Monday Night RAW 4-8-2024

As the opening video package ends, pyro explodes on the stage as the crowd in Boston, Massachusetts is erupting in cheers. The cameras pan through the crowd, showing off various signs reading things like “Logan Paul Sucks!”, “Boston Loves Punk!”, “Tiffy Time Is Over!” and more. After doing a pan of the TD Garden, 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 the incomparable Wade Barrett, and Wade, we have quite a night ahead of us as we continue on the road to Backlash!

WADE BARRETT: That we do, Cole! Last week it was made official, Diesel will challenge Swerve Strickland for the WWE Championship at Backlash, and you have to believe those two are both going to have something to say about that tonight!

MICHAEL COLE: I’m sure they will, Wade! And speaking of champions, our Intercontinental Champion, Logan Paul, is going up against the man who came very close to walking out of Madison Square Garden with the championship himself, Lance Storm!

WADE BARRETT: That one is sure to be an intense matchup! Lance Storm is less than thrilled that he didn’t leave Night of Champions as the Intercontinental Champion, and he’s dead set on proving that he’s capable of holding that title!

MICHAEL COLE: That he is! Speaking of proving themselves, Liv Morgan looks to bounce back after coming up short against Serena Deeb in last week’s Women’s Championship match, she’s taking on Mandy Rose who is making her return to WWE action for the first time in this new era!

WADE BARRETT: Both ladies are as dangerous as they are beautiful, and they could be a serious contender for either championship. Liv may not have walked away with the gold last week, but she still took the fight to Serena Deeb!

MICHAEL COLE: She certainly did, partner! And let’s not forget our main event tonight, two incredible superstars go head to head when Sami Zayn takes on Dolph Ziggler!

WADE BARRETT: They’re both incredibly accomplished athletes, looking to make their mark in this new era and establish themselves at the top of the mountain. This one’s definitely going to be a hard hitting affair!

MICHAEL COLE: Absolutely, I can’t wait! I have a feeling that tonight is going to be spectacular!

“Welcome to the Queendom” by Jim Johnston begins to play and the crowd goes wild with cheers as one the owners of the WWE, Stephanie McMahon, makes her way out to the top of the ramp. Looking around at the capacity crowd with a smile, Stephanie begins to make her way down the ramp towards the ring.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Ladies and gentlemen please welcome, one of the owners of WWE, Stephaniiieee McMaaahonnn!

MICHAEL COLE: In what seems to be a standard routine these days, we have Stephanie McMahon kicking off RAW tonight. It’s always interesting when the boss is out here!

WADE BARRETT: It certainly is, Cole, I can’t wait to see what Stephanie has in store for us tonight!

Stephanie reaches the bottom of the ramp, going over to the steel steps and making her way up to the apron and entering the ring. She walks to the center of the ring, holding out her arms as the smile on her face grows even wider. She walks over to Samantha Irvin and asks for the microphone, which Samantha hands to her with a smile before exiting the ring. As her music begins to fade out, Stephanie walks to the center of the ring and she waits for the crowd to settle down before she raises the microphone up to her mouth and she begins to speak.



STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Boston…welcome to Monday Night RAW!

The crowd once again erupts into raucous cheers, both at the cheap pop and at the iconic welcoming line. Stephanie waits for the crowd to quiet back down and once they do, she continues on.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: It is so great to be here in front of you all, and we have some incredible things planned for you tonight so I hope you’re ready to be taken on one hell of a ride!

Stephanie pauses as the crowd reacts with more cheers, and she smiles and nods at the response. After a moment, the crowd once again dies back down and she continues.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Now, before we get to the exciting WWE action tonight, there is of course some business to take care of.

The crowd begins to buzz curiously as they wonder just what kind of business Stephanie is talking about.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: I know, I know. It seems like every week there’s always something, doesn’t it? Well, that just comes with the territory of running a company like WWE, there’s always something that needs to be taken care of. And for this particular piece of business, I need someone to come and join me down here in this ring. So without further ado, can I please have our esteemed General Manager, William Regal, join me out here?

”Regality” by Jim Johnston begins to play on the speakers and the crowd once again begins to cheer as Stephanie turns her attention to the entrance area, waiting for William Regal to come out. After a moment, he steps out from the back and makes his way to the top of the entrance ramp. He looks around at the crowd, giving them a wave and a smile before he turns his attention to Stephanie and begins to make his way towards the ring, a curious look on his face.



MICHAEL COLE: Here comes our esteemed General Manager, Wade! I wonder what kind of business Stephanie needs him to take care of tonight?

WADE BARRETT: Whatever it is, I’m sure he’ll treat it with the utmost importance. There’s a reason he was selected to be the General Manager of the new era!

Regal reaches the bottom of the ramp and he pauses, glancing again at Stephanie who is gesturing to him to come into the ring. He walks over to the steel steps and makes his way up to the apron, wiping his feet off before entering the ring. Walking over to the ropes, he asks for a microphone and is handed one by the ringside attendant. As his music fades out, Stephanie raises her microphone to address him.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: William, thank you for joining me, I’m sure you’re wondering why I’ve asked you out here.

Regal nods, clearly not sure of what is going on.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Well, it’s simple, really. I have a question for you and I want an honest answer. William, are you happy with your job as the General Manager?

The crowd starts to buzz curiously as Regal furrows his brow. After a moment, he licks his lips before raising his microphone up to his mouth.

WILLIAM REGAL: Yes, yes, I am, Miss McMahon.

Stephanie gives Regal a big smile.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: I’m so glad to hear that, truly. So then it’s safe to say that you also like your job, is that correct?

Regal’s brow furrows deeper as he tries to figure out where this is going.

WILLIAM REGAL: Yes, yes, I do.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Wonderful. So, since you like your job and you’re also happy with it, I guess I’d like to know…where the hell have you been for the last couple of weeks?

The buzzing of the crowd is growing louder as Stephanie looks at Regal with an expression of both anger and expectancy. Regal, for his part, now looks nervous as he runs his hand against the back of his head before responding.

WILLIAM REGAL: Miss McMahon, I - -

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Save it, Regal.

Stephanie cuts Regal off before he can respond, the anger very evident both in her voice and on her face.



STEPHANIE MCMAHON: I don’t want to hear whatever excuse you’re about to try and give me. My husband and I went out of our way to give you a job, put you in a position of power, and how do you repay us? You completely ghosted us for Night of Champions. Our first Premium Live Event of the new era, and where was our esteemed General Manager? Who knows? But it wasn’t in Madison Square Garden! And to make matters worse, you couldn’t even be bothered to show up for RAW last week in Pittsburgh! Missing two weeks of work, especially the first Premium Live Event, is not a good look. You say you like your job and you’re happy with it, yet you haven’t been performing your job duties!

WILLIAM REGAL: Miss McMahon, please - -

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: SHUT UP!

The crowd lets out a collective “ooh” as Stephanie yells at Regal, cutting him off again. Regal is looking at her with a pleading expression, but Stephanie just shakes her head.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: I’m disappointed in you, William. We chose you because we thought you’d be the perfect fit for the job. Unfortunately, you’ve shown us that you’re anything but the perfect fit for the job. So, with that being said, William Regal…you’re FIRED!

The crowd is giving off a mixed reaction, completely shocked at what has just transpired. Regal’s mouth drops open, and he then tries to plead with Stephanie off of the microphone but she shakes her head and takes a step back, raising the microphone up to her mouth.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Don’t try begging, the decision is final. You are hereby no longer the General Manager of the WWE. Now get the hell out of my ring!

Stephanie emphatically points towards the ropes, instructing Regal to leave the ring. Hanging his head, he drops his microphone and walks towards the ropes, looking at Stephanie one last time, but she just stares straight ahead. With a sad nod, Regal exits the ring and walks to the steel steps, walking down them and up the ramp, the crowd now booing to show their displeasure at what has just happened. Stephanie watches as Regal heads to the back, and she addresses the crowd once more.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: I know that may have been difficult to see, but it had to be done. We will not tolerate someone failing to do their job, regardless of what the position may be. From here on out, there will be no General Manager, it will simply be my husband and I in charge. So I hope everyone has been paying attention, because this is the official warning that mediocrity will not be tolerated.

The crowd is too stunned to react, and ”Welcome to the Queendom” begins to play on the speakers once again as Stephanie drops the microphone. Raising her arms into the air once more, she looks out at the crowd with a satisfied smile, before making her way to the ropes and exiting the ring. Going down the steel steps she begins to make her way up the ramp towards the back as the camera shifts over to the commentary table.

WADE BARRETT: I can’t believe what we’ve just witnessed, Cole, William Regal just got fired! Should we be worried?

MICHAEL COLE: Not if you keep doing your job properly, partner! Stephanie certainly didn’t have any mercy, though, I’ll say that much!

WADE BARRETT: I don’t think we’re going to see any mercy in this first match, either. Lance Storm is about to take on Logan Paul, and I’m sure he’s got some things he wants to get off his chest!

"Thunderstruck" by AC/DC begins to echo through the arena as Lance Storm makes his way out to the top of the stage, a stern expression on his face as he stares out at the crowd and raises his fists into the air.



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

His stern expression never wavers as he looks as though he's practically marching down to the ring. Stopping at the end of the ramp, he tucks his arms behind his back and stands at attention before scanning the arena for a moment.

MICHAEL COLE: Lance Storm is all business tonight as usual, and nobody can blame him.

WADE BARRETT: A veteran of the wrestling industry, and he's had a bit of a rough go so far. This week he is aiming to prove that he's got what it takes to keep himself in the game.

MICHAEL COLE: I'd love to see him get one over on Logan Paul. Although we don't know what sort of tricks Logan might have up his sleeve.

WADE BARRETT: Usually you expect the newer guy to be the one with the disadvantage. Logan Paul has proven time and time again that he's not your average rookie wrestler though.

MICHAEL COLE: Which makes him quite the threat for anybody he gets in the ring with.

Just as Storm goes to ascend the ring stairs, "HEYYYY YOOOOOOOOOO!" is heard and from behind, Logan Paul comes rushing down the rampway to meet Lance Storm as quick as his feet can carry him.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Annd his opponent, The Maverick, Looogan Paaaul!

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Logan Paul grabs Lance Storm from behind and tosses him shoulder first into the ring post, Storm falls off the stairs. Logan Paul grins as he grabs him up and rolls him into the ring with the bell sound to start the match and makes the cover, 1..., and the shoulder is already up by Lance Storm. Paul watches as Lance holds onto his shoulder as he gets to his feet. Logan grabs him by the bad arm and locks him into an arm wringer before flipping Storm over and kneeling on the bicep and punching the shoulder that went into the post. The fans are booing Logan Paul relentlessly now as he stands up and stomps on the bad shoulder of Lance Storm a few times.

WADE BARRETT: This kid seems to get smarter and smarter every week, Cole.

MICHAEL COLE: More like more despicable every week, Wade.

WADE BARRETT: Don't blame him for Storm's lack of awareness.

Logan drags Storm to the ropes as he drapes his arm over the bottom one and slaps him on the back of his head. Logan jumps up in the air before dropping a knee on the shoulder of Lance Storm, who rolls away in pain as he drags himself to the other side of the ring and tries to get himself up. Logan is too busy holding a hand to his ear as he grins while the fans continue to boo him very loudly to notice that Storm looks pissed. He's resting in the corner for a moment as he begins to climb to his feet as best as he can. As Logan turns around though, quick as a flash Storm hits a Super Kick that flips Logan over and lands him on his face on the canvas as the crowd roars with approval.

MICHAEL COLE: That's what you love to see!

WADE BARRETT: Logan Paul took his eyes off the ball for too long there!

MICHAEL COLE: A move that Logan Paul might just regret yet.

Lance Storm stands over the body of Logan Paul as he grabs the leg and the crowd are going crazy for him. Turning himself around, he locks in the Canadian Maple Leaf as he pulls back hard to apply pressure on the leg. Logan Paul is immediately back to life as he desperately looks for his way out of this. The referee is asking if he wants to quit but he shakes his head no, pulling himself forward towards the ropes as he groans with pain. The referee follows him closely to make sure he doesn't tap out, Logan reaches forward and goes to grab the ropes but they're just too far. Desperately he's scanning and grabs the referee by the shirt as he yanks the referee towards himself and Storm. Lance is unaware of the situation, which causes the referee to hit Storm in the shoulder with a nasty headbutt that sends the official down to the mat. The hold is released as Lance Storm favors the shoulder, and Logan Paul crawls out of the ring, desperate to escape punishment.

WADE BARRETT: This is what I'm talking about, Cole. Logan Paul is always looking, always aware of opportunities. He takes whatever advantage he can get and that's why he's been so successful so far!

MICHAEL COLE: By cheating his way through his career, that's why he's been so successful so far!

WADE BARRETT: You don't have to like it, but he's still going to do whatever it takes!

Storm follows after Logan and reaches out to grab him by his hair, and Logan is none the wiser as he leans against the ring. Lance grabs the hair and just as he's pulling him up, Logan nails him with a hard right hand punch that knocks him out. Logan slides into the ring as he makes the cover, hooking the leg as he desperately screams for the count to be made. Logan looks to see that the referee, however, is still out on the canvas, and he curses his luck. Grabbing at the referee's shirt he begins to shake him, screaming for the referee as he tries to rouse him. Logan turns to look back at Storm who is still not moving. As he looks back to the referee, he sees that he's getting up slowly. Logan Paul goes to the corner as he climbs to the top rope and gives a little shimmy for the crowd. He points at Lance Storm before he launches in the air and comes down with a Frog Splash which is turned into a roll-up, 1...2...3! NO! Logan gets the shoulder up and sits up as his eyes have gone wide with the near pinfall.

MICHAEL COLE: Dammit!

WADE BARRETT: We nearly saw a loss for our Intercontinental Champion there, Cole!

MICHAEL COLE: Logan Paul barely getting out of the roll-up attempt!

Both men have sprung to their feet now as Lance Storm goes for a spinning wheel kick that misses and Paul comes off the rope with a lariat that turns Storm inside out. Logan Paul goes to pick him up but is rolled up again, 1...2! NO! Logan Paul powers out of the situation and launches himself over the ropes to the apron as he motions for Lance Storm to get up. As Storm is back to his feet he turns around and gets nailed with a springboard One Lucky Punch that flips Lance Storm around 360 degrees. Logan Paul quickly hooks both legs, 1...2....3!



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, THE MAVERICK, LOOOGAN PAAAUL!

MICHAEL COLE: Another win for this disgusting social media mogul!

WADE BARRETT: You say that like it's a bad thing, Cole.

MICHAEL COLE: Lance Storm should've won this match, he's clearly the better in-ring competitor, Wade!

WADE BARRETT: Well that's not what the statistics are going to say, but I do think he's had a bit of rough luck recently. Lance Storm is a great in-ring competitor and he's influenced and trained a lot of today's superstars.

MICHAEL COLE: Once Lance Storm really gets rolling, I think Logan Paul is going to regret ever messing with him!

Logan Paul rolls out of the ring now as he grabs his WWE Intercontinental Championship from the referee and holds it up for the crowd. As he backs his way up the ramp he yells that he's "Never going to lose this, baby!" Laughing as he waves goodbye to Lance Storm who is just rousing in the center of the ring.

The cameras go to the backstage area where we see Sami Zayn, intently watching a monitor where he sees the match that has just taken place. He’s approached by Cathy Kelley, who has a microphone in her hand as per usual.

CATHY KELLEY: Sami, obviously a disappointing night for you at Night of Champions a couple of weeks ago, I guess I just want to know where your head is at right now?

Sami, takes a moment before he takes a deep breath and leans into the mic.

SAMI ZAYN: What can I say Cathy? Night of Champions didn't go as planned. I gave it my all, but sometimes things don't work out the way we want them to. It's a setback, but I'm not one to dwell on failure, I'm here to bounce back and prove my worth.

Sami points to the monitor at the match that just finished.

SAMI ZAYN: I'll be honest, and maybe this is my age showing, but these influencers...who think they can waltz through life, laugh at people less fortunate than them, just be kind of loud and obnoxious and make money off of it…that Intercontinental title doesn't belong in that world. Now don't get me wrong, this isn't "Ol' man Sami" not being down with the kids. Logan Paul has put in a lot of work, and it shows, but he'll use that title for what? To earn a few more subscribers? Sell a few bottles of Prime? I'm a wrestler, and I'm damn proud to be one. I don't have a brand to sell, or product to promote, and if Logan Paul thinks he'll make that title a part of his brand? He'll have to go through me first.

Sami nods to Cathy before walking off.

The cameras now go to a different part of the backstage area where we see Stephanie McMahon walking down a hallway, a satisfied smile on her face. As she turns a corner, she stops short as she almost bumps into someone and the camera reveals it’s none other than the Women’s Intercontinental Champion, Becky Lynch. With a tight smile forming on her face, Stephanie addresses Becky.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Becky. Good to see you.

BECKY LYNCH: Don't give me, that crap. What the hell was that out there huh?!

Becky points out to the ring, her voice raised, not even attempting to keep the venom out of her voice

BECKY LYNCH: You know, it's fine if you want to open up every single show, patting yourself on the back for whatever it is you do behind the scenes. You can throw your weight around all you like, but- that out there? That crosses a line. Now you're playing games with people's lives. Someone with a wife and kids that he has to support. William Regal has given his damn LIFE for this business, and you just spat in his face because...what? It made you feel big?!

Stephanie arches an eyebrow, clearly not impressed with Becky's attitude.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: William Regal hasn't shown up to work for the last two weeks and has had zero communication with us. What was I supposed to do, Becky? Just sit back and let him continue to slack off?

Stephanie crosses her arms in front of her and looks at Becky expectantly. Becky just scoffs as she adjusts the championship on her shoulder.

BECKY LYNCH: Right, right, so he takes a couple of weeks off and instead of asking if everything’s okay, you just jump right to taking the man’s livelihood away from them. Makes sense. Seems to me you’re a lot more like your old man than you like to let on.

Stephanie’s eyes narrow angrily at this comment, and she opens her mouth to speak but before she can say anything...

CHELSEA GREEN: Excuse you?

Chelsea Green walks onto the scene, standing next to Stephanie and crossing her arms in front of her, a disgusted look on her face. Becky, however, just looks at her completely unfazed.

BECKY LYNCH: Can I help you with something, princess? Are you lost or something?

Chelsea rolls her eyes.

CHELSEA GREEN: You are such a little troll. Who do you think you are talking to Stephanie McMahon like that? In case you’ve forgotten, she’s our boss, and the reason you have a job. So, maybe you should be a little more respectful.

Stephanie looks over at Chelsea with an appreciative smile.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: Well thanks, Chelsea.

CHELSEA GREEN: No problem, boss.

Chelsea returns the smile before turning her attention back to Becky, a smug look on her face. Becky, however, just chuckles and shakes her head.

BECKY LYNCH: So did you just come over here to plant your lips on the boss’s ass or what?

CHELSEA GREEN: Uh, no. For your information, I’m here to tell you that the way you’re acting is absolutely unacceptable. You’re a champion, which means you’re a representative of this company. And quite frankly, your actions show me that you aren’t qualified to be in the position you’re in.

Becky smirks.

BECKY LYNCH: And let me guess, you are?

Chelsea smiles.

CHELSEA GREEN: As a matter of fact, yes, I am.

BECKY LYNCH: Yeah? Well, let me remind you that at Night of Champions, I pinned you to win this title.

Chelsea’s smile wavers as Becky holds the Women’s Intercontinental Championship up in the air.

CHELSEA GREEN: That’s because it was a triple threat match. The odds were stacked against me. If it was one on one, I’d be the champion right now.

BECKY LYNCH: Since you’re so sure of yourself, why not put your money where your mouth is? I’m a fighting champion, I’ll take on whoever, even you, princess. You just name the time and place.

CHELSEA GREEN: Uh, well…

Chelsea trails off, unsure of what to say, but Stephanie suddenly speaks up.

STEPHANIE MCMAHON: How about Becky Lynch versus Chelsea Green…at Backlash?

Chelsea perks up at this, her face lighting up as she smiles once again.

CHELSEA GREEN: Sounds perfect to me!

Becky’s eyes gleam as she looks at Stephanie.

BECKY LYNCH: Yeah…me too. Thanks…boss.

She then turns her attention back to Chelsea.

BECKY LYNCH: Enjoy your arm while you still have it, because come Backlash, I’ll be tearing it out of its socket.

With a smirk, Becky adjusts the championship on her shoulder once again before pushing past Chelsea and Stephanie, leaving the two women standing there watching her leave with shocked expressions on their faces as the cameras go back to ringside.

MICHAEL COLE: There seems to be some brewing hostility between Stephanie McMahon and Becky Lynch, but what an announcement she just made! Chelsea Green is going to challenge Becky for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship at Backlash!

WADE BARRETT: That’s going to be a hell of a match, Cole! Chelsea Green is eager to make her mark after coming up short not once but twice at Night of Champions, and I personally think she’d look great with the Women’s Intercontinental Championship around her waist!

MICHAEL COLE: That’s debatable, but another woman eager to make her mark after coming up short is Liv Morgan, and she gets the chance to do that up next as she takes on Mandy Rose!

”Liv Gone Mad” by def rebel begins to play on the speakers and the fans erupt into cheers as Liv Morgan makes her way out to the top of the ramp. Looking around at the crowd with a smile, Liv blows a kiss and gives a wink before making her way down to the ring, a determined expression on her face.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Making her way to the ring, Liiiv Mooorgaaan!

MICHAEL COLE: Liv Morgan looks ready to go here tonight, Wade!

WADE BARRETT: She sure does, Cole, after that loss to Serena Deeb last week she’s hoping to build some upward momentum, but that won’t be an easy task with Mandy Rose as her opponent!

Liv gets to the bottom of the ramp and makes her way to the steel stairs, 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, rolling her shoulders to warm them up as her music fades out and “Toxic” by def rebel now begins to play. The crowd’s cheers turn to boos as Mandy Rose makes her way out from the back, and she looks out at the crowd with a smirk before making her way down the ramp.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: And her opponent, God’s Greatest Creation, Maaandyyy Rooose!

MICHAEL COLE: Mandy Rose is the picture of confidence here tonight!

WADE BARRETT: And why shouldn’t she be? She had a dominant run in NXT a few years ago and she’s undoubtedly going to have a similar run now. She may have been spending the last few weeks as MJF’s arm candy, but make no mistake about it, Cole, Mandy Rose can still make an impact!

Mandy rolls her eyes at the fans as she walks around to the side of the ring, hopping up onto the apron and striking a pose, before looking over her shoulder at Liv Morgan and giving her a mocking wave with her hand. Entering the ring, Mandy smirks at Liv as she walks over to her corner and begins pulling on the ropes to warm up as her music fades out.

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The bell rings and Mandy Rose comes out of the corner, an arrogant smirk on her face as she looks Liv Morgan up and down. Liv looks fired up and ready to go, and she starts towards Mandy, but God’s Greatest Creation backs up and puts her hands in front of her, stating she’s not ready yet. Liv throws her hands up in the air in frustration and asks the referee what she’s supposed to do, but as Liv is distracted, Mandy Rose runs up and nails Liv with a forearm to the face, catching her off guard! The crowd boos at this dastardly display from Rose, who delivers another forearm to the face of Morgan, and then another. She kicks Liv in the midsection, causing her to double over, and Mandy grabs Liv’s head, putting it under her arm and locking in a standing facelock! Mandy wrenches on Liv’s head, keeping the hold on tight, looking to end this early with a quick submission! Liv struggles against the hold, flailing her arms as she tries to get free, but Mandy has the hold locked on tight! Liv continues to flail her arms but suddenly, she stops struggling, and she finds the wherewithal to deliver a shot to Mandy’s midsection! The strike catches Rose by surprise and she loosens her grip on the facelock, but before Liv can fully escape, Mandy recovers and grabs Liv by the shorts and lifts her up in the air, holding her there for a moment to show off her dominant strength before dropping her to the mat with a delayed suplex! Mandy gets up, a satisfied smirk on her face as she looks at the downed Liv Morgan and she strikes a pose for the Boston crowd who shower her with boos.

MICHAEL COLE: These people don’t seem to be taking too kindly to Mandy Rose!

WADE BARRETT: These people are fools, Cole! They need to sit back, relax, and enjoy God’s Greatest Creation!

Mandy brushes the fans off with an arrogant wave of her hands and turns her attention back to Liv, who is starting to get back to her feet. As Liv gets on all fours, Mandy runs over and delivers a kick to the midsection! Liv cries out in pain and falls back down to the mat, and Mandy delivers a stomp to the back, and then another before bending down to pick Liv up. However, Liv delivers a shot to the midsection, catching Rose by surprise once again! Liv gets to her feet and grabs Mandy by the arm, throwing her into the corner. Liv runs towards Mandy looking for a running hip attack, but before she can execute the move, Mandy delivers a stiff elbow to the side of Liv’s head, causing Liv to stumble back and clutch her head in pain. Mandy runs forward, looking for a clothesline, but Liv ducks underneath it and quickly turns around and delivers a strike to Mandy behind the left knee, causing Rose to go down to the mat. With Mandy down on the canvas, Liv hits the ropes, and when she comes back she jumps in the air and comes down across Mandy’s throat with a leg drop! Quickly, Liv goes for the pin, 1…kick out by Mandy Rose!

MICHAEL COLE: Mandy didn’t stay down for very long on that one!

WADE BARRETT: Of course she didn’t! She’s one of the best women on the roster, keeping her down is not going to be an easy task!

Undeterred by the kick out, Liv gets to her feet and hits the ropes again, coming back and hitting Mandy with another leg drop! Instead of going for the pin this time, Liv gets up and reaches down, picking Mandy up by her hair and delivering a forearm to the face. As Mandy clutches her face, Liv then delivers a kick that knocks Mandy back before jumping and hitting her with a step up enziguri! Mandy falls back down to the mat and Liv quickly walks over to the ropes and exits the ring, walking across the apron to the turnbuckles and climbing up to the top. An almost maniacal grin forming on her face, Liv watches as Mandy starts to get up and as she does, Liv leaps off of the turnbuckle, looking to hit Mandy with a top rope dropkick, but Mandy sees it coming and moves out of the way, causing Liv to take a nasty crash into the canvas!

MICHAEL COLE: What a hard landing by Liv Morgan!

WADE BARRETT: That one is definitely going to leave a mark!

As Liv rolls around on the mat in excruciating pain, Mandy is leaning against the rope, still getting her bearings back. She turns her attention over to Liv and sees that she’s down and another smirk comes across her face. Shaking the cobwebs out of her head, Mandy walks over to the corner and crouches down, waiting for Liv to get up. After another moment, Liv begins to stand and as she does, Mandy runs at her, leaping in the air and hitting her in the head with the devastating running bicycle knee that she calls Kiss the Rose! Liv falls back down to the mat with a thud and Mandy covers her, hooking the leg, 1…2…THRNOOO!! Liv gets the shoulder up!

MICHAEL COLE: How did Liv kick out of that?!

WADE BARRETT: I don’t know, Cole, I thought this one was finished!

So did Mandy Rose, who looks absolutely stunned that Liv kicked out of the move. Slapping the mat in frustration, Mandy looks at the referee and slaps her hands together three times but the referee holds up two fingers, staying firm in the fact that it was indeed only a two count. Breathing heavily, Mandy gets to her feet and goes back to the corner again, watching with narrowed eyes as Liv once again struggles to get to her feet. As Liv stands up, Mandy runs at her looking to hit Kiss the Rose again, but Liv sidesteps it this time, causing Mandy to lose her balance a bit and as Mandy turns around, Liv runs and jumps up, hitting her with the Jersey Codebreaker! Mandy stumbles back into the ropes from the move, and as she leans against them, Liv runs up and leaps onto the ropes and grabs Mandy’s head, bouncing off of the ropes and driving her down to the mat with the ObLIVion! With Mandy down on the mat, Liv quickly goes for the cover and hooks the leg, 1…2…3!! Liv Morgan is victorious!



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, LIIIV MOOORGAAAN!

MICHAEL COLE: What an impressive win by Liv Morgan here tonight!

WADE BARRETT: I’ll be honest, Cole, I didn’t think Liv had it in her to get the win, but she managed to bounce back and prove that she does have what it takes to hang in this new women’s division!

”Liv Gone Mad” begins to play on the speakers again as Liv stands up and gets her hand raised in the air by the referee, clearly overcome with emotion that she got the win. As the fans cheer her on, Liv walks over to the turnbuckles and climbs up onto the second one, raising her arms in the air and pumping them in the air excitedly as she celebrates her victory. She jumps back down to the mat, looking at the still downed Mandy Rose as she smirks and shakes her head before making her way to the ropes and begins to make her way up the ramp to the back, slapping outstretched hands of the fans in the front row. Mandy, meanwhile, starts to stir as the referee attempts to help her to her feet. As she realizes what’s going on, she pushes the referee off of her, before slapping him across the face! With the fans once again showering her with boos, Mandy lifts two middle fingers up in the air before walking to the ropes and exiting the ring, once again raising both middle fingers as she makes her way up the ramp to the back.

The Boston, Massachusetts crowd once again comes to life as the TitanTron clicks on, showing the challenger to the WWE World Championship, “Big Daddy Cool” Diesel.

Diesel is standing outside his locker room in the corridor, sipping a cup of coffee. He doesn’t look particularly interested in anything, nodding as some staffers walk by. He leans up against the wall next to his locker room just as Prince Nana steps onto the scene.

PRINCE NANA: Big, bad Diesel, huh!? Look at this guy! Look at you, what you got in that cup? Some coffee, yeah? How do you take your coffee, big man? Little bit of cream in there?

Nana’s attempt to ‘get comfortable’ with his client’s challenger isn’t exactly going according to plan. Diesel just stares at Nana, but Nana doesn’t waiver.

PRINCE NANA: No, no, you strike me as a straight coffee drinker. Big, tough man like you, yeah?

DIESEL: Prince Nathan, right?

Nana doesn’t look especially pleased with this slight.

DIESEL: If I were you, I wouldn’t be too worried about how I take my coffee. What you should be worried about is how I take the WWE Championship…which is right around my waist.

PRINCE NANA: You’re joking, right? Huh?! You’ve got to be! Swerve Strickland isn’t a punching bag, you hear me? You can’t just push him and expect him to go in that direction. He just beat two former WWE Champions in this tournament, an Olympian! You, my friend, you didn’t do that. You can’t do that. So, show some respect!

The once joyful Nana is now fuming with anger, about as hot as Diesel’s coffee.

DIESEL: Look, I’m not standing here trying to disrespect your client. Swerve is a hell of an athlete and would dominate the mid card in the new era of the WWE. But here’s the thing, I don’t have a choice. I have to take the WWE Championship away from him. I’d tell you that I don’t want to, that I have to, but that would be a lie. I’m going to take great pleasure in strapping that belt around this sexy waist of mine. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that I HAVE to do it.

PRINCE NANA: Have to? You do not have to do anything you do not want to do! Especially anything I don’t want you to, or Swerve!

DIESEL: See, what you’re not understanding is that Big Daddy Cool is doing your client a favor. He wants to make money in the WWE, I assume. How is he going to do that if the company goes under? And make no mistake about it my man, that’s exactly what’s going to happen if your client remains champion. What good is it being the champion of a dead company?

Nana is shocked by Diesel’s words.

PRINCE NANA: My goodness, big man - I thought you of all people could see it. Swerve Strickland is a money-making machine! Yet this is how you speak of my client? This is how you fix your lips to talk about the man who is going to bring this company to heights taller than you?! You stand no chance, not against the boss. Not with that mindset. Do you know who Swerve is for goodness’ sake?!

Diesel doesn’t seem fazed at all. Almost like he’s not even listening.

DIESEL: Look, by Jackknifing your client into oblivion, all Big Daddy Cool is doing is making sure that the WWE has a champion that’ll bring in sponsors and cable revenue, because everyone wants to see Big Daddy D as the champ! It was destined to be ever since I signed my name on the dotted line.

PRINCE NANA: Yeah, maybe 40 years ago! I came here to be polite! I came here to talk to you, to be peers and level with each other fo-

DIESEL: Don’t take it personally, my man. I’m just doing what I need to do to make this company successful - - winning the WWE Championship.

PRINCE NANA: Seriously?! Have you lost your mind!?

Diesel goes to enter his locker room, but briefly turns back to Prince Nana.

DIESEL: And by the way, I take my coffee black, with a side of the WWE Championship. You know, since you asked.

With that, Diesel enters his locker room.

PRINCE NANA: SCREW YOUR COFFEE!

Nana begins kicking the air, upset that whatever dastardly scheme he had cooked up by trying to befriend Diesel didn’t work. His hissy fit is the last thing we see before the scene fades out.

The cameras now transition to the RAW medical room where we see Maxwell Jacob Friedman as he hangs over Mandy Rose who is getting checked by the doctor. Cathy Kelley approaches tentatively as she begins tapping Maxwell on the shoulder and he spins around.

MAXWELL JACOB FRIEDMAN: Cathy, are you serious right now? Don't you see that Mandy Rose needs me? This isn't the time for snide questions, who raised you to be so disrespectful? Get out of here! Go on! GET!

He grows red in the face as he yells at her and motions her to go away. She rushes off camera as he pulls the camera close enough to only show his face now.

MAXWELL JACOB FRIEDMAN: See, this is what happens when the ship is rocked by mid-level morons as champions. When excellent professionals such as Mandy Rose and myself are cast to the side. Thinking that we'll just be here when the time is right, as if we don't deserve to be highlighted every damn day we stand in the halls of any arena in this country to represent World Wrestling Entertainment.

Maxwell just shakes his head in disappointment.

MAXWELL JACOB FRIEDMAN: Week after week these people are clamoring to see what Mandy and Maxwell are going to do, everybody wants to know, what am I going to do? Do you really want to know? I'm going to do whatever the hell I want because I'm better than every other smelly, disgusting superstar that you've seen out there in the ring week after week. Maxwell Jacob Friedman doesn't wrestle unless he's got a good reason to wrestle, unless something of merit is put in front of me or an opportunity like no other presents itself. Cody Rhodes, when I faced him, it was my chance to prove that the man who brought me into the game was left in my dust a long time ago.

MJF smirks as one can only imagine he's thinking about the way he embarrassed Rhodes in their match.

MAXWELL JACOB FRIEDMAN: You're talking about a man who was very nearly in the WWE Championship match yet again in his career. This new era isn't about Cody anymore, though; it's about me; it's about the best professional wrestler this company could ever hope to acquire! That old flop Diesel wants to throw out his challenge; they want to give him the opportunity to fall flat on his face again. Well, Hunter, as much as I appreciate knowing you have loyalty to your friends, I'm telling you right now that the only friend you and Steph will ever need is ME! I'm the man who can get whatever you need done at any moment you need me to. You want somebody to end Swerve? You want somebody to end Logan Paul? You want a man who can bring this company into the future? I'M THE MAN!

He's pointing a finger at himself as he glares into the camera, his lip curling into a snarl as he does.

MAXWELL JACOB FRIEDMAN: All you have to do is give me what I want. So let's chat, let's meet face to face, because I'm the best and only friend you'll ever need to make the WWE the true juggernaut that nobody can topple.

Maxwell Jacob Friedman gets an evil looking grin on his face as he shoves the camera man out of the medical room and away from them as he shuts the door and the cameras go back to ringside.

"Take Over" begins to play as The Patriarchy makes their way out to the top of the stage, all the members clapping Christian Cage on the back for encouragement, but he merely shrugs them off. As they head back through the curtain, he heads down the rampway rolling his neck around to loosen up as he trash talks the fans in the front row along the ramp.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: The following contest is scheduled for one fall! Making his way to the ring, he is the leader of The Patriarchy, Christiiiian Caaage!

MICHAEL COLE: Christian Cage has been guiding The Patriarchy in these first few weeks, making a name for himself as a contender.

WADE BARRETT: He was brave enough to put himself in that Intercontinental Championship match at Night of Champions. Christian nearly made it into the final half before being eliminated by Matt Cardona.

MICHAEL COLE: And now he's facing a very game Orton in this upcoming match, let's see if he can really provide an example for his fellow members of The Patriarchy tonight.

"Voices" hits the P/A system as the arena erupts with boos as The Viper, Randy Orton, slowly walks out onto the stage as he does his signature arm-raise pose for the fans and an evil grin spreads across his face for a moment. As he slowly makes his way down to the ring, his grin disappears though, as that killer instinct begins to kick in as he stares at Christian Cage.



SAMANTHA IRVIN: And his opponent, making his way to the ring, "The Apex Predator", Raaandy Ortooon!

WADE BARRETT: Randy Orton isn't a different kind of opponent, and that comes from personal experience of getting in the ring with him. Christian is crafty, but I don't know if he's craftier than Randy.

MICHAEL COLE: Randy has been making the rounds to get his own chance at some gold. He's stated several times that he's going to make sure Christian doesn't forget tonight.

WADE BARRETT: And if I'm Christian, I don't want him to live up to that statement. Orton can do some vile things to a man if given the opportunity.

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Christian Cage assaults Randy Orton as he poses on the second rope, and Orton flops face first in the corner as Christian lifts his head back and mouths some trash talk. Christian slams Orton's face into the turnbuckle pad; one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, EIGHT, NINE- NO! Orton holds steady with his arms on the ropes! As Christian shakes his head in disbelief that he's been stopped, Orton throws an elbow back, but Christian rolls backwards and then he attempts to run in to stay on top of the match but is met with a hard right from Orton that spins him around. As he turns back to Orton a bit dazed, the arms of The Viper wrap around his neck, but Christian shoves him off into the turnbuckle chest first before rolling him up with a schoolboy, 1...2...Christian has his feet on the ropes for leverage and the referee spots it as he stops the count!

MICHAEL COLE: Christian Cage very nearly stole this match just now!

WADE BARRETT: Orton needs to stay on his toes because Christian wants to end this one quickly!

MICHAEL COLE: I'd imagine Christian ends a lot of things quickly!

WADE BARRETT: What does that mean, Cole?

Christian shoves the referee, who warns him about the illegal move. Randy, however, is poised to strike behind Cage as he licks his lips. Christian turns to face Orton again and the arms of Orton wrap around his neck again as he gets a look of shock on his face. Orton jumps up and drops down with an RKO but Christian shoves him off as he lands hard with his back on the canvas and shoots back up but Christian hooks the arms and takes quick advantage with a Killswitch! Christian drops down and lifts the legs as he grabs the tights out of the referee’s view, 1...2...3!



SAMANTHA IRVIN: Here is your winner, CHRIIISTIIIAN CAAAGEEE!

Christian bails quickly out of the ring as he runs halfway up the ramp before turning around to view Orton on his feet already.

MICHAEL COLE: CHRISTIAN CAGE STOLE IT AND HE'S RUNNING!

WADE BARRETT: Randy Orton is on his tail as well! I wouldn't want to be Christian right now!

MICHAEL COLE: Security might want to get involved there before something really bad happens. Orton isn't known to take it easy in a match, let alone when he's just attacking you for the sake of vengeance out in the wild!

Randy kicks the ropes in frustration as he turns to the referee to complain, and then hits him with an RKO! Orton stands over the referee, staring down at him for a moment before shooting a glare Christian's way. Christian falls backwards out of fear as he gets back up and continues his trek to the back with Orton getting out of the ring to run after him as the cameras fade out to commercial.

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