Post by WWE RAW on Oct 28, 2024 17:36:40 GMT -5
Monday Night RAW
October 28, 2024
Landon Arena
Topeka, Kansas
As the opening video package ends, pyro explodes on the stage as the crowd in Topeka, Kansas is erupting in cheers. The cameras pan through the crowd, showing off various signs reading things like “Danhausen Was Robbed!”, “Champ Daddy!”, “Beautiful Madness” and more. After doing a pan of the Landon Arena, the cameras settle in on the commentary table where we see the team of Michael Cole and Wade Barrett.
MICHAEL COLE: Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to another promising to be action-packed episode of Monday Night RAW! Halloween Havoc was a scaringly good time for some superstars but others might not be feeling so hot! I’m Michael Cole and alongside me is my broadcast partner, Wade Barrett!
WADE BARRETT: Indeed you are correct, Cole! Though it was quite the show, we saw many of our superstars put through the wringer! Superstars like Maxwell Jacob Friedman, Sting, and even Seth Rollins! Fighting as hard as they could only got them so far and it seems we some of them are quite the worse for wear after the event.
MICHAEL COLE: We’ve also seen our newer WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion, Giulia, cement her status at the top of the division! One can only imagine it won’t be long before she’s racked up victories and pushes herself even further to the top! Also, we can’t forget that tag team match that made an impression on all of us when Enzo & Cass delivered a beatdown on The Undisputed Era that certainly raised their standing in the WWE Tag Team Championship division!
WADE BARRETT: They might be a bit brash with their actions, but I quite enjoyed watching them work! That might be just the fire needed in a tag team to finally be able to beat our WWE Tag Team Champions! CM Punk and Stevie Richards had a heck of a night as well when the Motor City Machine Guns, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin took them to the very limit!
MICHAEL COLE: Ash by Elegance had a victory over Ruby as well but it was quite controversial! Those bedazzled brass knuckles certainly weren’t legal after all, Wade! But nonetheless she’s now got two victories over her adversary and one has to wonder if that Shark Cage match is the end of the line for those two?
WADE BARRETT: I don’t know about that, but I do know that the confrontation between Page and Omega was quite thrilling. They may only have shared words at Halloween Havoc but it’s only a matter of time before those two meet in the ring for more than just words!
MICHAEL COLE: We crowned two new champions at Halloween Havoc as well! I’d like to say congratulations to both of them, but quite frankly I’m not sure that Corey Graves deserves it. The way that he’s been treating his own employees, his wife, and the WWE Universe is absolutely unforgivable in my eyes!
WADE BARRETT: He only did what was necessary to get the job done. It doesn’t matter what transpired, because at the end of the night his dreams were fulfilled once again when he beat that fool Danhausen to become a two-time WWE Champion. Right now, he’s already beat his record for time held, so everything from here is gravy! You don’t have to like him to be able to admit it’s a much more impressive reign this time around!
MICHAEL COLE: Let’s not forget our men and women competing tonight, though! We’ve got Tommy End and Damian Priest about to share a ring and while he may have had travel issues before we’re hoping this time we get to see what he can do in a ring!
WADE BARRETT: One can only hope, Cole! I’d like to see if Naomi can keep all cylinders firing because she’s facing a threat in Gigi Dolin. These newcomers to the women’s division surely seem eager to take their first steps forward!
MICHAEL COLE: Another superstar who wants to take this first step is Will Ospreay! This week he’s taking on Wheeler Yuta and we’ll find out if Yuta has what it takes to keep himself rolling forward with another victory!
WADE BARRETT: I’ll tell you a man that could use a victory, Mankind! Hopefully it would help alleviate some of his psychosis and make sure he stays at least stable enough to not act like an absolute menace in the ring!
MICHAEL COLE: You want a menace, Jamie Hayter, now that’s someone who’s a menace! She thinks she can do whatever she wants, whenever she wants! She stole the WWE Intercontinental Championship, paraded around like a champion, and then messed with Toni Storm at every turn! For weeks she’s been ducking Storm’s challenge, and now she’s sending Blair Davenport to take care of her!
WADE BARRETT: Pretty smart if you ask me, even if Blair doesn’t get the job done she’ll have an easier time when she chooses to jump in! Jamie might not be doing things the right way, but she’s certainly been keeping all of us on our toes! Mariah got one over on her last week, and I have to think that this week Jamie is using Blair to try and do the same!
MICHAEL COLE: I’m sure we’re going to find out, at the same time that we find out what the nWo Elite is trying to do with this women’s tag team match! Ember and Eve were all too eager to put their names into the hat, but you have to imagine this is just a plot to put themselves in contention for those WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships!
WADE BARRETT: Of course it is, Cole! They want to take every WWE Championship there is! They’ve already suckered the WWE Women’s Champion, now they are working their way up bit by bit to trying to take absolute control of the company! They want to kill the WWE and if they manage to get their hands on all the gold, you have to imagine it’ll be bad news for every true WWE superstar we have on the roster today!
MICHAEL COLE: Well enough talking, we need to get this show on the road! I’m ready to see just what tonight has in store for us!
“Christcontrol” begins to play over the system and the live Topeka crowd jumps to their feet. As soon as the new WWE Champion walks out the entrance way with the championship on his shoulder, a chorus of loud boos echoes throughout the arena.
MICHAEL COLE: I guess we didn’t have to wait too long to be graced by our new WWE Champion!
WADE BARRETT: I don’t think his ego would’ve allowed more than three minutes of this program to happen before we heard from him!
Graves doesn’t look bothered by the boos for a single moment as he struts to the ring. Fans ringside are flipping him off, shouting obscenities, even kids look like they want to spit on him. But it doesn’t take off the smirk plastered on his face. He slowly makes his way up the ring steps and enters the ring. The music fades and it looks like he might be ready to address the crowd, but he stops himself. Graves walks to the corner and yells something over to Samantha Irvin. She nods, with a little bit of annoyance, before bringing her microphone to her mouth.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Ladies and gentlemen your NEEEWWW WWE CHAMPION! THE SAVIOR OF MISBEHAVIOR, COREEEYYY GRRRAAAVES!
Graves bows his head and raises his arms in an almost shrug, as the fans get even louder with their hatred. Graves chuckles to himself and as the boos die down a bit, he is finally ready to address the crowd.
COREY GRAVES: Really? I mean really, that is the way you greet your champion? Is that the way you show respect to a man who has spent a decade clawing back towards his dream to compete in this ring? Then, in six months, he goes from no chance to ever wrestle again to the top of the mountain. I am someone you should respect, admire, and be inspired by. But it seems you idiots want a clown or a has-been as your champion.
The fans erupt with another chorus of boos.
COREY GRAVES: That’s fine because I finished both of their reigns as champion. You see, Eric Bischoff runs his mouth about a lot of nonsense. But something he did get right is the fact that I am now a two-time WWE Champion. And I did it by winning the matches myself. Kevin Nash needed Danhausen to hit me with the Money in the Bank briefcase to beat me. Then when I beat him fair and square, Danhausen had to beat me by hitting me in the face with the same briefcase after I had just gone through hell and back. But when it was a fair fight…I again am the man left standing with the WWE Championship.
WADE BARRETT: If by fair fight you mean a masked man spraying something in Danhausen’s eyes.
MICHAEL COLE: Never let the facts get in the way of a good story, I guess.
COREY GRAVES: So here I stand as your WWE Champion. Finally. this new era has a champion they can be proud of. Not some little boy doing dances, not a has been trying his best to hold down young talent like he did in the 90s, and not an actual clown. I am a professional wrestler; I am what this championship was created for. So, whether you people like it or not, this is a sight you are going to have to get used to seeing. Because I’ve looked the roster up and down, I’ve scoured the locker room looking for anyone who would be a true challenger for this championship. And I’ve got to tell you people, it’s slim pickings back there. Not a single worthy soul in the bunch and it’s no surprise I rose so quickly to the top because of it.
Graves begins to pace a bit with a huge smile on his face.
MICHAEL COLE: I think there’s a few guys in the back who would like to prove our new champion wrong.
WADE BARRETT: That title paints a pretty big target on your back, but his mouth is making it humongous.
COREY GRAVES: Survivor Series is three weeks away. I’m sure Stephanie and Hunter will rub the three brain cells they have between them together to find someone to face me. But if any of you have gotten your hopes up of this being another show reign like my first one, there’s no one coming to the rescue. There’s no white knight in that locker room for you to pin your hopes on. The only savior is the Savior of Misbehavior Corey Graves. One by one I will run through the best you’ve got. I don’t care who back there thinks they will be the one who is going to rip this championship from my cold dead hands. But if you set them up, I will have no problem knocking them down. And when I do, they will STAY DOWN!
With that, “Christcontrol” starts to play again. The fans rise to their feet to send the champion off with more boos. Graves takes his time getting out of the ring, he is savoring every moment as champion and you can tell.
MICHAEL COLE: Well, Corey Graves is certainly living his best life as champion.
WADE BARRETT: It’s a shame that it’s everyone else's worst nightmare.
MICHAEL COLE: We’ll have to see who will step up to take the new champion on, but now we are about to get the action underway in a very interesting match up here, Wade.
WADE BARRETT: Two men who are hungry to get a win and maybe situate themselves for a championship.
MICHAEL COLE: Of course, a little presumptuous to put that out there as we have a loaded roster but a win tonight for either man will go a long way.
”Punishment” by Def Rebel hits and the crowd comes to their feet. Our first match is about to get underway as Damian Priest appears at the top of the ramp and starts making their way down to the ring.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, making his way to the ring, The Punisher, Damiaaan Priiieeest!
MICHAEL COLE: Priest has shown up and made his intentions clear that he wants to be a champion.
WADE BARRETT: You don’t just get to show up and say you want to be a champion though.
MICHAEL COLE: Someone should tell nWo Elite that!
WADE BARRETT: Priest is a big man, though. I wouldn’t want to be standing across the ring from him!
Priest gets in the ring and throws his arms up before starting to remove his entrance gear. His music fades and “The Devil Made Me Do It” starts playing and the crowd turns their attention back to the ramp. Tommy End appears at the top of the ramp.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: And his opponent, making his way to the ring, the Beenderman, Tommyyy Ennnd!
MICHAEL COLE: Tommy End looks laser focused here tonight.
WADE BARRETT: This guy is a freak though, right?
MICHAEL COLE: A freak with a deadly set of strikes. One kick from End will likely end it no matter who he is facing.
End rolls into the ring and shoots his arms out to his sides as he presses his chest up against the ropes. The music fades out and End takes his jacket off, turning his attention to Priest.
SINGLES MATCH
End and Priest stand across the ring from one another, intently staring each other down. Priest clearly has the size advantage at 6’5” and two hundred and sixty pounds but End knows all it takes is one roundhouse kick to Priest’s jaw and it’s all over for him. End has had a bit of a low profile since the SummerSlam loss but he’s back here tonight to get himself going in the right direction. An argument could be made that End would have won the boiler room brawl if not for Father Martin. On the other side of the ring, Damian Priest is looking to get going in the right direction as well. A win over Tommy End would be a pretty formidable feat in his first real match back. Priest has always been a guy who has struggled to get a lot of positive momentum going. There’s a lot of potential with him but if he can get it all focused and going in the same direction remains yet to be seen. The referee checks both men and their good to go. He makes sure they’re ready and they both nod as he calls for the bell and this one is officially underway.
MICHAEL COLE: Here we go, Wade. Monday Night RAW is off and running tonight.
WADE BARRETT: Should be a good one. This opening match will set the tone for the rest of the night.
The two men come to collar and elbow and they tie up but Priest immediately twists End’s arm and locks it into an arm lock. Priest is using the aforementioned size advantage to keep the pressure on Tommy’s arm here early on. End brings his leg around and sweeps at Priest’s knee, taking him down to one knee. Damian releases the hold on End’s arm and Tommy brings the other leg around for a kick across the face but Damian ducks under it. Priest tries to hit End with a rising European uppercut but End moves out of the way of it and the two men are left standing in the ring, face to face as the crowd cheers the attempted back and forth between the two. End takes off towards the ropes and Priest runs towards the opposite ropes. As they come running back towards one another, End moves first, jumping up and driving a high knee into Priest’s chest, knocking him back. Tommy grabs Damian, spinning him around and grabbing him from behind, lifting up and over with a quick German suplex! He bridges the move into a pin with Priest’s shoulders down. 1…2…No! He kicks out!
WADE BARRETT: Impressive strength from Tommy End there. Lifting up the much bigger man.
MICHAEL COLE: That’d be like me lifting you up and slamming you, Wade!
WADE BARRETT: That would never happen, Cole.
Priest scrambles his way back to his feet but End is already up to a vertical base. Tommy drives a rising knee into Priest’s shoulder era, taking Damian back down, grabbing at his shoulder. End wraps his arm around Damian’s head as he’s down on one knee and End whips back, driving Priest’s head into the mat with a huge DDT! He goes for another pin but Priest kicks out quickly on this one. Certainly quicker than the previous pin. Damian seems rattled though, holding at his head as End keeps up the attack, pulling Priest up by his hair. Tommy whips Priest into the corner and as Damian’s back smacks into the turnbuckles, End is there to meet him with a hard clothesline right across the chest. Damian stumbles out of the corner as End hops up on the second rope behind him, taking flight and grabbing Damian around the head from behind and driving it into the mat with a bulldog! He rolls him over and goes for the pin! 1..2…2.999! No! Somehow Priest gets a shoulder up!
MICHAEL COLE: Tommy End really showing some fight here tonight.
WADE BARRETT: He looks really good here tonight. He needs to stay on the attack though.
And stay on the attack he does, pulling Priest back up his feet once again and ducking his head under Damian’s arm, hoisting him up and over and driving him into the mat with an EXPLODER SUPLEX! End keeps him down and goes for another pin. 1..2…NO! Another kick out from Priest who is showing a lot of resiliency. Damian is clearly rattled as Tommy End keeps the pressure up on him now. End steps through the ropes and climbs up to the top rope, sitting there and waiting for Priest to get back up to his feet. Damian uses the ropes to pull himself up fully and is stumbling around the ring. As he turns, End takes flight and drives his knees right into Priest’s shoulders with a Diving Meteora! It’s a huge impact move as his back and shoulders are driven into the mat hard! End makes the cover. 1….2….3! Yes! It’s over! NO! The referee stops at 2.9! He points at the ropes, showing End that Priest had his foot up on the bottom rope.
WADE BARRETT: Ring awareness there from Priest may have just saved him the match.
MICHAEL COLE: Might just be delaying the inevitable at this point though. End is firmly in control.
WADE BARRETT: Very true, Cole.
Now End finally shows a bit of frustration since he just stares at the referee and holds his hands out to his side. The referee points to the rope again. Priest is starting to pull himself back up to his feet with the aid of the ropes once again. End refocuses though, standing bent over with his hands on his knees. He’s waiting for Priest to turn around and when Damian does, End swings his foot around to hit him with Black Mass but Damian ducks and Tommy End drills the referee with it! The ref is knocked out in a heap on the mat as End realizes what he’s done. Priest doesn’t know what just happened and goes to grab at End but Tommy sees him coming at the last second, turning his attention and blowing BLACK MIST into Priest’s face, blinding him! Damian grabs at his face but before Tommy can capitalize, he’s grabbed from behind and spun around. It’s Bobby Roode and the rest of the Glorious B’s! Roode grabs End around the head, lifting him up and dropping him down into the mat with his lifting DDT he calls The Exorcism!
MICHAEL COLE: The Glorious B’s are attacking Tommy End! What the hell is going on here!?
WADE BARRETT: That referee got knocked out the B’s attacked, Cole.
MICHAEL COLE: Priest has no idea what’s happening. He was blinded by the black mist.
Now Corbin is in the ring as Roode points down at Tommy End. Corbin lifts End up and hoists him up and down into the mat hard with an End of Days! End looks to be out of it as The Glorious B’s turn towards the crowd and hold their hands out in celebration towards them. Roode turns back to the downed Tommy End and mimics a cross motion with his hand over the downed Tommy. Roode and Corbin slip out of the ring as Priest continues to rub his eyes and get his sight back. He finally is able to get some vision and sees Tommy End down. He looks around, not sure what happened and stumbles over, covering Tommy End for the pin. The referee is slowly coming to, crawling over to Priest covering End and starts slapping the mat for the count. 1…….2……3! It’s over!
WINNER
DAMIAN PRIEST
7:17 via PINFALL
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, The Punisher, DAMIAAAN PRIIIEEEST!
MICHAEL COLE: Well, Damian Priest won this one but I’m not sure he knows how or why he won.
WADE BARRETT: Sometimes the how and why don’t matter, Cole.
MICHAEL COLE: Be that as it may, The Glorious B’s attack Tommy End and cost him this match. A match he had in control.
WADE BARRETT: I’m sure End will have something to say about that. Well, when he comes to eventually he will.
The referee holds Priest’s hand up as he’s still not entirely sure how this all went down. Corbin, Roode, Bliss and Bo watch from the top of the ramp and Bobby claps a few times towards the ring, a satisfied smile on his face.
MICHAEL COLE: Well folks, last week we got to see a battle nine years in the making, when Sting finally got a rematch with Seth “Freakin’” Rollins.
WADE BARRETT: It was kind of a night for revenge, if we’re being honest. Sting got his chance to get back in the ring with Rollins but, right before he could lock up the win, his former protege Bron Breakker came out and speared Rollins out of his boots!
MICHAEL COLE: Sting wasn’t left out of that assault, unfortunately. For Seth’s part, however, we’ve got confirmation that Seth is going to be out injured for the foreseeable future because of Bron’s attack!
WADE BARRETT: Come on, Cole. Bron’s learning how to play the game, and Seth just happened to be hit by accident!
The lights go out, and “Arrival” begins to play through the speakers. The crowd erupts, and the phone lights wink into existence one by one. The spotlight appears and follows Sting as he emerges from backstage with his trademark black baseball bat in one hand and a microphone in the other. The lights start to come back up as he walks down the entrance ramp and climbs up into the ring. Sting lets the crowd die down a little before he begins to speak.
STING: Thank you, Topeka, for that warm welcome.
The audience begins to pop for the hometown reference, but Sting holds his hand up to stop them.
STING: I appreciate the applause, but I’ve got something to say that I need to get off my chest. I spent a good many years hoping and praying for that match with Seth Rollins, and I finally got my chance. I was told before I came out here tonight that Seth is going to be gone for a decent while, and I want to wish him good health and a quick recovery.
The fans cheer and go into a brief “Thank you, Seth!” chant before giving Sting another chance to speak.
STING: But that’s not all I have to say. It wasn’t a move from me that injured Seth. No, right as I was about to make up for nine years of frustration for a near-career ending injury and establish myself here in the WWE…we were interrupted - -
”Fear no Evil” hits, and the fans immediately begin to boo viciously as Bron Breakker emerges from backstage in a leather jacket, a WWE microphone in his hands. Despite the negative reaction, he smiles as he makes his way down the ramp, all his attention focused on Sting. He climbs the stairs and steps through the ropes, his eyes scanning Sting up and down.
BRON BREAKKER: You’re looking a bit beaten up there, Sting. Rough match last week?
STING: Don’t be a smartass, Bron, it’s a bad look on you. I just…what the hell happened to you?
BRON BREAKKER: What do you mean?
STING: You were one of the best-placed workers in our business. The fans loved you, man, and you’ve wasted it. You’ve spent the last month pissing away all that good will, all that opportunity. You’re a shell of that man you used to be, the man that had the potential to lead the WWE into the future. You’re not the future of the company anymore, you’re just some…some bitter asshole.
Bron shakes his head, but Sting presses on before he can reply.
STING: Now, because you’ve decided to be the raging prick who smashes things when you don’t get your way, you’ve put Seth Rollins on the injured list. So right now, why don’t you just explain to me what the hell your problem is?
BRON BREAKKER: I’ve been pretty open about what I’m upset about. You screwed me over, Sting. You said you’d help mentor me, help make me better, but then suddenly I started losing matches! I should have beaten Joey Janela! I should be the Intercontinental Champion right now, not him and certainly not Ricky Starks! And on top of your terrible advice, you took the first opportunity to learn everything you could about how I fight so you could get one over on me when you made your big comeback!
STING: I wasn’t trying to get one over on you, Bron! You were coasting on how everyone perceived you, letting opportunities come to you, and I’d hoped losing a fight with me would snap some sense into you, but it just made you into some raging bull who doesn’t think before he acts. Do you know why you lost to Joey Janela, Bron?
Bron’s eyes narrow as he waits for the answer.
STING: Because you. Weren’t. Good. Enough.
The fans are quiet, watching with bated breath as Bron’s hand starts to curl into a fist. After a moment, he takes a breath and raises the microphone to his lips and speaks, his voice low and deadly sharp.
BRON BREAKKER: Do you know why Seth got the first spear?
STING: Because your aim is like your title aspirations; way off target?
BRON BREAKKER: No, no, it was fully intentional. It wasn’t even because he wouldn’t give me his spot - - as much as that made it feel really, really damn good. No, I intentionally speared Seth, full-on in front of the ref…because I knew it’d be a disqualification. I knew that it’d make it so the match - - the match you’ve dreamed about for nine years - - ended in ANOTHER loss. I knew it’d piss you off so badly that you’d go to Triple H begging for the rematch I’ve been wanting.
Anger flares in Sting’s eyes, and for a minute it looks like The Icon is about to take a swing before he begins to speak once again.
STING: You injured him like that…just to make a point?!
BRON BREAKKER: Well, it did feel good, but…yeah. Yeah, I did. You wanna do something about it?
Sting and Bron stand nearly eye to eye, chest to chest and the crowd is on their feet waiting for the fireworks to start flying. Finally, Sting raises the mic.
STING: You really want a rematch that badly?
BRON BREAKKER: You know I do.
STING: Then you’re in luck, kid. Because November 17th. Survivor Series, at the Moody Center in Austin Texas. It’s going to be Bron Breakker and Sting - -
BRON BREAKKER: I ACCEPT!
Sting grins, and for a moment we get a glimpse of the old Joker Sting before he finishes.
STING: In a LEATHER STRAP MATCH!
The crowd erupts as Sting lets the mic fall to the ground. For a moment Bron looks shocked, but it quickly vanishes. The young badass jaws at Sting, who looks at him like a disappointed father before turning and stepping out of the ring as “Arrival” begins to play.
MICHAEL COLE: I can’t believe it, folks. Sting’s already made his third match since his return, and he just keeps upping the ante here! We’ve got our first match for Survivor Series already!
WADE BARRETT: I can’t believe he’s willing to step back in the ring with Bron! The only reason he won last time was because Bron didn’t know what was coming. Now Bron’s prepared, and it’ll be no-holds-barred this time!
MICHAEL COLE: I can’t believe he’d injure Seth Rollins just to make sure Sting lost that match!
WADE BARRETT: Pettiness is one of the strongest forces in professional wrestling, Cole. It’s giving Bron Breakker drive and motivation. And let’s be honest: championships have been won on less!
The show quickly cuts backstage where Becky Lynch and Jamie Hayter are seen in the middle of a brawl.
MICHAEL COLE: Oh my Wade, Becky Lynch and Jamie Hayter are going at it!
WADE BARRETT: The tension between these two have been bubbling up for weeks and now it's exploding!
Becky gets the upper hand and slams Jamie's face off of a nearby crate. Becky then picks up a trash can and hits Hayter in the back with it.
BECKY LYNCH: Get up bitch!
Becky picks Jamie up by the hair and goes to throw her into a coiling door but Jamie reverses and Becky goes face first into it, stumbling back towards Jamie who hits her with the Hayterade.
WADE BARRETT: Becky may be out!
Jamie looks at the door and then at Becky before raising the door.
MICHAEL COLE: Wait a minute, what’s Jamie doing?
Jamie drags Becky to where she's positioned underneath the door. Jamie grabs the door and slams it down onto Becky's midsection. Becky screams in pain and squirms under the weight of the door. Officials run in to get Jamie away and tend to Becky who starts coughing up blood.
MICHAEL COLE: Oh my god, this has gotten out of control!
Medical staff soon appears to tend to Becky as the cameras fade out.
We go to another area backstage where we find Cathy Kelley sitting upon a velvet tub chair within an isolated room, staring down the lens with a smile.
CATHY KELLEY: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to another action packed episode of Monday Night RAW! My name is Cathy Kelley and tonight we've prepared an exclusive sit-down interview with a woman who has taken the world of professional wrestling by storm these last couple of months, quickly rising up the ranks as she captured championship gold just a month into her WWE debut. Please welcome at this time, the Women's Intercontinental Champion, Giulia.
The camera pans over to the left to reveal Giulia sitting opposite Cathy Kelley, the Women's Intercontinental title draped gracefully over her shoulder.
CATHY KELLEY: Now Giulia, you've had quite an impressive start since you first touched down here back in August, winning the Women's Intercontinental Championship after defeating Kairi in only your third match in the WWE. It's safe to say that you've lived up to the hype that surrounded your arrival, but it's come to the attention of the WWE Universe that, despite your reputation as a fierce competitor, we don't know a whole lot about you. Would you be willing to answer some questions here tonight?
GIULIA: I suppose that depends on the manner of questions at hand.
Giulia's lips curved to form a grin.
CATHY KELLEY: You've had quite the unique path within the wrestling industry, first making a name for yourself in your home country of Japan before finally making your highly anticipated move to the United States. What has that journey been like for you? Surely the difference in cultures must come as quite the shock.
GIULIA: Adjusting to life here in the states has been interesting to say the least, yes. There are many things I don't quite understand about you Americans. Why are your portions so big? Why do you insist on putting ice in everything? And why are there 500 different flavors of the same potato chip? The way you people live your lives is quite concerning to an outsider, but if I can adapt to the wrestling style here, then maybe I'll get the hang of everything else, too.
CATHY KELLEY: Have you tried the new birthday cake flavored chips? I heard they're amazing.
Giulia grimaces, visibly horrified by the idea.
GIULIA: Revolting. I'd sooner eat my own feces. Maybe that can be their next flavor, I don't know.
CATHY KELLEY: I wouldn't count on it, personally. But speaking of wrestling styles: how would you describe your in-ring style?
GIULIA: Hard-hitting. Precise. Debilitating. Maybe with a little style added for good measure. When I throw out a strike, I mean it to land, and I mean it to hurt. I don't second guess myself, nor do I overcomplicate my offense. Sometimes I may alter my strategy according to the strength and size of my opponent, but I won't sit here and reveal my tricks of the trade to the masses.
CATHY KELLEY: You have also been given the nickname "Beautiful Madness". What does it mean? Where did it come from?
GIULIA: Years ago, shortly after I broke out into the wrestling business, a legendary wrestler by the name of Akira Hokuto took a liking to me. She took me under her wing and taught me what she knew in all her years of wisdom, even permitting me to use her finisher, the Dangerous Queen Bomb. For a while, the "Dangerous Queen" moniker began to stick, but as I evolved as a professional wrestler, I wanted something to call my own. I wanted to pave my own legacy. During my time in STARDOM, I quickly stood out as someone equal parts elegant and intense. The contrast between my beauty and my madness captivated the fans, and so "The Beautiful Madness" was born. I am the perfect combination of beauty and beast - - something I readily remind the world each time I step through those ropes.
CATHY KELLEY: And what can the WWE Universe expect from The Beautiful Madness moving forwards?
GIULIA: As you all know, at Halloween Havoc I defeated Saya Kamitani to successfully retain the Women's Intercontinental Championship, and after exposing Kamitani as the silly little girl she is, I find myself in need of a new challenger. Somebody that can push me to my limits. Somebody who can give me a run for my money. Somebody who can match madness with madness. This title sitting on my shoulder? It isn't a fashion statement. It's a declaration. It's a symbol of everything I've fought for over the years, and I intend to keep fighting. I didn't come here to WWE to coast by with a pretty title in my lap. I came here to conquer. I came here to show the world that I'm worth every bit of hype that comes attached to my name. I am the best wrestler in the world, and I'll prove as much for many years to - -
Before Giulia could finish her sentence, an unknown woman dressed head-to-toe in black blindsides The Beautiful Madness from behind, knocking her from her seat and sending her crashing to the ground below. The mysterious assailant - - whose identity is obscured by the aid of a black mask - - proceeds to target the Women's Intercontinental Champion with a barrage of vicious strikes, unleashing a brutal assault upon an incapacitated Giulia with a particular viciousness. The attack finally comes to an end only when the unknown woman turns her attention towards the title, picking the gold up off the floor with a tilt of her head before placing it across Giulia's fallen mass as a final act of insult. Cathy Kelley quickly emerges flanked by arena security who rush in to apprehend the assailant - - their hands firm as they snatch the masked figure away from The Beautiful Madness. The masked woman leaves without protest, laughing to herself as she's escorted away.
MICHAEL COLE: Who do you think it was that attacked Giulia, Wade?
WADE BARRETT: Whoever it was, she may have just signed her own death certificate!
MICHAEL COLE: Well two women that I think can be taken off the suspect list are Naomi and Gigi Dolin, as they’re about to clash in one-on-one action!
”Toxic” by def rebel begins to play on the speakers and the crowd gives off a mixed reaction as Gigi Dolin comes out to the top of the ramp. Dressed in an all silver outfit and carrying a silver rose, Gigi gives the rose a sniff before making her way down the ramp.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Introducing first, making her way to the ring, Hell’s Favorite Harlot, Gigiii Doooliiin!
MICHAEL COLE: Gigi Dolin hasn’t seen a lot of action since coming back to the new era of WWE, but I have a feeling it won’t be long before she starts to make an impact!
WADE BARRETT: She could very well start tonight, Cole!
Getting to the bottom of the ramp, Gigi goes to the steel steps and walks up to the apron, entering the ring. Going to the far side of the ropes, Gigi hands off the rose to the ringside attendant before taking off her jacket and hat and handing them off as well. As she turns her attention to the entrance area, the lights go out and “Glow” by def rebel featuring Billy B begins to play and the crowd begins to cheer as Naomi dances out to the top of the ramp. With a burst of energy, Naomi skips down the ramp and slaps hands of the fans.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: And her opponent, making her way to the ring, The Glow Star, Naaaooomiii!
MICHAEL COLE: Two weeks ago, Naomi returned to action after a minor injury and reminded everyone why she’s one of the more talented women on the roster!
WADE BARRETT: It’s unfortunate she wasn’t able to get the win in that triple threat match, but she wasn’t the one who was pinned so she should be able to bounce back pretty easily!
Getting to the bottom of the ramp, Naomi jumps up onto the apron and then uses the top rope to launch herself into the ring, dancing in the center until the lights come up. As her music fades out, she looks at Gigi with a smile and a nod of her head.
SINGLES MATCH
The bell rings and Naomi comes charging in, taking Gigi down with a dropkick! Gigi gets to her feet and Naomi comes charging in at Hell’s Favorite Harlot looking to nail her with a clothesline but Gigi ducks the attempt! She quickly turns around as does Naomi, and Gigi kicks her in the midsection before grabbing her arm and whipping her into the corner! Gigi comes running in and nails Naomi with a splash that causes her to fall down into a seated position. Gigi then walks over to the opposite corner before turning around and charging towards Naomi looking to hit a Bronco Buster. However, Naomi moves away at the last second and Gigi crash lands into the corner!
MICHAEL COLE: Ooh! That’s definitely gotta hurt!
WADE BARRETT: That’s gonna leave a mark, that’s for sure!
Gigi shrieks in pain as she’s tangled up in the corner. Naomi laughs for a moment before charging in, nailing Gigi with another dropkick that sends her down to the mat in a slump. Grabbing Gigi by the arms. Naomi drags her over in position in front of the turnbuckles and then jumps on the bottom rope to launch herself up to the top rope, where she bounces her legs off and comes back, nailing Gigi with the split legged moonsault that she calls Rear View! Naomi stays on top of Gigi and hooks the leg, 1…2…3! Naomi wins!
WINNER
NAOMI
02:45 via PINFALL
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, The Glow Star, NAAAOOOMIII!
MICHAEL COLE: A quick and decisive win for Naomi here tonight!
WADE BARRETT: This might be the start of an incredible run, Cole, how impressive was that?
”Glow” begins to play on the speakers again and the crowd is once again cheering as Naomi gets to her feet with a big smile on her face. The referee raises her hand in the air, signaling her as the victor and she does a fist pump with the other hand as she dances in place. As the referee lets go of her hand and goes to check on Gigi, Naomi goes to the ropes and exits the ring, hopping down to the floor and enthusiastically slapping the outstretched hands of the fans in the front row as she skips up the ramp to the backstage area.
The scene opens in a dimly lit room backstage on Raw. Mankind is hunched over, his mask askew, sitting alone in front of a small, static-filled monitor. The screen replays the Halloween Havoc comments repeatedly, echoing through the room like a twisted mantra.
MICHAEL COLE: It seems that Mankind is rather unhappy about being left off the show here tonight, Wade!
WADE BARRETT: Too bad, so sad I say! If he wants to be included, he should stop whining and start working!
WADE BARRETT: Too bad, so sad I say! If he wants to be included, he should stop whining and start working!
The words loop again, a distorted chorus of mocking voices filling the silence. Mankind’s head twitches with each repetition, his breathing growing ragged. His hands clench and unclench as he stares, transfixed by the screen, the taunting voices clawing deeper into his mind.
MANKIND: “Stop whining… start working…” That’s what they think this is… that’s what they see when they look at me.
The screen flickers, replaying the comments again. Mankind’s hand twitches, and he slams his fist down beside him, the anger flashing across his face.
MANKIND: Do they know what I’ve given? Do they understand the blood, the broken bones, the years I can never get back? No…they don’t. All they see is a freak, a joke, someone they can leave in the shadows.
The comments continue to loop, a relentless assault on his psyche. Each time, the words seem to grow louder, more taunting.
WADE BARRETT: Too bad, so sad, I say!
Mankind’s breathing grows heavier, his hands shaking as he clutches his mask, staring into its hollow eyes.
MANKIND:I’ve given everything…and it’s still not enough for them. They laugh…they mock…they forget.
He slowly rises, standing before the monitor as the comments loop one final time. His eyes are wild, filled with fury and hurt.
MANKIND: If they want to see work… if they want to see what real sacrifice looks like… then I’ll show them. I’ll make them remember my name… I’ll make sure my pain is the last thing they ever laugh about.
With a sudden roar, Mankind smashes the monitor, shards of glass scattering around him. He stands there, breathing heavily, surrounded by the remains of the screen, a haunting silence settling in as he glares into the darkness, his ragged breathing echoing in the silence as the cameras go back to ringside.
MICHAEL COLE: It seems as though Mankind has taken exception to your remarks at Halloween Havoc, Wade!
WADE BARRETT: He can take exception all he wants, Cole! I said what I said and I stand by it! Mankind’s not going to do a damn thing to me unless he wants a lawsuit on his hands!
MICHAEL COLE: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us here tonight on Monday Night RAW. Up next we have… a peculiar situation. Last night on Sunday Night Heat, Kenny Omega challenged Heat mainstay Violence is Forever to a tag team match. Omega’s tag partner? Hangman Adam Page.
WADE BARRETT: Which means Kenny’s given the nWo Elite his answer.
The slow beginning of "Battle Cry" is all it takes to get the crowd roaring as they wait in anticipation. It is not long before the theme is in full swing and out comes The Best Bout Machine himself appears on stage! No extras, just the ring gear tonight as Kenny Omega means business! He stands there, raising his arms as the pyro goes off before making his way down the ramp. "Words hurt, they are gonna find that out the hard way" Kenny mouths to the camera in front of him before hitting his signature throat slash as his theme keeps these fans in their frenzy. Omega climbs the steps into the middle of the ring before taking center, hitting his finger gun pose as a string of camera flashes go off. Kenny has a small talk with the ref before going into his corner and stretch as his song begins to fade in the arena.
MICHAEL COLE: Well, we’ll see if Hangman has accepted that answer.
As the arena sits in total silence for a few more moments, the arena plunges into darkness as "Black Hat - A Hangman Theme" by Vincent Pedulla begins, its haunting melody weaving tension through the crowd.
WADE BARRETT: Here we go! Making his official WWE debut, the Hangman of the nWo Elite!
A low rumble of anticipation fills the space as blood-red and stark white lights pulse to the beat, casting ominous shadows over the entrance. Hangman Adam Page steps into view, his expression cold, his black leather jacket reflecting the sparse lights. His lariat rope is clenched tightly in one hand, the leather loop swaying as he stands motionless for a moment. With an indifferent scowl, Page begins his descent down the ramp, eyes forward, never acknowledging the crowd's boos or jeers. As he approaches the ring, he unwinds the lariat rope, running it through his fingers like a sinister promise. He slides under the bottom rope, standing tall and unmoving in the center of the ring as he surveys the crowd. With a final glare, he raises his fist, the lariat dangling menacingly, letting his silence speak for him. The music fades.
KENNY OMEGA & ‘HANGMAN’ ADAM PAGE VS. VIOLENCE IS FOREVER
TAG TEAM MATCH
TAG TEAM MATCH
The bell rings as Kenny Omega takes his place in the center, locking eyes with Kevin Ku. Hangman stands ready on the apron, hand out for the tag, but Omega brushes him off. Ku charges at Omega, but Omega sidesteps, catching Ku with a quick series of chops. Ku steps back, going for a roundhouse - but Kenny ducks it and grabs a full Nelson. With Hangman watching, Kenny snaps Ku over with a flawless snap dragon suplex, sending Ku tumbling across the ring. Omega glances back at his partner briefly but doesn’t reach out, heading straight back to Ku instead. Ku staggers to his feet, only for Omega to nail him with a swift V-Trigger knee, driving Ku into the corner. Kenny launches a series of shoulder thrusts, clearly trying to make his mark alone before hauling Ku out of the corner and tossing him with a snap German suplex. Ku scrambles, crawling to his corner and tagging in Dominic Garrini.
WADE BARRETT: Tag to Garrini, now might be a good time to get the Hangman!
Garrini rushes at Omega, catching him off guard with a quick knee to the midsection. He lands a couple of hard strikes, but Omega fires back, delivering a series of stiff forearms that rocks Garrini. Hangman once again offers his hand for a tag, only for Kenny to glance back briefly before focusing on Garrini, lifting and hitting him with a rolling fireman’s carry followed immediately by a springboard moonsault from the corner. Kenny hooks the leg, but Garrini kicks out at two, dazed.
MICHAEL COLE: You’ve got to wonder why Omega isn’t taking the tag, Wade. He’s got a partner on that apron just watching him struggle.
WADE BARRETT: It’s obvious, Cole - Omega’s trying to prove he doesn’t need Hangman Page. But one wrong move, and this could backfire in a hurry.
Garrini tries to shake off the cobwebs, but Omega doesn’t let up, hauling him up into a fisherman’s buster, planting him hard on the mat. Omega glances at Hangman again as if to show off his handiwork. Hanger looks less than impressed. As Omega goes to pick Garrini up, Garrini, tougher than expected, manages to break free and deliver a desperate headbutt that stuns Omega for a moment. Garrini tries to take advantage, whipping Omega into the ropes, but as he comes back, Omega slides under Garrini’s legs and nails him with a picture-perfect dropkick that grounds him. Kenny looks to the crowd as Hangman stomps, hand out again, clearly growing impatient. Kenny gives Hangman a smirk and turns back to Garrini, pulling him up and hitting a second snap dragon suplex. As Garrini struggles to his feet, Omega grabs the wrist and nails a brutal Ripcord V-Trigger, dropping Garrini to the mat. Ku runs into the ring, but Omega intercepts, ducking the lariat that Ku threw and bouncing off the ropes. With both men rebounding, it’s Omega who takes the advantage and flies through the air with another V Trigger! But that doesn’t take Ku down, only causes him to keel over. Omega rebounds off the ropes in front of Ku, then behind him before letting out a big yell of “YOU’RE DEAD!” followed by the Kotaro Krusher! That sends Ku rolling out of the ring, leaving Garrini who has propped himself up on the second rope, chest first. Omega takes out the dreaded finger gun, points, “BANG!” from the crowd - V TRIGGER! Again! Wasting no motion, Omega grabs Garrini’s trunks to bring him to his feet before hoisting him up for the One-Winged Angel With a smirk at Hangman, Omega plants Garrini in the center of the ring, hooking the leg! 1… 2… 3!
WINNERS
"HANGMAN" ADAM PAGE & KENNY OMEGA
03:45 via PINFALL
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here are your winners, Kenny Omega and ‘Hangman’ Adam Page!!
MICHAEL COLE: Kenny Omega might’ve pulled off the victory, but there’s no doubt he’s sending a message to Hangman Page right now.
WADE BARRETT: It’s ego, plain and simple.
"Battle Cry" once again plays in the arena as Omega takes a moment to to celebrate with the fans. Page is in the ring as well, looking like he's ready to explode. Jaw clench, seething... which is the total opposite of Kenny. After raising his arms one last time, Kenny requests a microphone and is granted one. He looks to Page as he calls for the music to be cut. Catching his breath, Omega finally brings the microphone up to his mouth.
KENNY OMEGA: Hey Hanger, congratulations on your first WWE victory!
The crowd laughs and pops as Kenny looks around with a chuckle. He knows what happened, he can see Page is pissed. Yet, Kenny having fun in the moment. The crowd is enjoying the fun as well as a "Kenny" chant breaks out.
KENNY OMEGA: Let's get serious now... So for a couple weeks now, I have been caught up in a whirlwind. Does Ric Flair manage me? Do I join the Elite? I think I saw a blog trying to guess what I was going to have for breakfast. Point is a lot of people want to know my next move. Well, let's get to discussing my next move!
Most the arena pull up to the edge of their seats, are we finally getting answers?
KENNY OMEGA: Hanger, I can't lie. Anytime you are together with Matt and Nick, you guys are a force. And with me in the fold? We be unstoppable, no matter the company. I am sure we could run this Universe as well. That could be fun right? But you see... I am not here for fun. I keep saying how I want that WWE Championship, cause I am here for legacy. But you see? I am just not here for that either. Don't get me wrong, I do want that belt though.
The crowd pops in excitement, as Kenny smirks. Page just keeps his eyes locked on Omega.
KENNY OMEGA: You said something that stuck with me, about me holding up the weight of being Kenny Omega... I have been thinking about that for a while now. I have been trying to figure out what that means, and I think I got it now. Hanger, when I signed up to join the WWE. I done it for a lot of reasons. But what it boils down to...is them.
Kenny points out to the crowd in the arena, who cheers. He looks around at all the people in attendance. "Kenny" chant once again as Omega brings the microphone back up.
KENNY OMEGA: Hanger, I do have a lot to prove, and I still have a lot to give. I am setting out to be the best damn version of Kenny Omega the world has ever seen. But, I am not doing it for me and titles. You guys don't need me to do what you guys are trying to do. And as you've just seen, I am fine on my own. But what I am doing it for, no who I am doing it for... is these guys, the WWE Universe. So, no Hanger... I pass
Hangman stands in the center of the ring, not showing much more than his usual anger as Omega just turned him down. Hangman watches as Kenny begins to walk through the ropes… and he charges him! Boot to the side of the head!
MICHAEL COLE: What the hell?! No!
WADE BARRETT: Hangman told him to think, take some time - or his would be up! I guess we know now that the sands have run out for Mr. Omega!
Kenny is laying on the apron now, where Hangman drives a boot into his throat before kicking him down to the ringside area. Page is in hot pursuit, enraged. He grabs Kenny by the hair and pulls him up before driving him into the barricade! Hangman doesn’t let Kenny fall, instead swinging him around and throwing him back first into the steel steps! The crowd rains down boos on Hangman who doesn’t stop to pay them any mind. All he sees is Kenny. The Cowboy grabs Kenny by the hair again, ripping him back into the steel steps again, with the impact echoing throughout the arena.
HANGMAN PAGE: Is this what you wanted?! Huh?! This is what you want for him?! Thi-
Kenny with a forearm to Hanger! And another! And another! Omega might be coming out on top of this after all! Until Hangman hits a rib shot that sends Omega reeling back. Kenny doesn’t let it deter him, instead using the distance to charge and - PAGE POPS HIM UP! POP UP POWERBOMB ON THE RING APRON! THE THUD IS SICKENING! But Hangman isn’t done! He uses his brute strength to lift his target up and DOES IT AGAIN! Kenny lets out a scream like no other. Hangman throws Kenny’s legs off of him, making sure to keep him on the apron and even roll him into the ring. Omega barely knows where he is, squirming around on the mat while Hangman positions himself on the apron.
MICHAEL COLE: Oh no! No, somebody stop him!
WADE BARRETT: We’ve seen this move once this far in the WWE, and the man who got hit with it was never seen again! I hope Kenny’s ready to eat a Buckshot!
Hangman is stomping and screaming for Kenny to get up. Omega is doing whatever he can to stand on his feet, but his back is giving him so much trouble. Seeing this, Page becomes frustrated and decides to abandon the Buckshot so he can get in the ring - but security grabs his feet and tries to drag him down.
MICHAEL COLE: Thank goodness! Thank goodness for security! You get that sicko out of here and have someone come check on Kenny! Please!
Hangman starts shouting at Omega, the crowd, security, anybody he can. As he’s being escorted to the back, EMTs zoom past the fray and make a beeline to Kenny.
WADE BARRETT: The man has been holding his back since that powerbomb combo there on the apron, clearly something’s wrong. But something is very right for the nWo Elite. What a way to send a message.
MICHAEL COLE: A message?! Are you kidding me right now?! He just assaulted his best friend! Probably at the request of his other best friends!
WADE BARRETT: Former best friends, Cole. I believe Kenny and Hangman both made that rather clear in their own… special ways.
MICHAEL COLE: Folks, we’ll… we’ll have more updates coming up on Kenny’s condition once we get him checked out. I am… I don’t have words right now. Can we please cut?
The camera goes backstage to where we see Cathy Kelley standing patiently, microphone in hand.
CATHY KELLEY: Thanks, guys. As Michael Cole mentioned, my two guests tonight have been hard at work getting to the bottom of the violent assault on Britt Baker. Here to share what they’ve found out, please welcome Britt Baker and Rhea Ripley.
The crowd cheers as Britt and Rhea step into the shot on Cathy’s right. Britt smiles for the camera, but Rhea remains looking fairly serious, her arms crossed over her chest.
CATHY KELLEY: First up, I’ll go ahead and get the main question out of the way. Have you had any luck finding the culprit?
BRITT BAKER: Unfortunately not. We didn’t have a whole lot to begin with, but in the WWE, being blonde doesn’t exactly narrow the suspect list much. Especially when they could’ve been wearing a wig or something.
CATHY KELLEY: So what’s the next step?
Britt shrugs her shoulders; we can tell by Rhea’s sigh that this is an argument that’s been had over and over again, with little success.
BRITT BAKER: Right now, without more evidence? We’ve got to be ready for when they do something else. It might have been a one-off - -
RHEA RIPLEY: We don’t know that.
Britt gives Rhea a pointed look at the interruption before continuing.
BRITT BAKER: We have to see what they do next. Whatever happens, we’ll be ready for them. And they’re in luck, because a dentist will be ready and waiting to take care of them once we’re done.
CATHY KELLEY: So is your focus switching to Rhea’s Women’s Championship match, then? The WWE Universe has been clamoring to know when they can expect it!
Rhea smiles, her first smile since the interview began, and Britt steps back a little to let Rhea have the mic.
RHEA RIPLEY: I was hoping you’d ask about that. See, even with all this going on, I haven’t forgotten that I’m still on a quest to redeem myself and show the WWE Universe - - and the women’s locker room - - that I belong here at the head of this division. Plus, I’ve been itching to punch someone in the face, and Dakota Kai is a bath-fluffing-geh - -
Britt cuts Rhea’s butchered German insult off with a look, only to draw an eyeroll from the Nightmare.
RHEA RIPLEY: She’s got a very punchable face. So, I’m proposing, if she’s got the courage to face me without the nWo Elite propping her up, that I cash in my title match in two weeks. Madison Square Garden in New York, at Saturday Night’s Main Event!
The crowd starts to cheer, only for their reaction to dramatically flip as Trish Stratus steps into frame on the other side of Cathy Kelley! The Queen of Stratusfaction sneers at Rhea and Britt.
TRISH STRATUS: You don’t seriously think you’ve got a chance of beating Dakota Kai, do you?
RHEA RIPLEY: Speaking of punchable faces. What do you want, Trish?
TRISH STRATUS: Oh, not much. I’m just wondering why you’re wasting your time even trying with this title match. I get you’ve got the whole “redemption tour” going...
Trish makes the air quotes around “redemption tour” with her fingers.
TRISH STRATUS: …but you just need to be honest. You’re tough, but you’re never going to be anything more than a musclebound meathead lackey for somebody better. You had your chance at greatness with me, but you blew it. Just like you’re going to blow that match.
RHEA RIPLEY: Why don’t we head to the ring right now? I’ll show you just exactly what a meathead can do to a stuck-up princess like you.
Rhea’s voice drips with menace and Britt looks at her friend warily for a moment before reaching out, putting an arm between the two.
BRITT BAKER: Come on, Rhea. Don’t let her rile you up, she’s not worth it.
For a moment Rhea looks like she’s not going to listen, but then she reluctantly nods. Trish lets a laugh spill out.
TRISH STRATUS: See? She’s already leading you around, giving you orders. At least you’d have had a bit of glory with me. But unfortunately, that ship has sailed, just like your shot at the Women’s Championship will have after Saturday Night’s Main Event. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have important people to talk to.
Trish gives the pair a finger-wave before stepping out of frame. We get a lingering shot of Rhea’s annoyance as the cameras go back to ringside.
MICHAEL COLE: Trish certainly wants to rile up the number one contender, but what’s her game?
WADE BARRETT: I’m still curious who attacked Britt Baker, have we forgotten that not only will Rhea have to contend with the nWo Elite when she goes for the championship but also whoever took out Britt a few weeks back!
MICHAEL COLE: You make a good point, and we might watch Manking take out Tyler Breeze coming up next! Hopefully Breeze is a little more prepared for this match then he was for the fatal fourway though!
”MMMGorgeous” by CFO$ plays over the P/A system of the Landon Arena as Tyler Breeze makes his way to the top of the stage as the lights flash as if being photographed by paparazzi or at a fashion show. Breeze holds up his selfie stick, gets the best angle for himself, and takes a few candid shots that he’ll surely use later for the enjoyment of his “fans” on social media.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall!! Introducing first, The Definition of Delish, Tyyylerrr Breeeeeeze!
MICHAEL COLE: Tyler is a great competitor, Wade! He might be a bit full of himself recently, but I remember a time when he was a fun competitor to watch!
WADE BARRETT: Well, him and his pals MMXMGorgeous, are still great to watch, Cole! I think a more serious, professional competitor is definitely greater than some fake fashion police persona! Although, I will say, if there really were fashion police, he’d make a great one!
Breeze poses for some fans in the front row, but they aren’t taking any photos of him. Tyler snubs them with an upturned nose as he waves them away and calls them not worth the time anyway. As he stands on the apron after he climbs the stairs, he poses once more for his own selfie stick camera before he enters the ring and checks himself for any signs of imperfection in his makeup. He practically jumps from fright as the familiar haunting tune of “Schizophrenic” by Jim Johnston hits, and the very unstable Mankind bats away at his own head as he makes his way out from backstage and down the ramp. As he makes his way down the stage, he pulls out his own hair before he stops and stares at it in his hand during a close-up shot of him.
SAMANTHA IRVIN: And his opponent, making his way to the ring, Maaankiiind!
MICHAEL COLE: As time has gone by after losing his WWE Intercontinental Championship, Mankind has become less and less stable. His psyche has broken, his family has left him, and he only wants to bring pain to anyone across the ring from him.
WADE BARRETT: You have to imagine that his breaking point was met long ago, this man isn’t fractured, he’s absolutely shattered mentally, Cole! I’m not sure it’s safe for anybody in the arena, let alone his competition tonight, Tyler Breeze!
Tyler backs as far away from Mankind as he can in the ring as he enters. Mankind shouts unintelligibly at Breeze as he makes his way towards him, and Breeze ducks a grab attempt as the bell rings to start the match!
SINGLES MATCH
Mankind and Breeze battle with each other back and forth in the early going, but the aggressiveness of Mankind surprises Breeze. Tyler tries to escape to the outside to regroup, but Mankind follows after him, and he winds up right back in the ring. Tyler tries to fight back with some kicks to the arm to take control of the match and slowly take away the offense of Mankind by making the arm useless, but Mankind fights back with a rage that’s unmatched and nails a double arm DDT that rocks Tyler Breeze! Mankind begins to tear out his hair instead of going for a cover though; he bats at the side of his own head with a fist for a moment! He grabs Tyler off the canvas and lifts him up, but just as he’s about to strike, Tyler ducks the Mandible Claw and nails a kick to the back of Mankind’s legs and traps them before he pulls Manking over with a leg trap pin attempt, 1…2…THRE - - NOOOO! Mankind kicks out at the very last moment possible!
MICHAEL COLE: Mrs. Foley’s baby boy is still alive to fight in this one, Wade!
WADE BARRETT: Clearly that was a three! Mankind was too late, surely?
Tyler tries to maintain his advantage, but as he reaches down, Mankind catches him by the back of the neck and shoves two fingers down his throat! MANDIBLE CLAW! As Breeze chokes, Mankind practically growls, and as he jabbers some nonsense that only his mind comprehends. Breeze’s eyes go wide as he backs up into the ropes and hooks an arm over them to get the official to break the hold! As soon as the official tries, Mankind spins towards him aggressively, and he stumbles back a bit! Tyler can’t even beg for help as the official begins to count; 1…2, Mankind squeals as he shoves his fingers down further, 3…4, Mankind releases the hold but doesn’t look happy about it as Breeze tumbles out of the ring to regroup once again.
MICHAEL COLE: Breeze is going to need to come up with a better game plan to survive this one!
WADE BARRETT: He’s never had to deal with an absolute psychopath in the ring! Breeze is a professional, he should’ve won this match by default because of Mankind’s insanity!
Breeze attempts to get back in the ring but Mankind rushes at the ropes and Breeze drops back down. Mankind backs up with what appears to be a smile on his face and ushers Breeze to try again. Breeze gulps before he pulls himself up onto the apron and slowly goes to enter but Mankind lumbers forward and he jumps down again, the official tells Mankind he needs to step back. Mankind just smiles as he follows the instruction and once again beckons Breeze to try his luck again. Breeze tentatively reaches up, pulls himself slowly onto the apron, begins to enter but Mankind shoves past the official and grabs Breeze by the throat as he pulls him in. Breeze tries to fight back but Mankind ducks a punch attempt and then catches him with another MANDIBLE CLAW! Mankind shoves him down to the canvas as he gags and tries to cough out the fingers but it’s to no avail! He tries to reach for the ropes but he has nowhere to go! Breeze desperately taps as Mankind doesn’t relent but eventually several attendants help the official to pry him off.
WINNER
MANKIND
07:11 via SUBMISSION
SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, MAAANKIIIND!
MICHAEL COLE: A nice win for Mankind here as he looks to get back to his winning ways.
WADE BARRETT: Breeze gave him all he could handle though, no?
Breeze gags as he quickly exits the ring and tries to escape this situation as fast as he can. The dirty fingers of Mankind make him grab a nearby fan's drink to down it, but it’s empty, and Breeze instead tosses it away in frustration! He clutches his throat as he exits to the back with Mankind still in the center of the ring.
MICHAEL COLE: I really feel like Mankind is ready to go up another level. He has been doing this for so long and he’s at a level that we haven’t seen him at in a long time.
WADE BARRETT: It has been quite the resurgence.
MICHAEL COLE: It will be interesting to see where he goes from - - hey, wait a second. What’s going on here?
As Mankind sits in the ring rocking back and forth, a group of people run down the ramp and another comes in through the crowd. Mankind has his back to it all as a person slides into the ring and springs up to their feet. They stand behind Mankind and begin to stalk towards him. He pulls his jacket hood off to reveal it’s Matt Menard! Before Menard can get there, Mankind is alerted to his presence and hops up to his feet, rushing towards him!
Menard is caught off guard and Mankind drives his fingers into Matt’s mouth, grappling him with the Mandible Claw! Menard is flailing wildly as the crowd goes nuts with Mankind locking the hold in on him! Before Mankind can realize what else is happening, Nick Jackson, Matt Jackson and John Cena are into the ring now.
The numbers are too much for Mankind as he goes to release the Mandible Claw but he gets dual Super Kicks to his face, taking him down!
MICHAEL COLE: What in the absolute hell is happening here! This is a four on one beatdown!
WADE BARRETT: Mankind thought it was just Menard attacking him and he took care of that easily.
MICHAEL COLE: It’s never just one person with the nWo Elite. They use their numbers. Someone get down here and help Mankind.
No one seems to be making their way to the ring as Nick Jackson pulls the limp and lifeless Mankind back up to his feet. They toss him over towards John Cena who grabs him and hoists him up on his shoulders. Cena lifts him up and over and drives him into the mat with an Attitude Adjustment! Cena looks over at the Young Bucks and Nick pulls a can of paint out of his jacket and starts shaking it before handing it over to Cena.
MICHAEL COLE: Oh my goodness. What are they doing!? Wade, what are they doing!
WADE BARRETT: It looks like they have a can of spray paint, Cole.
MICHAEL COLE: Someone! Anyone! Get out here and stop this!
Cena starts spraying paint all over the back of the downed Mankind. A giant black ‘nWo Elite’ in the best way he can do it with a can of spray paint covers Mankind’s back. Cena looks over at the timekeeper’s area and asks for a microphone. The crowd is already booing loudly as they have no interest in hearing what Cena has to say.
JOHN CENA: Look at this worthless sack of crap. Is this the best the WWE has to offer? We put this company on notice weeks ago. We said we were taking over. But all of you ignored our warnings and now you’re paying the price.
John squats down to get a closer look at the tattered and beaten up Mankind. He’s covered in spray paint and his shirt is torn to pieces. Nick and Matt Jackson hold him up so Cena can get right in his face. Cane slaps him across the face a couple of times before speaking again.
JOHN CENA: Open your eyes and look at me, Mankind. This is what true dominance looks like. Week by week, the nWo Elite is taking over the WWE. Our ranks continue to grow and we keep stacking up big victories. And anyone dumb enough to get in our way is going to end up just another victim. Go back to jumping off houses and sleeping in your car cause you’re just a bum, Mankind. Do you hear me? A bum.
John spits on the ground right in front of Mankind. He stands up and turns to address the audience.
JOHN CENA: You didn’t listen to our warnings. Our intentions are clear, we are not stopping until we control all the power in the WWE. Brick by brick, we are building a coalition that will rule over every inch of this company. Can you believe we thought that there would be wrestlers lining up to defend the WWE against us? Boy, we were wrong! By the looks of it, everyone in that locker room is ready to bend the knee and kiss the ring. From this point forward, the nWo Elite IS the WWE! We are all that matters, and there is nothing anybody--or anyone–can do to stop us.
Cena throws the mic down as Mankind’s lifeless body is left on the mat.
MICHAEL COLE: I am so tired of this group, Wade. I’m so tired of them doing whatever they want.
WADE BARRETT: You and me both, Cole.
MICHAEL COLE: I am shocked, saddened and sickened that there’s no one in this WWE locker room who will step up and even try to stop these guys.
WADE BARRETT: After what we just saw happen to Mankind, I kind of don’t blame them.
All four men throw up the “Too Sweet” hand gesture and connect them over the lifeless form of Mankind before they exit the ring and make their way up the ramp with the crowd pelting them with whatever’s handy. As they exit backstage the medical team is trying to tend to Mankind but he’s desperately trying to fight them off. As he stumbles out of the ring he climbs over the barricade and begins to make his way through the crowd and disappears from view as the cameras fade out to commercial.
Tune in next week to witness the final RAW before Saturday Night's Main Event!