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DamageCTRL

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WWE2024.jpg


One thing about me... is that I'm gonna pick up that pencil again, brother.

Hey everybody! I'm back!

Why now? Honestly, I can't really tell you. I've been unemployed for the last year, and while I'm optimistic about the future, I've been kicking the can again. I've felt like I've wanted to for a while but couldn't get it quite right. I'd flirted with ideas. But it just kept taking too long for me to do it.

But now? I told myself if I ever got a FULL MONTH of shows written down that I'd do it again. And... well? I did it. I've got a month and the big show at the end of the month written up. So here we go, folks.

Here are a couple things:
~ This will start after WrestleMania XL. A familiar spot for me as my last venture was trying to do that. This thread will have similar beats and similar notes. Maybe some of the same things? Probably, as they were unfinished ideas I'm committing to.
~ I'm not writing NXT. Maybe if I really get in the swing of things I'll do it. But to be honest, I might just treat it like the OVW/Deep South days in this thread. A monthly update perhaps. I just don't have the bandwidth to write three full shows. I can book it probably but just let that be known.
~ I am gonna get my shit in. You all know what I have to offer and where my strengths are. This is big "Get what you paid for" energy from me. I'm back and you know what this is.
~ I'm not adhering to WWE's PLE calendar in 2024 or beyond. Got my own spin on things. I'll save that for the next post.
~ I am bringing back Velocity to pair with Main Event. Overflow shows are a net positive in my estimation.
~ I have no real endpoint in mind here but I'm staying very modern.
~ Every month for the first 3-6 months, I'm going to TAKE OUT a big star from the thread to put myself at a disadvantage on purpose. I want to play the game just as much as anyone here and get as creative as I can to put my own spin on everything.
~ Bayley's not getting a Bruno reign, Bianca Belair is one of those wrestlers being taken out of the thread, and Becky Lynch is not. Two truths and a lie. Which is it pals?

Happy to be back. Even more excited to get started again!​
 
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Ry Guy

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I’m guessing ”take out” means “getting injured“ and not “leaving the company”.
 

Hoss

HELL IS NOT A MYTH
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I'm thinking Bayley gonna get that Bruno reign.

It's nice to see this up, I look forward to keeping an eye on things. Been said many times by many people but damn the shine wore off of WWE fast. They had the chance to push things in a much better direction but have failed miserably in my eyes. I fully trust you'll put a better spin on things.
 

DamageCTRL

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Thanks for the early lively reception, pals. It's genuinely good to be back now.

I'm not trying to spam I promise. But let's get on with the show.

To address you @Ry Guy: It could go either way! I'm aware of the contract situations as well. So be on edge!

WWE.jpg

WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT​

(As of April 8, 2024)

Monday Night Raw

General Manager: Adam Pearce

~ Champions ~
World Heavyweight Champion: Damian Priest (April 7, 2024 -)
Defeated Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania XL via Money in the Bank Cash-In

Intercontinental Champion: Sami Zayn (April 7, 2024 -)
Defeated Gunther at WrestleMania XL

World Tag Team Champions: Awesome Truth (April 6, 2024 -)
Won a 6-Way Ladder Match at WrestleMania XL

Women's World Champion: Rhea Ripley (April 2, 2023 -)
Defeated Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 39

---

Akira Tozawa
Andrade
Apollo Crews
Becky Lynch
Braun Srowman
Bronson Reed
Brutus Creed
Candice LeRae
Chad Gable
Chelsea Green
CM Punk
Damian Priest
Dexter Lumis
Dominik Mysterio
Drew McIntyre
Erik
Finn Balor
Giovanni Vinci
Gunther
Indi Hartwell
Ivar
Ivy Nile
JD McDonagh
Jey Uso
Johnny Garagno
Julius Creed
Katana Chance
Kayden Carter
Kofi Kingston
Liv Morgan
Ludwig Kaiser
Maxxine Dupri
The Miz
Natalya
Nia Jax
Nikki Cross
Otis
Piper Niven
R-Truth
Raquel Rodriguez
Rhea Ripley
Ricochet
Sami Zayn
Seth Rollins
Shayna Baszler
Shinsuke Nakamura
Sonya Deville
Tegan Nox
Tommaso CIampa
Valhalla
Xavier Woods
Xia Li

---

Friday Night Smackdown

General Manager: Nick Aldis

~ Champions ~
WWE Champion: Cody Rhodes (April 7, 2024 -)
Defeated Roman Reigns at WrestleMania XL

United States Champion: Logan Paul (November 4, 2023 -)
Defeated Rey Mysterio at Crown Jewel

WWE Tag Team Champions: A-Town Down Under (April 6, 2024 -)
Won a 6-Way Ladder Match at WrestleMania XL

Women's World Champion: Bayley (April 7, 2024 -)
Defeated Iyo Sky at WrestleMania XL

---

AJ Styles
Akam
Alba Fyre
Angel
Angelo Dawkins
Ashante "Thee" Adonis
Asuka
Austin Theory
B-Fab
Bayley
Berto
Bianca Belair
Bobby Lashley
Bron Breakker (Debuting Soon)
Carlito
Cedric Alexander
Charlotte Flair
Cody Rhodes
Cruz Del Toro
Dakota Kai
Dragon Lee
Elektra Lopez
Elton Prince
Grayson Waller
Isla Dawn
Iyo Sky
Jade Cargill
Jimmy Uso
Joaquin Wilde
Kairi Sane
Karl Anderson
Karrion Kross
Kevin Owens
Kit Wilson
LA Knight
Logan Paul
Luke Gallows
Michin
Montez Ford
Naomi
Pete Dunne
Randy Orton
Rey Mysterio
Rezar
The Rock
Roman Reigns
Santos Escobar
Scarlett
Shotzi
Solo Sikoa
Tamina
Tiffany Stratton
Tyler Bate
Zelina Vega


---

PLE SCHEDULE

Backlash France - May 4, 2024 - Lyon, France
King of the Ring - June 15, 2024 - Dallas, Texas
Unannounced July PLE

SummerSlam - August 3, 2024 - Cleveland, Ohio

That's all for now.
 
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DamageCTRL

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You will not get a "full" show out of me at first. But you will, however, get a full opening promo that is not procedural.

No it's a tone-setter instead. Let's go. It's in a bit of a hybrid recap here. I've refined the format as shows have gone on. You'll be able to see that as it transpires.

...

...

(Some of you may recognize this format)

...

...

...

Monday Night Raw – April 8th 2024 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania


“You tell Mama Rhodes… That the worst is yet to come…”

Liv and Let Die

Before the show begins, the WrestleMania XL recap video plays. All the incredible events that unfolded in Philadelphia are outlined, including Damian Priest’s shocking World Heavyweight Championship win, Rhea Ripley’s victory over Becky Lynch, and, above all, Cody Rhodes’ miraculous win over Roman Reigns to become the new WWE Champion.

Afterwards, we rumble into the Wells Fargo Center, filled to the gills tonight! The sellout crowd is electric and ready for what’s to come!

And boy were they in for something.


***IS COOKING*** The crowd FLIPS OUT, and so do our commentators. That’s THE FINAL BOSS’ MUSIC! And who else but THE ROCK walks out! And after taking his time to get to the ring, The Final Boss fnally arrives as the Philadelphia crowd is still in shock. Rock grabs the microphone and looks out, hearing the chants, the reactions, and then brings it up.

The Rock:
FINALLY… The Rock – has COME BACK! TO PHILLLADELPHIA!!

The Rock sees a lot of surprised looks on all your faces right now. Is the WWE Universe surprised to see The Great One tonight??

Well then I think one thing is clear… … … the WWE Universe is, absolutely, unquestionably, beyond a shadow of a doubt… … … DUMBER… than the average fanbase.

Because why would The Rock miss the night after WrestleMania? Why would The Rock, after getting chokeslammed in the middle of this ring by The Undertaker… Oh you think that’s funny? It doesn’t MATTER what you think!

The Bloodline… no longer has the WWE Championship in its possession. Roman Reigns… … … is no longer the WWE Champion.

For 1,316 days, Roman Reigns was the WWE Champion. The leader of this company. The unquestioned Tribal Chief… but now, that is no more.

Roman isn’t here tonight. Roman isn’t going to be here for sometime… but Roman Reigns will be back. And he will be back for revenge.

Because Cody Rhodes…

The thing that you don’t realize yet is that last night is going to be the biggest mistake you’ll have ever made. It won’t be that you decided to jump ship back to WWE. It won’t be your quests before coming back, or having the feelings you had after you were cut. No, it’s going to be your title win last night, because The Bloodline is GOING to strike back! The Rock will guaran-damn-TEE it right now, in fact, that The Bloodline isn’t through!

However fatigued you may be, it’s not over. However defeated you think we are, it’s not over. And however much you think that we’re just going to tuck our tails and run, we’re going to run back that much faster, hit you that much stronger, and whoop your candy asses all over God’s green Earth as we have DONE! The only difference is now I’m around. And I don’t play about revenge.

So Cody… you enjoy that title you have. You enjoy all the things that you’re going to get from it. But you will suffer from anxiety. Everywhere that you look, someone’s going to come after you. Because of what you have, Cody, your trust in everyone is going to thin. You won’t have any allies by the time this is over. No, I know how this is going to go, because I’ve seen people like you Cody. And all of the things you think you’re stronger then are going to suffocate you. And by the time this is over, you’ll be nothing but scraps that Roman and The Great One are going to take from you.

And order will be restored.

But make no mistake… Cody Rhodes, you aren’t the only one that The Bloodline will take from again. Seth Freakin’ Rollins… … … you’re the reason last night even happened. So Seth, you should sleep with one eye open. We’re coming for you.

Jey Uso… you think this is funny, Uce? You think that you can just run from this? No, no, no. The Rock says that the only thing that you’re running from is a deserved ass-whooping by The Bloodline. You got in the way last night, you went after your brother again, and you’re going to find out why that was a mistake very soon!

John Cena… give me a break. We’re not concerned about you, but if you try anything funny ever again, 2021 will look like nothing. Don’t forget who beat you the first time and can beat you again. Undertaker… same goes for you, Deadman.

And ANYBODY… who decides that they want to get in our way is going to be dealt with. I haven’t even mentioned Kevin Owens and Randy Orton, who both probably think that it’s going to be sunshine for them now. Well it’s not going to be. We will take our time plotting our next big move, but we all won’t be gone… Paul, Jimmy, and Solo all plan to be on Smackdown this Friday… and I hear they might not come alone…

So you sit there, Cody… and you tell Mama Rhodes… that the worst is yet to come. If… you smell… what the Final Boss… is cooking.

Chilling words from The Final Boss! A heck of a start to the show here, as The Rock then leaves the ring to a smattering of cheers and boss. People were plenty surprised to see him, but his words drew him no favor from the crowd at all. But he’s not here for that, as his speech clearly showed.

{Commercial Break}

WrestleMania XL Highlight Reel

LIV MORGAN
appeared on the screen for a pre-taped promo…

Liv Morgan:
This past year nearly broke me… I came back in January at the Royal Rumble after the worst six months of my life. Then I finished as the runner-up. I lost fair and square, and at the very least, the woman who eliminated me won the Women’s Championship at WrestleMania. Congratulations Bayley.

But the fact is – I wasn’t even on WrestleMania. I watched Rhea Ripley, the woman who put me on the shelf for six months, go out and retain the Women’s World Championship against Becky Lynch at WrestleMania. I had my shots. I’m not here to have sour grapes. But all I need… is one chance.

Tonight, I’m in a number one contender’s match against Nia Jax. I know Nia, I’ve lost to her before. But I won’t tonight. Because I want one chance. I want one chance to slay The Eradicataor and I’m going to get it.

Rhea, you made my life a living hell. And if I wasn’t injured, next to nothing that happened to me in my life, public and private, would have ever happened. So I squarely blame you for EVERYTHING that I’ve been dealing with since you injured me on purpose.

And that’s fine… because once I win tonight, I’m going to get my chance. And I WILL win the Women’s World Championship… and I’m going to take EVERYTHING… away from you. EVERYTHING…


BACK TO RINGSIDE...

1 – Chad Gable vs. Ricochet
It’s Chad Gable that’s first out of the gate for competition! Another established superstar who didn’t get to be on WrestleMania! He faces Ricochet in a match where it’s patently obvious that both wrestlers are going in complete opposite directions. Gable had an answer for everything the high-flyer dished out at him. This one goes a few segments, as the talented grapplers get a perfect opportunity to showcase themselves. In the end, Ricochet couldn’t solve the Rubik’s cube that Gable proved himself to be. The former Olympian then made Ricochet tap out with the Ankle Lock after a LONG match that had the crowd on its feet! And that was that! The two shook hands after and Ricochet congratulated Gable on his big win before he left the ring to him. A nice show of sportsmanship. Gotta love it!
WINNER | Chad Gable via submission at 15:06.


---

LYRA VALKYRIA
DEBUTS LIVE – TONIGHT ON RAW!


---

BECKY LYNCH made her way out for promo time after a busy start to the show. ‘The Man’ held herself accountable for not being good enough to beat Rhea Ripley on Saturday. Lynch revealed she was battling an illness, but said the greats have battled sicknesses before, name-dropping Michael Jordan, and said she still wasn’t good enough.

Lynch admitted she felt like she was at a crossroads in her career. She reminisced that five years ago, she won the Raw and Smackdown Women’s Championships in the WrestleMania main event. But since then, Lynch said, she won in the Performance Center, missed a Mania to be a mom, and has now lost her last two Women’s Championship matches at WrestleMania.

Lynch said that bothered her, but that maybe it’s because of what’s going on around her. She said everybody in the division was getting better and that it was nearly ten years ago already when they got this started. She name-dropped Ripley and Bianca Belair, her last two opponents, as the two figureheads of the division now. She said that they might be where she once was. That might be reality.


But that doesn’t mean she had to accept it, she said to cheers. Lynch said that this will only fuel her to get better and get back to her standing in the elite in the business. Lynch wished Liv Morgan the best of luck tonight against Nia Jax, a dope who she’d never support, but told her that if she DOES beat Rhea Ripley, that she’s coming right for her!

---

A Jey Uso vignette aired, highlighting his unsuccessful WrestleMania weekend, pondering what’s next for him.

---

2 – Jey Uso vs. Ludwig Kaiser (w/ Giovanni Vinci)
Jey Uso looked to get off the schneid quickly against Ludwig Kaiser after WrestleMania didn’t go well. Jey proved to be successful in his quest to have short-term memory, as he had no problem taking Kaiser pillar to post. Jey fought this 1-on-2 with Vinci meddling sometimes, but Jey still wormed his way out of danger. Towards the end of the contest, Jey superkicked Vinci and despite getting rolled over by Kaiser, he rolled to his feet, kicked Kaiser, and Speared him for the win!
WINNER | Jey Uso via pinfall at 10:28.

---

Jackie Redmond caught up with Jey after his victory and asked him what his thoughts were on The Rock’s chilling message earlier. Jey said he heard what Rock had to say, but he’s not gonna let it get to him. He has goals he wants to achieve on Raw and said tonight went a long way towards accomplishing them.


---

MELO DON’T MISS
CARMELO HAYES IS COMING TO RAW


---

‘Big’ Bronson Reed told Adam Pearce backstage that after his match tonight, he wanted to discuss something. The Raw GM asked what was up, and Reed straight told him that he wanted to put himself at the front of the line to vie for the Intercontinental Championship now that Sami Zayn was the new champion. Pearce said he’d love to open that discussion up but reminded Reed that he might not be the only one who wants a shot. Reed shrugged his shoulders but then happened to run into… Chad Gable! Who, of course, won a big match earlier tonight. Gable wished Reed luck and joked that they might have a lot in common. Sounds like GMAP was correct!

---


3 – Lyra Valkyria vs. Natalya
The debuting Lyra Valkyria made her first appearance on Monday Night Raw! Valkyria went against the veteran of veterans, Natalya, who didn’t want a newcomer to encroach on her and her territory here. But Valkyria proved that she belonged quickly with a very energetic start. Commentary put over Lyra and her victory over Becky Lynch last fall when she became the NXT Women’s Champion. Michael Cole revealed that GM Adam Pearce signed Valkyria to a ‘long-term deal’ to Monday Night Raw, proving very interesting to say the least! Nonetheless, the match went great. Natalya tried to put her in the Sharpshooter, but the crafty newcomer was shockingly able to move out of it! And then she cradled Nattie and dropped her with NIGHTWING! An impressive start to her career as Lyra wins!
WINNER | Lyra Valkyria via pinfall at 7:45.


---

Valkyria received attention backstage from several veteran women superstars who congratulated her on the big win. That included Becky Lynch who hugged her mentor tight. She congratulated her too and off they went, excited, and they bantered about her match. But then…


Trouble arose! In the form of… DAMAGE CONTROL! In full force! The quartet sizes Lynch and Valkyria up. Dakota Kai tells them to make sure to watch their step because of who controls things here. Lynch questioned that statement, pointing out how many times she took them down before. Iyo then stepped up to stare Lynch down.

But when she was about to make a move… the camera revealed…
BAYLEY!

The NEW WWE Women’s Champion was in the house! Bayley seemed to dare her former allies on by staring at all of them. But wanting no part of it tonight, the group walked away. But they kept their eyes on her, that’s for sure. After they departed, Bayley told Becky and Lyra to come with her because she had something important to tell them.

---


Nia Jax cut a similar pre-taped promo like what we saw from Liv Morgan earlier tonight. Jax barked and talked a big game about being the most daunting and dominant woman to EVER compete in WWE. Jax named her hit list, and to be fair to her there’s a lot of names on it! But the one name that’s escaped her is Rhea Ripley. Jax recalled their match in Perth at Elimination Chamber, and said while Ripley had the homecoming of her dreams, their match at Backlash France will be her worst nightmare.

---


Seth Rollins told General Manager Adam Pearce of his plans to go to Smackdown on Friday to speak to the new WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. Rollins said he didn’t fear The Bloodline or anyone he might run into and also said he planned on having surgery which will keep him OUT for a few months! Oh no! Pearce told Rollins to heal up and they’ll be awaiting his return, and wished him well for Friday night.

---


4 – ‘Big’ Bronson Reed vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
Bronson Reed is BACK, as the big man made his return to Raw after a brief absence ahead of WrestleMania, which caused him to miss Elimination Chamber in his home country of Australia. Reed drew Shinsuke Nakamura in his return match, and the two were more than happy to knock the teeth out of each other. The match proved to be a hard-hitting affair that the crowd ate up. Reed proved more than a worthy adversary to Nakamura, and in fact steered ahead of him late. He then finished him off with the TSUNAMI and scored a MASSIVE victory in his return!
WINNER | ‘Big’ Bronson Reed via pinfall at 9:45.

---

The Judgment Day then made their long-awaited arrival to the show! The group got a big pop from the crowd that eventually turned into a mixed reaction as the entire unit filtered out. Damian Priest talked a big game and the new World Heavyweight Champion had every right to. He thanked CM Punk for the assist and said he planned to strike because he knew Drew McIntyre would take his eye off the ball. It was all part of the plan, Priest said, and now The Judgment Day had nearly full control!


Finn Balor then got on the microphone and said while they were unsuccessful at a winning the Tag Titles, he had something else in mind. Balor thanked his old NXT running buddy Sami Zayn on winning the Intercontinental Championship against Gunther! Balor said he heard that next week, Sami would make his first appearance since winning the title. Balor told him that not only would he see him next week, but he planned to challenge him for his newly won championship! Big news!

Then Rhea Ripley took the mic to a loud pop, as expected. The Eradicator barked about her big win over Becky Lynch on Saturday. She said she left little doubt about whose show this is and whose division it is. Ripley directly talked to Liv Morgan and told her she planned to squash her like a bug if she managed to win against Nia Jax tonight. Ripley said no matter who won, she’d be the one standing tall, so she said to bring it on.


Liv Morgan
then came down to the ring and as TJD filtered out, she kept her eyes on everyone…especially Dominik…

5 – #1 Contender’s Match
Liv Morgan vs. Nia Jax
*Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley at ringside*
Two of the ladies who DIDN’T make WrestleMania XL did battle in the Raw main event! With a lot on the line, Liv and Nia fought tooth and nail with each other. Nia seemed to be arrogant in her efforts, as because she towered over Morgan in size, she felt like this was in the bag. The scrappy Liv dug deep to try and get it done though! And to her credit, she held her own despite the massive size disadvantage.

Judgment Day didn’t meddle with the main event but Rhea Ripley sure had her eyes on it. Her and Dom watched at ringside and while she wouldn’t say it, it was clear who Ripley probably favored and wanted to win. She already conquered Nia Jax before, but probably wouldn’t mind doing that again, to be fair. Noneteheless, the match continued on and only grew more intense as time went on.

Towards the end, the referee hit the deck! Liv avoided disaster as Nia raced towards her in the corner. But while Morgan dodged the bullet, Jessika Carr could not. Rhea was pretty furious at first, but figured if the two of them beat the crap out of each other and the match was thrown out, maybe she wouldn’t even have a contender.

But then the action spilled to the outside! Liv and Nia fought back and forth and neared Rhea. Ripley got up from her seat and clearly wanted no parts, but Nia didn’t give a damn about that as she Irish whipped Morgan straight into Ripley!! Ripley couldn’t dare touch her to risk a disqualification, but an angry Morgan had no problem stopming over Rhea to get back in the ring, but Nia collected her on the outside and went SPLAT!

She slammed Liv down on the mat and went in the rring to taunt. She ate up some boos as she was the reason that BOTH Rhea and Liv Morgan were out. Dominik then got Nia’s attention however! Dom clearly wanted to fight for his woman’s honor and got up on the apron. He got Nia’s attention and Nia walked over. She then grabbed Dom by the throat, surprising Dom, who squirmed! She then brought Dom in the ring and, terrified, Dom tried to scram awa! He went in the corner and begged Nia off as she kept talking loudly!

Then a buzz from the crowd permeated1 Someone just showed uP! And they just got in the ring!

IT’S RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ!!

WHOA!!

RAQUEL RUNS AND BOOTS NIA IN THE FACE!! Raquel then picked Nia up, and in a massive show of strength, DROPPED HER WITH A SUPER-SIZED TEXANA BOMB!


Raquel then went to the outside, grabbed Liv Morgan, her former tag team partner before her injury, and tossed her into the ring! Morgan crawled over and covered Nia!

Referee Jessika Carr returned to life! 1! 2! 3!!!
WINNER | Liv Morgan via pinfall at 13:09. Morgan is the #1 CONTENDER for the Women’s World Championship.

Liv Morgan is one step closer to becoming the Women’s World Champion! And she did it thanks to the assist of the returning Raquel Rodriguez!! Rhea rose up from being knocked down and out by Liv and Nia, and when she saw the sight in the ring, she looked shocked! She started chatting in that direction, and Liv and her trash-talked each other form their spots. Raquel made sure Liv didn’t leave the ring while Rhea made sure that the two of them saw her championship, reminding them who was still the boss around here! But there’s no denying that Liv Morgan just made a huge move!

END OF SHOW
 

DamageCTRL

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What We're Hearing out of WrestleMania...​

(I don't know how long I'll do these. But maybe expect them before and after PLEs. It's on you to decipher how much I'm telling the truth)

~ WWE REALLY wants THE ROCK to work SUMMERSLAM this year in Cleveland. They have made significant overtures to him and a potential positive sign was his unannounced segment on Raw. He stayed in town and was scheduled to leave Monday afternoon. However, we're told that the company made a full court press and the results were what they were. Stay tuned.

~ SETH ROLLINS is not expected to be around much longer. The fact that he's announced for Smackdown this week could be the signs of an angle alert. Speaking of things the company wants to have happen at SummerSlam, Seth vs. Roman Reigns is on the table.

~ CM PUNK still faces at least a month of recovery time, but he's expected to be in the KING OF THE RING TOURNAMENT, and he may be the favorite to win it. He was in contention to win the Royal Rumble until the decision was made to have Cody Rhodes win it twice in a row. But Punk's injury would have caused a significant shift of plans if he did win it, so that could be a blessing in disguise.

~ DREW MCINTYRE and DAMIAN PRIEST are expected to lock horns in France for the World Heavyweight Championship. Don't expect CODY RHODES to defend his championship quite yet. Plans are being made to extend The Bloodline story to its next saga. But the word is that it's going to "cool down" slightly while Roman Reigns is on vacation.

~ WWE has signed THE MOTOR CITY MACHINE GUNS, who might be making their debut imminently. For what it's worth, Smackdown is LITERALLY in Detroit on Friday.

~ While LOGAN PAUL retained the United States Championship at WrestleMania 40, he's not expected to hold it much longer. In fact, the champions of WWE should all be on a watch, as an "anything could happen" mentality maybe beginning to brew.

~ MAIN EVENT is getting replaced by SUNDAY NIGHT HEAT and VELOCITY is returning. Several fans reported the news about Heat replacing Main Event before Raw began, and Velocity is expected to return this Friday in Detroit. Both shows will be WWE YouTube exclusives.

~ It's reportedly '50/50' on if JEY USO will get a major push. There are people who think he's more than earned it, but added pressures to him might be a lot to overcome, according to those close to him.

- DAMAGE CONTROL is expected to take the onus of being involved in the hot post-WrestleMania angle. The group is expected to swell in membership, potentially across both shows.

~ BIANCA BELAIR VERSUS RHEA RIPLEY is on the table for WrestleMania XLI.

---

Smackdown tomorrow.
 

DamageCTRL

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Friday Night Smackdown April 12th 2024 Detroit, Michigan

Your shoes are too muddy. Get up out of it… And then we’ll talk about being allies.”

Can’t Let Go


A WrestleMania video package plays after the clock turns to 8 p.m. Eastern. Then we roll into Little Caesars Arena in the Motor City! Detroit plays host to Smackdown tonight, and Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett welcome us to the show. They run down some big events on the horizon!

  • The NEW WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will be here TONIGHT!
  • So too will the NEW WWE Women’s Champion Bayley!
  • ‘The Prodigy’ Roxanne Perez DEBUTS tonight!
  • AJ Styles, Bobby Lashley, Logan Paul and Shelton Benjamin vs. Dragon Lee, LA Knight, and “Smackdown’s newest tag team!”
We waste no time at all with a big women’s division match!

1 – Naomi (w/ Jade Cargill) vs. Tiffany Stratton
Unlike Naomi and Jade, Tiffany Stratton didn’t make it to WrestleMania. Despite a high-powered debut with a memorable crowd reaction in Perth, Tiff was on the outside looking in. So it’s no surprise that she took this opportunity and ran with it. She gave the veteran Naomi hell in this opening contest. Naomi had the fan support and dominated the early part of the match. But Tiff’s spunk kept her alive and then brought her ahead. Towards the end of the match, KAIRI SANE bot Jade Cargill’s attention! Sane got under Cargill’s skin and pulled her away from the scene. Naomi had Stratton beat, but the referee had gotten hit. Then ASUKA appeared and misted Naomi! That led to Tiff driving her to the mat and after a PME, she scored the win! And what a big victory that was!
WINNER | Tiffany Stratton via pinfall at 10;26.

---


After that eventful match a big cheer blew through the arena! Because Cody Rhodes arrived! The new WWE Champion said hi to security on his way into the building. He then told Byron Saxton he had a lot to say but that would come later tonight. Rhodes also said he heard about what Seth Rollins said and invited him to the ring later tonight!

---

General Manager Nick Aldis was seen on the phone. He quickly hung up as Dragon Lee entered his office. Lee told Aldis that after missing WrestleMania he’s excited for the opportunity tonight. He also told him that he had his eyes on the WWE United States Championship. Aldis said that if he performs well tonight, then they can talk about a potential title match for him in the future against Logan Paul. Lee said that worked for him, shook his hand, and then off he went.

---


2 – No-Quarter Catch Club vs. The Street Profits (w/ B-Fab)
Fresh off the chaotic ladder match this weekend, The Street Profits and The No-Quarter Catch Club got lots of rest before tangling in Detroit. This proved to be an intense match between two veteran tag teams that are trying to make a serious move. A-Town Down Under are the new Tag Team Champions after this weekend, but an exciting and energetic scene is hoping to make that reign short-lived.

The Profits gained momentum towards the conclusion of the match. Montez Ford went on a tear and Pete Dunne could hardly contain him. While Dunne kicked out of a HUGE Frog Splash, Ford kept up the intensity. Angelo Dawkins eventually helped his guy out and laid Dunne out with a tackle! He then propped him up on his shoulders, and Ford jumped off the tep rope to score with an EPIC Blockbuster! 1! 2! 3!!!
WINNERS | The Street Profits via pinfall at 8:21.

---


Footage played of Bayley arriving to Little Caesars Arena earlier this afternoon! After that, footage played of her appearance on Raw this past Monday to save Becky Lynch from a Damage CTRL attack. Then we joined her live and saw her chatting up with people backstage.

Then we got a video package about Bayley’s incredible win over Iyo Sky at WrestleMania XL, capping off a dream three months that began with her Royal Rumble win in January in Tampa. Bayley has accomplished many things, but a Rumble win and this situational victory was a first for the future Hall of Famer.

---

General Manager Nick Aldis addressed the Smackdown crowd and informed them of two big announcements! First, Aldis announced that he’s officially signed former NXT Champion Bron Breakker to Smackdown! Aldis won the bidding war going into the show but said he was NOT the man who was going to appear in tonight’s main event. The Smackdown GM held his tongue for now but big things appeared on their way!

And if that weren’t enough, he then introduced Smackdown’s NEWEST superstar: Roxanne Perez!


3 – Roxanne Perez vs. Kendal Grey
Roxanne Perez looked like she belonged in her first match on Smackdown. While Kendal Grey will have a lot to work on still, it’s Rox who’s well on her way. The Prodigy, as she’s known far and wide, shows exactly why so many people are hyped about her and her prospects and career. During the match, Corey Graves adds a bit of breaking news, saying that on Tuesday, NXT General Manager Ava will address the NXT Women’s Championship situation since Roxanne is now on Smackdown! So Rox is fully on the blue brand and has left her days in Florida in the past!
WINNER | Roxanne Perez via pinfall at 2:46.

---

Tiffany Stratton
appeared backstage and was in a good mood following her win. Dakota Kai then approached Stratton and congratulated her on the win, making sure to point out Damage Control helped her score the win. But for now, she gives Stratton a pat on the shoulder and heads out.

---

Byron Saxton caught up with LA Knight, and he was boisterous as always. Knight talked a big game following his WrestleMania victory over ‘The Phenomenal’ AJ Styles. Knight said that for all intents and purposes, every champion on the show should have their eyes peeled for him. He took direct aim at Logan Paul, who he’ll see in tonight’s main event. In all, a strong promo from Knight, who continues to rise.

---


(What did you think this was?)

***DELIVERANCE*** (Not that robotic nonsense she has now. Sorry!) The NEW WWE Women’s Champion BAYLEY emerged to a huge pop from the Motor City crowd. BECKY LYNCH closely followed behind her as the Women’s Champion appeared sharp, confident, and focused. The two climbed into the ring and the new champion took the microphone.

Bayley:
Wow… Wow, you guys. Wow.

Three years ago, I wasn’t sure I’d make it back to the mountaintop. After I tore my knee, I really wandered into a dark place. I was lost, confused, angry, and I couldn’t channel it right. I came back differently. I wasn’t the same old Bayley anymore and I thought that it was my ticket back to the big top.

After all, I held the Smackdown Women’s Championship for a combined 380 days just a short while before. And I’d changed then. So I thought another change would add another level to it all.

But I was wrong. And it takes a really strong individual to admit that they were wrong and I was. What I needed to find again was myself.

The person that always wanted to do this. The person that eats, sleeps, and breathes this stuff. The one that’s gonna fight for everyone that wants to do something crazy in their life. Nothing is impossible if I can do it, is what I used to say. Before I lost my way.

But now… I’m back.

I can safely say now that I have rid all that off my shoulders and instead, I have the WWE Women’s Championship!

But before I direct my attention somewhere else, there’s someone I want to talk to.

Bianca Belair…

Come down to this ring if you could, please.



“I’M ON MY OWN! AGAINST THE WALL!”

***WATCH ME SHINE***


And answering that request IS BIANCA BELAIR, who walks out to a rousing ovation from the Detroit crowd. Motown is fired up for the former Women’s Champion who walked down to the ring. She then climbed inside, a little tentatively, as Becky watched from afar while Bianca and Bayley stood their ground in the ring. Belair got a mic and looked out at the Women’s Champion.

Bianca Belair:
So I think you understand if I’m a little skeptical right now…

Bayley: Bianca that’s exactly why I wanted to invite you out here.

It’s no secret that since you got to WWE, you and I can’t seem to get away from each other. We’ve been on opposite sides for the last four years. I’ve pinned you, you’ve pinned me. You’ve thrown me out of the Royal Rumble, I’ve thrown you out of the ring at the Royal Rumble. We’ve both been champion and we’ve both fought for championships against each other. We’ve been in the War Games. TWICE at that, and there’s still some scars and wounds from them that I look at each day, and I bet that I’m not alone there.

The one thing that I’m going to say, and not lightly, is this. Whatever my motivation has been. With Damage Control, on my own, with a shot at WrestleMania on the line or not, there’s one feeling that stays with me when it comes to you, Bianca.

And that’s respect.

Bianca Belair: Respect?

Bayley: Yeah we’re in Detroit right now so it's R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Bianca.

Bianca Belair: See… respect… that’s funny because you know what the thing is? You know what it is Bayley? It’s that I came in here with nothing BUT respect for you!

Like what do you think this is? You’re one of the greatest of all-time. There is no E-S-T without Bayley. I don’t go to NXT if NXT isn’t put on the map, and YOU helped put it on the map!

So did you, Becky, I don’t wanna upset you. But Bayley you? Brooklyn… Ironwoman… London… the ups, the downs. The JOURNEY! Bayley, you are everything that they say that you are.

So that’s why it disappointed me to find you so rotten the way you’ve been. Bayley if you respect me I’ll take that as a compliment but I need a little bit more than that.

Bayley: Y’know the same old Bayley might hear that and start to wonder if it was all myself. But I’m not that anymore so I understand everything you’re saying, Bianca. While I don’t associate myself with Damage Control, I have been on you, Bianca. But who could blame me?

You came in like a bottle rocket. You won in the main event of WrestleMania, and you were here like a cup of coffee. It’s no secret that everything around us has gotten better because you’re the one who drove ME to go after YOU!

It wasn’t enough for me to get snubbed at WrestleMania that year. That’s why I became obsessed with going after you. Then you became the measuring stick of success while I was gone and I had unfinished business. While my methods could have been different, I don’t regret anything about it, Bianca. We were the very best and we still are the very best.

Bianca Belair: Oh that’s the story?

Bayley: Yeah. It ain’t no story, it’s the truth. I have been your enemy and I have been your rival, but I have respect for you because you make me better. You are the iron that sharpens the iron.

Bianca Belair: So, you’ve got nothing but compliments for me and I appreciate that. You might have your head in the right place after all. So what’s this all about then?

Bayley: Bianca… I don’t know what Damage Control has in store in response to what happened this weekend. But a few months ago, before the second War Games… I became aware of a plan that wasn’t mine.

Damage Control isn’t satisfied. When I was there, we weren’t satisfied. While I wish that I knew that I was also targeted, I was aware of frustration. Their need and desire for more. And right now I’m unconvinced that they’re not going to stop if they get started.

They’re the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions and just like they showed on Monday, they’re going to be around. Bianca, you fought them at WrestleMania this year and have been in the crosshairs. If you wanted to run from this then I’m here to warn you that I don’t think you’ll be able to.

So I want to make clear that I respect you and I’m willing to make amends… because I’m not sure we can all do this separately.

~ Bayley offers her hand! The crowd watches on with anticipation but Belair remains incredibly reserved. She gives it quite a lot of thought but then looks up.

Bianca Belair: Respectfully… I have had my annoyances. But I also have had ZERO issue fighting this on my own.

And now? I’ve got Jade AND I’ve got Naomi.

Bayley, you said a lot of nice words… but it’s just talk. And for four years, you did a lot of walking too.

Your shoes are too muddy. Get up out of it… And then we’ll talk about being allies.

~ Ouch. Bianca REFUSES the handshake and turns around! There’s simply been too much bad blood between the two sides over the years and, for the moment, they are NOT on the same side!

Bianca walks straight to the back while Bayley looks quite a bit broken by that decision. It’s likely she understands, but her warning… maybe can’t be ignored… Time will tell to see where this goes.

---


An Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn vignette aired, highlighting the budding tag team on the blue brand.

We went through introductions for the main event, and Smackdown’s newest tag team arrived…

Fittingly so!


THE MOTOR CITY MACHINE GUNS FINALLY ARRIVED TO SMACKDOWN!!

4
AJ Styles, Bobby Lashley, US Champ Logan Paul & Shelton Benjamin vs. Dragon Lee, LA Knight, and the Motor City Machine Guns
Certainly a lot of familiarity in this match and certainly a match you never expected to see! All eight dudes use their time effectively and look fantastic in a match that Detroit was happy to see. Some of Smackdown’s brightest and perhaps unnoticed – and newest!! – got the post-WrestleMania opportunity to show their skills. Suffice it to say they made the most of it! And as it turned out, Logan’s partners left him high and dry after he pissed all of them off! So the United States Champion ate shit from everyone on the face side, Chris Sabin DRILLED him with the CRADLE SHOCK! And Alex Shelley planted him with a SHELLSHOCK! And after a BFT, it was Dragon Lee scoring a major pin on the US Champion after scoring with OPERATION DRAGON!
WINNERS | Dragon Lee, LA Knight, and the Motor City Machine Guns via pinfall at 11:09.

---

General Manager Nick Aldis, who’s had a busy night, found Bianca Belair backstage. Aldis came to inform Bianca that next week she’d return to singles competition in a match where the winner will become the #1 Contender for the WWE Women’s Championship. This obviously intrigued Belair and she asked Aldis who her opponent would be. Aldis delivered that answer: The former WWE Women’s Champion Iyo Sky! And with that a massive match was made, but it pit Bianca against Damage Control… so she’ll be fighting up that hill alone if earlier was any indication.

---


Cody Rhodes made his long-awaited entrance! The NEW WWE Champion walked down to the ring to an incredible reaction from the fans inside LCA. Rhodes addressed them and spun a yarn about accomplishing his dream, finishing the story, beating Roman Reigns, and becoming the WWE Champion! Rhodes said he had so many people to thank and took the time to do that. That brought Seth Rollins out! Rollins and Rhodes embraced in the ring for a heck of a moment.

Rhodes thanked Rollins for being his shield at WrestleMania. Rollins said he did what he had to do to ensure that Roman would be out of power. The two talked about what The Rock had to say and agreed to heed his word, but said that they both had no sign of them tonight. So they felt comfortable saying that they were going to work on what was next. Or.. so they thought at least…


PAUL HEYMAN then arrived! He spent the next few minutes eulogizing the historic championship reign that Roman Reigns had since August 2020. So very much his own version of what The Rock had to say on Monday night. He listed off the who’s who of opponents that Reigns defeated over the course of that reign. That list included Cody Rhodes, the man who picked him off at WrestleMania on Sunday night.

Heyman didn’t shy away from that fact, but said the scoreboard was the scoreboard. The Wiseman seemed to imply that revenge was on The Tribal Chief’s mind. He continued and said The Bloodline took a hit and lost the battle but the war is far from over. That proclamation rang a chord throughout the arena, as it was clear that things were not going to end anytime soon. Just like The Rock said.

Rollins barked back and said that Heyman sounded like a parrot. Nothing that Heyman said intimidated him more than what Dwayne had to say on Monday, Rollins argued. Rhodes challenged Heyman to talk heavier or produce something himself because he was tired of talking tonight in Detroit. Heyman told him to be careful what he wished for. Rollins immediately pressed him but then we saw the TitanTron flicker on!

And Kevin Owens and Randy Orton were laid out backstage! Orton then in particular started getting the boots put to him! The camera revealed it to be Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa!! This angered the WWE Champion immediately and he darted out of the ring!! Heyman then took off too with a loud shout and Rhodes just sprinted away! That left Rollins in the ring while the assault continued backstage!

Seth then decided to follow Cody! He climbed out of the ring and ran ahead…

Only to be thrown back out!

What the hell!?


But then a gasp from the crowd!

THE TRIBAL CHIEF WAS HERE!!!!

ROMAN REIGNS THREW SETH ROLLINS OUT LIKE A RAGDOLL!

Reigns glared with anger at his longtime rival while Detroit was STUNNED! FLOORED! Who could have expected Roman Reigns here tonight!?

The camera then snapped backstage –


CODY RHODES WAS LAID OUT!!

Clearly the work of The Tribal Chief!!!

Meanwhile now Roman had Rollins in the ring and he started to beat the HELL out of him! There wasn’t anyone around!! Roman made Rollins a BLOODY MESS! The crowd gasped as Rollins appeared on the screen with blood coming down his forehead! Reigns talked a lot of trash, appearing absolutely dominant, with absolutely no one expecting that he’d be here tonight! And what an impact he’s making!

Rollins tried getting up, perhaps running on pure adrenaline. Reigns, Sikoa, and Uso all taunted him. Seth went on with it anyway, but Roman ran forward and PUT HIM DOWN WITH A SPEAR!!!!

Heyman laughed from outside the ring as Roman glared down at Rollins. He stood up and shut his eyes and Jimmy and Solo approached him. They stood tall over Rollins’ lifeless body with blood soaking his face.

Reigns shook his head…

He wasn’t done.


Solo and Jimmy then paraded down to the ring! Oh no!! Rollins was in huge trouble!! Roman shouted at them to get something and then the steel steps landed in the ring!! Roman continued to pour with anger as he punched Rollins again! He then looked at Solo and Jimmy Uso, and let out an OOOOOOAHHHH!!

Oh no…

Solo and Jimmy lifted Rollins lifeless body up onto Roman’s shoulders…

TRIPLE POWERBOMB ONTO THE STEEL STEPS!! SETH ROLLINS GOES BACK FIRST!!

THE INJURED BACK THROWN DOWN WITH VELOCITY ON THE STEEL STEPS!!!











The Bloodline might not have the WWE Championship anymore… but on Friday night in the Motor City, The Bloodline Struck Back.


END OF SHOW

Quick Results

~ Tiffany Stratton def. Naomi
~ The Street Profits def. NQCC
~ Roxanne Perez def. Kendal Grey
~ Dragon Lee, LA Knight, and The Motor City Machine Guns def. AJ Styles, Bobby Lashley, Logan Paul, and Shelton Benjamin
 

DamageCTRL

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Is it 2003? Hard to say. I wish it was sometimes.

WWE VELOCITY

April 13th 2024
Detroit, Michigan

Angel def. Cruz Del Toro
Asuka def. Kiana James
Pretty Deadly def. The Good Brothers
Dakota Kai def. Zelina Vega


---

WWE HEAT

April 14th 2024
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Tommaso Ciampa def. Apollo Crews
Ivy Nile def. Tegan Nox
The War Raiders won a squash
Andrade def. Johnny Gargano


---


Raw? That'll be on Sunday.
 

EZ3

i've been reading books of old
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kevinnash
Favorite Wrestler
kevinsteen
Favorite Wrestler
knees2faces
All the way hooked in for what's to come.

Love the world-building we're getting in the first two shows already, and looking forward to seeing how things really evolve once you've got your backlog of shows out.

The ending for SmackDown is a big change in the real-life landscape. I dig Reigns just being a full heel coming out of Mania instead of taking off as he did. We never really got to see crazed 'I've lost my belt' Roman, so it'll be a unique read to see how you handle him. He's lost his prized possession. I think there's a lot to play with in regards to Roman losing control a bit after having it for 4 years. When all of a sudden things don't go his way, I'm curious how that's handled in this thread.

Good luck - will be reading! :)
 

DamageCTRL

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All the way hooked in for what's to come.

Love the world-building we're getting in the first two shows already, and looking forward to seeing how things really evolve once you've got your backlog of shows out.

The ending for SmackDown is a big change in the real-life landscape. I dig Reigns just being a full heel coming out of Mania instead of taking off as he did. We never really got to see crazed 'I've lost my belt' Roman, so it'll be a unique read to see how you handle him. He's lost his prized possession. I think there's a lot to play with in regards to Roman losing control a bit after having it for 4 years. When all of a sudden things don't go his way, I'm curious how that's handled in this thread.

Good luck - will be reading! :)
Oh man do I agree. I think there was A LOT on the vine left in 2024 and I hope to get out there and do it
 

DamageCTRL

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Monday Night Raw April 15th 2024 Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Revenge is the Name of the Game

Following the cold intro, we walk into the Bell Centre in Montreal! It’s a big crowd in here, yet another sellout, as Monday Night Raw keeps rocking and rolling along with WrestleMania in the rearview. It’s a big show planned for this evening, as Michael Cole and Pat McAfee go on to drum up here:
  • Sami Zayn defends the Intercontinental Championship against Finn Balor in his hometown of Montreal!
  • Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley is here tonight!
  • Becky Lynch tangles with Kairi Sane of Damage Control!
  • The New Day take on DIY in a tag team match!
But we begin with Drew McIntyre! Drew is FURIOUS after what happened at WrestleMania! McIntyre took last week off, but it seems like that did little to cause his anger to die down. Drew blamed CM Punk for what happened at Mania but took aim at Damian Priest also. He called Priest an opportunist and all but demanded a 1-on-1 title shot against the World Heavyweight Champion! And since he showed little to no fear, that brought Priest out!

Priest got in the ring and basically told McIntyre “anytime, any place!” Because as far as he knew, no number one conteneder was around. He pointed out that Seth Rollins might not be around ‘for months’ after The Bloodline’s attack on Friday night. Priest admitted he was an opportunist, but that doesn’t mean that McIntyre had to have sour grapes about it, because he knows he’d do the exact same thing to him too.

Priest said that he felt insulted though because of what Drew implied by ‘opportunist.’ Drew told him that, no, he doesn’t think he’s better than him at all! This caused Priest to laugh and then told him to put his money where his mouth is then. Priest challenged McIntyre for a World Heavyweight Championship Match at Backlash France! Drew didn’t take too long to accept that challenge either! Pending approval it sounds like Raw’s title match has been made official!


{Commercial Break}

1 – Jey Uso vs. Ricochet
It’s once again up to Ricochet to get the crowd going and after losing to Chad Gable last week, he has another tough task against Jey Uso this week. Similarly, it’s a competitive affair. The two superstars fight tooth and nail with each other with Jey trying to put WrestleMania in his rearview mirror. Ricochet meanwhile simply wants to get off the schneid. So there’s an aggressiveness and an urgency present in this match that amplifies the intensity a good bit and makes for a good match.

Towards the end of the match, Ricochet has Jey on his heels. He then runs off to the ropes, jumps up and back but Jey connects with a Superkick! A spectacular one at that! Jey then follows that up by going up to the top rope. He positions and goes flying! But Ricochet brings his legs up! Jey hits his mid-section and then Ricochet runs off the ropes and hits a Running SSP! But that’s not it from him as he goes up to the top rope… 630!! 1! 2! 3!! WHOA!! AN UPSET TO START THE SHOW!!
WINNER | Ricochet via pinfall at 12:09.

It became OFFICIAL after this match: General Manager Adam Pearce informed Jackie Redmond that Damian Priest will defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Drew McIntyre at Backlash France! Just then, Nia Jax walked into the room. She told Pearce that she heard Raquel Rodrigeuz has a match already tonight, but after last week, she wants a piece! Pearce said he obviously couldn’t do anything about that this week, but that next week he’ll look into it. Jax told him that was good, but if he didn’t, she might just seek it out herself anyway.

{Commercial Break}

Becky Lynch told Lyra Valkyria that she wanted her at ringside tonight for her match against Kairi Sane. Lynch told Lyra that she did not want her backstage after what’s been going on lately, and not where she’d be behind the eight ball. Lyra nodded her head and said she had no problem accompanying Becky to the ring tonight.

2 – DIY vs. The New Day
With Awesome Truth watching, DIY and The New Day tangled in a tag team match to help get the division off on the right foot again. After a chaotic few years the tag titles were split at WrestleMania and landed in the hands of Miz and R-Truth. Two decorated tag teams went at it in this match and put on a quality showing. After some tussling, Johnny Gargano ducked a Trouble in Paradise attempt by Kofi Kingston! He then put him in a backslide and pulled off a SHOCKING WIN! A night of upsets so far on Raw!!
WINNERS | DIY via pinfall at 7:55.

{Commercial Break}

A Lyra Valkyria vignette airs following her successful debut!

3 – Bronson Reed vs. Tavion Heights
After a night of upsets… there was no such one here. Bronson Reed trucked through NXT prospect Tavion Heights in this match. Reed beat the young man from pillar to post really. This never appeared close at all. Bronson would deliver a running Senton that knocked the wind out of Heights. But Bronson kept it going as he hit a TSUNAMI off the top rope!! Not done yet, Reed went up and hit ANOTHER TSUNAMI!! He then went up for a third but before he could the referee called for the bell!! Heights was KNOCKED OUT!!!
WINNER | Bronson Reed via knockout at 1:35.


The ref’s call for the bell incites some reaction from the crowd but Heights is out and defenseless! And Reed isn’t through! He heads out on the apron again, climbs up, and hits… ANOTHER TSUNAMI!!

And then seconds later… ANOTHER TSUNAMI!!!

Officials and then GMAP hit the ring and finally back Reed off Heights!! Pearce orders Reed to go to the back and he stares back at him after backing off. Reed shook his head and backed off, no remorse in sight, and went to the back. Trainers and EMTs then checked on the wounded Heights, who might have serious internal injuries and mid-section injuries too after that vicious round of Tsunamis.


{Commercial Break}

Rhea Ripley then came out for promo time. The Women’s World Champion spoke about her win over Becky Lynch at WrestleMania and how she had laid claim to the top of the division over the last year. Ripley said that she heard everything Liv Morgan had to say last week. But it didn’t deter her. Ripley said she didn’t fear anything that Morgan had to say or what she could do. She promised to put Liv away with the Riptide just like she’s done to everybody else.

Ripley then changed her target to Raquel Rodriguez. She welcomed her back to Raw after her long absence, but said that she’s gotten involved with the wrong woman. She told her that no matter what Liv told her or what she’s put up to her, she won’t get what she wants. Ripley declared herself as the top woman in ALL of WWE and that there was no one on the planet that could stop her or her reign!

Ripley then left the ring but as she walked away,
Damage Control’s music hit! And ALL four women flooded out one by one, in support of Kairi Sane for her upcoming match. Ripley looked at all of them, but especially Iyo Sky, who also shared a similar glare back at The Eradicator. Talk about tense. Ripley left the scene and Damage Control went on their way.

Sami Zayn appeared backstage, as he prepared for his main event match tonight against Finn Balor! A vignette then aired, highlighting Sami’s incredible career to this point and his monumental win over Gunther a week ago at WrestleMania XL.

{Commercial Break}

4 – Becky Lynch (w/ Lyra Valkyria) vs. Kairi Sane (w/ Damage CTRL)
Becky Lynch and Kairi Sane throw hands in a match that’s abbreviated but still pretty dang good. Becky fights an uphill battle the whole way with all of Damage CTRL around the ring. Lyra does her best to keep everybody at bay and shows some spunk in only her second appearance on Raw! She fended off Dakota Kai who went to attack her on the outside! Iyo would then take her out after throwing her into the ringpost. And then Asuka dove into the ring to cause the disqualification! And Becky had Kairi beat!!
WINNER | Becky Lynch via disqualification at 6:56.

Asuka attacked Becky and then so did Iyo after she jumped in the ring. Kairi then joined in and Dakota and Lyra on the outside were going back and forth! But Lyra threw Dakota into the barricade and went into the ring! She got her hands dirty and tried to fight off the three women! And to her credit, she got strikes in on all of them!

But then Asuka got up and shouted at her!


AND THEN SPAT BLACK MIST IN HER FACE!!!

Lyra shrieked in horror as she went down to the mat!! She grabbed at her face and eyes as Asuka cackled while leaving the ring. Becky darted over to Lyra after coming to her senses and realized what happened immediately. She glared over at Damage Control and if it wasn’t clear that Lynch wanted to go after them before, it is now!!


Backstage...

Rhea Ripley returned back to the Judgment Day clubhouse, but then yelled at Dominik Mysterio.

“WHERE THE HELL IS MY CHAMPIONSHIP?!”

Dominik tried to calm “Mami” down and began to try and help but Rhea barked that she had it placed right on her chair. She flew out and then Cathy Kelley informed her that she saw Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez around! Ohhhh boy…

{Commercial Break}

After the commercial break, Ripley was in hot pursuit. And she then yelled as the camera panned to—

LIV MORGAN!

WHO HAD RHEA’S CHAMPIONSHIP IN HER HANDS!!


Ripley demanded the title back but wasted no time in going after her! Liv sprinted away and out of the door and Ripley soon followed. She ran down a ramp outside as Liv turned around a corner. Ripley then followed but then we heard her scream in agony!

The cameraman rushed down there and then picked back up. And Ripley was getting assaulted!!


By Liv Morgan and RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ! IT WAS A TRAP!!!

They both got their kicks in after Rhea was slammed into a giant dumpster! Rodriguez then grabbed her by the hair and threw her in face first!! But Ripley regained form and started fighting both of them off! But Raquel then came STORMING back with a huge boot!!

That boot sent Ripley straight into the dumpster again! And Raquel then held Ripley up against it. She then reached over and started pushing Ripley’s arm into the dumpster. She pushed it down while Ripley was trying to fight it, and it soon became clear why!


Liv Morgan grabbed a cinderblock!!

OH NO!!

MORGAN CRUSHES THE CINDERBLOCK OVER RHEA RIPLEY’S HAND!!!


The Nightmare lets out an AGONIZING scream!! Morgan and Rodriguez DASH away as Ripley’s World Championship was left at the scene of the crime!! Ripley continued to toil in sharp pain and let out another agonizing scream as her hand had to have just been broken!!

Back to ringside...

5 – WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Sami Zayn defends against Finn Balor

Would this night of upsets continue!?!?

Sami Zayn and Finn Balor have had great matches before, and their extensive and deep chemistry was on display in this match. While it’d been a little while since they got into it in a singles match with stakes, the two felt right at home against each other in the main event. We were playing the hits tonight from the mid-2010s, a great time down in NXT was had. Now they were fighting on the main roster for one of the most prestigious championships in the game.

Zayn and Balor fared well against each other and neither could crack each other’s code. It was a great performance by Zayn, eight days after his heroic championship-clinching effort. But for Balor, this was the best he’d looked in a long time. And he’d come inches away a few times from stealing the title from Zayn and causing a big disruption on Monday nights. But Zayn – and to his own effect, Balor – and his resiliency kept on.

Towards the end of the match, JD McDonagh looked to get involved! But

Chad Gable would come down to even the odds!! And in the ring, Zayn eventually caught Balor lacking and slammed him back with an Exploder, leading to the HELLUVA KICK!! And three seconds later, Zayn retained his title in another magnificent effort! This time in front of his countrymen!!
WINNER | Sami Zayn via pinfall at 15:26. Zayn RETAINS the Intercontinental Title.

Gable got in the ring and helped Zayn up and raised his hand. The two embraced each other as they had gotten on the same side of the fence going into WrestleMania. Gable clearly wanted a piece of the gold, but for now, appeared more than content with giving Montreal’s own Sami Zayn the moment. And Zayn soaked up that moment until time expired!

END OF SHOW
 

Stojy

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Drew/Priest feels like the logical way to go after Mania, saving the big Punk/Drew stuff for a bigger show.

The Ricochet victory over Jey Uso is definitely something I didn't expect, but I guess Jey still wasn't the Jey we're familiar with now at this point.

DIY feels like a smart inclusion to the Raw tag division, which definitely needs life and new blood. I like this move a lot.

Reed looking like an absolute monster gets a thumbs up from me.

Cinder block spot on Rhea is smart. Assuming the broken hand angle will get a play here, which is a nice way to even the odds.

Always felt like WWE kind of dropped the ball on the Sami/Gable stuff during this time period. Considering Gable's involvement in the main event here, and him staying linked to Sami, I hope you'll do this right. Should probably call out Sami/Finn is an awesome main event to.

No BIG moment like a Rock promo or a Roman attack like last week's show, but a solid edition of Raw here, nonetheless. Everything seems to be moving in the right direction.
 

DamageCTRL

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Friday Night Smackdown – April 19, 2024 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Let’s Dance


The shocking conclusion to last week’s Smackdown plays after we turn to 8 p.m. Eastern time on the USA Network. The Bloodline’s all-out assault on Seth Rollins is shown in dramatically good fashion. A week later, and there are plenty of questions. Are The Bloodline done? What is the future for Seth Rollins? How will this impact… everyone else? We’re sure to find out soon.

The pyro show went off inside PPG Paints Center in Pittsburgh! And it didn’t take long for the signature voices to hit the airwaves.

Joe Tessitore: We are on the road to Backlash France, and we’ve arrived in the Steel City! Tonight, Friday Night Smackdown takes over Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, home of WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle! I’m Joe Tessitore alongside Wade Barrett and Wade, what a show we have lined up tonight!

Wade Barrett: Joe you’re right on the money! We—oh my—

Barrett is cut off by boos for PAUL HEYMAN who is marching down the aisle. Heyman, the visible representative for The Bloodline, is here tonight with no sight of anyone else. Curious as that is, Heyman gets to the ring and takes the microphone from the ring announcer. Then the crowd lets him have it again. Heyman looks around and scowls and then brings the microphone.

Paul Heyman: Not that I was expecting a welcoming response tonight here in Pittsburgh… But ladies and gentlemen, you’re going to want to give me your undivided attention.

~ Heat. Heyman looks annoyed.

Paul Heyman: I don’t need to introduce myself for the umpteenth time. You know who the hell I am and why the HELL I’m here!! So with that in mind, I want to make something very, very clear…

~ Boos make an already annoyed Heyman further agitated.

Paul Heyman: What The Bloodline did to Seth Freakin’ Rollins last week was a big freakin’ clue of what’s to come in your future, Cody Rhodes!!!

~ Louder boos. Some Seth signs in the crowd are shown.

Paul Heyman: Not only does The Bloodline take 100 percent responsibility for last week’s attack on Seth, he had it coming too.

~ Vindictive is Heyman, who scowls and looks on with disgust to more boos from the crowd.

Paul Heyman: Oh shut your mouths! Seth Rollins PROUDLY got in the way of Roman Reigns’ coronation as the GREATEST SUPERSTAR in WWE HISTORY! Seth Rollins PROUDLY acted like Cody Rhodes’ “SHIELD!” Everybody on the planet knew EXACTLY what he was doing. Did you think that we wouldn’t respond, Seth? Did you think that the man who held the WWE Championship for over ONE THOUSAND DAYS wasn’t going to hold a grudge? He’s held a grudge against you for the last TEN FREAKING YEARS!!!!!

~ Heyman turns red in the face after arguing one heck of a position.

Paul Heyman: Seth FREAKIN Rollins wrote his own FREAKIN’ DEATH WARRANT at WRESTLE-FREAKIN’-MANIA!

~ How long do you think he worked on that one?

Paul Heyman: Somebody had to be punished after WrestleMania, and instead of turning on each other, The Bloodline FOCUSED! They sent their energy straight to Seth and hopefully taught that man a lesson. But you aren’t the only one who will be taught a lesson either! Because it’s very simple. The Bloodline is going to continue to take what we want because The Bloodline is the most powerful entity in this business today! And if you try to stop us in our LUST for revenge and power, then you WILL suffer the consequences! IN FULL!!!!

Heyman’s words rip off like a chord.

But then suddenly, Heyman and the crowd turn their attention to the stage. Smackdown General Manager Nick Aldis has arrived! Aldis power walks to the ring, as he doesn’t appear to be in a good mood. He climbs inside. the ring and brings his microphone up.

Nick Aldis: Y’know Paul, I didn’t really want to come out here. I really didn’t. This is a big show tonight with a major main event, but after the things that you just said I’m afraid you’ve left me with no other choice.

~ Some cheers while Heyman looks on.

Nick Aldis: The one thing that I will never allow as General Manager of Friday Night Smackdown is to let the inmates run the asylum. And I don’t care how powerful you think that you are… that does include you. It includes you, it includes Roman Reigns, and it includes The Bloodline.Last week you all engaged in what you’ve admitted to be a premeditated assault on Seth Rollins, Kevin Owens, Randy Orton, and even Cody Rhodes got banged up from it. And after speaking to Seth this weekend – Wade, not to borrow a line, but I’m afraid I have some bad news. It’s going to be a while until we see Seth Rollins back in a WWE ring while he recovers from the severe injuries he suffered last week.

~ Huge boos for that announcement. Heyman, meanwhile, revels in it.

Nick Aldis: BUT… Seth promised to me, and you might wanna hear this Paul, because you and The Bloodline aren’t the only ones out for revenge now. So is he!

~ Cheers! But the Wiseman isn’t backing down.

Paul Heyman: I don’t give a DAMN what Seth Freakin’ Rollins wants or THINKS that he’s gonna get, Nick!

~ Heat.

Nick Aldis: Well, then you better give a damn what I’m going to say next, Paul! You see, let’s not confuse this all right now. You work for me, not the other way around.

~ And suddenly, a pop!

Nick Aldis: The superstars in The Bloodline, ALL of them are Smackdown superstars who answer to me! Now, I’m smart enough to know that you and The Bloodline aren’t going away. But I will absolutely not tolerate flagrant and flippant behavior on my watch for the benefit of EVERYBODY on Friday Night Smackdown! And it’s interesting too, Paul, because I’ve done a roving check and I don’t believe the rest of The Bloodline is here right now, are they?

Paul Heyman: No. They’re not, actually, Nick. They’re all resting and recuperating and plotting their next move.

Nick Aldis: Well that’s interesting, Paul, because then that means you’re the only one here, doesn’t it?

~ Uh oh… Heyman stammers.

Paul Heyman: Um… yes, but, I’m not sure what that has to do with anything.

~ Aldis grins.

Nick Aldis: Well Paul, considering your diatribe here and how many threats that you’ve made, I think it may stand that you might be intentionally instigating. I think that I could credibly argue that your words hold a lot of weight after last week and might inspire further violence. And as Smackdown General Manager, my job is to ensure that everyone on this show is safe.

~ Aldis keeps the look on his face while Heyman wants an answer.

Paul Heyman: So what are you saying, Nick?

Nick Aldis: What I’m saying right now is that I’d like for security to come to the ring so that they can escort you out of here for inciting violence and harm on the Smackdown roster!

Wow! Talk about taking control of the show!! Heyman is apoplectic right now but a security team then comes out from the back! The crowd is delighted as they go in and cuff Heyman!!

Nick Aldis: And furthermore, Paul, to ensure that this will be the case and to maintain law and order, I’m SUSPENDING YOU INDEFINITELY!!!

~ Heyman is FURIOUS! The crowd roars as Aldis has laid down the law! Everyone else had to be listening to what Aldis had to say there and it’s clear the Smackdown General Manager is taking NO PRISONERS right now! It’s his show and it appears that’s the way it’s going to be!

Heyman shouts just about anything and everything at Aldis as he’s escorted to the back. It’s a strong show of power and leadership by the Smackdown General Manager. In the back of your mind, you wonder how they respond. But it’s clear after last week that SOMETHING had to be done before everything went out of control.

{Commercial Break}

We returned back to the broadcast. PAUL HEYMAN was still apprehended by security and he was busy protesting that. But Aldis made sure he stayed in order. Heyman kept barking but then the mood changed moments later. Security kept walking him away but then...

BECKY LYNCH appeared!! Oh!!

Oh did things get tense very quickly… Heyman zipped up as Lynch stared him in the eyes. Aldis was just about to say something, when The Man did instead…


Becky Lynch: Be sure to have a nice time away… and you should know Nick isn’t lying. My husband will be back. And he will have his revenge.

~ Lynch sharpens her glare and you can almost hear it sharpen like a knife.

Becky Lynch: But so will I…

~ WHOA… Whoa NOW…

*Back to ringside*

CARLITO is in the ring… no it’s not 2005, don’t adjust your TVs…

“L! A! KNIGHT!”

***WELCOME TO LA*** LA KNIGHT then waltzed out to a fantastic reaction from the crowd. The budding superstar was red-hot and ready to keep the momentum going tonight. Knight came down in his usual attire, sporting a black and yellow version of his trademark shirt. Playing right to the Steel City crowd.

Joe Tessitore:
When you talk about guys in the business right now who are reed-hot, Wade, the list has to include LA Knight.

Wade Barrett: Yes it does, Joe Tess! LA Knight has been on fire and that includes a huge WrestleMania win over ‘The Phenomenal’ AJ Styles. Last week he was part of a big eight-man tag match, on the winning side of things. Dragon Lee got the win for his team though, not LA Knight. Now tonight, he has a chance to stay in the win column.

Joe Tessitore: And if I were a betting man, Wade, I’d say that’s due to happen.

1 Carlito vs. LA Knight
We are definitely here for procedural reasons. There’s little doubt about who goes on to win this match. Carlito is a quality worker and Knight is on top of his game, so the two work a straightforward, no-nonsense match that runs less than 10 minutes, but still lands in the sweet spot. Knight takes advantage late and, firing on momentum, sets Carlito up as the crowd rises to their feet. And boom! BFT!! Knight cradles him up and wins!
WINNER – LA Knight via pinfall at 7:26.

Knight gets to his feet and the official raises his hand! He eats up the crowd reaction and plays up to it in the ring. Knight then walks around the ring a bit and is upbeat and all smiles. He also confidently gestures around his waist, as it appears he wants gold of some kind! And it might just be the United States Championship.


{Commercial Break}

LAST WEEK… the WWE Women’s Champion Bayley and ‘The EST’ Bianca Belair, longtime rivals, had a tense encounter with each other in the ring. Bayley tried to stress to Belair that while she can’t erase the past, Damage Control and the threat they present may become a serious problem. But Belair decided to dismiss the idea of her and Bayley being on the same side, leaving the Women’s Champion disappointed…

Jumping back to reality, the WWE Women’s Champion appears! BAYLEY was seen backstage talking to MIA YIM, who appeared to be in the midst of agreeing to join Bayley’s side! The two shook hands and The Role Model then continued on. And then she walked into…


JADE CARGILL!
And after a brief pause…

Jade Cargill: Look let me not make this awkward. Because that wouldn’t be fair.

~ Bayley reassures her with as she presses pause with her hands.

Bayley: Jade, it’s alright. I get what happened last week with Bianca, I really do.

~ Jade, however, follows up with one of her own.

Jade Cargill: No ‘cause… … … listen, I’ve been thinking about this also. Because it ain’t just about you and Bianca. Respectfully, of course. I heard what you said last week and more importantly, Bayley, I’ve always listened to the things that you say. See, I know sometimes in this industry, it’s easy to forget things. It’s easy to get lost in the fame, the glamour, and all the competitiveness. Bianca was right in calling you one of the greats. Because you are. You carry a lot of respect when you do that.

~ Some rather nice words from the newcomer.

Bayley: Well, Jade I really appreciate that. It means a lot to me.

Jade Cargill: And to be honest? I’m new to this beef, girl. And I don’t like how Damage Control plays at ALL. They annoyed me at Mania, but if you think they’re about to get more powerful, Bayley? Then the least that I can do is offer some muscle to the cause.

Whoa! Jade just offered to be on Bayley’s side of the fence! The Women’s Champion appeared to be really quite surprised by this at first.

Bayley: Dude, let’s go. Thank you.

The two shook and clenched hands to show a sign of unity!

*Back to ringside*

2 – Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin (w/ MVP) vs. The LWO
Lashley and Shelton have a significant size advantage over their opponents on Friday night. That proved to be a major factor in the end decision. Which is to say that Lashley and Shelton spent much of the match dominating their opponents. While the luchadores in The LWO looked good in some spots, they were also thrown to the ground hard, pressed and slammed, and thrown HIGH in the air to come crashing down. Benjamin picked up the win for the team after planting Cruz Del Toro with a T-Bone Suplex, a finish straight out of 2005!
WINNERS | Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin via pinfall at 4:42.

After the match, Shelton took a moment to talk to the camera with Lashley, and boldly claimed that they were just getting started.

Cutting backstage, NICK ALDIS was seen again walking through the hallway. RANDY ORTON then appeared moments later which drew a huge pop from the fans watching inside the arena.

Nick Aldis: Randy, can I help you?

Randy Orton: Nick, I heard what you just said. And I do want to commend you for doing something and showing Paul Heyman and The Bloodline who’s boss on this show. But the truth is Heyman is just a part of the problem. I know that and you know that.

~ Aldis takes a deep breath.

Nick Aldis: Look Randy, you’re not incorrect. I’m not sure how suspending the entire Bloodline would have gone. But I had to do something. You do seem committed to a goal here…

~ Orton nods.

Randy Orton: Yeah. I am. My ribs are still hurting a bit from last week. So are Kevin’s. So next week, we want Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa.

Nick Aldis: Okay. You’re on.

Aldis appeared surprised that Orton had a plan, but before he could say anything, The Viper was gone. Who was the partner he had in mind??

{Commercial Break}

A video plays.


A slow-moving shot of someone jumping up in down in stance in the ring, getting loose, presumably right before getting into action.

And then it bends into clips of ROXANNE PEREZ! The exciting Perez is shown in action on LVL UP and WWE NXT!

Her fantastic performances at TakeOver are shown to the beat of an up-tempo rock song.

And then Perez is shown on Smackdown last week making her debut. She’s shown in the back in Gorilla, and looking like she belongs.


Then, some words appear on a black screen:

THE PRODIGY

*Back to ringside*

In the ring, Cameron Grimes awaits his opponent…

NICK ALDIS
then appears on the TitanTron.

Nick Aldis: Cameron! Thank you for your cooperation. Tonight, you’ve got a chance to make an opportunity for yourself. You’re about to compete against Smackdown’s newest superstar!

***DEATH WALTZ***

And it’s ILJA DRAGUNOV!

Wade Barrett: WHAT!!!

Joe Tesstiore: The Red Dragon has ARRIVED TO THE BLUE BRAND!!

Wade Barrett: He was supposed to go to Raw!! Did Aldis pull off a coup or what!? Ilja Dragunov is on Friday Night Smackdown!! What an addition to an already LOADED roster!!

The NXT Champion has arrived to Smackdown! Officially! And what a coup that is for the blue brand to have both Dragunov AND former NXT Women’s Champion Roxanne Perez!

3 – Cameron Grimes vs. Ilja Dragunov
The reigning NXT Champion bursts right onto the scene with a match against Cameron Grimes. The former in Grimes has been trying to find his way, and well, this was a wrong turn to Albuquerque. Dragunov was physical and beat Grimes up from pillar to post. While Dragunov felt some early heat from Grimes, that was about the only time he felt tested. Eventually, the NXT Champion finished him off with the H-BOMB! An impressive debut win!
WINNER | Ilja Dragunov via pinfall at 5:02.

Dragunov celebrates his victory calmly. The referee raises his hand and he shakes the official’s hand and gets the crowd a bit fired up! He then fires himself up and rolls out of the ring before heading on his way!

*BACKSTAGE – Hallway*

The new WWE Tag Team Champions AUSTIN THEORY and GRAYSON WALLER appeared! The duo walked down the hallway and appeared to be strategizing for what could soon come their way.

Unfortunately…they look liked they soiled themselves when a Plan B arrived in the form of BOBBY LASHLEY and SHELTON BENJAMIN!

The veterans eyed the rookies down and stared at their gold before proceeding along. Theory and Waller tried to shake off the tension but that imposing duo may have just sent a loud message to them without saying a word.

{Commercial Break}

*BACKSTAGE – Locker Room*

LA KNIGHT enters the locker room after a busy night. And after gathering his things he turns and sees DRAGON LEE, who nods at him and congratulates him on his victory earlier. Lee then leaves before Knight can even answer, which seemed to tick him off a bit… but based on what happened next it’s surely understandable!

*Back to ringside*

4 – Dragon Lee vs. Santos Escobar
Dragon Lee saw Chad Gable get to work earlier tonight and seemed to get motivated! The newcomer to Smackdown came with great energy in his match against Santos Escobar. This proved to be a match between two emerging talents, and with how things shook out, a win could put either man in position to challenge for the United States Championship! Lee used his aerial tactics to overwhelm Escobar and seized control of the match. Escobar looked t a the tide. BUT, Lee hit a Hurricanrana off the top rope! And then kept through as he held Escobar down – and got the win!!
WINNER | Dragon Lee via pinfall at 8:22.

What a win for Dragon Lee! Gable, backstage, nodded his head approvingly at what he saw. Lee celebrated the win with the fans at ringside as they were all hyped, and so was he, as he scored a major victory! Logan Paul’s United States Championship was very sought after and we might be up to two contenders right now!

{Commercial Break}

A Motor City Machine Guns vignette airs! The vignette highlights the decorated tag team, who’ve been working all around the world since the late 2000s. Of course, MCMG made their WWE debut last week and it happened in Detroit, fitting as could be.

*BACKSTAGE – Hallway*

BIANCA BELAIR appeared to mostly cheers from the fans who saw her on the tron. Following her was JADE CARGILL, who we saw earlier tonight. And Bianca then turned around.


Bianca Belair: So, you got my back?

Jade Cargill: You know the answer. I’ll be there.

~ Bianca and Jade bumped fists. Then, Belair’s face soured.

Bianca Belair: Can I help you?

~ BAYLEY was seen walking over! The WWE Women’s Champion stopped and looked at them both.

Bayley: Bianca, I was just here to wish you luck against Iyo. You two are obviously at the top of the list on this show. I look forward to seeing who wins. Good luck.

Bianca Belair: Yeah, yeah. I’m sure.

~ Bayley sighs.

Jade Cargill: B, calm down. She comes in peace.

~ Aaaaand that visibly upsets The EST.

Bianca Belair: Oh no. No, no, no. No, you’re not gonna say that. ‘Cause what? What do you know about this? This thing between her and I predates you Jade!

Jade Cargill: Yeah, and that’s why I’m the perfect person to tell you to relax. I’m a neutral party. I know what you’re angling at, but you can’t be serious right now, B.

Bianca Belair: So, you’re on her side now? That’s what it is?

~ Things get even more tense, if that were possible in this moment.

Jade Cargill: Bianca—this isn’t about sides. This is about strength in numbers against Damage Control, girl. What are you on right now?? Yeah you’ve got this contender’s match. Yeah you might be her opponent in France. But—

Bianca Belair: What am I on? What am I on, ,Jade? I’m on my OWN… just like the song says.

~ Bianca glares over at Bayley.

Bianca Belair I know you're used to hearing it…

~ OUCH.

Bianca Belair: And after I hear it tonight, you’re gonna hear it again… this time in France. Au revoir.

Belair rolls her eyes and then gets moving! Jade looks on discouraged while Bayley is merely disappointed. Bayley and Bianca’s long-term tension is nowhere closer to ending. Whether it comes at a cost is yet to be seen…

And we’re barreling right along, with the ladies getting the rest of the runway…

*Back to ringside*

5 – WWE WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP #1 CONTENDER’S MATCH
Bianca Belair vs. Iyo Sky

Two of the VERY BEST in the industry today deserves a lot of attention. It becomes clear why it’s been a tightly run show tonight because Belair and Sky get a lot of time in this match to strut their stuff. In fact, they cross the 15-minute threshold by a hairline! And with a shot at Bayley’s championship on the line, the stakes can’t possibly be higher. So all the weight and pressure in this match significantly enhances what goes down.

The spotlight belonged to Bianca and Iyo, who fought hard against each other. Bianca was a woman on a mission to get back to the top. Iyo, meanwhile, wanted an immediate return match and a chance to get her title back and make a big power move. There was so much on the line between the lines and outside of them. Belair and Sky got intense with each other and pasted each other with forearms late in the match. Just slugged it out. And Belair made Iyo loopy, but the Genius of the Sky wiggled out of an attempt at the KOD! She then hit a Reverse DDT that took BOTH of them out for a moment and the crowd showered them with applause.

Surprisingly, there was no presence from Damage CTRL! Belair got Iyo to herself but The EST had to start fighting from under. Iyo threw her outside and into the ringpost and hampered her bad! Belair was a resilient one though and she kept fighting. Iyo stomped HARD on her with both her feet and then went to the top. She looked for and SCORED with the Over the Moonsault!! But Iyo took it hard herself! And that hesitation might have cost her as Belair popped her shoulder up!

Iyo put her in a sleeper hold after to try and wear her down. Bianca did get worn down, but put her on her back and then dropped herself down! Iyo took the brunt of the fall and Belair then got herself up. She connected with several right hands and threw Iyo into the ropes and scored with a HUGE powerslam! Belair got up, fired herself up, and then grabbed Iyo. In a feat of strength, she picked her up over her head and pressed her high! She then dropped her on her shoulder AND SLAMMED HER DOWN!

Belair then went to the top rope and CONNECTED ON A 450° SPLASH! 1! 2! NO!!! Sky kicked out but that didn’t deter the energized Belair who grabbed Sky again. She put her up on her shoulder and went for a Powerslam. Noooo! Sky hopped off and threw Belair in the corner! She then hit her with a Snap German Suplex! Sky then went up to the top rope and! BANG! CONNECTED WITH THE OVER THE MOONSAULT ON BELAIR’S BACK! She covered Bianca! But GOT THE TWO COUNT!! Belair snapped her shoulder up at 2.9! Iyo couldn’t believe it and hammered away!

She then got up and went for it again but Belair moved! Iyo landed on her feet and ran up but Belair ducked again! Iyo hit the turnbuckles and Belair grabbed her. She threw her up on her shoulders! AND BANG!! KOD!! Belair covered!! 1!! 2!!! 3!!!! BIANCA BELAIR WINS!!
WINNER | Bianca Belair via pinfall at 15:09. Belair is the NEW #1 CONTENDER for the WWE Women’s Championship!

And Damage Control didn’t waste much time after!!

The group flooded the ring after the result! The leader clearly didn’t want her group around during the match and they respected those words. But now they were on the attack!! The group bombed away at Bianca and pelted her with right hands, forearms, and kicks all to the area!

We then shot backstage. Jade Cargill was in a dilemma now. She looked at Bayley, who shrugged her shoulders as she then went out! Jade went after her friend! Cargill soon arrived in the ring and started to take out the group! But soon that pack mentality returned! The group, now with Iyo in the mix, went after both women and picked them both apart!

Dakota took a lot of shots at Bianca while Asuka and Kairi manhandled Jade in the corner! There was no sign of Naomi all night which only loomed more here! Iyo left the ring and then grabbed a pair of steel chairs! She then brought them in the ring, and we then went backstage again. Bayley was in a dilemma. Bianca didn’t want her help… but her potential challenger was in a dangerous situation!







And she left!!

BAYLEY FLED FOR THE RING!!

And moments later… THAT’S WHERE SHE ARRIVED!!


The Women’s Champion shot through like a rock a bottle rocket!! She overwhelmed her old friends on her own, a serious sign of strength and power! Bayley clotheslined Kairi out of the ring! She clotheslined ASUKA out of the ring! Dakota Kai came at her but she BACK DROPPED HER out of the ring on top of Asuka and Kairi Sane!!!

And then there was her and Iyo Sky!!!

Iyo glared at the Women’s Champion who shot back with one herself! You could feel the tension in the air! And then Iyo retreated!

Boos shot down at her and Sky barked at the former Damage CTRL leader. Bayley trash talked her and held control of the ring.

Meanwhile, Bianca Belair finally regained consciousness and started rising to her feet. Jade Cargill was seen on the outside picking herself up. Belair got to her feet facing the commentary table.

But Bayley, meanwhile, turned towards Belair...and she stared at her...

Bianca didn't know Bayley was staring at her, as she'd backpedal slowly here after regaining her vertical base.

AND BAYLEY THEN GRABBED HER AND SLAMMED HER DOWN WITH THE BAYLEY-TO-BELLY!!!

OH SHIT!!!

Jade's eyes widened as she couldn't believe Bayley just did that! Most of Pittsburgh couldn't either! Some of course couldn't help themselves and cheered the Role Model for her actions! She looked upset with herself for only a moment before going over to Bianca.

"DON'T YOU EVER DISRESPECT ME TO MY FACE!"

Indeed Bayley WAS thinking about that interaction. She dipped out of the ring and took off like a bullet. She got to the top of the ramp while Bianca, exasperated, was getting back up to her feet. Bayley told her AGAIN not to disrespect her and shouted that Bianca had it coming! Belair had some words for her and that's how this one ended!


END OF SHOW

Quick Results

~ LA Knight def. Carlito
~ Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin def. The LWO
~ Ilja Dragunov def. Cameron Grimes
~ Dragon Lee def. Santos Escobar
~ Bianca Belair def. Iyo Sky to become the #1 Contender for the WWE Women’s Championship
 

DamageCTRL

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YOUTUBE EXCLUSIVE

Cathy Kelley appeared backstage with a microphone in her hand, standing next to ‘The Man’ Becky Lynch.

Cathy Kelley:

Becky Lynch, this was a rare sight to see you on the blue brand tonight. Do you mind answering a few questions?

Lynch, wearing a black adidas jacket and joggers, nods her head as her striking orange hair is pulled back.

Becky Lynch:

Cathy, there’s nothing else I’d rather do right now than explain why I’m here.

Cathy Kelley:
Why did you come to Smackdown tonight?

Becky Lynch:
I came to Smackdown tonight because of what happened to my husband last week. Plain and simple. I didn’t tell Nick Aldis that I was coming to the show and I didn’t tell Adam Pearce either. So I didn’t know Nick was going to suspend Paul Heyman, but while I’m glad he did, I’m even happier I got a chance to look that slug in the eyes and tell him how I felt.

Because let me make this clear right now… I’m involved in my own dealings right now. I’ve got Damage Control on my tail again like it’s 2022 all over again. I’m mentoring my protégé Lyra, and I’ve got a reputation to uphold. I have championships I need to fight for again. But get this straight. You don’t mess with my family. You don’t cross those lines without getting something in return.

So I made sure to tell Paul this but let me send this message out even further… Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa… Roman… DWAYNE…

My husband’s coming back. And he’s coming back with a vengeance like you’ve never seen before. Don’t say The Man didn’t come around to warn ya
.

Cathy Kelley:
Intense… intense words there, Becky. Understandable as well I mean who can blame you for defending your family. The Bloodline no doubt went too far last week. But Becky speaking of Damage Control there was a lot that just happened out in the ring. What do you make of all that?

Becky sighs like the disappointed mother she appears to be.

Becky Lynch:

Well, I can’t say I didn’t expect them to be up to their tricks again tonight. But… and I gotta be honest, I expected that. And I’m happy that Bayley did that because we’re not going to take Damage Control down for good if she’s still acting with reservation. I love Bianca Belair to death, but you don’t disrespect someone to their face and expect them not to fire back. Not this Bayley at least.

How very matter of fact.

Cathy Kelley:

And my final question…

Becky Lynch:
Sorry, Cathy. I’ve gotta take a rain check.

Becky then suddenly walks away. The surprising move is followed as Lynch is after something…or someone. Then she finds what she’s looking for…or…WHO she was looking for.

It’s…

NAOMI!



Oh shit it’s NAOMI.

Lynch stabs her in the eyes with a cold, hard stare... and it's fairly clear why.


Naomi:

Whoa, whoa, whoa. Becky, hold on a minute—

Becky Lynch:
No, no, no.


Lynch shakes her head.

Becky Lynch:

I’m not here for long. But I’m here to tell you one thing… Your husband and his family have made an enemy out of me. Don’t make the same mistake.

WHOA… Hoo and I mean BOY… Naomi stiffens up a little bit but Becky walks away before she can say anything. Intense is one adjective to describe that situation.
 

DamageCTRL

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As they used to say, anything can happen in the WWF on Heat and Velocity

VELOCITY 4/20/24
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania


Angel def. Axiom
Isla Dawn def. Michin
Logan Paul def. Cedric Alexander


HEAT 4/21/24
Montreal, Quebec

Chelsea Green def. Natalya
Dom Mysterio def. Stu Grayson
The Creed Bros def. Imperium
 
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