Monday Night RAW 4-1-2024

As RAW comes back from the commercial break, we join a camera set up backstage at one of the talent entrances to the PPG Paints Arena.

The door swings open and Lance Storm walks in. Lance isn’t dressed to wrestle, but he’s carrying a duffel bag. He looks at the camera, shakes his head and walks right past.

LANCE STORM: You know something...

But, quickly, he turns back around and addresses the camera.

LANCE STORM: All I’ve heard the past week is how I’m in over my head in the WWE. I’ve heard THIS reason as to why I’m not the Intercontinental Champion after Night of Champions, and I’ve heard THAT reason as to why I didn’t leave New York with the title. Well, you know something, forget about this reason AND that reason. I’m going to get my hands on the WWE Intercontinental Championship in time, and my quest for the title starts tonight with YOU, “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio!

Apparently having said enough, Storm turns away from the camera.

LANCE STORM: And ANOTHER thing...

But, he quickly turns back around.

LANCE STORM: All I’ve heard all week is about how you’re half my age, Mysterio, about how you can run circles around me, about how I can’t keep up with today’s WWE superstars. Let me tell you something, tonight it’ll be ME proving that YOU can’t keep up with yesterday’s wrestler! Forget about running circles around you Mysterio, I’m simply going to out wrestle you! Tonight, I’m going to prove that you don’t need to teach this old dog new tricks, I’m going to prove that the standard by which professional wrestling is measured STILL starts and stops with Lance Storm!

With that, Storm turns away and the cameras go back to the announce table.

MICHAEL COLE: Lance Storm is fired up and he’s ready to take on Dominik Mysterio tonight!

WADE BARRETT: I said it earlier and I’ll say it again now, Cole, I think Dominik is going to have quite a harsh introduction to the new era!

MICHAEL COLE: It’s definitely going to be interesting to see how he does, Wade, it’s not the same WWE that he’s used to! Another man who may need to adjust to the new era is Dolph Ziggler, who’s returning after some time away to take on “Hangman” Adam Page!

WADE BARRETT: Dolph has always been on a mission to prove that he should be one of the top people in the WWE, but Adam Page is just as hungry. In fact, I think he might be hungrier!

”Here to Show the World” by Jim Johnston begins to play over the speakers and the crowd boos as Dolph Ziggler makes his way to the top of the ramp. Looking out at the crowd with a roll of his eyes, Ziggler runs his hands through his hair before tossing them up in the air and then bringing his arms down in a flexing type of pose, letting out a battle cry before making his way down the ramp.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Making his way to the ring, The Show Off, Dooolph Ziiiglerrr!

MICHAEL COLE: Dolph Ziggler looks ready to make his mark here tonight, Wade!

WADE BARRETT: Well like I said before, Ziggler has always been determined to prove he belongs at the top and tonight is going to be no different!

Ziggler gets to the bottom of the ramp and he walks to the side of the ring and hops up onto the apron. Grabbing the sides of his jacket, Dolph crosses them over each other before pulling them open again, thrusting his hips out and flexing his abs before stepping into the ring. He takes his jacket off and drops it over the side of the ring to the ringside attendant before turning his attention back towards the entrance ramp. As Dolph’s music fades out, “Ghost Town Triumph” begins to play over the speakers and the boos are now mostly replaced by cheers as Adam Page walks out to the top of the ramp. He pauses for a moment to look out at the crowd before he continues marching down towards the ring.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: And his opponent, Hangman Adaaam Paaage!

MICHAEL COLE: Adam Page is making his WWE debut here tonight, Wade, and you have to believe that a win over a seasoned veteran like Dolph Ziggler would do big things for him!

WADE BARRETT: It certainly would, Cole, and judging by the look on his face, that’s exactly what he’s hoping for!

Adam gets to the bottom of the ramp and walks around the side of the ring, slapping hands and pounding fists with fans in the front row before hopping up onto the apron, looking at Dolph Ziggler with an intense gaze. He paces on the apron for a moment before looking down and running his right arm across his forehead, and then looking back up and raising his arm in the air while letting out a passionate cry. He steps into the ring and outstretches his hands as he lets out another cry, before dropping his arms and sliding out of his vest. Looking over at Dolph Ziggler, he hands his vest off to a ringside attendant and begins pacing back and forth as his music fades out.

---

---

As the bell rings, the two men begin to circle each other in the ring. Ziggler jumps forward as if to attack and Page jumps back to counter but Dolph is just laughing at him after the fake attack. In a fit of anger, Adam Page steps forward and shoves Dolph, who shoves Page back in return and the two butt their heads together as they mouth off expletives to one another. Adam Page nails a forearm smash and then picks Dolph Ziggler up and nails a Fallaway Slam that makes the veteran's eyes go wide as he gets to his feet holding his back in pain but still surprised at the showing of strength by Page.

MICHAEL COLE: Dolph doesn’t look like he was expecting that from Page!

WADE BARRETT: Some of these guys are deceptively stronger than they look. Page was a farmhand, and he likes to think of himself as something of a cowboy so I wouldn’t expect anything less.

MICHAEL COLE: Well if he hogties this one up, it’s going to be impressive for his record.
WADE BARRETT: Are you making puns, Cole? Please, don’t.

Dolph points at Adam and tells him to come at him but as Page rushes forward, the lariat attempt is ducked as Dolph tosses him over the top rope and Page lands on his feet on the apron. Dolph Ziggler is completely unaware as he laughs again and taps the side of his head as if to say he’s too smart to get caught with that. Adam Page, however, waits for him to turn around before flipping over the ropes, landing on his feet and nailing a BUCKSHOT LARIAT! He turns around to take advantage but his knee gives out for a second as he grabs it in pain.

MICHAEL COLE: It looks like when he flipped in, he didn’t land quite right.

WADE BARRETT: Not being able to stay on your feet isn’t a good thing, Cole. Ziggler would have to get back on his feet and take advantage though, if he’s knocked out from that lariat it won’t matter if Page is hurt.

The referee is checking on Page, who’s in the corner of the ring as they both check on his knee. Dolph Ziggler is slowly crawling his way to the ropes as he shakes off the effects of the impact he just took a moment ago. Slowly pulling himself to his feet, he is hardly aware of what’s going on with Page. Staring for a moment as he collects his thoughts, he finally gets the magnitude of the situation as he rolls out of the ring and makes a move to get behind Page. The referee is asking Page if he can stand on it and Page nods as he lets his foot set down and shows the referee. But Ziggler grabs him from outside of the ring and pulls him towards the turnbuckle corner, pulling his leg to the side before slamming the hurt knee into the turnbuckle post. Ziggler grabs it again quickly as he slams it hard into the post again, and Page screams in agony as he tries to pull himself away now and kicks back into Dolph’s face as Ziggler releases his hold on him.

MICHAEL COLE: Looks like Dolph is taking your advice and using the injury to his advantage!

WADE BARRETT: If you want to be successful, you listen to those who came before you, Cole!

MICHAEL COLE: It certainly does seem like a play directly from the Wade Barrett playbook!

Dolph isn’t going to give up that easy, though, as he slides into the ring and rushes to chop block the knee from behind, knocking Adam Page on his backside. Picking him back up from the canvas by his hair, he then whips Page into the corner and runs in with a Stinger Splash that knocks Hangman for a loop. As Page stumbles out of the corner, Dolph jumps up wrapping his arms around the neck of Page and hits a DDT that plants Hangman hard into the canvas head first. Ziggler gets up again and leans against the ropes as he brushes his wet hair back and taunts for a moment over the body of Page. He begins yelling at him as he picks him up off the canvas and gets rolled up into a small package. 1…2…-AND DOLPH KICKS OUT! Flabbergasted as he gets to his feet at the same time as Page, Dolph runs in for a clothesline but it’s ducked and Page hits the ropes on the other side and comes back ducking a second attempt before getting behind Dolph Ziggler and nailing him with a German Suplex. Page doesn’t slow down as he nails a Standing Shooting Star Press as he begins to limp on his bad knee now. Adam Page throws his arm up in the air and signals to the crowd as they roar with approval and he heads to the apron again. As he waits, Dolph Ziggler slowly gets to his feet as Page jumps in again and lands on his feet before hitting a second BUCKSHOT LARIAT! He hooks the leg again as you can see the pain on his face from the second flip, 1…2…3!




SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, Hangman ADAAAM PAAAGE!

WADE BARRETT: Adam Page is looking a lot worse for wear, but he pulled off an impressive victory here tonight!

MICHAEL COLE: That he did, though I have to say, Dolph Ziggler doesn’t look pleased with the results. If I were Adam Page, I’d keep myself alert for any possible retaliation.

WADE BARRETT: Just the cost of doing business in this industry, Cole.

Adam Page gets his arm raised in the air by the referee as he gets to his feet, pounding a fist against his chest for a moment before raising that one up as well. The crowd is chanting “HANGMAN! HANGMAN! HANGMAN!” as he gives them a nod and gets helped out of the ring and down the stairs. Meanwhile, Dolph Ziggler is sitting up in the ring, watching Hangman go up the ramp, his eyes narrowed in anger and he slaps the canvas hard in frustration.

The cameras cut to the backstage area to see Nick and Matt Jackson walking down a hallway. The crowd in the PPG Paints Arena boo as they see the Bucks on the TitanTron. The Bucks have rather serious looks on their faces, maybe even a little bit annoyed. They get to their destination and stop outside Stephanie McMahon’s office. They share a quick look and then Nick knocks on the door. They’re called into the office, closing the door behind them. Stephanie looks up from her desk and gives them a smile.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Nick and Matt Jackson, it’s great to see you guys. To what do I owe this pleasure?

Nick holds up a piece of paper. It has folded creases in it, and he has a questioning look on his face.

NICK JACKSON: We just got this memo about using Cathy Kelley in our BTE videos?

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Right, I’m sure as you both know, Cathy is a contracted member of WWE. There are some rules and regulations as far as her employment in any side jobs goes.

MATT JACKSON: It’s just a YouTube show.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: And you two are also contracted members of the WWE roster now. Did you guys read your contracts?

NICK JACKSON: Unfortunately.

Matt tries a different approach.

MATT JACKSON: Listen, Steph, can I call you Steph?

She narrows her eyes a bit and nods slowly once.

MATT JACKSON: We’re coming to you right now Executive Vice President to Executive Vice President. This visit is about a little more than the note we received.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Then what’s this visit really about?

NICK JACKSON: I think you can agree that the TLC tag team match at Night of Champions was a little bit disappointing.

MATT JACKSON: A little flat. Those big dummies in the Authors of Pain were a third wheel and a half. They got in the way of what should have been the biggest tag team match in WWE history.

NICK JACKSON: Bigger than any Edge and Christian, Hardy Boyz, and Dudley Boys tag team match.

MATT JACKSON: Bigger than Jericho and Benoit against Austin and your husband, Triple H.

NICK JACKSON: You get the picture. It was supposed to be the match to end all matches. Frankly, it should have main evented Night of Champions but with the wet fart ending we got, I’m it didn’t.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: What are you guys getting at?

MATT JACKSON: Steph, we deserve a shot at the tag team titles. Straight up match against Punk and Stevie. No other people involved in the match. Just us, and them.

NICK JACKSON: It’s what the fans want too.

MATT JACKSON: Now, Punk and Stevie will try and avoid this.

NICK JACKSON: Absolutely, no doubt.

MATT JACKSON: Surely you can understand what it means to be a fighting champion, though, with you being a former WWE Women’s Champion yourself.

NICK JACKSON: Maybe the best women’s champion of all time.

Stephanie holds a hand up, cutting them off.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: That’s enough.

Nick and Matt stop and wait patiently for her response.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: First and foremost, you guys are no longer Executive Vice Presidents. Furthermore, I am not an Executive Vice President. However, you bring up a valid point. The Authors of Pain certainly stuck out like a sore thumb in the tag team title match. I think there’s some opportunity for a Young Bucks and Greatest Tag Team in the World match, but you’re going to have to earn that opportunity.

MATT JACKSON: Earn our shot? Have you seen your tag team division? Should be easy enough.

NICK JACKSON: We’ll even stop using Cathy in our Being the Elite show.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Just make sure she signs a legal waiver before using her next time.

Stephanie gives them a soft, almost sarcastic smile.

MATT JACKSON: Anything you want, Steph.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Will that be all?

NICK JACKSON: I think so.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Gentlemen, thank you.

Stephanie gestures towards the office door and the Young Bucks look at each other and nod, heading out of the office as the cameras go back to ringside.

WADE BARRETT: The Young Bucks are trying to politic their way into a tag team title shot.

MICHAEL COLE: That might be how it works in other places, but not here.

WADE BARRETT: We’ll see. I think they have a legit argument for one.

MICHAEL COLE: Another man who has a legitimate argument is Lance Storm, who earlier tonight made it clear that he’s sick and tired of hearing about the age difference between himself and a majority of the WWE roster. He thinks people should focus on his talent, not his age.

WADE BARRETT: I don’t see why he’s so bent out of shape, Cole, he is older than most of the guys on the roster!

MICHAEL COLE: That doesn’t matter, Wade, the man has proven that he can still go in the ring! He was the runner-up in the Intercontinental Championship battle royal!

WADE BARRETT: There’s no denying he still has what it takes to hang with the best of them, I’m just saying that there is an age discrepancy. But the man is undoubtedly a machine and I know he’s less than thrilled that he didn’t walk out of Night of Champions as the Intercontinental Champion.

MICHAEL COLE: That’s an understatement, partner! But he’s looking to redeem himself on the road to climbing back up the ranks to contendership status, with Dominik Mysterio being the first stop on that journey!

WADE BARRETT: And while there may be an age discrepancy in this one, there’s also an experience discrepancy, and as I’ve said a couple of times now, I think Dominik is going to be in for one hell of a night here, Cole!

”Thunderstruck” by AC/DC hits the speakers and the Pittsburgh crowd begins to cheer as Lance Storm walks out to the top of the ramp. Looking out at the crowd with a serious expression, Lance raises his arms in the air before making his way down the ramp.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Making his way to the ring, The Thrillseeker, Laaance Stooorrrm!

MICHAEL COLE: Lance Storm looks determined and ready to go, Wade!

WADE BARRETT: Like you said earlier, Cole, he’s looking to make a statement that he can hang with the current crop of superstars and he has his sights set on the Intercontinental Championship! You have to think that Logan Paul will be keeping a close eye on this one!

Lance gets to the bottom of the ramp and he marches up the steel steps, wiping his feet off on the apron before entering the ring. He walks to the center of the ring and raises his arms up in the air once again, nodding at the crowd’s cheers. He lowers his arms and begins rolling his shoulders to warm up, and as his music fades out he turns his attention to the entrance ramp area. “It Is My Time” by def rebel now begins to play and the crowd’s cheers turn into a thunderous roar of boos as “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio makes his way out from the back. Looking out at the crowd with a cocky sneer, Dominik turns his attention to Lance Storm in the ring, and his expression becomes more serious as he saunters down the ramp towards the ring.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: And his opponent, ”Dirty” Dominiiik Mysteeerrriooo!

MICHAEL COLE: This is Dominik’s first match in the new era of WWE, and you have to imagine he’s looking to prove that he can stand on his own two feet.

WADE BARRETT: I’m sure he is, Cole, Dom has always had someone around to help him when the going got too rough but now he’s flying solo, and we’re about to find out if he has what it takes to get the job done!

As Dominik reaches the bottom of the ramp, the cocky sneer returns to his face. Making his way over to the steel steps, Dominik walks up to the apron with a confident swagger, pausing on the apron to point at Lance Storm and talk trash to him while the official makes sure that Lance doesn’t get ignited by Mysterio's words. Storm, to his credit, stays where he’s at, watching stoically as Mysterio enters the ring. Dominik continues staring down Storm, as if he’s trying to intimidate him, but Storm doesn’t seem fazed in the slightest. As Dominik’s music fades out, the referee keeps both of his arms up as he stands between the two men, making sure neither of them pull any shady tactics before the bell rings.

---

---

The bell rings and as Lance Storm starts bouncing on his feet, Dominik simply leans back in the corner that he’s standing in and gives an exaggerated yawn, as if to say he’s already bored of being in the ring with Storm. The Canadian veteran narrows his eyes at this and motions for Dominik to come forward and face him like a man. With a smirk, Dominik lazily walks out of the corner and goes for a right hand but Storm dodges it and delivers a stiff kick to the right leg of Mysterio, who looks thrown off by the maneuver. He quickly regroups, however, and goes for a left hand this time, but Storm once again dodges the move and delivers a stiff kick to the left leg of Mysterio. Clearly frustrated, Dominik lunges towards Lance Storm looking for a clothesline, but Storm ducks the clothesline attempt and hooks “Dirty” Dom around the waist and lifts him up and over, driving him into the mat with a German suplex!

MICHAEL COLE: Lance Storm with an early advantage here and it looks like Dominik’s frustration is already getting the best of him!

WADE BARRETT: He better keep his emotions in check if he wants to have even a chance of getting the win over Lance Storm, Cole!

Dominik slowly gets to his feet, shaking the cobwebs out of his head after being slightly dazed from the German suplex. He looks at Lance Storm, who has a whisper of a smirk on his face, and grits his teeth. Dominik comes running towards Storm, but Storm side steps out of the way and takes Dominik down once again, this time with a drop toe hold! Dominik slaps the mat in frustration and quickly gets up to his feet, only to turn around into a spinning heel kick from Storm! With Dominik once again down on the mat, Lance goes for the cover, 1…2…no! Dominik kicks out!

MICHAEL COLE: Lance Storm continues to dominate the match in the early goings here!

WADE BARRETT: He’s showing that age doesn’t mean a damn thing inside of that ring, it’s experience that matters!

Lance doesn’t look too bothered that Dominik kicked out, and reaches down to pick him back up. Dominik, however, shows just why he goes by “Dirty” Dom when he reaches up and delivers an eye rake to Storm! Temporarily blinded, Lance stumbles back, trying to wipe the blurriness from his eyes and shake the pain away. As he’s doing this, Dominik scrambles up to his feet and runs towards Storm, taking him down with a spear! Mysterio now mounts his downed opponent and begins nailing him in the face with right hands, as the referee tells him to let up. Finally, he relents and he stands up, holding his arms out to the side and smirking as the crowd boos him. Turning his attention back to Lance Storm who is starting to get back to his feet, Dominik leans over slightly,sizing up the older man and as Storm fully gets to his feet, Dominik knocks him back down with a picture perfect dropkick! His confidence starting to build, Dominik steps out onto the apron and raises one arm into the air, laughing at the loudly booing Pittsburgh crowd. He walks across the apron to the closest set of turnbuckles and climbs up to the top, watching as Lance Storm tries to get to his feet. As The Thrillseeker finally gets upright, Dominik leaps off the top with a huge crossbody that slams Storm back into the canvas! Feeling like he has this in the bag, Dominik stays on top of Storm and hooks the leg for the cover, 1…2…THRNOOO! Lance Storm gets the shoulder up!

MICHAEL COLE: I thought Dominik was going to have it there, Wade!

WADE BARRETT: I’ll be honest, I did too. But I have a feeling it’s going to take a lot more than that to put Lance Storm away. His determination is just too strong!

Dominik is in shock that Storm has kicked out, and he looks at the referee and holds up three fingers, but the referee stands his ground that it was in fact only a two count. Gritting his teeth, Dominik turns his attention back to Storm and leans down to pick him up, but Storm grabs him and rolls him up into a surprise small package pin! 1…2…THRNOOO! Now it’s Dominik who kicks out at the last second! Both men are back up to their feet in a flash and Dominik runs towards Storm, leaping up onto him and looking for a hurricanrana, but Storm hangs onto Mysterio’s legs, driving him down to the mat with a powerbomb! Storm continues to hang onto Dominik’s left leg, though, turning him over and locking in the Canadian Maple Leaf! Dominik is screaming in agony as he struggles towards the ropes, crawling and desperately clawing at the mat. He gets closer to the ropes and reaches out to grab the bottom rope, but his eyes go wide with surprise as Lance drags him away and back to the center of the ring, sitting down lower to cinch the hold in even tighter! Dominik lets out one final cry before realizing he has no other choice and begins to wildly slap his hand against the mat. Dom taps out!



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, The Thrillseeker, LAAANCE STOOORRRM!

MICHAEL COLE: Lance Storm with a pretty decisive win here tonight!

WADE BARRETT: Can’t say I’m surprised, Cole, but I’ll give credit where credit is due, Dominik Mysterio didn’t go down without a fight!

MICHAEL COLE: He certainly didn’t! He showed he has what it takes to hang in the ring with a veteran like Lance Storm and as much as it pains me to say it, I think he’s proven that he’s got a bright future in this new era!

Lance Storm lets go of the hold and stands up as “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC hits the speakers again. The referee raises Lance’s arm into the air, and Lance then goes and climbs up onto the second turnbuckle, raising his arms triumphantly in the air, nodding his head as he soaks in the crowds’ cheers. Hopping back down to the canvas, he looks at the downed Dominik Mysterio and just shakes his head before turning and stepping out onto the apron, hopping down to the floor and making his way up the ramp towards the back. In the ring, Dominik is finally starting to get to his feet, using the ropes for support as he gingerly stands up. Limping over to the ropes, he looks out at the crowd with an angry snarl, flipping them off which once again incites a chorus of thunderous boos. Waving them off, Dominik gently exits the ring and hobbles down the steel steps, limping up the ramp to the back.

The cameras now transition over to what appears to be a pre-taped vignette. A studded tower engulfs the scene before flashing into the midst of the tight nit tower. Inside, we are met with the imagery of a new face on Monday nights, but one very familiar to those familiar with the business.



CHARLIE DEMPSEY: My entire life has always been chasin' wha' my father put before my eyes. Tha' tales of his rise up the ranks. Tha' way this business took from him at a tender age, to tha' man you people knew him as. For those unaware, you know my father as William Regal. Cut from the same cloth, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Charlie, and I? I like to wrestle. As a matter o'fact, tha' act of wrestlin' has followed me my entire life. You see, being tha' son of a Lord has its perks. I've established my mits on tha' path to my own journey. And with Backlash being on tha' horizon, I'll be using these next few weeks to show tha' people exactly what I'll bring to the table. But I promise, they're not going to bloody like what I'll do to get to where I want to be. But if you excuse me, I've got some matters to attend to.

The second generation talent turns his back to the camera, leaving more questions than answers. What's to expect with this man? Intriguing to say the least. And with that, the cameras now return to the main part of the PPG Paints Arena. The camera pans over the crowd and into the center of the arena. “Take Flight” by def rebel fades to an end while the sound of the audience booing roars over it. Logan Paul stands in the middle of the ring wearing all black, sunglasses, and the Intercontinental Championship belt around his waist. In his hand is a microphone, and Logan grins and laughs at the crowd. It looks like he can’t contain his excitement. Logan waits for the crowd to quiet down, and then lifts up the microphone to speak.

LOGAN PAUL: I told you!

A loud roar of boos pours over the arena. Logan sticks his tongue out and shakes his head, taunting the audience.

LOGAN PAUL: You didn’t listen to me! You people, you never listen to me. That’s why we can never get along. You hate me? Well, boooooo. I hate you too.

Logan taunts the audience with a “thumbs down” gesture and “booing” briefly. Then he watches the crowd silently until they settle down. Just as the audience gets quieter and quieter, almost to a full silence, Logan lifts up the championship belt and holds it up with one arm. Logan holds it up for a moment, not saying anything, just staring at the crowd. One minute feels like eternity. Then Logan lifts up the microphone.

LOGAN PAUL: You’re looking at your new WWE Intercontinental Champion!

Logan lowers the microphone and laughs inaudibly. He turns to view everyone.

LOGAN PAUL: Where’s Wade Barrett?

MICHAEL COLE: Is he talking about you, Wade?

WADE BARRETT: Who the hell else would he be talking about, Cole?

Logan Paul walks over to the east side of the ring and points to the announcer's table with one hand while holding the microphone with the other. He seems to be grinning and trying to hold back his laughter.

LOGAN PAUL: You son of a bitch. I heard what you said at Night of Champions during my match.

MICHAEL COLE: What did you say?!

WADE BARRETT: Oh, here we go.

LOGAN PAUL: You called me the new “Legend Killer”! Haha!

Logan Paul laughs and motions around the ring, goofing off while clutching the championship over his shoulder.

LOGAN PAUL: That’s funny. That goes to show how easily manipulated the WWE universe is. I say one line as a joke, and the next thing you know, the announcers are running with it at Night of Champions. Well, why should I hide from the truth anyway? It only took me two weeks to defeat eleven of your favorite superstars.

MICHAEL COLE: Very bold words from Logan here

WADE BARRETT: He wins one or two matches, and he’s flying off the handle. He was acting like he could never lose a match.

LOGAN PAUL: The New Era is all about Logan Paul. Tonight, it’s the Intercontinental Championship. Soon, this will be the WWE Championship. It’s only a matter of time before I break down the rest of this brittle little roster. Call it what you want. Out with the old, in with the new era...

“Take Flight” plays again as Logan holds both arms up with one holding the belt. Logan yells and shakes his head. His expression shows that he’s very excited and full of adrenaline.

MICHAEL COLE: That was quite the…passionate speech from our new Intercontinental Champion, Wade!

WADE BARRETT: Logan Paul is on top of the world right now after winning big at Night of Champions, but if he isn’t careful, it’s all going to come crashing down around him sooner than he thinks!

MICHAEL COLE: Another one on top of the world after Night of Champions is Serena Deeb, who won the fatal four-way elimination match to become the inaugural Women’s Champion of the new era. Not one to rest on her laurels, she’s defending the title up next in our main event against Liv Morgan, who’s certainly eager to make a splash of her own in the new era!

”Liv Gone Mad” by def rebel hits the speakers and the crowd cheers as Liv Morgan makes her way out to the top of the ramp. Looking out at the crowd with a big smile, Liv puts her hands on her hips, striking a pose before making her way down the ramp.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall, and it is for the WWE Women’s Championship! Making her way to the ring is the challenger, Liiiv Morrrgaaan!

MICHAEL COLE: Liv Morgan had some pretty strong words for Serena Deeb, Wade! It seems like she’s ready to do whatever it takes to win the Women’s Championship tonight!

WADE BARRETT: While Liv does have a good track record behind her, she’s got a hell of a mountain to climb in facing Serena Deeb. The Assassin is dominant in a way we haven’t seen from a woman in a long time in the WWE!

Liv gets to the bottom of the ramp and pauses, looking at the ring and exhaling deeply before going over to the steel stairs and walking up to the apron. She enters the ring and walks over to the far side of ropes, throwing her right leg out between the ropes and then leaning the rest of her body out, sitting on the ropes in her signature pose, a big smile on her face. She then enters back into the ring and turns her attention to the entrance area, taking another deep breath as her music fades out and “Switchblade” by NJPW begins to play. The crowd continues cheering as the Women’s Champion, Serena Deeb comes out from the back, wearing the Women’s Championship proudly around her waist. Looking around the arena at the fans, Serena nods before making her way towards the ring.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: And her opponent, she is the WWE Women’s Champion, The Assassin Sereeenaaa Deeeeeeb!

MICHAEL COLE: Serena Deeb looks as ready as ever for this match, Wade!

WADE BARRETT: As she should, Cole! Like I said, she’s displayed a dominance the likes of which we haven’t seen in years!

Reaching the bottom of the ramp, Serena pauses for a moment, looking at Liv waiting for her in the ring and nods with a steely gaze before making her way up the steel steps. Wiping her feet off on the apron, Serena steps into the ring, walking to the center and raising her arms into the air as the crowd continues to cheer for her. She takes off her robe, handing it to a ringside attendant, before taking the WWE Women’s Championship off of her waist and raising it high into the air, looking over at Liv with that same intense gaze as she does so. Lowering the belt, Serena hands it over to the referee and she begins to swing her arms back and forth to warm them up, not taking her eyes off of Liv as her music fades out.

---

---

As the bell rings, the two ladies stare intently at one another. Liv lets out another exhale, before walking up to Serena and extending her hand, looking for a handshake. Looking down at the outstretched hand, Serena looks back up at Liv and arches her eyebrow, not sure whether she should accept the handshake or not. Liv nods, indicating that she’s been sincere, and never one to turn down a display of sportsmanship, Serena nods and reaches out and accepts the handshake and the fans cheer at the sign of respect. Suddenly, Liv strikes, kicking Serena in the midsection, taking the Women’s Champion by surprise and causing her to double over. Looking to capitalize on the moment, Liv strikes Serena with a double axe handle to the back, knocking The Assassin down to the mat. Clearly looking to inflict as much damage as she can as quickly as possible, Liv gets down and starts hammering on Serena’s back, before turning her over so that her back is against the mat. Liv stands up and then comes back down, driving into Serena with an elbow drop! Quickly getting back to her feet, Liv hits the ropes and when she comes back, jumps up and comes down with a leg drop, her leg crashing against the throat and upper chest of Serena Deeb! Eagerly, Liv makes the cover and hooks the leg. 1…2…kick out by Serena Deeb!

MICHAEL COLE: Liv Morgan is trying to end this one as quickly as possible, Wade!

WADE BARRETT: That’s a smart strategy, Cole, but it’s going to take some moves with much bigger impact if she’s hoping to put Serena Deeb down for the three count!

Quickly getting to her feet, Liv grabs Serena by the air and throws her into the ropes. When Serena comes back, Liv leaps on her with a Lou Thesz Press, staying mounted on her and delivering more shots to the face before the referee makes her let up. Liv stands back up, waiting for Serena to get to her feet. As Serena stands, Liv runs at her again, knocking her back down with a step-up enziguri! Once again, Liv quickly goes for the cover, 1…2…another kick out by Serena Deeb!

MICHAEL COLE: Liv is really staying on top of her offense here!

WADE BARRETT: Which is exactly what you have to do in a situation like this, Cole! The moment she lets up is when Serena will strike!

Liv looks a little frustrated that this move didn’t get the job done. Standing up, she looks at the downed Women’s Champion, as if wondering what she should do next. Looking at the ropes, she nods before running towards them, and when she comes back, she jumps in the air, looking for a jumping elbow drop, but Serena moves out of the way, causing Liv to crash into the canvas! As Liv holds her elbow in pain, Serena grabs Liv by the hair and lifts her up to her feet. However, before The Assassin can do anything, Liv delivers a forearm to the face, knocking Serena back a bit. Liv then jumps up in the air, grabbing Serena by the back of the head and driving The Assassin’s face into her knees, hitting a vicious Jersey Codebreaker! Feeling like this may have done the trick, Liv goes for the cover again, hooking the leg, 1…2…THRNOOO! Serena Deeb gets the shoulder up!

MICHAEL COLE: That was a close call, Wade!

WADE BARRETT: It was very close, Cole! I thought we were about to have a new Women’s Champion!

Liv lets out a frustrated wail as she stands up, bending down and picking Serena Deeb up once more. This time, however, The Assassin nails Liv with a shot to the midsection, causing the challenger to lose her grip. Serena hits Liv with another shot, and then another one, before sticking her head under Liv’s arm and lifting her up and over, driving her down with a Northern Lights suplex! Serena keeps Liv down on the mat, bridging up into a pin of her own, 1…2…Liv gets the shoulder up!

MICHAEL COLE: Looks like the tide has turned in Serena’s favor!

WADE BARRETT: If Liv wants any chance at walking out of Pittsburgh with the title, she needs to regroup and fast!

Serena stands up looking down at Liv on the mat and coming down on her with a standing elbow drop of her own. And then a second one! And then a third! Serena stands up as Liv is now clutching at her chest as she writhes in pain, but Serena grabs Liv’s arm and pulls it away from her chest, laying it flat on the mat and delivering a stomp to the arm! Liv cries out in agony, but Serena delivers another stomp, and then another before the referee tells her to back up, which she does without a fight.

MICHAEL COLE: Serena is tapping into that aggressive side that makes her so dangerous!

WADE BARRETT: It looks like she’s trying to weaken up that arm, Cole, which can’t be a good sign!

Serena stands in the corner and watches as the referee checks on Liv, making sure she’s okay to continue with the match. Liv nods that she’s good and she wants to keep going, and she begins to get back to her feet. As she stands up, she turns around to see Serena running at her, nailing her in the face with a bicycle kick! Not content with that, however, Serena picks Liv up by the hair and throws her into the ropes. When Liv comes back she attempts a clothesline, but Serena ducks it, going behind Liv and lifting her up and spinning her around, driving her back down to the mat with a Blue Thunder Bomb! However, much like she did with Tiffany Stratton a few weeks ago, instead of going for the pin Serena floats over to Liv’s outstretched arms, grabbing the one she had just been stomping on, and applying an armbar! Liv screams in agony as Serena leans back, really locking in the hold, and she quickly slaps her hand against the canvas, tapping out!



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, and STILL the WWE Women’s Champion, The Assassin, SEREEENAAA DEEEEEEB!

MICHAEL COLE: Another dominant display from the Women’s Champion here tonight!

WADE BARRETT: As soon as she started stomping on that arm, I had a feeling that that’s where this was going, and I was right!

As “Switchblade” begins playing again, Serena gets to her feet and the referee hands her the WWE Women’s Championship and raises her arm in the air. As Serena holds the championship up triumphantly as the crowd cheers her on. She walks over to the turnbuckles and climbs up onto the second one, raising the championship into the air once again, before climbing back down and turning her attention to Liv who is clutching her arm in pain. Walking over to her, Serena bends down to check on her when suddenly, WHAM! she’s hit from behind by a double axe handle to the back.

MICHAEL COLE: What the hell is this?!

WADE BARRETT: It’s Tiffany Stratton! She’s back!

Indeed, it is none other than Tiffany Stratton who now mounts the downed Women’s Champion and begins delivering right hands to her face. The referee manages to get Tiffany off of Serena but Tiffany shoves the referee away from her and bends down, grabbing Serena by the hair and picking her up. Once she gets Serena on her feet, she throws her into the turnbuckles and then runs at her, hitting her with a handspring elbow that sends Serena down to the mat. Looking down at Serena with a sneer, Tiffany then looks up and around at the crowd that is raining boos down upon her and she screams at them to shut up. Looking around the ring, a smirk forms on her face as she sees the Women’s Championship lying on the mat. Bending down, she picks up the belt and raises it into the air, yelling that it will soon be hers.



MICHAEL COLE: Tiffany Stratton with a disgusting attack on the Women’s Champion and now she’s parading around with the belt like it’s hers!

WADE BARRETT: Serena Deeb is the one who eliminated her from being able to compete for the title at Night of Champions, and it’s clear that she’s back to get revenge!

MICHAEL COLE: This is absolutely disgusting and classless! Tiffany Stratton better watch her back because I have a feeling Serena Deeb isn’t going to just sit back and take this. But folks, we’re going to have to wait and see what comes of this, because we’re all out of time for tonight. Thank you for joining us on Monday Night RAW, we’ll see you next week in Boston!