Monday Night RAW 9-2-2024

As we come back from commercial break, we find the WWE Champion, “Big Daddy Cool” Diesel, standing alongside Old Man Michaels back in catering

DIESEL: Bakersfield has been nothing but hospitable to Big Daddy Cool, but I’ve got to be honest with you …

The big man takes a swig of coffee from a Styrofoam cup.

DIESEL: This coffee just doesn’t cut it.

OLD MAN MICHAELS: Don’t blame Bakersfield, big fella. The coffee is never good. It’s not supposed to be good. It builds character.

DIESEL: Then I’ve got a lot of character.

Before Old Man Michaels can respond, a third man has joined their conversation.

DANHAUSEN: Ah, yes. Danhausen too loves a cup of bean juice any time of day!

At first glance, Diesel isn’t pleased to see Danhausen. It’s worth noting that Danhausen isn’t completely in the scene, he’s more poking his head in.

DIESEL: You’ve got a lot of nerve showing up here.

DANHAUSEN: That isn't the first time Danhausen has heard that...

DIESEL: Look man, I know you’ve got the golden ticket around here, and you had every right to be at SummerSlam, but you ought to let Big Daddy Cool handle his business and then we can go from there.

DANHAUSEN: Danhausen has a golden ticket like the boy from the chocolate documentary that Danhausen viewed recently! A golden ticket that guarantees Danhausen a shot at the blimp that he so desires, as well as a nice piece of championship gold!

DIESEL: I can’t argue with you man, you’ve got every right to watch my every move, and you’ve got the right to call your shot, but you should’ve let me handle my business against Graves.

DANHAUSEN: Danhausen would not dare to start trouble with you, Truckman! Danhausen saw what you were capable of in that movie with the martial art turtles! Instead, Danhausen is here to congratulate you on a successful title defense! Danhausen heard that Truckman had a sweet tooth!

The shot expands to show Danhausen completely, and he’s holding a cake. It's not a very nice-looking cake either.

OLD MAN MICHAELS: Cake?

DANHAUSEN: It’s a congratulations cake.

OLD MAN MICHAELS: What flavor?

DANHAUSEN: Truckman is going to have to find out!

DIESEL: Forget the flavor. Look, I appreciate you wanting to congratulate me, but it’s not necessary. It’s not necessary for you to bother us at all, if I’m being honest. You’ve got your golden ticket but let me handle my business and then when you’re ready, we’ll handle our business. Does that sound good?

Danhausen looks a bit confused. Instead of responding, he holds the cake up to Diesel. You can really get a good shot of how cruddy the cake looks. In fact…did Danhausen put teeth on it?

DIESEL: I don’t mean any disrespect, but what I’m saying is that Two Dudes with Attitudes is just that, TWO dudes. Let us take care of our business and then when you call your shot, we’ll handle our business. Sound good?

Diesel slaps Danhausen on the back before he and Old Man Michaels exit the scene, leaving Danhausen looking at the cake.

DANHAUSEN: This is a lot of cake for one person…

The cameras now go to another area backstage where the female superstars are all getting their makeup done. A few of them crack jokes, while Blair Davenport stands in the corner with her arms crossed in disgust and seemingly speaking under her breath.

BLAIR DAVENPORT: Seriously? I can't believe I have to share a locker room with the likes of these girls.

Just as Blair smirks, Jamie Hayter comes into the frame much to Blair's surprise. Both women instantly embrace each other with a hug.

JAMIE HAYTER: I was wondering when you'd show up in WWE.

BLAIR DAVENPORT: Wow, if it isn't my former tag team partner. It's fancy seeing you here, you know I actually feel a lot better knowing that you've also had to deal with all of that over there.

Jamie looks over at the rest of the women getting their makeup done, then back to Blair, and nods her head in the affirmative.

JAMIE HAYTER: Soon enough, they'll have to deal with either of us, and when that happens, not enough makeup or sedation or medication will spare them from the pain and anguish that they'll go through.

Jamie flexes her right arm and kisses her bicep.

JAMIE HAYTER: It'll all be thanks to this. Pure, unadulterated power. You know as well as I do that power goes a long way.

BLAIR DAVENPORT: It sure does, and I mean you were SO close to beating that Pirate Princess KAIRI, but perhaps I need to give her a bit of cold-hearted fury to remind her where you and I come from. Until then, I plan on making a statement out of both Nikkita Lyons and Alexa Bliss.

Blair looks right at Jamie, who is smirking with her arms crossed.

JAMIE HAYTER: Oh, I'm sure you will. In fact, I'd love to go for a deeper chat perhaps away from all of this mess?

BLAIR DAVENPORT: Don't have to ask me twice, the aroma of cheap perfume is making me bloody sick.

Both Jamie and Blair chuckle and walk away from the cameras together. The two clearly have something up their sleeve regarding their relationship.

We cut to the interview area where Byron Saxton is waiting for his cue.

BYRON SAXTON: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time, the WWE Women’s Champion, Serena Deeb!

The crowd cheers as Deeb comes into frame with a smile on her face.

BYRON SAXTON: Serena, last week on RAW, we saw Mercedes Moné have some choice words for you and your championship reign. Anything you’d like to say to her?

Deeb looks down at the ground for a second or two, her smile quickly fading to a grin and then to an emotionless look as she brings her gaze back up to Saxton.

SERENA DEEB: Yes, Byron. There’s actually a lot I’d like to say to her but since I won this championship, I’ve done my talking in the ring. Something Ms. Moné will find out if she ever decides to step into the ring.

BYRON SAXTON: She also said that since you won the women’s championship, the rest of the division has become complacent.

SERENA DEEB: Sure Byron, this is why I joined you tonight. I wanted to talk about a bunch of stuff she said last week - -

She puts her hand up, stopping herself. Realizing she’s just frustrated with the questions and the words said about her last week.

SERENA DEEB: I - - I’m sorry, Byron. You’re just asking about the stuff she said. I shouldn’t take it out on you. Um…yeah, maybe the women’s division has become a little complacent. It would seem as though there’s some women out there who don’t think they have a shot in the ring with me and I honestly don’t blame them. If that’s led to some complacency, then so be it. I haven’t backed down from a single challenger yet and I don’t plan on starting any time soon.

BYRON SAXTON: Very well said. Serena, can you give us any updates on Jay White and his condition and whereabouts since the match at SummerSlam?

Deeb seems taken back by the question but before she can even get an answer out, a voice calls out from off the screen.

STOKELY HATHAWAY: No one cares about any of that, Saxman.

BYRON SAXTON: It’s Byron.

Stokely Hathaway walks into frame as the boos come in from the arena. Standing behind him is a clearly annoyed Renee Paquette with a microphone in her hand.

STOKELY HATHAWAY: Renee, tell Baxton that we no longer have use for him.

RENEE PAQUETTE: You know, technically I’m only Mercedes’ personal interviewer.

STOKELY HATHAWAY: I said tell him he’s no longer needed!

Renee shakes her head as Byron gives an annoyed look at Stokely. Deeb shares the annoyed look, staring daggers through Stokely who stares right back at her.

STOKELY HATHAWAY: Renee, tell the women’s champion that her days are numbered because like it or not, The Blueprint is coming for that championship. On the heels of the division that she herself built! She is going to rise to the top once again and take back her rightful place on the throne of the women’s division!

RENEE PAQUETTE: You want me to tell her all of that?

SERENA DEEB: No need, I heard every word of it. Stokely, if Mercedes had things she wanted to say to me, she should have come here and said them herself.

STOKELY HATHAWAY: Renee, tell Serena that Mercedes Moné doesn’t concern herself with this lesser champion. She has bigger and better things to take care of tonight. Because when you’re here in Bakersfield, the last thing you want to do is stay in Bakersfield. So, Mercedes shuffled up the I-5 to Hollywood and hit up a Vogue Red Carpet event tonight.

Stokely stops and waits for a second and then turns and looks back at Renee.

STOKELY HATHAWAY: Are you going to tell her all of that?

RENEE PAQUETTE: She can literally hear you. She’s standing right there.

SERENA DEEB: You know Stokely, you and Mercedes are just like every other woman who has stepped up and gotten knocked down. It’s the constant disrespect that I’ve faced since winning this championship that’s starting to wear me down. I have been champion for over 150 days. Most women never even get to hold this title, let alone for as long as I have. Normally, I wouldn’t bring myself down to this level but frankly I’m getting tired of the constant disrespect I have to face. You wanna talk about title reigns and making a division? Let’s take a look at your girl Mercedes’ reigns. Because I went and did the research Stokely. 26 days, 27 days, 19 days, 8 days and 26 days. Which, let me tell you, being a five time champion is rather impressive but when your reigns over those five times doesn’t equal the one time I’ve held it, then it doesn’t matter much. So, you guys can run your mouths but you can’t deny what I’ve done as a champion.

STOKELY HATHAWAY: Okay, well, first of all, that was not Mercedes Moné. I don’t know how many times we have to say it to get through to you people with thick skulls, but Mercedes Moné made her debut two weeks ago at SummerSlam. I don’t know what all this talk about multiple reigns and how long they were have to do with Ms. Moné.

SERENA DEEB: Oh please, deny it all you want - -

STOKELY HATHAWAY: We will.

SERENA DEEB: What is it going to take to shut you and the rest of your group up?

STOKELY HATHAWAY: I think you know exactly what it will take.

Serena sets the WWE Women’s Championship on the ground and starts to roll up her sleeves as Stokely’s eyes widen.

STOKELY HATHAWAY: Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. You know that’s not what I meant.

SERENA DEEB: No, but it’s going to make me feel a lot better.

STOKELY HATHAWAY: How about next week you put that title on the line. Not against Mercedes Moné. No, no, no. You have to earn that opportunity to be in the ring with her. Next week, you’re going to face The Greek Goddess herself, Megan Bayne! Then, maybe if you can get past her - - which you won’t - - we can talk about setting up a match between you and Mercedes.

SERENA DEEB: Earn a shot at Mercedes? Are you guys out of your minds?

She puts her hands up again, stopping herself in her frustration.

SERENA DEEB: You know what? This is perfect. I get to beat up on your little giant, Bayne and then shut Mercedes up myself after that. I’ll see you next week, Stokely.

Deeb leaves the interview area as Stokely walks off in a huff the other way. Paquette and Saxton look at one another and then both turn towards the camera.

BYRON SAXTON: Back to you guys at ringside.

RENEE PAQUETTE: Back to you guys at ringside.

The cameras go back to the ringside area where the attending crowd is excited and eagerly anticipating what's about to happen next. It doesn't take long for the ball to get rolling again once a now pretty familiar entrance theme starts playing that was preceded by the catchphrase that has quickly gained notoriety in the WWE Universe; "Let me conduct my business!"

The voice of Christian Cage is heard echoing throughout the arena, thus making it even more obvious who is getting ready to walk through the curtains and it doesn't take long for the fans to start raining down boos and jeers. The heckling intensifies when Christian Cage walks out on the stage. But he isn't alone; Shayna Wayne is accompanying him down to the ring. WWE’s hottest pairing take their time to strut down to the ring, talking trash about the fans before them, between each other. The two are laughing and seem to be having a good time, until they reach the ring. Both their expressions suddenly change when it is time to get down to business.

Christian Cage jumps onto the ring apron and Shayna Wayne walks up the steel steps because of the tight black dress she is wearing. She picks up the two microphones at the top of the steel steps that were put there by ringside attendants, ready for Wayne and Cage to use. Christian Cage pushes the bottom rope down with his foot and pulls the second ring rope up with his hand, making it easier for Shayna Wayne to enter the ring. After Wayne climbs into the ring, Christian Cage soon follows. The booing continues all the way through the entrance, but it dies down when he brings the microphone up to his lips.



CHRISTIAN CAGE: I'm going to make this quick, so listen up. We've discussed it and we don't want to spend any more time in this dump than we need to.

Christian Cage’s speech is cut off by an overwhelming "You suck!" chant by the proud fans.

CHRISTIAN CAGE: First things first. I don't know who's in charge here, and quite frankly I don't really care. But with that being said, I'd appreciate it If I didn't have to beat up on more than one loser every week. It seems as though I got another one of my sons competing for the chance to make something for himself, and for as fun as it is taking out multiple losers with one outing... it's getting a little boring. If you get my drift. I mean honestly, an Uso, and what’s next week then Hook, Priest, a long line of nobodies who will be gone by the end of the month anyway? That's laughable!

Christian Cage pauses for effect after he brought down arguably two of the greatest new superstars on the block. For once though the fans in attendance actually cheered the statement that was made by Christian Cage.

CHRISTIAN CAGE: All of those guys look at a guy like me, with a hot chick like Shayna Waynel by my side, and they say to themselves; "I want to be as successful as that guy. I want a hot girl like that guy. I wanna be Christian Cage ". Newsflash, people, they WILL NEVER be us. Nor will they ever be as successful as us.

Christian Cage lowers his microphone and lets everyone take a second to take it all in.

CHRISTIAN CAGE: When you talk about success, you talk about Christian Cage. Even though the records show that I've suffered some defeats, which by the way was because of the incompetence of Stephine McMahon's referees. This isn't the time and place to talk about that. The records show that my record in WWE is that I am still undefeated. That's not right... You see, Christian Cage is a winner. So, the last couple of weeks, all the matches I've won have been for one purpose; to clear my name. Nobody has TRULY been able to pin or submit me ever since I signed with this company. Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn... even HE can't beat me. No offense, buddy. I mean, they may appear to be good, but not enough to beat me. I've said this before and I'll say it again. I'm practically undefeated and I'm going to keep it that way for the rest of my Championship-filled career. I may have "official" losses on record, but little mishaps won't keep me down. When you're as talented as me, you know that there's nothing and no-one who can bring you down. Not the incompetence of the referees, not a fluke loss, not Uso, not Diesel, not The Elite... NOT ANYONE!

Christian Cage stops talking to check out the expressions on the faces of the members of the WWE Universe in the crowd after he mentioned some names on RAW that he wishes to deal with.

CHRISTIAN CAGE: The time's drawing near to when I will finally get my shot at the Championship. So, when the time comes, I will be the NEW champion, because no matter what happens...when push comes to shove, I'm simply too good for the man who I will embarrass in front of the millions of WWE fans as I take his Championship belt, from whomever the champion will be. That is the goal, to take back what is mine, and if you are anyone back there that has a problem with it, then step up and stop me, if you dare. There are men here, who have been here, as long as me, the road to the titles, I know I have to go through them, The Bucks and John Cena, I have had my eyes on them for some time, and I know, to reach the top, I have to defeat the best, and these apparent losers, are meant to be the best, so be it, I will when the time is right, end their careers and prove to the world, that I am without a doubt, the best damn wrestler in this company, and my family, when under my command and with me in the ring, cannot be beaten.

Christian Cage hands the mic to Wayne, with a smile of confidence enlightening his face as per usual. She closes us out with these final words in Christian Cage honor.

SHAYNA WAYNE: BECAUSE THAT’S HOW HE ROLLS!

With that, Shayna Wayne drops the microphone and she and Christian exit the ring as his music plays, walking up the ramp and basking in the boos from the crowd once again.

MICHAEL COLE: Strong words from Christian Cage with an exclamation point from Shayna Wayne for good measure!

WADE BARRETT: Christian Cage was an excellent Intercontinental Champion and I for one can’t wait until he has gold around his waist once again!

MICHAEL COLE: We’ll see what happens in the future, Wade, with Christian Cage anything is possible! Up next we have women’s division action, as Rhea Ripley looks to continue turning things around as she takes on Ruby Soho who’s participating in her first match in the new era!

WADE BARRETT: The women’s division continues to grow, Cole, and I’m loving it! I have no doubt this will be a great match and there’s a real possibility for Rhea Ripley to start cementing her status as a championship contender!

”Demon in Your Dreams” by Motionless in White begins to play on the speakers and the crowd begins to roar with cheers as Rhea Ripley makes her way out to the top of the ramp. Looking out at the crowd with a confident smirk, Rhea lifts up her leg, bringing it down with her signature stomp as pyro goes off, before making her way own the ramp towards the ring.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, making her way to the ring, The Nightmare, Rheeea Riiipleeeey!

MICHAEL COLE: Rhea Ripley has been looking to forge her own path since breaking away from Liv Morgan, and tonight she gets an opportunity to do that with her first singles match since splitting from Morgan!

WADE BARRETT: If her performance in that tag team match with Britt Baker is any indication, I think Rhea is well on her way to doing just that, so long as she can keep herself out of any other tag team situations!

Getting to the bottom of the ramp, Rhea walks around to the side of the ring and jumps up onto the apron, turning to look out at the crowd with a big smile before stepping into the ring. Rolling her shoulders, Rhea focuses her attention on the entrance area as her music begins to fade out. “Ruby Soho” by Rancid begins to play and the crowd gives off a mixed reaction as Ruby Soho steps out onto the stage. Looking out at the crowd with a smirk, Ruby turns and shows off the back of her jacket to the camera before turning back around and making her way down the ramp.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: And her opponent, making her way to the ring, The Punk Rock Ragdoll, Ruuubyyyy Sooohooo!

MICHAEL COLE: Ruby Soho is making her debut here in the new era tonight, and she looks ready and raring to go!

WADE BARRETT: If there’s one thing we know about Ruby, it's that she’s a feisty one, Cole! She’s not gonna make this easy for Rhea Ripley, I can tell you that!

Getting to the bottom of the ramp, Ruby pauses and looks at Rhea Ripley, a smirk forming on her face as she runs her tongue over her teeth. Walking over the steel steps, Ruby walks up to the apron and enters the ring, going to the center and raising her arms up in the air as her smirk breaks out into a big smile. Lowering her arms, Ruby takes off her jacket and walks over to the ropes, handing it off to the ringside attendant. As her music begins to fade out, Ruby swings her arms to warm up as she looks at Rhea and begins to eye her up and down.

---

---

The bell rings and the two women circle the ring, each one not sure who will make the first move. It’s Ruby who strikes first, as she kicks Rhea in the midsection and then takes her down to the mat with an armdrag. Rhea is quick to get back to her feet and she charges towards Ruby, but The Punk Rock Ragdoll brings her down to the mat with another armdrag! Rhea once again gets to her feet and goes towards Ruby, but Ruby is a fast thinker and once again brings Rhea down to the mat, this time with a drop toe hold! Ruby gets to her feet, grinning as she’s clearly proud of herself for how she’s picking at Rhea Ripley thus far. Hitting the ropes, Ruby charges at the downed Ripley and when she comes back, she jumps up in the air and comes down, nailing Rhea with a diving senton! Keeping herself on top of Ripley, Soho hooks the leg going for a pin, 1…2…kick out by Rhea Ripley!

MICHAEL COLE: Ruby Soho with the early advantage here and she was looking to end this one quickly!

WADE BARRETT: Can’t say I blame her, Cole! Being in the ring with a woman like Rhea Ripley, I’d want to get the match over with as quickly as possible!

Ruby gets to her feet and she picks Rhea up, bringing The Nightmare to her feet. She throws Rhea’s head under her arm looking to nail her with a DDT, however, Rhea counters by lifting Ruby up and over, driving her into the mat with a Northern Lights suplex! Rhea keeps Ruby’s shoulders down as she bridges her body up making the pin, 1…2…kick out by Ruby! Rhea grins, clearly excited at the chance to inflict more damage on Ruby, as she slowly gets to her feet. Looking at Ruby like a hunter watching its prey, Rhea slowly stalks behind Soho as The Punk Rock Ragdoll gets to her feet. Once she’s standing, Rhea wraps her arms around Ruby’s waist and lifts her up, driving her back down to the mat with a German suplex! Once again she gets to her feet dusting off her hands as if to say “no big deal” as a cocky grin begins to spread across her face. Walking over to Ruby, Rhea bends down to pick her up but Ruby is quick to react, nailing Rhea with a kick to the fact that sends The Nightmare stumbling back!

MICHAEL COLE: What a kick from Soho!

WADE BARRETT: She’ll want to move quickly if she wants to capitalize on that!

It seems as if Ruby is reading Wade’s mind, as she scrambles to her feet and runs over towards Rhea who is checking to make sure she isn’t bleeding from the nose. Delivering a forearm shot to the face of The Nightmare, Ruby grabs her by the wrist and goes to whip Rhea into the ropes. However, Rhea hangs onto Ruby’s wrist and plants her feet into the ground to stop her momentum and she delivers a kick to Ruby’s midsection, causing her to double over and let go of Rhea’s wrist. Rhea wastes no time, putting her arms through Ruby’s legs before lifting her up, looking to hit the Riptide! However, Ruby gets free and slips down Rhea’s back, shoving her into the ropes! When Rhea comes back Ruby looks for a clothesline, but Rhea ducks the attempt and hits the other side of the ropes and when she comes back she nails Ruby with a big boot! With Ruby down on the mat, Rhea picks her up and puts her arms through her legs, lifting her up in the air and driving her into the mat, successfully hitting the Riptide! With Ruby out, Rhea pushes Ruby’s legs up into the air and puts her shoulders against the mat as she mounts her for the pin, 1…2…3! Rhea Ripley wins!



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, The Nightmare, RHEEEA RIIIPLEEEY!

MICHAEL COLE: Rhea Ripley has done it! She’s gotten a victory in singles competition!

WADE BARRETT: And in fairly short order here, Cole! I have a feeling this is just the start of Rhea’s road to dominance in the women’s division!

”Demon in Your Dreams” begins to play on the speakers again as Rhea Ripley gets to her feet, a big, proud smile on her face. The referee raises her hand in victory as the crowd is going wild with cheers. Raising her other arm in triumph, Rhea lets out a primal yell, showing her excitement at the victory. Suddenly, her music fades out and “Time To Rock & Roll” by Lil’ Kim begins to play on the speakers. The crowd’s cheers now turn to boos as Trish Stratus struts out to the top of the ramp, a smirk on her face.

MICHAEL COLE: Wait a minute, what’s Trish Stratus doing out here?

WADE BARRETT: She said at SummerSlam she’s been scouting the women’s division, Cole! She confronted Britt Baker that same night, and now it looks like she might be ready to confront The Nightmare!

Rhea’s smile has now given way to an expression of confusion, as she turns to look at Trish who is still standing at the top of the ramp. Her smirk growing wider, Trish brings her hands together as she slowly claps, nodding her head and arching her eyebrow as she acknowledges Rhea’s win. Rhea puts her hands on her hips, clearly still confused by what is going on. Trish then stops clapping and turns around and heads to the back, her music fading out as Rhea is left standing in the ring still confused. Looking over at Ruby Soho who is being helped to her feet by the referee, Rhea shakes her head and goes to the ropes, exiting the ring and hopping down to the floor, making her way up the ramp to the backstage area.





The nWo elite logo fades to reveal a black and white soundstage. John Cena is standing in the center, flanked on both sides by Nick and Matt Jackson. All three of them are wearing variations of nWo Elite logo gear. The only color present on screen is the multi-colored pattern of the nWo Elite logo.

JOHN CENA: Everyone is talking about the heel turn that shocked the world. Fans are asking “Why, John? Why?” The boys in the back don’t know how to approach me. In a matter of weeks we have realigned the order of things in the WWE. We sit on top of the food chain and the future of the WWE depends on what we decide to do next?

NICK JACKSON: And make no mistake about it, we decide what we do next.

MATT JACKSON: The countdown continues. 120 days now. That’s how much time all of you have to prepare for the complete takeover of this company.

John steps forward and continues to speak. The camera zooms in on him.

JOHN CENA: We set the pace now. And everyone on the outside of our inner circle should be afraid of what’s to come next. No one is safe. One by one the nWo Elite will tear down anyone who stands in our way. In 120 days we’ll stand tall on the top of the mountain with all the championships we want.

MATT JACKSON: I wonder if anyone is going to even put up a fight. The rest of the WWE roster is soft and weak.

NICK JACKSON: I can tell you this, we’re going to be all ears. Because we’ve come out and called out damn near everyone on this roster. We’ve ran you all up and down and none of you have had the nerve to do anything about it or say anything back. It’d be nice to know if you all were alive out there or even care.

MATT JACKSON: I think the magnitude of what we’re doing is lost on some of you. You think that what we’re doing here in the nWo Elite doesn’t apply to you.

NICK JACKSON: Or that you’re exempt from it.

MATT JACKSON: What we are doing is going to affect this company as a whole. When we say we’re going to take every single title from each and every one of you, we mean it.

NICK JACKSON: We’re not blowing smoke with these words.

MATT JACKSON: Yet, some of you continue to go about your business. Like we don’t exist. Hell, pretty much all of you are doing that. So, perhaps an example needs to be made.

NICK JACKSON: Again.

MATT JACKSON: Apparently SummerSlam was not enough for most of you to believe us when we say that this is only the beginning.

JOHN CENA: Who has the guts to stop us? Are you smart enough to quit before we take you down, or dumb enough to try and stop the inevitable? Right now we know that we’re the only group that matters in this industry. The three of us define the future of professional wrestling. And we’re going to spend the next four months revealing just how unstoppable we are. We’re done playing games, we give the orders now. And if you’re smart, you’ll fall in line and accept the truth. The nWo Elite controls WWE,

MATT JACKSON: Then. Now. Forever.

NICK JACKSON: Elite.

JOHN CENA: See you soon, WWE Universe.



The camera transitions to a room lit by cold, dim blue lights. There is a soft sound of plastic shuffling as a figure pushes his way into the room and onto camera.



RAVEN: What's in a name?

Steam pours from the former ECW World Champion's mouth as he speaks. He pulls his fleece lined overcoat tighter against a frame that is not near the shape it used to be. The blue lighting only highlights long faded scars that decorate his face like freckles.

RAVEN: I've had a few. Johnny Polo... Scotty Flamingo... Scotty the Body... but I settled on Raven. Made sense. Worked at the time. At the time I wasn't in a great space... some would say I'm still not in that great space... but it felt right. I'd been all those other names in other places, but it just didn't seem like "me" anymore. Raven though? That stuck around. A name has power. It has a certain gravitas that you don't get any other way. It can instill fear in some, respect in others, but it will always weigh you down if it isn't the right one for you.

Raven walks further into the room. Slabs of beef hang from metal hooks along the ceiling. The rest of this large, walk-in freezer is seen as Raven slowly moves into the room, still keeping his overcoat pulled tight around him. He speaks to the camera with a level of a familiarity, like a narrator of a story.

RAVEN: I'm going to tell you about a little boy who grew up with the ghost of a madman haunting him every time he wrote his name down in the first grade. It was a name that was on every report card... his first driver's license... and even his high school diploma. Brian Pillman was a lunatic... a schizophrenic monster who destroyed the lives of everyone he ever met because it's what made sense for him to do at the time. He left scars that lingered long after he died, and we all know that scars are just ugly, permanent memories of bad decisions. In this sense, the name Brian Pillman was a scar that came printed on a birth certificate.

Raven laughs softly with a sigh, looking over to the camera with a smirk before turning to face it dead on.

RAVEN: I've always collected lost souls... long before the name Raven stuck to me. For years I would use them as armor or bait or just fodder for whoever I was going to war with that week. I'm too old now for that. The years have finally caught up to old Raven and I am too beat up and broken down. The mind still works though, and all of this experience and knowledge must be retained somehow. So, like the mad monk Rasputin advised the czars of Russia, it's now time for me to stand to the side of a new king and offer him my wisdom. Brian Pillman Jr is a terrible name. The foundation that it was built on is rotten. No. Lexis King... that's the name of someone who is going to do things that are beautiful and tragic all at once.

Raven turns his back to the camera as he leads it into a corner of the room. There, sitting in a throne with his face turned towards the ground and his hands cupped between his knees is the subject of Raven's story - - Lexis King. Raven takes his place to the side of the throne and places his hand on the younger man's shoulder.

RAVEN: So it is written... and so it shall come to pass. Quoth the Raven... long may he reign.

The camera cuts away before Lexis can raise his head.

The cameras suddenly swing back to Byron Saxton, who is standing by with a microphone in hand.

BYRON SAXTON: Ladies and gentlemen, my guest at this time, one half of 2.0 - -"Daddy Magic" Matt Menard.

Cameras pull back to reveal a much more stoic Matt Menard than we are used to seeing. Matt is wearing a black baseball cap, a grey hoodie and a pair of jeans. Upon popping into frame, Daddy Magic receives a big pop from the crowd. Menard gives a half-smile towards the camera.

BYRON SAXTON: Matt, last week in the main event of RAW, we saw your tag team partner Angelo Parker suffer a gruesome knee injury. We later found out that Angelo suffered a full tear of every major tendon in his knee. All things considered, how is he doing?

Menard exhales a deep sigh and speaks in a much more serious tone than we are used to seeing from him.

"DADDY MAGIC" MATT MENARD: As much as I'd like to come out here and tell you and the rest of the world that Angelo Parker is on the mend, - - it wouldn't be the truth. Right now, Angelo is laid up in a hospital in Florida, and he is having to make some of the toughest decisions of his life right now. Right now, that man should be the WWE World Tag Team Champion, but instead - - he's trying to figure out if he is ever going to lace up the boots again... But, goddamn it, if there is one thing that I know about him, it's that you can never count Cool Hand Ang out!

Menard takes a deep breath and looks like he's choking back tears.

"DADDY MAGIC" MATT MENARD: But, as determined as Ang might be - - he's also a realist. And the reality of the situation is that if somehow - - someway - - Angelo Parker manages to lace up the boots and step into the ring again again - we're talkin' a road to recovery that could last years. And as much as I believe that Angelo Parker is going to eventually rejoin me in that squared circle, - - as much as it hurts me to admit it - - I also have to be realist.

The camera zooms in on Matt Menard and the emotion on his face is very real.

"DADDY MAGIC" MATT MENARD: That's why, effective immediately, 2.0 is finished.

The crowd really doesn't know how to respond. There are those that cheer for Menard, some that boo for the ending of a bright young tag team and some that are caught up in the emotions of it all. Menard does his best to choke back the tears and stay as composed as possible.

"DADDY MAGIC" MATT MENARD: As much as I would love to wait for Ang's return, I have a wife and kid that are counting on me. So now, for the first time in my career, Daddy Magic is rolling solo. A singles wrestler….next week on RAW, it doesn't matter who steps into the ring against me - - I'm doin' it for Ang.

Menard tearfully looks into the camera as we slowly fade back to the commentary team.

MICHAEL COLE: I don't think we've ever seen Matt Menard that emotional before, Wade.

WADE BARRETT: And rightfully so, Cole. His tag team partner is out of action for the foreseeable future, and now he has to venture the WWE Universe alone for the first time in his career.

MICHAEL COLE: Of course, our best wishes go out to Angelo Parker as he begins his road to recovery, but I cannot believe what we've just heard. 2.0 is finished and now Matt Menard looks to prove himself as a singles wrestler.

WADE BARRETT: I don't know if Parker or Menard has the tougher road ahead…

"Gloria" by WONDER of MUSIC booms into the sold-out arena as the name "GIULIA" flashes upon the TitanTron in hues of teal and gold. With a snarling grin shaping her lips, Giulia saunters out onto the head of the stage with an arrogant stride in her step, taking a moment to relish the moment before her agent, Rossy Ogawa, joins her side.

SAMANTHA IRVIN: Please welcome to the ring, joined by Rossy Ogawa, The Vicious Vipress, GIUUULIAAA!

Giulia orders Ogawa to "keep up" before setting off down the ramp, heading straight towards the squared circle where the pair slip between the ropes. Ogawa wastes little time in collecting the microphone from Samantha Irvin's hands, relocating to the center of the ring besides his client.

ROSSY OGAWA: Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to formally introduce to you, WWE's hottest new Superstar, Giulia.

A mixture of cheers and boos are heard spilling from the mouths of the WWE Universe as Giulia stands stoic and confident before them; their curiosity in her feeding her insatiable ego.

ROSSY OGAWA: Last week you all watched as Giulia took on a former pupil of mine in Io Shirai. A former pupil who I helped mold into becoming the greatest wrestler on the planet. A former pupil who far exceeded any expectations that were placed upon her shoulders as she became, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most dominant forces in the industry. A former pupil who Giulia just so happened to dispatch with relative ease, right here inside this ring. Allow me to make one thing clear to you, however: what you saw last week was only the beginning. Because now, my new protégé is here to surpass even that legacy.

What was left of the scant few cheers in the audience quickly fades away as Ogawa continues, bringing the microphone to his lips once more.

ROSSY OGAWA: Giulia has all the makings of a global megastar. She has the look. She has the talent. She has the attitude. All she needs is somebody to guide her. Somebody to sharpen her raw potential and see to it that she becomes the success story she was always meant to be. Ladies and gentlemen, I intend to be that somebody. Giulia's journey here in the WWE is only just beginning, and over the next few weeks you will all see what I see: that this woman is the future of this company.

With half a smirk pulling at his lips, Ogawa hands the microphone over to Giulia who gladly snatches it from his clutches, stepping forward as she addresses her audience.

GIULIA: Io Shirai was easy, and I'm sure the next sorry woman who finds herself standing opposite me inside this ring will be easy, too. It doesn't matter if it's a seasoned veteran like Lita or the latest flavor of the month like Fallon Henley, I'll step through these ropes and tear them apart all the same. Unlike many that have grown complacent in their role throughout the years? I didn't come here to be another name on the roster. I came here to show the world that I am a once-in-a-lifetime talent whose greatness won't be ignored or overshadowed by anyone. I'm not here to fit in. I'm here to stand out. And when I'm done turning this place upside down? There won't be any doubt as to who the REAL star around here truly is.

Giulia sneers, basking in the boos that now echo throughout the arena. She spreads her arms wide so that the WWE Universe might catch a glimpse of her excellence.

GIULIA: Until then, pull up a seat and watch the glorious rise of the greatest thing to walk that ramp. Arrivederci, WWE Universe. I'll see you very soon.

Giulia carelessly drops the mic to the canvas before her theme music plays her out. She helps Ogawa exit the ring before sliding beneath the bottom rope herself, slinking her way back up the ramp without sparing the crowd a second glance.

MICHAEL COLE: It seems like Giulia’s putting the women’s division on notice here, Wade!

WADE BARRETT: As she should, Cole! You saw how dominant she was over Io Shirai last week! She’s clearly got a bright future in this company. I think it’s only a matter of time before Giulia is holding gold!

MICHAEL COLE: That very well may be, but the women’s division has grown exponentially over the last few weeks and there are a lot of women to keep an eye on, including the women in our next match! Alexa Bliss, Blair Davenport, and Nikkita Lyons are set to do battle in a triple threat match!

”Bite Me” by Avril Lavigne begins to play on the speakers and the crowd erupts into cheers as Alexa Bliss walks out to the top of the ramp. With her hair done up in Harley Quinn pigtails as an homage to her original WWE debut, Alexa looks out at the crowd with a smile before shifting her attention to the ring, her expression becoming more serious as she starts to walk down the ramp.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is a triple threat match and is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, making her way to the ring, Alexaaa Bliiiss!

MICHAEL COLE: It’s great to see Alexa Bliss back in the WWE, Wade! She had some issues a few months ago with the Unholy Union but it looks like she’s ready to put all of that behind her and truly have a fresh start!

WADE BARRETT: If you ask me, that’s the best thing she could have done for herself! If Alexa can keep her head on straight, there’s no doubt she’ll be one of the top competitors in the women’s division!

Getting to the bottom of the ramp, Alexa walks around to the side of the ring and hops up onto the apron, looking out at the crowd with a smile before twisting around and gliding into the ring under the middle rope, before standing and leaning over the ropes smiling to the fans, using the bottom rope for support. Stepping back onto the canvas, Alexa turns her attention to the entrance area as her music begins to fade out. “On Point” by def rebel begins to play on the speakers now and the cheers from the crowd turn to boos as Blair Davenport makes her way out to the top of the ramp. Looking out at the crowd with an evil smirk, Blair turns her attention to Alexa waiting for her in the ring, and her smirk grows wider as she begins walking down the ramp.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Introducing next, making her way to the ring, Blaaair Daaavenporrrt!

MICHAEL COLE: Blair Davenport is a vicious competitor who’s been all around the world and now she’s looking to make her mark here in the WWE!

WADE BARRETT: Earlier tonight we saw her reconnecting with her old tag team partner, Jamie Hayter. Can you imagine if those two decide to team up again? The Women’s Tag Team Championship will be theirs in no time!

Throwing back her hood, Blair reaches the bottom of the ramp and looks at Alexa with a wide, sadistic smile before walking over to the steel steps and walking up to the apron. Entering the ring, Blair goes to the center of the ring and raises her right arm in the air with a flourish, her smile growing wider as she soaks in the boos from the fans. Lowering her arm, Blair shrugs out of her robe and tosses it over the top rope to the ringside attendant, looking Alexa up and down as her music fades out. “Holy Diver” by Dio now begins to play and the crowd gives a mixed reaction as the lights dim and a spotlight shines on the top of the ramp and Nikkita Lyons makes her way into the spotlight, striking a pose before lights come up and she begins to walk down the ramp.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: And their opponent, making her way to the ring, Nikiiitaaa Lyyyooons!

MICHAEL COLE: Nikkita Lyons is without a doubt one of the more physically imposing women we have here!

WADE BARRETT: That she is, Cole. I’m not sure if Adam Cole wants to keep her around as his girlfriend or his bodyguard, I’m pretty sure she could take care of Tommy End if she got her hands on him!

Getting to the bottom of the ramp, Nikkita eyes and gives a soft smirk before walking over to the steel steps, walking up to the apron and then stepping into the ring. Walking to the center, Nikkita raises her arms in the air as she strikes another pose for the crowd, before turning to her opponents and looking at them up with a confident smile as her music begins to fade out.

Before the bell is due to ring on the women's triple threat match, a voice the WWE Universe has now gotten acclimated with takes over the speakers.

THE PERSONAL CONCIERGE: Ladies, stop right there, stop right there! Because I have a huge, massive show-stealing announcement! The three of you will have royalty watching your match tonight, because i'm here to introduce you to the BEST new signing within the WWE Women's Division.... 𝒜𝓈𝒽.... 𝒷𝓎 𝐸𝓁𝑒𝑔𝒶𝓃𝒸𝑒!



Ash saunters out onto the stage, dressed in a gorgeous dress, she moves down to ringside and takes a VIP Seat! The Personal Concierge pours her a glass of expensive champagne and she slowly takes a sip, before speaking into the microphone brought by her concierge.

ASH BY ELEGANCE: Good luck ladies, and while you fraternize and brawl like the lower-class women that you are - - I'm looking at you Nikkita - - I'll simply enjoy my $3000 champagne like a real lady. Now ring the bell!

---

---

The bell rings, but all three women are staring out at Ash by Elegance in absolute disgust. Perhaps none more so than Nikkita Lyons, who was called out directly by Ash in her speech. Looking out at The Total Diva with narrowed eyes, Nikkita puts her hands on her hips and walks towards the ropes, telling Ash that if she has something to say, then she can come and say it to her face. Ash by Elegance simply ignores what Nikkita has to say, as she looks straight ahead into the ring, pretending as if Nikkita doesn’t exist. Blair Davenport uses this distraction to take an opportunity, and she reaches out and clubs Nikkita behind the left knee, bringing Lyons down to one knee! Lyons cries out in pain as she leans against the ropes for support, and the crowd boos loudly as Davenport smiles wickedly before delivering a stomp to that same knee, causing Nikkita to completely fall down and clutch at the knee. Blair laughs but she’s quickly interrupted by Alexa Bliss, who spins her around and delivers a right hand shot to the face! Blair holds her cheek as she turns her head slowly to look back at Alexa, who is standing her ground and looking at Blair with a determined expression. Blair smirks before quickly striking, hitting Alexa with an uppercut that sends Little Miss Bliss staggering back against the ropes!

MICHAEL COLE: What a shot from Blair Davenport!

WADE BARRETT: It’s like you said, Cole, she’s a vicious competitor and she’s not going to take what these women try to dish out lying down!

Blair walks over to where Alexa is standing and grabs her by the wrist, whipping her to the opposite side of the ropes and when Alexa comes back, Blair picks her up and swings her over, driving her into the canvas with a devastating powerslam! Blair goes for the cover and hooks the leg, 1…2…Blair pulls Alexa up off the mat! Blair shakes her head as she grabs Alexa by the hair and starts getting to her feet, pulling Alexa up with her. Looking at Alexa with a sadistic smile, Blair grabs her by the wrist and whips her into the ropes again, and when she comes back Blair once again lifts her up and swings her over, driving her into the mat with yet another powerslam! This time, Alexa rolls out of the ring, collapsing onto the floor in a heap as Blair looks on with a proud smile. As she turns around, she’s suddenly met with a tornado kick from Nikkita Lyons that sends her down to the mat! The crowd cheers at this change of events, as Nikkita limps around trying to shake off the lingering effects from the shots to the knee by Blair. Walking back over to Davenport’s fallen body, Nikkita gets down and goes for the cover, hooking the leg, 1…2…kick out by Blair Davenport!

MICHAEL COLE: Nikkita Lyons is back in this!

WADE BARRETT: I knew she wasn’t going to stay down for long!

Nikkita gets to her feet and she’s quick to move again, jumping up and coming down on Blair with a split leg drop! The crowd is on their feet showing their support for Lyons as she takes the fight to Davenport, and she nods her head as she gets back to her feet. Bending down, she grabs Blair by the hair to pick her up, but Blair hits Lyons with a finger poke that causes her to stumble back and wipe at her eyes. Getting to her feet, Blair watches as Nikkita shakes her head to clear her vision and she charges in and nails Lyons with a running enzuigiri! Nikkita doesn’t go down, however, she simply turns her back to Davenport and stumbles, wobbling unsteadily on her feet. Blair swoops in, wrapping her arms around Nikkita’s waist and lifting her up and over, driving her into the mat with a German suplex! Blair gets back to her feet and as she does, Alexa Bliss slides back into the ring. Blair has her back to Bliss so she doesn’t see it, and before she can strike on Nikkita again, Alexa rolls her up with a schoolgirl pin, 1…2…THRENOOO! Blair kicks out!

MICHAEL COLE: Alexa Bliss almost snuck out with the win there!

WADE BARRETT: It’s that quick thinking that kept Bliss at the top of the women’s division all those years ago!

Blair gets to her feet and looks at Alexa with narrowed eyes. Gritting her teeth, Blair moves in to hit Alexa with a right hand shot but Alexa blocks it, nailing Davenport with a right hand shot of her own that she calls the Goddess Right! The shot sends Davenport staggering back, and Alexa hits the ropes, coming back in and taking Davenport down with a Lou Thesz Press! The crowd is rallying behind Bliss as she continues to nail Davenport with shots to the face and she then stands up and lets out an impassioned battle cry as the crowd is now on their feet with raucous cheers for her. She looks down at Blair but before she can do anything further, Nikkita Lyons spins her around and nails her with a tornado kick just like she did to Blair Davenport earlier! Bliss drops to the mat in a heap and Nikkita jumps up and comes down with another split leg drop! Nikkita stays in the splits position, keeping Alexa pinned down on the mat, 1…2…Blair Davenport kicks Nikkita in the head, breaking up the pin attempt!

MICHAEL COLE: I thought Nikkita was going to take it there!

WADE BARRETT: I did too, Cole, but that’s the thing about these triple threat matches! You never know what’s going to happen!

Nikkita clutches at her head but gets to her feet and she walks up to Blair Davenport, and the two stare at each other intently as they begin talking trash to one another. On the mat, Alexa Bliss is beginning to stir and she starts to try to sit up, but Blair turns and kicks her in the head, sending her back down to the mat. Blair then turns her attention back to Nikkita and she reaches up and pie-faces Nikkita, shoving her back in a blatant display of disrespect. Nikkita grits her teeth and she turns back towards Davenport and nails her with a forearm shot to the face! And another! And then another! Blair is now staggering as Nikkita hits the ropes and when she comes back she nails Blair with a clothesline that causes her to flip over as she crashes down to the canvas. Nikkita is feeling herself now as she slaps her chest and yells, before walking over to the ropes and stepping out onto the apron. Walking over to the turnbuckles, she climbs up to the top and watches as Blair begins to get to her feet. As Blair gets fully upright, Nikkita comes flying off the top turnbuckle, crashing into Davenport with a diving crossbody! Nikkita stays on top of Blair and hooks the leg, 1…2…THRENOOO! Blair gets her shoulder up just in time!

MICHAEL COLE: Another close one for Nikkita Lyons!

WADE BARRETT: I imagine she’s got to be pretty frustrated at this point!

Indeed she does look rather frustrated, as she grits her teeth angrily as she gets up to her feet. Before she can strike on Blair again, she’s taken down by a Lou Thesz Press from Alexa Bliss! Alexa is now mounted on Nikkita, nailing her with right hand shots. She gets to her feet and jumps up, coming down with both knees into Nikkita’s midsection! She rolls forward onto her feet and does a backflip, driving her knees into Nikkita’s midsection again, hitting Nikkita with the devastating double knees combo that she calls Insult to Injury! The crowd is once again firmly behind Alexa Bliss as she gets to her feet and walks to the ropes, stepping out onto the apron and walking over to the turnbuckles. Climbing up to the top, Alexa lifts up her hands and does her signature taunt before launching herself from the top and flipping around, looking to hit Nikkita with Twisted Bliss however, Nikkita rolls out of the way and Alexa crashes hard into the mat!

MICHAEL COLE: What a rough landing for Alexa Bliss!

WADE BARRETT: She may have cracked a rib!

Alexa is whimpering in pain, kicking the mat as she clutches at her midsection. Blair is back to her feet now and she walks over to Bliss and reaches down, grabbing her by the hair and roughly bringing her to her feet. Charging over to the ropes with Alexa in her clutches, Blair tosses Bliss out to the outside floor again, where she lands in a heap! Dusting her hands off as a wicked smile forms on her face, Blair turns around to see Nikkita charging at her looking to hit another tornado kick! Blair ducks the attempt and quickly spins around, once again kicking Nikkita behind the knee and sending her down to one knee with an agonized cry. Blair hits the ropes, coming back and nailing Nikkita in the face with a big boot sending her down to the mat! Nikkita rolls out of the ring now, clutching her knee and Blair walks around the ring with her arms outstretched, smirking as the crowd rains boos down upon her. As she’s talking trash to the fans, she once again doesn’t notice when Alexa Bliss slides back into the ring and walks up behind Davenport, spinning her around and kicking her in the midsection, throwing her head under her arm and driving her into the mat with a snap DDT! Desperately, Alexa goes for the pin, 1…2…3! No!! Blair gets the shoulder up!

MICHAEL COLE: Blair Davenport refuses to stay down!

WADE BARRETT: She’s determined to prove she’s the future of the women’s division, Cole!

Alexa has a look of disbelief on her face as she comes up to her knees and catches her breath. Getting up to her feet, she reaches down and she grabs Blair and picks her up, grabbing her by the wrist and whipping her into the ropes. As Blair comes back, Alexa looks to hit her with a clothesline, but Blair ducks the attempt and hits the other side of the ropes. When she comes back, she nails Alexa with a big boot that sends Bliss down to the mat in a dazed heap! Blair doesn’t waste any more time, quickly picking Bliss back up and lifting her up in the air, turning her over and driving her down to the mat with the Falcon Arrow! Blair stays in her seated position and an evil grin breaks out onto her face as she hooks both of Alexa’s legs for the pin, 1…2…3! Blair Davenport wins!



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, BLAAAIR DAAAVENPORRRT!

MICHAEL COLE: What a win by Blair Davenport!

WADE BARRETT: This entire match had me on the edge of my seat, Cole, but Blair Davenport had that little bit of extra edge to show that she’s a force to be reckoned with. With women like her and Giulia, the women’s division is in for a massive shake up!

”On Point” begins playing again and the crowd erupts into boos as Blair gets to her feet and has her hand raised in the air by the referee. Her face is completely lit up with that wicked smile, and she raises her other hand in the air as well, pulling the hand the referee was holding away from the official as they go to check on Alexa Bliss. Keeping both arms raised, Blair continues to smile before bringing her arms down and shrugging, as she can be seen saying “I told you!” before she turns and heads to the ropes, heading out to the apron and hopping down to the floor. She looks down at Nikkita Lyons, who is still down on the floor clutching at her knee as medical staff come down to check on her. Shaking her head, Blair simply laughs and begins walking up the ramp, soaking in the boos from the fans as she reaches the top of the ramp and heads to the back.

For the last several weeks, WWE fans have watched in utter disbelief as the bizarre one, Goldust, and his equally eccentric (but blue) henchman, the Blue Meanie, have tormented Solo Sikoa and his faithful advocate, Paul Heyman. It began innocently enough a few weeks ago with cryptic gifts left in Solo's locker room. Some of these moments were captured on film and others were not.

Let’s see… there were the golden roses, the golden robe, golden feathers, and even a VHS tape labeled "Solo Memories." Thankfully, this particular tape was neither heard nor seen. Solo wasted no time destroying it before WWE and those voyeurs Michael Cole and Wade Barrett could obtain it and share it with the entire WWE Universe. But the mind games, manipulation, and dare I say, sexual harassment didn’t stop there.

Things took an even darker turn when Paul Heyman, Solo's advocate and manager, was abducted. Yes, literally. Willingly at first, but ultimately against his will and under (for the lack of a better expression) false pretenses.

For those of you who are new to the product or just tuning in for the first time in a long time… let me paint the scene for you: A limousine, driven by the unsettling and unstable Blue Meanie… yes, I know. We can’t believe he has his chauffeur’s license either. I digress. Either way, Meanie picked Heyman up under the guise of a “business meeting,” only for Heyman to later be taken hostage in an undisclosed hotel room. At least fans are led to believe it was against his will. We have yet to hear anything from the mouth of Paul Heyman in weeks. Last week on Monday Night RAW, Goldust appeared on the TitanTron live via satellite where he sheepishly addressed Solo Sikoa like the creepy coward that he is. For once, Goldust’s message was clear: Solo had to turn himself in if he wanted Heyman to be released.

This brings us to tonight. The present moment. As we settle down from the previous match, the tension in the air is palpable. You can taste it. Feel it. Etc. This rings true throughout the entire arena, from the nosebleed seats to the front row and all the way through the backstage area and locker room. When the cameras cut to the back, Solo Sikoa, no stranger to conflict (or palpable tension), is storming down a long concrete hallway. Solo’s eyes are locked on one target… Goldust. Well, okay, two targets… Goldust AND the Blue Meanie.

Upon locating the door marked GOLDUST, Solo doesn't bother with pleasantries. Instead, he bursts into Goldust and Blue Meanie's locker room, ready to bring the fight to the man responsible for his advisor’s abduction. However, instead of Goldust, Solo is greeted by a shocking sight. (And I do mean shocking… viewer discretion is advised.) Much to the shock and surprise of Solo, Blue Meanie is sitting in the middle of the room. But Meanie is not in his usual attire. No, that would be too normal for this particular scenario. Meanie is poorly painted blue and barely dressed. He’s draped in what appears to be one of Goldust’s golden robes that have been poorly spray-painted any and every shade of blue imaginable. Perhaps, buying multiple cans of the same color was too much to ask out of the blue guy.

WADE BARRETT: Oh, what in the blue hell is this, Cole?! Can someone in the production truck blur this image? No one should be subjected to seeing this.

MICHAEL COLE: Oh my word, Wade! That’s not Goldust.

WADE BARRETT: No kidding, Cole! What in the world is Blue Meanie doing dressed like that?!

MICHAEL COLE: I believe the transformation is complete.

WADE BARRETT: WHAT?!?

MICHAEL COLE: It would appear as though the Blue Meanie has transformed into…

WADE BARRETT: INTO WHAT?!

MICHAEL COLE: Wade, this must be… BLUUUEEEDUSSSST.

Solo hesitates for just a moment, basking in the horror of it all. He is visibly stunned by the bizarre spectacle sitting before him.

WADE BARRETT: Oh, hell! You’re on your own. I am going home. This is beyond bizarre, Cole.

MICHAEL COLE: Bluedust is here to mock Solo. This is not gonna end well for him!

Solo’s hesitation quickly turns from disgust and confusion to violent uncontrollable anger. Solo’s rage reaches an all-time high as he slowly realizes that Paul Heyman is nowhere to be found.

MICHAEL COLE: Where’s Heyman, Wade? The mind games continue.

WADE BARRETT: Solo looks like he’s about to boil over!

Without a word, Solo launches himself forward. There is no hello or what the hell or anything whatsoever. Instead, Solo begins to attack the bizarrely blue one, Bluedust. Sikoa delivers a series of rapid right and left hands to the poorly painted face of Meanie. The force of Solo’s blows sends Bluedust reeling out of the chair and onto the floor. Inside the arena, the audience watching live on the big screens can feel the intensity radiating from Solo as he continues to attack Meanie relentlessly with reckless abandon.

MICHAEL COLE: Solo’s eyes are wild with rage!

WADE BARRETT: He’s determined to put a stop to all of this nonsense. And can you blame him, Cole? They’ve kidnapped Paul Heyman! Solo has every right to be fed up and furious right now!

Despite the absolute one-sided assault, Bluedust manages to fight through the pain. He taunts Solo further by blowing him a kiss and saying something like “Mommy isn’t going to like this.” But Solo isn’t playing games. He’s past the point of reasoning with Goldust and Meanie. Right now, his mission is clear… find Goldust, save Paul Heyman, and beat the hell out of the Blue Meanie every time he gets in the way. Solo puts the boots to Blue Meanie and turns back towards the door leaving Bluedust battered, blue, and broken on the floor.

MICHAEL COLE: The mystery deepens, Wade! Where is Goldust? And more importantly, where is Paul Heyman?

WADE BARRETT: This is just the beginning, Cole! Solo is pissed off now. Goldust is playing a dangerous game, and Solo Sikoa is going to make him pay. The question is, when will this finally end?

MICHAEL COLE: Well folks, last week we saw Joey Janela get a huge win and become the number one contender for the Intercontinental Championship.

WADE BARRETT: I think a lot of people would consider that an upset, myself included.

MICHAEL COLE: That may be, but now Janela has to get set for a one-on-one match with Mankind at No Mercy.

WADE BARRETT: Out of the frying pan or whatever that American phrase is.

MICHAEL COLE: The British don’t use frying pans?

WADE BARRETT: Don’t be obtuse Cole, or I’ll smack you over the head with one.

MICHAEL COLE: Regardless of frying pans, Joey Janela is out and about tonight in Bakersfield, celebrating his win last week.

WADE BARRETT: I heard he’s paying for everyone’s tabs. I’m going to head over there when the show is over.

MICHAEL COLE: We have a camera with him tonight for his celebration. Let’s take you there right now.





JOEY JANELA: Another round of drinks for all my friends!

The crowd cheers as Janela stands on the bar, facing them with his hands in the air. He hops down off the bar and turns his attention to the bartender who holds a bottle of liquor over his head and pours it into his open mouth, filling it almost completely full before he starts to swallow it all.

Byron Saxton weaves his way through the crowd and approaches Janela as he celebrates.

JOEY JANELA: Byron! Dude! It’s great to see you here, you want to do a shot?

BYRON SAXTON: No, I’m on the clock.

JOEY JANELA: You can drink on the job! I did it all the time when I was a bartender.

Byron tries to change the subject.

BYRON SAXTON: Joey, last week you got a huge win over Bron Breakker, and it made you the number one contender for the Intercontinental Championship held by Mankind. How are you feeling seeing what’s in front of you now?

JOEY JANELA: Who cares, Byron? I mean, who cares tonight. You know what I mean? Tonight is a celebration with me and all my friends here.

BYRON SAXTON: You know all these people?

JOEY JANELA: You tell someone that you’ll pay their bar tabs and they’ll be your friend.

BYRON SAXTON: You…you are going to pay their tabs though, right?

JOEY JANELA: You want a shot, Byron?

BYRON SAXTON: No, Joey. I want to know how you’re feeling about your match with Mankind?

JOEY JANELA: With who?

Joey leans in closer, the noise of the bar so loud he can barely hear him.

BYRON SAXTON: With Mankind!

JOEY JANELA: I still can’t hear you, you’re going to have to yell.

BYRON SAXTON: I said, MANKIND!

Right before he yells the name, a hush comes over the crowd in the bar. Saxton yells out the champion’s name and the crowd starts to split into a tunnel. Slowly walking towards Janela and Saxton is the Intercontinental Champion himself. He holds a box in his hands and avoids direct eye contact with anyone in the bar trying to look at him. Mankind reaches Byron and Janela and stops right in front of them.

MANKIND: I’m sorry to ruin your party, Joey.

Joey glances over at Byron who gives him a small shrug before turning his attention back to Mankind. The crowd is still silent. There’s no music playing. There’re no conversations happening other than the one between the Intercontinental Champion and his number one challenger.

JOEY JANELA: It’s cool, man. It’s, uh…it’s great to have you here. You want a drink?

MANKIND: I don’t think I should. I’m trying to keep up my manly physique and the carbs would ruin my six-pack abs.

No one laughs. No one reacts at all.

MANKIND: I’m kidding! But no, no drink. I just came to give you a gift, Joey. For winning the match last week and becoming the number one contender.

Mankind holds the box out towards Janela who takes it from him after pondering it for a second or two.

Joey Janela stands with the box in his hands, the weight of the moment clearly beginning to settle in. The entire bar remains silent, all eyes on the exchange between the two wrestlers. Mankind watches Joey with a rare intensity, his usually wild demeanor softened, almost vulnerable. He opens his mouth and speaks softly.

MANKIND: Go ahead, open it.

Joey glances around at the quiet, expectant crowd, then back at Mankind before slowly lifting the lid of the box. Inside, resting on a bed of black cloth, is a small, weathered book. The cover is scuffed and faded, but the title is still visible: “The Little Engine That Could.”

Joey looks puzzled, carefully picking up the book and holding it in his hands. He looks back at Mankind, searching for an explanation.

JOEY JANELA: A children's book?

Mankind nods, his expression serious but with a hint of something deeper in his eyes.

MANKIND: It’s not just any children’s book, Joey. This was the first book I ever read all the way through as a kid. It’s about never giving up, no matter how big the challenge ahead of you seems. This little engine… it wasn’t the biggest or the strongest, but it believed it could, and that belief carried it over the mountain.

The crowd, still silent, listens intently. Joey’s eyes flicker with understanding, realizing the significance of the gift.

MANKIND: You’ve had a mountain in front of you, Joey. And you might not be the biggest, or the strongest, but… you believed you could win last week, and you did. You believed you could be standing here as the number one contender, and here you are. So, I wanted to give you this to remind you that if you believe in yourself, you can do anything… even beat me.

Joey stares at the book for a long moment, the noise of the bar completely forgotten. He looks up at Mankind, and for the first time, there’s no bravado in his eyes, just a deep respect and a hint of something almost like gratitude. Mankind gives a small nod, his usual wildness replaced by a rare moment of calm. He pats Joey on the shoulder, a gesture that’s both comforting and solemn.

MANKIND: Take care of it, Joey. And take care of yourself. I’ll see you at No Mercy.

With that, Mankind turns and begins to walk back through the silent crowd. The bar slowly comes back to life as the patrons part to let him through, whispering among themselves. Joey watches him go, the book clutched tightly in his hands, the weight of the upcoming match suddenly feeling more real than ever.

As the scene fades, Joey opens the book and sees a small, handwritten note on the inside cover. It reads:

“To Joey - - Believe in yourself, and you can conquer any mountain. Best of luck - - Mankind.

We go to another area backstage where Ash by Elegance and the Personal Concierge are chatting, Ash shimmers in an expensive looking, silver gown and The Concierge is dramatically throwing his arms around, a smirk is on his face as he seems to be cackling, cameras catch up on the duo and Ash greets the camera-man with a disgusted look, before switching to a phony smirk once she realizes there's a camera in his hands. The Personal Concierge looks to Ash, who nods, giving him permission to speak.

THE PERSONAL CONCIERGE: Let me guess, you're here for a word on Ash's match on Sunday Night Heat? Well, let me tell you something, I conduct the interviews around here, I give the announcements, Ash by Elegance enterprises doesn't associate with the journalists this company has to offer…gimme that!

The Personal Concierge swipes the microphone from an off-camera interviewer. He then turns to Ash, ready to give her his own personal interview. Ash's smirk turns into a sarcastic smile as she looks at The Personal Concierge.



THE PERSONAL CONCIERGE: Ash by Elegance, let me ask you a very important question! Who are you wearing?

Ash lets out a small chuckle at his question, knowing the WWE Universe wants answers for her presence at ringside tonight during the triple threat bout between Blair Davenport, Nikkita Lyons and Alexa Bliss.



ASH BY ELEGANCE: Well, that's a great question, and all great questions deserve a great answer, but then again, every word that comes out of my mouth is... great. My dress tonight was made custom and imported just for me! The designer told me about all of the work that went into this, so it was only fair I wore it for my first RAW appearance as a contracted member of WWE!

The Personal Concierge takes Ash by the hand, and she does a slow rotation before facing the camera. Ash fans herself down and readies herself for the next hard-hitting question from The Personal Concierge, the crowd boos at Ash ducking the real questions at hand and using this as somewhat of a 73 Questions with Vogue.

THE PERSONAL CONCIERGE: Ash by Elegance, let me ask you this...

The Personal Concierge pauses, for added effect.

THE PERSONAL CONCIERGE: How much are you being paid by the WWE on your very, very exclusive, very, very sought after contract?

ASH BY ELEGANCE: A lady would never tell the world! But...

Ash leans over and whispers in his ear the amount of money she is making as a WWE Superstar, The Personal Concierge shrieks in excitement, clearly, he's in for a pay raise himself just from associating with The Total Diva. Ash looks at him before nodding, she's had her fun tugging at the strings of the WWE Universe.

THE PERSONAL CONCIERGE: Now Ash, let me ask you this! Tonight, you went out there and watched Alexa Bliss, Blair Davenport and Nikkita Lyons compete, your thoughts?

ASH BY ELEGANCE: and prayers. Thanks for your time!

Ash, smiles, nods and then spins on her heels and walks away, leading the Personal Concierge with her. She has completely baited and TROLLED the WWE Universe, and is giving them NOTHING! They boo loudly as the camera fades back to ringside, voicing their displeasure at her presence without a known objective, is Ash by Elegance just camera-hungry? Is she going to ever disclose her true intentions, or wait for the opportunity and moment to strike?

MICHAEL COLE: Ash by Elegance continues to be a very mysterious woman, Wade!

WADE BARRETT: A little mystery never hurt anybody, Cole! She’ll reveal her secrets in due time!

MICHAEL COLE: It’ll be something to behold, I’m sure. Now,I don’t know about you, partner… but I’ve loved our time in California the last few weeks!

WADE BARRETT: You and me both, Cole… and the fun continues next week in Fresno!

MICHAEL COLE: That’s right, next week we’ll be at the Selland Arena. I for one am looking forward to getting to Fresno.

WADE BARRETT: You know, it’s funny you mention that…

Wade Barrett is unable to finish his sentence as the music of The Best Tag Team in the World hits. CM Punk is the first one out onto the stage. Punk’s WWE World Tag Team title belt is worn proudly around his waist. Punk motions to the crowd, who respond with a hearty round of cheering. Punk points back toward the entrance and Stevie Richards walks out onto the stage. He’s got his WWE World Tag Team title belt around his neck, the front facing his back.

WADE BARRETT: Dammit! These two and their interruptions! I guess not everything is great in California after all, Cole.

MICHAEL COLE: I’ve got to be honest with you, these fans don’t seem to mind, they love The Best Tag Team in the World here in Bakersfield!

WADE BARRETT: I don’t know what I hate more, their interruptions or that damn tag team name.

The nearly sold-out crowd remains on their feet as the familiar sounds of Living Colour’s "Cult of Personality" continues to blast through the speakers.

WADE BARRETT: What do these two want anyway?!

MICHAEL COLE: We’re about to find out!

TBTTITW walk the ramp on either side, with Punk slapping hands with the fans on the right and Stevie slapping hands with the fans on the left. They reach the ring and Punk climbs in while Stevie slides under the bottom rope. Punk calls for a microphone and just as a WWE official is about to hand him one, Stevie runs over, snags the mic, kneels down and hands it to Punk.

WADE BARRETT: What a goof. What an absolute goof! If you’re watching at home and you just tuned in… that man is not a wrestler. He’s an idiot.

Punk chuckles and thanks his tag team partner. Punk brings the mic to his mouth, but the crowd makes it very difficult to hear him. Just as the noise begins to calm, Stevie reaches his hand out. Punk shrugs and hands the microphone back to his tag team partner. Stevie surveys the crowd and brings the mic to his mouth.

STEVIE RICHARDS: Baaaaaaaaaaakersfield!

The crowd roars in response as Stevie flips the microphone back to Punk.

WADE BARRETT: That’s what he wanted to say!? Bakersfield!? What a moron.

MICHAEL COLE: What can I say, Wade… the crowd loves Stevie!

Finally the crowd quiets down… finally making it possible for Punk to speak. And if you know CM Punk… he does just that.

CM PUNK: You know something, Bakersfield… for the first time since we stepped foot in a WWE ring together and proclaimed that we are The Best Tag Team in the World… we've been marked men. And look, we’re not complaining. Hell, that’s what we wanted.

MICHAEL COLE: He’s not wrong about that.

CM PUNK: But after a lot of sleepless nights and hard-fought matches… I think this is the first week we’ve been able to show up to the arena and not immediately hear another team bad mouthing us down the hall or around the corner…

WADE BARRETT: Apparently, he doesn’t hear the things I hear!

CM PUNK: This is the first week we’ve been able to show up and get to hang out in the back without someone catching us off guard and trying to take a swing at us. Authors of Pain, Young Bucks, Kings of Wrestling, The Patriarchy, and hell, even Matt Cardona and MJF… we’ve fought some of the meanest and toughest guys on the roster. But we are tired of tough guys. At No Mercy, Stevie and I don’t just want to face a couple of tough guys… we want to face a tough team.

MICHAEL COLE: What’s he getting at?

CM PUNK: You see, each and every week we have gotten in the ring with any and all challengers. We’ve gone to war, to hell, to the limits four men can go. But, standing out here tonight… for the first time… I am happy to say that this match is for us. It’s for the fans. It’s for anyone and everyone who has ever loved tag team wrestling.

Stevie holds out his hand and Punk is happy to hand him the mic.

STEVIE RICHARDS: Me! I love tag team wrestling, Punkster! That’s why I’m happy to stand at your side tonight as you’re about to call out the men that we want to wrestle at No Mercy. You say this match is for us and you’re right. You say this match is for the fans? Right on! You say this match is for anyone and everyone who has ever loved tag team wrestling? Hell yeah, Punkster! That includes me and I’m already looking forward to No Mercy and my next opportunity to fight alongside you!

This brings the fans to their feet cheering as Stevie tosses the mic back to Punk.

CM PUNK: Thanks, Stevie. We are out here tonight because there’s a dream match that I keep reading about on the internet. A fan boy’s wet dream. And, tonight, we’d like to officially extend the invitation to be our challengers at No Mercy…

MICHAEL COLE: Who is he referring to, Wade!?

CM PUNK: The Motor City Machine Guns!

Huge pop at this announcement.

CM PUNK: Motor City Machine Guns, we respect you. Hell, we even kind of like you. You’re one of the best tag teams in pro wrestling history, and at No Mercy… we don’t want just another fight. We want a match that’ll be remembered for years to come. So, Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley… what do you say? Let’s make history.

The crowd cheers and chants in approval as the challenge is laid down. Punk and Richards stand tall in the ring, their titles held high above their heads as they await a response from one of the most revered tag teams in wrestling history.

MICHAEL COLE: The message is clear, Wade… at No Mercy, it’s not just about being champions… It's about defining what it means to be the best in the world.

Right on cue, "Six Barrel Shotgun" by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club blasts over the speakers. Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin walk onto the stage to a positive reaction from the crowd, each with microphones in hand. Alex lifts his mic up to speak as their music begins to fade.

ALEX SHELLEY: Y'know, we have always considered ourselves to be the best tag team in the world. We're fairly humble guys overall but even we knew that we just had something that so many other teams lacked. And yet somehow... somehow, the two of you surprised everybody by truly staking a very real and very legitimate claim to that name of being the best.

CHRIS SABIN: Yeah, we've got nothing but respect for the two of you and how well you've transitioned seamlessly into the tag team division. And we mean that. The word respect is thrown around far too often these days without any real weight to it but trust us when we say we do respect you and know that you're right up there with the best teams that honestly, the world has ever seen. Safe to say you've proven any doubters wrong.

The two then wander down the ramp and to the ring, where both walk up the steel ring steps and along the apron briefly before stepping through the ring ropes.

ALEX SHELLEY: And you call it a dream match for the fans? It sure is but heck, I call it a dream match for myself. Since Sabin and I stepped foot into the WWE, the goal has not only been to ultimately become the WWE Tag Team Champions but to beat the best to get there... that, of course, being the two of you.

CHRIS SABIN: So if the offer is on the table, you better believe that we'll be taking it. I feel as though during our short time here so far, we have earned the right to finally challenge you and we know for a fact that it will be an absolute show-stealer of a match. Honestly, it'll be a lesson to every other team out there on how to do things.

Chris then extends his hand out to Punk, while Alex does the same to Stevie. There's no hesitation in the four shaking hands with one another, the respect amongst them clear. The fans are on their feet, enjoying the interaction between the two fan favorite teams.

MICHAEL COLE: Isn't this great to see, Wade? Some legitimate respect between competitors.

WADE BARRETT: It's refreshing to see, that's for sure. And what a no doubt amazing match we're set to see at No Mercy!

MICHAEL COLE: Can you believe that Punk and Richards have challenged The Motor City Machine Guns? What a night to be watching Monday Night RAW!

WADE BARRETT: It certainly is a match that our WWE Universe has been frothing at the mouth for! Ever since they came onto the scene, defeating Guerrillas of Destiny really put them on the map as being on a different level!

MICHAEL COLE: It certainly did, if they get really lucky they might even be able to become the new WWE Tag Team Champions by the end of No Mercy!

WADE BARRETT: I remember a team that got luck on their side to become the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions! Unholy Union is stepping into action next to face off against Meta Four who are looking to make an impact of their own just like the Motor City Machine Guns did!

The lights in the arena turn off as the lights on the stage shoot down like beams and highlight two ladies’ silhouettes in yellow and green. As the lights come back up, it’s revealed to be none other than Jakara Jackson and Lash Legend, two of the four members of Meta Four. The ladies stand back-to-back as they pose like Bond girls that are about to kick some serious ass! “Time Out” by def rebel plays as the crowd cheers for the arrival of the team about to take on the villainous Unholy Union.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following tag team contest is scheduled for one fall! Making their way to the ring, representing Meta Four, Jaaakara Jaaackson and Laaash Legggend!

MICHAEL COLE: Meta Four may be a bit newer to the tag team scene, but these ladies do have experience from their NXT days!

WADE BARRETT: They most certainly do, tonight they find out if it’s enough to put the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions down and earn themselves a raise in the ranking of the division!

As they make their way to the ring, Jakara Jackson gives the fans no attention, but her partner Lash slaps a few hands on their way down and riles up the crowd a bit. Jackson makes her way up the ring stairs with Legend following her. She opens the ropes for her partner and follows Jackson through as the two pose in the center of the ring to the crowd's approval. “The Depths” by def rebel hits as the lights in the arena go out for a moment before red and orange illuminate the stage and Alba Fyre comes out onto the stage as imposing as ever. Slinking out from behind her is Isla Dawn, who brushes past her partner gracefully as she adjusts her WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship around her shoulder and smirks.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: And their opponents for the evening, they are the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, The Unholy Union, Albaaa Fyyyre and Islaaa Daaawn!

MICHAEL COLE: These ladies had a hell of a race to get to those Women’s Tag Team Championships, Wade! At SummerSlam they finally got their hands on them and I’m not sure we’ll see a team quite ready to take them on yet!

WADE BARRETT: They definitely have a chemistry that’s hard to beat in the ring together! But Meta Four has [some experience, so we might be surprised tonight!

Alba and Isla make their way down the ramp and size up their opponents as they head around the ring, circling their prey. Another sacrifice in mind tonight for them to present to their gods or demons they worship? Lash and Jakara look a bit uneasy, but as Alba and Isla make their way up onto the apron, they play to the crowd, who isn’t too pleased with their arrival after defeating Saraya and Shotzi at SummerSlam last week! As both ladies enter the ring, they flash their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships for their opponents to remind them they aren’t on that same level before handing them off to be held at ringside for safekeeping.

---

---

Legend towers over Alba and looks to clock her, but Alba avoids it and counters with a low dropkick, dropping Legend! As Legend falls to the canvas, Alba nails another low dropkick to the side of the head before making the over, 1…Legend kicks out! Alba makes a quick tag, bringing Isla into the match for the first time! Isla and Alba work together, laying into Legend with a series of kicks before lifting Legend up and dropping her into a DUAL GUTBUSTER! Isla makes the cover as she counts along with the crowd on her fingers, 1…2…Legend kicks out again! Jakara looks angry on the ring apron as she complains to the official about these ladies taking advantage of her partner! Isla lays in with a few more kicks before sending Legend into the corner, making a rapid tag for Alba to come back into the ring. They both kick the hell out of Legend as she’s trapped in their turnbuckle corner, before Alba lays into her with a facewash with her boot! Alba tosses Legend out of the corner and nails her with a senton! She makes the cover on Legend, 1…2…and Legend kicks out a third time!

MICHAEL COLE: Lash Legend is hanging in there, but you have to wonder how long she can hang on for without her partner getting in to save her!

WADE BARRETT: The Unholy Union got those WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships by making smart decisions! They aren’t looking to let some new team come along and embarrass them on their first night with the championships in their hands! They don’t want them to earn a chance at their championships by beating them in the main event of Monday Night RAW!

Alba peppers her with a series of kicks as she drags her by the arm back to her corner and tags Isla back in! The quick and rapid pace of tags from Unholy Union are overwhelming Legend in the early stages, and Jakara is pacing on the ring apron in frustration. Jackson mouths off to Isla but pays for it when she’s nailed with a SUPERKICK by Alba dropping her to the floor! Alba turns back to Legend and Isla as they both cut her off short before she can get to her own feet by stomping her into the canvas! Alba is ushered out by the official as Isla talks some trash to Legend while she picks her up off the canvas by her hair. She whips Legend back into her team's corner before pacing across the ring. Isla lines up her shot and charges in, but as she gets there, Legend gets a boot up and knocks her down to the canvas! Alba tries to grab her, but Legend elbows her in the face and off the apron! Isla is back to her feet and tries for a clothesline, but Lash ducks it and tags in her partner Jakara for the first time!

MICHAEL COLE: The tag has been made!

WADE BARRETT: Watch out, Isla!

Jakara steps into the ring and cracks her neck and delivers an elbow smash right to the face of Isla as she turns around! She leans in again and delivers a second, even harder elbow smash! Isla is seeing stars now as she’s shoved into the corner and Jakara hits a couple wicked-looking strikes before ending the series with an uppercut that nearly looks like it knocks Isla’s head off! The crowd goes wild as Jakara presses Isla into the corner and then whips her across the ring to the opposite corner chest first! As Isla bounces back, she’s caught around the waist and gets thrown over Jackson’s head with a GERMAN SUPLEX that absolutely folds her up! Jackson makes the pin, 1…2…Isla kicks out! Isla is rushing to her corner to try and escape, but Jackson grabs her by the hair and pulls her back into a sleeper! She’s flailing to get out of it, but Jackson flips her over with a judo throw that knocks the wind out of Isla!

MICHAEL COLE: Never seen that move before by Jackson!

WADE BARRETT: She’s a student of the game, Cole! You always have to look to surprise your opponents so that you can nail a move they aren’t expecting from you!

Jackson makes the tag to her partner, and this time Lash looks ready! As Isla crawls towards her corner, she’s caught by the ankle and pulled back before she can make the tag. Isla somehow manages to get to a standing position on her free leg and goes for an enzuigiri, but Legend ducks it and instead wraps her arms around Isla. Isla shakes her head, knowing what comes next, but it’s too late, OVERHEAD BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX! Legend teases the crowd with a pose to show off her biceps as they roar with approval! Alba enters the ring to intervene on her partner's behalf, but Legend scoops her up easily and powerslams her down into the canvas before she rolls out of the ring! She reaches for Isla and picks her up off the canvas and onto her shoulders in the fireman’s carry position! Isla is having none of it, however, as she rakes the left eye of Legend and drops to the canvas safely behind her and pulls her down by the hair with a sit-out slam! She grabs the leg as Legend hits the canvas, 1…2…Legend kicks out!

MICHAEL COLE: Close call and quick thinking by Isla Dawn!

WADE BARRETT: She’s got to keep the team alive after Alba just got taken out!

Alba stirs on the outside as Isla spots her but knows she’s got to last a bit longer. She grabs Lash by the hair and lifts her off the canvas as she screams! She grabs her firmly by the hair and delivers a hard knee to the side of Legends head! Isla now tosses her face first back down to the canvas and watches as Lash’s head bounces off of it with a bit of glee. Pulling Legend by the arm as she sets her up, Isla ascends the turnbuckle corner as she sizes up the landing, a double-foot stomp crushing the chest of Legend! Legend is clutching her chest as Isla makes the tag to the now-recovered Alba in the corner! Alba and Isla discuss strategy for a moment as they lift Legend off the canvas and to her feet. Both women hook an arm around her neck as they go for a double suplex but drop Legend back down on her feet. Legend roars as she lifts both Isla and Alba straight up in the air for a few seconds before she drops back with DUAL VERTICAL SUPLEXES on both ladies! Legend gets to her feet as she holds her chest still in pain, but once again shows off her bicep to the crowd as they roar with approval!

MICHAEL COLE: Holy shit, Wade!

WADE BARRETT: You just cursed on the air! But holy shit indeed, Cole!

Legend grabs Isla and goes to dump her out of the ring, turning her attention back to Alba. She lifts her off the canvas and lays into her with a stiff forearm shot to her chest! Alba staggers back for a moment but returns a stiff forearm shot of her own on Legend! Legend drops to a knee, and Alba bounces off the ropes and goes for a knee strike but gets caught on the shoulders of Legend, who gets to her feet! Legend stumbles back a bit, and Isla, who managed to catch herself on the apron, grabs the leg of Alba to pull her back and, in turn, knocks Legend back so Alba lands seated on her chest! Alba hooks the leg, 1…2…Legend gets the shoulder up, which knocks Alba off the top of her! Isla can’t believe it, and Alba can’t either. What is Lash Legend made of?

MICHAEL COLE: Jackson and Legend have been taking it to the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions so far!

WADE BARRETT: It’s insanity! The power and resiliency of Legend is unbelievable, Cole!

Jakara begins to get the crowd clapping in rhythm to help get her partner motivated and back to her feet! Isla yells at them to stop, but it’s of no use. Legend is back to her feet, and Alba goes for a clothesline, but Legend does a matrix move to dodge it by leaning back. As Alba turns to try to keep things on her team's side, she’s scooped up onto Legends shoulders once again. POWERBOMB! Legend pins her legs back as she mounts over top of Alba, 1…2…ALBA KICKS OUT! Isla breathes a sigh of relief but immediately goes into panic mode as her partner is still in peril! A figure with bright red hair has crawled over the ringside barricade, though!

MICHAEL COLE: We could be witnessing the future of the WWE happening right now! Legend has both members of Unholy Union well scouted at this point in the match! Wait a second, is that Abadon?!

WADE BARRETT: What’s she doing out here?!

Isla spots the creepy figure of Abadon as she runs her hand along the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship at ringside and hops down. Abadon picks one of them up as she stares into the gold and silver plate on the front of it. Isla puts a hand on her shoulder from behind but as she does, she gets absolutely decked by her own championship! Abadon now slides into the ring, and she nails Legend who tries to stop her with the championship! Alba is slowly getting back to her feet and Jackson has entered the ring to stop the chaos and protect her partner! Jackson goes for a kick, but Abadon catches her leg and headbutts into the nape of Jackson’s neck taking her off her feet as Jackson grabs her own throat in pain! Alba, still unaware of what’s going on, turns around as the CRACK of the Women’s Tag Team Championship on her head is heard throughout the arena! The official tries to maintain order, but Abadon chases after her as she dumps herself out of the ring to save herself! The bell is called to end this match!



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Ladies and gentlemen, the referee has announced that as the result of outside interference this match will end in a draw!

MICHAEL COLE: Abadon has ruined this match for both teams! What inspired her to come out here and do this?!

WADE BARRETT: She’s an undead monster from what I hear! She doesn’t need a reason; she’s just doing whatever she wants!

Abadon crawls over to Alba and lays the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship over her chest as she snarls at the camera as it zooms in on her. Both teams have been laid out and she gnashes her jaws at the camera.



MICHAEL COLE: An unfortunate turn of events at the end of the night here folks but what are the implications of this attack on both teams?

WADE BARRETT: We’ll be doing our best to provide updates on the condition of all competitors in this match via our WWE social media feeds. I’m not sure what The Unholy Union did to unleash this monster, but they need to put her back where she came from!

MICHAEL COLE: Hopefully we can figure this out before we see all of you in Fresno next week! That’s all the time we have for tonight folks, thanks for tuning in to Monday Night RAW!