Monday, September Wk2, 2023
From Duluth, GA
ZAYN JUNIOR NO MORE
Mauro Ranallo: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Monday Night RAW! We come to you, live, from Duluth Georgia and boy, do we have a packed card tonight, forty-eight hours removed from Bad Blood.
Wade Barrett: This should have been a night of celebration but, unfortunately, because of the actions of one sociopath, we had to witness an act of absolute barbarism that puts this company’s future in jeopardy. What a shame!
Mauro Ranallo: More on that later, Wade. For now, let’s go to the Gorilla position where out broadcast colleague Byron Saxton is waiting for us.
Byron Saxton: Thank you, Mauro. Please, welcome my guests at this time, the RAW Tag Team champions, Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens!
Sami Zayn: Evening, Byron.
Byron Saxton: Guys, you will defend you titles a few seconds from now against Dijak and Cameron Grimes. Are you feeling confident?
Sami Zayn: Of course, we are, Byron! Ok, Grimes got the win last week but…
Kevin Owens: Mind if I have a word or are you the only one allowed to speak, here?
Sami Zayn: Sure, Kev. No problem at all.
Kevin Owens: [Owens casts an angry glance at his partner.] You’re too kind... Look, I just want this over with as soon as possible. These guys want a piece of us? Alright, let’s do this! I’d rather trade blows in the ring than talk about it until I’m blue in the face.
Sami Zayn: Ha! It’s ironic that you wanted to answer this one and yet you don’t want to speak about the match… [Zayn catches on Owens’ expression and doesn’t finish his sentence.]
Byron Saxton: Kevin, while we’re at it, what do you make of the hashtag ‘Zayn Jr’ that has been trending for a couple of days?
Kevin Owens: I beg your pardon? What are you talking about?
Byron Saxton: Er… some people are suggesting that you could be – it’s an image, of course – Sami’s sidekick and…
Kevin Owens: What?! Are you kidding me? Well, I’ve got a message for these morons: your seeing-eye dogs have been deceiving you! I can’t believe it…
Sami Zayn: Look, Kev…
Kevin Owens: Shut. Up. And you shut up, too, Saxton! I swear to God, the next person who speaks about this in front of me will get powerbomb into next week! I’m not kidding!
[Owens leaves angrily while Saxton and Zayn exchange an embarrassed glance.] | 82
RAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
DIJAK AND CAMERON GRIMES vs KEVIN OWENS AND SAMI ZAYN
Samantha Irvin: The following contest is set for one fall and it is for the RAW Tag Team Championship! Introducing first, the challengers… Accompanied to the ring by their manager, ‘The Queen Diva’ Angelina Love… from Worcester, Massachusetts… weighing in at 270 pounds… Dijak! And his tag team partner… from Burlington, North Carolina… weighing in at 220 pounds… ‘The Carolina Caveman’ Cameron Grimes!
Mauro Ranallo: Angelina Love’s charges have earnt this shot by winning a bizarre triple threat match, last week on RAW and while their tag team is still fairly new, their rise has been nothing short of spectacular.
Wade Barrett: It seems Miss Love has struck the perfect balance between raw power and sublime technical ability. Dijak may not have the sharpest tongue in the business but at 6’7’’, he doesn’t have to say much to scare off his opponents.
Samantha Irvin: And their opponents… making their way to the ring… from Marieville, Quebec, Canada… weighing in at 242 pounds… ‘The Prizefighter’ Kevin Owens! And his tag team partner… from Montreal, Quebec, Canada… weighing in at 212 pounds… Sami Zayn!
Mauro Ranallo: Don’t be too quick to dismiss the champions, though. Owens and Zayn have been hugging these belts since Wrestlemania and taking that gold away from them will require quite a feat of strength and stamina.
Wade Barrett: Alright, they’ve known each other for a long time but they’ve spent most of that time trying to kill each other. Now, they want us to believe that they suddenly became the best buddies in the world. I think Tommaso Ciampa had the right idea when he tried to drive a wedge between them. This partnership will implode sooner rather than later.
Mauro Ranallo: It looks like Kevin Owens and Dijak will get things started… Apparently, Sami Zayn wanted to go first but Owens is having none of it… The bell’s ringing and here we go… Oh, my God! Dijak connects with a superkick right off the bat!
Wade Barrett: It’s over!
Mauro Ranallo: Owens stays on his feet but Dijak is pressing on with a series of clotheslines into the opposite corner! Being able to manhandle Kevin Owens says a lot of Dijak’s power and speed, I believe.
Wade Barrett: He should have paid more attention to what was going on inside the ring, instead of arguing with his partner.
Mauro Ranallo: Like two veterans, Dijak and Grimes are tagging in an out to take shots at Owens, who’s been isolated early on in this title match. Love is directing traffic at ringside and the challengers could have wished for a better start. Grimes goes on the second rope… Owens tries to deliver a powerbomb but Grimes counters with an inverted guillotine on the third rope!
Wade Barrett: Dijak and Grimes have overcome all the obstacles along the way so far and they would make for excellent tag team champions, I believe.
Mauro Ranallo: We’re not there yet, although we could be soon with moves like that! Cameron Grimes connected with a brilliant springboard double axe handle and this time Owens goes down! He hooks the leg… 1… 2… kick out! What a start! We expected to talk about what happened at Bad Blood but these gentlemen aren’t giving us a minute to catch our breath so far, Wade!
Wade Barrett: Grimes is unbeaten on RAW and Dijak’s got a strong record, too. Zayn and Owens are dinosaurs who built their reputation on a bunch of hardcore matches a lifetime ago. It’s time for them to go extinct.
Mauro Ranallo: I think Grimes is setting up for an Orange Crush… Oh, but Owens beats him to the punch – pardon the pun – with a right hand! Grimes hits back with a left hook! And another big right hand from Owens… it’s a slugfest in the middle of the ring!
Wade Barrett: Dijak is desperate for a tag but Grimes didn’t see him!
Mauro Ranallo: Owens with a headbutt! Grimes is stunned… Pumphandle neckbreaker! Grimes crashed down hard but that move took a good chunk out of Owens’ tank too. I’m not sure he can capitalise… Zayn is desperately calling for a tag but… I think Owens says he’s got this.
Wade Barrett: That slob is an idiot. He can’t even cover his opponent! How’s he going to win this?
Mauro Ranallo: Kevin Owens is a proud man and it’s safe to say he feels he has something to prove after being called ‘Zayn Junior’ on numerous occasions. And in comes the massive Dijak, who immediately makes his presence felt with a thunderous German suplex! Cover again… 1… no dice! Dijak is ramming Owens into the corner… but I think he made a mistake, he just brought Owens back into his own corner and Sami Zayn tags himself in.
Wade Barrett: That’s a rookie mistake. He was a little too enthusiastic but a veteran with more class than Zayn would not have taken advantage.
Mauro Ranallo: He grabs his arm… Oh, my goodness! What a devastating driving tornado DDT! As you said, Dijak made a mistake and he paid the price! Zayn with the cover… 1… Dijak kicks out almost immediately. Off the ropes goes Dijak… and he gets caught by a blue thunderbomb this time! 1… 2… it’s over… no! Grimes saves the day! That was a close shave! Zayn has been absolutely faultless since he came on, I think.
Wade Barrett: What are you talking about? He’s been on for twenty seconds! He took advantage of a slight mistake by Dijak. Big deal!
Mauro Ranallo: Referee John Cone is asking Grimes to get back to his corner, while… Look out! Koji clutch! Submission manoeuvre! And Dijak has nowhere to go! He’s still in the opposite corner! Is he going to tap out…?
Wade Barrett: Don’t do it, Cameron! There’s got to be a way out!
Mauro Ranallo: I’m not sure there is… Hey, wait a minute! Kevin Owens… Owens just tagged himself in, just as Dijak is tapping out! The referee says Owens is the legal man… The match continues! What an odd move by Owens!
Wade Barrett: Like all fat people, he wants to be the centre of attention.
Mauro Ranallo: What a random comment to make, Wade! But that was a poor move indeed and now Owens and Zayn are arguing in the ring, paying little attention to Dijak, who’s crawling his way to his partner… He’s in! Grimes, with a shoulder tackle on Owens, accidentally shoving Zayn into the corner.
Wade Barrett: It’s no accident, it’s a clever move from Grimes!
Mauro Ranallo: Owens is checking on his partner… Oh, what a leap from Grimes! Double foot stomp on Owens! And suddenly, the challengers are back in control! They have been doing very well in this match but they need to find that killer move that will get them the titles. Grimes, unloading on Owens, who’s doing whatever he can to protect himself from that rain of blows!
Wade Barrett: Zayn’s out! They need to take a chance and finish this!
Mauro Ranallo: Grimes picks up Owens… sends him for the ride… Oh, no! Owens was faster than he thought and he caught him with a crossbody! 1… Grimes raises the shoulder! Owens is back in the driving seat, now. Senton! Oh, I think Dijak has had enough, he’s running in!
Wade Barrett: Way to go, Dijak! Just flatten that idiot and be done with it!
Mauro Ranallo: Oh, my God! Owens saw him from the corner of his eye and he sent him crashing outside with a back body drop! That was crude but terribly efficient as Dijak crashed hard on the outside. But the distraction was just enough for Grimes to get back on his feet… Off the ropes he goes… dodges a big right hand… he’s going for the Collision Course… No! Owens was just a fraction of second faster and he countered the Collision Course into a Pop-Up Powerbomb!
Wade Barrett: No! Not like this!
Mauro Ranallo: He hooks the inside leg… 1… 2… 3! That’s it! Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn retain but the challengers gave them one hell of a ride!
Wade Barrett: These two idiots are still arguing instead of celebrating their lucky win. There days as champions are numbered anyway but I hope Dijak and Grimes will get another shot soon. They deserve it.
Winners by pinfall and still RAW Tag Team champions: Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in 12:15 | 74
A DEMANDING MENTOR
Mauro Ranallo: I’m sure they will. Let’s change the subject, though, Wade. Saturday night at Bad Blood, Roman Reigns successfully retained the WWE Championship in a casket match against the Fiend but he paid a heavy price.
Wade Barrett: Bray Wyatt belongs in an asylum, not a WWE ring! He caught Roman Reigns in a bear trap, almost cutting his leg off. As far as we know, his career could be over.
Mauro Ranallo: Well, we’ve been told that Roman Reigns will be here in Duluth, later tonight, to share the latest news regarding his condition. However…
Samantha Irvin: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… the United States champion, Prince Puma, and his manager, the legendary Konnan!
Mauro Ranallo: Another man who successfully retained his title at Bad Blood is Prince Puma, despite the absence of his mentor Konnan.
Wade Barrett: Another complete fluke. Rollins dominated the match but Puma used a ladder to steal the win.
Mauro Ranallo: That’s one way to look at it. It’s worth mentioning that Konnan wasn’t at his charge’s side after being attacked a few days earlier by Apollo Crews and Omos. Let’s hear what they have to say.
Konnan: Puma, you know you like a hijo to me and I wouldn’t be prouder if you were. I’m not only your manager, I see myself as a mentor and you’re not only my client, you are my legacy. I promised I would guide you to the top of the wrestling world and I will keep my word but sometimes, you need to make difficult decisions along the way. I don’t want any secrets between us, though, so I want to come clean: I wasn’t in a hospital last week. I was at home. I wasn’t there for you because I wanted to see if you could face that challenge on your own and that’s what you did. You’re a true champion now and although you no longer need me, I want to make that journey to the top with you. Would you have me, mi hijo?
Wade Barrett: What a scumbag! I’d drop him where he stands, if I were Puma.
Mauro Ranallo: That’s a bit harsh but Puma seems to be considering whether to shake Konnan’s hand or not… and he does!
Konnan: We are going to do great things together, you, me and that title. We are going to do some great things together, I promise.
Mauro Ranallo: You have to admit this is a touching scene.
Wade Barrett: Please! Give me some rope so that I can hang myself and forget about it. Konnan is one greedy bastard who cares about one thing and one thing only, himself. Mark my words. | 71
TEGAN NOX vs SHOTZI
vs 
Samantha Irvin: The following contest is set for one fall. Introducing first, from Welsh Valleys… ‘The Girl With The Shiniest Wizard’ Tegan Nox.
Mauro Ranallo: I guess we will have to wait and see before we find out what Konnan’s grand plan is but, for now, let’s turn our attention on this intriguing match-up.
Wade Barrett: No, let’s not.
Samantha Irvin: And her opponent… making her way to the ring… from Oakland, California… Shotzi!
Mauro Ranallo: Oh, no, not again, Wade. Tegan Nox has been receiving unsolicited marks of affection recently and despite Mustafa Ali’s best efforts, her secret admirer has remained a secret.
Wade Barrett: First, asking Mustafa Ali for an investigation is like asking a construction painter to work on the Sixtine Chapel – a heresy. Next, even Shotzi’s boyfriend can’t be bothered to be at ringside for this match so why should we care?
Mauro Ranallo: Your loss, really. The referee calls for the bell and right from the start, Shotzi takes control with a wrist lock. Nox rolls with it and she sweeps Shotzi’s legs… Cover… 1… Shotzi reverses with a roll-up… 1… 2… and a kick out. What a lively start to the match.
Wade Barrett: Please! The pin attempt was so poorly-executed that Shotzi didn’t even have to do anything!
Mauro Ranallo: They’re going back at it but this time, Nox takes the upper hand with a side headlock. Shotzi sends her for the ride… leapfrog by Nox… and a Thesz press! Shotzi pushes her away. Nox is back on the attack though with an Irish whip into the corner… a follow-up… Oh, but she gets caught by an elbow!
Wade Barrett: Yawn! Show me one move that isn’t sloppy and I’ll try to wake up.
Mauro Ranallo: Shotzi is climbing up but Nox is hot on her trail… What is going to do… Oh! You asked for a sound move Wade and did you get your wish! Did you see that corner slice bread? This could be over… 1… 2… No, Tegan Nox kicks out. It’s probably difficult to wrestle a good match when you feel you have to consistently look over your shoulder, the way Tegan has recently, isn’t it Wade?
Wade Barrett: How would I know? That dumb broad is paranoid. Someone sent her a couple of gifts? Big deal. Is she 14 or something?
Mauro Ranallo: Alright… thank you very much for your insight, here. In the meantime, Nox and Shotzi both got back to their feet… and a double clothesline! They had the same idea but Shotzi is still going strong and she connects with a baseball slide on Nox. And look at Shotzi, grinding Nox’ face under her boot… She might be in love but she remains as fierce as ever.
Wade Barrett: Don’t make me laugh.
Mauro Ranallo: Shotzi is going upstairs again… If at first you don’t succeed, try again, I guess. Oh, but Nox somehow sprung back to life… She’s rushing in… Oh! Wow! Running headscissors takedown from the top rope! That’s athleticism for you!
Wade Barrett: Meh.
Mauro Ranallo: What do these young women have to do to win you over, I wonder! Meanwhile, Tegan Nox presses on and connects with a superkick but Shotzi stays up! Great resilience from Shotzi, who strikes back with a big right hand.
Wade Barrett: This is absolutely pathetic.
Mauro Ranallo: Stop being so negative, will you? Shotzi and Tegan Nox are now trading blows in the middle of the ring… Nox isn’t backing down one bit… She goes for a roundhouse kick but Shotzi ducks it… Inside cradle! Shtozi’s going to steal one! 1… 2… Nox pushes her away! Off the ropes goes Shotzi… Nox sidesteps her… Shiniest Wizard! Tegan Nox hit her finishing manoeuvre out of nowhere! That’s got to be it… 1… 2… 3! And just like that, Tegan Nox gets a rare win on Monday Night Raw.
Wade Barrett: Yeah, thanks for nothing, Tegan.
Mauro Ranallo: Come on, Wade! You’ve been spitting your venom every time Emma was in the ring and now it’s Tegan Nox’ turn?
Wade Barrett: And where's Emma now, eh?
Winner by pinfall: Tegan Nox in 5:20 | 49
LOOKING FOR WYATT
Mauro Ranallo: You’re impossible… On a slightly different note, following The Fiend’s apparent demise at Bad Blood, our broadcast colleague Cathy Kelley volunteered to investigate on Bray Wyatt’s activities during his long hiatus. She hopes that understanding his motives will help shed some light on his current… predicament, shall we say.
Wade Barrett: What’s there to understand? That guy is both a freak and a psycho.
Mauro Ranallo: It may be a tad more complicated. Using the ‘clues’ Wyatt spread as he was about to return, Cathy found out he resided in what appears to be an abandoned asylum in New England. She received help from the most unexpected of sources, as you will see. Here’s a video she sent us earlier today.
[Somebody is doing a poor job of trying to get a good shot with a digital camera: they’re showing the grey skies over New England and a couple of trees, the leaves of which are already falling.]
Cathy Kelley: Is this thing on? I knew I should have asked for… Oh! Oh, sorry. Cathy Kelley, here. I’ve decided to look into what happened to Bray Wyatt while he was away from the WWE. This has led me to this place, the Danvers Lunatic Asylum [She turns the camera around to show a Victorian building still in a fairly good state.]. From what the experts tell me, this is the place mentioned in the medical report that could be accessed via a QR Code, a few months back. Also, I… I didn’t make the trip alone… [The camera turns again to show The Undertaker’s figure, who staring at the building.] I must say, this is an honour having you…
The Undertaker: Let us dispense with the pleasantries. We have a long journey ahead of us.
Cathy Kelley: We’re just a few yards away from the building, Sir.
The Undertaker: Then, you don’t understand… yet.
[They start moving towards the building.]
Cathy Kelley: If I may ask… what are we going to find here?
The Undertaker: Tortured souls, for the most part.
Cathy Kelley: This place gives me the creeps. [They reach the door, which opens easily. A vast hall opens before them but the electricity has long been turned off and only the dim daylight from the outside, obscured by the dust on the windows allows the camera to pick up anything at all.] What is this place?
The Undertaker: Whatever you want it to be.
Cathy Kelley: Could you stop talking in riddles… [The Undertaker shoots a stern glance at the camera.] Sorry, forget I said anything. There’s no electricity here but, fortunately, it seems they kept hard copies of their records. Let me have a look… [She puts the camera down and appears sideways in the frame.] This place was closed in 1989 so that’s where the records should… Will you look at that! There’s a bunch of entries in 2021 and as recently as 2022. How’s that even possible?
The Undertaker: There is much to find here, if you know where to look. One word of advice, though. All creatures of the night are not harmless. When the sun sets out, you would be well-advised to leave this place.
Cathy Kelley: You think I’m in danger?
The Undertaker: I think what happened here could happen again.
Cathy Kelley: Alright. We’d better get moving, then. [She picks up the camera and turns it off. The screen is filled with static.] | 100
SOMETHING’S NOT RIGHT
[Back from the break, Tegan Nox is heading for her dressing room when she comes upon Mustafa Ali.]
Mustafa Ali: Hey! I saw your match. You did great out there.
Tegan Nox: Look, I really need you to tell me this investigation of yours is going somewhere because… quite frankly, I’m not doing too well at the moment. I feel like I’m being watched.
Mustafa Ali: Well, being watched when you’re on TV should be a good thing! [Ali realises Nox is not laughing.] Alright, alright. Don’t worry. I’ve got this. This will be over very soon, I promise.
Tegan Nox: I know I’m asking a lot from you but no one else would believe me. Everybody gets fan mail or even gifts but I have a bad feeling about this.
Mustafa Ali: Whoever’s doing this will be exposed tonight.
Tegan Nox: Thanks a lot, Mustafa. It means the world to me.
[Nox walks away, leaving Ali with a doubtful look on his face.] | 67
ONE LAST SHOT
Samantha Irvin: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… EC3!
Mauro Ranallo: He’s back! Ethan Carter III is back in the WWE. That’s a surprise.
Wade Barrett: Poor guy looks like a bum. I almost feel sorry for him.
EC3: The time is 2020. The world is in the middle of crisis the likes of which it has never seen. Everyone is talking about it, thinking about it. And yet, amidst all the turmoil, there is this one piece of news – a piece of news so small that hardly anyone notices it. EC3 is released by WWE… after doing, well absolutely nothing, if I’m being honest. In the grand scheme of thing, it’s not even a speck. It’s insignificant. And yet, it turned my world upside down. That day, I lost everything: I lost my destiny. I’ve been as low as you can go. You think I’m back because of my success in the indies? Nothing could be further from the truth. The guys who call the shots here? They don’t even watch that. I’m here because I crawled back in, I begged and went even lower than anyone can possibly imagine in order to get a contract. Shawn Michaels wouldn’t even give me a match on NXT but I kept begging and asking until someone gave me a chance. And someone finally did. You are about to witness history. This is match will mark the beginning of my rise to a world championship. Oh, I’m not delusional. I know I’m on my last legs. What do you think I did all this for? This is my last chance and this will be my message to the world: challenge yourself, damage yourself… control your narrative. | 43
EC3 AND JEFF HARDY vs OTIS AND MAN.SOOR
Samantha Irvin: The following contest is set for one fall. Introducing first, already in the ring… from Palm Springs Florida… weighing in at 210 pounds… Ethan Carter III!
Mauro Ranallo: Strong words from EC3 but whether he has the ability to back them up is another matter.
Wade Barrett: Don’t make me laugh! He looks like he hasn’t seen the inside of a bathroom since his release.
Samantha Irvin: And his tag team partner… from Cameron, North Carolina… weighing in at 225 pounds… ‘The Charismatic Enigma’ Jeff Hardy! And their opponents… representing Maxximum Male Models… first, from Superior, Wisconsin… weighing in at 330 pounds… Otis! And his tag team partner… from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia… weighing in at 216 pounds… man.soor!
Mauro Ranallo: man.soor and EC3 will get us started, it would seem and… Oh, EC3 won’t even wait for the bell! What a clothesline! And he starts unloading on the unfortunate man.soor.
Wade Barrett: Hey! This isn’t a street fight! He should be disqualified!
Mauro Ranallo: man.soor pushes him away and rolls out of the ring to maybe rethink his strategy. He really looks in poor shape already. EC3 follows him and you can see he’s stalking him, ready to inflict even more damage. But… why is Otis getting in the referee’s face? Oh, my God! Did you hear that? Just when EC3 was ready to strike, man.soor turned around and smashed that steel chair right across his face!
Wade Barrett: He, he! Welcome back, sucker!
Mauro Ranallo: And EC3 has been busted open. They had obviously planned that move from the beginning. man.soor, introducing that chair inside the ring, much to Chad Patton’s chagrin… EC3 is pushed back in… Look at that! Neckbreaker on the steel chair! man.soor goes for the cover… 1… 2… No!
Wade Barrett: It takes a bum like Hardy to bring back a bum like EC3. Guy’s looks like he’s 60 or something. As for Hardy, he got the living crap beaten out of him on national TV a week ago and instead of fighting back, he just calls a guy he’s probably met in some squat to have a meaningless match. Pathetic!
Mauro Ranallo: man.soor is moving onto the apron… Despite the questionable tactics, you have to give credit where credit’s due and EC3 has had no answer so far to man.soor’s quickness. He’s going for the Search and Destroy… Oh, and he misses! EC3 got out of the way! TK3! TK3! Carter took advantage of man.soor’s mistake but can he capitalise?
Wade Barrett: They’re both lying in the middle of the ring. Hopefully, man.soor will tag out soon and we will be rid of EC Trash.
Mauro Ranallo: They’re both crawling to their respective corners… and they’re in… Otis is rushing in but Hardy escapes… off the ropes they go… Oh! Twist of Fate! Otis was caught flat-footed but Hardy isn’t looking for the pin… What is he looking for under the ring?
Wade Barrett: Let me guess… something flashy and useless that will inevitably cost him the match?
Mauro Ranallo: I don’t know if that’s what you had in mind but he’s got a table… and now he’s setting it up in a corner.
Wade Barrett: He’s giving Otis all the time in the world to recover from that Twist of Fate. He’s going to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory – again. That’s all he’s ever been good at.
Mauro Ranallo: Oh-oh… Looks like you may have a point there, Wade. Otis is back on his feet and he doesn’t look very happy… And he punishes Hardy with a front slam on the steel chair! MMM are back in control of this match, thanks to Otis’ raw power.
Wade Barrett: These two make a very good team but when you have someone as strong as Otis at your side, it’s practically a ‘get out jail free’ card. Look at the way he’s bent Hardy’s spine on that unforgiving steel.
Mauro Ranallo: It looks like Otis is no hurry to end this match either. He’s conferring with man.soor… Meanwhile, EC3 is still recovering from that hard shot across the face. He won’t be able to help Hardy any time soon. What the… Otis and man.soor are coming closer, clearing our announce desk… Come on guys, don’t do that!
Wade Barrett: They’re going to make him regret his poor choice of partner!
Mauro Ranallo: Jeff Hardy is stirring back to life but man.soor has spotted him… He’s instructing Otis to go after him… Otis with a big right hand… he misses wildly… Hardy makes the tag… Oh, my God! What a move! Hardy and EC3 hit a double spear on Otis and sent him crashing through the table! This is a war zone! There’s debris everywhere!
Wade Barrett: It’s a poor move. They took themselves out in order to hurt Otis. Now all he’s got to do is make the tag and it’s over.
Mauro Ranallo: The opposite corner must look a million miles away from where he stands at the moment. Alternatively, all it would take for Otis to lose this one is for EC3 to wrap his arm across his shoulders… Is he going to make it? Yes… 1… 2… 3… No! Otis grabbed the rope at the very last second! Carter is back on his feet but what does he have to do to put away this force of nature and, more importantly, can he do what needs to be done after losing so much blood?
Wade Barrett: No way. Washed-up wrestlers like Hardy and Carter have no right to be competing at this level. If they any decency, they would retire and let a new generation take over.
Mauro Ranallo: Carter is taking a deep breath… He’s moving in… He’s not going to…? Yes, he is! Sit-out powerbomb on Otis! How did he find the strength? It’s over! 1… 2… 3… Incredible! Otis stays alive! EC3 can’t believe his eyes!
Wade Barrett: Otis got me worried here for a second!
Mauro Ranallo: EC3 looks like he’s growing short of ideas… Otis hits back with a headbutt… EC3 is staggering… and in comes man.soor! man.soor sends EC3 for the ride… dropkick but there’s nobody home! EC3 wisely held onto the ropes and he’s pouncing on his opponent to lock in a full Nelson. He’s pulling man.soor away to the other corner.
Wade Barrett: Hey! What’s that rat Hardy doing? He’s pulling Otis off the apron!
Mauro Ranallo: Otis is down! Hardy’s climbing to the top turnbuckle while EC3 is doing the same thing, with man.soor still trapped. What are they going to… Watch out!
…
Mauro Ranallo: Mamma mia! Sorry for the interruption, ladies and gentlemen… EC3 transitioned from a full Nelson to a released German suplex and he sent man.soor crashing through our announce table! Meanwhile, Hardy hit the Swanton Bomb on Otis! They’re bringing man.soor back in… EC3 hooks the leg… 1… 2… 3! It’s over! EC3 makes a winning return to Monday night RAW!
Winners by pinfall: EC3 and Jeff Hardy in 8:05 | 49
BREAKKER’S READY TO GO TO WAR
Wade Barrett: This is absolutely ridiculous! Those two senior junkies should have been disqualified early in the match. What a joke!
Mauro Ranallo: It’s way too early to think about EC3’s prediction but I’m sure he will be pleased to get the win, at least. Speaking of which, another individual who has been looking for a break as of late is Bron Breakker, who’s standing with us backstage. Bron, Robert Roode said he’s ready to turn on Shane McMahon’s and his… erm… Kiss My Ass Club. What do you make of that?
Bron Breakker: Let me make one thing perfectly clear: I don’t need any help to deal with that moron and his goon. I know how to deal with bullies. You face them straight-on. But Shane McMahon also took his kicks out of humiliating good people and great performers, people like Robert Roode. So, if Robert wants to get out of the KMAC’s clutches, he can count on my help. If I can get my hands on them along the way, that’s only a bonus.
Mauro Ranallo: Does that mean you will challenge Shane McMahon and Bronson Reed tonight?
Bron Breakker: Shane’s too much of a coward to face me but his Mickey Mouse club is crumbling down and I fully intend to finish the job. Let him choose whoever he wants as Reed’s partner. Quite frankly, I don’t care. Whoever it is, he’s in for a painful evening. This dog still has some bite. Woof! | 71
BELAIR’S HERE TO BRAG
Mauro Ranallo: It looks like we have another match on the card tonight. Before we get to that, we have to…
[Bianca Belair’s music hit.]
Bianca Belair: Duluth, Georgia! Rejoice! You are in the presence of the strong-est, the tough-est, the fast-est and the bright-est WWE superstar! Hey, bring out that moron Saxton, I want to have a little chat. Don’t worry, Byron, I’ll do the questions, since I’m also the smart-est. So, Byron, my man, did you enjoy Bad Blood? One match in particular that stood out?
Byron Saxton: Yeah… I don’t know… maybe…
Bianca Belair: Wait a minute! You mean you didn’t enjoy seeing yours truly give that fat slob Jordynne Grace the lesson she so richly deserved?
Byron Saxton: Er… not really.
Bianca Belair: That’s such a shame. But, let me remember, I did tell you I would squash that bitch, didn’t I?
Byron Saxton: To be honest, that felt a bit like… a fluke?
Bianca Belair: Did it? That’s how you saw it? Funny, I thought it was the superior-est athlete that won the match after a dominating performance.
Byron Saxton: If you say so…
Bianca Belair: Maybe you think it’s more enjoyable to see Jordynne knock me down after she punched me in the face without warning? Do you, Byron?
[Belair doesn’t wait for an answer and sets Saxton up for the KOD but Grace comes from behind and knocks her down again with a double axe handle before applying the Grace Driver on the ramp. WWE officials quickly come out to take everyone apart.] | 71
DEXTER LUMIS vs ANGEL
vs 
Samantha Irvin: The following contest is set for one fall. Introducing first, from Jacksonville Beach, Florida… weighing in at 239 pounds… He is a Creepy Bastard… Dexter Lumis!
Mauro Ranallo: I think it’s fair to say that this match at Bad Blood didn’t settle the feud between Bianca Belair and Jordynne Grace. For now, let’s focus on this match and on a very special guest at the commentators’ desk – or what’s left of it – Shinsuke Nakamura.
Shinsuke Nakamura: I… very happy… here.
Wade Barrett: My God, this man reeks of cheap sake a million miles away!
Samantha Irvin: And his opponent… making his way to the ring… representing Los Lotharios… from Monterrey, Mexico… weighing in at 205 pounds… Angel!
Mauro Ranallo: I think it’s fair to say that, when it comes to intensity, Dexter Lumis is one of the top competitors on RAW. Unfortunately, he seems to have lost his way a bit, recently.
Shinsuke Nakamura: He… sucks… but Strowman sucks… bigger.
Wade Barrett: This is going to be a long night…
Mauro Ranallo: The match is underway and judging by the first few seconds of action, Angel’s strategy will be to use his quickness in order to avoid getting caught in… Well, so much for that: Lumis got a hold of him and he’s applying a vicious rear choke. The referee’s counting and Lumis has to release it. This is the kind of moves Lumis likes: nothing spectacular but… Oh! Did you hear that? Superkick! Angel hits back immediately with that picture-perfect superkick!
Shinsuke Nakamura: Lumis… is… clumsy oaf, like Strowman.
Mauro Ranallo: Why are you so obsessed with Strowman, if I may ask? Wait, don’t answer now… Angel is rushing in for another high-impact… Oh! Wow! Dexter Lumis almost took his head off with that nasty lariat! Angel was turned inside out!
Wade Barrett: He’s got a few things going for him but being a psychopath isn’t enough to be a great wrestler.
Mauro Ranallo: Lumis with the cover… 1… and an early kick out. Right now, Angel must be wishing he’d stayed at home as Dexter Lumis drags him outside. Oh, this is not looking good for him… Oh, my God! Powerbomb on the steel steps! What a sickening noise! And Lumis won’t let go of his prey… He rams him, kidney first into the apron!
Shinsuke Nakamura: Poor technique… just strength… like idiot Strowman.
Mauro Ranallo: Wade, is that you?
Wade Barrett: Ha, ha… very funny.
Mauro Ranallo: Angel is thrown back into the ring as he tries to get some distance between himself and his opponent but Lumis is hot on his trail… Oh! Spinning forearm from Angel, who won’t go down without a fight, it seems… Off the ropes he goes... and a bulldog on Lumis! Angel survived an early onslaught and now, he’s beginning to find his groove in this match-up.
Wade Barrett: As crude as Lumis is, Angel is the exact opposite – another flash in the pan. I’m surprised he didn’t ask his cousin to babysit him tonight.
Shinsuke Nakamura: Strowman… you have… small…
Mauro Ranallo: Alright! Let’s focus on the match, please, Shinsuke. Angel is dragging Dexter Lumis to the top turnbuckle… What is he… Oh! Avalanche moonsault powerslam! What an impact! He literally planted Lumis into the mat! This could be over… Angel’s crawling to cover him… 1… 2… 3… No! Lumis managed to raise his shoulder at the very last second!
Wade Barrett: Yeah, that looked good on TV but let me tell you that he didn’t come out of this unscathed. Angel is wrestling on borrowed time in this match.
Mauro Ranallo: That may be the case but he continues to dominate as Dexter Lumis looks stunned. He’s got the arms… and he delivers a perfect hammerlock DDT! Cover! 1… 2… Lumis survives again.
Wade Barrett: Angel’s rushing it. He needs to think more clearly.
Shinsuke Nakamura: Is this… place… always so… boring…? I almost dozed off…
Wade Barrett: That’s because you’re drunk.
Shinsuke Nakamura: Yeah… he he… don’t tell my boss… Hey, I have a message for you, Strowman [He’s lifting his middle finger but Ranallo reacts quickly to push his hand down.]
Mauro Ranallo: No! No! No! I think he’s got it…
Wade Barrett: Looks like he did: look who’s coming.
Mauro Ranallo: Hopefully, they will sort it out in a civil manner. Meanwhile, inside the ring, Angel is ready to finish this! He’s setting up Lumis for the Wing Clipper… Oh, my! Lumis countered with a back body drop and… That’s it! He locked in the Silence! Angel is trapped in the middle of the ring! He’s fading away and the referee has no choice but to stop this match! It was a valiant effort by Angel but Dexter Lumis prevailed in the end.
Winner by submission: Dexter Lumis in 5:43 | 57
NAKAMURA GETS THESE HANDS
Wade Barrett: Good for him but I’m going to move out of the way, if you don’t mind.
Mauro Ranallo: Wait, Braun! We’re in the middle of… Look out!
[Strowman picks up Nakamura and tosses him over the barricade and into the crowd. He turns to the camera to show his hands but meanwhile, Nakamura gets up, runs on the barricade and hits the Monster Among Men with a Kinshasa. Strowman crashes down hard but before Nakamura can get any closer, he picks up the steel stairs and throw them in his direction. Nakamura ducks out of the way and both men exchange threats and insults, until WWE officials finally arrive onto the scene to pull the Japanese superstar away.] | 61
ALI SOLVES THE MYSTERY… OR DOES HE?
[Our attention is drawn backstage while order is restored at ringside. Mustafa Ali and Tegan Nox are walking together.]
Tegan Nox: Are you sure you know who did it?
Mustafa Ali: Positive! Come with me, we’re going to confront him.
[They turn a corner and find Apollo Crews, who’s busy talking on the phone. Ali walks up to him and takes the phone off his hands.]
Apollo Crews: What are you doing?
Mustafa Ali: I need to talk with you for a moment so you’ll have to call this person back later.
Apollo Crews: Who do you think you are? You know who was on line? It was the Nigerian ambassador!
Mustafa Ali: Yeah, that’s very interesting but we don’t really care. Why did you send those gifts to Tegan?
Apollo Crews: What? What are you talking about?
Mustafa Ali: Don’t waste everybody’s time. I know you did it! I did a little digging around – nothing too fancy, it’s really investigation 101 and look what I found in your dressing room! Receipts from the same company that delivered those gifts to Tegan! I took a closer look at the dates and bingo! So, anything you want to say about that?
Tegan Nox: Look, Apollo, I’m not really interested in entering in a relationship right now but there was no need to…
Apollo Crews: Shut up! My God, you’re an idiot! Look at the delivery address, you moron!
Mustafa Ali: Uh… Oh, that’s weird, it says ‘Stone Mountain, Georgia’.
Apollo Crews: Of course it does! Those were gifts for my mother’s birthday! The audacity…! Now, give me back my phone!
Mustafa Ali: Ok, er… I got a little carried away and I sort of… tossed it away and it looks like the screen is cracked… but I’m sure you can still use it!
Apollo Crews: Is this a joke? Tell me it’s a joke! Alright, there’s only one way to make up for what you just did. Meet me in the ring. Now!
[A furious Crews leaves for ringside while Nox casts a curious glance at Ali, who shrugs.]
Mustafa Ali: It was an honest mistake! | 63
MUSTAFA ALI vs APOLLO CREWS
vs 
Samantha Irvin: The following contest is set for one fall. Introducing first… from Chicago, Illinois… weighing in at 182 pounds… Mustafa Ali!
Mauro Ranallo: We’re back at ringside, ladies and gentlemen, for this impromptu match-up between Mustafa Ali and Apollo Crews and it would seem, Wade, that Ali’s police skills are a bit rusted…
Wade Barrett: Don’t be ridiculous, Mauro Ranallo. This guy was a beat cop! He never had any skill to begin with!
Samantha Irvin: And his opponent… making his way to the ring, from Benue State, Nigeria… weighing in at 240 pounds… Apollo Crews!
Mauro Ranallo: Mister Crews didn’t take too kindly to that unfortunate quid pro quo but I’d say that Ali’s loss is our gain as a confrontation between these two high-flyers sounds very promising.
Wade Barrett: Well, of course, he didn’t! The man is African royalty! He’s been treated like a common criminal by someone who isn’t even a cop. If anything, I hope he will give him a lesson this Sherlock Holmes wannabe won’t forget anytime soon.
Mauro Ranallo: I think Mustafa Ali is trying to defuse the situation but I think it’s a bit late for that. He’s backing away from Crews… who sends him crashing out of the ring with a clothesline over the top rope! I don’t think words will be enough to calm Apollo Crews’ fury.
Wade Barrett: And all this for a mobile phone… We live in strange times.
Mauro Ranallo: Crews isn’t back down one bit… He’s coming outside… Oh! A DDT onto the concrete floor. From the look of it – and I never thought I’d say something like that on live television – Mustafa Ali might rue the day he ever laid eyes on that telephone!
Wade Barrett: If he had paid more attention to the details, he wouldn’t be in that situation to begin with.
Mauro Ranallo: Apollo Crews is back inside the ring… He’s going upstairs… Oh, my God! Moonsault from the top turnbuckle! How much pain and suffering is Apollo Crews willing to go through to avenge the loss of his, erm, mobile?
Wade Barrett: The reason may be futile but at least, I’m entertained. Mustafa Ali only has himself to blame: all he had to do was tell Tegan Nox she was delusional when she claimed she was being ‘watched’.
Mauro Ranallo: That may be so but this last stunt has done a lot of damage to both competitors, who are struggling to get back on their feet at the moment. Ali has already taken a lot of damage… he’s holding onto Crews and… Hold on! Is that a low blow?
Wade Barrett: I’m pretty sure it is! It’s just like him to take the moral high ground just to end up cheating.
Mauro Ranallo: Crews is trying to get away from Ali, buy himself some time but the momentum has swung… Oh! And Ali hits back with a rolling sit-out facebuster, planting Crews head into the concrete floor. Ali’s feeling it now! He picks up Crews… step-up enzuigiri… Oh, he misses and this could be Crews’ chance to regain control.
Wade Barrett: Crews is by far the stronger of the two and he probably feels vindicated by what happened a moment ago.
Mauro Ranallo: Ali is thrown back inside… Crews quickly follows… and a released Northern lights suplex sends the former member of Chicago’s finest flying across the ring. Cover… 1… and Ali kicks out. You can see the frustration on Crews’ face, now. He’s setting Ali up for a powerslam… Oh, but Ali countered with a swinging tornado DDT!
Wade Barrett: He’s focusing his attacks on Crews’ head, which is ironic when you consider the fact that he’s an idiot.
Mauro Ranallo: That’s your take on it. Ali, with a front headlock on Crews… he’s looking for a game changer, here… bringing Crews up the ropes… What does he have in mind? Oh, no! Springboard Spanish fly! He was inches away from breaking Crews’ neck! Ali with the cover… 1… 2… 3… Crews raises the shoulder at the very last second!
Wade Barrett: Ali has no regard for other people’s safety! I hate to think about what kind of cop he was!
Mauro Ranallo: That’s a tad unfair, don’t you think? Meanwhile, Mustafa Ali is methodically dismantling Apollo Crews. Ali can’t believe Crews kicked out of that last move but he won’t give up… He’s going for something different here… a single-leg Boston crab! Crews has nowhere to go, he’s facing in the wrong direction!
Wade Barrett: His legs are too strong! No way he’s tapping out!
Mauro Ranallo: Apollo Crews is screaming in agony but he finds the strength to crawl under the ropes. Referee Shawn Bennett breaks the hold and Crews, wisely, takes a breather. I swear he was that close to tapping out but Ali continues to press on. He’s rushing in… Oh! Wow! Crews moved out of the way at the last second, letting Ali crash head first into the ring post! He’s going to feel that in the morning. Crews throws Ali back in.
Wade Barrett: I’m sure someone as important as Apollo Crews has bigger fish to fry than sparring with a failed civil servant like Mustafa Ali. Let’s get this over with!
Mauro Ranallo: Your wish may be granted sooner than you think. Crews is stepping up… Oh, did you see that? Overhead belly to belly suplex! Ali crashed like a ragdoll on the other side of the ring. Ali is having a tough time in this match up… He’s trying to get back up while Crews stays on his six, stalking his prey… Ali with a spinning elbow but he misses and Crews immediately pounces on! Oh! It’s a move he calls the All-Out Assault – a triple powerbomb! This could be it… 1… 2… No! Ali escapes another pinfall attempt!
Wade Barrett: Come on! That was a slow count! That referee’s inept!
Mauro Ranallo: Crews is getting ready for a gorilla press… I think he wants to end this… but Mustafa Ali wriggles free and he pushes Crews, who crashes chest-first into the corner… Ali follows-up… and he delivers a reverse frankensteiner! You have to admit, Wade, that Ali’s quickness of execution is second to none. This could be his chance… Ali looks up at the top turnbuckle… he’s going for it… 450 Splash! It’s over! It’s over! 1… 2… 3… No! Apollo Crews managed to get his foot under the ropes!
Wade Barrett: That’s called ring awareness! You should credit him for taking advantage of the situation.
Mauro Ranallo: I’m not even sure he’s still conscious. Ali looks absolutely gutted: he’s tried everything in his arsenal and Crews won’t go away. Ali, picking up his opponent… Crews hits back with a right hand… Ali replies with an uppercut! They are tearing each other apart! Oh! Crews, with a thumb to the eye! I think the referee didn’t see it…
Wade Barrett: Didn’t see what? That was legal!
Mauro Ranallo: Kick to the midsection from Crews… Oh, no… He’s going for the piledriver… Ali is struggling… Oh, he hit the top of Crews’ dome with a knee… he’s going to turn it around… Inverted DDT! Crews is out! Ali rushes to the top… He’s going to end it with an 054… and he connects! 1… 2… 3! It’s over but what a battle! I think it’s fair to assume that next time, Ali will think twice before pointing the finger at someone.
Winner by pinfall: Mustafa Ali in 10:10 | 68
SOMETHING IN THE DARK
Wade Barrett: It’s an absolute disgrace. Totally undeserved win, if you ask me. Crews was the better man for most of the match.
Mauro Ranallo: Alright, let’s ease the tension around here. We have just received another video from our broadcast colleague Cathy Kelley which, hopefully, will shed some light on the current whereabouts of a certain Bray Wyatt.
[The digital camera shows a poorly-lit video room with flickering lights. The Undertaker is standing in a dark corner while Kelley is dealing with a computer.]
Cathy Kelley: Ok, we found an emergency generator and we managed to get the power back on. Let me tell you, this place is a maze. It looks like it’s been abandoned for a long time but we did find files from a number of patients treated from 2020 to 2022. I can’t believe any kind of healing happened here, particularly if that happened recently. Some sessions were recorded. There are a few of those so I’m going to take a chance on this one. We’ll have a quick look and I’ll get back to my hotel. It’s getting late.
[The computer screen shows a room with a long table and a woman in a hospital gown. A figure – apparently a man – is lurking in the shadow as the room only has a single light, just above the table. The camera is filming from a corner of the ceiling.]
Man in the shadows: Can you tell me your name?
NG: My name is Nicola Glen…
Man in the shadows: Can you tell me your name?
NG: My name is Nikki Cr…
Man in the shadows: Can you tell me your name?
NG: My name… my name is Sister Abigail.
Man in the shadows: What are you doing here, Abigail?
NG: I’m a… I’m a wrestler.
Man in the shadows: That’s what you file says, yes. But why are you here?
NG: I… I thought I was going to make it. I had this big breakthrough, you see. I was in a group, with my husband and I believed… I believed we were on the verge of becoming superstars.
Man in the shadows: Then what happened?
NG: Could you… could you make it stop? That screeching sound. It’s getting on my nerves.
Man in the shadows: It’s just a squeaking door. What happened, Abigail?
NG: We… They never gave us a fair crack of the whip. You see what I mean?
Man in the shadows: Believe me when I say I do.
NG: Then they paired me with another woman but she was… I don’t want to sound mean but she had a lot baggage and I’m not sure she was such a good influence. In the end, she ditched me and I was left with nothing.
Man in the shadows: How did that make you feel, Abigail?
NG: Desperate, I guess. I didn’t want to let go of my dream, though. I pitched some ideas but I felt like nobody listened to me. Like I wasn’t even here. Like…
Man in the shadows: Please, go on.
NG: Like I didn’t even exist. And then I realised I’d lost it.
Man in the shadows: Lost what?
NG: My laughter. I used to laugh all the time. I [her voice is suddenly covered by Kelley’s]
Cathy Kelley: Hey, what’s that over there? Who are you?
Voice: Run!
[Just before the camera goes blank, the noise of a falling chair and another squeaking door can be heard in the back ground, as well as a woman’s scream.] | 97
RIDDLE IS READY TO TURN A NEW LEAF
Wade Barrett: … And that’s your idea of defusing tension?
Mauro Ranallo: Alright, so much for that. Someone who knows how to lighten up the mood is the man standing next to our colleague Scott Stanford.
Scott Stanford: Please, welcome my guest at this time, Matt Riddle. Matt, you beat Randy Orton in a gruelling match at Bad Blood. Would you say the matter is over?
Matt Riddle: Yeah, Scott. Look, there’s a lot of hard feelings between me and Randy but I think it’s time we put what happened behind us. Ok, he’s got a mental health issue. I think he should get some help, maybe see if someone in a CBD shop can advise him. I’m sure that would do wonders. But as far as Misha and I are concerned, this is it. He got what was coming to him.
Scott Stanford: What does the future hold for Matt Riddle, then?
Matt Riddle: That’s a good question, Scott! We’re expecting her first child together soon and I think it’d be rad to greet that baby to the world with a world title belt around my neck!
Scott Stanford: That’s a lofty goal if you ask me but an admirable one nonetheless.
Matt Riddle: Look, I have a match tonight against LA Knight and I think that if I do well there, I should be in a good place to challenge Roman Reigns in the near future.
Scott Stanford: Speaking of which, what do you make of his injury at Bad Blood?
Matt Riddle: Man, I can totally relate. Roman can be a sick bastard but nobody deserves to have their ankle mashed in a bear trap. That guy, Wyatt, is a psychopath and I hope Roman will be ok.
Scott Stanford: Thanks a lot for your time and good luck for your match tonight! | 77
BRON BREAKKER AND ROBERT ROODE vs CEDRIC ALEXANDER AND BRONSON REED
Samantha Irvin: The following contest is a tag team match and it is set for one fall. Introducing first, from Woodstock, Georgia… weighing in at 230 pounds… Bron Breakker!
Mauro Ranallo: For months now, Bron Breakker has been embroiled in a conflict with Shane McMahon but he feels this is chance to finally get rid of the Kiss My Ass Club.
Wade Barrett: I’m going to surprise a few people here but I think he should have joined the club and take over from McMahon.
Samantha Irvin: And his tag team partner… from Toronto, Ontario, Canada… weighing in at 235 pounds… Robert Roode!
Mauro Ranallo: It takes a lot of courage to face the people who bullied you and I think that’s what impressed Bron Breakker here.
Wade Barrett: Roode is just a shell of the man he was once. There’s nothing glorious about him now.
Samantha Irvin: And their opponents… introducing first, representing the Hurt Business… accompanied to the ring by Shelton Benjamin… from Charlotte, North Carolina… weighing in at 205 pounds… Cedric Alexander!
Mauro Ranallo: So, McMahon and Reed turned to the Hurt Business in their quest for a partner tonight.
Wade Barrett: It’s a sound decision if you ask me. It’s one of these ‘buy one, get one free’ deals that you can’t really pass, particularly when you have to face a powerhouse like Breakker.
Samantha Irvin: And his tag team partner, representing the Kiss My Ass Club… accompanied to the ring by Cora Jade and Mister McMahon… from Black Forest, South Australia… weighing in at 330 pounds… ‘The Colossal’ Bronson Reed!
Mauro Ranallo: Bron Breakker will get things started against Alexander, lots of history here for the former NXT champion of course. You may remember that Shane McMahon tried to ‘induct’ his girlfriend Shotzi into the KMA club. The match is underway but it seems Alexander doesn’t want anything to do with Breakker as he quickly leaves the ring.
Wade Barrett: Benjamin is already looking for something under the ring. I think Breakker is in for a very long night.
Mauro Ranallo: Breakker is complaining to the referee but that’s won’t stop Alexander and Benjamin from conferring… Oh, my goodness! That did! Bron Breakker launched himself over the top rope and crashed into Alexander and Benjamin! The three of them went against the table!
Wade Barrett: It’s practically a handicap match when you have competitors as vicious and aggressive as Benjamin and Alexander.
Mauro Ranallo: I’m not even sure Shelton Benjamin knows he isn’t supposed to be part of the match. Anyway, Breakker is throwing Alexander back in… Oh, my God! Alexander somehow hit a dropkick on Breakker while he was on the apron, Benjamin caught him and sent him through the table with a Samoan drop! The match has barely started and the chaos is already off the charts!
Wade Barrett: Breakker was a little too confident for his own good. He’ll need to have eyes everywhere.
Mauro Ranallo: That may be so as Shane McMahon is already getting in the referee’s face. Benjamin is on the attack again… but Breakker ducks the punch and throws him head-first into the ring post. Breakker rushes in… Oh! Did you see that! Bronson Reed hit him with a body block at full steam!
Wade Barrett: He literally ran him over! When you’re as powerful and dominant as Bronson Reed, technical skill is secondary.
Mauro Ranallo: So far, this match has been an absolute disaster for Bron Breakker who hardly had a look in. Maybe a tag would be in order but I don’t think his pride will let him take the easy way out. He rushes towards Alexander who pulls the top rope… and out goes Breakker. And as luck would have it, Cora Jade, his former girlfriend is there to greet him.
Wade Barrett: Think what you will of the Kiss My Ass Club but Breakker made many enemies along the way.
Mauro Ranallo: Roode is desperately calling for a tag but Breakker is too busy arguing with his ex to notice him… Oh! What a slap across the face! I don’t know what he told her but… Oh, my God! Slingshot springboard clothesline! Alexander took full advantage of the distraction to squash Bron Breakker against the barricade! Breakker has been under attack from all fronts and it has to be said that the referee has been doing a poor job of maintaining a semblance of order here.
Wade Barrett: I can’t deny there’s been a few hiccups here and there but, in my opinion, it made the match more entertaining.
Mauro Ranallo: You can’t be serious, Wade. Alexander, dragging Breakker’s carcass into the ring as he makes the tag to Bronson Reed. I have to say it’s looking academic at this point. German suplex on Breakker. And another. He continues his grim work with a Jagged Edge. The amount of punishment Bron Breakker has endured since the beginning of the match is simply staggering.
Wade Barrett: He’s been lucky that they weren’t too eager to dispatch or this would have been a squash match.
Mauro Ranallo: McMahon, Cora Jade and Benjamin are hovering around the ring like a pack of vultures, while Robert Roode cuts a disconsolate figure on the other side. Breakker has been taking in one shot after the other but his ordeal is not over. I think Bronson Reed is ready to end this. He’s going for the Tsunami…
Wade Barrett: Bye, bye, Bron. That muppet Roode didn’t even get in the ring but I wouldn’t want to be in his shoes once the match is over.
Mauro Ranallo: Reed soars through the air… but there’s nobody home! Bron Breakker managed to get out of the way at the last moment! Reed took all of the impact! This could be Breakker’s chance but he’s disoriented and he’s got a decision to make… He’s crawling towards Roode!
Wade Barrett: Somebody’s got to stop him!
Mauro Ranallo: The corner seems like a million miles away but Reed is yet to move after his failed Tsunami. Breakker is almost there… Yes! He made the tag. But… hold on a moment… What’s Roode doing? No! No! Glorious DDT on Breakker! My God, I can’t believe it! Robert Roode betrayed Bron Breakker!
Wade Barrett: Judging from the smile on everybody’s face, it was a set up.
Mauro Ranallo: Reed was faking it. Oh, my God, that’s horrible. Up he goes again… and this time, he doesn’t miss the target. 1… 2… 3! It’s over, after one of the most disgusting acts of cowardice and betrayal I have ever witnessed here.
Winners by pinfall: Cedric Alexander and Bronson Reed in 9:06 | 57
A LESSON IN STYLES
Wade Barrett: He took the bait, line and sinker. He should have thought twice before accepting Roode’s offer.
Mauro Ranallo: And it looks like he’s going to pay for it now. Everybody’s in the ring to beat him down. What now? Oh, no. Robert Roode is taking his trunks down and it looks like he’s going to give Bron Breakker a special introduction. This is really revolting. I don’t think anybody wants to see that.
Wade Barrett: I do!
Mauro Ranallo: Let’s get back to the backstage area where Byron Saxton is with a very special guest.
Byron Saxton: Yes, Mauro, I’m with the Phenomenal AJ Styles. AJ, At Bad Blood, you attacked John Morrison just as he was about to cash in his Money in the Bank contract on the Universal champion, Gunther. What’s the thinking behind that.
AJ Styles: John Morrisson, you’re weak. I don’t blame you, though. I used to be just like you. I had my brothers, my club… the only club that matters, we used to say. Heh. I thought our friendship, our numbers made us strong but that was just an illusion. I guess I’ve got Karrion Kross to thank for that. He showed me how weak I was. And now, I’m going to do the same with you, John, and you’re going to thank me for that. You surround yourself with lackeys and minions, hoping to find strength in numbers. This is not who you are, John. You’re a lone wolf, just like me. You need to bare your soul, find back your own true self. Then, and only then, will you be able to call yourself a champion. It’s a difficult path but don’t worry, John: I’ll be there to help you. Get rid of all this deadweight. They’re useless to you. Just in case you’re too far gone, if you’re hooked on others fighting your battles for you, I will spell it out for you: I won’t let you cash in until you rid yourself of all these leeches. I won’t let you get out of my sight. I know what you’re thinking, I’ve been there too. You will try to attack me. You want to shut me up but it doesn’t work that way. Right now, you’re the most vulnerable person in the WWE. I will help you get past the line and win the title but my help will cost a lot and it will be painful. I will be the fire in which the new John Morrison will be forged. | 70
LANCE ARCHER vs CHAD GABLE
vs 
Samantha Irvin: The following contest is set for one fall. Introducing first, from Dallas, Texas… weighing in at 289 pounds… ‘The Murderhawk’ Lance Archer!
Mauro Ranallo: Ever since coming back to the WWE, Lance Archer has crossed almost every possible line. First, he sent Hall of Famer Trish Stratus through a ladder and then he threatened to put Chad Gable on fire.
Wade Barrett: His first tenure was a miserable failure, which is inexcusable given his size and power. He’s spent years scouring the independent scene, worked with Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts and now he knows: if you want to make it at the top, you have to be willing to do anything.
Samanth Irvin: And his opponent… making his way to the ring, from Minneapolis, Minnesota… weighing in at 202 pounds… Chad Gable!
Mauro Ranallo: The former headmaster of the Alpha Academy has been going through a rough patch since his former pupil Otis opted for a modelling career. Now, he’s facing the impossible task of defeating a man nearly a hundred pounds bigger.
Wade Barrett: And more, importantly, a man whose thirst for blood seems unquenchable. Last time, he nearly put Gable on fire. What is he going to do this time?
Mauro Ranallo: I don’t think there are many people who’d want to be in Chad Gable’s shoes right now. The referee calls for the bell and this match is on. And Archer… no shenanigans, no fancy moves… he just walked straight to Gable and hammered him down with a massive right hand.
Wade Barrett: Look, I’m going to give credit where credit’s due: Gable looks like he’s going to face his beating like a man but there can only be one winner here.
Mauro Ranallo: Vicious kick to the ribs as Gable is trying to get some breathing space early in this match-up. This could be over very kick… Oh, my God! Did you see that? Archer lifted Chad Gable high above his head before tossing him back into the corner. Archer sends Gable for the ride in the opposite corner… follows it up… but Gable escapes with a moonsault… Gable on the attack… back body drop from Archer but Gable managed to hang onto the rope and he lands on the apron!
Wade Barrett: He can flip all he wants, once Archer gets his hands on him, it’s game over.
Mauro Ranallo: Archer is going for a hook but Gable delivers a shoulder to the midsection. Roll-up! 1… Archer kicks out but Gable gets the first count of the match.
Wade Barrett: Are you kidding me? He was literally lying on the ropes!
Mauro Ranallo: Gable is disappointed but he may soon have bigger problems on his hands… Oh! Archer grabbed him and he plants him into the mat with a thunderous chokebomb! He’s just so powerful, so vicious… Who is going to stop the Murderhawk?
Wade Barrett: I can tell you won’t.
Mauro Ranallo: Gable is trying to get back on his feet but a big boot from Archer sends him back down. And a big knee to the side of the head, now. This is uncomfortable to watch. This contest is just so unbalanced… Oh, my God… another huge right hand sends Gable tumbling through the ropes and crashing outside. It’s been a fairly one-sided affair so far.
Wade Barrett: Gable was never going to dominate this match. He wasn’t even going to win – it’s all about survival for him.
Mauro Ranallo: Archer won’t let him recover. He’s on the apron now, ready to kick him in the head… but he misses! This could be Gable’s chance! He’s hopping onto the apron… Gable with a… Oh, no. Lance Archer caught him in mid-air and now he’s going to… Curtain Call! Curtain Call onto the apron. My God! Gable hit the hardest part of the ring face-first.
Wade Barrett: This could be over soon.
Mauro Ranallo: Archer goes for the cover… 1… 2… and Gable kicks out. Look at the sadistic smile on Archer’s face. He’s enjoying this. Regardless, Gable still has some fight in him. Archer is going for another punch but Gable saw him coming, counters with a wristlock. Gable, a master technician in his own right, manoeuvring Archer… and he delivers a butterfly suplex! That’s no mean feat considering the size of his opponent! 1… Archer immediately gets back up… Oh! And he gets caught by a picture-perfect dropkick to the face! This could be Gable’s chance! Up he goes… and a moonsault! Could this be enough? 1… 2… Archer kicks out with authority.
Wade Barrett: His best chance is probably to steal a win and run as long and as far as possible. Archer is a sadistic bastard at the best of times; I’d hate to see him after a loss.
Mauro Ranallo: Gable is relentless now, feeding off the chants of the WWE universe! He’s trying to wear down the big man with a chinlock here. Unlike Archer, Gable’s got a lot of tools at his disposal.
Wade Barrett: The reason why Archer never bothered to learn these moves is because he doesn’t need them.
Mauro Ranallo: Oh-oh… I hate to admit it but you might be right… Look at the strength of Archer… He’s getting back on his feet despite the hold! Gable is hanging on for dear life! And he’s thrown off like a puppet with a nasty-looking reverse overhead choke suplex! If anything, Archer’s mood seems even worse now as he angrily kicks Gable out of what he feels is ‘his’ ring.
Wade Barrett: If there was no price to pay when you stand up to someone, everybody would be doing it. Gable has to deal with the consequences now.
Mauro Ranallo: Archer is following him outside… Oh! But Gable won’t give up and he caught him with an armdrag just as he was going through the ropes! Archer landed hard on the concrete floor. Archer is having a tough time recovering from this move, it would seem. Meanwhile, Gable is climbing up the ropes… What is going to do here… Oh, my God! Diving clothesline!
Wade Barrett: Gravity is definitely not Archer’s friend tonight. He took that one hard.
Mauro Ranallo: Both men will probably have a few sore muscles tomorrow morning but right now, Gable is on fire! It looks like Archer isn’t invincible, after all. Gable heads back to the top turnbuckle… He’s going for another high-risk move… He launches himself… Diving headbutt! Wow! Did you see that? He was ten feet up into the air!
Wade Barrett: I’ll be honest, I never expected him to get that close to a win. He could be on the brink of a massive upset here.
Mauro Ranallo: Gable is going up again. High-flying moves have got him this far in the match but you always run the risk of going to the well too many times… Gable is going for another moonsault… It’s a risky choice as he can’t see his opponent…
Wade Barrett: Archer is stirring!
Mauro Ranallo: Gable almost lost his footing but he’s ready now! Moonsault… Oh, no! Archer caught him in mid-air. This is not looking good… Oh, my God! Hellacoaster on the steel steps! Gable couldn’t defend itself! And as we feared, one move was all it took to put this match to rest. Archer is dragging Gable’s lifeless body back inside… 1… 2… 3. It’s over.
Winner by pinfall: Lance Archer in 10:30 | 66
THE TRAINING BEGINS
Wade Barrett: It probably wasn’t as easy a win as Archer thought, though. He went off without giving Gable another beating.
Mauro Ranallo: Maybe he’s got a new-found respect for his opponent.
Wade Barrett: I don’t think that word is part of his vocabulary.
Mauro Ranallo: Right. Moving on, you may remember that Ivan Dragunov asked Cactus Jack to train him as he wants to become, I quote, a hardcore legend. Last week, Cactus Jack made his return to RAW and took him in. Now, the hard work begins for Dragunov. Here’s what happened earlier today.
[A garage door opens, revealing Cactus Jack and Ivan Dragunov.]
Ivan Dragunov: What is this place?
Cactus Jack: Oh, I this is where I keep my memorabilia. A few items I collected upon the years. There’s so many memories, here. Before we go any further, there’s something I’d like to tell you.
Ivan Dragunov: What is it?
Cactus Jack: You are willing to bear a heavy cross for their enjoyment and that means I will have to suffer, too. I will have to endure seeing you bleed and cry. DON’T DO IT! THEY’RE NOT WORTH IT! You see, you have a choice I never had. The wrestling world is smiling at you. DON’T YOU FROWN BACK AT IT!
Ivan Dragunov: Master, I…
[Cactus Jack grabs a barbed-wired baseball bat and hits him in the knee.]
Ivan Dragunov: Son of a…
Cactus Jack: You see, part of the trick of being a hardcore wrestler is being able to withstand an incredible amount of pain.
[He discards the bat and picks up a cheese grater and starts grating Dragunov’s head.]
Cactus Jack: So, I need to hurt you, UNTIL THE PAIN BECOMES UNBEARABLE AND THE ONLY THING YOU CAN THINK ABOUT IS SHOUT ‘I QUIT! I’M A COWARD!’ That’s easy enough here. But in the ring, when they cheer you on, when they sing your name… it’s a different matter. The pain becomes a distant memory.
Ivan Dragunov: I…
[Cactus picks up a barbed wire and begins strangling Dragunov.]
Cactus Jack: YOU SICK BASTARDS! YOU ANIMALS! YOU TOOK EVERYTHING AWAY FROM ME! YOU TOOK MY DREAMS AND YOU FLUSHED THEM DOWN THE TOILET AND YOU REPLACED THEM WITH MEMORIES OF PAIN THAT WILL STAY WITH ME TILL THE DAY I DIE! [Realising that Dragunov isn’t moving anymore.] You passed out, eh? Typical. Be ready for next week, I’ll have another test for you. Have a nice day.
[Cactus Jack turns the lights off and closes the garage door, leaving an unconscious Dragunov to his fate.] | 73
DOWN BUT NOT OUT
Mauro Ranallo: It looks like Ivan Dragunov has a long and hard road ahead of him.
Wade Barrett: That’s what happens when you ask for a psychopath’s help. And to think this man – one of his multiple personalities, at least – is the General Manager…
Mauro Ranallo: On a different note, it looks like Bayley isn’t ready to move on from her feud with her former stablemate and actual RAW Women’s champion, Iyo Sky. Tonight, she’s facing the newest member of Iyo’s group, with a partner of her choosing. Let’s go backstage where Scott Standford is standing by.
Scott Stanford: Please welcome my guest at this time, Bayley. Bayley, you have been waging a war of attrition against Iyo Sky and Asuka but it seems that every time you get close to a win, a new member of the group rears her head. My question may sound provocative, but is it really worth it?
Bayley: It’s actually a very good question, Scott. Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai were wasting their time in NXT when I came back. I gave them both an opportunity to show what they could do, to prove that they belonged in the big leagues. Was it about me? Oh, yes, you bet it was! I made that very clear from the beginning. They were brought to help me win the title. What would happen after that? I don’t know. We didn’t plan that far ahead. I suppose I would have helped them regain the tag team titles. But suddenly, they decided the grass was greener in the next field. Let me tell you something, Scott, if something like that happens and you turn the other cheek, that makes you a loser in my book.
Scott Stanford: Strong words, indeed. Tonight, you’re facing Dakota Kai, your former protegee, and Sarray in tag team action. Charlotte Flair isn’t here so who’s going to be your partner.
Bayley: I may no longer be Iyo’s role model but some people still appreciate what I can do.
Jordynne Grace: Hey, I don’t want to take you for a ride, Bayley. I’m here to prove myself, you’re giving me chance to do that and I appreciate it but it doesn’t go any further than that, as far as I’m concerned.
Bayley: Don’t worry. Unlike some people, I can spot a talented gal when I see one. I was picked up on too when I first broke into the main roster. Give your best against Dakota and Sarray, that’s all I’m asking for.
Jordynne Grace: My best is all I ever give.
[Bayley and Grace move on, leaving Stanford with a worried look on his face.] | 71
BAYLEY AND JORDYNNE GRACE vs DAKOTA KAI AND SARRAY
Samantha Irvin: The following contest is a tag team match set for one fall. Introducing first, from Austin, Texas… ‘Thick Mama Pump’ Jordynne Grace! And her tag team partner… from San Jose, California… ‘The Role Model’ Bayley!
Mauro Ranallo: Well, it looks like that with or without Charlotte Flair, Bayley won’t let the matter drop until she gets her revenge on her former protégés.
Wade Barrett: Some role model… Unfortunately, Bayley is one of these bitter women who can’t accept that the time has come for them to step out of the limelight. Shame.
Samantha Irvin: And their opponents… representing the Dark Ocean… first, from Auckland, New Zealand… Dakota Kai! And her tag team partner… from Tokyo, Japan… Sarray!
Mauro Ranallo: Asuka and Iyo Sky announced this week on X that their new stable would be called the Dark Ocean, which is a reference to a secret…
Wade Barrett: Who cares? They could call the Mickey Mouse Club and it would still be the most dominant force in women’s wrestling for ever.
Mauro Ranallo: We’ll see about that. In the meantime, it seems none of these four ladies are willing to wait for the belt. Dakota Kai rushed on Jordynne Grace, while Bayley already slapped Sarray across the face. Oh, but Grace hits back and she rams Kai into the corner with a massive shoulder block. Sarray was also pushed back into the corner, where Bayley is delivering a series of chops.
Wade Barrett: What’s going on here? This isn’t a tornado match, is it? One of them has to get out!
Mauro Ranallo: I’m not even sure this match is officially started but that doesn’t seem to bother Bayley and Grace. Snapmare from Grace! And another from Bayley! Sarray and Kai are in trouble! Off the ropes goes Grace… senton… but there’s nobody home! The Dark Ocean members moved out of the way just in time! Sarray takes out Bayley with a punch and Kai connects with a dropkick to the back of Grace’s head!
Wade Barrett: The referee has to restore some order, here! This is absolutely ridiculous!
Mauro Ranallo: Bayley is getting up but Sarray catches her with a headscissor… up comes Dakota Kai with a dropkick straight to the face! Bayley had no means to protect herself and that impact sent her tumbling over the top rope!
Wade Barrett: Even in these chaotic conditions, true talent will always shine. Thanks to that excellent teamwork, Kai and Sarray are now enjoying a two-on-one advantage in the ring!
Mauro Ranallo: I thought you wanted some order? But you are correct: Jordynne Grace finds herself in a difficult situation. Dakota Kai comes in first… but Grace ejects her from the ring with a perfectly-time back body drop. And now, Sarray finds herself alone in the ring with Thick Mama Pump.
Wade Barrett: She doesn’t seem to find that perspective very attractive. Like a true bully, Grace singled out the newest member of the faction. Colour me surprised.
Mauro Ranallo: Sarray is pleading with Grace. She’s trying to buy Kai some time to get back into this match… Oh! What a clothesline! Grace bulldozered her into the mat! And Sarray, wisely, is rolling to the apron to get some separation. But Grace doesn’t seem to keen on waiting… Off the ropes she goes… and she hits the target with a heat seeking missile! Did you see that? Her momentum was such that she almost threw Sarray into the crowd!
Wade Barrett: Bayley’s quick to help her back on her feet but so far, the so-called role model is letting her partner do the heavy lifting. Why am I not surprised?
Mauro Ranallo: Look out! Out of nowhere, Dakota Kai darted across the ring and took out both Bayley and Grace with a top con hilo! What a move! Dakota Kai, showcasing her incredible athletic ability! Sarray’s back too and they’re shoving Bayley back inside. The momentum keeps swinging back and forth in this match that has turned into impromptu tornado tag team action. It seems like Kai has an idea but it seems Sarray doesn’t understand…
Wade Barrett: They’re wasting precious seconds here!
Mauro Ranallo: Yes, and Bayley has used that time to get a little distance… Oh! Superkick to Dakota Kai! She never saw it coming! And a dropkick to Sarray! Dakota Kai fluently speaks Japanese but apparently, something was lost in translation, here.
Wade Barrett: This isn’t turning out the way it was meant to! Sarray and Kai need to regain their composure sooner rather than later.
Mauro Ranallo: Easier said than done. Jordynne Grace is running up the apron… and a big splash on the defenceless Sarray! Meanwhile, Bayley is going upstairs… and she connects with a diving elbow drop! That’s got to be it… 1… 2… 3… No! Dakota Kai raises the shoulder!
Wade Barrett: How does the referee even know who’s legal? This is absolutely ridiculous!
Mauro Ranallo: It’s not looking good for the Dark Ocean. Bayley is climbing back to the top turnbuckle while Jordynne Grace picks up Kai… They’re looking to end this! But Kai is struggling… Oh, she managed to get free and pushed Grace into the post! That’s just pure survival instinct!
Wade Barrett: Strength and power is one thing but Jordynne Grace is a clumsy oaf! She’s going to cost her team the win.
Mauro Ranallo: Dakota Kai uses Grace to get to the top rope… This is a dangerous situation… Oh, my God! Superplex from the top turnbuckle! Did you hear that impact? Oh, and Sarray is back with a superkick to the side of Grace’s head!
Wade Barrett: Grace is out. Serves her well for screwing things up.
Mauro Ranallo: Sarray’s back inside… She’s picking up Bayley and now, it’s the Dark Ocean’s turn to try and get over the finish line… Bayley’s held tight… Dakota Kai goes off the rope… Unbelievable! Bayley managed to switch places with Sarray at the last moment and Dakota Kai accidentally delivered her Kairopratctor on her team-mate!
Wade Barrett: What a disaster! It couldn’t have happened at a worse time! The referee should stop the match and check on Sarray!
Mauro Ranallo: Wade, get a hold of yourself. Although your ordeal may soon be over… Bayley with the Rose Plant! 1… 2… No, Kai’s arm is spread under the ropes. The referee has to stop the count.
Wade Barrett: Rookie mistake by the role model, here. She should have checked the arm.
Mauro Ranallo: It’s one high-impact move after the other now. Bayley’s picking up Sarray, looking for a Belly to Bayley suplex… here she goes but Sarray grabbed the rope! She probably saved herself and her team here as she also got free of Bayley!
Wade Barrett: Her back must be killing her but that’s the resilience of a true champion!
Mauro Ranallo: Bayley’s off-balance… and she gets caught right in the face by another superkick! Bayley’s out! It’s over! Sarray with the cover…
Wade Barrett: Getting a win on her RAW debut, that’s a fairytale ending!
Mauro Ranallo: 1… 2… 3… No! Jordynne Grace breaks the move with an avalanche senton! Just in time! Dakota Kai is still out and this time, there’s nobody to save Sarray from Grace’s fury! Here she comes… Grace Driver! 1… 2… 3! Bayley and Jordynne Grace prevail in this chaotic contest but it seems the war is far from over.
Winners by pinfall: Bayley and Jordynne Grace in 8:43 | 62
BIGGER AND BETTER
Samantha Irvin: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… WWE CEO Stephanie McMahon and WWE Hall of Famer, ‘The Game’ Triple H!
Mauro Ranallo: It looks like there was some truth to the rumours claiming Triple H and Stephanie McMahon would be a part of tonight’s show.
Wade Barrett: Maybe they’re here to give me a raise.
Stephanie McMahon: Good evening, Duluth! We come tonight as the bearers of good news, for a change! As many of you know, the company went through a rough patch in late 2022. Some difficult decisions had to be taken and I am willing to admit that, for the first time in decades, there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding the WWE. The board of directors finally decided to put me and Hunter in charge. Our first decision was to change the direction we were going in, creatively speaking. We talked and thought about it and we felt the time was right to go back to the kind of programming that gave the WWE most of his mainstream appeal and created some of our biggest stars. SummerSlam was meant to be the dawn of a new era. On month later, we are pleased to announce that this has been a resounding success so far.
Triple H: We were glad to see so many people joining us for this tremendous journey. However, too many times in the past have we made the mistake to rest on our laurels, to take you, the WWE universe, for granted. That’s a mistake we don’t want to repeat and that is the reason why, we come here tonight to give you another piece of news that, hopefully, will get you excited. From now on, we will keep looking for improvements and new ideas and one such improvements, we felt, concerns the list of pay-per-views – or premium live events, as marketing like to call them. So, here’s what you can expect from 2024 onwards:
The Royal Rumble keeps its spot in January and the winners of the men’s and women’s competitions will still be able to challenge for the title of their choosing at WrestleMania.
No Way Out makes its return in February and Elimination Chamber will now take place during this pay-per-view, which means…
… yeah, you guessed it: WrestleMania will take place in March next year. Also, we wanted to get back to the roots and both Money in the Bank ladder matches will take place at WrestleMania.
Backlash will follow in April, then Judgement Day in May and Bad Blood in June.
The King of the Ring and the Queen of the Ring tournaments are next in July, with an added incentive: just like the winners of the Royal Rumbles, the King and the Queen will get a title match of their choice the following month.
SummerSlam remains more than ever the biggest party of the summer in August. Then we will have Unforgiven in September, Halloween Havoc in October, Survivor Series in November and Armageddon in December.
Rest assured that we will continue to look for ways to make what happens inside this ring as entertaining as possible and the best way to do that, in our opinion, is simply to let the talents we have here express themselves. We are here to let them do what they do best and that is hurting one another for your enjoyment… I’m joking, of course. We will also soon set up a performance review…
[MVP’s music hits and he comes down the ramp with B-FAB.]
MVP: Hold on! Hold on! Hold on! Cut the music, please! Hunter, why do I get the feeling that you are about to close this address?
Triple H: I don’t know. Maybe because you’re a very perceptive guy and I was about to close it?
MVP: And you didn’t forget anything?
Triple H: If you’re talking about the fact that you should be disciplined after masterminding the attack on Jeff Hardy last week, I thought we would take care of that behind closed door, to be honest.
MVP: Cute. No, I wasn’t talking about that at all.
Triple H: Maybe you should. You’re lucky that Jeff doesn’t want to press charges…
MVP: Oh, I’m sure your stooge will do exactly what you tell him to do and that he will be rewarded for that. But that’s not my point. That’s not why I’m here, tonight. I’m here because you and all the fat cats in the boardroom seem to ignore the fact that the success you’re talking about has been built on the back of black athletes! People like Bobby Lashley, Omos, Bianca Belair, the Street Profits, the New Day… these people have carried the company upon their backs these past few years and what do we get at Bad Blood: Roman Reigns against a white man dressing up as a clown. Are you kidding me?
Triple H: Look, you’ve been ranting about this for weeks now. I don’t know what your problem is…
MVP: You don’t know?! You think I haven’t made myself clear? I want you to recognise the talent and hard work of my brothers and sisters.
Triple H: Everybody played their part…
MVP: That’s not what I said. I want you to say that this company’s success has been built on the back of black wrestlers.
[Stephanie speaks in Triple H’s hear.]
Stephanie McMahon: Look, these people are waiting for their main event and we don’t want to take up any more of their time than necessary. Let’s continue this conversation in private.
[The four of them have an argument on their way to the back, ending the segment in confusion.] | 74
LA KNIGHT vs MATT RIDDLE
vs
Samantha Irvin: The following contest is set for one fall. Introducing first, from Los Angeles, California… weighing in at 240 pounds… ‘The Megastar’ LA Knight!
Mauro Ranallo: Some very interesting points made by our COO Triple H a few minutes ago but it’s time to turn our attention to the main event, and what a main event this is.
Wade Barrett: Look, I’ve never made a secret of my admiration for LA Knight but I’m glad to see him where he belongs, and that is in the main event. Muppets like Shinsuke Nakamura and Dexter Lumis have no business dealing with such a talented individual.
Samantha Irvin: And his opponent… making his way to the ring… from Las Vegas, Nevada… weighing in at 216 pounds… ‘The Original Bro’ Matt Riddle!
Mauro Ranallo: Riddle is fresh from his win in a merciless no holds barred match against Randy Orton and he wants to ride the wave of momentum.
Wade Barrett: Under normal circumstances, beating a guaranteed future Hall of Famer like Randy Orton would be a massive rub but, unfortunately, given the circumstances, it won’t do him any good. It’s more a freak accident than anything else. I’m sure LA Knight will send him back where he belongs – to the midcard.
Mauro Ranallo: This match is underway and they lock it up in the middle of the ring… Both competitors are trying to show off their amateur wrestling skills but it’s Riddle who takes down LA Knight. Riddle, trying to squeeze the energy out of his opponent with a well-applied rear chinlock.
Wade Barrett: That idiot is still high after beating Randy Orton at Bad Blood but he will soon find out that the lightning doesn’t strike twice.
Mauro Ranallo: LA Knight is doing his best to escape but Riddle won’t be shaken off. Knight finally gets back to his feet. Oh, Riddle with a quick knee strike to the guts and another takedown. Apparently, he wants to slow the pace down.
Wade Barrett: He fought a war against Orton two days ago so that’s understandable. Whether he’s got the ability to contain LA Knight for much longer is another matter.
Mauro Ranallo: LA Knight slips straight back into a headlock. It could be disheartening to see your opponent dominating the early exchanges, the way Riddle has. LA Knight gets up… tries to escape again… and he does! He’s going on the attack… Oh, but Riddle catches him with a back elbow! It’s been all Riddle so far, Wade.
Wade Barrett: Good for him but time is on LA Knight’s side.
Mauro Ranallo: Look at that! Riddle with a cocky move, taking a nap across the top turnbuckle while LA Knight tries to shake the cobwebs! He rushes in… but Riddle is able to escape and he hits the bullseye again with another elbow! And you can see this cat-and-mouse game is beginning to get on Knight’s nerves. Riddle is trying to get some distance… Knight goes after him… and LA Knight eats a face full of turnbuckle after a quick grab toe-hold by Riddle.
Wade Barrett: That piece of trash likes to play it cool in front of the fans but you can see he enjoys humiliating people. Let’s hope he’ll keep on smiling when LA Knight turns the tables.
Mauro Ranallo: LA Knight is doing his best to recover from a very poor start… Oh, my God! Just as he turned around, Knight’s face was introduced to Riddle’s foot! What a roundhouse kick! The Megastar is in trouble in this match… but he’s still got a few aces up his sleeve! Did you see that? Boy, did he smash Riddle’s face with that hard uppercut!
Wade Barrett: The momentum is shifting, just like I said it would!
Mauro Ranallo: LA Knight’s comeback continues with another strike to the side of the head… He’s grabbing Riddle by the hair and a kick to the midsection… He’s looking for the Bottom Rung! Oh, but Riddle escapes and takes him down with a big right hand.
Wade Barrett: I hope they’ll collect a blood sample after the match. Riddle’s energy levels are uncannily high.
Mauro Ranallo: Riddle is in control again, positioning LA Knight for a powerbomb… Oh! Knight had it well-scouted and he reverses it! Double atomic leg drop! The tide has turned and LA Knight concludes that strong sequence with a basement dropkick to the face.
Wade Barrett: Riddle probably saw a cigarette butt on the mat and he was all too happy to go down.
Mauro Ranallo: Aren’t you a riot? LA Knight continues his onslaught with a kick to the face… Oh, he misses wildly! Up and over goes Riddle… Knight with a released German suplex… Oh, my God! With cat-like reflexes, Riddle lands on his feet! He’s going for a sweep of the legs… Oh! No! LA Knight is a fraction of a second quicker and he puts him down with an elbow straight to the face!
Wade Barrett: Whose game it is? It’s LA Knight’s!
Mauro Ranallo: Don’t count your chickens yet. Riddle, wisely, rolls out of the ring but LA Knight won’t want to afford him any space. He’s chasing after him! Riddle goes back in, with Knight hot on his trail… Oh, my goodness! Riddle caught LA Knight with a superkick just as he was standing on the apron! Did you see that? Knight almost landed on his neck, there!
Wade Barrett: One of these days, that clumsy oaf is going to hurt someone! He shouldn’t be allowed to wrestle top talent like LA Knight!
Mauro Ranallo: This could be over soon, anyway! Look at Riddle! He’s climbing to the top turnbuckle! He’s… he’s going for the Floating Bro! LA Knight ducks out of the way but Riddle rolls through – great athleticism there! LA Knight is back with a huge clothesline but Riddle ducks it… What the…? Oh, my God! Tornado DDT on the concrete floor! Riddle stepped on the ring post and he used his momentum to plant LA Knight’s head into the ground!
Wade Barrett: That’s the problem when you’re as talent as LA Knight. People get jealous! Anybody else would be subjected to that kind of treatment, half the roster would be at ringside to help them out!
Mauro Ranallo: It seems like Riddle isn’t done there… Brohammer! This could be it! Riddle’s feeling the crowd’s love tonight! He’s been a transformed man since finally dispatching his best friend turned Nemesis, Randy Orton.
Wade Barrett: What’s different about him? He’s still the same idiot! Beating Orton didn’t change that.
Mauro Ranallo: By the looks of it, LA Knight is set to join the list of his victims. Knight’s head, smashed against the apron, followed by a big chop across the chest. Knight is unceremoniously thrown back inside the ring but he’s having a difficult time recovering from all the damage he’s taken so far.
Wade Barrett: Shut up, Ranallo! He’s just playing possum!
Mauro Ranallo: Riddle is standing on the apron… Springboard Broton! It’s over! 1… 2… No! LA Knight was able to kick out at two! You can see that Riddle is enjoying this. He’s going back to the well for another Floating Bro… Will second time be the charm… Oh, my God! No! LA Knight caught him in mid-air and reversed it into an Argentine neckbreaker!
Wade Barrett: That’s what superior resilience and athleticism get you! What a beauty! Come on, ref!
Mauro Ranallo: LA Knight’s got his arm around Riddle’s shoulders… Will it be enough? 1… 2… 3… No! Riddle survives! Unbelievable!
Wade Barrett: This is unfair! That guy’s on drugs!
Mauro Ranallo: That’s his whole gimmick, Wade. Both competitors are already back to their feet and LA Knight is caught with an elbow to the face. And you can feel that both men are now one mistake away from losing this. Off the ropes goes Riddle… Smashing elbow… Oh, God! LA Knight countered with an improvised reverse powerbomb, as Riddle crashes neck first into the ropes! He almost took his head off with that move!
Wade Barrett: So what? Every superstar that comes in the ring knows the stakes and the risks. Cry me a river!
Mauro Ranallo: But, one moment ago you… Oh, I give up. I’m afraid Riddle has been caught completely off-guard. He’s struggling to regain his composure and now, it’s LA Knight’s turn to go up to. He’s taunting the crowd… It’s time for the LA Elbow… He’s soaring through the air… Are you kidding me? Riddle raised his foot at the last second! What a disaster for LA Knight, just as he was about to put this one to rest!
Wade Barrett: Riddle is too stupid to know when he’s beaten. Don’t complain if he finishes the match on a stretcher!
Mauro Ranallo: For now, he’s looking to capitalise… Riddle with a roll-up… 1… 2… LA Knight gets free! Riddle is going for the Bro Derek! LA Knight sidesteps him… Both men are coming off the ropes… Riddle with a dropkick but Knight blocks him… He’s going for the slingshot but Riddle reverses it! Knight’s shoulders are on the mat! 1… 2… and another kick out!
Wade Barrett: Ok, I’ll admit this is getting uncomfortable now. LA Knight’s got to switch to the next gear.
Mauro Ranallo: Riddle comes off the ropes again… and this time, LA Knight catches him! He’s going for the Gravy Train… but Riddle uses his own momentum to turn the tables on him with an arm drag. Shoulders are down… 1… 2… and LA Knight reverses it… 1… 2… and Riddle escapes! Both men probably don’t know where they are but neither is willing to admit defeat. LA Knight is a second quicker… He’s going for the BFT but Riddle holds on the rope!
Wade Barrett: That probably saved his life…
Mauro Ranallo: BTS! Bro To Sleep! Riddle didn’t waste a second! He saw an opening and he seized it! It’s over!
Wade Barrett: No! No! No!
Mauro Ranallo: Hold on a second… Who’s that man rushing to the ring? He… I think he wants a word with Riddle… Get the camera closer… What is he…?
Wade Barrett: I think he’s saying Riddle’s girlfriend has gone missing and the police are at his place.
Mauro Ranallo: Very serious situation developing here, if we heard correctly. You may remember that… Oh, my God! The referee didn’t stop the match and LA Knight used the distraction to regroup… He’s sneaking on Riddle… BFT! Blunt Force Trauma!
Wade Barrett: That’s what I call opportunism!
Mauro Ranallo: No! Not like that! 1… 2… 3! What a terrible ending to an otherwise thrilling match-up between two top superstars. Let’s hope we misunderstood but regardless, it’s LA Knight who walks away with the win tonight.
Winner by pinfall: LA Knight in 15:07 | 77
TRIBAL UPDATE
Wade Barrett: Yeah, tough luck for Riddle if this turns out to be true but maybe his girlfriend decided she didn’t want her kid to be raised by a junkie.
Mauro Ranallo: Oh, please, Wade… [Roman Reigns’ music hits.] Wait a minute… He’s here! Roman Reigns is here! Two days after an epic match against The Fiend and a career-threatening injury after having his foot caught in a bear-trap, Roman Reigns is here on Monday Night RAW!
Wade Barrett: The crutches and the walking boot don’t feel me with confidence. I hope he’s doing well… Look at Paul Heyman’s face. It’s not looking good.
Mauro Ranallo: Despite that gruesome injury, Roman Reigns won the match when The Demon Finn Balor interfered and put The Fiend into a casket. Neither of them has been seen or heard from since but Roman Reigns remains the WWE champion – for now, at least.
Paul Heyman: My name is Paul Heyman… and I serve as the special counsel to the Tribal Chief. Please, welcome the greatest performer in the history of the WWE, the most violent, the most dangerous, the ultimate needle-mover, the Head of the Table, your reigning, defending, WWE champion… Roman Reigns!
Roman Reigns: Duluth, Georgia… Acknowledge me! Heh, you haven’t heard that one in a long time, eh? But you will continue to hear for a long, long time. Two nights ago, I was viciously attacked by a psychopath masquerading as a wrestler. He had no interest in winning the match or the title. He was just there to end my career. What his problem is, I have no idea and I don’t care. The doctors tell me that this will take months to heal but that wouldn’t be the first time I beat their predictions. In the meantime, though, no title ma…
[Stephanie McMahon’s music hits.]
Stephanie McMahon: Hold on a minute, I think I can guess where this is going.
Paul Heyman: Doctor’s orders, Steph. The Tribal Chief won’t be able to defend his title until the ligaments in his ankle are healed. They say it will take approximatively three months. I have a statement here…
Stephanie McMahon: Oh, you don’t need to show me. We take our talents’ health very seriously here, let me assure you. If the doctors say Roman can’t wrestle, he won’t. But he will surrender the title.
Paul Heyman: I beg your pardon?
Stephanie McMahon: I think the WWE universe is growing tired of no-show champions. Better put that belt up for grabs and once he’s healed, Roman will of course get a title shot.
[John Morrison’s music hits and he comes out, along with Maxxine.]
John Morrison: I think I may have a solution everybody will be happy with. How about I cash in that little baby right now and get it over with?
Roman Reigns: Go ahead, I dare you! Not only could I beat you with on one leg but I’m pretty sure AJ Styles is still in the building. You want to try this? Be my guest.
John Morrison: That was just and idea… Styles won’t be around forever to save your sorry ass, anyway.
Roman Reigns: Instead of pushing my buttons, you’d better think about what you want to do with that contract. With WrestleMania in March, you only have six months left, you moron. You don’t want to be the first superstar who fails to cash in in time, do you?
John Morrison: Hey! Don’t try to turn the tables on me! I’ve got the briefcase – I call the shots!
[Seth Rollins’ music hits.]
Mauro Ranallo: Oh, I know that laugh…
Seth Rollins: Woohoo, Roman! It’s me, your old pal Seth! Remember me?
Roman Reigns: Yeah. You’re the stone I stepped on, on my way to superstardom. Now, you wear your wife’s clothes.
Seth Rollins: Cute. I think someone made the same remark not too long ago but, hey, we can’t all be unique, can we?
Roman Reigns: And you lose to geeks in a cat mask. I’m impressed.
Seth Rollins: Ouch. That hurt. But you know who else is a loser? A guy who gets intentionally disqualified by hitting his opponent with a steel chair and never gives him a rematch. Rings a bell?
Paul Heyman: Gentlemen, I think you’re getting ahead of yourselves. As I was saying, the Tribal Chief isn’t allowed to compete until…
Stephanie McMahon: And as I said, he needs to relinquish his title.
Paul Heyman: Ah… Stephanie. Do you remember the times we had when you ‘bought’ ECW and we worked together? You were just a spoiled little girl then. Now, you’re a mother but I like to think I played a role in making you a woman. Can’t you cut an old… friend some slack?
Stephanie McMahon: Your innuendo is both disgusting and completely baseless. You really need to see someone for that strange case of compulsive lying, Paul.
Roman Reigns: I won’t drop that title. You can forget about it.
Stephanie McMahon: I wasn’t asking.
Paul Heyman: Maybe I can bring a different perspective on that matter. You see, Steph, I’m also a lawyer and I believe that on Saturday, you had my Tribal Chief compete in an unsafe working environment.
Stephanie McMahon: That’s ridiculous! What are you talking about?
Paul Heyman: Well, my Tribal Chief did sustain a very serious injury while performing for your company. Where did that bear-trap come from? Did you know it was there? Those are valid questions that a jury could answer.
Stephanie McMahon: Your threat is empty. If you’re client isn’t going to defend his title for three months, I may as well go to trial and take the belt off him in the meantime.
Roman Reigns: Then let’s meet halfway. I will defend that bloody title!
Stephanie McMahon: Are you sure?
Roman Reigns: Looks like I don’t have a choice.
Seth Rollins: Hoo! Then I call dibs on that belt! Let me be the first one to try my luck! You owe me, Roman!
Roman Reigns: I don’t owe you anything, I own you. No.
Stephanie McMahon: Yes. Seth, you’ll face Roman Reigns in four weeks at Extreme Rules. Good luck to you both.
Wade Barrett: This is a mockery! How is he supposed to fight with his injury! Even more so at Extreme Rules!
Mauro Ranallo: Only one of the three men currently in the ring is leaving with a smile on his face tonight but until Extreme Rules, Seth Freakin Rollins will have to live with a target on his back. Will John Morrison put his money where his mouth is? How will Roman Reigns deal with his injury and the prospect of facing his former ‘brother’ in the ring? Be there next week on RAW to find out! | 92
Show rating: 85
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