit the End of Days on the returning Jericho to signal he was coming for the WWE Championship. Heat commentators Ian Riccaboni and Paul Heyman note that's tonight and they're excited!

Advertised for Raw tonight is the arrival of the newest Raw acquisition The Miz, Elias Samson versus Murphy, along with the WWE Championship triple threat match between Jericho, Corbin, and champion Kevin Owens!

Emma vs. Lacey Evans
Emma wasn't happy about her loss to WWE Women's Champion Paige last week on Raw, but against NXT superstar and "The Real Lady" Lacey Evans, Emma has better luck with making Evans tap to the Emma Lock.

Paul Heyman notes both Dave Finley and Lacey Evans impressed in their outings tonight, suggesting Raw needs to secure their rights sooner or later. Ian Riccaboni thanks everyone for tuning into Monday Night Heat tonight on the WWE Network, inviting people to join Paul Heyman and Michael Cole in moments for Monday Night Raw where the WWE Championship will be on the line tonight.

Monday Night Raw #1318
August 27, 2018
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
​

After a replay of Chris Jericho's return to WWE and Monday Night Raw last week airs, as well as the tag team match which saw Jericho and Baron Corbin earn a WWE Championship match tonight in Toronto before Corbin laid Y2J out. The show kicks off with Kevin Owens, the WWE Champion, coming to share his disgruntled morale having to defend the WWE Championship in his home country of Canada. Chris Jericho then comes out to a big ovation and says he deserves to win the WWE Championship in his home country of Canada! Owens calls Jericho "fake Canadian" asking if he was born in New York. The fans begin to boo at New York and then Baron Corbin interrupts with his motorcycle. Corbin gets in the ring and Jericho gives him a receipt for last week as the two begin to brawl and Kevin Owens decides to dip out of the ring as Jericho and Corbin have to be separated by security ahead of the main event tonight.

While this is going on, a limousine pulls up, and out walks The Miz. Charly Caruso catches up with the newest acquisition to Monday Night Raw via trade and welcomes The A-Lister to Raw. The Miz asks if she was the one who forgot the red carpet, but nonetheless, he's excited to be on Raw where he feels valued. The Miz realizes that The Usos are a tag team, so the trade sits at 2-for-1. The Miz says his return to Raw will be a memorable one, as he brings MizTV with him and will invite the acquisition of Raw along with him!

Alberto Del Rio vs. Cody Rhodes
This is Cody's first appearance since participating in the Championship Scramble Match at SummerSlam eight days ago, and he seems more focused than ever against a former world champion in Del Rio. Rhodes finishes Del Rio off in a solid opening match with a Cross-Rhodes and doesn't waste time on celebrating, but shakes a few hands as he leaves for the back.

Another who was unsuccessful in the Championship Scramble Match was Bobby Lashley, as well as last week's tag team opportunity. Footage is shown of a confrontation earlier today between Lashley, Rusev, and Lana. Lashley blamed Rusev for not being in the WWE Championship match tonight, and after a back and forth, Lana volunteers Rusev up for a match tonight on Raw. Lashley accepts and walks off, but Rusev doesn't seem thrilled about it.

Mickie James vs. Nikki Bella
Mickie and Nikki are going at it, with the commentary team leaning James and Bella because of the similar names, with rising up the title rankings in the balance. WWE Women's Champion Paige is shown watching this match in the back on a monitor when James secures a big win getting out of the Rack Attack with a swinging DDT followed by a Mick Kick!

Mickie James celebrates a big win as Nikki Bella's slide continues, and Paul Heyman suggests Paige needs to watch out - but Michael Cole reminds Heyman of what happened at SummerSlam: Becky Lynch securing the #1 contendership against Rubi Riot in an I Quit Match. Heyman questions where Lynch is afterward, her nose is broken, and she might just lose her spot!

Paige finishes watching the result of the women's match when Alexa Bliss shows up. Bliss says she understands Paige is here, dressed to compete, but with no opponent on the card. Alexa Bliss says she doesn't have to worry about Mickie James, about Becky Lynch, but Alexa Bliss. Paige asks if Alexa lost to Mickie James last week, but digresses. Paige says she isn't doing anything tonight and isn't afraid of sending a message to the rest of the women's locker room, so challenge accepted.

The ring is set up for MizTV as the newest acquisition to Monday Night Raw brings his show with him! The Miz begins by re-introducing himself and listing off his accolades: a former WWE Champion, former WWE Universal Champion, 7-time tag team champion, former Money in the Bank, 2-time United States Champion, 4-time Intercontinental Champion, and the best Hollywood Star in WWE history! The Miz says Raw won't miss The Usos, because they upgraded. The trade could've been 2-to-1, but Raw just double-downed and got someone else too! The Miz says he can't wait to find out who it is, so he invites whoever it is... but Dolph Ziggler interrupts. The Miz mocks Ziggler saying "weren't you already a Raw superstar? I'm sure we've all forgotten because you haven't done much." Ziggler smirks and simply says whoever the other acquisition to Raw is, they aren't going to bother with some B-rate show like MizTV. The Miz takes offense to this and tells Ziggler he's just upset now that The Miz is on Raw, Ziggler will be on Heat! Ziggler laughs and says they're both on Raw right now, so how about a match right now? The Miz quickly avoids it and says he already ruined one suit wrestling on SmackDown, he won't be doing the same tonight, so The Miz walks out on his own show and the fans begin to boo!

Backstage, Rusev is complaining to Lana about making the match against Bobby Lashley. Lana reminds Rusev she knows what she's doing, but the Bulgarian Brute doesn't see it. Lana lets Rusev know with a win tonight against the United States Champion, JBL will have to grant Rusev a title match and he can become United States Champion and hold gold for the first time since 2015. Rusev feels more open to that idea, but still concerned about wrestling Lashley.

Coming back from a commercial break, we recap what happened on Raw last week in Brooklyn where Elias Samson blindsided Murphy with a guitar shot. After the replay, Elias Samson is with Scarlett in the ring and Elias laughs and jokes about the "shot heard around the world" last week. Elias says he was gifted a new guitar by Scarlett this week, and with the inspiration of a new guitar from a special friend of his, he wrote this new song. Elias can't strum a few strings before Murphy's music hits and Murphy almost attacks Elias, but the official slides in and keeps him in the corner. The official clears the ring of Scarlett and the guitar before Murphy pounces on Elias.

Elias Samson w/Scarlett vs. Murphy
The official is trying his best, but Murphy's obviously annoyed by what happened last week, but once Elias hit a neckbreaker, it seemed to do more damage than usual. Paul Heyman's curious if the guitar shot did some nerve damage to the neck of Murphy last week, and Elias begins to key-in on the neck of Murphy. Murphy begins to fight his way back and even gets a chance to hit a diving foot stomp on Elias, but the split distraction by Scarlett on the outside catching Murphy's eye gives Elias the chance to pull Murphy off the top rope by the shoulder and Murphy really hurts his neck. Elias goes straight into Drift Away and pins Murphy!

Elias Samson celebrates with Scarlett on the outside as Scarlett snatches onto the guitar star. Murphy's left holding his neck in the ring after a somewhat controversial victory with a slight assist from Scarlett.

The Miz runs into JBL's office and is upset about Dolph Ziggler interrupting MizTV and demands he is the first to know who is in the trade with him. JBL asks what's the fun in that, and the person should be introduced to everyone on the "most must-see show in WWE, MizTV." The Miz lights up and hugs JBL tightly with gratitude for recognizing the value in MizTV. The Miz says it matters to him to feel respect, and JBL agrees. JBL tells The Miz one way to earn respect in this business is to beat it out of them. JBL asks Miz if he brought his gear, and The Miz says yeah, when JBL says he's making a match for The Miz to beat the respect out of Dolph Ziggler TONIGHT! JBL tells Miz to get dressed and The Miz is hype before he leaves and shuts the door behind him... then it clicks what he just agreed to.

The Fallen come to the ring being led by Viktor. Standing in front of Aleister Black, Damian Priest, and Judas in a dimly lit arena, the leader reminds everyone they're here to take in the WWE. Viktor says it's not just about gold, but he wants to take the spirit away from the roster. Viktor said they wanted to take the power of positivity away from The New Day, and they did. They wanted to take the pride out of Santana and Ortiz, and they did. The Fallen wanted to take the soul from The Usos, and they sent them running to Tuesdays. The lights pop up when The New Day's Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods show up. Viktor maniacally laughs, noticing the absence of Big E, asking if the big man is still in the hospital with his spirits crushed. Santana and Ortiz's music hits and the duo come out with two kendo sticks in each hand, handing one to their New Day counterpart. The four dart the ring and Viktor dips but Black, Priest, and Judas all catch kendo sticks before one by one, they get whipped out of the ring. The Fallen seem to have fired up a trio and a tag team, now being in the unfamiliar territory of being outnumbered.

Charly Caruso interviews Cody Rhodes after his win tonight against Alberto Del Rio. Caruso asks Cody how he's feeling after losing at SummerSlam in the WWE Championship Scramble Match. Cody jokes it's unfortunate the match wasn't for one fall, because he would be the new WWE Champion right now. Cody says he was the interim champion, "whatever that means," until about two-and-a-half minutes left. He recalls being a second late to breaking up the pin by Kevin Owens. Cody says it's the nature of the beast and he will be back in that conversation. Charly asks how Cody feels about being left out of the WWE Championship triple threat later tonight, but he avoids answering the question by wishing the competitors (except Kevin) luck and says he'll be watching very closely.

Paige vs. Alexa Bliss in a non-title match
Alexa tries stepping up to the plate against the best woman in all WWE, the champion herself Paige. Alexa tried a bit harder than she did against Mickie James last week, but it's the Paige Turner that keeps Alexa down for the count.

As Paige celebrates, Mickie James heads out. Mickie tells Paige she understands Becky is the #1 contender, but she's been impressive and after her win the last couple weeks, Mickie believes she should go ahead and get her title opportunity before Becky Lynch is back. Paige is considering it before Michael Cole steps away from the commentary table and enters the ring with a microphone. Michael Cole mentions the vast number of competitors coming after Paige's WWE Women's Championship as the women's division is stacked on Raw, however, Michael says he just got word the #1 contender Becky Lynch will be back next week and plans to confront the WWE Women's Champion! Paige sends a message to the TV Becky's watching at home, telling the Lass Kicker to bring it! Paige's music hits and the champion leaves, but the camera shows a dejected Mickie James with her challenge left on the table.

Chris Jericho is lacing his boots up when Shelton Benjamin comes into the locker room. Benjamin officially welcomes Jericho back and after giving Jericho a hug, Benjamin brings up a solid point: Jericho mentioned he didn't want in the title picture right away, and his second match back he's in a WWE Championship match? Benjamin says he's been scratching and clawing ever since he got back, yet it doesn't matter, because he's not had a shot at the WWE Championship. Jericho understands and tells Benjamin he believes the Gold Standard will get there one day, and Jericho admits he didn't want it, but if you're not here to be WWE Champion, then you should get the hell out. Jericho admits he'll keep Shelton in mind if he wins tonight, pats Benjamin on the back and sits down to continue lacing up. Benjamin wishes Jericho good luck before walking out.

Dolph Ziggler vs. The Miz
In The Miz's first match since being traded to Raw, he's in his gear against Dolph Ziggler who clearly got what he wanted. The Miz looks like he's about to hit the Skull Crushing Finale, but Ziggler dips behind The Miz and hits a Zig-Zag! Ziggler hooks the legs, perhaps too far, and it lands Miz's foot over his head and on the second rope. Ziggler then gets ready for a Superkick but The Miz ducks under, jabs Ziggler in the throat and turns him around into a Skull Crushing Finale!

The Miz gets a dirty look from the official, who couldn't necessarily disqualify the move that assisted The Miz in getting a win tonight on Raw.

Mickie James is packing her bags for the evening when Charly Caruso stops by and asks Mickie about taking a backseat to Becky Lynch who returns to Raw next week. That word snaps Mickie James out of her funk and says she doesn't take a backseat to anybody. Mickie admits Becky earned it, but where has she been the last two weeks while Mickie James has been here fighting, winning, and getting momentum? Mickie says Becky better get her title opportunity soon and make use of it, because sooner rather than later Mickie James will become WWE Women's Champion.

Bobby Lashley vs. Rusev w/Lana in a non-title match
Bobby blames Rusev for not competing in the main event tonight and his anger shows. Rusev tries getting offense in, but Lashley is simply overpowering him and Lana's hopes of Rusev getting a future United States Championship match is looking bleak... but those chances die when Bobby Lashley ends Rusev with not one, but two Spears for good measure.

Bobby briefly gets his hand raised before he snatches his United States Championship away from the official and leaving Rusev on the mat with no regard. Bobby gets to the stage and Finn Balor's music hits. Balor walks out with protege Jordan Devlin following him. Balor acknowledges Rusev couldn't pin the United States Champion, but acknowledges he did! Footage rolls of Balor pinning Lashley in the WWE Championship Scramble. Balor says he was interim WWE Champion for about two minutes and nearly came away a 2-time world champion, but wasn't afforded the opportunity Lashley had last week. Balor then says if pinning the United States Champion warrants a title match, he's coming for the title next week. Bobby Lashley looks pissed and he grabs the microphone from Balor to emphatically say "NO!" before throwing the mic down and walking towards the curtain. Jordan Devlin then picks the mic up, and says if he may, he's already went to JBL on Finn's behalf and the match is official next week for the United States Championship. Lashley's eyes widen as he storms up to Jordan Devlin before Finn Balor steps in-between. Lashley asks if Balor really wants this title, and he says we'll see how bad next week.

Michael Cole and Paul Heyman flip over what they just heard, before they go into a full preview for next week's Raw from Columbus, Ohio:

- Finn Balor challenges Bobby Lashley for the United States Championship
- Becky Lynch returns to confront WWE Women's Champion Paige
- The Miz promises MizTV "Take 2" as he introduces the new Raw acquisition in The Usos trade​

But right now, who will go to Columbus as the WWE Champion? The match is up next!

Kevin Owens(c) vs. Baron Corbin vs. Chris Jericho for the WWE Championship
This is Kevin's worst nightmare from the start, because at the very beginning Corbin and Jericho are taking turns on Kevin Owens. However, once Owens is taken care of, Jericho remembers last week and hits a Codebreaker on Corbin and it's Corbin who rolls out of the ring or else we would have a new WWE Champion! Then later in the match, Owens reminds Jericho of what Corbin did last week, so there's a short Canadian alliance with Jericho and Owens. And after that alliance, Owens tries convincing Corbin that Jericho has come to take their spot, but as Owens thinks he's convinced him and goes towards Jericho, Corbin catches him with the Deep-Six.

Towards the end, Owens decides he's going to end Chris Jericho with the Powerbomb on the ring apron, but Jericho counters at the last second with a hurricanrana. When Owens gets up, he's caught by Baron Corbin by the throat and eats a chokeslam on the ring apron! Corbin looks around and sees Jericho sliding in the ring. The two have a series of respectable moves, including Corbin twisting out of the Walls of Jericho and popping up to hit a Deep-Six on Jericho. Corbin feels the championship in his grasp as he goes for an End of Days, but Jericho flips right through that and hits a step-up enzuigiri. Jericho goes for the Codebreaker, but Corbin's strength counters and holds Jericho up for a while before he drops him throat-first on the top rope. Jericho stumbles back and Corbin brings him in for the END OF DAYS! Corbin hits it! Corbin goes to cover Jericho and SMASH! Kevin Owens with a steel chair stabs Baron Corbin in the back, just like SummerSlam. Corbin gets to his feet and Owens clotheslines Corbin over the top rope before immediately hooking the leg on Chris Jericho, out cold, and Owens retains.

Kevin Owens can't even get his WWE Championship and celebrate before Baron Corbin locks eyes with Owens and Corbin slides in the ring, but Owens rolls out before The Lone Wolf can get a hand on him. Corbin's clearly upset as the Prizefighter pulled the same trick twice to cost Corbin his first WWE Championship as Raw goes off the air with Owens clutching his most prized possession.

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Upcoming Schedule:
9/3: Monday Night Raw in Columbus, OH
9/10: Monday Night Raw in New Orleans, LA
9/17: Monday Night Raw in Dallas, TX
10/21: Rage in the Cage (Raw exclusive PPV) in Boston, MA



'
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[Finishline]

​

The Velocity intro package begins before Tom Phillips and Titus O'Neil welcome everyone to Velocity on the WWE Network before we get to see our first match of the evening.

Carmella vs. Ember Moon
Ember Moon, a SmackDown prospect, is giving Carmella everything she can handle after Mella was eliminated from the Universal Women's Championship Tournament last week. Carmella, however, avoids the Eclipse and instead gets the Code of Silence in for Ember Moon to tap out.

Tom Phillips and Titus O'Neil cut to the package from last week where Kurt Angle presents Edge with the World Heavyweight Championship, retiring the WWE Universal Championship in favor of the title Edge never lost. Then backstage, Kurt Angle gets interviewed by Renee Young about tonight's main event between Jeff Hardy and Edge for the Big Gold belt. Angle says it was an honor to see Edge return to the ring and to gift him the World Heavyweight Championship, a title he earned and never lost, but had to earn again. Angle says he's glad to have Edge on SmackDown for matches of old like against Christian and Jeff Hardy, but with matches we haven't seen before like Cesaro, Sheamus, Bray Wyatt, Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins. Angle is asked to make a prediction but eludes the question, saying he's ready for the main event to decide and predicts it'll be a hostile atmosphere with the Toronto crowd.

Some highlights air from WWE Heat last night as Jordan Devlin and Emma pick up solid wins over Dave Finley and Lacey Evans respectively.

Jinder Mahal vs. Cedric Alexander
NXT's Cedric Alexander comes out by himself, as opposed to having his tag team partner Moose with him, while he faces the Modern Day Maharaja. Mahal, returning to SmackDown this summer, struggles to keep up against Alexander's quickness but once he catches him in a Khallas, it was over as Mahal picks up the win.

Jinder Mahal celebrates a win on Velocity as moments draw closer to SmackDown, where Tom Phillips receives word Seth Rollins will begin tonight's show and rumors circulating around it has something to do with Dean Ambrose following their match at SummerSlam. O'Neil and Phillips thanks everyone to tuning into Velocity on the WWE Network, but SmackDown starts on the USA Network now!

Tuesday Night SmackDown! #993
August 28, 2018
Toronto, Ontario, Canada​

SmackDown starts with the reminder we have TWO title matches tonight, including Edge's first match on SmackDown in over seven years defending his World Heavyweight Championship against Jeff Hardy. Plus, Jason Jordan gets his rematch against Neville for the Intercontinental Championship. But SmackDown kicks off with Seth Rollins heading out.

Seth Rollins explains his match with Dean Ambrose at SummerSlam isn't the end of their differences. Rollins recalls WrestleMania when Ambrose put "a Good Samaritan" on the shelf by driving his head through a cinderblock. Rollins says this isn't over until he puts Ambrose through the same pain, which is why he's challenging Dean Ambrose at Payback on September 23rd in the first ever CINDERBLOCK match! Rollins throws the microphone down and storms out before the Universal Women's Championship Tournament resumes with their first-round matchups.

Nikki Cross vs. Tessa Blanchard in the Universal Women's Championship Tournament
Cross was a little crazy but Blanchard just displays her natural ability above the rest, and Blanchard gets the win with Magnum.

Blanchard gets her hand raised but requests a microphone. Blanchard says she despises Ronda Rousey, because she wanted to be the one to humble Charlotte. Rather, she'll accept fate and become the next Universal Women's Champion. Blanchard tosses the microphone away as the bracket flashes up on the screen with the final first-round matchup tonight.

UNIVERSAL WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT
Bayley vs. Carmella -> BAYLEY
Nikki Cross vs. Tessa Blanchard -> BLANCHARD
Naomi vs. Peyton Royce -> NAOMI
Dana Brooke vs. Sasha Banks
--
Bayley vs. Blanchard
Naomi vs. TBD​

Renee Young gets a word with William Regal and Intercontinental Champion Neville ahead of Neville's title defense tonight, but Renee first asks Regal about being relieved of his NXT General Manager duties. Regal says NXT made a grave mistake after all he's done for the brand over the years, but claims the brand will miss him and his ability to make superstars like Neville. Regal vows it'll be SmackDown's worst nightmare as he is now the full-time agent for Neville and will be in his corner as he successfully defends his Intercontinental Championship this evening against Jason Jordan.

The self-proclaimed "Silver Medalist" Michael Bennett comes to the ring with Maria comes to the ring with Bennett insisting his loss last week to Fenix was a fluke and will prove on an international stage of Canada he is the Silver Medalist for a reason!

Fenix vs. Michael Bennett w/Maria
Bennett's a little more upset after last week's result, but Fenix pulls out a few newer moves but ultimately finishes Bennett off the same as he did the week prior in Brooklyn, with a Fenix Driver.

Fenix gets his hand raised with the camera catching Maria burying her hands in her head as Bennett drops another match.

Sami Zayn gets an interview with fellow Canadian Renee Young and while they reminisce about their Canadian roots, The Vaudevillians interrupt. Aiden and Simon mention Sami comes back to Canada with nothing. Maple Leaf Mafia have a match, Edge has the World Heavyweight Championship, and Sami just has... well, nothing. Aiden says he'd be ashamed if he were a Canadian because of Sami's success this year. Zayn laughs and tells them he'll fight either one of them TONIGHT in his home country on SmackDown.

Maple Leaf Mafia vs. Cesaro & Sheamus
To the shock of many, Tye Dillinger and Tyler Breeze had the support of their home crowd against natives Cesaro and Sheamus. The fans were almost hijacking the match with booing Cesaro and Sheamus out the building, but it only made them hit their opponents harder but it was Sheamus missing a Brogue Kick and got tangled in the ropes for Breeze to hit the Supermodel Kick from the apron, and Dillinger rolls Sheamus up in a schoolboy from behind, but the official doesn't see Breeze holding Dillinger's foot on the rope for leverage.

As soon as the ref counts 3, with Cesaro a split-second too late, Breeze lets go and Dillinger rolls out. The fans pop loudly for Dillinger and Breeze, despite them cheating and Cesaro trying to explain this to the official.

SmackDown General Manager Kurt Angle stops Seth Rollins in the hallway, asking him what the hell a cinderblock match is. Rollins doesn't directly answer Angle about what it is, simply suggesting he's putting Ambrose through a cinderblock and ending his career! Angle tells Rollins he's seen enough cinderblocks and says if Rollins wants Ambrose, it'll have to be without the use of them... Rollins simply breathes down Angle's neck, suggesting this started with a cinderblock and it will end with a cinderblock before shoulder-brushing his boss.

In another part of the arena, Jeff Hardy is warming up for his World Heavyweight Championship opportunity tonight against Edge. Jinder Mahal comes up to him and asks Hardy if he saw his win tonight on Velocity on the WWE Network, bragging about putting Cedric Alexander away. Jeff doesn't have time to answer before Mahal wishes Hardy luck in his match tonight. As Jeff begins to say thank you, he's again cut off by Mahal who suggests if the Charismatic Enigma were to take the World Heavyweight Championship away from Edge again just when he got it back after 7 years, perhaps he gives the Modern Day Maharaja a chance at Payback. Jeff laughs and asks if he can speak now, and when given the floor, Hardy suggests tonight's main event will be tough and if anyone deserves a world title opportunity, it's certainly not the Modern Day Maharaja! Jinder Mahal gets upset and leaves as Jeff continues prepping.

Prior to the commercial break, we see Jason Jordan heading to the ring psyched about having the chance to get his Intercontinental Championship back.

Neville(c) w/William Regal vs. Jason Jordan for the Intercontinental Championship
Jason Jordan fights Neville hard at the beginning, but when he gets apprehensive of William Regal's presence, this is where Neville finds the opportunity to get back on the offensive. But after wrestling through a couple commercial breaks, Jason Jordan is ready to put Neville away as he pumps up in the corner but William Regal notices. Regal goes up the steel steps and gets on the apron as he pulls the brass knuckles out from his coat pocket to hand to Neville, but the official notices him clear as day. The official is arguing and Jason Jordan's attention is caught by the situation, but he doesn't want to miss his chance to put Neville away... but Jason Jordan glances and he sees a figure on the apron next to him. Jason charges at him but he gets decked with a fist, knocked out cold. The man hops down and we see it is PETE DUNNE! Pete Dunne with brass knuckles on his own fist. Pete Dunne disappears and Jason Jordan is out cold. Neville pulls Jordan out from the ropes and locks in the Rings of Saturn on his unconscious opponent. William Regal finally obliges the official's request as he puts the knuckles back in his pocket and steps down, for when the official sees Neville wrenching on Jordan and the challenger is out cold so the official goes ahead and calls for the bell.

Neville's music hits as he gets up immediately for his hand to be raised and the Intercontinental Championship along with it. Regal meets Neville outside the ring as they head up the ramp.

Sasha Banks is preparing for her tournament match tonight against Dana Brooke when Naomi comes up to her and wishes her luck. Sasha laughs but says in case Naomi forgot, she doesn't need luck. Naomi doesn't take kindly to this, because she says she does remember as they recall Team BAD when Banks originally got to the main roster. Naomi then takes the stance of her version of "good luck" might be getting bounced tonight against Dana Brooke, because "bad luck" is facing her former Team BAD partner. Naomi gets serious and in Sasha's face before the Boss laughs and backs up, confidently speaking into existence she'll see Naomi in the next round.

Sami Zayn vs. Simon w/Aiden
Sami has a big ovation, much like Maple Leaf Mafia, coming in for his match against Simon. Sami gets tripped up early by the 2-on-1 advantage The Vaudevillians have, but Sami quickly overcomes and finishes Simon off with an Exploder Suplex followed by a Helluva Kick in about 6 minutes.

Sami Zayn has no time to celebrate before Aiden attacks Zayn from behind. Zayn tries handling his own but Simon comes in and takes the knee out of Sami Zayn. The Vaudevillians now have a 2-on-1 beatdown on Sami and his knee before... I'M DA BOOGEYMAN! AND I'M COMIN TO GETCHYA! The Vaudevillians freeze as The Boogeyman crawls out from the stage and into the ring with a clock hanging over his head. The music stops and the smoke begins to clear out before Boogeyman lunges towards The Vaudevillians and they get out of dodge before The Boogeyman can get his hands on them, but it appears Boogeyman just wanted to spook them to save a man who he has a fascination for now... Sami Zayn. Zayn looks up and he's unsure how to accept the help, but Boogeyman reaches down to pick him up and Sami takes his hand but hobbles toward the rope because of his knee.

William Regal has his bags packed with Intercontinental Champion Neville and a new face, Pete Dunne, leading the way. Renee Young stops them and tries asking Pete Dunne about his actions tonight and his association with Regal and Neville, but rather than the Bruiserweight answering himself, Regal takes over. Regal lets Renee know she asked the same uninformed question to him at SummerSlam, but had to wait 48 hours for an answer, so maybe she can put this together on her own. Regal looks at Dunne and says if he was forced to leave NXT, he wasn't coming alone. Regal then gets his guys out of the building for the evening with Neville holding on tight to the Intercontinental Championship.

Dana Brooke vs. Sasha Banks in the Universal Women's Championship Tournament
Perhaps receiving some extra motivation from her confrontation tonight, Sasha Banks makes quick work with Dana Brooke in the quickest first round matchup yet after making Dana tap to the Banks Statement.

Sasha Banks is all excited before Naomi shows up behind and as Banks turns around, Naomi hits Banks with a few strikes before a couple clotheslines. Naomi gets ready for the Rear View, but Banks sees it coming and dips out of the ring before she can get hit. Banks brushes Naomi off and it's confirmed. They'll meet each other in the semifinals.

For SmackDown next week in Detroit, the blue brand has a lineup for the show.

- The Universal Women's Championship Tournament continues
> Naomi vs. Sasha Banks in the semifinals
- Boogeyman and Sami Zayn team up again to face The Vaudevillians
- Dean Ambrose is back to respond to Seth Rollins
- We hear from William Regal
- WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos are back​

We see a side-by-side heading into commercial with challenger Jeff Hardy and the NEW World Heavyweight Champion Edge as the main event for SmackDown in Toronto is next.

Jeff Hardy makes his entrance first, and while there are some cheers, EVERYONE in Toronto makes it loudly known they are rooting for the World Heavyweight Champion! Edge makes his entrance to a huge ovation, the biggest of the night, and he proudly raises the Big Gold belt as the pyro goes off behind him. Edge takes everything in and even notices Jeff Hardy bowing in reverence for Edge. The two shake hands before Edge throws the title up for his hometown crowd again as the main event is set up next.

Edge(c) vs. Jeff Hardy for the World Heavyweight Championship
For Edge's first match in over seven years both on SmackDown and Toronto, to defend the World Heavyweight Championship, is such an emotional rollercoaster for everyone involved. Jeff Hardy gives Edge everything he can, noticing he could win his fourth world title, and first since July 2009. A few nearfalls including a Whisper in the Wind almost made that a reality and ruined the homecoming for The Rated-R Superstar. Towards the end, Jeff has Edge in trouble and hits a Twist of Fate. Rather than going for the cover, Jeff decides to put him away by ripping off his shirt and going up top for a Swanton Bomb, but Edge rolls out of the way. Edge then waits for a Spear, but Jeff leaps over Edge and Edge has to stop his momentum from going in the corner. Edge turns around into a Twist of Fate attempt, but Edge counters into a backslide pin attempt where Jeff gets out at 2 but Edge creates space to hit the SPEAR! Edge hits the Spear! Edge makes the cover and Toronto pops out of their seats at the 3!

Edge gets to his feet and has the World Heavyweight Championship handed to him as he begins to celebrate. Edge briefly stops his celebration to hug and embrace Jeff Hardy in the ring for his match. Jeff raises Edge's hand before taking off, letting him have the ring to himself to celebrate with his hometown crowd. Edge's celebration is cut off, however, by a voice and face on the titantron. Edge spots Christian in a remote location, as Edge is confused as to what's now. Christian starts to congratulate Edge on winning in front of his hometown crowd, but reminds everyone Edge abandoned Toronto. Christian asks Edge if he lives in North Carolina now, right? Christian says the fans should feel abandoned by him for moving, but Edge's own family should feel abandoned by him for returning to the ring and not staying home. Edge doesn't take kindly to this, especially when Christian says he wants to be in Toronto to be the real Canadian hero for the fans, but he decided his services are needed elsewhere. Christian asks Edge if he recognizes where he's at, when the video pans out and Edge notices. Tom Phillips confirms that's Edge's home! Christian smirks and says since Edge abandoned his family to be at SmackDown tonight, he figured he'd pay Beth Phoenix and the girls a surprise visit. Christian knocks on the door and the video feed goes out. The mood's completely changed for the World Heavyweight Champion and he bolts out of the ring as SmackDown goes off the air with a very uncomfortable situation.

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Upcoming Schedule:
9/4: Tuesday Night SmackDown! in Detroit, MI
9/11: Tuesday Night SmackDown! in Lafayette, LA
9/18: Tuesday Night SmackDown! in Tulsa, OK
9/23: Payback (SmackDown exclusive PPV) in San Antonio, TX




​

 

[Finishline]

Wednesday Night NXT #315
August 29, 2018
Full Sail University
​

NXT cold opens with the NXT General Manager office door. A hand removes William Regal's nameplate underneath and a woman steps into the shot - it's former Divas Champion Eve Torres. Eve welcomes everyone to NXT and introduces herself as the new General Manager. And for her first show in charge, she has chosen to do the following:
- Keith Lee vs. Carmelo Hayes to determine the #1 contender for the NXT North American Title
- Bianca Belair vs. Mia Yim
- And in the main event, Adam Cole defends the NXT Championship against Nick Aldis

Eve Torres says this is of course, a new era in NXT. She's in the middle of signing new prospects and promises NXT to vie to not be just a show, but THE show in WWE. And she starts by having the NXT Women's Championship on the line to begin tonight's show with champion Kairi Sane and challenger Shayna Baszler. Eve slides her nameplate on the door and we cut to the ring.

Kairi Sane(c) vs. Shayna Baszler for the NXT Women's Championship
Shayna Baszler looks in the zone tonight against Kairi, staring at a potential title in her future. Corey Graves mentions Baszler's appearance on Heat, but this might have lit a fire under Baszler and she's focused. However, Kairi Sane is champion for a reason. Kairi fights her way into where she's put every opponent since April. Kairi pushes Shayna Baszler off the top rope and goes for the InSane Elbow, but Baszler dodges and immediately locks in the Kirifuda Clutch. With nowhere to go, trying to fight out of it, Kairi must tap.

Jaws drop as Shayna Baszler's music hits. We have a new NXT Women's Champion! Baszler gets up and throws her mouthpiece to the ground and raises the NXT Women's Championship, passionately shouting after claiming her first gold in her young WWE career. The tide has turned, and Vic Joseph has to beg the question, will Adam Cole suffer the same fate later this evening?

Andrade "Cien" Almas is with Zelina Vega and asks how her meeting with Michael Hayes went last week, and Zelina says not well but she's trying to figure it out. Andrade demands Zelina talk to this new GM and get him to SmackDown by the end of tonight before Zelina stressfully walks away.

"Filthy" Tom Lawlor and Josh "The Goods" Woods come out with their new friend Matt Riddle. The three get in the ring and they mark their territory in NXT, with the new General Manager, dawns a new day for the three of them, dubbing themselves The Triangle. This new trio is interrupted by just two of the Street Profits, Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins, who don't look pleased. They dart the ring but are hurt by the 3-on-2 assault. The Triangle lay Ford and Dawkins out with Riddle finishing them off by choking Angelo out with the Triangle Choke Hold before The Triangle stands tall together.

There's a debut with a man who has been training in the Performance Center, Riddick Moss. He comes out ready for his match until he finds out his opponent is WARDLOW! Wardlow heads out and Moss doesn't look prepared.

Riddick Moss vs. Wardlow
Moss tried giving his best shot towards Wardlow but the power is just insane by Wardlow before he slams Moss to the mat, and to defeat, with the Powerbomb starting Moss with an 0-1 record in NXT.

After the match, Wardlow made sure to make his intentions known by signaling a championship around his own waist in this new era of NXT.

A tandem now recognized as The North are going around handing out pamphlets backstage. Logan Brigman is vocalizing to several people why Canada is not a bad country, but Harada and Kodama are not buying this. Jaxon Thielen suggests they meet in the ring tonight if they can't accept Canada and Japan can be friends.

The Clink are backstage happy about their win last week, but before Bianca Belair faces Mia Yim tonight, Sonya Deville is urging Belair and Britt Baker to bury the hatchet. After a long face-off and contemplation on both ends, Baker and Belair hug it out showing The Clink is back to being a full unit on NXT.

Carmelo Hayes vs. Keith Lee
The NXT North American Champion is at commentary for this match who determines his #1 contender at the NXT North American Championship. Tommaso Ciampa reminds Vic Joseph and Byron Saxton he is a fighting champion and would face either of these men, but Carmelo Hayes tries chopping down the tree trunk of Keith Lee, but the man known as "Limitless" is so powerful and catches Carmelo on the Nothing But Net attempt, countering with the Spirit Bomb, securing the win.

After this match is finished, Keith Lee stands to his feet and Tommaso Ciampa immediately gets up and heads to the apron to get a closer look at his #1 contender with both men looking forward to this competition for the NXT North American Title.

Sophia interviews Nick Aldis about his NXT Championship opportunity tonight against Adam Cole. Aldis says he's more than grateful for the chance to become NXT Champion tonight and help usher in this new era of NXT the new GM Eve Torres was talking about, but he's not blind to the concerns. Aldis mentions William Regal isn't here anymore, Pete Dunne isn't here anymore, so he recognizes a 3-on-1 disadvantage between him and The Industry, but maybe a 4-on-1 disadvantage when you add Gunther... this is when Adam Cole steps in with the NXT Tag Team Champions right behind him. Cole says he tried explaining last week before he was interrupted, he has no affiliation with Gunther, so he won't have to worry about them. Cole then looks at Tama Tonga and Tevita Loa, saying Nick won't have to worry about them either. Nick Aldis chuckles and says he can't trust Cole further than he can throw them, but by his size, he'll try throwing him far from this NXT Era as possible before walking off... Sophia then tries interviewing the NXT Champion about having to defend his title tonight on short notice. Cole says the story of Adam and Eve has never gone well, but she'll learn real quickly The Industry run NXT.

The North vs. Harada and Kodama
The North's Jaxon Thielen and Logan Brigman try being nice to Harada and Kodama, but quickly realize they're still in a wrestling match and need the win. The more aggressive side comes out and Thielen finishes Kodama with the C4 Spike.

Immediately after the match, Brigman puts back on the smile and starts handing Canadian pamphlets to the crowd as Jaxon Thielen is still in the heat of the battle mode after putting The North on top.

Montez Ford steps out of the trainers room and gets caught by Sophia who asks about the status of Angelo Dawkins and Marshe Rockett. Ford says Rockett's shoulder is banged up after last week, but Dawkins will be fine. Seeing as he's on his own now, Montez Ford challenges Matt Riddle to a 1-on-1 match next week!

Zelina Vega approaches the door of new NXT General Manager Eve Torres before politely knocking and entering. After greeting one another, Zelina Vega brings up her client's wishes to be on SmackDown and asks for the favor to do the paperwork to get Andrade on SmackDown. Eve reminds, and otherwise confirms, she just lost a prime-time player in Pete Dunne this week because Regal took Dunne with him to SmackDown. Eve says she just can't give up her top talent, and there's a void Andrade can fill. Zelina says her client just wants a clean fresh start on SmackDown, but Eve instead tells Zelina she'll give Andrade the opportunity to be a main event stay next week when he wrestles Dijak next week! Zelina doesn't look thrilled but puts on a smile to say thank you and leave.

Bianca Belair w/The Clink vs. Mia Yim w/Tegan Nox
Noticing The Clink was full force at Belair's side, Nox came down moments after the bell rang to have Mia Yim's back. However, those numbers still played in the favor of The Clink as Baker caused a distraction, Nox attacked Baker, leaving the official trying to break those two up. Deville came to attack Mia Yim, but she counters with the Protect Ya Neck, but this only allows Belair to grab Yim from behind and hit the KOD to pin Mia Yim and get the victory!

The Clink try to get out of dodge quickly as Tegan Nox checks in on Mia Yim who holds her face after taking the KOD to lose this match.

Shayna Baszler remains celebrating her newly won NXT Women's Championship but this doesn't come without her first challenger stepping up to the plate with Lacey Evans approaching Baszler backstage, demanding the first shot at the champion.

Byron Saxton and Vic Joseph recap on a crazy night for NXT with a new General Manager, a new NXT Women's Champion, and so much more transpiring tonight! They start to look ahead to next week when Matt Riddle makes his NXT debut against Montez Ford, with Andrade "Cien" Almas facing Dijak. PLUS it's confirmed in two weeks, Tommaso Ciampa defends the NXT North American Championship against Keith Lee. But the question begs, we've crowned one new champion tonight, will we crown another?

Moments before he goes out, Adam Cole convinces the NXT Tag Team Champions Tama Tonga and Tevita Loa to stay backstage and let him handle business on his own tonight against Nick Aldis.

Adam Cole(c) vs. Nick Aldis for the NXT Championship
Nick Aldis is giving it his all against Adam Cole to claim his first gold in WWE, but Cole feels like he has a chip on his shoulder to prove he can do it on his own. It's an incredible back-and-forth with several near falls in this contest, particularly when Cole hit Cole-lateral followed by the Kneecap Brainbuster, that almost ended things.

Yet towards the end, Aldis was gaining momentum and hit a back-body drop sending Cole flying into the air and crashing hard on the mat, followed by a few fists and then a middle rope fist drop to Cole. Aldis gets ready to hit MDD, but Cole counters with the Panama Sunrise. Cole decides to get it over with the Last Shot, but Aldis ducks underneath and then sweeps the legs and locks in the King's Lynn Cloverleaf. Adam Cole yells in pain and the monitors show Tama Tonga holding Tevita Loa from going out there as they watch on the monitor. Adam Cole is scrambling until he can finally get the ropes... and as Nick Aldis gets up, he spots Gunther on the other side of the barricade. Aldis points out Gunther and Gunther isn't doing anything at all except smiling at Aldis, but this distraction allows Aldis to turn into a superkick, followed by the Panama Sunrise, and for good measure, Adam hits the Last Shot to pin Nick's shoulders to the mat!

Adam Cole's music sounds as the Guerrillas of Destiny roll out to celebrate with all their gold at the stage while this only feeds into the conspiracy being conspired with Gunther and The Industry as NXT goes off the air with the same NXT Champion.

 

[Finishline]

205 LIVE #6
August 30, 2018
Full Sail University​

205 Live begins with Ace Austin charging Chavo Guerrero's office and demanding the GM call off the title match tonight, claiming Flip Gordon didn't beat him and that was a bad call by the official. And while Chavo's at it, cleanse his record in 205 Live of the blemish. Chavo just laughs and says he wish he could, but he's marketed the hell out of tonight's title match and the official's decision is final because EVERYONE is watching tonight. Ace tells Chavo that "General Manager 101" is keeping his top talent happy, and right now, he's failing, before he storms out.

Samir Singh (0-1) & Sunil Singh (0-1) vs. Kushida (1-1) & Swerve Strickland (1-1)
The Bollywood Boyz showed they had their chemistry from the womb, but Kushida and Swerve were on another level tonight as Kushida has the Hoverboard Lock on Sunil, but as Samir comes in to break it up, Swerve dives in with a springboard dropkick and Sunil must tap.

Kushida's music hits and Swerve teaches Kushida how to dap as they secure their first tag team win together.

Following a replay of what happened last week on 205 Live between Trey Miguel and Tyler Bate, Vic Joseph confirms Trey Miguel will be out of action for sometime after suffering a trachea injury. They go to the back where Kayla Braxton stands by with Dean Malenko and Tyler Bate. Malenko insists it wasn't their fault, and it was a pure accident, but Tyler Bate is a dangerous man and if it takes an incidental injury for 205 Live to recognize that, so be it. Roderick Strong comes into the picture and says he's heard the rumors, he's heard Bate and Malenko are going around bragging about the injury and he won't stand for it - so he's challenging Tyler Bate to a match tonight! Malenko laughs and casually accepts before grabbing his throat out of mockery and walking off.

Marty Scurll (0-2) vs. Mustafa Ali (2-0)
Per Chavo Guerrero, Kip Sabian and Mansoor are barred from ringside following last week's matchup. Scurll was manipulating the joints of Mustafa Ali this contest the best he could, but once Ali began to rally, it was no match for Scurll as he can't keep up and he loses to the 054.

Mustafa Ali gets his hand raised as the two are going in completely different directions, with Ali starting his 205 Live career at 3-0 while Scurll drops to 0-3.

It's the sixth straight vignette for El Hijo del Fantasma on 205 Live, picking up right where it leaves off. Fantasma with his back turned removes his mask and is about to turn around, but shots flash on the screen of a white suit, limousines, and luxurious lifestyle before the words flash on the screen "I write the first chapter -- Of my own story -- Next week -- on 205 Live!"

Vic Joseph seems to sigh a breath of relief that El Hijo del Fantasma should be on 205 Live next week, but The Brian Kendrick explains this might not be El Hijo del Fantasma, he's taken off the mask and it appears the story he's writing is much more luxurious than his previous life.

Raul Mendoza (0-2) vs. Rohit Raju (0-3)
Two winless competitors seeking their first 205 Live win, Mendoza slipped off the ropes on a springboard attempt and Rohit Raju takes advantage with the Mumbai Drive-By, securing a HUGE win for Rohit.

Rohit can hardly believe it and goes crazy for the win, even running to Vic Joseph and The Brian Kendrick plopping kisses on the top of their heads as Rohit Raju is a winner in 205 Live.

Zema Ion watches backstage Rohit Raju picks up his first win on 205 Live when Kayla Braxton comes to ask Zema Ion what he needs to do to pick up his first win. Before he can answer, Ariya Daivari comes up and says sooner or later, 205 Live will have one undefeated man and one winless man. Ariya says he refuses to be that winless man left remaining, so challenges Zema Ion to a match next week and Zema accepts. Ariya Daivari walks away and Kayla Braxton is about to ask another question before Zema gets floored by a forearm by Ariya Daivari before skating away. Zema holds his jaw before looking angrily off in the distance.

Roderick Strong (0-1) vs. Tyler Bate (2-1) w/Dean Malenko
There are a couple teases where Tyler Bate tries to purposefully injure Roderick Strong with tripping him into the ropes, but it doesn't prevail. Roderick Strong keeps blocking and ends up going on a run before trying End of Heartache, but Bate counters into pushing him into the ropes once again and Strong blocks it, only to get caught in the Tyler Driver for a win tonight!

Tyler Bate rolls out the ring to celebrate with his advisor, who has helped turn his fortunes around.

The Brian Kendrick gives credit to Tyler Bate for taking Dean Malenko's advice, so 205 Live should really watch out. Vic Joseph then begins to highlight next week's show that includes:
- Ariya Daivari vs. Zema Ion
- El Hijo del Fantasma writes the first chapter of his story
- Gran Metalik vs. Sammy Guevara

But now, Ace Austin reluctantly puts his Cruiserweight Championship on the line after the break against Flip Gordon.

Ace Austin (5-1) vs. Flip Gordon (4-0) for the Cruiserweight Championship
Flip nearly forced a new Cruiserweight Champion to be crowned by several near-falls, but Ace would regroup on the outside, only for Flip to hit a topei to the outside. The next time that scenario came up, Ace hit a Pele Kick on Flip as he tries the suicide dive. Ace threw him inside the ring and nearly hit The Fold, but Gordon countered into a brainbuster and nearly won there.

Towards the end, Flip is about to rush at Ace, but Ace throws his boot up as if he tried getting himself disqualified again, but Flip catches it and flips Ace Austin before hitting a running knee strike. Flip Gordon goes to the ropes for the Star Spangled Stunner, but Austin dodges it and runs and hits The Fold! Ace hooks the leg and that's all they wrote.

Ace Austin gets his Cruiserweight Championship after cleanly beating Flip Gordon tonight to keep his title, but while he celebrates, the message on the screen shows "The Dragon is Coming" and flashes back to Ace's celebration as if he doesn't even realize the message appeared before 205 Live signs off the WWE Network in favor of an episode of WWE 24.

 

[Finishline]

WRESTLING NEWS & HEADLINES


>> BREAKING NEWS!! As of September 1st, Brock Lesnar's contract has expired and is no longer with the WWE. The two sides were reportedly far apart on both dates and money. It's unclear what Lesnar's next move is, or if we'll see Lesnar down the road. But for now, Brock Lesnar is legitimately a free agent.

Lesnar's last appearance was May 14th on Raw and his last match was WrestleMania 34 defeating "The Lone Wolf" Baron Corbin.
​

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>> On a lighter note, with the loss of Lesnar, WWE is close to signing its newest Performance Center class, as early as this month. WWE is competing viantly with TNA for these talents and with the new NXT General Manager Eve Torres ushering in a "new era" this past week, it's believed a lot of the Performance Center recruits will be joining the NXT brand in no time.
​

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>> The Miz was acquired by Raw in exchange for The Usos going to SmackDown. On Raw, The Miz hosted MizTV to welcome the newest Raw superstar alongside him, but was interrupted by Dolph Ziggler. Apparently, there's a standstill on who should move to Raw in this deal. Raw has a lot of key players out right now (Randy Orton, Roman Reigns, Carlito, etc.) while SmackDown has their own holes (Bray Wyatt, Triple H, etc.). Whoever the person going to Raw alongside The Miz is, the creative team might have to figure that out before the WWE Universe knows. Perhaps the extra week settles who is going to Raw.
​

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>> Carmella wrestled Ember Moon on Velocity this week and WWE officials came away very impressed with NXT's Ember Moon. She has her "draft rights" claimed by SmackDown and many shouldn't be surprised if Ember Moon gets a push in NXT or moves to the blue brand rather quickly.
​

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>> The Toronto crowd was hot for this week's SmackDown. Monday Night Raw went okay with Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho battling one another, the fans rooted as WWE creative expected for Jericho. WWE expected the fans to cheer for Sami Zayn and Edge, but they didn't plan for the Maple Leaf Mafia's Tyler Breeze and Tye Dillinger to get the reaction they did. WWE saw that as a setback in the feud with Cesaro and Sheamus, so they're hoping to play Uno Reverse and get a different reaction next time.
​

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>> As of this week, Pete Dunne is officially on the SmackDown roster. Dunne debuted on the blue brand assisting Neville in retaining the Intercontinental Championship against Jason Jordan. Dunne joins Neville and William Regal in their current storyline on SmackDown.
​

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>> Although not officially announced yet, SmackDown is banking on two SummerSlam rematches carrying their Payback PPV later this month. Seth Rollins versus Dean Ambrose, plus Christian and World Heavyweight Champion Edge are expected to be the two main events of the show. Tickets still remain, so WWE's hoping they can get these matches made official soon and fill out the rest of the card to have a successful show financially.
​

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>> Eve Torres was named the new NXT General Manager this week, her first appearance on WWE television since 2013. The decision was to go this route because Eve has been under contract as a WWE Ambassador and the WWE doesn't have a female authoritative figure right now.

Eve ushered in her "new era" of NXT and that led to some creative changes this week. Riddick Moss debuted, albeit a loss to Wardlow, but the major change was Shayna Baszler capturing the NXT Women's Championship from Kairi Sane. With Eve being a woman, the decision was made to have the women's title change hands at the beginning of the show: also lending to the possibility the NXT Championship would change later that evening.

Kairi Sane was originally scheduled to keep her title and defend it at the NXT Takeover on Survivor Series weekend. Plans have obviously changed.
​

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>> In weeks past, NXT has shared talent with 205 Live to assist ratings for the new brand, as well as some Cruiserweight Championship matches on NXT and Takeover for more exposure. Rumor has it, there might be some permanent moves to these rosters where some NXT talent could make a permanent transition to the 205 Live brand. On the other hand, we could also see some 205 Live talent move to the black-and-gold brand for "more opportune storyline purposes." We'll have to see who is where in the coming months.






​

 

[DTP]

Catching up on things from SummerSlam, I'm going to focus on the last week of August in this feedback.

You clearly have a fondness for the Ruthless Aggression era, judging on the logos for each show.

Chris Jericho returning to the WWE is a very big move, particularly with his history with Kevin Owens well established. I think it's telling you used him to get RAW in Toronto, Canada kicked off. I'm really hopeful that Alberto Del Rio sticks around. He's one of the only people I draw the line at in terms of tolerating based on real life bullshit wrestlers do.

Death, taxes and the Miz having beef with Dolph Ziggler.

You know, I kind of like Elias Samson and Scarlett as a duo. I think they oddly work well together from what you've written here.

Very galaxy-brain to have Viktor of all people lead the Fallen group. I'm not sure how to feel about it for a faction containing Aleister Black, Damian Priest and Judas.

The main event allowed Kevin Owens to retain the WWE Championship by the skin of his teeth, while it seems Chris Jericho and Baron Corbin shall get a chance to get their own rivalry underway.

On the SmackDown side of things, I was amused to read about the Maple Leaf Mafia getting the hometown win against Sheamus and Cesaro. Kind of amusing stuff with Tyler Breeze and Tye Dillinger paired up. I'd totally have Tyler rename himself "Tye" as well, for the banter.

A lot of catering to the country natives, which is pleasant to see after years of WWE deciding to book against them wherever the hometown heroes go.

Edge and Jeff Hardy headlining for the World Heavyweight Championship took me back to the 2000s again, I won't lie. It's not a bad thing, and evidently the true hook for this main event was the home invasion from Christian. It worked, particularly when you consider the logistical and logical fact that these two are best friends. I liked the touches with Beth Phoenix and their kids. It would feel right at home as an AEW segment.

Overall, I admire your devotion to devolving from reality and delving deep in your own unique direction.

 

[Finishline]

Catching up on things from SummerSlam, I'm going to focus on the last week of August in this feedback.

You clearly have a fondness for the Ruthless Aggression era, judging on the logos for each show.

Chris Jericho returning to the WWE is a very big move, particularly with his history with Kevin Owens well established. I think it's telling you used him to get RAW in Toronto, Canada kicked off. I'm really hopeful that Alberto Del Rio sticks around. He's one of the only people I draw the line at in terms of tolerating based on real life bullshit wrestlers do.

Death, taxes and the Miz having beef with Dolph Ziggler.

You know, I kind of like Elias Samson and Scarlett as a duo. I think they oddly work well together from what you've written here.

Very galaxy-brain to have Viktor of all people lead the Fallen group. I'm not sure how to feel about it for a faction containing Aleister Black, Damian Priest and Judas.

The main event allowed Kevin Owens to retain the WWE Championship by the skin of his teeth, while it seems Chris Jericho and Baron Corbin shall get a chance to get their own rivalry underway.

On the SmackDown side of things, I was amused to read about the Maple Leaf Mafia getting the hometown win against Sheamus and Cesaro. Kind of amusing stuff with Tyler Breeze and Tye Dillinger paired up. I'd totally have Tyler rename himself "Tye" as well, for the banter.

A lot of catering to the country natives, which is pleasant to see after years of WWE deciding to book against them wherever the hometown heroes go.

Edge and Jeff Hardy headlining for the World Heavyweight Championship took me back to the 2000s again, I won't lie. It's not a bad thing, and evidently the true hook for this main event was the home invasion from Christian. It worked, particularly when you consider the logistical and logical fact that these two are best friends. I liked the touches with Beth Phoenix and their kids. It would feel right at home as an AEW segment.

Overall, I admire your devotion to devolving from reality and delving deep in your own unique direction.

Thank you for the comment bro! It's been a long month so the only reason I'm getting back so late... but is the Ruthless Aggression that noticeable? LOL... the time period I fell in love with everything, and rewatching the 2003 episodes now on Peacock. I had a slightly different Raw logo that was a better mix of the RA and a modern Raw logo, but I lost that.

Jericho had to be brought on because Reigns out with leukemia and Orton out for a little longer. Needed some star power!

Viktor is in a very much Don Callis role when he was The Jackyl. That's the idea I was going for, and needed a way to introduce Black, Priest, and Judas (aka Luchasaurus/Killswitch).

And I was having this Edge/Christian thing long before Edge signed with WWE. I had it planned for probably 2 "real-time" years now because I started getting the idea after Edge won the RR irl and wrestled Reigns and Bryan at Mania. I just find it funny now that we're getting a real Edge and Christian feud... but then again, I could probably make an entire list of ideas I've had on this BTB that have been taken on-screen by our favorite promotions.


It's super hard to transition this BTB that I started back in 2015 "as if Rollins didn't tear his ACL" and the WS audience gets it in 2018 after WrestleMania 34 because I've had time to develop an entire universe. Now I just get to introduce it to you guys and I'm happy to have the opportunity.

Excited to read some of your stuff on the Pandemic Project this weekend and leave you a review my friend! Hope all is well.

 

[Finishline]

WWE Signs Performance Center Recruits

The WWE announced this morning their newest recruits to the Performance Center. Some bigger signings here, as WWE brings in 15 new talents who could be the future of this business.

BISHOP KAUN (32) -- Kaun has been wrestling for approximately 1 year and was trained by former WWE Tag Team Champion, Joey Mercury.

DANIEL VIDOT (28) -- Unlike a lot of recruits, Vidot has zero wrestling experience but has played rugby since 2009. The rumor mill is Vidot signed a couple weeks back and has already agreed to the ring name Xyon Quinn.

DAKOTA KAI (30) -- From New Zealand, Kai briefly competed for TNA earlier this year but opted not to sign long-term with the company following their new management regime.

DENZEL DEJOURNETTE -- Dejournette from Winston-Salem, North Carolina has no professional wrestling experience but just finished on the Appalachian State collegiate wrestling team, qualifying 3 times for the National Championships and had a career record of 113-35.

GIONNA DADDIO (24) -- Daddio has been a fan of wrestling since she was young and has a background in competitive cheer and Hooters.

GRIFF GARRISON -- Another North Carolina native, Garrison comes in after two years ring experience and standing at 6'3', 202 pounds, he has the build and the look to be a star in this business.

IO SHIRAI (28) -- Wrestling over ten years, Shirai comes from Japan where she won multiple championships and several accolades at World Wonder Ring Stardom.

KACY CATANZARO (28) -- Catanzaro has zero wrestling experience but could be the biggest name on this list, if you recognize her from American Ninja Warrior. Despite being the same age as fellow signee Io Shirai, it might be a while until we see Catanzaro in the ring as she's likely a major project.

KAMILLE (25) -- From Durham, Kamille has only wrestled about 18 months, wrestling up and down the east coast for independent promotions. Kamille quicky turned heads with her 5'10'' stature. She'll turn 26 in October.

KEVIN KROSS (33) -- Kross has wrestled since 2014 across the independents and spent some time in Mexico.

MAXWELL JACOB FRIEDMAN (22) -- One of the younger recruits, Friedman has been wrestling since 2015 with most notably spending time at CZW.

OLIVER CARTER (23) -- From Switzerland, Carter has been wrestling since 2014 and has wrestled for various independent promotions around the world like WXW and the German Wrestling Federation.

RHEA RIPLEY (21) -- Hailing from Australia, Ripley comes in with a bright future. Much like Dakota Kai, Ripley briefly competed for TNA earlier this year.

RUSH (29) -- Turning 30 later this month, Rush gets an early birthday present signing with WWE. Rush has been in the business since 2007 with stints in CMLL and New Japan.

TREVOR LEE (24) -- Lee most recently competed briefly for TNA Wrestling and in the independent scene of the Carolinas. Lee turns 25 years old in late September.​

 

[DTP]

You really plucked the best of the industry with this round of recruits, didn't you! I would sure hate to be Tony Khan right now, you know, if he was thinking about starting something up...

I really liked the inclusion of the profiles, with a lot of people who would sign with the company regardless. I'm not sure how I feel about Bishop Kaun, but clearly you took something from his performances in the Gates of Agony. Xyon Quinn has never really shown me much of anything, whereas Denzel Dejournette - hopefully actually becomes of him in this world. Elsewhere, Griff Garrison, Kamile and Trevor Lee are the wisest new hirings to make. Let's hope Griff finds a new name, huh?

Just a note, but Gionna Daddio was already with the company and had been for a few years. That said, I laughed at the line "has a background in competitive cheer and Hooters".

Dakota Kai, Io Shirai, Kacy Catanzaro and Rhea Ripley will undoubtedly set up the framework for the women's division in WWE's years to come. Karrion Kross coming aboard makes sense given he worked a lot with Cain Velasquez in AAA before signing, but hopefully you give him something more than what he wound up with in NXT. Oliver Carter has great potential, so long as he isn't shackled to NXT UK. I like RUSH coming aboard, and find he boasts headliner potential. I'm just on the fence at signing Maxwell Jacob Friedman at this stage of the game. But alas, it sets in motion your world in a much more unique direction.

 

[Finishline]

You really plucked the best of the industry with this round of recruits, didn't you! I would sure hate to be Tony Khan right now, you know, if he was thinking about starting something up...

I really liked the inclusion of the profiles, with a lot of people who would sign with the company regardless. I'm not sure how I feel about Bishop Kaun, but clearly you took something from his performances in the Gates of Agony. Xyon Quinn has never really shown me much of anything, whereas Denzel Dejournette - hopefully actually becomes of him in this world. Elsewhere, Griff Garrison, Kamile and Trevor Lee are the wisest new hirings to make. Let's hope Griff finds a new name, huh?

Just a note, but Gionna Daddio was already with the company and had been for a few years. That said, I laughed at the line "has a background in competitive cheer and Hooters".

Dakota Kai, Io Shirai, Kacy Catanzaro and Rhea Ripley will undoubtedly set up the framework for the women's division in WWE's years to come. Karrion Kross coming aboard makes sense given he worked a lot with Cain Velasquez in AAA before signing, but hopefully you give him something more than what he wound up with in NXT. Oliver Carter has great potential, so long as he isn't shackled to NXT UK. I like RUSH coming aboard, and find he boasts headliner potential. I'm just on the fence at signing Maxwell Jacob Friedman at this stage of the game. But alas, it sets in motion your world in a much more unique direction.

Yeah DTP! Love the analysis here.

And remember, I've had this since 2015 right before Rollins tore his ACL. I never did get around to signing Gionna Daddio (Liv Morgan), and was on the fence to do so until this round of hires, so it just felt right.

Was also back and forth, on both sides of the fence with MJF. But I'd love to give him that "Regal signed him in 2018" feel rather than AEW popping up and snagging him. He might not be the hottest wrestling commodity in 5 years, but who knows... It's fantasy booking after all, right?

Several of these guys will be major players in 2019-2020, whether NXT or the main roster. Won't give too much away, but you're onto something with some of these signings

 

[Finishline]

Authors Note: This is like the 4th time i've sat down to try and write this. Let's get this going.

​

The show starts with highlights from last week's Heat for wins from Jordan Devlin and Emma. Both will have matches on Raw tonight but right now we have some action with today's superstars meeting tomorrow's future.

​

Alberto Del Rio vs. Gunther
Gunther debuted on NXT a few weeks ago and as a Raw prospect he has an absolute dominant performance against Del Rio tonight, a former world champion. Gunther picks up the upset with the Pumphandle Powerbomb, known as the Golden Bomb.

Ian Riccaboni and Paul Heyman note a HUGE upset but a great way to kick off the evening between Del Rio and Gunther. Heyman predicts Gunther is a Raw prospect and while he's in NXT now, he'll be on Raw very, very soon.

A "Raw Rebound" airs of the WWE Championship match last week between Kevin Owens, Chris Jericho, and Baron Corbin. It shows the same ending to SummerSlam where Owens tossed Corbin out after he hit End of Days and pinned Chris Jericho. Tonight, Kevin Owens is planned to open the show after his victroy.

Also advertised for Raw tonight is Becky Lynch confronting WWE Women's Champion Paige, MizTV introducing the newest Raw acquisition, and Bobby Lashley defending the United States Championship against Finn Balor.

But up next is the second match on Heat! With Becky returning tonight, Rubi Riot is also back to wrestle on Heat tonight.

Rubi Riot vs. Mia Yim
Rubi had some stiff competition against Mia Yim who was challenging her from the start to the finish, but Rubi's Riot Kick gets her back in the win column in her first match back since the I Quit match at SummerSlam.

The commentary duo both agree Heat gets hotter each week and this was probably the best episode they've had since their return to the WWE Network. Ian Riccaboni thanks everyone for tuning into Monday Night Heat tonight, inviting people to join Paul Heyman and Michael Cole in moments for Monday Night Raw where WWE Champion Kevin Owens opens up the show this evening and the United States Championship is on the line!

Monday Night Raw #1319
September 3, 2018
Columbus, Ohio
​

After footage from last week's Raw showed Kevin Owens successfully retaining the WWE Championship against Chris Jericho and Baron Corbin, it showed similar footage of Owens throwing Corbin out of the ring to pin somebody impacted by the End of Days. However, the Prizefighter comes to gloat and says he beat Baron Corbin and Chris Jericho in the same night ~ therefore making him better than The Rock and Stone Cold because Jericho beat those guys in the same night. Owens is cut off by the motorcycle revving and Baron Corbin circles the ring but right as The Lone Wolf gets inside the ring, Owens dips out and backs away. Corbin gets a microphone and says he's not one for many words, but he's been screwed twice and tells Kevin to watch his back - because The Lone Wolf will get his hands on him tonight. Owens hops the barricade and tries to blend through the crowd as Baron Corbin stands tall in the ring.

Michael Cole and Paul Heyman talk about what's confirmed tonight on Raw, including:
* Bobby Lashley defending the United States Championship against Finn Balor
* Becky Lynch to confront WWE Women's Champion Paige
* MizTV introduces the newest Monday Night Raw acquisition

A replay shows some footage from last week with Elias Samson hitting Murphy with the guitar, behind the official's back thanks to Scarlett, and Murphy losing the match. But as Elias makes his way to the ring with Scarlett for the opening match, video from earlier today shows Elias refusing to perform for Ohio because of the social media backlash he and Scarlett have received.

Elias Samson w/Scarlett vs. Jordan Devlin
Elias is more focused on the crowd and telling them to shut up than he is on his opponent Jordan Devlin. The distractions allow Jordan to even the playing field since Balor is prepping for his title match later in the back. It looks good until Jordan Devlin attempts a Coup de Grace of his mentor and his knee buckles as Elias rolls out of the ring. The official checks in on Devlin who is in a lot of pain. Elias grabs a microphone from the timekeeper's area and starts degrading the fans for their lack of appreciation for himself and Scarlett, saying this is the first musical performance he's declined to do. The fans keep booing until Murphy's music hits. Murphy runs down when Elias and Scarlett get out of dodge and the official counts Elias out, declaring Jordan Devlin the winner, as he gets assistance to the back.

Back from commercial, Kevin Owens is packing his bags and rolling out of the arena when JBL asks where Kevin's going. Kevin says he fulfilled his obligation and showed up, now he's leaving. JBL stops him there and says there's been a couple changes to the show and he needs Kevin to stay the rest of the night. Kevin refuses and JBL prompts to strip him of the WWE Championship. This stops Owens in his tracks and tells JBL if Baron Corbin lays a hand on him, it's on his head!

A recap is shown with The Fallen and the damage they've caused to Ortiz, Santana, and the WWE Trios Champions The New Day lately. While Big E is still out of action, tonight there will be two matches. In those two matches, one person will represent The Fallen and the other will represent either The New Day or Santana and Ortiz. This is the first one.

Santana w/Ortiz vs. Aleister Black w/The Fallen
Santana and Black both were showing what they could do in singles action until Viktor whispers something in the ear of Judas. Next thing you know, Santana is getting a head of steam and sees Judas shove Ortiz into the steps beside him. This halts Santana in his tracks before Aleister recovers and uses the distraction to hit a springboard moonsault followed by BLACK MASS! Aleister Black makes the cover and gets the win.

The Fallen wasn't done there. Judas continued ripping apart Ortiz on the outside limb from limb as Damian Priest hops in the ring to help Aleister Black take out Santana. Then The New Day's music hits! Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods dart to the ring to take on Black and Priest. Viktor instructs Judas to get in before JBL runs out and says ENOUGH! JBL demands a new referee to the ring. JBL tells the teams to pick their two representatives and the rest need to head to the showers. This match next will have NO OUTSIDE INTERFERENCE! The two teams are at a standstill as the show goes into commercial with the teams deciding who will wrestle now.

Damian Priest vs. Xavier Woods
During the commercial break, both teams had elected their representatives and ringside was clear. Woods had a lot of pent-up aggression towards The Fallen for Big E being sidelined and he was taking it out on Damian Priest, but Priest's physically outmatched Woods. There are a couple of moments where Woods nearly had Priest, including hitting a springboard elbow drop and nearly getting a big pinfall. Priest doesn't look as efficient as he is when Viktor is ringside, but Priest ends up getting the job done and finishes Woods off with a Southside of Heaven.

The Fallen's Damian Priest enjoys his victory as you notice The Fallen backstage watching on the monitor and Viktor is pleased. Viktor turns around and praises both Aleister Black and Judas for their efforts tonight. Viktor says the plan is coming to fruition very soon if they stay the course.

The Miz walks backstage when Charly Caruso runs up to him asking about MizTV tonight. The Miz decides to berate Dolph Ziggler who interrupted him last week for his big announcement, blaming Ziggler on behalf of the fans because they had to wait 7 more days. The Miz has 7 days was long enough and he's super excited for MizTV to go on tonight without a bump in the road.

MizTV is set for later tonight, but after a commercial break we have WWE Women's Champion Paige coming to the ring!

After the commercial, Paige heads to the ring and simply says she's been walking around backstage all day and was looking for her #1 contender Becky Lynch. Paige admitted she thought Becky was tough after beating Rubi Riot in an "I Quit" match at SummerSlam, but noticing she's not been around the last few weeks and is avoiding her backstage, maybe she isn't all that tough. Mickie James then interrupts and Mickie also makes a mockery of The Lasskicker after her no-show. Mickie butters Paige up by calling her a respectable champion who is helping to restore respect to the women's division and when the title changes hands, it should go to someone who started that back a decade ago. Mickie challenges Paige to be her next title defense... and THEN BECKY LYNCH! The rightful #1 contender shows up for the first time since SummerSlam and gets in Paige's face before Mickie says Becky can't just waltz in and expect anything until Becky steps aside and floors Mickie James with a forearm across the face. Mickie rolls out the ring and Becky holds out her hands at Paige, shouting at the champion "I'm here and I'm ready!"

Backstage, Baron Corbin is actively seeking WWE Champion Kevin Owens, being unintentionally misdirected a couple ways and finally throws a backstage worker against the wall for him to give up where Owens is. Several producers run up and get Corbin to let go of the innocent man and JBL oversees this. JBL tells Corbin he lost last week and to suck it up. Corbin says he should be WWE Champion twice now and he's getting his hands on Kevin Owens. JBL has an idea and then decides what he'll do. JBL says Corbin won't get his hands on Kevin Owens tonight, but he's got a match against the other man in that match, Chris Jericho! Corbin warns JBL if he sees Kevin Owens, screw his match with Jericho and it's on before walking away from his boss.

Michael Cole and Paul Heyman hype up Heat, a 30-minute special that airs before WWE Raw each week. In the last two weeks, Asuka picked up a submission win over Shayna Baszler and Emma picked up a submission win over Lacey Evans. This leads to tonight where Emma challenged Asuka backstage tonight to a Submission Match on Raw! Heyman suggests everyone watches Heat with himself and Ian Riccabonni because he has insight that most don't have because he was ringside for both of those matches.

Asuka vs. Emma in a Submission Match
Heyman notes with the women's division on Raw at each others throats with Becky Lynch and Mickie James fighting to challenge Paige, all three of them need to watch out for these two women. Asuka and Emma grapple on the ground several times before getting up and trying to knock the wind out before going for the submission. But after each reached the ropes in their submission holds, Emma made a mistake and tried the Emma Sandwich in the corner when Asuka popped up and hit a belly-to-belly suplex, folding Emma in the corner like an accordion. Emma got up groggy and backed up into the Asuka Lock center of the ring and she has no choice but to tap out.

The "Empress of Tomorrow" Asuka gets her hand raised and has a sly grin on her face after picking up a big win for her in the women's division. Heyman reminds everyone Asuka's getting this opportunity because what she did on Heat a couple weeks ago and Michael Cole reminds everyone to catch Heat at 7:30 pm ET each Monday, 30 minutes before Raw.

Lana and Rusev are conversing backstage and Rusev is upset about not being in the United States Championship match tonight. Lana says she'll go talk to JBL and try getting Rusev the winner of the match next week.

Charly Caruso has a scheduled interview with Finn Balor before he challenges Bobby Lashley for the United States Championship tonight, but Charly's first question is for an update about Finn's protege Jordan Devlin. Finn says Jordan's at the hospital getting tests and he wanted to be there but he told him to stay and win the United States Title! Charly asks Finn what he's thinking going into the match tonight against Lashley when he simply says "win it for JD."

The ring is set up for MizTV and The Miz proudly comes to the ring with an exclusive scoop that he is bringing. The Miz begins to hype up this announcement, but not before rubbing it in that he beat Dolph Ziggler last week. The Miz takes enough time gloating and is ready to announce the newest Raw acquisition and everyone should rise to their feet to welco- Carlito's music hits! Carlito heads out and the fans are mixed, but Paul Heyman says Carlito's already a Raw guy, but Michael Cole mentions Carlito hasn't been seen on Raw since Extreme Rules back in June. The Miz is irate and says Carlito isn't the new trade acquisition, but Carlito just munches on an apple and says "But I'm back on Raw and that's cool!" before taking another big bite. The Miz tells Carlito to head to the back because he's ready to announce the newest Raw acquisition and hope this new guy kicks Carlito's ass! Carlito tells Miz to chill and informs everyone he just finished talking with JBL in the back. Carlito says the Raw acquisition isn't coming out here tonight. Carlito says he has a show of his own, Carlito's Cabana. Carlito says he wants to host the newest Raw acquisition and as The Miz begins to pitch a fit, Carlito again tells him to chill and he has a solution. Carlito announces he's medically cleared and is returning to the ring next week with a match against The Miz. The winner? The winner gets to host the new Raw acquisition on their show. The Miz is pissed and as Carlito tries to walk out, Miz pulls him back but gets spit in the face with the apple! The fans pop as Carlito heads out leaving the Miz squirming in the ring.

Michael Cole pops for Carlito's return next week against The Miz and the winner gets to announce the newest acquisition to Raw in the trade that sent The Usos to SmackDown. Heyman is ticked and wants to know who the new guy is. Cole then deflects to after the break, Chris Jericho versus Baron Corbin next on Raw!

Chris Jericho heads to the ring and gets on the microphone first. Jericho admits he fell short last week for the WWE Championship and gave kudos to not only Baron Corbin for laying him out, but Kevin Owens doing exactly what the old Y2J would've done and retain his title at all costs. Jericho says that's the old Y2J and he won't fault Kevin, but in this second chance on Raw, he wants to do things the right way. And the right way? Is smacking the taste out of Baron Corbin's mouth for laying him out last week! Jericho says he's ready to go and to get out here.

Baron Corbin's music hits as Jericho waits in the ring and instead of coming out, cameras cut to a backstage brawl. Baron Corbin has finally found Kevin Owens! Corbin is tossing the WWE Champion around backstage as Owens tries pushing barriers in between them to get away, but to no avail. Jericho is left shrugging his shoulders in the ring when Shelton Benjamin's music hits. Cole reminds everyone of an interaction backstage these two had last week and Benjamin gets on the mic. Benjamin says he's been sitting on Jericho's words of wisdom from last week and got thinking. Shelton says he might've lost his hunger and he's here to find it. Benjamin says if he wants to be WWE Championship material, he needs to step up and that's why he's out here. Jericho catches on and tries not to laugh. Jericho notices they're both dressed for the match and Baron's hands are full right now, so let's do it now!

Chris Jericho vs. Shelton Benjamin
In the right place at the right time is Shelton Benjamin for this opportunity. You can see a little more aggression in Benjamin but Jericho just has his number and discards a valiant effort with the Codebreaker. Jericho hooks the leg and wins the match.

Chris Jericho celebrates his win as Benjamin rolls to the outside with his hands on his head upset about losing his opportunity.

There's unforeseen footage of a fight that happened moments ago between Baron Corbin and WWE Champion Kevin Owens while we had to tune into the Jericho and Benjamin match. The conclusion of that fight was almost the whole producer and agent team holding Corbin back and Kevin Owens scurrying away and getting out of sight.

Meanwhile, cameras follow Lana walking to the hall and nearly enters JBL's office but the door is cracked. Lana overhears JBL venting and yelling about how tonight's Raw went with unauthorized matchups and our champions getting into fights. Lana opts to come back another time. We switch to a camera inside the locker room and JBL keeps going on about the spilling frustrations. JBL says if he was still active in the ring, he wouldn't clothesline half these nimwits straight to hell! But JBL calms down and says it's now your turn... The camera shows Luke Harper, cleaned up in a suit, no longer wearing the raggedy unclean clothes we're used to seeing. JBL says his career changed when he went from a beer-drinking slob relying on his teammates, to cleaning up his look and creating a new identity that he owned - John Bradshaw Layfield. JBL welcomes this man behind, but asks if he's ready to live in his new identity. He says Luke Harper is locked away in the barren jail cell he belongs. He reintroduces himself as Brodie and JBL looks like a teary-eyed proud father. JBL says he's ready to see what BRODIE will do next week!

Michael Cole and Paul Heyman are stunned with the reintroduction to Brodie. Heyman seems to be a fan and he might make him his next Paul Heyman Guy. Cole then says they're moments away from the main event and the United States Championship, but want to mention what's happening next week:

- Carlito's Cabana vs. MizTV with the rights to host the newest Raw acquisition from the blue brand
- Kofi Kingston wrestles Judas in 1-on-1 action
- The reimagined Brodie in action
- Asuka in a non-title match versus WWE Women's Champion Paige
- Elias promises a "Bourbon Street Special" performance, after refusing to perform tonight in Columbus​

A massive slate on deck for next week's Raw! But we have Bobby Lashley standing by with Charly Caruso. Moments before his title defense, Caruso asks Lashley's mindset. Bobby says if Jordan Devlin is in the hospital, it sucks for him. But Jordan Devlin had an accident in the ring and that happens. But what he'll do to Finn Balor right now will be no accident and Jordan will have a buddy in the ER tonight.

Bobby Lashley(c) vs. Finn Balor for the United States Championship
Emotions were running high for Finn Balor who immediately went on the attack against Bobby Lashley, perhaps after hearing Lashley's comments moments ago. Lashley uses this to his advantage by laying a power punch to Balor and slowing the match down, wearing his challenger down. Lashley targets the ribs and does more pin attempts than usual, where Heyman describes Lashley is wearing Balor's endurance down with each pinfall attempt.

The match looks to be in the bag with Bobby Lashley after hitting a Dominator but Balor vigorously kicks out. Lashley gets annoyed and heads over to the corner for a Spear and he charges Finn Balor for a Spear, but Balor leaps up and hits a diving foot stomp, like a standing Coup de Grace and covers Lashley but the champion kicks out! Balor tries to get a hot streak going, chaining a few moves together before Lashley just picks him up and slams him down, hard enough to almost send him through the mat. Lashley backs up to the corner and gets ready to hit a Spear and DOES! Balor rolls but Lashley catches him and covers him, but Balor gets the foot on the bottom rope.

Frustrated, Lashley is ready to put the challenger away. Lashley hoists Finn Balor up in the corner and demands to say hi to his little friend tonight in the ER. Lashley pulls Balor to the ropes and irish-whips him but instead of getting a Spear, Balor connects with a Slingblade! Lashley gets up stunned and gets hit with a corner dropkick and the fans rise! Balor knows it's his time as he climbs to the top and hits the same move Devlin got hurt on earlier in the night, Coup de Grace! Balor hooks the leg and the official counts THREE!

IT'S OVER! Finn Balor's music hits and Balor gets handed the United States Championship. Balor wins the first US title of his career and sends well wishes to JD into the camera as he celebrates. Bobby Lashley rolls out the ring, lowers his head, and shoves the camera away from his face as he heads out while Finn Balor ends tonight's Monday Night Raw celebrating as the new United States Champion.

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Upcoming Schedule:
9/10: Monday Night Raw in New Orleans, LA
9/17: Monday Night Raw in Dallas, TX
9/24: Monday Night Raw in Denver, CO
10/21: Rage in the Cage (Raw exclusive PPV) in Boston, MA

​