Post by mistersocko on Feb 15, 2024 16:47:42 GMT 1
From Nashville, TN
SUPER SUB
The show starts with Logan Paul making his way to the ring with a smile on his face, despite the boos. Michael Cole and Pat McAfee remind us that he’s supposed to tag with Solo Sikoa against Drew McIntyre and Elias, tonight.
Logan Paul
Would you believe it? As usual, I go out of my way to offer you the very best entertainment possible and this is what I get. I’m not talking about your jeers. I’m used to people being ungrateful, entitled, self-centred trolls – that’s the Internet for you. No, no, no. I mean that even my peers are doing everything they can to make my life difficult. Tonight, I was supposed to team-up with Solo Sikoa, a great up-and-coming entertainer, just like yours truly. But guess what? That didn’t sit well with a certain Tribal Chief who pulled him off. Yes. You should boo him, not me. However, I’m nothing if not resourceful and I think I’ve found the perfect replacement. I’d even go so far as to say that I’ve gone one better. Please, welcome my partner for tonight… this man!
Sheamus’ music hits.
Logan Paul
So, Sheamus, why did you decide to fight alongside me? I mean, apart from the fact that I promised to link up your YouTube channel, Celtic Warrior Workouts… which I would have done anyway because it’s a great channel.
Sheamus
Ha ha, well, Logan me lad, I must say I would have said yes anyway because the only thing I care about, besides finally winning the Intercontinental Championship and having a banger, is getting me hands on that two-faced bastard Drew McIntyre.
Logan Paul
Wow, that’s some pretty strong words here. Care to elaborate, my friend?
Sheamus
That carrion-eater inserted himself in my title match against Gunther at WrestleMania and he cost me that belt. He deserves everything that’s coming his way.
Logan Paul
Kick a friend in the head and make a few bucks… I guess there’s worst ways to spend your Friday nights. Ok, time to bring on the two victims: I’ve got a video to film later on. | 77
ELIAS AND DREW MCINTYRE vs SHEAMUS AND LOGAN PAUL
vs Elias and Sheamus get things underway. They circle the ring for a few seconds, looking for an opening until Elias takes the upper hand with a side headlock. A couple of knee strikes then set up Sheamus for a shoulder breaker.
Elias goes to the rope for momentum but Sheamus was waiting for him and he plants him with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker. Elias gets some distance and hits back with a high knee, followed by a twisting neck breaker. He continues working on the neck area with a snap swinging neck breaker but it’s too early for him to get more than a quick count. Sheamus realises things aren’t going his way and tags out. Paul steps in, ducks a couple of punches and sends Elias to the floor with a super kick, before attempting a pin with a split-legged leg drop. A gorilla press adds insult to injury, all the while daring McIntyre to step in. McIntyre happily obliges and immediately makes his presence felt with a lariat. Paul is quickly back on his feet though and he goes for the unexpected when he hits a bear hug.
It's proving to be a poor choice though, as McIntyre lands one elbow after the other. Logan is forced to transition into a belly to belly suplex and tries to follow up with a stomp but the damage is done and McIntyre doesn’t get all of it. He needs a moment to shake the cobwebs and when he comes back charging, McIntyre is waiting for him with a big boot. Paul’s rattled but he tries to fight back, only to be caught by a Glasgow kiss straight in the face. He drops to the floor and McIntyre quickly goes for the cover but he kicks out at two and quickly tags Sheamus in. They start slugging it out in the middle of the ring until McIntyre sends Sheamus running with an Irish whip. Sheamus dodges a punch to the face and sends McIntyre down with a shoulder tackle. He quickly locks in an inverted sharpshooter but he can’t prevent him from making the tag to Elias. Sheamus quickly releases the hold to defend himself but Elias sends him to the floor with a discus lariat. He lands a couple of headshots as Sheamus gets back up but, ignoring the pain, Sheamus delivers a fiery red hand out of nowhere and goes for the cover.
The referee is about to hit three when McIntyre dives in to save his partner. Sheamus is furious and starts another brawl with his bitter enemy. Paul takes that opportunity to tag himself in and cover Elias, who kicks out at two. McIntyre and Sheamus are now fighting outside the ring, leaving Paul to conduct the proceedings inside the ring. He climbs to the top turnbuckle and goes for a moonsault but Elias catches him in midair. He tries to slam him down but Paul shifts his weight and uses his momentum to transition into a swinging DDT. Elias kicks out of the following pin attempt and regains the upper hand with a jawbreaker. Meanwhile, Sheamus sends McIntyre crashing hard against the steel steps. Elias and Paul don’t seem to care much, though. Elias keeps the pressure on with a series of kicks but Paul takes advantage of an Irish whip to strike back with a buckshot lariat. Paul finally spots McIntyre outside and he takes him out with a tope con hilo. Elias decides to go after him with a suicide dive but Sheamus blasts him with a forearm. Sheamus and Paul make the tag and while the latter keeps McIntyre busy outside, the former wraps things up with a brogue kick for the three count inside the ring.
Winners by pinfall: Sheamus and Logan Paul in 14:46 | 70
TAKING OUT THE COMPETITION
Paul and Sheamus don’t get much time to celebrate, though. As soon as the bell rings, the Judgement Day’s music hits and Karrion Kross, Dominik Mysterio and Damien Priest come out to block their exit. Paul decides discretion is the better part of valour and leaves his one-time partner to his fate. Sheamus starts clobbering Priest but Kross and Mysterio are just too much for him to handle. They send him crashing against the barricade and continue beating him up three on one, until Kross and Priest set him up on the announcers’ table. Mysterio hits the frog splash from the top turnbuckle and the three of them leave as the paramedics make their way to ringside to help Sheamus. | 71
MYSTERY PARTNER REVEALED
Meanwhile, backstage, Liv Morgan is stopping everyone she comes across as she looks for a partner to face Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler for the Women’s Tag Team Championship at SummerSlam, since Rousey injured Raquel Rodriguez a couple of weeks ago.
Unfortunately for her, the next people to cross her path are none other than Rousey and Baszler. Morgan looks upset and is about to go her way when Baszler grabs her and sends her head first against the wall. She locks in her kirifuda clutch while Rousey stomps Morgan’s face. Things are looking dire for the challenger when suddenly… Rodriguez bursts in. She sends Rousey flying against the wall with a shoulder tackle and begins pounding on Baszler, who has no choice but to release the hold. With Rousey knocked out, it’s two on one against Baszler now and she has to withstand a ton of abuse until the officials arrive to pull everybody apart. | 69
FAMILY REUNION
Roman Reigns makes his way to the ring next, accompanied by Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa. He’s expected later on for a contract signing session with his challenger at SummerSlam, Gunther, but apparently, he has something else to say. Cole and McAfee speculate it may have something to do with the Usos, who have been recently expelled from the Bloodline.
Roman Reigns
Nashville… acknowledge me! Tomorrow night, I will destroy another challenger and get one step closer to another record. But before we get into that…
The Usos’ music hits and they promptly make their way to the ring.
Jey Uso
Yo, Uce! Before you get into whatever you’ve got to say, there’s something we’ve got to say.
Jimmy Uso
Yessir.
Reigns doesn’t look too happy.
Roman Reigns
Where did you get the idea that interrupting my speech would make me want to listen? You’re useless but you can’t be that dumb.
Jey Uso
Yo, listen for a moment, Use. We’ve been doing some thinking and… you and us? We’re family Uce!
Jimmy Uso
That’s the whole point of the Bloodline!
Jey Uso
A lot of things can happen in a family but that’s a bond that can never be broken. You agree, Uce? You can’t cast us out because we’re your cousins.
Reigns appears to be considering his words.
Jimmy Uso
We all said things we regret, Uce, but I’m sure we can let bygones be bygones. We’ll win those titles back together and things will be back to normal.
Jey Uso
Like they should always have been.
Reigns says something to Sikoa’s ear, who quickly moves out of the ring and brings back a steel chair. Reigns picks it up and looks at it intently.
Jey Uso
Hey, Use, you’re not going to beat us up again, are you? I think we got the message last time. You don’t need to do that. We’re cool.
Reigns throws the chair at Jey’s feet.
Roman Reigns
No, I don’t need to do that because you’re going to do it for me.
Jey Uso
What?
Roman Reigns
You heard me. Pick up the chair and strike Jimmy.
Jimmy and Jey exchange puzzled looks.
Jey Uso
I… I don’t want to do that, Uce.
Roman Reigns
I didn’t ask you how you felt about it; I told you to do something.
Jey Uso
But… come on, it doesn’t make any sense. What’s the point, Use?
Roman Reigns
[sighing] If you can’t execute a simple order, you’re of no use to me. It’s not difficult to understand: I want you to pick up that chair and hit your brother in the face. I don’t care about your opinion. As your tribal chief, I command you to do something.
Jey picks up the chair and locks eyes with Jimmy. They look at each other tensely for a few seconds, until Jey drops the chair.
Jey Uso
I’m sorry, Uce. I… I can’t do that to my own brother.
Reigns shrugs.
Roman Reigns
Fine. I understand. Jimmy, pick up the chair and strike your brother.
Jimmy looks like he didn’t hear something.
Roman Reigns
Your brother is useless but maybe you’re worth something. Do as I say and I will take you back when you’re done teaching him a lesson.
Jimmy picks up the chair and look at his brother even more intensely while Jey shakes his head, pleading with him not to do it. With tears in his eyes, he raises the chair above his head… turns around and try to hit Reigns but Sikoa saw him coming and hits him with a Samoan spike before he can come anywhere close to the Tribal Chief.
Reigns immediately spears Jey and uses the chair to beat them both down, with Sikoa taking turns to stomp his own brothers. All the while, Heyman is squealing with joy. When the Usos aren’t moving, Reigns, Sikoa and Heyman leave the ring and return backstage. | 78
DAMIAN PRIEST vs AJ STYLES
vs 
It all started with what seemed at the time like idle threats but the feud between the Judgement Day and AJ Styles has since escalated to the point where Kross and his goons have been taking out Karl Anderson permanently, in gruesome fashion. Last week, Styles got some measure of revenge by beating Dominik and Rhea Ripley in a mixed tag team match with Mia Yim. This week, he’s facing Damian Priest one on one. Priest doesn’t come along though, as Dominik accompanies him at ringside.
Priest and Styles lock hands as soon as the bell rings but the former quickly overpowers the latter. Priest slaps in a side headlock before he sends Styles running to the ropes and, ultimately, into a jumping back elbow. Styles has enough experience to spot a poor start; he immediately rolls out of the ring. Priest wants to ride the wave of momentum though and he connects with a tope con hilo. The match has only just begun and both men are already lying on the concrete floor. Dominik helps Priest back to his feet and Styles is sent crashing back first into the post with a big boot. Priest and Mysterio high-five each other as Priest goes looking for a chair, obviously looking to smash Styles’ head against the post with it. Styles ducks out of the way at the last second though and as Priest tries to regain some feeling in his hands, Styles knocks him out with a spinning crescent kick before heading back inside the ring. Priest is forced to rush in to beat the count but Styles is waiting for him with an early Styles clash.
Priest is out cold but just as Styles is about to cover him, Dominik pulls him out of the ring. Styles is about to hit a suicide dive but Dominik pushes Priest out of the way, prompting Styles to complain to the referee about his constant interference. Priest uses that time to regroup and he hits back a few seconds later with a springboard forearm smash that sends Styles reeling. Priest immediately goes for his South of heaven but Styles counters and connects with a fireman’s carry neck breaker. Priest falls awkwardly and while the referee checks on him, Mysterio hops onto the apron, punches Styles and delivers a guillotine when he turns around to face him. Priest seizes the occasion and sends him crashing into the post with an Irish whip and follows it up with a corner running back elbow for a near-fall. Priest then initiates a war of attrition in the middle of the ring, hoping to wear down Styles. However, he gets caught by a kick to the guts and Styles manages to land a modified version of the Styles clash.
He's about to pin Priest but he catches Dominik moving to the apron again. A superkick sends him crashing back down but that short respite allows Priest to kick out at the last second. Styles picks him up and goes for another Styles clash but Priest counters with a back body drop. Now back in control, Priest sets up his razor’s edge, looking to throw Styles against the post but Styles frees himself and pushes Priest into the corner. Before he can regain his bearing, Priest finds himself on the receiving end of another Styles clash for the three count.
Winner by pinfall: AJ Styles in 11:32 | 73
AN UNEXPECTED OFFER
Luke Gallows is watching AJ Styles celebrating his win on a TV screen backstage, when Scarlett and Karrion Kross walk up to him.
Scarlett
You seem happy for your friend.
Luke Gallows
He’s more than a friend. He’s my brother, just like Karl is.
Karrion Kross
Was.
Scarlett
Tell me, then, brother Luke, how long do you think AJ can keep this going?
Luke Gallows
As long as he needs to.
Scarlett
You know it’s not true. Sooner or later, he will slip up. The Judgement Day is nothing if not relentless. What will become of you, then, brother Luke?
Luke Gallows
Are you trying to tempt me?
Scarlett starts biting her nails suggestively.
Karrion Kross
It’s not too late to save yourself. If you renounce your so-called brother, there could be room for you in our group but your time is ticking away, one sand of grain after the other. Soon, it will be too late for you too.
Scarlett
There’s a little secret I want to tell you.
She asks him to come closer and says something in his ear. Gallows looks surprised and watches on with a frown as Kross and Scarlett make their way out, laughing. | 62
A CHAMPION SCORNED
The camera cuts off to Adam Pearce’s office as Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler barge in, unannounced. Pearce sighs but tries to maintain a friendly demeanour.
Adam Pearce
Ladies. To what do I owe the pleasure?
Ronda Rousey
Shut up! You saw what happened tonight? How did she come back? Why didn’t you tell us Rodriguez was back?
Adam Pearce
Easy, tiger! I didn’t know anything about it and neither did Liv, judging by the fact she was still looking for a partner. I suppose that’s good news. Now you know who you’re facing tomorrow.
Ronda Rousey
You mean they will get away with it? It was obviously a trap! They baited us and they tried to take us out less than 24 hours before SummerSlam. That’s totally unacceptable!
Adam Pearce
And what would you have me do? It’s not the first time something happens backstage – unfortunately, I might add. But I’m not telling you anything you didn’t know, am I?
Ronda Rousey
You’re trying to be funny? Well, Mister Funny Guy, let’s see what your boss will tell you when you report that the biggest name in the women’s division walked out because you like to crack a joke.
Pearce doesn’t look too happy at that idea.
Adam Pearce
Alright, what can I do to avoid that, then?
Ronda Rousey
Since they’re in such a competitive mood, why don’t you put them against Rhea Ripley and Becky Lynch?
Adam Pearce
Tonight? They won’t like that…
Ronda Rousey
Make it happen or find yourself someone else to defend that belt tomorrow.
Rousey and Baszler slam the door behind them, leaving Pearce alone with his head in his hands. | 72
DOMINIK MYSTERIO vs BUTCH
vs 
Dominik Mysterio makes his way to the ring, accompanied by Rhea Ripley, and says he’s ready to fight the opponent Edge chose for him. His smile wears off though when he hears Butch’s music.
Butch also makes his way to the ring but Dominik decides he doesn’t want to wait: as soon as Butch is close enough, he goes for a slingshot corkscrew plancha and takes out his opponent. The referee looks like he doesn’t know whether to start the match but Ripley makes her feeling clear and the bell rings. Meanwhile, Dominik sends Butch crashing head first into the post and quickly climbs the barricade. As soon as Butch is back on his feet, he connects with a suicide senton. The referee’s getting close to ten though and Dominik has no choice but to slide back inside to stop the count. Butch, on the other hand, takes as much time as possible to regroup before finally stepping inside. Dominik immediately rushes on him but Butch counters with a fireman’s European uppercut, almost decapitating Mysterio. He goes for the cover but Dominik kicks out at two. Butch keeps the pressure on and follows up with a brainbuster for another near-fall. Dominik is trying to run away but Butch catches up, connects with a couple of European uppercuts and delivers a sit-out x-plex.
Butch thinks he’s got the match won but Dominik kicks out at the last second and stays alive. Dominik and Butch are now trading blows in the middle of the ring but the referee’s poorly placed and Mysterio takes advantage with a low blow. Before Butch can recover, he delivers a springboard moonsault for another near-fall. Dominik stomps him furiously and connects with a springboard triangle moonsault but, again, Butch won’t go away. Dominik is getting frustrated and Butch uses that time to regroup. He lands a couple of blows but Dominik manages to throw him into the ropes, in a perfect position for a 619. He sets himself up but Butch was playing possum. He ducks the first kick and locks in a triangle choke. Dominik is screaming in pain but, fortunately for him, he’s close enough to the ropes to have the hold broken… with a little help from Ripley. He’s having a hard time getting back up though and as soon as he does, he gets caught by a bitter end. Ripley puts Dominik’s foot on the rope again but Butch keeps his cool. He picks up Dominik and sets up his better end but Dominik’s leg accidentally hits the referee.
Ripley immediately slides in and delivers a riptide on Butch. When the referee turns back, he sees Dominik lying on top of Butch. He makes the count and awards the victory to Mysterio.
Winner by pinfall: Dominik Mysterio in 9:48 | 56
BACKSTAGE BRAWL
Backstage, Drake Maverick is having a talk with Veer Mahan. Ever since the former has been fired by Stephanie McMahon, he’s convinced the latter to ‘hijack’ matches on SmackDown, claiming they both deserve better. Last week, they interrupted a match between Erik and Sheamus and it looks like the Viking Raider hasn’t forgotten. He rushes in with a running knee strike and catches Maverick straight in the head. He starts trading blows with Mahan until he sends him crashing against a crate with an exploder suplex. He then picks up Maverick and uses him as a battering ram against Mahan. Road agents and security guards finally pull everyone apart but it’s quite clear that the two of them aren’t done with each other. | 51
THE DOTTED LINE
A desk is being set up in the middle of the ring for the first contract signing of the evening.
Adam Pearce
Ladies and gentleman, please, welcome the challengers for the SmackDown’s Tag Team Championship… The Imperium.
Ludwig Kaiser and Giovani Vinci make their way to the ring.
Adam Pearce
Please, take a sit gentlemen. And now, they are the current SmackDown Tag Team champions… the Street Profits!
Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins are all smiles as they join them in the ring.
Adam Pearce
I think I speak for everyone when I say this is a match-up that looks very promising. All that’s left to do is to sign the contract. [turning towards Ford and Dawkins] Maybe you’d like to have a word first?
Montez Ford
What do you think? We got something to say, dawg?
Angelo Dawkins
Yeah, I think we do.
Montez Ford
It ain’t much. It’s just that being the two freewheeling, hard-working, honest-to-God guys that we are, you’ll have to forgive us if we’re not looking forward to facing a team of two-faced scumbags who politicked their way into a title match.
Angelo Dawkins
Harsh, but true.
Adam Pearce
Er… alright. That’s one way to see it, I guess.
Montez Ford
But don’t worry, we’ll try to make it worth your while, people.
Montez grabs the pen, signs the contract that throws them both in Kaiser’s direction. Kaiser takes the pen, examines it closely, shows it to Vinci and shakes his head.
Ludwig Kaiser
You want me to sign… this [pointing at the contract] with… this [showing the pen]?
Adam Pearce
That would be nice, yes.
Ludwig Kaiser
[throwing the pen away] Sorry, I can’t use a pen of such mediocre quality. Unlike our opponents, we stand for something and that’s a commitment to the utmost quality, be it in the ring or outside of it.
The Street Profits don’t seem too happy to hear that but Pearce is looking for a quick resolution.
The Street Profits don’t seem too happy to hear that but Pearce is looking for a quick resolution.
Adam Pearce
Fine. Why don’t you use mine?
Kaiser has a cursory look at it and shows it to Vince. They have a good laugh and he throws it away again.
Ludwig Kaiser
Ha ha! Don’t tell me you’re writing with this? What are you? A primate?
Pearce sighs heavily but the Street Profits are losing patience. Ford finds a pen on him and passes it on.
Montez Ford
Here’s mine. Now sign that goddam contract and be done with it.
Kaiser reluctantly picks up the pen, looks at the point, scratches it against the sole of his boot and throws it away.
Ludwig Kaiser
No. Sorry.
Ford is now wearing a large smile, as if he enjoyed the joke. He leans forward to take the pen back but, instead he throws a mean punch right in Kaiser’s face. Kaiser’s still smiling but he doesn’t move an inch and neither does Vinci.
Montez Ford
We haven’t got all night for your stupid games. Do whatever you want. We’re out of here.
The Street Profits leave angrily. All the while, Kaiser looks at Pearce with the exact same smile. Once the three of them are alone, he seems to remember something.
Ludwing Kaiser
Oh, I almost forgot. I have mine right here.
Kaiser takes a pen from his pocket and distractedly signs the contract.
Ludwig Kaiser
That little ceremony was poorly organised, Herr Pearce, but I think everything is on order now.
The Imperium make their way out, leaved Pearce alone in the ring to look for his pen. | 66
LIV MORGAN AND RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ vs BECKY LYNCH AND RHEA RIPLEY
vs 
The four participants to this match-up don’t seem very pleased that Pearce finally agreed to Rousey’s suggestions. Morgan and Rodriguez obviously didn’t want to compete less than 24 hours away from a title match while Lynch and Ripley are facing each other tomorrow night.
Rodriguez starts things up for the challenger but the other team can’t agree on who will go first. Lynch and Ripley almost come to blows at ringside but, in the end, Lynch decides to step in. They grab each other by the neck but Rodriguez quickly overpowers Lynch. She rams her into the corner and stomps her, while Ripley laughs at her partner’s misfortune. Rodriguez then lifts her opponent and applies a Canadian backbreaker rack. Lynch breaks free with a couple of elbows but Rodriguez quickly regains the upper hand with a Western lariat, followed by a cover. Lynch kicks out, gets some distance and tries to strike back with a double axehandle but she gets caught by a big boot. Rodriguez goes for a German suplex next but Lynch holds onto the ropes and lands yet another elbow to the side of the head. She switches positions and hits a bridging German suplex of her own for a quick count. She goes to her corner for a tag but Ripley is having none of it. They resume their argument.
Meanwhile, Morgan steps in and sends her crashing against the post with a dropkick, much to Ripley’s delight. A headscissors brings Lynch down, allowing Morgan to get to the second rope for a bulldog but Lynch catches her with a high knee before delivering a fallaway slam. A visibly upset Lynch connects with a reverse DDT for a near-fall. She doesn’t follow up though, as Ripley’s obnoxious attitude gets on her nerve. She takes her eyes off the prize to give a piece of her mind to her partner but Morgan has no such problems and she hits back with a forearm to the back of the head. Lynch finally snaps: she turns around and delivers a manhandle slam on Morgan. She’s not looking for a pin though. She walks to Ripley and punches her straight in the face. Ripley falls from the apron and Lynch seizes the opportunity to lock in a modified version of her dis-arm-her, using the post as leverage.
Morgan, Rodriguez and the referee watch in disbelief as the two partners pummel each other at ringside. Finally, the referee reaches the count of ten and puts an end to the contest.
Winners by count-out: Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez in 7:33 | 67
DOM’S CHALLENGE
Our attention is drawn backstage again, where Dominik Mysterio finally found the man he was looking for, Edge.
Dominik Mysterio
Hey, I did everything you asked of me. Now, you have to make good on your promise and give me that title match.
Edge
What are you talking about? I didn’t ask for anything. You asked me to find an opponent for you this week, which I did. I don’t owe you anything.
Dominik Mysterio
Don’t try to weasel out of the deal! You knew what I had in mind. Your word is all you have when you’re living behind bars and let me…
Edge
Oh please, give it a rest! You want a shot at my Intercontinental belt? You’re not the only one. What about Sheamus, for instance?
Dominik Mysterio
Heh. I think after his… accident earlier tonight, he deserves a rest. Come on, old man, you promised!
Edge
I feel sorry for your parents. You must have been a tough kid to raise.
Dominik Mysterio
Hey! I pretty much had to raise myself and given my history, I’d say I did a pretty good job. So, give me my match or…
Edge
Or what? You’re going to tell your daddy? Ha, don’t worry, kid, I’m just pulling your leg. If you want this match so bad, you’ve got it. It’s going to be the easiest title defence of my career so who am I to complain?
Edge walks away with a smile on his face while Dominik's stare burns a hole through him. | 71
RIDGE HOLLAND vs BILL GOLDBERG
vs 
After hearing what John Cena had to say about his challenge last week, Bill Goldberg is on SmackDown tonight and he requested a match.
Unfortunately for him, Ridge Holland doesn’t seem particularly in awe as he uses his quickness to dodge a couple of blows and deliver a release Northern lights suplex early on. An overhead belly to belly suplex gives him a quick count and suddenly Goldberg’s career looks like it’s about to end on Saturday. Holland sends him running to the ropes with an Irish whip but Goldberg counters with a pumphandle suplex. Holland lands awkwardly and while he’s trying to regain his bearings, Goldberg hits a butterfly suplex. Goldberg continues to hammer away at Holland, who finally shakes him off. He even regains some momentum after a successful shoulder tackle, followed by a pounce. Holland celebrates that feat of power with the crowd but taking his eyes off the prize proves to be a mistake, as Goldberg strikes back with a thunderous scoop powerslam. He follows it up with a military press spinebuster but Holland kicks out at two and a half. He tries to turn the match into a slug fest but Goldberg is in full swing now and for every blow he lands, Goldberg hits two.
Holland is hanging by a thread at that point and Goldberg puts him out of his misery with a jackhammer for the three count.
Winner by pinfall: Bill Goldberg in 6:24 | 59
LAST WORDS
As soon as the bell rings, John Cena’s music hits and he comes down the ramp, a microphone in hand.
John Cena
Congratulations, Bill! I didn’t want to miss your last match… before SummerSlam, that is. Also, there are a few things I wanted to say to your face. So, here I am.
Bill Goldberg
[panting] I had a feeling you’d be there, John. You see, unlike you, I’m a man of a few words but I also have something I want to tell you. But please… you go first.
John Cena
Don’t worry, I’ll let you catch your breath. Speaking of which, are you sure it’s safe for you to wrestle? You’ve been in there, what? Ten minutes, tops. And look at yourself: you’ve got almost one foot in the grave. Sometimes, it’s best to quit while you’re ahead. I know it’s not in our nature to give up but I’d like you to consider it seriously. I don’t think anyone would think any less of you if you decided to call it a day right here, right now.
Bill Goldberg
Ha! Are you afraid of me or what?
John Cena
No, I’m afraid for you. You don’t look good. Sure, you’re strong as an ox but you’re not fit at all. Your best days are behind you anyway. And I’m not saying it lightly. Your streak will live for ever in the memory of generations of wrestling fan. But sometimes, one more match is one match too many. If you want to step in the ring tomorrow, so be it. You’re your own man. But don’t expect any favours from me.
Bill Goldberg
You’re not trying to weasel out of our deal, are you?
John Cena
You know me better than that, Bill.
Bill Goldberg
Fine. So now, it’s my turn to speak. I feel like I owe you the truth. I have no intention of retiring tomorrow night. I’ve got plenty of fights left in me. But I had to resort to this stipulation because I know you’d never have accepted to put your chance of a seventeenth world title on the line otherwise.
John Cena
What’s it to you?
Bill Goldberg
You see, I like Ric Flair. He’s a great guy. He’s always been a friend to me and I don’t want to see his record erased.
John Cena
Ric is one of the greatest…
Bill Goldberg
Shut up! If you had any respect for him and for his career, I wouldn’t need to fight you tomorrow. You’re not better than Ric, John. You’re just a master of backstage politics. That’s how you got chance, after chance, after chance. That’s how you got on Ric’s level.
John Cena
I’ve been hearing this all my life. Every other month, there’s been some guy claiming I didn’t deserve the accolades. Who did, then? Since I’ve left for Hollywood, Roman Reigns has taken over my spot and he’s hardly a role model. I stayed at the top because I was willing to bust my ass more than anybody else. It’s true, I wanted that spot more than anybody else; maybe even more than Ric did, back in the day. So what? I won’t apologise for that.
Bill Goldberg
In 24 hours, it won’t make a difference.
John Cena
When you’re sitting at home with nothing to look forward to but the odd autograph signing in the parking lot of a convention, think about what happened tonight and tell me if it was worth it.
Cena angrily leaves the stage as Goldberg stare intensely in his direction. | 73
SOLO SIKOA vs GUNTHER
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Solo Sikoa is facing Gunther in tonight’s main even, with Paul Heyman and Roman Reigns at ringside. Less than 24 hours away from SummerSlam, the Bloodline is obviously looking to weaken the challenger and possibly inflict him a morale-crushing defeat. Meanwhile, Gunther continues to call for the crowd’s support, despite the lukewarm reaction he’s been getting since his ‘I’m your last hope’ speech.
Both men run towards each other as soon as the bell rings but Gunther uses his strength to push back Sikoa into the ropes. The referee pulls them apart and Sikoa surprises his opponent with a vicious clotheline. Gunther jumps back to his feet but walks straight into a Sikoa superkick for the first pinfall attempt of the match. Gunther tries to hit back with a chop but Sikoa sidesteps him and counters with a spinning backfist. He takes a couple of steps back for a spinning heel kick but Gunther catches him in mid-air and plants him in the middle of the ring with his last symphony. He covers him quickly but Reigns grabs him by the foot and pulls him out of the ring. Gunther angrily comes closer and starts arguing with him but he quickly gives up and, instead, claps his hand as if asking for the crowd’s support again. Sikoa climbs back into the ring and grabs him by the head before grinding his face against the ropes.
Gunther knocks him off with an elbow and gets behind him for a German suplex. Before Sikoa can move again, he locks in a crossface in the middle of the ring. Sikoa comes close to tapping out on a couple of occasions but he survives and finally grabs the rope to break the hold. Gunther kicks him mercilessly while he down but Sikoa counters with a small package for a quick count. Gunther goes on the attack again but Sikoa surprises him with a back body drop, followed by a running senton. Gunther catches the leg though and applies a heel hook before Sikoa can move away. Sikoa hits him with everything he’s got to break the hold and finally rolls out of the ring but Gunther is hot on his heels. He pushes him against the post and sends him crashing against the apron with a powerbomb. He’s about to continue his demolition work when Paul Heyman gets in front of him, begging him not to hurt Sikoa. Gunther looks rather amused by Heyman’s antics until Sikoa hits back with a spinning heel kick.
Sikoa is back in control now and he smashes Gunther’s skull against the barricade, the steel steps and the apron before tossing him back into the ring. He stops for a moment to confer with Heyman and Reigns but when he gets back Gunther is waiting for him with an armdrag. He slaps in a Boston crab, which he transitions into a STF. Sikoa is struggling but he’s too far away from the ropes to catch a break. Outside, Heyman is doing everything he can to convince him to keep fighting. Sikoa finally gets some leverage but Gunther changes his stance and locks in a rear naked choke. Reigns hesitates and sends Heyman to distract the referee while he stomps Gunther to free his cousin. The referee notices the noise and orders Reigns out of the ring but Sikoa is back in the driver seat and he delivers a Samoan drop on Gunther for another near-fall. He goes to the top rope for a Samoan splash but Gunther raises the knees just in time.
Now, it’s Gunther’s turn to try to wrap it up. He locks in a Gojira clutch but Sikoa thrashes about until he sends Gunther crashing back first into the corner. He turns around and goes for the Samoan spike but Gunther dodges and his finger hits the post. Gunther delivers two last symphonies in a row and, this time, there is no way back for Sikoa.
Winner by pinfall: Gunther in 16:13 | 68
FINAL SHOWDOWN
As soon as the bell rings, Reigns steps inside the ring, clapping ironically for Gunther’s victory. Meanwhile, Kurt Angle makes his way to the ring with some papers in his hand, presumably the contract for tomorrow’s title match.
Roman Reigns
Congratulations, Gunther. You’re better than I thought.
Gunther
I don’t think you’re saying this in good faith but thank you just the same. I hope to impress you even more tomorrow.
Roman Reigns
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, here. You’re a funny guy with your big coat, your frown and your haircut. It’s a solid act. And I may even be impressed once we’ve fought but you should under no illusion that you have absolutely zero chance of winning that belt from me.
Gunther
I disagree. I’ve got you exactly where I want you. All that’s left now is for me to take that belt from you.
Roman Reigns
What are you, an idiot? Let’s forget for a moment that I’m stronger than you. I’ll have my cousin and my wise man by my side while you will be on your own. What are you going to do?
Gunther
Since you’re implying that they will interfere, I’d rather ask for a no disqualification match.
Roman Reigns
Ha! Ha! Do you hear that, wise man? I like this guy. He’s not very clever but he’s straightforward. You do realise what it means, don’t you?
Gunther
Aren’t you afraid the rest of the Imperium might interfere?
Roman Reigns
Your lackeys are no threat to me. If the Street Profits don’t deal with them properly, I’ll be happy to show them what a real champion is all about.
Kurt Angle
Ok, ladies and gentlemen, welcome to…
Roman Reigns
Spare us the pleasantries. My challenger and I want to make this match a no DQ. Add that to the contract.
Kurt Angle
Hey, I’m in the middle of…
Paul Heyman
Sir, my name is Paul Heyman and I…
Kurt Angle
Oh, I remember you. You’re the guy who had that little promotion in Philadelphia. The one everyone calls a croo…
Paul Heyman
Yes, thank you for sharing this ‘senior moment’ with the rest of us, Mister Angle. What my Tribal Chief meant is that we have had quite a few of these so-called ‘contract signings’ already and such a trivial event does not befit the standing of one such as the GOAT that slayed a Beast, the reigning, defending, undisputed WWE Universal heavyweight champion, ROMAN REIGNS.
Kurt Angle
Ok, ok. No need to shout like that. You’re going to hurt your voice. It’s a shame because it’s not everyday that you have an Olympic gold medallist to do the honours…
Paul Heyman
Yes, I’m sure everybody remembers fondly 1992, Mister Angle.
Gunther
Well, since we’re agreed, I will see you tomorrow, Herr Reigns. I think you have a saying for such a situation… ‘welcome to my parlour, said the spider to the fly’.
Reigns smiles and just as Gunther is about to leave the ring, he calls him out.
Roman Reigns
Oh, by the way, Mister Ring General, has it ever occurred to you that things may not be what you think they are?
Gunther turns around.
Gunther
I beg your pardon?
Roman Reigns
I made sure you won that little triple threat match and ever since, I’ve been ahead of you every step of the way. I wanted to make sure you felt as confident as possible so that I could crush your spirit before I crushed your body. The only thing I couldn’t do was make these morons cheer for you. Everything you think you have achieved since losing your Intercontinental Championship to Edge has been an illusion. On Saturday, I’m going to give you a reality check.
Gunther looks worried for a second.
Gunther
I don’t believe you.
Uncertainty turns to hate in Gunther’s eyes and the show goes off the air with the two men staring each other down in the middle of the ring. | 91
Show rating: 75
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