Monday Night RAW 3-18-2024

As the opening video package ends, pyro explodes on the stage as the crowd in Brooklyn, New York is erupting in cheers. The cameras pan through the crowd, showing off various signs reading things like “Swerve is the Realest!”, “Gable Steveson is Not My Hero!”, “I'm Better Than MJF” and more. After doing a pan of the Barclays Center, we see the ring is set up with a long table and a couple of chairs, and finally the cameras settle in on the commentary table where we see the team of Michael Cole and Wade Barrett.



MICHAEL COLE: Good evening everybody and welcome to Monday Night RAW! I'm Michael Cole, joined as always by Wade Barrett, and what a show we have in store tonight! We are just six days from our first Premium Live Event of the new era, Night of Champions, and the atmosphere in the Barclays Center is absolutely electric!

WADE BARRETT: Oh it sure is, Cole! And with good reason, we have a hell of a show on deck tonight! Last week we saw Gable Steveson and Swerve Strickland punch their tickets to the finals of the WWE Championship tournament, and tonight they'll be making it official by kicking off the show with a contract signing!

MICHAEL COLE: Not to mention we have Cody Rhodes going up against his old friend Randy Orton in what is sure to be an explosive main event!

WADE BARRETT: Both men suffered losses last week and I imagine they're both eager to redeem themselves this week and remind everyone why they've been top dogs in the past!

MICHAEL COLE: We're also going to find out who will get the final spot in the fatal four-way elimination match for the WWE Women's Championship when Cora Jade takes on Blair Davenport!

WADE BARRETT: That's gonna be a great one, two badass women going at it for a shot at greatness. And the Intercontinental Championship battle royal is shaping up to be one hell of a match, a lot of men put their names into the mix last week and I'm sure we'll see even more step up tonight!

MICHAEL COLE: We're in for a special night, to say the least!

Suddenly, "Welcome to the Queendom" by Jim Johnston begins to play on the speakers and the crowd erupts in cheers as WWE Co-Owner Stephanie McMahon makes her way out from the back. Looking out at the crowd with a smile, Stephanie begins to make her way down the ramp.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Ladies and gentlemen please welcome, the co-owner of WWE, Stephaniiieee McMaaahonnn!

MICHAEL COLE: Stephanie McMahon looks excited to get this contract signing underway, Wade!

WADE BARRETT: Can you blame her? This is the biggest moment of the new era thus far, I'm excited too!

Stephanie reaches the bottom of the ramp and walks over to the steel steps, making her way up to the apron and entering the ring. She walks over to Samantha Irvin, giving her a smile as she asks for the microphone. Samantha hands it to her before she makes her way out of the ring, and Stephanie then goes to the head of the table and waits for her music to end. As it fades out, the crowd cheers for an extra moment before finally setting down, and Stephanie raises the microphone to her mouth and begins to speak.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Welcome, everyone, to Monday Night RAW!

The crowd again erupts into cheers, as Stephanie pauses and looks out at them all with a big, excited smile. After a moment passes, the crowd begins to quiet down again and Stephanie continues.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: This Sunday Night, we're going to make history when we go to Madison Square Garden for the first Premium Live Event of the new era, Night of Champions.

The crowd again cheers excitedly for this as Stephanie nods.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: All of our champions are going to be crowned in what is going to be a breathtaking, historical event. And while all of our championships are important, I think everyone can agree that there's something extra special about the WWE Championship. Tonight, we’re going to kick off Monday Night RAW with a contract signing between the two men that will be facing off for that very championship in the main event at Night of Champion, Gable Steveson and Swerve Strickland. However, before we get to that contract signing, there are some things I need to address.

We had quite a card planned for you all tonight, Brooklyn, and it is with great disappointment that I have to inform you all that a majority of that card will not be taking place tonight. Due to some travel issues, many of the superstars who were set to appear tonight will not be here. Two of those superstars happen to be Cora Jade and Blair Davenport, who were set to compete for the final spot in the WWE Women’s Championship fatal four-way match. However, since they were unable to make it tonight, they will instead compete in the open invitational for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. Instead, taking the final spot in the fatal four-way match, is a woman who approached my husband and I last week and wasn’t afraid to go for what she wanted. This Sunday, the WWE Women’s Championship will be decided in a fatal four-way match with Carmella, Fallon Henley, Serena Deeb…and Chelsea Green!

The crowd boos at this announcement, and Stephanie has a grave expression on her face as she simply nods.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: I know that a lot of you aren’t happy with that announcement, but I was left with no other choice. I have no doubt that those four women will tear the house down to see who has what it takes to become the first WWE Women’s Champion of the new era. And as for Blair and Cora, they still have the opportunity to make history to become the first ever Women’s Intercontinental Champion, and I look forward to seeing them both make the most of that opportunity.

MICHAEL COLE: What a huge announcement, most of our roster wasn’t able to make it tonight and the landscape of the women’s division at Night of Champions just saw a big shakeup!

WADE BARRETT: I was looking forward to seeing Blair and Cora throw down tonight, Cole, but sometimes travel issues are unavoidable. Chelsea Green must be thrilled she got the final spot in that fatal four-way, though!

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Now with that out of the way, I need to share that because of those travel issues, we will only be having two matches tonight. You will see Kevin Owens take on Darby Allin, and Cody Rhodes go up against Randy Orton. And while we may only have two matches for you tonight, we still have plenty of fun things in store that only the WWE can provide, including this contract signing so let’s get on with that shall we?

The crowd gives a mixed reaction, there’s obvious disappointment at the announcement of only two matches taking place, but there’s also excitement about the contract signing between Gable Steveson and Swerve Strickland. As the fans quiet down, Stephanie continues.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: So, without further ado, allow me to introduce the first man who will be competing for the WWE Championship this Sunday…The Realest, Swerve Strickland!

The voice clip of Swerve asking “Whose house?” plays, immediately followed by the opening guitar for “Big Pressure (Remix)” by the man himself. But before we see Swerve, we see his advisor Prince Nana! The crowd comes alive as Nana begins to swerve, then he begins to drive, and then he swerves while he drives! With the fans all having fun, what better time than for Swerve to come out and change the vibe? Strickland saunters out onto the ramp, wearing his usual fur coat over a “Whose House?” shirt and some designer jeans. Quickly, the WWE Universe’s dancing changes to thumbs downs and booing. Nana continues to dance behind his Crown Jewel as Swerve heads down the ramp.



WADE BARRETT: Here he comes, Cole! This is the first of two men who will be competing for the WWE Championship! There was a lot of doubt that Swerve would be able to make it to the finals, but he found his way.

MICHAEL COLE: Through nefarious means, no doubt. A lot of people point to him using the tights to beat Roman Reigns as a sign that maybe Swerve didn’t get here on hard work, but the resume alone might make up for it.

WADE BARRETT: There’s nothing that needs to be made up for in the first place! If you want to be WWE Champion, you need to put everything above it - morals included. That’s one champion quality Swerve Strickland is an expert in.

As the dynamic duo make it to ringside, they hit the steel steps and enter the ring. Swerve briefly glances at Stephanie as he passes her before taking his seat, facing the ramp. Nana briefly greets Stephanie before going back to dancing until Swerve’s music dies down.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Gentlemen, thank you for joining me. And now, allow me to introduce the man who Swerve will be facing in this historic match, America’s Hero, Gable Steveson!

Gable's music hits and he makes his way onto the ramp with Kurt Angle. Angle seems to receive a warmer reaction than Gable does from the crowd, but they don't spend time pandering to the audience tonight.



MICHAEL COLE: And here comes the second half of our main event this Sunday on Night of Champions. Gable Steveson has been impressive since making his long awaited arrival on the main roster, besting the likes of Adam Copeland, Darby Allin and Juice Robinson, en route to earning himself this title opportunity.

WADE BARRETT: And it's hard to think that it doesn't have a lot to do with his new mentor, the WWE Legend Kurt Angle.

MICHAEL COLE: Kurt is a former multi-time World Champion in his own right, so it only makes sense that his experience is worth his weight in gold to his new protege.

Gable and Kurt both take their spots on the opposite end of the table in the ring. After briefly acknowledging Stephanie, Gable's eyes become locked onto Swerve.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Gable, Kurt, thank you for joining us. Alright, gentlemen, now that you’re both here, how about you take a look at the contract and let’s get your signatures?

Gable immediately snatches the contract from the table to make sure he's the first one to look it over. He makes eye contact with Swerve as he takes a step back to where Kurt Angle is standing and the two of them quickly thumb through the papers. Kurt nods his head and Gable is quick to sign. With a big smile on his face, he emphatically smacks the contract down with a loud *WHACK* onto the table in the center of the ring before picking up a microphone that was resting on the table.

GABLESTEVESON: It's done, Swerve. I've signed the contract that puts me en route to more gold. I'm 'bout to be a champ-champ!

Gable drops the mic and holds out the gold medal around his neck and then motions for a belt around his waist. The crowd isn't too sure what to think at this point and give a pretty mixed reaction to Gable's words. Swerve just stares down at the contract, not even making an effort to actually read it. He also has Nana peeking over his shoulder to ensure that no funny business is going on with the wording. After what feels like an eternity, but is only a few seconds or so, Swerve grabs the microphone in front of him on the table. This gets the crowd in an uproar of boos, which doesn’t seem to phase The Crown Jewel at all. Instead, his gaze goes from the contract to his opponent at Night of Champions, Gable Steveson. Swerve takes a long, hard look at the man sitting across from him before finally speaking his piece.

SWERVE STRICKLAND: I’ve been hearing a lot of talk lately. A lot of talk about how Swerve Strickland is going to be the next WWE Champion. Apparently, people want my opinion on it. Truthfully, I think… I think it’s funny. See, the phrase has always been ‘actions speak louder than words’, and I’ve been pretty damn loud these past few weeks. Win after win against formidable opponents, against real competition. Kevin Owens, Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns - guys that have been at the pinnacle for years. I beat them. So what does that mean for good ol’ Gabe Steveson? What… does that… mean for you? You know what? I’mma do you a courtesy, Gabe. Since you signed that contract with so much vigor, right, let me help YOU out. You say the word? I won’t sign that contract.

That takes the entire arena by surprise. Fans are beginning to boo Swerve even louder because… What the hell is he talking about?!?! Even Nana can be seen and heard shouting, but Swerve is all smirks.

SWERVE STRICKLAND: That’s right, I won’t. I will refuse to sign that contract because I don’t wanna hurt you, Gabe. I mean, you clearly don’t understand who's sitting in front of you right now. And going into a situation where you’re way out of your depth? That leads to very bad things. So we can have Stephanie and the lawyers in the back draw up a new one and everything, all you have to do is tell the world. Tell them that Swerve Strickland is going to be the next WWE Champion, and that’s what we can have them put in the new contract as well. That you forfeit your right to a finals match and that the belt will be rewarded to me because of it.

Swerve looks around, smiling like a pig in poop now. The WWE Universe begins raining down hatred figuratively like 90s WCW fans would rain down trash literally. Nana seems to be particularly happy about this revelation, but he’s the only one who is. Stephanie is saying something unintelligible off-mic and Gable just stares back at Swerve, who now speaks in a more condescending tone.

SWERVE STRICKLAND: Let’s just make this easier on all of us. No more stars ruined by the unstoppable force that is Swerve Strickland. No more blood on my hands, even if I don’t mind it. And the WWE has a champion they can be proud of. ‘Cause that’s what this is about, right? This is about the WWE Universe! You need a champion that you can- you can speak highly of and have pride in, right? And what better man than Swerve Strickland? What better man than a veteran in war, a veteran in this business who is willing to sink to the-

GABLESTEVESON: -YOU WAIT JUST A DAMN MINUTE!

Gable cuts off Swerve with a new fire in his voice. The crowd actually begins to cheer a bit for Gable and it almost catches him off guard.

GABLESTEVESON: I don't know who you think you're talking to here, but I ain't NEVER backed down from a fight! I've stepped toe to toe with the toughest men on this planet and knocked each and every one of them out of my way. If you're truly afraid of hurting me in this ring at Night of Champions, then you're going to be in for a rude awakening because I'm fighting for more than just myself. I'm America's Hero, which means I'm fighting for each and every one of these people here tonight, and I'm fighting for each and every American watching at home!

The crowd begins to chant U-S-A! U-S-A! Gable can't help but smile, feeling the rush of support starting to build for himself. As the intensity grows, Gable presses up against the side of the table between the two contenders.

GABLESTEVESON: I didn't go through hell and back these last couple years after winning gold to let some idiot in a fur coat try and talk me out of a fight. So if you're really serious about trying your luck at becoming WWE Champion, then you better sign that contract. I represent America when I fight, and these colors don't run, so you best believe that NOTHING will stop me from showing up and giving my all to become champion! So no, Swerve, I won't say anything remotely close to asking you not to sign. In fact at this point, the only reason you shouldn't sign is if you're too much of a coward to face me.

The crowd seems to really be getting behind Gable who lowers his mic and intensely stares straight at Swerve. The arena is buzzing but the men in the ring don't seem to notice anything but each other.

SWERVE STRICKLAND: I’m a coward? Boy, you’re gonna wish I was. After Night of Champions? You’re gonna wish you were. ‘Cause sooner or later, this little American Hero thing? Being that I have experience with that, lemme put it like this - you only make it out one of two ways. That's on your feet like a man… or in the dirt like a dog.

Swerve now is almost nose to nose with Gable across the table, both men leaning as far across the table as they can. The fans are booing him, but all he can see is Gable Steveson. And all Gable Steveson can see is Swerve. Swerve speaks like he’s doing Steveson a favor by not hopping over the table.

SWERVE STRICKLAND: Now I don’t know about you Gable, but I’m not getting my fur dirty. So uh, ruff ruff, Sparky.

Swerve reaches across the table and goes to lightly pet Steveson on the head like a good little puppy. Immediately, chaos breaks loose. Steveson swats Swerve’s arm away and immediately shoots up out of his chair, throwing the table to the side. Steveson raising up out of his chair gets the same reaction from Swerve, and the fans as well! Everybody is getting to their feet! Except for Prince Nana, who almost falls trying to get out of the ring. The two titans stand face to face, nose to nose, eye to eye. Swerve is taunting Steveson, speaking all kinds of unforgettable words - but Steveson is giving it right back to him. The crowd is at an all time high, with U-S-A! U-S-A! chants beginning to echo out. Angle and Stephanie are both trying to reason with Gable and Swerve respectively, but the words aren’t getting through. All these men see are each other. All they see is gold in their future. As the tension hits its highest point…

Swerve Strickland drops to the mat and rolls out of the ring. And he’s laughing. Like a kid in a candy store. He’s just full of pure joy, which is the exact opposite of how the fans feel - and they’re letting him know it. The embracing chants for Gable have now turned into disgust and contempt for Swerve. Gable wants to go after him, but is advised against it by Kurt. Swerve and Nana are having a fun time on the outside, where they stumble across the contract that flew out of the ring when the table was flipped. We hear Gable telling them to sign the contract and Swerve is more than happy to oblige. Nana pulls a pen out of his blazer pocket, picks the contract up, and hands it to Swerve. Swerve forcefully turns Nana around and signs the contract on his back, then tosses it up in the air like a stack of money in a gentlemen’s club. As Swerve stares Gable down he smiles and begins to walk backwards, causing Gable to lean over the top rope and yell something, though the camera can't quite pick up what he's saying. What is clear though, is Gable motioning a belt around his waist and playing a bit to the crowd, who seem to have warmed up a bit towards him.

MICHAEL COLE: Well it's official, we're getting Swerve Strickland vs Gable Steveson for the WWE Championship at Night of Champions!

WADE BARRETT: The contract is signed, but I have a feeling that there's a bit more at play here than just being crowned the new champion. Swerve is already trying to play mind games. He's trying his best to get under Gable's skin!

MICHAEL COLE: And we won't have to wait long to find out who comes out on top, because we're going to see these two rising stars clash in just under a week!

The cameras now go backstage where we see Cathy Kelley in her interview area, holding a microphone up to her mouth. The crowd’s roaring is still echoing through the building and Kelley shows great excitement, looking into the camera as she starts to speak.



CATHY KELLEY: What a night it’s been so far on Monday Night RAW! I’d like to introduce my guest at this time, appearing for the first time since his big win last week, The Maverick, Logan Paul!

Cathy turns to her right and the camera follows. Just as she said, we see Logan Paul standing beside her wearing all black and sunglasses. Logan is looking up with his hands on his hips, and a huge grin. A mixed reaction from the crowd pours in, and Logan looks down and laughs, shaking his head. Logan gently pulls the microphone closer to his side of the screen, and leans in as he looks up at the camera and takes off his sunglasses.

LOGAN PAUL: AHHHH!

Logan sticks out his tongue and makes a crazy face at the camera, shaking his head while laughing with his tongue out. His eyes are popping out of his head,and he excitedly continues.

LOGAN PAUL: You didn’t think I was going to win, did you?!

Logan pulls back from the camera, and now we have Cathy Kelley and Paul both side by side in the shot. Logan looks very pleased with himself and his statement.

CATHY KELLEY: Logan, that’s right. Last week you had a huge victory over 3 other opponents in a fatal four-way match. Before the match, you didn’t seem too excited. Care to elaborate on that?

LOGAN PAUL: Cathy, I don’t get excited when I’m going to ruin some little kids' dreams. Do you know how many kids drink Prime? Who follows Logan Paul on X, or subscribes to my channel on YouTube? I’m the most viral person on the planet. What does it mean to my image when someone says that Logan Paul beat up their hero? Logan Paul fought Floyd Mayweather. Logan was the United States champion. Don’t put me in a match with someone who can’t put up a fight!

Intensity grows in Logan, who looks at Cathy as if he is looking at one of his opponents from last week. Cathy listens and tries to find balance in all the bragging coming from Logan.

CATHY KELLEY: Well, your win was impressive, that’s for sure. However, it seems you had something else in mind before the match. Maybe your meeting with WWE Raw General Manager, William Regal?

Logan lifts an eyebrow as if caught by surprise. In the background the crowd lights up for William Regal’s name being dropped. Logan takes a look around and then continues.

LOGAN PAUL: I did have a little meeting with Mr. William Regal last week. I wasn’t going to mention it, since I have so much more going on. He made me an offer to compete for the gold belt he’s been carrying in that black bag…the Intercontinental Championship.

Logan locks his eyes with the camera and takes a pause so that you can hear the crowd pop.

LOGAN PAUL: I’ll be honest… I have Pokémon cards worth more than that shit!

Brooklyn retaliates to Logan’s words with more boos.

LOGAN PAUL: I’ll do the WWE Universe a favor since I love y’all so much. Since y’all need someone to be proud of. Since y’all supported me so much. At Night of Champions, I will win the most viral fight in WWE history. Then I will be your new, Intercontinental, CHAMPION! AHHHHH

Logan Paul yells while sticking his tongue out and making a mockery. Paul leaves the scene and we’re left with Cathy Kelley in the center. She seems overwhelmed. Kelley before the cameras go back to ringside.

MICHAEL COLE: Logan Paul is in a much better mood tonight than he was last week, and he’s announced that he will indeed take advantage of William Regal’s offer and enter the Intercontinental Championship battle royal!

WADE BARRETT: I had a feeling he was going to, Cole, winning that fatal four-way last week gave him the boost he needed! Besides, it wouldn’t have been right to have that match without a star like Logan Paul! His inclusion will surely make that match go viral!

MICHAEL COLE: It just might, Wade! Speaking of matches, it’s time to get to our first of two matches of the evening, where Kevin Owens goes one-on-one with Darby Allin!

"Fight" by CFO$ hits the speakers, and out from the back steps The Prize Fighter himself, Kevin Owens. He slaps his face a few times before banging on his chest, raising his arms in the air, and walking down the ramp towards the ring as the fans go crazy with cheers.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Making his way to the ring, he is "The Prize Fighter", Keeeviiin Oooweeens!

MICHAEL COLE: Kevin Owens is certainly not here to play this week. After his loss to Swerve Strickland, he seems to be more determined than ever to really make an impact.

WADE BARRETT: Can't say that I blame him, Cole. If the man wants to make a name for himself, he's got to do something to stand out. There's a lot of people jockeying for positions and he doesn't want to be left out. There’s only so many opportunities available, and he wants them to be his.

MICHAEL COLE: You can say that again! Tonight has been a night full of people staking their claims. A win here could really propel him forward and solidify his chance to succeed at Night of Champions.

Owens stomps his way up the steel steps as he walks to the middle of the apron and ducks into the ring quickly. There's no fanfare on his part though because he immediately turns to face the ramp and motions for them to bring out Darby Allin. "I Fell" by Wicca Phase Springs Eternal hits the speakers, Darby Allin rolls out onto the stage with his skateboard and the crowd erupts as he kicks up his skateboard and catches it at the top of the ramp, a confident smirk on his face as he stares down at Kevin Owens who is shouting at him to get his ass down there.

SAMANTHA IRVIN: And his opponent, Daaarbyyy Allliiin!

WADE BARRETT: If I'm Darby Allin I wouldn't be smirking right now, I'd be wetting my pants at the idea of facing Kevin Owens.

MICHAEL COLE: There is certainly a strength and size difference between the two. Also, we have to remember that Darby Allin took quite the beating from Gable Steveson in his first match here in WWE.

WADE BARRETT: And you have to imagine that Owens ain't gonna go easy on him. So if I'm Darby, I would have to pray that my speed will be enough to maneuver into a victory.

As he drops the skateboard and rolls down to the ring, he points at Kevin Owens who has some choice words to share of his own. Darby kicks up and catches his skateboard once again and leans it against the steel steps as he slowly climbs the stairs and walks along the side apron, holding onto the top rope before jumping over them and getting nailed with a forearm that takes him down by Kevin Owens!

---

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The referee signals for the bell to ring as soon as Darby hits the mat hard. Kevin Owens, however, is already beating the hell out of Darby on the ground with punches to the head as he's mounted over him yelling at him. Owens is telling him that he didn't want it to be this way but he's got no choice now as he picks him up and tosses him through the ropes out of the ring, rolling under the ropes himself to meet Darby Allin outside.

MICHAEL COLE: It appears as though Kevin wasn't kidding when he told the WWE universe he was going to be a different man tonight.

WADE BARRETT: You won't hear an argument from me, Kevin might need this more than anybody on the roster.

Owens grabs Darby by the back of the neck and tosses him into the barricade spine first, kicking him in the gut and slapping him across the face while he's down. The fans are turning on Owens at this point but he doesn't care. He yanks Darby up by the hair before he runs forward with him and tosses him into the steel steps breaking them apart in the process as they make a loud CLANG! Darby grabs at his back as Kevin Owens picks him up again and runs with him once more, bouncing him head first off the turnbuckle post as he screams with rage.

MICHAEL COLE: Oh my God! He could have seriously given Darby Allin a concussion there!

WADE BARRETT: He's not done yet either, Cole! Look, he's already rolling him back into the ring!

Kevin Owens yells at a fan in the front row before ripping their Darby Allin sign, and then rolls Darby Allin back into the ring. As he slides back in, Darby appears to be crawling with no idea of where he is. Owens screams that he didn't want to have to do this but he was left with no choice as he stalks Allin like a predator stalks its prey. Darby is using the ropes to get himself up as he staggers a bit before turning around and getting nailed with a kick to the gut that's followed by a STUNNER! Darby flips backwards with the momentum and his legs bounce off the ropes before he flops onto his back, Kevin Owens hooks both legs as he yells at the referee to make the count. 1...2...3!



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner "The Prize Fighter", KEEEVIIIN OOOWEEENS!

MICHAEL COLE: Mercifully this one is over finally, Wade.

WADE BARRETT: A victory for Kevin Owens and hopefully it's enough to calm him down for the time being. People are going to be in for a world of hurt if it's not.

MICHAEL COLE: We need medical down here for Darby Allin, he hasn't moved since he hit the mat after that stunner.

Kevin Owens is just staring down at the lifeless body of Darby Allin as he grits his teeth together. The referee is holding out a hand to keep him back but Owens simply turns around and exits the ring. The fans are now booing him relentlessly as he backs up the ramp slowly and stares at Darby Allin in the middle of the ring and a grin forms on his face.

The cameras once again go to the backstage area where we now see Byron Saxton standing by.



BYRON SAXTON: What a night we've had so far here in Brooklyn! Tonight has been just another example of why RAW is the hottest show on television. So far tonight we’ve...

Saxton stops mid-sentence and immediately looks up. We can’t see what he’s looking at, but whatever it is, it looks like he’s seen a ghost.

BYRON SAXTON: You?! YOU?! It can’t be!

Whoever is standing over Byron Saxton responds, from off camera.

“Surprised to see me?”

BYRON SAXTON: Well, actually yes! I had heard rumors you were coming back but I thought they were just that, rumors!

The camera shot expands and standing next to and towering over Byron Saxton is none other than...

DIESEL: That’s right kid, the WWE is officially DIESEL POWERED!

The crowd inside the Barclays Center erupts.

BYRON SAXTON: What, I mean, well...what are you doing here?!

DIESEL: I’m not here to sign autographs, although I’ve done plenty of that so far tonight. And, I’m not just talking about fans. The boys in the locker room lined up to get Big Daddy Cool’s signature. That’s not what I’m in Brooklyn for tonight kid, I’m here for one thing...to call my shot!

BYRON SAXTON: Your shot? Your shot for what?

Diesel runs his hand around his waist, smirking for the camera.

DIESEL: I’m here to announce that Big Daddy Cool is coming for the WWE Championship!

BYRON SAXTON: What an announcement! As great as that is to hear, you do realize that it’s going to be Swerve Strickland and Gable Steveson to decide the first ever WWE Champion at Night of Champions, right?

DIESEL: Let me ask you a question, kid. Is Swerve Strickland or Gable Steveson damn near seven feet tall?

BYRON SAXTON: Well, no.

DIESEL: Well, guess what? I am. I’m damn near seven feet tall and three hundred and thirty pounds of twisted steel and sex appeal!

Diesel turns directly to the camera, raising his voice.

DIESEL: Whoever comes out of the Night of Champions as WWE Champion, whether it’s Strickland or Steveson, Big Daddy Cool is coming for you! The winner of that match is standing in the middle of the road and an 18 wheeler is headed their way!

Diesel throws his fist into the air as the scene returns to the broadcast desk.

MICHAEL COLE: I can’t believe what I just saw, Wade, Diesel is back in the WWE!

WADE BARRETT: He certainly is, and it seems like he’s got his eyes set on the WWE Championship!

MICHAEL COLE: He’ll no doubt be paying very close attention to the main event match this Sunday between Gable Steveson and Swerve Strickland, and they should both be watching their backs!

As the commentary team’s latest exchange comes to an end, the crowd begins to buzz with anticipation as they await to see what happens next. A brief moment of silence falls over the arena, and nobody quite knows what to do. Suddenly…



The crowd erupts as Celtic Invasion hits, which can mean only one thing: rumors have been swirling, but nobody knew where and when she might make her presence known in this new era of WWE but sure enough, Becky Lynch bursts through the curtain, her fiery determination emanating from every pore. Dressed in her signature "The Man" shirt and leather jacket, she stands tall, absorbing the adulation of the crowd. Becky begins her triumphant walk down the entrance ramp, her presence commanding attention as she moves with a confident swagger fueled by the cheers that echo through the arena.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Ladies and gentlemen please welcome, The Man, Beckyyy Lyyynnnch!

MICHAEL COLE: I can’t believe it, Wade! Becky Lynch is back in the WWE!

WADE BARRETT: Listen to this crowd, they just might actually blow the roof off this joint!

As she reaches the bottom of the ramp, Becky takes a moment to soak in the energy of the WWE universe. She climbs the ring steps, her boots resounding in rhythm with the crowd's chants. The cameras that are positioned just inside the ring capture every ounce of emotion etched on her face, from determination to gratitude. Becky finally enters the ring, going to Samantha Irvin and requesting the microphone before going to the center of the ring. The deafening "Welcome back!" chants rock the building, causing Becky to smile despite herself before she raises the microphone to her lips, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and emotion.



BECKY LYNCH: Did you miss me?

She asks with a sly grin, causing the crowd to pop again. Becky, relishing the response, lets out a hearty laugh, her eyes shining with a fire.

BECKY LYNCH: You know, they say absence makes the heart grow fonder. Well, I hope you've all been pining for The Man because guess what? I'm back, baby!

The crowd once again erupts into thunderous cheers, and The Man smirks at the reaction before continuing.

BECKY LYNCH: Now, I don't want to stand out here all night natterin' on like an old biddy. In fact, I really shouldn't be out here at all if you want the truth.

Becky gestures to the stage.

BECKY LYNCH: Five minutes ago, I was sitting in Trips' office, kicking back with my feet up, giving my newly minted contract the auld John Hancock, and then I marched from the office, right to gorilla, and I said "Oi mate, cue up me music and hold off on whatever you had planned because The Man has something to say...two things actually.

Becky holds up two fingers before continuing.

BECKY LYNCH: The first is...well, I guess you can call it an apology, but truth be told, I'm not sorry for anything. See, I was never gone. I was just biding my time...and for the first time in my life, enjoying being a mom.

Becky pauses momentarily, turns to the camera and blows a kiss to her family before turning her attention back to the crowd.

BECKY LYNCH: Seth says hi, by the way.

She smiles as the crowd gives a quick pop at the mention of the name before moving on.

BECKY LYNCH: And I don't regret that time with my family, not for one damn second. But what I AM sorry for, is coming back after the challenges for the WWE Women’s Championship have all been decided.

The crowd boos as Becky shrugs her shoulders.

BECKY LYNCH: I know, I know, ol' bad timing Becks strikes again, but I'm not bothere' because we all know that no matter who walks out of Night Of Champions with that title is just keepin' it warm for when Da Man comes around for it…however, when one door closes, another door opens, and there's a new opportunity on the horizon: the new Women's Intercontinental championship. I heard Stephanie McMahon say that it’s an open invitation match, and I ain't going to sit back and watch while others fight for that title. I've never been one to play it safe or wait for my opportunity to come knocking. I've always been the one to knock down doors, to take risks, and to create history....and I'm going to make history one more time and become the first-ever Women's intercontinental Champion. And I want Cora Jade, Blair Davenport, and any other woman who might decide to participate in that match to take a real good look because the moment my foot touches that ring at Night of Champions? You're all screwed. Because The Man is back, and she's ready to claim what's rightfully hers.

MICHAEL COLE: A huge announcement from the returning Becky Lynch, she’s entering the match for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship!

WADE BARRETT: If I were Cora Jade and Blair Davenport, I’d be shaking in my boots right now. I have a feeling Becky Lynch will stop at nothing to put her name in the history books once again!

As her music begins to play once again, Becky spikes the microphone, staring down at the camera with intense determination in her eyes. The crowd erupts into an overwhelming chorus of cheers as Becky exits the ring and makes her way back up the ramp as the cameras fade out to commercial.

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