WWE 2019: No Wildcards

[Roy Mustang]

Draft I wonder do certain factions get broken up in this Draft? Or will they submit their names in together as a faction to ensure they don't get broken up like The Bloodline? OC? Alpha Academy? MMA Horsewomen? Church of Rollins?


Swerve his new faction too or The Hurt Business?

I can confirm that factions will have the choice of if they want to be drafted together or separate and a couple will make that choice

 

[Roy Mustang]

News update post Queen of the Ring

Jimmy Uso checked into rehab after a DUI arrest!​

We have heard reports from TMZ that Jimmy Uso has been suspended and sent to rehab after being arrested for a DUI on Saturday night, after the Queen of the Ring PPV. It is unknown what this means for the upcoming draft or what will happen with the WWE tag team titles. WWE was asked for comments on the arrest and the company advised they were supporting Jimmy at this time to get the help he needs!

Mod note: So I did have the DUI arrest down on my list of real-life events coming up… and then EWR a month earlier than the real-life arrest and sent him to rehab lol. So yeah, that happened here instead of there.

Predictions contest:
Battletank: 16/28
TG11: 13/28​

 

[Tg11]

News update post Queen of the Ring

Jimmy Uso checked into rehab after a DUI arrest!​

We have heard reports from TMZ that Jimmy Uso has been suspended and sent to rehab after being arrested for a DUI on Saturday night, after the Queen of the Ring PPV. It is unknown what this means for the upcoming draft or what will happen with the WWE tag team titles. WWE was asked for comments on the arrest and the company advised they were supporting Jimmy at this time to get the help he needs!

Mod note: So I did have the DUI arrest down on my list of real-life events coming up… and then EWR a month earlier than the real-life arrest and sent him to rehab lol. So yeah, that happened here instead of there.

Predictions contest:
Battletank: 16/28
TG11: 13/28​

I wonder if this means The Usos have to drop the WWE Tag Team Championship in this diary now?

 

[Roy Mustang]

WWE Draft:
June 6th 2021​

The draft starts with HHH, Wade Barrett, and Shawn Michaels making their way out onto the stage one at a time, all receiving a positive reaction from the live crowd. They confirm the draft rules, with Raw getting the first pick and SmackDown picking second. In the first six rounds, Raw will get three picks to SmackDown’s two due to being a longer show. There will be 11 rounds in the draft and any undrafted talent will be open to being picked up by Raw, SmackDown and even NXT/NXT UK in the supplemental draft after this broadcast! They confirm last of all that tag teams and groups can be drafted together, but some have asked to be put in the pool separately! HHH says now that the admin has finished, it is time for Wade Barrett to get the draft underway!

Round 1:​

Pick 1: THE NEW DAY​

Notable accolades:

Big E:
Current 1x Men’s WWE Champion (Defences against Hurt Business and Cesaro)
2x Intercontinental Champion
1x NXT Champion
3x World tag team champion (2x with Kofi and Woods, 1x with Woods)
3x WWE tag team champion (3x with Kofi and Woods)
2020 Men’s Money in the Bank

Kofi Kingston:
1x Men’s WWE Champion
5x Intercontinental Champion
3x United States Champion
5x World tag team Champion (2x with Big E and Woods, 1x with CM Punk, 1x with Evan Bourne and 1x with R-Truth)
3x WWE tag team champion (3x with Big E and Woods)

Xavier Woods:
Current 1x Cruiserweight Champion (Defences against Hurt Business and Oney Lorcan)
3x World tag team champion (2x with Kofi and Big E, 1x with Big E)
3x WWE tag team champion (3x with Kofi and Big E)

Pick 2: THE BLOODLINE

Key note: This is everyone in the Bloodline except Tamina!

Notable accolades:

Roman Reigns:
Current 3x Men’s Universal Champion (Defences against: Chad Gable)
4x Men’s WWE Champion
1x Intercontinental Champion
1x United States Champion
1x World tag team Champion (1x with Seth Rollins)
2015 Royal Rumble winner

Jacob Fatu:
Current 1x United States Champion (Defences against: Braun Strowman)

Jey Uso:
Current 5x WWE tag team Champion (5x with Jimmy Uso) (Defences against: Alpha Academy, The Mysterios and Heavy Machinery)
3x World tag team Champion (3x with Jimmy Uso)

Jimmy Uso:
Current 5x WWE tag team Champion (5x with Jey Uso) (Defences against: Alpha Academy, The Mysterios and Heavy Machinery)
3x World tag team Champion (3x with Jey Uso)

Naomi:
2x WWE Women’s Champion
Miss Elizabeth battle royal winner (2018)

Pick 3: RHEA RIPLEY

Notable accolades:
Current 1x Women’s Universal Champion (Defences against: Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair)
1x NXT Women’s Champion
1x NXT UK Women’s Champion
2021 Women’s Royal Rumble winner

Pick 4: TAYNARA CONTI

Notable accolades:
Current 1x Women’s WWE Champion (Defences against: Mercedes Martinez, Naomi and Deonna Purrazzo)

Pick 5: THE UNGOVERNABLES

Notable accolades:

Andrade Cien Almas:
1x Men’s Universal Champion
Current 1x Intercontinental Champion (No defences so far)
1x NXT Champion
2019 Men’s Money in the Bank winner

Shinsuke Nakamura:
2x United States Champion
2x NXT Champion
1x WWE tag team Champion (1x with Dominik Dijakovic)
2018 Men’s Royal Rumble winner

Angel Garza:
1x Cruiserweight Champion
1x NXT Cruiserweight Champion

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After the first round of the draft comes to an end, we cut to the backstage area as KAYLA BRAXTON is standing ready for an interview with PAUL HEYMAN! He has a smug smirk on his face as Kayla asks how he feels about them staying on SmackDown. Paul smirks and points out that Wade Barrett has had an issue with his Tribal Chief, so Roman will be happy to not bring relevance to the B-Brand in Raw and stay on SmackDown. Heyman even makes a joke, saying SmackDown has always been the A-Brand, going back to his days running it.

Kayla next asks about the fact that not all the Bloodline members were drafting and right on cue… NAOMI STORMS INTO THE SHOT! She demands to know why Tamina has not been drafted and Paul smiles, telling Naomi that Roman told her there would be consequences if she did not win Queen of the Ring. This makes Naomi stop for the moment and gulp as Heyman says that Tamina being removed from the group and having to make her own way is a message to Naomi. Heyman gets a bit closer and tells Naomi to step up or she is next!

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We then next cut to CATHY KELLEY who is also standing ready for an interview, as THE UNGOVERNABLES are ready for an interview. ANDRADE CIEN ALMAS stands front and centre with his newly won Intercontinental title on this week’s Raw with ZELINA VEGA by his side. SHINSUKE NAKAMURA, ANGEL GARZA and HUMBERTO CARRILLO stand behind them with smiles on their faces as Cathy says Zelina must be very happy with her clients all going so early in the draft.

Zelina nods and says it is a sign that she is getting her clients back to the top of the WWE, where they belong. She points at Andrade, saying he is leading by example once again and after trying to spread out her power last year, she realized that she would be better off focusing on one brand and brought Shinsuke Nakamura back into the main fold. She hypes him up as a former Royal Rumble winner before pointing at Angel and Humberto, calling them future tag team and Cruiserweight Champions before the injury comes to an end!

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Round 2:

Pick 6: THE STREET PROFITS

Notable accolades:

Montez Ford:
Current 1x time World tag team champion (1x with Angelo Dawkins) (Defences against: The Hurt Business, The Kingdom and Jeff Jarrett & Heath Slater)

Angelo Dawkins:
Current 1x time World tag team champion (1x with Montez Ford) (Defences against: The Hurt Business, The Kingdom and Jeff Jarrett & Heath Slater)

Pick 7: BOSS ‘N’ HUG CONNECTION

Notable accolades:

Bayley:
1x Women’s Universal Champion
1x WWE Women’s Champion
1x NXT Women’s Champion
Current 4x Women’s Tag Team champion (3x with Sasha Banks and 1x with Kairi Sane) (Defences against: The Robert Stone Brand, Masha Slamovich and Killer Kelly, Taynara Conti and Xia Li, Team Kick, Emma & Toni Storm, The Medusa Complex and Iyo Sky & Zoey Stark)

Sasha Banks:
5x Women’s Universal Champion
1x NXT Women’s Champion
Current 4x Women’s Tag Team champion (3x with Bayley and 1x with Charlotte Flair) (Defences against: The Robert Stone Brand, Masha Slamovich and Killer Kelly, Taynara Conti and Xia Li, Team Kick, Emma & Toni Storm, The Medusa Complex and Iyo Sky & Zoey Stark)
2019 Women’s Money in the Bank

Pick 8: BIANCA BELAIR

Notable accolades:
1x NXT Women’s Champion
2021 Queen of the Ring

Pick 9: ALPHA ACADEMY

Notable accolades:

Daniel Bryan:
4x Men’s WWE Champion
1x Men’s Universal Champion
1x World Heavyweight Champion
2x Intercontinental Champion
1x United States Champion
1x World tag Champion (1x with Kane)
2021 Men’s Royal Rumble winner
2011 SmackDown’s Money in the Bank

Chad Gable:
2x United States Champion
1x World Tag Team Champion (1x with Bobby Roode)
1x WWE Tag Team Champion (1x with Jason Jordan)
1x NXT Tag Team Champion (1x with Jason Jordan)

Buddy Murphy:
1x Cruiserweight Champion
1x NXT Tag Team Champion (1x with Wesley Blake)

Pick 10: SETH ROLLINS

Notable accolades:
2x Men’s WWE Champion
2x Men’s Universal Champion
2x Intercontinental Champion
1x United States Champion
1x NXT Champion
4x World Tag Team Champion (2x with Dean Ambrose, 1x with Roman Reigns, 1x with Jason Jordan)
2019 Men’s Royal Rumble winner
2014 Money in the Bank winner

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We cut backstage as CATHY KELLEY is standing ready for an interview with SETH ROLLINS who has a smug smirk on his face. He asks Seth Rollins how he is feeling after being drafted to Monday Night Raw and he says it is time for it to become Monday Night Rollins once again! He says he cleansed SmackDown, and now it is time for him to fix Raw! Cathy asks about the rest of his group, and he says whoever joins him on Raw to destroy the New Day is part of God’s will, before walking off to end the interview.

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We cut to TOM PHILLIPS standing backstage, ready for an interview with another new Raw Superstar, BIANCA BELAIR! She has a big smile on her face as Tom congratulates her on becoming Queen of the Ring, which gets a thank you from the E.S.T., who tells him that she doesn’t plan on resting on her laurels and that she already has her eyes set on Summerslam! As if by magic, we see the Women’s Universal Champion, RHEA RIPLEY walking into the shot, leading to a stare-down between the two women. Rhea smirks and says she’ll see Belair soon before we go back to the draft!

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Round 3:

Pick 11: EMBER MOON

Notable accolades:
1x WWE Women’s Champion
1x NXT Women’s Champion
2021 Women’s Money in the Bank winner

Pick 12: KEITH LEE

Notable accolades:
1x NXT Champion
2x North American Champion
2021 Men’s Money in the Bank winner

Pick 13: RANDY ORTON

Notable accolades:
9x WWE Men’s Champion
4x World Heavyweight Champion
1x Intercontinental Champion
1x United States Champion
1x World Tag Team Champion (1x with Edge)
1x WWE Tag Team Champion (1x with Bray Wyatt and Luke Harper)
2013 Men’s Money in the Bank winner
2009 and 2017 Royal Rumble winner

Pick 14: THE MMA HORSEWOMEN

Notable accolades:

Shayna Baszler:
2x Women’s Universal Champion
2x NXT Women’s Champion
2x WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion (2x with Ronda Rousey, Natalya, Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke)

Natalya:
1x WWE Women’s Champion
1x Divas Champion
2x WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion (2x with Ronda Rousey, Shayna Baszler, Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke)

Marina Shafir
2x WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion (2x with Ronda Rousey, Shayna Baszler, Natalya and Jessamyn Duke)

Pick 15: ALEISTER BLACK

Notable accolades:
2x Men’s Universal Champion
1x NXT Champion
2019 Dusty Rhodes tag team classic winner (with Ricochet)

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We cut elsewhere backstage as KAYLA BRAXTON is standing ready for an interview with Mr Money in the Bank KEITH LEE! He has a smile on his face as he asks for his thoughts on officially becoming a SmackDown Live superstar. He smiles and says he holds a ticket to his glory no matter where he landed but to be on the SmackDown brand and to give the fans the chance to bask in his glory when he removes the Tribal Chief from power brings him joy.

Kayla asks Keith if he thinks it is a good idea to call out Roman Reigns so openly after what he did to Daniel Bryan. Keith smiles and says that if he wants to be on top of the world, it means you cannot fear anyone. You can respect them, but never fear and Roman is not above him. Kayla then asks about Daniel Bryan, saying he will want his Men’s Universal title back. Keith acknowledges that Bryan will want revenge and he will make a decision if he will allow him to go for it first, but Keith doesn’t plan on waiting for his moment in the sun too long!

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We then cut to BYRON SAXTON who stood ready for an interview and seemingly a little nervous. It soon becomes clear as THE MMA HORSEWOMEN walk into the shot, led by SHAYNA BASZLER! Byron asks her how she is feeling after a rough loss to Bianca Belair in last night’s Queen of the Ring. Shayna glares at him before signalling to MARINA SHAFIR WHO GRABS BRYON FROM BEHIND AND CHOKES HIM OUT! NATALYA stands over him and tells him not to ask a stupid question before Marina dumps the unconscious Saxton to the floor.

Shayna picks up the microphone and looks directly at the camera, saying that last night she had an unexpected setback. She says Bianca Belair can enjoy this win for now, but one day Shayna will come back for her and get her revenge. Natalya chimes in to say they are now on a new brand, with a new goal to take over SmackDown. Shayna says Taynara Conti better hold her WWE Women’s title tightly, whilst her girls get back the WWE Women’s title and promise anyone who gets in their way will end up like Mandy Rose!

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Round 4:

Pick 16: BRAY WYATT AND BRAUN STROWMAN

Notable accolades:

Bray Wyatt:
1x WWE Champion
1x World Tag Team Champion (1x with Matt Hardy)
1x WWE Tag Team Champion (1x with Randy Orton and Luke Harper)

Braun Strowman:
1x World Tag Team Champion (1x with Nicholas)
2018 Men’s Money in the Bank winner
WWE Greatest Royal Rumble winner
2019 Andre the Giant battle royal winner

Pick 17: MOGUL EMBASSY

Notable accolades:

Swerve Strickland:
1x Intercontinental Champion

AR Fox:
1x North American Champion
2021 Andre the Giant battle royal winner

Pick 18: CESARO

Notable accolades:
1x United States Champion
6x World Tag Team Champion (4x with Sheamus, 1x with Tyson Kidd and 1x with Ilja Dragunov)
1x WWE Tag Team Champion (1x with Sheamus)
2014 Andre the Giant battle royal winner

Pick 19: DREW MCINTYRE

Notable accolades:
1x WWE Champion
1x Intercontinental Champion
1x NXT Champion
2x World Tag Team Champions (1x with Cody Rhodes and 1x with Dolph Ziggler)
2020 Men’s Royal Rumble Winner

Pick 20: ASUKA

Notable accolades:
3x WWE Women’s Champion
1x NXT Women’s Champion
2018 Women’s Royal Rumble Winner

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We cut backstage as Round 4 comes to a close, as KAYLA BRAXTON is standing ready for an interview, as we can see MOGUL EMBASSY standing with SWERVE STRICKLAND at the front with a man we have never seen before. Kayla congratulates Swerve on going too early in the draft, even before former World Champions, bringing a smug smile to his face. He says that it is because they are former World Champions and he is a future one, promising to show the Hurt Business how to actually take care of business.

Kayla asks who the man next to him is, and he introduces himself as PRINCE NANA who will be helping Swerve to run things atop SmackDown! Swerve says all of the men around him are the future, pointing to AR FOX saying he has had to wait too long for his time. He then points to his muscle EJ NDUKA saying he will put down anyone who gets in his way. He lastly wraps up introducing ALEXANDER HAMMERSTONE and RICHARD HOLIDAY, calling them the best team on NXT, before saying they will talk more about their plans on Friday.

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We then cut to CATHY KELLEY backstage as she is standing with CESARO who is in a crisp suit. She says well done on going so early but he politely cuts her off, making it clear he only has one thing he wants to talk about: Andrade Cien Almas. The Swiss Superman said he thought his dealings with him were done, but Andrade couldn’t handle him succeeding, so he had to get involved in his business. Cesaro says now that he knows he is on Raw, he is coming right for the leader of the Ungovernables and his Intercontinental title!

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Round 5:

Pick 21: THE O.C.

Notable accolades:

Adam Cole:
1x NXT Champion
1x North American Champion
1x NXT Tag Team Champion (1x with Roderick Strong, Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly)
2018 Dusty Rhodes Classic Winner (With Kyle O’Reilly)

Karl Anderson:
2x World Tag Team Champion (2x with Luke Gallows)

Luke Gallows:
2x World Tag Team Champion (2x with Karl Anderson)

Pick 22: THE HURT BUSINESS

Notable accolades:

Samoa Joe:
1x WWE Champion
1x United States Champion
2x NXT Champion
2020 King of the Ring winner
2015 Dusty Rhodes Classic Winner (With Finn Balor)

Shelton Benjamin:
3x Intercontinental Champion
1x United States Champion
3x World Tag Team Champion (2x with Charlie Haas and 1x with Cedric Alexander)

Cedric Alexander:
1x Cruiserweight Champion
1x World Tag Team Champion (1x with Shelton Benjamin)

Pick 23: THE RIOTT SQUAD

Pick 24: TEAM KICK

Notable accolades:

Dakota Kai:
1x NXT Women’s Champion
1x WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion (1x with Tegan Nox)

Tegan Nox:
1x WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion (1x with Dakota Kai)

Pick 25: DEONNA PURRAZZO

Notable accolades:
1x NXT Women’s Champion

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We cut to the backstage area as MVP is on the phone talking to someone when KAYLA BRAXTON approaches looking for an interview with the leader of THE HURT BUSINESS! Kayla asks MVP how he is feeling after the attack on Raw last week. He says normally business is not about emotion, but right now all he feels is anger towards Swerve Strickland for what he did. MVP says he helped to make Swerve Strickland and brought him to Raw, leading him to win his first-ever gold, for him to stab them in the back like this!

MVP says, though he is mad at himself for not seeing the signs, as he sighs. He tells Kayla that when Swerve disrespected the order for it to be a fair fight between him and Lio Rush, he should have kicked Swerve out on the spot. He says that Swerve was playing in their faces so now, this isn’t just business. He says the Hurt Business’s main goal for the next few months isn’t going to be winning gold. MVP says it is time for them to show that they are The Hurt Business and business is booming!

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We then cut to CATHY KELLEY filling in for Byron Saxton after he was choked out earlier tonight as she approaches TEAM KICK for an interview! She starts by congratulating them on being drafted higher than last year, with TEGAN NOX thanking her and saying it shows how good their first year on Raw went! Cathy then turns to Dakota and asks how she is feeling after having to take 6 weeks off due to an injury to her right leg. DAKOTA KAI says she is still feeling a bit sore, but she is back and ready to kick ass!

Cathy asks what their plans are now that they are on SmackDown, and both of them look at each other with a serious look before turning back to Cathy. They say that they are far from done with the WWE Women’s tag team champions and that the Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection have no place to hide with Team Kick on the same brand as them! Dakota says every day she was at home rehabbing her knee, all she had on her mind was getting revenge on Bayley, and now she is back, they want the tag team titles!

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Round 6:

Pick 26: KEVIN OWENS

Notable accolades:
1x Men’s Universal Champion
2x Intercontinental Champion
3x United States Champion
1x NXT Champion
1x WWE Tag Team Champion (1x with Sami Zayn)

Pick 27: LA KNIGHT

Pick 28: ALEXA BLISS

Notable accolades:
3x Women’s Universal Champion
2x WWE Women’s Champion
2018 Women’s Money in the Bank winner
2021 Miss Elizabeth Battle Royal winner

Pick 29: EDGE

Notable accolades:
4x WWE Men’s Champion
1x Men’s Universal Champion
7x World Heavyweight Champion
5x Intercontinental Champion
1x United States Champion
2x World Tag Team Champion (1x with Chris Jericho and 1x with Rey Mysterio)
12x WWE Tag Team Champion (7x with Christian, 2x with Chris Benoit, 1x with Hulk Hogan, 1x with Randy Orton and 1x with Chris Jericho)
2010 Royal Rumble winner
2001 King of the Ring winner
2005 Money in the Bank winner

Pick 30: AJ STYLES AND BIG CASS

Notable accolades:

AJ Styles:
2x WWE Champion
2x United States Champion

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We finish the sixth round and KAYLA BRAXTON is standing ready for an interview backstage as she introduces LA KNIGHT! She gets ready to ask him her first question, but the former NXT star takes the microphone from her and tells her to leave. Kayla shakes her head, looking annoyed, but does what the brash superstar says as LA Knight points to the camera, telling them to focus on a real star! He says that for too long, the WWE avoided signing someone like him because they were scared to show the world what a star looked like.

He says he went to NXT and there was no one… no one even worth his time, YEAH! He is a future champion and he plans on showing it from day one, saying he doesn’t want to wait for opportunities and that he will be kicking the goddamn door down on his way to the top! He makes it clear he wants a match on his first SmackDown and that he plans on setting his eyes on whoever is in his way, calling anyone who doubts him a dummy and ends the promo.

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We then cut to CATHY KELLEY who is standing next to AJ STYLES AND BIG CASS ready to interview Raw’s newest superstars. Cathy starts by asking them how they feel about switching brands and AJ says he has mixed emotions. He says SmackDown Live has always been the house AJ Styles built and it always will be. He calls it his home away from home, but sometimes you need to explore elsewhere and spread your wings, finding success elsewhere.

AJ points to his friend Big Cass and says that he had to go away from the WWE to find himself, as a prime example of that. He says he will have AJ’s back because AJ helped bring him back and helped him recover from his demons. Cathy brings up the O.C. being drafted to Raw as well and AJ says he isn’t done with the group yet. He says Adam Cole was always a snake and he kept an eye on Club affairs after he left. He tells Cathy that they already beat the Good Brothers, so Devlin and Cole are next!

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Round 7:

Pick 31: PIPER NIVEN

Pick 32: CHARLOTTE FLAIR

Notable accolades:
5x Women’s Universal Champion
3x WWE Women’s Champion
1x Divas Champion
1x NXT Women’s Champion
2x WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion (1x with Lacey Evans and 1x with Sasha Banks)

Pick 33: MUSTAFA ALI

Notable accolades:
2x Cruiserweight Champion

Pick 34: TOMMASO CIAMPA

Notable accolades:
1x NXT Champion
1x NXT Tag Team Champion (1x with Johnny Gargano)

Pick 35: SAMI ZAYN

Notable accolades:
1x Intercontinental Champion
1x NXT Champion
1x WWE Tag Team Champion (1x with Kevin Owens)

Pick 36: TONI STORM AND EMMA

Notable accolades:

Toni Storm:
1x NXT UK Women’s Champion
2018 Mae Young Classic winner

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We cut backstage and once again we see KAYLA BRAXTON standing ready for an interview with CHARLOTTE FLAIR! The Queen has a furious look on her face as Kayla asks her how she is feeling after her loss last night. She glares at the interviewer and tells her that Rhea got lucky. Not just last night, but lucky Charlotte is now on SmackDown because that means Conti is in her sights. Charlotte keeps it short and sweet, saying she is sick of being disrespected, saying going round 7 is a disgrace for a star like her and promises to become a 10-time Women’s Champion sooner than later!

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We then cut to CATHY KELLEY who is standing backstage before approaching MUSTAFA ALI who is standing in a blue suit with a smug smile on his face, looking like a politician. Cathy asks about him staying on Monday Night Raw and Ali smiles, saying the brand has been good to him but there is more he needs to do if he is to take it to the heights it should be, including dealing with people like… SAMI ZAYN RUNS INTO SHOT AND ATTACKS MUSTAFA ALI LEADING TO A BRAWL WITH BOTH MEN! The brawl carries on as security appears on the scene to break it up before we head to the ring for round 8!

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Round 8:

Pick 37: SHEAMUS

Notable accolades:
3x WWE Champion
1x World Heavyweight Champion
2x United States Champion
4x World Tag Team Champion (4x with Cesaro)
1x WWE Tag Team Champion (1x with Cesaro)
2012 Royal Rumble winner
2010 King of the Ring winner
2015 Money in the Bank winner

Pick 38: NIA JAX

Notable accolades:
1x Women’s Universal Champion
2020 Miss Elizabeth Battle Royal winner

Pick 39: MICKIE JAMES

Notable accolades:
5x Women’s Champion
1x Divas Champion

Pick 40: BOBBY LASHLEY AND LIO RUSH

Notable accolades:

Bobby Lashley:
2x Intercontinental Champion
1x United States Champion
2x ECW World Champion

Lio Rush:
1x Cruiserweight Champion

Pick 41: GRIZZLED YOUNG VETERANS

Notable accolades:

Zack Gibson:
2x NXT Tag Team Champion (2x with James Drake)
1x NXT UK Tag Team Champion (1x with James Drake)

James Drake:
2x NXT Tag Team Champion (2x with Zack Gibson)
1x NXT UK Tag Team Champion (1x with Zack Gibson)

Trent Seven:
1x NXT Tag Team Champion (1x with Tyler Bate)

Pick 42: THE MYSTERIOS

Notable accolades:

Rey Mysterio:
1x WWE Champion
1x Universal Champion
2x World Heavyweight Champion
2x Intercontinental Champion
4x Cruiserweight Champion
5x WCW Cruiserweight Champion
4x World Tag Team Champion (1x with Edge, 1x with Rob Van Dam, 1x Eddie Guerrero and 1x with Batista)
3x WCW World Tag Team Champion (1x with Billy Kidman, 1x with Konnan, 1x with Juventud Guerrera)
1x WCW Cruiserweight Tag Team Champion (1x with Billy Kidman)
2006 Royal Rumble winner

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We cut to the backstage area as KAYLA BRAXTON is standing ready for an interview with NIA JAX! Kayla asks Nia Jax how she feels going from Raw to SmackDown, with Nia responding that it changes nothing except the people in her way that she is going to crush like little dolls. Kayla brings up her loss this week to Taynara Conti, but Nia calls it a fluke. Before the interview can carry on much longer, they are interrupted by PAUL HEYMAN! He says sorry to Kayla before telling Nia Jax that her Tribal Chief wants to speak to her, bringing the segment to an end!

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We next cut to CATHY KELLY standing ready for an interview with THE GRIZZLED YOUNG VETERANS with their signature red scarves around their necks and TRENT SEVEN with a smug smirk on his face with a towel around his neck. She says congratulations to them for staying on the Raw roster before asking the group what’s on their neck. ZACK GIBSON scoffs, calling it a stupid question and makes it clear that they have their eyes on the World Tag Team titles that the Street Profits are holding.

Trent says that these two men are the best tag team today, not just the best tag team in the UK, but the best period. He says he was carrying the deadweight of British Strong Style long after their star had faded. He says he will lead these two to the tag team titles where they belong before getting his hands on gold himself, eyeing up the Intercontinental title, saying it is a title fit for him. JAMES DRAKE wraps up the promo, telling the tag team champions to GRIT THEIR TEETH!

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Round 9:

Pick 43: THE BLACKHEARTED WITCHES

Pick 44: FIRE AND DESIRE

Notable accolades:

Mandy Rose:
1x WWE Women Tag Team Champion (1x with Sonya Deville)

Sonya Deville:
1x WWE Women Tag Team Champion (1x with Mandy Rose)

Pick 45: ILJA DRAGUNOV

Notable accolades:
1x World Tag Team Champion (1x with Cesaro)

Pick 46: DOLPH ZIGGLER AND OMOS

Notable accolades:

Dolph Ziggler:
2x World Heavyweight Champion
6x Intercontinental Champion
2x United States Champion
1x Cruiserweight Champion
1x North American Champion
1x World Tag Team Champion (1x with Drew McIntyre)
1x WWE Tag Team Champion (1x with Micky, Johnny, Kenny and Mitch)
2012 SmackDown Money in the Bank winner

Pick 47: DAMIAN PRIEST

Notable accolades:
1x North American Champion

Pick 48: HEAVY MACHINERY

Notable accolades:

Otis Dozovic:
2x WWE Tag Team Champion (2x with Tucker Knight)

Tucker Knight:
2x WWE Tag Team Champion (2x with Tucker Knight)

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We finish round 9 before we cut to the backstage area to see CATHY KELLEY ready for an interview with DAMIAN PRIEST! He paces up and down, still looking wound up, as Cathy asks his thoughts on being drafted to Monday Night Raw. Damian makes it clear he doesn’t mind what brand he is on, but what he does mind is where Karrion Kross is. He tells the camera that Karrion Kross better end up on Raw or the rest of the roster is going to pay!

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We then cut to another interview backstage as KAYLA BRAXTON is standing ready for an interview with HEAVY MACHINERY! The camera pans to show OTIS DOZOVIC and TUCKER KNIGHT with neither man looking to be in a good mood. Kayla asks how they are feeling about staying on SmackDown Live, with Otis speaking first, saying he is very happy because they have a chance to get their WWE Tag Team titles back from The Usos and be with Mandy.

Tucker Knight cuts in at this point, saying this is the exact problem and why he was hoping they would have gone to Monday Night Raw: to get Otis away from Mandy Rose. Otis gets angry and asks Tucker why he would want that, but Tucker says that Otis cannot focus on the tag team titles while he is too busy being a lovesick puppy chasing after Mandy Rose. Otis points out that Mandy has had her arm broken by Shayna and needs his support, but Tucker shakes his head, leaving the interview and Otis standing there.

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Round 10:

Pick 49: CARMELLA

Notable accolades:
1x WWE Women’s Champion
2017 Women’s Money in the Bank winner
2019 Miss Elizabeth Battle Royal winner

Pick 50: MERCEDES MARTINEZ

Pick 51: KARRION KROSS AND SCARLETT BORDEAUX

Pick 52: DOMINIK DIJAKOVIC

Notable accolades:
1x World Tag Team Champion (1x with Shinsuke Nakamura)

Pick 53: BRITISH STRONG STYLE

Notable accolades:

Pete Dunne:
1x Intercontinental Champion
1x NXT UK Champion

Tyler Bate:
1x NXT UK Champion
1x NXT Cruiserweight Champion
1x NXT Tag Team Champion (1x with Trent Seven)

Pick 54: KILLIAN DAIN AND DRAKE MAVERICK

Notable accolades:

Killian Dain:
2x NXT Tag Team Champion (1x with Drake Maverick and 1x time with Alexander Wolfe and Eric Young)

Drake Maverick:
1x NXT Tag Team Champion (1x with Killian Dain)

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We cut to the backstage area as KARRION KROSS is standing next to his siren SCARLETT BORDEAUX when CATHY KELLEY approaches them for an interview. Cathy asks Karrion Kross for his thoughts on being placed on the same brand as Seth Rollins, which gets a smirk from Kross. He says it was God’s will for him to be with Seth and now he will be there to carry out God’s wrath by his side. Cathy asks Kross for his thoughts on Damian’s words earlier tonight, bringing a sly smirk to his face as he says he will deal with Damian Priest in due time.

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We then cut to KAYLA BRAXTON ready to interview the NXT call ups KILLIAN DAIN AND DRAKE MAVERICK! She congratulates them on making it to SmackDown Live as the grumpy Killian reminds Kayla he has been here before. Drake looks to lighten the mood and quips that not with me prompting an eye roll from Killian. Kayla asks the pair of them what is next for them on SmackDown Live and Killian says crushing anyone who messes with them before getting the tag team titles. Drake agrees with Killian and says they have proven themselves to be an effective team on NXT, promising to prove anyone who doubts them wrong!

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Round 11:

Pick 55: SUBCULTURE

Notable accolades:

Mark Andrews:
2x NXT UK Tag Team Champion (2x with Flash Morgan Webster)

Pick 56: JEFF JARRETT AND HEATH SLATER

Notable accolades:

Jeff Jarrett:
4x WCW World Heavyweight Champion
6x Intercontinental Champion
1x European Champion
3x WCW United States Champion
1x WWE Tag Team Champion (1x with Owen Hart)

Heath Slater:
3x World Tag Team Champion (3x with Justin Gabriel)
1x WWE Tag Team Champion (1x with Rhyno)

Pick 57: THE MIZ

Notable accolades:
1x WWE Champion
9x Intercontinental Champion
1x United States Champion
4x World Tag Team Champion (1x with John Morrison, 1x with Big Show, 1x with John Cena and 1x with Damien Sandow)
3x WWE Tag Team Champion (1x with Shane McMahon, 1x with John Morrison and 1x with Big Show)
2010 Raw Money in the Bank winner

Pick 58: ELIAS

Pick 59: ALIYAH

Pick 60: THE MEDUSA COMPLEX

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We cut to the final lot of interviews for the show as CATHY KELLEY is standing backstage, ready to interview NXT call-up ALIYAH! Cathy welcomes Aliyah to Monday Night Raw, but the newest superstar is rude and tells Cathy she doesn’t need a welcome from anyone! Cathy looks at her with disgust, but Aliyah says she is a top star and that after the Robert Stone Brand fell apart, thanks to Raquel and Chelsea’s bickering, she figured it was time to go her own way, and here she is. She says they can fight it out on NXT whilst she stays thriving!

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We then cut to the last interview as KAYLA BRAXTON is standing with ELIAS with a smile on her face as she asks him how he is feeling about being a SmackDown superstar. Elias makes a jibe at his old rival Baron Corbin, not being picked yet, but says that he is happy for a fresh start because his loss to Andrade a few weeks ago made him realize it might be time for a change. Kayla asks what Elias is thinking about changing and the drifter mentions that it might be time for him to go from a solo act to a duet before walking off, ending the interview and the draft as it is confirmed the supplemental draft will carry on via WWE.com!

 

[Tg11]

I love all the new rosters because it feels like a reset now after the Draft which means you get newer, fresher match ups and newer, fresher rivalries as we head towards the next pay per views for RAW and Smackdown respectively


Roman ☝ wants to talk to Nia Jax...guaranteed this means Nia joins The Bloodline and she ultimately replaces Naomi in The Bloodline...I would have thought that she would have been kicked out after she lost


Roman & The Bloodline being on the blue brand...I figured they would end up on Smackdown because to me Smackdown is the better brand compared to RAW


Big E as WWE Champion and The New Day being on the RAW brand was inevitable


Tay Conti as the WWE Women's Champion is now on Smackdown but the Smackdown Women's division post Draft is stacked which means more opponents now are going to want to challenge her for that title but also newer opponents she's never faced before


Same goes for Rhea Ripley the WWE Women's Universal Champion as you have Bianca Belair after her now ever since she won Queen of the Ring...cue Ms Money in the Bank Ember Moon who is also on the same brand here on RAW

 

[Roy Mustang]

News update:​

The remaining Raw and SmackDown superstars have been placed on the following brands after the supplemental draft:

Raw:
Akira Tozawa
Billie Kay
Danny Burch
Gran Metalik
Isla Dawn
Jeff Hardy
Katana Chance
Kayden Carter
Leon Ruff (Call-up from NXT)
Lince Dorado
Mia Yim
Nathan Frazer
Nikki Cross
Noam Dar
Oney Lorcan
Riddick Moss
SCRYPTS (Call-up from NXT)
Tamina
The Brian Kendrick
Tony Nese

Smackdown:
Akam
Amale
Apollo Crews
Curt Hawkins
Eva Marie
Franky Monet
Jinder Mahal
Jinny
Rezar
Rick Boogs
Rowe
Samir Singh
Sunil Singh
Xia Li
Zack Ryder

NXT:
Baron Corbin
Fandango
Mansoor
Ricochet
Tyler Breeze

Internal unassigned/injury list:
A-Kid
Ariya Daivari
Becky Lynch
Bobby Roode
Candice LeRae
Dana Brooke
Finn Balor
Flash Morgan Webster
Hanson
Jimmy Uso
John Morrison
Kenny Williams
Lacey Evans
Peyton Royce
R-Truth
Ronda Rousey
Shane Thorne

Jimmy Uso is being moved to the unassigned list:​

As we can see above, it has been confirmed by Fightful Select that Jimmy Uso has been moved to the internal unassigned list. Whilst this doesn’t mean that when he is back, the WWE is planning to break him and Jey up, it does signify that there is a good chance the WWE tag team titles are going to be vacated on the upcoming SmackDown Live. What the plans for the WWE tag team titles will be going forward in light of these developments is unknown.

Commentary changes on Raw:​

There has been a change to the Raw commentary team as former superstar Aiden English has re-joined the company and will be taking over from Pat McAfee after backstage officials felt Pat was not working out on commentary as expected.

Reason for superstars being sent to NXT and others being listed as unassigned for now:​

As can be seen on WWE.com, several Raw and SmackDown superstars have been reassigned to the NXT brand. In the case of Baron Corbin and Ricochet, both men asked to be sent down to NXT, feeling they had stagnated on Raw and needed a refresh, or they would be stuck in the low to mid-card. Mansoor meanwhile, was added to NXT as it was felt he needed a new character and that his tag team with Jeff Hardy was not really working. There are rumours that Breezango might be part of that gimmick change and they feel that NXT is the place to try it out.

The unassigned list meanwhile, given to WWE.com has been made as a way to make it easier to plan where superstars will return to when they come back from injury. Asuka, for example, is now cleared to compete but might not return for a few weeks as there are plans in place for her comeback. Whilst some of the superstars on the list it is obvious where they will return to (see Hanson and Jimmy Uso), the creative teams in charge want to leave options open for the other superstars and how best to use them when they return!

 

[Tg11]

News update:​

The remaining Raw and SmackDown superstars have been placed on the following brands after the supplemental draft:

Raw:
Akira Tozawa
Billie Kay
Danny Burch
Gran Metalik
Isla Dawn
Jeff Hardy
Katana Chance
Kayden Carter
Leon Ruff (Call-up from NXT)
Lince Dorado
Mia Yim
Nathan Frazer
Nikki Cross
Noam Dar
Oney Lorcan
Riddick Moss
SCRYPTS (Call-up from NXT)
Tamina
The Brian Kendrick
Tony Nese

Smackdown:
Akam
Amale
Apollo Crews
Curt Hawkins
Eva Marie
Franky Monet
Jinder Mahal
Jinny
Rezar
Rick Boogs
Rowe
Samir Singh
Sunil Singh
Xia Li
Zack Ryder

NXT:
Baron Corbin
Fandango
Mansoor
Ricochet
Tyler Breeze

Internal unassigned/injury list:
A-Kid
Ariya Daivari
Becky Lynch
Bobby Roode
Candice LeRae
Dana Brooke
Finn Balor
Flash Morgan Webster
Hanson
Jimmy Uso
John Morrison
Kenny Williams
Lacey Evans
Peyton Royce
R-Truth
Ronda Rousey
Shane Thorne

Jimmy Uso is being moved to the unassigned list:​

As we can see above, it has been confirmed by Fightful Select that Jimmy Uso has been moved to the internal unassigned list. Whilst this doesn’t mean that when he is back, the WWE is planning to break him and Jey up, it does signify that there is a good chance the WWE tag team titles are going to be vacated on the upcoming SmackDown Live. What the plans for the WWE tag team titles will be going forward in light of these developments is unknown.

Commentary changes on Raw:​

There has been a change to the Raw commentary team as former superstar Aiden English has re-joined the company and will be taking over from Pat McAfee after backstage officials felt Pat was not working out on commentary as expected.

Reason for superstars being sent to NXT and others being listed as unassigned for now:​

As can be seen on WWE.com, several Raw and SmackDown superstars have been reassigned to the NXT brand. In the case of Baron Corbin and Ricochet, both men asked to be sent down to NXT, feeling they had stagnated on Raw and needed a refresh, or they would be stuck in the low to mid-card. Mansoor meanwhile, was added to NXT as it was felt he needed a new character and that his tag team with Jeff Hardy was not really working. There are rumours that Breezango might be part of that gimmick change and they feel that NXT is the place to try it out.

The unassigned list meanwhile, given to WWE.com has been made as a way to make it easier to plan where superstars will return to when they come back from injury. Asuka, for example, is now cleared to compete but might not return for a few weeks as there are plans in place for her comeback. Whilst some of the superstars on the list it is obvious where they will return to (see Hanson and Jimmy Uso), the creative teams in charge want to leave options open for the other superstars and how best to use them when they return!

The Usos having to vacate the WWE Tag Team Championship...I can't see Roman being happy about that nor Jey but I wonder if this means both Jimmy & Naomi get kicked out of The Bloodline? Wouldn't surprise me and Roman just replaces them with new members

Asuka when she does come back, what brand does she end up on?

I can definitely see McAfee returning at some point

 

[Roy Mustang]

Monday Night Raw
June 7th 2021
Uncasville, Connecticut
Mohegan Sun Arena

HOUSE OF MEMORIES - P!ATD

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The opening video comes to an end as we pan around the arena, then cut to the commentary team of Michael Cole and Aiden English at ringside, who welcome us to the show. Michael says today marks the start of a new season on Monday Night Raw, as we have new superstars on Raw replacing those who have left for SmackDown Live. Aiden English says he is back and behind the booth to give his experience, plus a little bit of upper class to the booth, bringing an eye roll from Cole.

*NEW DAY NEW WAY*​

THE NEW DAY makes their way out, getting loud cheers from the crowd. BIG E leads the way, holding his WWE title into the air whilst XAVIER WOODS lifts up his Cruiserweight title with a smile on his face. KOFI KINGSTON by contrast, looks a bit upset having lost his Intercontinental title on last week’s Raw. Michael Cole is full of praise for the group and says Big E survived a very tough test last week against Cesaro. Aiden English meanwhile, says the first crack in the New Day’s reign over Raw happened last week when Andrade Cien Almas took the Intercontinental title from him!

The New Day gets into the ring with a smile on their face as Big E starts the promo, hyping up the crowd and getting louder cheers from the fans, thanking them for their support over the years. Woods speaks next, thanking the fans and says without them, he feels he would not be where he is today, holding up the Cruiserweight title. Kofi speaks next, slightly more downbeat, but looks at the fans with a bit of a smile, saying he is still down about losing his Intercontinental title to Andrade last week.

Kofi sighs, but he tells the fans there would be something wrong with him if he weren’t unhappy about losing his title. He gives Andrade Cien Almas credit for beating him fair and square, saying the better man on the night one, but there is always another night. He tells Andrade he is ready any time he wants for a rematch and he plans to take back his title, getting cheers from the crowd. Big E chimes in next and says meanwhile, he wants to know how it's coming for his WWE title next, as does Xavier Woods, with neither man having to wait too long for an answer because…

*COAT OF ARMS*​

THE UNGOVERNABLES walk out with ZELINA VEGA and ANDRADE CIEN ALMAS leading the way. Andrade is in a crisp white suit with the white belt version of the Intercontinental title on his shoulder, wearing sunglasses with a big smile on his face. Behind them are SHINSUKE NAKAMURA, ANGEL GARZA and HUMBERTO CARRILLO who all have smiles on their faces as things are starting to look up for The Ungovernables as of late.

Zelina has a microphone, saying if Big E had waited a few moments, he wouldn’t have even had to ask who was coming for his title next, because well, we’ve already gotten a taste for taking titles of the New Day. Andrade Cien Almas lifts his Intercontinental title into the air, getting boos from the crowd, but he has a smirk on his face. She points to Shinsuke Nakamura, saying this man was a former Royal Rumble winner without her guidance, but could never quite win the WWE title.

Andrade noticeably doesn’t seem too happy about someone else getting a shot at the WWE title ahead of him, but fakes a smile. Big E welcomes the challenge and tells Nakamura that any time he wants to step up, he is welcome to. Zelina smiles and says that any title match for her client, she wants to advertise in advance, because how else will she make money for them, getting loud boos from the crowd, which gets an eye roll from Big E. The group gets into the ring as Angel whispers in the ear of Zelina and asks for the microphone.

She passes the microphone to him as he steps forward and points at the Cruiserweight title being held by Xavier Woods. The champion remains on guard, but Angel says he wants the Cruiserweight title around his waist for the ladies in his life's joy. Humberto, his cousin, asks for the microphone and says he wants a shot first. The two men argue for a little bit before Woods suggests they battle next week and the winner gets him the week after. Zelina looks like she is about to disagree, but before she can respond…

*UPPERCUT OVERTURE (1812)*​

CESARO comes out in a black suit and he doesn’t look very happy! He gets a loud pop from the fans, but ignores them as he points at the ring. He makes it clear he has business with Zelina and Andrade, but first wants to make his point clear to the WWE Champion! He gets into the ring between the two groups and turns to face Big E, who has a stoic, serious face as the pair of them lock eyes with each other. Cesaro says Big E deserved his victory, and he doesn’t want to make excuses for his loss; however he feels he deserves another chance thanks to the action of Andrade last week!

Andrade chuckles, not caring, before Cesaro comes face-to-face with his former leader as the two men have a stare-down. It is Zelina Vega who speaks instead, saying Cesaro needs to stop looking for excuses for his failures, pointing out he failed to win the title while a part of the Ungovernables, too. Andrade chimes in to say people go into title matches injured all the time, but Cesaro is ready for a fight with the group, but then…

*VOICES*​

RANDY ORTON COMES OUT! He slowly walks out onto the entrance ramp with a smug smirk on his face, getting a huge mixed reaction from the live crowd. Everyone turns to the entrance ramp and has their eyes on the dangerous viper, who says he has no intention of stepping into the ring, but it has been too long since he has held the WWE title. Randy paces around, saying it has been years since he stood atop WWE, and he isn’t waiting, so whoever tries to stop him will soon learn the 3 most dangerous letters in wrestling. R…

BIG E CUTS HIM OFF! The crowd loudly cheers as Big E says everyone knows what Randy Orton is about! They have heard him before and they all know about the R.K.O because he tries to scare the roster with it each week. Big E tells Orton that his achievements in the past make him a legend, but now it is his time! Orton smirks and tells Big E that he has no problem cutting his time short, especially for anyone who is friends with Kofi Kingston! The former WWE Champion dares Orton to get in the ring right now, but he stays on the entrance ramp as…

*GOD SAVE THE QUEEN/END OF DAYS*​

WADE BARRETT THE MONDAY NIGHT RAW COMMISSIONER! He looks at Randy Orton, a man who has had a history with him over the years and a lot of arguments, but keeps his cool as he addresses the live crowd. He says he heard some good ideas in the ring just now, but he reminds all the wrestlers in the ring that there is only one man on Monday Night Raw who makes matches: HIM! The crowd cheers loudly as Wade Barrett lays down the law before carrying on.

Wade starts by confirming that he agrees with Xavier Woods idea, and next week we will see Humberto Carrillo fight his cousin Angel Garza, with the winner getting a Cruiserweight title shot next week! The crowd cheers at the possibility of an Ungovernables implosion before Wade also confirms that next week, as punishment for what Andrade did, he will defend his Intercontinental title in a rematch against Kofi Kingston!

Andrade shakes his head before Wade wraps up the promo, making a number one contender’s match in the main event between Cesaro, Shinsuke Nakamura and Randy Orton, with the winner fighting Big E at the Great American Bash! The crowd loudly cheers as The New Day seems happy with that. The Ungovernables talk amongst themselves, with Angel and Humberto arguing with each other whilst Randy Orton stares at everyone in the ring as Raw goes to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, THE UNGOVERNABLES walk through the back, and HUMBERTO CARRILLO and ANGEL GARZA are still arguing. It gets to a point that ZELINA VEGA turns around, shouting at them in Spanish, and sends them away. Neither looks too happy, but they do what she says just as CATHY KELLEY appears looking for an interview with them. She asks how they are feeling ahead of next week, with Humberto and Angel having to fight each other for a Cruiserweight title. Zelina dismisses it as being an issue and tells Cathy that when you have the best talents, sometimes they end up fighting each other for glory because the best competes with the best.

She points to SHINSUKE NAKAMURA saying he would be willing to fight ANDRADE CIEN ALMAS if it meant getting a WWE title shot, with both men nodding. Cathy asks about Andrade defending his title later tonight and he smirks, saying he beat Kofi once, he will do it again. Lastly, Cathy asks Shinsuke Nakamura for his thoughts ahead of the number one contender’s match. Shinsuke smirks and says it’s time for gold before they all walk off, ending the interview.

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*PUNCH DRUNK HONEY*​

A small pop from the live crowd as LEON RUFF walks out, making his Monday Night Raw debut! He slaps hands with a few of the fans in the front few rows before heading down the entrance ramp towards the ring. Michael Cole says Leon Ruff has been impressing down in NXT as part of their Cruiserweight division. Aiden English says he has a very tough test because he is stepping into the ring with a 2-time Cruiserweight champion in…

*FALLEN EMPIRE*​

MUSTAFA ALI walks out with a smug look on his face and gets loud boos from the live crowd, who are still unhappy with his change of attitude ever since WrestleMania 37! He takes his time walking to the ring and even looks to play to the fans, almost deluded by the fact that he thinks some of them still love him. Michael Cole says Ali has gone down a dark place, blaming Sami Zayn for his best friend’s actions. Aiden English says Owens hasn’t been here for Ali to confront, but wonders what will happen now that they are on the same roster. Mustafa Ali stands in the ring across from Leon Ruff as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!

Match 1: Mustafa Ali vs Leon Ruff​

Match summary: Leon has a decent showing against Mustafa Ali as he manages to pop some of the crowd with his moves, including a DIVING CORKSCREW CUTTER! Ali is much more brutal than he used to be and in the end, he gets Leon trapped in the middle of the ring, hitting him with a STANDING SPAINISH FLY INTO THE KOJI CLUTCH TO GET THE TAP OUT VICTORY!

Winner via submission: Mustafa Ali (4:51)​

The crowd boos loudly as Mustafa Ali dumps the body of Leon Ruff to the mat and gets to his feet, celebrating another victory on Monday Night Raw. Michael Cole says there is a reason Ali has been the face of the Cruiserweight division the last two years! Aiden English says that with his new attitude, it might not just be the Cruiserweight who needs to worry about him! Mustafa Ali signals to someone at ringside and is passed a microphone before bending down next to Leon Ruff.

Mustafa Ali says Leon Ruff is a good kid who was in the wrong place at the wrong time and that Ali needed to make a point tonight! He says he knows a man like Leon would agree with his issues with Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. Ali bends down, putting his mouth by Leon, who responds, telling Ali he is an ass and sides with Owens and Zayn. Mustafa Ali looks furious and CLOCKS LEON WITH THE MICROPHONE BEFORE RELOCKING HIM IN THE KOJI CLUTCH! He wrenches on the hold until…

*WORLDS APART*​

SAMI ZAYN RUNS OUT! He has a kendo stick in hand and sprints straight for the ring… BUT ALI LETS GO OF THE HOLD AND RUNS AWAY THROUGH THE CROWD! Sami considers giving chase, but instead shakes his head, tossing the stick to the side and checking on Leon Ruff. Michael Cole on commentary says Sami Zayn is far from done with Mustafa Ali, whilst Aiden English wonders where Kevin Owens is and why he hasn’t helped Sami with this issue himself as Raw goes to a commercial break!

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When we return from the commercial break, we cut to the inside of a church and that can only mean one thing! We can see the pew set up as KARRION KROSS, SCARLETT BORDEAUX and NATHAN FRAZER are sitting kneeling in front of it waiting for SETH ROLLINS to walk to the pew. He has a smug smirk on his face as he greets his disciples. Seth says he has led them to a new land, the land that he made Monday Night Rollins! He sticks his arms out and soaks in the applause from his disciples before carrying on.

He says The Authors of Pain did their jobs for a time, but now God has set them free to find their own path so he can focus on his true disciples, the ones who are going to bring gold back to the Church! He looks to Karrion Kross and tells him that Damian Priest is a heathen who needs to be taught respect by his devil. Seth then turns to Nathan, tells him it is time for him to set the Cruiserweight division alight whilst Seth saves the WWE title from Big E and gives Monday Night Raw a rebirth!

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We cut back to the commentary team who speculate on what the Church of Seth Rollins has planned for the rest of the Raw roster, with Michael Cole worried about what is next, but Aiden English is full of praise for his former group when they are interrupted by…

*GOOD FRIENDSHIP SONG*​

THE FIREFLY FUNHOUSE THEME SONG! The crowd gives a mixed reaction before we cut to the inside of the Funhouse, as we can see the puppets in their boxes. The door opens as BRAY WYATT AND BRAUN STROWMAN walk into the middle of the room, waving for the camera, welcoming us to the show! We get the “children” in attendance saying hi back with both men wearing Mr. Rodgers-style jumpers and wide, creepy smiles on their faces.

Braun speaks first, saying it is good to be back with his family and thanks Bray for bringing him back, leading to a hug between the two men. The kids go “AHHHHHH” in response before they break the hug as Bray says family is always here for you before saying tonight, they return as a team to the ring. Rambling Rabbit runs over, talking about Kevin Owens and Aleister Black PROMPTING BRAUN STROWMAN TO GRAB THE RABBIT AND SQUEEZE IT TO DEATH!

The other puppets gasp in total shock before the limp body of the rambling rabbit falls to the floor. We can see Sister Abigail speaking to Mercy the Buzzard as Bray Wyatt turns to them with a dark look as The Fiend mask flashes over his face before he smiles again, saying “oops” getting laughs from the children in the crowd. Braun says maybe he was a little too rough with him before saying all the children can get these hands… OFFERING HIGH-FIVES TO ALL THE KIDS as the segment comes to a close and Raw goes to a commercial break!

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When we return from the commercial break, we can see KEVIN OWENS taping up his fists backstage whilst ALEISTER BLACK is kick-boxing in the corner of the room. They are soon disturbed by SAMI ZAYN opening the door and walking into the room. Kevin gets up and shares a hug with his best friend, saying it is good to be on the same show as his best friend once again. This gets a look from Aleister Black before he goes back to kicking the bag in the corner of the room.

Kevin says to ignore Aleister before asking Sami if he got his hands on Ali earlier tonight. Sami shakes his head, saying Ali managed to run away before he could get his hands on him. Owens asks if Sami wants any help dealing with him since Ali is mad at him, but Sami says he wants to handle this alone, as Owens told him to leave the Bray and Braun situation to him and Black. Owens nods before giving Sami a fist bump as he leaves Owens and Black alone in the room.

Kevin Owens turns back around to face Aleister Black, who looks at him, having stopped the kickboxing. Black looks at him and says that he has let the light weaken him, but Owens shakes his head. He tells Black that his friendship with Zayn has made him a better man for his wife and kids, plus a better fighter. Black says those give Bray and Braun something to target in their fight. Owens quips back that isn't it about no man being truly good or evil, but Aleister ignores him, going back to kick-boxing.

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We then cut backstage to see SHEAMUS sitting at a bar backstage drinking his signature Guinness before THE MIZ walks up to him in a crisp suit and sunglasses with a smile. Sheamus glares at him, but The Miz holds his hands up in a defensive manner. The Miz asks if Sheamus has had a chance to calm down and see what The Miz was trying to show him. Sheamus says all The Miz showed him was how to take a shortcut to get what he wants.

The Miz shakes his head and says it is about doing whatever you need to do to get that title around your waist. Sheamus looks at The Miz and makes it clear that, whilst he has cheated to win titles before, this one he wants to make sure he wins fair and square. Miz says why does that matter but the Celtic Warrior lists off his accolades and everything he has done through the years, saying this is all he has left to do, so he wants to do it the right way. Miz thinks for a moment and nods, saying he will help Sheamus before offering a handshake as they seem to now be on the same page!

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*SEDUCTION*​

BILLIE KAY makes her way out now, starting to become a firm fan favourite and this week her sign for Peyton Royce reads “My number 1 draft pick is Peyton” which gets cheers from the live crowd. Michael Cole says Billie Kay is more of a tag team specialist, but with Peyton Royce on the injury list, she has had to go it alone. Aiden English comments on having to go it alone when Simon Gotch left WWE and says it can be tough to adjust when you are used to having someone by your side.

*SHINING LIKE A DIAMOND*​

ALIYAH makes her way out, getting little reaction from the crowd, but the fans who do react boo the new NXT superstar on the way to the ring. Michael Cole says Aliyah had been making a name for herself on NXT as part of the Robert Stone Brand, but now she is stepping on the longest-running consecutive tv show of all time! Aiden English says Aliyah left the Robert Stone Brand in the past due to the bickering, but can she make it on her own? Aliyah stands in the ring across from Billie Kay as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!

Match 2: Aliyah vs Billie Kay​

Match summary: Aliyah talks a bunch of trash as soon as the bell rings, annoying the crowd and this allows Billie Kay to get an opening to take her down, laying into the newest superstar on Monday Night Raw. Aliyah gets back into the match, but she cannot put away Billie Kay and, in the end, Aliyah rolls up Billie Kay using the ropes to make sure he secures the victory!

Winner via pinfall: Aliyah (4:59)​

Aliyah rolls off of Billie Kay with a smug smirk on her face, having gotten away with stealing the victory tonight. Billie Kay looks annoyed with the loss as the commentary team gives credit for Aliyah doing what it takes to win on her Monday Night Raw debut, as we go to a commercial break.

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*BRUTALITY*​

RHEA RIPLEY slowly walks out onto the entrance ramp to start the 2nd hour of Monday Night Raw with the Women’s Universal title on full display over her shoulder and her signature confident smile. She noticeably is walking slower than normal and doesn’t do her signature foot stomp due to the damage done to her right leg last night. Michael Cole says Rhea Ripley proved she is a force at the top of the Women’s division, defeating 9-time Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair!

Aiden English says now if she makes it to Summerslam, she has one of Raw’s biggest new additions waiting for her: The E.S.T. Bianca Belair! Rhea Ripley steps into the middle of the ring and looks at the crowd with a smile before addressing the fans. She starts by saying last night she proved that she was Charlotte Flair’s nightmare and that no matter who she faced at WrestleMania 37, she was walking out as the Women’s Universal Champion!

She points at her right leg and is not ashamed to admit she is feeling a bit sore tonight after her war two nights ago with the Queen, but there are always battle scars when you face the best in the industry. She says she plans to fight through the pain and fight through whoever stands in the way before Summerslam. The crowd loudly cheers as Rhea says she has a lot of respect for Bianca and they know each other very well from their time in NXT…

*WATCH ME SHINE*​

SPEAK OF THE DEVIL AND SHE SHALL APPEAR! BIANCA BELAIR stands at the top of the entrance ramp, soaking in the cheers from the crowd with a big smile on her face right now, having been crowned Queen of the Ring two nights ago, earning a Women’s Universal title shot at Summerslam! Aiden English says some people had been wondering if Belair would always be someone who would just miss out on making it to the top, but she proved last night that she belongs when she beat 3 of the best in the World.

Michael Cole says she beat Natalya, Naomi and Shayna Baszler in one night but can she defeat the woman who took the NXT Women’s title from her just over a year ago? Bianca Belair, who took her time to walk to the ring, still feeling the effects of last night, but she gets inside the ring, coming face to face with Rhea Ripley! The crowd is going wild as the commentary team hypes these two up as the future of the Women’s division before Belair speaks first.

Bianca Belair says when she won the Queen of the Ring and knew she was going to get a title shot at Summerslam, she was hoping to end up on the same brand as Rhea. The champion smirks as Belair carries on by saying she lives her life by believing she is the strongest, smartest, fastest and the best. She smiles and tells Rhea to be the best you have to beat the best, which right now is her! Rhea nods with a smile on her face, but stays silent, letting Belair carry on.

Bianca says that’s also not the only reason why she wants to fight Rhea Ripley and she knows the champion would understand the reason better than anyone. Rhea nods, pointing out that she was the one who ended Bianca’s NXT Women’s title reign and Belair never could quite beat her. Belair looks annoyed at that statement, but stays silent for now as Rhea says she wanted Charlotte Flair for those same reasons. The difference is, she beat Charlotte, whilst Belair is going to fall short again!

The crowd gives a loud mixed reaction to that line and Belair doesn’t react well to it, telling Ripley she has no intention of losing at Summerslam before pointing at the right leg of Ripley, asking if she will even make it as champion to Summerslam. Ripley remains calm and says the same could be said for Belair’s back after the damage done to it. The pair of them are nose to nose, almost ready to break out into a fight with the crowd behind both of them until…

*THRONE OF GOLD*​

DEONNA PURRAZZO WALKS OUT WITH A MICROPHONE! Another new addition to the Monday Night Raw roster, with Aiden English chiming in to say finally, a bit of class is being brought to proceedings! Michael Cole says Deonna came up just short when fighting Taynara Conti at Queen of the Ring, when fighting for the WWE Women’s title and wonders what brings her out here. Deonna is about to speak, but is cut off by Bianca Belair, who quips at her that they are kind of busy and she can come back later.

Deonna looks annoyed but laughs the comment off, saying she was actually here to see the pair of them! Rhea says if Deonna wants a title shot, she can go speak to Wade Barrett and get herself in line because, as Bianca said, they have their own business to take care of. Deonna shakes her head, saying that the belt Rhea has is her business because she wants to make it to the top and she figured the best way to make it to the top is to target both of them.

Belair is unimpressed by this and says if her plan is to take both of them out, maybe she should be smarter about it and not come out here running her mouth while they are both angry. Ripley agrees and proposes a truce for the moment to put Deonna in her place, which gets loud cheers from the crowd. Deonna shakes her head and says do these two really think she would come out here without a plan? Both women look confused as behind them appears PIPER NIVEN WITH A STEEL CHAIR AND CLOBBERS BOTH RHEA RIPLEY AND BIANCA BELAIR FROM BEHIND!

The crowd, who were cheering for Piper, now turn on her and boo loudly, but the Scot doesn’t care, laying a proper beating on Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair. Michael Cole, on commentary, wonders why she is doing this, having been an ally to Rhea Ripley before the draft! Deonna smirks as she slowly walks towards the ring and starts to help Piper Niven in this beatdown, finishing it off by CLOBBERING RHEA RIPLEY WITH THE TITLE AND LAYING HER OUT! The segment comes to an end with Deonna Purrazzo and Piper Niven standing over the fallen Ripley and Belair as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we see DEONNA PURRAZZO and PIPER NIVEN walking through the backstage area. They are soon stopped for an interview by TOM PHILLIPS who asks Piper Niven why she is working with Deonna Purrazzo. Piper steps forward and tells Tom it should be obvious to everyone why she did what she just did. She says that last year she kept trying to do things the right way and even fighting to protect her friend Melina. She then asks Tom what that got her, what gold did she win?

Tom is unable to answer, prompting Piper to say exactly and to boot, Melina is now gone from WWE, so she doesn’t even have her friend anymore. She says Deonna made her realize that her old way of doing things was getting her nowhere, so why not work with Deonna, especially when she promised me the first shot at the Women’s Universal title when she wins it! Tom Phillips turns to Deonna and asks the former NXT Women’s Champion if that is true, prompting a nod from Deonna.

Deonna says she knows two women stand in the way of what she wants and she learned on SmackDown that you need allies if you want to make it to the top, so she made an alliance with the toughest woman on Monday Night Raw. She says now Rhea is going to be desperate to get her hands on Deonna and she has no plans on fighting Ripley unless the Women’s Universal title is on the line. She ends the interview calling herself and Piper “Cerebrum et Vires” and says brains and brawn will take over Raw!

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*LONDON BOYS a*​

DANNY BURCH walks out to the ring, getting boos from the live crowd, joined by his tag team partner ONEY LORCAN! Neither man as always seems to be in a good mood, but only Danny is dressed to compete. Michael Cole says Danny Burch will be looking to get back on track after his recent loss to Xavier Woods, while Aiden English says if he can chain a few wins together, he might get himself back in line for another title shot.

*SOVIET MARCH*​

ILJA DRAGUNOV marches out, getting loud cheers from the live crowd! He is fired up and pumps up the live crowd, who have started to love the Mad Russian! Michael Cole says the draft can be a reset, even for superstars who are already on Raw, giving them a chance to start again. Aiden English says Ilja spent most of last year teaming with Cesaro, but with Cesaro focusing on singles aspirations, Ilja is looking to make a name for himself as a singles superstar too. Ilja steps through the ropes and stands across from Danny Burch, who calls for the bell to get this match started!

Match 3: Ilja Dragunov vs Danny Burch w/Oney Lorcan​

Match summary: Both men come into this match ready to throw hands with one another right from the start. Ilja and Danny both are known for their hard-hitting strikes but Ilja proves to be the superior man in regards to his blows keeping the pressure on Danny Burch throughout and doesn’t let him make any sort of comeback. Ilja would then finish him off with TORPEDO MOSCOW to pick up a win on Monday Night Raw!

Winner via pinfall: Ilja Dragunov (5:29)

Ilja Dragunov gets to his feet, getting loud cheers from the live crowd with a slightly wild smile on his face, almost like he is ready for another fight still. As Ilja is celebrating the victory ONEY LORCAN TRIES TO CHEAT-SHOT DRAGUNOV… BUT THE MAD RUSSIAN IS READY FOR IT AND HEADBUTTS ONEY SENDING HIM BACKWARDS! The One Twos roll out of the ring and retreat up the entrance ramp as Ilja dares them to come and fight him right now! The commentary team put over Ilja as a dangerous man you don’t want to mess with, as Raw goes to a commercial break!

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When we return from the commercial break, we come back to see MICKIE JAMES and ALEXA BLISS BRAWLING WITH EACH OTHER! Both women are laying into each other with hard strikes as it seems their issues with each other has escalated as of late and they both look to tear each other apart until security appears to stop them and pulls them apart from each other! WADE BARRETT appears and tells both women to stop this right now! He makes it clear that if they want to fight, they can do it later tonight in the middle of the ring! Both women nod and walk in separate directions before we cut back to the ring.

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*WE RIOT*​

THE RIOTT SQUAD walks out getting a decent pop from the live crowd but RUBY RIOTT is in a bad mood. LIV MORGAN looks to be in a slightly better mood having come off an impressive run to the semi-finals of the Queen of the Ring tournament. Michael Cole puts over the performance of Liv Morgan within the tournament and says she has impressed a lot of people with her performance two nights ago. Aiden English says she will be disappointed to have come up short but she now knows how close she can get to the gold.

The Riott Squad both stand in the ring with microphones as Liv Morgan thanks the fans for their support on Saturday and says without their support plus Ruby’s, she doesn’t know if she would have gotten to the semi-finals. Ruby chimes in to tell Liv that she believes that she could have done it on her own but now she has Ruby by her side to help her. Both women share a hug getting loud cheers from the live crowd before turning back to fans with smiles on their faces.

Ruby says she has made a bunch of mistakes and one of the biggest was turning her back on Liv Morgan to try to get closer to gold when she should have been supporting her friend. Ruby says you cannot change the past but you can change the future! The crowd cheers as Liv Morgan steps forward once again and says that first of all before they can focus on the future, they have one more thing left to deal with and call out the Blackhearted Witches! They wait in the ring but don’t have to wait too long as…

*THE CORONATION*​

THE BLACKHEARTED WITCHES WALK OUT! The crowd boos the duo but neither SHOTZI BLACKHEART or KILYNN KING care as they march onto the entrance ramp wasting little time before stepping between the ropes. Shotzi says Ruby can talk all she wants, but… KILYNN ATTACKS LIV MORGAN WITH A BIG BOOT! Ruby launches herself as Shotzi Blackheart and the two teams start to brawl with each other to the delight of the live crowd!

KiLynn King picks him up and lifts Liv Morgan into the air ready to HURL HER OVER THE ROPES BUT LIV MORGAN HITS A HURRICARANA SENDING HER OUT OF THE RING! Shotzi is laying into Ruby with a bunch of strikes, but LIV DRAGS HER OFF BY THE HAIR BEFORE SHOTZI SENDING HIM BACK! Ruby then grabs hold of Shotzi Blackheart and hits her with the RIOT KICK! They look to do more damage… BUT KING GRABS HER AND THEY RETREAT UP THE ENTRANCE RAMP as the segment comes to an end!

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We cut to the backstage area as we can see BRITISH STRONG STYLE hanging out together in their signature tweed jackets, leaning against a brick wall. TYLER BATE turns to PETE DUNNE and tells his tag team partner that they need help to handle the numbers game with the GYV and Trent Seven. Pete says Tyler knows he doesn’t play well with others, but there is one man on Raw he would be happy to trust. The camera pans over to show MARK ANDREWS and DANI LUNA walking into the shot with smiles on their faces.

Mark says he has always been friends with Pete Dunne, even if he has been the grumpiest man he has ever met. Pete gives him a look and thanks him for his help tonight. Mark says it is not a problem and says even if he wants friends with Pete, he still owes them an ass-kicking for taking the NXT UK tag team titles from him and Flash. Tyler thanks him for the help and also thanks Dani, winking at her. Dani smirks, but Pete tells Tyler to focus before we cut back to the ring!

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*OBSESSION*​

MICKIE JAMES makes her way out, getting a mixed reaction from the crowd, with a lot of them still against her due to her antics whilst teaming with Alexa Bliss. Michael Cole calls Mickie a legend of the business and a 6-time Women’s Champion but lately, Alexa Bliss has been treating her like she is nothing. Aiden English says it’s a what have you done for me lately kind of business and the tag team has not brought success for either woman as of late!

*THE FURY*​

ALEXA BLISS walks out onto the entrance ramp and five feet of fury is not at all in a good mood as she heads to the ring. She ignores the fans and heads straight for the ring, looking to go after her now former tag team partner! Michael Cole says Bliss is a 5-time Women’s Champion in her own right, but has struggled to reach those heights ever since she returned from injury 2 years ago. Aiden English says this could be one hell of a scrap that’s hard to keep control of as Bliss slides into the ring and attacks Mickie James right from the start, leading to the bell being called for!

Match 4: Alexa Bliss vs Mickie James​

Match summary: Bliss lays into Mickie on the mat, pummelling her with strikes on the mat and keeps the pressure on the fricking legend. Mickie shows she is more than willing to fire back some loaded punches of her own, with the match descending into a brawl in the early stages. Both women also show that they are not above using cheap tricks and trying to cheat if it means they will walk out of tonight with the victory with eyes rakes and hair pulling on display from both women.

Bliss is starting to struggle the longer the match stays as a brawl due to the size advantage Mickie James has over her and starts trying to use her speed to take control but Mickie is ready for this too and manages to counter a TWISTED BLISS WITH HER KNEES UP! Mickie rolls up Alexa, but she rolls through looking to grab the win GRABBING THE ROPES… BUT THE REFEREE SEES IT! Bliss and the referee get into an argument… AS MICKIE ROLLS HER UP AND HOOKS THE TIGHTS TO STEAL THE WIN!

Winner via pinfall: Mickie James (7:17)​

The crowd cheers as Mickie lets go of the tights and gets to her feet, celebrating with a big smirk on her face. Alexa Bliss is furious in the ring, meanwhile and throws a temper tantrum as she argues with the referee. Michael Cole gives credit to Mickie’s veteran experience for finding a way to outcheat Alexa Bliss, but Aiden English on commentary chimes in to say he doesn’t think this is over between them as Raw goes to a commercial break.

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*PHENOMENAL*​

The 3rd hour of Monday Night Raw starts off with loud cheers from the live crowd as AJ STYLES AND BIG CASS walk out, both looking serious. The two friends fist-bump each other before heading to the ring, ready to take care of some business. Michael Cole says these two men have been at war with the O.C. ever since WrestleMania 37, but instead of Finn Balor at the helm, it is Adam Cole now. Aiden English says Adam Cole was offered a chance to lead by Finn when AJ took the prince out, and Cole is not someone to turn down an opportunity!

AJ Styles and Big Cass step into the ring with AJ taking the microphone, telling the fans that SmackDown Live will always be the house AJ Styles built, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t love Monday Night Raw too! He gets a cheap pop from the fans before saying that he planned on having his focus on the Universal title, saying it has been too long since he has held gold, but then he looked at who was joining him from SmackDown Live… Big Cass chimes in to say The O.C.!

AJ says they are hanging around them like a bad smell, but AJ says he guesses that is what he gets for bringing them to the dance in the first place. AJ makes it clear that they have already beaten The Good Brothers and shown them who is superior, but they still have two more men to take care of. Big Cass says their names: Jordan Devlin and Adam Cole. AJ says that until they deal with those two, their issues with the group are not yet finished and they will keep…

*EMERGENCE*​

THE O.C. WALKS OUT! ADAM COLE leads the way with JORDAN DEVLIN and THE GOOD BROTHERS follow behind him. AJ signals to Big Cass, who rolls out of the ring and looks to grab a pair of steel chairs, prompting a smirk from Adam Cole. Adam sticks his arms out and tells the pair not to worry because they have no intention of taking them out… tonight anyway! He smirks as he says it, but AJ Styles isn’t convinced, staying on guard.

Adam Cole says when he came to Raw, he was hoping to leave the past in the past when he came to Raw but AJ Styles couldn’t stay in his so-called house. Cole makes it clear that whilst he stands in for Finn Balor, he will be focusing on bringing the group to new heights and that doesn’t involve having to beat AJ Styles and Big Cass every other week. He says The Good Brothers will be focusing on becoming 3-time tag team champions, whilst he and Devlin will focus on bringing the singles title to the O.C.!

The crowd boos as AJ Styles makes it clear that he and Big Cass have the same plan with no intention of letting The O.C. get in their way. Big Cass takes the microphone and tells the O.C. that they still owe a score with Devlin and Cole, daring them to come back to this ring right now. Devlin actually steps forward, but Cole whispers in his ear, stopping him for now. Cole says they will see them in their own time and that the O.C. is no longer AJ’s to command.

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When we return from the commercial break, we see an angry ALEXA BLISS storming through the back and knocking over a bunch of water bottles in anger. We can hear her scream in anger before we see EMBER MOON walk towards her friend. She is holding onto Mrs Money in the Bank as Bliss looks at her and asks what Ember wants. Mrs Money in the Bank tells her to chill out, asking if there's any way to greet her old friend with a smile on her face!

Alexa makes it clear she is not in the mood for jokes, but Ember says she has spent over a year hanging around with one and she just lost to her. Bliss glares at Ember, who says Alexa knows it too, hence why she is so angry. Bliss doesn’t respond as Ember tells Alexa that, since they are friends and Alexa is one of the few people she likes around here, she is happy to help her take care of the Mickie problem for good and in return, maybe Alexa can help with this! The camera then pans away as we head back towards the ring for another match!

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We cut back to the ring to see THE BRIAN KENDRICK and TONY NESE standing in the ring ready for action!

*BRING THE SWAG*​

The World Tag Team champions THE STREET PROFITS make their way out with their tag team titles around their waist and signature red cups in hand in a party mood! MONTEZ FORD and ANGELO DAWKINS both look to be in good spirits as they walk out onto the entrance ramp as Michael Cole says these two finally became tag team champions this year and they have made it clear they still want the smoke from all challengers. Aiden English says there are a lot of new and old teams wanting a piece of the champs. Once they get to the ring, Montez starts for the champions, whilst Nese starts for the opponents!

Match 5: The Street Profits vs The Brian Kendrick and Tony Nese​

Match summary: The Street Profits take control of the match right from the start and don’t let go! They show exactly why they are the top tag team on Raw right now, and in the end, Dawkins puts away The Brian Kendrick with THE SILENCER! Dawkins makes the cover whilst Ford takes care of Nese and the champions retain!

Winners via pinfall: The Street Profits (3:15)​

The Street Profits get to their feet with smiles on their faces, lifting their tag team titles into the air and grab a pair of red cups to carry on their celebrations in the middle of the ring. Michael Cole says The Street Profits are always ready for a fight, but wonder who is going to step up to the champions. Aiden English says there are several new teams and superstars on Raw, so it will be only a matter of time before The Street Profits find out, as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we see ZELINA VEGA walking through the back as ANGEL GARZA and HUMBERTO CARRILLO are still bickering with each other. They are both claiming they are going to beat the other, prompting Zelina to lose her temper and shout at them in Spanish. She looks over as she sees ALIYAH walking through the back on her phone and tells the cousins she will deal with their bickering later before approaching Raw’s newest superstar.

Aliyah looks wary as Zelina Vega walks over with a smile on her face and offers her hand to the former NXT superstar. Aliyah shakes it before asking what Zelina wants. The leader of The Ungovernables has a wicked smile on her face before telling Aliyah it is simple; she wants her to join the group. Aliyah says she already left one group with bickering, but Zelina calls what is going on between the cousins as competition, plus she will be working with Zelina to become tag team champions. Aliyah thinks about it before nodding and agrees to join the group!

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We then cut to the inside of WADE BARRETT’S OFFICE as the Raw commissioner can be seen doing some paperwork. The door slams open and we can see DAMIAN PRIEST storm into the room as he demands a match with Karrion Kross! Wade says it is a bit late in the show to do it tonight, but he has something that might make Priest happy. Damian softens slightly as Wade confirms at the Great American Bash that there will be an Iron Survivor match to crown the number one contender for the WWE title at Summerslam.

Damian nods and tells Wade Barrett to carry on with the Raw Commissioner, confirming that next week’s Raw, we will see him get his hands on Karrion Kross and the winner advancing to the Bash. Priest nods and promises to give Kross a beating after ducking him for so long. Priest goes to leave, but Wade Barrett stops him to say that he needs to keep his cool and not go looking for Kross before the match in return. Priest nods and tells Wade he will respect his wishes before we cut elsewhere backstage!

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We see TOM PHILLIPS approach NOAM DAR who is chewing gum and loudly talking on the phone to someone. Tom asks him how he feels being back on Raw as a solo superstar and Noam says that Raw couldn’t cope too long without him, so he is here to bring some star power back to the division. He says he is a supernova and whilst someone like Xavier Woods holds the Cruiserweight title, it won’t reach the heights it should reach and therefore he needs to take his title back.

Noam then noticeably looks off camera and we can see another new addition to the Raw roster… GRAN METALIK! Noam Dar looks at the luchador and talks a bunch of trash, asking why he is even here. Gran Metalik replies in Spanish, prompting Dar to say he doesn’t speak Spanish. Metalik says he can translate it for Dar, saying he would be glad to kick his ass and prove he should be Cruiserweight Champion. Dar says how about he goes speak to Wade and get the match made for next week before walking off. Tom turns to Metalik and starts speaking in Spanish as Raw goes to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we see one of the new superstars on Raw SCRYPTS in the ring with AKIRA TOZAWA as they wait to see who they are facing tonight…

*LIVE IN FEAR*​

AS BRAY WYATT AND BRAUN STROWMAN MAKE THEIR WAY OUT! The two monsters walk out in Mr Rodgers style red jumpers with creepy big smiles on their faces as they head to the ring. Michael Cole says it is noticeable that Bray Wyatt is here and The Fiend with Aiden English, saying that might be the only good news for SCRYPTS and Akira Tozawa tonight! Braun Strowman steps into the ring whilst SCRYPTS draws the short straw, stepping into the ring for his team as the referee calls for the bell to start the match!

Match 6: Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman vs SCRYPTS and Akira Tozawa​

Match summary: Bray gives instructions from the ring apron to Braun Strowman, who destroys both SCRYPTS and Akira Tozawa. He has an eerie smile on his face for a lot of the match and ends up picking up the win for his team by lifting both the Cruiserweights up before hitting a DOUBLE RUNNING POWERSLAM!

Winner via pinfall: Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman (1:55)​

The crowd gives a mixed reaction, impressed as Bray Wyatt steps into the ring and applauds the strength of Braun, who stands in the middle of the ring waving at the crowd once again with an eerie smile on his face! Michael Cole says Braun is normally a scary enough threat, but now with Bray Wyatt by his side? Aiden English says this might be one of the deadliest duos he has seen in WWE history. Bray Wyatt then grabs the microphone from someone at ringside before looking to address the crowd.

Bray waves to the fans and says thank you for coming to this live in-person version of the Firefly Funhouse! Braun waves creepily as the crowd is unsure how to react to this. Bray says tonight was a family reunion and he wants another one. Braun speaks to the crowd, saying it feels good to be back with his family and he looks like he almost cannot stop smiling. He says he wants to share with Owens and Black at The Great American Bash! Bray waves again, bringing the promo to an end with a major challenge thrown out for the next PPV!

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We then cut to the backstage area where we can see THE GRIZZLED YOUNG VETERANS with TRENT SEVEN as they stand ready to speak to the fans. Trent starts the promo off, almost mocking how he used to introduce himself and British Strong Style. He goes “James, Zack and Trent” with a smug smile before saying they heard everything that his former friends had to say. ZACK GIBSON steps forward with a snarl on his face, saying they just had to drag a third little friend into their failures, saying misery truly does love company.

Zack says they have dragged Mark Andrews into a battle that doesn’t concern him, making him suffer for their mistakes. JAMES DRAKE chimes in to say that’s what they did for Trent for years and they dragged him down with them instead of letting him leave to help a team who are capable of success. Trent says maybe it is time he teaches Pete Dunne the final lesson left to teach by beating him next week. Zack says they spoke to Wade and it’s official, telling Dunne to grit his teeth before Raw goes on the final commercial break of the evening!

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Before we get the main event underway, Michael Cole and Aiden English on commentary confirm two more matches have been made official for next week’s Monday Night Raw. The first is an Iron Survivor Qualifying match between AJ Styles and Jordan Devlin, whilst the second is Ilja Dragunov taking on Oney Lorcan after Lorcan’s failed attack earlier in the night.

*FEEL THE POWER*​

BIG E makes his way out for the 2nd time tonight, getting a loud pop from the crowd as he walks to the commentary desk without the New Day, ready to watch tonight’s main event number one contender’s match. Michael Cole and Aiden English thank him for joining them on commentary tonight, with Big E saying it was his pleasure to be out here and find out who is going to be his next challenger!

*SHADOWS OF A SETTING SUN*​

SHINSUKE NAKAMURA walks out getting boos from the live crowd and he is joined by ZELINA VEGA who can be seen telling Nakamura some instructions before leading him towards the ring. Michael Cole asks Big E his thoughts about potentially facing Shinsuke at The Great American Bash and Big E replies, saying that Shinsuke is a former Royal Rumble winner and he has a lot of respect for him. Aiden English chimes in to say that Zelina at ringside too, is always a dangerous factor.

*UPPERCUT OVERTURE (1812)*​

CESARO makes his way out, getting a loud pop from the live crowd. The Swiss Superman does his normal shotgun arms taunt before walking to the ring with a purpose, as he looks to get a rematch with Big E tonight. Michael Cole asks if Big E is worried about potentially facing Cesaro one more time for the WWE title. Big E shakes his head as he tells Michael that he respects Cesaro as a competitor, but he would gladly fight him again and this time wants no asterisk on it. Aiden English says Cesaro might have his focus too much on the Ungovernables and it could allow Shinsuke or Randy Orton to strike!

*VOICES*​

RANDY ORTON makes his way out last, getting a very loud mixed reaction from the live crowd as he slowly slithers onto the entrance ramp, ready to get himself back into the WWE title hunt. Michael Cole lists all the accolades that Randy has earned throughout his long career in the WWE. Big E says he saw it and heard it all, but he also knows Randy as the man who derailed the career of his best friend and he would love to defend his title against him just to kick his ass in the same way Kofi did. Orton steps into the ring between Cesaro and Nakamura as the referee calls for the bell to get the match underway!

Main event: Number one contender for WWE title triple threat match: Cesaro vs Randy Orton vs Shinsuke Nakamura​

Match summary: Early on, we see the former teammates as part of the Ungovernables Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro, working together as a team to lay into the legend killer before turning their attention to one another in the middle of the ring. Both men lay into each other with hard strikes to the delight of the crowd but Orton, as soon as he spots an opening, starts to pounce. Big E during the match is full of praise for all 3 men, even Orton and puts over their skills as potential challengers.

The match goes on being a fun chaotic affair before we reach the closing stages, with Randy Orton having been stopped for the time being with a RICOLA BOMB OUTSIDE THE RING ONTO THE SPANISH ANNOUNCE DESK! Shinsuke and Cesaro battle for a couple of minutes with Cesaro connecting with SWISS DEATH sending Nakamura loopy before getting him up for the RICOLA BOMB… BUT ORTON SNEAKS AND RKO’S ORTON BEFORE HE CAN MAKE THE COVER! Orton then covers Nakamura and picks up the win, advancing to the Great American Bash!

Winner via pinfall: Randy Orton (14:28)​

Randy Orton gets back to his feet with a huge smirk on his face as Michael Cole praises his veteran cunning and experience, allowing him to sneak out of tonight with the victory. Aiden English asks if he will be on-guard at the Great American Bash and the WWE Champion says he always stays on-guard, especially dealing with a snake like Orton. Raw comes to a close with Randy Orton and Big E having a stare down as we fade to black!

Confirmed matches for next week:

Intercontinental title match:
Andrade Cien Almas © vs Kofi Kingston

Iron Survivor Qualifier:
AJ Styles vs Jordan Devlin

Iron Survivor Qualifier:
Damien Priest vs Karrion Kross

Number one contender’s match for the Cruiserweight title:
Angel Garza vs Humberto Carrillo

Singles match:
Ilja Dragunov vs Oney Lorcan

Singles match:
Gran Metalik vs Noam Dar

Singles match:
Pete Dunne vs Trent Seven

Confirmed matches for 2 weeks:

Cruiserweight title match:
Xavier Woods © vs Angel Garza or Humberto Carrillo

Matchcard for The Great American Bash
Fort Worth, Texas
July 4th 2021

THE WEEKND – TAKE MY BREATH

WWE title match:
Big E © vs Randy Orton

Iron Survivor number one contender’s match for the WWE title at Summerslam:
Damian Priest or Karrion Kross vs AJ Styles or Jordan Devlin vs ??? vs ??? vs ???

EWR Rating:
70%​

 

[Tg11]

I sense some dissention in the Ungovernables because Shinsuke Nakamura gets the WWE Championship shot and not Andrade...I mean does Andrade want to carry all the gold? I mean damn you are already WWE Intercontinental Champion but I loved Randy Orton interrupting them. I would rather Randy get the shot instead of one of them. Cesaro of course interrupts because he wants another shot. Orton hasn't been Champion for a while now much less has even had a shot for a world title in a long time


Iron Survivor is back and the winner of that becomes the next #1 Contender for the WWE Championship and I'm guessing they get their shot at SummerSlam

A Triple Threat Match with Nakamura, Cesaro and Orton and the winner faces Big E for the WWE Championship at The Great American Bash...I can't wait


Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn reunited on the same brand because of the Draft...I love it


Ember Moon basically wants to use Alexa Bliss...to help her become WWE Women's Universal Champion but will Alexa go for it?


Seth Freakin Rollins and his Church are now on RAW...I can definitely see Rollins targeting the WWE Championship meaning The Church/New Day is inevitable at this point


Deonna Purrazzo trying to insert herself...I mean didn't you just lose your match for the WWE Women's Championship when you were on Smackdown losing to Tay Conti? And now you want a shot at the WWE Women's Universal Championship and Rhea Ripley? Well get in line...Bianca Belair has a title shot that she rightfully earned when she won Queen of the Ring and now you wanna insert yourself...well knowing Rhea she will take both of them on because she's a fighting champion


Bray & Braun as a tag team reminds me of The Wyatt Family...and with these 2 together...they can destroy everyone on the roster


Randy Orton becomes #1 Contender for the WWE Championship beating both Cesaro & Nakamura...Orton/E for the title...what a matchup that will be

Aliyah is she joining The Ungovernables? Really? If she is...then her & Zelina Vega as WWE Women's Tag Team Champions...I mean good luck trying to win those titles especially since Sasha Banks & Bayley have a stranglehold on those titles

To get a shot at the WWE Cruiserweight Championship...Ungovernables members have to face each other for the shot and Carrillo & Garza having to face each other having to fight each other and they are cousins too on top of that...whoever wins faces Woods for the title at The Bash I'm sure...but that is also going to cause dissention no matter who wins

 

[Roy Mustang]

SmackDown Live
June 11th 2021
Cleveland, Ohio
Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse​

SmackDown Live starts with the signature cold open with SHAWN MICHAELS standing in his office with his cowboy hat on and a serious look on his face. We can see the WWE Tag Team titles behind him on his table as he confirms the news of Jimmy Uso's suspension as true. Due to his suspension, the WWE Tag Team titles have been vacated as a punishment for his actions. Shawn does though, wish Jimmy the best in rehab and says he knows how tough those demons can be to defeat.

He says the show must carry on and that means he needs to come up with a way for new champions to be crowned. He says the news came to him during the week, so we won’t find out our new champion tonight, but instead it will take place on next week’s SmackDown Live, with a 10-man battle Royal. He confirms the following entrants in the match before we cut to the opening video for the show:

• Alpha Academy (Buddy Murphy and Chad Gable)​
• Dain and Maverick​
• Dynasty​
• Heavy Machinery​
• Jarrett and Slater​
• Jey Uso and Jacob Fatu​
• Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic​
• Lio Rush and Bobby Lashley​
• The Hurt Business​
• The Mysterios​

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The opening video for SmackDown Live comes to an end before the camera pans around the arena and we cut to the commentary team of COREY GRAVES and BETH PHOENIX who welcome us to the show. They hype up the show and confirm we have an action-packed show in store for the first SmackDown after the draft, but before they can talk much more…

*HEAD OF THE TABLE*​

THE BLOODLINE MAKES THEIR WAY OUT TO THE RING! ROMAN REIGNS leads the way with the Men’s Universal title on his shoulder, but he doesn’t look happy on his way to the ring. PAUL HEYMAN is right next to his side, pensive as he looks at his Tribal Chief. Behind them, we can see JACOB FATU with a scowl on his face but the United States title around his waist, JEY USO who is shaking his head, NAOMI who also looks annoyed and NIA JAX who seems to be the only member with a smile on their face.

Corey Graves says Roman has been talking about getting as much gold as possible in the Bloodline, but due to the suspension of Jimmy Uso, they have lost the WWE tag team titles. Beth Phoenix wonders who Roman is going to take that out on with his temper ad the group stands in the middle of the ring getting loud boos from the crowd. Roman starts the promo by demanding that the crowd acknowledge him, which further winds the live crowd up, but Roman doesn’t care.

He says right now he has business to discuss before looking at Jey Uso and Naomi with a death glare. He then turns back to the crowd, saying he should be happy, he should be content because he sits at the head of the table and runs SmackDown Live with an iron fist! He paces around, saying they had all the gold in the men’s division and whilst they had work to do in the women’s, Roman once again looks directly at Naomi, who is getting a little nervous. He sent a message about what he expects to be done.

He looks to Jacob Fatu and tells him that he is his second in command because he has proven time and again that he gets the job done. Fatu looks Roman in the eyes and says I love you, Roman before the Tribal Chief slowly walks over to Jey Uso and tension in the arena rises very quickly as there is clearly some nerves on Jey’s part. Roman says he was so proud of Jimmy and Jey, he loved them both, but Jimmy had to let them all down, including his wife!

Naomi looks like she is about to step forward… BUT NIA JAX STEPS IN THE WAY STOPPING HER FROM CONFRONTING ROMAN! Roman gives a slight smile and thanks Nia for reminding Naomi not interrupt her Tribal Chief. Roman turns back to Jey and asks if he has anything to say for himself, passing him the microphone. We can see Jey thinking for a moment before taking a breath and saying he gets why Roman is mad. He is mad too, as he lost his tag team title as well!

Jey says he knows that Jimmy had messed up, but we all make mistakes and as a family, we should be there to support each other. Jey asks Roman what this speech is achieving for the family and how this helps them… PROMPTING ROMAN TO SCREAM AT HIM ASKING WHO IS HE TO QUESTION THE TRIBAL CHIEF! Jey looks a bit scared and backs off as Jacob Fatu, Naomi and Nia Jax all step in between, looking to keep the peace, but the tensions are high now…

*FLIGHT OF THE VALKYRIES*​

AS DANIEL BRYAN WALKS OUT AND HE IS SOON FOLLOWED BY ALPHA ACADEMY! BUDDY MURPHY, CHAD GABLE, DANIEL GARCIA and KURT ANGLE stand behind him as Bryan has a slight smirk on his face. He tells Roman that whilst he was sitting at home with his family, it truly made him appreciate how good it was to have a loving family. He smiles before asking the other members in the ring if they know what that’s like with Roman at the head of the table!

Jacob Fatu looks ready to explode and leave the ring, but Roman Reigns puts his arm out to stop him from heading up the entrance ramp. Daniel Bryan carries on and makes it clear that Roman might have taken the title from him, but he doesn’t plan on stopping until he gets his Universal title back! Buddy borrows the microphone and says he is sure they can go backstage to find a tag team to take care of Naomi and Nia Jax before kicking the rest of The Bloodline’s ass!

The crowd loudly cheers for this statement as Chad Gable takes over on the microphone and says they would love nothing more than to take all of The Bloodline’s gold from them one by one, starting next week. Jacob Fatu grabs the microphone and dares them to come try it! Roman looks to add some calmness to the segment and says if Bryan wants to have his career ended he can, but tonight he will be fighting Jey Uso. The former tag champion looks confused as Bryan ends the segment, saying he will run through the Bloodline if it means getting his hands on Roman, as we cut to the first commercial break of the evening.

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When we return from the commercial break, we can see TONI STORM and EMMA hanging out together backstage. We get a video showing the new tag team on SmackDown Live, with highlights of them working together on NXT, with Toni Storm’s NXT UK title win also highlighted for the fans to see. We hear from both women as Toni says her fight against Shayna shows she is ready for the big time and Emma says this is her second chance, so she wants to make sure she takes advantage of it!

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When we cut back to the ring, we can see SAMIR SINGH standing in the ring ready for action when…

*WELCOME TO LA*​

L.A. KNIGHT WALKS OUT! The newest star from NXT doesn’t receive much reaction just yet, being a relatively new star to the WWE and not spending much time in NXT in this thread either. He walks to the ring, chewing gum and wearing sunglasses, looking very cocky as he steps into the ring. Corey Graves puts this man over as someone who can make a name for himself, though Beth Phoenix says that if he is half as good at talking as he is, he has a future as a Universal Champion. The referee then calls for the bell to get this match underway!

Match 1: LA Knight vs Samir Singh​

Match summary: A total squash match with LA Knight not even letting Samir get off a single move before putting him away with a Snapmare driver, which Corey Graves calls B.F.T (Blunt Force Trauma)!

Winner via pinfall: LA Knight (1:29)​

LA Knight gets back to his feet but doesn’t look happy even after the win. The commentary team puts over the dominant win for LA Knight and calls him a future star. Back in the ring, after the referee raises his arm into the air, he snatches it away and CLOBBERS SAMIR SINGH BEFORE PLANTING HIM WITH ANOTHER B.F.T TO THE MAT TO BOOS FROM THE CROWD! LA Knight ends the segment by talking trash to the live crowd and says he wants real competition before we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we can see ALPHA ACADEMY hanging out backstage with one another with smiles on their face. KURT ANGLE looks to be leading the conversation as he talks about the plans to take down The Bloodline and bring all of the gold into Alpha Academy. DANIEL BRYAN is deep in thought, whilst CHAD GABLE is sparring with BUDDY MURPHY in a ring in the middle of the room with smiles on their face as DANIEL GARCIA takes notes.

Kurt says to Byran he will need to be careful when it comes to dealing with Jey Uso and isn’t sure what The Bloodline is going to be up to when it comes to the numbers game. Daniel Bryan says he will keep his eyes out, but he almost wants Roman to try something, as it will give him the chance for revenge. Kurt tells him to be careful, as someone like Roman won’t stop at winning the title but also will look to end his career. Bryan accepts that but replies, saying he has come to terms with the fact that his career may end soon.

Bryan goes on saying he has a daughter and wife waiting for him at home, so if he can’t be at the top of this business, then maybe his time in the WWE is over! Kurt nods, understanding where Bryan is coming from as Garcia asks if he can step into the ring to prepare for his match with Apollo Crews later tonight. Kurt nods as Bryan steps forward and tells Garcia that he is the future. Garcia nods but Bryan makes it clear he will always be the future unless he takes opportunities and to follow him to the ring as they start to grapple with each other!

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*TURN THE SKY UP*​

THE WWE WOMEN’S TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS THE BOSS ‘N’ HUG CONNECTION makes their way out to the ring with the tag team titles around their waist. The crowd is loudly booing the tag team champions, who have smiles on their faces, having retained their tag team titles once again at Queen of the Ring. Corey Graves says he blames Sasha Banks for corrupting Bayley, but Beth Phoenix says Bayley is an adult who is responsible for her own actions!

The Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection stands in the middle of the ring with microphones in hand, with smiles on their faces and almost seem to be soaking in the boos, especially BAYLEY, who used to be annoyed by this kind of reaction. SASHA BANKS starts the promo by telling the fans they can boo them all they want, but they know that it is just them not understanding what it takes to stay a champion! Both women lift their tag team titles into the air with huge smiles on their faces as Bayley looks to speak next.

She tells the fans that for too long she tried to be the Role Model that the fans wanted, but all it got her was people asking her why she wasn’t ruthless enough to get the job done when it mattered. She used to get asked why she wouldn’t use weapons or cheat like Sasha and even got people online questioning how she could ever trust someone like Sasha Banks. She shakes her head and says that Sasha turned on her 2 years ago because it was what she needed to do to make it to the top.

Bayley says it took her a while to get it, but finally, when she had to deal with the MMA Horsewomen, she understood that in this business, you need to be ruthless, but now the fans have turned on her, with the crowd loudly booing Bayley in the ring, prompting the former hugger to shake her head. She says they will break limbs, they will bend the rules and they will do whatever it takes to keep these tag team titles around their waist. Sasha says they are the longest ever tag team champions and the ones who have held these belts the most for a reason! She is about to carry on when…

*CAFFIENE*​

TEAM KICK STORMS OUT TO LOUD CHEERS FROM THE LIVE CROWD! DAKOTA KAI has a microphone in hand as she speaks first and says she had to spend 6 weeks at home, thanks to the damage Bayley did to her knee and missed the Queen of the Ring. Bayley in the ring quips back, telling Dakota she wouldn’t have won anyway, which doesn’t help Kai’s mood. TEGAN NOX says they were considering coming out here for a talk, but as Team Kick, it is time to do what they do best and KICK ASS!

The popular duo drops the microphones and heads straight to the ring with the tag team champions standing ready, looking to clock them with the tag team titles… BUT TEAM KICK DUCK AND HIT SUPERKICKS ON THE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS! The champions drop to the mat as Kai and Nox start to lay a beating on the tag team champions with a series of punches to the downed pair on the mat. Both women would pick a member of the tag team champions each before hitting their finishers and standing tall with the WWE Women’s tag team titles in their hands as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we can see BOBBY LASHLEY working out in the gym whilst LIO RUSH hypes him up. KAYLA BRAXTON walks up to the tag team and looks to get an interview with them. She asks the pair how they feel about a chance to become tag team champions together on next week’s SmackDown Live. Lio says you can’t always expect opportunities to come up, but when they do, you need to take advantage of them.

Kayla asks how they feel about the rules, with both of them needing to be eliminated for a team to be out of the match. Lio says he is quite small and prone to taking big risks, whilst the main man is going to be a nightmare for anyone to get over the ropes. Kayla turns to Lashley, asking lastly about what happened on last week’s Raw to The Hurt Business. Bobby says it was their fault for trusting a snake like Swerve Strickland, but they ain’t working with them. They will get payback on Swerve and his friends themselves!

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*BLOW*​

TUCKER KNIGHT walks out, not getting much reaction at first due to his new theme song, but the crowd soon gives him a mixed (mostly negative) reaction when he walks out first. The crowd becomes much more positive, though, once his tag team partner, OTIS DOZOVIC, joins him on the entrance ramp. Corey Graves says there has been a lot of tension between the 2-time tag team champions and they will want to be on the same page next week if they want the titles back. Beth Phoenix says she actually understands where Tucker is coming from about being focused at work, but she would argue that Otis has been, except when Mandy is in danger, and any good partner will protect their partner if they are in danger.

*BOOYAKA 619*​

REY MYSTERIO makes his way out, getting loud cheers from the crowd, joined by his son DOMINIK MYSTERIO! Rey looks to be giving his son some words of wisdom before he leads the way towards the ring. Corey Graves says Rey has taken issue with how Tucker Knight has acted towards Otis Dozovic and Mandy Rose, leading to collisions between them. Beth Phoenix says Rey is often seen as the conscience of the WWE, so if he tells you that you have done something wrong, it might be worth listening to. Rey is in the ring as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!

Match 2: Rey Mysterio w/Dominik Mysterio vs Tucker Knight w/Otis Dozovic​

Match summary: Tucker Knight starts the match by looking to overpower Tucker Knight and use the size advantage he has to take down the legendary luchador, but Rey is too smart for that old trick and angers Tucker by outsmarting him a lot in the opening couple of minutes of the match. Tucker noticeably angers but takes control by getting Rey in the corner and laying into him, pushing the referee’s count to the limit. Otis calls Tucker out for this, but Tucker just shouts back at his tag team partner. He dominates the match and gives Rey Mysterio a beating, angering his son on the outside of the ring, but he stays out of the match, knowing his dad would not want him to get involved.

As the match reaches the closing stages, Tucker Knight gets fed up with trying to win fair and square against Rey Mysterio. He looks to pull off the turnbuckle pad… BUT OTIS CLIMBS ONTO THE APRON AND STOPS HIM! He asks Tucker what he is doing but this allows Rey to connect with a DROPKICK TO THE BACK SENDING HIM INTO THE TURNBUCKLES! Rey jumps into the air and sends him into the ropes with a HURRICRANA BEFORE HITTING THE 619! Rey then climbs up top and DROPS THE DIME to pick up the victory!

Winner via pinfall: Rey Mysterio (7:13)​

Rey Mysterio gets to his feet with a smile on his face and is soon joined in the ring by his son as they share a hug, celebrating another victory on SmackDown for the legendary luchador. The commentary team puts over the performance of Rey tonight and wonders if The Mysterios next week can become the first-ever father-son tag team champions! Back in the ring, as the Mysterios head up the entrance ramp to celebrate the victory over Tucker Knight, Heavy Machinery would bicker in the ring as the show goes to a commercial break.

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*SHAKE SHAKE*​

The 2nd hour of SmackDown Live starts with the theme music of the WWE Women’s Champion TAYNARA CONTI joined by XIA LI! She proudly lifts her title into the air, though she noticeably doesn’t lift it with her left arm, still feeling the effects of the battle she had with Deonna Purrazzo at Queen of the Ring. Corey Graves gives Conti a lot of credit for surviving against Purrazzo, but wonders if the damage she took during that match is going to cost her down the road.

Beth Phoenix says when you are a champion at the top of a division, you need to fight through the pain and the damage that is done to you during a match. The champion is now standing in the middle of the ring as she looks at the fans with a smile on her face and tells the crowd she is always proud to be their champion! The crowd gives her a cheap but loud pop as she says Deonna, like Naomi and many others, has underestimated her, treating her like a paper champion when she can fight with the best of them.

Xia Li, next to her friend, nods with a smile as Conti says that Deonna going to Raw is good for the Virtuoso because she doesn’t have to face up to the fact that she was wrong and all her plans failed! Conti though, tells the crowd it is not the time to focus on the past but instead on her future as the WWE Women’s Champion and she says there are a lot of new superstars on SmackDown Live. Conti says it’s the same score as before; whoever wants to step up, she will fight and she will kick their…

*KILL ‘EM ALL*​

THE MMA HORSEWOMEN MAKE THEIR WAY OUT! The crowd loudly boos as MARINA SHAFIR and NATALYA walk out first before the leader SHAYNA BASZLER walks to the front of the group with her signature leather jacket plus sunglasses on the top of her head! Shayna says it has been cute seeing Conti’s rise to the top of SmackDown and it might shock people to learn that she has a lot of respect for the “Brazilian badass”! Conti doesn’t look like she is buying it, but she lets Shayna carry on talking.

Shayna says, unlike a lot of the women around here, she has a legit judo background and every time in the past when she has fought the MMA Horsewomen on Raw, they could see her potential. Natalya chimes in to add that she even sees her as a future Ronda Rousey, getting a side-eye from Shayna Baszler and Conti fires back, saying the only thing she is would be the next Taynara Conti, getting loud cheers from the crowd. Shayna puts up a hand and makes it clear that she agrees with the champion, she is not the new anyone but the first her.

Shayna says she has even thought about inviting her to the MMA Horsewomen and making them a quartet once again, but there is just one problem… Conti is holding the title she wants! Shayna says she can already see that Conti’s left arm is hanging by a thread after what Deonna did to it. Shayna says imagine what will happen when she goes to town on it. Conti fires back and asks Shayna if she is meant to be scared, but Baszler chuckles and says this will make what we are going to do even more fun… DROPPING THE MICROPHONE AND LEADING THE GROUP TOWARDS THE RING!

Conti and Li don’t think about running ready for a fight as the MMA Horsewomen surround the ring SHIELD-style, ready to attack… SONYA DEVILLE RUNS OUT LOOKING TO EVEN THE ODDS FOR THE FACES! She gets into the ring, turning it into a brawl between the two groups with the MMA Horsewomen winning thanks to the numbers game until Sonya gets into the ring and helps to fight off the MMA Horsewomen, sending them out of the ring to cheers from the crowd! The faces stand tall as the MMA Horsewomen retreat for now, as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we can see TAYNARA CONTI and XIA LI walking through the back with SONYA DEVILLE! Conti and Li both thank Sonya for her help, but Sonya says they don’t need to thank her, as MANDY ROSE walks into frame with her right arm still in a cast. Mandy says they are happy to help anyone who has a problem with the MMA Horsewomen after what that group has done to them. Conti nods and says she will speak to Shawn to get them a trios match on next week’s SmackDown Live before we cut back to the ring!

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*THE BEST IS YET TO COME*​

APOLLO CREWS makes his way out onto the entrance ramp, getting some boos from the live crowd. He looks focused, knowing he has a chance to get on track after the switch-up to the SmackDown Live roster after the draft. Corey Graves says Crews has all the tools to be a top competitor in the WWE, but has never found the right spot for himself. Beth Phoenix brings up badly timed injuries, including one that occurred when he was going to join the Hurt Business 2 years ago.

*LEADING THE WAY*​

DANIEL GARCIA makes his way out, getting a decent pop from the live crowd as KURT ANGLE walks to the ring with him and seems to be giving the young superstar some advice. Corey Graves says this is a big test for the young superstar, as Crews beats him when it comes to power and speed, so he will need to use his technical abilities to win. Beth Phoenix says Kurt on the outside to give him advice might be a difference maker here. Garcia steps over the ropes and stands across from Crews as the referee calls for the bell to get this match underway!

Match 3: Daniel Garcia w/Kurt Angle vs Apollo Crews​

Match summary: Apollo Crews early on takes control of the match as expected, with Garcia struggling with the superior power and unable to outspeed Crews in the same way he would be able to do so with most powerful opponents. Garcia has to take a powder to the outside and seek the advice of Kurt Angle before he is able to make a comeback, making a point to target the back of Crews, looking to take away the speed and power of his opponent at the same time!

Crews at first looks to overpower the young technician and gets out of his submissions, but Daniel transitions to working over the right arm of Apollo Crews as well and catches him in an ARMBAR! This leads into the closing stages as Daniel gets another one locked in and Crews tries to powerbomb him… BUT GARCIA SLAMS HIM DOWN WITH AN INVERTED SUPLEX! A sick counter from Garcia would quickly transition into the DRAGON SLEEPER! He wrenches back on the hold and forces a tap out from Crews!

Winner via submission: Daniel Garcia (9:37)​

Daniel Garcia gets to his feet and celebrates the victory with Kurt Angle sliding into the ring to raise his arm into the air to celebrate the victory with the young superstar. The crowd cheers as the commentary team praises Daniel’s performance tonight, whilst SmackDown Live goes to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we can see CHARLOTTE FLAIR walking through the back with a smug look on her face, but you can see she is not in a happy mood. BYRON SAXTON approaches the Queen and asks Charlotte what is next for her now that she is on SmackDown Live. Charlotte looks at him with disdain and asks Bryon if he has done even the most basic research before asking such a stupid question. She makes it clear to Byron she is here on SmackDown to do what she has always tried to do, win gold and she has her sights on the WWE Women’s title!

She makes it clear that the MMA Horsewomen can talk all they want about the title, but there is only one true group of Horsewomen and she proved when she led them to victory that she was the best. Bryon asks how the other women in the Four Horsewomen would feel about that statement from Charlotte, but the Queen just glares at him and asks why their views would matter to her. Charlotte says she is the best in this industry and she belongs at the top, reminding us her last title win was at the expense of Shayna Baszler, too!

Bryon is about to ask another question as he is a glutton for punishment, but they are interrupted by MERCEDES MARTINEZ who comes face to face with Charlotte Flair. She says she heard a lot about her and what she heard, there is no one who loves to run their mouth more than the Queen! Charlotte says the fans and the roster need to be reminded where they stand. Martinez says to try it right now, but Charlotte shakes her head, saying instead she’ll see Mercedes in the ring next week, ending the promo.

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*DOMINION*​

The crowd doesn’t know how to react to this theme song, but they soon shower MOGUL EMBASSY with boos as they walk out onto the entrance ramp. SWERVE STRICKLAND leads the way with PRINCE NANA right by his side with a coffee cup in hand. Behind them, we can see Swerve’s close friend AR FOX with a smirk on his face, ALEXANDER HAMMERSTONE in a nice red leather jacket with red sunglasses, looking cocky and the smuggest of them all in a crisp suit RICHARD HOLIDAY!

Corey Graves says this group formed on the Raw before the draft, wiping out the Hurt Business and leaving the group lying in a shocking moment as Swerve Strickland showed just how dangerous he can be. Beth Phoenix says the attack has left Samoa Joe on the injury list and we don’t know when the former WWE Champion will be back in action. All 5 men are assembled in the ring with Prince Nana introducing himself to the fans once again and says he has come to the WWE because he is a businessman!

Nana says he knows the people have heard that before from someone like MVP, but he assures the fans that he is a real one, unlike MVP. Swerve nods as Nana points to Strickland and says a true businessman does what it takes, they are ruthless and they know who the real boss is. Swerve points to himself getting louder boos from the crowd before Nana passes him the microphone! Swerve says the fans won’t understand it, but that’s why they are sitting in the crowd and he is in this ring as a star!

The boos get louder, but Nana takes the microphone, telling the fans to shut up because they already got their money, further agitating the live crowd. Swerve says he is going to ask the fans to do something really difficult for them and take a moment to use their brains to think. He pauses, soaking up the boos getting louder, but asks the fans if they think Samoa Joe would ever let Swerve just take his spot at the top of The Hurt Business. The fans, of course, respond to this by chanting for Samoa Joe.

Swerve tells the fans that he knew he should have been at the top of The Hurt Business, but MVP wouldn’t let him go past a certain point. He says fans have been telling him online for weeks that MVP brought him to Raw and he owes him loyalty. Swerve shakes his head and makes it clear that he owes no one loyalty. He asks the fans if they think MVP did that out of the kindness of his heart? If they do, they are truly naïve. MVP used Swerve to make money and to bring Samoa Joe into the group.

Swerve says that by showing Joe what success he could have in the Hurt Business, Joe agreed to join, but MVP made his first mistake that day. He says instead of making Swerve the man who beat Joe, the prized asset, he made Samoa Joe the prized asset instead. Swerve says he was told time and again by MVP that his time at the top would come, so he waited, but when Joe lost his WWE title, the focus wasn’t on his rise to the top. No, it was on Samoa Joe getting his title back.

Swerve shakes his head, clearly still furious and makes it clear that once MVP made that decision, he sealed his and The Hurt Business’s fate! Swerve says maybe MVP had an inkling of what was coming and that’s why he turned down AR Fox joining the group but it was too late, and getting Lio Rush out of the way made what they did to them even easier. Swerve points to Prince Nana and says this man knows how to make us the most money, knows that he has a star on his hands and that he needs to invest in me at the top!

Swerve carries on his promo whilst the fans are booing him loudly and says he has surrounded himself by future stars. He calls AR Fox the man who trained all the people you love and he got sick of waiting to get his spotlight. He then walks over to Dynasty, calling them two young stars who were dominating up and down the United States. He passes the microphone to Richard Holiday first, who tells the fans they should take a moment to appreciate breathing rarefied air!

He hears the boos and says they are looking at the most marketable man alive with his best friend, Hammer. He puts an arm around Hammer, who has a slight smile and takes the microphone, promising that he is not someone who is just about power. He has brains to go with the brawn, showing off his muscles before saying those tag team titles will be with the Dynasty! Swerve Strickland takes back the microphone and finishes the promo by promising to show anyone who gets in the way whose house? Swerve’s house!

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When we return from the commercial break, we can see MVP watching the monitor with his fellow HURT BUSINESS members SHELTON BENJAMIN and CEDRIC ALEXANDER standing behind him too. They are soon approached for an interview by KAYLA BRAXTON who asks them what they think of what Swerve Strickland had to say. MVP takes a moment to turn away from the TV before turning to Cedric and Shelton. He says that before he starts, he needs to say sorry to the pair of them for this.

Both look confused, but MVP says he should have been smarter and shouldn’t have taken the risk of betting on a snake like Swerve. MVP says he saw the talent Swerve Strickland had and focused on that instead of the damage he could cause if his ego got out of control. Cedric and Shelton make it clear that they don’t blame MVP before turning to Kayla, saying next week, their first goal is making sure Dynasty doesn’t win the tag team titles. MVP wraps up the promo by making it clear this isn’t business now, it is personal!

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*PAIN*​

THE AUTHORS OF PAIN slowly make their way out, getting boos from the crowd as the two towering giants stand at the top of the entrance ramp, now no longer aligned with Seth Rollins and his Church. AKAM and REZAR both ignore the fans as they step into the ring with Corey Graves putting these two over as a truly dominant team who can crush anyone in their way. Beth Phoenix says they are going to face a tough test as they fight two men who can match them for size!

*DRIVER*​

DOMINIK DIJAKOVIC walks out onto the entrance ramp with a black leather jacket on and a pair of black sunglasses with a smug smirk on his face. He stands at the top of the entrance ramp waiting for the moment his tag team partner tonight…

*LIMITLESS*​

KEITH LEE! Mr. Money in the Bank slowly walks onto the entrance ramp with his confident smile and looks to share a nod with his tag team partner Dijakovic before they head to the ring, ready for action. Corey Graves says these two have been great rivals over the years, but they make one hell of a tag team. Beth Phoenix says Keith Lee is this close to breaking through and reaching the top of the WWE, holding a ticket to the top. Once at the ring, Keith Lee steps inside to start for his team, whilst Akam starts for the AOP!

Match 4: Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic vs The Authors of Pain​

Match summary: Keith Lee and Akam trade punches with each other early on as this turns into a fun hoss vs. hoss match, with Dijakovic also showcasing his agility and speed while The Authors of Pain attempt to utilize their power game to take control of the match. The AOP put up a good fight, but in the end, Keith Lee works with Dijakovic as they grab a member of the AOP each, with Keith Lee hitting a SPIRIT BOMB TO REZAR and Dijakovic hits TIME TO FLY TO AKAM! Keith Lee makes the cover and picks up the victory for his team!

Winners via pinfall: Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic (5:44)​

Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic get their feet and celebrate the victory to loud cheers from the crowd as this tag team gains more momentum ahead of next week’s battle royal for the WWE tag team titles! Corey Graves says Keith Lee has never been one to settle for one title and he might win the tag team titles before going for the Men’s Universal title! Beth Phoenix says in a chaotic environment like a battle royal, we might see a less experienced tag team pull off a shock victory.

Keith Lee asks for a microphone from someone at ringside and walks back to the middle of the ring, looking to address the fans in the crowd. Keith Lee says tonight was a warm-up because he sees the chance to become a double champion again. Dijakovic nods as Keith Lee lifts his Money in the Bank briefcase into the air with a smug look on his face. Keith makes it clear he is not a patient man and will take his opportunity to get to the top very soon, having his eyes on the Bloodline and Alpha Academy situation, with the winners getting to bask in his glory very soon!

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We then cut to the backstage area and inside the BLOODLINE LOCKER ROOM with Roman sitting at the head of the table with a scowl on his face, having just heard Keith Lee’s promo. We can see it is just him in the room at the moment as the door opens and we see JEY USO walk back into the room. Jey says that Paul sent him as the chief wanted to see him getting a stoic singular nod from Roman, who signals for Jey to take a seat next to him at the table.

Jey slowly sits down next to Roman, wary of the Tribal Chief, as Roman starts by saying sorry to Jey. The former tag team champion is a little surprised but allows Roman to carry on as the chief says he has a lot of pressure on him as the head of the table and providing for the family, so when Jimmy lets them down, he takes that out on Jey. Jey stands up for his twin, saying he needs help and not blame from Roman. The Tribal Chief looks annoyed but stays quiet for a second before saying this is a huge opportunity for Jey without his brother around.

Jey looks confused, but Roman puts his hand on Jey's right shoulder, saying that for years, everyone has only talked about Jey and Jimmy instead of just Jey. He says tonight could be the start of him becoming Main Event Jey Uso instead of just Jey. Jey Uso sits there for a moment, unsure how to respond, but before he can speak, Roman puts his hand on his shoulder and says once again, he knows he can do this before walking away as SmackDown Live cuts to the final commercial break of the evening.

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*I’M OUT*​

JEY USO marches out as we come back from the final commercial break of the evening. Jey looks very focused as he heads to the ring, with a big opportunity ahead of him tonight as he gets ready to fight Daniel Bryan. Corey Graves says Jey Uso has spent his entire career as a tag team specialist, but with no Jimmy around for the time being, maybe he can break out on his own? Beth Phoenix though, wonders if this suggestion is Roman Reigns trying to manipulate Jey Uso.

*FLIGHT OF THE VALKYRIES*​

DANIEL BRYAN makes his way out next, getting huge cheers from the live crowd, excited to see him in action for the first time since Roman Reigns took the Men’s Universal title from him. Corey Graves says Bryan has got the love of the WWE Universe, but wonders if that will save him from Roman’s wrath as the Tribal Chief seems to want to end Daniel Bryan’s career. Beth Phoenix says Roman Reigns is not someone you want to cross, but you have to if you are to become Men’s Universal Champion!

Main event: Daniel Bryan vs Jey Uso​

Match summary: Jey Uso starts the match fired up and aggressive, laying into Bryan with a bunch of punches to the head, sending him into the corner of the ring, catching some of the crowd by surprise. Bryan though, is one of the smartest in-ring competitors in WWE and starts to make his fight back by targeting the right leg of Jey Uso with a FRONT CHOP BLOCK! After that attack on the right leg, he starts to go to work on the right leg as the commentary team notes Jey’s love of using superkicks.

Jey Uso tries to fight through the pain and actually manages to catch Bryan out on a couple of occasions, getting a very close near fall with a SUPERKICK! Jey after the kick out looks angry but heads to the top rope and makes the climb slowly before going for the DIVING SPLASH… BRYAN GETS HIS KNEES UP! Daniel takes advantage of the counter and grabs hold of Jey Uso’s right leg, locking him in the HEEL HOOK! He wrenches and wrenches on the hold, forcing Jey Uso to TAP OUT!

Winner via submission: Daniel Bryan (10:14)​

Daniel Bryan lets go of the right leg of Jey Uso after the bell rings and has a smile on his face as he gets to his feet, celebrating the victory! The commentary team gives credit to Jey Uso for his performances against a multiple-time World Champion, but Daniel Bryan was too good for him tonight. Bryan takes a moment to look at Jey Uso and considers offering him a hand… JACOB FATU RUNS OUT FROM THE LIVE CROWD AND ATTACKS DANIEL BRYAN FROM BEHIND!

The crowd loudly boos as the United States Champion lays a beating on Daniel Bryan, with Jey Uso soon joining in! The commentary team says that we might be looking at the next WWE tag team champions, depending on the results of next week’s battle royal, but they are soon sent running as ALPHA ACADEMY STORMS OUT! BUDDY MURPHY, CHAD GABLE and DANIEL GARCIA run off the Bloodline members before going to check on Bryan. Meanwhile SmackDown Live comes to a close as we can see PAUL HEYMAN talking to ROMAN REIGNS but we don’t hear what is said as SmackDown fades to black.

Confirmed matches for next week:

Tag Team battle royal for the vacant WWE tag team titles:
Entrants: Alpha Academy (Buddy Murphy and Chad Gable), Dynasty, Heavy Machinery, Jeff Jarrett and Heath Slater, Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic, Killian Dain and Drake Maverick, Lio Rush and Bobby Lashley, The Bloodline (Jacob Fatu and Jey Uso), The Hurt Business, The Mysterios

Singles match:
Charlotte Flair vs Mercedes Martinez

Trios match:
Taynara Conti, Xia Li and Sonya Deville vs The MMA Horsewomen

Worlds End
Tacoma, Washington
July 18th 2021

LAST GOODBYE – BATTLE BEAST

TBA

EWR Rating:
71%​

 

[Tg11]

- I figured Shayna Baszler her first night on a new brand here on Smackdown...her and the MMA Horsewomen (Shafir & Nattie) would target the WWE Women's Champion Tay Conti...that was inevitable but seeing Sonya Deville make the save for her and Xia Li of all people...definitely did not expect that


- Sasha Banks & Bayley like it or not are the longest reigning WWE Women's Tag Team Champions and no one has held those titles longer than them but their title reign could be in serious jeopardy as they face Team Kick (Dakota Kai & Tegan Nox)...but loving this heel turn of Sasha & Bayley especially Bayley now that she is no longer the Hugger but is now The Role Model character


- Charlotte Flair also wants the WWE Women's Championship...not surprising but she does realize that she is going to have to deal with Shayna, Marina and Nattie if she wants to get to that title plus she's going to have to deal with other women on this show like The Bloodline specifically Naomi and Nia Jax among others...but she comes face to face with Mercedes Martinez


- Mogul Embassy are a faction that I can get behind but they are not only the faction in town because they have The Bloodline, The Hurt Business and Alpha Academy all on this show


- I was expecting Roman to go off and he did...Jimmy Uso let them all down and the WWE Tag Team Championship is vacant

 

[Roy Mustang]

Main event:

Lince Dorado defeated Riddick Moss via pinfall (3:38)
Killian Dain and Drake Maverick defeated Dolph Ziggler and OMOS via pinfall (7:55)
Dani Luna defeated Tamina via submission (4:00)
Jeff Hardy defeated Akira Tozawa via pinfall (10:37)
Main event: Jeff Jarrett defeated Elias via pinfall (6:05)

News Update:

Sunil Singh and EJ Nduka are suspended till the end of the month​

Sunil Singh and EJ Nduka have been suspended till the end of the month due to comments made on radio shows in recent weeks slagging off top stars. We have seen a crackdown recently in WWE with more superstars being warned about their behaviour in public as of late, and there is even a rumour that people doing this could be considered for future budget cuts.

NXT Takeover: In Your House:
Charlotte, North Carolina
June 13th 2021

NXT World title match: WALTER © vs Kyle O’Riley
NXT Women's title match: Raquel Rodriguez © vs Kay Lee Ray
Winner takes all match for North American and NXT Tag team titles: Bronson Reed and MSK © vs Legado Del Fantasma
WWE Women’s tag team titles tornado tag match: Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection © vs Iyo Sky and Zoey Stark
NXT Cruiserweight title match: KUSHIDA © vs Fabian Aichner
Johnny Gargano vs Ricochet
Iron Survivor number one contender match for the North American title: Austin Theory vs Timothy Thatcher vs Marcel Barthel vs Tyler Breeze vs Carmelo Hayes
Baron Corbin vs Cameron Grimes
Undisputed (Roderick Strong and Bobby Fish) vs The Kingdom (Mike Kanellis and Matt Taven)​

 

[Tg11]

I see Nduka has been suspended...so what happens to Mogul Embassy now that he's out?

 

[Roy Mustang]

Monday Night Raw Recap
June 14th 2021
Nashville, Tennessee
Bridgestone Arena

HOUSE OF MEMORIES - P!ATD

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Match 1: Intercontinental title match: Andrade Cien Almas w/Zelina Vega © vs Kofi Kingston​

Match summary: Monday Night Raw starts with the action right away, with Kofi Kingston getting a rematch for the Intercontinental title he lost to Andrade Cien Almas two weeks ago. Kofi starts the match much more fired up than last week, firing away at Andrade Cien Almas with a bunch of hard strikes, looking to get his title back. Andrade though, is a tough fighter and manages to overpower Kofi, slamming him from the corner to the middle of the ring…

BEFORE FLYING OFF THE ROPES WIPING OUT KOFI WITH A CROSSBODY! Andrade looks to take control of the match and keeps the pressure on Kofi whilst showing off a bit to the fans in the crowd, winding Kofi up who noticeably looks a lot more frustrated than normal! Kofi even shocks Zelina outside at one point in the middle stages of the match and catches an attempted slap, warning her not to try that again… BUT ANDRADE WIPES HIM OUT WITH A SUCICDE DIVE!

Andrade starts to take full control of the match from here and shows he might be a level above the former WWE Champion in 2021 by tossing him around the ring while moving in an agile fashion. Andrade’s confidence does prove to be a flaw, though as he drags Kofi up by his hair… AND KOFI COUNTERS WITH A S.O.S! 1 2 ANDRADE KICKS OUT! Kofi nearly caught the IC Champion out and Zelina Vega outside the ring knows it, going ballistic at Andrade!

She shouts at him in Spanish and makes it clear to him that it is time for him to end this! Andrade nods, grabbing hold of Kofi, who tries to fight back and sends Andrade back as he looks for TROUBLE IN PARADISE… ANDRADE DUCKS AND GERMAN SUPLEXES KOFI INTO THE CORNER! Andrade heads to the other corner and CONNECTS WITH SEEING SHADOWS! Andrade is not done wanting to make sure this is over as he drags Kofi to the middle of the ring… HAMMERLOCK DDT! Andrade makes the cover 1 2 3 Andrade Cien Almas remains Intercontinental Champion!

Winner via pinfall and still Intercontinental Champion: Andrade Cien Almas (17:43)​

Andrade Cien Almas gets to his feet and celebrates in the ring with a cocky smile on his face. Meanwhile, Kofi rolls out of the ring and looks very disappointed to have come up short in his attempt to get back the Intercontinental title tonight. The commentary team puts over the performances of both men before we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, Andrade is walking through the back with Zelina Vega, both talking and laughing in Spanish. They soon bump into The Miz and Sheamus, with The Celtic Warrior saying he finds it funny how Andrade will accept challenges from certain people but is running scared of Cesaro. Andrade scoffs, saying the Swiss Superman is in the past, and he doesn’t need to worry about him since he holds gold, and Cesaro doesn’t.

Sheamus smirks and then says, since Andrade isn’t ducking challenges, he has one for him and challenges him to meet him in that ring next week for the Intercontinental title. Miz chimes in to say he has been showing Sheamus film after film to inspire him to be the champion he should be, getting an eye-roll from Sheamus. Andrade has a smirk on his face and says they are right, saying he will speak to Wade Barrett to get an Intercontinental title match with THE MIZ NEXT WEEK!

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We then cut elsewhere backstage to see Wade Barrett doing some paperwork in his office as Women’s Universal Champion Rhea Ripley and Queen of the Ring Bianca Belair walk into the room. Both women make it very clear that they want to get their hands on Deonna Purrazzo and Piper Niven after last week’s attack on them, with Rhea happy to put her title on the line. Barrett says he gets where the champion is coming from, but on his show, title shots are earned, not just handed out, or everyone could go around attacking the champion to get a shot at the title!

Rhea Ripley doesn’t look happy with that answer, but Belair says she wants Piper Niven then since she doesn’t have a title to put on the line… yet. Rhea gives the E.S.T a side-eye with Barrett making Bianca Belair vs Piper Niven official for the Great American Bash. He adds that Rhea might get her wish of fighting Deonna Purrazzo, as there will be a fatal 4-way between Deonna Purrazzo, Liv Morgan, Mickie James and Aliyah for a shot at the Women’s Universal title at the Great American Bash. Rhea turns to Belair and tells her to get a front row seat to see how a champion keeps their title, ending the segment with tension between the two top stars!

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When we return from the commercial break, AJ Styles and Big Cass are shown arriving at the arena before being stopped by Cathy Kelley, looking for an interview. She talks about the main event with AJ Styles, saying he is looking forward to kicking Devlin’s ass and getting some more payback for costing him at WrestleMania. Cathy brings up potentially qualifying for the Iron Survivor match and how AJ feels about taking part in that kind of match. He smiles, says he has competed in his fair share of crazy match types over the years.

AJ says he has been focused on business with The O.C., but he hasn’t forgotten the biggest prize in the world today: the WWE title! Cathy then turns to Big Cass and asks him if he will be watching AJ’s back tonight. Cass confirms he will be watching from the back and will only get involved if he needs to. He goes on to say he is free next week and challenges Adam Cole to a match next week, promising to kick his ass on behalf of his friend AJ Styles!

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Match 2: Trent Seven w/Grizzled Young Veterans vs Pete Dunne w/Tyler Bate and Mark Andrews​

Match summary: Trent Seven spends a lot of the match acting like a coward after all of his talk the last few months and even using his allies to hide from Pete Dunne. Trent gets a few cheap shots in and takes control of the match, but Pete Dunne soon turns the tide as he gets Trent Seven in position, ready to break his fingers… ZACK GIBSON RUNS INTO THE RING AND CAUSES A DQ!

Winner via disqualification: Pete Dunne (5:00)​

The boos ring out from the live crowd as James Drake joins in attacking Pete Dunne, but the GYV are soon met by Tyler Bate and Mark Andrews as all 6 men brawl in the ring after the bell. The faces are able to win the brawl and send the GYV plus Trent Seven out of the ring as they stand tall for now, but far from satisfied!

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When we return from the commercial break, we can see Wade Barrett still in his office on the phone with someone, but he wraps up the call as Aliyah and Zelina Vega walk into the room. Barrett starts by confirming Aliyah already has a number one contender’s match tonight, but Zelina shakes her head and says they are here to ask for a tag team match next week. Barrett looks slightly confused, saying Vega wants to wrestle, but she responds by nodding, saying she wants to bring the Women’s tag team titles back to her group. Barrett says if Zelina and Aliyah want a tag match next week, they’ll get one next week then!

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We cut back to the ring as Mustafa Ali makes his way out first, getting loud boos from the crowd as he stands in a fancy suit and has a massive security detail walking with him towards the ring. He gets in the ring and looks out at the fans before speaking down to them, explaining that he has a few things he needs to clarify that they might not understand. This winds the crowd up, but Ali has a smug grin, telling the crowd that they think Sami Zayn is a good man, but they are very mistaken!

Ali proceeds to call Sami Zayn a coward who talks a good talk, but when it comes to confronting his friends about their misdeeds, he ignores them. Ali walks over to the ropes and points at the ring apron, calling a powerbomb onto the ring apron a potential career-ender! Ali says he has a wife and children who would be without their father earning an income for a household if he weren’t so tough and fought with everything just to come back to this ring!

He is soon cut off by Sami Zayn, making his way out and Ali proves to be a hypocrite straight away by making sure his security detail stops Sami from entering the ring. Sami rolls his eyes, but stops them on the entrance ramp as he says he knows Ali will just run away again if he tries to enter the ring. Sami shakes his head and says he is out here right now before he wants to issue a challenge to Ali to finally put his money where his mouth is and fight him at the Great American Bash!

Ali smirks and asks Sami why he would agree to fight someone like Sami, asking what the catch is. Sami rolls his eyes and says there is no catch; he just wants to punch Ali in the jaw because he is sick of hearing him talk. Sami then points to the fans, saying they used to respect Ali, but ever since WrestleMania, the fans are now happy Owens powerbombed him on the apron and would love someone to do it again! This makes Ali furious and he screams that Sami is on before promising to make him pay for his words as we go to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, Randy Orton slowly saunters onto the entrance ramp, getting a loud mixed reaction from the crowd to start the 2nd hour. The commentary team says Randy used his veteran experience to earn a shot at the Men’s WWE title at the Great American Bash, something he has been looking to get back in line for a while. Randy rolls into the ring and stands in the middle of the ring with a microphone, ready to address the live crowd.

Randy Orton says for too long he has been without a World title, saying it has been 4 years since he has stood at the top of the industry where he belongs. Orton says the reason for that is his fault, which shocks the crowd for a moment, with Orton putting up a finger, stopping the crowd. He tells the fans that he lost his focus, he lost his killer edge and spent too long toying with his food. He points to the titantron and we get a video package showing his rivalry with Kofi Kingston 2 years ago.

We see Kofi beating him for the WWE title before Orton would get his revenge a couple of PPVs later, but not winning the WWE title. He instead would go on to lose inside of Hell in a Cell to Kofi and the package would finish before we cut back to Randy Orton, who has an angry scowl on his face. He declares that he should have left Kofi alone the moment he lost the WWE title because look at him since. Orton says anyone can win it once, but Kofi has fallen down ever since and the same will happen to Big E when his reign ends at the Great American Bash!

Randy Orton is soon interrupted as Big E walks out onto the entrance ramp, getting loud cheers from the crowd. He has the Men’s WWE title on his shoulder and noticeably walks out without the rest of The New Day. Big E shows no fear as he walks to the ring and confronts Randy Orton, coming face to face with his challenger. Orton speaks first, saying it is really brave of Big E to come out here alone, but Big E says Orton has never understood the concept of friends, only lackeys to do his dirty work.

Orton smirks, saying this isn’t a business for friends because it is lonely at the top. Orton says any friend you have by your side is someone in a prime position to stab you in the back and try to take that title. Big E shakes his head, saying that’s the difference between them. Big E never thought about stabbing Kofi in the back when he held this title and was instead looking to challenge his friend one-on-one. Big E says Orton would instead look to cheap-shot him like a coward, which gets a smirk from Randy.

Randy chuckles and tells Big E that he has never denied the fact that he is a snake, saying he is always coiled, ready to strike. Big E doesn’t respond with a smirk, though telling Randy that’s why he is ready to cut the head off at any moment. Big E makes it clear to Orton he didn’t need a video package to remember what he has done to his best friend Kofi in the past, which brings a wry smile to the face of Orton, whose to say he won’t do something to Kofi again…

BIG E RESPONDS BY PUNCHING RANDY ORTON IN THE FACE! The Viper falls to the mat and clutches his jaw, looking furious as Big E stands over Randy, making it very clear that was the one warning the Viper will get. If he tries to injure either Kofi or Xavier, Big E will make the previous issues that Randy has had with his back look like a minor knock. Big E leaves the ring as Randy Orton sits on the mat and holds his jaw before smirking as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, Cesaro is marching through the back looking for Andrade Cien Almas when Wade Barrett appears, stopping Cesaro and looking to calm the Swiss Superman down. He says Andrade has already left for the night, so there is no point looking for him. Cesaro says he will go find him, but Barrett stops him instead, asking him not to and says in return he will give him an Iron Survivor Qualifying match with Shinsuke Nakamura next week. Cesaro nods, accepting that, but makes it clear that after he earns his rematch for the WWE title at Summerslam, he is coming for Andrade!

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Match 3: Iron Survivor Qualifying match: Damian Priest vs Karrion Kross w/Scarlett Bordeaux​

Match summary: Damian Priest comes into this match full of anger and lays a beating on Karrion Kross as soon as the bell rings, finally getting the chance to get some revenge on Kross after he cheated Priest out of a victory at Armageddon. Kross gets back into the match and cheats again to get a foothold with Scarlett Bordeaux in the closing stages, but it backfires as she hits Kross by mistake with their HOURGLASS! Priest follows up, grabbing hold of Kross and planting him with THE RECKONING! Priest makes the cover and picks up the win, advancing to the Iron Survivor match!

Winner via pinfall: Damian Priest (7:34)​

Damian Priest gets to his feet and for the first time in around a month, he has a smile on his face as he celebrates to cheers from the live crowd. The commentary team says Priest is on a rapid rise since leaving NXT and wonders if he will earn a WWE title match at Summerslam. Meanwhile, at the top of the entrance ramp, we can see a furious Karrion Kross retreating to the back as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we see Tom Phillips standing backstage, ready for an interview with Xavier Woods. Tom says we heard from Big E, but next week Xavier Woods will be putting his Cruiserweight title on the line and wanted to know where his head was at. Xavier Woods says he needed to prove to himself he was worthy of being a champion due to his own personal doubts, but now that he has the Cruiserweight title, he doesn’t feel he can rest on his laurels.

He says next week he will be putting this title on the line against one of The Uungovernables, but he knows even if he gets past them, he isn’t the last challenger. Woods talks about Noam Dar, Gran Metalik and Ilja Dragunov all standing out as potential challengers for his Cruiserweight title. He says that he welcomes a challenge from any of them and he will keep being a fighting champion whilst he holds the Cruiserweight title, bringing the interview to an end.

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Match 4: Number one contender’s match for the Cruiserweight title: Angel Garza vs Humberto Carrillo​

Match summary: Angel and Humberto start the match by shaking hands with each other, but just because they are cousins doesn’t mean that they are not willing to do whatever it takes to walk out as the number one contender. Both men try to use the ropes, rake the eyes and pull off any underhanded tricks you would expect from this duo throughout a match. In the closing stages, both men would go through a series of roll-ups with Humberto pulling the tights… BUT ANGEL ROLLS THROUGH AND GRABS THE ROPE TO STEAL THE WIN!

Winner via pinfall: Angel Garza (8:33)​

Angel Garza gets to his feet and celebrates in obnoxious fashion leaving Humberto Carrillo his cousin on the mat glaring at him looking annoyed. Angel and Carrillo end up arguing after the match but Zelina Vega comes out as she plays peacemaker with both cousins keeping them on the same page for the time being. The commentary team meanwhile hypes up the Cruiserweight title match between Xavier Woods and Angel Garza on next week’s Raw wondering if the Ungovernables will take another of the New Day’s titles.

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We return from the commercial break, where Cathy Kelley is ready for an interview with Kevin Owens and Aleister Black. She starts by asking about Ali’s recent issues with Zayn, and Owens says he has offered to help Sami with it since he caused the problem, but he is respecting his best friend’s wishes to stay out of it until he needs to. Aleister Black shakes his head, getting a look from Owens, who asks the Dutch Destroyer what his issue is. Black makes it clear he feels Owens is going too much towards the light and should end Mustafa Ali for good!

Owens is a bit fed up with the criticism from Aleister as of late and bites back, saying that if he had friends, he would understand that you respect their wishes. Black gets in his face, saying Owens hasn’t stayed out of the fight with Bray, but Cathy asks both of them if this bickering helps them deal with Bray and Braun. Both men take a moment to think it through before sighing and Owens says Cathy is right, thanking her, reminding them of the real problem.

Aleister nods and says they have heard the challenge from the pair, accepting the tag team matches at the Great American Bash! They promise to show them what happens when you play in the darkness BUT THE LIGHTS THEN GO OUT! Cathy wisely gets out of there as BRAUN AND THE FIEND ATTACK OWENS AND BLACK! The two monsters lay a beating on the former World Champion before Braun finishes off with a DUAL CHOKESLAM as The Fiend watches on, tilting his head!

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We then return to the ring as the World Tag Team Champions, the Street Profits make their way out with their titles around their waist, whilst lifting their signature red cups to the delight of the live crowd. The commentary team says these two have discussed wanting the smoke and wanting to know who will come for their tag team titles at the Great American Bash. The tag team champions enter the ring as they start to hype up the crowd and get them to party along!

They play to the fans and talk about who is next wanting to take on the challenge, but they don’t have to wait too long for an answer, as The Good Brothers make their way out, receiving boos from the crowd. They too sweet each other at the top of the entrance ramp before walking to the ring, coming face to face with the champions whose party spirit has died down slightly. Karl Anderson speaks first and says The Street Profits keep talking about the smoke, but if they really wanted it, they know where the O.C. are!

Luke Gallows says it has been a while since they have been on Raw and honestly, they are sick of their business with their former friend AJ Styles. The crowd loudly boos as Luke starts poking the tag team titles, saying they want their belts back around their waist! Karl reminds everyone that The Street Profits never could beat them with the belts on the line and issues the challenge for the Great American Bash. Montez makes it clear quickly that they accept, with Dawkins promising it won’t just be smoke they bring as the two teams stare each other down, as we go to a commercial break.

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Match 5: Number one contender’s fatal-4-way match: Aliyah w/Zelina Vega vs Deonna Purrazzo w/Piper Niven vs Liv Morgan w/Ruby Riott vs Mickie James​

Match summary: The 3rd and final hour of Monday Night Raw starts chaotically with all 4 women determined to walk out of tonight with a Women’s Universal title shot at the Great American Bash. Mickie James and Liv Morgan have the fans behind them, rooting for either of them to walk out with the victory. Deonna is very tactical throughout and even hides behind her new ally, Piper Niven, from time to time, whilst Aliyah is sneaky and tries to steal a win whenever she can.

In the closing stages of the match, we see The Blackhearted Witches trying to come down to the ring, so Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott go to fight them, taking her out of the match. Mickie James then has Aliyah in the ring, ready to go for a MICKIE-DDT… BUT ZELINA GETS ON THE APRON! Mickie looks to knock her off as Zelina falls to the apron. Mickie is distracted though, as EMBER MOON RUNS IN TO CLOCK MICKIE WITH THE MONEY IN THE BANK BRIEFCASE! Piper Niven would then drag Aliyah out of the ring and Deonna would lift Mickie James, hitting her with the QUEEN’S GAMBIT FOR THE WIN!

Winner via pinfall: Deonna Purrazzo (8:58)​

The crowd boos loudly, but Deonna Purrazzo has earned a Women’s Universal title shot at the Great American Bash! Piper Niven rolls into the ring and raises her new ally’s arm into the air as they celebrate the victory tonight. The commentary team reminds us of the promise made to Piper by Deonna and says she is one step closer to getting a Women’s Universal title match. Meanwhile outside the ring, we can see Mickie James with a face of fury, glaring at Ember Moon as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we see Deonna Purrazzo walking with Piper Niven as Tom Phillips stops them for an interview. He says it looks like their plans are coming together, with Deonna nodding with a smug smirk and makes it clear that she is one of the smartest women on the planet. She says she has gotten straight in contention for the Women’s Universal title and she has the strongest woman on the roster in Piper by her side!

Piper Niven steps forward next, calling her match with Bianca Belair a warm-up for her, promising to not only beat her but to also beat her so badly that she will miss Summerslam! Tom looks to carry on the interview… BUT RHEA RIPLEY AND BIANCA BELAIR APPEAR ATTACKING DEONNA AND PIPER LEADING TO A BRAWL BETWEEN THEM! Rhea and Belair lay in hard strikes on the tag team, as we can see a swarm of security appearing as they try to defuse this situation, whilst we cut elsewhere.

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We are inside The New Day’s locker room as Big E and Xavier Woods sit on either side of Kofi Kingston, the only man without a title at the moment. Kofi is not happy running his hand down his face after another loss tonight to Andrade Cien Almas over the Intercontinental title. Xavier and Big E look to comfort their friend as they smile at him, but Kofi shakes his head, saying he let them down by not getting his title back. Both men deny this, but Kofi gets to his feet, clearly frustrated.

Kofi says he heard how Randy Orton was talking and not just disrespecting him, but the whole of The New Day. Big E gets to his feet, putting his hand on the shoulder of Kofi as he says this is what Randy wants. He wants to piss off Kofi and get into his head so it gets to him. Kofi shakes his head, even knowing that he can’t let Randy talk about him like he did, so he is going to Wade Barrett and he is fighting Randy Orton on next week’s Raw! Kofi leaves the room as Woods shakes his head, whilst we go to a commercial break.

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Match 6: Ilja Dragunov vs Oney Lorcan w/Danny Burch​

Match summary: The Mad Russian comes into this match looking for a brawl and lays into Oney Lorcan with a bunch of hard strikes. Oney fires back and tries to out-hard-hit the Mad Russian, but in the end, Ilja manages to put away Oney Lorcan with the H-BOMB!

Winner via pinfall: Ilja Dragunov (4:51)​

The crowd loudly cheers as The Mad Russian gets back to his feet and celebrates the win. Danny Burch wisely chooses not to attempt a failed sneak attack like Oney did last week and instead takes his tag team partner towards the back. The commentary team puts over the performance of Ilja and says he might soon be in line for a shot at the Cruiserweight title as we cut elsewhere backstage.

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We see Seth Rollins backstage with his hands clasped together like he is praying, whilst his disciple Nathan Frazer is kneeling and praying by his side. Seth finishes praying whilst Nathan stays on his knees next to him. Seth says tonight, Karrion Kross let the Church down, but he is the God of the church for a reason and he will lead the way firsthand. He says next week he has an Iron Survivor qualifier against Jeff Hardy, promising to go to Summerslam and save the WWE title!

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We then cut to Randy Orton, who is walking through the car park, getting ready to leave the arena, when he is stopped for an interview by Cathy Kelley. She asks the Viper if he heard the challenge issued earlier tonight by Kofi Kingston. Randy has a slight smirk on his face before turning to Cathy and saying he heard the challenge loud and clear. Randy tells Kofi he will see him in the middle of the ring next week, but he takes no responsibility if he brings his career to an end. Cathy tries to ask more questions, but Randy finishes putting his stuff in the car and leaves, bringing the interview to an end!

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When we return from the commercial break, we can see The Blackhearted Witches standing in front of the camera as Shotzi starts to mock the Riott Squad and will keep costing them any opportunities they get, as neither of them deserves opportunities. KiLynn King looks to speak next… BUT THE RIOTT SQUAD APPEARS TO BE LEADING TO A BRAWL BETWEEN THE TWO TEAMS! The two teams carry on until once again security appears on the scene, this time led by Wade Barrett. He tells both to stop and signs a tag team match between them for next week’s Raw!

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Match 7: Gran Metalik vs Noam Dar​

Match summary: The two Cruiserweights come into this match knowing they are both being considered as in contention for a future Cruiserweight title shot down the road, depending on how tonight goes. Noam Dar comes into the match with a game plan of targeting the right leg of the luchador, not only looking to slow down the pace but also to set up the champagne super kneebar! Gran Metalik though, is used to that strategy and takes control of the match early on.

Noam Dar has to get dirty as the match goes on, looking to target and pull the mask of Metalik, threatening to rip it off, which gets loud boos from the fans in the crowd due to these dirty tactics! In the closing stages of the match, Dar manages to get the CHAMPANGE SUPER KNEEBAR LOCKED IN… BUT METALIK WITH HIS FREE LEG KICKS OUT OF IT SENDING DAR BACK… METALIK DRIVER! Gran Metalik winces and knows he has taken too long for the cover, so he heads to the ropes and hits his signature ROPEWALK ELBOW DROP TO PICK UP THE WIN!

Winner via pinfall: Gran Metalik (7:40)​

Gran Metalik gets to his feet, getting a decent pop from the live crowd, impressed by his high-flying during the match, whilst the cocky Scot Noam Dar slinks to the back. The commentary team puts over the victory as Gran Metalik also signals that he is coming for the Cruiserweight title in the future.

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We then cut elsewhere backstage as we can see Jordan Devlin warming up for the main event with Adam Cole by his side. Tom Phillips walks up to them, looking for an interview as he asks Jordan Devlin how he is feeling ahead of the main event. Adam Cole speaks on his behalf, saying tonight Jordan is going to show AJ that this business has passed him by and he will watch as Devlin advances to the Iron Survivor match. Adam Cole then tells Tom he has heard from Wade Barrett that he will also get an Iron Survivor qualifying match with Big Cass, saying they will put those two in the past where they belong.

Tom Philips asked Adam if he heard the other news that Wade Barrett had given him, prompting a confused look on the face of Adam Cole. Adam asks him what he is talking about, but Tom confirms that all members of the O.C. are banned from ringside for both the Iron Survivor qualifying matches! Adam Cole throws a fit before calming down and pretending he is not bothered by that announcement. He turns to Jordan Devlin and sends him to the ring to take care of AJ as Raw goes to the final commercial break of the night!

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Before the main event can begin, we cut to Wade Barrett backstage as he confirms that on next week’s Raw, as well as the Cruiserweight title match between Woods and Garza, we will find out the number one contender for the title at the Great American Bash as Ilja Dragunov and Gran Metalik fight in a number one contender’s match!

Main event: Iron Survivor qualifier: AJ Styles vs Jordan Devlin​

Match summary: Jordan comes into the Raw main event with something to prove as the commentary team points out a win over AJ Styles would be a huge moment in the very early stages of his career. AJ keeps the pace at a level he enjoys and frustrates Devlin early on, outclassing the Irish Cruiserweight to the delight of the live crowd. The commentary team wonders if Devlin had a game plan relying on the support of the rest of the O.C. and has had to throw that out of the window!

Devlin is struggling as AJ looks to set up for the CALF CRUSHER and targets the leg of Devlin, putting the young superstar on the back foot, forcing him to have to use an EYE RAKE to turn the tide. He gets AJ out of the ring and keeps the pressure up with a NECKBREAKER ON THE RING FLOOR! From there, Jordan Devlin controls the match, making sure AJ has no breathing room to take the lead in this encounter. In the closing stages, it actually is starting to look like we might get an upset… AJ MANAGES TO GET THE CALF CRUSHER LOCKED IN!

Jordan is in a ton of pain on the mat as the crowd chants for him to tap and AJ wrenches on the hold with everything he has… BUT DEVLIN MAKES IT TO THE BOTTOM ROPES! AJ looks to go back on the attack, but DEVLIN ELBOWS HIM AWAY! He winces in pain and looks to go for the IRISH CUTTER… BUT DUE TO THE DAMAGE TO HIS LEG HE SLIPS AND AJ CATCHES HIM WITH A LARIAT! He then grabs hold of Devlin, lifting him and PLANTS HIM WITH THE STYLES CLASH for the win!

Winner via pinfall: AJ Styles (10:32)​

AJ Styles gets back to his feet with a smile on his face, getting some payback on the self-proclaimed Irish Ace. The commentary team talks about AJ having to work for the victory tonight, with Jordan Devlin having a good showing in this match before Raw fades to black with the final image of a furious Adam Cole watching on the monitor.

Confirmed matches for next week:

Intercontinental title match:
Andrade Cien Almas © vs The Miz

Cruiserweight title match:
Xavier Woods © vs Angel Garza

Iron Survivor qualifying match:
Cesaro vs Shinsuke Nakamura

Iron Survivor qualifying match:
Jeff Hardy vs Seth Rollins

Iron Survivor qualifying match:
Adam Cole vs Big Cass

Number one contender’s match for Cruiserweight title:
Gran Metalik vs Ilja Dragunov

Singles match:
Kofi Kingston vs Randy Orton

Tag team match:
Blackhearted Witches vs The Riott Squad

Tag team match:
Aliyah and Zelina Vega vs ???

Matchcard for The Great American Bash
Fort Worth, Texas
July 4th 2021

THE WEEKND – TAKE MY BREATH

WWE title match:
Big E © vs Randy Orton

Women’s Universal title match:
Rhea Ripley © vs Deonna Purrazzo

World tag team titles match:
The Street Profits © vs The Good Brothers

Cruiserweight title match:
Xavier Woods © or Angel Garza vs Gran Metalik or Ilja Dragunov

Iron Survivor number one contender’s match for the WWE title at Summerslam:
Damian Priest vs AJ Styles vs Cesaro or Shinsuke Nakamura vs Jeff Hardy or Seth Rollins vs Adam Cole or Big Cass

Singles match:
Bianca Belair vs Piper Niven

Singles match:
Mustafa Ali vs Sami Zayn

Tag team match:
Aleister Black and Kevin Owens vs Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman

EWR Rating:
71%

SmackDown Live Recap
June 18th 2021
Cincinnati, Ohio
Heritage Bank Centre​

Smackdown Live starts with the signature cold open as we can see Heavy Machinery getting ready for the opening night of the night where we will find out our new WWE tag team champions. We can see that both Tucker Knight and Otis Dozovic are not looking or even talking to each other due to the tension between them, whilst Sonya Deville is getting ready for her match later tonight. Mandy Rose looks to wish Otis Dozovic good luck and kisses him, getting an eye roll from Tucker Knight.

We soon hear the door open as Taynara Conti and Xia Li walk into the room, sharing hugs with Fire and Desire as they start to talk about their trios match later on tonight. Tucker Knight gets annoyed and says just what they need more distractions. Taynara Conti gets in his face, asking him what his problem is, defusing it before telling Tucker Knight to head to the ring. Tucker does that, leaving the room, but Otis says sorry to everyone and we start the opening video for SmackDown Live!

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MAYHEM – HALESTORM
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Match 1: WWE Tag Team titles tag team battle royal match:
Entrants: Alpha Academy, Dynasty, Heavy Machinery, Jeff Jarrett and Heath Slater, Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic, Killian Dain and Drake Maverick, Lio and Lashley, The Bloodline, The Hurt Business and The Mysterios​

Match summary: When we come back from the opening video, we get the remaining entrants coming to the ring for this battle royal. As all the entrants come out, Corey Graves and Beth Phoenix run down the rules for the match. They confirm that both members of a team have to be eliminated for a team’s elimination to occur and that eliminations can only happen over the top rope. Once all 10 teams are inside the ring, the referee calls for the bell to get the match underway!

Straight away, we see some of the rivalries within the tag team division pair off as The Bloodline battles with Alpha Academy, whilst The Dynasty has to fend off a charge from The Hurt Business, plus Lio and Lashley. Heavy Machinery gets into it with the Mysterios whilst Dain looks to protect Maverick from the early chaos. The first eliminations happen when Jarrett and Slater try to cheap-shot Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic… WHO TOSS THEM BOTH OUT WITH EASE!

Eliminated by Dominik Dijakovic: Heath Slater (2:44)
Eliminated by Keith Lee: Jeff Jarrett (2:44)
Eliminated from the match: Jeff Jarrett and Heath Slater (2:44)​

The crowd loudly cheers as Jeff Jarrett and Heath Slater are taken out of the running almost straight away. Jarrett is furious outside the ring, shouting abuse at Keith Lee, but Mr. Money in the Bank ignores him, focusing on the job at hand! Elsewhere in the ring, we can see that Killian Dian is having a clash with Alexander Hammerstone as the two big men collide. Otis looks to battle with Richard Holiday, whilst Hurt Business have collided with Rush and Lashley. Drake tries to help Killian Dian… BUT TUCKER SNEAKS UP BEHIND THE CRUISERWEIGHT AND LAUNCHES HIM OUT OF THE RING!

Eliminated by Tucker Knight: Drake Maverick (4:22)​

The crowd loudly boos, but Tucker Knight doesn’t care, instead mocking the fans before coming face to face with an angry Killian Dain, who starts to lay into Tucker Knight. Otis considers helping his tag team partner, but before he can react Alexander Hammerstone is battling with him. Elsewhere in the ring, we can see Cedric Alexander and Richard Holiday battling by the ropes and true to their word on last week’s SmackDown… CEDRIC ALEXANDER ENDS UP ELIMINATING HIMSELF AT THE SAME TIME WITH RICHARD HOLIDAY!

Eliminated by Richard Holiday: Cedric Alexander (7:13)
Eliminated by Cedric Alexander: Richard Holiday (7:13)​

Alexander and Holiday battle outside the ring with referees having to pull them apart, whilst the commentary team tells us we will keep up with the match thanks to picture-in-picture during the commercial break!

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When we return from the commercial break, we get a quick recap of the eliminations that took place during it, with Killian Dain battling with Jacob Fatu, leading to… JEY USO POUNCES WITH A SUPERKICK ELIMINATING KILLIAN DAIN! Elsewhere, Lio Rush would try to go up top and high risk BUT HAMMERSTONE WOULD CATCH HIM AND LAUNCH HIM OVER LASHLEY WHO TRIED TO CATCH RUSH TO ELIMINATE HIM!

Eliminated by Jey Uso: Killian Dain (8:34)
Eliminated by Alexander Hammerstone: Lio Rush (9:56)
Eliminated from the match: Killian Dain and Drake Maverick (8:34)​

As we return to full view, Alexander Hammerstone and Bobby Lashley are having a test of strength with each other as the two powerhouses collide in the middle of the ring to cheers from the crowd. Elsewhere, Buddy Murphy is laying into Jey Uso, but Jacob Fatu, almost like a bodyguard, comes in to protect his cousin. Chad Gable tries to GERMAN SUPLEX FATU FORM BEHIND… BUT THE SAMOAN WEREWOLF COUNTERS AND PLANTS HIM WITH A POP-SAMOAN DROP BEFORE TOSSING HIM OUT OF THE RING!

Eliminated by Jacob Fatu: Chad Gable (10:10)​

The crowd loudly boos, but Jacob Fatu doesn’t care, looking to get back down to business as he comes face-to-face with Mr. Money in the Bank, Keith Lee. Both men stare each other down before they start trading hands right in the middle of the ring, with the crowd getting behind Keith Lee. It looks like Keith Lee is winning out in the battle… SO JEY USO COMES IN TO HELP JACOB FATU! Dijakovic isn’t going to take that, grabbing Jey Uso… BUT JEY COUNTERS AND SENDS DIJAKOVIC OUT WITH A HEAD-SCISSORS!

Eliminated by Jey Uso: Dominik Dijakovic (11:33)​

Jey Uso is skinning the cat and trying to get back into the ring… BUT REY MYSTERIO BEING A CRAFTY VETERAN DROPKICKS JEY USO IN THE BACK TO ELIMINATE HIM!

Eliminated by Rey Mysterio: Jey Uso (11:40)

Final 10: Alexander Hammerstone, Bobby Lashley, Buddy Murphy, Dominik Mysterio Jacob Fatu, Keith Lee, Otis Dozovic, Rey Mysterio, Shelton Benjamin and Tucker Knight

Teams still in the match: Alpha Academy, Dynasty, Heavy Machinery, Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic, Lio and Lashley, The Bloodline, The Hurt Business and The Mysterios​

We are down to the final 10 men in this match, but we still have 8 teams who could potentially walk out of this match with the tag team titles around their waist. Rey Mysterio gets the wrath of Jacob Fatu after taking out his cousin, with Dominik Mysterio trying to help his father but getting taken down. Keith Lee and Buddy Murphy form a short alliance to battle Heavy Machinery whilst Hammerstone and Lashley are still battling as powerhouses by the ropes… AS SHELTON SEES HIM CHANCE AND ELIMINATES BOTH THE POWERHOUSES FROM THE MATCH TO HUGE CHEERS FROM THE CROWD!

Eliminated by Shelton Benjamin: Alexander Hammerstone and Bobby Lashley (12:51)
Eliminated from the match: Dynasty (12:51)
Eliminated from the match: Lio and Lashley (12:51)​

Hammerstone and Lashley would both look annoyed as Shelton would tap his head, having just gotten Dynasty out of the match, whilst keeping The Hurt Business within a chance of becoming WWE Tag Team champions tonight. Back in the ring, Jacob Fatu would grab hold of Dominik Mysterio and batter the poor young superstar, even hitting him with the MIGHTY MOONSAULT FOR GOOD MEASURE! Dominik looks in danger of being eliminated, but all the other people in the match minus Tucker Knight, swarm Jacob Fatu, laying into him!

Jacob Fatu is getting a beating from all of them BUT OVERPOWERS THEM AND SENDS EVERYONE FLYING BACK! Shelton Benjamin and Rey Mysterio are the first back to their feet, but Fatu takes them down with a DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE! Keith Lee, though thinking quickly, runs the ropes and CONNECTS WITH A POUNCE SENDING FATU TOWARDS THE ROPES! Keith Lee charges in… BUT FATU COUNTERS ELIMINATING MR MONEY IN THE BANK FROM THE MATCH!

Eliminated by Jacob Fatu: Keith Lee (17:07)
Eliminated from the match: Lee and Dijakovic (17:07)​

Jacob Fatu is looking every bit a beast as REY MYSTERIO TRIES TO GET HIM LIKE HE GOT JEY… BUT FATU CATCHES HIS DROPKICK ATTEMPT AND SLAMS HIM DOWN WITH A POWERBOMB! Fatu looks to follow up… BUT MURPHY SENDS HIM ONTO THE RING APRON WITH A KNEE! Fatu tries to hang on… BUT MURPHY RUNS THE ROPES AND HITS WICKED KNEE TO SEND FATU CRASHING TO THE OUTSIDE!

Eliminated by Buddy Murphy: Jacob Fatu (18:44)
Eliminated from the match: The Bloodline (18:44)​

Otis Dozovic, Shelton Benjamin and Rey Mysterio are shown resting in the corners thanks to the damage done by Jacob Fatu during this match, as Buddy Murphy rests on the ropes. Fatu is not happy with the elimination as the referee looks to stop him from entering the ring… ALLOWING TUCKER KNIGHT TO SNEAK UP AND ELIMINATE MURPHY!

Eliminated by Tucker Knight: Buddy Murphy (19:22)​

The crowd is booing loudly, but Tucker Knight doesn’t care, fully focused on getting the tag team titles back in the hands of Heavy Machinery. He shakes his head before coming face-to-face with Otis Dozovic in the middle of the ring as they argue about what he just did. Tucker tells Otis he needs to get his head in the game and stop thinking about what will impress Mandy Rose. Otis pushes Tucker… WHO PUSHES BACK! The two men are pushing each other… ALLOWING THE MYSTERIOS TO POUNCE AND HIT HURRICARANAS… TUCKER STOPS HIMSELF BEFORE GOING OUT… BUT SHELTON PULLS DOWN THE ROPES SENDING OTIS DOZOVIC OUT OF THE MATCH!

Eliminated by Rey Mysterio and Shelton Benjamin: Otis Dozovic (20:23)

Final four: Dominik Mysterio, Rey Mysterio, Shelton Benjamin and Tucker Knight

Teams still in the match: Heavy Machinery, The Hurt Business and The Mysterios​

Shelton smirks as he looks at The Mysterios, but does realize that the father and son hold a big advantage, being the only whole team left in this match. Tucker Knight, though the biggest man in this match, looks furious and CLOBBERS DOMINIK MYSTERIO BEFORE TOSSING HIM OVER THE ROPES… BUT DOMINIK MYSTERIO HOLDS ONTO THE ROPES OUT OF VIEW OF TUCKER! Tucker turns his focus to Rey Mysterio and Shelton Benjamin… AS DOMINIK GETS BACK INTO THE RING…

AND THEN ROLLS OUT OF THE RING OUT OF VIEW WITH ONLY REY AND SHELTON SEEING IT! Shelton considers pointing it out to Tucker, but instead looks to work with Rey Mysterio to bring down the large man. Both men look to dazzle him with speed and pace, getting him close to elimination, but Tucker fights them both off. He does end up on the mat as Rey Mysterio and Shelton end up in a position battling on the ring apron with fans behind both of them… TUCKER KNOCKS THEM BOTH OFF THE RING APRON!

Eliminated by Tucker Knight: Rey Mysterio and Shelton Benjamin (23:41)
Eliminated from the match: The Hurt Business (23:41)​

Tucker Knight sticks his arm out in smug fashion and taunts the fans, thinking he has won… BUT DOESN’T HEAR THE BELL… SO DOMINIK MYSTERIO DROPKICKS HIM FROM BEHIND AND ELIMINATES HIM FROM THE MATCH TO HUGE CHEERS!

Eliminated by Dominik Mysterio: Tucker Knight (24:01)
Eliminated from the match: Heavy Machinery (24:01)
Winners and new WWE Tag team Champions: The Mysterios (24:01)​

The crowd goes wild as Dominik Mysterio gets back to his feet and celebrates the victory with The Mysterios becoming the first-ever father-son duo to win the tag team titles. Rey Mysterio soon joins his opponent inside the ring and they are on cloud 9 right now. Outside the ring, the camera focuses on Tucker Knight, who looks furious to have lost out on the tag team titles as SmackDown Live goes to a commercial break.

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When we come back from the commercial break, Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio are walking through the backstage area with big smiles on their faces, whilst also having the WWE tag team titles on their shoulders. Kayla Braxton approaches them and congratulates the pair on the victory tonight, getting thanks from both men. Rey speaks first, saying he has won many titles in his time within the WWE, but tonight might be the one he is most proud of because he has done it with his son, Dom.

The two men would share a hug before Rey says it was thanks to Dom’s smarts that they ended up winning tonight as well. Dom rubs his head, thanking his dad as Kayla asks him how he thought to hide out of view of Tucker Knight. Dom chuckles and admits he had been watching some Uncle Eddie’s old matches, which gave him the idea to go for a few tricks on Tucker, who was pulling tricks of his own. Rey then tells Kayla and the fans on next week’s SmackDown that they will be celebrating tonight’s victory before we cut elsewhere backstage.

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We see the WWE Women’s tag team champions, The Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection, in the parking lot with their tag team titles over their shoulders, whilst bringing their luggage with them. They are stopped by Byron Saxton, who asks the champions where they are going, but Bayley says they have confirmed with Shawn Michaels that they don’t have a match tonight; it is time for them to take care of some business on NXT. Sasha Banks says not to worry because they will be back next week. Byron asks if they are running scared of Team Kick, which the tag team champions furiously deny before leaving!

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When we return from the commercial break, we cut inside Alpha Academy’s gym as Kurt Angle is sitting on a bench with Daniel Bryan as they are talking about Buddy Murphy and Chad Gable giving it a good shot but coming up short in becoming WWE tag team champions. Daniel says Buddy got distracted by Jacob Fatu, but says eliminating the United States Champion should put him next in line for a shot at the title. Kurt nods and comments about speaking to Shawn Michaels about it when Daniel Garcia joins them on the bench.

He says he has spoken to Buddy Murphy and Chad Gable, who have both been sent to the medical team for the rest of the night due to knocks picked up in the battle royal. Angle and Bryan nod, saying that means they will need all hands on deck for the main event because they know Roman and the Bloodline are capable of everything. Garcia says he will be ready to fight them if needed, but Bryan says that hopefully it won’t come to that, saying this is a fight for him to do and he doesn’t want anyone getting hurt on his behalf before we cut elsewhere.

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We see Shelton Benjamin talking with Cedric Alexander and MVP after the battle royal earlier tonight. MVP says both of them achieved the main goal for tonight, which was stopping Dynasty from winning the tag team titles, which they achieved. MVP gives extra credit to Shelton for his performance in the match and for using his brains to get rid of the big man Bobby Lashley. Shelton shrugs, thanking MVP, saying he saw an opportunity and he took it as Lio Rush and Bobby Lashley walk into the shot! There is quite a lot of tension between the two tag teams, but MVP makes sure to stand between them to avoid any fighting.

Bobby Lashley comments that he thought their sole focus was making sure Dynasty didn’t win. Shelton shakes his head, saying that he can focus on multiple things and by taking out both Lashley and Hammerstone, he achieved his goal. Rush says it’s always the same for them, but MVP steps in, making it clear that those two said they were not with The Hurt Business, so they weren’t teammates. Lio and Lashley look annoyed but do not argue, walking away, bringing the segment to an end.

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We then cut back to the ring as Drew McIntyre makes his way out, getting loud cheers from the fans on his way to the ring. He steps into the middle of the ring and makes it clear that on Raw, he felt he fell behind ever since he lost the WWE title. He talks about battling with Samoa Joe and says he still has respect for him, but when he lost the title to him, he got sidetracked by Tommaso Ciampa. He comments on his loss to Cesaro and says that after losing to him, he knew he needed to take some time to see his family.

He goes on saying people were expecting him to be mad to be drafted away from his friends, Sheamus and Wade Barrett, but this gives him a new start. He says this was the brand where he won the WWE title from Roman Reigns, getting loud cheers from the live crowd. He makes it clear that he has his eyes on the Bloodline and he remembers tossing Roman Reigns off Hell in a Cell, promising he would destroy the entire Bloodline like he did the Corporation if he has to get the Men’s Universal title, bringing the short promo to an end!

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When we return from the commercial break at the start of the 2nd hour, we see a video which confirms John Cena will be returning to SmackDown Live in 2 weeks!

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Match 2: Trios match: The MMA Horsewomen vs Taynara Conti, Xia Li and Sonya Deville​

Match summary: Both trios come into this match looking for a fight, but early on Sonya Deville flies out of the gate looking to avenge her best friend Mandy Rose, after Shayna Baszler broke her arm. Sonya’s fire keeps the faces in control as Conti and Xia Li come into the match, using a series of kicks to keep the pressure on the MMA Horsewomen until Shayna Baszler turns the tide for her team, isolating Xia Li allowing the MMA Horsewomen to do what they do best and work over the Chinese superstar!

The crowd gets behind Xia Li, hoping she can make it out of the corner and bring the Women’s WWE Champion Taynara Conti back into the match. Eventually, she makes it to the corner of the ring and makes the tag to bring Conti back into the match, who runs wild on the MMA Horsewomen with the crowd loudly cheering her on! Shayna Baszler though, makes a point to avoid her leading into the closing stages of the match, so Conti tags out and dives onto Shayna Baszler outside the ring!

Conti and Shayna end up brawling over the barricade as they battle in the crowd, leaving it basically being a two-on-two match inside the ring. Marina Shafir makes sure to take care of Sonya Deville and keeps her outside locked in a choke that the commentary team calls MOTHER’S MILK! Back inside the ring, Xia Li goes for a ROUNDHOUSE KICK… BUT NATALYA TAKES HER DOWN BEFORE LOCKING IN THE SHARPSHOOTER! Natalya has the hold locked in tight and with her partner’s busy… XIA LI HAS TO TAP OUT!

Winners via submission: The MMA Horsewomen (10:39)​

The crowd loudly boos but the MMA Horsewomen pick up the win as a unit once again. Conti stops brawling with Shayna happy to return to the ring and celebrate with her teammates. The commentary team wonders if Natalya picking up the win for her team will lead to her getting a shot at the WWE Women’s title in the coming weeks as SmackDown Live goes to a commercial break.

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When we returned from the commercial break, we cut to the inside of The Bloodline’s locker room. Roman Reigns is sitting at the head of the table with a nervous Naomi sitting near him. Nia Jax is chatting to Paul Heyman with a slight smile on her face when the door slams open and Jacob Fatu storms into the room! The United States Champion is furious and tips over a table. Roman hears it land with a thud in the background, but stays quiet as Jey Uso runs into the room trying to calm the Samoan Werewolf down.

Roman Reigns, upon hearing Jey Uso in the room, gets out of his chair and walks over to Jey Uso with a face of fury as he confronts him, asking Jey why he isn’t mad like Fatu! Roman makes it clear that thanks to that loss, it will be even harder to get the WWE tag team titles back in the Bloodline because he let himself get eliminated by the new champions! Jey stutters, not having a response and might be saved from further criticism by Jacob Fatu demanding Buddy Murphy.

Roman sighs and turns to Jacob Fatu, saying he will get the Wiseman to speak to Shawn Michaels. Roman looks over to Paul Heyman, who stops speaking to Nia Jax and makes it clear he will sort that out straight away. Naomi pipes up and says she wants to ask the Wiseman a favour too. Roman looks at her in anger, but Naomi asks if the Wiseman can get her an opportunity to get into the Women’s tag team title contention with Nia Jax. Roman smiles and tells Naomi he likes the way she thinks, sending the Wiseman on his way before we cut back to the ring.

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Match 3: L.A. Knight vs Curt Hawkins w/Zack Ryder​

Match summary: L.A. Knight comes into this match unimpressed and even cuts a promo before the match, mocking both Hawkins and Ryder, saying they are not even good enough nowadays to carry Edge’s bags. L.A. Knight running his mouth backfires early on, allowing Hawkins to get some early shots in, but once Knight takes control, there is not really any doubt who is going to win as Knight finishes off with BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA!

Winner via pinfall: L.A. Knight (4:21)​

L.A Knight gets to his feet, getting boos from the live crowd, but he barely even celebrates, looking at the fans with disdain. Zack Ryder slides into the ring, looking to check on his friend Curt Hawkins… LEADING TO LA KNIGHT CHEAP SHOTTING HIM FROM BEHIND! L.A. Knight smirks with a smug smile on his face before leaving the ring and heading to the back as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we can see a camera looking off in the distance as we can see Paul Heyman meeting with Tommaso Ciampa. The two men exchange some words before Heyman gives him a wad of cash and Ciampa walks off, ending the segment.

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We then cut elsewhere backstage as we see an angry Team Kick sitting backstage finishing up on their PlayStation before turning to the camera. Dakota Kai says that she had to spend 6 weeks out of action injured, thanks to the Boss ’N Hug Connection and that what they did to them last week is only a taste of the ass kicking they are due! Tegan takes over, saying they heard the champions talking about not being scared, but there is a reason they fled the arena to run to NXT tonight!

Nox says the only reason she waited to kick Bayley and Banks’s asses was that Dakota told her to. Kai nods, saying she told Tegan to use her head and not get herself into trouble. Nox says they will do whatever it takes to get one more shot at the WWE Women’s tag team titles because they are under no illusions about the games that are being played at this point. Kai promises they will take the tag team titles from the Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection or die trying!

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Match 4: Swerve Strickland w/AR Fox and Prince Nana vs Rick Boogs​

Match summary: Rick Boogs plays to the crowd and gets a decent pop, but Swerve Strickland comes into this match already pissed off, wasting no time in taking down Rick Boogs, hitting the HOUSE CALL into a SWERVE STOMP for the academic victory tonight!

Winner via pinfall: Swerve Strickland (1:49)​

The crowd boos loudly, but Swerve Strickland doesn’t care, being all business tonight before Prince Nana grabs a microphone from someone at ringside and passes it to Swerve Strickland in the ring. Prince Nana joins his boss in the ring as Swerve says he will keep it brief so everyone understands. He told Bobby, Lio and The Hurt Business to stay out of the Mogul Embassy’s way or there would be consequences. He says their chance at a new start is over, and now they are dealing with the most dangerous man in WWE. The promo ends as we cut to a commercial break.

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When we return from the commercial break, we see Bryon Saxton walk up to L.A. Knight backstage, looking for an interview with one of SmackDown’s newest stars. He looks to start the interview… BUT L.A. KNIGHT SNATCHES THE MICROPHONE FROM HIM! He tells Bryon that he is not listening to him nuh uh. He sends Byron on his way before talking to the camera and declaring himself a megastar. He then asks why Shawn Michaels feels the need to pair him up with geek after geek constantly!

He starts with Sunil Singh saying he didn’t come here who couldn’t make it in Bollywood and who has clearly lost his brother. He then turns his attention to Hawkins, saying the only thing he is famous for is carrying Edge’s bags and being a loser. Knight shakes his head and calls himself the star on SmackDown Live now he is here and it is time Shawn Michaels treats him like it. He wonders if Shawn is giving him jokes because he is scared of Knight showing him up as EDGE WALKS INTO THE SHOT COMING FACE TO FACE WITH KNIGHT!

Edge doesn’t look happy as he tells L.A. that he is new around here, so he will give the new superstar one warning, don’t mess with Edge’s friends. L.A. chuckles and tells Edge he has no interest in his fan club, saying this is the kind of superstar he was talking about. He wanted someone like Edge so he could show they are the past and he is the future! Edge however, scoffs in response, dismissing L.A. Knight, who he says has a while before getting on his radar and walks off, leaving a furious L.A. Knight standing there as we cut elsewhere backstage!

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We are inside Shawn Michaels is inside his office as Kayla Braxton comes into his office and says the showstopper had some matches he wanted to announce for next week. Shawn nods and thanks Kayla for coming to see him before confirming he has 4 matches he has signed for next week’s show. The first one relates to L.A. Knight and Shawn hates to admit it due to his history with Edge over the years, but Knight needs to prove himself before stepping to stars like Edge. Shawn Michaels says Zack Ryder is looking for payback after the cheap shot from L.A. Knight and will fight him in the ring next week on SmackDown!

Shawn says that is not all because we are also going to start to find out who will challenge the Boss ‘N’ Connection for the Women’s tag team titles at World’s Ends. He confirms two triple threats: Emma & Toni Storm vs The Bloodline vs Frany Monet and Charlotte Flair and Team Kick vs House of Couture vs The Medusa Complex. Shawn confirms the winners of each match will fight the week after to earn a WWE Women’s title shot against The Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection at World’s End! He then confirms that lastly, he has signed off on a Women’s title match on SmackDown with Taynara Conti defending against Natalya!

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Match 5: Charlotte Flair vs Mercedes Martinez​

Match summary: In the final match of the night, Mercedes comes into this match with a point to prove as she lays into Charlotte with a series of stiff strikes and catches the Queen off-guard with her power. Charlotte has to regroup and go to the outside, which makes Mercedes smirk inside the ring, further winding up the 9-time Women’s Champion. Charlotte starts to make a comeback with a few chops of her own and by using her cunning to target the arms of Mercedes to take away her strikes and submissions!

As the match goes on, we see why Charlotte is at the top of the division and she makes sure to dominate in a fashion only someone of her stature can within the Women’s division. In the closing stages of the match, Martinez escapes out of a FIGURE EIGHT attempt and starts to mount a fight back, even teasing locking in BULL RUN… BUT CHARLOTTE FIGHTS OUT OF IT! She then follows up with NATURAL SELECTION before climbing up top and hitting her DIVING MOONSAULT to pick up the victory!

Winner via pinfall: Charlotte Flair (8:40)​

Charlotte Flair gets back to her feet with a smug smile on her face and soaks in the boos from the live crowd with a smug smirk on her face. Mercedes Martinez sits in the corner, looking disappointed as she knows beating Charlotte would have been a huge moment for her career. The commentary teams put over Charlotte Flair and mention The Queen will be looking to get herself in line for a Women’s title shot sooner rather than later as we go to the final commercial break of the night.

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When we return from the commercial break, The Bloodline makes their entrance with Jacob Fatu and Jey Uso following their leader Roman Reigns, to the ring. The commentary team reminds us of the fact that Buddy Murphy and Chad Gable are in the back getting medical attention due to knocks picked up in the battle royal earlier tonight. Roman Reigns wastes no time in the ring and starts the promo by confirming that at World’s End, we will see Jacob Fatu defending his United States title against Buddy Murphy!

Jacob Fatu talks a bunch of trash promising to beat Buddy Murphy so bad he won’t ever think about stepping to the Bloodline again! At this point Daniel Bryan would make his way out joined by Kurt Angle and Daniel Garcia! He walks to the ring though you can tell Bryan is cautious, basically walking into a 2 on 3 situation with Angle nowadays retired from in-ring competition. Bryan says he is out here tonight because he doesn’t want to wait any longer for a rematch for the Universal title.

Roman smirks and asks why Bryan thinks he is the one calling the shots at this point. Roman says he is the Tribal Chief and he sits atop the WWE, holding the title with all the power. Angle smirks at this point and tells Roman that he knows it is eating up Roman that he wasn’t able to defeat Bryan until he was tired. Angle carries on, annoying Roman, saying that the only reason Roman won the title is that he waited for Bryan to feel the strain of being a fighting champion before swooping in and using Jacob to do his dirty work.

Fatu at this point, steps forward ready for a fight, but Paul Heyman and Jey Uso keep him back. We see the more hot-headed Daniel Garcia also step forward, ready for a scrap, but Bryan keeps his student in check for now. Roman smirks and says if Bryan wants a title shot, how about he proves he is worthy of one by beating the man who he says does all his dirty work. Roman says if Daniel Bryan beats Jacob Fatu next week, he will give him a World’s title match at World’s End!

Daniel Bryan says he plans to not only beat Jacob Fatu in the ring next week, but then he is going to make Roman Reigns tap out and bring back the Men’s Universal title. Roman however, gets close to Bryan and tells the former champion it will happen over his dead body! Both men are face-to-face… WHEN GARCIA IS PULLED FROM THE RING BY TOMMASO CIAMPA! The crowd loudly boos as Jey Uso and Jacob Fatu use the sneak attack to pounce, laying into Daniel Bryan!

The crowd boos loudly, and we even hear some chants from the fans for ALPHA ACADEMY… BUDDY MURPHY AND CHAD GABLE RUN OUT A LITTLE WORSE FOR WEAR… BUT SUDDENLY WE SEE THE WAR RAIDERS ATTACK THEM FROM BEHIND!!! The commentary team notes that we have not seen Hanson for several months and wonders why the duo is helping The Bloodline after their issues with the group last year. The crowd loudly boos as we hear Roman shout instructions to Jacob Fatu, who drags KURT ANGLE OVER TO THE COMMENTARY DESK!

Jacob tears apart the commentary desk as we can see the Alpha Academy members trying to break free, but Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, Tommaso Ciampa and The War Raiders keep them down. Jacob gets him on the announce table before climbing onto the barricade next to the announce desk as he steadies himself… MIGHTY MOONSAULT TO KURT ANGLE! SmackDown comes to a close with Alpha Academy laid out around ringside and Kurt Angle in a heap with blood coming out of his mouth as we fade to black.

Confirmed matches for next week:

Main event:
If Daniel Bryan wins, he will fight Roman Reigns for the Men’s Universal title at World’s End
Daniel Bryan vs Jacob Fatu

WWE Women’s title match:
Taynara Conti vs Natalya

WWE Women’s tag team titles series match:
Emma and Toni Storm vs Franky Money or Charlotte Flair vs The Bloodline

WWE Women’s tag team titles series match:
House of Couture vs Team Kick vs The Medusa Complex

Singles match:
L.A. Knight vs Zack Ryder

Confirmed matches for 2 weeks:

WWE Women’s tag team titles series final:
Emma and Toni Storm or The Bloodline or Franky Monet and Charlotte Flair vs House of Couture or Team Kick or The Medusa Complex

Worlds End
Tacoma, Washington
July 18th 2021

LAST GOODBYE – BATTLE BEAST

United States title match:
Jacob Fatu © vs Buddy Murphy

WWE Women’s tag team titles match:
Boss ‘N’ Hug Connection © vs ???

EWR Rating:
72%

Main event:
Jeff Hardy defeated Tony Nese via pinfall (3:44)
Toni Storm defeated Franky Monet via pinfall (9:40)
Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Riddick Moss via pinfall (5:09)
OMOS defeated Elias via pinfall (2:18)
Main event: Alexa Bliss defeated Dani Luna (7:01)

Kyle O’Riley on the injury shelf:​

Kyle O’Riley has picked up a huge injury in his NXT title match with GUNTHER and will be out of action for at least 3 months. This is seen as a major blow to a struggling NXT as he was seen as the top face currently after a series of call-ups. It is expected that Ricochet or Johnny Gargano will slot into that spot to challenge GUNTHER over the coming months.

 

[Tg11]

Yeah Reigns/Bryan if it does happen again at Worlds End I won't be surprised

LA Knight I can definitely see his 1st big feud being with Edge especially after he beats Ryder

I think The Bloodline (Nia Jax & Naomi) end up going after the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships

Since when are Charlotte Flair & Franky Monet a Tag Team?


But the match I really truly cannot wait for is Big E defending his WWE Championship against Randy Orton