WWE: Way It Should've Gone

After recapping last night's opening of the WWE Draft, Dean Ambrose comes out as the top pick for the blue brand. Ambrose welcomes everyone to the show and before getting to business, makes a joke of Triple H's tweet about his outrage for being drafted last night. Ambrose reminds everyone of his challenge to Triple H, and asks him to tweet his answer 'yes' or 'no' as Ambrose pulls his phone out and waits. Kurt Angle's music hits and welcomes Ambrose to SmackDown. Angle informs Ambrose that he needs a main event for No Mercy in two weeks and can think of no better match than Dean Ambrose challenging Triple H for the WWE Championship. JBL then comes and says he's outraged by Kurt Angle, saying he can't claim two world champions like he has. Angle responds with saying he drafted them, thus has the titles and their services. Knowing Angle won't budge, JBL turns his attention to Ambrose and tells the Lunatic Fringe he would put the #1 contendership on the line against one of his guys if he had the guts. Ambrose immediately accepted, without Angle's approval, and asked who it would be. JBL announces it's Randy Orton! The main event is set, Ambrose versus Orton in a #1 contender's match. Now the Matrons Champion's music hits as Tessa Blanchard heads to the ring to face Paige in a Champion versus Champion match for rights to the first pick of the evening.

Raw's Paige vs. SmackDown's Tessa Blanchard in a Champion vs. Champion Match
For their show to pick first tonight, Paige and Blanchard are going hard for the stakes to be high, including bragging rights. However, it is Blanchard going for Magnum which is countered into a Paige Turner. Paige makes the cover and Blanchard kicks out. Paige tries locking in the PTO, but Blanchard rolls Paige up and nearly gets the 3 before the Women's Champion escapes. Blanchard tries for Magnum one more time when it's Paige countering into a PTO. Paige has Blanchard locked in when Rubi Riot appears. Blanchard is about to tap when Paige lets go to clothesline Rubi, but Rubi ducks and hits the Riot Kick causing the DQ.

After the bell, Rubi Riot kicks Paige to the floor and signals she wants the Women's Championship now and Eden makes it known Paige won by disqualification, therefore, Raw receives the first pick of the night. JBL walks out thrilled as Kurt Angle walks out a little upset.

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Charly Caruso is backstage with Murphy for his instant reaction of being drafted to Raw. Murphy says he'll miss SmackDown, but he's super excited, and he notes Raw also drafted Shelton Benjamin. But he vows that Benjamin won't be bringing the United States Title to Mondays, he will be, as Murphy heads out for the Battle Royal next.

Right before the match, JBL stops Shelton Benjamin in the hallway. JBL tells Shelton he selected him because he needs the United States Championship on Raw. JBL orders Benjamin to bring the title home to Mondays, or he might be out of a job by the end of the week.

20-Man Battle Royal for Shelton Benjamin's United States Championship
Shelton Benjamin has to defend his United States Championship in a 20-Man Battle Royal right now. The likes of Cesaro, Aiden, Simon, Bobby Lashley, Carlito, Chris Masters, Colin Cassady, Enzo Amore, Jason Jordan, The Hardy Boyz, Joe Hennig, Kane, The Miz, Tyler Breeze, Elias Samson, Kalisto, Sami Zayn, and Tye Dillinger all vying for the United States Title. One by one they all left, but the final four was Benjamin, Lashley, Cesaro, and Zayn. Lashley and Benjamin worked together to take Cesaro out, but as soon as they did, Lashley turned on Benjamin and eliminated the United States Champion! This leaves Lashley and SmackDown's Sami Zayn. Zayn fought to bring the United States Championship to Tuesdays, but keeps getting manhandled by Lashley. Zayn gets momentum on his side and decides to go for a Helluva Kick, but as he charges, Lashley uses the momentum to lift Zayn over the top rope. Zayn grabs onto the rope and holds onto the apron but one forearm smash drops Zayn to the floor for the bell.

As Bobby Lashley's music hits and he is handed the United States Championship, he appears to have a chip on his shoulder as JBL and Kurt Angle come to their respective podiums. Lashley grabs the mic and demands his music be cut. Lashley holds his new hardware up and tells them to pick him. Lashley calls out JBL and demands he be picked next.

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Sheamus has a moment with Renee Young for his reaction to being picked by Kurt Angle to remain on SmackDown. The Celtic Warrior nods and says he took Emperor Roman Reigns to his limits last night on Raw, and so he feels confident he can go toe-to-toe with anyone on the roster. Sheamus lays a challenge for No Mercy to anyone who dares to accept.

Charly Caruso catches up with Randy Orton about his main event match with Dean Ambrose tonight with the right to wrestle Triple H for the WWE Championship. Orton says JBL is off to a good start as Raw General Manager, and he's grateful to be drafted by such an intelligent businessman. Orton trashes Angle for just being an amateur wrestling knucklehead, not knowing how to run a successful show. Orton reminds everyone that Triple H handpicked JBL, and it just is ironic that JBL has handpicked the man to dethrone Triple H as WWE Champion.

Alberto Del Rio, Ortiz, and Santana vs. Wyatt Family
Two trios teams going head-to-head for leverage on the chase of The New Day's titles, they go at it hard. Despite both being heels, the crowd's leaning towards the Wyatt Family. As the match draws to a close, Bray tries getting Rowan and Harper in position to do better, but Del Rio's crew has their number and this match ends with a Street Sweeper on Rowan executed impressively for the win.

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Along with their win just moments ago, Del Rio, Ortiz, and Santana celebrate their pick to Raw, remaining together as a trio. However, it's heartbreak in the ring as The Wyatt Family appear to be going their separate ways with Harper drafted to Raw with Wyatt and Rowan on SmackDown. The lights go out with a spotlight on the Wyatt Family, as Harper drops to his knees in submission to the Eater of Worlds. Without a mic, but the attention of the arena, you can hear Bray Wyatt let Harper free. Rowan and Harper share a moment saying goodbye as we hit a commercial break.

After a commercial break, Renee Young stands by with Jeff Hardy and Matt Hardy. Renee mentions the breakup of the Wyatt Family, and with Jeff Hardy drafted to SmackDown, it might be possible that the Hardy Boyz might be split as well. Jeff pleads with Kurt Angle to draft Matt, promising they'll be capable of an 8th run as tag team champions. Matt tells Jeff that no matter what happens, they'll be brothers and last night won't be the last time.

Alexa Bliss vs. Sasha Banks
In now a Raw versus SmackDown contest, these two lock up for the last time of the foreseeable future. Alexa misses Twisted Bliss, as Sasha gets her knees up and then locks in the Bank Statement to force Alexa to tap. JBL and Kurt Angle come out to announce the final round of women's picks.

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Renee Young catches Peyton Royce for a word and Royce says she's felt held back her career, but now is her breakout moment as a singles wrestler. Royce puts Tessa Blanchard and the entire SmackDown women's division on notice. WWE Universal Champion Christian interrupts the interview, pushing Royce away. Christian says he's upset to have not only been picked by Kurt Angle in the Draft, but for Tomko to be suspended last week, and for Nakamura to have a title opportunity at No Mercy... and on top of all that, Tomko not be drafted with him to SmackDown. Christian wants the record shown that he gives Kurt Angle two months tops as General Manager before the ship crashes.

Rusev w/Lana vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
In Nakamura's final match on SmackDown, we see another brand-versus-brand match as the WWE Universal Championship #1 contender Nakamura battles the Bulgarian Brute. Nakamura put on an impressive performance, despite injuring his back this match that was targeted by Rusev, and the King of Strong Style wins with a Kinshasa.

After the match, Christian attacks his challenger and finishes him with a Killswitch before Kurt Angle sends security down to hold Christian back from doing anything else. JBL comes out and laughs at Kurt, calling him to the podium to make the final picks of the night.

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Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy hear the news of their split due to the Draft, and didn't take kindly to JBL laughing while he picked Matt out of spite, but this hug is ruined by Tye Dillinger. Dillinger attacks both Hardy Boyz, and as Matt is on the ground, Jeff fights back but it's Tyler Breeze who emerges and Superkicks the Charismatic Enigma. Breeze and Dillinger look at each other and acknowledge the other's presence before walking away from the 7-time tag team champions.

Joining via satellite with Tom Phillips and Raw's Corey Graves and Tyson Kidd, is WWE Champion Triple H, 24 hours after being drafted to SmackDown. Triple H says this wasn't supposed to happen. When asked when they could expect him to show up on the blue brand, Triple H says he won't be showing up. Kurt Angle then heads down from the podium and gets a headset on, ordering Triple H to appear next week on SmackDown. Angle says if he doesn't, he'll be stripping the WWE Championship from The Game. Triple H gets riled up into a shouting match with Angle before agreeing to show up next week and to watch his back.

After the big announcement that Triple H will be there, it's also understood that Daniel Bryan will be live for the first time since he was cost the WWE Championship at Vengeance. Plus, a 6-Pack Challenge to determine a #1 contender for Tessa Blanchard's Matrons Championship between Charlotte, Sasha Banks, Nikki Cross, Bayley, Naomi, and Peyton Royce with the winner challenging Blanchard at No Mercy. But up next, we find out the #1 contender for Triple H's WWE Championship.

Dean Ambrose w/Kurt Angle vs. Randy Orton w/JBL
The General Managers decide to stick around ringside for this match, and with no world champion on Raw, the pressure is on for The Apex Predator, and equal amounts for Ambrose who was SmackDown's first pick. Orton picks Ambrose apart limb by limb and is closing in on a title opportunity against Triple H as he seeks an RKO, but Ambrose pushes him into the ropes and hits a series of clotheslines before flying in with an elbow. Ambrose tries for Dirty Deeds, but Orton counters into an RKO attempt but Ambrose blocks it once more, in which Orton counters with a dropkick where Ambrose gets the final say with a rebounding clothesline! The crowd gets on their feet as JBL and Kurt Angle lean in. Ambrose and Orton get up and trade several blows before Orton gets the upperhand with a few uppercuts, and then swings Ambrose around with a rope-hung DDT. Orton begins hearing voices and goes for the RKO when Ambrose blocks it for a third time and slams Orton to the mat. Orton gets up right into a Dirty Deeds that connects and Ambrose hooks in a deep pin... one, two, three!

The crowd goes wild as Dean Ambrose makes it to his feet as the new #1 contender for the WWE Championship! Tom Phillips points out the world titles are staying on SmackDown, but Corey Graves refutes with the idea Shinsuke Nakamura brings the WWE Universal Championship home to Raw at the No Mercy PPV. Ambrose standing tall, ready for war against The Game, as Angle raises his hand in victory... this is the image we leave the fans with from Night 2 of the WWE Draft, with the third and final night tomorrow, geared towards free agents and NXT talent.

Randy Orton kicks off Monday Night Raw and claims himself as the new face of Raw, thanks to defeating John Cena inside Hell in a Cell and following that up with Cena getting drafted after him and to SmackDown. Baron Corbin interrupts and laughs at Orton, saying he was picked before Orton so the Viper has no claim. Corbin also says they're looking for someone not about to kick the bucket. United States Champion Bobby Lashley heads out and vengefully holds his newly won title up, saying he is THE champion of Raw and no matter where he was drafted, he could still plow anyone in this ring to the ground. An intense staredown between Lashley and Corbin follows Shinsuke Nakamura's music. Nakamura's broken English points out Lashley isn't the champion of Raw, because he'll win the WWE Universal Title at No Mercy against Christian. JBL shows up on the screen and says he understands they want to prove they're the best, which is exactly why he drafted each of them. JBL makes a Fatal 4-Way match for tonight to determine just that.

Michael Cole awaits his new commentary partner, not told who it was, and we hear "Ladies and gentlemen..." as Paul Heyman grabs everyone's attention. Heyman waddles to the commentary booth, joining Cole and telling Cole he is here to save the WWE commentary booth.

Carlito vs. Finn Balor
Two former Intercontinental Champions kick off the new era of Raw and it's Balor with the Coup de Grace that makes the difference and Balor takes the win.

Emperor Roman Reigns stands by with Charly Caruso who asks the #1 overall pick why he didn't go to the ring earlier and defend his status as the Face of Raw. Reigns can't help but smile and says Charly answered her own question. He was picked #1 overall, so that's the facts and he doesn't need to defend it. He reminds everyone he won King of the Ring last year and is the Emperor, and he's a future world champion. Reigns says this is still the Roman Empire and everyone falls in place. At that moment, Murphy's presence is shown by the camera zooming out. Murphy says Reigns might not feel the need to defend his spot at the top, but both are without championships. Murphy challenges Reigns to a match tonight, and as Reigns declines, Murphy slaps the taste out of Roman's mouth and Roman measures up to Murphy. Reigns accepts and Murphy smirks before backing away.

As Matt Hardy awaits his opponent to make his way to the ring, Del Rio uses the time to talk trash about the Hardy Boyz their legacy, laughing that they lost to The New Day their final match together.

Alberto Del Rio w/Ortiz & Santana vs. Matt Hardy
Matt Hardy took a lot of frustrations out on Del Rio, showing he can go as a singles competitor, but Ortiz and Santana were a difference maker. Ortiz distracts the ref as Hardy goes for a moonsault, and Santana gets up on the apron and kicks Matt Hardy in the head, dropping Matt into a tree-of-woe position as Del Rio goes for the double foot stomp and he pulls Matt away from the ropes to make the pin.

As Alberto Del Rio celebrates with Santana and Ortiz, The Usos' music hits. The Usos take offense to Del Rio's comments about their favorite tag team growing up. Therefore, The Usos challenge Santana and Ortiz to a first time ever match next week on Raw! Del Rio smiles and accepts as a huge match is set.

Mickie James finds Asuka backstage and convinces Asuka to accept the challenge laid out by Brie and Nikki Bella as Mickie promises this is their chance to get their names back in the title picture.

Cody Rhodes vs. Luke Harper
Rhodes looks impressive, but Harper looks a little sluggish his first time away from the Wyatt Family, and it's Cody winning with a Disaster Kick on Harper.

United States Champion Bobby Lashley and Randy Orton confront each other in the back and they come to blows that have to be separated by security ahead of the Fatal 4-Way later tonight.

Asuka & Mickie James vs. Bella Twins
As Nikki looks to finish Asuka off with a Rack Attack, she counters and gets the Asuka Lock in. With nowhere to go, Brie comes in for the save and is tackled by Mickie James and Nikki has to tap in an upset.

JBL is in his office and appears to be on the phone with a free agent as he's throwing around numbers when Shelton Benjamin heads in. Benjamin asks why he isn't on the card, and JBL says he didn't retain the United States Title last week. Benjamin makes the excuse of a battle royal and the title ended up on Raw anyways. JBL says he had to draft Lashley because he won the title, and it messed his draft board up because of Shelton's mistake. Benjamin tries apologizing, but JBL dismisses Benjamin and says he can have the night off and to leave the arena. Benjamin pauses and JBL reiterates, sending the former United States Champion away.

Big E w/The New Day vs. Rusev w/Lana
Mr. Money in the Bank Kevin Owens joins Heyman and Cole on commentary, and when Cole asked why he was there, Owens said he wants to be the first guest of the Paul Heyman Commentary Team. Owens and Heyman continue to gang up on Cole and when asked about his reaction to no world title on Raw, Owens says Nakamura better bring the WWE Universal Championship home to Raw or there will be hell to pay. In the match, Big E catches Rusev in a slip up and puts him away with a Big Ending.

The Usos have an interview spot with Charly Caruso about their challenge for next week. The Usos call what Del Rio said about The Hardy Boyz disrespectful to one of the greatest tag teams of their childhood and it won't go unnoticed. The Usos get attacked by that trio and Del Rio is calling out orders before Matt Hardy runs them off with a steel chair in hand before checking on the condition of Jimmy and Jey Uso.

Women's Champion Paige heads to the ring and addresses Rubi Riot after her actions as of late, trying to get in the title match last week on Raw and then attacking her on SmackDown. Paige says this is supposed to be where she challenges Rubi Riot, puts her title on the line, and fights for her pride. Paige laughs and says she isn't petty, she's just smart. Paige tells Rubi she won't be handing out a title opportunity, but Rubi can forget her. Paige says it's lonely in WWE without some pals, but she's learned she doesn't need them because she can handle things on her own, but Rubi won't survive without The Anti-Diva. Paige drops the mic after telling Rubi Riot off and saying she's done with her. Paige gets to the top of the ramp before she's smacked in the back with a steel chair by none other than! Rubi Riot slams the chair down a few more times before throwing it down, picking the champion up, and hitting a Riot Kick at the curtain. Rubi Riot picks up the title and shouts at a lifeless Paige that she'll give her the opportunity before laying it across Paige's chest as Raw goes to commercial.

Emperor Roman Reigns vs. Murphy
Murphy gives it his all but the Emperor is just more of a "physical speciman" and "more of a man" than Murphy, according to Heyman, as Reigns finishes Murphy with a Spear.

"The Anti-Diva" Paige is staggering a tiny bit with her WWE Women's Championship on her shoulder and Becky Lynch comes to her. Lynch asks if Paige is giving Rubi Riot that title match in which the champion responds there's no chance in hell. Becky smirks and says that frees her up for next week then, for the title. Paige is immediately against it, but after fumbling over her words, she composes herself and accepts because Becky is more deserving than Ruby Riot will be in a long time.

Paul Heyman predicts Paige easily retains against Becky Lynch after hearing the news, as Cole and Heyman advertise that match, along with The Usos versus Santana and Ortiz for the first time ever. But up next is a Fatal 4-Way match to determine the "Face of Raw."

Baron Corbin vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Randy Orton vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a Fatal 4-Way Match
Baron Corbin is targeted throughout this match, mainly double-teamed by Lashley and Orton who found common ground for a few moments this match. Bobby Lashley fought with a chip on his shoulder for his draft pick last week, being the most aggressive one, but also the first one to make mistakes. Randy Orton was the most calculated with all his attacks, but Shinsuke Nakamura was the quieter one while hitting strikes when he needed. All hell broke loose towards the end with Corbin looking like he'd win it with an End of Days on Lashley, countering the Dominator attempt. Corbin gets up into an RKO and after Orton bounces up taunting Corbin, he's caught with a Kinshasa by Nakamura, who just recovered from being Speared through the barricade by Lashley moments ago... and Nakamura makes the cover! 

After pinning Randy Orton, Shinsuke Nakamura's music hit and the King of Strong Style celebrates the big win headed into Sunday's No Mercy event where he looks to claim the WWE Universal Championship for Raw by beating Christian. And just as Raw begins to fade, Nakamura is attacked from behind by SmackDown's Christian. The fans boo as Christian stomps away before security rushes the ring and throws Christian out. Christian smiles as the message is sent with his brand invasion.