Post by WWE RAW on Aug 26, 2024 16:47:54 GMT -5
Monday Night RAW
August 26, 2024
Crypto.com Arena
Los Angeles, California
As the opening video package ends, pyro explodes on the stage as the crowd in Los Angeles, California is erupting in cheers. The cameras pan through the crowd, showing off various signs reading things like “C.E.O.”, “Team WWE were screwed!”, “Cena sucks!” and more. After doing a pan of the Crypto.com Arena, the cameras settle in on the commentary table where we see the team of Michael Cole and Wade Barrett.
MICHAEL COLE: We’re coming in off the heels of SummerSlam and what a night of action that was! I’m Michael Cole and this is my broadcast partner, Wade Barrett!
WADE BARRETT: It has to be spoken of right off the bat because we all want to know, why did John Cena screw Team WWE?
MICHAEL COLE: A very surprising turn of events, a match full of villains and the one man you expect to be the hero turns out to be the bad guy!
WADE BARRETT: After wondering for weeks if one of Team WWE was going to turn, or if Bron Breakker was going to be the third man?!
MICHAEL COLE: We all were thrown for a loop! We even thought that Austin Theory might have been the third member but that wasn’t the case!
WADE BARRETT: But that’s not all that happened because we also had a truly tremendous tag team match from our women’s division for the returning WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship!
MICHAEL COLE: Our women’s division truly deserves a special shoutout for that one! The Unholy Union managed to win, but Shotzi and Saraya gave them a run for their money! It was truly my favorite match of the evening I think!
WADE BARRETT: Speaking of the women’s division, we’ve got Io Shirai and Giulia making their Monday Night RAW debuts! It should be a true spectacle to see, these ladies are very familiar with one another and they are both looking for a victory tonight!
MICHAEL COLE: HOOK and Damian Priest are going to compete for their first victories tonight as well! That should be a fun one to watch!
WADE BARRETT: To watch, yes, but I wouldn’t want to be in that ring with either of those men! But I wouldn’t want to be in the ring with Bron Breakker or Joey Janela either!
MICHAEL COLE: Bron Breakker would probably break you in half that’s why! But why Janela?
WADE BARRETT: The last time he came out here, I could smell him before he hit the stage! The Blueprint has a few members making their debut in tag team action tonight as well!
MICHAEL COLE: After the WWE Exclusive, it seems as though both members are looking to make an impact tonight! Ricky Starks was talking a pretty good game but we have to see if he can back it up when they take on The Patriarchy!
WADE BARRETT: They’ve been having a rough go of it lately but they are a cohesive unit! Cole had a bit of a rough night when he challenged for the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Mankind at SummerSlam! Tonight he’s hoping to turn that around when he takes on Tommy End!
MICHAEL COLE: End has been mysterious, spooky, and did quite well in that battle royal! This week he looks to gain even more momentum in singles action against Cole! I’m looking forward to seeing just what he’s capable of in this one-on-one encounter!
WADE BARRETT: Speaking of encounters to look forward to, we’ve got our WWE Tag Team Champions in peril tonight! 2.0 is coming for those championships and Matt Menard could cut diamonds with his nipples I hear!
MICHAEL COLE: Can we say nipples on the air?
”Superkick Party” plays over the P.A. system and the crowd’s excitement for the night immediately turns to anger. Boos rain down on the Young Bucks appearing at the top of the ramp and standing in between them, John Cena. They strike their pose at the top of the ramp and start to slowly make their way down to the ring.
MICHAEL COLE: Well, here we go, Wade. I hope we get some answers to what we saw at the end of SummerSlam last week.
WADE BARRETT: I have a long history with John Cena and even I can’t believe what I saw him do last week.
MICHAEL COLE: He effectively turned his back on each and every person in the WWE universe. If that wasn’t bad enough, it’s the Young Bucks he’s joined up with. Absolutely sickening.
WADE BARRETT: Here we are though, Cole. The fans are booing John Cena.
The Bucks and Cena step into the ring and there’s already some trash being thrown in their direction. They smirk at one another, shaking their heads in the process. Nick Jackson asks for a microphone from the ringside crew and is handed one. The music fades down, but the crowd’s booing does not fade at all.
NICK JACKSON: We told you so.
The crowd boos even louder at Nick’s smug statement.
NICK JACKSON: We told you that it was just the beginning when we took out Austin Theory and Jay White. We told you that there was more destruction to come, and you all didn’t believe us. You thought your white knights would save you. You thought team WWE would be vindicated in the end!
MATT JACKSON: You were wrong. You were all so very wrong. We did exactly what we said we were going to do.
NICK JACKSON: And you wanna know the best part? Do you all want to know what’s even better than what you saw last week at SummerSlam?
The fans have no interest in listening. They continue to rain boos and some trash down on the Bucks and Cena.
MATT JACKSON: There’s more coming. We’re only just ramping up. We know that all of you here and out there watching don’t want to hear “I told you so” from us. No, you tuned in tonight because you want to know why. So, we will make you wait no further. We will let you hear it right from the man himself.
Matt hands the mic over to Cena as the crowd yells out things at him like “traitor” and “asshole.” They might be right but Cena doesn’t care. A devilish grin comes across his face as he holds the mic in his hand.
JOHN CENA: Boo me all you want, I’ve been waiting a long time to finally tell the WWE Universe how I really feel. You all want to know why I turned my back on the WWE Universe and aligned myself with Matt and Nick? Well, the answer is pretty simple.
He pauses as the fans grow impatient waiting for an answer for his actions.
JOHN CENA: This company… You fans… You don’t deserve me as your hero.
MICHAEL COLE: Is he kidding right now!? Is this a joke!?
WADE BARRETT: Let the man talk, Cole.
JOHN CENA: And I’m done wasting my time trying to make all of you feel good about yourselves and this company. Look around this arena. The only reason any of you are even here is because I spent decades busting my ass to make the WWE a great place. And what do I get in return? I get to watch a bunch of nobodies waltz in here and act like they run the place. Last week, I made it pretty damn clear. I run the WWE! This is my company, and I call the shots!
John is yelling loudly at the fans as they shower him with boos. Matt and Nick smugly nod their heads in agreement. After a moment, John continues his speech.
JOHN CENA: Since June 27th, 2002, the day I debuted in the WWE, I have put this company before myself and sacrificed everything so the WWE could succeed. While other men my age were starting families and building a life, my entire existence revolved around the WWE Universe. This was and is my life. Maybe I was blinded by the belief that I was doing something extraordinary, but I gave up everything to make all of you happy. And what did it get me? I was ridiculed and mocked by “smart” fans. I became a puppet with the McMahons pulling the strings. I paraded out to the ring dressed like a middle school boy in jean shorts and neon t-shirts. Do you really think I wanted to be this? Hell no. Do you think this is really who I am? Hell no. But I bit my tongue and did what I was told. And because I’m damn good at what I do, I became the best professional wrestler on the planet. But did I get credit for that? Absolutely not.
John paces around the ring a little before continuing.
JOHN CENA: Do I get mentioned with the others on WWE’s “Mount Rushmore”? Maybe as a consolation add. But while the fans are fawning over guys like Eddie Guerrero and Bret Hart, saying they’re the best of all time, I’m actually putting in the work to make it a reality! What does it say about all of you that you worship dead wrestlers and old retired bums over the man standing before you who actually carried this company into the 21st century! The WWE is the global phenomenon it is today solely because of me. Nobody else deserves that credit. For too long I sat back and watched as other people benefitted from the fruits of my labor. Well, that is through. I had a wakeup call. Hell, I had an attitude adjustment. I’m not shutting up and following orders anymore. I am the Franchise Player of the WWE. The future of this company depends on what I want and what I decide. And if we don’t get what we want the easy way, we’ll take it from this company the hard way. Even if that means destroying the WWE and standing over its ashes. What you see standing before you is a dose of poison. A dose that has been injected into the WWE and has started to fester and grow. It’s a poison that will take the WWE down from the inside. What you all are looking at…is the nWo Elite.
The crowd is absolutely raining down boos on Cena as he hands the microphone back to Nick Jackson. Matt pats Cena on the back and nods while telling him something we can’t hear.
NICK JACKSON: We are not a collection of great wrestlers past their prime. The Young Bucks are, without any kind of debate, the greatest professional wrestling tag team of all time.
MATT JACKSON: And this man standing right here next to us is the greatest professional wrestler to ever walk this planet. Up to this point, we have been the standard bearers for this sport, but we are so much more than that.
NICK JACKSON: We are the past, present and future of this business. We are the nWo Elite!
MATT JACKSON: And we have a message for each and every champion sitting back there in the locker room right now. The vast majority of them, not even realizing what is happening out here right now. Sitting there with their earbuds in or taking in the garbage that passes at catering. Those of you who are listening though, those of you who are smart enough to pay attention…your time is coming. This is a threat. This is a promise.
NICK JACKSON: 127 days. The countdown is officially on.
MATT JACKSON: Each and every one of you has 127 days. I mean, the vast majority of you have less than that, but 127 days is our target. We are going to take each and every championship in this business in the next 127 days. From the WWE Championship to the Women’s Tag Team Championship. Oh yeah, that’s right. We’re coming for the women’s championships too.
NICK JACKSON: Each and every one of them are going to be in our possession.
MATT JACKSON: Because we are not just another group of people who come out and make egregious claims. We back up what we say. We make good on our promises, and you can all bet that this is a promise. By the start of 2025, the nWo Elite will have all of the titles in WWE.
NICK JACKSON: The demise of the WWE is imminent. It’s only a matter of time at this point. You all out there boo us now but will thank us for culling this place. Razing it to the ground and building it up newer and better.
MATT JACKSON: 127 days…
The Young Bucks’ music plays over the speakers, and they all toss their microphones to the mat. Matt and Nick make the “too sweet” hand motion towards Cena who dabs up both their hands as they each take to a corner in the ring and go up to the second rope, holding their hands up over their head.
MICHAEL COLE: The nWo Elite is officially here and I wish they’d go away already.
WADE BARRETT: John Cena and the Young Bucks teaming up together. Feels like an end of days scenario.
MICHAEL COLE: In time, they’ll pay for what they’ve done. They’ll get what’s coming to them.
WADE BARRETT: Still a pretty formidable group.
As the cameras go backstage, Cathy Kelley is holding a hand to her ear before she nods her head in confirmation and begins to speak.
CATHY KELLEY: Michael, Wade, I've unfortunately been informed that due to circumstance beyond our control and travel issues, HOOK and Damian Priest are unable to be here this evening and their match will not be taking place. We apologize to all of those in attendance and those watching at home.
Cathy holds a hand up to her earpiece again and speaks.
CATHY KELLEY: We're going to throw you to our Co-Owners office, we've been told someone is arriving right now!
MICHAEL COLE: Well that's unfortunate, two debuts that I was looking forward to! But, the night must go on!
WADE BARRETT: Opportunities come and go, I'm sure the rest of our superstars are chomping at the bit for the new openings they've provided!
MICHAEL COLE: I wonder who Triple H is going to be talking to?
WADE BARRETT: It looks like we're about to find out!
The camera fades into a shot of Triple H’s office. The big boss man sits at his desk, reading over paper reports. A firm knock at the door causes him to pause mid-read and glance up at his office door. The camera states focused on him as his brow furrows.
TRIPLE H: Come in.
He doesn’t wait for the person to come in before looking back at his reports. The sound of heavy boots, muffled by the carpet beneath them, can be heard. A shadow darkens Triple H’s face a little, the shape of a man, but the camera never pans over to show the newcomer’s face. Finally, Triple H finishes the report. He sits it off to one side and looks up, only for his eyes to widen as he takes in who interrupted him.
TRIPLE H: What are you doing here?
The question sounds shocked, almost incredulous, and the crowd rumbles their curiosity at who it could be.
? ? ?: We need to talk.
TRIPLE H: Yeah…yeah, I’d say we do. Take a seat.
There’s a sound of a chair being pulled out. Triple H opens his mouth to speak before looking at the cameraman.
TRIPLE H: Go to something else, this’d better be a private chat.
The camera shot pans back a little from Triple H’s face, revealing a little more of the office. The glimpse of a black gloved hand resting on the arm of a chair is very briefly shown before the camera fades back to the announce desk.
MICHAEL COLE: Well that was…a little unusual.
WADE BARRETT: For once, Cole, I think I agree with you. Triple H isn’t an easy man to catch unaware, but whoever it was might have just done it!
We head to the backstage area to find Byron Saxton standing by, microphone in hand.
BYRON SAXTON: Ladies and gentlemen, joining me at this time is a man who returned to the ring last night on Sunday Night Heat - - Carlito!
The crowd responds with mostly boos and a smattering of cheers as the camera pans to the left and we can see Carlito clad in a Hawaiian shirt. The towering Jesús is behind him rocking a pair of neon green suspenders.
BYRON SAXTON: Carlito, first of all, let me be the first one to officially welcome you back to the WWE!
Carlito gives a quick nod of acknowledgement.
BYRON SAXTON: Last night on Heat you were victorious against Mike Sydal - -
That seems to put a smile on Carlito's face.
BYRON SAXTON: - - but I've got to be honest, I think all of the WWE Universe was a little surprised that not only did Mike Sydal nearly defeat you in the opening seconds of the match - -
The smile has disappeared as Carlito now frowns.
BYRON SAXTON: - - but you were only able to win the match with the help of Jesús.
Carlito is now glaring at Byron Saxton.
CARLITO: Aren't you supposed to be asking questions? Carlito didn't hear one there. Just a bunch of misinformation.
BYRON SAXTON: Misinformation?
CARLITO: That's right.
Jesús leans in to give his two cents.
JESÚS: Yeah. Misinformation. Carlito didn't stutter, chico.
Byron takes a slight step back as Jesús is quite the intimidating presence.
BYRON SAXTON: I guess my question would be how do you feel you did in your return to the ring?
CARLITO: Carlito won the match, right? Carlito's hand was raised in victory, right?
BYRON SAXTON: Yes, of course, but - -
CARLITO: No buts about it, Byron. Carlito was the winner and that's all that the history books will say. That's all that matters. And for the record, Jesús didn't help Carlito. Jesús saw Mike Sydal was about to fall off the top turnbuckle because he's clumsy. So Jesús reached out to try and steady him, but clumsy Mike Sydal ended up losing his balance.
Jesús leans in again.
JESÚS: Yeah. Clumsy kid. Try to be a nice guy and this is how you get rewarded?
Jesús shakes his head.
BYRON SAXTON: Right… well, apologies are in order, I suppose. I will follow up by asking what should the fans expect from Carlito in the future? Are there any superstars you'd like to address at this time? Any championship desires you'd like to announce?
CARLITO: You'd like that, wouldn't you?
BYRON SAXTON: As an investigative journalist, I sure would!
CARLITO: You'd just love it if Carlito announced his plans to the whole world, right?
BYRON SAXTON: Absolutely!
CARLITO: You'd be thrilled if Carlito read out his entire manifesto right here, right now, huh?
BYRON SAXTON: I'm sure the fans would as well!
Carlito strokes his chin, considering it for a moment.
CARLITO: We are in Los Angeles…
That gives the crowd reason to pop.
CARLITO: … you know what?
Byron leans in, excitement on his face as he's ready to land the big scoop.
CARLITO: You and all the fans in Los Angeles can get bent.
The crowd begins booing, which allows Carlito to smile once more.
CARLITO: Carlito's business is between Carlito and nobody else.
JESÚS: Except me, right, boss?
Carlito ignores Jesús.
CARLITO: Now why don't you run along, Byron, before Carlito takes that microphone and sticks it so far up your - -
BYRON SAXTON: Thanks, Carlito! Best of luck!
Byron quickly backs out of the frame, leaving Carlito and Jesús by themselves.
JESÚS: What do you think, boss? Should we find a club nearby? A gentlemen's club, perhaps?
Carlito smirks.
CARLITO: Now dat? Dat's cool.
MICHAEL COLE: The more things change, the more they stay the same. It looks like Carlito is back to his old ways.
WADE BARRETT: You say that like it's a bad thing. Who doesn't enjoy scaring off that little twerp Byron Saxton and a night out with undoubtedly some of L.A.'s most beautiful women?
MICHAEL COLE: Byron asked a good question, Wade. Everyone who watched Heat saw Carlito win in a rather unimpressive fashion.
WADE BARRETT: Those questions are exactly why elite athletes like myself and Carlito hate the media! Carlito won the match and we both know that's all that matters.
MICHAEL COLE: Perhaps you're right but if Carlito continues to give that kind of performance as his level of competition increases, I don't think he'll find the success he thinks he will.
WADE BARRETT: Well it's a good thing nobody cares what you think, isn't it?
MICHAEL COLE: Well, Wade, it’s that time again…we’ve gotten another video from Bo Dallas!
WADE BARRETT: I don’t get it, Cole, I just don’t get it. When is this oddball going to stop sending in videos and just show up?
MICHAEL COLE: I’m not sure, maybe we’ll get some answers this week. Let’s find out!
Bray Wyatt had been an otherworldly presence in the company. Much of the roster had known him as a man willing to lead the world with wisdom, a man ready to welcome the greenest members of the roster into the big leagues, to take them under his wing and teach them even the smallest parts of the business...even how to set up a table. They had all known that part of his brother. The part of him he showed to the world, carefully curated with a smile behind the scenes even when he was struggling with his own demons. Demons only Bo could understand. And then, there's the true version, the Bray Wyatt that Bo had worshiped for his entire life. Bo had always known his brother was special. From the furthest back he can remember, he had always spun stories that only Stephen King could have dreamed of, stories that left him afraid to sleep at night, convinced that the shadows on the wall were there for his soul. Stories that filled his dreams of men and monsters that sought to find truth and justice for the weak, the afraid, the abused...the scared.
He hadn't known that those stories would shape everything he would become. The memory of the day Bray faded still haunts him. Nothing had seemed real. It had been as if he was trapped in a movie, stuck in a nightmare. Everything the doctors said seemed to come through a web of mesh, and it had been impossible to process at first. He can remember the wails of his family, the breath leaving his body, his heart seeming to stop as reality set in and the world moved back to normal speed instead of slow motion. And for days, it was as though he was on the outside looking in because he couldn't operate any way except for autopilot. He doesn't know when autopilot ended. But at some point, he'd come back down to earth, a shell of the man he'd been. A different entity with baggage that he couldn't explain to anyone. He's not sure anyone would understand. He's trying to show the world what's important, trying to build a legacy for his brother in the hopes that maybe he can make a difference, reminding everyone that they needed to appreciate everything they had because in an instant it could be torn from them.
It's because of that that he tries so hard to hide the grief from his face, holding his shoulders back and his head high while pulling others through their grief, their pain. If he can help them through that door, through the loss and abandonment ... then maybe he can fight through his own, make sense of why the universe had chosen him. And if that means shouldering the pain... it would be worth it. Uncle Howdy can aid him, he is far too kind, much too loved to feel so much pain. He can feel his hand on his shoulder and a soft, genuine smile pulls to his lips at the gesture. In their own pain, their concern is with his own. There's a reason Howdy is so loved. They are one of the most genuine people he's ever met, kind to a fault, never putting themselves first.
BO DALLAS: Life doesn't get easier, no, it gets harder... but you find reasons to push through and then you somehow think about the worst a little less. The smallest things remind you... but that isn't so bad once the memories are happy. At first... all I could remember was staring at the floor of the hospital. But that memory only comes on the worst nights. If it hurts... it means they're worth missing. It means that I have to continue on without him, and become what he had dreamed of for me, no more hiding, no more games, it is time to be the brother I was meant to be, for everyone else, it means only one thing... it is time to... run.
He whispered the words for the moment and then, he turns and looks right at the camera, Bo Dallas, through the pain and sorrow, was ready to unleash all of this onto those who will dare stand within his way. And with that, the video fades out and we go back to the ringside area.
MICHAEL COLE: It appears as though Bo will be arriving very soon!
WADE BARRETT: And with very ill intentions for anyone in his way!
MICHAEL COLE: Speaking of which, Adam Cole has some very ill intentions for Tommy End up next! But I’m not sure what he can do is going to be worse than what Tommy will be doing to him!
SHOCK THE SYSTEM!
”Undisputed” by CFO$ blares over the sound system of the arena as Adam Cole confidently swaggers out to the top of the stage. He points to himself as the crowd are thoroughly against him when The Gunns make their way out onto the stage as back-up.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Making his way to the ring, The Star of the Show, Adaaam Cooole!
MICHAEL COLE: Adam Cole is looking to get back on the winning train here tonight! Tommy End doesn't seem like the guy you want to try and get one over on though.
WADE BARRETT: He kidnaps people! But Cole has been pretty great at escaping with himself still intact no matter what the circumstances. He's still alive after having faced Mankind after all!
As Cole makes his way down to the ring the Gunns play hype men as they try to get him pumped up for his match. Cole eventually tells them to cool it as he gets on the apron and gets ready for his moment. He readies his hand for his moment and ”The Devil Made Me Do It” by Emil Bulls blasts over the P/A system and smoke fills the stage as Tommy End is brought up from underneath.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: And his opponent, making his way to the ring, Tommmy Ennnd!
MICHAEL COLE: Tommy has been on a fast track to prove himself, Wade!
WADE BARRETT: You would be too if you wanted to get some answers! Tommy still thinks he’s been on the roster before, he even went so far as to confront our Co-Owner about it!
MICHAEL COLE: Well, let’s hope he can be controlled because he doesn’t seem like he’s quite all there!
As he makes his way down to the ring, it’s almost as if the only person he sees is his opponent, Adam Cole. He cracks his neck to either side before he ascends the ring steps slowly and stares a hole through Cole. Jumping over the ropes as he rolls into the ring and sits crisscrossed in the center of it. Cole isn’t quite sure what to make of it as he tries to question the official, but they just signal for the match to start as the bell rings.
SINGLES MATCH
The bell rings and Adam Cole rolls out of the rings as the live crowd boos him for being afraid of whatever is going on with Tommy End. Cole stares into the eyes of Tommy but gets nothing in response, movement or otherwise from him. The official tells Cole to get back into the ring or he’ll start the count, Cole reluctantly gives in as he commands End to get to his feet and fight. The Gunns motivate him from ringside to just attack but as soon as Cole goes in to do it, End monkey flips him over! Cole lands on his feet but as he spins around, he gets hit with a spinning kick to the gut! End now springboards off the ropes and hits Cole dead center with both feet on his chest with a METEORA that stomps him into the canvas!
MICHAEL COLE: Quick on his feet is Tommy!
WADE BARRETT: End definitely psyched Cole out a bit here in the early goings!
Cole scrambles back into the corner and tries to catch his breath but End stomps into him relentlessly! He now picks Cole back up to his feet and hooks him around the neck and delivers a brainbuster! End hooks the leg, 1…2…Cole kicks out! Tommy gets to his feet and as Cole sits up nail him with a punt kick to the head that knocks him back down! End gets him back to his feet again and whips Cole towards the corner but as he rushes in Cole pushes up and off the turnbuckle corner jumping over End as he shoves him into the turnbuckle corner chest first! As End bounces back Cole catches him with a BACKSTABBER! Cole hooks the leg as he demands the count, 1…End kicks out quickly!
MICHAEL COLE: Not enough to put End down yet!
WADE BARRETT: Cole’s just getting started! Give him some time, Cole!
Cole slaps the side of End’s head and lifts him off the canvas as he hooks him around the neck and spins him over for a neckbreaker! He pulls End up by the arm now as he wraps himself around properly and delivers his arm-bar DDT! He hooks the leg again of End, 1…2…Tommy kicks out again! Cole now slaps the canvas in frustration as he argues with the official, Austin and Colten telling him to stay focused from the outside. Cole gets to his feet grabbing the long hair of Tommy and delivers a knee to the head! He picks him up around the waist and spins him over looking for a Tombstone piledriver! End is wiggling though, and Cole loses balance which makes him fall back as End has him in position for it now, TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER! Both members of the Undisputed Era outside of the ring can’t believe what they just saw!
MICHAEL COLE: End has managed to turn his own move against him!
WADE BARRETT: That’s a blatant trademark infringement! He should be fined for that!
Tommy collapses on Cole after the move, 1…2…Cole barely gets the shoulder up! Tommy slowly gets to his feet and heads for the turnbuckle as he leaps up to the top and spins around to prepare himself. Austin gets up on the apron and starts to get in but the official stops him! Colten, however, gets up from the other side and shoves End off the top rope so that he crashes and burns on the canvas! Both Gunns are satisfied with their handiwork now as they shout for Cole to get to his feet! Cole crawls himself over to the ropes and pulls himself up to his feet as he tries to shake off the piledriver from earlier. Spotting his opening he pulls down his knee pad and looks to The Gunns who acknowledge this is his opportunity!
MICHAEL COLE: The Boom might be incoming!
WADE BARRETT: Not gonna be a great day for Tommy if he hits this!
Tommy is on his knees now as Cole runs off the ropes and as he comes back goes for it, THE BOO-, NO! Tommy ducks the shot and as Cole bounces off the ropes on the other side, he is met with a roundhouse kick that knocks him for a loop! He staggers for a moment and End slides in with a leg trip kicking his legs out from underneath him as he barrels through Cole! End patiently stalks his prey as Cole slowly gets to his feet and as he turns around, Austin grabs the leg of End! Colten is complaining to the referee now about something on the apron! Cole shakes his head for a moment to knock off the daze and as Colten jumps down Austin releases Tommy’s leg. Tommy turns right into a superkick from Cole, Cole bounces off the ropes behind him and comes back with a chop block that puts Tommy down on his knees! Cole now takes his second opportunity, bounces off the other ropes behind Tommy, THE BOOM! He hooks the legs of End, 1…2…3! Tommy kicks out but it’s too late! THE LIGHTS IN THE ARENA SHUT OFF!
WINNER
ADAM COLE
07:51 via PINFALL
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, The Star of the Show ADAAAM COOOLE!
MICHAEL COLE: I don’t know what’s happening, but the lights have gone off and - -
WADE BARRETT: WAIT! They’re back on now!
The Gunns stand in the ring with Cole now as the lights come back on and standing behind them is a completely unfazed but imposing looking Tommy End! Cole backs up and falls out of the ring as he gets to his feet quickly after the stumble and tries to point behind The Gunns to warn them. Both of The Gunns turn to get hit with a colossal THE END that takes both members down at the same time! Tommy turns his attention to Adam Cole again outside of the ring as he backs his way up the ramp and the lights go out as an audible scream can be heard!
MICHAEL COLE: What’s happening?!
WADE BARRETT: I don’t know, Cole! They need to have the lights checked in this arena, though!
After ten seconds and some more screams in the arena, the lights come back on but both Austin and Colten Gunn are missing! Tommy End, however, is now standing on the apron as Cole is completely baffled by what’s just happened! Tommy doesn’t move, Cole gets back up to his feet after another stumble and Tommy jumps down but Cole is out of here, running like a bat out of hell to the back!
Suddenly, we shift over to a chaotic scene at ringside. Solo Sikoa has hopped over the ringside barrier and is in a frenzy, running rampant, destroying everything in sight with brutal force. His eyes are wild, his breath heavy, and the crowd is in a stunned silence, unsure of what might happen next.
Suddenly, the arena lights dim slightly, and an eerie, gold shimmer fills the screen of the TitanTron. The unmistakable voice of Goldust cuts through the tension.
GOLDUST: Mmm. Oh, my sweet, sweet, Solo. Since Papa Paul has been a faithful little stooge and he won’t bring you to me… I propose we play a little game. One where the roles are reversed. You for the Wiseman. Next week… here on RAW.
Goldust pauses, letting the unsettling silence linger before speaking again, his voice dropping to a softer, almost tender tone.
GOLDUST: Solo… one more thing before I go… “I think I'd miss you even if we'd never met.” The Wedding Date, 2005.
The screen flickers, Solo grabs a nearby cameraman, staring directly into the camera’s lens, his expression a mix of fury and determination.
SOLO SIKOA: You want me?! You GOT ME!
Without a moment’s hesitation, Solo shoves the cameraman aside and races up the ramp, charging towards the backstage area, ready to confront Goldust. The crowd roars as the camera man struggles to keep up with him, the anticipation building as RAW cuts over to the commentary table.
MICHAEL COLE: The issues between Goldust and Solo Sikoa continue!
WADE BARRETT: This is a dangerous game Goldust is playing, Cole. Solo Sikoa looks like he's ready to tear Goldust's head off!
MICHAEL COLE: Folks, SummerSlam was eight days ago, and we had a heck of a time! The biggest party of the summer was rocking from side to side, and it was full of surprises!
WADE BARRETT: Like the DEBUT of Mercedes Moné and The Blueprint! One of women’s wrestling’s most influential stars made it known that she was coming ba - -
MICHAEL COLE: Ah, you caught yourself.
WADE BARRETT: No idea what you’re talking about, Cole! There’s a lot I could say about Mercedes and The Blueprint, but who better to say it than the woman herself? As requested by her, we have a sit-down interview with Mercedes Moné. Let’s go to the back.
MICHAEL COLE: It’s okay to admit you made a mistake, Wade. We all know she’s - -
WADE BARRETT: Quiet, Cole!
Cameras cut to one of the few rooms in the arena set up for interviews. In the camera is Mercedes Moné, dressed up in a blue bodysuit with a blue wig on to represent her group. Even her obnoxiously large and bedazzled sunglasses are blue to fit the ensemble. Sitting across from Mercedes is none other than Byron Saxton, who's looking to get thing started.
BYRON SAXTON: Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Byron Saxton an - -
MERCEDES MONÉ: Ummm, excuse me? Who are you?
BYRON SAXTON: I just… I’m Byron Saxton. I’m your interviewer this eveni - -
Mercedes doesn’t like the sound of that, deciding to talk over it instead of letting it continue.
MERCEDES MONÉ: Stokely! Stokely!
STOKELY HATHAWAY: Yes, Mercedes?
The comically short right hand of Mercedes Moné shoots into camera view, dressed to the nines in a black suit.
MERCEDES MONÉ: Where’s my interviewer?
BYRON SAXTON: I’m righ - -
MERCEDES MONÉ: And why does he keep talking?
Saxton looks confused and hurt by that question, but Stokely drives the dagger in even further.
STOKELY HATHAWAY: We actually have an interviewer already, Braxton.
BYRON SAXTON: It’s By - -
MERCEDES MONÉ: Well, then, bye!
Mercedes gives a little wave to Byron, who doesn’t budge. Once she realizes that Saxton isn’t going to leave, Mercedes moves her sunglasses down her nose and gives a glare to Stokely - - or so we think. Stoke realizes that Mercedes is looking past him, so he follows the gaze… and Megan Bayne walks into frame. Megan stands in front of Saxton now, who can’t actually get up to leave.
STOKELY HATHAWAY: I believe Miss Moné said “bye”. You know where the exit is.
Saxton’s head goes up and down faster than two fat kids on a seesaw. Megan moves out of his way and the would-be interviewer turns roadrunner quickly. Mercedes moves her sunglasses back up to their proper position while Stokely looks directly into the camera.
STOKELY HATHAWAY: Sorry, folks! Come back later!
Stokely then tries to block the view of Mercedes from the multiple camera angles in the room, which is a cue for the production team to bring us back to the announce table. Cole and Barrett both seem a little surprised about what just occurred, but Barrett won’t let anyone know.
MICHAEL COLE: Come back later?! That’s their time. This is the time slot allotted to Mercedes for this interview that was supposed to be conducted live here on Raw. Instead, she decided to dismiss Byron Saxton. So, are we not getting the interview?
WADE BARRETT: You heard Stokely Hathaway - - “come back later”. You said the words yourself.
MICHAEL COLE: But they can’t do tha - -
WADE BARRETT: That is Mercedes Moné, she can do whatever it is that she wants!
MICHAEL COLE: Well folks, SummerSlam has been the talk of the night, and before we head into our next match I think we need to mention exactly how the show ended last week!
WADE BARRETT: You mean with John Cena finally deciding that the company owes him something rather than him always being the one giving? Relationships are two ways, Cole. I think he’s earned some time being the taker.
MICHAEL COLE: I won’t disagree with you that Cena’s done a lot of things for the WWE, but I think this man would have some thoughts to share!
The camera goes backstage where we see Bron Breakker walking slowly down a hallway, passing by production staff and various show hands. They all give him a wide berth, seeing the steel in his eyes as the camera zooms in on him a little more.
BRON BREAKKER: Eight days. That’s how long it’s been since SummerSlam, and every single one of them I’ve been asked the same questions over and over again. By Steve, the man who’s been mentoring me. My parents and my uncle, Scott. Stephanie and the big man, Papa Trips. Cathy Kelley wanted to ask me about it until I told her to go away. “How are you doing? What are your plans? What are you going to do about this?”
Bron takes a deep breath and rolls his shoulders, collecting his thoughts before answering. He doesn’t seem to calm down, though. The muscles in his shoulders grow more rigid, the veins in his neck bulge and become more apparent.
BRON BREAKKER: How do you think I feel? The two dumbest men in this industry got one over on me. Two men that, if you put all their brains together, you get an IQ number below freezing. And they get one over on me? That’s not gonna fly, not for very long. You see, Matt, Nicky, I’m going to let you know right now that you’re not ready for the crap storm that is coming your way. Once I’ve got the Intercontinental Championship on my shoulder, I want one of you - - or both of you - - in that ring with me, and then I’m going to plant me a couple of dumbass trees. You wanna call yourself the EVPs? By the time I’m done with you, the only letters anybody will associate with you are EMS.
Bron shakes his head before continuing, entering the Gorilla position right now. More staff move around him, making sure the show is up and running and largely ignoring him.
BRON BREAKKER: As for John Cena…I’m not gonna waste much time talking about what you did last week. You had the respect if not the love of the locker room, of the entire WWE Universe, and you just…threw it all away. You wasted it! And for what? To pretend to be a top dog with the Young Bucks? No, that’s not gonna fly, John. You refused to tell Chris Van Vliet whether or not this was your retirement tour, and I sure as hell hope not. It’s going to be a sad tour with just two stops: a match with me, and the career graveyard.
Bron smiles viciously. He slaps his shoulders and looks directly into the camera.
BRON BREAKKER: Enough about them, it’s time for the show. We got any dogs barking in LA tonight?
The crowd erupts into actual barks, sounding like a too-full dog kennel. After a moment, “Fear No Evil” hits, and the camera follows Bron out into the lights and the smoke as the crowd cheers. The second-generation superstar rolls his shoulders, smiling as he looks out over the crowd at the top of the ramp.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is a #1 Contender’s Match for the Intercontinental Championship! Introducing first, making his way to the ring, Brooon Breaaakkerrr!
Bron walks down the ramp with purpose, only giving a few high-fives here and there on the side of the entranceway. He climbs the ramps and steps through the ropes. Immediately his eyes focus on the stage, ready for his opponent.
MICHAEL COLE: Tough words from Bron Breakker, calling out John Cena and the EVPs all on his own!
WADE BARRETT: I can’t believe LA just barked at me. I think Breakker should be a bit more careful though, Cole. Breaker’s not a man who’s made many friends in his short time on the main roster; he’s not got anybody in his corner if the EVPs do decide to come knocking.
"Proto(Re)vision" by J.D. Spears begins to play on the speakers now and the crowd’s reaction becomes much more mixed as Joey Janela makes his way to the top of the stage. Looking out at the crowd with a big, excited grin, Joey puts his arms out to the side and begins to shake them up and down excitedly in an attempt to pump up the crowd as he begins to make his way down the ramp.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: And his opponent, making his way to the ring, The Bad Boy, Joooeeey Janeeelaaa!
MICHAEL COLE: Joey Janela earned this opportunity two weeks ago when he overcame seven other men in a huge battle royal, and he’s looking to continue that momentum here tonight and punch his ticket to No Mercy!
WADE BARRETT: His momentum is about to run into the brick wall that is a pissed off Bron Breakker, Cole! I’ll be honest, I don’t really like Janela’s chances here tonight!
As he gets to the bottom of the ramp, Joey goes to give some high fives to fans in the front row, but nobody has their hands out so he quickly brings his hands up to rub them through his hair, in an attempt to make it look like that’s what he’d planned to do all along. Going to the steel steps, Joey excitedly moves up to the apron and steps inside the ring, throwing his arms up into the air once again as the reaction from the crowd continues to stay mixed. Taking off his sunglasses, Janela hands them off to a ringside attendant, before unzipping his leather vest and handing that off as well. As his music fades, Joey lets out a deep exhale as he rolls his shoulders and tries to prepare himself for the battle ahead.
SINGLES MATCH
The bell rings and Janela immediately charges at Breakker, jumping up and looking to hit him with a strike, however Breakker manages to grab Janela around the waist and hold on tight! Janela’s eyes go wide in a mixture of shock and fear as he’s now caught in Breakker’s vice-like grip, and now Breakker charges towards the corner, drilling Janela’s back into the turnbuckles! Janela lets out a loud, pained cry as his body makes the impact, and Breakker lets go of Janela only to nail him with a corner chest chop! Then another! And another! Janela is clutching at his chest in pain, but Breakker is still on the move, bending over and driving his shoulder into Janela’s abdomen with a shoulder block! Then a second one! And a third! And a fourth! Janela falls down into the seated position and Bron begins stomping away at him. After he gets in about eight stomps, the referee manages to get him away from Janela and he pulls down the straps of his singlet as he lets out a roar and then a loud bark to the delight of the crowd!
MICHAEL COLE: Bron Breakker is getting a lot of his aggression out early on here!
WADE BARRETT: I knew this wasn’t going to be a good night for Janela!
Walking back over to where Janela is sitting, Breakker reaches down and roughly brings The Bad Boy up to his feet. Grabbing Janela by the wrist, Breakker goes to whip him into the opposite corner but surprisingly, Janela counters and whips Breakker into the corner instead! Janela’s eyes go wide with surprise as he realizes what he’s done and he runs towards Breakker, leaping up onto the second turnbuckle and then bringing Breakker down to the mat with a monkey flip! The crowd is buzzing in surprise at Janela getting the advantage over Breakker, and he looks equally surprised but also excited. Looking to keep the momentum going, Janela hits the ropes and when he comes back he jumps up into the air, coming down onto Breakker with a running senton! Quickly, Janela goes for the cover and he hooks the leg, 1…kick out by Bron Breakker!
MICHAEL COLE: Janela didn’t even get a two count there!
WADE BARRETT: Does that surprise you, Cole?
Janela looks crushed that he wasn’t able to put Breakker away, as that was likely going to be his only chance to do so. Determined to still give it his best shot, Janela quickly gets to his feet and he bends down to pick Breakker up and bring him to his feet. He goes to whip Breakker into the ropes but this time, it’s Breakker who counters and whips Janela into the ropes instead and when Janela comes back, Breakker lifts him up and over, driving him into the mat with a vicious powerslam that shakes the ring! With an agitated look on his face, Breakker gets to his feet and he picks Janela up as well, putting his own head between Janela’s legs and lifting him up into the air, and then driving him back down into the mat with a Georgia slam! Janela is clutching at the back of his head in pain, and Breakker puts a foot on his chest, keeping him down on the mat as the referee begins to count. 1…2…Janela kicks out!
MICHAEL COLE: Oh my God, I can’t believe Joey Janela kicked out of that!
WADE BARRETT: I can’t either, Cole, and I don’t know how smart that was, either!
Breakker’s eyes go wide with shock, he cannot believe that Janela has kicked out. Shaking his head and rubbing his hands over his face, Breakker walks over to the corner and crouches down, licking his lips and then gritting his teeth as he watches Janela start to slowly get to his feet. Once Janela is upright and begins to turn around, Breakker comes charging in, looking to nail Janela with a spear but Janela is able to sidestep the move at the last second! Breakker almost crashes into the corner, but he’s able to halt his momentum and grab onto the ropes before that happens and he quickly turns around only to get nailed by a shining wizard from Janela! The crowd is once again in shock as Breakker stumbles from the move, but doesn’t completely go down. Thinking quickly, Janela goes back into the corner again and rushes in, looking to hit a second shining wizard, but Breaker ducks this attempt and grabs onto Janela, and hoists him up into the air with a military press! In an impressive feat of strength, Breakker walks around the ring for a moment still holding Janela high up into the air. Before he can slam him into the mat, however, Janela manages to wriggle free and falls down behind Breakker, landing on his feet! Before Breakker can do anything else, Janela quickly rolls Breakker up with a schoolboy pin, 1…2…3! Joey Janela wins!
WINNER
JOEY JANELA
06:37 via PINFALL
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, The Bad Boy, JOOOEEEY JANEEELAAA!
MICHAEL COLE: Oh my God, Wade, I can’t believe it! Joey Janela has beaten Bron Breakker!
WADE BARRETT: I am in utter shock right now, Cole! I never thought Janela would be walking out of here the winner. And now he’s gotten himself a shot at the Intercontinental Championship!
”Proto(Re)vision” begins playing on the speakers again and the crowd is absolutely stunned as Joey Janela stumbles to his feet. His eyes wide in shock, Janela wastes no time rolling under the bottom rope to the arena floor and running halfway up the ramp, turning back to look at Bron Breakker who has gotten back to his feet and has a look of shock on his face as well. The referee has run to catch up to Janela, and raises his arm in the air to declare him the victor. With his shock giving way to excitement, pumping his fists into the air and jumping up and down before turning and jogging up the rest of the ramp towards the back, the referee not too far behind him. Back in the ring, Bron Breakker stands there with his hands on his hips, looking down at the mat and shaking his head. After a moment, he walks to the ropes and kicks the bottom rope with a frustrated yell, before stepping out of the ring and down onto the floor, angrily walking up the ramp as the cameras fade out to commercial.
Tune in next week as the road to No Mercy continues!
