Monday Night RAW 3-4-2024

As the opening video package ends, pyro explodes on the stage as the crowd in Cleveland, Ohio is erupting in cheers. The cameras pan through the crowd, showing off various signs reading things like “Gable Steveson Sucks!”, “Christian Is Not My Father!”, “Toni Storm 4 Women's Champ!” and more. After doing a pan of the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, the cameras settle in on the commentary table where we see the team of Michael Cole and Wade Barrett.



MICHAEL COLE: What a heck of a show last week and we look to continue to impress the WWE Universe this week with the start of a tournament for the prized WWE Championship! The brackets were announced earlier in the week on WWE.com and let me tell you, it's quite the line-up of potential superstars to hold the gold!

WADE BARRETT: I'll tell you what, Cole, no matter who wins this tournament it's going to be a hell of an athlete. I don't think anyone could argue with any of the superstars that have been handpicked having the ability to bring the gold home.

MICHAEL COLE: Last week alone we saw what some of these superstars are capable of. Guys like Swerve Strickland, Gable Steveson, Ethan Page, and even Cody Rhodes doing their best to keep eyes on them.

WADE BARRETT: Some more successful than others. However, you can't say Cody Rhodes didn't try his best to secure himself a victory last week. Unfortunately, it just wasn't in the cards.

Suddenly, “King of Kings” by Motörhead begins to play on the speakers and the crowd’s cheers grow even louder as the owners of the WWE, Stephanie McMahon and Triple H, walk out to the top of the ramp. Triple H has the WWE Championship on his shoulder, and he adjusts it a bit as he looks over to Stephanie with a grin on his face, as it appears his mind is flooded with memories of the old days as they walk down to the ring with a commanding presence.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Ladies and gentlemen please welcome, the owners of WWE…Stephanie McMahon and Trrrrriiiiiplllllle H!

MICHAEL COLE: It looks as though business is about to be discussed once again at the start of RAW!

WADE BARRETT: Still plenty of things to discuss, we don't have any answers as to what's going on for the women's or tag team divisions and what sort of plans are being made for them. Not to mention, the Intercontinental Championship open battle royal announced by William Regal last week. Surely we'll see some participants announced for that match tonight!

They get to the steel steps and Triple H goes up first before he walks to the ropes and holds them open for his wife as she ducks into the ring and he follows. Readjusting the WWE Championship on his shoulder, that almost cocky grin seems to be plastered to his face for a moment before he goes to Samantha Irvin, requesting the microphone which she hands to him before heading out of the ring. Triple H then looks to the crowd and the expression on his face changes to one that's all business.



As the music dies down, Triple H and Stephanie look at one another with a smile as the fans continue to cheer, and once the cheering subsides he raises the microphone up to his mouth to speak.

TRIPLE H: Ladies and gentleman, welcome...to Monday Night RAW! As far as announcements go, we made one of the biggest ones possible this week as it pertains to this WWE Championship over my shoulder. It is the most prestigious prize offered in the world of professional wrestling, as well as sports entertainment. It is a championship that has been held by the greatest legends of the past as well as the men striving to become the legends of today and tomorrow. The eight superstars that Stephanie, William, and myself have personally handpicked to compete for this championship will start their road to becoming the first man to hold it in this new era of WWE. On this very night we see who has the potential to be the first to take his step to hold the honor of becoming the first man to claim it. WWE is the land of opportunity though gentleman, so if I were you I'd keep my eyes open and my head on a swivel because there are a lot of superstars with their eyes on the WWE Championship. So may the best man win, because he's going to have a lot of work ahead of him.

As he finishes he looks to his wife and hands the mic to her as he gives her a peck on the cheek. Stephanie smiles at her husband and then turns her attention to the crowd as she now raises the microphone to her mouth to speak.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Now I know you're all excited about the tournament tonight, and believe me when I tell you we're just as eager to see who is going to make the most of this opportunity. However, there are still some other championships that we need to discuss. Last week, William Regal announced a battle royal that will take place at Night of Champions to determine the Intercontinental Champion, but I know people are just as anxious to know what's going on with the women's and tag team divisons and that's what I'm going to address right now.

Stephanie pauses as the crowd cheers at this announcement, nodding her head and smiling before continuing on once the crowd dies down.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: First, there's the women's division. At Night of Champions, there's going to be a fatal four-way elimination match for the WWE Women's Championship. After her impressive victory over Jordynne Grace last week, Carmella has earned herself a spot in that match, and the winner of tonight's triple threat match between Toni Storm, Nia Jax, and Fallon Henley will also earn herself a spot in that match. There will be two more matches in the coming weeks to determine who will be the final two competitors in that match and I have no doubts that the women of the WWE are going to step up in a big way.

The crowd pops for this, excited at the prospect of a new Women's Champion.

MICHAEL COLE: That's a heck of an announcement, Wade!

WADE BARRETT: It sure is, partner! Stephanie and Triple H are pulling out all the stops to ensure that Night of Champions is an event we'll never forget!

As the crowd dies down once again, Stephanie continues on.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: And, much like the men, for the first time ever, there will also be a Women's Intercontinental Championship and details on that will be revealed in the coming weeks as well. But now, let's move on to the tag team division. We've been very lucky to have a handful of very talented teams join our ranks and I know they're all eager to make their mark. That's why at Night of Champions, we're going to crown our very first WWE Tag Team Champions of this new era in a match that has an important place in the history of the tag team division. We're going to crown our new champions...in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs Match!

The roof nearly comes off the arena with the deafening cheers from the crowd at this major bombshell from Stephanie. Both Stephanie and Triple H look at the fans with big smiles and after a couple of minutes pass, the cheering starts to subside so she continues once again.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: We'll be keeping a close eye on the tag teams over these next couple of weeks to determine just who will be the lucky ones to participate in what is sure to be a historical match, so all of the teams back there better make sure they're on their A-game at all times. Now, enough of the chit-chat, let's get this show on the road!

Stephanie lowers the microphone, walking over to the ropes and handing it off to a ringside attendant as "King of Kings" begins to play on the speakers once again. Stephanie walks over to Triple H and the two share a kiss before they both wave at the fans, mouthing "enjoy the show" to them before Triple H heads to the ropes and holds them open for Stephanie as she exits the ring, following behind her as they make their way back up the ramp towards the back.

MICHAEL COLE: What a way to start the show tonight! Two more big matches announced for Night of Champions for the WWE Women's Championship and the WWE Tag Team Championships! A TLC match, Wade! We haven't seen one of those in years!

WADE BARRETT: This is shaping up to be one hell of a Premium Live Event, Cole, and I can't wait to watch this all unfold!

MICHAEL COLE: You and me both, partner, but the road to Night of Champions is sure to be just as exciting as we get the tournament for the WWE Championship underway! In fact, we're about to see the first match in that tournament as Swerve Strickland goes one-on-one with one of the most dominant World Champions of all time, Roman Reigns!

"Big Pressure Remix" hits the P/A system of the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse as Swerve Strickland makes his way to the top of the stage. He's dressed to make a fashion statement, almost with the cap on his head. Hands in his pocket, he opens his coat more to show his physique as he takes a wide stance, the crowd deafeningly loud with their displeasure with his appearance.



Nana shakes his finger at the crowd as he goes to dance, but Swerve stops him by merely holding out his hand. The boos get even louder as they deny the dance moves of Prince Nana as both men make their way to the ring.

SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Now making his way to the ring, accompanied by Prince Nana, he is The Crown Jewel, SWERRRVVVE STRICKLANNND!

MICHAEL COLE: Swerve Strickland started off hot last week obviously, coming in and defeating the prize fighter Kevin Owens in his debut.

WADE BARRETT: Big victory for him last week, Kevin Owens is definitely not a man who is going to just give a victory away. One of the most hard hitting matches last week.

MICHAEL COLE: Strickland now in this first round match for the WWE Championship tournament and he looks like he's ready. Nothing looks like it's going to stop this man from getting that crown he's spoken of.

Swerve Strickland walks along the edge of the ring apron and curls his lip almost into a snarl as he looks at the audience, finally stepping into the ring and taking off his cap and coat handing it to Prince Nana at ringside.

WADE BARRETT: All business for Swerve Strickland here tonight, he just wants to do his work and move to the next round of this tournament.

MICHAEL COLE: For a chance to be the first man to represent the brand as WWE Champion in this new era, I would hope all of the men participating would take this just as seriously.

"Head of the Table" by def rebel hits the P/A system and the crowd roars with disapproval again. Roman Reigns coming out to the top of the stage with Paul Heyman behind him as they stop at the top of the ramp. Roman mouths something to Heyman real quick before they head down to the ring.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: And his opponent, accompanied by The Wiseman, Paul Heyman, he is "The Tribal Chief" ROMMMAAAN REEEIGGGNNNS!

Cracking his neck to either side as he stares daggers into Swerve Strickland in the center of the ring. Both men keeping their eyes locked the entire time as Roman enters the ring. Paul Heyman motions for Swerve to back into a corner and get away from them as they take center stage in the middle of the ring. A ringside attendant hand a mcirophone to Heyman as he moves over to Roman Reigns and hands the mic directly to him before clasping his hands together as if in prayer and bows to Roman.

MICHAEL COLE: Oh lord, here we go, Roman Reigns needs to try to overshadow his opponent.

WADE BARRETT: Well as much as Swerve Strickland claims to be "The Crown Jewel" we all know there's only ever been one "Tribal Chief" and he is a much more well known entity in the WWE Universe.

"Eye In The Sky" by The Alan Parsons Project hits and Roman Reigns turns his head to see what's going on before turning back to Paul Heyman who shrugs his shoulders unaware of what's happening. Matt Sydal makes his way to the top of the stage as the crown pops huge for him and he hypes them up with his energy as he makes his way down to the ring.



MICHAEL COLE: It looks as though Matt Sydal is making his way over to us, Wade.

WADE BARRETT: After last weeks last he might be looking to get in Roman's head and throw him off in this tournament match.

MICHAEL COLE: It appears to be working because he doesn't look pleased as he talks to The Wiseman, Paul Heyman right now.

MATT SYDAL: Thanks for having me Mister Cole, Mister Barrett. Hopefully tonight we can open some third eyes and show the world professional wrestling like it's never been seen before.

As Roman Reigns looks at Matt Sydal at ringside he just shakes his head before turning his attention back to the mic and collecting himself.

ROMAN REIGNS: CLEEEEEVELAND, OHIO.....ACK - -

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Swerve Strickland isn't waiting any longer as he decks the Tribal Chief with an elbow from behind to the back of the head. Swerve rains down a few hard shots to the back with his fist before slapping the back of Roman's head as he goads him to get back up. Strickland rushes past and kicks his foot back for a HOUSE CALL that collapses Roman Reigns for a moment before Swerve hooks the leg, 1...2...AND THE SHOULDER GOES UP!

MICHAEL COLE: Quick cover and he almost got the win there!

MATT SYDAL: Roman should have kept his eye on the ball, last week I took my eye off the ball and paid for it. If he doesn't get himself back into this match he might fall to the same misfortune.

WADE BARRETT: That's exactly right, Sydal, Roman beat you last week and he needs to win this week if he hopes to get the WWE Championship. If he wants to build his legacy back up he needs to stay on top of things.

Swerve Strickland grabs the arm of Roman Reigns as he proceeds to roll over and hooks him up for a deadlift into a Brainbuster but Roman nails a knee to his face and he drops him back to the canvas. Roman falls back into the ropes and comes forward leaping in the air for a Superman Punch but it's ducked as Strickland rolls out of the ring to avoid losing his control on the match, the crowd boos the exchange though as they wanted to see the same hard hitting action from Swerve and his opponent as they got last week.

MATT SYDAL: Smart move by Swerve here, keeping the pace at what he dictates and avoiding the turning of momentum.

MICHAEL COLE: Incredibly smart to throw off the veteran like that and avoid what could possibly have been a match ending maneuver in the process.

WADE BARRETT: Swerve has shown us that he's smart enough to propel himself forward in the WWE. He's got the instincts of a veteran and he's not afraid to put in the work to get where he wants to be.

Roman Reigns reaches over the ropes to grab at Strickland and gets a handful of hair as he pulls him up onto the apron, Swerve has other things in mind however as he grabs Roman by the back of the head with both hands and drops down to stun gun Roman off the top rope and back into the ring. Swerve slides in under the bottom rope as Sydal is pointing and laughing at Reigns in the ring, Heyman slapping the canvas as he tries to coax Roman Reigns back to his feet. As Swerve reaches Roman he grabs his arm pulling it back unnaturally pinning the wrist under his footh before stomping on it as Roman grabs at his shoulder screaming in pain as he tries to shake it off.

MICHAEL COLE: Nasty Arm Snapper there by Swerve Strickland!

MATT SYDAL: I don't think Roman's limbs were meant to bend that way. Needs to do a little more yoga, really loosen up those joints and it won't be a problem.

Crawling towards the corner Roman Reigns is trying to get to his feet with assistance but Swerve tries to come in to keep the advantage but gets hit with a drop toehold into the middle turnbuckle pad face first. Strickland hanging out of the ring now as Roman rolls to the outside and runs up nailing the Drive-By which crumples Strickland to the outside, Roman Reigns grabs him by the back of the neck and rolls him back into the ring. Swerve is now using to the ropes to get to his feet as Roman slides in behind him, sizing up his prey as he waits for him to turn and nails a leaping clothesline on him before he gets back to Strickland gets back to his feet groggily. Running in with a shoulder is Reigns as he knocks Swerve to the canvas again, coming off the ropes and as he comes back nailing a leaping SUPERMAN PUNCH!!! Paul Heyman shouts for him to make the cover quickly as Reigns hooks the leg and the referee begins the count, 1....2....Nana is reaching into the ring but at the last second THE SHOULDER IS UP!

MICHAEL COLE: STRICKLAND HAS THE SHOULDER UP!

WADE BARRETT: What does it take to keep this man down? Kevin Owens and Roman Reigns have done their best but it just seems like it's never enough!

MICHAEL COLE: Even Prince Nana and Paul Heyman can't believe what just happened!

Prince Nana can't believe it as he slides back out to ringside with shock on his face, Heyman is pulling out whatever hairs he has left as his jaw has dropped. Matt Sydal has taken off the headset as he approaches ringside and shouts something at Roman Reigns who is still shocked himself, turning his attention to Matt Sydal he begins to shout as he gets up off the canvas and makes his way over. Pointing a finger at Sydal as he tells him to mind his own business. Swerve Strickland kips up off the canvas as the crowd pops loud for it and Roman is too focused on his opponent from last week Matt Sydal, Strickland grabbing Roman from behind as he lifts him up and JML DRIVER!!!! The referee slides in for the count as he begins 1...2...Swerve holds onto the tights for extra leverage out of the referees view, 3!!!!



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner and moving on to the second round of the WWE Championship tournament, The Crown Jewel, SWERRRRVVVE STRICKLAAANNND!

Swerve shoves Roman away as he rolls out of the ring, Roman bouncing his view between Matt Sydal and Swerve Strickland as he gets to his feet cursing his luck and holding the side of his head. As Swerve makes his way to the ramp he gives the nod to Prince Nana who begins to dance his way to the back as "Big Pressure Remix" has hit the P/A system once again.

WADE BARRETT: Roman Reigns can't be pleased right now, The Wiseman might want to keep his distance from him.

MICHAEL COLE: Matt Sydal and Swerve Strickland look very pleased though! He just stole a victory out from under "The Tribal Chief", one can only imagine the confidence that's added for Swerve Strickland.

WADE BARRETT: As the weeks go by things are looking better and better for "The Crown Jewel", his throne and his castle might be getting the crown to complete the set for Swerve Strickland soon!

Suddenly, a familiar giggle is heard over the speakers, as “Time To Rock & Roll” by Lil’ Kim begins to play, causing the crowd to erupt into cheers! Trish Stratus steps out from the back, but instead of the usual smile she greets the fans with, she has a serious look on her face as she begins to make her way towards the ring.



MICHAEL COLE: Looks like we’re about to get a dose of Stratusfaction!

WADE BARRETT: It’s always great to see Trish Stratus, a true legend that paved the way for a lot of today’s women, and she’s just as vicious as she is delicious!

Trish goes to the steel steps and makes her way up to the apron, stepping inside of the ring and walking to Samantha Irvin, holding her hand out for the microphone. Samantha hands it to her before heading out of the ring, and Trish takes off her hat and hands it to a ringside attendant. As her music fades out, Trish waits for the crowd to die down so she can speak. However, the crowd continues to cheer so after a moment, she raises the microphone to her mouth and begins to speak anyway.



TRISH STRATUS: Alright you idiots, sit down and shut your mouths so I can speak already.

The cheers immediately turn into boos, as the crowd is stunned by these words from their beloved favorite. Trish simply smirks before continuing.

TRISH STRATUS: Aww, did that hurt your feelings? Well that’s just too damn bad! I don’t care what any of you people think, and I have plenty of other things I’d rather be doing with my time than spending it in a dump like Cleveland, so I’m going to just cut to the chase here. Whether you like me or you don’t, at the end of the day none of you can deny the impact that I’ve had on the women’s division in this company. I broke down barriers, I got eyes on the product, and I made people care about women’s wrestling for the first time in who knows how long…probably ever.

Trish gives a self-affirming nod as the crowd continues to boo her.

MICHAEL COLE: Well this certainly wasn’t what I was expecting from Trish tonight!

WADE BARRETT: There’s nothing wrong with what she’s saying, Cole, she’s simply stating the facts!

TRISH STRATUS: You can boo all you want, but you know it’s true. If it wasn’t for me, there probably wouldn’t even be a women’s division in the WWE right now. But I’m not out here to toot my own horn or talk about my many, many accolades, no. I’m out here because with the reset of the WWE comes a reset of the women’s division and I couldn’t sit idly by and risk all of my hard work being flushed down the toilet by a group of desperate wannabes who will never be on my level. I had to find a woman that I could take under my wing and guide to greatness, and luckily for me I’ve found her. So allow me to introduce to you, the woman who is going to lead this new era of the WWE women’s division to heights never seen before…Tiffany Stratton!

”Keep Up” by def rebel begins to play over the speakers and the crowd erupts in more boos as “The Buff Barbie” Tiffany Stratton makes her way out from the back. Placing her hands on her hips and looking out at the crowd with a disgusted sneer, Tiffany begins walking down the ramp towards the ring.

MICHAEL COLE: Now this is an alliance I didn’t expect!

WADE BARRETT: It makes a lot of sense if you think about it, Cole. Much like Trish, Tiffany is a blonde bombshell that knows how to get things done inside the ring. And they share the same initials, too!

Rolling her eyes at the booing fans, Tiffany walks over to the far side of the ring, hopping up onto the apron and striking a pose. Stepping into the ropes, she walks around for a moment before stopping to pose on the ropes, a confident smirk on her face.



Walking over to the ropes and demanding a microphone from the ringside attendant, which is quickly handed to her. As her music starts to fade out, Tiffany paces around the ring for a moment before stopping in the center of the ring, raising the microphone up to her mouth to begin to speak.



TIFFANY STRATTON: Alright, you people need to sit down and shut up, because it’s Tiffy Time and I have a lot to say!

Predictably, the Cleveland crowd erupts into boos at being told to shut up, cutting Tiffany off from speaking further. Shaking her head, Tiffany rolls her eyes as the boos die down and she continues.

TIFFANY STRATTON: You’re honestly all so disrespectful. But I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, what else can I expect from people that live in a dump like Cleveland, Ohio?

The crowd once again boo as Tiffany and Trish share a laugh and a knowing nod with one another. After a moment, Tiffany raises her microphone back up.

TIFFANY STRATTON: Anyway, I had to come out here and talk about the sad state of affairs that is this so-called “women’s division” that the WWE currently has. I mean, tonight’s match has Toni Storm, Nia Jax, and Fallon Henley? Ew! Not one of those women compares to me, as a matter of fact, none of the women that have been signed so far can even hold a candle to yours truly. Last week, William Regal tried getting me to sign a contract for a match, but honestly? I’m not going to take a match until some actual competition gets signed. I’m clearly the biggest star they’ve signed so it goes without saying that I’m the one who will be running this division, so - -

Suddenly, “Welcome to the Queendom” by Jim Johnston begins to play on the speakers, cutting Tiffany off as none other than the co-owner of the WWE, Stephanie McMahon, makes her way out to the top of the ramp. With a microphone in hand, Stephanie raises it to her mouth and as her music fades, begins to speak.



STEPHANIE MCMAHON: I’m sorry, Tiffany, did you just say you run the women’s division? Because silly me, I thought I run the women’s division…since, you know, I own the company and all.

Unsure of how to respond, Tiffany raises her microphone up.

TIFFANY STRATTON: I just meant - -

Stephanie puts up a hand, cutting her off.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: I’ll be honest, Tiffany, I don’t care what you meant. Because at the end of the day, I do run things around here. I’m even going to give you an example right now! Earlier tonight, I announced that there will be a fatal four-way elimination match at Night of Champions for the WWE Women’s Championship and next week, you’re going to get the chance to earn a spot in that match!

TIFFANY STRATTON: But I - -

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Interrupt me again and you’re fired, do you understand me?

The crowd cheers as Tiffany clamps her mouth shut, looking over at Trish who just offers her a nervous shrug. Smirking at how nervous Tiffany looks, Stephanie goes on.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: As I was saying, you’re going to get the chance to earn a spot in that match at Night of Champions. All you have to do is get through the woman I’ve personally handpicked to be your opponent…The Assassin, Serena Deeb!

Tiffany’s mouth drops open in shock as the crowd is raucous with cheers at this news. “Welcome to the Queendom” begins to play over the speakers again as Stephanie gives a smile and a wave to Tiffany and Trish. Tiffany looks over at Trish for guidance and the two are seen speaking in hushed tones to one another as they make their way towards the ropes and exit the ring, walking up the ramp towards the back.

MICHAEL COLE: What a match made for next week by Stephanie McMahon!

WADE BARRETT: I’ll admit, Cole, I’m a little worried. Tiffany Stratton is certainly an impressive athlete, but there’s a reason Serena Deeb is called “The Assassin”. And with an opportunity at the WWE Women’s Championship on the line, she’s going to be more focused than ever to try and ensure her spot in that match!

MICHAEL COLE: Speaking of earning a spot in that match, our next match is the triple threat match between Fallon Henley, Nia Jax, and “Timeless” Toni Storm.

WADE BARRETT: All three of these women are eager to make their mark and punch their ticket to Night of Champions, but who will have what it takes to get the job done?

”Saddle Up” by def rebel begins to play over the speakers and the crowd cheers as Fallon Henley comes out from the back. Looking out at the crowd with a big smile, Fallon nods before making her way down towards the ring.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following triple threat match is scheduled for one fall! First, making her way to the ring, Faaaallonnnn Hennnnleeeeyyy!

MICHAEL COLE: Fallon Henley making her way to the ring here for this triple threat match and she’s looking to make a big impact in her first match on RAW.

WADE BARRETT: She’s considered by many to be the underdog here, Cole, as she has the least amount of experience. But it could be argued that she has the most amount of heart!

Fallon reaches the steel steps, reaching out and slapping them enthusiastically before walking up to the apron and stepping into the ring. Inside the ring, she climbs up onto the second turnbuckle and raises her arms into the air, a big smile on her face as she then points out to the crowd. Hopping down, she walks over to the far side of the ropes and begins to move her arms back and forth to warm up. At this moment, “Somewhere in a Dream” by Mikey Rukus begins to play over the speakers and the cheers turn to boos as “Timeless” Toni Storm makes her way from the back. Looking offended at the boos from the crowd, Toni clutches her hand to her chest as she makes her way down the ramp, looking out at the fans with disdain.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: And the opponents, first, making her way to the ring at this time, ”Timeless” Toniiiii Stoooorrrrm!

MICHAEL COLE: Toni Storm is certainly…interesting these days, I have to say.

WADE BARRETT: That’s ”Timeless” Toni Storm, Cole, and she’s simply behaving the way any starlet would in her situation!

MICHAEL COLE: She threw a shoe at Cathy Kelley, Wade!

WADE BARRETT: She probably deserved it! Besides, have you seen her Twitter? It’s pure gold!

As Toni reaches the bottom of the ramp, she glides dramatically up the steel steps and enters the ring with a flourish. Wrinkling her nose at Fallon, she slips out of her black robe, leaning through the ropes and cautiously handing it to a ringside attendant, the audio picking up Toni telling them to be careful with her “precious silks”. As Toni starts to warm up, “Not Like Most Girls” by def rebel begins to play on the speakers and the crowd continues to boo as Nia Jax makes her way out, an intense look on her face as she comes down the ramp.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: And making her way to the ring, The Irresistible Force, Niiiaaa Jaaax!

MICHAEL COLE: Nia Jax might be the immediate favorite to come out of this one with the victory, Wade.

WADE BARRETT: Nia Jax is without a doubt the strongest woman in this match, and she very well might make short work of both Fallon Henley and “Timeless” Toni Storm here tonight!

Both Toni and Fallon are watching wearily as Nia gets closer to the ring. As The Irresistible Force hops up onto the ring apron, Toni and Fallon look at each other, nod and then go running towards Jax, taking her out with a double baseball slide!

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The referee is in shock at this act from Fallon Henley and “Timeless” Toni Storm, as they pounced on Nia Jax before she could even enter the ring. However, he rings the bell and this match is officially underway! Nia Jax has fallen down to the floor, having been taken out at the knees by that double baseball slide. Fallon Henley and “Timeless” Toni Storm both quickly roll out of the ring, looking to keep up the momentum by double teaming The Irresistible Force with vicious stomps!

MICHAEL COLE: It looks like Fallon Henley and Toni Storm have decided to form an alliance to try and take out Nia Jax here tonight!

WADE BARRETT: Quite honestly, this is the smartest move either of them could have made. The only way to take out someone like Jax is by playing the numbers game!

The two of them continue stomping away at Jax, but Nia finally manages to kick at them and they both leap back in fear! As Nia starts to get to her feet, they look at each other once again and nod, running up to Nia and pushing her into the ring post! Nia’s face connects with a loud SMACK! and she falls to the ground, woozy and out of it. Pleased with themselves, Fallon and Toni both go back into the ring, only to realize that with Nia out of the picture for the time being, they’re the only ones left in the match! They immediately start hammering at each other with lefts and rights, trying to wear each other down!

MICHAEL COLE: That alliance certainly didn’t last long!

WADE BARRETT: That’s to be expected, Cole! It’s every woman for herself in a triple threat match and with a shot at the Women’s Championship on the line, there’s no time for friends!

It’s “Timeless” Toni Storm who gets the better of the exchange finally as she delivers a kick to the midsection of Henley, before grabbing her by the arm and tossing her into the ropes. As Henley comes back, Storm takes her down with an armdrag. “Timeless” Toni Storm then grabs Fallon by her hair, picking her up and then hooking her leg and lifting her in the air, bringing her crashing down to the mat with the Storm Driver! Toni eagerly covers Fallon Henley, hooking the leg, 1..2..kick out by Fallon Henley!

MICHAEL COLE: Toni Storm looking to end this fairly quickly!

WADE BARRETT: I thought she might’ve had it for a minute there, but Fallon Henley displayed that heart I was talking about earlier and found the strength to kick out!

Toni Storm is clearly frustrated that she wasn’t able to put Fallon away. Standing up, she grabs Henley by the hair again but Fallon clocks her with a shot to the midsection, causing “Timeless” Toni Storm to double over! With Storm doubled over, Fallon Henley grabs her head and puts it under her arm, driving Storm into the mat with a DDT! With the crowd firmly behind her, Fallon walks over to the corner and taunts Toni to get up. As The Timeless One begins to stir, Fallon runs at her, nailing her in the head with the Hoedown! With Toni Storm knocked out, Fallon quickly covers, hooking the leg. 1…2…Nia Jax has stirred and sees what’s going on…3!! Fallon Henley wins this match!



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner…FALLON HENLEEEYYY!

MICHAEL COLE: Fallon Henley with a huge upset tonight, and she’s joining Carmella in the fatal four-way match for the Women’s Championship!

WADE BARRETT: I’ll be honest, Cole, I didn’t see this one coming!

”Saddle Up” by def rebel begins to play over the speakers again and Fallon Henley looks overcome with emotion at the victory. As the referee raises her arm into the air, she sees that Nia Jax is back on her feet and is making her way into the ring and she quickly exits on the other side, walking around the perimeter of the ring and keeping an eye on Jax, who just watches on angrily as Fallon makes her way up the ramp.

MICHAEL COLE: A big congratulations to Fallon Henley, but she may have just made a big enemy in Nia Jax!

WADE BARRETT: It certainly seems that way, and Nia Jax is not someone you’d want as an enemy!

As Nia Jax angrily exits the ring and heads up the ramp to the back, Toni Storm is helped up to her feet by the referee as she dramatically asks for her "precious silks". Her robe is immediately retrieved for her, and she clutches it to her chest as she rolls out of the ring and begins to stumble up the ramp towards the back. Suddenly, the booming voice of Maxwell Jacob Friedman is heard in the arena as the crowd looks around to spot where it's coming from.

MAXWELL JACOB FRIEDMAN: Cleveland! Are you listening? Can you see me? It's Maxwell Jacob Friedman! That's right, the man that beat Cody Rhodes last week. You know, your little hero that you all love to praise so much. A man that somehow got a spot in this WWE Championship tournament. And what did I get, you ask? Well, I get to sit here and watch men who aren't even worth carrying my jock take the opportunity that should've belonged to me. Men who perform about as well as your Cleveland Browns do, which you all know better than I do, certainly know just how horrible that is. What do you expect, though? You gave them a name that sounds like what Cody did in his tights after he heard he had to face me last week!

On the Titan-tron is the image of Maxwell Jacob Friedman in one of his best-pressed maroon suits as he adjusts his collar and laughs.

MAXWELL JACOB FRIEDMAN: Don't worry, it's only a matter of time before you all become as disappointed in him as you are in the fact that I refuse to step foot in your city full of mongoloids like all of you are, a place about as entertaining and exciting as a colonoscopy is. I was told that there's still plenty of opportunities; as a matter of fact, earlier in the day, I practically had William Regal begging me to participate in some battle royal to crown the first ever WWE Intercontinental Champion. As flattering as it is that he thought of me, quite frankly it's insulting to think that Maxwell Jacob Friedman would take a second place prize in any form of competition!!!

He spits off camera as if trying to get a nasty taste out of his mouth.



MAXWELL JACOB FRIEDMAN: Stephanie and Hunter, I know you've heard me, and I know it's only a matter of time until you correct the error you made when you skipped over MJF. One way or another, I'll be right where I'm supposed to be in the WWE Championship picture. I don't care what I have to do in order to get there, so for those men who stole my opportunity, I would sleep with one eye open. A desperate man is one of the most dangerous things this world has, and I'm no mere man...I'M THE DEVIL HIMSELF!!!!

As he's practically gritting his teeth, he stares into the camera for a moment before the feed finally cuts off.

MICHAEL COLE: Strong words there from Maxwell Jacob Friedman!

WADE BARRETT: He's absolutely right, though, Cole! He was victorious over Cody Rhodes last week, he shouldn't be left out of the WWE Championship tournament!

MICHAEL COLE: Well be that as it may, Cody Rhodes will get the chance to redeem himself and get one step closer to championship gold in our next match when he takes on Christian Cage!

"Take Over" hits the arena over the P/A system as Christian Cage makes his way out to resounding boos from the fans. As he makes his way down he suddenly stops and waves his hand as he shouts to the back and out comes Luchasaurus, imposing as ever with his size and practically growling at the crowd as they pass by them.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Now making his way to the ring he is accompanied by Luchasaurus, he is "The Patriarch", Christiiian Caaaggge!

As he ascends the stairs Luchasaurus merely reaches to the top rope and simply steps onto the ring apron as he pushes the middle rope down with a foot for Christian Cage who enters. Ascending the turnbuckle he looks out to the crowd with a hand above his eyes as if to gauge them as they boo even louder now. Luchasaurus lunges at a fan who looks like he's thinking of throwing something at Cage but decides otherwise when the big man threatens him.

MICHAEL COLE: This Christian Cage is not the man that I knew in the industry, he's very self-centered and doesn't give a lick about the fans.

WADE BARRETT: What are you talking about, Cole? This is the same man who had a problem solver in Tyson Tomko, all he's done is upgrade to a monster of a man in Luchasaurus.

MICHAEL COLE: Maybe I should've said I prefer the version of Christian that won the World Heavyweight Championship years ago and celebrated with his best friend Edge. Now we've got Adam Copeland and Christian Cage and neither of them are very friendly in the least bit.

Christian prepares himself in the ring, loosening up as he hops in place for a moment, "Kingdom" by Downstait hits the P/A system now though and the fans begin to sing along to the lyrics. Cody Rhodes begins his walk down the rampway as the pyro sparks up behind him when he hits the "WHOA-OH!" with the crowd. Rhodes looks as though he's ready to fulfill his destiny by taking the first step tonight against Christian Cage.



WADE BARRETT: After last week against Maxwell Jacob Friedman you've got to imagine that Cody Rhodes is a man on a mission. This week he's been given the opportunity in this tournament and he knows he needs to win this thing or he might move to the back of the line in regards to contendership for the WWE Championship.

MICHAEL COLE: MJF certainly put a damper on things last week when he beat Cody Rhodes. You have to imagine that Cody has been doing his damndest to hype himself back up after a tough loss. If anyone can turn things around and overcome the odds though, it's Cody Rhodes.

SAMANTHA IRVIN: And his opponent, he is "The Amerrrr-ican Nightmaaare", Cooodddyyy Rhhhooodes!

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As Cody Rhodes and Christian Cage begin to circle each other in the ring, the two of them jockey to gain an advantage but neither manages to be able to hold onto the other. Christian now holds his hand up in the air as he challenges Cody to a test of strength, Cody is hesitant at first but reaches up and gets a kick to the gut for his trouble followed by a snap DDT that plants him head first into the canvas.

MICHAEL COLE: Now that's just despicable!

WADE BARRETT: You have to take the advantages where you can get them, Cole. Christian is obviously thinkiing two steps ahead of his opponent right now.

MICHAEL COLE: Rhodes should've trusted his gut when he hesitated there.

Cage grabs the back of Cody's head and brings him over to the ropes as he drapes him over the middle rope and stands on his back while using the top rope to gain leverage and choke him. The referee is counting 1, 2, 3, 4...but Christian catapults himself over the ropes to the floor landing on his feet before uppercutting Cody to knock him back into the ring. Cody reaches for the ropes to help pull himself up as Christian Cage slides back in and grabs him in a reverse headlock before nailing a reverse DDT and going for the cover; 1...2! CODY KICKS OUT!

WADE BARRETT: Very close call there and Christian is keeping on top of Cody here.

MICHAEL COLE: The veteran knows that if he can keep Cody Rhodes off his feet he'll have the clear advantage. Do as much damage as possible early and you get to not only dictate the pace but slow down your opponent.

WADE BARRETT: He's definitely a smart man, he's even got back-up in case he needs it out here in the form of Luchasaurus.

Christian Cage locks in a side headlock as he keeps Cody Rhodes down on the canvas trying to tire him out, wrenching hard each time Cody tries to make a move to get himself up or to the ropes. Cody finally reaches the bottom rope and Christian is forced to make the break but lays a few hard shots to the back of the head of Rhodes before the referee separates them and Cody Rhodes gets to his feet. Christian Cage goes to press his advantage but Cody throws a feint punch as Christian ducks and Cody drops down to nail a punch from the canvas and goes into a roll-up for the pinfall 1...2! NO!!! Christian kicks out!

MICHAEL COLE: Watch out, Cody Rhodes isn't done yet!

WADE BARRETT: Seems like he's found the fight he's been searching for since last week. All it takes is a WWE Championship opportunity and a little bit of despicable tactics to set him off.

As Cody Rhodes gets back to his feet he runs towards the ropes and springboards back to nail the CODY CUTTER! Christian bounces straight back up though stumbling a bit as Cody locks him up from behind and nails a CROSS RHODES! rolling back to his feet with Christian Cage still in his grasp as he nails a second CROSS RHODES! and rolls back to his feet once again and cuts his thumb over his throat before nailing a devastating third CROSS RHODES and hooks the leg and pins the shoulders of Christian Cage down. 1...2....3!



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner and advancing into the next round of the WWE Championship tournament, "The American Nightmare" COOODYYY RHOOODES!

MICHAEL COLE: Well it appears as though Cody Rhodes has stepped up his game for sure. A significant victory here tonight for him and it looks like he's taken that one step closer to his ultimate goal.

WADE BARRETT: Christian Cage almost had this one though, if you ask me "The American Nightmare" might want to keep his eyes open. I don't think Christian Cage is a man who is just going to take this lying down.

MICHAEL COLE: Well he'll have to wait for his next opportunity to beat Cody Rhodes because he's locked into this tournament now.

WADE BARRETT: That won't stop Christian Cage from getting his hands on him, Cole. Just look at what happened earlier in the night to Roman Reigns being distracted by Matt Sydal. We don't know what sort of ideas will be in Christian's mind after having this victory taken from him.

Cody raises his arms in the air triumphantly as the crowd cheers him on. Giving the crowd a nod and mouthing "thank you" he rolls out of the ring, walking up the ramp to the back and slapping outstretched hands of the fans as the cameras fade out to commercial.

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