Post by WWE PLE on Sept 22, 2024 15:16:57 GMT -5
No Mercy
September 22, 2024
Chase Center
San Francisco, California
As the opening video package ends, pyro explodes on the stage as the crowd in San Francisco is erupting in cheers. The cameras pan through the crowd, showing off various signs reading things like “Riptide me”, “Run Janela run”, “Graves is in Hell” and more. After doing a pan of the Chase Center, the cameras settle in on the commentary table where we see the team of Michael Cole and Wade Barrett.
MICHAEL COLE: Welcome to the Chase Center here in beautiful San Francisco, California! I’m Michael Cole and alongside me as always is my broadcast partner, Wade Barrett. Tonight we've got a hell of a line-up, no pun intended there, Wade!
WADE BARRETT: But how appropriate it is that you mention hell because one of our matches tonight is indeed a Hell in a Cell match! Our WWE Champion, Diesel, will be taking on Corey Graves in what could be his last chance to dethrone the big man!
MICHAEL COLE: But that’s getting ahead of ourselves because that’s our main event of the evening! True hell could be seen through many of our matches on the card tonight! Such as our boiler room brawl that will be taking place between Tommy End and his prey of choice, Adam Cole and the Undisputed Era!
WADE BARRETT: Speaking of prey, The Unholy Union has been unlucky in becoming prey for Abadon! Their Women’s Tag Team Championship might be in jeopardy tonight when Abadon teams with Shotzi to try and put an end to the union once and for all in their search for whatever they seek!
MICHAEL COLE: I’m not sure Abadon is seeking anything but some violence, but we’ll find out tonight for sure! Mankind and Janela look like they might be getting into a little violence of their own for the Intercontinental Championship!
WADE BARRETT: Despite this match not having any kind of hardcore stipulation, I feel like those two might be skirting some rules in that one! I don’t see either man being happy with a regular singles match to cap this one off!
MICHAEL COLE: We could say the same thing about John Cena and Nick Wayne! This match isn’t going to be enough for the feud that’s been brewing between nWo Elite and The Patriarchy! Cena just wants to get under Christian’s collar and provoke him it feels like! I don’t know if simply beating Nick Wayne is going to be enough for him.
WADE BARRETT: If we know anything about The Elite it’s that they have something in store we won’t like. Much like Mercedes probably has something in store for Serena that she won’t be expecting in their Women’s Championship match! Talk about a fight that’s going to be hard hitting, both of these women have been practically at each other's throats in the past few weeks!
MICHAEL COLE: I’ll tell you four women that are going to be at each other’s throats! Bianca, Blair, Rhea and Lash are all fighting for the opportunity to face off against whoever walks out tonight as WWE Women’s Champion! Those women are going to be fighting harder than they did Monday to settle this once and for all and claim that opportunity for themself!
WADE BARRETT: And we’d be crazy not to talk about the Women’s Intercontinental Championship! Tonight it’s going to be Giulia facing off against KAIRI to determine who stands tall but waiting in the wings are Toni Storm and Jamie Hayter! These four women have been lighting up the women’s division with harsh words, violent confrontations, and just plain underhanded tactics to get ahead in this division! I’m not sure KAIRI or Giulia winning tonight is going to be a lasting victory, because they’ll have plenty of threats to fight when they're done with each other!
MICHAEL COLE: Now last Monday Night RAW we had a bit of an incident with the WWE Tag Team Champions! Meta Four decided to stick their nose into some business that frankly wasn’t any of theirs. Unfortunately, CM Punk and Richards weren't cleared for competition after the attack by Dar and Mensah. We apologize to the WWE Universe and the fans at home for this but they’ll be back on their feet before we know it, they are quite the competitors after all!
WADE BARRETT: But enough of hearing us talk, we’re here for the adrenaline fueled, pulse pumping action that No Mercy has promised to bestow upon all of us! So let’s get into the action and let these fans enjoy themselves!
MICHAEL COLE: Sounds like a good plan to me, partner! We’re going to be kicking things off with the WWE Women’s Championship match, Serena Deeb defends against Mercedes Moné in the CEO’s return match to WWE!
WADE BARRETT: Return match? What are you talking about, Cole? Mercedes Moné has never been in WWE before, this is her debut match!
MICHAEL COLE: Whatever you say, Wade. Regardless of the semantics, this is sure to be one of the biggest women’s division matches we’ve seen in recent memory and it’s starting right now!
”Sky’s the Limit (Remix)” by Snoop Dogg begins playing on the speakers and the crowd boos as Mercedes Moné saunters out to the top of the ramp. Ever the picture of confidence, Mercedes does her usual dance before throwing up her hands and walking down the ramp with a cocky strut.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the WWE Women’s Championship! Introducing the challenger, making her way to the ring, The CEO, Merceeedeees Mooooneeé!
MICHAEL COLE: No matter where you may stand with this woman’s history with WWE, there’s no denying that this woman is an absolute force to be reckoned with!
WADE BARRETT: That she is, Cole, and for the first time in six months, I feel like we’re seeing a real threat to Serena Deeb’s reign as champion!
Getting to the bottom of the ramp, Mercedes walks around the side and hops up onto the apron, doing a little dance before showing off her CEO rings on her hands. Stepping into the ring, she goes to the center and strikes her signature pose, a big smile forming on her face. Taking off her jacket and her rings, she carefully hands them off to the ringside attendant and warns them to be careful with her property. As her music fades out, she shakes her arms to warm them up as she turns her attention to the entrance area. “Switchblade” by NJPW begins to play now and the crowd erupts into cheers as the WWE Women’s Champion, Serena Deeb steps out onto the top of the ramp. With the Women’s Championship draped over her shoulder, Serena looks out at the crowd with a determined expression before giving a nod and making her way down the ramp.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: And her opponent, making her way to the ring, she is the WWE Women’s Champion, The Assassin, Sereeenaaa Deeeeeeb!
MICHAEL COLE: Today marks day 182 of Serena Deeb’s title reign, Wade! She has been absolutely dominant since winning the title at Night of Champions back in March!
WADE BARRETT: She certainly has, Cole, but like I said a moment ago, I think this is her first real threat here tonight. She’s turned away a lot of challengers but none of them are in the same league as Mercedes Moné!
Getting to the bottom of the ramp, Serena pauses as she looks at Mercedes waiting in the ring for her and gives a nod. Going over to the steel steps, Serena walks up to the apron and wipes her boots before stepping inside the ring. Going to the center, she raises the Women’s Championship in the air, a proud smile spreading on her face as the crowd erupts into cheers once again. As her music fades out, Serena hands the championship off to the official, who raises it into the air to indicate that it’s on the line.
SINGLES MATCH
The bell rings and the two women take a moment to stand there and size each other up. The crowd is roaring with excitement and the two women look out at the crowd, nodding at them and then turning back to each other once again. It’s Moné who makes the first move, going to kick Deeb in the midsection, but Deeb catches her by the foot! Moné’s eyes go wide with surprise as she hops on one foot to keep her balance. Serena just shakes her head and smiles as she spins Mercedes around and then knocks her down with a stiff clothesline! The CEO clutches at her throat and upper chest, but she is quick to get to her feet, only to be nailed with a dropkick from Deeb! Mercedes once again gets to her feet and this time Serena goes for a chop, but Moné blocks it, instead nailing Deeb with a stiff right hand shot! The Women’s Champion stumbles back from the shot and Moné uses this opportunity to strike, taking Deeb down with the double knee facebuster that she calls Rent’s Due! Deeb falls to the mat and Moné goes for the cover, 1…2…kick out by Serena Deeb!
MICHAEL COLE: Hard hitting action here right out of the gate!
WADE BARRETT: I think that’s all we’re going to see here, Cole! Deeb wants to keep her title, Moné wants to win the title, they’re going to put it all on the line here!
Moné looks slightly irritated that Deeb kicked out, but nods her head, realizing that even she can’t put away Serena Deeb that quickly. Grabbing Serena by the hair, Moné gets to her feet and pulls The Assassin up with her, delivering a reverse knife edge chop to the chest of the champion, before grabbing her by the wrist and going to whip her into the ropes. However, Deeb reverses the attempt and whips Moné into the ropes instead and when The CEO comes back, Deeb lifts her up and over, sending the challenger crashing into the mat with a huge back body drop! Moné clutches at her back in pain, and Deeb moves quickly, mounting the challenger and hitting her with stiff right hand shots! The referee warns Deeb about going too hard with the assault, so she puts her hands up in surrender and gets to her feet, showing the official that she’s cooperating. She quickly moves again though, going and picking up Moné and bringing her to her feet and whipping her into the ropes once again. This time, though, when Moné comes back, she uses her momentum to flip herself around and bring Deeb down with a headscissor takeover!
MICHAEL COLE: What a counter by Mercedes Moné!
WADE BARRETT: This is not going to be an easy night for either woman, they just continue bringing the fight to each other!
Mercedes gets to her feet and she starts walking towards Deeb. However, the Women’s Champion thinks fast, bringing her challenger down with a drop toe hold! Serena gets to her feet and she picks Mercedes up as well, putting her head underneath The CEO’s arm and then lifting her up and driving her into the canvas with a Northern Lights Suplex! Deeb keeps her grip on Moné and bridges up into a pin, 1…2…kick out by Moné! Deeb is back on her feet and she goes to Moné to pick her up, however the challenger thinks fast and rolls the Women’s Champion up with a small package pin! 1…2…Deeb kicks out! Both women are on their feet and rush at each other, and it’s Deeb who gets the advantage as she takes Moné down with a clothesline! Moné is quickly back up to her feet but she gets taken down again with yet another clothesline! She’s back up again and Serena goes for a third clothesline, but Moné ducks this attempt and quickly spins around and kicks Serena in the midsection, causing the Women’s Champion to double over. Moné grabs Deeb’s head and puts it under her arm, lifting her up and bringing her into the mat with a snap suplex! Moné stands up and goes to grab her but now it’s Deeb who rolls Moné up with a small package attempt! 1…2…THRENO!! Moné escapes just in time!
MICHAEL COLE: I thought Serena had it there!
WADE BARRETT: That was a close one for sure, Cole!
Both women are on their feet once again and just as before, Serena goes for a clothesline but Mercedes ducks the attempt and turns around, grabbing Serena by the wrist and whipping her into the corner! Moné then charges in and nails a splash on Deeb that causes the Women’s Champion to fall down into a seated position! Feeling the momentum swinging into her favor, Mercedes walks over to the opposite corner and then turns around to face Deeb. With a wicked smile on her face, Moné comes charging in, leaping up and driving her knees into Deeb’s face with a Meteora! Deeb slumps down so she’s lying on the mat, and Moné moves quickly, picking Serena up and throwing her head under her arm and lifting her up into the air, driving her into the mat with a suplex! Moné hangs on though, and rolls through and gets back to her feet, lifting Deeb up and driving her into the mat with a second suplex! Once again, Moné hangs on and rolls through, standing up and going to deliver a third suplex to complete the Three Amigos, but Deeb plants her feet and puts her weight into it, halting Moné’s momentum! Deeb now lifts Moné up and drives her into the mat with another Northern Lights Suplex bridging into the pin once again, 1…2…THREEENOOOO!!! Mercedes Moné just barely gets the shoulder up!
MICHAEL COLE: Another close call for Mercedes Moné!
WADE BARRETT: Serena Deeb is showing The CEO just why she’s been the Women’s Champion for as long as she has! Moné is going to have to move fast if she wants to regain the momentum!
Serena grits her teeth and grabs Moné by the hair, bringing her to her feet. Deeb then goes to whip Moné into the ropes but the challenger counters, whipping The Assassin into the ropes instead! When Deeb comes back, Moné looks to hit a clothesline, however, Serena ducks the clothesline and she spins around to face Moné's back. Deeb grabs Moné around the waist, lifts her in the air and spins her around, bringing her down hard to the mat with a Blue Thunder Bomb! Rather than going for the pin, however, Deeb floats over to one of Moné’s prone arms, looking to grab it and lock in the Armbar! Moné isn’t going to let that happen, however, and she clasps her hands together to prevent Deeb from locking in the hold! Deeb struggles for a moment before changing course, standing up and keeping Moné on the mat while she still fights against the Armbar, and Deeb angles Moné so her shoulders are on the mat! 1…2…THREENOOO!!! Once again, Moné gets her shoulder up just in time, unclasping her hands in the process!
MICHAEL COLE: I’m on the edge of my seat right now, Wade! There’s been so many close calls!
WADE BARRETT: It just goes to show how important the Women’s Championship is to these ladies, and the lengths they’ll go to for it!
Moné is rolled over onto her stomach, trying to catch her breath after that intense exchange. Serena has no intentions of letting her rest, however, as she grabs Moné by the leg and turns around, applying a single leg Boston crab! Moné screams in pain as Deeb works the lower back, and she starts crawling towards the ropes. She almost gets there but suddenly, Deeb drags her back into the middle of the ring, and she sits down lower into the hold! Moné screams in agony but it looks like the Women’s Champion is not done, as she keeps a hold on Moné’s leg with her own legs, but then also turns around and wraps her arms around Moné’s face, cranking her head back and locking The CEO in an STF! Serena Deeb grits her teeth as she locks the hold in tight, weeks - - perhaps even months - - of frustration from being disrespected by her various challengers pouring into this hold now as Moné’s screams are so loud you can hear them in the rafters! Desperately, The CEO claws her way towards the ropes, eager to break the hold. She gets about halfway there and stops, trying to not use too much energy. After a brief moment she continues on and she reaches out, hoping to be able to grab the rope but she’s just short of being able to do so. Her hand shakes, but she’s determined not to tap out. With one final push, Moné drags herself forward and grabs the bottom rope! Serena isn’t letting go of the hold, though, and the referee has to begin his count, 1…2…3…4…Deeb lets go!
MICHAEL COLE: I really thought that was going to be it there!
WADE BARRETT: I did too, Cole! It seems as though Deeb has dug down deep and has found what makes her The Assassin!
Deeb gets to her feet, breathing heavily as she looks down at Moné with a scowl on her face, barely listening to the referee as he admonishes her for her actions. She bends down and grabs Moné and picks her up, whipping her into the ropes and when Moné comes back, Deeb looks to hit a clothesline but The CEO ducks and goes to the other side of the ropes. When Moné comes back, she jumps up into the air, bringing her knees down into Deeb once again with yet another Meteora! Moné is on all fours, catching her breath for a moment before getting up to her feet. Going over to Deeb, Moné grabs her and picks her up, putting her head under her arm and driving her into the mat with a suplex! Once again, Moné hangs on, and rolls through and gets back to her feet, lifting Deeb up and driving her into the mat with a second suplex! And, just as the first time she did this, Moné hangs on and rolls through, standing up and delivering a third suplex, successfully completing the Three Amigos!
MICHAEL COLE: Mercedes Moné with a tribute to her hero, Eddie Guerrero!
WADE BARRETT: The end just might be near here!
Mercedes gets to her feet, nodding her head as she’s pleased with what she’s done. Walking over to the ropes, she steps out onto the apron and climbs up onto the top turnbuckle. Looking down at the prone Deeb, Moné leaps off from the top, looking to hit a Frog Splash to complete the Guerrero tribute, but Deeb gets her knees up and Moné lands hard onto them, rolling around on the mat in pain as she kicks at the canvas in frustration over the counter. Deeb is quick to her feet now, going to Moné and picking her up, putting her head between her legs. Hooking each arm, Serena lifts Moné into the air, and then drives her back down into the mat with the Deebtox! The crowd is on their feet, going wild with cheers as Deeb breathlessly falls on top of Moné after hitting her finisher, 1…2…THREENOOO!!! Once again, Mercedes Moné gets the shoulder up just in the nick of time!
MICHAEL COLE: I cannot believe this! Mercedes just kicked out of the Deebtox!!
WADE BARRETT: I am absolutely blown away right now, Cole! How many women have we seen Serena put away with that move?
Serena looks just as surprised as the commentary team, her eyes wide with shock that Mercedes has kicked out of the Deebtox. Shaking her head in disbelief, Serena slowly gets to her feet and she bends down and picks Mercedes up too, whipping her into the ropes. Mercedes manages to hang on to the ropes however, halting her momentum. Gritting her teeth in exasperation, Deeb comes charging in, looking to strike the challenger but Moné moves out of the way and Serena bounces into the ropes instead! Moné is now behind the Women’s Champion and she strikes fast, jumping up and grabbing her, bringing her back down onto her knees with Break the Bank! Moné hangs on and flips over so she’s on top of Deeb, locking her into the Statement Maker! The women are in the middle of the ring, and Serena screams in pain as Moné has the hold locked in tight, desperation filling her eyes as she keeps the hold slapped on to the champion. Feeling her own desperation, Serena begins crawling towards the ropes, but Moné has the hold on so tight that she doesn’t make much progress. Suddenly, Moné pulls back on the hold even more, making it that much tighter and with a final wail, Serena slaps her hand against the mat in surrender! Serena Deeb has tapped out!
WINNER
MERCEDES MONÉ
12:45 via SUBMISSION
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, and the NEEEW WWE Women’s Champion, The CEO, MERCEEEDEEES MOOONEEÉ!
MICHAEL COLE: I am stunned, Wade! Mercedes Moné has done it! She’s the new Women’s Champion!
WADE BARRETT: I can’t believe the day has come, Serena Deeb has lost the Women’s Championship! Take nothing away from her though, not only has she had a hell of a reign, she put up a hell of a fight here tonight!
The crowd is booing as “Sky’s the Limit (Remix)” begins playing on the speakers once again. Mercedes Moné is up on her knees, tears welling up in her eyes as she looks up at the ceiling of the arena, overcome by emotion. After a moment, she gets to her feet and the referee hands her the WWE Women’s Championship and she raises it into the air while the referee raises her other arm into the air, pointing at her to declare her the winner. Not letting the boos from the crowd affect her, Mercedes keeps the Women’s Championship raised high in the air, nodding her head as she can be seen saying “I told you, I told all of you!” clearly proud of her accomplishment. Suddenly, her music cuts out and “Kombat (remix)” by def rebel begins to play on the speakers! The crowd shockingly goes wild with cheers as Dakota Kai comes running down the ramp, carrying her Money in the Bank briefcase!
MICHAEL COLE: Oh my God, what’s Dakota Kai doing?!
WADE BARRETT: Uh oh, this doesn’t seem like it’s going to be good news for our new champion, Cole…
Mercedes looks on with a mixture of shock and disdain as Dakota rolls under the bottom rope into the ring and gets to her feet. With a smirk, Dakota walks over to the referee and hands him the briefcase, telling her she wants to cash in! The crowd is on their feet as the referee asks Dakota if she’s sure, and she emphatically nods her head and tells him to hurry it up. With a shrug, the referee passes off the briefcase to the ringside attendant and says Dakota is cashing in!
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Ladies and gentlemen, Dakota Kai is cashing in her Money in the Bank contract!
MICHAEL COLE: She’s really doing it, Wade! She’s cashing in!
WADE BARRETT: This is unbelievable!
SINGLES MATCH
Once again the bell rings, making this cash in match official! Mercedes Moné is beside herself, she can’t believe that Dakota Kai is out here trying to steal her moment! Gritting her teeth, Moné launches forward, looking to nail Dakota with a clothesline but Ms. Money in the Bank ducks the attempt and quickly turns around, rolling Moné up with a schoolgirl pin, 1…2…kick out by Moné!
MICHAEL COLE: I can’t believe what we’re seeing here, I didn’t expect Dakota Kai to cash in tonight!
WADE BARRETT: I don’t think Mercedes Moné did, either!
Moné is clearly worn out after her battle with Deeb, and Kai is looking to capitalize on that. As Mercedes starts to get up to her knees, Kai moves quickly, running to the ropes and coming back jumping up and flipping herself over Moné’s body and nailing the new champion's back against her knees as she hits her with the Kai-ropractor! Dakota quickly goes for the cover and hooks the leg, 1…2…3! Dakota Kai wins!
WINNER
DAKOTA KAI
02:05 via PINFALL
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, and the NEEEW WWE Women’s Champion, DAKOOOTAAA KAIII!
MICHAEL COLE: She did it, Wade, she did it! Dakota Kai has cashed in her Money in the Bank and she’s the new Women’s Champion!
WADE BARRETT: For the second time tonight, we have a new Women’s Champion! What a start to the night!
”Kombat (remix)” by def rebel begins to play once again as Dakota Kai gets to her feet, now the one overcome with emotion as the referee hands her the WWE Women’s Championship and raises her arm in the air! Taking a moment to soak it all in, Dakota raises the Women’s Championship up in the air in triumph, the crowd still cheering the normally villainous Kai as they’re thrilled to bear witness to such an incredible moment! Lowering her arms, Dakota walks to the ropes and exits the ring, hopping down to the arena floor. She makes her way up the ramp, raising her title high in the air once again. Meanwhile, Mercedes Moné is now sitting up in the ring, her face a mixture of anger and disappointment, as she watches Dakota Kai stand at the top of the ramp, raising the championship in the air. After a moment, Dakota turns and heads to the back, and Mercedes gets to her feet, walking to the ropes and exiting the ring, quickly walking up the ramp to the backstage area to find Stokely Hathaway.
We go to the backstage area where Jey Uso is seen walking the halls looking for someone. He notices the camera and gives a nod of acknowledgement.
JEY USO: What's up everyone! I know your boy isn't on the No Mercy card, but I still came to give a YEETdown. However, once again it looks like Ricky Bobby and Daniel Garcia are hiding. They know what's up. Y'all did me dirty last week and you probably thought it was the last of me, right UCE?
He starts to pace back and forth, clapping his hands as a smile appears across his face.
JEY USO: Think again UCE. No one, and I mean no one does Main Event Jey Uso like that. It's a good thing No Mercy was fully booked before I could get my hands on you, because I wouldn't take any mercy on either of your asses. I do have a proposal for you little boys if you choose to accept it.
The camera follows as he walks toward the office of Triple H.
JEY USO: I say next week on Monday Night RAW, we run it back again. This time, though, I want both of you in a match. That's right, I ain't afraid of no handicap match. You probably think it's going to be career ending for me, but reality is UCE when I walk out with the victory, let's just say your ego won't be the only thing hurting. I'll be speaking with Triple H in a moment to pitch the idea, hope to hear from you before time runs out for you guys.
Jey knocks on the door. A few moments go by before the door opens and he slips inside, the click of the door closing heard as the cameras go back to ringside.
MICHAEL COLE: Well fans, coming up next is the Boiler Room Brawl between Adam Cole and Mankind. We are told that there will be no commentary during this match as these two go at it down in the bowels of the Chase Arena.
WADE BARRETT: We get a break?
MICHAEL COLE: We get a chance to watch these two men go at it and I think they’re going to really go at it.
WADE BARRETT: This one has all the makings of a classic unforgettable match.
We cut to the backstage area to see Adam Cole walking down a long, narrow and dimly hit hallway in the bottom floor of the arena.
BOILER ROOM BRAWL
There are no entrances or theme music being played or anything like that for this one. It’s in the bowels of the Chase Arena, on the lowest possible floor in the place. An unlabeled door at the end of a dimly lit hallway is where we start. Adam Cole stands outside the door, breathing heavily and quickly. Tommy End is already in the boiler room and waiting on Cole and for this match to officially begin. From what we have heard and what Cole has been told, Tommy End has spent almost the whole day down in the boiler room, in the dark, waiting for this one to start. Cole reaches up and grabs the handle on the door and opens it up, walking in and the cameraman following him in slowly. The door closes behind them and everyone’s eyes try to adjust to the darkness of this room. The only light in the room is the one coming off the lamp from the camera being used to broadcast the match. There are no fans screaming. There’s no commentary from Cole and Wade. There is only the sound of the boiler room and the deafening silence of the darkened space. You can make out a series of pipes and valves in the room as the camera pans, looking for any sign of Tommy End. There’s all kinds of equipment and potential weapons strewn about the area. The room is a little larger than the size of a wrestling ring but there’s a little less room to work with, given all the pipes running in and out of the room.
The camera pans around slowly, looking for Tommy End and it finally finds him. He’s sitting just in front of the back wall with his legs crossed and his eyes closed. Almost like he’s meditating. His chest breathes in and out but that’s the only motion he’s making. Instead of going in for some kind of full on assault, Adam Cole approaches him cautiously. He slowly takes steps towards him, trying to figure out exactly what is happening. As Cole gets closer, he finally commits to starting the attack and rushes towards End, but somehow Tommy could sense it coming, moving quickly as Cole gets to him, taking him down with a drop toehold and Cole crashes into the hard concrete wall behind Tommy End. The fight is seemingly officially underway now. A referee comes into frame but he’s only there as a formality to make the count. Cole is grabbing at his head as Tommy End is up to his feet and pulling Cole up by his hair. Cole has his back to End as he’s grabbed from behind. Tommy lifts him up from behind with a deadlift German suplex, lifting Cole up and over him, sending him crashing into a few pallets and piles of trash. Things go flying as you can hear the crack of wood breaking underneath Cole’s body. End turns towards him, staying on his knees and starts laughing to himself quietly at first and then progressively louder.
Cole starts to move a bit inside the rubble he’s just crashed through. Tommy stands up to his feet, watching Cole struggle. End looks up and sees a pipe above him. He jumps up and grabs it with both hands, hoisting himself above the floor. Cole gets up to his feet, unaware of where Tommy End is as End wraps his legs around Cole’s head, taking his hands off the pipe and swinging down, taking Cole through with a swinging headscissors into another set of pallets and rubble. Both men land in a heap, but it’s End who is back up to his feet first. Cole is reeling as End stands over him, arms out to his sides. Adam Cole brings his arm up, drilling Tommy End with a low blow. End doubles over in pain, grabbing at his nether regions as Cole fights back up to his feet. Cole grabs a piece of the wooden pallet that just shattered upon his impact into it. The small wooden plank is driven across the back of Tommy End with a loud THWACK and leaving a welt on End’s back. Tommy grabs at his back as he goes down to his knees. Cole rears back and takes the wooden piece into End’s back once again with a louder THWACK! That leaves a second red welt across Tommy’s back that you can see through the tattoos and other art he has on his back. End starts crawling towards the wall of the room as Cole stalks him, the wooden plank still in his hand. As Cole holds the plank over his head once again, he goes to bring it down, but Tommy spins the valve on the pipe in front of him, releasing a large amount of steam that blows right into Adam Cole’s face! Cole cries out in pain as the steam hits him right in the eyes and mouth area, dropping the wooden plank.
Cole is temporarily blinded as he tries to wipe his eyes. End uses the pipes to pull himself back up to his feet. He turns, looking for Cole as he still grabs at his back. Cole has one arm out, making sure he doesn’t run into anything, but something runs into him instead! As Adam turns around, he’s met by a running knee right in the chest from Tommy End, knocking Cole back and down onto the cold hard concrete floor. End lands with a smack on the floor as well, working on getting back to his feet. End looks up and sees another pipe running above him. He jumps up as he did before, grasping the pipe with his hands above the ground. As Cole gets back to his feet, Tommy End wraps his legs around his head again looking for a headscissors but instead, Cole grabs his arms around End’s legs and spins him around. Cole drops End down with a powerbomb into the pile of broken pallet pieces and other rubble. Cole crawls towards End, draping his arm over him for a pin. The referee makes the count. 1…2….3! No! Tommy End gets a shoulder up somehow! Cole rolls off of End and lays in the rubble next to him. Both men are extremely slow to get to their feet. Seems like Cole has his vision somewhat back.
Cole is the first up, grabbing a trash can sitting on its side on the ground. There’s a bit of plunder inside the can that topples out as he picks it up. Cole holds it over his head to bring it down onto Tommy End but End gets his foot up and kicks Cole in the stomach, forcing him to drop the trash can. The blow is enough to take Tommy down to his knees as well, landing next to a large hollow PVC pipe. End grabs the pipe and uses it to help himself get back to his feet. Tommy raises the hollow pipe over his head and brings it down across Adam Cole’s back making an extremely loud DOON sound on impact. Cole is grabbing at his back but struggling to his feet. As he does so, Tommy End places the large PVC pipe between Adam Cole’s legs. Cole has no idea he’s there as End grabs both sides of the pipe and brings it up into Cole’s privates for a low blow! He brings the pipe down as Cole cries out in pain and then quickly back up again with another low blow with the PVC pipe! Cole goes down to his hands and knees as End tosses the PVC pipe away. Adam is on the ground, rolling around in pain as Tommy End finds a ladder on the wall that leads up to other pipes. He climbs the ladder up three…no, four rungs and looks down at Cole on the ground. End takes flight and drives a flying elbow into Adam Cole on the hard concrete floor! Tommy End goes for a cover. 1…2……2.999999! Cole somehow gets a shoulder up!
End looks over at Cole in disgust as he can’t believe that didn’t put him away. As Adam tries to recover from that impact, Tommy End finds a rack on the wall holding these long, thin, metal pipes. He grabs a set of them, maybe five or six of them and tosses them on the ground and then does it again. Putting around ten long metal pipes on the ground. He walks back over and grabs Adam Cole by the hair, pulling him up to his feet. He doesn’t know that Cole has a fire extinguisher in his hand though, drilling Tommy End in the stomach with it. End is doubled over as Cole lifts the extinguisher over his head and brings it down across Tommy End’s back. The impact is so heavy from the blow that the extinguisher starts to extinguish the steam like concoction all over the place. It’s enough to obstruct the view for both men. The camera is focused on Cole as he tosses the extinguisher down. He’s looking for End as the air starts to become clearer from the fire extinguisher going off. From out of nowhere, Tommy End brings a roundhouse kick up and into Cole’s face, knocking him back and down. End falls to his hands and knees after the kick.
Both men are down and trying to gain their composure. They get to their feet slowly but also at the same time. Now they come to blows, each man exchanging rights back and forth with one another. First Tommy End and then Adam Cole. Back and forth three times and then a fourth and then finally a fifth. End is reeling and Cole gets in a second consecutive punch and then another, knocking Tommy back. Cole drills Tommy with a lariat as both men go crashing into a wall with a bunch of knobs, valves and switches on them. Steam starts to blow out of different pipes and valves around the wall after the impact. Both men again are slow to get to their feet, but Cole is up first. He grabs Tommy End by the back of the head and leads him over the opposite wall. Cole goes to drive Tommy’s head into the brick wall, but Tommy stops him with an elbow to the midsection. Tommy goes with a spinning back kick to try and surprise Cole but Adam ducks under it. He grabs Tommy End around the head and hoists him up, dropping him down with a BRAINBUSTER ON THE METAL PIPES! The pipes are clanging all over the place from the impact as both men are down. Tommy End looks to be knocked out and Adam Cole is struggling himself. It’s a good twenty to thirty seconds before Cole can gather himself and crawl over to Tommy End, draping his arm across End’s chest. 1….2…….No! End somehow, some way gets a shoulder up and then is back to not moving at all.
Cole squints and has a look on his face like he can’t believe Tommy End kicked out. Adam is the first to get back to his feet and walks over to Tommy End, bending down to grab him. As he does so, Tommy drives a metal pipe into Cole’s midsection, knocking him back. End crawls to his feet slowly, metal pipe in hand. He grips the pipe with both hands, rearing back and driving it into Cole’s midsection and rib area. Adam Cole falls down to his knees, clutching at his midsection. Tommy End stands over him, breathing heavily and fighting through the pain that’s been inflicted on him in this match. He has the metal pipe in one hand, finally gripping it with the other and holding it up over his head. He wants to bring the pipe down onto Adam Cole’s head who is too weak to stop him. A voice calls out from the darkness, startling Tommy End.
FATHER MARTIN: Thomas! Thomas! Stop!
Tommy End looks over at Father Martin who has come into the boiler room at some point to try and stop End from bringing the pipe down onto Cole.
FATHER MARTIN: I couldn’t save your mother, Thomas. I live with that guilt every day. But there is still hope for you, Thomas. I don’t have to make the same mistake twice. Don’t do this.
Tommy End looks at Father Martin, still holding the pipe up over his head. There’s no emotion on End’s face, he’s just staring straight at Father Martin. He brings the metal pipe down, thinking better of hitting Cole with it. End stops, changing his mind, slowly shaking his head at Father Martin who starts to weep. End lifts the pipe back up over his head, but Father Martin pulls out the sacred fish and holds it out towards Tommy, stopping his movement fully. As if the sacred fish has some kind of power over him.
FATHER MARTIN: I command you, Asmodeus! Drop the pipe! In Jesus name, I bind you!
Tommy End is frozen, his head tilted back and that’s all the opening that Adam Cole needs as out of nowhere, Cole comes flying in and drives his knee into End’s skull, hitting him with The Last Shot, forcing End to drop the pipe and fall lifelessly to the ground. Cole makes the pin. 1…2….3! It’s over!
WINNER
ADAM COLE
12:22 via PINFALL
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, ADAAAM COOOLE!
MICHAEL COLE: What the hell did we just watch?
WADE BARRETT: Besides two men try and kill one another? An absolutely brutal match.
MICHAEL COLE: Father Martin just cost Tommy End the match.
WADE BARRETT: He was going to bash in Adam Cole’s head with that metal pipe. Thank goodness Father Martin showed up when he did!
BURN IT DOOOOOWN!
The fans erupt as Seth Rollins emerges from backstage; his arms stretched out wide as if he can hug the entire WWE Universe at one time. He wears that trademark cocky grin as he stands at the top of the ramp, soaking in the lights and the sounds of the thousands of people in attendance singing his song. “Oooooh-ooooh-ooooooooh!” His hands move like a conductor, leading the audience’s chorus. Finally, he starts off towards the ring, slowly climbing his way up the stairs and through the ropes. He waves for a mic, and the crowd begins to calm down.
MICHAEL COLE: What an entrance from Seth ‘Freakin’ Rollins here tonight, Wade! We haven’t seen him in a few weeks, but the WWE Universe hasn’t missed a step!
WADE BARRETT: If only we could say the same about their ability to match harmonies!
Seth checks the volume on his microphone, and he raises the mic to his lips as he looks out over the sea of fans in attendance.
SETH 'FREAKIN' ROLLINS: SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA! How are we all doing tonight?!
Another cheer goes up from the crowd, and Seth smiles.
SETH 'FREAKIN' ROLLINS: Well ain’t that just fan-damn-tastic, folks. I know you all feel it but for everybody at home, I can’t quite describe to you the energy that’s going on in this stadium here tonight. The passion, the emotion! I can truly say that right now, there’s no place on Earth I’d rather be than standing in front of you all here tonight, and everyone at home.
There’s a bit more applause from the crowd. Rollins begins to pace back and forth as he speaks.
SETH 'FREAKIN' ROLLINS: But, that brings me back to why exactly I’m out here tonight. See, it’s been almost six weeks since I’ve stood in front of a WWE camera, and it’s starting to bug me. So many things have happened it’s almost impossible to list! I beat the Samoan Werewolf, Jacob Fatu. John Cena’s turned out to be a prick - - big surprise there - - and Mister Money in the Bank has tried to cash in just about everywhere save for where he’s supposed to. And of course, the rise and fall of Bronson Eloise Breakker.
There’s confusion in the crowd at that, a mixed response of cheers and boos from the fans.
SETH 'FREAKIN' ROLLINS: And of course, my personal favorite - -
Seth is cut off as the lights go out suddenly. After a moment, the white phone lights begin to shine in the darkness. “Arrival” begins to play through the speakers. A white spotlight focuses on the stage, and the fans roar as Sting emerges from the back. The Franchise of WCW doesn’t stop at the top of the ramp but instead continues walking, giving the occasional high-five here and there. But his attention never leaves Seth Rollins as he climbs the stairs and through the ropes, and the lights return to normal.
SETH 'FREAKIN' ROLLINS: I didn’t even get the chance to welcome you out this time! It’s been a while since we got to stand in a WWE ring together!
STING: Eight years.
Seth winces at the reminder of the circumstances that last meeting had been under. He nods slowly.
SETH 'FREAKIN' ROLLINS: Yeah…yeah, I know. And look, I am sorry for what happened. I was a different guy, I was being manipulated and controlled by some of the powers that be, and look! I was a bit of an asshole. I’ll admit that. So instead of the two of us getting into a brawl, and having to be pulled apart, why don’t we just shake on it like a pair of grown men and let bygones be bygones?
Seth holds out his free hand for a shake, and the camera pans back a little to show Sting’s face, and the dismissive look on it as he sees Seth’s hand. Sting shakes his head.
STING: I’ll be straight with you, Seth. I’m not out here to play Vigilante. I’m not going to start beating you with a bat and leave you here in the middle of this ring, here in front of this sold-out crowd. Things happen, and you didn’t mean to injure me, I get that.
A brief pause. There’s relief in Seth hands as he shakes his hand slightly, to emphasize they should shake on it, but Sting continues.
STING: I’m not done. I forgive you for nearly ending my career eight years ago. I haven’t forgiven you for letting my one run in the WWE end on such a bad note. So, do you want to settle things with me, Seth? Do you really want to make sure we’re good?
There’s nervousness in Seth’s eyes as he watches the Icon’s face. After a moment, he gives a soft nod.
STING: Then it’ll be you, and me. October 20th, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Seth Rollins and Sting…at Halloween Havoc. Deal?
Sting offers his own gloved hand out, and the camera pulls in close on the two men, showing just them, their hands, and the fans in the background of the shot shouting “Yes! Yes! Yes!” Seth looks down at the offered hand, then back up to Sting’s eyes. There’s a tense moment, before Seth grabs his hand, and the crowd erupts.
MICHAEL COLE: Woah, folks! No Mercy isn’t even over and we’ve already got a match announced for Halloween Havoc! It sounds like Sting is trying to right the old era’s wrongs!
WADE BARRETT: And stacking the deck while he does it! Halloween Havoc is going to be in Omaha, Nebraska. It’s going to be a hometown crowd for Sting! Not to mention Halloween Havoc started as a pay-per-view for World Championship Wrestling!
MICHAEL COLE: I think you’re reading a little too much into this, Wade. Sting vs Rollins at Halloween Havoc! What could be more exciting than that?
WADE BARRETT: We’re just getting all sorts of dream matches! It’s crazy to look at our superstar roster and think of the possible dream matches we could have in the future! Or even the ones we’re getting on our card tonight!
MICHAEL COLE: That’s true, I mean, how many people thought we’d see Abadon in the WWE? Or that they’d be teaming up with Shotzi of all people to challenge for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship?
”The Depths” by def rebel begins to play on the speakers and we hear boos from the live crowd as The Unholy Union walk out onto the entrance ramp. Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn have their WWE Women’s Tag Team titles around their waists as they mock the crowd and march down to the ring with ill intent. Alba unstraps hers from around her waist as she raises it to the crowd, which further incites them to boo the pair!
SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship! Introducing first, making their way to the ring, they are the reigning and defending WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn, The Unhooolyyy Uuuniooon!
MICHAEL COLE: These two have made such a splash in the women’s division, they almost forced Stephanie into bringing these belts back! They have been a dominant pair since their arrival and certainly inspired plenty of other teams to step up their game for opportunities at what is now their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship!
WADE BARRETT: It’s amazing really, our women’s division has been getting more and more heated as the days go by as well! Quite frankly, I haven’t seen a better group of female superstars in any company!
As the Unholy Union make it about halfway down the ramp, “Ball Pit” by def rebel hits, and Shotzi Blackheart comes out with her tank as she revs it up and begins to fly down to the ring as quick as she possibly can, which forces Alba and Isla to rush the rest of their way down and slide into the ring. Shotzi maniacally laughs the whole time as she fires off a shot from her tank, which they narrowly dodge as they begin to badmouth The Ballsy Badass!
SAMANTHA IRVIN: And their opponents, first making her way to the ring, The Ballsy Badass, Shotziii Blaaackheaaart!
MICHAEL COLE: The Unholy Union don’t look pleased with this turn of events at all! But Shotzi can’t wait for her opportunity to correct the mistake of these two stealing those Women’s Tag Team belts from her!
WADE BARRETT: Hey! They didn’t steal those, they won them fair and square! It’s not their fault Saraya and Shotzi couldn’t handle the heat at SummerSlam! That tank and its cannon that fires missiles should be illegal!
They begin to challenge Shotzi to get into the ring, but the lights turn out as "Brimstone" by Katie McCrimmon ft. Parker Yowell hits, and red lights begin to strobe through the Chase Center! Alba and Isla look out for any oncoming danger down the ramp as Shotzi prepares herself to enter the ring! However, Abadon isn’t coming down the rampway, and both members of The Unholy Union laugh as they think Shotzi has been left all on her own. Shotzi, however, laughs as both ladies look confused; she points behind them, and as they turn, they both get taken out by a double clothesline by Abadon, who enters the ring behind them and comes at them with a head of steam!
SAMANTHA IRVIN: And her tag team partner, they are The Living Deal Girl, Aaabadon!
MICHAEL COLE: Abadon is unpredictable, Wade! They’re a menace to our Women’s Tag Team Champions! Alba and Isla never know what they’re going to do or where she’s going to come from!
WADE BARRETT: Gotta keep their heads on a swivel in this one, Cole! Abadon isn’t going to come at them the same way a normal competitor would!
Shotzi slides into the ring as she and Abadon dump Isla out of the ring! The bell rings as Shotzi says she wants a piece of Alba first, and Abadon turns their head to the side before they take their spot in the corner.
TAG TEAM MATCH
Alba is a bit stunned from the clothesline still as she starts the match but steadies herself before she mocks Shotzi and talks about how she can’t hold onto a tag team partner. Shotzi doesn’t take the bait and instead goes for a lockup in the middle of the ring with Alba to see who can out wrestle who! Shotzi gets Alba in a headlock and brings her over to the corner with Abadon as she makes the tag to bring them into the match! Abadon scrambles in as quick as they can and wraps an arm around Alba’s neck before they drive her into the canvas with a step-in cutter! They hook the leg, 1…Alba gets the kick out almost immediately! Abadon picks her up, and Shotzi helps whip Alba across the ring, and as she comes back, both of them dropkick her back down! Shotzi steps out as Abadon makes another cover, 1…2…Alba kicks out again!
MICHAEL COLE: Shotzi and Abadon seem to be getting a rhythm in the early goings here!
WADE BARRETT: If they expect to survive, they are going to need it, Cole!
Alba is going to need a lot more punishment before she’s ready to give up, and Abadon goes for a running senton, but Alba rolls out of the way! Abadon quickly recovers as they go for a knee strike, but Alba grabs the leg, and before she can take advantage, Abadon grabs the ropes to break any sort of chance for a submission Alba might be looking for! Alba separates from the hold as the official makes sure that the rules are being upheld. Alba tags in Isla, and she immediately slaps Abadon across the face as she comes in! Abadon reels for a second but then opens their mouth as if to scream, but instead red liquid just pours out of it as Isla freaks out! Isla tries to get away but gets pulled down into a rear mat slam! Abadon takes their opportunity and comes off the ropes and nails a running senton this time! They pick Isla up and whips her towards the corner with Shotzi, who holds a boot up that knocks Isla square in the face as she flops down to the canvas!
MICHAEL COLE: Abadon certainly has Unholy Union’s number so far! Almost like they’ve studied their opponents before coming in to challenge them!
WADE BARRETT: Study? You think that they study? Abadon is some kind of creature, they’re not even human! They’re just pure instinct and violence!
Abadon pulls Isla up and peppers her with a series of strikes before they nail her with a knee lift! Abadon pulls Isla by the hair back into their corner and tags in Shotzi! Shotzi whips Isla into Abadon, who nails her with a front mat slam, stares into Isla’s eyes, and watches as Shotzi comes down with a senton off the second rope onto Isla’s back and flips her over for the cover, 1…2…Isla kicks out before she clutches her back in pain! Isla begins to crawl her way back to her corner, but Shotzi has her by the leg as Isla stumbles up to standing on one leg! She turns and nails Shotzi with an ENZUIGIRI! Both women flop down to the canvas, and the crowd comes to life as they try to get Shotzi back to her feet! Isla claws her way forward again. Shotzi shakes off the kick to the head and goes to grab the foot of Isla, but she makes the tag to Alba!
MICHAEL COLE: This is not good, Wade!
WADE BARRETT: You’re right, Cole! It’s not good, it’s excellent! Now watch our Women’s Tag Team Champs do what they do best!
Alba nails Shotzi with a double axe handle to the chest that flattens her; Abadon runs in and eats a discus lariat that absolutely flattens them! Shotzi tries to get up, but before she can right herself, she gets a kick to the gut and a stunner from Alba! Alba isn’t finished there though, as she peels Shotzi up and tosses her ass over tea kettle into the turnbuckle corner as she lands upside down on her shoulders! Alba now takes a jog to the other corner before she runs in and dropkicks Shotzi as she’s upside down in the corner, absolutely smashing her! She pulls her out of the corner now and makes the pin, 1…2…Shotzi gets the shoulder up in the nick of time! Alba slaps the canvas in frustration before she grabs Shotzi by the face aggressively and then rears back and SLAPS her across the face!
MICHAEL COLE: Now that’s just uncalled for!
WADE BARRETT: Alba is just getting payback for what they did to her and Isla!
Alba grabs Shotzi by the wrist and pulls her up to force her to a standing position. She twists the arm around and nails a superkick so hard under the chin that you can hear the snap of Shotzi’s jaw onto her top teeth! Alba pulls her down with a snapmare towards her corner as she tags in Isla so she can get a bit of comeuppance on their adversary now! Isla rears back for a slap, and Shotzi stops the arm by catching it! Shotzi fires a forearm shot off that rocks Isla. Alba tries to intervene but gets one of her own! Shotzi begins to trade forearm shots between both women but can’t keep it up for long, and Alba and Isla flatten her with STEREO DROPKICKS that take her out at the knees and drive Shotzi face down into the canvas!
MICHAEL COLE: Shotzi is trying to keep her team alive, but she needs the tag!
WADE BARRETT: The Unholy Union isn’t going to let that happen so easily though! They’ve got the clear advantage, and I don’t know how Shotzi is going to escape for the tag!
Abadon makes their way in to try and save their partner, but Alba takes them out with a spear! Both competitors roll out of the ring as Isla goes to work on Shotzi! She pulls Shotzi into a dragon sleeper, which Shotzi struggles to get out of! Isla twists her neck as she tries to get a tighter hold on it, both of them fight to get a better position! Shotzi sticks her arm out, but the ropes are just out of reach to break the hold. The official asks if she wants to give up, but Shotzi refuses! Isla screams at her to give it up but gets nailed with a shot to her ribs! Isla stumbles a bit, and Shotzi does another elbow strike to the ribs, and another that loosens up the hold! Shotzi screams with rage and nails an even harder strike now as Isla is forced to break the hold and check on her ribs! Shotzi holds her neck for a moment before rage fills her eyes, and she smashes into Isla’s chest hard with a dropkick that sends Isla back into the turnbuckle corner! Shotzi screams now as she runs in and nails Isla with a stinger splash in the corner, which she follows up by hooking her arm around the neck and dropping Isla with a BULLDOG out of the corner! She hooks the leg, 1…2…but the official catches sight of Isla’s foot on the bottom rope!
MICHAEL COLE: What’s it going to take here, Wade?
WADE BARRETT: More than that, Cole!
Shotzi grabs the foot on the rope and pulls Isla over to Abadon, who is in the corner! She makes a point to tell Abadon to end this as she gives an aggressive tag to her partner! Abadon smiles as they reach down and grab the face of Isla, who tries to crawl away but is trapped in Abadon’s clutches! Abadon pulls Isla up to her feet as they hold Isla’s face and chomp down on her neck as they trap Isla! The official asks if Isla wants to give up in the hold, but all she can do is scream as she feels the teeth sinking into her neck out of view of the official! Alba isn’t going to let this happen though, as she storms into the ring and pulls Abadon off her partner and checks on her! Shotzi climbs in now and shoves Alba down to the canvas, both women yelling at each other as Alba gets to her feet and they begin to exchange strikes! Abadon meets Isla as she stands up, and both of them begin to exchange strikes! The official tries to maintain order, but she is torn between stopping one pair or the other, and she can’t decide! Shotzi nails an enzuigiri to Alba after she catches her foot! Abadon whips Isla towards her, and Shotzi pins her arm behind her and tosses her overhead with a TIGER SUPLEX! The crowd comes to life as Shotzi and Abadon stand tall over their opponents!
MICHAEL COLE: Shotzi and Abadon have gained firm control! But now is not the time to pause, it’s the time for action!
WADE BARRETT: I don’t know what’s happening, Cole! But The Unholy Union looks like they might’ve had a few holes in their plan!
Shotzi pulls both Isla and Alba to their feet as she tosses them towards Abadon, who flattens them both with a double flatliner in the center of the ring! The official has had enough chaos though and forces Shotzi and Alba out of the ring! Abadon slaps themself across the face as they grind their teeth together and stare at their prey. They crawl to Isla and grab her by the neck as they pull her up to her feet! Isla looks terrified as she gets picked up and dropped to the canvas with a chokebomb, her legs held back as she’s pinned! 1…2…Isla somehow manages to kick out once again! Abadon isn’t done, however, as they trap Isla once again and put a leg over her neck. As they trap her right arm, they drop backwards and use all their momentum and weight to drive Isla down with a leg-drop DDT like maneuver that they call BLACK DAHLIA! They pull Isla over and hook the leg again; 1…2…Isla barely gets the shoulder up! Shotzi holds out her hand as she calls for the tag, and Abadon looks at their prey before they tag Shotzi in again!
MICHAEL COLE: Business is about to pick up!
WADE BARRETT: Isla needs the tag now; she can’t wait for much longer with this offense!
Shotzi climbs up the corner as she looks down at Isla. The crowd cheers as Shotzi jumps off and nails a diving senton! She doesn’t go for the cover though; instead, she turns to see Alba back up on the apron and knocks her off with a hard forearm shot! Isla is back to her feet though, and Shotzi spins around to nail her with a roundhouse kick to the gut! Alba slides into the ring, but Shotzi, almost as if she had eyes on the back of her head, catches the superkick coming her way and shakes a finger at Alba! Shotzi headbutts Alba and that sends her reeling back into the ropes. Shotzi now grabs Isla and tosses her into Alba, and that forces Alba to go tumbling between the ropes out of the ring! Shotzi is fired up now as she runs and bounces off the ropes and comes back with a sling blade that takes Isla down! She bounces off the other side now, and as she comes back, she nails Isla with a second sling blade! Isla stumbles up again, but Shotzi is out on the apron; she slingshots off the ropes, wraps an arm around Isla’s neck, and drops her with a DDT!
MICHAEL COLE: Shotzi is full steam ahead, Wade!
WADE BARRETT: Isla is in trouble, Cole!
Shozi makes the pin, 1…2…Alba pops up from the apron and grabs Shotzi’s leg, she pulls her out of the ring and off to cover! Abadon can only watch as their partner is grabbed by the back of the neck and driven face first into the turnbuckle post on the outside! Abadon chases after Alba as she runs for safety! Isla rolls out of the ring to grab Shotzi and rolls her into the ring before she makes the cover. 1…, Abadon slides into the ring! 2…Abadon dives in with a double-axe handle to break the pin! The official grabs Abadon and orders them back to their corner, but they fight to get to Shotzi as Alba slides in the ring behind the official’s back! Shotzi is up to her feet but gets nailed with a superkick from Alba! She stumbles back into Isla, who spins her around and kicks her in the gut! She spins Shotzi over and EYE OF THE HURRICANE! NOOO! Shotzi lifts her legs up and wraps them around Isla’s neck before throwing her forward and onto the second rope as she’s draped over it! Alba goes to grab Shotzi, but she dodges and dropkicks Alba from behind and knocks her out of the ring through the ropes to the outside!
MICHAEL COLE: Shotzi had it spotted this time!
WADE BARRETT: She was almost put away the same way she was at SummerSlam!
Alba picks up one of the Women’s Tag Team Championship belts as she rushes back to climb onto the apron and into the ring! She rears back with the championship belt as she prepares to strike Shotzi, but Abadon has a firm hold on the strap! Alba and Abadon look like they are playing tug of war with it! Shotzi is focused on her prey though and rushes across the ring to nail a tiger feint kick that dazes Isla as she falls back and holds her face and knocks the official over! Shotzi takes a moment to compose herself before she springboards off the ropes and nails a cannonball into Isla, knocking her over! Isla gets to her feet as Shotzi does, but Abadon releases their grip, and Alba unintentionally decks her partner with the Women’s Tag Team Championship belt! Alba can’t believe it as she gets pulled out of the ring by Abadon before she can really react, taking the belt with her! Shotzi is prepared though, and she climbs to the top rope as she sees a prone Isla in the middle of the ring! The crowd goes absolutely wild as she reaches the top and comes off with a DIVING SENTON, Shotzi hooks the leg, the official shakes off the effects of getting knocked over finally and counts the pinfall, 1…2…3!
WINNERS
SHOTZI BLACKHEART / ABADON
13:22 via PINFALL
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here are your winners and the NEEEWWW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, SHOTZI BLACKHEART AND AAABAAADOOON!
MICHAEL COLE: What a way to end this one! Shotzi and Abadon have defeated The Unholy Union tonight!
WADE BARRETT: The official didn’t see Alba nail her partner though! It was an accident, but this match should have been called there!
MICHAEL COLE: They just got a little taste of their own medicine, Wade! When you cheat to win, it will eventually catch up to you!
Shotzi can’t believe it, as she still sits in the center of the ring, completely overwhelmed. Abadon, however, comes crawling towards her and lays one of the Women’s Tag Team Championships across her lap! Shotzi holds it in her hands and looks to her partner, and they just smile with red stained teeth and bite onto the strap of their own Women’s Tag Team Championship. Alba recovers her partner from the ring and tries to rouse her as they stumble their way to the backstage area to get checked by medical. Shotzi gets to her feet, and Abadon stares at her as she lifts her Women's Tag Team Championship high, and the tears form in the corners of her eyes. Shotzi can’t help herself and grabs Abadon and pulls them in for a hug! The crowd cheers for the new team as they celebrate for a moment, helping each other out of the ring before they make their way to the back, and Shotzi slaps a few hands along the way.
We cut backstage to Byron Saxton, who is waiting for his cue.
BYRON SAXTON: Ladies and gentleman, my guests at this time, Nick and Matt Jackson, the Young Bucks.
The crowd boos as Nick and Matt come in from opposite sides of the screen, sandwiching Saxton between them.
BYRON SAXTON: Gentlemen, it was one month ago that the nWo Elite made their debut at SummerSlam. Shortly after, you guaranteed that you’d hold every title before 2025. You’ve yet to make good on that promise yet though.
Both Nick and Matt seem annoyed by that question.
NICK JACKSON: Really?
MATT JACKSON: Byron, I understand you think of yourself as some sort of broadcast journalist, but you had to realize a question like that was only going to piss us off.
NICK JACKSON: And it did.
MATT JACKSON: That being said, you are absolutely correct. We said we were going to do something but we haven’t done it yet. Sometimes though, in a game of chess, it’s about moving your pieces around the board and putting yourself in an opportunity to strike.
NICK JACKSON: I’m sure you saw the women’s battle royal last week.
MATT JACKSON: The one where nWo Elite was robbed by Stephanie McMahon.
NICK JACKSON: Eve Torres and Ember Moon are pieces to the end of this puzzle for the nWo Elite.
MATT JACKSON: We are ecstatic to have two women like that in the group.
NICK JACKSON: Even if Stephanie McMahon wants to screw Eve Torres out of what she earned.
BYRON SAXTON: Surely you guys don’t believe that though. Ember Moon clearly interfered in that match after Eve Torres had been eliminated.
MATT JACKSON: Byron, again. This is tiresome.
NICK JACKSON: We do believe it, Byron. She won the match. She had her name announced at the end. We all heard it. Yet, WWE officials like to make up their own rules and do everything they can to stop nWo Elite from being successful.
MATT JACKSON: The women’s division has been put on notice. While some of those out there may think that Ember and Eve Torres are just an “insert women’s wrestler here” for this group, they are much more than that. This WWE women’s division is a stain that needs washed.
NICK JACKSON: There’s clear drama and favoritism at play here by Stephanie McMahon.
MATT JACKSON: And here’s a newsflash for you, we aren’t the favorites.
NICK JACKSON: Which we are fine with. We aren’t here to be anyone’s favorites.
The crowd in the arena boos that comment, as if on cue.
MATT JACKSON: What we are here to do is win. We are here to win and dominate and show the rest of the world that this WWE roster is a joke. You take a look at Ember Moon and Eve Torres and you think the nWo Elite is done.
NICK JACKSON: We haven’t even started yet.
MATT JACKSON: We haven’t even started yet! We keep saying it! You keep thinking we’re done! We aren’t. There’s more coming. We are going to desecrate this WWE roster. We are going to hold every piece of gold in this company. We’re going to piss off lots of people along the way and we’re going to do it with a smile on our faces.
NICK JACKSON: If you want to stop us, there’s only one way to do it. Stand in our way and beat us. Cause you’re not going to do it anywhere else. We aren’t hard to find. Week in and week out, we are in that ring, ready to fight. The WWE has been put on warning but no one seems to care. The beatings will continue until morale is wiped clean and this roster lays in ruin.
Nick and Matt leave the interview area as Byron throws it back ringside.
MICHAEL COLE: I cannot stand those guys, Wade.
WADE BARRETT: They did put you in the hospital.
MICHAEL COLE: They think they’re so amazing. Like they’re some gift to the WWE. I hope someone puts them in their place soon.
The cameras now shift to a different area backstage where we see Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman. It’s clear that Roman wants to discuss a few things regarding the future of their partnership, so he begins to address Heyman.
ROMAN REIGNS: Paul, this past Monday you were aligned with Solo Sikoa, and you come to me now that he is gone to get back in my good graces. Let's get things straight, I'm doing this out of the goodness of my heart. Admit that you made a mistake in joining Solo instead of waiting for my inevitable return.
Paul Heyman is very nervous as he speaks.
PAUL HEYMAN: Yes, my Tribal chief, I made a grave mistake on not waiting for my true Tribal Chief. Solo begged me to follow him and lead him down the path that he was doing down. He bribed me to sign with the new regime and join him. Since I didn't know when they were gonna approach you, I figured if I wanted to make money, I had to join Solo. Now that you are here, all things are good now. What is the first thing you want me to do as your advocate?
Roman puts his hand on Heyman’s shoulder.
ROMAN REIGNS: You see that camera right there pointing at us? I want you to look at the camera, introduce yourself to the crowd, and tell Mankind and Joey Janela that I'm gonna be watching their match and tell them whoever wins the belt, to keep it warm for me because I intend to go for the Intercontinental Championship.
Paul Heyman nervously turns and faces the camera, tightening up his tie.
PAUL HEYMAN: Ladies and Gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman. I'm the advocate for the one true Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. Mankind, Joey Janela, you are facing each other tonight for the Intercontinental Championship. Whoever wins that match, you are gonna keep the belt warm for my Tribal Chief. Because Roman Reigns will stop at nothing until he gets his hands on the Intercontinental Championship. Even if it takes the rest of the year, he will do whatever it takes. That is not a prediction, that is a spoiler!
The cameras pan to Michael Cole and Wade Barrett as they react to what they just heard.
MICHAEL COLE: Ladies and Gentlemen we just heard from Paul Heyman that Roman Reigns has his eyes set on the Intercontinental Championship. What do you make of that Wade?
WADE BARRETT: I'm sure he is going to put on one hell of a road to become champion. We'll find out who his first opponent back will be this coming week as he plans on making a statement regarding his plans for his time in the new era of WWE!
MICHAEL COLE: Intense words from the Tribal Chief! It sounds like he’s already got his course set!
WADE BARRETT: Well of course he does, Cole. Now that Solo’s gone and no longer trying to steal Roman’s glory for himself and he’s got Paul Heyman back in the fold, who could stand in his way?
MICHAEL COLE: I’m not too sure about that, but we’ve got a heck of a match coming up right now, as Intercontinental Champion Mankind stands in the way of Joey Janela and his dreams of championship gold!
The crowd lets out a confused mixture of boos and cheers as “Proto(Re)Vision” by JD Spears begins to play through the stadium’s speakers. Joey Janela emerges from backstage, looking hyped up as he stomps his feet excitedly at the top of the ramp. After a moment, he takes off down the entrance ramp.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the WWE Intercontinental Championship! Introducing the challenger, making his way to the ring, Joooeyyy Janelllaaa!
MICHAEL COLE: Joey Janela is looking ready here tonight, Wade. I think he feels the excitement in the air!
WADE BARRETT: Janela’s had a bit of a winding road to get here, Cole. First he won a battle royale with some of the biggest names in the business, and then went through one of the brightest young stars in the WWE, Bron Breakker, to win this opportunity. And now he has to fight a WWE legend and hardcore icon in Mankind! From Uber driver to championship contender, that’s a long path, Cole!
Janela slides under the ring ropes and climbs the turnbuckles, raising his hands up and down almost like he’s doing the Jey Uso “yeet!” Unfortunately, the crowd does not seem nearly as into it as the lights go down, before suddenly turning a red hue. The crowd erupts as the violins begin to play, and Mankind emerges with the Intercontinental Championship slung over his shoulder. He stares directly ahead at his opponent as the haunting melody plays, before beginning a slow, meandering walk down the ramp.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: And his opponent, making his way to the ring, the WWE Intercontinental Champion, Maaankiiind!
MICHAEL COLE: The crowd has a pretty obvious favorite here tonight in the champion. How do you feel about the match, Wade?
WADE BARRETT: I think they’re underestimating Joey Janela. The man has shown an almost shocking resiliency, almost like a younger Mankind himself in a way. Mankind is a fighter, I’ll give him credit for that, he’s one of the toughest superstars of his generation. But is he still tough enough, at his age, to bounce back from whatever Janela can throw at him?
Mankind makes his way up the stairs and slowly climbs into the ring. He walks into the middle, standing face to face with Janela, who still has some of that excitement but suddenly looks a little more nervous as Mankind slides the belt off his shoulder and raises it high over his shoulder, drawing more cheers from the fans. Finally, he hands the belt off. The official checks both men are ready, and our match begins.
SINGLES MATCH
Mankind and Janela circle each other in the ring right after the bell rings, sizing each other up. After the attack and the games they’ve played with each other, both men look ready for this as Mankind reaches out to grab Janela, but Janela slips under his grasp and behind him, capturing him in a belly-to-back hold and begins to raise him up for a suplex, but he can’t handle the nearly 300-pounds of psychopath and Mankind breaks the hold with an elbow to Janela’s ear! Janela stumbles into the corner, one hand clutching his ear and the other clutching his back. Mankind followed him with a big splash into the corner!
MICHAEL COLE: Joey Janela might have gotten a little cocky there!
WADE BARRETT: Janela has to realize that the size disadvantage he normally has is doubled here. He’s just not got the muscle mass to be able to pick Mankind up and may hurt himself in the process!
MICHAEL COLE: I’m not sure what sort of training he did for this, Wade, but maybe a bit of time in the gym would have been a better bet!
Mankind pulls back and sets his sights on Janela, and he goes charging in with a leap – nobody home! Joey Janela slips out of the way and Mankind takes the turnbuckle full in the gut! Mankind comes out of the corner and turns, clutching at his midsection just as Janela comes running in. Janela leaps for a double kneebreaker, only to get caught by Mankind! Janela hangs from The Deranged One’s grasp! He shakes his head and waves his hand telling Mankind not to do it, but the Intercontinental Championship isn’t listening as he hefts Janela up into a modified powerbomb position, before planting him hard. Mankind goes for the cover! 1…2…kick out!
MICHAEL COLE: Janela’s still got some life in this one!
WADE BARRETT: He’s not a pushover, Cole. He had to take a lot of damage to get here, I fully expect he’s got a lot more left in the tank for us!
Mankind grabs Janela and drags him up to his feet. He keeps hold of his opponent’s hand and whips him into the ropes. As he comes running back, Mankind reaches his arm out for a clothesline, but Janela ducks it! Janela hits the ropes and rebounds, ducking another clothesline, and Mankind looks a little turned around as Janela charges back in with a full head of steam for a chop block! Mankind goes down to one knee as Joey gets back on his feet! The Bad Boy points to the sky and the crowd erupts as he jumps to the second rope and spikes Mankind with a springboard tornado DDT! Janela goes for the cover! 1…kick out!
MICHAEL COLE: A great comeback from Joey Janela there, but Mankind’s reminding him that he’s not the only superstar who can take a punch!
WADE BARRETT: I’m still not convinced that Janela has much of a chance here, Cole, but he can be pretty explosive when he wants to be. If he can keep it up then I might just be surprised!
Both men start to drag themselves up and start to trade forearms back and forth and it quickly seems like Janela is getting the worst of the exchange until he decides he needs a little more of a wind up. The Bad Boy backs up a few steps and comes charging in with another, but Mankind ducks it! He hefts Janela up onto his shoulders and lets himself tip back with a fallaway slam that sends Janela rolling and clutching at his abused back! Mankind doesn’t let up on the attack though, as he wraps his arm around Janela’s neck and feet. Mankind rolls back and brings his knees directly into the middle of Janela’s back with a bow and arrow! Janela writhes in pain and tries to wriggle free, but Mankind cranks back on it harder!
MICHAEL COLE: Janela might be trapped here! Where can he go? He’s in the middle of the ring!
WADE BARRETT: This is where you see Mankind’s years of experience coming into play. A bow and arrow is a very, very painful hold under the best of circumstances, and Mankind has been attacking Janela’s back all night. I just don’t know how much more of this he can take!
Janela is in agony as Mankind drives his knees into his damaged spine, and any twist or turn only grinds the knees deeper. For a minute it looks like he’s considering tapping, before he lashes out and drives his forearm into Mankind’s head! The position is awkward, but he makes solid contact as a meaty “thwack!” is heard even above the crowd. The Jersey native lashes out again, and again until his elbow clips Mankind’s face. It seems to have rung his bell as the WWE legend’s head falls back and he releases his hold, letting Janela roll out of the hold. Janela clutches at his back, feeling the effects of that long, agonizing submission hold, but he knows he can’t stop yet. He grabs the rope and pulls himself up, before crossing the ring to the opposite side. He hits the ropes and comes back for a running senton! Janela doesn’t stop there though; he gets back up and goes for another before making the cover! 1…2…kick out!
MICHAEL COLE: Janela’s making his comeback, he needs to keep up his offensive!
WADE BARRETT: Two sentons won’t put away a man like Mankind, but what tricks could Janela have left in his bag that he can still do with that injured back?!
Janela looks shocked at the official, who confirms the two count. He shakes his head angrily and drags the dazed Mankind to his feet, before whipping him into the corner! Mankind hits hard and drapes in the corner, but here comes Joey Janela with a full head of steam for a big splash in the corner! He’s not done though, as he again whips Mankind across the ring into the opposite corner. Janela follows up and leaps, grabbing hold of Mankind with his feet in the Intercontinental Champion’s chest before falling back for a monkey flip! Mankind lands hard!
MICHAEL COLE: Janela just threw Mankind! Janela might have just won this one!
WADE BARRETT: But at what cost to himself?!
Janela clutches at his back having taken the full weight of Mankind, but he knows the moment is slipping through his fingers. He crawls across the ring and throws his arm over the champion’s chest for the pin! 1…2…THREENOOOO! Kickout! The crowd erupts in disbelief as Mankind throws Janela’s arm off him! Janela pants on the mat with his hair spread out under him like a pillow, looking like that was his last breath. Both men start to drag themselves upright, and both seem to be ready to end it here as both men begin trading right hands back and forth! Both start to stagger as the trade continues, until Mankind catches Janela’s fist and throws another of his own! Again! Janela desperately goes to clinch a lockup, but Mankind gets the better of it, pulling Janela into a side headlock, only to lift him up for a backdrop driver! Mankind makes his own cover! The crowd counts with the ref: 1…2…THREENOOOO! Janela stays in by a hair!
MICHAEL COLE: How the hell is Joey Janela still able to kick out?!
WADE BARRETT: He called Mankind one of his heroes, Cole. Apparently, Janela’s more resilient than any of us could’ve expected!
Mankind lays with his head against Janela’s chest, panting, and it’s obvious he’s running out of steam. He reaches into his pocket and pulls a dirty gray tube sock! He puts Mr. Socko on his hand and turns around to go for the Mandible Claw, but Janela grabs him and rolls him up with an inside cradle! 1…2…kickout! Both men roll to their knees, but the younger Janela gets up first and delivers a kick to Mankind’s head that snaps the legend’s head back, but he still doesn’t fall! Janela backs up into the corner as Mankind staggers and tries to push himself up…SHINING WIZARD! Joey Janela hooks the legs with all his strength! 1…2…3! Joey Janela has done it!
WINNER
JOEY JANELA
11:42 via PINFALL
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner and the NEEEEW WWE Intercontinental Champion, JOOOEYYY JANELLLAAA!
MICHAEL COLE: We have a new Intercontinental Champion! Joey Janela just beat Mick Foley!
WADE BARRETT: What a battle we just witnessed here tonight, Cole. There was no sophistication between these two men, no gymnastics. This match was a straight-up brawl that I think the WWE Universe is going to remember for a long time to come!
Joey Janela looks shocked as the ref helps him to his feet and throws his hand up in the air, as if he can’t believe he just defeated his childhood hero! Mankind slowly rolls out of the ring and starts to stumble up the ramp as Janela’s music plays. Janela takes the Intercontinental belt from the official and looks at it, before watching his favorite wrestler make his way to the back as the cameras fade out to commercial.
Tune in next week to witness the fallout from No Mercy!