Monday Night RAW 11-25-2024

As the opening video package ends, pyro explodes on the stage as the crowd in Houston, Texas is erupting in cheers. The cameras pan through the crowd, showing off various signs reading things like “Abadon > Dakota”, “Team nWo Elite”, “Fight me, Bron!” and more. After doing a pan of the Toyota Center, the cameras settle in on the commentary table where we see the team of Michael Cole and Wade Barrett.



MICHAEL COLE: Good evening folks and welcome to Monday Night RAW, I’m Michael Cole and alongside me is my broadcast partner, Wade Barrett!

WADE BARRETT: And what an episode we are going to have tonight, Cole! The fallout from Survivor Series is surely going to impact the very future of the WWE.

MICHAEL COLE: Well, tonight we’re going to find out just how much it will impact the WWE’s future. Ember Moon and Eve Torres have an opportunity to take the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships!

WADE BARRETT: Not to mention their counterparts in the nWo Elite winning their War Games match against some of the WWE’s very finest male superstars! You have to imagine that the nWo Elites plans are well under way and running quite smoothly right now.

MICHAEL COLE: We’ll have to see what they have in store next, but what we do know is that tonight Bron Breakker and Sheamus will be facing off in a Houston Street Fight.

WADE BARRETT: I don’t think that’s going to go very smoothly at all, Cole! Those two men are going to beat the bloody hell out of each other from pillar to post!

MICHAEL COLE: Speaking of posts, did you see the post on WWE.com about the new King and Queen of the Ring? The tournament brackets have been set and things are looking like they are about to get quite heated between some of these superstars that have been chosen!

WADE BARRETT: Giulia and Naomi will start it off for the women, and let me tell you it’s going to be tough for me to decide who I think can win that one. Naomi has been storming her way through the division, and Giulia only scraped by against Toni Storm at Survivor Series!

MICHAEL COLE: A little bit of controversy there as Rossy Ogawa get her disqualified to keep her Intercontinental Championship around her waist. Not something we were expecting, Giulia has been quite the fighter and I don’t imagine it sat very well with her either. She stormed out of that match afterwards and it wasn’t looking like that professional relationship is going to last much longer.

WADE BARRETT: The Blueprint appears to be making steps forward though! Our new Intercontinental Champion has his gold on the line finally. He’s meeting Baron Corbin of the Glorious B’s tonight!

MICHAEL COLE: And you have to imagine that Starks is hoping to keep his relationship with the Intercontinental Championship alive. Those two haven’t been separated from each other since he won it.

WADE BARRETT: I doubt we’ll see them separate after tonight either, Stephanie has taken a liking to the frontman of The Blueprint after all!

MICHAEL COLE: If we’re gonna talk about a man who has been at the front of WWE, Kenny Omega, has been making waves. Tonight he has the opportunity to advance in the King of the Ring tournament but he has to face his partner from War Games, Mankind, to do it!

WADE BARRETT: That’s the way things go in competition, Cole! One night you’re fighting on the same team, the next you face each other for one of the greatest prizes in professional wrestling! It’s great, isn’t it?

MICHAEL COLE: I don’t know if it’s great to see the WWE Team from Survivor Series facing each other. It certainly will be interesting to see if Mankind can make up for his big loss for the WWE Team at Survivor Series though. But let’s not just sit here talking about it, let’s get to the action, Wade!

The nWo Elite theme music hits the P.A. system and the crowd, who was already on their feet, turn their attention towards the entrance ramp. They do not like what they see as the full nWo Elite roster steps through the curtain and poses together at the top of the entrance ramp. They’re all smiles for the most part as they start to make their way down to the ring.

MICHAEL COLE: Well, here we go, Wade. We knew it was inevitable, and I’m still sickened just by seeing them!

WADE BARRETT: I’m not a fan either, Cole but they have every right and reason to gloat after Survivor Series!

MICHAEL COLE: As much as I’d hate to admit it, the nWo Elite had a clean sweep at Survivor Series over Team WWE.

WADE BARRETT: We still don’t know what the stipulation was from the matches themselves though. It could be anything!

MICHAEL COLE: Well we know that Ember Moon and Eve Torres are getting a women’s tag title match later on tonight. If there’s more than that, we aren’t aware of what they are.

WADE BARRETT: I think we’re about to find out.

The whole group is in the ring and the music slowly fades out, giving way to extremely loud boos from the crowd. The nWo Elite is not well liked with the WWE Universe and the WWE locker room. A group of microphones is handed around to members, but Matt Jackson appears to be the one who will talk first.

MATT JACKSON: What a week, huh?

The crowd just continues to rain down boos on the group as Matt smiles at the reaction.

MATT JACKSON: A clean sweep at Survivor Series. We warned you all. We told you that we were for real and that there would be consequences if no one stood up to us. You sent your, uh…best, I guess. You sent some members of the WWE locker room, I guess. They were handled with ease though. Without a challenge at all.

The boos somehow manage to get louder.

MICHAEL COLE: He can say that, but we know the truth. The nWo Elite should consider themselves lucky to have got the win in the men’s Survivor Series match.

WADE BARRETT: They still won.

MATT JACKSON: So, the question is now…What happens next? What happens now that nWo Elite has vanquished Team WWE? What do they get?

Jackson smiles at the camera, relishing in the fact that people have to hang on his every word.

MATT JACKSON: Before we get to that, I want to congratulate the women of nWo Elite for their win in the elimination match. And because of that, later on tonight, Ember Moon and Eve Torres are going to take the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship and bring those belts home to the nWo Elite. That’s not all they got for their win though. The WWE Women’s Champion, and esteemed nWo Elite member, Dakota Kai, gets to choose her opponent for the King and Queen of the Ring Premium Live Event. I know she has a few things she wants to say as well. So, Dakota, the floor is yours.

Jackson moves aside as Kai moves forward with a microphone in her hand.

DAKOTA KAI: Being presented with the opportunity to hand-select the next challenger to my Women's Championship, there was a number of ways I could have gone about it. Do I provide a previous challenger with another opportunity? Mercedes Moné, perhaps? Maybe Rhea Ripley? No, no...

She states with a shake of her head.

DAKOTA KAI: That's boring and repetitive. So instead, do I hand this chance to someone who's been working hard to climb the ranks? Or someone I perceive to be an easy target? Well, I've already defeated the majority of the female roster in some capacity, and I don't like to repeat things; I much prefer a fresh challenge. So, when a particular name popped up on the roster a few days ago, I thought... well, it's a new challenger for me and it's someone I'm familiar with, so why not? Sure, it's risky, given how good I know she can be but I'm still confident. I always back myself, even with someone I go way back with. We've got history.

Dakota looks forward; straight into the camera.

DAKOTA KAI: So Mia Yim? Let's make your debut here a big one, shall we? From former roommates to future rivals. I, for one, think that could be a lot of fun and I look forward to seeing you again…

Jackson claps at everything Kai has to say as she takes a step back.

MATT JACKSON: Very well stated from our WWE Women’s Champion. Look at her. Giving opportunities to the newest of newcomers to this place. That’s what the nWo Elite is about! Opportunities! I mean, don’t think we haven’t noticed that the King of the Ring and Queen of the Ring brackets are completely void of any nWo Elite members. There will be ramifications for our exclusion from these tournaments. It’s not King and Queen of the Ring I want to talk about right now though. Because as the winners of the Survivor Series War Games match, we have some things coming our way. One of those things being a WWE Championship match.

MICHAEL COLE: He has to be kidding, right?

WADE BARRETT: I don’t think he is.

MATT JACKSON: Let’s not beat around the bush with this. You know the claim we made. You know what our goal is. We want all of the championships and it’s time for us to take the biggest one of all. The big question is though, who is going to get this opportunity? Who is going to face Corey Graves and take the championship off of him and bring it home to nWo Elite? Should it be…Hangman Adam Page?

Page’s eyebrows flick up, surprised by the question being posed. The crowd boos at Page’s name and shows their disdain of him getting the opportunity.

MATT JACKSON: What about me? I had a hell of a War Games match! Should I get the WWE Championship match?

Even louder boos than the crowd put out for Page. Jackson smirks.

MATT JACKSON: What about…

Jackson looks over at Daddy Magic and slowly shakes his head.

MATT JACKSON: …Matt Menard?

He says Menard’s name completely deadpan and devoid of any emotion. There’s a good number of fans in the crowd that actually cheer at the mention of Daddy Magic. Menard, and to be honest, the rest of the nWo Elite seem surprised by the smattering of cheers Menard gets.

MATT JACKSON: That’s not happening. No, I think we all know who the answer is for this question. A man who led Team nWo Elite with his selflessness. He threw himself in the way of danger repeatedly during the match. He pushed himself to another level to help bring victory to this team. He is the reason that we are standing here as winners today. Ladies and gentlemen, your new number one contender - -

HANGMAN PAGE: Hang on one second, Matt.

A series of shocked looks as Hangman appears to have something to say before Matt’s announcement.

HANGMAN PAGE: I have something I want to say.

Matt’s eyes narrow and he nods slowly. He looks over at Cena and John gives a slow single nod to Jackson.

MATT JACKSON: All right, what do you need to say?

HANGMAN PAGE: Before you name the person taking the shot at the WWE Championship, I think you might want to reconsider your candidate.

MATT JACKSON: Reconsider? Listen, Adam, if this is because you want the WWE Championship shot, we have something just as good in mind for you.

Page points over at Matt Menard, never taking his eyes off of Jackson. He completely ignores what Jackson just said.

HANGMAN PAGE: That man over there started the War Games match. He took every ounce of punishment that Team WWE wanted to give. Every time he got knocked down, he got back up. And when it came time to win the match, who made the pinfall?

MATT JACKSON: Listen, Adam - -

HANGMAN PAGE: WHO MADE THE PINFALL IN THE MATCH, MATT?

Jackson has a very annoyed look on his face at this point.

MATT JACKSON: Matt Menard made the pinfall in the match, Adam.

HANGMAN PAGE: That’s right. Daddy Magic pulled the biggest rabbit out of his hat that he could. And I think we can all agree. When you’re a part of the pack doing the hunting, you get credit for the kill. Matt Menard should be challenging for the championship at King and Queen of the Ring.

The people who cheered Menard before are cheering just as loud now with some others joining them in agreement.

MATT JACKSON: Is this a joke? This is a joke, right?

Cena finally steps up from the corner, where he was leaning and has something to say as well now.

JOHN CENA: You’ve said what you wanted to say, Adam. Consider your nomination denied.

MATT JACKSON: There is good news for you though, Adam. You have an Intercontinental Championship match in your future, bud. How awesome is that?

Page is clearly annoyed now, shaking his head back and forth.

HANGMAN PAGE: I would like to forfeit any title opportunity coming my way. I have unfinished business with Kenny Omega that I plan on finishing. Any title match that you had in mind for me, give it to that man right over there.

Page points at Menard as the crowd starts to cheer again.

JOHN CENA: Fine, you don’t want an Intercontinental Title match? Then no one gets it. Matt, the floor is yours again.

MATT JACKSON: Well, kinda feels like the thunder has kind of been stolen from the announcement. That being said, the next challenger for the WWE Championship is John Cena!

Cena moves out in front of Jackson and looks towards the hard camera.

JOHN CENA: Thank you, Matt. After listening to the bickering going on amongst the nWo Elite members, you’d forget that we didn’t just dominate the WWE landscape at Survivor Series. We’ll handle the business of a feisty certain member off screen. And our loyal member Matt Menard? He did exactly what he was supposed to do. Draw fire from Team WWE and clear the way for me to lead this team to victory. In a perfect world, I would be the one who made the pinfall for our team, but Daddy Magic knew what he had to do, and he didn’t let me down. And I promise he will be duly rewarded.

Cena nods at Matt Menard, who acknowledges the comment.

JOHN CENA: But enough about the past. I’m ready to look to the future! The plan all along was for the nWo Elite to usurp power from the misguided hands of Stephanie and Hunter and the rest of this pathetic locker room. They’re both shadows of the man Vince was, and I made it clear decades ago that John Cena is the only man worthy of being “the guy” in this company. I don’t blame you all for missing that. I’ve been off dominating in Hollywood and carving out a marketable name for myself away from the squared circle. But the strategy has always been to waltz back into this company when you least suspected it and tear control away from the fools running this place. Look at the state of this place? It’s 2024. We are living through a Renaissance Era in professional wrestling, yet the biggest promotion on the planet has a washed up punk who barely made a name for himself behind the commentary desk as our champion? It’s embarrassing. Corey Graves couldn’t even cut it down in Florida a decade ago, so what makes him worthy of holding a championship that I made famous?

Cena is getting fired up. The rest of the nWo Elite are vocally supporting him and pushing him to continue talking.

JOHN CENA: The only way that idiot got close to the title is because he beat a senior citizen who had no business competing in this ring again. Where the hell is Diesel now? Probably returned to the old folk’s home so some fat nurse can give him a sponge bath. Let’s not forget about that skid mark of a title reign that Danhausen had. Corey, I bet you wanted all of us to forget about that. But I won’t let you live that one down. You’re a “two-time” World Champion because you LOST to a guy who collects human teeth?! What the hell?! You see, there was a point in time when I looked at what we had built with the nWo Elite and compared it to who we were going to war with and I almost shut the whole thing down. I could walk away and make millions in Hollywood. I don’t need to be in the WWE. I don’t need professional wrestling. And frankly, the state of competition in this company is so low that I wondered if it was even worth my time coming back here. But then I looked at guys like the Young Bucks. I thought about Hangman Adam Page. I even considered how much my leadership could benefit a “good hand” like Daddy Magic Matt Menard. If I could come back to the WWE and bring some prestige to this once hallowed company, then I owed the next generation that. And the only way this company is going to lift up above being a shattered shell of its former self is if I’m the one representing it. The WWE NEEDS the nWo Elite. This industry needs John Cena! And I don’t care if you all don’t believe me, I know what’s best for professional wrestling! I am the heart and soul of this ring!

The crowd showers John Cena with boos. He throws up a middle finger salute.

JOHN CENA: So let me crystal clear. Corey Graves, your days as champion are numbered. Cherish every moment you have left with that belt, because you will never get close to it again. At King and Queen of the Ring, I am not just going to defeat you. No, I’m going to finish your career for good. Do I need to take that far? Hell no. But I want to. I must make an example of you so that every half-assed pathetic wrestler who believes they have a chance of beating John Cena and the nWo Elite loses every ounce of hope they have. The nWo Elite is here to drive a stake through the heart of the last remnants of the WWE. I’m not just going to be the next WWE Champion. I’m going to be the LAST WWE Champion.

MATT JACKSON: The stage is set, Corey. We told you we’d hold every title in this God forsaken company by year’s end and while we’re going to cut it close with the WWE Championship, we’re still going to get the job done. We’ve come out here and said it every week. And you all gave us hell for not following through on the promise. Well, guess what. We followed through. And guess what again, Survivor Series was just the beginning.

Jackson flips the mic onto the mat as nWo Elite’s music hits and they start to leave the ring.

MICHAEL COLE: There you go. nWo Elite has finally set their sights on the WWE Championship!

WADE BARRETT: John Cena is the new number one contender!

MICHAEL COLE: This is sure to be Corey Graves’ toughest match yet!

WADE BARRETT: And speaking of tough match-ups, we’ve got a real barn-burner to start off the show, as Sheamus makes his in-ring return in a Houston street fight against Bron Breakker!

MICHAEL COLE: Bron Breakker, of course, coming fresh off a big upset win over Sting last Sunday at Survivor Series! Bron really solidified his place as a part of the WWE roster here, Wade, but what about the side effects of that match? Sting wasn’t shy about whipping him with that leather strap; there’s no way he’s going to be at peak performance tonight, right?

WADE BARRETT: I don’t think you have anything to worry about, Cole. Bron might be a little beaten up, but he’s young enough that he can bounce back and handle anything that Sheamus can throw at him here tonight.

Almost as if on cue, “Fear no Evil” begins to play through the Toyota Center’s sound system, and the crowd jeers and boos Bron Breakker as he emerges from backstage with a grin on his face. Indeed, the Badass looks like the dog who got the steak as he walks to the top of the stage and the spotlight follows him. He cups his hands to his face and lets out a loud bark, which the fans return before he begins his walk down the ramp towards the ring, where various weapons have been neatly strewn about. Tables, chairs, and even a Texas bull rope count among the various utensils waiting for the violence to begin.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Ladies and gentlemen, the following match is scheduled for one-fall, and it is a Houston Street Fight! This means there are no disqualifications and no countouts, and the match can only end when one person is pinned in the ring! Introducing first, making mis way to the ring, Brooon Breaaakkerrr!

MICHAEL COLE: Bron’s looking smug here tonight!

WADE BARRETT: Well why wouldn’t he? He just pinned a hall of famer, and he’s about to teach Sheamus a lesson of his own. I think he’s got plenty of reasons to be happy!

Bron climbs through the ropes and up into one of the turnbuckles, letting out another shout as the air raid sirens play. Finally, the music dies down, and we get a shot of the Titantron for a moment, before a voice plays through the speakers.

SHEAMUS: Houston, Texas! Are ya ready fer a banger?!

The fans erupt, and the lights go dark for a moment, before going bright as “Hellfire” begins to play, and we’re briefly blinded by the light shining off of Sheamus at the top of the ramp. Once we can finally see him, we see Sheamus wearing a cocky grin. He points at Bron who watches him in the ring, and drives his closed fist into an open palm before beginning his walk, high-fiving fans here and there.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: And his opponent, making his way to the ring, The Celtic Warrior, Sheaaamuuus!

MICHAEL COLE: Sheamus looks like he’s ready for a fight!

WADE BARRETT: Of course he is, Sheamus is just a bar room brawler!

Sheamus steps between the ropes and takes off his necklace, tossing it to the attendant as he faces off with Bron. The official tries to get his arms between them to make a little space, but they’re already sizing each other up, and he calls for the bell.

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The two men go into an immediate lockup, and they’re each jockeying against each other for position. For a minute, it looks like Sheamus is managing to push the young war hound back a foot or two, but Bron digs his feet in and forces Sheamus back. Just as suddenly as the hold starts, Bron releases one arm and tries to go for a lariat! Sheamus ducks it but keeps hold of the arm, and Bron is off balance as the Celtic Warrior pulls him back into a clothesline that flattens him! Sheamus still has hold of it, though, and he stomps down on Bron’s shoulder! Again! Bron clutches it in agony, and Sheamus stands tall, taunting him.

MICHAEL COLE: Impressive instincts from Sheamus here. If he does enough damage to that shoulder, Bron won’t be able to spear him without hurting himself!

WADE BARRETT: Oh please. It’ll take more damage than that to keep Bron Breakker down!

Sheamus doesn’t look very worried as he pulls Bron back up and whips him into the corner. Bron hits hard and spins around, only to take a running shoulder to the gut from the Celtic Warrior that folds him over in agony! But Sheamus keeps up the punishment, driving his shoulder into Bron’s stomach again and again. Finally, he takes a few steps back and comes flying in for a corner splash, but Bron uses the Irishman’s momentum to lift him over the ropes and onto the apron! Bron buys himself a second to rest, but it’s only a second as Sheamus delivers a sharp elbow to the Georgia native’s skull! Bron stumbles out of the corner with a rung bell, and the fans cheer as Sheamus pounds his fist against his chest. Bron shakes the cobwebs out and looks at Sheamus with murder in his eyes, but the Celtic Warrior checks the ropes before…springboard spinning neckbreaker from Sheamus!

MICHAEL COLE: Oh my God, that neckbreaker! Sheamus isn’t a man known for his high-flying moves, but that was impressive!

WADE BARRETT: Get up, Bron! Don’t go down like this!

Sheamus hooks the leg for the pin! 1…KICKOUT! Sheamus can’t believe it as all that offense didn’t even get a two-count! He starts to roll over and get up, but Bron is up first, and the Badass delivers a sharp knife-edge chop that reverberates throughout the arena and knocks Sheamus off his feet! Bron grabs him and tries to lift him for a Georgia Slam, but between the punished back and shoulder, he can’t get him up there! Instead, he settles for whipping him off the ropes with all his strength. Sheamus hits so hard he goes up and over, clattering to the floor in a heap! Sheamus slowly drags himself back up, but Bron is building a full head of steam on the ropes, and he launches himself through the ropes at the Celtic Warrior! Sheamus flies back against the announce table, and Bron lands in a heap clutching at the injured shoulder.

MICHAEL COLE: Suicide dive from Bron Breakker, I don’t remember ever seeing that one before, Wade!

WADE BARRETT: Both men are out for blood this week, Cole! They’ll do anything to keep the other down!

MICHAEL COLE: Bron just needs to be careful he doesn't injure himself in the process!

Sheamus grabs the announce table and starts to pull himself to his feet, and it looks like Bron might be injured! He’s on his knees, doubled in two, clutching at his midsection. Sheamus looks him over for a moment before approaching. He leans down and grabs Bron by the shoulders, but the Georgian native spins around and absolutely slaps Sheamus senseless with a copper cowbell! The fans boo the cheap shot as Sheamus stumbles back, clutching at his face. Bron slowly rises, and there’s malice in his eyes as he grabs the bullrope that the bell is attached to and folds it in two like a leather strap. He raises it high and brings it down hard on Sheamus’s back, and the Celtic Warrior clutches his spine in pure agony! Bron lays into Sheamus with the rope, and we already see big red welts on the Great White’s back. Finally, Bron steps over him and kneels down like he’s going for a crossface, but he’s got different plans as he wraps the rope over Sheamus’s face and cranks back on it hard!

MICHAEL COLE: No Bron, you can’t win like that! That’s just punishment for punishment’s sake, not like this!

WADE BARRETT: There’s no count outs or disqualifications, Cole. Anything goes!

The crowd don’t like what they’re seeing, and the audio cuts the start of their chant. All we hear is “...you Bron!” coming from the crowd. But he doesn’t seem to care, as he cranks back a little harder on the rope! Sheamus tries to claw at Bron’s hand, but he can’t find much purchase, and for a second it looks like the ref might call a stoppage, but Sheamus reaches up and yanks Bron’s head down in an awkward cutter that cracks both of their skulls together! Bron reels off the Irishman’s back and clutches at his jaw, and Sheamus scrubs at his face where the rope rubbed. A close-up shot shows the blood where the rawhide rope rubbed his skin raw. The Celtic Warrior stalks over to the timekeeper’s area and grabs for a spare chair. He folds this up and drives it down hard across Bron’s back! The clang reverberates throughout the arena, but Sheamus isn’t done. He holds Bron’s arm out lengthwise and drives the rim of the chair down onto his injured shoulder! Again!

MICHAEL COLE: Sheamus is laying in with that steel chair! He’s going to separate Bron’s shoulder if he keeps this up!

Sheamus grabs Bron and rolls him into the ring. Bron starts to get back up, but Sheamus pulls him the rest of the way up and turns him around! The Celtic Warrior holds Bron against the ropes for the ten beats of the Bodhran! Sheamus rains clubbing blows down on Bron’s chest, and the fans count along with each one! 1…2…3…! Welts are beginning to form on Bron’s chest where the Irishman’s fist lands home. 4…5…6! Bron is reeling as the last few land, and the crowd is sensing that an end is coming! 7…8…9…10! Sheamus let’s go and Bron stumbles away, managing to land seated with his back against the turnbuckle. Sheamus climbs through the ropes and into the corner, and gets himself ready, and the crowd chants with him “Brogue Kick! Brogue Kick!” Finally, Sheamus goes charging in – pop up powerbomb!

MICHAEL COLE: What a counter! How does Bron still have this much steam?!

WADE BARRETT: I told you he’d be hard to keep down!

It’s hard to tell that by looking at the ring, though, because both men are down after Bron used the last of his energy to save the match for himself. The Georgian drags himself over and throws an arm over Sheamus’s prone body for the pin. 1..2…THREE-NO! Sheamus kicked out a 2.999! Bron can’t believe it! He holds up three fingers and the official confirms that it was just a two-count. Bron slaps the canvas angrily and starts to drag himself to his feet. Sheamus does the thing, and the two men stare each other down briefly, and suddenly the fists start flying! They’re trading right hands, but Sheamus has a bit more left in the tank and he drives Bron back towards the corner! He’s making a bit of a comeback now, and he climbs to the second turnbuckle to start laying in right hands…Bron shoves him back! The Celtic Warrior lands on his feet, but he comes charging back in, but Bron lifts him up high in the air and spins around… Georgia Slam on the turnbuckle! Sheamus lands hard and goes reeling, stumbling across the ring and into the opposite corner. The Celtic Warrior just manages to keep his feet, and after a moment he starts off again…SPEAR!! Bron goes for the pin to end it! 1…2…3!



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, BROOON BREAAAKKERRR!

MICHAEL COLE: What a way to start off Monday Night RAW!

WADE BARRETT: Sheamus looked good out there but he just goes to show the same lesson we learned last Sunday: experience is good, but it’s not always enough to win you the night. Bron is looking unstoppable right now!

The official raises Bron’s hands high, and the fans boo him as “Fear No Evil” plays. Sheamus rolls out of the ring and begins his slow, limping path back to the back, clutching at his forehead. After a moment, Bron pulls his hand free and walks into the corner, waving for a microphone. A production assistant hands it to him, and the music cuts out so he can speak.

BRON BREAKKER: I’m not…going to say much, don’t worry.

Bron pauses for breath before continuing.

BRON BREAKKER: I just have an announcement. You’re all cordially invited to a party, next week on Monday Night RAW. Everybody tune in…

Bron grins, and looks into the camera.

BRON BREAKKER: For Sting’s retirement party.

We head backstage to find Cathy Kelley with John Hennigan.

CATHY KELLEY: Joining me at this time is the man who will make his official return to the ring tonight here on RAW - - John Hennigan.

Hennigan acknowledges the pop from the fans with a smile and a head nod.

CATHY KELLEY: John, my first question is what emotions are going through your head right now?

JOHN HENNIGAN: Ha. Pretty much every single one that exists. I'm excited. I'm nervous. I'm proud. I'm stressed. I'm terrified. But I'm sure once that music hits, it'll all go away, and my focus will be one-hundred percent on my opponent.

CATHY KELLEY: Speaking of your opponent, what do you think of Adam Cole?

JOHN HENNIGAN: I think Adam's an incredibly talented young man. He's had a ton of success everywhere he's been, and I know he's going to give me everything he has here tonight.

CATHY KELLEY: Switching topics a little bit here, but I know you've mentioned the nWo Elite a few times already since you've been back. Some of the fans seem to think there's something going on between you and them. Care to comment?

The question seems to catch Hennigan off guard. He tries to nervously laugh it off.

JOHN HENNIGAN: I'm not sure what that's in reference to specifically. I might have mentioned a name or two in passing, but that's it. I've mentioned plenty of names. The WWE roster is full of talented superstars.

CATHY KELLEY: Last question, John, and then I'll let you go. Your tweet about Mike Tyson - - and Mike Tyson's subsequent response - - has gotten a lot of buzz. Is there anything you'd like to say?

JOHN HENNIGAN: I'm glad you asked that, Cathy, because this whole thing has gotten blown way out of proportion. I was simply making - -

Hennigan cuts himself off mid-sentence as he turns his head to his left. The camera pans to the right and we can see Nick and Matt Jackson walking by.

JOHN HENNIGAN: Oh, hey, guys.

The Bucks stop and turn to see who's greeting them.

NICK JACKSON: Mhhhnhmhm nnnnhmmhnnm nhmnh nmmhhmn.

MATT JACKSON: He said what the hell do you want? And who the hell are you?

JOHN HENNIGAN: Oh, right! Of course you two don't know me. The name's John Hennigan!

Hennigan sticks out his hand, but the Bucks are quick to shake their heads.

NICK JACKSON: Nhmmnhnmnmn nhmmmmn nhmmn.

JOHN HENNIGAN: Sorry, what's that?

MATT JACKSON: He said to get the hell out of our way, Josh. We've got stuff to do.

The Bucks scoff and walk off, leaving Hennigan and Cathy behind. Hennigan shouts after them.

JOHN HENNIGAN: It's John, actually! John Hennigan!

Hennigan's eyes follow the Bucks as Cathy clears her throat a bit.

CATHY KELLEY: Well, I guess at this point, we might as well wrap it up. Good luck tonight in your match, John.

Hennigan looks back at Cathy with a smile.

JOHN HENNIGAN: Thanks, Cathy!

MICHAEL COLE: Any idea what that was all about, Wade?

WADE BARRETT: I have no idea.

MICHAEL COLE: If I didn't know better, I'd say John Hennigan was trying to get in the good graces of the Young Bucks just now.

WADE BARRETT: Can't say I blame him. The Bucks - - and the nWo Elite as a whole - - have been running roughshod over this place. If being polite saves you from an ass kicking, it might not be the worst idea I've ever heard of.





We are once again taken back to Cathy Kelley in the interview position, microphone in hand, and a bright smile on her face.

CATHY KELLEY: We are having an incredible night here on Monday Night RAW, and we are far from done. Joining me now, the newest signee to WWE, Hazuki, along with her manager...

ROCKY ROMERO: Hold up! Fraud! Fraud! Fraud!

Cathy blinks as her introduction is broken up mid-sentence, as the camera pans back to reveal Rocky Romero, wearing a large fur coat, no shirt, and a pair of black leather pants. Oh, also an eyepatch with his own face on it, which itself has an eyepatch with a picture of Romero’s face on it, with another eyepatch, with another eyepatch, so on and so forth all the way down. Romero is already agitated and animated. Right behind him is Hazuki, dressed in a colorful designer dress, brow furrowed, and arms crossed.

CATHY KELLEY: Sorry, did I say something wrong?

ROCKY ROMERO: No, Little Miss Cathy Kelley, you did absolutely nothing wrong. You are perfect. You were wonderful. But everyone around here will find out real quick if there is anything you can say about Rocky Romero, I am above anything else a truth teller! Some might even call me a prophet, a revolutionary! And old Rocky Roppongi has some truth to spit tonight, believe you me.

CATHY KELLEY: Well let’s hear it. What has got you all riled up?

ROCKY ROMERO: Isn’t it obvious?!

There is a long silence that hangs in the air, before Cathy has to answer honestly.

CATHY KELLEY: No?

Rocky groans and storms off in one direction, pointing towards some promotional stands for the Queen of the Ring tournament.

ROCKY ROMERO: What is this?

CATHY KELLEY: Oh, the King and Queen of the Ring Tournaments, which kick off tonight, here on Monday Night RAW!

Cathy turns and smiles at the camera, clearly knowing to hit her mark before Rocky shakes his head.

ROCKY ROMERO: No, no, no! How can you allow this kind of fraud? Fraud!

Cathy snaps out of shill mode, looking more confused than ever.

CATHY KELLEY: Please, for the love of God, just tell me what the fraud is?

ROCKY ROMERO: Tell me how, in all honesty, in all decency, you can crown anyone as Queen of the Ring, when true wrestling royalty isn’t even on the bracket? How can you sleep at night knowing that the Brainbusting Princess, the Wild Heart, the H-Z-K herself is on the outside looking in?

Cathy looks a bit confused before she asks.

CATHY KELLEY: Who?

Both Hazuki and Rocky Romero gasp, Rocky nearly fainting if not for Hazuki catching him. He stands back up straight and gesticulates towards her.

ROCKY ROMERO:Hazuki! The absolute wrestling perfection that stands before you!

Cathy finally catches up and nods but is quick to point out the obvious.

CATHY KELLEY: Well the problem is that Hazuki just signed to the WWE, so she couldn’t possibly have been…

Rocky cuts her off again.

ROCKY ROMERO: Excuses! Excuses and technicalities that may satisfy sad mere mortals, not Goddesses. See Cathy, you can parade any number of pretenders to the throne, those who claim to be the pinnacle of this fine sport, but there is only one woman who walks that walk, lives that life, and has the fight burning in her veins. So it’s fine, have your little tournament, knock yourselves out, fight tooth and nail. But just know, waiting in the wings, patiently biding her time is the future of this business. Know that all your days are numbered, and the era of the H-Z-K is here to stay. Tell ‘em, Hazuki!

Hazuki steps forward her stern expression breaking into a small, almost demure smile as she leans into Cathy Kelley’s microphone and stares down the camera, speaking with a thick Japanese accent.

HAZUKI: I look forward…to fighting…the best.

With that she straightens up and walks away, soon followed by her manager. Cathy watches them walk off before looking back to the camera.

CATHY KELLEY: Back to you guys at ringside, I guess.

MICHAEL COLE: Rocky Romero and Hazuki are clearly upset about her exclusion from the Queen of the Ring tournament!

WADE BARRETT: I don’t blame them, Cole! Hazuki’s reputation precedes her and it’s a bloody shame she’s been left out!

MICHAEL COLE: She just got here, Wade! But two women who are in the Queen of the Ring tournament are Naomi and the Women’s Intercontinental Champion, Giulia! We’re about to find out which of these two will advance to the semi-finals!

”Time of Arrival” by def rebel hits the speakers and the crowd begins to boo as Giulia comes out to the top of the ramp. Not even taking a moment to stop, Giulia marches down to the ring with purpose, a determined look on her face.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is a Queen of the Ring tournament match! Already in the ring at this time, Naaaooomiii! And her opponent, making her way to the ring, she is the Women’s Intercontinental Champion, The Beautiful Madness, Giuuuliiiaaa!

MICHAEL COLE: Giulia is still the Women’s Intercontinental Champion, but unfortunately it came attached with her first loss since joining WWE!

WADE BARRETT: It wasn’t her fault, Cole! Rossy Ogawa got involved without her consent. If it hadn’t been for him, Giulia would have won fair and square, there’s no doubt about that!

Getting to the bottom of the ramp, Giulia takes off her robe and tosses it to the ringside attendant who manages to catch it just before it hits the ground. Walking to the steel steps, Giulia stomps up to the apron and enters the ring, walking fight over to Naomi and piefacing her down to the mat!

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The bell rings and Naomi looks up at Giulia in shock, completely taken aback by what’s just transpired. Giulia shows zero remorse, however, as she quickly delivers a stomp to Naomi’s head, sending her down to the mat! Giulia bends down and grabs Naomi by the hair, pulling her up to her feet and whipping her into the ropes. When Naomi comes back, Giulia goes for a clothesline but Naomi ducks the attempt and hits the other side of the ropes. When she comes back she leaps in the air, looking to take Giulia down with a jumping clothesline but Giulia moves out of the way and Naomi crashes back into the mat! Naomi grabs at her arm as she grits her teeth in pain, as she struggles back up to her feet. Once she’s standing, she turns around only to get knocked down by a bicycle kick from Giulia!

MICHAEL COLE: Giulia is absolutely relentless right now!

WADE BARRETT: She’s a woman with something to prove tonight, Cole, and that’s a very dangerous thing!

The crowd is raining boos down upon Giulia as she poses with a cocky smirk, taking joy in the beating she’s been giving Naomi. Meanwhile, The Glow Gurl is down on the mat, shaking the cobwebs from her head as she once again struggles to get to her feet. Once she’s standing, Giulia comes charging in looking for a clothesline but Naomi ducks the attempt and both women quickly turn around and Giulia nails Naomi with a kick to the midsection, causing her to double over! Giulia then grabs her and lifts her up into the air, swings her around and drives her head into the mat with the Glorious Driver! Immediately, Giulia goes for the pin and hooks the leg, 1…2…3! Giulia’s wins again!



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, The Beautiful Madness, GIUUULIIIAAA!

MICHAEL COLE: Giulia made short work out of Naomi here tonight, and she advances to the semi-finals of the Queen of the Ring tournament!

WADE BARRETT: Like I said, Cole, she had something to prove here tonight and she did just that!

”Time of Arrival” begins playing again as Giulia gets to her feet with a confident smile. The referee raises her hand in the air to declare her the winner as the crowd boos loudly. With a smirk, Giulia pulls her hand away from the referee and looks down at the fallen Naomi and shakes her head before going to the ropes and exiting the ring. Walking up the ramp, Giulia stops and turns to look in the ring once again, smirking as she sees the referee tending to Naomi before turning and heading to the back.

The cameras go to the backstage area where Cathy Kelly can be seen outside a locker room, with the name plate “The Rock” written on it. Cathy knocks on the door and after a few seconds, out steps The Rock in his $500 shirt and sunglasses.

CATHY KELLEY: Rock, I was just wondering if I could get a few words with you now that you're back here in the WWE full time?

THE ROCK: Well let The Rock stop you right there Cathy, before we get into anything we need to say that FINALLY...The Rock has come back...to Houston!

We can hear the tens of thousands of fans in attendance cheering wildly for The Rock now, and he stands there with a smile on his face as he waits for the cheering to die down so that he can speak again.

THE ROCK: So you want to get a few words from the great one, is that right Cathy? You wanna know what's on The Rock's mind now that he's going to be electrifying on Monday Night Raw like the good old days?

CATHY KELLEY: That would be great, if you'd be so kind.

THE ROCK: Well let The Rock tell you that it's really quite simple. The Rock always said that when he had finished being the greatest actor in the history of Hollywood, that he would come right back home to the WWE.

The fans again can be heard cheering, this time chanting “Welcome home! Welcome home!” for The Rock.

THE ROCK: Last week on Raw you saw The Rock beat Adam Cole, piece of cake! Now The Rock has got his sights set on bigger things. The Rock might just be getting his feet back in the door, but you can bet your candy ass that The Rock is gonna be putting boots to asses each and every week from here on out!

CATHY KELLEY: So Rock, do you have anybody that you're looking to call out?

THE ROCK: It doesn't matter to The Rock who it is that gets put in front of him! It doesn't matter if it's Corey Graves, The Hurricane, John Cena, The Blue Meanie or any other jabroni that wants to get in The Rock's way. The fact of the matter is that no matter who The Rock has to face next, they'll learn why The Rock is simply known as the great one!

The Rock now grabs the microphone out of Cathy's hands and brings it to his mouth.

THE ROCK: If you smellalalalalalaLOW...what The Rock...is cookin'!

The Rock now raises the people's eyebrow as he stares into the camera, before closing his locker room door and slipping back into his locker room once more.

We go to another area backstage to find Byron Saxton in the locker room.

BYRON SAXTON: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Pastor Bobby Roode.

The crowd boos as Bobby enters the shot to join Byron. Roode looks poised. Focused.

BYRON SAXTON: Pastor Bobby, the WWE Universe all witnessed what happened during Survivor Series. How Tommy End disrupted your evening church service. Please comment on that.



Bobby Roode's countenance changes. Gone is the confident smile. Now there's a more sinister grin. Bobby brings his face within inches of Byron's. After an uncomfortable moment, Bobby backs off and continues as before.

BOBBY ROODE: Yes, Byron. Thank you for asking. As the whole world witnessed, that sinner, Tommy End, interrupted a solemn worship service. Personally, I felt as if my and the spiritual beliefs of my congregation were attacked. After speaking with my legal team and WWE Management, World Wrestling Entertainment has decided to take the matter very seriously.

BYRON SAXTON: Do you mean Tommy End could face consequences as a result of his actions?

Roode grins from ear to ear and rubs his hands together.

BOBBY ROODE: As punishment for his heinous actions, Tommy End has been suspended for one week with no pay. That means Tommy End has been banned from the arena tonight. He will not be here.

BYRON SAXTON: Understood. Well, I think Stephanie McMahon and Triple H are sending the message that targeted attacks on the religious freedom of their employees will not be tolerated. With all due respect, Pastor Bobby, I can't help but notice that this turn of events seems to benefit you and the rest of The Glorious B's, as Bishop Baron Corbin is scheduled to face Ricky Starks for the Intercontinental Championship in the next match.

Bobby Roode ignores Byron's comment and continues.

BOBBY ROODE: Byron, tonight will be an occasion for celebration. With Tommy End banned from the arena, Bishop Baron will do the Lord's work and bring the first of many titles to the kingdom of righteousness. And then on Sunday, there will be shouts of praise louder than has ever been heard before.

BYRON SAXTON: Well best of luck to Bishop Baron. One last question.

Pastor Bobby is unable to hide his annoyance.

BOBBY ROODE: I am a very busy man, Byron. Make it quick.

Byron nods. More out of fear than professionalism.

BYRON SAXTON: I'm sure the WWE Universe would like to know if there is any truth to the claims that Tommy End made. For those at home that are not aware, during his, for lack of a better term, "sermon", Mr. End claimed that Bo Dallas has left the faith. That he now serves Asmodeus.

Pastor Bobby keeps a poker face. Not reacting with so much as a scoff.

BOBBY ROODE: Byron, calling that a sermon is borderline blasphemous. I suggest you and the rest of the WWE Universe disregard the lies of the enemy. In fact, Brother Bo will get his chance to prove his allegiance to the Lord tonight.

Roode no longer looks at Byron but instead turns to face the camera.

BOBBY ROODE: You see, Byron, The Lord will always forgive, if you change your ways. Redemption is possible for Brother Bo. I have faith that he will do the right thing tonight. That being said, this interview has gone longer than I originally agreed to.

Roode abruptly walks away. Byron is caught off guard by this and takes a moment to regain his composure.

BYRON SAXTON: Thank you Pastor Bobby for your time.

The camera goes to another area backstage where Becky Lynch is spotted sitting in the locker room with her head buried, obviously feeling bad for herself after her loss against Jamie Hayter. Becky shakes her head and seemingly begins talking to herself.

BECKY LYNCH: I can’t believe that chump got the best of me week after week. As if attacking me backstage wasn’t enough, she beat me on Saturday Night’s Main Event too. She’s completely tarnished my comeback to the WWE - -

Becky’s interrupted by the entrance of a frantic Thea Hail. Becky props her head up to look at Thea as she’s pacing back and forth in front of Becky. Becky begins to speak, but Thea unknowingly cuts her off as she as well begins start talking to herself.

THEA HAIL: What if I’m not ready to be here yet? If I can’t beat someone like Tiara James, then who can I beat? I think - -

Thea stops in her tracks as she finally realizes Becky sitting down.

THEA HAIL: Oh, I’m sorry! I’ve just been so caught up in my own problems that I didn’t even see you. Do you want me to leave?

BECKY LYNCH: That’d be perfect, I’m in the middle of something here so - -

Becky’s once again cut off by Thea, who plops down right next to her and starts blabbering, with each word being said faster than the last.

THEA HAIL: ME TOO! You see, I was so pumped to finally make my debut in the new era of WWE, but I came out short because Tiara rolled me up and I tried to ask her for a rematch but when I went to her and Ash’s personalized locker room, The Personal Concierge answered and just told me she wasn’t available and offered me a complementary bottle of champagne! Now Tiara’s in Queen of The Ring and I’m not and it’s just - -

Becky gets tired of Thea and stands up and seemingly starts walking off, but Thea sparks up and stops Becky in her tracks.

THEA HAIL: Is something wrong? Was it something I said? Or maybe something I did? What’s wrong?

BECKY LYNCH: You’re fine Thea, I’m just frustrated and need some time alone, which you’re clearly not giving me.

THEA HAIL Nooo! We’re both upset so I thought if I expressed - -

Getting more annoyed by the second, Becky’s now the one to cut off Thea, with her tone seeming more agitated.

BECKY LYNCH: You don’t need to express anything, Thea. I just need to be alone like I’ve already said - -

THEA HAIL: Yeah but if I talk about my problems, then I could console you about yours and since we’re friends we might be able to - -

With an incredulous look, Becky puts her hand up to stop Thea from continuing.

BECKY LYNCH: I just met you two minutes ago, Thea, we’re not friends. Now leave me ALONE before I slap you one.

Thea begins to speak again, but Becky does as she promised and slaps Thea across the face! Becky adjusts her jacket as Thea sits back down, holding her face.

BECKY LYNCH: You just don’t listen, do you? Since you didn’t wanna leave me alone, you can see me in that ring next week. You bloody dope.

Becky walks off as the camera pans to Thea who is too stunned to speak, before going back to ringside.

MICHAEL COLE: Thea was just looking to make a new friend after just arriving here in WWE. Becky Lynch wasn’t having any of it though!

WADE BARRETT: Becky just wants to be left alone. Is that such a hard thing to ask for? I feel the same way sometimes.

MICHAEL COLE: Not on Monday nights though, right?

WADE BARRETT: …

MICHAEL COLE: Right?!

WADE BARRETT: We have an Intercontinental Championship match coming up, Cole.

”Glorious” plays and the crowd starts to boo and turn their attention towards the entrance ramp. Baron Corbin makes his way out with Bo Dallas trailing in slowly behind him.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the Intercontinental Championship! Introducing the challenger, representing The Glorious B’s, Barooon Corrrbiiiin!

MICHAEL COLE: Corbin has a chance tonight to bring some gold to the Glorious B’s!

WADE BARRETT: He won a battle royal to get to this spot. He’s got all the momentum!

MICHAEL COLE: And I would have said he has to look over his shoulder for Tommy End, but Roode had End banned from the arena tonight!

”It’s Live” starts to play and Ricky Starks appears at the top of the ramp, the Intercontinental Championship held tightly in his hand.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: And his opponent, making his way to the ring, the WWE Intercontinental Champion, Riiickyyy Starrrks!

MICHAEL COLE: Ricky Starks’ mind has to be all over the place right now. Defending his title tonight and also being in the King of the Ring tournament!

WADE BARRETT: Ricky needs to focus on one thing at a time if you ask me!

Starks is in the ring and poses on the second turnbuckle towards the crowd as Corbin keeps his eyes on him the whole time.

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The journey of both of these men to be at this point is certainly an interesting one. For years, people have said that Ricky Starks is a potential WWE superstar if the opportunity ever came to be for him. Baron Corbin was given the opportunity and did well and did as much as one could possibly do in their professional wrestling career. Corbin has a serious lack of trophies in the trophy case though as it pertains to championships. A win tonight and gaining the Intercontinental Championship would certainly change the narrative around him. On the other side, Starks retaining here tonight and carrying the momentum of a championship defense into the King of the Ring tournament would be huge. There’s a lot of extra elements in this match up as well with Tommy End and the rest of the Glorious B’s and Blueprint all potentially involved. The fact remains, someone is going to walk out of here tonight as the Intercontinental Champion and both men are more than deserving of that championship. The referee checks with both competitors and they give the go ahead that they are ready. The ref calls for the bell and this one is officially underway.

MICHAEL COLE: There are a lot of combustible elements in this one. I hope we get a fair one-on-one match.

WADE BARRETT: The fans are a little confused on who they should be cheering for in this one.

MICHAEL COLE: Neither man is too used to getting cheered but there’s been a smattering of cheers for both men in this one.

WADE BARRETT: Smattering?

MICHAEL COLE: Did I not use that word right?

The two come and lock up with Baron having the strength and size advantage over Starks. Ricky clearly has the advantage with speed and agility. And it’s Starks with the advantage as he ducks behind Corbin and brings Baron’s arm pressed up against his back. Baron is trying to use his free hand to break free of the hold and finally does with a back elbow. Ricky doesn’t hesitate, as he runs towards the ropes and bounces off them, coming back to Baron but Corbin meets him with a hip toss, taking Ricky up and over to the mat. Now it’s Corbin on the attack. He pulls Ricky up by his head and stands him up, hosting him up and dropping him down with a body slam. Baron is off the ropes, looking for an elbow drop but Ricky moves out of the way and scrambles back up to his feet. Right as Corbin gets up, he’s met with a beautiful dropkick to the face, knocking Baron back down. Starks grabs Corbin by the leg and tries pulling him towards the ropes but Baron kicks at Ricky with his free leg, knocking Starks’ grasp off of him.

WADE BARRETT: Little bit of a chess match with these two early on here.

MICHAEL COLE: Both guys are a little nervous about giving any kind of edge.

Both guys are back up to their feet and bouncing off opposite ropes, back towards one another. Corbin comes with a clothesline but Ricky ducks under it, sending both men heading towards the ropes again. Corbin comes once again with a clothesline with Ricky ducking under it, but this time, Starks wraps his arm up around Corbin from behind and takes him down to the mat with a crucifix into a pinfall predicament! 1…2...NO! Corbin kicks out and both men are back up to their feet. Starks is the one who comes out swinging now but Baron catches Ricky’s punch, twisting it and him, wrapping his arm around Starks’ head and taking him down to the mat with a neckbreaker. Baron is back up, bouncing off the ropes and dropping an elbow down across Ricky’s face. Corbin picks Ricky up quickly and whips him into the corner. As soon as Starks hits the turnbuckles, Corbin is there immediately with a clothesline across the chest. Ricky comes stumbling out of the corner as Baron bounces off the ropes behind him, grabbing Starks around the head and taking him down to the mat with a bulldog! Baron goes for the pin. 1…2…No! Now Starks kicks out! Baron picks Starks up again, wrapping his arm around his chest and arms, looking for End of Days but Ricky uses a back elbow, freeing the grasp. Ricky falls to the mat and under the bottom rope to escape.

MICHAEL COLE: Corbin had thoughts of ending it right then and there.

WADE BARRETT: Smart move from Ricky here though. This is why he’s champ. Get out of the ring. Regroup.

MICHAEL COLE: Right into the clutches of Bo Dallas!

Sure enough, Starks is walking around outside the ring around the corner of the ring and right into Bo Dallas. Bo doesn’t move an inch though and just stares right at Starks. Ricky looks back at him and motions for Bo to get out of his way, but Bo doesn’t flinch. Starks decides to go back the way he had just come and roll back into the ring. Baron is held back by the ref as he wants to make sure he doesn’t attack Ricky upon reentry. Corbin moves the ref out of the way and tries to get Ricky as he gets up to his feet but Starks grabs Baron around his head and drops down, cracking Baron’s jaw into the top of Ricky’s head. Baron grabs at his face as Ricky is back up to his feet, bouncing off the ropes and drilling him with a spinning back heel kick to the face! Baron stumbles back and lands on the ropes and Ricky rushes towards him. Baron ducks down and lifts Ricky up and over the ropes, landing on the apron right behind Corbin. Ricky grabs Baron around the head and jumps off the apron, draping Corbin’s chest and neck down across the top rope. Baron stumbles back into the ring and Starks is back up to the apron. He grabs the top rope and hoists himself up and over, launching himself like a lawn dart towards Corbin, knocking him back and finally down to one knee.

MICHAEL COLE: Starks has got the momentum here now, Wade.

WADE BARRETT: He’s really clicking on all cylinders now.

Ricky bounces off the ropes, trying to take Corbin down fully. He comes in with a flying forearm, but Baron grabs the referee and pulls him in front of him! Starks drills the referee with the forearm! The ref is out, and Baron is back up to his feet. Starks is just realizing what’s happened when he’s grabbed by Starks and hoisted up and down to the mat with an END OF DAYS! Starks lands in a heap and before Baron can take advantage of taking out the champion, the lights in the arena go out! The arena is pitch black and no one can see anything. When the lights come back up, Baron Corbin is knocked out cold in the center of the ring! Standing over him…is Bo Dallas with a steel chair in his hand! Bo looks down at the chair in his hand and then looks over at Corbin. It’s almost as if Bo just realized what’s happened and drops the chair in the ring. He looks at his hands and has a look of terror on his face at what might have just happened. Baron is knocked out and Ricky is starting to come to as Bo starts backing up towards the ropes. He steps through and runs up the ramp as Starks and the referee are coming to and getting back up. Starks isn’t sure what exactly happened, but he drapes his arm over Corbin for the pin and the ref is there to make the count. 1…2…3! It’s over!



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner and STIIILL the WWE Intercontinental Champion, RIIICKYYY STARRRKS!

MICHAEL COLE: Wade, what the hell just happened here!? The lights went out and when they came up, Bo Dallas was standing over a downed Corbin with a steel chair.

WADE BARRETT: I think you just broke down what happened pretty efficiently.

MICHAEL COLE: Okay, I suppose I should have asked why it happened.

WADE BARRETT: Now that I’m not sure.

Starks is sitting on the mat as he’s handed the WWE Intercontinental Championship. The ref raises his hand in victory and his music hits. Starks is still unsure as to what exactly happened, but the fact of the matter is that he’s won this match and remains the Intercontinental Champion. Shaking off the confusion, Ricky smirks as he holds his title up in the air, soaking in the boos from the crowd. After a moment he walks to the ropes and exits the ring, hopping down to the arena floor. Raising up the title once again, Ricky makes his way up the ramp as the cameras fade out to commercial.

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