Monday Night RAW 9-16-2024

As we come back from commercial break, the camera opens backstage as Joey Janela walks with a swagger toward his interview with Byron Saxton. He’s full of confidence, but there’s a tension in the air. The lights in the hallway flicker slightly, casting eerie shadows. Joey notices it but keeps moving, his expression confident as he smirks.

JOEY JANELA: Mankind thinks he can play mind games with me? Please. He’s nothing I can’t handle.

As Joey rounds a corner, Mankind appears out of nowhere, storming toward him with furious intensity. Without warning, Mankind grabs Joey by the collar and slams him against the wall. Joey, never one to back down from a fight, immediately shoves Mankind off and swings a wild punch, connecting with Mankind’s jaw.

JOEY JANELA: You want to do this now? Fine!

The fight explodes, with both men trading brutal punches. Mankind slams Joey into a stack of crates, but Joey retaliates, smashing Mankind into a nearby equipment box. The lights overhead flicker and dim further, casting the entire hallway in a haunting, shadowy glow.

The fight rages on, both men giving as good as they get. Mankind's wild, unpredictable strikes meet Joey’s resilience and brawling style. For a moment, it seems like an even fight, each man refusing to give an inch. But Mankind’s unhinged ferocity starts to take over, and he begins to get the upper hand.

After a particularly vicious elbow to Joey’s face, Mankind grabs him by the head and slams him against the wall again. Joey staggers, clearly starting to falter as Mankind moves in for the final blow. With a snarl, Mankind speaks to his challenger.

MANKIND: You laughed at me, Joey... now it’s time to pay.

Just as Mankind reaches for Joey, Joey’s hand grasps something nearby - - a steel pipe. Desperate, Joey swings it with all his strength, cracking Mankind across the side of the head. The sound of metal meeting flesh echoes through the hallway.

Mankind drops to one knee, stunned. The lights that had been dimming suddenly flicker violently, then return to full brightness. Joey stumbles backward, breathing heavily, but when he looks up... Mankind is gone.

The only trace of him is a small trail of blood droplets on the floor, leading away from where he was standing.

JOEY JANELA: What the hell...

Joey looks around, confused and shaken. The eerie calm after the chaos sets in, and he wipes the sweat from his brow, still clutching the steel pipe. Officials rush in, but there’s no sign of Mankind, just the unsettling blood trail leading off into the distance.

The camera zooms in on the blood trail before cutting back to Joey, who stands there, catching his breath as the cameras fade out.

The cameras catch up to Shotzi Blackheart standing in the backstage area, holding her ribs; clearly feeling the effects of her backstage brawl with The Unholy Union earlier in the evening. The camera pans around slightly to show that Abadon is crouching down below her, also seemingly trying to recover.

SHOTZI BLACKHEART: The Unholy Union have once again made enemies around here but that's no surprise. I understand that Abadon may have been the aggressor in this instance but honestly, Alba and Isla had it coming...

She states with a nod of her head.

SHOTZI BLACKHEART: My partner, Saraya, is currently injured and it seems Abadon needs a partner in this war, so it just makes sense that I step in to fill that role. I have no idea how this new attempt at teamwork is going to go but I'm more than happy to give it a try. The Unholy Union just keeps taking it too far and as long as I'm still alive and breathing, I'll make it my life goal to take them down and teach them a lesson, no matter what...

She seems initially uneasy as she turns to look at Abadon, who simply tilts their head to one side to glare at Shotzi in complete silence. Shotzi takes a moment and then turns back to the camera.

SHOTZI BLACKHEART: So at No Mercy, Abadon and I will be challenging for the Women's Tag Team Championships. I knew that this war between us was far from over and this isn't the way I thought it'd go but hey, unfinished business needs dealing with...

Shotzi walks away as the camera focuses in on Abadon, who glares sadistically into the camera.

MICHAEL COLE: Well folks, it’s been a few weeks, but we’ve once again gotten another video from Bo Dallas.

WADE BARRETT: Another one? I thought maybe he’d gone back into hiding, Cole!

MICHAEL COLE: It doesn’t seem that way, since the tape arrived to our production truck early this afternoon. Let’s see what he has to say this time!

The sins that have been committed against him, the crimes that have befallen him, the abuse he has had to suffer through, if Bo Dallas had been a weaker man, it would signal the end of him, right there, right then, but Bo Dallas is not normal. Had he ever been normal to begin with? That was the mystery of his life. Born into this life, with fame and fortune right there, with father and grandfather pathing the way before him, with elder brother blazing through as well and himself. He limped, he dragged, he staggered after them all to try and keep up, a taste of things to come, and now it is sour within his mouth.

There's been little change in the man he's become. Perhaps he's been able to better understand and contain the voices that still lurk in the back of his mind, better able to push himself to the surface instead of drowning in grief every moment of the day. He still hurts. He can still hear his brother's voice loud and clear when he questions his purpose. And he still pulls a mask over his features when he fears that he isn't enough because he needs the strength to push through, to remind everyone that they should fear crossing him. He needed the world to understand, to know that Bo Dallas has changed, he has become…something else…he has power the likes of which he could never even begin to understand how to use, and he needs to be careful with it now, more than ever before. Yet despite the pain he was suffering through, Bo Dallas was not alone.

But there's more Bo Dallas tangled with the story of Uncle Howdy.

There's more loneliness, clearly written across a furrowed brow and lips that he can't bring himself to force into any semblance of a smile. But there's no anger. He could never be angry with those who have done nothing. Not when he couldn't blame them for walking away from him when he was within his sorrow. He had become someone else, someone they had never asked to be with and he can't blame them for not loving him the way he had for his world had crumbled. His world had shattered, his family was gone, he was alone.

BO DALLAS: I did it, I killed them all.

The words fall from breathless lips as eyes turn away for a moment , attempting to gather the words desperately needed to try to explain his thoughts before meeting the gaze of the camera once more.

BO DALLAS: It was selfish of me to ask you to stay with me, the people of the flock, are not yet mine to control. I have stepped into the role that I have not yet earned. I wasn't - - and I can’t be - - the man you all loved and admired. And I never thought to acknowledge that you were all grieving too. For me. For a part of you. You didn't deserve the burden I laid on your shoulders. None of you deserve such a thing. I am a beaten and broken man. Fallen from the path, a lost lamb within the world, outside of the flock looking within, but now at long last. Since my life has been destroyed, my world shattered, there is a man here, who has revealed himself upon me, who is like me in so many ways. Maybe we can help one another, maybe we can heal together, work together, but the truth is, humanity is a cancer and nothing more, this garden I find myself. Is overrun with nothing more than weeds, with very little flowers, and this man has revealed himself to me, to be nothing more than a weed, my brother said it best. The strong rise to the top, the weak sink, the world has no need for weakness, and so I must cull this one, and move on. The whole world waits to fall into my hands, but Bo Dallas and Uncle Howdy, we can…we can make some time, just for you…Mankind. I will capture your attention, and I will slay the monsters that roam these lands. For my brother demands it.

Bo Dallas looks down and sighs. He is still a beaten, broken man. The things he has done so far haunt him even now. But he could deal with them, he has always had to deal with such pain. It is the things that Bo Dallas is about to go and do that will be different.

MICHAEL COLE: Chilling words from Bo Dallas here tonight, folks. He’s obviously a man suffering from grief still, but at least he’s setting goals.

WADE BARRETT: Everything’s easier when you know where you’re aiming for, and it sounds like Dallas has his eyes set on the Intercontinental Champion!

MICHAEL COLE: If he’s still the champion after No Mercy, that is! But speaking of knowing where you’re aiming, we get to see Bron Breakker in action against a mystery opponent. How can you “aim” at an opponent you can’t see, Wade?

WADE BARRETT: We saw Bron earlier tonight begging our ring announcer for the inside scoop, but beyond that you just have to be ready for all the possibilities, Cole. Make sure you’re in top physical and mental condition, and just be ready for anything.

”Fear No Evil” begins to play through the sound system, and the crowd erupts as Bron Breakker emerges from backstage. The big man rolls his shoulders, his eyes scanning over the crowd for a moment as he soaks in their applause. After a moment he cups his hands in front of his face, and the crowd joins him, the entire arena seeming to bark together. He wears a brief smile as he lowers his hands and begins his walk down the ramp.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! First up, making his way to the ring, Brooon Breaaakkeeerr!

MICHAEL COLE: The intensity on Bron Breakker’s face here tonight, folks! He looks like a man walking into a warzone!

WADE BARRETT: I can’t blame him for not looking happy, Cole, this is a match he didn’t ask for! Right as he was talking about finding his own path and seizing his own opportunities, Triple H shoehorns him into this match. No, I feel sorry for whatever chump he’s getting into the ring with!

Bron climbs the ring stairs slowly and climbs between the ropes. He turns in the middle of the ring and looks back at the ramp behind him. The tension in him is palpable, the muscles in his shoulders corded as he starts to pace, back and forth like the hunting wolf. Just as this starts, the stadium’s lights go out! The crowd shouts at the sudden darkness, and we see phone lights start to appear like stars in the darkness. There’s another screech, this one of a crow, as the TitanTron lights up. We see a video of the crow, perched on a massive stone as a blizzard falls around it. The camera changes, showing flashes of a snow-covered mountain top. Finally, as the crowd gets restless, we hear “Arrival” begin to play. A dark figure emerges from backstage, standing with his head bowed. Letters begin to appear on the screen behind him, revealing the wrestler’s name. The crowd roars as a spotlight finds the figure: Sting.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: And his opponent…he is a former six-time WCW World Champion, and a WWE Legend: Stiiing!

MICHAEL COLE: Oh my God! It’s Sting! The mystery opponent is Sting! I can’t believe it! The fans can’t believe it, he’s supposed to be retired!

WADE BARRETT: How does Triple H keep doing this?!

Sting begins his slow, determined way down the ramp, the long coat swaying on either side of him. We get a close-up of Bron’s face, his eyes wide. The pacing has stopped, and just like the fans, his eyes can’t leave the Icon as he climbs the steps and into the ring. Sting steps up to him until they're not quite chest-to-chest and says something to Bron that we can’t hear. For a moment Bron looks confused; his eyes sweep over his opponent for a moment, before settling on Sting’s face. There’s a moment of recognition in them, before they narrow and go hard. Bron’s hands clench into fists, and the ref calls for the bell.

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Sting braces himself, ready for the onslaught, but it doesn’t come. Bron stands there, burning a hole through Sting with the intensity of his gaze. There’s anger in his eyes, burning like a wildfire. The official leans in to tell him that the match has started, but there’s still no movement. Sting looks confused and says something, and we get the first bit of response, as Bron’s lip curls in a snarl. Sting shakes his head and offers a hand out for a lockup, and we watch Bron watch the Legend’s hand. For a moment it looks like he’s not going to react, but he slowly reaches out and take’s Sting hand - - only to use it to pull him into a hard knee to the gut! The crowd is shocked at the show of un-sportsmanship, but Bron doesn’t notice as he grabs Sting and whips him into the corner turnbuckle with all his strength. The 65-year-old turns to try and stop himself, but he hits the corner with so much force it nearly flips him over the top. He clutches at his midsection as Bron approaches, pressing him back against the corner. Bron raises one meaty hand and brings it down hard in a knife-edge chop to the Crow’s chest with a resounding thwack! that reverberates through the crowd. Bron unleashes another, and another in a flurry of relentless abuse that has the ref counting to stop him. Finally, Bron relents, and Sting stumbles out of the corner clutching his chest.

MICHAEL COLE: What brutal opening offense from Bron Breakker here!

WADE BARRETT: Brutal but smart, Cole. Sting is a multi-decade veteran of the industry, who knows what kind of tricks he has up his sleeve? Bron’s strategy is to keep him on defense so he can’t use any of them!

Sting is hunched and winded in the middle of the ring, but Bron looms behind him. Bron spins him around and grabs him, driving the Legend down onto his knee with a STO neckbreaker! He keeps his hold though and starts to rise like he’s going to pull Sting up, only to throw him back with a reverse STO! The crowd boos as Bron rises and looks over his fallen opponent with a wolfish smile. He rolls Sting over onto his back and hooks the leg - - IMMEDIATE kick out! The boos turn to cheers and Bron looks shocked that his offensive didn’t even get a one-count. The smile gone, he drags Sting to his feet - - and eats a punch to the gut that staggers him! The momentum starts to swing the other way as Sting delivers his own chop that echoes across the arena, followed by another and another. The Icon is starting to pick up steam as he rears back for another chop, but Bron boxes both ears before it can land!

MICHAEL COLE: Sting just got stopped in his tracks!

WADE BARRETT: He might have the experience, but Bron’s a tough opponent whose losses have largely been by the skin of his teeth. He’s a young dog, but one with a pedigree, and Sting’s reaching the end of his time in the yard.

Sting is still clutching at his head, and that gives Bron an opportunity to deliver an overhand punch that sends the Legend stumbling back towards the ropes. Bron follows it up with a second, and a third, and a fourth, before grabbing Sting’s hand and whipping him off the opposite rope, before lifting him up with a pop-up powerbomb! Bron’s feeling it as he pulls down his straps and goes over to the corner! Breakker looks to end it as Sting starts to stagger back to his feet…SPEAR! Bron goes for the cover! 1…2…KICKOUT WITH AUTHORITY! The crowd erupts as a flabbergasted Bron looks at Sting, who is already, slowly raising himself to a seated position.

MICHAEL COLE: STING KICKED OUT! Sting kicked out of the Spear!

WADE BARRETT: Only a couple of people in the roster can say they’ve kicked out of that, and one of them is the World Champion! Sting is still in a bad spot though, he’s still got to get up, and he’s in perfect position for another!

Bron seems to recognize this as he moves back into the corner on all fours, his eyes directly on target as Sting grabs the ropes and starts to pull himself up to his feet. The Georgia native sees his moment and takes off running - - but nobody’s home! Bron spears the corner turnbuckle! The big dog stumbles out of the corner clutching at his right shoulder and turns around, only to walk into a diving clothesline from Sting! Bron rises back to his feet, only to eat another! And then another! Bron starts to drag himself up, looking wobbly ,and Sting hits the ropes for a final clothesline that sends Bron flying over the ropes and down onto the floor below!

MICHAEL COLE: Bron may have underestimated Sting here!

WADE BARRETT: I don’t know about that, Cole. Sting has the momentum now, but at his age how long can that burst of energy last? Bron’s already getting back up to his feet

Sting cups his gloved hands over his mouth and lets out a shout that has the entirety of the Shark Tank shouting with him. He climbs through the ropes and jumps off the apron with a clubbing axe handle smash that takes Bron back down to the floor. Sting stands over his opponent, watching him clutch his head and writhe on the floor, before his eyes move over to the announce table beside him.

WADE BARRETT: Sting, what are you thinking?

MICHAEL COLE: I think we all know what he’s thinking, you’d better get back, Wade!

The crowd senses it too, and they erupt as Sting starts ripping the cover off the announce table, flinging the plastic and the monitors to the floor. He grabs Bron and pulls him to his feet, but Bron throws a wild right hand before Sting can pick him up, and suddenly the two men are trading shots, with the crowd letting out dueling “yes!” and “no!”-es for each fighter. Finally, Bron catches Sting’s right and delivers another shot! Sting tries to counter with another of his own, but again it’s blocked, and Bron delivers a knee to Sting’s already-abused midsection! The Vigilante doubles over in pain, and that puts him in just the right spot as Bron wraps his arms around him and hefts him up to a seated position on his shoulders! Bron turns…powerbomb through the announce desk!

MICHAEL COLE: My God, he’s 65! That might have broken Sting in half!

WADE BARRETT: I guess he’s not having a long run after all!

Bron roars as the momentum finally comes back to his favor and he turns to shout to the crowd, who pelt him with boos. He looks surprised by this, confused, like it’s not the reaction he’s expected. And as he looks out at the crowd, he doesn’t see Sting pull himself upright, looking completely unfazed by what just happened. The fans begin to shout and cheer as the Franchise of WCW gets back to his feet. Breakker doesn’t notice as Sting comes running up behind him with a fierce one-handed bulldog that plants him face-first into the floor! The Legend isn’t content to let the Young Wolf rest, though; he grabs Bron and drags him to his feet, sending him rolling into ring before climbing the nearby ring steps. He doesn’t get back in the ring, though. Instead, he starts to climb the turnbuckle! Sting perches on the top rope and beats at his chest before launching himself in a top-rope splash! Sting hooks the legs! 1…2…KICKOUT!

MICHAEL COLE: How did that not do it?!

WADE BARRETT: Bron’s a warrior at heart, Cole. He may not be on the path he wants to be on, but you can’t deny that when he’s got a fight, he wants he’s hard to beat!

Sting hits the mat angrily, frustrated that the match isn’t yet over. He turns and rises to his feet, pulling Bron with him. Just like Bron did earlier, Sting wraps his arms around Bron’s midsection and hefts the Georgia native onto his shoulders into a powerbomb position. He struggles to hold the younger wrestler upright as the damaged midsection gives him trouble, and it gives Bron enough time to shake the cobwebs loose. He grabs Sting’s head and clubs him once, then again, and one more time! Sting staggers, and Bron throws his weight back for a Frankensteiner that plants the Icon! Bron looks like he’s about out of steam as he drags himself over the prone Sting for the pin. 1…2....THREEENO! Sting gets his shoulder up! The fans are stunned! Bron rolls over onto his back panting. He slams one fist onto the mat.

WADE BARRETT: How did Sting kick out of that?!

MICHAEL COLE: That might have been pure instinct, Wade!

The ref looks to both men, still lying prone on the ground, and begins the 10-count. 1…2…3. The fans begin to count, and everyone in the crowd is on their feet watching both men turn over and try to work up the courage to keep going. 4…5…6! Both men get to a kneeling position as the count continues to get higher, and the fans are chanting Sting’s name. 7…8…9 - - both men are up! They start trading shots once again; sweat flies as both men trade brutal right hands with the last of their energy! Both men are wavering as Bron throws another hand, but Sting blocks it and returns a knee to the belly for the two Bron has given him! Bron doubles over in pain, and Sting hefts him up into the air, only to bring him down for a kneeling piledriver! The crowd erupts as Sting pants over Bron, but he doesn’t go for the cover. Instead, he uses the last of his energy to pull the big man up and pull him into position…SCORPION DEATH DROP! Sting collapses onto Bron for the pin! 1…2…3!



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, STIIING!

The official helps Sting to his feet and throws his hand up in celebration as the crowd erupts, drowning out the sound of “Arrival” playing in the background. After the official drops his hand, Sting turns and watches his former opponent, who has dragged himself over to the side of the ring and leans against the ring ropes. Sting leans down and offers a gloved hand to help him up, and the crowd goes quiet, watching for Bron’s response. Bron’s eyes track from the hand, up to Sting, before shaking his head and rolling out of the ring. The fans boo Bron as he walks up the ramp, leaving Sting behind watching.

MICHAEL COLE: Bron doesn’t look very happy with the Icon!

WADE BARRETT: I can’t fault him. He didn’t ask for this match; he just gets used as a random opponent for a guy who was retired to have one more run in the spotlight? I’d be furious!

MICHAEL COLE: I think there’s more to this than meets the eye, Wade. But we need to keep a close eye on this.

We go backstage, and Cathy Kelley is standing ready in one of the hallways.

CATHY KELLEY: We have a huge Monday Night RAW still to go as we gear up for No Mercy. There’s been a ton of talk on whether or not we will see…

Out of nowhere, a swarm of officials rush through the shot and down the hallway. Cathy and the cameraman follow, and as they get closer, we can hear some kind of commotion. The camera turns the corner, and the officials are being held off by Tanga Loa and Carmella. The camera pushes through to see what’s going on.

As it pushes through to get a better look, we see Tama Tonga and Corey Graves pinballing Old Man Michaels between them with hard punches. Old Man Michaels is bleeding all over his face and looks to be out on his feet. Corey sees the camera and points to Tama. Tama bounds over and pulls the camera through the crowd, and we get a close shot to see the beaten Old Man Michaels, face covered in crimson. Graves looks at the camera.

COREY GRAVES: Do you see what you made me do Kevin?! This isn’t 1995, you two don’t get to do what you want without consequence anymore!

With that, Graves shoves Old Man Michaels’ face into the lens and then he releases the man into the grip of Tama Tonga. Tama hurls Old Man Michaels skull first into a road case. Old Man Michaels is completely unconscious on the ground, but this isn’t enough, as Graves locks him into the 13th Step and wrenches for all he’s worth. Finally, there are enough officials to overpower both Tongans and rush toward Old Man Michaels and Graves. The officials yell and try to rip Graves off the prone body, but Graves just laughs and pulls back harder.

COREY GRAVES: YOU WANT TO THINK KEVIN?! HOW’S THAT FOR THINKING?!

Finally, Graves lets go, and the officials rush to pull Old Man Michaels away and begin screaming for medical attention. Money and Mayhem stand aside with smiles on their faces taking in their handiwork as we go back to the commentary desk with Cole and Barrett stunned at what they’ve seen.

MICHAEL COLE: Well, we came into the night wondering if Diesel would grant a rematch to Corey Graves. Now I’m wondering if Diesel can wait until No Mercy to get his hands on any member of Money and Mayhem!

WADE BARRETT: I know Graves felt wronged for what happened at SummerSlam, but this is too far. I wouldn’t be surprised if instead of a WWE Championship match, he is given a suspension or worse!

We quickly find ourselves backstage again, where Cathy Kelley stands at the ready with a winning smile and mic in hand. All around her are women who made a dramatic statement about the women’s division a week before. Io Shirai looks ready to hit a club after the show, a playful malice dancing in her eyes. Behind her the mysterious third woman stands with hands in her pockets, face again obscured by her oversized hoodie. KAIRI stands front and center with a white leather jacket over her ring gear, the Women’s Intercontinental Championship over her shoulder.

CATHY KELLEY: WWE Universe, I’m here now with the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion, KAIRI. KAIRI, thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions.

KAIRI: And thank you for asking them. I want to make sure everyone hears what I have to say.

CATHY KELLEY: Last week you made it clear you’re going to fight back against anyone aligned with nWo Elite. What’s going through your head as their first female member’s set to be revealed tonight?

KAIRI: Honestly? I’m glad they’re being so formal about it. Usually, a group like that keeps things close to the vest and then attacks you from the shadows like the snakes they are. I’m angry they have even one female member, but it’s better for her to reveal herself openly. Not that I’m counting on that to be a regular thing for them.

She rolls her eyes, already frustrated by the looming threat of yet another enemy forming.

KAIRI: It doesn’t matter who you’ve conned into joining your gang of ego-tripping thugs. Maybe it’s Giulia! Immediately jumping ship seems like it’s her thing. Maybe not, she probably has too much self-respect for that. The result for them and for her will be the same: No Quarter Given. But since they’re being so considerate about showing off their first woman - I’ll offer them a parlay. After we see who’s given up her pride to wear the black and white -

She nods to the ‘Third Woman’ and smiles confidently.

KAIRI: I’ll show them who I recruited to stop them dead in their tracks. After No Mercy, the battle lines will be clear. And if it comes to war, we will win.

There’s a fire burning in her eyes as she concludes her statement. For just a brief moment a pleased smirk crosses Io’s lips before she goes right back to looking mad at the world.

CATHY KELLEY: At No Mercy you’ll be fighting Giulia, who won a #1 contender’s match on Raw last week by defeating Toni Storm. Considering the roll Giulia’s been on, how have you been preparing for the challenge of the Vicious Vipress?

KAIRI glances over at Io, who throws up her hands defensively at the unspoken accusation.

KAIRI: Harder, tougher and more focused than ever. She might have all the hype in the world, she might have my old boss’ backing, but she’s still a snake in the grass. And I’ll show her why I’m the workhorse, fighting champion of WWE by showing her No Mercy. Just like Jamie before her, I have no intention of letting Giulia take this championship from me.

Io steps forward and glares into the camera like she’s about to kill someone.

IO SHIRAI: Speaking of Jamie - - you think you’re really cute parading around with that belt huh? You think that just because you bought it from the WWE shop it means you’re any more of a champion than the fans in the front row who lug them around? You keep ranting about how you’re ‘the real champion’ because you’re desperate to convince yourself you haven’t failed every time you’ve had a shot. KAIRI, the REAL champion, is busy. But I’ve got all the time in the world. At No Mercy I’ll be making sure people like you don’t get involved in her match. After that, your ass is MINE. I’m coming to take your little toy away, period. Maybe that will finally shut you up.

There’s a pop from the crowd as Io issues her challenge before continuing to glare with the same unhinged intensity seen in her run as WWE Women’s Champion. KAIRI nods in approval, while their Third Woman just stands there like she’s sulking. This catches Cathy’s eye, and the interviewer motions to her.

CATHY KELLEY: Will she also be joining you at No Mercy?

Both KAIRI and Io glance over their shoulders at the woman, who shuffles forward after an awkward beat. Though her identity is still concealed, we see her head move just a little with a nod.

THIRD WOMAN: Of course. I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to see that old bastard weep when KAIRI’s broken his new favorite.

The mic picks up a twisted laugh from the woman before she retreats to her spot behind the Sky Pirates. KAIRI stifles a laugh of her own, drawing a furrowed brow and confounded look from Io.

KAIRI: Together we’re going to protect women’s wrestling, whatever it takes. They can throw anything their twisted minds can think of at us and we’ll just laugh and return the favor twice over. Whether it’s Giulia, nWo Elite, or the Unholy Union it doesn’t matter. The Queens of Chaos will be ready to defeat them. Whatever. It. Takes.

She waggles her fingers at the camera before blowing a kiss to the WWE Universe. Io makes a ‘don’t take your eyes off of me’ gesture. The Third Woman starts to move her hand out of her pocket but stops herself. With one last smile from the Women’s Intercontinental Champion, the interview fades out.

The cameras return to the ring, to show a table set up in the center, along with four chairs: two either side. "Six Barrel Shotgun" by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club echoes throughout the arena. The fans are on their feet for the arrival of Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley as they walk onto the stage before making their way down to the ring; hitting their hands with those of the fans in the front row.

MICHAEL COLE: The Motor City Machine Guns out here to make things official for No Mercy in this contract signing!

WADE BARRETT: This is a huge opportunity for the Guns, and we all know exactly how much the fans are looking forward to this one.

After they enter the ring and pose briefly, they take their place in two of the seats. Alex picks up the contract laid out on the table, and after a brief scan of the forms, he points at something to Chris, who nods in an almost exaggerated manner. As they await their opposing team to join them, the music of the Best Tag Team in the World blasts through the speakers and again, the fans are on their feet. However, with the music continuing to play and neither CM Punk nor Stevie Richards are anywhere to be found, the music trails out into silence.

MICHAEL COLE: Where are the Tag Team Champions?

WADE BARRETT: Your guess is as good as mine!

The cameras then quickly cut backstage to show an attack. We see that both CM Punk and Stevie Richards have been left down and out on the ground; their championship belts thrown down beside them. Two members of Meta-Four are stood over them menacingly, that being Noam Dar and Oro Mensah!

MICHAEL COLE: Meta-Four?! They attacked the Tag champs!

WADE BARRETT: They were looking to make an impact, I guess this is one way to do it!

Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin see this on the screen and quickly leave the ring to race backstage as quickly as possible. As they arrive there, medics are already checking on Punk and Richards, while Dar and Mensah are nowhere to be seen, having left the scene of the crime.

MICHAEL COLE: The Guns had good intentions there, but Meta-Four wanted no part of them!

WADE BARRETT: I wonder what this means for the WWE Tag Team Championship match at No Mercy!

MICHAEL COLE: I imagine we’ll find out soon enough! Our next match also has championship implications, Wade, as it’s a battle royal with the winner receiving an opportunity at the WWE Women’s Championship!

WADE BARRETT: Eight hungry women fighting for the opportunity of a lifetime, this one is bound to be insane!

MICHAEL COLE: Our women’s division has shown over the last six months that they’re absolutely unmatched by any other women’s division in the world, and I have no doubt that these ladies are going to continue to make that statement here tonight!

”Watch Me Shine” by CFO$ begins to play on the speakers and the crowd gets on their feet with cheers as Bianca Belair dances out to the top of the ramp. Spinning in a circle as she twirls her braid, Bianca begins skipping to the ring as she waves to the fans with one hand and twirls her braid with the other.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following is an eight-woman battle royal, and the winner will receive a future opportunity at the WWE Women’s Championship! Introducing the participants, first, the EST of WWE, Biiiancaaa Belllaaairrr!

MICHAEL COLE: Bianca Belair is an incredibly established athlete who had her fair share of success in the previous regime, but she’s making her in-ring debut in the new era here tonight!

WADE BARRETT: I’m sure she hasn’t lost a step in her time away, Cole! She’s bound to be eager to reclaim her place atop the mountain!

Getting to the bottom of the ramp, Bianca skips over to the side of the ring and hops up onto the ring apron, blowing a kiss to the fans and striking a pose before entering the ring. Taking off her sunglasses and her jacket, she hands them off to the ringside attendant and hops in place as she focuses her attention on the entrance area. “Toxic” by def rebel begins to play on the speakers now and the crowd gives off a more mixed reaction as Gigi Dolin steps out to the top of the ramp. Looking out at the crowd with a fairly neutral, if not bored expression, and begins making her way down the ramp as she bares her teeth in a now somewhat irritated looking expression.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Introducing next, making her way to the ring, Hell’s Favorite Harlot, Gigiii Doooliiin!

MICHAEL COLE: Gigi Dolin is a bit of a wild card here. She had a great run in NXT in the old regime, but does she have what it takes here in the big leagues?

WADE BARRETT: She’s nothing if not feisty, Cole! I think Gigi is going to fit right in!

Walking to the side of the ring, Gigi hops up onto the apron and strikes a pose for the crowd before entering the ring. Looking at Bianca with a weary eye, Gigi now turns her attention to the entrance area as well. The lights in the arena turn off as a light on the stage shoots down like a beam and highlights a lady's silhouette in green. As the lights come back up, it’s revealed to be none other than Lash Legend of Meta-Four! Lash strikes a pose as “Time Out” by def rebel plays and the crowd cheers Lash as she begins to make her way down towards the ring, determination etched on her face.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Introducing next, making her way to the ring, representing Meta-Four, Laaash Leeegeeend!

MICHAEL COLE: Despite the actions of her Meta-Four teammates earlier tonight against our Tag Team Champions, the crowd here seems to love Lash Legend!

WADE BARRETT: Why shouldn’t they, Cole? Lash didn’t have anything to do with that attack on Punk and Richards! She’s her own woman and tonight, she’s going to prove that! Lash is one of the more physically impressive women we have on this roster and she could very well use that to her advantage here tonight!

Getting to the bottom of the ramp, Lash walks over to the steel steps and makes her way up to the apron, entering the ring and walking to the center, striking a pose and flexing for the crowd. Taking off her jacket, she gives it to the ringside attendant and looks at Bianca and Gigi with a smirk as the lights in the arena go out once more. Naomi’s name begins appearing on the TitanTron, one letter at a time as the voice over the speakers spells it out, and suddenly “Glow” by def rebel begins pumping through the speakers as the arena lights up with a blacklight, showing off Naomi in her usual glow in the dark outfit as she dances at the top of the ramp. The crowd is wild with cheers, feeling the energy as Naomi runs down the ramp and then drops to her knees and slides the rest of the way, shaking and shimmying to her music.



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

MICHAEL COLE: It’s time to feel the glow, Wade! Naomi is back after a lengthy absence and she’s looking to return with a splash!

WADE BARRETT: She has a unique offense that could take her very far in this match, but there’s also a lot of powerhouse women that she’ll need to be aware of!

Getting to the bottom of the ramp, Naomi hands off her jacket to a ringside attendant as she hops up onto the apron and then leaps over the top rope in an impressive display of athleticism, continuing to dance to the music as the blacklight turns off and the regular lights come back up and her music fades out. The women all look at the entrance area once again as “Holy Diver” by Dio begins to play on the speakers and the crowd gives off yet another mixed reaction as Nikkita Lyons steps out to the top of the ramp. Looking out at the crowd with a neutral expression, Nikkita looks down at her opponents in the ring and nods, breaking out into a confident smile as she begins to make her way towards the ring.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Introducing next, making her way to the ring, Nikkiiitaaa Lyyyooons!

MICHAEL COLE: Nikkita Lyons is another one of the more physically imposing women in this match here tonight, but she might be a little distracted with everything going on with her boyfriend Adam Cole, her friends The Gunns, and the deranged Tommy End!

WADE BARRETT: Much like Lash Legend, Nikkita is her own woman and she’s not going to let the troubles of her men affect her chances of earning a Women’s Championship opportunity!

Getting to the bottom of the ramp, Nikkita goes up the steel steps and enters the ring, walking to the center and striking a pose, looking around at the other women with a confident smirk. Her music fades out and “Demon in Your Dreams” begins playing on the speakers for the second time tonight and the crowd roars in approval once again as Rhea Ripley comes out to the top of the ramp. Looking down at her opponents with a devilish smirk, Rhea begins making her way down towards the ring, ready to get this underway.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Introducing next, making her way to the ring, The Nightmare, Rheeeaaa Riiipleeey!

MICHAEL COLE: Earlier tonight, we saw Rhea Ripley turn down an offer to join forces with Trish Stratus, and the Queen of Stratusfaction was less than pleased with that, Wade!

WADE BARRETT: It was a foolish move on Rhea’s part, Cole! She’s been a loser for most of this year, aligning herself with Trish would’ve taken her to new heights and helped her get some checks in the win column!

Rhea gets to the bottom of the ramp and goes to the steel steps, walking up slowly, methodically, before entering the ring. Her music fades out as “Angel on My Shoulder” by Dale Oliver begins to play on the speakers. The crowd boos as Velvet Sky begins to make her way out from the back, not bothering to stop and pose and she just walks down the ramp.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Introducing next, making her way to the ring, A Beautiful Person, Velllveeet Skyyy!

MICHAEL COLE: Velvet Sky hasn’t had the easiest time in WWE, but she’s looking to hopefully turn her luck around here tonight!

WADE BARRETT: If Bianca Belair has her way, Velvet isn’t going to be walking out of this one the winner!

Velvet gets to the bottom of the ramp and begins walking up the steel steps and as she gets on the apron, ”Superkick Party” plays over the P.A. system and the crowd instinctively starts booing as Nick and Matt Jackson appear at the top of the ramp. All of the ladies in the ring turn their attention to The Young Bucks as Velvet enters the ring and quickly turns to look at them as well.

MICHAEL COLE: Not these guys again.

WADE BARRETT: They don’t think they can enter this thing right? I know they said they had a surprise.

The music fades out as Nick and Matt Jackson are both holding microphones and have grins on their faces.

MATT JACKSON: Ladies, we appreciate you all coming out here tonight for this battle royal. You’ve all just become a footnote or Jeopardy answer for the world’s biggest women’s division debut.

NICK JACKSON: We told you all that we were coming for every title and we meant every word of it when we said it.

MATT JACKSON: Thankfully, Stephanie McMahon keeps making it easy for us and giving us a path right to the number one contendership.

NICK JACKSON: One match. One win. One title shot coming up.

MATT JACKSON: So, without further ado. We would like to introduce nWo Elite’s newest member.

NICK JACKSON: A woman who can do a lot of things really well and some things extremely well.

MATT JACKSON: One of those things being taking down any woman who stands in her way.

NICK JACKSON: She’s also The Young Bucks’ personal secretary!

MATT JACKSON: Now…before we introduce her, there is one more thing I need to tell you all down there. This woman coming out is sure to be a surprise but let me assure you that she will not be the only surprise tonight.

NICK JACKSON: I think you’ve said enough Matt. The newest member of nWo Elite…Eve Torres!

”She Looks Good to Me” by Jim Johnston begins to play now as Eve Torres comes walking out from backstage as the Bucks disappear from sight, giving her the full stage to herself. Striking her signature pose, Eve looks down to the ring with a confident smirk before making her way down the ramp.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: And finally, making her way to the ring, representing the nWo Elite, Eve Torrrrrreeees!

MICHAEL COLE: Oh my God, Eve Torres is back! And she’s with the nWo Elite?!

WADE BARRETT: I can’t believe this, Cole! Eve Torres is the last person I expected to ever get mixed up with Matt and Nick Jackson! Then again, John Cena has aligned with them, so I guess anything is possible!

The crowd is stunned as Eve sashays her way down the ramp oozing with confidence. Stopping at the bottom, she looks at all of the women with a devious smirk before charging forward, rolling under the bottom rope and looking at them all like a shark looking at their prey.

Before the bell is set to ring for the women's battle royal, an arrogant, annoying voice is heard booming throughout the arena! The Personal Concierge comes rushing out onto the stage with a big smirk on his face! He holds a handful of something, we are yet to know what it is.

MICHAEL COLE: Oh no, what’s he doing out here?

WADE BARRETT: Shh! Quiet, Cole, we’re about to find out!

THE PERSONAL CONCIERGE: Ladies and Gentlemen, Ladies and Gentlemen! Before you ring that bell, I come to you with HUGE news! On this, the 25th edition of RAW, I have the utmost honor of introducing to ringside, sitting VIP to watch this bout, you know her, you love her!

The Personal Concierge stops for a moment, sniffs the air and recoils.

THE PERSONAL CONCIERGE: She cannot come out to this rancid Californian air. But luckily, I knew what to expect coming here. So, take these, you'll need em!

The Personal Concierge throws handfuls of individually wrapped mints into the audience, with Ash's face on the wrapper.

THE PERSONAL CONCIERGE: Now that that's out of the way, coming down to VIP ringside, please welcome... Ash by Elegance!



Ash emerges onto the stage in a snake-print dress, she wraps her arm over The Personal Concierge's and makes slow movements towards her VIP booth, making sure to take her time and display her arrogance as much as she can.



Once she reaches her special area, she grabs a nearby microphone to address the women.

ASH BY ELEGANCE: Trash, I mean ladies! Thank you for waiting, and for appreciating my royal welcome for the 25th episode of RAW! Now, I get to join the masses in watching you desperately brawl over a title shot. Ring the bell!

Ash holds out her hand and as she does, a glass of champagne is placed into it and she takes a sip, ready to watch the trash of the women's division go at it.

---

---

The bell rings and after the women all shake their heads at Ash by Elegance, it’s chaos right from the rip! Eve takes Naomi down with a Lou Thesz Press, staying mounted on her and delivering hard right shots to the face. Rhea Ripley is mixing it up with Nikkita Lyons, trading shots back and forth. Gigi Dolin has leaped up onto the back of Lash Legend and is trying to take her down to no avail, and Velvet Sky has charged in at Bianca Belair, looking to hit a spear but Bianca moves out of the way and Velvet Sky crashes shoulder first into the corner! Velvet clutches at her shoulder in pain as she slumps down to the mat, and Bianca just shakes her head as she walks over to Velvet and goes to pick her up. As Bianca bends down, however, Velvet taps into her devious side as she attacks Bianca with an eye rake that causes the EST to stumble back and clutch at her eyes and she wails in pain.

MICHAEL COLE: What a nasty move by Velvet Sky!

WADE BARRETT: What’s so nasty about it, Cole! In matches like this you have to do whatever it takes to win!

Velvet is now on her feet and she runs towards Bianca, who has her back to her, and takes her down to the mat with a bulldog! Velvet is clearly feeling herself after that, standing up and nodding as she smiles confidently. She looks around the ring to see the other women are all focused on each other and she then looks up towards the sky and gives another nod, as an emotional look comes across her face. Looking down at Bianca who is starting to try to get to her feet, Velvet quickly moves over to the corner and climbs up to the top, gingerly turning around as she remains perched, looking at Bianca who is now getting closer to standing upright. Taking a moment, Velvet looks up at the sky again and she points upwards as she yells “This one’s for you Don! - - OOF!” Suddenly, she’s blasted with a kick to the head from Belair, who got back to her feet while Velvet was declaring her tribute! The shot knocks Velvet from the top turnbuckle and she smacks the apron hard before falling down to the floor!

SAMANTHA IRVIN: Ladies and gentlemen, Velvet Sky has been eliminated!

MICHAEL COLE: That didn’t work out the way Velvet Sky hoped it would!

WADE BARRETT: You want to talk about nasty, Cole? Velvet Sky was paying tribute to her close friend and Bianca Belair took advantage of that! She should be ashamed of herself!

Velvet Sky is on the floor now, looking back into the ring with her mouth dropped open in shock. Bianca Belair is still in the ring and she just smiles and waves at Velvet Sky, blowing a kiss at her before turning her attention to the chaos going down in the ring. As an angry Velvet is ordered to go up the ramp by the officials, Bianca watches with amusement as Gigi Dolin is still trying to take down Lash Legend, who is thrashing her body around, trying to shake Gigi off, but Hell’s Favorite Harlot is clinging to her like a barnacle on a boat! Bianca tells Lash to stop thrashing for a moment, and she then runs around to the back and delivers a double axe handle to Dolin’s back, causing the smaller woman to lose her grip and fall off of Lash Legend and onto the canvas!

MICHAEL COLE: Bianca Belair just helped Lash Legend!

WADE BARRETT: Stupid move on her part, Lash Legend is the main one in this match that’s closest to being her equal!

Gigi looks up at Bianca and Lash with an incredulous expression and she scrambles to her feet. Getting in Bianca’s face, Gigi screams “are you KIDDING me?!” and she slaps Belair across the face! Bianca holds her cheek, and Lash just covers her mouth as she takes a step back, not wanting to interfere in Bianca’s business. Bianca nods her head and turns to look at Gigi with a smile, before decking her with a right hand shot to the face! Grabbing Dolin by the wrist, Bianca whips her into the ropes and when Gigi comes back, she looks to nail a clothesline. Dolin ducks the attempt, however, and hits the other side of the ropes. When she comes back, she uses her momentum to flip up and around, taking Belair down with a headscissor takeover!

MICHAEL COLE: Big move there from Gigi Dolin!

WADE BARRETT: I can’t believe she just did that, Cole! I didn’t know she had it in her!

Gigi looks thrilled that she was able to take Bianca down, as she stands up with a big grin on her face and yells out “I’m the best! Nobody can touch me!” and strikes a confident pose. She then turns to see Lash Legend looking at her with her hands on her hips, shaking her head with an amused expression on her face. With a scoff, Gigi walks up to Lash with her arms out at her side and says “what? What are you looking at?” she then slaps Lash, just as she did to Bianca Belair! Gigi smirks and says “what are you gonna do about it?” and Lash just slowly turns her head back, looking at Dolin with narrowed eyes before suddenly striking with a headbutt that knocks Hell’s Favorite Harlot down to the mat! The crowd cheers as Lash looks down at Gigi’s fallen body and yells out “don’t you DARE disrespect me!”

MICHAEL COLE: Lash Legend didn’t take too kindly to that slap!

WADE BARRETT: That might’ve been the biggest mistake Gigi Dolin could have ever made!

The crowd is now cheering as Lash bends down and grabs Gigi by the hair, roughly bringing her to her feet. She whips Dolin into the ropes and when Dolin comes back, she looks to try to use her momentum to nail another headscissor takeover, however Lash is able to hang onto her and she brings her back down to the mat with a huge sidewalk slam! Lash gets to her feet and bends down, grabbing Gigi by the hair once again and pulling her up, this time throwing her head between her legs. Lifting her up, Lash holds Gigi in position as she walks over to the ropes and brings Gigi down with a powerbomb out onto the ringside floor!

SAMANTHA IRVIN: Ladies and gentlemen, Gigi Dolin has been eliminated!

MICHAEL COLE: Rough landing there for Gigi Dolin!

WADE BARRETT: She’s gonna be feeling that one for a few days, at least!

As the officials rush to tend to Dolin, Lash dusts her hands off and she turns to look at Bianca, who is back to her feet and nodding in approval. Giving each other a high five, the women share a nod of respect as the crowd cheers the display between the two women. Meanwhile, Nikkita Lyons has Rhea Ripley down in the corner, and is driving her knee into Ripley’s face. The Nightmare is thrashing as she tries to escape, struggling to breathe against the hold. After a moment, Nikkita lets up and she walks over to the opposite corner, and she turns to look at Ripley who is struggling to catch her breath. With a devious smirk crossing her face, Nikkita comes charging in as she hits Rhea with a running hip attack that smashes Rhea’s head off of the turnbuckles!

MICHAEL COLE: Did you see the way Rhea’s head bounced there?!

WADE BARRETT: She’s definitely gonna want to get checked out after this match, she could have a concussion!

Rhea is now slumped down onto the canvas, out of it after that shot from Nikkita. Nikkita outstretches her arms as she smiles confidently, nodding her head in affirmation of herself as she turns to see both Bianca Belair and Lash Legend staring at her with big Cheshire cat-like smiles of their own! With a chuckle, Nikkita walks up to both women and asks “what are you looking at?” as she gives them an expectant look. When neither woman says anything, Nikkita shoves Lash, and Bianca then shoves Nikkita! Nikkita looks incensed that Bianca dared to put her hands on her, and she delivers a hard right shot to the face of the EST! Before Nikkita can do anything else, the lights go out in the arena!

MICHAEL COLE: What the hell is going on here?!

WADE BARRETT: Your guess is as good as mine, Cole!

After a brief moment, the lights come back on and we see Tommy End standing on the apron, looking at Nikkita with a devious smile. Putting her hands on her hips, Nikkita takes a step towards Tommy and she shrieks “what do you think you’re doing?!” Tommy does not answer, however, instead his smile just grows even wider. Nikkita goes to take another step towards him when suddenly, she’s stopped by Lash and Bianca! They each have one of her wrists, and they whip her into the ropes together and when she comes back, they look for a double clothesline. Nikkita ducks the attempt and goes towards the opposite ropes, but this is where Tommy End is at and as Nikkita hits the ropes, he pulls the top rope down and Nikkita loses her balance, falling backwards and spilling out onto the ringside floor! The referees are confirming the elimination!

SAMANTHA IRVIN: Ladies and gentlemen, Nikkita Lyons has been eliminated!

MICHAEL COLE: What just happened here?!

WADE BARRETT: It looks like Tommy End has eliminated Nikkita Lyons!

With her mouth open in shock, Nikkita gets to her feet and screams at Tommy End, asking him what the hell he’s doing, and the referees rush around to the area as they try to calm Nikkita down and lead her up the ramp, while also getting Tommy End to leave the ringside area. Nikkita is furious and she slaps Tommy across the face, telling him that his time is coming to an end this Sunday at No Mercy. Tommy simply laughs and continues to state at Nikkita, and the officials stay close by to monitor the situation. Meanwhile, in the ring, Rhea Ripley is back to her feet and she walks over to where Eve Torres has Naomi in the corner, choking her with her boot and she grabs the nWo Elite’s newest member by the hair and quickly dumps her over the top rope to the floor by the commentary table! Eve Torres can’t believe what just happened!

SAMANTHA IRVIN: Ladies and gentlemen, Eve Torres has been elim - -

Before Samantha Irvin can finish, the microphone is yanked out of her hand by someone standing behind her. Confused, Samantha turns around to see Ember Moon standing there, the microphone in her hand an angry scowl on her face. Spiking the microphone into the ground, Ember climbs over the ringside barrier and walks over to Eve Torres, who now has a big smile on her face. Nodding at Eve, Ember then motions her head towards the ring and the two women slide under the bottom rope together.

MICHAEL COLE: Oh my God! Ember Moon is with the nWo Elite also?!

WADE BARRETT: The Bucks did say Eve wasn’t going to be the only surprise!

MICHAEL COLE: But what are they doing? Ember isn’t in this match and Eve was eliminated by Rhea Ripley!

WADE BARRETT: Well the referees are still distracted with Nikkita and Tommy End so they didn’t see it, so I guess technically it doesn’t count!

MICHAEL COLE: No, it counts! She was eliminated!

Naomi and Bianca Belair are tied up in the corner over on the side of the ring where Nikkita Lyons and Tommy End have finally been separated. The referees are still trying to keep them away from one another. As Bianca and Naomi are struggling with one another, Ember Moon approaches them and gets under Bianca and Naomi’s legs, lifting them up and over the top rope to the floor! Bianca and Naomi tumble to the floor right in front of the referees! Samantha Irvin seems confused about what just happened.

SAMANTHA IRVIN: La…Ladies and gentlemen, Naomi and Bianca Belair have been eliminated!

WADE BARRETT: Ember Moon just eliminated those two!

MICHAEL COLE: She’s not even in the damn match! The nWo Elite are such a trash group!

Ember stares over the ropes at the downed Bianca and Naomi, who each look up to see what has happened to them. They’re just as surprised as this crowd. Eve Torres sits in the corner next to Moon and points over to the opposite corner where Rhea Ripley has Lash Legend lifted up and sitting on the top turnbuckle. Ripley rears back and drives a forearm into Lash’s chest, knocking her off the top rope and to the floor!

SAMANTHA IRVIN: Ladies and gentlemen, Lash Legend has been eliminated!

MICHAEL COLE: Lash Legend is out of here, at least this was a legitimate elimination by Rhea Ripley!

WADE BARRETT: I have a feeling this is just the beginning for Lash Legend though, what a performance here tonight! Wait, what is Ember Moon doing?

Ember Moon slides under the bottom rope and makes her way around the outside of the ring. As Ripley turns around, she sees one woman in the ring with her and it’s Eve Torres, still sitting in the corner. Ripley’s face shows confusion that quickly gives way to anger. She takes a few steps towards Torres and starts screaming at her that she’s already been eliminated. As the referees finally get Tommy End back up the ramp and away from Nikkita Lyons, Ember Moon decides to strike. She slides into the ring behind Rhea Ripley, grabbing her from behind and running her towards the ropes, using her momentum to take her up and over the top rope and to the floor, right in front of the refs! Ripley has been eliminated! The crowd is shocked at this as is Ripley who immediately jumps to her feet and stares up into the ring at Moon. Ripley smashes her fists into the apron and goes to enter back into the ring but the referees grab her on the outside and tell her she’s been eliminated and make her go up the ramp.

SAMANTHA IRVIN: Ladies and gentlemen, Rhea Ripley has been eliminated!



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner…EEEVE TORRRRRRESSS!

MICHAEL COLE: No!

WADE BARRETT: Well, that certainly went a different way.

MICHAEL COLE: No!

WADE BARRETT: Ember Moon has certainly made an impact here. The new nWo Elite women are here in a big way!

Torres throws her arm up in the air in celebration as Ember Moon grabs Torres’ other arm and raises it up as well. Ripley is trying to get back into the ring but the referees are stopping her from going back in there. Moon and Torres both go to separate turnbuckles and bring themselves up to the second rope, bragging about the victory. Moon is yelling down at Rhea Ripley to shut her mouth.

The celebration is cut short when “Welcome to the Queendom” hits the P.A. system.

MICHAEL COLE: That’s Stephanie McMahon’s music! You know she can’t be happy about what she just saw here.

WADE BARRETT: Judging by the look on her face, I would say she is indeed not too happy.

Stephanie is standing at the top of the ramp, a microphone in her hand and an angry expression on her face. As her music fades out, she raises the microphone to her mouth and begins to speak.



STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Ladies, ladies, ladies. If the two of you want to follow John Cena’s lead of having incredibly poor judgment and align yourselves with Matt and Nick Jackson, that’s completely up to you. But, the both of you know how things go around here, and this is not it. While technically yes, anything goes in a battle royal, you were thrown over the top rope, Eve, it just wasn’t caught by our officials. So, while I’ll go ahead and let you keep this little win, you will NOT be receiving an opportunity at the WWE Women’s Championship!

The crowd goes wild with cheers at this announcement as Eve and Ember both scrunch up their faces in confusion and anger. As the cheers die back down, Stephanie continues.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: That’s right, you heard me correctly. While you all may think you run things around here, at the end of the day this is still my company and I’m not going to let your shady tactics fly. So, enjoy the victory Eve, but you will not be receiving a Women’s Championship shot any time soon. Instead, we’re going to have a match this Sunday at No Mercy to determine the woman who will receive the opportunity. We’re going to have ourselves a fatal four-way elimination match. As for the participants? First up, Blair Davenport, who made a hell of a first impression when she defeated Alexa Bliss and Nikkita Lyons a couple of weeks ago. Next, Naomi and Bianca Belair, two women who Ember Moon decided to eliminate on Eve’s behalf. And for the final participant? The woman who should have been the winner tonight if not for Ember Moon’s tactics, The Nightmare, RHEEEAAA RIIIPLEEEEY!

The crowd roars in approval at this announcement, as Ember and Eve are protesting this in the ring. Stephanie just smiles and shrugs her shoulders as “Welcome to the Queendom” begins to play again and she turns and heads to the back.

MICHAEL COLE: What an announcement! Eve Torres can keep her win but she’s not getting a title shot, instead we’re going to see who can earn a title shot this Sunday in a “second chance” match of sorts!

WADE BARRETT: And what a match it will be, Cole! Blair Davenport, Naomi, Bianca Belair, and Rhea Ripley? Those women are going to bring the house down!

We turn from the broadcast booth to the backstage area, as Old Man Michaels is being looked over by a doctor thanks to the brutal assault earlier in the night.

OLD MAN MICHAELS: I’m fine!

The doctor continues to look over Michaels, despite his claims that he’s fine. The doctor checks out his vision by asking Michaels to follow his finger as he slowly moves it from side to side in front of Michaels face.

OLD MAN MICHAELS: I said I’m fine!

Confident he’s done a thorough inspection, the doctor pats Michaels on the shoulder and exits the room. The shot expands to show that the entire time “Big Daddy Cool” Diesel has been standing in the corner of the room with his arms crossed in front of his chest.

DIESEL: This is my fault.

OLD MAN MICHAELS: Oh yeah? I don’t recall receiving this beat down from you.

DIESEL: You know what I mean.

Old Man Michaels holds the back of his head, and he winces.

OLD MAN MICHAELS: Yeah, well, wait till I get my hands on Money and Mayhem.

DIESEL: I’ve got to answer for this. Corey Graves wanted his rematch, and some level he’s deserving of one, but he went about the wrong way. And it’ll cost him in the end.

Michaels slides off the bench he was sitting on, and Diesel helps him to his feet.

DIESEL: Corey Graves is going to get his rematch at No Mercy. Only this time, Danhausen isn’t going to have a say in things. Money and Mayhem, they’re not going to play a part either. Graves is going to answer for what he orchestrated tonight.

Diesel turns his attention from Michaels directly to the camera.

DIESEL: You want to act like an animal, Graves? Then how about we put you in a cage at No Mercy. You and Big Daddy Cool … Hell in a Cell.

The crowd pops at this announcement.

DIESEL: You had my attention round one, but this time around you’ve given me a reason to make sure you don’t leave the cell under your own power.

Diesel helps Old Man Michaels out of the room.

MICHAEL COLE: Woah! You heard it here first folks, it sounds like it’s going to be Diesel and Corey Graves round two at No Mercy, only this time it’ll be in a Hell in a Cell!

WADE BARRETT: After the events of tonight, that match sure has some extra juice, that’s for sure!

There are issues between father and son. The events of last week have left nothing more than a sour taste within his mouth, knowing that what had happened ought to be the cause of celebration for them all as well. Nick Wayne won a match, the streak he has been on for some time now, has been well and truly broken. Christian was rather proud of him for being able to rise above it and prove himself better than anyone thought himself to be. Not an easy thing to do when the tag team titles have slipped through the fingers more than once and certain events have pushed them back time and time again to have them all, within the realm of panic that this family would be like so many others within the world. Their fate would be like a thousand others every single day, it would all crumble and fall apart and there was not a single thing anyone would be able to do to stop it from happening, but here we are, Nick Wayne has done it and Christian was with him.

CHRISTIAN CAGE: Whatever they said to you last week was nothing more than a lie Nick. They are trying to turn you against me. Me of all people, who stepped up and showed my worth to the world. A boy without a father within his life, how is he meant to become a man, without someone to take him by the hand and guide him through the darkness that is there and Nick. That is what I have been doing ever since we arrived here together, all I have been doing is trying to make you a better man, a man your father would be proud of calling his son, and you had earned my respect last week, by stepping up. By proving yourself a man, proving why you are one of the best young superstars this company has.

As Christian would take a moment, hand on the youths shoulder for the time being and looking into his eyes, a small smile and a small nod from himself to him as well that last week Nick Wayne had stepped up and done what he needed to do, but the match was done, the win was given, but it was the events that had happened afterwards, which was what had concerned Christian a little bit too much now, that those losers, those wasters, those little clowns, are trying to tempt his pride and joy away from him and turn his son against him.

CHRISTIAN CAGE: You are young, you have time to learn, brush up on your history Nick, because here are the facts for you. The new world order, does anyone even care about them anymore, do you know what they did Nick, for one moment within time they had been the biggest stable within the world, and then they had crumbled and shattered and here we are over twenty years later. Let that sink in for the moment, son.

Hand on his shoulder as Nick Wayne stands there, looks down and then back up, a little bit of a look within his eyes for the moment as if the thought of joining that group, had settled within the back of his mind and had taken some hold over him, with Christian of all people knowing what it was like to be tempted and offered the world and being handed, nothing at all in the end.

CHRISTIAN CAGE: Yet they still talk about it was this great thing, that it was this great and wonderful thing, when it was nothing more than three mad men, holding power and crushing everyone around them. Then their foolish friends joined, the ranks expanded and it all exploded and killed an entire company, which brings me to the elite. Nothing more than copy and paste, nothing more than a joke, bunch of tools in Japan, latching onto the past and copyrighting the hell out of there antics, the elite, the bullet club, whatever the heck you want to call them Nick, they are the same, as Hogan, Nash and Hall. Nothing more than parasites that will chew you up and spit you back out, to use and abuse you. This right their Nick, this right here, between me, you, Killswitch and your mother, this is real, this family is real. Nick, you’re my boy.

As Christian steps forward and hugs him for the moment, it is no word of a lie things have not been so great for them, they have slipped and fallen. The glory they had has slipped through their fingers, the family that has been through this, would have crumbled, but Christian has kept them all together through thick and thin, he was someone that never gives up, a testament to his long and storied career, of never backing down.

CHRISTIAN CAGE: I am more than your father, you know this. I am your teacher, I trained you, took you under my wing, made you into something so utterly perfect. I am a leader, I have brought you to the best company in the world, allowed your skills to shine, for the world to see you, money in the bank, title matches, facing against legends, Nick, I gave you all of this. I am the most important pillar within wrestling and Nick, remember this: without me, you are nothing. The elite will leave you high and dry. In this world, family is the only thing you can count on.

He said as he would look his son up and down for the moment, nod his head at him and then turn and leave, he had other matters to attend to tonight, other things he needed to get done. Nick had to learn that joining the elite will not improve his career, it will destroy it once and for all.

For the first time in all her technicolor glory, we see Toni Storm as she sits in her humble abode. She wears a black fur robe, and her hair is perfectly coiffed, but she looks upset or disturbed.

TONI STORM: Recently, I've heard women claim that I conceal myself behind a filter. The black and white that makes my grand entrance so memorable disturbs them for some reason. So tonight, for the first time in all my technicolor glory, you get Toni Storm!

She holds up her hand for a moment as if to stop anyone from interrupting her.



TONI STORM: But you see, the black-and-white filter isn’t to hide behind; it’s more to illustrate the illusion that most of these ladies played right into. See, all of them believe that things are simply black or white! I contend that it's because I work best in shades of gray! It isn't so simple as to believe that things are either black or white. The gray, now that's where everything really happens!

Toni Storm’s lip curls as she bares her teeth for a moment aggressively.

TONI STORM: See, Jamie, last week you interfered in my work. You made what could’ve been a timeless classic, a true memory for these fans, into a mockery. I’ll take the loss; what I won’t take is you interfering with my business! You made the mistake of crossing me instead of simply accepting my challenge like a true woman of class!

She sighs loudly, almost performatively, before she continues.

TONI STORM: But when dealing with a woman like you, that’s pretty much par for the course, isn’t it? You have no honor, no class, but that’s what makes you so interesting, isn’t it? These people have no idea what to expect of you; you might show up, you might not show up, you might even give a shit one day. But that just hasn’t really happened so far, has it?

A pout crosses her face as she looks into the camera.

TONI STORM: It’s okay though, darling, really it is. See, when I get my hands on you, you are going to care very much about something! You are going to care about how much quality of life is left for you when I’m through with you!

Her voice turns almost gravelly as she speaks now.

TONI STORM: You see, Jamie, I was going to be content in restoring order by stripping that fake Women’s Intercontinental Championship from around your waist! I was going to be appeased by simply dumping you on your head for the one…two…three pinfall afterwards! I was going to be perfectly happy knowing that I was going to beat you, to let the rest of these ladies see that buying a championship and slapping it around your waist doesn’t make you one! After all, that would be complete MADNESS!!!

Toni stops herself as she breathes heavily and brushes her hair back out of her face. Her lipstick smudges a bit in the process, but she pays it no mind.

TONI STORM: You see now, Jamie, now you’ve given me no choice! I’m going to have to pick you apart limb by limb. I’m going to take you, break you, and make you my little bitch! There’s going to be nothing left of you by the time I’m finished! So bring every bit of strength, speed, and technical prowess you can! I’m going to get my timeless classic out of you, Jamie. I’m going to make this a moment that everybody remembers. But sadly for you, this script is going to end in tragedy!

Toni rushes forward and grabs the camera now.

TONI STORM: I think with every challenge, you come to learn more about yourself, and I'm so curious to know who I'm becoming…let's find out together, shall we?

She pushes past the camera now as the scene switches to Michael Cole and Wade Barrett at ringside.

MICHAEL COLE: If I were Jamie Hayter, I’d be worried right now about Toni Storm coming after me! She doesn’t just want to beat Jamie now, she wants to end her career!

WADE BARRETT: Jamie can handle herself, she knows what she’s doing, Cole! These ladies are both professionals, I’m sure it’s just talk from Toni!

MICHAEL COLE: I think we’re going to find out sooner rather than later how serious Toni is!

MICHAEL COLE: From Toni Storm to Goldust, from film star to movie star, we’ve got our main event coming up now, Wade!

WADE BARRETT: I’d like to think that you believe as much as I do that Toni has a much classier version of acting than Goldust!

MICHAEL COLE: Debatable at best, Wade! However there’s two superstars going against one another in his next film as Goldust likes to say and he’s sharing that marquee with Solo Sikoa!

The heavy guitar riffs hit after the shouts of the Samoan language and “Le Manu” by Shepherds Reign begins to blast over the P/A system of the arena as Solo Sikoa comes out and shouts with rage as he beats his chest. Heyman warily checks all sides for any trouble as he sticks close behind his client. Solo, however, gets a cold silence that comes over him as he checks his surroundings with a black towel draped over his head.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, making his way to the ring, The Enforcer, Solooo Siiikoooaaa!

MICHAEL COLE: Business is about to pick up again, Wade!

WADE BARRETT: Solo Sikoa has arrived and he’s ready!

Solo and Paul discuss with one another as he reaches the stairs and pulls off his towel and slaps it over Heyman’s shoulder. As Sikoa goes to climb up the ring stairs, Heyman grabs his arm, and Solo motions for him to stay at ringside as he handles his business in the ring. Heyman reluctantly releases his arm as Solo shakes his head at the sign of weakness and stomps his way up the stairs before he enters the ring. As he takes his spot in the center of the ring, he raises his arm and roars for the crowd as they boo him! The fans' boos quickly turn to cheers though as “Goldust” by Jim Johnston hits the P/A system and the arena darkens as golden sparks drip down onto the stage as Goldust struts his way out to the top of the stage. Goldust spreads his arms out on either side of himself as he absorbs the love of the crowd upon his entry!



SAMANTHA IRVIN: And his opponent, making his way to the ring, The Bizarre One, Gooolduuust!

MICHAEL COLE: Every time he appears this crowd shows more and more love for The Bizarre One, Wade!

WADE BARRETT: I’ll never understand it, Cole! He just plain creeps me out! Clearly we should all be thoroughly behind Solo at this point! Goldust abducted Heyman, he tortured him in God only knows what ways!

Goldust blows kisses to a few fans in the front row as he makes his way down to the ring. Catches the eyes of Heyman on him and gives him a wink, which only makes Heyman back away even further from him. Solo tells Goldust to get his ass in the ring to which Goldust shudders from excitement at the thought of Solo’s physical touch. He slowly makes his way up the stairs and glides his hand along the top rope as walks and he licks his lips while he looks at Sikoa.

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As Goldust steps into the ring, the bell rings as Solo begins to hammer him with blows. Both men now hammer away at each other with punches! Neither man wants to let up, as they are involved in a full-on brawl now! Goldust looks like he might win the initial fight, but Solo gets in some body blows that stagger Goldust! Solo goes in for the kill early as he grabs hold of Goldust and sends him across the ring with a belly-to-back suplex! Solo follows it up with a running senton before he makes the cover, 1…Goldust kicks out!

MICHAEL COLE: Too early for that!

WADE BARRETT: Solo didn’t think so!

Solo grabs hold of Goldust and sends him to the ropes, but Goldust counters and whips Solo before he wipes him out with a clothesline over the top! Goldust takes a moment before he steps out onto the apron and prepares for it. Solo stands up, and as he does, Goldust floors him with a cannonball off the apron that flattens him on the outside! The official begins to count: 1…Goldust tries to grab Solo and get him back into the ring, but Solo counters and slams him down ribs first onto the apron! 2…Goldust falls to the floor in pain as Solo has a slight smirk on his face. He takes a moment as he climbs onto the ring apron and dives off and crushes Goldust with a DIVING SENTON off the apron! 3…Goldust is in pain on the floor as he clutches his ribs, which prompts Solo to roll in and out of the ring to break the count!

MICHAEL COLE: Some smart tactical moves here by Solo!

WADE BARRETT: His family has been trained by the best, he’s been trained by the best, he’s counseled by the best! What did you expect, Cole?

Solo keeps the pressure on as he grabs Goldust and whips him into the barricade ribs first! Goldust now leans on the barricade as Solo charges in and crushes him against it to cause further damage! Solo grabs hold of Goldust again and rolls him back into the ring; he stalks him as Goldust gets to his feet. Solo moves in and grabs Goldust by arm to expose his throat, but Goldust slams him back first into the turnbuckle until he lets go! Solo leans into the turnbuckle post, and Goldust lifts Solo’s left leg over the second rope; he then lifts his right leg over the ropes on the opposite rope! Solo looks like he’s about to be in a lot of trouble. Goldust backs up as he feels his own chest and licks his lips! Goldust rushes forward, but the official gets in his way and warns him this will result in a disqualification!

MICHAEL COLE: Goldust was about to shatter some of Solo’s dreams!

WADE BARRETT: More like he was trying to ruin the family jewels!

Solo stumbles out of the turnbuckle as Goldust argues with the official, and as he finally gets to go back to work, he takes some hard strikes by Solo straight to the ribs with some body shots again! Solos makes a point to go for even more body shots, which Goldust struggles to defend against! Goldust tries to fight back with some of his own, but Solo cuts him off with a headbutt out of nowhere that knocks him for a loop! Solo follows it up with a lariat and then crushes Goldust’s ribs with a senton again; he makes the cover, 1…2…Goldust kicks out! He grabs hold of Goldust after he kicks out and lifts him up in the air on his shoulders before he drops him with a SAMOAN DROP! Solo screams for him to stay down if he knows what’s good for him and runs off the ropes and nails another senton to the prone form of Goldust! Solo lifts the leg for the pin again, 1…2…Goldust kicks out yet again!

MICHAEL COLE: Goldust isn’t ready to give this one up yet!

WADE BARRETT: If he was smart he wouldn’t have even come out here, Cole!

As Solo peels him off the canvas, Goldust stumbles away from him and coughs slightly due to the damage to his ribs. Solo goes for a lariat, but Goldust ducks it and lifts him up from behind and nails an INVERTED ATOMIC DROP! Solo holds his tailbone as he gets lifted up and dropped with a spinebuster by Goldust! Goldust picks him up so that he’s behind Solo and drops him with a rear sitout mat slam; he hooks Solo’s leg, 1…2…Solo kicks out! Solo and Goldust are back to their feet at the same time. Solo goes for several punches, but Goldust deftly dodges each one! Solo grows more frustrated with each attempt before he goes for a huge swing, and Goldust gets behind him after he ducks it and gooses him right on the butt! Solo jumps from shock as his ass is grabbed and spins around!

MICHAEL COLE: Here come the mind games!

WADE BARRETT: Don’t let him phase you, Solo!

Solo points at Goldust, and the points at his ass as Goldust feigns innocence and points to the official who waves Solo off and points back at Goldust! Solo storms forward, but Goldust nails him with a drop toehold that drops him to the canvas! Goldust gets up and drops an elbow straight down onto the spine of Solo, who holds his back as he gets up. He spins to face Goldust, and he’s treated to a view of Goldust, who grabs his crotch and drops an elbow right on top of Solo’s head! He spins Solo around and wraps his arm around Solo’s neck as he drops him into position; the fans cheer loudly as it looks like this might be the end! But when Goldust goes to drop the arm as he spins, he’s instead lifted into the air and pulled over Solos’ head and slams to the canvas with a loud thud! Solo stumbles back to his feet, and Goldust grabs him from behind again as he locks Solo up with a cobra clutch-type hold!

MICHAEL COLE: That’s Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte! Goldust is trying to end this in a submission!

WADE BARRETT: That would be utterly humiliating! That can’t be how this one ends! Fight it, Solo!

Solo’s free arms flail for a moment before he starts to realize his situation and controls himself. Goldust nibbles at his ear, but that’s enough distraction for Solo to lean his head forward and then rock it back to smash Goldust’s face! The hold is released, and Solo runs and bounces off the ropes before he comes back with a flying shoulder tackle that knocks Goldust down! Goldust gets to his feet, and he looks a bit stunned, but the oncoming big boot of Sikoa knocks him right back down! Solo lifts Goldust up and scoop slams him back down closer to the corner! Solo climbs to the top rope and turns to face Goldust; he slashes his thumb across his throat and jumps from the top rope! DIVING SPLASH but Goldust rolls out of the ring to safety in the nick of time and Solo eats canvas! The fans cheer wildly for it, and the official looks like that hurt just to watch for him!

MICHAEL COLE: Goldust has a chance here!

WADE BARRETT: Noooo! Not like this, Solo!

Goldust rolls back into the ring as he spots this chance. He crawls his way over to Solo and mounts over top of him as he rubs Solo’s sides with his hand and takes a deep whiff of him. Solo throws him off as they both get back to their feet, and before he can even respond, he’s met with a kiss! Solo and Goldust with lips locked as the crowd, the official, and even the ring announcers are all stunned to silence! Goldust releases Solo from the kiss and nails him with a series of jabs that rock Solo! Goldust kicks him in the gut, which keels Solo over, and Goldust drops to nail a throat thrust that makes Solo choke and hold his hands over his throat! Solo stumbles forward as Goldust gets back to his feet and wraps his arm over Solo’s neck, lifts him up into the air, and drops him down with a swinging vertical suplex, CURTAIN CALL! Goldust now mounts over top of him as he leans down and kisses Solo’s forehead, 1…2…3!



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, The Bizarre One, GOOOLDDUUUST!

MICHAEL COLE: Can you believe it, Wade? Goldust walks away with a huge victory on RAW 25 tonight!

WADE BARRETT: Solo was in control! He had it in the palm of his hands! What happened? Am I living in a fever dream right now?

As Goldust gets to his feet, he smiles as he spots Paul Heyman, but Heyman doesn’t want any part of this, and he hightails it as fast as he can out of here! From such a big man, you wouldn’t expect this kind of speed, but he’s gone before cameras can even really get a good capture of him heading into the back. Goldust runs a hand along Solo’s face before he rolls out of the ring. He nips at the camera and shows his teeth before he rubs his chest and soaks in the moment, closing his eyes. Solo still lays in the ring as Goldust blows one final kiss for the camera.

MICHAEL COLE: What a way to end this show, and watch a match between these two!

WADE BARRETT: I’m still in shock about what this could mean for the future! Goldust just took down Solo and that’s a huge victory to have under his belt!

MICHAEL COLE: It’s a heck of a way to round off the action ahead of this Sunday! Thank you all for joining us for this edition of Monday Night RAW, and I hope you’ll join us Sunday at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California for No Mercy, where we’ve got the most exciting line-up yet! Will Corey Graves finally be able to cement his place in the new era by defeating Diesel in Hell In A Cell? Can Serena Deeb put down Mercedes and retain her WWE Women’s Championship like she has every time in the past? Or will the CEO be at the top of the women’s division? You’ll have to tune in this weekend to find out! Thank you from all of us at the WWE for watching Monday Night RAW 25, and goodnight!