Monday Night RAW 3-11-2024

As we return from the commercial break, the cameras cut backstage, where we find none other than Christian Cage. It’s clear that Christian has some sort of announcement to make, something to get off his chest, and he addresses the camera with an evil smile.



CHRISTIAN CAGE: CODY RHODES. YOU CANNOT BE NICE, NOT AGAINST ME, BECAUSE YOU’RE GOING AGAINST THE TOUGHEST MEN IN THIS COMPANY. I've become something greater than you could have ever hoped to be. And now, after tonight? I'LL BE ONE STEP CLOSER TO BEING DEFINITIVELY, UNDENIABLY BETTER THAN YOU ARE, WERE, AND EVER WILL be. This is something I think you know by now, in the very back of your skull - but at the same time, hasn't quite set in yet. I don't think it's honestly, truly set in yet, so allow me to enlighten you. YOU THINK YOU HAVE A CHANCE WHEN WE GO AGAINST ONE ANOTHER? You think management views you as a star? Let me tell you something, a little truth. YOU ARE HERE TO MAKE ME LOOK GOOD. Your brother, back in the golden days when things mattered - I cleaned the floor with that loser and I made it look easy. I am on a one-way course right to the top.

As the father of the company stares straight ahead, it’s clear that the defeat in his first RAW appearance stings, it eats away at him. But despite that, he tries his best to not dwell on it as he continues on.

CHRISTIAN CAGE: I’ll keep fighting and I’ll keep winning and I’ll come back for you Cody Rhodes, trust me on that. All you are to me, is someone to sharpen my skills against before I go against the real superstars of WWE and not the jokes. You've become a joke now - you know this. YOU'VE BEEN GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS, MOVING WITH THE FLOW WITH NO PURPOSE, NO REASON OTHER THAN THE VAIN, PATHETIC ATTEMPTS AT GETTING YOUR NAME IN LIGHTS AND TRYING TO STAY OVER - YOU SELL TOO MANY SHIRTS, YOU ARE NOT LIKE ME. Now - you have come so close on so many occasions to being more than you are, yet ultimately? You've fallen short of accomplishing that goal. YOU ALWAYS - FALL SHORT, CODY RHODES, AND NO MATTER WHAT YOU THINK IS GOING TO HAPPEN TONIGHT? Nothing is going to be any different. You're going to go out there, as you always do, and you're going to try. YOU'RE GOING TO TRY, AS HARD AS YOU CAN, TO WIN; TO EARN YOURSELF A NAME - BUT IT'S NOT GOING TO WORK. Because even though you may have defeated me last week, we both know that was a fluke and it won’t happen again. In fact, nobody will ever be able to defeat me ever again. I don’t stay down, and while you may go through to the end of this tournament, and while you might even win the title and finish the story, for me, my story has not even started. The Intercontinental Championship is my goal now. And because of you, I will make it into the only title that matters here.

He pauses for a moment to collect his thoughts before continuing on.

CHRISTIAN CAGE: It is the dawning of a new age in WWE, one that I don't think you, or anyone else is aware of just yet - but believe me, it's coming. FASTER, QUICKER, SOONER THAN ANYONE - EVEN I, MYSELF - COULD HAVE EVER EXPECTED... BUT IT IS COMING. It is seeping in through the cracks, it is rising on the horizon, and soon enough? It will be here, and you, Cody Rhodes - will not. YOU WILL NOT BE HERE TO WITNESS THE DAY THAT THIS NEW AGE COMES TO FRUITION, CODY RHODES, BECAUSE IN ORDER FOR IT TO HAPPEN? IN ORDER FOR ME TO RISE, AND THIS NEW AGE TO TRULY SET IN? I'M GOING TO HAVE TO PUT YOU DOWN. But don't get things twisted. In a way? This is a blessing. Because tonight, I do what I do best, I make history as I announce that I will enter the battle royal for the Intercontinental Championship, but a father does not go to war alone, not when he has sons with him, they will come with me, both of them and in the end, I will stand tall, the Intercontinental Championship will be mine and no matter what happens to you Cody Rhodes, you will not be able to take that away from me.

He looks down into the camera one final time. He has said what he needed to say. It’s clear that he is ready for Cody Rhodes - ready for whatever the man can throw at him and more importantly he is ready to defeat him when they cross paths with one another, again. And, more importantly, he’s ready to enter the Intercontinental Championship battle royal. With a final sneer, Christian stomps off as the cameras move over to the familiar setting of General Manager William Regal’s office.

As per usual, Regal is watching the RAW broadcast on a smaller television on his desk, and keeping an eye on things. Suddenly, “Smart” Mark Sterling” bursts through his office door, much to the chagrin of Regal. Regal stands up and immediately looks annoyed for a second. His annoyance turns to a slight chuckle when he realizes that it’s Mark Sterling.

WILLIAM REGAL: Ah, for once, Mr. Sterling - your presence is welcomed. I wa–

Before Regal has a chance to finish his thought, Sterling is quick to cut him off.

"SMART" MARK STERLING: Can it, Regal. I hear you’re handing out title shots like candy today. What gives? Why has my client not received a title shot?

WILLIAM REGAL: Carmella is already scheduled to challenge for the Women’s Championship at Night of Champions…

"SMART" MARK STERLING: And she’s practically a lock to win the damn thing. But that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about my client, Ethan Page.

WILLIAM REGAL: Right, right. Didn’t Mr. Page squander his opportunity at championship gold when he lost to Juice Robinson in the WWE Title Tournament?

"SMART" MARK STERLING: He hardly squandered it, Regal! He had that opportunity stolen from him by that geeked up hippie Juice Robinson. Look, while I could take you and the rest of this company to court over that match, I’ve decided not to. Cooler heads have prevailed, thankfully. Instead, I want my client entered into the Intercontinental Championship Battle Royal at Night of Champions.

Regal takes a moment to think about it, before nodding ‘yes’.

WILLIAM REGAL: Alright, Mr. Sterling. You’ve got it. I’ll file the paperwork immediately and ensure that Ethan Page is entered into the match. Now, before you barged into my office and started making demands, there was something that I wanted to talk to you about.

"SMART" MARK STERLING: Mr. Regal, if you’re seeking representation, I don’t think you can afford my retainer.

WILLIAM REGAL: No, I’m fine, thank you. Rather, your Authors of Pain were scheduled for competition against Johnny Gargano and Tomasso Ciampa this evening.

"SMART" MARK STERLING: I don’t know if I would use the word ‘competition’, but they were scheduled for a match, yes. What of it?

WILLIAM REGAL: Well, unfortunately, due to some travel issues, Johnny and Tomasso aren’t here this evening.

"SMART" MARK STERLING: So, it’s a forfeit then, yes?

WILLIAM REGAL: No, not quite. I’ve arranged for two competitors from the Chicago Made Wrestling Academy to step into the ring against your men this evening. Two young blue-chippers that are eager to make a name for themselves in this industry.

There’s a mixture of disbelief and joy on the face of Mark Sterling.

"SMART" MARK STERLING: So, you’re leading two lambs to slaughter tonight? You assume that liability, Will. The Authors of Pain are going to tear those two poor kids limb from limb. Oh well...suit yourself.

Regal sighs as Sterling turns and walks out of his office. The camera swings to the ringside area, where we prepare for our next match.

MICHAEL COLE: What an interesting announcement from William Regal, AoP will be taking on two students from CM Punk’s wrestling school!

WADE BARRETT: I have a feeling they might be former students after this match tonight.

MICHAEL COLE: You might be right there, Wade, and how about the developments for the Intercontinental Championship battle royal? Not only did Christian Cage declare his intentions to enter the match, but “Smart” Mark Sterling secured a spot for Ethan Page as well!

WADE BARRETT: That match is shaping up to be a veritable who’s who of talent, I wonder who else might put their name in the hat!

MICHAEL COLE: There’s plenty of possibilities, Wade, and a few of those possibilities are about to compete in what is sure to be an explosive fatal four-way match!

Suddenly, ”Voices” by Rev Theory begins to play on the speakers and the crowd erupts into thunderous boos as Randy Orton steps out from the back. With an almost eerie calm on his face, The Viper begins to make his way down the ramp, his gaze laser focused on the ring.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following fatal four-way match is scheduled for one fall! First, making his way to the ring, The Viper, Raaandyyy Orrrtooon!

MICHAEL COLE: Randy Orton is quite possibly one of the most dangerous superstars in WWE history, and I can only imagine that having him back in the picture has the roster on edge!

WADE BARRETT: They should all watch their backs, Cole, because The Viper won’t hesitate to strike any of them when they least expect it! ‘

As Orton reaches the bottom of the ramp, he moves towards the steel steps, climbing up to the apron at a slow, methodical pace. He enters the ring and slowly makes his way over to the corner, climbing up to the second turnbuckle and raising his arms up into his signature pose. As he steps back down, he takes off his vest and hands it to a ringside attendant before turning his attention back towards the entrance ramp. “The Final Countdown” by Europe now starts to play and while there are still some boos, there’s a lot more cheers as Bryan Danielson makes his way out from the back. Looking around at the crowd and soaking in their response, Danielson breaks out into a huge smile as he makes his way down the ramp.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Next, making his way to the ring, The American Dragon, Bryyyannn Daaanieeelsooon!

MICHAEL COLE: It’s been three years since he’s been inside of a WWE ring, but tonight Bryan Danielson is home!

WADE BARRETT: One of the best of his generation, Cole, I have no doubt that Danielson is looking to prove that he’s still one of the best here tonight!

Bryan gets to the bottom of the ramp and bounds up the steel steps, pausing on the apron as he lifts his arms in the air, leading a majority of the crowd in a “YES!” chant. He then climbs up onto the turnbuckles, once again raising his arms in the air, a big smile on his face as he hops down into the ring. He looks Randy Orton up and down as he takes off his jacket and hands it to a ringside attendant and begins to bounce in place to warm up. As his music fades out, “Take Flight” by def rebel begins to play and the crowd erupts into thunderous boos as social media sensation Logan Paul makes his way out from the back. A cocky smirk on his face, Logan pulls out his phone and aims it at the audience, as he’s obviously now livestreaming his entrance. Bounding down the ramp with enthusiasm, Logan checks out the footage he’s getting with a proud laugh.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Next, making his way to the ring, The Ultimate Influencer, Looogaaan Paaauuul!

MICHAEL COLE: Speaking of the Intercontinental Championship battle royal, earlier tonight we saw William Regal offer Logan Paul a spot in the match at Night of Champions, but Logan seemed too upset to give the General Manager an answer. He thinks he should be in the WWE Championship tournament!

WADE BARRETT: A man with his star power should absolutely be competing for the top prize in the industry, but the Intercontinental Championship isn’t something to turn your nose up at, either. Maybe he was just too focused on this match to make a decision.

Logan continues laughing at the booing crowd, clearly not caring that they despise him. He walks up the steel steps with a cocky swagger, entering the ring and walking over to the far corner, climbing up to the second turnbuckle and raising his phone in the air as he continues livestreaming. As he steps down, he presses a button on his phone, presumably ending the livestream, and he takes off his sunglasses and vest, handing them to the ringside attendant along with his phone. As he looks at Orton and Danielson with a smirk, “The Other Side” by Alter Bridge hits the speakers and the crowd continues booing as Adam Copeland makes his way out. Looking out at the crowd with utter disdain, Adam scoffs before walking down the ramp, talking trash to the men in the ring that the audio isn’t picking up.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: And, making his way to the ring, The Rated-R Superstar, Adaaam Cooopelaaand!

MICHAEL COLE: It was just over six months ago that we thought Adam Copeland was done with the WWE, but now he’s back!

WADE BARRETT: He found out the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, and now he looks to reclaim his status as one of the top dogs in WWE.

Adam reaches the bottom of the ramp and he pauses, looking at the other three men in the ring with an intense gaze. A smirk forming on his face, he walks over to the steel steps and walks up to the apron, pausing again as he eyes Randy Orton specifically, and Orton grits his teeth as he stares Copeland down in return. Copeland steps into the ring, taking off his jacket and dropping it over the top rope to the nearby ringside attendant. As his music fades out, each of the four men take a corner, eyeing each other up

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As the bell rings, the four men each come out of their respective corners slowly, all looking at one another wearily as they wait to see who’s going to be the first to strike. Not surprisingly, it’s The Viper, Randy Orton, who ends up making the first move as he hits Bryan Danielson with a Lou Thesz Press followed by mounted punches to the face! Meanwhile, Logan Paul runs at Adam Copeland with a clothesline, but the Rated-R Superstar ducks the move and goes behind Paul, hooking The Ultimate Influencer around the neck and bringing him down hard to the canvas with the Edge-O-Matic! Seeing that Orton is still preoccupied with Danielson, Copeland hooks Paul’s leg, looking to get an early pinfall. 1…NO! Logan Paul kicks out!

MICHAEL COLE: Adam Copeland really thought he was going to end this one in record time!

WADE BARRETT: Logan Paul has the stamina that only youth can provide, it’s going to take a lot more than just one move if you want to put him away!

Copeland stands up, reaching down and grabbing Logan Paul by the arm and lifting him up to his feet. He throws the social media sensation to the ropes, but when Logan comes back, he comes back with a flying clothesline, taking Copeland by surprise and taking him down to the mat! He then gives a couple of stomps to Copeland’s midsection before picking The Rated-R Superstar back up and throwing him to the ropes. When Copeland comes back, it looks like he’s going to attempt a surprise spear, but Logan leap frogs over Copeland, laughing cockily as he lands back on his feet. However, he turns around into a flapjack from Copeland, landing hard on the mat! Meanwhile, Randy Orton has Bryan Danielson down in the corner and is choking him out with his boot, using the ropes for extra leverage. The referee is admonishing The Viper for his actions and tells him he better release the hold. Orton ignores the official’s demands, which leads to the referee beginning his five count. 1…2…3…4…Orton finally relents! As Danielson gasps for air, Orton charges at him again, knocking The American Dragon with a running corner knee strike! With Danielson seemingly out of it, Orton drags him away from the corner and goes for the cover, hooking the leg. 1…2…Adam Copeland pulls Orton off of Danielson, breaking up the pinfall!

MICHAEL COLE: Randy Orton might have had this in the bag after his heinous assault on Bryan Danielson, but Adam Copeland made sure that didn’t happen!

WADE BARRETT: I don’t think The Viper is going to take too kindly to that interference!

And that is indeed the case, as Randy Orton looks up at his former tag team partner, stunned that he would dare to interfere in that pin attempt. Getting up to his feet, Orton starts talking trash to Copeland, asking him what the hell he thinks he’s doing. Copeland just smirks at him and starts to turn his attention back to Logan Paul, but Orton grabs him by the shoulder and spins him back around to face him. The crowd starts to buzz as The Rated-R Superstar is clearly perturbed at The Viper putting his hands on him. Getting face to face with one another, Copeland and Orton are trash talking one another, their eyes filled with pent up rage and hatred. Suddenly, Copeland reaches out and decks Orton in the face with a right hand, causing The Viper’s head to snap back. Holding his jaw, Orton slowly turns back to face Copeland who’s breathing heavily and motions to Orton to bring it on. Licking his lips sadistically, Orton fires back to a right hand of his own, and suddenly the two of them are going at it full throttle, the two of them lost in a flurry of fists!

MICHAEL COLE: Years of history between these two have erupted into an absolute slugfest!

WADE BARRETT: They’re beating the living hell out of one another, and at this point I don’t think either of them care about this match!

The two of them continue hammering on one another, neither of them relenting. The referee tries to break them up to no avail, and the two of them move back towards the ropes. Copeland stumbles back as his legs hit the ropes and he tumbles through outside to the floor but he pulls Orton out with him! Now the two of them are out on the floor continuing to brawl, and the referee shakes his head before turning to look at the two men that are still left in the ring. Logan Paul and Bryan Danielson are both starting to stir from their respective attacks, and as they do they see Orton and Copeland brawling outside of the ring. Logan Paul smirks at the scene, and as he turns to face Bryan Danielson, he sees The American Dragon coming at him with a clothesline! The Ultimate Influencer ducks the move, going behind Danielson and rolling him up with a surprise schoolboy pin! 1..2…Danielson kicks out!

MICHAEL COLE: Danielson still has some fight left in him!

WADE BARRETT: He sure does, but if Logan Paul has his way, he’ll cut the head off the dragon for good!

Logan Paul stands up and steps outside of the ropes onto the apron. He turns and watches as Danielson starts to stir, daring The American Dragon to get to his feet. After a brief moment, Danielson finally staggers back to his feet but as he does, Logan Paul flips himself over the ropes and then takes Danielson back down with a Buckshot Lariat! As the crowd boos loudly, Logan lets out another cocky laugh as he steps out onto the ring apron again, walking towards the turnbuckle and climbing to the top. Looking down at Danielson’s prone body, Paul leaps off, landing on The American Dragon with a huge Frog Splash! As he lands on Danielson, Logan immediately goes for the pin and hooks the leg. 1…2…3!! Logan Paul gets the victory!



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, The Ultimate Influencer, LOOOGAAAN PAAAUUUL!

MICHAEL COLE: What a monumental win here for Logan Paul tonight!

WADE BARRETT: He overcame the odds against three legends in this business and has come out on top. I have a feeling he’ll be a lot more willing to enter that Intercontinental Championship battle royal now!

The crowd boos as “Take Flight” by def rebel begins to play on the speakers again and Logan stands up with a huge smile on his face, as the referee raises his hand in the air. On the outside of the ring, Adam Copeland and Randy Orton have stopped brawling long enough to see that their anger towards one another has cost them both the match. They turn and look at each other and start hammering on each other again, but officials and security run down to the ringside area and finally tear the two men apart, bringing each of them up the ramp to the back. With his phone back in his hand, Logan Paul climbs up on the second turnbuckle, filming his celebration as the fans continue to boo. Hopping down to the mat, Logan exits the ring, continuing his celebratory livestream as he heads up the ramp to the back. Meanwhile, Bryan Danielson is helped out of the ring by the referee, who also helps The American Dragon up the ramp to the back as the fans cheer applause his valiant efforts.

The cameras once again go to the backstage area, where we see Matt Sydal, ready to address the WWE Universe with a smile on his face.



MATT SYDAL: I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere if I gave up at the times of adversity. It’s my persistence that made me champion in America, Japan, and even Israel. It’s what made me achieve my boyhood dream of wrestling in Japan by 21 years old. I am not the same guy I was a decade ago, the guy who would accept this loss and move on all happy-go-lucky and allow myself to become a spoke on the wheel. I know I am elite and can hang with the best. I will defeat Roman Reigns. I can even make him tap out and humiliate him just like he humiliated me. He may have advantages physically; however, I hold many more advantages: experientially, mentally, spiritually. I will open his third eye and force him to see what I’m saying!

The smile now replaced with a look of determination, Sydal gives a firm nod and looks intently into the camera, as if he’s looking straight at Roman Reigns, and the cameras go back to ringside.

For a few seconds, there is a bit of silence in the air…until SUPERKICK PARTAAAAAY blares over the sound system, drawing a huge negative reaction from the crowd here in Chicago. As The Young Buck's music blares over the sound system, the crowd boos en masse, as Matt and Nick Jackson make their way out onto the entrance area. They hit their trademark pose, as dollar bills explode out cannons behind them. They arrogantly strut down the ramp, talking to each other and ignoring the fans along the ramp.

WADE BARRETT: Quite possibly the least welcomed duo in all of Chicago, Matt and Nick Jackson are out here to join us on commentary here tonight.

MICHAEL COLE: The Tag Team Division is heating up as of late, and the Bucks feel as if they are the sole reason for that.

WADE BARRETT: Tough to argue against that, Cole.

Matt and Nick approach the commentary desk and are greeted by Cole and Wade. Instead of taking the spare headsets off the desk, the Bucks snatch the headsets off the two announcers and take a seat in their chairs.

NICK JACKSON: You know what, boys? Why don't you go and hit the head really quick? Me and Matt have things covered out here.

MATT JACKSON: Yeah, we don't want you boys having accidents out here. Smart move to wear those black pants tonight, Cole.

NICK JACKSON: Folks, we are The Young Bucks and not only are we the best tag team that this Universe has ever seen, but we are also the best damn commentary duo as well!

MATT JACKSON: Jacks of all trades, and masters of them all, too!

NICK JACKSON: We are true thespians.

Just then, the camera cuts to the ring area where we see two young athletes who are looking to make a splash here in their debuts on WWE Television.

SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and is a Tag Team match! Introducing first, from Chicago, Illinois, Storm Grayson and GPA!

The two local competitors pose, and the crowd cheers loudly for their local hometown kids.

MATT JACKSON: Because those two slouches in #DIY couldn't be bothered to make their flights today, these two fine upstanding young men get the opportunity of a lifetime!

NICK JACKSON: That's right, they get to perform in front of The Young Bucks.

MATT JACKSON: Oh, wait I'm being told that these two young men are from the Chicago Made Wrestling Academy, and look up [BEEP] as a mentor.

NICK JACKSON: Yikes. I saw young and naive once upon a time. Hard to believe, I know.

Just then, The Authors of Pain music hits, and the entire mood in the arena shifts dramatically. The lights in the arena flicker dark, and the crowd in arena begin to boo loudly as Akem and Rezar are led out to the entrance ramp by "Smart" Mark Sterling.

MATT JACKSON: Chicago is about to see a slaughter. This should be neat.

NICK JACKSON: I wish I would have brought a poncho to protect our suits from these two goober's blood.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Making their way to the ring, accompanied by "Smart" Mark Sterling, Akam and Rezar, The Authors of Pain!

The trio stop at the bottom of the ramp, and "Smart" Mark Sterling whispers something in each man's ear, before sic'ing his two monsters on the two poor souls inside of the ring

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While Rezar stands on the apron, Akam enters the ring, and this match is underway in a hurry. Recognizing the need to be on the offensive, Grayson Storm launches a flurry of left and rights at Akam, but none of them do any damage. Instead, Storm's head gets taken clean off by a lariat that turns him inside out. The crowd in Chicago groan as Akam picks up the already lifeless body of Grayson and hoists him up over his shoulder. He walks around the ring a bit before delivering a massive powerslam! The crowd boos loudly, as Sterling tries to lead an "AOP" chant, but to no avail.

MATT JACKSON: I mean, sure they are big strong and scary, but I've read their books and these guys are terrible authors.

NICK JACKSON: Bad penmanship too. You can't be a Tag Team Champion with bad penmanship. It's uncouth.

MATT JACKSON: These two kids from Chicago Made Wrestling Academy are in for a rough night. Imagine if they had a mentor that actually cared about them.

NICK JACKSON: Imagine.

Akam picks up Storm and beals him into his corner, and yells at GPA to tag himself in. GPA sheepishly tags himself into the ring and again rushes at Akam with some hockey punches that have no effect on Akam. He grabs GPA by the head and throws him into his corner, tagging in Rezar in the process. Rezar runs and squashes GPA in the corner like a bug! He brings him out and sits him up in the center of the ring. The Authors of Pain nail GPA with The Last Chapter, a nasty Russian Legsweep and Lariat Combo! Rezar covers a limp GPA as Mark Sterling counts along the referee. 1…2…3! You could count to a hundred and GPA wouldn't kick out. This one is over.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here are your winners, THE AUTHORS OF PAIN!

MATT JACKSON: What a display of force from these two men here. Nothing compared to what we did to DIY, but hey - it's something!

NICK JACKSON: Oh, look at this! The big boys ain't done yet!

Indeed that would be the case, as the celebration is short lived. Both GPA and Grayson have rolled out of the ring and are tending to their wounds on the outside, but "Smart" Mark Sterling is directing traffic and telling Akam and Rezar to "finish the job". So, that's what they intend to do! Both members of AOP drop out of the ring and begin to stomp towards the downed GPA and Storm. Akam grabs GPA by the back of the head and FLINGS him towards Matt and Nick Jackson, taking out both of the Young Bucks on commentary! Rezar grabs Storm Grayson and hoists him up into a powerbomb position…BEFORE POWERBOMBING HIM THROUGH THE ANNOUNCER'S DESK!

It's full-blown chaos as the Authors of Pain have sent a message to the Tag Team Division of the WWE by beating down on two students from the Chicago Made Wrestling Academy. It appears that message was received, because the crowd ERUPTS when they see CM PUNK & STEVIE RICHARDS running down the ramp! The two mentors immediately circle the ring and begin to launch an attack on Akam and Rezar, who get blindsided, much to the dismay of "Smart" Mark Sterling. Wild punches are being thrown by both teams, when suddenly, The Young Bucks pop back up and are getting their hands dirty now! The Authors of Pain, CM Punk and Stevie Richards, and The Young Bucks are all going to war and the fans in Chicago love it!

Just then, all of the chaos is interrupted.

WILLIAM REGAL: THAT IS ENOUGH!

William Regal appears at the top of the entrance ramp with a microphone in hand, and he does not look pleased.

WILLIAM REGAL: THAT IS QUITE ENOUGH! Chaos will not reign supreme on MY show, and I will not have you men settling the score this way. If you three have such a problem with each other, I suggest you settle the score the old-fashioned way. IN THE RING! If it's an opportunity that you want so bad, well - you six men have got it! Because it's been decided that it will be THE YOUNG BUCKS vs THE AUTHORS OF PAIN vs CM PUNK AND STEVIE RICHARDS at NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS IN A TLC MATCH TO DETERMINE THE WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!

The crowd pops as all of the men that were once battling have focused their attention on Regal now. Regal continues on.

WILLIAM REGAL: And, if you place a finger on a member of another team, you'll forfeit your spot at Night of Champions, and I'll see to it that you're suspended. Have I made myself clear, gentlemen?

Regal tosses down the microphone as the camera cuts backstage and we find ourselves not in a locker room, or roaming the halls of the arena, we aren’t even in a preset interviewing area with the pretty lit backdrop. No, we are in a parking structure, standing in the middle of what looks to be an empty lot is Kevin Owens. We haven’t seen Kevin in weeks since his lost to Swerve Strickland and the look on his face is one of frustration as he looks around before looking straight into the camera.



KEVIN OWENS: Ladies and gentlemen, do you know where I am? I’m not taping up my fists in a locker room preparing to go out there and entertain you in the ring. I’m not in the trainer's room getting a good stretch after a hard fought match. I’m not even sitting in catering enjoying that pasta bar they have every week. It’s got seven different types of pasta with every sauce you can think of, making it almost impossible for me to keep the championship figure I’m so proud of.

Owens can’t keep himself from making a small joke, but he shakes his head to bring himself back to his point.

KEVIN OWENS: No, because again I haven’t been placed on the Monday Night Raw card. I have been told that my services aren’t needed to help bring a show that makes you proud you paid what you paid for those seats and makes everyone at home glad they chose after a hard day at work and school to watch RAW to end their Monday. I was forgotten about again, thrown to the side.

Kevin gives a tweak to his neck and wipes his mouth and chin with his palm.

KEVIN OWENS: You know WWE loves going through it’s eras, they love marking the start of a new era and the end of the old era. But the hardest part for us that you all may not know, is learning what the new “rules” are for whatever era we are in now. Management says things are going to be different, but then leaves it a mystery for us the wrestlers and you the fans to figure out how. But it looks like I’ve learned that you can have a hard fought fight, honestly a contender for the match of the night. And if you don’t come up victorious…then you are nothing. Than the powers that be throw you to the side. Because even though I lost to Swerve Strickland, there are a few names that started in that WWE Title bracket that I should’ve been in front of. But I let it go because maybe they did something in the eyes of Paul and Stephanie that made them worthy…so I got the week off.

Owens breathing begins to become a little deeper, his eyes a tad wider.

KEVIN OWENS: And then another week pasts and my name is nowhere to be found, not even a thought. These people here in Chicago, they love me. I mean their team are the Bulls and the Bears…..I LOOK LIKE A BULL AND A BEAR HAD A BABY…THIS IS MY SECOND HOME! But still, not a thing. So maybe it’s on me, maybe I need to be making a little bit of noise. I thought everything I’ve accomplished before this little new era meant something, but apparently it doesn’t mean a damn thing. I guess Triple H and Stephanie McMahon knew what they could expect of me and would’ve let me do what I do and that’s fight…make money for my family. So if you need me to get your attention, I guess that’s what I’m going to have to do. But I want Triple H, Stephanie, William Regal, and all the rest of management to understand, I didn’t want to be this guy again…you’re pushing me to be this guy again. I wanted to leave the man I was in the past back there and let the fun loving family guy have his run because these fans seemed to like it. But if you need me to be the man who rips through opponents, breaks bodies, and gets your attention by throttling you by your throat…I can be that man again.

There is an almost crazed look in Owens’ eyes as the scene slowly fades over to a hallway in the backstage area where we see “Switchblade” Jay White and Serena Deeb, talking about her victory earlier in the evening. Just then, “Smart” Mark Sterling walked into frame, with a huge grin on his face. It’s been a banner night for “Smart” Mark Sterling and his Athletes so far. Jay White is immediately annoyed by Sterling’s presence, and Sterling notices it immediately.

"SMART" MARK STERLING: Easy, buddy. I don’t have any issues with you two. In fact, I’d go as far as saying that I like you two. I think you two are a little... misguided though.

JAY WHITE: What the hell do you want, Mark?

"SMART" MARK STERLING: Quick and to the point, fair enough. Look, it’s no secret that I don’t get along with your manager, Pat McAfee. I think he’s a p–

Sterling is about to run McAfee’s name through the mud, but White and Deeb stand up a little taller, and inch a little closer to Sterling. Like the coward he is, he trails off.

"SMART" MARK STERLING: Never - uh .. Never mind. Anyway, I need you to give something to McAfee for me. Since, I know he’s so busy with his little podcast and he can’t grace us with his presence….

”Smart” Mark reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out an envelope. He hands it over to Jay White who looks down at it with a puzzled look on his face.

"SMART" MARK STERLING: You’ll want to make sure he gets that. That’s notice that I intend on suing Pat McAfee, and by extension this little Bullet Club group, for disparaging my good name on national television. He thinks he can get away with spreading false rumors about me and my business portfolio. Well, we’ll see how funny he thinks it is when I see him in court.

Before Jay White or Deeb even have a chance to react, “Smart” Mark Sterling turns and leaves the area. The duo are left to read over the letter, both of them with a surprised and yet annoyed expression on their face. We cut back to the commentary booth at ringside.

MICHAEL COLE: I’m sorry, did I hear that right? Was that idiot “Smart” Mark Sterling suing Pat McAfee?

WADE BARRETT: I believe so, Cole! And you had better choose your words wisely, or else you might be getting a court summons next! But, Pat McAfee’s legal troubles are a conversation for a different time. Right now, we are about to lock in for tonight’s main event!

MICHAEL COLE: That’s right, tonight’s main event will decide the other challenger for the WWE Championship at Night of Champions! We found out earlier this evening that Swerve Strickland was the first person to punch his ticket to the title match - Now, let’s find out, which of these two men will join him?

"Rock Hard" hits the P/A system of the arena as Juice Robinson makes his way onto the stage, shaking his head wildly before sticking his tongue out at the camera and barking at it as he makes his way to the ring.



A smile spreads across his face as he grabs a beer from a fan in the front row and pours it into his mouth before spitting some of it straight up in the air and laughing as he walks through the beer mist. Juice Robinson makes his way to the stairs he slaps them a few times before walking up and along the side of the ring apron hanging his arms over the top as he leans back and smiles at the crowd who pop for him.

SAMANTHA IRVIN: Making his way to the ring for this semi-final WWE Championship tournament match, he is The Moon Child, Juuuice Rooobinsooon!

MICHAEL COLE: Juice Robinson is having fun, you can't say that about a lot of these guys when they come out here.

WADE BARRETT: It bothers me a bit, Cole, I think he might want to take things more seriously, but maybe his personality just rubs me the wrong way.

MICHAEL COLE: He's certainly quite a character, but these fans seem to enjoy him.

"Can't Be Touched" by Roy Jones Jr hits the P/A system of the arena as Gable Steveson makes his way to the top of the ramp. He throws his arms up in the air for the fans as they heavily boo his appearance. Gable looks thrown off by this as he waves them off and makes his way down to the ring.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: And his opponent, being accompanied by Kurt Angle, he is America's Hero, Gaaable Steeevesooon!

He stops for a moment with Kurt Angle behind him as he tells him to watch, before jumping up onto the apron from the floor and holding his arms in the air again. Kurt nods in approval but the crowd's boos have gotten louder.

MICHAEL COLE: Gable Steveson is trying to get these fans behind him but something just isn't clicking with them.

WADE BARRETT: It reminds me a lot of certain parts of Kurt's career, I don't think the man was ever truly appreciated until after he left and came back at the end of his career in the ring.

MICHAEL COLE: Well let's hope that the fans don't affect his abilities to do what he needs to do tonight in the ring. Juice Robinson already stated that he's in this to win it and I imagine that means by hook or by crook.

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Juice Robinson strikes the arms in the air pose that Gable regularly does and the fans go wild. But when Gable tries to do the same, they boo relentlessly for him. Juice throws his arms up again and the fans go wild, and this infuriates Gable who comes swinging but gets tossed up for a Flapjack that he slides down Robinson's back and flips him over to pin his shoulders to the canvas but only gets a one count before Juice powers out of the attempt. Both men get to their feet, but Gable is a second quicker as he throws some punches to daze Juice before he whips him off the ropes and as he comes back, nails a dropkick that he gets some elevation on, absolutely knocking the wind out of Robinson who lands on his ass and rolls out of the ring.

MICHAEL COLE: Gable Steveson obviously wasn't a fan of what Juice thought of his skills.

WADE BARRETT: He's quickly proving that you should never judge a book by it's cover. Kurt Angle is the difference maker here, he's made this kid into as close of a veteran as you could be while still in the beginning stages of your career.

MICHAEL COLE: And we all know how well Kurt Angle did in his rookie year for WWE. You couldn't even tell he wasn't naturally gifted to be able to adapt to this business, Gable is the perfect student for him to mentor to the same success.

Juice Robinson shakes a finger at Gable Steveson as he chuckles to himself at the circumstance, trying to keep himself cool and levelheaded. Gable meanwhile ushers him back into the ring with a gesture, as Juice goes to slide in, though, here comes Gable sliding across with a baseball slide that knocks Juice back into the announce table as Gable comes out of the ring to meet Juice with a few punches as he's leaned back on the announce table still.

WADE BARRETT: Gable is obviously not quite as willing to stay levelheaded, and is letting some of that temper out.

MICHAEL COLE: Well you have to remember that he's probably used to a quicker pace from his amateur wrestling days. He's used to taking quick opportunities that he sees and pressing the advantage.

WADE BARRETT: I just wish it didn't have to involve our announce table!

Gable immediately shoots a look at Wade Barrett as he tells him to shut up and grabs Juice Robinson by the back of the neck and throws him into the ring. Juice, however, is crawling his way to the other side as he rolls out and Steveson tries to grab him, but he slips away. Sliding out of the ring again, he gives chase to Robinson who runs around the ring and slides back in on the other side and bounces off the ropes as Gable gets in, nailing him with a jumping side kick that he calls The Taste and goes for the cover, 1...2! NO! Steveson gets the shoulder up before the referee can even think about dropping it for a three.

MICHAEL COLE: Gable's gonna have to watch out for Juice apparently because he's just as quick it appears!

WADE BARRETT: Bloody hell I thought he was going to take the kid's head off with that kick!

Juice doesn't hesitate to get up though and, in the process, nails a senton to keep Steveson off his game, picking him up on his shoulders before he nails The Juice Box and drags Gable to the corner to prop him sitting up in it. Marching to the other side of the ring, he runs back in and hits a cannonball straight into him in the corner as he gets back up to his feet and pulls at his hair as he screams.

MICHAEL COLE: Well the tide has certainly shifted in favor of Robinson!

WADE BARRETT: It appears that the Juice has been let loose, Cole!

MICHAEL COLE: And that's not a good thing for Gable Steveson!

Juice Robinson pulls Steveson out of the corner and deadlifts him up for what looks like his gutbuster, but a couple shots to the gut from Gable stop him in his tracks as Steveson picks the ankle and begins the process of torquing the ANKLE LOCK that he's gotten out of nowhere! Juice is once again pulling his hair but this time it's from the pain his ankle is in. He's not going to make the same mistake that Adam Copeland made and immediately fast crawls his way to the ropes and grabs the bottom rope by hooking his right arm around it. The referee tells Gable to release the hold, but he continues to torque the ankle, as the referee counts 1...2...3...4...FI-! Steveson releases the hold but grabs the ankle of Juice and drapes it over the bottom rope before jumping up and dropping his foot on top of it as Robinson screams in pain. The crowd boos louder than ever as Gable poses with his arms in the air and wipes his feet in Juice Robinson's direction.

WADE BARRETT: Now that's how you incapacitate an opponent take his ankle out and he's not going to be any good on his feet any more.

MICHAEL COLE: Gable is getting a little more dastardly as the weeks go on, it's almost like he doesn't want the fans approval anymore.

WADE BARRETT: Maybe he's just tired of being as great as he is and them not appreciating it, Cole.

Gable slaps Juice around the head before circling around him as he tries to get to his feet. Juice takes a swing as Gable steps closer, but it's easily dodged. As Robinson gingerly stands up, Gable Steveson is behind him and lifts him up and drops him down with the OLYMPIC SLAM! He goes for the cover and as the referee begins the count, Gable puts his fingers in the air counting along with it! 1...2....3!



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner and moving onto the final round of the WWE Championship Tournament, America’s Hero, GAAABLEEE STEEEVESOOON!

Steveson rolls out of the ring as he lifts his arms in the air and Kurt Angle comes around to meet him slapping him on the back in celebration as they back their way up the entrance ramp. Juice is livid however as he gets assisted to his feet and looks utterly enraged at the loss to the rookie.

MICHAEL COLE: Juice Robinson did some of his best work tonight but it wasn't enough.

WADE BARRETT: The crowd was behind him as well, but tonight, Gable Steveson took advantage of the openings he had and now he’s going to Night of Champions.

MICHAEL COLE: He certainly is but these fans aren't very happy about it. We'll have to see what the fallout is next week on Monday Night Raw when we get to the Barclays Center on our final stop before Night of Champions. Goodnight, Everybody!